Starved Rock, The Eagles Tour, and an Eagle Tree Gets the Chain Saw.

After about two hours, give or take, we arrived at Starved Rock Lodge to see whether the eagles had landed. A buffet at 11 a.m. was followed by the Starved Rock Trolley car call. The son of a WPA worker explained how the Starved Rock Lodge was built, while he drove us to see the eagles at the I&M Canal Center. The I&M Canal ranger showed us a movie and gave us some eagle statistics. This was followed by a trip to the Starved Rock Visitors Center. We got out of the Trolley to see the eagles from the opposite side of the River.

The view of the eagles on Plum Island in the Illinois River was rather amazing. Over twenty eagles were perched in one location. A few had enough energy left to soar above and around the locks in spite of the cold temperatures. However, trying to photograph eagles from about a mile is challenging with a compact camera, even if it has a zoom lens. I understand that the eagles may migrate north any day with little notice. Yet, they can stay as long as the fifteenth of March.

This was followed by our tour guide waxing about liability from lawsuits. Apparently, a homeowner feared the wrath of raptor madness on his lawn or corn field. You would think that an opportunity to charge a fee for such eco-tourism might thrill some locals. Unfortunately, it seems that one Utican thinks that Corboy and Dimetrio of Bob Clifford have investigators perched in the cliffs ready to document and sue every landowner on Illinois River with an eagle's nest and a kitchy billboard.

As a result, this led to the destruction of an eagle habitat. A tree that was being used by eagles for nesting on private property was cut down. Perhaps, like a good neighbor, the Audobon Society, Nature Conservancy, and State Farm can intervene and explain the facts of life.

It seems that such things as assumption of risk and the legal challenges to slip and fall lawsuits are unknown in these parts. Also, the fact that State Farm, among other insurance companies, own their own law firm to challenge questionable and valid claims. Maybe, an insurance companies can consider a discount and get some good PR!

Well, it was a good trip. We got out of the house and into Starved Rock State Park. It could have been a trip taken for the cost of gas and toll. However, we learned that the I&M Canal Center's Eagle presentation, with movie, is given exclusively to those who book the Starved Rock Lodge Eagle Trolley Tour. The Lodge is worth supporting and the $25 per person fee was not much to ask for. We didn't even have to stay the night!

On Starved Rock, Plans and Polaroids.

Eat! Not that! Your fangs aren't made for corn chips!

You bitch, stop dominating the cat, he does not work that way.

Hey! What are you doing! get down!

The Doritos are picked up to prevent that gagging sound after an adventurous mutt has gourmet tendencies. The cat, once it breaks its canine chains, rebells, only to be lowered from the kitchen counter. The long awaited dog walk looms with too little gas in the tank to make it worthwhile.

Now, while simultaneously planning for the day trip, the rush to Costco to fill the tires before six! The four day Lincoln/Washington Holiday is almost over with Valentines Day nestled in for good looks, but no seclusion or much selection for that matter. It looks like OpenTable.com will be my salvation, perhaps Dengeos. Will she remember that kids are not supposed to go to Valentines Day dinners?

Our plans to take off for a day, maybe a night, as well, could not be more tentative, even if reserved. This will be the second time that we have planned to see the eagles soar at Starved Rock State Park this winter. The first attempt was clogged with emotional congestion, sleep deprivation, and a decision to abandon plans. We are starved just to get out of the house in the antique minivan.

The kids are getting older. We aren't getting younger. I continue to persist on those yet to be taken voyages as the kids reach rebellion. I reach for the pomegranate juice, goji juice, and occasional dram of 'the water of life.' A few of the many efforts to find the fountain of youth complete with Lipitor. Well, at least my blood sugar is a pleasant 108! The heart rate also seems well. This is in spite of limited of exercise and a contemptuous diet. The occasional deviation to China Buffet, The Fish Keg, Gullivers, Hophaus, or Sabrin A Sub will not impress a cardiologist. The svelte physique, once worn, is in need of a comeback.

The walk up and down the heights, corners and crevices of Starved Rock may help a bit. The brisk breeze will hit our faces, our hands will be mitted, and we will scour the treetops in search of Haliaeetus leucocphalus.

My significant other has wanted to see the Starved Rock eagles grace the branches and cliffs of Utica, Illinois for a while. Unfortunately, work limits play. Our weekends may once, again, return and we may be a family. As a result, the eagles have never landed onto our schedule until now.

