WE SAY GOODBYE TO 2023

 This is the final one of the year and thank you for following, commenting and enjoying.

I've had a long time habit of jotting down names of notable people who pass away and try to say goodbye to them thru this blog and I just found the list buried on my desk so here goes:

Sports have always been a big part of my life and saying adios to DICK BUTKUS was tough to do because I was in awe from the time he was in high school at Chicago  Vocational High School, then the University of Illinois followed by the Chicago Bears. Made the Hall of Fame at every level. Just awesome.

No one my age could ever forget WLS radio dj DICK BIONDI, who ruled the air waves in a two station Chicago battle with WCFL in the early 60's. Biondi claimed he worked for 29 different stations and he did seem to pop up everywhere, including emceeing OLDIES DAY at Lamb's Farm in Libertyville. He was, WITHOUT A DOUBT, the first dj to play the Beatles on the radio. A one of a kind but fun to listen to on the dial.

JIMMY BUFFETT created "THE PARROT HEADS" which was a very loyal group of fans who appreciated his Caribbean/Calypso genre and just danced the night away. He never changed his music.

A handful of actors took their final bows....CINDY WILLIAMS from Lavergne & Shirley, SUZANNE SOMERS from Three's Company, MATTHEW PERRY from Friends, MELINDA DILLON, the mom from A CHRISTMAS STORY, RICHARD ROUNDTREE as Shaft, RICHARD BELZER who played Munch on Law & Order, RYAN O'NEAL, TOM SMOTHERS, ANDRE BRAUGHER and BURT YOUNG who played the brother in law Paulie in all the 'Rocky' movies.    

And a special goodbye to NORMAN LEAR, the writer, director and producer who brought us ALL IN THE FAMILY, SANFORD & SON, MAUDE, ONE DAY AT A TIME, THE JEFFERSONS, GOOD TIMES and over 100 more show, specials and movies. I guarantee that at one time you enjoyed his expertise on tv or at the theatre.

And a couple of OOOO-LA-LAS took their final walks and wiggles starting with TINA TURNER 'Left a good job in the city'........ Italian beauty queen GINA LOLLOBRIGIDA and the woman who filled out a bikini VERY WELL, the ultra sexy RAQUEL WELCH.

Now I'm sure I missed a few but every year, it makes me glance at the sands of time.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! BE SAFE and stay out of Chicago.

JUST A BUNCH OF STUFF

I have just a few more thoughts rattling around in my brain but just a few so let's mix those with Christmas and some news .

Christmas is fast approaching and I can't wait for that brand new red corvette to be sitting in my driveway.

I worked almost every Christmas Eve and ALWAYS arrested someone who didn't understand the spirit of the holiday and that's a true story. Some of the highlights: A drunken Santa walking down the middle of the road and refusing to move to the sidewalk, two brothers wrestling on top of a fallen Christmas tree in the living room with Mom screaming in the background, a drunken burglar who robbed a house while the family was at mass and staggering down the street carrying the stolen gifts, a DUI for a man who ran into the side of the church while midnight mass was ongoing because he was late for the service, a woman who stabbed her husband because she didn't get the leather coat that she had already seen the receipt for and chased him into the street yelling "who's your whore?" Classic.

Ah, the spirit of the season.

Nat King Cole singing "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire" with the actual title being "The Christmas Song."

I told everyone a few weeks back that Matthew Perry was one of the few comedians who could make me laugh out loud and I was glad he had straightened his life out but the news today from the coroner was so disappointing because the report indicates that the "clean & sober" Perry's cause of death was KETAMINE, which put him asleep and led to his drowning in the hot tub. FYI... a first possession of ketamine in Illinois is 4-15 years. So sad that he couldn't slay the dragon.

Remember the 1st grader who brought mom's gun to school and shot his teacher.....TWICE....?? Well, mom got two years in prison today for child neglect on top of another 2 years for lying on her application and lying to investigators when she said the kid got it out of her safe when the facts were the kid climbed on a chair and took the gun out of her purse. Detectives searched the house and found no safe, lock box or even a trigger lock.

I still remember riding that brand new red bike in my pajamas on Christmas morning. Twenty degrees? Who cares because I have a new bike!

Glad my brother Terry is doing much better after his second surgery.

Frank & Bonnie's new place in Florida is awesome.

Outside decorations is a lost activity.

I found 197 feet of LED lights for twenty bucks on Amazon. One string and no blown fuses or circuit breakers. Ah,  the wonder of LED lighting. Hardly any juice required but as bright as can be.

A mall Santa makes $20 an hour in Illinois.

My Aunt Alma had an efficiency apartment in Chicago but we squeezed at least 10 adults in there on Christmas Eve.

I just replaced the halogen bulb in my driveway security light all by myself....on a ladder! YAHOO! I have no idea if it works until tonight.

