CLTV Producer Afua Owusu is braving the crowds and fans, and is attempting to view the Oprah Show taping on Michigan Ave. She is live blogging from the filed.

WOOOOOO! I am back at work... seems like I've spent the last 13 hours in a dream. But really, I got the opportunity to experience the Oprah Factor in all its glory. Yesterday, I began my journey from the WGN TV Studios in Roscoe Village all the way down to the Michigan Avenue Bridge -- after a full work day which began at 3am to see the one and only Oprah Winfrey. Those of you that know me well- know she is my hero.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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!

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.

To see how the water at your favorite beach measures up, go to the NRDC's website. On the right side, you'll see a list of states.
http://www.nrdc.org/water/oceans/ttw/titinx.asp

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.

For more on paperless boarding passes, go to http://www.tsa.gov/

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?

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.

Which side are you on? Safety verus money?

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.

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.

Read more

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.

All I can say is WOW!

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.

How cool is that?

Today is one of those moments in history we will never forget. Say what you want about the man, but he was undeniably the MOST talented man to ever entertain a crowd. His death has shocked the WORLD. I woke up from a much need nap to text messages, ims, and facebook messages asking me to confirm the news that Michael Jackson was indeed dead.
I am at a complete loss for words. Those of you that know me personally know, that rarely happens. I have been a MJ fan since the moment I walk. My older sister and I used to tape his videos off MTV and learn the moves. I am sure thousands of others have done the same thing. To this day, I can not hear "Thriller", "Beat It". or "Remember the Time" without busting a move.

The 4th of July is becoming a victim of the recession.

Some suburbs are canceling or cutting back on their celebrations. There will be no Independence Day parade in Elmhurst. The Elmhurst Jaycees lost a city grant that pays for a large portion of the event every year.

Evanston's Fourth of July Association is CHARGING participants who want to be in its parade. That's 75 dollars for non-profit's and 100 dollars for commercial businesses.

Joliet's celebration committee is asking the public for donations. It needs 23-thousand dollars for its fireworks show to go on. The head of the Joliet Regional Chamber of Commerce tells me citizens are responding. Donations coming in range from 25 dollars from individuals to five-thousand dollars from Rasmussen College.

Most residents I interviewed express disappointment. One woman says it's just not patriotic not to have 4th of July festivities. She says we need to support our troops overseas.
Would you be willing to pay for the party to go on?

This was a crucial day for Chicago’s Olympic delegation.

The group is in Switzerland where it pitched the city’s bid to host the 2016 Summer Games to members of the International Olympic Committee.

Madrid, Tokyo and Rio de Janeiro also pitched their cities.

Chicago police officer William Cozzi will spend about 3-and-a-half years in prison for beating a man shackled to a wheelchair. The incident was captured on videotape.

The beating happened at Norwegian American Hospital in August of 2005. The man in the wheelchair, Randy Miles, was apparently being loud and verbally abusive while awaiting treatment. Cozzi handcuffed Miles and shackled his legs to the wheelchair, then hit him repeatedly with a sap.

Cozzi's lawyers had argued their client has lived a law-abiding life. Police officers are held to a higher standard. Is 3-and-a-half years an adequate punishment or not enough?

Some Israeli newscasters are crying foul over this photo of President Barack Obama. It was taken Monday in the Oval Office as he spoke on the phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Israeli journalists say the image is insulting. Why?

Rebecca Blabolil is offering 25-hundred dollars for the return of her beloved "Che".
No questions asked.
Blabolil and her six-month-old pug-sharpei mix were at Montrose Dog Beach Friday afternoon. She talked to a friend for a few minutes and when she turned to look for "Che", he was gone. Blabolil suspects the dognapper was a man who had struck up a conversation with her earlier and asked a lot of questions about "Che". He was at the dog beach without a dog.

"Che" is brown and white. He weighs 30 pounds and has a surgical scar on his belly.
If you've seen him, call 773-415-9813.
http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2009/06/a-dognapping-at-montrose-dog-beach.html

Lake Delton is reborn! The man-made lake has officially re-opened, one year after it was literally washed away. My photographer Anthony Edmonson (seen in the picture below) and I took the 3 hour trip north to report on the impact the draining of the lake would have on the Wisconsin Dells and businesses dependent upon it, like the Tommy Bartlett Show and marinas.

It was a sight to behold. These are some pictures I took while we were there, just days after it drained.

Just what is in the water being served up in Chicago City Council chambers?

For decades now, the place has been a magnetic pull for the ethically challenged.

This morning, 29th Ward Alderman Ike Carothers pleaded not guilty to federal corruption charges that include bribery and fraud.

Who's behind that camera?
Sauk Village police want to know.

They accuse two 17-year-old girls of attacking another teen girl in a public park last Tuesday. A third person recorded it on a camera phone. Police say the two attackers punched the victm, cut her hair with scissors, burned her scalp with a cigarette lighter.

What's wrong with some people? These girls weren't fighting over a boy. Apparently, they were arguing over use of a car. What possesses a person to go on a rampage like that-- over a CAR?

Look for the story at http://www.cltv.com/

President Obama reached out followers of Islam this morning with a much-anticipated speech in Cairo, Egypt.

The president called for a "new beginning between the United States and Muslims."

He said the cycle of suspicion and stereotypes must end.

Many Chicago City Council members say never again.

Under fire by the inspector general for quickly rubber-stamping a deal to privatize parking meters, they passed an ordinance that gives them fifteen days to review future sales of city assets. Aldermen also voted to post information about potential sales online before they come up for a vote. They claim they only had two days to examine the deal in December.

Mayor Richard Daley says otherwise.
Outside City Council chambers, he showed the media a timeline-- indicating the plan had been in the works since June 2007. Daley says aldermen had plenty of time to ask questions and investigate the transaction.

Who's right?

John Sengstacke was apparently a pack rat. Thank goodness for that.

During the 1940's, Sengstacke took over the Chicago Defender which his uncle Robert Abbott started from a kitchen table in 1905. After Sengstacke died, his son discovered his father saved EVERYTHING. There was so much stuff, the son rented a loft on the northwest side to store it all. Institutions-- including the Smithsonian-- offered to buy the stuff. In the end, the Sengstacke family donated it to the Chicago Public Library.

There are thousands of unpublished photos, home movies, personal and business letters that chronicle the newspaper's history. The archives are considered a significant resource of African-American history and culture. A group of University of Chicago students spent eighteen months in that loft processing the papers. The fruits of their labor are indeed impressive.

The Abbott-Sengstracke Family Papers are at the Carter G. Woodson branch at 95th and Halsted. You can see a list of what's in the collection at the Chicago Public Library Website.

http://www.chipublib.org/

I’m not a political reporter, but I occasionally cover politics. I’ve talked to Roland Burris numerous times over the past two years and he always seemed like a genial person – and an honest person, at least by Chicago standards.

But this morning, I saw a very different side of the man who is now the junior senator from Illinois.

President Obama could name his Supreme Court nominee this week.
Word is.. he'll pick a woman to replace retiring Justice David Souter.

A few days ago, Obama interviewed Diane Wood. She's a judge on the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago and the President's former colleague at the University of Chicago Law School.

In an interview this weekend with C-Span, President Obama said he's looking for an intellectual heavyweight with a common touch. In response to speculation he'll pick a woman or a Hispanic, he said he won't be weighed down by demographics.

Some people were disappointed President Bush didn't replace Sandra Day O'Connor with a woman. They felt it was important to have another female voice on the High Court. Could they be right? We know men and women have different life experiences and often take different approaches in tackling problems.

Ideally, we want the best PERSON for any job. In this case, is it more important to pick a woman?

It's hard to imagine what the loved ones of Stacy Peterson and Lisa Stebic must be going through right now.

This morning, an autopsy will be performed on the badly decomposed body found yesterday by a cleanup crew on the banks of the Des Plaines River near Channahon and Interstate Highway 55.

That's an area where searchers have looked for Peterson since she disappeared Oct. 28, 2007.

The Illinois Senate passes a bill that legalizes video gambling to help pay for a capital program-- something the state hasn't had in nearly a decade.

Proceeds from video poker machines could generate 375 million dollars a year to help build new schools, roads, and bridges. Governor Pat Quinn has long opposed gaming expansion, but may be changing his tune because of the state's money woes. Many say video poker is already in many bars and restaurants. Why not let the state reap some benefits?

Anti-gambling forces argue it would be too hard for law enforcement to police video poker. They fear more gambling will mean more addicts, more foreclosures, and more bankruptcy filings. They also worry this will open the back door to more casinos including one in Chicago and threaten to vote Quinn out of office if he signs the bill.

