Wilmette

Snowy Weekend in Chicago.

2012-01-21T12:50:00.003-06:00

Sorry I haven't had too much to say lately. Christmas was good, and the new year, too. I really was enjoying the warm weather, so I wasn't much in the mood for snow. I don't have a favorite for the Presidential candidate, either. Did not want to open my mouth and prove myself to be a bore.

I found this great picture of Chicago in the snow at weather.com and wanted to share it with you in case you had not seen it. I think it's really nice. It was taken yesterday with an iPhone on the number 66 bus line in Chicago.

My driveway is all dug out, but I don't feel like going anywhere.

Merry Christmas to All!

2011-12-25T13:12:00.002-06:00

HO! HO! HO! Hope Santa brought you plenty of nice treats and that you are enjoying a holly jolly Christmas! We are planning to have cornish hens for dinner. They should be yummy!!

Laughing at Ice Skating Crime

2011-12-22T11:22:00.001-06:00

I am thinking that only a bad person laughs at crime, and that bad person would be me! I admit however that I chuckled out loud when I read that two young men in the Chicago area connected a hose to a nearby fire hydrant and 26,000 gallons of water later they had a skating rink in their own back yard. It made me think of all the harebrained schemes we dreamed up as kids, and I certainly think I could have gotten involved in this one!

One year when I was a small child I got a pair of ice skates for Christmas. My dad (using a hose connected to our house, not a fire hydrant) flooded our side yard to make me a skating rink. It was a little bumpy, but how I loved that rink! I skated around the rose bushes and the grape vines and sometimes my friends joined me. I had dreams of becoming a famous skater one day, and was thrilled to think that every winter I could have my own private sheet of ice.

Unfortunately my ice skating career was nipped in the bud when the spring thaw moved that melting ice directly into our basement in the form of a flood! Somehow I don't remember ever seeing it, probably because the water went promptly down the drains. Unfortunately my mother--who enjoyed our very dry basement that never filled with water--became quite hysterical, for what reason I never figured out why. A small flood seemed to me a perfectly sensible price to pay for a private skating rink, where the mean local boys never lobbed a snowball at my head. It was my only private rink, ever, and I spent many hours in the next few years dreaming of another side yard rink.

What I don't understand about the story of the youths stealing the water is that it is too warm for the water to freeze. Maybe it is colder in Tinley Park. It certainly seems that using hydrant water would be very efficient, rather than having to use a garden hose like my dad did. Unfortunately, the two young men who helped themselves to the hydrant water will likely be fined and pay about $130 for the water. I do say that, like my ice skating rink, the price and the fine seem very reasonable for ice skating all winter long.

Thanksgiving Time Travel: Hanging with the Pilgrims

2011-11-24T00:48:00.002-06:00

Small Boston Whaler

Happy Thanksgiving! Sometimes I like to think about going back in time. If I could do that, I would take myself right over to Plymouth, Mass and take the Pilgrims a couple of Boston Whalers and a few 4 x 4's, maybe Land Rovers or Jeeps.(Also plenty of fuel.) Can you imagine how excited all of Plymouth would be? The Pilgrims could zoom everywhere and undergo a great deal less hardship. It would make a super Thanksgiving!

While I was in Plymouth, I would stay for Thanksgiving dinner. Since everybody's curious about what the Pilgrims ate, I could blog about exactly what the Pilgrims put on the table for their first Thanksgiving feast. Come to think of it, maybe I would also take the Pilgrims a green bean casserole. How amazing would they find that?

Despite the terrible loss of life at Plymouth in the first year due to sickness, enough Pilgrims survived so that today, over 10 million people are their descendants. Perhaps you are one of them and don't even know it! The General Society of Mayflower descendants has a newly designed website, which is worth a Thanksgiving stop for more info!

11-11-11: Standing, Facing East, in Memory of the Armistice

2011-11-11T03:03:00.000-06:00

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
--by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD

Armistice Day, Veteran's Day, both appear to be forgotten amidst news stories that 11-11-11 will be marked by an unusually high number of weddings due to what is viewed as a lucky date or number. Will no one stand and face East at 11 AM today in memory of the Armistice? In a society little interested in duty and honor, it is not surprising that there is such limited regard for this historic day.

Penn State Trustees: Courage to Do the Right Thing

2011-11-10T08:52:00.001-06:00

The stunningly quick and decisive action by the Penn State Trustees to remove the wrongdoers from positions of influence at the school in the wake of the terrible child sex abuse scandal is a courageous moral choice. Standing for what is right rather than what is convenient and expedient is rare in this age that is loathe to make any moral judgment whatsoever. For more years than I can remember, popular wrongdoers have been given a pass at every level of society. Many social commenters seem to believe that skills, talents, and popularity might balance or outweigh illegal and / or immoral actions. The courage to do what what is right on a routine basis simply has been missing from our society's social discourse for many years, and in particular when it comes to sports. The swift action by the Penn State trustees makes no excuses for that wrongdoing. While their action is commendable, it is a shame that this wrongdoing never came to light until now, and we hope safeguards are put into place that would avoid this happening in the future .

Have a Wonderful Halloween!

2011-10-31T05:04:00.004-05:00

I hope you have a wonderful Halloween! Caution, though, these are real bears, not trick-or-treaters! This year I didn't spend much time choosing the treats we will give away since we had so few trick-or-treaters last year. I guess Halloween parties must be much more fun, or at least less work for the children.

" We are the 99%" Protesters: Who are They?

2011-10-09T10:38:00.009-05:00

Snappy protest wear

Generally speaking, it is never a good idea to ignore protesters, as they can provide early insight to developing social change. I am, however, scratching my head on these "We are the 99%" protests in Chicago and around the country. Who are these people and what on earth are they trying to say? They seem to be organizing at the "Daily Kos," an online newspaper that mostly seems to support promoting and electing Democrats, so perhaps they are Democrats who had a falling out with their local Ward organizations? The Daily Kos made a nonstop push to elect Barack Obama, and he won, so what is to protest? I am lost. Maybe because the Daily Kos also supported 10th District Democrat Dan Seals in a huge way, and he didn't win? Some evidence seems to point to the identity of these people as Socialists, who are probably tired of having to carve out a piece of the Democrat Party for themselves, and whose posters note "that from London to Madison, people are joining in struggle to defend their lives, their rights, and their future." Okay, but perfectly unclear.

The 99% also are organizing on Facebook (search "Occupy Chicago,") where the comments seem quite gung-ho, as participants request things that they forgot to take to the protest, such as sleeping bags. The protesters also have some professional poster art, and apparently the 99% also seem to have something to do with organic farming, at least in Maine.

Muppets take to the streets

Perhaps, soon, the protesters will enlighten us, but in the meantime--just to put it all in perspective--when you are done reading the heartfelt but mostly unintelligible comments at "Occupy Chicago," search (on Facebook) "Occupy Sesame Street." There the posters are a great deal less professional but much more fun. While the 99% Protesters seem blissfully unaware that Monday is a Federal and bank holiday which means the 1% won't be downtown, it is wonderful weather for a protest, and a reason to get outside and enjoy the day.

Calls from Chicago for Obama to Skip Second Term

2011-09-19T13:06:00.001-05:00

It will take a few minutes for the White House Team to muddy up the buzz caused when Chicago Tribune columist Steve Chapman called for President Obama to skip a second term and let Hillary run. It's a tempting thought, but will go nowhere. It won't be possible for the Obamas to live in the style that they like without a second term, so the show will go on.

Remembering 9/11 Ten Years Later: Et Lux Perpetua Luceat Eis

2011-09-11T00:01:00.005-05:00

September 10, 2011. Ten years since that horrible morning of the terror attacks. You can still hop onto any number of hundreds of websites and read how 9/11 was all America's fault, an inside job done by the government and blamed on Islamist terrorists for a cheap excuse to get into an oil war. Disgusting. As a member of 2996, a bloggers project to remember the victims of 9/11, over the years these pages have honored two special Americans who will not be with us today. I reprint last years tribute:

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In Memory of Michael Grady Jacobs

If Michael Grady Jacobs was alive today, this morning might find him practicing the bagpipes, dreaming of retirement just a couple of years away. Or perhaps he would have been off to breakfast with one of his children and some of his grandchildren, who were deprived forever by cruel foreign terrorists from ever knowing their grandfather.

When Michael Grady Jacobs headed off to work in Manhattan from suburban Danbury, Connecticut on September 11, 2001, it was a bright and beautiful morning. Fifty-four years old, at the prime of his career, he had a fine job at Fiduciary Trust International, as Vice-President of Tax Operations. He was a local Danbury boy, having received a good Jesuit education at Fairfield Prep, which prides itself on forming men of competence, compassion, and commitment as leaders of the world, after which he went on to Fairfield University.

Michael Grady Jacobs worked on the 90th floor of World Trade Center. He was only one of the 2,996 US citizens and guests whose life was snuffed out on 9/11 by foreign Jihadist warriors. Their terrorist value system defined anywhere in the world they chose to strike as their battlefield, and men the calibre of Michael Grady Jacobs--who spent the last minutes of his life attempting to lead his co-workers to safety-- as their enemies. His life, which included his family, his work, his rebuilding of an old Volkswagen beetle, and learning to play the bagpipes was cruelly taken from him that 9/11 morning without cause, warning, or justification.

The online exhibits at the National September 11 Memorial Museum tell the stories of many who survived the horrors in New York City just eight years ago. Do take a moment to visit, to remember Michael Grady Jacobs, his family including his four children and now a grandchild, the others who were brutally murdered, and the many thousands of others who are left with a life-long struggle resulting from a loved one's loss.

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In Memory of Carl Molinaro

If Carl Molinaro had been alive this Sunday, he would have still been a fairly young man of 42. Perhaps this morning, a warm Saturday in September, he would have headed out to church with his 13 year old daughter and his 10 year old son. Maybe the afternoon would have been spent off at a movie or the mall, or just lazing about in the yard. Unfortunately, due to the cruel attacks of September 11, 2001, Carl's children really never knew him at all.

"Everybody that knew Carl loved Carl, especially me," said Donna Molinaro, in an interview in October, 2001. A year later, she wrote, "I will love you with all my heart until the end of time. You stole my heart at 15 and it will be yours forever." Mrs. Molinaro is the widow of firefighter Carl Molinaro. He died in New York City in the collapse of One World Trade Center while aiding building evacuation with Ladder Company 2, on September 11, 2001. Nearly 15,000 lives were saved through evacuation that fateful morning.

Carl was only 32. His newborn son was just three weeks old, and his daughter only 3 at the time of the attack on America. A native of Brooklyn, he had moved to Tottenville on Staten Island in his childhood, played football for Tottenville High, and was raising his family in the same neighborhood.

Carl was remembered by famous writer Kurt Vonnegut at a Memorial Service held on October 23, 2001. In that speech, Vonnegut--whose own life and house had been saved by firfighters just two years earlier--referred to an earlier quote of his, "I can think of no more stirring symbol of man's humanity to man than a fire truck."

Clearly, Carl was as taken by firefighting as was Vonnegut, moving from working in his Dad's New Jersey furniture factory to learning to be a firefighter in his late 20's. His life and contribution to the survivors of 9/11 is memorialized in nearly 2,000 online tributes to him, including one at the New York Times.

These tributes are part of Project 2996, an online initiative which remembers the victims of the terrorist attacks upon the United States on 9/11/2001.

Staycationing: Off to the Lake Forest Art Fair on the Square

2011-09-04T19:02:00.002-05:00

Today I wanted to go do something different, so I decided to take the train from Wilmette to Lake Forest to see the Lake Forest art show. If you don't have your whole Labor Day planned, you might want to consider going, as the art show continues tomorrow. It's a great train trip via Metra, because when you get off the train you are about 10 steps from the show. How easy is that?

