Benjamin Franklin once said "in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes." But I wonder if you can be taxed to death? Every time I turn on the TV or pick up the paper someone wants to raise taxes. The Chicago Board of Education is planning a property tax increase, Cook County wants to raise the sales tax and some state lawmakers want to raise taxes to bail out the CTA, Metra and Pace. Now Mayor Daley is considering raising property taxes. Trib writer Gary Washburn put it best, "It's a tough time to be a Chicago taxpayer." The last time I checked, there aren't too many companies raising salaries. So how are we suppose to pay for these tax increases, with blood? Even that will run out.

Send us your Cubs story ideas this week! We're looking for great stories so let us in on what or who you know that could make a great feature story on CLTV.

The Chicago Bulls host the Dallas Mavericks in a preseason match-up on Friday, October 12 on CLTV. Check out all the action starting at 7:30pm.

The issue of celebrating holidays came up this week during a school board meeting in Oak Lawn. The Ridgeland School District 122 is comprised of about 30 percent Muslim students. The issue brought before the school board during a Tuesday night meeting is whether or not Christian holidays, like Christmas, should still be celebrated given the rainbow of religions peppering the student body.

As much as I hate to admit it, I'm old! There was a time when I knew something about everything. Maybe that's stretching it a little, but at least I was familiar with what's "hot." That is until this morning. My producer put a story in the show about Hannah Montana. I had no idea who she was. Click on her picture to find out more about her. I checked her out on the internet and found out she's only 14, but she's the hottest thing going. Tickets for her upcoming concert have sold out in 4 minutes and scalpers are getting 4 to 5 times the face value for tickets. Then I found out she's on the Disney Channel. Which brings me to another phenomena I had no idea about, High School Musical.
This movie, turned stage musical, turned ice show is sweeping the world. Apparently 17.2 million people watched the debut of High School Musical 2. I have cable and I do get the Disney Channel but I'm not up on these shows. It sounds like the Disney Channel is hotter than MTV. I guess I'm going to have to change my TV viewing habits and start hanging out with my teen and tween relatives in order to stay up on things, because who knows what else I'm missing.

Getting to the starting line is the hard part.
That's what my father told me when I first got into running about 8 or so years ago. And what I didn't know, or believe then, is how right he really is. So a big cheers, kudos, shout-out, and salute to all those runners.. here and abroad.. who are taking on the 30th annual Chicago LaSalle Bank Marathon.
Not only is running a race of this magnitude a huge physical commitment, it affects the runner emotionally and socially. These people have spent the better part of the last year (longer for some, shorter for others) getting up early to run- sometimes for hours at a time, changing their diets, missing fun events, dealing with blisters, swollen muscles, bad runs, good runs.. all to spend this Sunday in 80 plus degree weather pounding the pavement for 26.2 miles. And why? Because it is an amazing experience, an accomplishment you can't describe, you can only feel for yourself once you step across the finish line. I personally haven't run a full marathon in a number of years (did the half in August, and now do international triathlons (with Dad)) because I can't find the time in my schedule for the training anymore. But I have to say I'm jealous.. and I'll be keeping an eye out for everyone this Sunday.
So as you running newbies listen to the gun go off.. just remember what Dwight D. Eisenhower once said, "What matters is not necessarily the size of the dog in the fight - it's the size of the fight in the dog." And good luck.

This by far, has to be my favorite story of the day. There appears to be a scientific explanation for why older people say whatever is on their mind. At first, I thought it was because they had lived long enough to earn the privilege or they just didn't give a damn anymore. But this Australian researcher seems to think it's because a part of their brain is shrinking. Apparently, as people age, their frontal lobes atrophy and people begin to lose social skills. The researcher even went so far as to suggest that's why older people seem to have fewer qualms about making racist remarks than younger people do. So now I know why my grandmother has no problem telling me when I've gained or lost weight. Or why my uncle once told an ex-boyfriend of mine that he had "a mouth like a gator" (he had a lot of teeth and a wide smile). But before you try to use this as a license to say whatever you want, keep in mind, the researcher didn't identify at what age this begins. So watch out, someone may not take too kindly to your crass comments, just because you're older than them.