I still laugh at my Mother buying "Mexican" sarapes for all the adult women one Christmas and then insisting that they all pose together for pictures. Still don't know what she was thinking but every time I see Clint Eastwood in 'Fistful of Dollars' I think of that photo and laugh. My mom was a huge fan of FINGERHUT for bargains. Like sarapes. 😝

The weather looks clear for Christmas weekend. Good for the parents but disappointing for the kids, They'll get over it.

Culver's butter burgers. Yes.

Barb & Tony's Christmas Eve open house.

Mayor Big Teeth of Chicago is finally admitting there is a crime problem in the city. DUH. 13% overall increase in crime. robbery up 14%. Theft up 15%. and my favorite....motor vehicle theft UP 133% !!!!!   And if you go south of Madison Street, you better be in an armored vehicle.

Ladies, as I told Gwen the other day, it should be automatic to lock your doors while you're driving around. The ghetto rats look at a woman as easy prey and when you stop at a traffic light, BINGO. You get yanked out of your car and they take your purse and cell phone and push you down on the street and drive away in your car. If you're lucky, that's all that happens. And no, you won't have time to pull your legal conceal carry weapon out of your purse or glove compartment or console to defend yourself. LOCK YOUR DOORS.

Snow on Christmas Eve is pretty neat.

I haven't been to church since co-vid arrived. Is it time to go back to church? And now I read that co-vid is back in the neighborhood. Arrrrgggh.

Is there such a thing as a GOOD frozen pizza?  LMK please.

I'm still waiting for Danny Pretzel to take me fishing. Maybe this year. Maybe not.

That situation in Texas is horrific. Pregnant lady is told the baby will not survive and her health is in jeopardy if she goes full term but the neo-nazi Texas courts won't allow her to have an abortion because it 'doesn't meet OUR criteria for abortion.' Freaking incredible. She has left Texas to have the procedure done in a more compassionate state.

I wonder why a Democrat wastes any time at all campaigning in that state.

Oberweiss eggnog is the absolute best. Heated with a splash of rum makes it even better.

For a guy with a bad hip, this shopping over the phone and then driving over to the Jewel and have them load it into the car. Awesome.

Ok, I think that's it so if we don't talk before the 25th, have a safe and happy holiday!

 

 

SHAKING MY BRAIN --PART 2

 Real Christmas trees MUST have tinsel.

Bubble lights are the best on a tree.

Waiting for the Thursday newspaper so you knew where the movies were playing.

Ushers in movie theatres.

Walking from Northlake to the York theatre.

Shoveling roofs for $20 after a blizzard. How dumb were we?

The Oasis outdoor theatre.

Hated rainy days as a kid. Love them now.

1966 Mustang convertible. Red.

Aunt Lorraine's fantastic cooking.

My stepmom Florence made the best fried chicken.

Was Franklin Park really better than Northlake?

Amaretto Disaronno

Jack Daniels

My first bar fight.

How sad my Dad was when Florence died.

How sad I was when my sister Barb died.

Warm eggnog with brandy.

Finding out where my parents hid the Christmas gifts. Terry's fault.

Smoking my first two cigarettes...and throwing up.

Finding out that my stepdad's uncle had served time for armed robbery.

Coke was just a beverage.

Pepsi is still best.

My brother showing me how to steal pop from the outside machine at the gas station.

My first kiss with a girl named Donna.

First time I felt a boob. Thank you Donna.

Finding out at the reunion that Donna had 5 kids. 😲

Aquariums are restful.

The Northlake Bank robbery.

First time I heard that a priest was a bad guy.

Moser's bakery.

Merry Christmas, Willie Mays.

Sharks.

Mr. Boyd's corner house dressed in solid blue lights for Christmas.

I hated the 10:00 high mass on Sunday. Took forever.

My Dad insisting that burnt chicken from the grill was "good for your system."

No Kleenex in our house. Use toilet paper.

Carry a hanky if you needed to blow your nose. GAG! 

Aunt Alma always had a hanky up the sleeve of her sweater.

The kid's table for holidays.

Carrie Underwood singing "Oh, Holy Night" (google it) In-freaking-credible 

Yes, I still sing Christmas carols as loud as I can out on the deck facing the cemetery. I figure they will appreciate the songs. My speakers are at top volume and so am I. It's normally an hour concert and I have never received a single complaint.

Downsizing.

Is there Christmas in the ghetto?

How do you live with rats and cockroaches?

The Christmas Song is one of my favorites. "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire...."

What the hell is a chestnut?

Why does Carrie Underwood always wear boots?

"I'll be home for Christmas"

Beignets with cold milk.

Biscuits & gravy. One of my all time favorites.

Liver & onions. ABSOLUTELY NOT.

Surprising someone you care about with a nice Christmas gift.

Bosch on Netflix.

Too many surgeries. 26 and counting.

Don't let your kids play tackle football.

I just re-counted. 27 surgeries.

Golfing with nephew Frank.

Sebastian Maniscalco.

Jimmy Kimmel.

Robert de Niro.

New Christmas commercial that I hate: a choir singing on the front porch about Verizon's new phone. Lead singer is a bulgy eyed woman with a red beret. Obnoxious.

