Flamingo, created by noted American artist Alexander Calder, is a 53 foot tall stabile located in the Federal Plaza in front of the Kluczynski Federal Building in Chicago, Illinois, United States. It was commissioned by the United States General Services Administration and was unveiled in 1974, although Calder's signature on the sculpture indicates it was constructed in 1973.
Flamingo weighs 50 tons, is composed of steel, and is vermilion in color. Calder gave the stabile its color, which has come to be called "Calder red," to offset it from the black and steel surroundings of nearby office buildings, including the Ludwig Mies van der Rohe-designed Kluczynski Federal Building. The stabile is an art form which Calder pioneered. It is an abstract structure that is completely stationary, as opposed to a mobile, which can move with air currents.
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Illinois Governor Pat Quinn finally started talking tough on the budget, albeit a little too late.
He needed to say no more Mr. Nice Guy a long time ago.
Today he vetoed what he described as the most onerous parts of the budget, that decimate what he calls the heart and soul of the state's human services.
That's sets up a showdown with his fellow Democrats House Speaker Mike Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton, who won't give Quinn what he wants.
They're calling their chambers into special session on July 14th, but if the mess isn't fixed in the next two weeks state workers won't get their checks on the 15th of the month and then the pain starts.
Michael Jackson's Will - Apparently No Mention of His Father
Perhaps in some ways it can be reassuring to the rest of us, that even the most famous and wealthy families have their problems. Joe Jackson at his son's side during Michael Jackson's child molestation trial
It's not entirely clear that Joe Jackson's left out of any inheritance from his son, but that's reportedly the case. The current 2002 Michael Jackson -will- now officially filed in a Los Angeles court apparently doesn't refer to him. Though some experts believe another more recent will could still possibly surface; there's a good chance such a document also wouldn't include the family patriarch, as he and his famous son reportedly had a strained relationship.
Katherine Jackson
It's also interesting, that in granting custody of his three children to his mother, Katherine Jackson, the back-up to her in that role (if she can't fulfill it) isn't another family member. Michael Jackson wished for legendary singer Diana Ross to raise his children if his mother can't.
We journalists can be a pretty pessimistic bunch, but I admit-- I was impressed. This morning, I went out on "The Ledge" of the 103rd floor of the Sears Tower. "The Ledge" is the Skydeck's new feature. Each ledge is ten feet high, ten feet wide, and extends four feet out-- giving you a view 1353 feet STRAIGHT DOWN! You feel as if you're standing on air. I thought building managers would get nervous when I started jumping up and down in my four inch heels. They said go ahead-- no problem. Each ledge is also retractable so window washers can do their job.
On July 15th, 1,500 Chicago city workers could be laid off, if unions can't agree to concessions with Mayor Daley. So far, 37 of the 40 unions have signed on to a two-year deal, including an 8% pay cut and an unspecified number of furlough days. Three unions say they can't afford to take what amounts to a 10% cut in pay over the next two years. AFSCME says Daley is demanding a combination of 46 furlough days and unpaid holidays. The union says it offered another solution that would not include layoffs, but would save as much money. It was apparently turned down. It wouldn't say what it offered in the alternative plan, saying it does not negotiate in the media. Executive Director Henry Bayer says the mayor doesn't have to lay off people if he doesn't want to because of this plan. Do you think the city should look at all options? Do you feel unions should just give in to save their jobs? How would you solve this problem? One city worker I talked to today pleaded with the other three unions to hop aboard and worry about the other things later. No one is saying what will exactly happen if there's not an agreement with those unions. It could mean the 1,500 layoffs will take place, even though the other 37 unions agreed in principle. The economy just keeps eating up everybody. No one is safe.
Today's picture comes from Ray Cesnauskas of Chicago.
It's the Midwest Eye Clinic Indian Statue on 63rd & Pulaski in Chicago.
Ray writes:
This Indian been on the roof of the corner store for atleast 35 years. Aslong as I remember. It is located on the North-West Corner of 63rd and Pulaski. South-West Side of Chicago in the West Lawn Area.
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Jenny Sanford says her husband's affair with an Argentine woman is inexcusable, but she's willing to forgive him.
Say what?
Governor Mark Sanford told the Associated Press this week that his mistress is his soul mate, but he's trying to fall back in love with his wife. Is that even possible? How would you feel after hearing your husband make such a public statement? Mrs. Sanford also says she hopes he can make good on his intentions to save their marriage for the sake of their children.
How many women would be willing to give it another shot?
Check out this column by Maureen Dowd of the New York Times. It gave me a chuckle.
'United' Delays: Life's a GLITCH - and then you FLY!
In the end it wasn't too terribly bad: the Big Flying Delay at O'Hare early Thursday, after a computerized passenger check-in system malfunctioned for some reason.
People (many trying to get somewhere for a July 4th Holiday weekend) were stuck waiting and not flying... until they could be *manually checked in. For the luckier ones, it was simply a matter of a flight delay. Though others had their flights outright *cancelled (about a hundred were dumped as of Thursday afternoon), those folks then needing to be re-booked on other flights.
While a lot of people were definitely frustrated, some did try to stay positive. One guy itching to get his vacation started, but standing in a long check-in line, put it this way, "In a line is better than in the office!"
****
This is the second time in two years United's had computer-related delays at O'Hare. They say the two situations are completely different, though they still haven't fully explained (at this writing) what went wrong in this latest incident.
We Jackson fans have all heard by now- should Michael's 79-year old mother Katherine not be able to look after his three children, his 65-year old mentor Diana Ross should be their guardian.
Diana Ross has raised five children of her own, but the queen of Motown is aging, and judging by her recent behavior- is aging erratically.
She's had two arrests recently, for both DUI and allegedly assaulting an airport worker.
Given her age and her criminal record, is Ross a good choice to look after Prince Michael, Paris Michael Katherine, and Prince Michael II?
The Cubs are back to the .500 mark thanks to the hot bat of first baseman Derrick Lee and they now stand 2 1/2 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central.
D-Lee banged out a couple of homers, driving in 7 runs including a grand slam, his 14th dinger of the season, in the Northsiders' 9-5 win over the Brew-crew at the Friendly Confines.
It was Lee's 10th grand slam of his career. He's the first Cub to hit two homers and drive in 7 runs since "Mr. Let's Play 2", Ernie Banks did it back in 1969. The Cubs beat San Diego 19-0. Unfortunately, we all know what happened at the end of that season.
Let's hope this isn't an omen Cub Fans.
The Cubs could find themselves in the driver's seat by the end of this holiday Fourth of July weekend if they can clinch the series against their rivals from the North.
Home cooking is always a great remedy for solving a 3-7 mark in their last 10 outings, prior to this homestand, especially when being away from the Confines.
This is what the Cubs need. Hot bats and consistency. Manager Lou Piniella has to find a way to get each player on this team to produce every given game, every given series from here until the end of the season.
As the old cliche' goes, it's a marathon not a sprint and now is the time to begin to make your move in the division. Perfect positioning for the Cubs.
Constructed in 1869 using big limestone blocks, the Chicago Water Tower, with all its small towers in a 'gothic style', resembles more a tiny European 13th century castle than a water tower. It was designed by the architect William W. Boyington and houses a 40 meter standpipe which was needed to equalize the pressure of the water pumped from the pumping station to the east. The total height of the tower is 154 ft or 47 m.
Since its survival of the Great Fire, the Chicago Water Tower became one of Chicago's main symbols. The tower became functionally obsolete many years ago, although the pumping station still pumps water for the city.
In May of 1969, during the year of its centennial anniversary, the Chicago Water Tower was selected by the American Water Works Association to be the first American Water Landmark. It now houses a visitor information center and has become one of the major tourist attractions in Chicago.
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Marillac: State Cuts Could Wipe Out A Program That's Helped Generations
Ever heard of Marillac? A lot of Chicagoland residents may not have. But it's been in this area for more than 90 years; started by Catholic nuns of the 'Daughters of Charity' order, it's helped the poorest of the poor in ways that money can't buy. Thing is, without more money soon.. Marillac could be in danger of going under, according to those who run it.
Marillac, on Chicago's west side, is a victim of state funding cuts to social services programs. So, next time you see an Illinois state budget story talking about these cuts, those affected no longer need to be entirely faceless. Check out my report below:
Question: If a lifeblood of an already impoverished and blighted community is eliminated..
what happens?