I took the 3:04 pm train and returned on the 5:24 train, and it was just enough time to see everything without too much lingering at any one exhibit. There are some nice things at the show, and some very nice things, too. There were some artsy kids clothes, and pretty clothes for ladies. One vendor had every type of artistic wooden spoon you could dream of, and next to him was a vendor selling some nice Japanese type pottery with a number of small vases that were very affordable. There was sculpture, jewelry, and some pricey but very creative baskets. Of course, there were paintings and photos, and a number of different kinds of art.

A number of very good looking dogs accompanied some shoppers, so if you have a very well behaved pooch, you probably can take him, but I don't think they can go on the train. The kids there seemed to be having a very limited amount of fun, but don't hesitate to take older family members because there are a number of benches around the square. I heard a number of people comment on how nice this art show was, and with the mild weather it was something pleasant to do outside.

Oh Chicago Pubic School Students You are Getting a Bill of Goods

2011-08-24T07:40:00.000-05:00

Life continues to get worse for the children of the Chicago Public Schools. I have heard it said that given enough time, 90% of students can learn 90% of the material they are presented. That is probably why Chicago has now decided to increase the school week by an additional 7 1/2 hours. Since the school children of Chicago perform poorly, I suppose the educators are willing to try nearly anything to make it look like they are worth the handsome salaries + a more-than generous retirement that they receive that is breaking our state budget.

School is just starting, and various initiatives have spent the entire last month telling Chicagoans that school will start this year at about the same time it does every year. What a surprise! If you treat people like idiots, one should not be surprised when people respond in a less than brilliant manner. Some people simply aren't cut out for the academic life, but in Chicago the educational establishment seems under the delusion is that inside every child is a lurking PhD. That however, seems far from the case.

Students who don't see the value of an education aren't likely to want to spend the energy to be good students, and I cannot see the good of holding them for ever longer hours in schools that have been incapable of turning out anything other than under performers. For those students who are bright and motivated, this time takes away from Internet learning, educational TV, the library, studying the out-of-doors, and (dare I say it?) good, old fashioned play, long considered essential for child development. Remember when it was decided good nutrition was the key to getting kids educated? That one didn't work either; we have all heard the stories how school breakfasts and lunches are making kids fat.

And to those CPS students who detest the idea of a longer school day which will begin next year, I'm with you. Hopefully you will have enough free time to go to the library so you can smuggle a book into your class, hide it on your lap during class, and have the chance to learn something that interests you. From your test scores, I would imagine it is impossible to score so poorly unless you are bored to death.

Michelle Bahmann: the Candidate from Lake Woebegon

2011-08-14T09:21:00.006-05:00

Who isn't studying up today on Michelle Bachman, winner of the 2011 Iowa straw poll, and now a serious candidate for the 2012 US Presidential election? In a nutshell, Michelle appears to be nearly straight out of Lake Wobegon, the fictional Minnesota town town created by Garrison Kiellor. She's Norwegian, Lutheran, and unique--and we do remember that the founders of the town were New England Unitarian missionaries, at least one of whom came to convert the Native American Ojibwe Indians through interpretive dance. (And while off-topic, we do note that the "about me" quote, to the right is from Lake Woebegon Days, the book.)

Where else, other than Lake Woebegon would give us a candidate who has a Law Degree from Oral Roberts University, a super-conservative Christian University that thankfully has gotten out of the teaching of law, and a LL.M. in taxation from William and Mary School of law. LL.M.'s are advanced degrees for lawyers, smart lawyers actually, and William and Mary is a top school. Tax Law is hard, or at least obtuse, so we know Michelle is no dumbbell.

Like the residents of Lake Woebegon, Michelle is quite quirky. Strong anti-abortion sentiments led her to "sidewalk counselling" of women contemplating an abortion, her background hints that at one time she felt strong sentiments that the US should be (or is) a Christian theocracy, and she believes that carbon dioxide emissions may be quite beneficial. On the other hand, as an IRS attorney for 5 years she knows first-hand the convoluted US tax code, she opposed the Wall Street bailout bills which hurt this country enormously, and has worked to keep school curriculum local rather than national.

In short, Michelle Bachmann is an interesting candidate with interesting ideas, and will move the presidential debate into areas which are worthy of greater discussion. With her only federal experience being her 5 years with the IRS and 5 years in the US Congress, her experience will be of little help in convincing people to support her.

And is the White House ready for lutefiske? The US Scandinavian vote is really quite small, like the population countries from where they came, and the number of Lutherans in the US quite limited, so Michelle starts out with a distinct disadvantage that may lead to not finding her on the ticket come next November.

On the other hand, after 4 years of beer diplomacy, waygu beef appetisers at White House cocktail events and new age concepts where foreign dignitaries are treated to a hamburger joint lunch, "Have a sandwich," Lake Woebegon's answer to nearly every problem, might just sound pretty good.

Oh To Be a Kid Again in Chicago

2011-07-28T19:21:00.002-05:00

Mayor Emanuel

With news of an 8:30 pm curfew in Chicago on weekdays and a 9:00 pm curfew on the weekends for the under 12 set, I am glad I am NOT a kid again in Chicago. While 8:30 will be after dark by mid-September when the law takes effect, I can't think of anything more horrible for a kid to be required to be in his or her house before dark in the summer. All of us kids stretched out that at home "by dark" parent-imposed curfew in the long days of summer, and as I recall it wasn't really dark until about 9:10 pm or a few minutes later in late June and early July. That old-fashioned pastime of catching fireflies won't even be a possibility with harsh new rules imposed by Rahm Emanuel and the Chicago City Counsel, that are more reminiscent of a war zone than rules for a city. Didn't they have these curfews in cities for persons deemed undesirable in days long ago?

I do recall the imposition of an unusually early curfew following the burning of Chicago's South Side in 1968. and I and my friends felt very restricted indeed in our very safe little neighborhood. However, after a few days, we realized that there were no police in our neighborhood at all, so we dashed about quickly from house to house in the evening, and managed to stay out of trouble. Luckily, our parents seemed to have no opinion on the matter, so we ended up visiting our friends without any problem at all.

Stunned: I Fought Real Hard

2011-06-27T22:27:00.001-05:00

It's over: former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich found guilty on 17 counts of corruption. Hopefully his "public service" career is ended forever. The overly talkative former governor kept his remarks brief, saying he was stunned by the verdict, and that he hoped people didn't think he let them down because he fought real hard. The Chicago press is carrying on as if someone had maced their dog, and when interviewed, current office holders appeared particularly pious. Kudos to Channel 5 News who gave long coverage of the press conference of a very tired looking US Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald.
I have heard that the big contributors to newly elected Rahm Emanuel's campaign now have jobs and contracts, and there are plenty of clues that less egregious but similar behavior which resulted in the downfall of Blago are still common practice. Patrick Fitzgerald invited the public to bring him their stories of corruption. From the various comments on the Bagojevich verdict, however, it might be safe to say that plenty of Illinois citizens don't think there was much wrong with a Constitutional officer using a public office for private gain, and that is really a shame.

Happy Father's Day!

2011-06-19T11:46:00.000-05:00

Happy Father's Day! Hope you don't get a card as bad as this one! For those who have been out shopping for cards and are somewhat tired of the sugary sweet sentiments, this card could be somewhat tempting. Well, maybe not. Hope you have a great holiday.

Freedom is Never Free: 67th Anniversary of D-Day

2011-06-06T09:50:00.005-05:00

"Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force! You are about to embark upon a great crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty loving people everywhere march with you. In company with our brave Allies and brothers in arms on other fronts, you will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples of Europe, and security for ourselves in a free world.

"Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipped and battle hardened, he will fight savagely." -Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower

The peaceful picture of Pont du Hoc, France--with Omaha Beach in the background--is a far cry from the chaos of 67 years ago at the Allied invasion of Normandy, France, one of the greatest military invasions of history. The US Army has a comprehensive web page if you are interested in learning more, and Ronald Reagan's speech, "The Boys of Pont du Hoc," reminds us how Presidential leadership in peacetime can alter the course of history.

A British hiker decided to take a days long walkin tour of the area, and his account is here.

Remembering America's War Dead on Memorial Day 2011

2011-05-29T09:49:00.006-05:00

The US military cemetery pictured above is in Carthage, Tunisia. 2,8741 World War II American military war dead rest at the 27 acre North Africa American Cemetery and Memorial. Nearly 4,000 names of the missing are also remembered. As with all American military cemeteries abroad, the graves are decorated for Memorial Day this weekend with American flags.

Here in Wilmette, the Village of Wilmette and Huerter Post #46 of the American Legion will host a Memorial Day parade on Monday, May 30. The parade will begin at 10:30 am at St. Joseph School on Lake Avenue and Ridge Road, proceed east to Park Avenue, south to Wilmette Avenue and conclude at Village Hall, 1200 Wilmette Avenue.

A Memorial Day ceremony will be held on the front lawn of Village Hall at the conclusion of the parade.

Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11, and was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.It is now celebrated on the last Monday in May.

Support the Right of Saudi Arabian Women to Drive

2011-05-23T10:26:00.001-05:00

In 2008, Saudi Arabian officials promised to allow women the right to drive a car by the end of the year. That promise was broken. The same promise was made to Saudi Arabian women during this year's Arab Spring, but that promise has not yet been kept. In the meantime, Saudi Arabian women are beginning to defy authorities, and getting behind the wheel. While 20% of Saudi Arabian women work, hiring drivers takes a good chunk of their salary.

June 17th has been chosen as the day that Saudi women will get behind the wheel en masse, but their facebook page was removed and one of the activists arrested. Of course, the movement has a blog, written by a lady in Boston who lived in Saudi Arabia for many years.

Gold Standard, Swiss Francs, and The Sad, Sad Dollar

2011-05-11T08:07:00.000-05:00

I own 2 Swiss Franc 10 Franc notes; they traveled home with me a few years ago from a trip to Switzerland. I took them with me to Switzerland late last year, when I flew to Frankfurt via Zurich, but there was nothing I wanted to buy and I was stuffed from my airplane meal, so they remained in my wallet. But why am I boring you with this trivia, you ask?

The first time I went to Switzerland, the gold-backed Swiss Franc was worth 25 cents. On my trip to Switzerland where I got the 2 ten franc notes they were worth no more than 75 cents each, making my bills worth about $15.00. Today, they are worth $22.67, making them a strong investment, for sure. If trends continue, they may end up as the strongest investment I own. That is why I am recommending this article.

We all learned in school that returning to the gold standard was folly. Would it be? It might just lift us out of this slide to second world status in which we seem to be involved. Time to rethink the whole situation.

Candudate Dan Seals Given $121K Job by Grateful Democrat Party

2011-05-10T07:48:00.000-05:00

And. what do you know? Perpetual Congressional candidate Dan Seals finally gets to be fed by the taxpayer's hands at his new job for the State of Illinois. As Sears and other companies look around for their suitcases and better states to head for business, Seals will be spreading the gospel to why overtaxed, corrupt, broke Illinois is a wondeful place to move. Expense account anyone? The Sun Times has the story.

Bin Laden Dead: The Raid Against Bin Laden Twittered in Abbottabad, Pakistan

2011-05-02T07:12:00.010-05:00

"Helicopter hovering above Abbottabad at 1AM (is a rare event). 16 hours ago" -ReallyVirtual onTwitter

UPDATED - twice: Scroll down
So began what must be the scoop of the year on Twitter, where IT consultant and Twitter user ReallyVirtual (whose actual name is Sohaib Athar) chronicled what appeared to be some helicopter problem overhead in Abbottabad, Pakistan in a series of tweets. A few hours later, what Athar heard was announced by President Obama as the US operation which resulted in the death of Osama Bin Laden, whose safe-house was reportedly only 100 yards from the gate of the Pakistan Military Academy in Abbottabad, pictured above.

Across the globe, many think the supposed burial of Bin Laden at sea more than a little fishy, and in Pakistan many think Bin Laden had been dead for years. In Pakistan, English Language newspaper, Dawn, presents the local angle.

UPDATE 1: This morning, May 3, 2010, ReallyVirtual (Sahaib Athar) has posted a number of pictures from around the Osama Bin Laden compound here. (Use the little sideways "v" arrow to see them all.