I have this sense of guilt every time I take the kids to some wonderland while the other half is tending to the ill. When we express what we have done, there is a subtle sense of envy eminating. This can put a chill on the moment. It had kept the kids in check for a while.

I'm unsure whether there will be a good photo op. However, I am bringing the Nikon Coolpix S70, anyway. This is the third or forth generation of digital cameras in a long line of broken crystals and malfunctioning lenses. Hopefully, we will land a few photos of the brown and white feathered raptors that will calmly caress our vision on Monday.

So does anyone else have any interesting plans over the weekend, other than those high points that Valentines Day may or may not create? Does Rogers Park have a family or two, who spent the weekend in tow? Are the empty nesters just going to nest in front of Apolo Ohno and wonder, "what happened to my kid?"

Obama, Don't Take it Personally, Kirk Wins, Bernstein Almost! Bottom Line: Fight for Seal

I am a non-partisan, but as an independent observer, Giannoulias has a challenge for many reasons. First, he is a newcomer on the political scene. He just became Illinois Treasurer and is six years younger. He has significantly less experience and credibility than his challenger. Of course, he has the hard to pronounce Greek name, as well. I can just feel the Opaa, which can scare off voters, even if I enjoy Greece and Greek Culture!

What clinches it for Mark Kirk is that he is viewed by most as a moderate, even if some try to challenge. It will take brains, not brawn, to beat him. Frankly, the current Democratic Strategists seem incapable, incompetent, and presumptuous!

Would I like Giannoulias to win? Likely. Yet, he needs to review how to present his platform on the issues. I just don't think that his current team can do it! In an election bound to bring out the worst in some Democrats, Mark Kirk will get the nod. Voters won't necessarily come from City limits, but will come from everywhere else. The City does not 'currently' have the drive to get out the vote for Gianoulias. The lawn signs and leaflets taped to doors 'turn off' voters!

There is not currently enough interest in this election. The voters are not voting in droves. The 'populist Jewish name' garnered more interest than the most recommended Judges. Even the recommended arguable Jewish surnames like Bender and Greenspan were overlooked by actual voters! Mary Trew, a qualified candidate, nearly lost her election to the least competent candidate, Bernstein. Subcircuit 9A became a circus of political irresponsibility. Yet, Bernstein got his name out!

Bernstein, who is an Evanston Councilman with supposedly little or no recent experience in Court, per ALL lawyers organizations, beat the experienced. Bernstein nearly took the election. He could have been a member of the Socialist White People's Party. It was a near Democratic disgrace. Bernstein should have never run, IMHO, but he had the right to run! It was his choice and his supporters went all out! Perhaps, Bernstein should have run against Gianoulias! This election is one more reason why merit selection of judges should be reconsidered!

That said, the Dems have to look at realistic options. Danny Davis, among others, could have run for U.S. Senate! What are these Dems thinking? Why put out the ethnic name of the son of a dubious banker, whose bank is allegedly in hot water? Yes, Hoffman came out as the reformer. Unfortunately, he appeared to have little experience and limited name recognition. His stint trying to clean up Chicago politics was an obscure fact to most voters. He was a political lesser known 'Jim Thompson' looking to be a somebody. He ran against a politician with limited experience, some name recognition, and the political machine firmly behind his opponent.

Gianoulias and Scott Lee Hooker err Cohen remain mistakes, but not disasters, even if they lose. Now, its time to regroup or concede, but carefully build support Seals, because Dold is on the war path! If Dold appears like a moderate, then Seals' loses! The Democrats must find a way to be civil, not pushy. You can't send pushy Fuller Brush Salesmen door to door on the Northshore and expect to sell voters. It backfires like 'greasy kids stuff' at a '1970s Happening!'

There are more effective ways to reach Northshore Voters without upsetting them. Dold has firm backing from moderate groups that can make a difference. If the Democrats, including the DFA don't get the message, then the Northshore will dump Seals like bruised goods. Yet, few want to see someone like Seal with such drive simply crash, burn, and get slaughtered. This comes from someone who has lived on the Northshore for their entire life.

Yes, Seal has a chance. Learn how to circle the wagons, not pitch a match on the kerosene that lights another backfire.