Which side are you on?

Tonight, CLTV reporter Jae Miller is covering a story of Jasper Duinstra - a young boy who was diagnosed with Late Infantile Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (LINCL), often referred to as Batten Disease.

For more information on LINCL and how you can help Jasper and the Duinstras, visit JasperAgainstBatten.org

A Detroit judge has either found a creative way to sentence “deadbeat dads” or he's lost his mind.

He wants deadbeat dads who have agreed to start making child support payments in order to stay out of jail, to also watch the Maury Povich show at least once a month and discuss it with their probation officers.

The city of Chicago is in the midst of a major cash flow crisis.

Facing a budget shortfall projected at $300 million, Mayor Richard Daley wants thousands of non-union city workers to take as many as 17 unpaid days off before year’s end.

The Art Institute of Chicago opens its new modern wing this weekend, and it's celebrating with free admission.

The 300 million dollar addition makes the Art Institute the second largest art museum in the country. Three floors of gallery space house the museum's modern art, contemporary art, photography, architecture and design collections. The rooms are airy-- allowing visitors to gaze at many of the pieces in natural light.

Museum members who got a preview approve, but some of them express concerns about new admission prices for the general public. On May 23rd, it goes up to eighteen-dollars! (you get two dollars off with proof of Chicago residency)

Take advantage of free week-- May 16th to May 22nd.

I’ve never been one to air my “dirty laundry” in public. But the Republican Party doesn’t seem to have a problem with it.

For example, there have been some very public differences with the new Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele. Sen. Arlen Specter defected to the Democrat Party saying his political philosophy is no longer in line with Republicans. Now former Vice President Dick Cheney says he sides with talk show host Rush Limbaugh over former Secretary of State Colin Powell, a man he worked closely with at the start of the Iraq war.

More drama for Drew Peterson.

The former Bolingbrook police sergeant will make his first court appearance this morning for the drowning death of his third wife.

Peterson is scheduled to be arraigned today on charges of first-degree murder in the death of Kathleen Savio. She was found dead in a dry bathtub in 2004. Her death was originally ruled an accidental drowning.

From the Chicago Breaking News Center: "Former Bolingbrook police sergeant Drew Peterson was arrested today in the death of his ex-wife, Kathleen Savio, who was found drowned in an empty bathtub in March 2004, according to Will County State's Atty. James Glasgow."

Read more here.

Watch CLTV's previous coverage of Drew Peterson and the death of Kathleen Savio and the disappearance of Stacey Peterson. Stay tuned to CLTV and The Chicago Breaking News Center for updates.

Dekalb firefighters are investigating whether careless use of smoking materials caused a fire at the Omega Delta fraternity house near the Northern Illinois Unviversity campus. The fire started on a couch on the front porch. Two people were injured including a student who jumped out a second floor window to escape.

Firefighters say the fraternity house passed inspection at the beginning of the school year and has a fire alarm system. Was that system working this morning? Parents of one fraternity member told me it was not working, and their son was told to keep quiet. Dekalb's assistant fire chief says investigators are still looking into it.

Watch CLTV's previous coverage of the teen police officer impersonator, including press conference and statements from Jody Weis and the Chicago Police Department.

Navigating this current housing market can be confusing. Real Estate professional Joyce Courtney offers tips for buying and selling in these economic times.

No this is not a blog extolling the virtues of one or the other. It's more about how long held injustices can evenutally be righted.

Blacks have long complained that when it comes to the justice system, the deck is stacked against them.

Most point to the sentences handed out involving cocaine as a prime example.

Even though powder and crack cocaine are the exact same drug (chemically speaking), if someone is convicted of selling 5 grams of crack cocaine (the same as about two sugar packets), that person gets the same 5-year prison sentence as a person convicted of selling 500 grams of powdered cocaine. This is a mandatory sentenced dictated by the Federal Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986.

FYI, police say 5 grams of crack costs about $150, where as 500 grams of powder cocaine is worth about $14,000.

The Swine Flu has forced several schools to close in the Chicago area. Health officials are now warning Illinois residents that more cases of the highly contagious virus are possible in Illinois.

How can you protect yourself? Do surgical masks really work? Where is the latest outbreak? Can you catch the virus from eating pork? CLTV is separating the facts from the myths. We will have Health experts answer your questions about the Swine Flu during a special live edition of CLTV news starting Thursday at 5pm.

Here’s how to get answers to your questions:

No one is immune to going broke!!

Former Chicago Bull Randy Brown has filed for bankruptcy so now the judge is forcing him to sell his 3 Championship rings from '96, '97 & '98.

These rings are GEORGOUS!!

Web site MediaTakeOut.com says it did some research and found Brown made more than $15 million during the course of his career.

I guess you can add him to the growing list of celebrities that don’t know how to manage money.

If you're interesting in buying them, check out West Auctions website.

Hopefully at TRUE Chicago Bulls fan will get to enjoy them.

Illinois health officials report nine "probable" swine flu cases in the state. "Probable" meas there's a 99 percent chance it's swine flu.
Five of the victims are in Chicago.
Two in Kane County.
One in Dupage, and one in Lake County.
Victims range in age from 6 to 57.

Health officials stress the need for calm. Be alert. Be aware. Be prepared. Those health officials remind us the flu kills 36-thousand Americans each year. Are we paying extra attention because it's called SWINE flu? Would we be alarmed if it was called something else-- like "type B flu"?

The City of Chicago has two websites. One allows you to sign up for "Notify Chicago" alerts. Another has a flu fact sheet available in English, Spanish, Polish, Chinese, Korean, Arabic, Vietnamese, Burmese, and Russian.

http://webapps.cityofchicago.org/ChicagoAlertWeb/

http://egov.cityofchicago.org/city/webportal/portalDeptCategoryAction.do?deptCategoryOID=-536903653&contentType=COC_EDITORIAL&topChannelName=Dept&entityName=Health&deptMainCategoryOID=-536897682

No one appreciates a good basketball game more than me. I enjoy it all, even the trash-talking. But has Boston's Kevin Garnett taken it to a new level? Check out the photo below.

Swine flu fears have some people anxious, on alert and possibly overreacting.

More than 150 deaths in Mexico are blamed on the virus so far which is thought to be the epicenter of the illness. Health officials say the number of confirmed swine flu cases in the United States has jumped to 68 though none of the cases have been fatal.

There also reported cases in the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region. Americans are being urged not to travel to Mexico if they don't have to.

Politicians say they’re sick of “the culture of corruption” in Illinois. They say it’s time for a change. State lawmakers even took the extraordinary step of impeaching and ousting former governor Rod Blagojevich for the blatant way he was able to bend and twist campaign contributors to his will.

Then-Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn appointed a reform panel to come up with recommendations on how laws could be changed to prevent corruption in the future. Today the panel presented it findings.

One of the suggestions is to create term limits for powerful legislative leaders.
Do you think state politicians would have the courage to put a limit on their political ambitions for the good of the people? Or do you think the state would suffer because it couldn’t benefit from the experience and wisdom legislative leaders have gained over the years?

The other day I was waiting for my boyfriend while he got a haircut. It was a nice day and we had the dog with us, so Moroccan (the dog) and I decided to sit outside. A woman walked up to me and asked if I knew where the daycare center was. I didn’t know of a daycare center anywhere in the area, so I asked her “what was the address.” All she could say is “it’s around here somewhere.” I told her I didn’t know but suggested she go inside the barbershop and maybe someone in there could tell her where it was. She quickly shook her head said “oh no, I can’t go in there.” Right then, I knew she was up to something. Then she asked if she could use my cell phone. I told her I didn’t have one. She walked away and I didn’t see her anymore. I don’t think she was trying to steal my phone because Moroccan, a German Rottweiler was clearly capable of taking her down. So I couldn’t figure out what she was up to until now.

I think she was trying to tap my cell phone.

This swine flu outbreak-- kind of scary, huh?

Most of the cases are in Mexico.
Others surfaced in California, Texas, Kansas, New York, and New Zealand.

The Centers for Disease Control says this virus contains gene sequences from the American and Eurasian swine flu, North American bird flu, and North American human flu. The World Health Organization is especially concerned because all of the people killed in Mexico were young, healthy adults. None over age 60. None under age 3. Usually, people who die from the flu are infants or the elderly.

Go here to find answers to questions you may have about swine flu.
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/key_facts.htm

TV executives have apparently realized there IS a market for intelligent black television.

For so long, the only option was BET. It was great early on. Then it slowly started to change, catering to a younger, more immature audience. They got rid of the “BET Nightly News” and “BET Tonight with Ed Gordon” and replaced them with “106 & Park” and “College Hill.”

