Now that the holidays are almost over, most peoplewill have two things on their minds: New Year’s Eveplans, and New Year’s resolutions.
I don’t have the money to go out and spend $125 to goto a party and get free booze for a few hours, thenpay out of my rear end for booze the other hours ofthe night. Then again, who does? But will that stoppeople from spending hundreds of dollars on New Year’sEve because it’s the cool thing to do? I mean, it’slike everyone in the club is like watching and you will be like a loser if you don’t like kiss someone atmidnight. Like.
I know it is one of the bigger party nights of theyear, and everyone likes to go out on New Year’s Eveand have a good time, me included. Bars and clubs allaround have specials. Some are great, some are not.I’m sure there are some celebrities that no one caresabout who are hosting parties somewhere.
For South Siders, our best bets are probably the Irishbars on Western Avenue or the Bourbon Street tavern.But who has the money this year to spend $100 on aticket to a party?As for resolutions... Some are going to get intobetter shape, and others will look for a better job.Good luck! Some will say they will quit smoking,drinking or whatever they do too much of. Only a fewwill actually make it, and most will give up onwhatever their resolution is. Most will be good for amonth or two, then return to their old ways.
Notice how gym ads want you to pay for the entire yearupfront? This way, they have your money and they don’tcare if you go or not. No gym will have apay-as-you-go month to month special.Many people wish for something beyond their control(like rooting for the Cubs to win a World Series thisyear) or set themselves up to fail, like quittingsmoking or losing weight, but go about it the wrongway.With the economy the way is it, people will seem happythat they do have a fresh start. Love him or hate him,there is a change in the president. Many people aregoing to feel better just hearing those words, somemight get sick.But the new year is a chance to better yourself, butit shouldn’t start on Jan. 1.
It is also the time we get bombarded with all thesetop lists of the year. Best movie, best actor, bestdressed, worst dressed, blah blah blah. So with thatin mind, here is my biased lists for 2008.Biggest story of the year: Barack Obama electedpresident. It doesn’t matter your feelings, it is thebiggest story of the year. Worst story of the year:Blagojevich. Again, love him or hate him, he was theworst thing to happen to Illinois this year.Best movie: “The Dark Knight,” and an honorablemention to “Rambo.” Worst movie I saw: “RighteousKill.” Pacino plus DeNiro does not always equal good.Best Album: “Death Magnetic” by Metallica. The worstalbum was almost everything else.
The best national sports story might have to beMichael Phelps and, locally, the rise of theBlackhawks. Worst sports story nationally again has tobe steroids, with Roger Clemens added to the mix, andlocally it was — after a great summer for both Chicagobaseball teams — how quickly they both exited from theplayoffs.
Best television show season was “The Sopranos.” Worsttelevision show season: any and all reality shows.
This is my list, and I hate such shows. I also lostinterest in “Heroes” this season.Best dressed...kidding.I once heard someone say that when you come to adecision in life, “take the one that will provide thebest memory.” Now that might not always apply, andthere might be some other variables that go into thedecision, but it’s not a bad idea either.I hope everyone had a very merry Festivus!
(Chuck Salvatore is a reporter for the SouthwestNews-Herald. He may be reached at (773) 476-4800, ext.241, at chucksalvatore@hotmail.com or atchucksalvatore.blogspot.com. Also don’t forget tocatch him every Thursday on the Linda Padgurskis showfrom noon to 1 p.m., and every Friday on the“Out’N’About” talk show with Ron and Joe from 2 to 3p.m. He will also guest host Friday, Dec. 26 on RadioChicagoland, Mornings with Ray Hanania, all on WJJG1530 AM.)
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Is Blago bad apple? Or just the one to get caught???
So, Gov. Blagojevich was taken into federal custody early Tuesday morning by federal agents. Having read the 76 page complaint with the charges, accusations and semi transcripts of conversations he allegedly had i was shocked.
