You can name the three branches of our government, right?

Retired Supreme Court Justice David Souter says two-thirds of Americans cannot. I thought to myself, NO WAY! This just can't be true. I consider myself the average joe, and I can still recite most of the Preamble to the United States Constitution. Perhaps, it's those old Schoolhouse Rock films that used to air Saturday mornings. Remember this one.. "I'm just a bill.. yes I'm only a bill.. and I'm sitting here on Capitol Hill.."

Souter addressed the American Bar Association meeting in Chicago this weekend. He asked the group to help revitalize civic education in this country. He told them the failure of Americans to understand how government works poses a serious threat.

What's the best way to do that?
Maybe, we should bring back Schoolhouse Rock!

There was a sense of joy and excitement in the air at Holy Name on Sunday. Parishioners flocked to the church to see it in all of its glory. It was the first Sunday mass since a fire ripped through the roof back in February. Walking in, one parishioner said, "It's truly a spiritual feeling. I can't explain it." Father Dan Mayall called it, "A beacon, a lighthouse in the city." Parishioners felt like they were back at home in the sanctuary. Everyone involved thanked the firefighters and emergency personnel for saving the cathedral. It's more than a building for those who walk through the doors. What does the building mean to you? What did you think about the restorations? Mayall says the lesson is to never take anything for granted. A piece of decorative wood fell from the ceiling in February of 2008, closing the church for six months. Then this fire closed it for another six months. If only this landmark could get through the month of february. Cross your fingers for 2010 and enjoy what Holy Name has to offer.

Check out my chat below, with Tribune transportation reporter John Hilkevitch, regarding a once-imprisoned, former Northwest Airlines flight engineer who was convicted along with the plane's pilot and first officer of
--Flying Drunk! Which, is now the title of a new book penned by the flight engineer (who since went on to work for American Airlines).

 >
Given that John Hilkevitch continuously keeps tabs on the transportation industry, his hunch that many intoxicated pilots could potentially be flying under the radar, so-to-speak, has me concerned for the flying public (including myself).

So what about this idea? You know those breathalyzers that some DUI-convicted motorists must now blow into and pass before their car engines will start...?? Well, what about having them in the cockpits of planes?

While it might look weird seeing the pilot blowing into one, as you're boarding your flight, I'd feel a lot safer having him drive my plane
--if I know he (or she's) sober!

Hey, this is no joke! An African woman, a journalist, is on trial for that offense -- facing 40 lashes if convicted of the vulgar act (under Sudanese law). Her name: Lubna Hussein. Her mission: change her part of the world for her fellow females.

Lubna Hussein

Today, outside of the courtroom, police reportedly fired tear gas at and beat other women (some in pants) who came to protest Hussein's trial for illegally wearing trousers in public. In Sudan it is considered the height of indecency, based on an ultra-strict interpretation of Islam. The case has now been adjourned for a month.

********

43 year old Lubna Hussein was arrested July third at a popular cafe in Khartoum, along with a dozen other pants-wearing women. While, ten of them were fined and flogged two days later, Hussein and two others have opted to go to trial.

She says she hopes to rally support to change the law she calls both un-Islamic and oppressive, going so far as to say she'd accept 40-thousand lashes.. if that's what it takes to abolish this law.

Should this be happening in 2009?

The 2010 new Ford Taurus rolled off the assembly line this morning at the Torrence Avenue Assembly Plant on the far south side. It was a welcome sign for a plant that has seen tough times throughout the years. It was temporarily shut down for several weeks earlier this year. Before that, a shift was eliminated, causing hundreds of workers to lose their jobs. Is this a strong sign of commitment from Ford? Workers say the car is boosting morale and gives them a greater sense of job security. We all could use some of that nowadays. Have you seen the new car? What do you think? It gets 28mpg and goes from zero to 60 in less than six seconds. The heads of Ford, union officials, and Governor Pat Quinn were on hand to celebrate the launch. It's not only good news for workers, but the entire community. Count in suppliers, and this could mean more than 10,000 jobs. So a tip of the cap to Ford, for helping secure jobs here in Chicago. I know they can rest easier over there at the plant.

Jeremih is lending his celebrity to a campaign designed to get Chicago Public School students back in school in September. The recording artist's hit song is called "Birthday Sex."

Some parents say the singer's racy lyrics are out of tune with the back-to-school message.