Religion and science often conflict, no shock there. What is surprising is some British Muslim medical students are refusing to learn about alcohol-related illnesses and sexually transmitted diseases because they say it goes against their religious beliefs. Some of them are even refusing to examine patients of the opposite sex because they say the Koran forbids it. Here’s the kicker, they still expect to be awarded a medical degree. Well, the General Medical Council, which regulates doctors, says no way.

While I respect a person’s religious beliefs, the argument being made by these doctors in training concerns me. As a potential patient, I take issue with any doctor that’s not trained on all aspects of basic medicine. How can a doctor be effective in diagnosing and treating patients if he or she is not willing to learn about all the possible causes and effects? It sounds like a malpractice suit just waiting to happen. But more importantly, if the basic premise of a profession conflicts with your religious beliefs, shouldn’t you find another career?

I am glad to hear this is not a sentiment shared by all doctors of Muslim faith. Dr. Abdul Majid Katne of the Islamic Medical Association says, “There is a difference between learning and practicing.” He says, “to learn about alcohol, to learn about sexually-transmitted disease, to learn about abortion, it gives us more evidence to campaign against it.” In short, he says The Prophet said "Learn about witchcraft, but don't practice it".'

Agreed!! The most effective protester is an educated protester.

All year, I’ve been reading articles and even reporting on companies that are finding creative ways of tweaking employee health benefits to cut costs. Now it’s hit home. The other day I opened a letter from my company, Tribune about changes to our health plans. One stuck out like a sore thumb. Starting next year, employees who smoke (or use tobacco products) or who want to cover dependents that smoke will have to pay $100 a month on top of the medical premium. As Harry Caray would say, “Holy Cow!” That’s an extra $1200 a year, on top of the already high price of cigarettes. Fortunately I don’t smoke, but if I did, that’s enough to make me quit.

An Indianapolis company is even going so far as to charge their employees $5 a pay period if they use tobacco or their cholesterol or blood pressure gets too high. They could end up paying as much as $30 a paycheck.

These moves are not without precedent. The Chicago Tribune recently wrote about Henry Ford’s so-called Sociological Department. It was made up of 150 investigators who visited employees’ home and asked them about drinking, gambling, diet, savings and other personal things. Those who didn’t meet Ford’s standards within six months were fired. That was a century ago.

Today, it’s no secret; businesses have been trying to cut rising health-care costs by passing the expenses onto employees and encouraging them to be healthy. Pretty soon, not only will you have no excuse for not being healthy, you won’t be able to afford being unhealthy.

A new study was just released showing restaurants, which bill themselves as healthy, might actually make you fatter. The study was conducted by New York's Cornell University. It found people who opted for the 'healthier' restaurant (like a Subway).. over fast food (think McDonald's & Wendy's).. often treated themselves to higher calorie side dishes, drinks, or desserts.
Guilty.. I've done it a thousands times.. and will likely continue to do so, because in my mind, I'm still eating healthier. But what surprised me.. is researchers in the study found when people chose those additional side items.. they contained up to 131% more calories compared to the persons meal at a fast food chain. Ouch.. that smarts. But it begs the question.. Should you just go for the fatty fast food burger? Or get the fast food salad, cookies, and extra calories?
In making your decision consider this.. Researchers say people under estimated their caloric consumption in the study by about 159 calories. They say an extra 3500 calories equals a pound of fat. By that calculation researchers say the 159 extra calories equal about five pounds a year. So I'll stick with my salad's (they are better for you) and maybe have to ration my cookie intake. Or up my running..