The first thought was how could he try and sell President-elect Barack Obama’s U.S. Senate seat? Everyone in this state knew that he was being investigated by the government. Did he feel he couldn’t get caught, or it would be further down the line or just didn’t give a damn.
Did Blago ever watch “The Sopranos,” they always talk about how you can’t talk on the phone. How could he not think the feds would wire taps his phones. Any “mobster” knows you don’t talk on the phone. Why do you think Tony Soprano always went to the BaDaBing to use the payphone, so the feds couldn’t listen. Common sense, if your friends have been indicted by the feds, they are investigating you and you are trying to illegally sell a Senate seat, DO NOT TALK ON THE PHONE.
Was Blago just abusing the system or is this something that happens all the time with our elected officials and the Governor just the only one who got caught?
With a history of governors going to jail, I think that answers the question. It was hard to trust state politicians before this, will the public trust elected officials statewide now that this has happened?
So Blagojevich tried to blackmail the Tribune Company, sell Obama’s Senate seat and other pay to play schemes. Wow, the stones on this guy!
Now state Sen. Jesse Jackson Jr., has admitted he is “Senate Candidate 5” who was featured in the wire taps. Jackson said he did nothing wrong and was told by US Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald he was not part of this investigation. I am not casting the blame or the first stone, but I find it suspicious that Jackson met with the Governor for more than an hour on Monday.
Didn’t Fitzgerald say he moved so quickly to stop a crime spree?
Did Fitzgerald act because they felt Blagojevich was going to name someone to the Senate seat and they felt they had to act before someone was named. I would be willing to bet there was someone out there who was willing to pay for the seat. And that is why Fitzgerald moved so fast.
I am just saying right now I don’t trust anyone involved in this situation. I don’t believe Obama had anything to do with this, I don’t think he as dumb as the governor.
Blago does not have to step down, but there is no way he can legitimately name someone to the US Senate seat. Nor could any of the other deals he makes be taken seriously. Speaker of the House, Michael Madigan has had it in for Blago for a while and I believe he will go after Blago and try to impeach him. If one Madigan doesn’t the other will. The other is Lisa Madigan, Attorney General, who is after Blagojevich’s job. My guess when the Madigan's heard about Blago being arrested, they were smiling.
I would be willing to bet that Blagojevich will not resign. After reading the transcripts Blago is too cocky and arrogant to resign. Resigning would almost be like admitting guilt. He will fight this to the end, where ever it might end.
If these allegations are proven true, which they haven’t been yet, then this will be the most embarrassing actions of any Illinois politician.
The faster Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn becomes the governor the better it is for the state. He can quickly and quietly name someone to Obama Senate seat or I have heard Quinn say he would let the people decide through an election. Can you imagine that, an elected official letting the people deiced something.
What is Quinn stupid, does he realize he has a gold mine? He can’t give that seat away for free!
The first thought was how could he try and sell President-elect Barack Obama’s U.S. Senate seat? Everyone in this state knew that he was being investigated by the government. Did he feel he couldn’t get caught, or it would be further down the line or just didn’t give a damn.
Did Blago ever watch “The Sopranos,” they always talk about how you can’t talk on the phone. How could he not think the feds would wire taps his phones. Any “mobster” knows you don’t talk on the phone. Why do you think Tony Soprano always went to the BaDaBing to use the payphone, so the feds couldn’t listen. Common sense, if your friends have been indicted by the feds, they are investigating you and you are trying to illegally sell a Senate seat, DO NOT TALK ON THE PHONE.
Was Blago just abusing the system or is this something that happens all the time with our elected officials and the Governor just the only one who got caught?
With a history of governors going to jail, I think that answers the question. It was hard to trust state politicians before this, will the public trust elected officials statewide now that this has happened?
So Blagojevich tried to blackmail the Tribune Company, sell Obama’s Senate seat and other pay to play schemes. Wow, the stones on this guy!
