Daily Archive : Sunday February 10, 2013
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News
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Goofy brothers get serious about fighting cancer
Brothers Tom and Bill Latourette have been competitive since they were kids. So when the suburban dads took to the golf course to raise a few bucks for a friend with cancer, they vowed to raise more the next year. A dozen years and nearly $400,000 later, they're pushing to raise more through the wackiest fundraiser ever.
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Kotowski a central player in gun debate
Before being elected to the state Senate, Democrat Dan Kotowski of Park Ridge was a visible player in the emotional debate over guns in Illinois. Kotowski worked for six years as the executive director for the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence, making him one of the state's top gun control lobbyists. Now, as both sides are set to clash on the issue in 2013, Kotowski could have a key role...
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Illinois, Indiana to join for summit on guns
Hoping to address the flow of guns across state lines, Cook County Sherriff Tom Dart plans to host a gun summit in Indiana later this week, his spokesman told The Associated Press on Sunday. The event will be held Friday in Gary. Those invited include Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Chicago Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy, Gary Police Chief Wade Ingram and Lake County (Ind.) Sheriff John Buncich.
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Hoffman Estates teen charged in home invasion, sex assault
A Cook County judge set bail at $100,000 for a Hoffman Estates teen charged with assaulting a woman in her residence early Wednesday. Stephen Delgado, of the 600 block of Bode Circle, was charged with home invasion and criminal sexual assault after police say a woman was awakened about 1 a.m. Feb. 6 to an intruder in her residence.
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40-inch catfish caught at Chain O’ Lakes Ice Fishin’ Derby
The talk of this year's Chain O’ Lakes Ice Fishin’ Derby and Winter Festival was the 40-inch catfish caught Sunday by an Ingleside family. Despite the rain and warm temperatures, hundreds of ice fishermen, from as far away as Canada and Germany, were able to fish near Channel Lake in Antioch.
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Neighbors might not recognize 'Biggest Loser' contestant
Danni Allen can go around the suburbs incognito because she already looks different than she does on the NBC television show "The Biggest Loser." While the reality series is halfway to its live finale in March, all the other episodes were pre-shot, and the contestants are all back in their real lives.
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Dance teams converge in Batavia for competition
About 40 high school dance teams gathered Sunday for the annual Team Dance Illinois tournament at Batavia High School. Nearly 80 performances filled the day as teams from across the region competed for tournament trophies as well as placement in the state competition scheduled for March 3 in Peoria.
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Selected winners at the 55th annual Grammy Awards
It was a surprising night at the Grammy Awards. Here's the list of selected winners at the 55th annual Grammy Awards.
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Buzz builds at Westminster for doberman
In the run-up to the Westminster Kennel Club dog show, which opens Monday, the buzz surrounding a 4-year-old Doberman Pinscher named Fifi was audible. She’s known as “The Fifinator” among her thousands of fans, who themselves are known as Fifians.
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Significant storm damage in Hattiesburg, Miss.
Emergency officials say an apparent tornado has caused significant damage in Hattiesburg, Miss., after passing along a main road. Forrest County Fire Coordinator Chip Brown says there is major damage in Hattiesburg and Petal, including on the campus of the University of Southern Mississippi. He couldn’t confirm injuries.
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Search for fugitive ex-cop sets region on edge
Camping gear was found along with weapons inside the burned-out truck belonging to Christopher Dorner, the former Los Angeles police officer suspected in three killings who is the subject of a manhunt in Southern California’s snow-covered mountains, authorities said Sunday. The Nissan pickup found Thursday in this ski resort town was so charred that investigators couldn’t be more specific about...
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Northeast slowly recovering from blizzard
Emergency crews and residents struggled to clear roadways and sidewalks from a storm that rampaged through the Northeast, dumping up to 3 feet of snow and bringing howling winds that knocked out power to hundreds of thousands.
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Former Mt. Prospect trustee dies at age 104
Former Mt. Prospect trustee and River Trails Dist. 26 school board member Theodore J. "Ted" Wattenberg died Saturday at age 104.“He would stand on his principles,” said his daughter, Margaret.
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One person airlifted from N. Aurora crash
One person is in critical condition after a crash in North Aurora that shut down Route 25 for several hours on Sunday afternoon, officials said.
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Images: The Week in Pictures
This edition of The Week in Pictures features a dads and daughters dance, kids science projects, and cold and snowy weather.
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Rubio emerges as GOP star
Lately, it seems just about everyone is fascinated by the junior senator from Florida. Time’s current cover proclaims Marco Rubio “The Republican Savior.” Next up: On Tuesday night, he will give the GOP response to President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address — in English and Spanish.
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How Obama is wielding executive power in 2nd term
This is what “Forward” looks like. Fast forward, even. President Barack Obama’s campaign slogan is springing to life in a surge of executive directives and agency rule-making that touch many of the affairs of government. They are dooing things that may be unachievable through legislation.