Are we looking at a time bomb waiting to go off, as jobs and other activities to keep kids off the streets disappear, as working parents can no longer find affordable child care, as seniors can't get needed help close to home?
Marillac is asking people to call on their state representatives, to try and get them to help. Marillachouse.org
I also wonder why the Chicago Catholic Archdiocese (even though Marillac is an independent operation) isn't coming to the rescue?
She's already served as mayor, governor, mom, grandmom and Vice-Presidential running mate to John McCain.
Does Sarah Palin's resignation signal a newfound focus on a Presidential bid in 2012?
In a news conference today in her hometown of Wasilla, Palin said she planned to travel and support a variety of political causes upon her leaving office July 26th.
"I'll work hard and campaign for those who are proud to be Americans and are inspired by our ideals and won't deride them," Palin said.
Translate what you think that means about her political future here.
Remember what this day means. It's about country and pride. It's about the troops serving now and those who served in years past. Think about the men and women who sacrificed for your freedom. What does July 4th mean to you? As you hang out with family and friends, and barbecue in the backyard, just take a second to reflect on Independence Day. In Arlington Heights, they found a way to continue a tradition that has been around since 1976. Thousands lined the streets for the annual parade. Volunteers helped raise money to keep the parade afloat. Many towns and communities had to cut back and cancel fireworks displays and parades because of the economy. Why do you think we forget on days like this to pause for its true meaning? Do we get caught up in just having the day off? Is it parents not teaching the younger generation about these holidays? Red, white, and blue. Colors with hundreds of years of blood, sweat, and sacrifice.
CLTV SPORTS :60: Ex-NFL QB Steve McNair Shot to Death
HIGHEST DRAFTED BLACK QB FOUND SLAIN
By JERRY RILES
News about the shocking death of a former quarterback spread quickly throughout the NFL community as well as the country on the afternoon of July 4th.
Steve McNair was found dead at the age of 36 after suffering a fatal gunshot wound to the head at the home of a female friend in Nashville, Tennessee. The woman was also found slain along with the 13 year veteran.
A close friend of the one-time MVP discovered the bodies of the 3-time Pro Bowl quarterback and his female companion. The two were found in a condo allegedly owned by McNair and the 20-year old woman.
It's alleged the young woman, an employee of Dave & Buster, may have shot the NFL quarterback mulitple times, including a single gunshot wound to the head, and then turned the gun on herself.
McNair was found on a sofa in the living room of the condo. The female victim was found nearby with a handgun close to her body.
McNair first was introduced to the football world as a star quarterback with Alcorn State back in 1995 where he ran a spread offense. Many critics questioned if the young African American QB could succeed in the NFL because he was never really tested.
The former Titan leader was the third overall pick in the draft coming out of college.
The shocking thing is that once gain, guns have played a role in the downfall of another NFL player. Will the climate ever change in the world of the NFL?
Are guns, professional athletes, and money an instant recipe for disaster? What do you think?
Either way, the sports world has experienced another tragedy. When will it end? Only time will tell.
McNair leaves behind a wife, Mechelle, and four sons.
(Jerry Riles is a weekly 5on5 contributor featured every Tuesday in the RedEye)
This evening I covered yet another crime which makes no sense.
The Cook County Medical Examiner has ruled 67-year old William Hallin was killed due to blunt head trauma and assault in the the basement of a building which he was renting out in the 5000 block of S. Talman Ave.
Hallin's body was later burned, and neighbors say they're certain the crime was committed by a man living in the upstairs unit.
Just Thursday, one neighbor told me, that man shot a b.b. gun at her from across the alley, screaming that she "wouldn't understand, he's lost someone close to him."
Sounds like he went crazy, and an innocent landlord paid the price.
Hallin's wife died seven years ago, but he leaves behind children and a grandson.
What a final four at this year's 2009 Wimbledon Finals.
Federer versus Roddick. Williams versus Williams.
Should there be a 2nd place finisher? A loser? I think not.
Roger Federer held of challenger Andy Roddick to win his 15th Grand Slam to set an all-time record with super tennis stud Pete Sampras looking on. Wow!
Roddick battled hard at Wimbledon before succumbing to Federer 5-7, 7-6 (6), 7-6 (5), 3-6, 16-14.
It was very difficult to watch Roddick address the prestigious Wimbledon fan base after falling in the Finals to the new legend.
He acknowledged the assembly and paid his kudos to the reigning champion as he accepted the second place trophy. What a classy guy. A regular guy in my opinion.
The sisters? What can you say. Serena or Venus? Take your pick. Out of the last 10-Finals one of the two has claimed the crown eight times during that span. Impressive!
Serena dethrones her sister on Saturday to capture her third title. Venus has already collected five. Talk about dominance.
Serena beat her sister Venus 7-6 (3), 6-2 on Saturday for her third title and 11th Grand Slam championship.
The Williams sisters are holding it down. Will there ever be a sister tandem that puts a strangle hold on womens' tennis? African American non the less?
Enraged Tenant Accused of Beating, Choking, Burning Landlord to Death
Prosecutors described an unimaginable scene on Friday afternoon on Talman Avenue in the Gage Park neighborhood. That's where the body of 67-year-old William Hallin was found dead and burned. His body was found in the basement of one of he buildings he owned on the city's southwest side. Twenty-eight year-old Martin Vega is charged with first degree murder. What comes next shocked everyone in the courtroom Sunday. Prosecutors say Hallin went to the building to collect the rent and spotted a dog in Vega's apartment. He then told him he had to move. I guess Vega allegedly went off. They claim he beat his landlord to death. They claim Hallin was beat with garden tools, a pipe, and a lamp. He was apparently choked with the cord and had a shirt shoved down his mouth while he was begging for his life. Attorneys say Vega then tossed his body on a rug, put gas on it, and tried to light it on fire. What possesses a person to allegedly go off like this? What in the world went wrong? He's being held without bail and apparently was on parole for a drug charge. He has five felony convictions, including unlawful use of a weapon. When these accusations were read during the bond hearing, the crowd gasped and snickered in disbelief. Another absolutely violent crime in a town looking for any sort of peace.
Robert Cavelier de la Salle (1643-1687) was a French explorer credited with claiming Louisiana and the Mississippi River Basin for France. In addition, he explored much of the United States' Midwest region, portions of Eastern Canada, and the Great Lakes.
This statue was a gift of Lambert Tree - Circuit court judge, ambassador, and patron of the arts.
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According to Chicago Police, 10 people were shot and killed during a total of 63 shootings during the July 4th holiday weekend. Four people were shot to death in a six-hour span on Saturday night. Four others were gunned down overnight leading into Monday. Eye popping numbers for the last three days. The youngest murder victim was 18-years-old and one of the youngest victims injured was a seven-year-old boy who was shot in the arm. He was listed in good condition. Is this only the beginning? Is this what summer is going to be like this year? Violence stats throughout the city have been down mostly so far, but this spike scares residents who see crime all the time. One resident who I talked to who knew the 18-year-old gunned down in the South Shore neighborhood kept shaking his head saying,"When is this going to stop? When is this going to stop?" The weather has been colder than usual and it's been raining a lot, one way to distinguish the violence. But once that weather heats up for good and stays around, more people will be on the streets. Hopefully this was just a quick spike, and not a precursor of what's to come in Chicago.
Would You -Want- To Go To Michael Jackson's LA Memorial?
The big event is planned for Tuesday (7-7) morning in Los Angeles. Eleven thousand 'free' seats have been made available in the Staples Center (site of the memorial) and another 65-hundred in the adjacent Nokia Theatre (they'll apparently get a video feed from the main event).
To have a chance at a ticket, you had to register online -- more than a million-and-a-half people reportedly did! Now those who've succeeded get a voucher good for two tickets; one for themselves; one for a person of their choice.
Police say anyone *caught scalping the free tickets ( and 'caught' may be the key word) faces arrest. (Jackson tickets are reportedly selling on Ebay for a couple grand).
But would you really want to be there in LA? I think if you lucked out with a near-front-row seat at the Staples Center -- that could be pretty cool. Though getting there could be nuts, considering police are preparing for a crowd of around a million converging on nearby streets surrounding the arena.