2010 Primary - One of the Few No One For Office Moments

As expressed, I was nauseated by this primary election. I expect this November to bring more of the same. Lawn signs on locations creating blight for month until someone gets sick of the Bernsteins, Gianoulias', Lubys', Nubys', and Doobys'. Isn't there a better way?

When in doubt, don't some might say. For me, I was happy to learn that the most publicized, was unqualified and did not win in our district. Yet, Mary Trew was no angel with her lawn signs. Her gang decided to take turf from St. Scholastic and so it goes.

Life at the Lake stop. At 8

Just another fringe benefit. Living in Chicago is dense but intelligent. I am looking 4ward to a morning off work on Friday plus Free Shakesphere on Navy Pier tickets courtesy of CPS. Slainte!



-- Post From My iPhone

A few photos from Sunday at Leone Beach

Politcal Waffle Boarding Descends on Rogers Park.

I don't mind political waffleboards as long as 'my family consents to the boards being on our lawn (my sentiments aside). This is the name that I call the plastic cardboard corrogated political signs with the metal prongs. What some call freedom of speech, but others call political propaganda, urban blight, or trespassing depending upon perspective. It is to blindly persuade those who are waffling over who to vote for, not for those who really care.

Yet, when people live in a shared community, such as an apartment or condo, I don't think that one should nail heels on the native's feet to quote George Carlin. It seems rude and arguably counterproductive without the consent of the tenants, ownership or management.

This is a bit different than wheatpasting an anti-nuke poster over ads on a CTA Platform. Albeit that might seem to some like a lesser form of civil disobedience, even if it is a petty criminal offense. Is there any justice in this synthetic plastic encroachment?

Of course, a political waffleboard is not as harsh as waking up to graffiti on the brick wall of your home or apartment. A political waffleboard has the essence of blind partisanship that presumes or disrespects what others may think. The name for name's sake mentality is an unfortunate fear of politicians. So they foist their name on the electorate in fear of their opponent. It is a rather anti-FDR-like gesture. Apparently, they fear "fear itself!"

Why should Chicagoans tolerate non-consensual Freedom of Speech encroachment on private property. There are too many candidates/supporters who neglect to ask for prior consent! The city has an easement on the parkways, not our political hacks. If 'waffle-boarding' was a strict liability crime, then I realize opponents might remove and place the signs in the most offensive locations for the sake of screwing their opponent. Of course, doing so might backfire, and get the opposition elected. Am I missing another equally reasonable perspective?

Rogers Park Garden Group Sale on Sunday 10am-1pm

For those who remember my false alarm, this Sunday is the day for the RP Garden Group Sale. The place is in front of Charmers and the entire Sidewalk block down Jarvis. There should be more than a few bargains.

We hope that the weather holds up. For those who don't know, some insist that plants grow better if you plant them when its raining/wet out. Now, I appreciate that there are not as many souls who will brave the wet climates for the sake of their plants. However, this is the weekend for the sale.

The RPGG does quite a bit of sprucing up, which includes the Rogers Park Station. There will be more to come if we can contribute and support to this worthy organization. Of course, if you can't come, go to the meetings and check out this Spring/Summer's Garden Meander. Here is a link to some of the photos from the last 2009 Garden Meander and 2008 Garden Sale.

The Skewed Crime Blotter for the Northshore

The actual crime statistics are not reported for the suburbs. For four months, the Chicago Tribune's blue metal box remained damaged at Chase and Ridge. The Headline exposed a 2009 triple murder in Wilmette. This was on March 3, 2009. The suburbanite who had already committed a double murder, now took his own life and that of his wife and kid. Several months later, the Tribune/Redeye seems to deny that these homicides took place. What else have our Chicago Newspapers forgotten to tell us about actual suburban crime rate based upon the census? Must the City folk not hear about North Shore homicides? It certainly reports Chicago statistics to the suburbanites!

Out of respect, we contacted Mr. Swartz. This was the response:

"Thanks for the e-mail. Unfortunately, I just track and write about homicides within Chicago city limits. The Tribune and its suburban editions write about crimes in the 'burbs."

I appreciate the comment, but if you look at the map, Mr. S., the article includes homicides reported in Evanston, Lincolnwood, and Park Ridge. The article just cuts off the inquiry! Objective journalism? Dubious reporting? Does the Redeye attempt to puts its toe in the proverbial suburban homicide pool, get wet, and pretend the statistics don't really matter?

As the Morse Hell hole occasionally belches crime, the burbs bury it with bravado! We don't hear about the large scale drug busts. Sometimes, we hear about the Rezko's. Is the goal to keep suburban real estate values up? Do racial and economic barriers keep crime out? Does the decision to create schools with 99% white students benefit society (e.g. Braeside School, under 1% Black; Highland Park)?

Having lived in the north suburbs, I can assure the Rogers Park public that the smell of reefer still levitates on Glencoe and Highland Park beaches and golf courses from time to time, among other locales. The ability to enforce the laws diminish with the number of officers available.

From time to time, there are fights in the High Schools. Usually, the discipline is limited. The kids don't seem to want anything more than to vent. There were a few large cross High School brawls. Police break it up as is done in Rogers Park. Perhaps, fewer see a need for guns, because the police don't seem to care unless crime is open, obvious, and regular.

Yes, there is less, but in proportion to the population? I would wonder whether we really fare well in Rogers Park. What is our population? What is the suburbs population. Will Wilmette have a higher murder rate than Rogers Park this year? Why not!

The House on Mango St, Those Who Don't, Lethargic Real Estate, and Rogers Park

I get the impression that 'those who don't' want to know any better just don't know Rogers Park. Other than a few malt liquor drinkers and litterpigs, we see little on our Beat. This is not Englewood, but I am sure that Englewood has its 'pleasant pockets.'

I have no doubt that drugs are dealt in RP, but it isn't my job to deal with it. I have no doubt that drugs are dealt down the entire Northshore, but on more discreet terms. It is difficult to label every pop, a gun, when most are fireworks or cap guns. I may groan about minor issues, like inconsideration, because there is really not much to snipe about.

The few aberrations in our densely packed neighborhoods are truimphantly reported by our neighbors 'in over-blog.' Some report crime as if it was some sort of calling to eventually live and witness it in Rogers Park. I don't have time to check the Bearcat scanner; I let someone else live that life. I am sure that most in the suburbs have little time to scan and trumpet the 'Bearcat beat' either, so events are under-reported. Its not like mob action does not occasionally happen in the suburbs.

Its been over eleven consecutive years in Rogers Park and countless others since the early sixties. It is the City; sirens go off, but most are for heart patients en route to St. Francis. Those who triage the tragedies find those easier to spot than the triumphs. Truimphs are not reported to Police. Politicians often, not always, report propaganda. Perhaps, there is solace to blame low real estate sales on minimal crime, rather than the economy or lethargic real estate agents.

How many of us walk by the real estate 'for sale signs' and recognize signals of stupidity? Earth to condo crumudgeon; if you want to sell your condo, then pick up the trash around it! Note to real estate agent, hire a neighborhood kid to pick up the trash on the hour, every hour. Thought to neighbor, if you want to experience new, more thoughtful neighbors, then pick up the trash when you walk your dog! Maybe a change of scenery is good. Find neighbors who care by giving them something to care about.

Those who blame those with fireworks may have to discuss their disgust with Chicago's Finest. It seems like priorities do not include fireworks until someone's eardrum ruptures or a finger gets blown off. Of course, at that point, an arrest must be made, if possible. I've always thought that a 'controlled burn' could prove amusing, provided, adults were actually mature enough to supervise their kids. We may agree to disagree.

What is daily life in your Rogers Park neighborhood? How many of us routinely pass through the Terminal at night? How many of us routinely experience the night air, unabated? How many of us treat those around us with respect, rather than looking at neighbors as if you are their next victim? I thought the expression was Live and Let Live until the Ian Flemming twist!

Of course, back then, we did not see enough color unless it was on tv. And, of course, the suburbs see less to none until you hit North Chicago! Imagine, an African American President and a nation still subtly segregated. The issue is why? How long will this B-S- go on? Is there something that plagues those who treasure immediate pleasure over the Puritan ethic?

Are there fewer opportunities due to a propensity to arrest and convict those with more melanin? What does it take to awaken and respect those who deserve better? How can neighbors subtly encourage parents to treat their kids right and encourage them to do more without pissing them off?

What prevents success from doing more for the neighborhoods? Should success creep North, take a holiday, or can it work from within? Are there some that find a Rogers Park shabby chic existence worth justifying an economic downgrade for other residents? Does picking up a little litter really raise property values? Or does it improve our attitude and outlook?