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2 in custody in connection with Chicago teen’s death
Two men were taken into custody Sunday as “persons of interest” in the fatal shooting of a 15-year-old Chicago girl, a Chicago police spokeswoman said.Chicago Police Department spokeswoman Melissa Stratton said the two men, ages 18 and 20, were taken into custody early Sunday morning and are being questioned. She said no charges have been filed.
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Palatine music store owner’s dying wish to be honored
For John Giovannoni, co-owner of The Music Room in downtown Palatine, a dying request has become a reason to celebrate. “His request before he passed away was that he didn’t want a service or a memorial or a funeral or any of that, but he wanted a party,” said Lindsey Lindstrom, a former employee who is organizing the party. The party celebrating Giovannoni’s life will be held from 2 to 8 p.m.
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Supporters hit the lanes to help West Chicago-area boy
Dozens turned out for a bowling fundraiser Sunday that will help a West Chicago-area family with medical expenses for 6-year-old Owen Payton, who's waiting for a heart-transplant operation.
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Canada ahead of US in allowing women in combat
In Canada, the presence of women in combat is old hat. Since the policy was changed by an equal-rights ruling in 1989, Canadian women have risen through the ranks and three have died fighting. Now, in the days after the U.S. decision to follow suit, some Canadians still question the wisdom of the policy, but officers and enlisted personnel interviewed by The Associated Press say they have no...
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New U.S. commander takes the helm in Afghanistan
Marine Gen. Joseph Dunford took charge of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan on Sunday as the coalition enters its final stretch of the more than 11-year-old war. The new commander faces daunting challenges, including making sure Afghan government forces are ready to take control and orchestrating the withdrawal of foreign forces during the next 23 months.
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Lawmakers urge oversight of drone program
President Barack Obama’s use of unmanned drones to kill Americans who are suspected of being al-Qaida allies deserves closer inspection, lawmakers said Sunday as even some of the president’s allies suggested an uneasiness about the program.
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Man pleads guilty to drug charge, won’t get alligator back
A Cary man lost his five-foot long alligator after an October 2011 drug bust, but is getting another chance to move forward without a felony conviction. Nicholas R. Cosmano, 27, recently pleaded guilty to misdemeanor marijuana possession and was sentenced to a year of conditional discharge, 40 hours community service, random drug tests, counseling, drug addiction treatment, and fined $4,400,...
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Oak Brook’s Winterfest carries on despite rainy weather
Oak Brook's Winterfest could have used a bit more actual winter, but those who attended on a rainy Sunday enjoyed the indoor activities.
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How hospitals have slowed the readmission epidemic
More than 1 million Americans wind up back in the hospital only weeks after they left for reasons that could have been prevented — a revolving door that for years has seemed impossible to slow. Now Medicare has begun punishing hospitals with hefty fines if they have too many readmissions, and a top official says signs of improvement are beginning to emerge.
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Congressmen endorse Kelly for Jackson’s seat
Two Democratic Chicago congressmen have endorsed Robin Kelly in the race to replace former Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. Other candidates in the running are former Congressman Debbie Halvorson, state Sen. Toi Hutchinson and Chicago Alderman Anthony Beale.
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President to travel to Chicago this week
President Barack Obama will travel to Chicago at the end of this week to address gun violence and other issues after his State of the Union address.
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Islamists attack Malian troops
Black-robed Islamic extremists armed with AK-47 automatic rifles snuck into the city of Gao in canoes Sunday to launch a surprise attack on the Malian army in the most populous city in northern Mali, two weeks after French and Malian troops ousted the jihadists.
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Island Lake records detail activists' financial ties
A Daily Herald examination of Island Lake village records reveals details of the financial relationship between village hall and the two activists who successfully pushed to get mayoral hopeful Charles Amrich knocked off April's ballot. In 2012, two companies owned by Daniel Field billed the town for nearly $59,000 in services, while former trustee Louis Sharp's towing company handled more than...
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Preschool screenings set in Dist. 95
Lake Zurich Unit District 95 will offer a preschool screening for 3- and 4-year-old children on Tuesday, March 19 and Wednesday, March 20.
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New Wauconda Middle School principal named
Wauconda High School English teacher Bob Taterka has been named Wauconda Middle’s next principal.
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Palatine library used book sale Feb. 15-17
The Friends of the Palatine Public Library will hold its Winter Used Book Sale from Friday, Feb. 15 to Sunday, Feb. 17 at the main library, 700 N. North Court, Palatine. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and 12:30 to 3 p.m. Sunday.
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MHS jazz bands to perform
The Mundelein High School jazz bands will present a winter concert at 7 p.m. Feb. 21 in the auditorium.
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Willer named deputy of the year
Lake County sheriff’s deputy John Willer has been named the department’s 2012 Deputy of the Year. Willer earned the award for his part in the arrest of an intoxicated, armed suspect in October 2011 in Antioch Township.