Might be a lot better (both view -and- safety-wise) to watch from home, via your TV.
The Lovable Losers and their legendary landmark of a ballpark are now headed to the Ricketts family for 900 million dollars.
That has sports watchers wondering what the billionaire financial gurus will do to the Friendly Confines.
"This is obviously an iconic place," says Chicago Tribune Cubs beat writer Paul Sullivan. "There's been a lot of talk that they want to make some changes in the grandstand, the triangle building, perhaps some amenities around the park to add some revenue and we haven't really heard from the Ricketts what they plan to do."
Should they plan to do anything?
Sullivan says if they do, they'll likely stay true to the old-school design and atmosphere.
"Tom Ricketts is a guy who kind of grew up in Wrigley Field, came here in college, and partied in the bleachers- so he's a Wrigley Field lover," Sullivan says.
He's running into brick walls as the legislative leaders from his own party (namely House Speaker Mike Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton), as he tries to plug a nine billion-plus budget hole.
So his new strategy is to reach out to rank and file lawmakers to do an end run around the leaders.
Today he made his pitch to more than two dozen suburban lawmakers.
Firefighters, police officers, and union leaders packed a Waukegan City Council meeting to voice their concerns about proposed layoffs, Monday. They say the job cuts would threaten public safety.
In the last 10 days, Waukegan Mayor Robert Sabonjian says the city has slashed its projected deficit from $6 million to $3 million, by cutting spending for sidewalk repairs, equipment purchasing, and major projects.
Sabonjian says the city may still be forced to cut jobs, including 20 police officers, 16 firefighters, and 10 city hall workers to fill the budget hole, unless unions agree to a 7-percent pay cut.
The first state-sponsored memorial to Afro-American veterans of World War I, the Victory monument is located in the heart of Chicago's historic "Black Metropolis/Bronzeville" district on the city's near South Side.
In 1927, the State of Illinois erected this monument in the Chicago neighborhood known as "Bronzeville," which was home of the "Fighting Eighth" Regiment of the Illinois National Guard. The names of 137 members of the Eighth Infantry, Illinois National Guard, who lost their lives during World War I are inscribed on a bronze panel. The Eighth Regiment of the Illinois National Guard was reorganized as the 370th U.S. Infantry of the 93rd Division, and this regiment saw service on WWI major battlefields, distinguishing itself as the last regiment pursuing the retreating German forces in the Aisne-Marne region of France, just before the Nov. 11, 1918 Armistice.
The monument is a white granite shaft topped with a bronze doughboy sculpture. On the monument's shaft are three bronze relief panels depicting life-sized figures.
The monument was designated an official city landmark in 1998.
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A list of top entertainers past and present took the stage in Los Angeles today to pay tribute to the King of Pop.
Michael Jackson's golden coffen draped with crimson flowers also there, in front of an audience of thousands, Jackson fans, friends and family, there for this final public good bye.
Some have criticized it as too big of a spectacle, too celebratory, like a big concert. A rabbi, who was once a spiritual advisor to Jackson, expessed outrage that the event didn't focus enough on Michael himself, a man who leaves behind three children.
Michael Jackson Memorial Brings Out Hundreds In Chicago
Hundreds lined up early Tuesday morning outside the Harold Washington Cultural Center on the South Side. They wore t-shirts with his face on it and brought signs, as they waited to get inside to watch the public memorial service in Los Angeles. They said things like, "The message is love. It's all about love." Fans also said, "When it's all said and done, Michael will be the best performer the world will ever see." What are your favorite memories of Jackson? What song will make you immediately think of the King of Pop? Some say the service could be the most watched event in history. There were similar scenes all across the world, fans gathering in front of televisions and radios. They say they just wanted to be together on this day. Do you think the coverage is too much? Are you one of the millions looking for all the coverage you can find? I may be one of the younger fans in the world, but I have never seen anything like this. And I don't know if I ever will again.
The city of Los Angeles has set up a website asking Michael Jackson's fans to donate to help pay for his memorial service.
A spokesman for Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa estimates the service will cost the city between $1.5 million dollars and $4 million dollars. Some city officials say Los Angeles is already facing a massive budget deficit, and cannot afford to foot the bill.
The website launched Tuesday morning, and links viewers up to a Paypal account where you can help defray the memorial costs with credit card contributions.
It was Paul Konerko night at the Cell on Tuesday as the White Sox first baseman drove in seven runs to help lead the Southsiders to a 10-6 victory over the visiting Cleveland Indians. His first career three homer game.
P.K. simply single-handedly KO-ed the Tribe with the hot bat after the Sox trailed early in the contest.
Bing-bang-boom, or Badda-bing-badda-bang. Whatever the case, Paulie connected not once, not twice, but three times. What a way to begin closing out the first half of the season.
Konerko in his post game comments on Comcast Sports said if the Sox continue to hit this way or better the rest of the season they can win it. At this rate I think they can win it all if the Pinstripe Pounders can continue to drive the white rat deep.
Is Paulie right? Can the Sox clinch the division and go for another World Series title? Is GM Ken Williams done wheeling and dealing? Who should join Buehrle in the classic?
Earlier Tuesday the Sox dealt a minor leaguer to the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for right-handed pitcher Tony Pena. Pena is expected to bolster the bullpen and help in setting the stage for closer Bobby Jenks. And that's perfectly fine with manager Ozzie Guillen.
Konerko said he felt good and made good decisions during his at bats. It's unfortunate, that the veteran is not going to the All-Star game after this performance. Winning pitcher Mark Beuhrle is the only Sox representative playing in the Mid-season Classic.
Navy Pier is a large pier on Lake michigan near Streeterville, close to Chicago's downtown. Originally known as the Municipal Pier nr 2, it is one of two piers called for in Daniel Burnham's 1909 Chicago plan. The other pier was never built.
Construction started May 1914 and in 1916 it was opened to the public. At the time it was the world's largest pier, 292 ft wide and 3000ft long.
The pier was designed as a shipping and entertainment area. In its first decade, the Municipal Pier was successfully attracting both visitors and ships. It was also temporarily used as a military facility during the first world war.
By the end of the 1920s, the Navy Pier's success started to decline. The introduction of cars and the opening of movie theaters created more competition for the Pier. Shipping started to decline in the 1930s due to the depression and the competition of transportation by trucks.
In 1927 the pier was renamed Navy Pier in honor of World War I veterans. It would turn out to be a prophetic name change, as the Navy Pier served as a naval training facility during the second World War. After the war it served as the Chicago branch of the University of Illinois. In 1965 the university moved to its new location and the Navy Pier started to decay.
The first step in the redevelopment of the Navy Pier was the 1976 restoration by Jerome R. Butler, Jr. of the Auditorium building at the eastern end of the pier. One year later it was designated a Chicago Landmark. Another step to the redevelopment of the Navy Pier was taken in 1989, when the city of Chicago and the State of Illinois installed the Metropolitan Pier & Exposition authority.
At the same time they committed 150 million dollar for reconstruction of the pier as a recreational center. The renovation by Benjamin Thompson & associates started in 1992 and was completed in 1994. The result is a very successful recreational center next to Chicago's downtown area. With many attractions and 50 acres of parks and gardens It attracts more than 8 million visitors each year.
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With the big LA event now history, Michael Jackson's next memorial is slated for Friday night in his hometown of Gary, Indiana (6pm, at the downtown ballpark).
If you can't make it, a Chicago-based tour bus company is getting ready to offer a tour down Jackson Memory Lane in Gary.
Jackson Family Gary House
The reportedly included stops: the Jackson house, the steel mill where his dad worked, the grocery store where the family shopped and the former nightclub where a very young Michael made his professional debut in 1966. (cost: 55 bucks)
The old Chicago post office is going on the auction block August 27th. It was built in 1921 and has been vacant since 1995. The postal service no longer wants to pay the two million dollars it cost to maintain the empty 3 million square foot facility every year.
The lobby is still stunning, but the other eight floors-- talk about a fixer upper! Batman fans may remember the building in "The Dark Knight". It served as Gotham National Bank and the Gotham police station. I met a guy named George Kopes who knows EVERYTHING about the old post office. He's the building manager and told me stories from the Batman set. Kopes says his job was to be Christian Bale's "refrigerator man"-- the guy who had to cool Bale down when he got too hot in the Batsuit. Kopes also told me Heath Ledger was an absolute joy to work with everyday.