Jeremih will send out a message to his followers on Twitter.com, encouraging Chicago students to make sure they are back in class on September 8th.

The singer's tweets are a part of a CPS campaign that will use social networking sites, including MYSPACE and Facebook, to reach out to technologically-savvy students.

Can you believe it? I couldn't. An urban farm on Wood Street near 58th. It's the city's first certified organic production farm. They're growing vegetables and harvesting more than 10-thousand pounds a year. The farm is in an area starving for grocery stores. The food is sold right out front on Wednesdays and at local farmer's markets in Chicago. What do you think about this idea? It also gives work and job training to more 30 people, including ex-offenders. It started as an idea, giving training to the homeless and jobless in urban farming. Now, it's blossoming into something much bigger. At the farm they say, "We're not only growing food, but growing people." Residents in the neighborhood admit they thought this would never work, but now feel they can't live without it. Alderman Toni Foulkes says, "We want to get people outside. We want to have our old community back." It's a start in the right direction. This highlights a positive story in an area where violence has turned certain parts upside down. Growing Home, the name of the farm and organization, is looking to start up other farms throughout the Chicago area. By the looks of it, success is right around the corner, if not already here.

A recent string of violent robberies in Lincoln Park and Lakeview has many residents on edge. Four vicious attacks in Lincoln Park are believed to be connected.

Chicago Police have beefed up their presence in the area and issued a community alert. The investigation has also captured a significant amount of media attention.

Some people are questioning whether robberies in less affluent areas are being overlooked.

The Chicago-schooled, one-name singer whose racy 'Birthday Sex' song has been getting a lot of radio-play, will now be 'tweeting' to Chicago Public School students.
CPS has tapped Jeremih to help get the 'back-to-school' message out to students via the social networking site Twitter.

Some of his 'B-S' lyrics:

Girl you know I-I-I, Girl you know I-I-I
Don't need candles and cake
Just need your body to make...
Birthday sex... Birthday sex
oohoohoohooh
(It's the best day of the year girl)
Birthday sex... Birthday sex
oohoohoohooh

To see the music video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTt4GGqBcc0

Community Backlash

Some local parents and community activists alike have expressed concern over CPS hooking up with Jeremih. Check out the CLTV news clip posted here:
 

So, what do you think?

Is Jeremih a good role model choice for Chicago kids? Hey, he's apparently a smart guy; graduated from Chicago's Morgan Park High at age 16; he studied engineering at the University of Illinois, before ultimately transferring to Columbia College to study music.

Let's face it, Jeremih is popular right now (thanks to his hit song) and so kids might listen to and follow his 'tweets' to show up for school this Fall..
-- though perhaps, just not on their... *Birthdays.

From the Chicago Sun-Times:
Free health screenings are available in the Chicago area as part of the AARP/Walgreens Wellness Tour.
The national tour stops at various locations in the Chicago area through Aug. 17. At each location, a 40-foot-long customized bus will offer health screenings to adults 18 years and older along with free educational information that is geared to increase the chances for early detection of potential health problems.
The screenings take place inside the vehicle and include total cholesterol levels, blood pressure, bone density, glucose levels, waist circumference and body mass index.
Results are instant and participants who get screened get a free one-year AARP membership.
For a complete list of locations, call (866) 484-8687 or visit: www.aarpwalgreens.com/tour.
Here are the upcoming locations:

• Noon to 6 p.m. today: Walgreens, 2950 E. 92nd St.


• 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday: The 16th Annual All Kids and Family Health Fair, Armitage and Pulaski.


• Noon to 6 p.m. Sunday: Walgreens, 5932 W. Cermak.


• Noon to 6 p.m. Monday: Walgreens, 15 N. Buffalo Grove Rd., Buffalo Grove.


• Noon to 6 p.m. Aug. 13: Walgreens, 5625 N. Ridge.


• Noon to 6 p.m. Aug. 14, Walgreens, 6800 Ogden, Berwyn.


• Noon to 6 p.m. Aug. 16: Walgreens, 5600 W. Fullerton.


• Noon to 6 p.m. Aug. 17: Walgreens, 2340 W. Madison.

It's going to be a while before the scandal-plagued south suburban cemetery can re-open; no day is set. Even though the evidence gathering on-site is now complete, ofificials say cleanup and organizational things need to be taken care of before people can once again visit.