Now state Sen. Jesse Jackson Jr., has admitted he is “Senate Candidate 5” who was featured in the wire taps. Jackson said he did nothing wrong and was told by US Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald he was not part of this investigation. I am not casting the blame or the first stone, but I find it suspicious that Jackson met with the Governor for more than an hour on Monday.
Didn’t Fitzgerald say he moved so quickly to stop a crime spree?
Did Fitzgerald act because they felt Blagojevich was going to name someone to the Senate seat and they felt they had to act before someone was named. I would be willing to bet there was someone out there who was willing to pay for the seat. And that is why Fitzgerald moved so fast.
I am just saying right now I don’t trust anyone involved in this situation. I don’t believe Obama had anything to do with this, I don’t think he as dumb as the governor.
Blago does not have to step down, but there is no way he can legitimately name someone to the US Senate seat. Nor could any of the other deals he makes be taken seriously. Speaker of the House, Michael Madigan has had it in for Blago for a while and I believe he will go after Blago and try to impeach him. If one Madigan doesn’t the other will. The other is Lisa Madigan, Attorney General, who is after Blagojevich’s job. My guess when the Madigan's heard about Blago being arrested, they were smiling.
I would be willing to bet that Blagojevich will not resign. After reading the transcripts Blago is too cocky and arrogant to resign. Resigning would almost be like admitting guilt. He will fight this to the end, where ever it might end.
If these allegations are proven true, which they haven’t been yet, then this will be the most embarrassing actions of any Illinois politician.
The faster Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn becomes the governor the better it is for the state. He can quickly and quietly name someone to Obama Senate seat or I have heard Quinn say he would let the people decide through an election. Can you imagine that, an elected official letting the people deiced something.
What is Quinn stupid, does he realize he has a gold mine? He can’t give that seat away for free!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
About Yule Music (Ugh) And The Hawks (Yay!)
“Sleigh bells ring, are you listening, In the lane, snow is glistening...” STOP IT!
It’s too early to be listening to these dumb Christmas songs. This year when I turned on WLIT (93.9 FM) on Nov. 14, I first heard Christmas music — a full 14 days before Thanksgiving and 42 before Christmas.
Now without sounding like a Grinch, I have to say this is a little too early for a station to be playing Christmas music. What happened to starting after Turkey Day, or just waiting until Dec. 1, because 24 days before the holiday is bad enough. But to torch us for 42 days is just too much.
Did you ever stop and wonder why people are never in the holiday spirit? Maybe this stupid tradition has something to do with it. By starting the music this early, by the time Dec. 19 arrives, people are sick to death of hearing the same 14 songs on repeat. Usually by the midway point of December, I just want Christmas to be over so I don’t have to listen to the music anymore.
People always say my generation is out of touch with the holiday. Well, it’s your fault! This holiday has become so commercialized that it’s overbearing. Decorations were up in stores and on street poles, BEFORE HALLOWEEN!
Stop playing Christmas music before Thanksgiving or just wait till Dec. 1.
* * *
I was too young to remember “the roar.” It might not be the same, but there is something special happening on Madison Street. It’s not just the fact that home games are on television or some games are broadcasted on WGN. But being in the arena and standing while the national anthem is being sung is once again putting goose bumps on Hawks fans around the city.
It’s been far too long since this Original Six franchise has meant something. With key additions on and off the ice, something special is happening.
The Blackhawks matter again!
That will be evident when the Hawks host the Red Wings on Jan. 1 at Wrigley Field in the NHL’s new pride and joy, “The Winter Classic.”
The team hasn’t made the playoffs since the 2001-02 season, when it was swept in the first round by the Blues. Their attendance in seasons to follow was a joke. But this year, the Hawks lead the league in attendance. For years, no one knew who any of the players were.
Now, Kane, Toews, Khabibulin and Seabrook are household names. Well, Kane and Toews are anyways. But there are two others names that have a lot to do with the recent success: “Rocky” Wirtz and John McDonough. Since William Wirtz died and his son “Rocky” took over, it seems every decision that has been made was the right one, including hiring former Cubs front office man, McDonough.