How many of us remember the old Spike Lee films, when folks move from Black and White to the colorful existence of Central Park, free of all images of trash? Where is the love?

Rogers Park Garden Group will hold its 3rd Annual Garden sale. Last years sale had a silent auction and many contributors. If you have plants to donate, want to join the group, or simply want to meet those with similar interests, then stop by. Unfortunately, the group chose to locate this sale where near it meets at the Prebyterian Church on Greenleaf. Past sales have been in front of Charmers on Jarvis. The Charmers location is a much wiser choice. (maybe next year?)

Usually, items are eventually discounted, but you may want to arrive early to avoid what has been picked through. The Garden Sale helps support locally sustained gardens at the Metra Station, among other places in the Rogers Park Community. The Group meets at the Presbyterian Church at 1434 W. Greenleaf near Greenview.

An Ode to Anonymous

There is no chuckle, no abuse, which comes from one who flew the roost. A writer who goes "anonymous," takes the fifth, but spews their rift. They’ll hide behind the orifice of some ill-begotten Thor and piss. They criticize, irrelevantly; that callous bash to wound a knee. They want 'the groan and McEnroe,' but often have just lost control.

They use no pen name for identification, but hope their thread caused aggravation. I regret to inform anonymous that chatter trying to batter doesn't convert to splatter. So when those who anonymously assume, post a verbal boom, act fast, don’t fret, they may simply not get enough, yet.

Well, anonymous, when your testosterone make you so hot, to smoke and blow at someone's lot, then pull a porno, bang the bed, just don’t let loose on someone's spread!

No hard feelings, I hope?

Howard Terminal Parking Lot Empties After Price Gouge

Standard Parking has once, again, outdone itself! It doubled its prices to $4 a day last January. In doing so, it simultaneously did little to solve the complaints. As a result, vendor Standard chased away many except for the abandoned and dilapidating cars. For those who climb the lot's staircase, the space seems like more of an intermittant urinal. Yes, I have repeatedly called and complained! Have you?

For $4 a day, who wants to do a waltz through an area that smells five fates worse than McCormick and Oakton. The unanticipated stench pierces the nostrils and may trigger the gag reflex. Of course, this pigeon palace leaves a few cars with an array of hood ornaments on departure! The elevator becomes the preferred route even if it takes a minute longer. Yet, even that area can also turn into a sudden cesspool with little abatement.

Does Standard Parking's HR Department do due diligence? Do these people really care who they hire? Does maintenance regularly and reasonably sanitize? I feel like the rent-a-rogues would rather play with their cell phones and sleep than monitor and report the piss fiend. For all the cameras confronting each nook and cranny, it seems like security remains too lathargic to care, coordinate, and confront. I find some asleep when I pass the front desk in the evening. Yes, the sleeping spells are sporadic, but it took several knocks on the glass before I woke up one rent-a-rogue during his night shift.

Is the price right? Given the walk, I could use the exercise, but the bus is just a quarter. Who still parks at the Howard Terminal?

High and Low Rogers Park Area Affordable Restaurants for Service Only

This list covers all Restaurants that are accessible and affordable. This is not the most appetizing, but the ones that deliver. How many times have you sat and waited for eternity. This list may be a go to list. Disagree? Then comment and I'll investigate with stop watch in hand. I will likely start updating this list, because I am tired of the current state of Chicago Area Wait Staff.

We need to support good wait staff and encourage the poor to improve. Otherwise, the gems for food simply go out of business.

The Good Mid Range with fastest on top:

1. Ruby Tuesday -- (Lincolnwood Town Center) Salad bar quickly quells, food comes soon after. Not the epecurian delights that follow, but efficient when your quacking stomach demands attention.

2. Chilies - Evanston - Its sad, because Chilies does the job based upon service, speed and choices. We prefer other local RP restaurants. We should be able to get served appetizers at Hop Haus sooner than it takes to drive, order and be served at Chilies.

3. Heartland Cafe - Rogers Park - The nachos come out quick and usually satisfy long enough for the entre delay. Perhaps, this has improved.

2. Merle's Barbeque - Evanston - 'Usually' efficient enough. Use http://www.opentable.com/ and you will be seated upon entry!

