Saturday Soapbox: Congrats Lee

An amazing feat: We couldn't be prouder of new American Idol Lee DeWyze of Mount Prospect, but we're also in awe of "The Biggest Loser" winner Michael Ventrella of Bartlett, who lost an astonishing 264 pounds.Cost-per-mile reduction:It's welcome news when gas prices go down, as they surprisingly have in time for the Memorial Day weekend. Supply and demand have lined up in drivers' favor. But there's still that pesky gap between the average price per gallon in the Chicago area ($3.02 earlier this week) and the average price nationwide ($2.78).Sad start of the season:The death this week of an Antioch man whose personal watercraft collided with a boat on the Chain O' Lakes is a somber reminder of boating's potential dangers. This is especially true where no speed limits are posted. And remember, drinking and operating a boat never should mix.Sample from the bounty:It's farmers market season, and what better way to step back in time? You'll find many things that are locally grown, get to sample breads and cheeses and the like that you can't find in the stores. And you get to venture into your downtown and talk to your neighbors. Can't beat that.Keep the costs low:This is no time for frivolous spending, but we think Elgin's re-branding of itself to be "The City in the Suburbs" is a savvy marketing move. We urge officials to slowly - and inexpensively - implement the changes.Getting together for the wrong cause:We're all for bipartisan efforts - most of the time. It's too bad the proposal that brought Illinois lawmakers together this month would make it easier for convicted criminals to get involved in gambling. We want readers to be aware that the following suburban lawmakers voted for HB 4927. In the state Senate, Democrat Terry Link sponsored the measure. Democrats Susan Garrett, Don Harmon, Linda Holmes, Dan Kotowski, Michael Noland, Arthur Wilhelmi and Republicans Pam Althoff and Carole Pankau supported it. In the state House, Republicans Suzie Bassi, Mark Beaubien, Franco Coladipietro, Randy Ramey, Dennis Reboletti, Timothy Schmitz, Darlene Senger, Ed Sullivan Jr., Michael Tryon and Democrats Linda Chapa LaVia, Paul Froehlich, Angelo "Skip" Saviano, supported it. They cast the wrong vote.Cubs talk trash:Kudos to the Cubs for the "Real Fans Recycle" program at Wrigley Field. The goal is to divert roughly 165,000 pounds of cardboard and plastic material out of the waste stream and back into the market in a recycled form each year. With help from Solo Cup Co., Allied Waste, Free Green Can and Levy Restaurants, fans can deposit plastic cups in special bins. Go for it.Remember with gratitude:While many people leave town for Memorial Day, those staying home in the suburbs will have plenty of opportunities to observe the day. This weekend, be mindful of the sacrifice of those who died for their country and our freedom. Attend a parade. Reflect at a memorial or gravesite. Visit a war widow. Fly the flag respectfully. And, whether you're traveling or not, thank a veteran.