The Soapbox: A pub fined in East Dundee, parking rules in Mundelein, an open mosque in Schaumburg Township and more.
Travel buddies
You'll be sharing the journey, with more people traveling for Thanksgiving this year, according to AAA. So leave a lot of time and do some advance work. That includes getting answers to such questions as whether you can carry on a pie on your flight or checking PreCheck availability at tsa.gov.
Only two minutes
One might argue a $1,000 fine to River Lee's Pub in East Dundee was a harsh penalty for not clearing the bar of patrons until two minutes after closing. On the other hand, the law is the law, and assuming it's being applied uniformly in a town with a high per capita number of bars, it serves as a good lesson to all other proprietors.
Reasonable restriction
Mundelein trustees are considering limiting parking on residential streets too narrow for large emergency vehicles, such as fire trucks, when cars are parked on both sides. Some streets could be reduced to one-side-only parking and some could have parking banned. No one likes to lose parking, but safety reasons make it worth the study.
A team effort
As our high school football season comes to a close over Thanksgiving Weekend, let's also recognize more than teams still playing. From the officials to the chain gangs, the concession crews, announcers, cheer squads, bands, trainers, doctors, players, coaches, reporters and photographers, it's a huge team effort. Take a bow.
Dream With da Vinci
A new traveling exhibit, "Dream With da Vinci," opens today and runs through April 2 at the DuPage Children's Museum in Naperville. It's aimed at kids 3 through 12 and provides interactive ways to explore some of the same territory as the famous artist and scientist. Just another example of how the innovative museum gives youngsters a chance to expand their horizons.
A worthy effort
Passions still run high after the presidential election, which is why a Schaumburg Township mosque's efforts to reach out to its non-Muslim neighbors are so valuable. Organizers of today's "Open Mosque Day" at The Midwest Islamic Center say they hope it builds friendship and acceptance. It comes at a time when we could use more of both.
Semifinal time
Six local high school football teams will be vying for a spot in the IHSA state finals next weekend in Champaign when they compete in semifinal games today. We send best wishes to the teams from Palatine, Glenbard West, Benet Academy, Vernon Hills, IC Catholic Prep and Prairie Ridge in their games today.
Photo connotations
A reader pointed out that in playing a stock photo of an angry LeBron James next to a stock photo of a calm Phil Jackson the other day, we were playing into racial stereotypes. He was right to call us out. The photo selection was inadvertant but nonetheless insensitive. We've updated the images online.
Giving thanks
Gratitude isn't just a feeling. It's a way of life. If we appreciate our blessings, we're happier than if we obsess over our ills. Thanksgiving is five days away. What are the things you have to be thankful for?