It's on! The rally to restore sanity. 10/30/10 in Washington, D.C. http://ping.fm/dOOwV

Headless Body Found Near Evanston Middle School, Explosive Device Nearby

I live about two blocks from where this happened. I remember hearing the explosion, and my dog barking. When I was heading to the train this morning, a kid was shouting to his friends, saying that the school was closed due to some explosion. Further, a man who lived across the street from the explosion told me that the police had told him that it was due to a man with a pipe bomb and to "trust me: you don't want to see what's over there." Pretty wild that this happened right around the corner from me!
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Cher At VMAs: Presents Gaga In 'Turn Back Time' Outfit (PHOTOS)

Well come on now, if I was rich, and had all day to have personal trainers, personal dietitians, and elective surgery I could look pretty damn good too. ;-)
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Robert Gibbs On Newt Gingrich's 'Kenyan' Comments: He's Trying To Appeal To Birthers

Along the same McCarthy-istic line of thought, I think the most accurate, predictive model for Newt Gingrich's behavior is that he must be having sex with farm animals. I'm not accusing him of anything but I mean, how else could one explain his behavior?



That's how this sort of witch-hunting innuendo gets started.
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

The Bears won but...the did not deserve to!

14-Year-Old Girl Fatally Shot In North Chicago

To continue to deny that as a gun-rights supporter, you share no responsibility for the overwhelming gun-related violence in our society is like an ostrich hiding his head in the sand: you're hiding from the problem. You just don't get it. I'll try to simplify it so you can grasp the concept. As a gun owner you support groups that help defeat every single common-sense handgun restriction possible. In large part due to that, handguns are freely available to virtually any punk gang-banger who wants one. Those punks then turn around and wreak havoc in urban areas by killing innocent kids -- EVERY SINGLE DAY.



Get it now? You're "right" to "defend" yourself has an indirect but undeniable impact on society as a whole. And in a democratic society, majority rules. So when enough people finally realize how your "rights" are negatively impacting society you will be expected to obey the rules or face the penalties of the law -- which you claim to adhere to.
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Never forget 9/11, the people who lost their lives on that day, and those on United flight 93 who almost surely saved the White House.

Roger Ebert's 'At The Movies' Returns, His Way

Way to go Roger! You've been out of the spotlight for too long. You're still the only critic whose opinion matters to me. Glad you're back!
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Have u noticed that the right-wing folks who usually scream about gov't intrusion are now ASKING the gov't to interfere w/ muslims in NYC?

I just watched an amazing show on the History Channel about 9/11. I will never forget the people on United flight 93. They were heroes.

I am not religious, nor do I personally know anyone of Muslim faith. But if I did, they would be welcome in my home and as my friends.

14-Year-Old Girl Fatally Shot In North Chicago

I hope all the people who lobby hard against common-sense hand gun restrictions are haunted by each successive death of children by gun violence. More guns are NOT the answer.
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Mayor Daley Will Not Seek Another Term

As someone who can recall the tenures of Richard J. Daley, Michael Bilandic, Jane Byrne, Harold Washington, Eugene Sawyer, and Richard M. Daley, the latter Daley has been the best mayor that Chicago has had in my lifetime, IMHO.
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Author Of 'Jump The Shark' Episode Defends Infamous Scene

No doubt. Talk about a piece of self-promoting, self-denying nonsense! I think this guy should have just remained anonymous. Now instead, everyone will say: Oh, Fred Fox!
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Happy Labor Day to everyone.

Teabonics: Derisive term for misspelled and ungrammatical Tea Party protest signs. Spotting instances of Teabonics has become popular online

The weekend can't get here soon enough!

Dear Mr. Beck: Martin Luther King is spelled with one "K"; not three "KKK"!

Cool summer evening + long dog walk + double-scoop ice cream cone = awesome

Had a great morning at dog beach. Just got my grocery shopping done. And now I'm converting British DVD's for my iPhone. :-)

A woman in my 'hood who lives in a halfway house said to Roxy: What's up Chuck? She also once said to Roxy: Hey hey pookie nookie. :-D

Happy Tuesday. It's my last week of 60 mile commutes to the western suburbs. Hooray!