Then along came TV One.

And soon there will be several more choices.

The U.S. Supreme Court is hearing case on how far schools can go when searching students. The specific case involves a 13-year old honor student from Arizona who was strip-searched by school officials. They were looking for prescription-strength ibuprofen pills that a classmate claimed the girl was giving to other students. No pills were found, but it did lead to a lawsuit.

It sounds like an incident here in Chicago in 2007. Two 14 year old Chicago Public School students filed a lawsuit against the school district after they were stripped searched. School officials were looking for a lighter that was used to start a fire in the boys’ bathroom at Aspira Early College High School. No lighter was found.

Cook County Board President Todd Stroger appeared on the CLTV News this morning.

He was asked about the fallout from the resignation of his cousin, Chief Financial Officer Donna Dunnings and the revelation that she had bailed her secretary out of jail twice and he was still promoted to a $61,000 a year job. Stroger was also asked about whether he fired Dunnings to put himself in a better light given that he’s up for re-election next year. But one of the more interesting answers came when he was asked about a comment he made on WTTW’s Chicago Tonight program Monday night. He said, “I'm sure employees get arrested all the time."

10 years ago today, two boys, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, embarked on a killing spree at Columbine High School. Prior to April 20, 1999, Littleton was virtually an unknown small town near Denver, Colorado. But, at 11:10 a.m. everything changed; the boys arrived at school and prepared to unleash a string of violence that my generation had never seen before.

Starting Wednesday, April 22nd, The Tom Joyner Morning Show will be heard on 106.3 FM.

For those not familiar with what happened last month, Joyner was suddenly yanked off V-103 and replaced by Steve Harvey.

That caused uproar among Joyner’s loyal listeners. Many flooded this blog with complaints. And I’m sure many more voiced their anger to V-103’s bosses.

For decades, they tried to bury the past.
Then, the Neo-Nazis announced they'd march in Skokie.
That changed everything.

Thousands of Holocaust survivors today celebrate the opening of the Ilinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center in Skokie. When the Neo-Nazis threatened to come, survivors decided they could not stay silent any longer. They set out to build this museum.

The museum features hundreds of artifacts, documents, and the testimonials of survivors who came to the Chicago-area after the war.
Fritzie Fritzshall remembers being in a rail car transporting jews to their deaths like it happened yesterday.
Aaron Elster was ten when he hid from the Nazis in an attic.. alone.. for two-years.
Sam Harris was four when his family was rounded up. His father pushed him out of line and told him to run.

You can't help but feel moved by their stories.
THEY are the musuem's real treasures.

Two Domino's employees face felony charges after videotaping themselves doing disgusting things while preparing food in the kitchen. They posted the video on YouTube.

I just have one question. WHY?

Watch the entire video here:

Some donations to StreetWise are starting to pour in after the organization revealed it's in financial trouble and may be forced to close by June. The magazine's board members say they've raised eleven-thousand-dollars in the last three days. They need about 75-thousand-dollars to stay afloat.

I met Linda Fisher today before a Chicago City Council panel held a hearing about StreetWise's plight. She first walked into StreetWise's offices as a homeless, pregnant teenager. By selling papers, Fisher managed to support herself and her daughter. Today, she's earning an associate degree in business and dreams of attending law school.

I was struck by Linda Fisher's hopeful attitude-- that Chicagoans will come through for the publication that's helped her and eight-thousand others.

To help, go to http://www.streetwise.org/

Today, Cook County Board President Todd Stroger will ask the county board to cut the county’s sale-tax rate from 1.75% to 1.5%.

Which means, instead of paying $1.75 in taxes on something that costs $100, you’ll only pay $1.50, saving you a quarter.

Stroger, if you remember, pushed hard for the tax increase last year. In fact, he wanted an even bigger increase but settled for the 1% increase that took taxes in the city of Chicago to 10.25%, the highest in the nation.

Now he says the county can afford to cut the tax rate a little because it’s getting more money from President Barack Obama’s economic stimulus package and more state health-care funding.

State Sen. Matt Murphy, a Palatine Republican who toyed with the idea of running against Stroger next year told the Daily Herald "This is not a reaction to the president's stimulus package. This is a reaction to the people throughout the county who said his sales tax hike is a disaster. It's also showing his desire to run for re-election."

Is this an election cycle ploy? Or has Stroger realized how much people are suffering during these tough economic times and decided to give people some tax relief?

Americans consider the economy priority number one, but the Obama adminstration is preparing to tackle the touchy subject of immigration reform. The White House says the President will speak publically about this issue next month and begin work on a plan to get illegal immigrants on the path to citizenship. It was a campaign promise.

Some say immigration reform cannot wait.
Others say this is NOT the time-- that President Obama first needs to win over support from the other side of the political aisle on issues like healthcare and energy.

Can the President afford to wait?

How far is too far to go to get people to stop smoking?

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has a new PSA (public service announcement) encouraging people to quit. It features a lost 3-year old boy crying because his mother has left him. Then a voice says, “If this is how your child feels after losing you for a minute, just imagine if they lost you for life.”

It’s been reported that some people like the spot, saying it’s a powerful message for an important issue. But others say it’s manipulative. One person called it “atrocious, offensive and irresponsible.” There are even those that are concerned that the boy in the spot was mistreated to make him cry.

NYC health officials argue the end justifies the means, saying “In order to motivate someone to quit, you have to provoke a strong emotional response.”

But is this ad provoking the intended response?

Chia Pets have become an intergral part of American pop culture.

By now, everyone has either bought one or heard the catchy little ditty “Cha cha cha Chia.”

But have the makers of the little potted pottery have gone too far, with the Chia Obama?

Check out the commercial.

Walgreens is pulling the Chia Obama from store shelves, saying it’s not appropriate for the company’s corporate image.

Some may find it flattering that their likeness is turned into a popular housewarming gift. But should President Obama, the leader of the United States of America be reduced to a piece of pottery with green grass growing out of it head?

I must admit, when I first saw the headline: “Jennifer Hudson: No Longer a Chicagoan” I was pissed!!!

The article on the Tribune’s Breaking News Center quoted an interview Hudson did with Entertainment Weekly in which she said, “I don’t live in Chicago anymore.” I was even more pissed!!!

Members of Chicago’s Police Union don’t have a problem with Chicago hosting the 2016 summer games. In fact, they hope the city lands the Olympics, which will mean more work and overtime for officers. But they are using today’s visit by International Olympic Committee officials to bring attention to some simmering issues.

Score one for the anti-smoking lobby.

The House today passed a bill that would allow the FDA to regulate the tobacco industry for the first time. The Senate could take up the measure later this month, and supporters think they'll have enough votes there as well. President Obama (who's made it no secret that he too has struggled to kick the habit) supports it.

Is this fair to the tobacco business?
Or do you agree with lawmakers who call cigarettes the most lethal of all consumer products and believe this is long overdue?

One of the most e-mailed, most recommended and/or popular stories on the web today is NOT the G20 summit, or former governor Rod Blagojevich possibly being indicted, or even the Conficker C worm. It’s Michelle Obama touching Queen Elizabeth.

The Queen put her hand on Michelle Obama’s back while they chatted at a reception and she reciprocated. Now there’s a full-fledged discussion/debate about whether Michelle Obama broke protocol.

Tomorrow kicks off a crucial six-day visit for Chicago. International Olympic Committee evaluators arrive to size up everything promised in Chicago’s 2016 bid book and determine if the Windy City should be awarded the summer games instead of Rio, Madrid or Tokyo. Evaluators are likely to run into a number of unhappy protesters.

A coalition of community and labor groups plan to stage a protest. The activists want the city to guarantee community jobs, minority contracts and affordable housing. They are upset that a formal agreement hasn’t been approved by Team 2016 before tomorrow’s big visit.

If you have a bag of pistachios or any product containing pistachios in your home don't eat them.

The Food and Drug Administration is warning people not to eat foods containing pistachios while they figure out the source of a possible Salmonella contamination. One big California-based producer - Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella - is voluntarily recalling more than 2 million pounds of the nuts. California is the second-largest producer of pistachios in the world.

Who wants a new car?? I do, I do!! But why in the world would I buy one given the uncertainty of my financial future. My employer (Tribune Company) has filed for bankruptcy protection; we’re merging with WGN-TV in a few months and have been told there will be job cuts; not to mention the stock market doesn’t seem to have found the “bottom” of its free fall yet.