UPDATE 2: This video, from the May 3, 2010 NBC Nightly News takes the viewer on a brief tour of the area around the Bin Laden compound in Abbottabad along with some comments from the locals. BBC has a step-by-step guide to the raid on the compound.

"I wanted them to take the smaller carriage."

2011-04-29T22:31:00.001-05:00

NBC hired a lipreader for the Royal Wedding, and I was charmed by "I wanted them to take the smaller carriage" quote supposedly spoken by Queen Elizabeth. How like family on a wedding day, although with a distinctly royal twist! Who do you know who has an entire fleet of carriages at her disposal?

The world wishes the happy couple a life of happiness!

Happy Easter, He is Risen

2011-04-24T08:24:00.001-05:00

"In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen." -Matthew 28: 1-6

A Man of Sorrows and Acquainted with Grief

2011-04-22T08:53:00.004-05:00

He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces. He was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that made us whole, and with his stripes we are healed. -Isiah 53:3-5

Today is Good Friday. In dozens of countries, and in hundreds of cities and towns throughout the world, the remembrance of the crucifixion of Jesus will occupy the attention of the faithful. Pictures and statues of Jesus, often depicting a man who looks a lot like the way that local people look, shown in a landscape looking very much like you would find nearby, fill churches where worshippers gather.

The photograph above appeared on the Internet a few weeks ago, accompanying an article about the retreat of freedom fighters from the town of Ras Lanuf, Libya. The look of utter despair on this man's face, with the crown of thorns worn by Jesus replaced by a crown of bullets, seemed a modern yet timeless metaphor of the ancient story of the suffering of Jesus and of the cross.

Wilmette Elections: Today April 5, 2011

2011-04-05T07:21:00.004-05:00

Election today:
NO on the tax increase (we've had enough already, thanks. District 39 Schools need to do what they can with what they have, like we've been doing at our house since the Great Meltdown).

District 39 School Board:
Vote ONLY for Laurie Stogin; we need ONE good person there.

Wilmette Library Board:
Write-in Mike Levitan for the 2-year term

Wilemette Village Board:
Vote for Mike Basil and Bob Bielinski

For New Trier:
Mike O'Donoghue, Greg Robitaille, and Joel Goldhar.

For people who have recently moved to Wilmette, the tax bill goes up every year and doubles every so often. We're of the mind that should provide enough money. DON'T drive out the citizens who are older and aren't sending kids to the public schools.

Real Choices: 2012 and You

2011-04-02T15:27:00.002-05:00

Enough seriousness -- time for a little light humor! If you don't want to watch the entire minute and one second about the 2012 Presidential campaign, at least view the charming ending!

Illinois Senator Mark Kirk Talks Sense on Libya

2011-04-01T00:08:00.000-05:00

Illinois' newest Senator Mark Kirk gets Libya right. Rather than talk about it myself, I'd suggest you listen to Mark.

Ever Clever Rahm: Emanuel Figures How to Use Non Profit Money for Political End

2011-03-26T04:55:00.001-05:00

Count on Rahm Emanuel to cleverly figure how to use tax-exempt money for political efforts! Wilmette's own Emanuel, now mayor-elect of the city of Chicago, has applied for, and received grant money from a number of Chicago area tax-exempt foundations to fund his transition, according to today's Chicago Tribune. In addition, Emanuel formed a non-profit to help raise funds. I am sure Emanuel's political donor's are grateful for this opportunity to help his campaign while deducting contributions from their income tax, since political deductions are normally non-deductible.

While some might question whether Emanuel's actions violate the intent of the law, if not the actual letter of the law, the IRS has come under increasing public scrutiny in the past years for turning a blind eye to non-profits for their political involvement.

Song for a Free Libya

2011-03-21T16:09:00.000-05:00

We haven't heard much if anything from the Transitional Committee people in Libya, but I thought I would share this song written and sung by Dr. Adel Idris Almsheeti, who was born Benghazi, Libya in 1973. He wrote this song in hopes of a free Libya. Dr. Almsheeti practices in the field of intensive care and anesthesia. The words are as follows:

We will remain here:
We will remain here till the pain vanish, we will live here, O my homeland, the land of resistance, you are inside me. Despite of the enemies’ plots, despite of the indignation (woes), we will aim to spread the grace, we will look forward to rise up our ambitions by walking to the
to the highest peaks, so let us all rise, holding our pens.

"Not Afraid to Die:" RIP Mohammad Nabbous

2011-03-19T23:01:00.002-05:00

One month ago I introduced you to Bengazi, Libya's Mohammed Nabbous, who had a singular goal of taking the plight of Benghazi under Muammar Gaddafi and the hope for a free Libya to the world. When I posted the original video, I did not give Mr. Nabbous' name or website, knowing his work was a danger to the Gaddafi regime.

"Today we received the news that Mohammed Nabbous, a citizen media activist and one of the great figures of the February 17th youth revolutionary movement, was killed by a Qadaffi sniper while covering the first hours of fighting in Benghazi. His death represents a terrible loss for the movement and for the future of Libya." Read the entire story

Wilmette's District 39: Some Perspective on the School Funding Troubles

2011-03-09T17:15:00.002-06:00

With the 2011 school tax hike referendum about to become the Big Topic in Wilmette's District 39, I thought this video about Teachers Unions extremely timely. Sorry, you will have to stay tuned until the end to find out why the schools don't spend much time teaching economics!

It's Mardi Gras, and Little Has Changed in Libya

2011-03-08T07:27:00.002-06:00

Happy Mardi Gras; tomorrow Lent begins. The chances that the problems in Libya will be resolved any time in the near future seem limited. A standoff has developed between the Free Libyan forces and the old government under Col. Gaddafi. Fighting continues, but the Libyan government has one of those "Internet Kill Switches" and web traffic in Libya has flatlined since March 3. Limited updated information from Libya's citizens is now available. Since the entire world is watching, we are hoping there is less chance of mass genocide, but the situation is not good. A recent offering from Twitter: Quite possibly the only public wifi hotspot in eastern Libya just lost electricity. Moans of agony from journalists."

Despite the lack of Internet, the chants of the protesters are leaking out, and dozens have been compiled at Wikipedia, including one that likely sounds better in the origin al, "To hell, hell with Gaddafi, oh Tripoli, Benghazi is calling," and the more pointed chant clearly designed for an English speaking audience: "Obama don't you care?! Libyan bodies everywhere!"

Libyan Cities Continue Anti-Gaddafi Trend

2011-02-27T11:09:00.001-06:00

This map was posted by Libyan anti-Gaddafi Protesters to show the free city versus Gaddafi-controlled city situation (as of yesterday) in Libya. Since the source is the Protesters, we can assume that the data is in their favor, although the map from the UK's Guardian is substantially similar.

Some citizens report the use--or at least talk of the use--of chemical weapons by Gaddafi as well as continual efforts to clean the neighborhoods of Tripoli to remove all evidence of conflict and bloodshed.

The citizens of free eastern city Benghazi have taken to the streets, looking proud and jubilant, wearing small pre-Ghaddafi flags of Libya on their faces as sports fans do at games, doubtless delighted for the newly-rediscovered right for citizens to peaceably assemble in groups. There are Youtube videos of newly constituted town councils still untranslated, giving their pronouncements looking properly dressed and very serious. In a country well known to be divided into tribes which are then divided in to clans, everyone is talking that the Libyan people are united, more united than ever before, and that the people are one.

Libyans have been clear that they do not want military interference by the USA or Europe in their country, so the words of the UN's Ban Ki-Moon are perhaps the best to quote: “As the Libyan people take their destiny into their hands, as is their right, I hope that the new future for which they yearn, peaceful, prosperous and democratic, will soon be theirs,”

Genocide: Libya's Citizen Reporters Tell the Story

2011-02-24T09:22:00.002-06:00

Have you been following the revolution in Libya? Who would have ever thought that Libya, a country headed by a man scorned by most of the civilized world, would have enough citizens willing to risk their lives to create a network of citizen reporters using cell phones with cameras to take the story of their terrible genocide to the world? Their reports have been relayed by young Libyans living outside the county, who are free to use social media and quite capable of deploying it in their cause. In addition to cell phone cameras, there have been reports by phone, webcam hook-ups, and every other modern way a message can be relayed. These reports have eventually made it to manor news networks as the best reporting available.

Hope remains that Global Leaders will use their power to protect the Libyans from their leader, Col. Gaddafi, who is surely mad. Sadly, America's response has been late, underwhelming, and led to ridicule from quarters as diverse as Twitter to the UK Telegraph. If nothing changes, one of the debates of succeeding centuries will be why the US told Mubarek to step down, while ignoring the atrocities in Libya. The answer will not be pretty.

Taking its Story Global via Internet, Libya Joins Mideast Revolution

2011-02-20T08:53:00.004-06:00

Who would have ever though that the people of Libya would rise up against dictator Muammar Gadaffi and demand their freedom? Gaddafi, who has been ruling since a military coup in 1969, turned Libya into a haven for anti-Western radicals, where any group supposedly could receive weapons and financial assistance, provided they claimed to be fighting imperialism.

A group of young techs--one is pictured above--has been working around the clock to take Libya's story to the world, and mainstream news outlets are beginning to initiate coverage. The young techs show evidence of foreign schooling and residence, speaking in Arabic, occasionally English, and rarely in French.

From all reports, protesters in the city of Benghazi have been very hard hit by Gaddafi through who they claim are foreign mercenaries, and the killed and wounded have been reported in widely varying but extremely troubling numbers. It is said that the Gaddafi forces are killing anyone who moves, even at the windows of the houses.

Bahraini Protest at Lulu Roundabout in Manama Turns Deadly.

2011-02-17T01:18:00.006-06:00

The nice enough life most citizens of Bahrain enjoyed has been turned on its ear. In this video of Lulu Roundabout - Pearl Sqare in Manama where Bahraini protesters were camping out on the morning of February 17, 2011, live fire (not fireworks), and tear gas and concussion grenades can be seen and heard. According to a BBC Journalist: "Bahrain this morning looks like a virtual police state."

The aging king has rallied his subjects--against him. Paramedics rushing to Lulu square to help the wounded were beaten by the police. “They made the people feel safe,” said a nurse, Fatima Ali, referring to what had initially seemed to be official tolerance of the huge protest in Pearl Square, emulating an uprising in Cairo’s Tahrir Square that brought down President Hosni Mubarak. “Then they killed them.”

As of our morning, the Bahrain military is now claiming control of parts of Manama and protests have been banned. After the wholly unexpected and entirely unnecessary attack against the citizenry, Bahrain--and perhaps the region--will never be the same.

Have a Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T14:45:00.003-06:00

I hope you are having a Happy Valentine's Day! Can you keep a secret? I am making some heart breadsticks for dinner! I hope that is a nice surprise! I never made breadsticks before, so I am definitely taking a chance, although I did use the bread machine. Hope they turn out!

Egypt Unrest Continues

2011-02-14T08:04:00.003-06:00

We managed to out of town for the blizzard, but the only news we seemed to be able to get was of Egypt. And we still are puzzling whether Revolution televised will end in a free Egypt or an Islamist takeover. In the meantime, the above statute is one of 17 major missing antiquities from the Egyptian Museum of Cairo.

Meanwhile, the Arab street does not disappoint in its reputation as a rumor mill, placing President Mubarek in a coma and in Baden, Germany. The Germans deny he is in Germany, and the Americans say that he is at his house by the shore in Egypt. There is no reliable information about his health, although the BBC has comprehensive information about the situation in Egypt. Al Jazeera continues its online streaming TV media coverage of the situation.

Let us hope that this Egyptian revolution leads to an increase of personal freedom and economic opportunity in Egypt, although it is clear that the demonstrations are not yet ended. Certainly the Egyptian people are very hopeful, and we do wish them the best. A touching online tribute, well worth a few minutes visit, has been started to honor those who lost their lives on streets of Cairo during this turbulent time, reminding us that the price of freedom is never free. What road change will take in Egypt may surprise much of the world, however, based on a Pew Global Attitudes Poll released just over two months ago.