The sheriff can't say whether others might also be charged in the scandal. He says they will just follow wherever their continuing investigation takes them.

Lollapalooza Hits Chicago, Wheeling!

By JERRY RILES

The BARBALOOTS Open Up Wheeling, Illinois!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGdFoJDHbW0

Barbaloots in Wheeling at 2pm on Saturday. Checkout Facebook, YouTube!

Checkout the lineup for this weekend at Lollapalooza.Day 1

Depeche Mode
Tool
The Killers
Jane's Addiction
Kings of Leon
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Lou Reed
Ben Harper and Relentless7
Thievery Corporation
Snoop Dogg
Rise Against
Andrew Bird
TV on the Radio
Vampire Weekend
The Decemberists
Neko Case
STS9 (Sound Tribe Sector 9)
Animal Collective
Band of Horses
Of Montreal
Arctic Monkeys
Coheed and Cambria
Ben Folds
Fleet Foxes
Silversun Pickups
Kaiser Chiefs
Crystal Castles
Bon Iver
Santigold
Atmosphere
Dan Auerbach
Cold War Kids
Deerhunter
Lykke Li
Robert Earl Keen
Peter Bjorn and John
Heartless Bastards

By JERRY RILES

Here come the Hawks, or better yet, there go the Hawks, again!

The most surprising sports franchise of late in the city of Chicago continues to make news during the off-season. The latest news coming out of Buffalo, New York early Sunday morning.

The Blackhawk's young and talented phenom Patrick Kane was arrested, along with a relative, after they allegedly pummeled a cab driver who apparently did not have twenty cents change for their $13.80 fare.

Kane and his 21 year old relative James, are accused of beating, choking, breaking the glasses of the cab-driver, and taking their fare of less than $15 back from the gentleman at approximately 5:00a (EST).

The two were charged with second-degree robbery, a Class C felony, and fourth-degree criminal mischief and theft of services, both Class A misdemeanors, and were taken to the Erie County Holding Center.

Kane allegedly told the driver "you don't know who I am" as he and the relative pinned the poor helpless guy down and smacked him around like he was a playoff opponent.

They pleaded not guilty to the charges.

I believe this latest incident regarding the Hawks is a true reflection of the organization's arrogant, non-caring, it's our way or the highway, entitlement approach toward resurrecting this franchise and regaining some respectability.

I think it smells of the arrogance of team President John McDonough. It's the win at any cost mentality that's being implemented throughout this organization from top to bottom.

McDonough's ego has gotten totally out of whack and now it's trickling down to the young stars on the team.

Patrick Kane

He reportedly made nearly 4-million dollars (salary & bonuses) last year, but now the Blackhawks' 20 year old so-called 'Golden Boy' is in trouble over.. 20 cents???

Patrick Kane and his 21 year old cousin got arrested in Buffalo, New York (his hometown) early yesterday, after allegedly beating up a 60 year old taxi driver, who allegedly failed to give them back their full change on a $13.80 cab fare; he was allegedly 20 cents short! Can that be right?

Patrick Kane Mug Shot; Cab Driver Jan Radecki

The Hawks are so far standing by their man Kane, pending full information being released on the case. Meantime, the cabbie's attorney has apparently softened up since yesterday; today he's saying the whole thing's been "blown out of proportion" and that he's hopeful to work something out with Kane. (Is that a ... wink-wink? ... show-me-the-money deal, or what?)

All that, as the Kane cousins now face felony robbery charges and misdemeanor counts of theft and criminal mischief. Patrick Kane, the 2008 NHL Rookie of the Year, has pleaded 'not guilty.' First step in trying to stay out of the penalty box and get back on the ice.

Tip to Kane: Leave a Tip Next Time.

http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2009/08/patrick-kane-chicago-blackhawks-buffalo-cabdriver-lawyer-for-buffalo-cabbie-this-has-been-blown-out.html

KANE VERSUS ROSE!

By JERRY RILES

Hang on here for a minute.

After being arrested for allegedly beating a Buffalo, New York cab driver and stealing the fare, the attorney for Blackhawks' Patrick Kane is now saying it wasn’t that serious.

What?

Paul Cambria, a noted defense attorney in Buffalo, said that the young star “committed no crime.”

