Saturday Soapbox
Remembering the day's meaning, Part 1:
"My country 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty."
Summer in the suburbs revisited:
As we said last week, we have nothing against the Taste of Chicago or Summerfest in Milwaukee. But you're still missing something if you don't look in your own backyard. There are festivals worth checking out this weekend in Arlington Heights, Barrington, Bartlett, Crystal Lake, Hoffman Estates, Lisle, Lombard, Mount Prospect, Mundelein, Naperville, North Aurora, Oak Brook and Palatine.
And thanks to the festival organizers:
The festivals, parades and July Fourth picnics we enjoy are produced by volunteers who work tirelessly around the year. To all of them, we raise a roasted ear of corn in genuine salute.
A bad converter box connection?
We assume a technological glitch was the reason that for more than two weeks, most Comcast subscribers in Buffalo Grove weren't able to tune in to a sometimes disparaging village board discussion of the cable TV contract. After all, what other explanation could there be?
The need for cooler heads:
It was a little warm in the Sox bleachers last weekend for the Cubs-Sox City Series, but that's not what got tempers boiling. Alcohol and stupidity probably had more to do with the fights erupting. It's a shame too many fans got up to cheer or jeer combatants. They missed seeing the reason they bought their tickets - the game.
Congrats, Mongo, Michna and the boys:
A tip of the football helmet to the Chicago Slaughter, the first unbeaten team (14-0) at the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates. Head coach Steve "Mongo" McMichael and the organization delivered what it promised: an entertaining team that claimed the CIFL championship. And a suburban quarterback, former Conant High School star Russ Michna, led the way.
For the love of the game:
Softball umpire Vince Weidner, 56, died last weekend after collapsing at a playoff game in Mount Prospect. Weidner, who also worked as a school bus driver, loved youth sports. Those who knew him say he had positive advice for the players and brought a smile to start each game. Let's hope others carry on his spirit.
Lady Luck revisits West Dundee:
Look for lines at the lottery checkout at Anil Shah's convenience store in West Dundee. On Monday, Shah sold a $1 million winning ticket - his second million-dollar winner in three years. Who says you can't get lucky twice?
Go for the grants:
We could hear Des Plaines taxpayers rejoicing when they heard the news the city is applying for a $2.1 million federal grant to pay a chunk of the $6 million cost of a fourth fire station. The city, and other suburbs, should take advantage of such grants before hitting local taxpayers.
What we love about the holiday:
Festivals, hanging with family and friends, the BBQs, fireworks shows, the extra days off work.
What we hate about the holiday:
Stories of DUI crashes and people injured by the use of illegal fireworks. Be safe this weekend. Use a designated driver and obey fireworks laws.
Remembering the day's meaning, Part 2:
May God bless America.