Dan Seals Not Running for Congress in 2012. Maybe.

2011-02-13T13:51:00.001-06:00

The Daily Herald reports that perennial candidate for Illinois' 10th Congressional District, 9th District Wilmette resident Dan Seals, isn't taking a fourth crack at Congress. Well, that is unless he is taking a 4th crack at Congress. Sound confusing? It is.

According to the Herald, "His [Seals] comments came with a caveat, however. Although he isn’t planning to run again, Seals said he’s 'certainly not closing that door to the future.' "

It would appear that the true answer answer is to "stay tuned for further reports." Meantime, Seals appears to have taken down his website. With earlier charges that Seals recycled old endorsements for later elections and made a 180 degree change in several political issues, this further obscures the matter.

District 39 Tax Referendum: Good only for the Recession Unaffected

2011-02-11T12:18:00.001-06:00

We won't be supporting the District 39 Referendum because of the economy. Perhaps the recession has treated you well at your house, but it has taken a toll at our house. Over the past few years our property taxes have doubled and enough is enough! The following letter came from friend:

"I'm always amused by the argument that increasing taxes for schools will support high housing values.(Wilmette Life, 2.10.11) Given our declining property values, I can see why that is an attractive argument. If that really is how the housing market works, why not double or triple the taxes! People fail to think about what happens to property values when property tax bills exceed annual mortgage payments. That's when housing prices will be "discount" in order to offset the tax burden faced by any purchasers. Who wants to further discount the price of their home in this depressed market? Not me. I'm not supporting District 39's referendum."

Chicago School Breakfast? What about Family Breakfast?

2011-01-27T06:57:00.005-06:00

"Chicago's school board on Wednesday adopted a sweeping new program to offer free breakfasts in the classrooms of Chicago Public Schools' 410,000 students . . . . In selling the program to the board, officials promoted both the nutritional and psychological benefits of a breakfast with classmates, crediting it with improving "intellectual, emotional, social and physical development while at school." - Chicago Tribune
For the kids whose moms can't be bothered to give them something to eat before school in the morning, I image the school breakfast program will be a real blessing. I also imagine that number of moms is limited. Low income doesn't make a mother a bad mom. It never ceases to amaze me how politicians and society equate superior parenting with higher income. While it is true that more money gives more advantages, it certainly doesn't mean richer children are more loved or cared for better.

Frankly, I would think the children would do far better psychologically if they eat breakfast with their family, not at school. Eating breakfast with classmates is more like an orphanage or boarding school--or camp for that matter. I am surprised that some of the moms in the target areas aren't protesting the insult to their parenting skills.

I pasted up a picture that I used a couple of years ago when Chicago's Rev, Meeks brought a number of children over to New Trier to "register" to draw attention to problems in the Chicago Public schools. I am pretty sure these students are from the area where the free breakfasts will be served. I would note that every child is nicely dressed in clean, wrinkle-free clothing. Their hair is combed and styled. Might I suggest that these children also have a nice mom who makes sure her kids have something to eat before they go to school? While I am sure there are children who parents neglect them in the morning, I imagine that number is far lower than anyone thinks.

Wilmette's Rahm Emanuel Currently Off Chicago Ballot

2011-01-24T15:30:00.001-06:00

Thank goodness, something to take our mind off yesterday's sad loss at Soldier Field. It looks like Wilmette's own Rahm Emanuel is, at least for the time being, off the ballot for Mayor in the City of Chicago. The court found that there is a difference between being a qualified voter and a qualified candidate. "As we have observed, the 'reside in' requirement is stated separately from, and in addition to, the requirement that he be a qualified elector of Chicago in order to be a candidate for municipal office. The fact that the two requirements are stated separately and in the conjunctive leads to the inference that the legislature intended that they be considered separately from, and in addition to, each other."

" . . . for purposes of the "business of the United States" residency exception, this State has for over 150 years recognized a distinction between voters and candidates and has retained the exception only for voters. That revelation, combined with our interpretation of the language of section 3-2 and its interrelation with subsection 3.1-10-5(d) of the Municipal Code, convinces us that section 3-2's 'business of the United States' exception applies only to voters, not to candidates. Accordingly, it cannot avail the candidate here."

This is not to say that the question has been settled, as the appeal continues to the next level. There is a long dissent which could prevail in the next round, which doesn't find any distinction between being a voter and being a candidate. As the dissent says: "[T]he candidate never voted in Washington, D.C., never changed his driver’s license to Washington, D.C., never registered his car in Washington, D.C., never purchased property in Washington, D.C., never conducted personal banking in Washington, D.C., and never demonstrated an intent to sell his Chicago home. The challengers failed to counter the candidate’s evidence, and the Board found that the weight of this evidence established that the candidate intended to maintain his residence in Chicago throughout the time of his temporary employment in Washington, D.C."

What can I say other than "Goodness!" Well maybe I could say, how come no one ever notices that Rahm Emanuel grew up in Wilmette?

Da Bears: A Sad Monday Morning for All of Chicagoland

2011-01-24T09:36:00.000-06:00

As I read somewhere before yesterday's Chicago - Greenbay playoff for the Superbowl, Chicago is a good team but Greenbay is a great team. I guess that is what happened at last night's game, but all Chicago--including the suburbs, the exurbs, and possibly all of Illinois is in a bit of a funk this morning. Losing is sad.

Large Tax Bills Drive Out Wilmette Area Residents

2011-01-20T07:05:00.002-06:00

Reader, and long-time Wilmette resident, MLOR, sent us a letter that I wanted to share, comparing her property tax to a homeowner association fee. One of the greatest problems in Wilmette is that people just move away quietly at retirement or shortly after retirement, depriving the community of years of accumulated local experience and wisdom. Having seen my property tax more than double in a few short years (and ditto for the water bill), while I am sorry to see long-time residents leave the community, I feel MLOR may simply be a more realistic planner than I am. I've added a picture of those pesky municipal spending elves with their wheelbarrow at the ready, all set to haul off taxpayer cash. Her letter . . .

I consider my taxes to be HOA fees, and have been evaluating what I get for my money. District 39 wants an additional $7.6m for next year, which will increase my "fees." The Village Board appears to have become professional developers, and intend to tear down & rebuild a section of Green Bay Road buildings/businesses, which will raise my "fees" as well. And, I believe that the Park District still wants money for lakefront redevelopment.

Spending more money on teacher salaries will not improve my life. Eminent domain battles on Green Bay Road will cost big money and help cement Wilmette's reputation as anti-small business. Spending money to entice more people to visit our lakefront will certainly not enhance my experience as a resident. But, all of this will add to my tax bill.

My HOA fees are constantly increasing but the benefits I derive from living here are not. That's why we can never retire and continue to live in Wilmette. We have friends who recently bought a large place in Northbrook and their taxes will be substantially less than those on their former house in west Wilmette. There is no business base in Wilmette, so homeowners will always be squeezed for more cash.

MLOR

New Perspective on Theft

2011-01-16T09:05:00.003-06:00

I do get tired of all the thefts that seem to occur on nearly a daily basis in Wilmette, but this Youtube video about an octopus who seals an expensive underwater movie camera is pretty interesting! That would not be my video camera, by the way.

Bob Dold's Swearing In Photo

2011-01-07T11:59:00.001-06:00

Nice picture of the Dold clan, eh? They are obviously very happy at Bob's swearing in. Here's hoping for better political news in 2011. I do think that it really helps candidates win if they have a big family.

POW! Illinois State Legislature Takes Aim at its Citizens, Businesses

2011-01-06T23:41:00.002-06:00

"When politicians are allowed to treat taxpayers like Automated Tellers, there is zero incentive to be anything other than profligate and reckless." -Americans for tax reform

Really bad news, and I am nearly speechless. The Illinois Legislature--at least the Democrats who dominate it-- is planning to nearly double the Illinois Individual Income Tax. In addition, the legislature will impose sales tax on mail-order businesses who don't have a physical presence in the state but do businesses with Illinois-based affiliates such as FatWallet.com, CouponCabin.com, and BradsDeals.com, which receive much of their commissions from sending customers to major online retailers.

How terrible is this? Very. Taxes cannot be doubled during a recession without very negative consequences. The State of Illinois refuses to make cuts that will balance its budget, instead trading prosperity today for a guaranteed poorer tomorrow. It is said that the income tax is temporary, but the last permanent Illinois income tax increase was done in absolutely the same way. In addition, Fat Wallet is already looking for a way to move out of the state, which is particularly a shame because it is located near Rockford, which is suffering miserably from high unemployment.

We won't even mention the dollar increase on a pack of cigarettes which will likely be good for consumers' health (it will encourage quitting), but could well be revenue neutral because of the quitters.

It remains theoretically possible that one day, the citizens of Illinois will wake up and demand better.

Good to Know Our Extemely Local Swat Team News has International Coverage.

2011-01-06T10:18:00.005-06:00

No need to pick up a Winnetka Talk or Wilmette Life this morning. You can go directly to the UK Telegraph for the big local news story that happened just a short distance up Wilmette's Hibbard Road in next-door Winnetka. It's being called a "butt-dialing" incident, but one cannot decide whether to laugh or cry with the news that a Washburne School employee (it is not clear whether the man is a teacher) accidentally called his wife on his cell phone (which was in his back pocket) while driving after school, presumably on the way home. After the phone rang, not only was there no one there, the wife heard noises which consisted of either the radio or CD playing Gangster Rap Music and her husband talking to himself. The wife panicked, decided her husband was being held by a dangerous gunman at the school, and immediately called 911. 911 sent out a 30-man Swat Team who spent three hours searching the school and found nothing. Evening meetings at the school were moved elsewhere, and local police turned away parents returning their children to school for various activities. Eventually the husband showed up at home.

Why the Washburne School employee's wife confused a mistaken cell phone call with a severe police emergency is wholly unclear.

Interestingly enough, while the news about this situation showed up only yesterday, the actual incident took place on Monday, January 3.

A Beautiful Merry Christmas to You!

2010-12-25T10:13:00.006-06:00

Merry Christmas! Here's a photo of a manger scene we saw on our recent trip. Usually, European Christmas Markets are located right outside the main town church or cathedral. They also usually feature a nativity scene, often lifesize. This one is outside the great and ancient cathedral in Mainz, Germany.

I hope you didn't get stuck in the snow like I did last might when you went to church. Luckily, we had a volunteer help us, so it all ended quite well, although most of the rest of the family had already driven off in another car! .

Merry Christmas Eve!

2010-12-24T09:24:00.000-06:00

Today we will be wrapping Christmas presents and rushing to get ready for Christmas! Luckily we have all day because we will go to church later on tonight. We have so many preparations to finish I am afraid we won't get everything done that we need to! We still have to find the stockings and the tree skirt.

Do you like the picture above? We went to Christmas Markets again this year and the picture is the charming market of Saalfield in Thuringia. Saalfeld is a beautiful town, but it was snowing so hard we could barely see it. We will have to return sometime when the weather is better. Luckily we didn't get stuck in Europe! This was not the best year to be in Europe in December from a weather standpoint, but we ended up having fun anyway.

Senator Mark Kirk's Holiday Party

2010-12-20T08:54:00.004-06:00

The Ballroom of the Renaissance Chicago North Shore Hotel on Skokie Boulevard in Northbrook was not only stuffed with well wishers yesterday evening, December 19, 2010, at Senator Mark Kirk's holiday party, they spilled out into the hall and lobby as well. Mark was busy receiving every visitor--and it was a lot of them--as well as posing for pictures, looking quite tired, but very, very happy. The party was a good place to run into people you have known for years and years and also meet new people. Admission fee was a check to benefit the very highly regarded Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society.

From the candle lanterns outside the front door to the festive decorations inside, the hotel showed off its holiday finery, making a merry mood for all. Notable was the happy mood of the event--no worrying about an election not yet won.