3. Lucky Platter - Evanston - On Main. People go for the service and the choices. Good, not great, but efficient eats

4. Chilies - Evanston - Its sad, because it is the pick me up speed of service that is why we go; we prefer other locals. We should be able to get served appetizers at Hop Haus sooner than it takes to drive, order and be served at Chilies.

Honorable Mention - L. Woods (Lincolnwood), Red Lobster (Lincolnwood Town Center) and Dixie Kitchen (Evanston)- the bread comes quick and can quell, but the food just does not come out as efficient on a consistent basis.

The Disappointing (the worst on top)

1. Jamaican Jerk - I have not been back due to the delay in at least four years. I was tempted to walk, but felt compassion for the owner. Good meal; slow as tortoise soup service. I may return for carry out.

2. Bakers Square - Rogers Park - In my humble, many are disappointing. My last trip in February introduced me to Melissa; I found her to be a disaster on 2/28! I hope she improves.

3. Hop Haus - Rogers Park - Good food Service was slow 2 out of 3 trips to date. Love the burgers, hate the wait. Beer usually efficient, but not perfect. Please improve!!! Wake up the wait staff.

4. Leona's -- Rogers Park - Great food Service is slow except for bread and spread, but often the bread runs out and you want to lick the tomato sauce out of the container due to the delay for dinner.


I have not included all the options. Obviously, China Buffet is instant gratification. Also Dengeo's of Skokie is a pick up and sit with no wait staff. Both are efficient options without an inconsistent staff. Bravo is quick, but in a higher price point; my choice over Chilies if not concerned on price.

Overall, is it me or has the quality of wait staff at many places dropped way too many notches in the last few decades? Where do you go when you need an efficient restaurant server? What's their name? Where do we find them?

The Rogers Park Armageddonist

About three summers ago, she suddenly disappeared. Perhaps, she lurks and perks, but I'm not there. Whether I was pulling out of the garage, taking out the garbage, or cleaning up, she rode slowly by. She looked like she was in her sixties. Perhaps, she was younger, having replaced her imbibing with another less hedonistic philosophical view.

There was the fire and brimstone theory on rapture folllowed by the accept it or be lost mentality. This bicycle riding armageddonist would drive her rather aging rusted Schwinn bicycle as if she was being followed by the four horseman of the apocalypse.

This rather rambunctious and regular display of pessimistic armageddonist smugness travelled unpredictably through the alley for about three to five years. Sometimes, she might skip a year. She seemed to completely disappear when things seemed to calm down in Rogers Park.

Perhaps, she stopped taking medication. Maybe she just grew out of it or moved to another church.

Disney Magnet Kicks Butt on ISATs. Beats Braeside in Highland Park

I just went to www.greatschools.com. I am ecstatic. The kids at CPS - Disney Magnet on Marine drive nailed the ISATs. They out did the suburbs. Don't believe me, then go to this link. Compare and contrast. There is no need for private schools in Chicago, when CPS has options. Albeit, if your kid cannot get into Disney, then consider selective enrollment.

Also, for those who feel that they must move north; consider Rogers Park, when it makes economic and educational sense. All I can say is the proof is in the pudding. All the rest is commentary. The test scores at this point don't lie.

Is the Grass Always Greener: Wilmette 4, Rogers Park 0 - Murder Score Board

Well, what can I say. In our dense Chicago Neighborhood, Rogers Park has netted 0 Murders for the first 90 days. [Citation: ClearMAP]. On March 1, 2009, Wilmette, another sparse North Shore pressure cooker for people in search of beating the Joneses scored 4 murders. It was a 'mad dad' combo, but an unfortunate one. Certainly, lower in body count than the Laurie Dann extravaganza. However, Mr. X was as certifiable as the Folks versus People fight down Morse last December. I can't stop reading about Wilmette in the broken Chicago Tribune box at Jarvis and Ridge. Calls to Trib 2, Action on Broken Box 0.

What does this mean? I know that some of us may thrive on fear and frustration. We want perfect surroundings. In the last seven years, two of my clients were murdered; one in Highland Park; the other in Wheeling. One was a permanent resident; the other a U.S. Citizen. The living spouse was originally living in Rogers Park. However, the deceased spouse was murdered by someone from the suburbs. The Wheeling crime remains unsolved; the suburbanite suspect likely 'lawyered up' or fled the country.