Hooray! Construction on the Dan Ryan is almost done. The project is scheduled to wrap up by November. I’ll be counting the days, because the past two years have been horrible. The “Damn Ryan” (as I lovingly refer to it) is backed up all the time, early in the morning, late at night, weekends, etc. It’s one big pain in the *#@! Not to mention all of the other expressways and main streets that are clogged up with people trying to avoid the Ryan.

But believe it or not, there is a bright side to the construction nightmare. In my quest not to get stuck in traffic, I’ve discovered “new” neighborhoods and rediscovered areas that I’d forgotten about. Streets that were once filled with abandoned buildings and vacant lots are plastered with high priced condos, refurbished Brownstones and Greystones, huge lofts and cute little boutiques. WOW! And I’ve discovered shopping areas, filled with my favorite stores that are not too far from my house. I’ve even come across areas that I might consider moving to.

But as much as I love the neighborhood tours, I will be happy to have the Ryan back. It’s supposed to be bigger, smoother and safer. If not, I may have to retreat to my neighborhood shortcuts.

Here I go on a tax rant again! Yesterday, Mayor Daley released his 2008 budget for Chicago. It’s full of all kinds of taxes, fines and fee increases. There’s of course the biggest property tax increase in Chicago’s history, higher fees for sewer and water, higher liquor taxes, city sticker increases for SUV owners and of course, a new 10-cent tax on each bottle of water.

10 cents per bottle could bring in a lot of loot. According to the International Bottled Water Association, U.S. residents drink more bottled water annually than any other beverage, other than pop.

But is bottled water really worth it? The organization “Think Outside the Bottle” says at least 4 billion pounds of plastic bottles wound up in city landfills last year. And that’s after companies used 17 million barrels of oil to make the bottles.

Now if you’re not buying the “you’re destroying the planet” argument, then let me appeal to your “common sense.” Almost 40% of bottled water comes from the same source as tap water, which has to meet high purity standards. And if you get tap water from a relative or a friend's house, it's free!

Still not convinced? Then think about this. Most 16oz bottles of water cost about $1.25. Add on the 10-cent tax and you’re paying $1.35. It takes 128 oz, or 8 bottles to equal a gallon. So in essence, you’re paying $10.80 for a gallon of water. That’s more than a gallon of gas or milk, more than a 6 pack of beer, more than an extra value meal at McDonald’s, it’s even more than a martini or margarita at your favorite bar.

Now that I have you’re attention, is a bottle of water worth all of that, plus 10 cents?

Are we going to be able to afford to leave our homes in the city of Chicago in 2008?
It seems as though the air we breathe will be the only thing not taxed next year under Mayor Daley's budget proposal.. which includes.. among other things.. a major property tax hike, higher taxes on bottled water, on sewer, on phone usage, higher liquor taxes, more money for car leases, parking offenses, and higher prices on city vehicle stickers for SUV's.
Okay so we'll cut back on entertainment, drink from the tap, stop using a phone, won't buy liquor, and take public transportation. But wait.. that won't work either.. The CTA's doomsday scenario is about to cut service and increase fares.
Mayor Daley has expressed regret for all he is asking of Chicago residents, and I understand his desire to "keep Chicago moving forward", but will it force Chicagoans to move out? Or even deter possible new residents to move outside the boundaries, deflecting new monies from the city coffers? And then because of that do we see more hikes next year?
For now the budget is in the preliminary stages and will likely not end up as it was laid out. The property tax hike could get cut or pulled off the table depending on the folks in Springfield, who themselves are still wrestling with the State budget. Good thing the sky can't really fall.

There have been soooo many recalls in the news lately -- my head is spinning! You name it, it’s on the list: children's toys (too many to name), fresh vegetables (spinach), frozen foods (Banquet pot pies), canned food (Castleberry Hot Dog Chili sauce & Chunky Soup), peanut butter (Peter Pan), frozen beef patties (Topps), white chocolate (Kraft), baby cribs, pet food, fish and toothpaste. And those are just the ones I can name off the top of my head. Who knows how many more recalls are lurking.