Mark enjoyed telling the story of the old desk he was given for his office with many Senators names inscribed on it as well as the 1827 Bible of David Farragut, the nation’s first Navy admiral. which he used for his swearing in. Other than a brief update, Mark's remarks were short, leaving more time for the eating, drinking, and socializing which the large crowd was obviously enjoying.

It's been a long time since I attended a Republican event where everyone was cheerful, relaxed and without complaint, and it made me very happy to see the Grand Old Party rebuilding its strength to once again report for duty.

Preparing for Christmas

2010-12-18T13:40:00.001-06:00

Hope you enjoy the digital Christmas story!

Holiday Party Tips

2010-12-10T13:42:00.002-06:00

1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Holiday spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. It's rare. You cannot find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-alcoholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!

3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy.

4. Always ask if the mashed potatoes were made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Holiday party is to eat other people's food. You want to insult your hostess?

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. Spend the time you would have spent exercising taking a long nap. You don’t want to be tired for your holiday parties, do you?

7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. Like a beautiful pair of shoes, if you leave these treats behind you're never going to see them again.

8. Same for pies. Apple, Pumpkin, Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Pies should be eaten in threes; it’s luckier that way.

Have a great holiday season!!

H/t MD, via email

May You Have a Very Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-24T20:14:00.003-06:00

Yes, I know it's wrong to dress up the animals like this but they do look so happy! Well, at least the dog does. Besides, I didn't make them put on these clothes, I found the picture on the Internet. I'm not sure why the cat is the Pilgrim, but I'm sure there's a reasonable explanation. Wrong as these costumes may be, somehow the picture says only one thing: "Have a Wonderful and Joyous Happy Thanksgiving!"

First Thanksgiving: Christians of Plymouth Colony

2010-11-23T06:56:00.009-06:00

"In the history of most lands the number of true Christians has generally been a mere fraction of the total population; in New England it was not so. Of the 102 passengers on the Mayflower it is probable that ninety-eight belonged to the congregation of John Robinson which had been in exile in Holland since 1608. The reinforcements to the Plymouth plantation came largely from the same source. Then in 1628 there began from England itself one of the largest transplantation of Christians from one land to another which has ever occurred. Over a period of twelve years, in about 198 ships, men and their families arrived in Massachusetts Bay. They included gentlemen, merchants, farmers, craftsmen and ministers of the gospel. The one thing which the vast majority possessed in common was a fervent commitment to the Word of God and to the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ." - from "Spiritual Characteristics of the First Christian Society in America" by Iain Murray

While getting ready for Thanksgiving, I am reminded that the one book you could find in nearly every Pilgrim home was a Bible--in particular, the Geneva translation. As you can see in the photo of a page from the Geneva Bible (above), the margins held comments. Notes were added to explain difficult passages. If you want to get into the Pilgrim mindset, just take out your Bible and start reading. Of course, you are likely using a more modern edition than they did in Plymouth, home of the Pilgrims.

The Geneva Bible was the first English Bible to be printed in Roman letters; it was the first English Bible to have numbered verses; and it was also the first Bible to use italics for words translators which were not in the original. The Geneva Bible was smaller in size than most books, designed to be read by ordinary individuals.

Due to a settlement agreement in a lawsuit against Google Books, I couldn't find a pdf copy of the entire Geneva Bible online, despite looking around for the better part of an hour, including libraries in Switzerland.. (There is no shortage of other Bible versions online) (You will likely have better luck finding one at Google books if you are not in the USA, due to the settlement.) Luckily, after searching long and hard, I finally found a Pdf of the pages from the New Testament of the Geneva Bible. which might be something interesting to look at if you need a break from preparing for the holiday!

TSA Pat Downs

2010-11-22T07:38:00.008-06:00

"The security officer finished the pat-down, tested the gloves for any trace of explosives and then, Sawyer said, “He told me I could go. They never apologized. They never offered to help. They acted like they hadn’t seen what happened. But I know they saw it . . .

“I am a good American and I want safety for all passengers as much as the next person," Sawyer said. "But if this country is going to sacrifice treating people like human beings in the name of safety, then we have already lost the war.”

As we prepare for Thanksgiving, let us remember that our Pilgrim forefathers knew repressive government and suffered at its hands. They set off across the mighty Atlantic Ocean to a new land to escape government tyranny. Let us give thanks that today we have it in our power to change the wrongdoing that our fellow citizens are suffering at the hands of government agents. And let us also remember in our prayers this holiday the seemingly average citizens, such as Thomas Sawyer, whose maltreatment at the hands of the TSA, is so very troubling.

UPDATE: In a bid to avoid the "bad touches" of the TSA, San Diego passenger Samuel Wolanyk, stripped down to his underwear for the TSA, which seems like a pretty sensible answer to a bad situation. In a bizarre response, the TSA told him to get dressed so that he could be properly patted down. How sick is that? Is the goal here safety, or groping in the name of security?

FURTHER UPDATE: Krauthammer: "The only reason we continue to do this [pat downs] is that people are too cowed to even question the absurd taboo against profiling — when the profile of the airline attacker is narrow, concrete, uniquely definable, and universally known. We will swallow hard and pretend airline attackers are randomly distributed in the population."

THIRD UPDATE (11-23-10): Ron Paul: “ 'Now the government wants us to show them our genitalia and they want to take pictures of us and put their hands into our pants,' he said. Paul said due to pervasive coverage of TSA abuses by the corporate media, the American people are now beginning to ask serious questions about government conduct. 'I think it’s a healthy wake-up call to a lot of Americans.' He said he believes a boycott of the airlines will be necessary if we are going to force the government to back down and stop acting like a sexual predator.”

FOURTH UPDATE (11-26-10): "I don’t dramatize, and I don’t exaggerate. I’m trying to give you a sense of who I am so you won’t think that this is a plea for attention, or a jumping on the bandwagon about the recent TSA proposed boycott."

Home for the Holidays: TSA Will Have Its Way With You

2010-11-18T12:34:00.005-06:00

The new, more-invasive body searches demanded of plane passengers are unpleasant and troubling. Blame Bill Clinton, I suppose; he's the guy who brought sexual perversion into the parlor as a respectable middle class past time. Blame Janet Napolitano, too, chosen as a theoretically capable cabinet member for the American People, likely for her views on Hollywood award shows in a time where smooches between consenting starlets are the biggest story of the evening. I am voting for doing away with searches once reserved for incoming prison inmates, and pushing for simply wearing a bathing suits to the airport. The visual security check would likely be safer and a great deal more dignified. As it is, reading about the new procedures seems to involve prose far more suited to a steamy novel.

Having had a fair number of X-rays of late, and planning to travel at the holidays, I grow concerned. I'm not looking forward to dilemma faced by today's flyer's when asked that newest of travel questions: pictures or sex? It's time that the American People should demand that airport lobbies be made more honest. Wouldn't you be more comfortable if the area just before security was dedicated to contextually appropriate activities? Putting passengers in the mood before sexual assault is imperative where "relax and enjoy it" seems to be the sum total of Congressional wisdom. And that would be the Congress, who, in earlier times, likely would have some interest in protecting their constituents from unreasonable search by government agents. I demand flashing neon signs while preparing to do the barefooted passenger perp walk through airport security! I demand peep shoes, tattoo parlors, customer booths, and X-rated anything to set the stage; these are serious times.

When it comes to pre-flight screening, shouldn't passengers at least be allowed the dignity they can find at local bars, and be able to hook up with the best looking screener they can find? Where is justice when you need it? In fact, where is common sense? And would it be a bad idea to print out the above picture that I carefully stole from the Great Iowahawk and wear it as a decoration when flying?

Religion in Style: Hajj via the Mecca Metro

2010-11-15T18:28:00.004-06:00

UPDATE: The video is no longer available for embedding: click here to see it at Youtube.

It's Hajj, the special annual pilgrimage for Muslims to go to Mecca. For a few brief days, two and a half million people live in very close proximity. Of course, not every Muslim who wants to go to Hajj can do so due to capacity control, but I thought you would enjoy seeing this short video of a brand new train that brings the ancient custom of pilgrimage smack dab into the 21st century. As you will learn, there are so many people at Hajj, only some are allowed to ride the train. While that might seem to be contrary to the spirit of equality that we are told permeates the Hajj, the limitation is only until the train is finished.

Do enjoy the video, because unless you are a Muslim, and unless things change drastically, Mecca is one place you will never visit in your lifetime. And its likely things will never change, as the Saudi Arabian government bases its ban on the Koran.

While I always enjoy learning about the Hajj, I am grateful to be a Christian, where all people--including those of other faiths--are always welcome, anytime, anywhere.

Armistice Day 2010: Will You Remember?

2010-11-11T07:35:00.004-06:00

In Douglas, the capital of the Isle of Man--located between Ireland and England--where it's six hours later than here--the citizens are serious about remembering Armistice (Veterans) Day. This morning, former military service members met and marched to the war memorial where commemoration services were held. At 11:00, two minutes of silence were observed in honor of the Armistice, the official end of World War I-- the war to end all wars. Motorists on the Isle of Man were asked to cooperate fully by stopping their cars and turning off their engines from 11:00 until 11:02 AM. Further commemorations are scheduled for later today.

Armistice Day, now called Veterans Day in the United States, is still observed by some in remembrance of the eleventh hour, of the 11th day, of the eleventh year, when the great Armistice was signed. While we have failed to end war, the dream of a world without conflict continues to stir hope in the hearts of man.

Will 11:00 this morning find you standing at attention for one minute facing East? Encourage a few friends at work to join you in this traditional American remembrance of the fallen, in memory and in hope.

(Link to Armistice Day Speech by WW II General Omar Bradley)
(Link to color photos of World War I)
(Previous Armistice Posts)

The photo, above, is from the great photography pages of the Los Angeles Times. A visit to their website is as valuable as a visit to any worthwhile museum.

So What About Those New Members of Congress Anyway?

2010-11-10T07:06:00.003-06:00

So the GOP was kind enough to send a link to their "New Member Facebook," with photos of all those new members of Congress. How clever is that? Do go take a look!

Bob Dold our New Congressman, and Mark Kirk, our New Senator

2010-11-04T14:25:00.002-05:00

Whew! We had pretty good results on Tuesday! Yester- day, I was tired and had a miserable sinus headache all day. On Monday, I started getting really, really greedy about the chances for Republican victory, so there were barely enough election wins to keep me happy. I was disappointed that Hamilton Chang didn't win, and surprised by Pat Quinn's numbers. I regretted that I never made it to Kirk's party in Wheeling, where the rest of the family had gone. I was a little jealous to hear about the flag ceremony followed by the pledge led by Winnetka veteran Carrie Hoza, dancing to the band, and all sorts of patriotic goings on that once motivated a friend to characterize election night as Christmas and the 4th of July all rolled into one. I also was surprised. I mean, the last time I ran into Mark Kirk chatting socially with a friend, they were having a serious discussion about Civil Society in Africa. Wouldn't you have serious doubts about heading for a party hosted by this kind of guy?

I did go to the Dold party, which was big and happy, completely filling up the old Fell's store in Winnetka. I ran into a lot of people I knew, including many who I hadn't seen in years, but with so many people it got really hot, and the TV people had bright and hot lights. Because I was so excited the night before, I hadn't had much sleep and I was really, really tired.

Since I realized at 3:00 pm on Monday that unless I had calculated something very wrong, Bob Dold had the election in the bag, I was expecting for him to declare an early win. Then I figured I would head off to Wheeling to visit with the people there, putting in the maximum amount of face time that might make up for a few years of avoiding political events.

While Bob Dold's party was a good, it also was nervous. The evening wore on and the networks remained mum about the race. It was past bedtime by the time Bob joined the party to greet his supporters and make his victory speech, and by then I was practically falling asleep.