Big news: I have accepted a new position at a company downtown Chicago creating graphic presentations for courtroom litigation. Woot! :-)

I'm watching a retrospective on Soul Train. I used to watch it every Saturday morning and pick up dance moves. Viva Don Cornelius!

If you now anyone looking for a nice 1-BR condo in Evanston, just north of Chicago, please forward this: http://ping.fm/DylUq

Tanaja Stokes, 8-Year-Old Chicago Girl, Fatally Shot By Stray Bullet While Playing

Why does it have to be either/or? Why can't we work on helping to improve economic conditions in poor neighborhoods AND making it more difficult for gang-bangers to easily obtain handguns? Both should be priorities!
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Irony: The political party that claims to be "strict Constitutionalists" are always trying to CHANGE the Constitution.

5-Year-Old Boy Accidentally Shot And Killed By Twin

@Howmanytimes: Unfortunately probably not ALL NRA members or gun owners are as responsible as you seem to be. Further, the NRA does share culpability in this tragedy because it lobbies hard against any & every common sense handgun regulation that tries to prevent these incidents from occurring.
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

I saw "Get Low" starring Bill Murray, Robert Duvall, and Sissy Spacek over the weekend. Excellent movie! Very subtle. Duvall is... Duvall!

It turned out to be a gorgeous day in Chicago today, after some early rain. I'm going to watch "Inglorious Basterds" in a little while.

Updated my iPhone 3G to iOS 4; Jailbroke it with Jailbreakme.com; restored Cydia apps w/ PackageRestore. Just need to update a few sounds!

I'm home today. Didn't get much sleep last night. Spent much of the night in the bathroom. Yuck! Glad it's sunny today. :-)

It's another day of high humidity in Chicago. But at least if we're gonna have 98% humidity, it might as well fall on us.

Right-wing media tycoon Andrew Breitbart’s ‘Minority-Based Tea Party Event’ Fails To Attract Minorities http://bit.ly/dAil1j

Monday, Monday. Can't trust that day.

Me & Roxy just got back from dog beach. Roxy was being chased today by: Rex, Lilly, and Dabney. :-)

Indianapolis Police: Boy, 4, Fired Shot That Killed 3-Year-Old

So...the deadly world shot this 3 year old child in the face? Not the 4 year old boy who found the handgun? The handgun which was easily accessible because groups like the NRA lobby against EVERY single common-sense law to make tragedies like this less likely? It's the worlds fault?! REALLY?!!
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Indianapolis Police: Boy, 4, Fired Shot That Killed 3-Year-Old

Way to go pro-gun zealots. More blood on your hands! But as long as all you "law-abiding" folks are safe in your suburban homes, that's all that matters.
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Happy Friday y'all! I can't wait for the weekend to start. I hope everyone has fun this weekend!

It's official: I'm selling my condo. I've got to get out from under all the debt I've accumulated from being out of work most of last year!

OMG: My 30th high school reunion is just a couple of months away! Yikes!

Happy Monday everyone. I had a pretty good weekend. Now, it's time to start cleaning up my condo to put it up for sale.

Just got back from a rousing good time at dog beach! Now: dry cleaners, laundry, haircut, etc.

Apple The New Leader In Software Insecurity: REPORT

I have used Macs in advertising since 1985 and I do not know anyone -- NOT ONE SINGLE PERSON -- who has EVER had a virus, hack, trojan horse, or malware on a Mac. Conversely, I don't know any PC users who have NOT had such problems.
About Apple
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Holy cow! I'm really wiped out today. I wish I were home in bed, cuddled up with my dog.

Tarenzo Dillon Charged In Shooting Of 1-Year-Old-Girl

Here's another example of a person who should not have been allowed to own a handgun. Firearms injuries are the second leading cause of non-natural death in childhood and adolescence. (Centers for Disease Control, 2004)
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Goodnight world!

Club Monaco Mannequins EMACIATED, Collarbones And Spines Show (PHOTOS)

Um, perhaps it's because I prefer women who are trim, or maybe it's because we're so used to seeing obese people in the USA, but these mannequins do not look emaciated to me. Thin yes, but not emaciated.
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

We had a fantastic morning at dog beach. Cleaning now. More coffee soon. Then a haircut, and if I'm lucky, a date tonight!