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Buffalo Grove reports $1.9 million savings on electricity
Buffalo Grove Village Manager Dane Bragg said the village has saved residents $1.9 million on their electric bills in the first six months of electric aggregation. The village implemented the aggregation program for residential and small commercial customers in August, following voter approval.
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Forest board to meet Tuesday
The Lake County Forest Preserve District board will meet Tuesday to discuss purchasing pet waste pickup bags, buying tree fencing and other issues.
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Paterno family challenges Freeh’s findings
A report commissioned by Joe Paterno’s family says the late coach did nothing wrong in his handling of the Jerry Sandusky child sex abuse scandal and portrays the late Hall of Fame coach as the victim of a “rush to injustice” created by former FBI director Louis Freeh’s investigation of the case for Penn State.
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Massachusetts campus searches for answers to gun violence
The day after the Newtown school shootings, the president of Emerson College sent a long email to all of the college’s 4,500 students and 1,500 faculty and staff. Together they would “seek to make sense of the senseless,” he wrote, by launching a probing discussion of gun violence in which all sides would listen to one another and search for solutions.
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Cruise ship lifeboat drill turns deadly
A lifeboat from a British-operated cruise ship fell upside down into the sea at port in Spain’s Canary Islands during a safety drill, killing five crew members and injuring three others Sunday, officials said. About 1,400 passengers were on board, but none were involved in the accident.
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Iranian president still fiery in twilight of term
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s political ego remains as intact as ever — suggesting both a feisty prelude to June elections and efforts by Ahmadinejad to seek the spotlight after his second and final term.
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10 dead in stampede at Hindu festival in India
At least 10 people were killed and dozens more injured Sunday after a stampede broke out at a train station in the northern Indian town where millions of devout Hindus gathered for a religious festival.
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Gunmen kill 4 in northern Iraq city of Mosul
Police say gunmen fired at a police checkpoint in the center of Mosul early Sunday, killing two policemen. Later in the day, gunmen killed an off-duty soldier at a car repair shop. In a third attack, gunmen fired at a van carrying oil workers, killing one and wounding three.
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France hunting fraudsters in horse meat scandal
Europe’s horsemeat scandal is spreading, as French consumer safety authorities say companies from Romania, Cyprus and the Netherlands were part of a supply chain that resulted in horsemeat being disguised as beef in frozen lasagna sold around the continent.
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Attackers kill 3 North Korean doctors in Nigeria
Assailants in northeastern Nigeria killed three North Korean doctors, beheading one of the physicians, in the latest attack on health workers in a nation under assault by a radical Islamic sect, officials said Sunday.
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Senator vows to delay Obama’s nominees over Libya
Sen. Lindsey Graham is threatening to hold up Senate confirmation of President Barack Obama’s nominees to lead the Defense Department and the CIA until the White House provides more answers about the deadly Sept. 11 attack against a U.S. diplomatic facility in Benghazi, Libya.
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1 dead in Kashmir protests after man hanged
One person was killed as protests broke out in at least two parts of Indian-controlled Kashmir on Sunday despite a strict curfew to prevent violence after the execution of a Kashmiri man convicted in a deadly 2001 attack on India’s Parliament.
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Tunisian president’s party quits government
Tunisian President Moncef Marzouki’s secular party is quitting the coalition government in anger at the dominant Islamist party’s handling of the country’s political crisis. The move by the Congress for the Republic party threatens to deepen the crisis, prompted by the killing of an opposition leader last week.
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4 wounded in gunfire on Bourbon Street
NEW ORLEANS — Gunfire wounded four people on New Orleans’ famed Bourbon Street as a costumed crowd partied amid the countdown to Mardi Gras, sending people running, police and bystanders said.
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Durbin proposing fix for veteran tuition costs
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin says veterans attending public colleges shouldn’t be burdened with out-of-state tuition and fees. The Democratic senator is working with lawmakers to fix an unintended consequence of the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill.
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Palatine group helps to get WWII prayer book home
At the height of World War II in 1944, 11-year-old Claude Juin found a small, battered prayer book belonging to an American soldier on a coastal road near his small village in France. Now 70 years later, Juin and members of Palatine Sister Cities Association are close to returning the book to its rightful owners.
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“SuperCrocs” coming to Elgin library
An exhibit featuring enormous 40-foot crocodiles that lived 110 million years ago is headed in early May to Gail Borden Public Library in Elgin. The Grand Victoria Foundation gave the library a $25,000 grant and another $25,000 challenge grant, for which the library is seeking matching donations.
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Tax increase questions on several DuPage ballots
Voters in several DuPage County communities will weigh in this spring on an array of ballot questions from governmental entities, including five that are seeking more tax money.
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Slain teen's mom Schneider’s guest for State of Union
The mother of a slain Chicago teen who has quickly become the face of gun violence will be a suburban congressman’s guest to the State of the Union address Tuesday in Washington, D.C.