I am convinced that our grass is always greener in another neighborhood mentalities tend to be the most outspoken. This is not to say that there is room for improvement. Why not take a closer look at where we live and begin work to improve on it. Volunteer for Glenwood Arts, visit Biz Arts Programs, and see the newly redesigned CTA terminal, which recently re-opened the North entrance. I admit that City living may not be for everyone, but certainly suburban life is not, as well.

Maybe this Gateway between the City and the suburbs is worth the wait! However, there is room for everyone who treats others and themselves with respect. And that's my Opinion.

Freddie Put a Load on Rahm Emmanuel: Revolving Trust?

Obama was once stranger to Chicago until he built trust and was elected to the Illinois State House. Rahm Emmanuel was also a stranger, but had the Daley & Clinton stamp of approval. Blagovich? I dunno . . . Tribune sources tell us that 'the Blagman' allegedly ripped off restaurants as an NU student. A proving ground?

Obama earned the right to run, only to network with what evolved into classic machine politics in Chicago. Should Rahm's decision to serve as a Board Director for Freddie Mac and allegedly suppress financial troubles be an issue? What should the phrase "revolving door" mean? Did Emmanuel have divided loyalties?

We can only wonder whether the other shoe will drop for Rahm Emmanuel; perhaps, others. Does our Mayor have as much respect for his law license as he claims he has for Chicago? I hope so.

Was the $320G payment, err salary, by Freddie Mac to Rahm Emmamuel a de factor advanced payment for his Congressional Election? Are Board of Director appointments of political personas done to appease lawmakers? Why are bills supported that create more of a mess? Was Emmanuel's appointment to the Freddie Mac Board a plume for lobbyists to generate compassion in Congress and prevent indictments?

One can only wonder what the intelligent voter thinks? Or will it be another Rostenkowski primary election moment for dyed in the wool Democrats? Some dubious 'Dubya-like decisions' just won't go away. If so, why put our Nation through an Italianesque political soap opera?

Rahm resign! We need a more virtuous virtuoso. Why is it that politicians seem to sell out to the highest bidder? And what about the repeal of Glass Stiegel? Was that dramatic act simply a political fait au compli' for Wall Street Lobbyists? The Tribune article encouraged this inconsistent digression to North Side politics. Read all about it at http://www.chicagotribune.com/.



-- Post From My iPhone

Tolerance from the intolerant. How people insult without knowing

I'm not out to nail phylactories on my neighbor's sideburns. Judaism is a faith as is any other. It is a tree of life for those who cling to it. I respect those who have faith and those who question it. However, I am disappointed with those ignorant enough to show brazen verbal disrespect. The latter should rise above and overcome their ignorance. Otherwise, they act significantly less than saintly toward me.

Many who have faith may choose different paths to reach the same destination. Some of us 'do the right thing' without expecting an afterlife as a reward. That said, the Reform Movement welcomes all those with an interest in learning about Judaism. However, we still respect those who choose to believe in another faith.

Some in Rogers Park struggle openly with their personal demons. In doing so, they 'should' avoid prejudice in the form of rude evangelism. When you tell Jews that we are damned, you express pure and unadulterated anti-semitism! Although the concept may seem foreign to our faith, there are no is no excuse for this vile form of bigotry. Those of us who believe in G*d need not be tormented by those who have forgotten "The Golden Rule." That said, my staff happen to be Muslim. Perhaps I'll eventually hire an athiest, because I judge people by their deeds as individuals.

Bigotry through ignorance comes when a few outspoken pastors within our community forget the the five books of Moses, when they present mass. The moral lessons from the Torah (referred to as 'the old testament' by those who focus their faith on the Gospels). Jews are not damned, we were delivered out of the land of Egypt with an out stretched arm. The Jewish faith does not focus on the afterlife, we focus on the 'here and now.' We want to make life better for all.
Shalom.

-- Post From My iPhone

The Morse Theater Just Like That

I really wanted to see tonight's show, but sometimes you just can't tempt the id within. Your superego has to take control. You just say no to temptation. There will be no Freudian slips tonight.

I think that we all want our moments, but compromises are made. You create trust. You take a rain check when you use up enough 'spontaneity' cards and remain responsible. I head home on the walk down Rogers.

I will have see Doug play on a different day, perhaps, at a different venue, at another moment in time. I will have to settle for his mp3 in the interim. I hope The Morse gives us another chance.
-- Post From My iPhone