My story is not much different than a lot of people’s story. But that hasn’t stopped car companies from trying to entice us to buy a new car. In January Hyundai came up with a program where it will let customers return the new cars they buy if they lose their job within the first year of the purchase. Hyundai’s sales rose 5% since then, while everyone’s sales plunged.

Then this morning Ford announced a similar program in which it will cover payments for up to year if customers lose their jobs. And on top of that, it’s offering 0% financing on some of its vehicles.

And General Motors is offering to make nine payments of up to $500 if a customer loses his or her job. It will also provide assistance for buyers who find their vehicle trade-in values have deteriorated.

These deals sound GREAT! But I’m still not sure if I’m going to run out and buy a new car. How about you???

Roads repaved in Washington Park.
Banners are up.
And the water will flow a little early to show Millenium Park's fountains in all their glory.

Chicago is rolling out the red carpet for the International Olympic Committee as it conducts its white-glove inspection of the city's bid to host the 2016 games.

I traveled with members of the U.S. Olympic Committee when it toured Chicago two years ago. It was still cold and snowy. We were humming along when our bus broke down and brought everything to a halt. That soon became a distant memory. We were at Northerly Island when some committee members paused to marvel at the skyline. They were in awe.

Here we go again. Protestors say they've upped their game, too.
Could be an interesting week.

As prom season approaches, many Chicago families will be struggling to buy their kids dresses, shoes and tuxedos for the big night. To help ease the financial burden, schools like Bloom Trail High in Chicago Heights have started a program that encourages community members to donate new or slightly-worn formal-wear. Make sure to check out Bahar Takhtehchian’s story on Bloom Trail this Saturday morning and Sunday afternoon.

No, it wasn’t an early April Fool’s joke! "The Tom Joyner Morning Show" is NOT coming back to Chicago’s V-103. Joyner told WGN’s Dean Richards he was just as surprised as everyone else when he found out his show had been dumped. He says he doesn’t think it had anything to do with his strong political views. In fact he’s hoping another station in town will pick up his show.

Now there are signs "The Steve Harvey Morning Show," which replaced Joyner, could be sticking around V-103 for awhile.

Ousted governor Rod Blagojevich morphed into Radio Rod - serving as a guest host on the Don Wade and Roma show. As he left WLS studios, it was apparent that although Blagojevich is no longer governor, he still acts as if he is.

One day after Cook County Sheriff's Police seized nearly 70 dogs and puppies from a south side home, we found a long line of people ready to adopt at Chicago Animal Control. The guard at the door told us at least fifty people had shown up by ten this morning.

Juliana Vazquez says she was heartbroken by what she saw on tv and came to adopt a dog for her disabled son.
Her sister Nellie Cortez is 73 years old and lives alone. She says she'd like a best friend to keep her company.

They were disappointed to learn most of the dogs were already transferred to other shelters.
Here are some of them:
Animal Welfare League
708-636-8586
Anti-Cruelty Society
312-644-8338
Hinsdale Humane Society
630-323-5630
Petropolis
847-201-6536
PAWS Chicago
773-935-PAWS

This economic crisis we find ourselves in is not only taking a toll on our finances, it's also putting a strain on relationships. Whether its husband-wife, parent-child, or roommates and friends; people are lashing out, growing apart, or just plain giving up on trying maintaining a happy, productive life together.

Have you heard? Or better yet, it’s what you won’t hear beginning this morning, the Tom Joyner morning show.

V-103 has gotten rid of Tom, Sybil, J Anthony Brown and the rest of the crew.
They are being temporarily replaced by "The Steve Harvey Morning Show" beginning today.

It's been a few weeks since the alleged fight between singers Chris Brown and Rihanna. But the issue of domestic violence, particularly among young people is growing. The website "Do Something-dot-org" has put together a PSA, talking about dating violence. It features a re-enactment of the fight between Brown and Rihanna based on police reports. Some have said it's a good idea, others says the organization is just trying to capitalize on the celebrity nature of the issue. Check it out and tell us what you think.

For someone who has been an elected official for 12 years and president of the United States for a month, you would think Barack Obama would know better. Last night while he was making history by being the first sitting president to appear on a late night TV talk show he was also setting himself up to have to make an apology later.

Jay Leno asked him about his dismal bowling skills, to which the president replied, “It was like the Special Olympics or something.” Check it out for yourself. (The remark comes around the 20:30 mark)

It's a bumpy ride these days, but not through Chicago's Washington Park. City transportation crews are repaving streets there as members of the International Olympic Committee prepare to come to town. The park is the proposed site for the 2016 Olympic stadium.

Is it fair for the city to use taxpayer money to make it a smooth ride for the I.O.C?
Don't we want to make a good impression on our guests and tidy up a bit?
Or-- would our tax dollars be better spent on streets ridden with potholes?

This morning's story about a man that was killed while running across the Bishop Ford Freeway got me to thinking about something I've been seeing a lot of lately. People walking on the side of the expressway. More specifically, young men walking on the side of the Eisenhower Expressway in the middle of the night as I'm on my way to work. I even saw a teenage boy, during the day, dressed as if he was leaving school, walking on the expressway. There's no broken down vehicle in sight. And most of them have backpacks or are carrying some type of bag. Why?? Is walking on the expressway safer than walking city streets? Has fear of violence forced these young men to take (in my opinion) an even more dangerous route to where they are going? Can someone give me some insight on this?

I’ve been trying my best not to get down about the state of the economy. But it’s reeeaaalllly hard!!!

It seems, every minute there’s more bad news on the economic front.

For example, Circuit City closed yesterday, leaving 34,000 people out of a job. The auditors for General Motors have raised serious doubts about the automaker’s ability to keep operating. And the biggest of them all, employment is at 8.1%.

Beefs are big business in Chicago. Who doesn’t love a combo, dipped with hot peppers? Maybe vegetarians, but that’s not the point. Because Chicagoans are always on the prowl for good Italian beefs, how in the world could the owner of an Italian beef stand that has people lined up out the door waiting to be served, be the poster child for what’s wrong with the $750 billion economic bailout?

I really feel bad for Shaun Gayle. I also feel bad for 41-year-old-Marni Kay Yang, the woman police say killed Gayle’s pregnant girlfriend and their unborn child in October of 2007.

A friend and business associate of Gayle’s, Yang appeared in bond court this morning in Waukegan. I was seated in the second row of the courtroom. Her name was called and police led a tiny woman in blue jeans, with tussled brown, shoulder length hair in front of the judge. The prosecutor began going over the details of the case, to make a point as to why bond should be denied for the mother of three turned murder suspect.

Sometimes you have to wonder why Illinois politics, specifically Chicago politics, has a bad reputation.

Oh wait, I know. It's because we prove the saying a few bad apples spoil the bunch.

Tuesday, Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) said for the first time in public that if he were Senator Roland Burris (D-IL) he would step down.

If you didn't get tickets the first time for the Billy Joel and Elton John concert at Wrigley Field this summer don't worry you are getting a second chance. A second show has been scheduled for July 16th. The original show, scheduled for July 21st, is still on and if ticket holders for that show would like to attend the concert on the 16th they can swap those tickets for "comparable" ones no later than 5 P.M. this Saturday February 21st. Just go to this website. Tickets for the second show will go on sale on Monday February 23rd at noon on tickets.com. The decision to schedule a second show came at the request of the Cubs and elected officials after the first show sold out within minutes of tickets going on sale.

It came to light this weekend that U.S. Senator Roland Burris had contact with SEVERAL associates of former Governor Rod Blagojevich BEFORE he was appointed to the seat by Blagojevich. The revelation has Illinois republicans calling for an investigation and for Burris to resign.

Burris' appointment to the senate has been the source of controversy since day one. Blagojevich, who has been arrested and charged with (among other things) trying to sell the seat to the highest bidder, made the appointment despite calls from political leaders not to.

The Olympics, they are great, everybody loves them, but do you love them in your city? Tomorrow we will see the details of Chicago's bid for the 2016 Olympic Games. With the Olympics comes massive construction which will make it harder to travel around the city not only in 2016, but in the years leading up. However, this time inconvenience can be offset by the sense of pride having the Olympics would bring. The real question is the question of the year, where is the money coming from?

In the proposal we may learn how the city is coming up with the $500 million in private guarantees as well as the $1.1 billion needed to build the Olympic village. Mayor Daley has said that city taxes will not pay for the games and most funding will come from the federal government, but last month Daley said the city was willling to pay for extra police used to patrol the games as well as paying for extra barriers and protection. So in this time of sacrifice how much are we willing to sacrifice for our city and national pride? Are you hoping for a good proposal and a big win for the City of Chicago or are you praying that Madrid is as good at hosting an Olympics as they are at soccer?
Please leave your comments.