The auction is at the InterContinental Hotel in Rosemont. The suggested opening bid is 300-thousand dollars. Potential buyers can go on a tour July 20th and 29th. August dates are the 6th, 12th, and 20th.
That is “Building 1” at Naval Station Great Lakes located in the town of Great Lakes (near North Chicago).
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Canadian musician Dave Carroll could have sung the blues after United Airlines workers at O'Hare smashed his guitar and the carrier refused to pick up the $1,200 cost to repair it.
Instead, he turned the experience into a witty ditty, "United Breaks Guitars," and scored an instant hit on YouTube.com, his first in a 16-year career. Posted on Monday, the video had been viewed 137,896 times as of mid-day Wednesday.
History Making California Teen 'Wings' Into Chicagoland
You look at her really cute self and realize she could easily be a Teen Miss America. But, such a goal might perhaps seem frivolous to this Los Angeles girl who's already accomplished one sky-high goal and is not yet done soaring!
Kimberly's 16 year old sister is also in the flying program** and has set her own aviation records.
**TAM - Tomorrow's Aeronautical Museum - provides scholarships and after school programs for LA-area kids in need, who then in turn do some community service work. TAM's based out of the airport in Compton, California.
The Breaking News Center reports: “Authorities today sharply increased the estimate of the number of bodies disinterred at Burr Oak Cemetery in southwest suburban Alsip in a scheme to illegally resell grave sites. Two hundred to 300 bodies were dug up and dumped into an isolated, weedy area of the cemetery, where many prominent African-Americans are buried, including Emmett Till. Former cemetery manager Carolyn Towns, 49, foreman Keith Nicks, 45, and dump-truck operator Terrence Nicks, 39, all of Chicago, and back-hoe operator Maurice Dailey, 59, of Robbins, were each charged with one count of dismembering a human body, a Class X felony. They all face up to 30 years in prison.”
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the disinterred bodies at Burr Oak Cemetery, please call the Cook County Sheriff at: 1-800-942-1950 or on the additional hotline: 708-865-6070 or at burroakcemeteryinvestigation@gmail.com.
He says it's the one armed Jesus on 95th street in South Chicago
Still trying to get more info. Check back later.
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If 'You' Could Decide The Punishment For The Burr Oak Cemetery Grave Robbers....
WHAT WOULD THAT PUNISHMENT BE?
Hundreds of graves have been desecrated, dating back at least four years and possibly.. decades. The Cemetery in south suburban Alsip has turned into the site of a ghoulish nightmare for many.
Officials now acknowlege coming across complaints about Burr Oak that date back *years. The Reverend Jackson also expressed concern about three cemetery workers killed there in the 1970's, about whose deaths little is known. The fear: perhaps they uncovered past abuses and were silenced for it?
The investigation continues
Officials say cemetery records have been altered; some destroyed. Meantime, efforts were underway Friday to get a temporary restraining order to stop further burials at Burr Oak, because the burial problems are continuing there. Also, separately, state officials are working to pull the cemetery's licenses and ultimately force out the owners.
And yes, lawsuits are beginning to be filed. A class action suit is also in the works for the many families affected. But again, if YOU were the presiding judge over the four former cemetery workers so far charged in the case...
--What would YOU sentence them with?
What's your take on the picture of the President at the G8 Summit?
It's being circulated on the internet in incriminating fashion- and while video shows Obama about to extend his hand to the lady behind him, French President Nicholas Sarkozy's smile seems to suggest he's seeing the sights, too.
Hundreds of family members went to Rainbow/Push Coalition headquarters Saturday, looking for help. Families were giving officials details about their loved ones, possibly gearing up to join another class action lawsuit. They came with pictures of the deceased, maps to their grave sites, and lists on names. Can you imagine? One attorney said, "I didn't believe the story when it first came out. I actually thought it was a joke. I thought something like this could never happen in the United States." That's the thought of so many. How could this happen? How could the four people charged with dismembering a human body go through with this crime? Money, money money. But apparently they only made $300,000 over several years. What's next? These families will never be made whole. Some of their loved ones may never be found or identified. My prayers go out to them. Let's hope justice is served. According to Gwendolyn Blake, one of the hundreds upset, "That would be these criminals prosecuted to the full extent of the law." Many others want to see much worse.
Eisenhower High School New Site For Burr Oak Families
Family members of loved ones at Burr Oak Cemetery in Alsip continued their quest for answers on Sunday. This time they headed to Eisenhower High School in Blue Island, where investigators were taking detailed plot information. Families can go there until 4pm Sunday. People cried in the parking lot, others broke down inside, as it could take many months before they learn the fate of those buried at Burr Oak. What can you say to these families? What can investigators honestly do with a crime scene so big and changing every minute? Sheriff Tom Dart told me he found more bones in the second dumping ground just last night. They seem almost overwhelmed with what's going on. Most of the records have been destroyed or altered, and they're dealing with more than 100,000 grave sites. They need the help of a thousand men to work this investigation. Could you blame them for throwing their hands in the air and saying this situation is just too big? Not for them, but for any law enforcement agency trying to sift through the headstones and bones. How can they identify these loved ones? The FBI says it has no immediate plans to use DNA testing to identify them. You get the picture. The scene just keeps getting worse and worse. Pray for these families.
Two convicted killers and a rapist escaped from the maximum-security Indiana State Prison in Michigan City, Sunday morning.
Prison officials say the three men escaped by getting through bars in the tunnels and pipe chases underneath the prison. Authorities are searching neighborhoods near the facility, which is 65 miles west of South Bend.
The men should be considered dangerous. Pictures after the jump.
Stump Tim & Tonya: Millennium Carillon in Moser Tower
Today's picture comes from Mark Zonca.
It's the Millennium Carillon in Moser Tower in downtown Naperville.
According to Naperville Parks.org:
The purpose of the Carillon was to create a permanent, interactive commemorative gift to mark the arrival of the new millennium. Thanks to generous community donations and volunteer efforts, Phase I of the Carillon project was dedicated in June 2000. After undergoing some additional construction, the Millennium Carillon was officially opened to the public at a ceremony on July 29, 2007.
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Alleged Cemetery Plot Mastermind: Who IS This Woman?
Her Name: Carolyn Towns
Her Former Job: Manager; Burr Oak Cemetery; Alsip, IL
Her Current Position: Jailed
She's charged (along with three former grave diggers) in connection with an alleged plot to **re-sell burial plots at the south suburban cemetery.
It allegedly involved digging up bodies and dumping them in a pile on the cemetery grounds, so their old gravesites could be re-sold and re-used. It also allegedly involved burying some new bodies right on top of ones already in the ground. The situation has had thousands flocking to the cemetery, as well as calling and emailing officials, to try and determine whether their loved ones' graves are still intact.
Sounds like a pretty Soul-less thing to mastermind.
But then on the other side of the coin, there are those who describe Towns in reasonably glowing terms. -Those- being some of her fellow congregants at First Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago's Woodlawn neighborhood. They paint her as a nice lady; a nice person.
Word is Towns also sang in the church choir.
So, one could also say she was somewhat.. Soul-ful?
The plot recycling scheme at Burr Oak Cemetery makes a complete mockery of the idea that the deceased should be allowed to rest in peace.
In addition to Emmitt Till, many prominent African-Americans are buried at the historic cemetery. Pictures and an update on the investigation, after the jump.
It's Rockefeller Memorial Chapel on the University of Chicago campus.
According to Wikipedia:
Rockefeller Chapel is, by order, the tallest building on the campus of the University of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois. It was meant by patron John D. Rockefeller to be the "central and dominant feature" of the campus.
Designed by architect Bertram Goodhue between 1918 and 1924, and built between 1925 and 1928 without the use of structural steel, it contains about 70 integrated figural sculptures by artists Lee Lawrie and Ulric Ellerhusen, and interior work by mosaicist Hildreth Meiere. Today the chapel is used for ecumenical worship services, weddings, guest speakers, musical programs, and occasional film screenings. It occupies a full block and can seat 1700 people.
The woodcarvings that adorn the organ and South balcony were created by Alois Lang, a Master Woodcarver at the American Seating Co., and one of the artists responsible for bringing the medieval art of ecclesiastical carving back to life. His pieces in Rockefeller Chapel are carved from White Appalachian Oak.
