Saturday Soapbox: Was that California or Illinois, Paula?

Comedian Paula Poundstone talked about California's financial straits on Craig Ferguson's late show this week, but it might as well have been Illinois. She joked about school cuts - for science, kids are required to bring their own body part - and red-light cameras - they're great for family portraits; just get everyone in the front seat and smile.

BFFs:It's nice that new Bears offensive coordinator Mike Martz and Jay Cutler have started a mutual admiration society. Let's just hope we enjoy their company as much after the first regular season snap Sept. 12 against the Lions.Not really a bike route:Along Springinsguth Road in Schaumburg, signs on the sidewalk indicate a bike route, with walkers and runners supposed to keep to the left and cyclists to the right. But those sidewalks are so narrow that surely someone would get hurt if both cyclists and walkers were using them. Some work is needed there.Restoring faith in humanity:If you're feeling low, here's a boost. We received cash in the mail from an anonymous donor instructing us to send it to Marine Cpl. John Peck of Antioch, who lost four limbs. Attached was a clip of last week's Saturday Soapbox, in which we praised fundraising efforts. So, reader from Carol Stream, be assured your donation has been forwarded.Building leaders:The mammoth Willow Creek Church in South Barrington hosted a summit this week - including some big-name speakers to match - with the goal of creating better leaders in all aspects of life. Whether you attend a church or synagogue or not, it's hard to dispute stronger leadership is needed just about everywhere you turn.Why forest preserves are good:Seen on the bike trail in the Paul Douglas Forest Preserve in Hoffman Estates recently: a girl standing at a random spot on the trail, practicing her singing, not caring who heard her. Also, three children sitting chatting by some flowers. Who says kids are stuck only playing with computers or video games?Taste of things to come:Kudos to the White Sox for updating several menu options for fans to enjoy gluten-free concessions with everything from multigrain bread to chocolate chip cookies to gluten-free beer available in select areas of U.S. Cellular Field. Now, if they could only get Bobby Jenks to shed 10 pounds . . .Speaking of Bobby Jenks:After the criticism that follows every blown save, the White Sox closer complains that "I keep having to prove myself." Bobby, stop whining. That's how things are everywhere. No one gets by on past performance any more.New under the sun:Gurnee has been cautious about joining the going-green bandwagon. But we applaud trustees' decision to give special dispensation to a company that wants to install solar panels atop a business plaza. Though the village has a moratorium on alternative energy devices, this could make an excellent test case.Civic caring or hairsplitting?Homeowners near Cambridge on the Lake in Buffalo Grove are fighting the village tooth and nail over a white fence vs. a wooden one. Really? We should all be so lucky to have such problems.