What’s wrong with this picture?

First a DUI… now pot… Olympic Gold Medalist Michael Phelps is he totally screwed…?
Unless you live under a rock you've heard about or seen the picture of Phelps smoking pot out of a bong pipe at college party (not one of his favorite photographs-I am sure). Well, now he's been suspended for three months by the USA swimming team, dropped from his sponsorship contract with cereal giant Kellogg, and could face possible criminal charges by law enforcement officials in the Richland County, South Carolina (where the pictures were taken and the pot smoking happened).
HMM, now correct me if I am wrong - but wasn't this party on a college campus? So does that mean the Richland County Sheriff Department will be pressing charges against some of the other students who were in attendance?

CHICAGO, Feb. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Tribune Broadcasting today announced that it will integrate the operations of its 24-hour cable news station, CLTV, with Chicago's #1 source for news, information and entertainment, WGN-TV. The combination will create the area's largest and most powerful television newsroom. Bringing the operations together under one roof will provide viewers with enhanced local news coverage on both cable and over-the-air television -- the benefit of a deeper, stronger, more experienced local news team with more resources at its disposal.
"This is a golden opportunity to expand our position as the breaking news leader in Chicago, to broaden our reach and develop new programming and advertising opportunities," said Ed Wilson, Chief Revenue Officer and president of Tribune Broadcasting. "This also will strengthen our overall broadcasting business in Chicago -- the moment is now."
All of CLTV's business and television functions will move to WGN-TV's facilities on Chicago's northwest side this summer. The two entities will operate together in one newsroom, with reporters and photographers delivering content to both stations. CLTV will continue to be a stand-alone 24-hour cable news channel with extended coverage of live stories not available anywhere else and specialty programs such as "Garrard McClendon Live," "Metromix," Sports Page," "Homes Plus," and "Living Healthy Chicago."
Advertisers will benefit from the arrangement, too, with one-stop ability to buy time on both stations. Advertisers will get increased opportunities to share their message with loyal local audiences and broaden their market coverage.
"We're looking forward to collaborating with our sister station on all fronts," said Marty Wilke, WGN-TV vice president and general manager. "This gives us a competitive advantage over the other television news operations in town and benefits viewers and advertisers, as well. We can't wait to get started."
Steve Farber, CLTV's general manager, said, "This is great news all around -- our team is excited about our future and the many opportunities for growth."
TRIBUNE is America's largest employee-owned media company, operating businesses in publishing, interactive and broadcasting. In publishing, Tribune's leading daily newspapers include the Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, The Baltimore Sun, Sun Sentinel (South Florida), Orlando Sentinel, Hartford Courant, Morning Call and Daily Press. The company's broadcasting group operates 23 television stations, WGN America on national cable, Chicago's WGN-AM and the Chicago Cubs baseball team. Popular news and information websites complement Tribune's print and broadcast properties and extend the company's nationwide audience. At Tribune we take what we do seriously and with a great deal of pride. We also value the creative spirit and nurture a corporate culture that doesn't take itself too seriously.

What do you think was the best Super Bowl ad? Was this batch of ads better or worse than previous years? Let us know what you think about the funny, interesting, risque and sometimes confusing commercials.

It's over. Blagojevich is out and Quinn is in. However, we cannot afford to rest now. The State of Illinois faces some big challenges both financial and political and it is important that we act quickly with prudent decisions. This is why CLTV will be closely following the moves of brand new Governor Quinn as well as the rest of our public officials. It is important that these officials work for the people and the state of Illinois.

Watch Governor Blagojevich's Senate impeachment trial live on CLTV today and throughout the rest of its duration. Todays coverage starts at 9:30 A.M. and will run through the afternoon. CLTV is commited to keeping you as up to date as possible on current events, that is why we broadcast as many live events as we can. Make sure to tune in to see if the Senate will decide when they will vote.

If you miss anything just go to our website to see the best parts or the whole trial unedited.

Have something to say about the impeachment trial? Join Garrard McClendon each night at 6:30 and 9:30 to give your opinion on GML.

Is the Governor's media blitz making you feel that he is in fact innocent and a victim of wrongful prosecution or does it make him look even more guilty than he did before? For some people if they were guilty the last place they would want to be is getting grilled by every journalist out there, but Governor Blagojevich is a much smoother talker than most people plus he seems to yearn for living on the edge. We want to know what you think and remember you can see all the live coverage of the Senate Impeachment trial on CLTV and if you miss it live you can see the unedited video here at CLTV.com.

A 14 year old boy was a cop for five hours. Can this be serious? Is it really that easy? This young man doesn't even have a drivers license and yet he was able to walk into a police station check out a radio and get an assignment with a real police officer. It sounds like something out of the movie Catch Me If You Can.

According to Chicago Breaking News the CPS is taking drastic measures to try to end the violence at recent high school basketball games. Three new rules have been implemented. All boys varsity games will begin at 4 P.M., the visiting team's fans will not be allowed to attend the games and in some cases, where there is a history of trouble between the schools, no fans will be allowed to attend the game.

The Tribune company is getting closer everyday to finding a new owner for the Chicago Cubs. Despite the 100 year championship drought the Cubs are one of the most valuable franchises in baseball because of the great fan attendance and national TV coverage. The search has been narrowed down to three finalists with one Joseph Ricketts, president of a corporate bond dealer, being the favorite. Ricketts is believed to have offered around $900 million for the team. With all of this going on we want to know, do the fans care?
Are some of the most loyal baseball fans in the history of baseball even paying attention to the change in ownership? Do you think that the change may be just what the team needs to break "the curse" or is it just something happening behind the scenes that will not affect the product on the field at all? Post your thoughts and remember spring training is just around the corner.

Tears, screaming, silent joy, sober thoughts and pensive faces were all seen and heard during the inauguration ceremonies. As you watched the live coverage of the swearing in and first speech given by Barack Obama as President of the United States, what were the thoughts, feelings, emotions or musings that came over you?

When you watch tomorrow's inauguration parade, you'll be watching the country's history and Chicago's as many local groups will be marching along side the new president. CLTV's Regina Waldrop caught up to these groups before they left for Washington.

Metra has had two incidents occur in the past three days that have slowed or halted the running of certain lines.
First, an Amtrak train was stuck Wednesday because two of its cars derailed. This incident resulted in backing up Union Station and making it very difficult for people to get home.
The second incident happened Friday morning when a freight train derailed in Buffalo Grove causing the Metra North Line between Antioch and Chicago to shutdown.
Because both of these incidents did not directly involve Metra trains there is no reason to panic about the safety, but something else might scare you. The fact that when you get on public transportation you can get stuck anywhere along the way and basically stranded until the problem is fixed. People are extremely late for work as well as not being able to get home on time, making for long days and missed appointments. The catch is that more people are wanting to take public transportation in order to stay off the crowded and dangerous roads during this time of year.
So for those who prefer to take public transportation are you thinking twice before boarding that train?

In Plainfield, Debra Brzostowski, 38, says she's in distress about the economy.

To prove the point, the American flag outside her home in the western suburb of Chicago is flying upside-down.

If you owned a business that provides a specific service, should someone be allowed to sue you to force you to change that service?

Sounds like a silly question, but it just happened to the dating website eHarmony.

Area early birds lined up for bargains all over Chicago today. CLTV started coverage of Black Friday at a Wal-Mart in Niles and then followed the story throughout the day to Bucktown, Aurora and, with the help of WGN, Orland Park. Below are the videos of the "bargain madness."

Chicago Tribune is reporting that Chief Illiniwek will return to U of I this Saturday when the team take on Ohio State. In February 2007, the University of Illinois Board of Trustees banned the 80-year-old mascot from sporting events citing cultural insensitivity. Below is CLTV's archive footage of the chief's last dance. Read more about the Chief's debut on chicagotribune.com.

From the Breaking News Center: "Det. Joseph Airhart Jr. who was gravely wounded seven years ago as he tried to arrest a bank robbery suspect inside a South Loop apartment building died today, officials said.

Airhart was a 19-year veteran assigned to the FBI's fugitive task force in 2001 when he was shot in the head while leading a team of FBI agents into an apartment to arrest Daniel Salley, who was also shot during an exchange of gunfire."

Below is an archived clip of coverage from the 2001 shooting.

…Cause at least I know I can vote. Well, okay that's not the way the song goes. But it's definitely the way I feel right about now. For the last couple weeks we've watched our country's economy spiral down. It's scary to see what is happening to our country. There were so many opportunities for us to have been told the truth and yet all we received were lies. That is very unnerving.