Sports
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Hawks win in Nashville to close out 4-0-2 road trip
The daunting part of the Blackhawks' schedule is over and who could have predicted this? After playing 10 of their first 12 games on the road, the Hawks will return to the United Center on Tuesday still without a loss in regulation after beating Nashville 3-0 on Sunday night. That closed a six-game road trip at 4-0-2 and left the Hawks a stunning 10-0-2 for the season.
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Is All-Star Game in jeopardy for Noah?
The state of the Bulls could be summarized in part Sunday by a couple of practice court accessories. Two stationary bikes sat next to the practice court at the Berto Center. One was for Joakim Noah, who is trying to play through plantar fasciitis. Another was for Kirk Hinrich, sidelined by a sore right elbow. Marco Belinelli also skipped practice to rest a sprained ankle.
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Don’t expect much Chicago drama in spring training
Cubs pitchers and catchers reported to spring training on Sunday, with White Sox pitchers and catchers due in on Tuesday. Baseball season is closing in, and the Daily Herald is here to help guide you through the spring.
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Shutout win puts Blackhawks at 10-0-2
Marcus Kruger and Jonathan Toews each scored 66 seconds apart in the second period, and the Blackhawks remained the NHL’s lone undefeated team in regulation by beating the Nashville Predators 3-0 Sunday night.
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Thibs preaching patience about Rose
The Bulls are still laying low on a possible return date for Derrick Rose. But Chicago's most famous knee surgery patient had an active day on the court Sunday.
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Illinois upsets another Big Ten foe
Tyler Griffey capped a terrific week for Illinois with 16 points, and the Fighting Illini went 11 for 23 from 3-point range in a 57-53 win over No. 18 Minnesota on Sunday night. Three days after Griffey’s buzzer-beating layup gave Illinois (17-8, 4-7) a 74-72 victory over No. 1 Indiana, Tracy Abrams swished a step-back 3-pointer with 18 seconds left to stretch the lead over Minnesota to four. Abrams came off the bench for the first time this season after failing to score against the Hoosiers.
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Hoosiers’ big 3 lead way over Ohio State
Victor Oladipo scored a career-high 26 points, Cody Zeller added 24 and Christian Watford 20 to lead No. 1 Indiana back from a demoralizing loss to a huge road win in beating No. 10 Ohio State 81-68 on Sunday.
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‘Pingpong diplomacy’ figure Zhuang Zedong dies
Three-time world table tennis champion Zhuang Zedong, a key figure in the groundbreaking “pingpong diplomacy” between China and the United States, died Sunday, China’s official Xinhua News Agency reported. He was 72 and had struggled with cancer since 2008.
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Bolt goes 400 meters in 2013 debut
Usain Bolt kicked off his sprint season Saturday by making a rare appearance in a 400-meter race and finishing in 46.74 seconds. Bolt, who has back-to-back Olympic gold medals in the 100, 200, and the 4x100-meter relay, overtook Allodin Fothergill in the homestretch to win his heat.
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American skiers struggle without Vonn
France’s Marion Rolland picked the biggest race of the season to post her first career victory. For the U.S. team, Sunday’s race at the world championships was the first downhill this season without an American on the podium.
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Japan’s Mao Asada wins women’s title at Four Continents
Two-time world champion Mao Asada won the women’s figure skating crown at Four Continents on Sunday, leading a Japanese sweep. In the ice dance final, American pairs finished first and third. The Four Continents is the last major event before the March 11-17 worlds.
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One for the ages: ND tops Louisville in 5 OTs
Cameron Biedscheid scored on a layup with 1:19 left in the fifth overtime, and Eric Atkins and Pat Connaugton added free throws in the final 19 seconds as No. 25 Notre Dame overcame an eight-point deficit in regulation to beat No. 11 Louisville 104-101 Saturday night. It turned out to be the longest game in Big East regular-season history.
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Willowbrook wins in second OT
It took two extra periods but the Warriors (10-12, 3-7) pulled out a West Suburban Gold Conference victory in Villa Park behind a 29-point performance from Yash Trent and Tiger Greene’s 27 points.
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Jefferson gets Waubonsie Valley going
It’s not often that a 30-point effort by Jared Brownridge gets overshadowed. But Waubonsie Valley senior forward Bryan Jefferson provided both the spectacular and the sublime to lead the Warriors to a 76-62 victory over host Metea Valley on Saturday night in Aurora.
Business
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Corn shortage idles 20 ethanol plants nationwide
The persistent drought is taking a toll on producers of ethanol, with corn becoming so scarce that nearly two dozen ethanol plants have been forced to halt production. “There’s a lot of anxiety in the industry right now,” said Geoff Cooper, vice president for research and analysis for the Renewable Fuels Association.