The chapel contains the Laura Spelman Rockefeller Memorial Carillon and tower, a separate gift from John D. Rockefeller, Jr in 1932 in honor of his mother. This 72-bell carillon is the second-largest carillon (and the second-largest musical instrument) in the world, by mass, after the carillon at Riverside Church on the Upper West Side of New York City, which Rockefeller Jr. also donated in honor of his mother.
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It was just a matter of time, but the other shoe (or should I say skate) has dropped over on West Madison.
Dale Tallon is out as the Blackhawks General Manager. He was fired after building a team that advanced to the Western Conference Finals this past season.
He follows long-time Hawk favorite Denis Savard who was let go by the top brass just at the start of the season. He would be replaced by Coach Joel Quenneville.
Specualtion is that Tallon had an ongoing feud with President John McDonough for the past few months, and supposedly, the former GM's late mailing of the team's qualifying offers to their restricted free agents ended up costing the Hawks millinos of dollars to keep them, including sensational rookie Kris Versteeg. He sent the offers out by mail instead of fax, and that was why some believe the axe finally fell. The NHLPA filed a grievance saying the offers were delivered late. Ooooops!
The writing was on the wall four games into the season when McDonough chopped Savard. Most in the hockey cirlce knew it was a matter of time before Tallon would be ousted.
This now makes room for McDonough to line his boys up even more so. After brining in dad Scotty Bowman, now son has the new role of building the new young Hawks. Tallon's assistant 36-year old Stan steps in.
Was this move needed to elevate the Hawks to the Stanley Cup next season? Is McDonough on a power trip in an attempt to put his stamp on this rejuvenated franchise? And, was the firing of both Savard and Tallon a business decision or just a "bush-league" move for power?
Those were the words of actor Wesley Snipes in the old school movie classic Passenger 57.
They apparently still ring true today. Pres. Barack Obama kept them alive on Tuesday night as he became only the fourth president in history to throw out the ceremonial first pitch to open up the All-Star game.
The 44th president threw a near strike toward homeplate, to home town favorite St. Louis Cardinal first baseman Albert Pujols, to begin the 80th Mid-season Classic festivities down in new Busch Stadium.
There was mixed reaction to seeing the left-handed president toss out the white rat in front of Cardinal greats including Stan Musial, Bob Gibson, Bruce Sutter and Ozzie Smith.
Amisdt of roaring cheers and some smattered boos, Mr. Obama trotted out to the pitchers mound and promptly lobbed an overhand curve ball to Pujols who caught the pitch just above the ground.
Oh, the reason for some of the boos? The president was sporting a White Sox black jacket with silver trim down the sides. Nice! It was also cool seeing him in jeans and gym shoes as well.
A true Chicagoan.
I'm only guessing here, but I suspect some of the boos were because he wore Sox attire in a National League ballpark. This probably upset a few folks, 1). Because it was the Sox (An American League team). 2). Because he's from Chicago (Cardinal fans hate Chicagoans). and 3). Some of the town folk were Republicans.
Whatever the case, if you are an American League supporter, once again you have the bragging rights heading into the Fall Classic.
The American League defeated the National League 4-3 thanks to the bats of Yankees Derek Jeter and Mark Teixeira, along with the glove of Tampa Bay's Carl Crawford who made an outstanding homerun saving catch in the 7th inning to preserve the victory. He would be named the game's MVP.
If you want to understand Rem Koolhaas’s McCormick Tribune Campus Center at the Illinois Institute of Technology, you have to start with Mies van der Rohe. The legendary architect served as head of IIT’s architecture department (then the Armour Institute of Technology) beginning in 1938 and was appointed to design a master plan for the campus. Thereafter his signature “less is more” steel and glass structures dominated IIT’s aesthetic.
Rem Koolhaas’s challenge, in addition to grappling with the master’s legacy, was to create a multi-functional campus center that would address the problem posed by the city’s famed elevated train (specifically, the Green Line). It rumbles along the north-south axis of the site and effectively bisected the campus, separating physically and psychologically the dormitories to the east from the main campus to the west. As students walked to and from class, they routinely cut beneath the tracks.
Koolhaas’s solution, a one-story structure which was his first completed building in the U.S., is a flamboyant departure from Mies’s studied right-angle elegance. The building’s most remarkable feature, a 530-foot oval tube made of concrete and steel, encloses and muffles the el as it passes over the student center.
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The entertainment news website, TMZ, that first broke the news of Michael Jackson's death is now reporting LA police are treating it as a *homicide investigation. Guess who the chief suspect is?
As more municipalities install red-light cameras, Schaumburg Trustees pulled the plug on theirs just nine months after they decided to install them. The cameras at Meacham and Woodfield Roads netted the village more than one MILLION dollars. Most of the tickets went to drivers who didn't come to a complete stop (for three seconds) before turning right on red.
Village officials say improving safety-- not money-- was the reason they put up the cameras in the first place, and police data show red-light crashes were never a problem at that intersection. Many drivers tell me they think it was all about making money.
I interviewed the head of the Urban Transportation Center at UIC. He says some communities probably do see red-light cameras as purely cash cows, but points out the research supports the safety argument. Siim Soot says a federal traffic study finds the cameras cut the number of accidents by an average of 25-percent. Soot says they save municipalities personnel costs and help prevent racial profiling. After all, the camera doesn't lie.
There is a stinky situation in Gary, Indiana. The mayor says there will be no garbage pickup, unless the city council approves a privatization plan.
Mayor Rudy Clay agreed to outsource trash collection to Allied Waste, last fall. The city laid off nearly 50 garbagemen. Clay says many of the laid off workers were re-hired by Allied.
A judge decided Clay needs city council approval to charge residents a $12 monthly trash fee.
Last week, council members voted against the deal. Mayor Clay says there will be no garbage pickup in Gary until the city council has a change of heart.
What's in a name? Many Chicagoans are now grappling with the idea of what to call the tallest building in America, the Sears Tower or the newly named Willis Tower?
What do you think? Will you still refer to Chicago's landmark skyscraper as the Sears Tower? Post your comments below.
Today's picture comes from Rodney Barnette of Chicago.
It's a mural at the viaduct @ Lake Shore Drive & Bryn Mawr.
According to Rodney:
Nearly 400 people participated in the designing and planning of the stories the mural tells of the Bryn Marw neighborhood.This wonderful mosaic mural is composed of ceramic tiles, clay objects, mirrors and painted panels. This picture is only one of the many panels of the art work. Probably one of Chicago's most overlooked murals. He says you can get more information at www.cpag.net
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Today picture comes from Jacqueline Ross of Country Club Hills.
It's the statue at Midway airport at the corner of 59th @ Cicero.
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NEW YORK (AP) - Walter Cronkite, the premier TV anchorman of the
networks' golden age who reported a tumultuous time with reassuring
authority and came to be called "the most trusted man in
America," died Friday. He was 92.
Cronkite's longtime chief of staff, Marlene Adler, said Cronkite
died at 7:42 p.m. at his Manhattan home surrounded by family. She
said the cause of death was cerebral vascular disease.
Adler said, "I have to go now" before breaking down into what
sounded like a sob. She said she had no further comment.
Cronkite was the face of the "CBS Evening News" from 1962 to
1981, when stories ranged from the assassinations of President John
F. Kennedy and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. to racial and
anti-war riots, Watergate and the Iranian hostage crisis.
It was Cronkite who read the bulletins coming from Dallas when
Kennedy was shot Nov. 22, 1963, interrupting a live CBS-TV
broadcast of the soap opera "As the World Turns."
Cronkite was the broadcaster to whom the title "anchorman" was
first applied, and he came so identified in that role that
eventually his own name became the term for the job in other
languages (Swedish anchors are known as Kronkiters; in Holland,
they are Cronkiters).
"He was a great broadcaster and a gentleman whose experience,
honesty, professionalism and style defined the role of anchor and
commentator," CBS Corp. chief executive Leslie Moonves said in a
statement.
His 1968 editorial declaring the United States was "mired in
stalemate" in Vietnam was seen by some as a turning point in U.S.
opinion of the war. He also helped broker the 1977 invitation that
took Egyptian President Anwar Sadat to Jerusalem, the breakthrough
to Egypt's peace treaty with Israel.