Some of these products are made right here in the good ole U.S. of A., but a large number of them come from China. So the easy answer would be, just stop buying things made in China and scrutinize American products more closely, right? Not so simple! A Louisiana family tried that for a year and found out just how difficult it is. Simple things like buying shoes, finding birthday gifts and fixing appliances around the house was a huge, expensive task. They documented their experience in the book, “A Year Without ‘Made in China’.” (click on the book for more info)

Economists say about 15 percent of the $1.7 trillion in goods the U.S. imported in 2006, came from China. So what are we to do? Clearly, the companies producing these products aren't doing enough inspections. How can we protect ourselves? One thing is for sure, we can’t count on the government to do it for us. Senator Dick Durbin has been pointing out for some time now, the Agriculture Department and the Consumer Products Safety Commission are severely understaffed and unable to inspect the products coming into and made in this country. And the average person doesn’t have a testing lab in their home.

I’d have to say, the days of Little House on the Prairie never looked so good.

Just because it’s expensive, doesn’t mean it’s better. Case in point, there's a warning out about lead in lipstick. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics tested 33 brands of red lipsticks and found 61% had detectable levels of lead. The levels were apparently higher than the limit set for lead in candy, which is meant to protect kids from lead’s harmful effects.

Cost doesn’t seem to be a factor, but it’s interesting to point out that some of the less expensive brands like Revlon ($7.49) had no detectable levels of lead, but the more expensive Dior Addict brand ($24.50) had higher levels than others. Click here to see the full report.

Unfortunately, the FDA doesn’t regulate the cosmetic industry. And this group only tested a small number of lipsticks. So it’s really buyer beware. But my point in writing all of this is, just because you pay more, doesn’t always mean you’ll get a higher quality. In some cases, you may just get more than you wanted.

How’s the war in Iraq going? Are “we” winning or losing? The average person has no idea and the people who do know aren’t so eager to give an honest assessment. So it's left up to the media, but we are forced to rely on information we get from the military leaders running the war. Recently, the former top commander of U.S. forces in Iraq shared his first-hand knowledge in a speech to a group of military reporters.

(click here for the transcript)

Lt. General Ricardo Sanchez called the war plan “catastrophically flawed” and “unrealistically optimistic” from the beginning. He says, “There has been a glaring, unfortunate, display of incompetent strategic leadership within our national leaders.” Sanchez says if these national leaders continue to toy with the military strategy, we still won’t win. He says “the best we can do with this flawed approach is stave off defeat.”

He went on to say America has no choice but to continue its efforts in Iraq, because a withdrawal would “unquestionably lead to chaos that would endanger the stability of the greater Middle East.” And eventually the rest of the world.

Sanchez says if these national leaders continue to toy with the military strategy, we still won’t win. He says “the best we can do with this flawed approach is stave off defeat.”

Sanchez was asked, if he was convinced the American effort in Iraq was failing the day after he took command – which was in June of 2003 – why did he wait until now (after he’s been retired for a year and about to write a book) to be so vocal about his concerns. He responded by saying it was not the place of active-duty officers to challenge lawful orders from the civilian authorities.

Then why should we believe any of the commanders in Iraq when they go before Congress or get in front of a microphone and say we are winning the war?

Join CLTV and Chicago Tribune Charites for a Day at Cantigny Park

Cantigny's 5K Run/Walk 2007
The Cantigny 5K Run/Walk is a benefit for the Chicago Tribune Charities, a Fund of the McCormick Tribune Foundation. *** Due to construction of the Visitors Center the race will start and end on the Cantigny Golf course. *** Participants will run over the rolling hills of the golf course, around the McCormick Mansion on the park side, through the gardens, past the 1st Division Museum, and finish by running back through the golf course to the clubhouse. After the awards ceremony and the youth runs, enjoy free access to the grounds and museums for the rest of the afternoon.

Join CLTV's Gaynor Hall as she emcees the Quad County Urban League's Annual Equality Gala
Saturday, October 27, 2007 @ Signature Events at Seven Bridges. Featuring a special performance by EN VOGUE.