Well President Bush managed to get us into a second war with Iraq so I guess it’s only fair that he helped steer us into what could be the country’s second Great Depression.
When I woke up from my afternoon nap today (yes, I maybe 25, but I take naps like an 80 year old) I was sweating. And at first I thought it was because I was wrapped in two down comforters; then I realized I had actually been listening to Charles Gibson give a special report on the Dow Jones which has fallen 733 points, their second largest drop ever.Ever?

There are a lot of issues to be decided on the November ballot beside the presidential race. Illinois voters for example are being asked whether they support an Illinois constitutional convention.

What is that, you may ask.

Chicago may soon become a new model for tolerance in high school.

Today, Chicago Public Schools CEO Arne Duncan recommended that the school board approve plans for 20 new schools, including the first high school for gay, lesbian, transgendered teens and allies.

Does it really teach tolerance? I don't think so.

What it does is send a message--a wrong message--that Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered people are different and need to be separate.

Underage drinking appears to be going the way of pre-marital sex; it’s okay as long as you’re responsible. That’s not my argument, but it’s pretty much the argument of some Highland Park parents and their children.

Tonight is definitely a "must watch" night of television, especially for people living in Chicago and Los Angeles. At 8pm, the Vice Presidential candidates will be debating. Then you have the Cubs and Dodgers at 8:30pm for Game 2 of the Division series.

Given Sarah Palin's poor performance during interviews in which she seems uniformed and Joe Biden's propensity for saying stuff "that's kind of stupid," (according to his friend Sen. Claire McCaskill of Missouri) it should make for good TV.

Have you heard gazillionaire Oprah Winfrey's mother (Vernita Lee, lives in Milwaukee) apparently can't cover her high-fashion addiction??!!

A high-end Milwaukee store called Valentina claims Ms. Lee owes nearly $156,000! But Lee contends she shouldn't have to pay, because the store shouldn't have extended credit to her. Lee says the store took advantage of her quote - "lack of of knowledge, ability, and-or capacity" when creating her credit account.

Lee is currently embroiled in a court case with Valentina (they sued her, she's counter-sued).

SO.. THE QUESTION IS:
Should Oprah step in and wipe out her mom's debt (for the sake of stopping silly court cases and also preserving family ties, not to mention limiting personal embarassment)?
--OR--
Is it time for 'Tough Love?'

PS Oprah's mom's apparently been down this road before with Valentina.
Court papers show Lee resolved a 2002 case with the company over another huge bill-- one for 175-thousand dollars! Part of the deal prohibited Valentina from extending further credit to Lee.

Some would argue newspapers are past their prime. But I wouldn’t say that to the folks at the Chicago Tribune. The 161-year-old paper is getting a “lift.”

Growing up in Chicago, I always remember the Trib as being somewhat "stuffy."

I was talking to the folks who run "Suicide Prevention Services" here in Chicagoland. It's basically a Hotline to call if you're on the edge (your area code plus 482-9696). I wanted to know whether they were getting more calls since we saw the markets tank last week, Lehman Bros. went belly-up and now the Bush administration and Congress are working on that 700 Billion dollar bailout (which though it'll help the banks, may not necessarily help you keep your house).

Anyway, even -before- the shxx hit the fan last week, the Batavia-based Hotline was getting more calls. Those working there told me their call volume is up at least 35-percent over the same period last year. And yes, a lot of calls are over financial woes. Supposedly folks just want to talk at this point and no one's indicating they want to throw themselves off of a tall building (like in the Great Depression). But could that be next? I hope not.

PS The Hotline folks say they're so busy, that they really need MORE VOLUNTEERS to man the phone lines.

We all know that sex sells. But a college grad from California is adding a twist. She’s selling her virginity.

Are you worried about your money???????
Make that.. worried about your money, stocks, mortgage, insurance, etc. now that all these big banks/investment houses, i.e. Lehman Brothers, Washington Mutual, are seemingly in a tailspin? How is affecting you? Tell us how you are weathering the financial meltdown.

I was sound asleep, I was getting ready to attend Columbia College in a week and I was trying to soak in my last couple days of pre-college life. When my mom comes bursting into my room screaming, “a plane has just hit one of the World Trade Center towers.” I remember I looked at her and said “huh?”and put the pillow over my face. She pulled the covers off me and grabbed me by the legs and yanked me down and said, “If you really want to be a journalist you will wake your behind up and come to the TV.” Enough said. I got up and stumbled into her room as I sat on her bed rubbing my eyes trying to wake up. My mother was at her vanity getting dressed. I opened my eyes just in time to see the second plane hit the tower and I started screaming. My mom came running out of her dressing area asking me what was wrong and all I could do was point and say, “This is big, this is bad.”

I've worked in television long enough to know that sometimes, things are in the TelePrompTer that aren't supposed to be there.

Perhaps that explains the faux pas from the co-chair of the Republican National Committee on Tuesday night.

In front of the entire convention (and presumably a national audience), Jo Ann Davidson of Ohio made a pretty noticeable slip of the tongue:

"We are holding a convention that will nominate a Republican woman, Governor Sarah Pawlenty, our next vice president," Davidson said.

Watch it for yourself:

It’s a situation we see more often than we would like to in this country.
And once again, the issue of teen pregnancy is back in the national spotlight.
Unless you have been living under a rock, you must have heard the news that presumptive Vice Presidential Nominee Governor Sarah Palin’s 17-year-old daughter –Bristol - is 5 months pregnant.

On Friday, when Governor Sarah Palin was announced as John McCain's VeePee pick, no one really knew who she was.

One fact I found doing a fast google was that her degree (the only one) is a bachelor's in journalism.

Another fact... she actually worked in television news.

Now... here's the video to prove it.

Tonight, Senator Barack Obama will take his place in history when he accepts the Democratic Party's nomination for president.

Obama is set to become the first African-American to accept a major party presidential nomination. His big moment happens to coincide with the 45th anniversary of Martin Luther King's famous "I have a dream" speech.

This moment is certainly one for the history books.
Some would like to believe Obama's nomination is proof that the issue of color is behind us, but not so fast.

"The time is now to unite as a single party with a single purpose."

Those were the words Senator Hillary Clinton said as she opened her speech at the Democratic National Convention.

If you didn't see it, the 20,000+ delegates were on their feet for a good number of minutes, cheering, holding up "Hillary" signs and chanting rythmically "Hill-a-ry, Hill-a-ry"

The message, as expected, was one of unity. Though it is of note that her speech veered in the direction of her own stump speech... for her own candidacy.

What the “bleep” Obama? I woke up yesterday morning at 12:45am and the first thing I did was check my phone… no new text messages. And as I drove to work to start my early morning producer shift I made my daily call to the news desk to see if there was any breaking news overnight. And guess what? There was. Denise our night side desk assistant told me Obama picked Biden it was all over CNN and his website and she asked me did I get a text message and I simply replied no.

Michael Phelps keeps finding gold at the Beijing Olympics.

The American swimmer has claimed five gold medals at the summer games so far, and he still has three more events to go.

I think his achievements in the pool are awesome and incredible.
But I also think more attention should be paid to the accomplishments of all the other talented athletes - especially those who don't win medals.

In 1996, my oldest brother, Derrick, competed in the summer games in Atlanta.
He was a Greco-Roman wrestler and 37 years old.

The cover of this week's New Yorker Magazine has really pissed off the Obama Camp. Check it out! It's called "The Politics of Fear."

It's a caricature of Sen. Barack Obama as Muslim, standing in the Oval Office with a flag burning in the fireplace and a painting of Osama bin Laden hanging on the wall. He gives a fist bump to his wife, Michelle Obama, who is pictured wearing military fatigues and an automatic rifle slung over her shoulder.

The New Yorker says the cover is meant to satirize "the use of scare tactics and misinformation in the Presidential election to derail Barack Obama's campaign."

The Obama Campaign released this statement:

"The New Yorker may think, as one of their staff explained to us, that their cover is a satirical lampoon of the caricature Senator Obama's right-wing critics have tried to create. But most readers will see it as tasteless and offensive. And we agree."

A joke is only funny when people get it. But can the same be said when it comes to political humor? Is the point lost if the joke, or in this case cartoon invokes anger instead of an "amen" or at least a chuckle? What do you think, does this piece of political satire go too far?

I went on for two minutes Thursday night about the tragic circumstances surrounding the stabbing death of 31 year-old Adelina Weber, but had the constraints of television news allowed, my piece could have stretched much longer.

There's just so much to say.