The two have done everything they can to bring the best players on the ice and the fans in the seats. Expectations are high for this team to not only make the playoffs but contend for the Cup, and I think it can do both. The Hawks have a lot of young, talented players who should be on this team for years to come and continue to make “da Hawks” a force to be reckoned with in the NHL.
Chuck Salvatore is a general assignment reporter for the Southwest News-Herald. He may be reached at (773) 476-4800, ext. 241, at chucksalvatore@hotmail.com or at www.chucksalvatore.blogspot.com. Be sure to catch Chuck every week on the Linda Padgurskis show from noon to 1 p.m., on Thursdays and The Out ‘N’ About talk show with Ron and Joe from 2 to 3 p.m. every Friday, both on WJJG 1530 AM. Chuck will also guest host for Ray Hanania on Friday, Nov. 28, from 8 to 9 a.m.
It’s too early to be listening to these dumb Christmas songs. This year when I turned on WLIT (93.9 FM) on Nov. 14, I first heard Christmas music — a full 14 days before Thanksgiving and 42 before Christmas.
Now without sounding like a Grinch, I have to say this is a little too early for a station to be playing Christmas music. What happened to starting after Turkey Day, or just waiting until Dec. 1, because 24 days before the holiday is bad enough. But to torch us for 42 days is just too much.
Did you ever stop and wonder why people are never in the holiday spirit? Maybe this stupid tradition has something to do with it. By starting the music this early, by the time Dec. 19 arrives, people are sick to death of hearing the same 14 songs on repeat. Usually by the midway point of December, I just want Christmas to be over so I don’t have to listen to the music anymore.
People always say my generation is out of touch with the holiday. Well, it’s your fault! This holiday has become so commercialized that it’s overbearing. Decorations were up in stores and on street poles, BEFORE HALLOWEEN!
Stop playing Christmas music before Thanksgiving or just wait till Dec. 1.
* * *
I was too young to remember “the roar.” It might not be the same, but there is something special happening on Madison Street. It’s not just the fact that home games are on television or some games are broadcasted on WGN. But being in the arena and standing while the national anthem is being sung is once again putting goose bumps on Hawks fans around the city.
It’s been far too long since this Original Six franchise has meant something. With key additions on and off the ice, something special is happening.
The Blackhawks matter again!
That will be evident when the Hawks host the Red Wings on Jan. 1 at Wrigley Field in the NHL’s new pride and joy, “The Winter Classic.”
The team hasn’t made the playoffs since the 2001-02 season, when it was swept in the first round by the Blues. Their attendance in seasons to follow was a joke. But this year, the Hawks lead the league in attendance. For years, no one knew who any of the players were.
Now, Kane, Toews, Khabibulin and Seabrook are household names. Well, Kane and Toews are anyways. But there are two others names that have a lot to do with the recent success: “Rocky” Wirtz and John McDonough. Since William Wirtz died and his son “Rocky” took over, it seems every decision that has been made was the right one, including hiring former Cubs front office man, McDonough.
The two have done everything they can to bring the best players on the ice and the fans in the seats. Expectations are high for this team to not only make the playoffs but contend for the Cup, and I think it can do both. The Hawks have a lot of young, talented players who should be on this team for years to come and continue to make “da Hawks” a force to be reckoned with in the NHL.
Chuck Salvatore is a general assignment reporter for the Southwest News-Herald. He may be reached at (773) 476-4800, ext. 241, at chucksalvatore@hotmail.com or at www.chucksalvatore.blogspot.com. Be sure to catch Chuck every week on the Linda Padgurskis show from noon to 1 p.m., on Thursdays and The Out ‘N’ About talk show with Ron and Joe from 2 to 3 p.m. every Friday, both on WJJG 1530 AM. Chuck will also guest host for Ray Hanania on Friday, Nov. 28, from 8 to 9 a.m.
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