Thursday night on CLTV don't miss a second of Pre-Season Action as the ever-famous Chicago Bulls take on Milwaukee.

Game starts at 7:30 p.m.

I have finally figured it out. I know why every municipal taxing body in the state that can levy a tax increase is trying to do so at the same time. They want us to beg them to approve the new casino legislation. Try to follow my reasoning.

According to the IRS, the richest 1% of Americans earned more than 21 percent of U.S. income in 2005. Furthermore, a Harvard Economics professor says today’s middle class has about half as much spending money as their parents did in the early 1970s, after taking care of essentials like housing and health care. So there’s hard data that proves most people are barely hanging on financially.

So why do our elected officials believe that we can handle a Chicago property tax increase, a Cook County sale tax increase, a state sales tax increase, and whole host of other tax and fee increases, from a new phone tax, to a tax on bottle water, to higher vehicle sticker fees, etc. all at the same time?

I think they are piling it on so that we will beg for a way out. Then they will say the only way that we can create enough revenue to solve our financial woes is to add 3 new casinos.

I know it sounds like a conspiracy theory and of course not all of these taxing bodies will get a share of the casino revenue, but I wouldn’t be surprised if this wasn’t lingering in the back of one or some of their minds.

This case will surely make the law journals.
Judge James L. Shumate

Yesterday, Utah Judge James L. Shumate ordered a TV news reporter to produce a public-service story because she broke one of his court rules. Apparently, she interviewed a potential juror before the trial of polygamous sect leader Warren Jeffs. The judge had barred reporters from talking to potential jurors until after the trial. The TV reporter, Katie Baker says she didn’t know about the restriction. When she was hauled into court, the judge accepted her explanation, but gave her 90 days to come up with a public-service story and bring him a DVD copy or be found in contempt, which means she could go to jail or get a fine.

TV Reporter Katie Baker (click on the picture for more info)

Baker says she was inexperienced in covering courts and didn’t know he had ordered the media to stay away from the jury pool. Yes, people at her station did know, but the story aired any way because the news manager most knowledgeable of the rule wasn’t involved with her story that day. It’s a sorry excuse, I know. But ignorance of the law is no excuse. It’s a legal precedent that was established back in the 1600s by English jurist and philosopher John Selden. He wrote “Ignorance of the law excuses no man; not that all know the law, but because ‘tis an excuse every man will plead, and no man can tell how to confute him."

But – and this is a big “but” – even though Baker was wrong and she should be punished, can a judge order her to do a story? A first amendment expert says “The notion that a judge can either compel a journalist to write a story, or sit in judgment on a story to determine if it sufficiently serves the public interest, is extremely disturbing.”

Judges can order drug addicts into rehab, they even can order bad parents (Britney Spears) into counseling, but can they order television stations to air stories?

Sounds to me like this judge is overstepping his bounds.

There are at least 2 different debates going on in different parts of the country about the same issue – the drinking age. Iowa City is considering banning people younger than 21 from bars after 10pm. At the same time, a group based in Vermont is pushing to lower the legal drinking age to 18.

The Iowa City argument centers on binge drinking. Iowa City is home to the University of Iowa. This school has a national reputation for partying and binge drinking. That’s the one thing people in this town agree on. They differ when it comes to how to handle the problem. Some say, “If underage people are allowed in bars, they’re likely to drink.” Others say barring 19 and 20 years olds from the bar would only make house parties more popular and put people at more risk because there are no trained employees to make sure they don’t drink too much. Iowa City residents will vote on November 6.