My story centered on her family's lawsuit against the Waukegan Police Department, which alleges law enforcement showed a "conscious disregard for her safety" in the weeks after Adelina obtained an order of protection against her husband of six years, 58 year-old Clarence Weber.

Let's go over the facts-

He writes a threat on the wall, they say police brushed it off as the ravings of a drunk.

Their home burns down, and Clarence-a convicted arsonist- remained free.

She files for a divorce, and he asked her to meet him to talk.

She did. And she died.

"Had the Waukegan Police Department done what they were legally bound to do on May 5th (the day they found Clarence's threat), it's our contention that the murder never would have occured," says John Karnezis, who represents Adelina's family.

Perhaps not.

But Adelina had a job to do too, says Linda Healy, the executive director of Mutual Ground, Inc., a domestic violence shelter in Aurora.

"When he said let's meet, the answer should have been no," Healy contends. "Let the lawyers handle the divorce- just don't get into it. And knowing his record.....my God, she was just a sitting duck."

A sitting duck in a dangerous time, Healy adds. She says the period immediately following an at-risk woman's petition for a divorce is the time when "she is in the most danger."

Healy and I questioned the reasons behind Adelina's decision to meet with this man.

Healy said her cultural backgound could have played a role- Adelina is Hispanic, and Healy believed her to be most likely trained to submit to whatever her husband desires.

I noted the age difference- 27 years, by my count, which could have cast Clarence in a role more suited to father than husband.

Whatever the reason, Adelina felt obliged to meet him on Saturday, the day police say he stabbed her to death.

Whether there was an order of protection or not, Adelina didn't say no, and now her family has to speak for her.

As for police, their education on domestic violence has a long way to go should the allegations in the lawsuit prove true.

But Healy says in her 22 years in the field, cops have certainly come a long way. When police used to respond to domestic violence calls, she says they would take the man involved to the local bar to cool off- like adding kerosene to the fire.

What women may learn from this could be that the best way to extinguish rage.. is to remain far from it.

Adelina can no longer speak, but her tale cries... order of protection or not, women have to protect themselves.

What do you think? How could this have been prevented?

What was the Standard Oil Building has assumed the identity of Aon Center.

The Palmolive Building became the Playboy Building- and then stripped back down to Palmolive once again.

And Sears Roebuck? It's long left for the suburbs, leaving the Sears Tower free of its flagship.

Somehow, all three architectural landmarks have lived on, and the Tribune Tower won't topple either- whether or not the company which employs yours truly enjoys ownership or not.

Tribune chairman Sam Zell wrote Wednesday that he is "asking a number of real estate firms to give us their best thinking on how we can generate more value from the Tribune Tower in Chicago, and the Times Mirror Square complex in Los Angeles."

Many believe that announcement equals auction block, dear readers- and the 950,000 square feet of Neo-Gothic grandeur that's cemented into the Chicago lexicon may be in for a name change.

While Chicago's sentimental are shouting "Shame!," I can tell you many city capitalists are saying "So what?"

"These properties will always maintain the highest value the market can bear- just because of their architectural significance and their location," says Alexander Chaparro, the immediate past president of the Chicago Association of Realtors, regarding those landmarks many equate with the Magnificent Mile.

"When you look at these properties and you look at them painted in our skyline- they become an entity within themselves, beyond what one can call them," Chaparro says.

Don't believe him?

What true White Sox fan do you know still crying in his Coors over Comiskey, choosing to avoid U.S. Cellular Field for this weekend's Crosstown Classic?

Sox fans survived. Correction, they thrived.

I guess a pat on the back isn't good enough anymore or just doing what you're supposed to do. Chicago Public Schools gave away a brand new dodge caliber car to a 12-year-old girl who had perfect attendance. It was part of a drawing where her family was the lucky one out of 150 people to have a key turn the ignition. First of all, a car. I never had perfect attendance in school ever but if I did I wasn't getting a car or any kind of gift. Then the girl is 12. She'll have to wait 4 years just to drive the car. I understand it's an incentive driven world nowadays and every good deed needs to be rewarded. But it just seems this wasn't thought out right. Why does a 7th grader need a car? School officials had their hearts in the right places, giving a reward for something that doesn't happen often. Kids these days are looking for any reason to skip class and miss school. How about a gift certificate? Maybe splurge and get an ipod or computer. I guess everyone will be showing up to class next year.

The verdict is in -- R. Kelly has been found not guilty on all 14 counts stemming from his child pornography trial.
Kelly left the courthouse this afternoon without commenting.
The R&B superstar cried softly as the 14 not-guilty verdicts were read in the courtroom this afternoon.
He then dabbed at his face with a handkerchief and hugged each of his four attorneys.
A short time later, he emerged from the courthouse surrounded by bodyguards and was greeted by dozens of screaming and cheering vans.
Some yelled "We love you" as Kelly was escorted into a van.
The verdict came six years after the Grammy Award winning singer was first charged with appearing on a graphic videotape with a girl prosecutors contended was as young as 13 at the time.
Both Kelly and the now 23-year-old woman denied they were the ones on the tape.
The singer had faced 15 years in prison.
The sex tape in question has been circulating underground for just about as long as this case has been waiting to go to trial... six year.
Have you seen the tape? Even if you haven't, do you agree with the jury's verdict.
Did the jurors get it right or wrong?
Share your thoughts.

For those of you who are wore out from the highs and lows of the Democratic presidential nominating race, it looks like it will end tonight!

Hillary Clinton campaign officials say she will acknowledge tonight, after the votes are counted in Montana and South Dakota, that Barack Obama has the delegates needed to win the Democratic nomination. Obama is 40 delegates short of clinching the nomination, but he’s expected to get closer by winning those primaries, along with more support from superdelegates.

Clinton is not expected to quit the race tonight but that’s more of a strategic move. Her advisors says it will give her leverage to negotiate with Obama on a few things, including pressuring him to make her his running mate and issues that she thinks he should focus come November.

Hurray! On to the general election in November.

Image is everything when it comes to politics. Everything you say, don't say, do and don't do is scrutinized ad nauseam. That also goes for the politician's other half.

Take these two ladies for example, Michelle Obama and Cindy McCain. We know they are the wives of the presumptive presidential candidates of their respective parties. But for the most part, we don't know much else. We’ve heard a few sound bites from them and have maybe read a few articles about them.

Then there are the photo spreads.

In these two pictures, it looks like they are trying to let the photos tell who they are or at least who they want to be seen as. And as you can tell they are projecting very different images than they do on the campaign trail.

Both were photographed for Vogue magazine. Michelle Obama in September of '07 and Cindy McCain for the June '08 issue.

In one picture, McCain is chillin' on a chaise lounger, with her hair down, wearing jeans, no shoes and red polish on her toenails.

The Washington Post writes "the implied message is unmistakable: I am not a Stepford wife."

On the other hand, Obama is shown in a more formal, classy pose. She’s in a little black dress with pearls and pumps. The Post believes "the implied message is unmistakable: I am neither subversive nor threatening. I am not some scary 'other.' I am Camelot with a tan."

The Post surmises "McCain’s image aims to excite the eyes. Obama’s offers reassurance."

Just goes to show you, pictures do speak louder than words.

It never ceases to amaze me that in 2008 we are still talking about “firsts.” Barack Obama, the first black man to run a viable presidential campaign. Danica Patrick, the first woman to win an Indy series race.

Now come word of another first.
Joshua Packwood, the first white valedictorian of Morehouse College.

For those of you not familiar with Morehouse, it’s an all male historically black college. Of course, Packwood is not the first white student to attend Morehouse nor is he the first to graduate. But never in its 141-year history has it ever had a white student to essentially be named the “crème de la crème” of its student body.

The Associated Press reports Packwood has been a standout since his first day at Morehouse.

His popularity got him elected dorm president as a freshman. His looks and physique made him a fashion-show favorite. His intellect made him a Rhodes Scholar finalist. His work ethic landed him a job at the prestigious investment banking firm Goldman Sachs in New York City.

What makes this story all the more refreshing is that Packwood chose Morehouse over Columbia, Yale and Stanford. He says, "I've been forced to see the world in a different perspective, that I don't think I could've gotten anywhere else." Packwood points out "None of the Ivies, no matter how large their enrollment is, no matter how many Nobel laureates they have on their faculty ... none of them could've provided me with the perspective I have now."

On May 18 the 22-year old from Kansas City, MO will graduate with a perfect 4.0 GPA and a degree in economics.

You go boy!

Add shoes to the list of things that will soon cost more.

The Wall Street Journal reports the combination of higher production costs in China (85% of shoes sold in the U.S. come from there), higher gas prices and the weak U.S. dollar are to blame.

