Lake Co. Soapbox
A damp dry run
There's nothing like a little fog and mist to produce a test run for holiday travelers. And nothing quite like this week's weather-related delays at O'Hare International Airport and video travel tips from the Transportation Security Administration to remind fliers that the next six weeks of air travel will require patience, planning and packing skills. Happy holidays.
Beauty that can be a distraction
There is one hidden -- OK, maybe no longer so hidden, as we speak -- benefit in having all the leaves finally off the trees and shrubs. We can now more safely negotiate intersections large and small on many of our roadways. While we like the beautification of our roads as much as the next person, during the spring and summer months in some spots it can be awfully difficult to see the traffic for the trees. A little pruning on those "nature" medians might help next spring when the leaves return.
Classes are in session
For those of you who are adamantly against more classes in the Illinois high school state tournaments, insisting more is not better and impacts the status of the title, consider that 16 high schools had state football championship aspirations heading into this weekend. Do you think those 16 schools or communities really cared whether they were Class 1A or Class 8A? As far as those schools' fans were concerned, their class was the most prestigious one of the eight and that's all they cared about.
A boon to the economy…
The crowds in the malls, the traffic in and out of them, and having to park a mile away can put shoppers in a foul mood. But remember you're just trying to do good in buying gifts for loved ones and friends. And all the shopping is very good for the local economy.
…and good for the waistline
Keep in mind, too, that the long walk from the parking lot, and the many laps you made around the mall, also did good in helping you burn off the estimated 2,000 to 3,000 calories in that Thanksgiving feast. Of course, those who avoided the crowds by shopping online didn't get much of a calorie-burn from clicking on the keys of their home computers. The only fatigue they feel is in their fingers.
An odd definition of 'gentleman'
Why do the radio ads for suburban nudie bars always refer to themselves as "gentlemen's clubs?" Not to be judgmental about the entertainment choice, mind you, but we question whether "gentleman" is an apt description of most of the clientele.
Overdue funding
Still waiting on state leaders to bring the train, with funds for mass transit, into the station.
Blackhawks comeback
Isn't it great to see the Blackhawks playing with passion and success after years of fans having to endure watching their team on ice melt away into mediocrity? And isn't it painful to watch the Bears and Bulls sink lower in trying to live up to high expectations?
Call for help
Weakness in the economy brought on by a housing slump and credit crisis has charities worried. They hope people won't be forced to be less generous in making charitable donations this holiday season, even as federal aid to social service agencies has dwindled and food pantries struggle to keep their shelves full. It is tough out there, economically. But even a small donation of money, food or your time will be a huge help to those who rely on our compassion and spirit of volunteerism to help them help others in need.