The groups, “Choose Responsibility” and "National Youth Rights Association" (NYRA) argue, you’re mature enough to vote, can sign contracts and can serve in the military at 18, so why shouldn’t 18 year olds be able to buy and drink alcohol. NYRA believes it's inevitable that young people will drink, so America should find ways to reduce the harm rather than trying to stop it. It argues young Americans drink far more than their European counterparts, who are allowed to drink in the open. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and several other organizations have come out against it. MADD believes young people who drink may impair their brain function making it harder for them to learn. It also warns lowering the drinking age will lead to more binge drinking among youths. The only thing these two sides can agree on is the number of alcohol-related traffic deaths has gone down since the legal drinking age was raised to 21.

I know age is the easiest way to determine if a person should or shouldn’t drink, but the real determining factor should be how mature a person is. There are some 18 year olds that are more responsible when it comes to drinking than some 50 year olds. Unfortunately, there’s no test for common sense.

Rep. Tim Murphy of Pennsylvania wants to make murdering a service member a federal crime punishable by death. The “Captain Scott Corwin Armed Forces Protection Act” would treat the murder, attempted murder or conspiracy to murder a member of the military the same as killing or trying to kill a law enforcement officer. Right now, it’s only a federal crime if the accused knows the victim is a service member. The law would apply even if the service member is out of uniform or in a place where it’s not clear he or she is in the military, the same as undercover police.

Army Capt. Scott Corwin
The bill stems from the 2004 shooting death of Darien Illinois native Army Captain Scott Corwin. The Hinsdale South High School grad was killed in Savannah, Georgia while he and his girlfriend were walking near a downtown square. His shooting is still unsolved. Click on Corwin's picture to get more information about the foundation his family has set up.

There’s no doubt, this country owes a huge debt of gratitude to the service men and women who put their lives on the line to protect this country and the lifestyle we’ve grown accustomed to. Given the state of the world today and dangers they face while serving, especially in Iraq and Afghanistan, saying “thank you” is not always enough. Sometimes, especially now that there’s this huge debate about whether to bring the troops home, people want to go out of their way to make sure military members get the utmost respect. After all, they deserve it. But is this proposed law fair? It says, even if you don’t know this person is a service member, you will still be punished. At least with undercover police, they are protecting and serving (we hope). If the service members are out of uniform, in a place that doesn’t obviously identify them as a service member, then aren’t they just like the rest of us, trying to enjoy life?

Thursday, October 25 at 7:30pm be sure to watch your Chicago Bulls take on the Milwaukee Bucks only on CLTV. CLTV is only available on Comcast Cable.

Read more about the Bulls!

Read more about the Bucks!

CLTV Kids Charities, a fund of the McCormick Tribune Foundation, is recognizing four community groups with grants totaling $100,000 for local initiatives. B.U.I.L.D., Inc. of Chicago was awarded a grant for the Youth Development Initiative, which offers college counseling, after school programs, and community outreach activities to promote school retention and college enrollment. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation was awarded a grant for medical services and the Patient Education program. Families receive financial guidance, counseling referrals, and education on patients’ treatment regimens. The Quad County Urban League received a grant for the Technicians, Scientists and Managers program, which provides activities encouraging minority students from Kane, Kendall, DuPage and Will counties to pursue careers in science and management. Shelter, Inc. received a grant for general support. The Northwest Suburban agency offers emergency shelter, transitional living, and group home residential programs for children and youth who have been abused. Last year, more than 600 children, ages 0 to 17, received services.

Related Links:

B.U.I.L.D., Inc.
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Quad County Urban League
Shelter, Inc.
McCormick Tribune Foundation

A CLTV blog reader sent us an interesting e-mail from a man trying to propose to his girlfriend. He wants people to forward the e-mail to as many people as possible in hopes that it will eventually get to his girlfriend Mary. He’s even created a website: http://www.proposal-to-mary.com.

I was of course intrigued, so I went to the site. It’s a cute, well-designed site. He even included a poem. Here's part of it:

My angel,
Five years ago, I will always remember the day
When fate made us meet, blissful Alaskan moments in May
Earth spun around us and a journey began
Love, warmth, happiness, enough the years to span.

But as much as I want to believe this guy, the reporter in me has doubts.