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Solar industry grapples with hazardous wastes
Homeowners on the hunt for sparkling solar panels are lured by ads filled with images of pristine landscapes and bright sunshine, and words about the technology’s benefits for the environment. What customers may not know is that there’s a dirtier side.
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![@$ID/[No paragraph style]:ASSOCIATED PRESS The long-anticipated merger between American Airlines and US Airways, apparently has hit another snag.](/storyimage/DA/20130210/BUSINESS/702109815/AR/0/AR-702109815.jpg&updated=20130210161809&maxh=86)
Source: AMR, US Airways delay meeting on merger
The boards of American Airlines parent AMR Corp. and US Airways have pushed back meeting on plans to consider a final merger, Associated Press sources say.
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U.S. gasoline rises to $3.59 a gallon
The average price for regular gasoline at U.S. pumps rose 24.75 cents a gallon in the past two weeks to $3.5918 a gallon, according to Lundberg Survey Inc. The average is up 8.17 cents from a year earlier. It was the biggest jump since the two weeks ended March 4, 2011.
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Patience seen as component in NJ credit card scam
Many scam artists are looking for ways to get rich quick. Then there are the 18 people authorities said spent years meticulously creating fake credit cards, building up their credit scores and borrowing money they never repaid in what may be one of the nation’s largest credit card fraud rings.
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6 tips on buying, renting a home for extra income
Low mortgage rates have made buying a home more affordable and turned rentals into an attractive option for investors. Throughout the downturn in the housing market, average investors, sometimes pooling their money, have bought foreclosures at a sharp discount and turned them into rentals. Many homeowners also have purchased a second home and rented out their first property.Although the housing market is showing signs of recovery, demand for rental housing is expected to remain strong. The national unemployment rate remains high at 7.9 percent, banks are still working through a backlog of foreclosures and tight lending requirements prevent many renters from becoming homeowners.And the Fed has said it will keep its short-term interest rate, the federal funds rate, at a record low until U.S. unemployment falls below 6.5 percent, something many economists don’t expect to happen until late 2015 at the earliest.“In this market, at this point, it’s a sweet spot,” says Chris Princis, a senior executive at financial advisory firm Brook-Hollow Financial and owner of two rental properties in Chicago. “You’re getting the market where it’s just starting to rebound, but still at the bottom, with what’s looking to be a great recovery.”Here are six tips on becoming a landlord or investor in rental property:1. Understand what it means to be a landlordResidential real estate generally provides three possible ways to get a return on your investment: when it’s sold, assuming it has grown in value, by collecting rent and through tax savings, such as the mortgage interest deduction.So, if you elect to buy a property for the long-term investment potential, the goal should be to ensure that the rental income covers the cost of your mortgage and monthly maintenance costs. If you buy a foreclosed home, you’ll have to factor in the cost of repairs to ready the home for rent. And if you have a mortgage on the property, you’ll need to be prepared to cover the costs for however long it takes to find a tenant.“Real estate is a great investment if people are paying their rent,” says Princis. “If they’re not paying their rent, it’s a horrible investment.”2. Buy in an area with a history of strong rental demandNeighborhoods near universities are a good option. For homes in residential areas, proximity to schools can be a good draw for families.Condominiums and similar properties in communities with a homeowners’ association can be a great option because the association arranges for upkeep on the property. But check the fine print on your mortgage and homeowners’ association rules to make sure turning your property into a rental isn’t forbidden.If you’re going to buy a foreclosure, be prepared to compete with other investors, many of them paying in cash. And because many require upgrades and repairs, expect that it will take longer until you’ll be generating rental income.Websites like Zillow.com and Trulia.com list foreclosures, as well as rentals in a given area. Foreclosure tracker RealtyTrac Inc. recently ranked U.S. metro areas, with a population of 500,000 or more, according to the supply of available foreclosures for sale and their discount versus other homes, among other criteria. Among the top 20 cities deemed the best places to buy: Miami, Chicago, Philadelphia, El Paso, Texas; and Poughkeepsie, N.Y.Claire Thomas, a retiree in Phoenix who owns 10 rental condos in Las Vegas, says that landlords looking to keep their properties as income-generating rentals for many years should look into areas that are not too expensive.“I would rather have a middle-of-the-road rental that stays rented than a higher-end (property),” she says.
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Small business leader tells women owners to take charge
Barbara Kasoff has a message for women business owners: If you don’t like the way government regulations affect your business, stop whining and get involved. The founder of Women Impacting Public Policy, a group that lobbies lawmakers on behalf of women-owned small businesses, isn’t shy about telling women they need to take charge if they want their businesses to succeed — especially when it comes to government policy.
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Is the market’s strong start bound to fizzle?
The pattern looks eerily familiar. The stock market scampers up to historical heights to start the year then gets knocked on its back. Last year, worries about Greece and the U.S. economy helped flatten a rally by June. The year before it was an earthquake and tsunami in Japan along with a political fight in Washington.