Jody Weis: Chicago Police To Fingerprint Handgun Owners

I don't suppose that any of the gun lovers who blog here -- most of whom live outside Chicago -- saw the new WGN/Chicago Tribune poll showing that 56% of city RESIDENTS APPROVE of Mayor Daley's efforts to limit gun ownership within the city? Anybody catch that? And since you all claim to be strict Constitutionalists & believers in Democracy, you'll support the wishes of this MAJORITY...right? Right?!



Now, watch all the rationalizations & excuses that pour in about "protecting the rights of the minority" and "protecting 2nd amendment rights for everybody". LOL!
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Dog trapped in hot car honks horn again, and again: Chocolate Labrador retriever took action to alert owner on 90-day. http://bit.ly/dniMAw

It's a hot one out there today boys & girls. Remember to stay hydrated! ;-)

I'm up early on Tuesday morning, checking the news, having a latte, and getting ready for work. Have a good day everyone!

Chicago City Council Approves Tough New Handgun Restrictions

Try all you want to deny responsibility by quoting statistics, studies, and laws. The simple fact is that YOU and all pro-gun zealots bear partial responsibility for this young boy's death by blocking common-sense regulations and promoting a wild west culture of easy access to lethal handguns. I hope you can live with the blood of children on your conscience. Shame on you!
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Chicago City Council Approves Tough New Handgun Restrictions

If you really want to know why progressives favor handgun restrictions, this is why: Boy, 9, accidentally shoots and kills toddler.

http://bit.ly/aaNylo
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Man: I am SO glad the weekend is here! Don't know why, but I was wiped out this week. Oh wait: I do know why now.

It's hot, sweet, and sticky outside today in Chicago. It's one of those days you're glad that air conditioning was invented!!

Using Ancestry.com and some family info, I've gotten as far back as my great-great-great-great grandfather so far! Pretty cool!

Chicago City Council Approves Tough New Handgun Restrictions

How about saying that to the mother of the 5 year old child who was shot in the head while playing on her grandmothers porch. Or saying that to the face of Blair Holt's father, a Chicago Police officer who's son was shot & killed by a handgun while trying to protect his classmate.
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Tesla Unveils The Roadster 2.5 (PHOTOS)

Want one! Want one! Aaaggghhhh!
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Getting out of work early today! Dog beach, long weekend, Steve Miller Band, etc... here I come! :-)

Woot woot! Friday! Long weekend! Sunny in Chicago!!

It's Thursday -- one more day until the long weekend! Woo hoo!

Thanks to everyone for your good wishes about my car accident. It was very minor. Luckily, it wasn't as serious as my recent computer crash.

Chicago Gun Ban Reversal: Some Celebrate, Others Mourn (VIDEO)

"Every other week there's a shooting," one Little Village RESIDENT told NPR. "There's so many guns on the streets already, we don't need more."



"More guns equals to me more problems, more DEATHS, more funerals, more parents like me," said Chicago RESIDENT Annette Nance-Holt whose 16-year-old son Blair was killed on a CTA bus trying to shield a classmate from gunfire. "So who will answer for all the parents and citizens killed by guns and those injured by them?"



Eloquently said.
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Matt Taibbi's Lara Logan Takedown: 'Lara Logan, You Suck'

Rock on Matt! You speak for many!!
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Saturday so far: bagel & latte, dog beach, haircut, cleaned house, laundry. Later: deposit check, pay bills, get groceries, watch movie.

Sweet Tea And American Values: Artist Ray Noland Takes On Rod Blagojevich (PHOTOS)

Whoa: I am not familiar with Ray Noland but his work bares a striking similarity to the work that U.K. artist Banksy has been producing for almost a decade! I smell a lawsuit!

http://banksy.co.uk/
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Woo hoo, it's Friday!

Chicago Handgun Ban: Daley Will Not Stop Fighting Guns If SCOTUS Strikes Down Ban

In 1995 Chicago, in order to help combat an epidemic of gang graffiti, instituted a ban on purchasing spray paint within the city limits. That's right: you cannot buy spray paint in the city of Chicago. Has graffiti been completely eliminated? Of course not. But it has been greatly hampered. The realistic goal is not eliminating all spray paint -- that's impossible. The goal is to make it as difficult as possible to commit a crime with a can of spray paint.