First, he never gives his name or where he lives. He will only say that he moved to the United States from Germany. He says he doesn't want to become a target and wants to protect Mary's privacy.

Then I started thinking this is some sort of scam, a way to steal someone’s identity or get money out of people. But in another convenient answer, he says, “I can understand that people might be suspicious about this proposal. But – I have not asked you for your email address, there is no advertising on my homepage, I do not want to sell anything. In fact, the higher the traffic on my homepage gets, the more money I will have to pay for internet traffic. So – I do not make money, I actually spend money.”

Finally, this guy’s plan is to send the proposal to 50 complete strangers, hoping they will forward it to as many people as possible. And some day, he hopes, it will reach Mary after it’s travelled a very long way. Mind you, they’ve been together for five years.

Has he lost his freakin’ mind! He’s finally decided to propose and he is leaving it to an Internet chain letter? Who ever this Mary is (if she really exists), I hope she's not holding her breath waiting for him to propose.

Wednesday, October 31st tune in to see the Blackhawks take on Dallas.

Pre-Game @ 7:00 pm
Game @ 7:30.

Click here for more Blackhawks information.

Join CLTV and Chicago Tribune Charites for a Day at Cantigny Park

Cantigny's 5K Run/Walk 2007
The Cantigny 5K Run/Walk is a benefit for the Chicago Tribune Charities, a Fund of the McCormick Tribune Foundation. *** Due to construction of the Visitors Center the race will start and end on the Cantigny Golf course. *** Participants will run over the rolling hills of the golf course, around the McCormick Mansion on the park side, through the gardens, past the 1st Division Museum, and finish by running back through the golf course to the clubhouse. After the awards ceremony and the youth runs, enjoy free access to the grounds and museums for the rest of the afternoon.

While the pretend ghosts and goblins walked the streets of Chicagoland Wednesday night.. recent news stories may have area residents really scared. In just a matter of about 72 hours, two women went missing, a local family marked 6 months since THEIR loved one went suspiciously missing, and an Aurora mom was stabbed to death in front of her two babies. While we in the News business usually hear about crime and disappearances more than the average person, the days events left all of us wondering "what is going on"?

That is a question left up to police. But it does make you wonder if we, as individuals, do enough to keep ourselves safe on daily basis. One of the cases under investigation this week is Alma Mendez. The Chicago Heights woman was found beaten and stabbed to death in a Cook Co. Forest Preserve Tuesday night. She was reported missing while out on her normal daily jog on Sunday. She was on the same route she took almost every day, in broad daylight.

As a runner it makes me think.. what do I do to stay safe during my daily jogs? Pretty much nothing. I do have a 'dog-tag' like attachment for my shoe, with my name and contact information on it, but I doubt that's going to do me much good if I meet up with someone intending harm. When I was a kid my dad always taught me if I came upon a stray dog while running, I should pull a 3 Stooges and poke it in the eyes to scare it off. Unfortunately that means it has to get close enough to me. So I did a little digging.. and here are a few helpful tips you may want to think about next time you head out, courtesy of Running4women.com.

1. Don't run the same route all the time at the same time vary it up.
2. Road running? Try to face oncoming traffic, it allows traffic to see you and you to react to the traffic.
3. Train with a friend. Or stick to areas with a lot of people.
4. Wear light clothing.
5. Lose the headphones, not being able to hear what's going on around you can be dangerous from a traffic standpoint as well as personal safety.
6. Avoid poorly lit areas.
7. Tell at least one other person when and where your route will take you.
8. Leave your watch or jewelry at home, this makes you less of a target for muggers.
9. Keep a cell phone handy in case of emergencies.
10. Carry a noisemaker, like a whistle, to alert others around you if you're in danger.

I admit, doing all of these all the time for me, likely won't happen. But they are definitely good tips to keep in mind to help take control of our own personal safety. Of course there is one I didn't put on that list which some of my colleagues believe would work better.
Stay home on the couch.
Maybe next week.