I am grateful that Bob Dold and Mark Kirk won, and grateful that Republicans did well across the country. I hope you, too, are feeling happy about the election results. The greatly loved Gilbert Bowen, Pastor Emeritus of Kenilworth Union Church, was one of many who added a personal endorsement for Bob, and in his words, "As Bob's pastor and friend for over thirty years, I can enthusiastically endorse his candidacy for the United States Congress. Bob is a man of maturity and experience, character and purpose. He cares about family and community as well as his country. He communicates conservative principles with an awareness of current challenges. He does this with a clarity and enthusiasm which is contagious. In short, Bob is the kind of Republican with hope and future for our party. A friend I am proud to know and work for."

Vote Bob Dold!

2010-11-01T20:49:00.002-05:00

Take a friend to the polls tomorrow! Bob Dold, candidate from Illinois' 10th Congressional District, has been running a great campaign with volunteers in all age groups, and an organization that is very organized. He will make a great Congressman, but to do that he needs your vote!!

Hoping for a Brady / Plummer Victory!

2010-11-01T11:34:00.003-05:00

Downstate, voters are so delighted to have both Governor and Lieutenant Governor candidates from their neck of the woods, Republicans might just be the lucky winners at the polls tomorrow!

Vote for Bob Dold

2010-10-27T12:29:00.002-05:00

Whether you're voting early or on election day, don't forget to vote for Bob Dold!

I am not at the World Series, Shucks.

2010-10-27T10:09:00.003-05:00

It used to be that the World Series was played in September and now it might interfere with Halloween. Just because they play some games at night is once again no excuse why the Cubs aren't there. One thing stays the same, however, year in and year out: the way they make a baseball. Hope you enjoy this little video. If you're like me, you wish you were at the ballgame!

Cook County Early Voting Questions

2010-10-25T20:04:00.005-05:00

The following email came to me this afternoon,

"Did you vote yet? I did. I was surprised that the election judges have no tags to show their party or their names. Is this because they are County employees? One judge was helping several people out with the touch screen while they were voting. Is this allowed? Although I think the man wanted to help people, I thought judges or friends who accompany voters to the voting booth must fill out something that the judges file with the county clerk, and that if a judge helps a voter there has to be someone from both parties. What do you think?"

I replied, " I don't know. The Democrats don't always win because there are more of them." I also sent along this copy of the instruction book for Judges of Election put out by David Orr's office where I found the following information on page 88:

Assistance may be provided to:
Voters unable to physically mark a ballot
Voters unable to read, speak or write English
Voters with limited reading and writing skills
The voter may bring a friend or relative to the polling place for
assistance or request help from two election judges (one from
each party). Before issuing a ballot, judges must:

Fill out the universal voter’s affidavit FORM 301.
If the voter is physically disabled, mark box 7.
If the voter cannot read English, mark box 6.
The voter and judge must sign the universal voter’s affidavit.

Totally Silly

2010-10-25T07:55:00.001-05:00

And this song is dedicated to Juan Williams. What he said about Muslims might have been honest but it was kind of dumb. Come to think about it, this song is kind of dumb, too. I learned about it from . . . well, lets just say just say from someone who isn't afraid of Muslims in planes and leave it at that. Hope you enjoy the silliness, even though I think Saudis drive mostly Mercedes or BMW's.

H/t ZH

Scratching My Head Department : Incredible Official Visit to India

2010-10-24T16:27:00.003-05:00

The Mumbai Mirror, is reporting breathlessly how many hotel rooms President Obama will require on his upcoming trip to India:

"After the election, the Obamas are taking off. To ensure fool-proof security, the President’s team has booked the entire the Taj Mahal Hotel, including 570 rooms, all banquets and restaurants. Since his security contingent and staff will comprise a huge number, 125 rooms at Taj President have also been booked, apart from 80 to 90 rooms each in Grand Hyatt and The Oberoi hotels. The NCPA, where the President is expected to meet representatives from the business community, has also been entirely booked.

"The officer said, 'Obama’s contingent is huge. There are two jumbo jets coming along with Air Force One, which will be flanked by security jets. There will be 30 to 40 secret service agents, who will arrive before him. The President’s convoy has 45 cars, including the Lincoln Continental in which the President travels'.”

So, that would be 570 rooms + 125 rooms + 80 rooms + 90 rooms = 865 rooms.

I would not want the President to become a shut-in, be unsafe, or be unable to go visitng, but this number of rooms (assuming it is correct) is amazing. Doesn't the USA have a nice little secure apartment in the Embassy which might meet the Obama's needs?

Americans are becoming a little disillusioned over what sometimes seems to be a family aspiring to royalty when they thought they were voting for a man of the people. It's no wonder the following is making the rounds . . .

"Obama is the shepherd I did not want. He leadeth me beside the still factories. He restoreth my faith in the Republican party. He guideth me in the path of unemployment for his party's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the bread line, I shall fear no hunger, for his bailouts are with me. He has anointed my income with taxes, My expenses runneth over. Surely, poverty and hard living will follow me all the days of my life, And I will live in a mortgaged home forever."

We would note that Buckingham Palace has 19 state rooms, 52 principal bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices, and 78 bathrooms.

UPDATE: The Obama in India story is starting to receive greater coverage, and in this article about the Obama family vising the Taj Mahal, this Commenter appeals to the Indian People: "Can the people of India show their solidarity with US and keep Obama and all his cohorts in India for the rest of his term as President. He is a likable fellow and has a lovely family. He's made a couple million since he has been in office so he should not be a burden. It would sure help us out over here. Thanks in advance."

Accused! Treason! Senate!

2010-10-22T11:15:00.002-05:00

Did you see last night's evening news with Senate Candidate Alexi Giannoulias nearly foaming at the mouth? Perhaps its best that by this morning Giannoulias' remarks are being soft-pedaled. Accusing his opponent, Congressman Mark Kirk of treason as well as either being or wanting to be the Senator from Beijing is amazingly over the top. This is a US senate race, not Illinois politics.

While the President says in his campaign speech about his pal Alexi, "You can trust him; you can count on him." All I can ask is "For what?"

I think its best if we all go vote early for Mark Kirk for Senate. We don't need a US Senator who loses all perspective under stress, and Alexi Giannoulias has proved himself to be just that kind of guy.

Truth Challenged House Candidate Dan Seals (IL-10) Strikes Again

2010-10-15T08:49:00.001-05:00

Perennial Congressional candidate Dan Seals, running in Illinois 10th District, has delivered to the voters an an unending series of small deceits since beginning his bid for office 6 years ago. So why should I be surprised when an email which purports to be from Joe Biden was really sent from Dan Seals website? Joe is out banging the drum for his part in the upcoming election, but doesn't his office have their own e-mail? And since the email sent by Seals' campaign seeks campaign contributions for "attack ads," shouldn't Dan Seals offer more on the front page of his website than attacks against his opponent, the well-regarded, locally involved Bob Dold?

Why Dan Seals thinks he can capably represent people in a community to which he has no roots nor ties--other than buying a house with his wife that turned out to be just outside the 10th district in nearby Wilmette--remains a puzzle.

In Chicago, Electioneering Mostly Okay in Democrat Precincts

2010-10-15T01:03:00.003-05:00

Oh! Oh! Oh! and No! No! No!

Somehow I find it odd that former lawyer Michelle Antoinette was chatting and visiting and instructing the voters to support her husband in her early-voting polling place today. Odd because surely she knows better; she is no newcomer to politics. While there aren't many Republicans over on the South Side to complain about electioneering, and some find even the so-called "Republican" judges to be a little suspicious, that doesn't free South Siders to ignore the law. While White House press secretary Robert Gibbs laughed the incident off, Michelle owes the people an apology for any illegal behavior that occurred. Here's the law:

(10 ILCS 5/17‑29) (from Ch. 46, par. 17‑29)
Sec. 17‑29. (a) No judge of election, pollwatcher, or other person shall, at any primary or election, do any electioneering or soliciting of votes or engage in any political discussion within any polling place, within 100 feet of any polling place, or, at the option of a church or private school, on any of the property of that church or private school that is a polling place; no person shall interrupt, hinder or oppose any voter while approaching within those areas for the purpose of voting. Judges of election shall enforce the provisions of this Section.

h/t to JP, for whom it matters.

Hope You're Enjoying Columbus Day!

2010-10-11T08:00:00.005-05:00

Happy Columbus Day! Well, that's really tomorrow, but some people get a holiday today. Hope you have the day off! Unfortunately, I don't.

I was pleased to see that this year there is a return to the Columbus Day Sale. In the last couple years I thought Columbus Day was going to disappear into the annals of US History, but looks like people were beginning to miss it after all.

I think you like this little old fashioned cartoon with the story of Christopher Columbus, which is--in its own little way--quite inspiring. For more in-depth info, click here to see Time magazine's "Top 10 Things You should Know about Columbus."

Pledge to America

2010-10-09T10:00:00.002-05:00

“For fourteen straight months, national unemployment has remained above 9.5. This is a place the Administration told us our economy would never see if only the stimulus was passed. One trillion dollars in spending later, millions of Americans are struggling with unemployment, while businesses and investors sit on the sidelines rather than putting their capital to work to get the economy back on its feet."

I couldn't have said it better, but Illinois' own Pete Roscom beat me to the punch. I'm thinking this point of view is why your usually Democrat neighbors have those Republican signs in the yard this year. With news that 95,000 more jobs have been lost, is it any wonder? Click here to read the new Pledge to America.

Great News: Bob Dold Endorsed by Trib for IL-10!

2010-10-07T14:01:00.006-05:00

Bob Dold (center) has been spending long hours meeting with local voters

Bob Dold just won the endorsement of the Chicago Tribune for Illinois' 10th Congressional District and that is great news. Having grown up in Kenilworth, graduated from New Trier, and earned his MBA from Northwestern's Kellogg, Bob is an extremely local candidate with deep roots in the community. Bob has spent countless hours and long days getting out and meeting citizens throughout the 10th district, gaining increased understanding of the problems that our district faces. One of Bob Dold's strong concerns is the current job situation. In Wilmette alone, the Federal Government spent just shy of $3 million in stimulus funds and created 1.62 jobs. Clearly, that is no bang for the buck. With our state unemployment running around 10%, Dold's plan to cut government spending and put into place policies that create private-sector jobs is very welcome.

If you haven't met Bob Dold yet, do take the time to do so. If you go down Green Bay Road, his campaign headquarters is just over the Elm street bridge in Winnetka at Abe Fell's old store, and the Dold for Congress website has information about this campaign as well as an e-mail sign up. I have known the Dold family for a long time, and have been backing Bob since before the primary. In the primary, Bob was chosen over several other well-qualified people by his party, and I am hoping he will be chosen by the voters in November. Bob Dold would make an excellent Congressman. But you don't have to take my word for it. Tonight, Thursday October 7th, from 7-8:30 PM, Chicago Hadassah will hold a candidate forum at Temple Am Shalom, 840 Vernon Ave., Glencoe.

Bring Back the Handshake

2010-10-01T17:15:00.000-05:00

Yes, we know that Wilmette's own Rahm Emanuel is almost Chicago's mayor, but would someone please, pretty please, just bring back the handshake? Enough is enough. All this hugging has got to go.

Is "Camp Politics" Right for Your Child?

2010-10-01T10:42:00.004-05:00

I thought this was a really cute video about "Camp Politics" and learning how to be a politician. Hope you enjoy it!

H/t OW via email.

Brace Yourself Department: Grim Christmas for Cook County Homeowners

2010-09-29T06:58:00.006-05:00

Horrible news. The Cook County tax bills won't be out until Thanksgiving and will be due December 22, just 3 days before Christmas. In a recession-battered economy which has beaten local household budgets to a pulp, it will be impossible to plan sensibly for Christmas spending. No one knows what kind of tax increase is planned for this year, and paying the property taxes has to take priority over the Christmas stocking. Dare we even go shopping? This late timing also will give Cook County homeowners who don't pay their taxes through an escrow only three months to plan for their first half tax bills in 2011.

