Get real, Rod

Gov. Rod Blagojevich is asking for the power to slice 8 percent of state spending without identifying his targets - and without any checks and balances. Huh? We were hoping that someday the governor would step up and show the state he could be the kind of leader who works toward consensus and compromises to represent the best interests of the state. Instead, he's acted more like a teenager asking for the keys the day after crashing the family car.

Happy reunion:

Michelle Garza was reunited with her beloved dog Czar, who had gone missing three years ago. Caring homeowners showed the dog love and compassion that not only kept him alive but eventually led him back home. The true hero in this story, though, is the microchip implant that helped authorities find Czar's owner. Instead of buying your dog a new bone or investing in a string toy for your cat's stocking this Christmas, make the time to get that microchip that will always lead your pet back to your loving arms.

Do your part. Collect it and spend it:

The IRS says Illinoisans have not claimed $5.2 million worth of stimulus checks. The idea behind that money was simple: Spend it and it will pay off down the line. If you use your chunk to redecorate a room, the painter will have more money to spend toward a new car. That car salesperson might use their share to buy a new TV. And the TV store's extra sales might lead to hiring help for the Christmas rush. Not only is it your money - it's your patriotic duty to enjoy it.

Timing is everything:

Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital's Cardiac Alert protocol doesn't sound all that special - do the EKG as soon as possible, then let the hospital know you're on the way. That simple combination has formed a procedure that shaves as much as 76 minutes off the typical response time for a heart attack victim. In our view, this is the ultimate example of working smarter, not just harder.

Time is on your side:

They're doing something right at the secretary of state's office in Elgin. Need to renew a license? Wednesday is your day. At lunchtime. After presenting my paperwork to the woman doing triage at the door, she immediately sent me to the front counter. Answered the questions, took the vision test (twice), went to the cashier (waited 30 seconds), had my picture taken and - including a restroom visit - was out the door in less than six minutes. Alert Guinness. Don't come on Tuesday or Saturday, the triage lady said. Every seat in the place is taken. All day.

Caught in the headlights:

Just a word of caution to all motorists: Try as best you can, especially at night, to avoid roads that wind through wooded areas such as forest preserves. It can be quite alarming, and downright dangerous, to have a close encounter with a deer as it makes its way from one side of that road to the other.

Geneva's got the spirit:

With 37 stores agreeing to uniform evening hours through Dec. 23, Geneva's Downtown Partnership committee is on to a great idea to boost local sales. Kudos to the committee's newest member, Larry Kaspar of Town and Country Gardens florist, for spearheading the effort to improve holiday shopping foot traffic in the charming downtown.