He followed the 1960s space race with open fascination,
anchoring marathon broadcasts of major flights from the first
suborbital shot to the first moon landing, exclaiming, "Look at
those pictures, wow!" as Neil Armstrong stepped on the moon's
surface in 1969. In 1998, for CNN, he went back to Cape Canaveral
to cover John Glenn's return to space after 36 years.
"It is impossible to imagine CBS News, journalism or indeed
America without Walter Cronkite," CBS News president Sean McManus
said in a statement. "More than just the best and most trusted
anchor in history, he guided America through our crises, tragedies
and also our victories and greatest moments."
He had been scheduled to speak last January for the 50th
anniversary of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Ala.,
but ill health prevented his appearance.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
It's supposed to be a safe haven, right? St. Sabina Church on the south side was the scene of a shooting Friday night. Two teen boys were shot outside the church's school gym, after they were seen arguing with a person in a brown van. The two boys were taking part in youth activities and walked outside, apparently getting into a confrontation. How does this happen there? Does anyone have a conscious? The church's pastor Father Pfleger has been pushing for common sense gun laws for years. Pfleger says every Friday night kids gather there during the summer. It's a place to get away from the violence. But bullets have no name and shooters have no heart. Is there anywhere an unofficial ceasefire can happen? The shooter, as of Saturday afternoon, was still on the loose. One eyewitness said, "The people involved ran past me. The shooter looked like a kid. They were kids. Babies." He compared the ease of getting a gun to getting candy in a candy shop. Something obviously has to be done. The question is what?
Ex-Governor Rod Blagojevich hits the airwaves on WLS-AM this afternoon. He'll host a two-hour talk show today and next Sunday. Program Director Bob Shomper says the personalities on the station are compelling, knowledgeable, opinonated, and controversial. Shomper says Blagojevich has all of these traits.
Maybe, he's right. Despite Blagojevich's legal troubles, people may still want to hear what he has to say. I admit-- I'm curious. He could say something outrageous, and isn't that what makes great radio?
Will you listen? Have ANY interest in his take of the issues of the day?
No Country For Old Men could have been the theme for this weekend's British Open.
A 59-year old by the name of Tom Watson nearly shocked the golf world on Sunday by becoming the oldest player to win the prestigious event in Turnberry, Scotland.
The first obstacle was to eliminate the best golfer in the world, that of course being Tiger Woods, who bailed out on Friday after missing the cut by one stroke. Half the battle won.
The battle would eventually lead to a playoff round that would unfortunately have the old man looking for what seemed like a rocker, blanket, and a nice smooth cocktail to snuggle with while sitting next to a warm cozy fire place for a snooze.
Watson seemed to poop out down the stretch. And what a stretch.
Stewart Cink would win the 138th British Open, but it was clearly Watson who became the fan favorite.
Watson shot a 5-under 65 in the opening round to be among the leaders. Just 1-stroke behind leader Miguel Angel Jimenez. Many thought it was simply a mirage.
It was just a couple weeks ago that the legend said he wanted to compete against the kids and he certainly did that. Nearly all the way to the finish. It was those final four playoff holes that caught up to him.
Actually, it was the 18th hole of the final round that the 5-time British Open champ played closer to his age than any other time throughout the tourney.
He used an eight-iron instead of a 9-iron which rolled his second shot past the flag and off the greens. Then, he used his putter instead of a pitching wedge that rolled once again past the hole. He would blow it.
Cink would take home the Claret Jug, but it was Watson who stole the crowd's heart. He gave baby-boomers a reason to hope once again in this age of computers, Iphones, texting, Facebook, and Twitter.
Five teenagers were wounded in a drive-by shooting in Chicago's South Austin neighborhood, Sunday night. It happened near West Adams Street and South Lotus Avenue at 7:45 p.m. None of the teenagers' wounds are believed to be life-threatening.
Less than 30 minutes later and less than 2 miles away, a 9-year old girl and a 17-year old boy were shot at 1024 N. Leclaire Avenue. Both were taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in fair-to-serious condition.
Police say it doesn't appear the two shootings are related, but this community-destructive behavior has to stop.
The city's Auburn-Gresham neighborhood is still reeling after two teens were shot right outside Saint Sabina Church, Friday night. The young men were participating in a youth sports program, when they stepped outside and gunfire erupted.
Samuel L. Jackson was F#%$!&' funny hosting The ESPYS on ESPN Sunday night. I thought he stole the show.
In the opening monologue, he told swimming history-maker Olympian Michael Phelps that it was great for him to be back in the water because now we could once again see him "smoke" the competition.
That certainly happened on this Sunday evening.
He used Twitter throughout the show and was very funny when he kept referencing Chad "Ocho-Cinco" Johnson outside the theatre unable to get into the awards ceremony. That was funny.
He also did a skit as a volatile African American sports announcer anchoring sports on ESPN and even a network down in Peoria, Illinois. He cussed everybody while delivering the sportscast. That was hilarious.
Murray Harbaugh (played by Eugene Levy) was his agent. He called Jackson the most electrifying man in sports. Murray said Sam broke the mode. He was an electrifying performer. He had a spark. It seemed everyone in the business was afraid of him.
Sam Jackson was on ESPN SportsCenter. Then he went to WZVT in Peoria. Rumor has it that the bleep button was created because of Jackson. What a skit. It was very funny. Especially, the Michael Jordan-Sam Bowie deal.
It was awesome to see the world's greatest athletes all in one place with a comedian who captivated the live audience and the television viewer. ESPN really outdid itself this time.
It was great.
Then to have Stevie Wonder announce that he was leaving the keyboard to quarterback in the NFL and/or play point guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers was Mother-F*^@K!&' hysterical.
Today picture comes from Nicole Deitche of Streamwood.
This is the statue outside the entrance of the Helen Brach Primate House at Lincoln Park Zoo.
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Finally, we get it straight from the "horse's mouth."
Chris Brown is publicly apologizing for beating up ex-girlfriend Rihanna.
He posted this 2-minute video on his Web site:
What do you think? Is it sincere? Should Rihanna forgive them? Do you forgive him?
These three figurative sculptures of Daphne are all made from scraps of discarded Cadillac cars. One the the themes of this Chicago based artist of Dessa Kirk, is to find hidden beauty in ugliness. The artist Dessa Kirk used the mold of her own face for the face of Daphne ...
So who was Daphne?
In Green mythology, Daphne was a beautiful girl who preferred to spend her time hunting in the woods rather than meeting men .. Apollo fell desperately in love with Daphne and began chasing her ... She ran from him faster and faster .. When Apollo was about to grasp Daphne she prayed to her father, who transformed her into a laurel tree ... her hair became leaves, her arms became branches, her feet stuck fast in the ground as roots, her face became a tree-top, she retained nothing of her former self but her beautiful face. Apollo stood amazed and said, "since you cannot be my wife, you shall be my tree. I will wear you for my crown." Apollo declared that the leaves of the laurel tree would always be green and he would always wear a wreath of laurel leaves around his head. Since then the laurel has become a symbol of victory in Greek culture.
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If you haven't heard by now ESPN reporter Erin Andrews was a victim of voyeurism after someone recorded her every move through a peephole while she was in a hotel room, nude.
The incident allegedly happened down in Omaha while she was covering the College Baseball World Series for ESPN.
The video quickly spread across the internet, but Andrews, ESPN, and her attorney just as quickly, had most of the footage removed from many of the sites that was circulating it and threatened to take legal action if it aired.
This truly is a pathetic, despicable act and is clearly unacceptable. How could someone stoop so low as to secretly video tape a woman in the privacy of her own hotel room and then post it on the internet for millions to see? What satisfaction can one gain by this heinous act?
I don't get it.
The sad thing this individual doesn't understand is what if this sort of incident happened to their sister, wife, daughter, girlfriend, or even their mother, how would they feel? Probably violated and pissed as hell.
That right there should've been enough for them to refrain from engaging in such an act. Unfortunately, the creep appears not to have a conscience or a brain. Talk about a cowardly act.
Sure she's a very attractive woman, great at what she does, and has a magnetic personality, but to catch her undressed without consent and knowledge is just simply wrong. Posting it for the world to see is even worse.
What is going on with this world? Are the streets of Chicago actually this bad? On Tuesday morning, a UPS driver was shot in the West Englwood neighborhood on the city's south side. Witnesses say he was writing on his log sheet inside the truck when he was hit by a bullet. Police say he may have been a victim of attempted robbery. Just the other day, a pizza delivery man was shot in an alley and robbed of only his pizza. Are you kidding me? I know times are tough, but this is crazy. Soon, these drivers will start carrying weapons to protect themselves or their bosses will tell them not to deliver to certain areas. I'm not saying that's right by any means, but you know some sort of action will take place. Are you safe anywhere? Is this a sign of tough economic times or just ruthless criminals? The UPS driver was doing his job. What can brown do for you? Not much, if shootings like this keep happening.
Continental Airlines passengers can use their cellphones as their boarding passes at O'Hare. The carrier became the first to experiment with paperless boarding passes two-years ago. Now, it has eleven airports on board.
Your phone must have internet access. Bring up your boarding pass on your phone's screen.. point it at a scanner.. then proceed through security. Travelers who use the system told me they have yet to encounter any glitches. It allows them to get a boarding pass when they have no access to a computer and printer.
The program is great if you're traveling alone. What if you're traveling with several members of your family and booked your reservations together? Can you get a boarding pass for your 5-year-old on mom or dad's phone? The answer is no, but an airline official says that could change someday. Someday, a typical 5-year-old might have his own phone anyway.
Today picture comes from Natasha Harvey of Chicago.
Natasha writes:
This one is for Tim.... Common Tim, you gotta get this one. We don't want to have the name of the segment changed.
It's of the statues on Maxwell Street near University Village.
Regular viewers of this segment know that I "threatened" to remove Tim's name from the segment if he doesn't start recognizing some of the pictures. Well, Tim of course didn't get it, but he appreciates Natasha's effort. And despite his dismal showing, we do plan to keep his name on the segment. :)
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***UPDATE: Contrary to widely published reports, 911 calls released in the case show the neighbor who called police did not mention the race of the two men.
President Barack Obama says police in Cambridge, Massachusetts "acted stupidly," when they arrested African-American Harvard University scholar, Dr. Henry Louis Gates.
Here's what happened:
Officers responded to Gates' home after a woman reported seeing two men trying to force open the front door. It turns out one of the men was Gates, who had just returned from a trip overseas. Gates says the front door was jammed.
When police arrived, he was already inside the home. There was an angry exchange between Gates and the officers. Gates says he handed over identification to prove that he lives in the house, but he was arrested for disorderly conduct.
Fountain of Time, or simply Time, is a sculpture by Lorado Taft, measuring 126 feet 10 inches (38.7 m) in length, situated at the western edge of the Midway Plaisance within Washington Park in Chicago. This location is in the Washington Park community area on Chicago's South Side. Inspired by Henry Austin Dobson's poem, "Paradox of Time", and with its 100 figures passing before Father Time, the work was created as a monument to the first 100 years of peace between the United States and Great Britain, resulting from the Treaty of Ghent in 1814. Although the fountain's water began running in 1920, the sculpture was not dedicated to the city until 1922. The sculpture is a contributing structure to the Washington Park United States Registered Historic District, which is a National Register of Historic Places listing.
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They say they were frantic! But they kept it together; acted quickly, once they saw that 5 pound newborn boy in their west suburban backyard early one morning, last month.
He called 9-1-1 (says he had trouble dialing; it was all so overwhelming). She just desperately tried to attend to the little boy, as they waited for medical help to arrive.
July 23, 2009
That’s the date that will be etched in White Sox history. Mark Buehrle secured that spot after tossing a perfect game against the visiting Tampa Bay Rays on a Thursday afternoon in Chi-town.
The lefty retired all 27 batters he faced, including a deep drive to left-centerfield in the ninth inning off the bat of Gabe Kapler. But teammate Dwayne Wise, playing centerfield, made a sensational catch to rob Kap of a homerun to help preserve the milestone. Incredible.
Buehrle is the first Sox pitcher to throw a perfect game since Charlie Robertson did it back in April of 1922. A 2-0 win over Detroit.
Randy Johnson was the last pitcher to throw a perfect game in the modern era back in 2004 with Arizona.
Buehrle is now the only Chicago pitcher to toss a perfect game, no-hitter, and own a World Series ring. Does this make him the best pitcher in Chicago history? (Thanks to my buds at RedEye Sports for this one). He’s also the second Sox pitcher to throw two no-hitters for the Sox as well.
He truly has staked a claim for it. It has only happened 18 times in baseball history and 16 of them occurred after 1900.The unfortunate thing for him is that detractors may hint that he is not the best because of his low key style and demeanor. I think they would be wrong if that’s their reasoning. Mark’s just a great and real likeable guy.
It's a great deal to be had. Either 35-hundred or 45-hundred dollars off on a qualified, new, high mileage vehicle - if you trade-in an old gas guzzler.
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Roger Rudin, General Manager at Willowbrook Ford/Kia, says the only downside he can see to the whole thing is there will be alot fewer three to five thousand dollar *used vehicles out there for people to purchase privately. As for the billion dollars in federal funds potentially running out before all dealerships who've made the clunker deals can get their federal reimbursement, Rudin says, "I think if that happened, I would have to think the government would probably put more money into the fund."
Under the rules of this new federal program, the gas guzzler must have been owned and insured by the person trading it in, for at least a year. And, the clunkers CAN'T be resold. The dealership MUST turn them over to a junk yard where (though some things can be salvaged), for the most part, the engine and more must be destroyed.
For more information on the federal government's 'Cash for Clunkers,' the so-called CARS (Car Allowance Rebate System) program, go to: http://www.cars.gov/
By the way... There is now a consumer alert on this program. Illinois' Attorney General is warning about websites popping up using *similar names. Many inaccurately say that you must first 'register' for the program.. and ask for *personal information. DON'T FALL FOR IT!
Traveling Road Show Brings Mortgage Relief to Chicago
Need help with your mortgage? The Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America is traveling from city to city, state to state, bringing relief. It's lowering rates and switching adjustable rate mortgages to fixed mortgages. More than 250 counselors and 12 different lenders are on hand throughout the weekend at McCormick Place in Chicago. By the looks of the crowd, this financial crisis is showing no signs of slowing down. Thousands and thousands of people waited in long lines for answers. NACA says its seminars are unique because it offers same day solutions. For the most part, they say people walk in and walk out with answers. Be prepared to wait. You could be there for six hours or more, but it's worth it, right? You can't put a price on piece of mind. There was story after story of people not being able to pay their mortgage, people losing their job, paychecks coming in less than entire mortgages. When is the relief coming? This seminar is running until 5p.m. on Monday. It may be your only chance to get rid of that lost and overwhelmed feeling.
State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias made it official Sunday at the Chicago Hilton. He's now running for the U.S. Senate. Does he have a shot? Are you behind him? The Democrat was the youngest man to hold his current position in the country when he was elected to office in 2006 at the age of 30. This seat has been the center of controversy ever since Roland Burris was appointed by ousted former Governor Rod Blagojevich. Republican Congressman Mark Kirk also recently announced he's throwing his hat into the ring. Other Democrats considering a possible run are Urban League of Chicago chief Cheryl Jackson and businessman Chris Kennedy. What are you looking for in a candidate? Giannoulias says he won't take any money from corporate PAC's or federal lobbyists, stressing he will be the first U.S. Senate candidate in Illinois history to do so. Campaign season is underway already. Let's hope they can stick to at least some of their promises.
Cook County Sheriff's Police have launched an investigation at another south suburban cemetery.
A human bone was found lying on the ground at Mount Glenwood Memory Gardens South Cemetery in Glenwood. A man who delivers concrete vaults found the bone and called police, Friday. The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office has confirmed the bone is human.
Last week, 3 people sued the cemetery, alleging grave tampering and double burials. Cemetery management has denied any wrongdoing.
A federal panel held a hearing at the Dirksen Federal Building regarding the Burr Oak Cemetery scandal and possible new legislation. The subcommittee on Commerce and Trade, chaired by Congressman Bobby Rush, wants to make sure something like this never happen anywhere else. Family members of loved ones buried there, experts in the death care industry, Illinois Comptroller Dan Hynes, and Rev. Jesse Jackson were among the many who testified Monday morning. Rush promised legislation that would set minimum standards for cemeteries across the nation. One witness asked, "Funeral homes are highly regulated, why not cemeteries?" Hynes said, "There is a a regulatory vacuum in Illinois, and probably most other states." Ideas tossed around included creating a national uniform death registry and reviewing all state laws regarding cemeteries. What do you want to see? How would you fix the problem? Do you think action is needed to regulate cemeteries? In Illinois, Hynes wants to see cemeteries keep detailed records and maps, require cemetery maintenance, and licenses for cemetery staff. Conversation is a solid start. Let's hope it goes well beyond that stage.
CLTV SPORTS :60: Cutler to Vick Possible (But Not Likely)
BEARS SHOULD MAKE A RUN FOR MICHAEL VICK
By JERRY RILES
Michael Vick is a free man…to play in the NFL this season.
Commissioner Roger Goodell reinstated the talented quarterback after he served 18-months in prison on dog fighting charges.
Vick was convicted for supplying money to a dog fighting operation that took place on his home property in Virginia.
Speaking of Virginia, it would be great for the Bears to make a run for the fleet footed signal caller, but unfortunately, the matriarch of the franchise, momma Halas, says no way.
The daughter of the late Papa Bear George Halas has emphatically stated that the Bears have no interest in Michael Vick. She’s a strong supporter and lover of dogs.
So am I, but this is not about dogs anymore. This is about winning and getting back to the Super Bowl. To win it all. Can Vick make this happen if he’s in a Bear uniform? I say yes!
Don’t jump the gun. I know Jay Cutler is the future QB for the Blue and Orange, but the big issue surrounding the Bears and this upcoming season is at wide receiver. Is Vick the answer?
The investigation into Michael Jackon's death is continuing. (His personal doctor's Vegas home and Houston office have been searched looking for possible evidence of manslaughter; Dr. Conrad Murray was there when Jackson died.) Meantime, some interesting side-notes on the King of Pop's apparent lifestyle are coming to light.
--Jackson reportedly used a prescription anesthetic, like an alarm clock. It had to be administered by a doctor, with the physician then having to stop the I-V drip at the time Jackson had set to wake up.
--When officials arrived on scene after Jackson's death, they found the upstairs temperatures to be stiflingly hot. Gas fireplaces and the heating system were on high because Jackson apparently always complained of feeling cold.
--The room Jackson slept in, in his rented Beverly Hills mansion, was reportedly outfitted not only with an I-V drip, but also three oxygen tanks (15 more tanks found in a security guard's shack).
--A porcelain girl doll wearing a dress was found on top of the covers of the bed where he slept, according to one official.
--Word is, another of Jackson's bedrooms was in shambles, with clothes and other items strewn about. Plus, handwritten notes were reportedly stuck on the walls, one reading: "children are sweet and innocent."
Today, Senator Dick Durbin announced Illinois will get more than $25 Million in recovery Act funds to hire 106 new police officers across the state.
The money is part of the $1 Billion in funds being distributed across the country through the Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), COPS Hiring Recovery Program.
Chicago will get more than half of the state's share.
Convicted killer Brian Dugan pleaded guilty to the rape and murder of 10 year-old Jeanine Nicarico, Tuesday. Nicarico's family has been waiting for this for 26 years.
Dugan, 52, told the judge he understands there is a possibility he could face the death penalty. On February 25, 1983, prosecutors say Nicarico was home alone and recovering from the flu. Dugan kicked open the door of her Naperville home and abducted the girl. Her body was found two days later near the Illinois Prairie Path. She had been raped, and beaten to death.
In 1985, Dugan was in plea negotiations for the murders of a nurse and a 7 year-old girl when he first indicated he may have been responsible for Nicarico's death. Prosecutors charged two other men, who were twice convicted and sent to death row, before DNA evidence later linked Dugan to the crime.
Should Gay-Owned Chicago Businesses Get Special Access To City Contracts?
44th Ward Alderman Tom Tunney think so; just like other minority businesses get special contract access. It's an issue Tunney, the city's first openly gay council member, has also championed in the past (though it never got anywhere the last time, six years ago).
Tunney's plan would include Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual and Transgender entrepreneurs.
But opponents of the plan believe it would be difficult to document such sexual status, to make sure people aren't trying to game the system.
At any rate, if such an ordinance came to pass, Chicago would apparently be the first place in the country to have city contracts earmarked for Gay businesses.
You might want to think twice before you go for a dip at the beach.
The National Resources Defense Council is out with a report called "Testing The Waters: A Guide to Water Quality at Vacation Beaches." It examines the water quality at two-hundred beaches. It says the water at Great Lakes beaches is among the dirtiest in the country. The dirtiest beach water in Cook County is at Winnetka Elder Park Beach where 33-percent of water samples exceeded government standards for ecoli. In Lake County, 61-percent of samples at North Point Marina North Beach exceeded public safety standards.
Chicago Police are taking a hard look at their deadly force policy, specifically when it comes to shooting at vehicles. Currently, officers can only shoot at vehicles when there is danger to them or others. But a possible change could allow officers to shoot at a fleeing vehicle if the driver or passengers are suspected of committing a felony. Chicago Police have been reviewing all of its policies, including this one for the last 18 months. Do you think they should change the policy? Are you satisfied with police reaction now? Superintendent Jody Weis admits the deadly force policy is not as clear as he wants it to be and says it's confusing to officers. But Weis also believes any possible change could make it safer for officers and the public. Do you agree? He's trying to provide clearer direction and says he's not rushing any decision. We'll see if this policy change actually happens.
Bears training camp starts tomorrow (Friday). But it sounds like there’s already some “bruising” going on.
Yesterday former Bear and current Viking Bobby Wade told a Minnesota radio station that last week, while he was hanging out with Brian Urlacher, Urlacher told him, he doesn’t really care for new Bears quarterback Jay Cutler.
The Chicago Bears training camp is just one day away from getting underway down in Bourbonnais.
And as usual, controversy surrounds the Monsters of The Midway before things even get started.
Former Bears wide receiver Bobby Wade, currently with the Vikings, told a local Minnesota radio station this week that Chicago linebacker Brian Urlacher called newly acquired and star quarterback Jay Cutler a P^$@! Wow!
But Bear fans, don’t get alarmed. Isn’t this exactly what you want? Aren’t these the ingredients needed to winning a Super Bowl?
A defensive player blasting an offensive player that plays on the same team? My, what is this world coming to? A quarterback going against his linebacker? Say it ain’t so!
Leave it to the Bears, there always has to be some type of quarterback controversy even when there isn’t. That’s just Bears football.
But seriously, relax gridiron stud fans. This is healthy.
One elderly Milwaukee man showed up in Woodstock Thursday morning to welcome home his son-in-law, thank him for risking his life for us Americans. That son-in-law is a member of the Illinois National Guard's Delta Company. But not all of Delta's 60-some members, deployed one year ago, made it home.
Illinois state lawmakers passed the buck on this one. So, the governor, not willing to accept the un-balanced (read: big defecit) budget they passed earlier this month, has now taken out the proverbial budget axe.
Word is Quinn is using a combination of state employee layoffs, furloughs and cuts in healthcare, prisons and other programs to cut one billion dollars in state spending.
The White Sox push toward the playoffs and World Series inched a little closer on the final day of trades as GM Kenny Williams landed Jake Peavy from the San Diego Padres hours before deadline.
The South-Siders acquired the All-Star pitcher in exchange for four players. Those players included Clayton Richards, Aaron Poreda, Dexter Carter, and Adam Russell.
Peavy has been on the disabled list with a strained tendon in his right ankle since June 13th, but he is expected to begin rehab. Dr. Steve Copp gave the right-hander a clean bill of health on Thursday and the protective boot he was wearing has been removed.
The Cy Young Award winner is expected back in action by late August just in time for a playoff push. He will certainly be tested at that time because the Sox will be on the east coast to face Boston and the Yankees to close out the month.
They then head to Minnesota to begin the month of September, and the Twins have owned the Sox in the Metrodome this season.
With a 6-6 record in 13 starts this season, Peavy has an ERA of 3.97 with 92 strikeouts in 81 innings pitched for San Diego.
Katherine Jackson
Jackson Family Gary House
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