The same holds true for handguns. Those people with honorable intentions, who live within the city limits, can still own handguns. The goal is to make it as difficult as possible for those with malicious intent to bring guns into the city. Does Chicago's laws prevent ALL guns from coming into the city? Of course not. But does it make it more difficult for criminals in Chicago to obtain handguns? Yes, it certainly does. Can this be easily measured? No. But Chicago police agree that they -- and we -- are safer with fewer handguns on the streets of Chicago.
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Looking forward to getting home to my wiggly dog, eating leftover steak shish kabob, and watching Countdown with Keith Olbermann.

I'm enjoying sunshine, lightning, and fat-free peach ice cream.

Chicago Violence: At Least 40 Shot, Seven Dead Over The Weekend

This is my favorite thing: Any time there is an article on HuffPo about handgun violence in the City of Chicago, the pro-gun zealots flood the comments with the same tired rhetoric about unsuccessful handgun bans, responsible owners, 2nd amendment rights, blah blah blah...



Yet NONE of them actually live IN the City of Chicago!



Why don't they focus on making THEIR cities better places; and let me focus on mine.
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Happy fathers day to my dad, who I love very much!

Looking forward to the Scottish Highland Games with friends Saturday afternoon in Oak Brook, IL. It's a kooky way to spend a day!

Whoa: I can't believe it's Thursday already! Where did this week go?

Thursday night at James Park in Evanston, IL the great pop singer/songwriter Marshall Crenshaw is performing a FREE concert! Join me!

Man Shot In Mouth On South Side, Spits Out Tooth And Bullet

See, now here's a benefit of all the cheap, easy-to-obtain handguns on the streets that the gun nuts never talk about: Dentistry! They should be touting the use of handguns for dentistry. Imagine how many more people carrying handguns everywhere would make the streets safe by eliminating decaying teeth!
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Warm spring evening + dog walk + ice cream cone = perfection

Just got out of back-to-back meetings. Whew! Now...lunch.

Okay, now that all this fuss about the Blackhawks is done, bring on Lance Armstrong's bid for his 8th Tour de France victory!

Why Is That Gun There? The Most Ridiculous Firearm Owners Ever (PHOTOS)

Hysterical and terrifying all at once! I wonder why all the pro-gun nuts who normally bombard these forums with their propaganda aren't commenting on these pictures. Hmmm. Give 'em time. They'll be here providing ridiculous statistics, or trying to turn the argument into something it's not. (It's one of their favorite tricks).



America has FAR too many guns. And far too many irresponsible gun owners.
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Home again. Naturally.

Stacy Peterson Search Comes Up Empty: Only Animal Bones Found

This headline is misleading. The police have not "come up empty". They have simply not been able to determine with any accuracy whether or not there has been any disturbed sites, partly due to bad weather, and partly due to lack of proper equipment on the scene. They will resume the search when the proper equipment arrives on scene. Then they will be able to make a definitive statement. They are guarding this very closely, which can mean that they don't want to give anything away yet. I hope they do find Stacy -- for the family's well-being. But if this doesn't turn out to be a valid search site, they will find her eventually I'm sure. Drew Peterson's ego is too big, and his mouth is too loose for him not to eventually give up where he dumped her body. He is a psychopath who belongs locked up for the rest of his life.
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Mark Kirk's Foreign Policy Flaps: Exaggeration Goes Beyond Military Service Record

Unbelievable! A journalist has ACTUALLY done some research and checked what a politician has claimed, rather than just rewriting their talking points and passing it off as news! Perhaps they've finally realized that it is their job to INVESTIGATE.
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Me? Wide awake. Roxy? Ready to go to dog beach. Girlfriend? Sound asleep. :-)

John Ardelean Charges Dropped: Cop Accused Of DUI In Fatal Crash Walks (VIDEO)

As someone who barely survived a car crash by a drunk driver who walked away without paying any sort of penalties, I deeply empathize with the families affected. And I say this from the bottom of my heart:



THIS COP IS A MISERABLE PERSON, AND I HOPE HE ROTS IN HADES FOR AN ETERNITY.
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Happy Friday to all my friends on Facebook, Foursquare, Brightkite, Twitter, etc. Have a great weekend!