That’s almost as bad as Anthony Abbates’ attorney saying the young lady working at a North side Chicago bar tossed the off-duty police officer around like a “rag doll” during his drunken assault against her a year ago.

Abbate did no time for the act that was caught on tape which clearly showed the 250 pound plus brute attempting to demolish the poor 115 pound woman’s face.

What saved her was his drunken demeanor.

The attorney for the cabbie, Jan Radecki, also indicated that the incident was “blown out of proportion.”

Hang on here. If the whole thing was just a misunderstanding and the media is simply exploiting the situation, then why is it in the news in the first place?

The saga continues.

The Buffalo, New York Cab driver, who was allegedly beaten up over the weekend by Chicago Blackhawks 'Golden Boy' Patrick Kane (over 20-cents in cab fare), reportedly didn't have a valid driver's license (and also a DUI).

Does that get young Mr. Kane off the hook?

Dupage County banned video gambling machines in unincorporated areas. The county board voted unanimously 15-0 on Tuesday morning, leading the charge against this form of gambling. County board members say the social ills far outweigh the revenue coming in from these machines. It would bring in $350,000 for the county. What do you think? Is this a reasonable way to add revenue to struggling towns and cities. It's all a part of the state's $31 billion capital bill. Governor Quinn signed off on this, allowing video gambling as a way to fund infrastructure. Towns and cities can decide whether to adopt video gaming or not. The Chicago Crime Commission described video gambling as crack cocaine. Some residents and members of the video gambling industry wanted the board to hold off on the vote. Some county board members voted for the ban even though they thought there should have been more public input. Is there a better way to raise money? One bar I talked to said it would have been a way to bring in more business. Now because of the economy, it may be forced to lay off workers. We'll see if other towns across the state follow suit, or gamble on these machines.

The Chicago Public Schools want a 1.5% property tax increase to balance its budget.

CPS CEO Ron Huberman says the district is in a "dire" financial situation this year and possibly next because of employee pension costs and the state's financial woes.

He says the deficit could be $475 million or more.

Huberman estimates the owner of a $262,000 home would pay $18 a year more in property taxes.

That doesn’t sound like a lot but in these tough financial times, are you able and/or willing to pay higher property taxes to support the public school system?

Okay, pure speculation here. But the disgraced, ex-Atlanta Falcons player was spotted at O'Hare, according to TMZ (the same on-line entity that broke the news of Michael Jackson's death, but I digress). So WHY was the football-player-without-a-team in Windy City Land?

Well, to try and set the record straight a Chicago Bears spokesman went on record to say that it had *nothing to do with the team. But then, would they necessarily tell us, if it did?

Considering *why Mr. Vick is an EX-Falcon (dog fighting conviction; prison time now served), will any NFL team truly want to take on the potential negative publicity of having him in their fold?

http://www.tmz.com/2009/08/12/michael-vick-chicago-bears-football-bearing-down/

From WGN-TV: Mayor Daley is once again asking Chicagoans with guns in their home, to consider turning them in this weekend at dozens of different locations, for money, and no questions asked.

People who turn in their guns will receive a prepaid MasterCard as part of the Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS) Gun Turn-In event to be held Saturday, August 15, at 27 locations across the city.

THEY GRABBED THE WRONG GUY!

By JERRY RILES

During the 5th inning of the Cubs 12-5 butt kicking by Philadelphia over at the Friendly Confines Wednesday night a bleacher bum got rowdy and tossed a beer on the head of center-fielder Shane Victorino as he was reeling in a Jake Fox fly ball.

I’m not one for name calling, but what an idiot.

That’s not the worst part of it though. The idiot somehow got away from Cubs security. They grabbed the wrong guy. The television replay clearly showed that the chubby Cubbie fan being hauled away was not the goof who tossed the beer.

He’s MIA.

What surprises me is that Cub security missed this guy. You can’t even leave your seat at Wrigley to go to the bathroom without security frisking you down for your ticket. They’ve seen you at least a half dozen times sitting in the section they’re guarding and still feel the need to pat you down for that darn ticket when you decide to leave your seat.

I understand they’re trying to keep order but lighten up a little bit. Most fans are there to enjoy the game and hopefully watch the Cubs win. It’s unfortunate that you have some boneheads like the jerk tossing the beer onto the field in attendance as well.

White Sox fans would say all Cubs fans are idiots, but that’s not fair or right. Every crowd has a few screwballs in it no matter what park you visit. But Cubs fans are beginning to develop a reputation for violent behavior.

Last year up in Milwaukee after Carlos Zambrano pitched his no hitter, a Brewer fan was brutally beaten by a couple of Cubs fans after an altercation in Miller Park ’s parking lot. The poor guy had a couple of teeth knocked out.

Back in April of this season during a Cubs-Cards series at the Friendly Confines, fans had to be separated in the Terrace Reserve section along the right-field corner after fist-i-cuffs and beer began flying all over the place. Security had to step in.

In May of 2004 Frankie Hernandez was shot and killed outside the Cubbie Bear restaurant on the corner of Clark and Addison after leaving a Cubs game. An altercation ensued after Hernandez and a driver of an SUV got into a dispute. The passenger of the vehicle opened fire shooting Hernandez in the upper abdomen killing him.

Sun-Times columnist Mary Mitchell and her son were harassed outside of Wrigley following a Cubs game a few years ago. Mitchell alleges that fans taunted her by shouting racial slurs and yelling out Aunt Jemima.

I think some people just write it off to - the price of living in a bad neighborhood.

But the Roseland street where 15 year old Taccara Swain was shot Wednesday night isn't that. It's a nice street. Maybe the residents there don't have a ton of money, but they clearly take pride in their block.

As for Taccara Swain, she was just getting ready to go inside her house to watch a favorite TV show, bending down to pick up her 2 year old cousin, when the bullets hit.
A senseless drive-by.

Taccara's cousin said the good news from the hospital today was that the brain swelling had gone down a bit. But, until Taccara's able to be taken out of that drug-induced coma, they won't know the full extent of her ability to recover. Right now, the cousin says, doctors believe that the injured area of the brain affects only speech. They're also apparently not sure about Taccara's sight, as the bullet came near one eye. Time will tell.

Taccara Swain was getting ready to start her sophomore year at Julian High School. Chances are she may not make the first day, but I truly pray that she does get there. And I truly hope that Chicago Police are giving this case top priority (in terms of making an arrest), just as they would if it had happened on a more affluent street.

This is a story that evokes a lot of emotions in people. I understand both sides of the coin. But I also find it very hypocritical that we have a system that punishes people for their crimes and supposedly rehabilitates them for their crimes; but when they are released back into society we hold their past crimes against them. Thus, blocking any attempt at personal or professional growth. I understand some crimes are just so vicious – they are deemed unforgiveable. But I think there is a difference between forgiving and forgetting.

A published report says Michael Jackson's father and the musical group the Chi-Lites charged the city of Gary $5,000 to attend a memorial last month for the late pop singer in his hometown.

The Post-Tribune of Merrillville reported Friday that a claim released by the city shows the money will be split between Joe Jackson, the group and its lead singer, Marshall Thompson.

What do you think? Should Gary residents have to pay Joe Jackson for his memorial visit? Leave your comments below.

Attorneys for ex-Bolingbrook Cop Drew Peterson seemed a bit surprised that Will County Judge Stephen White didn't immediately rule on their request to have his murder trial (he's charged with killing his 3rd wife; he's suspected in the disappearance of his 4th wife) moved out of the area -due to negative pre-trial publicity.

By JERRY RILES

CUTLER NEEDS RECEIVERS TO CATCH ON…QUICK!

“Devin is really a go-get-it guy; he’s not really a jump-up-and-get-it guy.”

Those were the words of Bears newly acquired signal caller Jay Cutler referring to his primary receiver Devin Hester.

Cutler made this comment during his post game press conference after the Bears loss to the Buffalo Bills 27-20 in their first preseason game of 2009.

And the Pro-Bowl quarterback is absolutely right. The Bears receiving corp. need to understand and learn how to make catches and not just catch the football.

Cutler was 5 of 10 for 64 yards and 1 interception in the defeat, but it was the play or lack there of by his number one go to guy, Hester.

On that interception, unfortunately, Cutler did throw off the back foot, but Hester did nothing to shield off Bills cornerback Leodis McKelvin. One thing a receiver knows and understands is that he must protect or cover up the mistakes made by his quarterback. Use your body to fend off the defense. Don’t allow a pick.

Hester also appeared to be somewhat confused on the play himself. If you can’t make the play make sure your opponent doesn’t make a play on the ball either.