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Career Coach: A prescription for sick employees
The CDC also estimates that, on average, seasonal flu outbreaks cost employers in the United States $10.4 billion in direct costs of hospitalizations and outpatient visits, which doesn’t even count the indirect costs due to lost productivity and absenteeism. The heaviest period of the flu season is upon us, so it may get worse. So what’s an employer to do?
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Are gun company stocks in your fund portfolio?
Are there guns in your investment portfolio? It’s an issue that some politicians and gun-control advocates are raising after recent mass shootings prompted calls for tougher laws. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel wrote letters to six mutual fund companies asking them to sell their stock in gun manufacturers Smith & Wesson, and Sturm, Ruger & Co.
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Fewer die in hospitals as hospice, intensive care use increase
More people are dying in hospice care rather than in the hospital, though the shift hasn’t led to less aggressive treatment or lower costs as patients spend additional time in intensive care units in the last month of life.Hospice care among the elderly doubled to about 40 percent in the past decade, according to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association. For many, the transition to hospice came only in the final few days of life, often after time in the intensive care unit and multiple hospitalizations.Hospice care programs treat pain and discomfort of dying patients whose underlying disease can’t be cured. The programs often enable patients to die at home and are far less costly than hospital care. Joan Teno, a doctor who focuses on end-of-life care and one of the study’s authors, said she is troubled that terminally ill patients aren’t admitted sooner to hospice, where they can benefit from supportive care, instead of first going through lengthy intensive care unit and hospital stays.“Hospice is now just an add-on to an aggressive pattern of care where they go from hospitalization, to the ICU to hospice in the last days of life,” said Teno, a professor of health services, policy and practice at Brown University in Providence, R.I. “This isn’t going to change our health care spending or improve quality of care at the end of life.”In 2009, 42 percent of elderly patients died in hospice care, either in their home or in a facility, an increase from 22 percent in 2000, the study found. About 59 percent of cancer patients and 48 percent of dementia patients were enrolled in hospice at the time of death, the researchers said.Meanwhile, deaths in the hospital dropped to 25 percent in 2009 from 33 percent in 2000, the study found.Still, thousands of those patients weren’t put into hospice care until the final days or hours of their life, which may have put added stress on patients and families and given them little chance to benefit, said Mary Tinetti, a professor of medicine at Yale University in New Haven, Conn., who wrote an editorial accompanying the article. About 14 percent of patients moved into hospice during the last three days of life, compared with 10 percent in 2000, the study said. Among those, 40 percent previously had been in a hospital.“The idea was that people would be getting into hospice for long enough to really benefit from the focus on comfort and spirituality and getting ready for the end of life,” said Tinetti, who focuses on elderly patients and end-of-life care. “Although more people are going to hospice, which is a good thing, it is pegged on the last few days of life, probably not long enough to benefit.”In some cases, doctors may not be taking the extra time to talk to patients about hospice and end of life care, Teno said.“We have created a system where all the financial rewards are more care, more ICU,” Teno said. “We pay for an ICU day, we don’t pay doctors to talk to dying patients about hospice and doctors to talk about goals of care.”Patients were also receiving more aggressive care at the end of life, with the proportion sent to the intensive care unit a month before their death rising to 29 percent in 2009 from 24 percent in 2000.The study looked at medical records for more than 800,000 people enrolled in Medicare who died between 2000 and 2009.
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Big rigs providing plenty of well-paying jobs
Robert Boyd quit his job as a bank assistant branch manager to start truck-driving school in September. He graduated in December and landed work behind the wheel of a rig at twice the pay. “Trucks are everywhere, especially on the main highways around here,” Boyd said after earning the Class A commercial driver’s license that helped him become an equipment operator for an energy company. “I’m 38 and this is it for me. This is how I’m going to retire.”
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Wave of expiring stadium name deals attracts attention
It’s the ultimate status symbol for a company looking to make a splash. It’s a tool for entertaining clients and rewarding employees for a job well done. It’s a statement: We’re here, and we plan on staying for a while. And it’s a valuable revenue stream for teams looking to upgrade their facility, or build a new one altogether. It helps ensure the future of small-market clubs, and increases the advantage of the most profitable teams.
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As workplaces shrink, tensions grow
Karla L. Miller writes an advice column on navigating the modern workplace. Each week she will answer one or two questions from readers. This week's questions deal with how to coexist with co-workers who work near you.
Life & Entertainment
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Mumford & Sons, fun. win big at Grammys
Mumford & Sons wrapped up a completely unpredictable Grammy Awards with perhaps the most surprising win of the night, taking home album of the year for “Babel.” “We figured we weren't going to win anything because The Black Keys have been sweeping up all day, rightfully so,” Marcus Mumford said.
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On the road: A winter safari in Cedarburg
It's a winter safari on Wisconsin's frozen savanna for the annual WinterFest in Cedarburg, Wis. Hop aboard the Safari Tram to get to the various attractions and activities: the chili contest, ice-carving contest, safari-themed bed racing, Monkey See-Monkey Do Barrel Races on Ice and open family skating. Also, on Fridays in February after 5 p.m., Navy Pier offers special discounts for many of its restaurants, shops and attractions.
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Images: Grammy Awards show
It was a Grammy Awards show with surprising wins and some unconventional pairings during the performances.
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Videos from the Grammys
Stars walked the red carpet in style and gave interviews backstage on the music industry's biggest nights. Here's a look at videos from the Grammy Awards Sunday.
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Images: Grammy Awards arrivals
Celebrities began rolling down the red carpet in the early Sunday afternoon, but it remained to be seen if any would try to skirt CBS's mandate that stars dress appropriately with sensitive areas covered adequately.
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‘Argo’ named best film at Britain’s Oscars
Iran-hostage drama “Argo” continued its journey from awards-season outsider to favorite Sunday, winning three prizes, including best-picture, at the British Academy Film Awards. Ben Affleck, who has made a remarkable journey from little-regarded actor to award-winning director, dedicated his directing prize to “anyone out there who’s trying to get their second act.”
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That time again? Here comes the bride(zilla?)
Q. My daughter would like to request cash versus the usual wedding gifts. How would you go about wording this request? We are trying not to sound too harsh. I thought I read about this idea in one of your previous columns.
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Sunday picks: Monster Jam crushes the competition at Allstate
Today's the last day to catch the big wheels of Monster Jam in action at the Allstate. Find inspiration for your home at The Old Home New House Home Show in St. Charles. The Marion Consort choral ensemble performs a blend of music from and inspired by “The Hobbit” at the Palatine Public Library. Get in the mood for Mardi Gras by catching the rock and bluesy band Creole Stomp at the Metropolis in Arlington Heights.
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Kenneth Cole turns out timely cold-weather looks
Bet those models are hoping to take home the shearling coats, quilted puffer jackets, elbow-length gloves and hearty boots they wore on the runway of the Kenneth Cole Productions show Thursday night, considering the weather forecast for the next few days. The outfits previewed at New York Fashion Week are for next fall, but they couldn't have looked more timely with blizzard-like conditions headed here over the next 48 hours.
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Cast out of Monopoly, the real-life iron endures
When online voters nixed the clothes iron token from Hasbro's Monopoly game, the appliance was held up as passe, as something your grandmother once used to ease the wrinkles out of linens and handkerchiefs. But even with the rise of wrinkle-free fabrics, the iron, it seems, is holding its own.
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Loved Bug: Some insects make good pets
Children are fascinated by insects, but many of us eventually grow out of wanting to catch a firefly and keep it in a jar. For the people who never lose that urge, though, it can lead in directions that might be surprising. "Roaches actually make really good pets," says Scott Martin of Rockville, Md.
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Broadway comes to Vegas with slew of hit musicals
There's no shortage of stages in the Entertainment Capital of the World, although residents have long found it easier to find a celebrity impersonator than a Tony Award-winning musical. But executives at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts believe that's been changing since their $470 million complex opened last March, and they plan to keep the first-year momentum going with a 2013-14 Broadway calendar that includes "Les Miserables," "The Book of Mormon," and eight other Broadway mega-hits.
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Autism-friendly 'Spider-Man' planned for Broadway
The first autism-friendly performance of the Broadway hit "Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark" will take off this spring. The Spider-Man musical will be the fifth show in the fund's autism-friendly program. The first was Disney's “The Lion King” in October 2011, followed last year with performances of “Mary Poppins,” a second performance of “The Lion King” and one of “Elf: The Musical.” Each time, the shows got enthusiastic feedback from grateful families.
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Southfork Ranch draws 'Dallas' fans old and new
The white two-story home with stately pillars overlooking a green Texas pasture where longhorns roam is instantly recognizable: This is the power seat of television's famous Ewing family. Tourists from around the world have been flocking to Southfork Ranch since the early years of the classic series “Dallas,” which ran from 1978 to 1991, and the ranch is only getting more popular.
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Abu Dhabi much more than just desert
The desert is just one of three destinations of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. With a much larger land mass than its better-known neighbor, Dubai, this emirate has not only an expanse of towering dunes, but white beaches fringing luxury resorts and a city of shining skyscrapers and glitzy malls packed with designer fashions.
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Stiltsville shacks evoke past in Miami waters
Perched above the shallow turquoise waters of Biscayne Bay are shacks on stilts that have hosted some of Florida’s wildest parties, from the days when alcohol and gambling were outlawed, to a bachelor party for a member of the Kennedy clan. Seven homes still stand in Stiltsville, as the community is called, located about a mile out in the Biscayne channel in Biscayne National Park, just a short boat ride or kayak trip from the Key Biscayne coastline.
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Clean faucet finishes with care
Q. I'm trying to get the corrosion off my older bathtub mixing valve and sink faucet. I have tried using strong cleaners, without success. Also, some spots on the handles appear to have a gold color coming through the chrome plating.
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Rotted doorframe can be patched
My problem is that we failed to realize that occasionally the drain at the bottom of outdoor steps down to my basement would clog. Water would sit in that bottom well, in turn seeping under the storm door and causing the doorframe to rot. What product can I use to repair the door frame that could withstand the freeze/thaw cycle in my area?
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Townhouse owner takes insurance money, fails to make repairs
Q. Our association has a situation that the board is having trouble resolving. Two years ago one of our owners had major inside damage done to his townhome, the result of a broken water pipe that was left running for an entire weekend.
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Some fear Year of Snake may bite
As Indiana Jones might say: Why did it have to be the Year of the Snake? When the Chinese-speaking world ushers in its new year on Sunday, its 12-year zodiac will turn from the dragon to one of the world's most despised animals. As undeserved as the snake's reputation might be, its last two years did not go so well: 2001 was the year of the Sept. 11 attacks and 1989 was when Chinese forces crushed pro-democracy protests around Beijing's Tiananmen Square.
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High-tech ‘Granny Pod’ could change elder care
Viola Baez wouldn't budge. Her daughter's family had just invested about $125,000 in a new kind of home for her, a high-tech cottage that might revolutionize the way Americans care for their aging relatives. But Viola wouldn't even step inside.
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When burning wood, be aware of insect trouble
It is best to keep any logs that you saved for burning in the fireplace outside until you are ready to burn them as insects can come in with the firewood. Never treat firewood with insecticides. Also, do not transport any ash wood outside of the emerald ash borer quarantine zone to avoid further spreading of this insect..
Discuss
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Editorial: Key phrase to remember after Quinn speech: More to come
The governor has three short weeks to complete a budget proposal, and his next speech absolutely must contain the details lacking in last week's State of the State address, a Daily Herald editorial says.
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No. 1 key issue: ‘To get elected’(and other pearls)
While plowing through local candidates' responses to Daily Herald questionnaires, DuPage/Fox Valey News Director Jim Davis found mostly serious, issue-oriented answers -- and a few quirky nuggets.
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A debate we never can resolve
Guest columnist Lee Hamilton: It is high time, I believe, to set aside the black-and-white argument about "big vs. small" government and to adopt a more thoughtful, less ideological approach to the role of government. For those things we want government to do, we should be talking about how a limited government can do them better.
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Second Amendment not just about hunting
A Wheeling letter to the editor: The right to bear arms is all about protecting ourselves from the tyranny of government gone bad.
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Good judgment lacking in gun proposals
A Mount Prospect letter to the editor: In Chicago, Mayor Rahm Emanuel is rushing to restrict "assault weapons," whatever they are. Yet, of the 508 shooting victims in Chicago in 2012, I bet not a single one was killed by a so-called assault weapon.
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Too many dependent on government
An Elk Grove Village letter to the editor: President Obama has shown in his first four years and now again in his inaugural address he has total disdain for the 49 percent who didn't vote for him and are opposed to his ideology and agenda.
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Find better approach to spending cuts
A Carpentersville letter to the editor: Robert Meale's letter, "Three myths about the debt ceiling," suggests that it is unnecessary to raise the debt ceiling since it would not force the nation to default on the official public debt. He argues that Social Security, Medicare and other intergovernmental debt obligations are not included in the public debt, which is correct.
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The real source of state’s pension woes
A Naperville letter to the editor: I was disappointed to read the letter from Ted Dabrowski of the Illinois Policy Institute as it obscures the reason for Illinois current pension morass and offers a solution that would be more expensive to Illinois and its residents.
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Scout leaders’ stands are inconsistent
A Wheaton letter to the editor: The BSA's reaffirmation of its Oath that Scouts shall do their "Duty to God" is obviously biblical in origin inasmuch as the Bible is where God's word is given. Yet how can the BSA claim to fulfill their Duty to God when they also agree to accept gays in their organization, yet the Bible tells us that if a man lies with another man as he does with a woman, they have committed an abomination and shall be put to death?
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Schaeffer must go from Metra board
A Woodstock letter to the editor: Government by cronyism has long been a problem in McHenry County. Newly installed Chairwoman Tina Hill has an opportunity to reject this corrupt practice and bring openness and transparency to McHenry County government.
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Time to fight theft by taxation
A Carpentersville letter to the editor: I see where the always hungry lion is hungry once again, as evidenced by his mighty roar. "We've got to tax more, we are always out of money."Yes, Kane County Forest Preserve District, the hungriest lion, has declared that they have spent nearly all the $30 million that they stole from the taxpayers (fools who voted for it) in the 2011 referendum and they, like all good hungry lions, need more.
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