The Soapbox: Brief thoughts from Daily Herald editors on suburban topics of interest
This editorial is the consensus opinion of the Daily Herald Editorial Board.
Today's clippable quote
I don't mind going back to Daylight Saving Time. With inflation, the hour will be the only thing I've saved all year. - Victor Borge
Shop 'til you drop
The excitement for retailers Nordstrom Rack and J. Crew Factory to arrive at the Danada shopping area in Wheaton is impressive. People want to shop but they also want to bargain hunt. These stores offer both, along with fashion-forward finds for the whole family. Hopefully it's a successful plan for everyone.
Generation Z candidates
Twentysomethings own businesses and pay property taxes, too. So it's good to see Gen Z candidates on the ballot this spring - even if it's sobering for some of us to realize that these civic-minded folks are young enough to be our children. Municipal, school, library and park boards provide valuable experience and can be a launchpad for seeking higher office.
Bee the difference
First came the chickens. Now, it's the bees. Lake Barrington is the latest suburb to welcome the backyard beekeeping trend, joining the likes of Elgin and Arlington Heights. It's more than just a quirky hobby or means to cheap honey. With wild honeybee populations in decline, these homeowner hives can make a real difference in preserving a healthy ecosystem.
The 'eeuw' factor
We all know the phrase "ashes to ashes, dust to dust." Even so, a proposal in the Illinois legislature can take a little getting used to. The law would permit "human composting" by which a dead person's body can be reduced to about a cubic yard of soil. It's said to be good for the environment and is legal in six other states.
Watch the mail - with care
An official-looking mailing in Round Lake Beach serves as a reminder that snail mail scams can be just as sneaky as the ones we see online. The mailing describes a "Community Water Test" and seeks personal and household information. Officials warn the solicitation is not approved and urge residents to call authorities before responding.
The world is watching
It's impressive to see the suburbs and the city of Chicago recognized this week for making a difference on the environment. Morton Arboretum and the Shedd Aquarium were two of just 11 centers worldwide to be designated as Centers for Species Survival by the world's largest conservation organization. The Shedd was recognized for work on freshwater species, Morton for trees.
That is the question
A new RTA strategic plan is called "Transit Is The Answer." Well, it's one answer, and a good one - for convenience and the climate. But another question is less clear. "Where's the Money?" With the agency headed toward a $700 million fiscal cliff in two years, we'd better answer that one first.
Oscars - who will win?
Predicting this year's Academy Awards winners might appear to be as easy as blasting womp rats on Tatooine with a T-16 Skyhopper. But not so fast, film critic Dann Gire says. While "Everything Everywhere All at Once" will most likely come away the big winner on Sunday night, find out Gire's picks at dailyherald.com/entlife/.