Of course, this has absolutely nothing to due with the election in November, we are assured. Thank goodness. When Cook County officials (all Democrats, just in case you're wondering) know their party is in trouble for that election, no suspicion--no, none at all--could possibly be raised for their motives or timing.

Come See Hamilton Chang Debate this Sunday, 2PM, Village Hall

2010-09-24T10:45:00.006-05:00

Hamilton Chang

Do block out an hour of your time, this Sunday, September 25, 2010, and go to Wilmette Village Hall at 2:00 pm to listen to the debate between State Representative candidates, Wilmette's own Hamilton Chang and his opponent Daniel Biss. The seat is currently held by Republican Beth Coulsen, who is retiring.

With strong educational credentials and years of experience in private industry, Chang boasts a distinguished financial background. His election would make a genuine difference in bringing financial expertise into our legislature and help our elected officials to start sorting out the financial nightmare which has developed in our State over the past few years.

I know the ladies over at the League of Women Voters are always very disappointed when the press fails to give them credit for debates they organize and sponsor, so I would like not only to mention that this debate is put on by them but also note that the League has a strong dedication to sponsoring political debates. Also: for people who are suffering from that miserable cold that seems to be making the rounds, or have another good excuse for not leaving the house, the debate will also be broadcast live on Channel 6.

Dan Seals: No Recent Updates Except for the Social Security Flip-Flop

2010-09-20T08:14:00.018-05:00

Looking for a giggle? If you have a strong sense of humor and some political interest, sometimes it pays to look at candidate websites. I found this "no recent updates" Facebook Badge at the official website of Dan Seals, candidate for Congress in the 10th Congressional District, along with the invitation to "spread the word about Dan Seals" and add the official Facebook badge to your blog. And so I did.

I also found something else, maybe not so funny, about Dan Seals on my website visit. Just last week, the Chicago Tribune reported that Dan Seals "supports cutting Social Security payments to wealthier seniors because 'they are less in need of those benefits,' " In contrast, Seals website states, "Older Americans have been investing in and counting on these[Social Security] programs for decades, and Dan will work to guarantee seniors the benefits they’ve earned." What???

Seals seems to have been doing fairly routine about-faces on issues of late. What the heck, times change, and you wouldn't want a six-year campaign to appear old and stale, I imagine. Nevertheless, its best not to talk out of both sides of your mouth and better to make both your written words and your spoken words agree, wouldn't you think? While the juvenile and goofy campaign stunts seem to be winding down as perennial candidate Seals ages, the candidate doesn't appear to have changed a bit. Is it any wonder that in Wilmette--where Dan Seals lives--that the yard sign count for Republican candidate Bob Dold--who doesn't live in Wilmette-- is at least 20 or 30 for Dold to 1 for Seals? Elections are only six weeks away, and things are starting to get interesting.

Campaigns, Caterpillars, and Iguanas

2010-09-17T08:50:00.003-05:00

I promised a few more vacation pictures, so here is a catepillar and two Iguanas. I suppose one of these days I will have to make a few comments on the local candidates, and start getting ready for November's election. Anybody else thinking that the ads against Mark Kirk are beyond the pale? Well, I know they are, because people are telling me so. At our house, we will be supporting Mark Kirk.

We have a great bunch of local Republican candidates this year, and if yard signs are any indication, the Democrats have gone into hiding! Wise choice, I would say. Democrat policies will ensure a sojourn at the Poor House by and by, if it hasn't sent you there already. This is, year six of the Dan Seals (candidate for the 10th Congressional District) perma-campaign, and he still doesn't live in the district. He is running a very, very quiet campaign, appealing to his base and keeping his head down. It still amazes me how his supporters claim he was at events he never attended--or if he did, only invisibly--such as Northbrook's 4th of July parade.I have seen about one Seals sign as opposed to dozens for Bob Dold. But so much for politics, and on to the pictures.

Have you ever seen such a good looking catepillar? I found this one at the Botanical Garden on Dominica. It was as big as my finger!

The iguana is really enjoying his nap in the tree on a very hot day.

The iguanas ran around like squirrels in St. Thomas. There were a lot of them! If you can get beyond their somewhat ugly appearance, they are pretty cute, and quite charming.

Michael Moore, White House Chief of Staff?

2010-09-13T22:56:00.001-05:00

"I'll work there everyday, I'll get up with Obama, we'll get up at six in the morning, I'll help light a fire under him, we'll get going, we'll get the job that needs to get done, "We'll stand up for the American people, stand up for the working people, have some guts. And that's what I think we need." -Filmmaker Michael Moore on who should replace Rahm Emanuel as Chief of Staff if Emanuel leaves the White House.

Pretty good idea, seeing that the word in Washington is that while George Bush was up and out the door at about, say 6am, Obama really isn't out and about until about 11:00. With a full party schedule at the White House this week, Mr. Moore's words seem timely, indeed.

9/11: Remembering Michael Grady Jacobs and Carl Molinaro

2010-09-11T00:05:00.039-05:00

Today is the 9th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City. For nine years now, the Islamic world has failed to condemn the acts of that day and the continuing violence that began to rock our world nearly one decade ago. We have yet to see any kinder, gentler face of Islam, but we remain open to the concept. Families still mourn the 2,996 loved ones cruelly murdered that day, and Americans remember the horror.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In Memory of Michael Grady Jacobs

If Michael Grady Jacobs was alive today, this morning might find him practicing the bagpipes, dreaming of retirement just a couple of years away. Or perhaps he would have been off to breakfast with one of his children and some of his grandchildren, who were deprived forever by cruel foreign terrorists from ever knowing their grandfather.

When Michael Grady Jacobs headed off to work in Manhattan from suburban Danbury, Connecticut on September 11, 2001, it was a bright and beautiful morning. Fifty-four years old, at the prime of his career, he had a fine job at Fiduciary Trust International, as Vice-President of Tax Operations. He was a local Danbury boy, having received a good Jesuit education at Fairfield Prep, which prides itself on forming men of competence, compassion, and commitment as leaders of the world, after which he went on to Fairfield University.

Michael Grady Jacobs worked on the 90th floor of World Trade Center. He was only one of the 2,996 US citizens and guests whose life was snuffed out on 9/11 by foreign Jihadist warriors. Their terrorist value system defined anywhere in the world they chose to strike as their battlefield, and men the calibre of Michael Grady Jacobs--who spent the last minutes of his life attempting to lead his co-workers to safety-- as their enemies. His life, which included his family, his work, his rebuilding of an old Volkswagen beetle, and learning to play the bagpipes was cruelly taken from him that 9/11 morning without cause, warning, or justification.

The online exhibits at the National September 11 Memorial Museum tell the stories of many who survived the horrors in New York City just eight years ago. Do take a moment to visit, to remember Michael Grady Jacobs, his family including his four children and now a grandchild, the others who were brutally murdered, and the many thousands of others who are left with a life-long struggle resulting from a loved one's loss.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In Memory of Carl Molinaro

If Carl Molinaro had been alive this Saturday, he would have still been a fairly young man of 41. Perhaps this morning, a warm Saturday in September, he would have headed out to the park with his 12 year old daughter and his 9 year old son. Maybe the afternoon would have been spent off at a movie or the mall, or just lazing about in the yard. Unfortunately, due to the cruel attacks of September 11, 2001, Carl's children really never knew him at all.

"Everybody that knew Carl loved Carl, especially me," said Donna Molinaro, in an interview in October, 2001. A year later, she wrote, "I will love you with all my heart until the end of time. You stole my heart at 15 and it will be yours forever." Mrs. Molinaro is the widow of firefighter Carl Molinaro. He died in New York City in the collapse of One World Trade Center while aiding building evacuation with Ladder Company 2, on September 11, 2001. Nearly 15,000 lives were saved through evacuation that fateful morning.

Carl was only 32. His newborn son was just three weeks old, and his daughter only 3 at the time of the attack on America. A native of Brooklyn, he had moved to Tottenville on Staten Island in his childhood, played football for Tottenville High, and was raising his family in the same neighborhood.

Carl was remembered by famous writer Kurt Vonnegut at a Memorial Service held on October 23, 2001. In that speech, Vonnegut--whose own life and house had been saved by firfighters just two years earlier--referred to an earlier quote of his, "I can think of no more stirring symbol of man's humanity to man than a fire truck."

Clearly, Carl was as taken by firefighting as was Vonnegut, moving from working in his Dad's New Jersey furniture factory to learning to be a firefighter in his late 20's. His life and contribution to the survivors of 9/11 is memorialized in nearly 2,000 online tributes to him, including one at the New York Times.

These tributes are part of Project 2996, an online initiative which remembers the victims of the terrorist attacks upon the United States on 9/11/2001.

Rev Jones and the Quran: One Nutbag Minister Should not a World Crisis Make

2010-09-09T09:41:00.003-05:00

America is not the battlefield of Islam, and one nutbag minister from Florida is not a world crisis. This country is governed by a system of laws rooted in the Anglo-American tradition, granting wide toleration for stupid and unwise words and deeds, and that protection extends to burning the holy book of any religion of your choice. Religious prejudice is nothing new in our country, and any attempt to spin history to the contrary is simply a lie.

Smart Muslims would be wise to react the same as any thinking person North of the Mason-Dixon line, who ignore aggrevating fundamentalist Southern preachers such as Terry Jones. Rev. Jones, who considers Islam evil, has designated this Saturday, September 11, as a Quran burning day. Chances are good that the books Rev. Jones plans to burn are English versions, which we long ago learned aren't even real Quarans, anyway. Real Quarans exist only in Arabic. Whatever the case may be, it would be smart to remember that these are books, not people, burning at the stake. A fair and just society, generally speaking, grants far greater rights to human beings rather than inanimate objects.

In a story about Muslims in America appearing earlier this week in the New York Times, a muslim doctor noted, “In no other country could we have such freedoms — that’s why so many Muslims choose to make this country their own." The government officials who have been so quick to condemn Rev. Jones, might well be reminded that the same laws that give the good doctor the freedom he wants for himself and his family, are the same laws that extend their protection to Rev. Jones and his book burning.

Yesterday, about 200 lawyers and civil society members in Multan, Pakistan protested against Rev. Jones. As part of that protest, an American flag--an object as dear to American heats as a Quran is to a Muslim--was burned. A picture is above.We would note that no American leader who chastized Rev. Jones had anything to say about the flag.

OMG, No More Mayor Daley?

2010-09-08T16:08:00.000-05:00

No more Mayor Daley? How upsetting is that? Except for the Bilandic-Byrne-Wahington interregnum--when plagues of snow and other bad things too horrible to remember were visited upon the City of Chicago--a Mayor Daley is all that most of us have known. Loyal to their city, we knew a Mayor Daley would never leave us for a more exciting or better paying job. A Chicago institution, sort of like the old Irish Kings, who were elected from the sons of the King, and now there will be no king at all. Scary.

Back from Vacation

2010-09-02T15:45:00.009-05:00

I was pretty excited to get a vacation before Labor Day, and I got some pretty pictures. After a little tussle with Hurricane Earl, I am happy to be safely home. Unfortunately, I developed a cold, so am a little under the weather today. This is a view of the capital of the the small island nation of Dominica, which is just as picturesque as it looks.

This sign pointing out the Office of the President might make you think I took some time out from fun to meet some important politicians like Michelle Antoinette did in Spain, but really all I did was take a picture of the sign.

I loved seeing the bananas growing, which you can see, above. Bananas of course require tropical weather to survive, and this vacation was really, really hot. I think it was unusually hot because the approach of Hurricane Earl made the air extremely still and we couldn't enjoy cool ocean breezes. It also might of been because I planned this trip long before it got hot this summer, and hot seemed like a great idea. From a temperature standpoint, going to the Dells might have been smarter.

I found it a real challenge to take decent pictures in the super-bright sunlight--it washed out all the color. I am sure more practice would help. Shortly before I saw this waterfall I found out that the Boa Constrictor is a common snake on Dominica. which sort of took the fun out of these jungle-like surroundings. Nevertheless, I had a wonderful time on my summer vacation in spite of the Hurricane, the Boas, and the heat. I will try to find some more good pictures to share with you over the next few days.