I'm proudly sporting a bumper sticker on my Prius saying: I Support President Obama

New Yorkers Named Worst Drivers In The Country; Kansas Has The Best

I've lived in 5 states, and visited about 45 of the 50 states and the worst drivers I've ever seen -- by far -- live in Washington State! They come down to the bottom of an expressway ramp and STOP and wait! The ramp is for acceleration!!



Furthermore, if a bird, or bug, or falling leaf is in their path they BREAK!



Aaaaagggghhh!!! They're God-awful. Worse than Jamaica!

_______________________________________________



Now, on the flip side of this are drivers in Turkey and Spain. They know that when someone is coming up behind you at a greater speed -- you move over to your right. Simple. In Spain, people will put on their turn signal for you to indicate that it is safe OR unsafe to pass them. How polite!
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Sarah Silverman Calls Fox News A '24-Hour-A-Day Racism Engine,' Fox News Hits Back

Take for example her argument that Tea Party protests are a subtle form of racist behavior. Of all of the news footage or pictures that I have seen of any of the Tea Party protests, I do not recall seeing ANY people of color. None. I would agree with Ms. Silverman that it appears to be behavior that is subtly racist. Take another example that Ms. Silverman calls racist: The Birther movement. It has been factually proven that President Obama was born in the state of Hawaii. But Birthers conspiracy belief that he MUST not be President is a subtle, perhaps unconscious form of racism. Difficult to recognize as what we might traditionally call racist? Yes. But racist nonetheless.
About Sarah Silverman
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Cleveland Clinic Researchers Develop Prototype Vaccine To Prevent Breast Cancer http://bit.ly/abXWol || MAJOR news about breast cancer!!

Chicago Violence: At Least 27 People Shot Over Memorial Day Weekend

Regarding Chicago gun violence, Chicago Police Superintendent said: "You just have too many guns and too many gangs, and too much drugs on the street," Weis said. "There's just too many weapons out here."



Unless you live in Chicago, you have no idea just how many people are being shot and/or murdered EVERY week by handgun violence. 22 people in the last 3 days alone!
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

I had a great holiday weekend. I hope you did too!

Happy days! It's a gorgeous weekend in Chicago. Have a restful & safe weekend!!

Chicago Gun Violence Continues: At Least Seven Shot Overnight In Chicago

It's going to be a long, hot summer filled with violent deaths caused by handguns here in the city of Chicago. It's unfortunate that despite the epidemic of gun-related deaths, the pro-gun lobby continue to play dumb & blind to the violence. They will quote statistics, cite laws, and argue that their rights are being threatened. But when all is said and done, it just comes down to common sense. Is it ever okay -- EVER -- for an innocent child to be murdered by a handgun? No. There is NO justification for that. Ever.
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Chicago's Image Problem: The National Media Focuses On Chicago Violence, But Is It Really That Bad? (POLL)

Any make & model of handgun used in the city of Chicago to commit a crime is an illegal handgun.



And any person using a handgun who shoots & injures or kills an innocent child (or adult) in the jurisdiction of Chicago is a criminal who should be convicted & imprisoned.
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Jennifer Aniston Bares Ripped Stomach For Smart Water Ad (PHOTO)

Can I just say: Yummy!
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

<em>Chicago</em> Magazine Names Top 40 Movies Filmed In Chicago (PHOTOS)

Re: Top 40 Chicago films: No Running Scared? Love Jones? Breakfast Club? Eight Men Out? Christmas Vacation? Groundhog Day? Planes, Trains, & Automobiles? Uncle Buck? The Untouchables?
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Chicago's Image Problem: The National Media Focuses On Chicago Violence, But Is It Really That Bad? (POLL)

As a life-long Chicagoan who watches the news every day I can state this with confidence: CHICAGO HAS TOO MANY HANDGUNS ON THE STREETS. PERIOD.



When 5 year old children, sitting on their grandmothers front porch, get shot & killed: you've got too many guns.



More children were killed on the streets of Chicago during the beginning of 2010 than soldiers in Afghanistan! That is sickening. That is epidemic. But until children's rights NOT TO DIE are greater than the rights of Americans to own as many handguns as their homes will hold -- CHILDREN WILL DIE.
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost