Saturday Soapbox
A record of success:
Congratulations to Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, in Newsweek's top 200 schools for five years running.
Special place, special name:
Naperville Unit District 203 isn't one of those school systems that slaps the name of former administrators on its buildings willy-nilly. But the district should be encouraged to honor retiring Superintendent Alan Leis by incorporating his name into the early childhood center scheduled to open in the fall of 2010. He'd be embarrassed, of course, but so what: Call it the Leis Early Childhood Center.
Standing up for car dealers:
Kudos to congressmen Bill Foster of Geneva and Don Manzullo of Egan for continuing to work on behalf of local car dealers caught in the heartbreaking meltdown of the auto industry. In their latest efforts, the two signed on as co-sponsors of the Auto Dealer Economic Rights Restoration Act.
Believe in the future:
Naperville Park District has begun its strategic plan for the next few years. Huntley is hiring a design firm to revitalize downtown. Arlington Heights and Mount Prospect officials are working on plans for development along the proposed STAR Line. And Antioch is working on its first-ever capital improvement plan. Like wildlife cautiously coming out of hibernation to see if spring has arrived, these governments are planning the future with hopes the recession will soon be over. The optimism is refreshing.
A much-needed distraction:
With the Cubs and White Sox set to begin their City Series games on Tuesday at Wrigley Field, it couldn't come at a better time. Most of us could use a distraction from the economy, the violence and other depressing issues, if only for a few days. Heck, we can also use a distraction from the pennant chase the way both teams are playing.
Welcome back, Frank:
It's also good to see Frank Thomas back in town for the City Series between the Cubs and the White Sox. He was one of the best hitters in White Sox history, and this is where he belongs.
Silence is not always golden:
So, a photograph of Derrick Rose flashing gang signs appears on the Internet, and Rose promptly issues a statement to apologize for "using extremely poor judgment" while a student at the University of Memphis. Taking responsibility and setting the record straight is a good decision, Derrick. Perhaps next you'll break the silence over the NCAA probe into your SAT test.
Farewell, Koko:
Suburban festivals won't be the same without Koko Taylor, who drew crowds whenever she brought her authentic blues to events from Vernon Hills and Palatine to Naperville and St. Charles.
The salty language of today's humor:
The inaugural Very Funny Festival begins Tuesday in the Chicago area. We wonder, of the more than 50 acts, how many will avoid the use of gratuitous profanity or vulgarity?
Your permanent record:
We'll try not to be the morals police. But women heading to Blarney's Island for Girls Gone Wild are reminded that anything recorded today will be around well into the future. That means future employers, future children and future in-laws could be watching you.