thoughts & things

What a time for my computer to die!  so much going on over the last few weeks so let's see if we can catch up.

the recent trade of 5 terrorists for the return of SGT. BOWE BERGDAHL is the hot button issue of the week.  i'm not sure why it wasn't 1 for 1 but after five years in captivity, he deserves to come home.  there were rumors that he was doomed if the deal wasn't made when it was. i wish him & his family well.  trading hostages is a tough situation.

41% of chicago students who are accepted into the special magnet schools are white. big surprise. i can just see terrell from the jungle sitting in his interview with his butt crack hanging out and his ball cap turned sideways saying "sup?"

how did this happen? well, in 2010, a federal judge ruled those four  specialized schools in chicago no longer had to use racial percentages....they simply had to fill their schools with excellent students and they have done just that. and the students wear uniforms, sign discipline slips and are required to maintain 'superior' attendance.

and now to even the playing field for those poor children in the jungle, they will have to achieve substantially LOWER test scores than white students in order to graduate. huh?
the old standard of everyone having to achieve a certain grade (like 70% to pass) now goes out the window with whites having to score approx 10% higher in order to graduate. i'm sure this will help educate the minorities. right.

kudos to GOVERNOR PAT QUINN for signing the marriage equality act for illinois.  doesn't matter what side you take in this issue, it was the right thing to do.  in twenty years, no one will give it a second thought except right wing extremists like BRUCE RAUNER and his cronies.  there's always going to be a few just like those who still oppose equal rights for women. get over it.

speaking of unbending individuals, i see where the catholic church has accelerated their search for a replacement for the ailing CARDINAL FRANCIS GEORGE. i wish him well but there's a guy who should have been put out to pasture long ago. his views on many social issues are nearly prehistoric and have made many a jaw drop.

want lower taxes and better services? move to INDIANA where an average home buyer will get 20% more house for the money and have 40% lower property taxes, cleaner air and less traffic/pollution which also makes the move inviting.

finally, it had to happen.  several companies have opened in the chicago area that specialize in designing women's clothing that conceals their weapons.  just like 'no panty line', these designers produce 'no lumps' so the bads guys can't tell if you're packing. gotta love it. bye for now.