One analyst estimates we will be paying 10% to 15% more for shoes in the coming year.

This hurts! Buying shoes are my escape. There’s nothing like a nice pair of leather pumps or strappy sandals or 3” heels to make you feel better. Buying shoes is one of my few stress relievers that doesn’t make me feel guilty afterwards, like eating and drinking.

By my count, we are now paying more for gas, food, airline tickets, prescription drugs and property & sales taxes. Not to mention most people can’t get mortgages because of the credit crunch created by the housing mess.

Hopefully the old adage of “what goes up must come down” applies here. If not, what’s next?

It’s the story that won’t go away. Everyday the Barack Obama/Rev. Jeremiah Wright story “grows new legs.” And today is no different.

One lingering and largely unanswered question that looms seems to have finally been answered. Why did Oprah Winfrey leave Trinity United Church of Christ? It’s been widely reported that Oprah was uncomfortable with Rev. Wright’s “hate-filled” message.

Newsweek Magazine reports it’s not that simple.

According to two sources, Winfrey was never comfortable with the tone of Wright's more incendiary sermons, which she knew had the power to damage her standing as America's favorite daytime talk-show host. "Oprah is a businesswoman, first and foremost," said one longtime friend, who requested anonymity when discussing Winfrey's personal sentiments. "She's always been aware that her audience is very mainstream, and doing anything to offend them just wouldn't be smart. She's been around black churches all her life, so Reverend Wright's anger-filled message didn't surprise her. But it just wasn't what she was looking for in a church." Oprah's decision to distance herself came as a surprise to Wright, who told Christianity Today in 2002 that when he would "run into her socially … she would say, 'Here's my pastor!' " (Winfrey declined to comment. A Harpo Productions spokesperson would not confirm her reasons for leaving the church.)

The other reason for her leaving should come as no surprise to Oprah fans.

But Winfrey also had spiritual reasons for the parting. In conversations at the time with a former business associate, who also asked for anonymity, Winfrey cited her fatigue with organized religion and a desire to be involved with a more inclusive ministry. In time, she found one: her own. "There is the Church of Oprah now," said her longtime friend, with a laugh. "She has her own following."

Of course it’s important to point out this is not coming directly from Ms. Winfrey. But if the “sources” are to be believed, political correctness played the biggest role in her leaving Trinity, not Rev. Wright’s preaching.

Information is powerful but only when it’s put into context.

It’s been said a picture is worth a thousands words. If that’s the case, then these two photos of Disney starlet Miley Cyrus are worth at least a million.

Innocent is NOT the word that comes to mind when I look at this picture. This is not how a 15-year old should be portrayed. Save the sex-kitten image for when she’s legal.

Disturbing is the first word that comes to my mind when I look at this picture. It looks more like a sick “older man-under-aged girl” relationship rather than a father and daughter chillin’ out.

The photos have caused quite a stir. Part of the outrage has to do with the squeaky clean image Miley has tried to project. Not to mention, “Hannah Montana” has brought her legions of fans as young as preschool.

Fortunately, Miley has recognized how inappropriate the one is with her and the blanket. She’s apologized, saying she thought it was going to be artistic but now that she’s seen it she’s embarrassed.

The economy sucks! There's no other way to put it. Gas prices are sky high, $20 will barely buy enough food for a family meal, people are losing their homes because they can't pay their mortgage, the city, county and state have all raised either sales, property or other taxes and fees, the airlines are hiking ticket prices and charging people for extra bags, window seats and exit rows. At the same time, companies are cutting jobs and raises, if you get one at all. When will it start to get better? Or at least stop getting worse?

President Bush was asked if it's time to come up with a new economic stimulus package. Something other than the one passed in February. He says no. Instead Bush wants to give the tax rebate checks that began going out this week a chance to work.

But here's the rub. It's going to take until July 11th for everyone to get them. Here's the schedule for people who will have them directly deposited into their bank accounts. It's according to the last two digits of your Social Security number.

00 – 20 May 2

21 – 75 May 9

76 – 99 May 16

If you're waiting on a paper check, you're going to have quite a wait. That schedule looks like this:

00 – 09 May 16

10 – 18 May 23

19 – 25 May 30

26 – 38 June 6

39 – 51 June 13

52 – 63 June 20

64 – 75 June 27

76 – 87 July 4

88 – 99 July 11

The checks will be anywhere from $300 to $1200 dollars depending on your situation. And keep in mind, if you owe the government, have past-due student loans, child support or other debts, they will be deducted from the check.

Please tell me how people who get their check on July 11th are going to have any real or quick impact on the economic? I'm beginning to think Mr. Bush just doesn't care. It seems like he counting down the days until he's out of office and won't have to listen to our cries anymore.

He's been the subject of much discussion and debate.
From coast to coast, around dinner tables and from atop bar stools, people have gone back and forth about Reverend Jeremiah Wright.

By now you know he's presidential hopeful Barack Obama's former pastor. And you know he's a minister that has delivered passionate, firey sermons to a huge congregation at Trinity United Church of Christ on Chicago's south side for more than 30 years.

Back in March, snipets of some of his old sermons started circulating on the internet. On them he accuses the U.S. government of racism, accuses it of flooding black neighborhoods with drugs and blames the government for 9/11. That has lead many to condemn him, calling him unpatriotic and a hate monger.

Have you ever heard Rev. Wright speak? And I'm not talking about snipets of an old sermon on the internet.

Here's your chance to judge for yourself. This is video of Rev. Wright's entire speech, plus questions and answers at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. Monday morning (4/28/07). Please share your thoughts after you've listened to the entire speech. Is Rev. Jeremiah Wright is a prolific speaker or a hate-filled fanatic?

It seems these days, anyone with a microphone and an audience is speaking before thinking and apologizing later.

Comedian Bill Maher is the latest causality of the “foot in mouth” syndrome. He’s the host of “Real Time” on HBO. On his April 11 show, he went on a bit of a rant about Pope Benedict coming to America. Maher was critical of the way he felt the Catholic Church was being treated in light of the priest sex abuse scandal.

Maher said “If you have a few hundred followers and you let some of them molest children, they call you a cult leader. If you have a billion, they call you Pope.”

Listen to Maher's entire monologue.

Maher later apologized but now several Catholic groups are calling for his resignation. The American Life League has even set up a Web site asking people to cancel HBO until Maher is fired.

Maher isn’t the only public speaker to have to apologize for an inappropriate comment he or she made while on the air.

There’s the infamous “nappy headed hos" comment from Don Imus about the Rutgers Women’s basketball team.

And CNN host Jack Cafferty calling China’s goods “junk” and its leaders a “bunch of goons and thugs.”

Or the Golf Channel’s Kelly Tilghman’s suggestion that some younger golfers should “lynch [Tiger Woods] in a back alley.”

And the MSNBC reporter who was suspended for saying Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign had “pimped out” Chelsea Clinton to drum up superdelegate votes.

Some of the comments may have been gaffs, but the others I’m not so sure. The first thing everyone learns in “TV 101” is think before you speak. That leads me to believe some of these people are willing to risk pissing off one group in hopes of getting attention (ratings) from an even bigger group.

photo courtesy NY Daily News

Oprah Winfrey called it a “new definition of what diversity means for everybody.”
In an interview on her show Thursday, a transgender man who is pregnant told the nation he always wanted a child and considers it a miracle. People Magazine first picked up Beatie’s story and has a full spread on him on newsstands Friday, April 4th.

Here’s the background;
34-year old Thomas Beatie, a one time pageant queen, says he decided to become a man 10 years ago, taking testosterone treatments and having breast surgery to remove glands and flatten his chest. He says he kept his reproductive organs knowing he wanted a child one day. That one-day happened 6 months ago when his wife Nancy inseminated him using a syringe of sperm from a donor bank. Beatie says he stopped taking testosterone 2 years ago, and his hormone levels are normal. The happy couple also says their roles in raising the child won’t change. Nancy will be mommy Thomas will be daddy.

What his doctor says;
First, Beatie says he was turned down by several other doctors before Dr. Kimberly James, a doctor in the couple’s Oregon town, decided to pick Thomas up. Dr. James says the baby is totally healthy, and it is a normal pregnancy.

Arguments of course have erupted over this story.
Some are wondering if they are bringing the child into a healthy environment or will their be confusion because daddy gave birth. Others are wondering why the couple are parading themselves before the media and seeking out attention. To that, the couple has said they wanted to release the news on their own terms, instead of having it spread after the baby is born. By the way.. it’s a girl.

Whether good or bad, I want