Today in Chicago, Father Pfleger led a large group of protestors to shut down the Dan Ryan Expressway in an effort to draw attention to gun violence, social injustice, and who knows what else.  The narrative seemed to evolve to whatever sounded righteous to him as more microphones were jammed in his face (shame on you, news media). As the protestors stood their ground for over an hour, demanding access to the expressway, I watched with shame and embarrassment as the Illinois State Police gave in. They succumbed to pressure from the mayor of Chicago and the city's police chief. The state police had given the protestors two lanes of the expressway, but Father Pfleger demanded more, and eventually got his way. A compromise was offered by the police, but like unruly and uncontrolled toddlers, Father Pfleger and the protestors refused to settle for anything other than what they wanted in the first place. And like bad parents, the police gave in.

So, what was achieved? Will there be no one shot by a gang banger in the city tonight? If only... Instead, it was confirmed that, if you want something, no matter how ridiculous and disruptive, make your demands and you'll get your way. Yell, scream, carry a sign, stomp your feet, block an entire expressway, inconvenience millions of innocent citizens, and you can have anything you want. There's no need to attempt a compromise; make your demands, stand your ground, and get your way. No matter what.

Here's the irony: the same people who refused to cooperate with police today will be calling upon them tonight when the gunfire starts up.

And this: I demand to live in as nice of a home as the mayor of Chicago. I deserve it. If I go stand on his front lawn and refuse to leave until he lets me in, I'll get my way. Yeah, sure...

Back, But In A Different Direction...

I’m back. Following a lengthy hiatus, seven years to be precise, I’m speaking out again. This time, however, I’ll steer more toward educational concerns in the hopes that someone out there will hear my voice (well, read my words), give credence to what I say, and use it to help improve student learning, and maybe the world as a whole. A lofty goal, but why not?

Public education in this country has taken an unfortunate turn, and in my professional opinion, many young people are being set up for failure. Students are being allowed to behave in the most abhorrent and disrespectful ways with little or no consequences. Failure rates are at all-time highs, and yet students are still being awarded diplomas by schools whose main focus is to “improve graduation rates.” Once these same students try to enter the workforce or higher educational institutions, they fail miserably because they’re unprepared. They’re conditioned to think they’ll get anything they want just by showing up.  Sometimes they don’t even show up, and yet still expect the world to fall at their feet. 

Most people want to blame the generation known as “millennials” for the problems we’re  now faced with. But how can they be blamed for doing as they were taught, for doing whatever they were allowed to get away with? Shouldn’t previous generations bear some responsibility? 

More to follow in my next blog...

Caroline's Trip to Chicago

Finally Caroline reached the magical age (8 years old, give or take a week) to be allowed to go to Aunt Debra's in Chicago all by herself! Even though the weather turned on us (who knew we'd need parkas in June???), we still had a marvelous time.

Diane and all four of the kids came up on Monday, and we all went to Legoland in Schaumburg. On Tuesday Caroline and Aunt Debra said goodbye to mom and the boys, then us girls ran off for a shopping spree at a store called Justice. But we decided we should eat first, you know, build up our strength for trying on outfits. I said, "Caroline, what would you like to eat?" She responded, "Umm, Chinese?" (emphasis on the -ese). I have to admit, I didn't predict this answer. Luckily, there's a Chinese joint in every strip mall in America, so naturally, we were passing one at that very moment. I had my doubts about her choice, but what a girl wants, a girl gets. She told me that she wanted noodles and chicken, some egg drop soup, and a soda. Really...














She ate it all! Ok, she ate most of it during lunch, but she finished it off by that evening! I was impressed!

After getting about six new outfits at her favorite store, we stopped by my friend's house since she has a pool. One of the new outfits was a polka-dot bikini, so she just had to try it out (sorry, no pictures of that...)

That evening we determined that maybe the best thing about my house is that we could WALK TO DAIRY QUEEN!!! Hot fudge and caramel sundae... Mmmm!













The next day was special since we had planned a trip to the city. The only problem was it was as cold and windy as a day in late fall! But we had an agenda and we were optimistic, so we forged ahead. Caroline put on one of her new outfits, a cute little one-piece thing with shorts and a strappy top. I grabbed a couple of sweaters, thinking we'd probably be ok. But I had forgotten how bitterly cold it can be by the lake...

We took the Metra train down. Here's Caroline waiting on the platform:













...and sitting on the top deck inside of the train:

We walked from the train station over to Rainforest Cafe, and that's when we re-evaluated our wardrobe choices. Once there, we would purchase a pair of pants for her to wear from the gift shop, and that (along with the sweaters from home) made the rest of the day bearable. Actually, the pants we found were ladies' workout capris, and they had the word "Wild" across the back end, so I got to keep those. I promise to never wear them in public!










We sat at a table near the elephants, so it was a lively (and loud) dining experience:










We took a few more pictures around the restaurant before heading over to Navy Pier:

































































Our goal at the Pier was to ride the Sea Dog (big fast speed boat on Lake Michigan), ride the swings that go in a circle, and ride the GIANT ferris wheel. Sadly though, the weather got in the way of these plans. These things were shut down due to the wind. So we ventured inside, and watched a couple of stage performances. Caroline liked the juggler because he juggled a couple of balls and a small child all at the same time! He also could balance a ladder on his chin, and make great balloon animals!













After we warmed up a bit, we decided to head over to Millenium Park to see the giant bean.













Caroline got a kick out of the tall fountains with the faces that blinked and spit water! I wanted her to be able to play in it, but oh well... maybe next time when it's warmer.













The wind had died down a bit, so we made our way to the Sears Tower (now known as Willis Tower) to see the sights from the Sky Deck 103 floors up. It was great!

























A few years ago they installed The Ledge, a plexiglass ledge that you can walk out on. Not everyone has the stomach for it (ok, I have some trouble with this thing), but Caroline marched right out on it with no problem!






















She even had the audacity to lay down on it!!!

We had a great time, and I'm anxious for her next trip. Hopefully, it'll be a little warmer because I really want to ride that ferris wheel, those swings, and especially the Sea Dog!!!

Post-Blizzard in Chicago

Took a walk this morning from Ronald McDonald House to Starbucks

before I opened up the office.

I thought about you, Ross!

Blizzard Feb 2011

I went for a walk this afternoon after the blizzard, and here's what 20" of snow looks like...

Gill Reunion 2010

A year to remember!

Poultry Alert...

I live in the suburbs! Why is there a chicken on my porch!!!