Pakistan Floods Continue Widespread Misery

2010-09-01T07:15:00.002-05:00

Save the Children is reporting that millions of children still are not receiving food aid in flood-ravaged Pakistan, as 20 million Pakistanis attempt to keep body and soul together in this terrible humanitarian crisis. The UN is working to raise funds to supply seeds to farmers who have lost their standing crops, as well as their seed stocks, and 1.2 million livestock and 6 million poultry. While floodwaters are beginning to recede, the affected region is half the size of Italy. Predictibly, the Taliban is working to try to trade relief efforts for loyalty. Open Doors urges prayers for the affected, reminding us that this is not just a problem affecting Pakistan's large Muslim Population. The video, above, is written and performed by the Pakistani group, Laal, and features dozens of pictures showing the extent of the floods' fury. Do take a minute to look at this youtube video to learn more about this situation.

First Portrait from Michelle Antoinette's Royal Progress

2010-08-07T08:40:00.004-05:00

I hope you're not too shocked that I would post up this painting with such a clumsily done left arm and right hand. Nevertheless the unveiling of the first traditional portrait of Michelle Antoinette is worthy of a bit of a splash, even though I think the artist should have omitted the fleur-de-lys on the gown in favor of some white stars.

Michelle Antoinette's royal progress in Marbella has spawned a parody claiming that the First Lady has stated "Let them eat flan," in response to the economic troubles, but I doubt that. There is a lot of sugar and eggs in flan, not to mention whole milk. I would think she would be in favor of skiping the fat and sugar and suggest some nice, Gazpacho, which is very healthy to eat, so long as you don't overdo on the olive oil.

Civil War Battle at the Glen in Glenview

2010-07-26T05:26:00.004-05:00

We enjoyed going to the Glen in Glenview for yesterday's Civil War battle reenactment. The mock battle itself was quite smoky, as you can tell from the picture above. Next year begins America's Civil War 150th anniversary (sesquicentennial), so the Civil War will likely become a topic for everyday conversation in the coming months. Visiting actual Civil War battlefields also is sure to become a popular vacation destination over the next few years. Several states already have websites.

Americas Civil War battlefields are disappearing at an alarming rate, and the Civil War Preservation Trust works to save them for coming generations. Their website gives further information including a great online Civil War History Center

Lazy Sunday in Wilmette

2010-07-25T11:17:00.003-05:00

It's a lazy Summer Sunday in Wilmette. Everyone at our house is tired from working at the Kenilworth Union Church Rummage Sale, yesterday. After so much excitement, today we are looking for something fun to do. But first, we did find this gem while doing the online equivalent of reading the Sunday paper:

"[I]nstead of being vilified, as we were under Bush, the United States is now suddenly bordering on being irrelevant.

Relations with China and Russia have been deteriorating.

China wags its finger at us over our spendthrift ways, and who can blame them for worrying about whether we can ever afford to pay them back?

North Korea sinks a South Korean boat, and the U.S. provides no leadership. Instead, the Obama administration issues what amounts to a tersely worded press release.

Relations with the government we prop up in Afghanistan are, at best, strained.

No U.S. president since Carter has been as crossways with Israel, our one solid Middle East ally.

And on the homefront, unemployment still hovers around 10 percent. Factor in those who have lost hope and have stopped looking, and the jobless rate is in the high teens."
You can read the entire editorial at the Denver Post.

But no need to sit around the house pouting. We are off to The Grove in Glenview, to view the Civil War re-enactors. There is plenty to see and do there (here's today's schedule), and the day is lovely. We are going to take our mosquito repellant with us!

Ravinia Chic - a Marugoto Tamachan, the Japanese Watermelon Cooler

2010-07-20T17:44:00.002-05:00

Do you have a Marugoto Tamachan watermelon cooler yet? Imagine the jealous stares when you wheel one down the sidewalk at Ravinia! Available for only $230., the Tamachan can keep your hot foot hot and your cold food cold, and weighs a mere 14 pounds. High tech and stylish, the large wheels will likely keep it from being confused with a beauty salon hair dryer. Watermelons are expensive in Japan--home of the Marugoto Tamachan--and often given as gifts, so the price is really quite reasonable.

Don't Argue with an Ibex

2010-07-17T07:35:00.001-05:00

Don't Argue With an Ibex? Well, that's this video's name. I suppose the ibex is the animal, but with the weather so hot, I am too lazy to even look "ibex" up on Wikipedia. I imagine that nearly the whole world will have seen this very amusing video by, say, Monday night. I don't know whether this video was filmed in real time or used some artistic license, but if you have ever had a stubborn and strong-minded pet you are sure to laugh.

Police Investigating Attempted Child Abduction in Wilmette

2010-07-11T22:44:00.003-05:00

Wilmette police are investigating an apparent attempted abduction of an eleven year old girl that occurred at 2:10 pm on Saturday, July 10, 2010, in an alley near the intersection of Sheridan and Lake in Wilmette. The girl reported that she was walking in the alley, when a black Audi sedan stopped next to her. The driver yelled at the girl to get into the car, then got out of the car and pushed her towards the vehicle. The girl screamed and ran away.

Police are seeking a Caucasian male between 45-50 years of age, 6'0-6'2 in height, 160 lbs, with straight medium length brown hair. At the time of the incident, the offender was wearing a plain white t-shirt and blue jeans.

The Wilmette Police say that identifying the offender is a priority. While noting that incidents of this type are extremely rare, the Police recommend that parents discuss safety with their children. Specifically, children should be cautioned that if they are approached by someone they do not know, they should go to a neighbor or trusted adult and ask them to call their parents or the police.

The Wilmette Police Department indicates that it will be increasing patrols in the Sheridan and Lake area, and is asking citizens who might have information on this case, to contact the case officer, Detective Roger Ockrim at 847-853-7558.

Glenview Independence Day Parade - July 5, 2010

2010-07-05T23:05:00.008-05:00

This morning we decided to head off to the Glenview Independence Day parade. It was terribly hot outside, but cooler than yesterday's parade in Northbrook. Illinois 10th Congressional candidate Bob Dold and most of his family, along with many supporters, was a highlight. Dold is an extremely hard worker who spends long hours on the campaign trail and enjoys meeting voters. We did not see Dold's opponent, Dan Seals, at the parade, although he had a group marching.

The Jesse White Tumbling Team came to the parade, but it was mostly a different group than came to Wilmette on Saturday. It's a long drive to the parade for the tumblers, but I imagine they love their enthusiastic fans in the area. The tumblers are extremely popular, and have been seen in the Glenview parade for many years.

The Bolivians came to celebrate the 4th of July with us, but I don't think they drove their truck from Bolivia.

The Polish Roman Catholic Union dancers somehow managed to look cool. That was a feat given the temperature.

State Senate candidate Hamilton Chang was marching with his family and I managed to get a really bad photo of him with two of his sons while he was straightening up after shaking someone's hand. His finance background and U of C MBA will be a real plus for Illinois.

I'm sorry there isn't enough space or time to cover all the great participants in this year's parade. This was an outstanding parade, and with a length of over 1 1/2 hours, amazing for a small town such as Glenview. Thanks to everyone who braved the extremely hot weather; you made a great celebration!

Bob Dold in Northbrook 4th of July Parade

2010-07-05T10:31:00.002-05:00

Well I thought I had a better picture of Bob Dold at the Northbrook 4th of July parade, but turns out I am not much of a portrait photographer. Dold's opponent, Dan Seals, did turn up at the Highland Park parade earlier in the day. Seals had encouraged his supporters to come out and meet him in Northbrook, but he never showed up.

Northbrook Parade: While Bob Dold Shakes Voters' Hands, Dan Seals Went Missing

2010-07-05T01:04:00.005-05:00

Although 10th District Congressional candidate Dan Seals announced on his website that supporters could join him in the Northbrook 4th of July parade by meeting him on the corner of Western and Cherry at 2:30 pm, he was nowhere to be seen either on the corner at the announced time or in the parade. While we wrote Seals off a long time ago, I felt a little sorry for those who turned out on the corner to meet him. Well, not too sorry, because it is obvious that it's time for Seals to fold his tent in this campaign and slip away quietly in the night. Possibly, with him also being reported AWOL in the Lake Bluff parade, he's already done that and moved back to his old neighborhood.

Since this is about year six of Dan Seals' candidacy for a seat in the next Congressional district to the North of where he lives, I imagine he has a good inventory of pictures of himself at parades, so I suppose his absence doesn't matter much. Having been nearly run over by a large pickup truck toting a large Seals sign in the back, I would be remiss not to say that Seals did have a small but enthusiastic group of what appeared to be mostly high schoolers marching for him.

Bob Dold, who is running against Seals, was busy working the crowd during the parade. I borrowed a camera to take some pictures and will post them as soon as I can get hold of the camera.

Jesse White Tumblers Visit Wilmette on July 3, 2010

2010-07-04T11:41:00.006-05:00

The Jesse White Tumblers have been coming to Wilmette's Independence Day Fireworks for several years now. It's unclear who loves it more--the fans or the tumblers. I have never seen the Jesse White Tumbling Team receive a more enthusiatic reception than they do in Wilmette, and I have never seen them perform better than they do at Wilmette's lakefront. The entire crowd--but especially the children--treat the Tumblers as the big stars they are, and the Tumblers love to run by, high-fiving the little kids. With this perfect crowd-performer synergy, no wonder the Tumblers choose to return again and again to Wilmette!

This year Jesse White, the former Chicago Public School gym teacher, state legislator, and now Illinois' Secretary of State, came along with the team (there are several sub-teams, I think; that's Jesse White driving the van), and I can't think of a better Independence Day gift to Wilmette's children than for them to see a humble and honest politican who works hard to improve his community. The Jesse White Tumbling Team come from challenged backgrounds as different as could be from our local community, but with discipline, hard work, and the high ideals instilled by Secretary White, the tumblers are on the road to very bright futures. Let's hope that the Jesse White Tumblers continue to return to Wilmette for many years to come!

4th of July Fireworks - Wilmette and around town

2010-07-02T09:46:00.004-05:00

Looking for 2011 info? Click here.

Getting ready for the 4th of July? We are at our house! But please don't think Wilmette is the only place to see firworks this year. The Chicago Sun-Times has a great interactive map of all the 4th of July fireworks displays in the Chicago area over the next four days. For those people who simply can't get enough of fireworks, a little planning will insure that you can start tonight and end Monday in your quest for free ariel entertainment.

For people attending the 3rd of July fireworks at Gillson Park in Wilmette, the only sensible choices are to take the Pace bus or walk. Special fireworks busses start running at 4pm. A great place to park is the Wilmette Metra station. The parking is free, but the bus now costs $3.50 for a round trip ticket.

Mosquito Spraying tonght

2010-06-30T06:55:00.002-05:00

If you live in Wilmette, you might want to close your windows tonight despite the cool weather. The North Shore Mosquito Abatement District will be conducting "adult mosquito control operations" (i.e. spraying)on Wednesday, June 30, 2010 between 8:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m, weather permitting.

The portion of Wilmette being treated on Wednesday is the Peter Jans Golf Course from Isabella to Sheridan Rd, bordering Girard Avenue on the east. Additionally, the Gillson Park area bounded by Harbor Drive, Michigan Ave, Lake Ave and Lake Michigan, will be treated on Wednesday.

For more information and a detailed map of the treatment areas, visit the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District's website.

Got Wine but No Corkscrew? - Use Your Shoe!

2010-06-25T08:18:00.003-05:00

No corkscrew? Remember those frustrating times you've been on vacation with a bottle of wine just tempting you? The solution is simple, use your shoe! Just think of how many times could you have used this knowledge if you only had it! And can you imagine the wow factor at Ravinia? Well, maybe not "wow," but a curiosity that's sure-to-impress none the less.

Sorry that the video's in French if thats a problem for you, but the pictures tell the story!

h/t Taran