The "city that works" is taking a day off, Monday.

City of Chicago departments, including City Hall, public libraries, health clinics, and senior service centers will be closed for a reduced service day.

There will be no garbage pickup or street cleaning.

Workers are being forced to take an unpaid day off to help close Chicago's budget gap. Three reduced service days planned for this year are expected to save the city more than $8 million dollars.

Public safety services are not affected.

What do you think? Should Chicago force city workers to take furlough days?

130- MILLION credit and debit card numbers stolen!

That's what a 28 year old Miami guy was indicted for Monday. What's more, it's Alberto Gonzalez's THIRD such indictment.

The alleged hacker, who goes by the online name: soup-nazi, is accused of hacking into the customer credit and debit information of major retailers, including national convenience store chain 7-11. Prosecutors say the goal was to then sell the data to others -- who could potentially use it for identity theft. Officials say there's no way to know the financial fallout from all of this!

The Joke

Gonzalez was also indicted in the *last 'biggest U.S. Identity fraud' case, just last year. The alleged take that time: 40 Million credit and debit card numbers, from such retail chains as T.J. Maxx, Sports Authority aand OfficeMax.

Plus, he was also indicted in a similar scam, accused of hacking into the customer account database of national restaurant chain - Dave and Busters.
His indictment today came down as he was behind bars, awaiting trial on the D&B case.

Bigger Joke

This guy was a one-time *government informant* who helped bring down other hackers!

Guess he was just following the old adage of ...keeping your friends close.. .and your enemies closer.

WILLIAMS RIPS INTO SOX POOR PERFORMANCE

By JERRY RILES

The gloves are off. It's go time.

White Sox GM Ken Williams unleashed a rant during a rain delay at the Cell on Monday evening regarding his displeasure with the team's performance, or lack there of.

"We deserve what we've got. I'm not happy with a lot of what I see. We're underachievers," Williams said after the Sox returned home from a 3-3 road trip against the Seattle Mariners and Ken Griffey Jr. and the Oakland A's.

Williams bit into the team saying, "We lost two games we should have won, which [would have put] us a half-game out of first place," Williams said. "We've thrown away a dozen games that way this year, which [has cost] us where I thought we would be, in first place and in a good position.

He's right. They lost a 14-inning affair to the Mariners after Junior collected a game winning RBI single in the rubber match of the series. Then they failed to sweep the lowly A's in the final game of the series when closer Bobby Jenks gives up a solo homer in the ninth. The Sox blew a 2-run lead in that contest.

Were Williams fiery words aimed at Manager Ozzie Guillen, hitting coach Greg Walker, pitching coach Don Cooper, the players themselves or all of the above?

Dr. Conrad Murray

Until now, Dr. Conrad Murray hasn't spoken publicly in the wake of Michael Jackson's June 25th death. He was there when the King of Pop died and is under investigation in connection to Jackson's death, in terms of the drugs he may have prescribed to the singer.

Representatives for Murray say he's been getting death threats and hired a body guard. In his YouTube video, the doctor thanks his supporters.. but also addresses his fears...

Are we on the verge of an international incident that could change U.S. relations with India?

By now you’ve probably heard, Muslim actor Shah Rukh Khan, the “Tom Cruise” of Bollywood was questioned for 90 minutes by customs agents at Newark Airport last Friday after his name appeared on a security checklist.

He says routine security procedures were not followed and he felt embarrassed and uncomfortable having to find a U.S. national to vouch for him.

Ironically, he was on his way to Chicago to promote his new movie “My Name is Kahn.” It’s takes a look at the discrimination Muslims has faced in the U.S. since 9/11.

As the Fall flu season approaches, government officials are urging those at-risk to get vaccinated. Meantime, meat industry offiicials are urging everyone to *not use the 'Swine' word.

The Pork industry claims it's taken a hit due to media reports that have linked the new H1N1 flu strain to pigs. Below is an advisory sent to us by the meat people.

American Meat Institute Appeal:

Earlier this year, media reports were alarmist and frequently used the inaccurate term "swine flu" to describe this particular strain. And while the novel strain has some genetic markings derived from swine, it also has significant human and avian genetic fingerprints. Novel H1N1 is not a flu that was caused or spread by pig production nor is this virus transmitted to humans by consuming pork. Unfortunately, early media coverage left that impression, and this was and continues to be disruptive to farmers and the pork industry.

Since April 24, the date Novel H1N1 was made public, the losses incurred by pork producers, processors and retailers has totaled in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Experts are saying that if we project these losses to October 2009 the total will be well over $1 billion.

It is not the American Meat Institute's opinion alone that the inaccurate reporting is harmful. The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) Director General Bernard Vallat wrote, "This incorrect nomenclature has led many countries - at the beginning at least - to impose unjustified ban measures related to the import of pigs and pig products. It should be noted that the name of a disease always has heavy implications and has a very strong impact on the behavior of consumers worldwide."

Most media responded to calls from the OIE and U.S. Government officials to use the term "H1N1." Today, the term has become "Novel H1N1 2009." Unfortunately, we have observed a return to the use of the term "swine flu" in media reports.

Virologists say the Novel H1N1 2009 virus MAY reemerge here in the fall and may be more virulent after circulating south of the equator. It is also possible that a pig within U.S. borders may become infected with the Novel H1N1 virus. If that should occur, experts, including OIE, USDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, unequivocally say this is not a food safety risk. A person cannot contract the flu from eating pork.

Novel H1N1 is a human disease. Pigs have not played any role in the spread of the virus. We urge you to remind your reporters and producers that continued use of the term "swine flu" is inappropriate and ask that your coverage de-link the virus from pigs or pork. We ask that you refrain from using pig graphics in your reporting as it reinforces the perception that a link has existed between the Novel H1N1 virus and pig production- something that is regrettable, inaccurate, yet commonly seen.

The Family and friends of David Gimelfarb have established the Rescue Resource Fund in support of agencies involved in a search and rescue operation currently underway in Costa Rica. David, a doctoral student at the Adler School of Professional Psychology, went missing last week while vacationing in the northern part of Costa Rica. David was traveling independently while on vacation. He was last seen entering the Rincon de Veija National Park in Guanecaste at around 10:00 AM on Tuesday, August 11th.

To our viewers,
You will notice some great changes on CLTV and cltv.com.
We have moved our operations to combine with WGN-TV to create Chicago’s leading broadcast team for breaking news.
We have updated our look and added to the local information available on cable television and on cltv.com.
We look forward to your feedback as we bring more enhancements in news coverage and local programming in 2009 to make CLTV bolder, bigger and better.
Use the “contact us” tab to call, write, or e-mail us on how we can better serve you, and thank you for your continued support.

- Steven Farber, General Manager

By JERRY RILES

The playoff race for the Cubs this season is pretty much done, but another form of race has surfaced putting the Northsiders and their fans in the lead regarding controversy.

Milton Bradley, the right fielder, earlier this week accused the Cubs fans at Wrigley Field of tossing racial slurs toward him. Unfortunately, the $10 million dollar a year ballplayer did not go into detail as to what names the fans hurled at him.

That’s the problem. Bradley has yet to back up the allegations.

Could he be right? Are Cubs fans unruly and down right nasty when either their team is losing or an opposing player is having a good game? One would have to say of course.

Remember just a couple of weeks ago when Johnny Macchione, a modern day bleacher bum, threw his nice ice cold beer on the head of Philadelphia Phillies centerfield Shane Victorino as he was attempting to catch a Jake Fox fly ball in the Cubs 12-5 loss at Wrigley?

Not too good for the National image of Cubs fans.

Now, I understand that the Friendly Confines average attendance during 81 scheduled home games throughout the summer holds steady around the 40,000 mark, and the alcohol sales are astronomical, along with the bar-like atmosphere, but for Bradley to make a statement like this, it needs to definitely be supported.

CLTV is now produced in HD from the studios of WGN-TV. Look for a future launch of CLTV HD in your area, and call your cable operator to ask for CLTV in HD.

Get ready for the lengthy reading lists and book reports.

As Chicago Public School students head back to school, next week, here's an interesting question: Should kids get to choose their own required reading?

I stumbled on this article from the New York Times' website, about a Georgia teacher who lets her 7th and 8th grade students pick their own reading material. I'm a bookworm (and proud of it!). So, this got me thinking...

If students are allowed to pick their own literature, will they limit themselves to Twilight and Harry Potter? Will Tolstoy, the Bronte Sisters, and Morrison (some of my personal favorites) be left to collect dust on school library shelves?