OK, I think I have freed my brain enough for now. I want everyone to enjoy the weather and have SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS. And of course, stay out of Chicago where car thefts are up 108% this year. 😦😬😲

SHAKING MY BRAIN OUT

 Every once in a while, I have to empty my skull of all the random thoughts rolling around so please indulge me as we enter December.

I love Christmas songs and sing them all the time--sometimes even in the summer.

I hate that commercial, 1-877-Kars for Kids. Hate the song and the kids singing it and the guy who wrote the original commercial.

I love when people decorate outside for the holidays.

I do not like it when the Bears lose or have a sucky team. Both this year.

Why are ALL the Chicago sports teams bad at the same time? 

Gaza and Ukraine now have the same problem. Rebuilding will take decades and it's not done yet in either place.

I totally understand the anger of Israel.

Where are the American hostages?

I think pumpkin pie is still the best at Thanksgiving but pecan is a close second.

NO SUCH THING as good stuffing. Close behind are green bean casseroles and cheesy potatoes. Even the dog leaves the area when he smells those god-awful creations.

How lucky have we been with the weather?

Give me 3 inches of snow on the 23rd and 50 degrees and sunny for a couple of days right after Christmas and the roads and sidewalks are clear for New Year's Eve. Perfect.

Remember how exciting Christmas Eve was as a kid?

My father making split pea soup with a large hambone in a huge pot and the flame on 'low' all day long until he got home. I hated that too.

Small towns still do it best for major holidays.

Everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, should be closed on Christmas Day.

Smelling the pasta and gravy being cooked at Mrs. Cervone's house. Almost every day.

Being invited to eat at the Cervone house. A kid's delight.

Climbing on top of Whittier School to collect tennis and rubber balls that went up there while playing 'up against the wall' and fouling a pitch up on the roof.

Being greeted by one of Northlake's finest when I was climbing down. A stiff warning and he let me keep the bag of balls. And no call to my parents.

Catching my sister coming home from a date past curfew.

Babysitting for 50 cents an hour. Not a lot of pay but unlimited Pepsi and chips.

My first car. 1956 Ford Fairlane. Paid $100 and it lasted almost two years. fair deal.

Failing miserably at learning the guitar.

ditto for the keyboard.

ditto again for reading music. But I can sing and carry a tune with no problem.

"THRILLER" was 40 freaking years ago.

"ROCKY" was 46 years ago.

Why are pears always so hard?

Medicare appears to be a pretty good deal.

Toasted coconut ice cream bars.

Jerry Reinsdorf should sell. Everything.

The White Sox will lose 100 games again.

It's almost impossible to buy a good Christmas present for a man over the age of 50.

I love my electric palm tree because it signals warm weather is here.

Women, no matter the age, are much easier for which to buy a present.

I really like torches on a warm summer night.

I miss the voice of VIN SCULLY on a summer night.

Thom Mcan shoes.

Robert Hall clothes.

My surgeon is the grandson of Robert Hall.

My great niece playing hockey at the age of 10. What?

Cats have interesting personalities.

My Dad hated cats. Said they were sneaky. How else do you catch a mouse?

Sitting right behind home plate on a summer day. Cold beverage. Hot dog.

The price of tickets.....to anything.

I like picnics but nobody has them anymore.

The old Chicago Stadium.

Ok, I think that's enough for today but I only emptied about half of what's running around up there. Stay warm and stay out of Chicago.

 

IT'S SPORTS TIME!

Hello to 3 new readers down in Florida.

I have just 6 words for Bear fans: CALEB WILLIAMS...MARVIN HARRISON..... and the embattled JIM HARBAUGH. Simple solution to a lot of problems. 

Harbaugh is extremely unhappy at Michigan despite having one of the best teams in the country and feels the university did not back him earlier in the year when he was accused of recruiting violations and handed him an earlier 3 game suspension.

And now, the situation is reversed and the university is not happy with Harbaugh because he was obviously involved in breaking the scouting rules and claimed he knew nothing about it and has embarrassed the school. They want him gone and he wants to leave. Hello Chicago?

                                                                    *******

Congrats to the TEXAS RANGERS who finally won a world series after being so close TWICE ten years ago. They hit the bejesus out of the baseball and came up with some timely pitching and despite losing two key players, dominated the DIAMONDBACKS and won the series, 4-1.

                                                                      *******

Back to the Bears, they just suck and I think it's time to pull the plug on the MATT EBERFLUS/RYAN POLES experiment. Some guys are great assistants but when charged with the big show, they melt like a cheap candle. (google Matt Nagy or Buddy Ryan). JUSTIN FIELDS isn't the answer so draft another QB (see first sentence of this column) and keep TYSON BAGENT as the backup. Add by subtracting. 

Their defense is ok and will get even better when players return from the injured list but YOU HAVE TO SCORE POINTS to win in today's NFL and and it all starts at quarterback.  The PACKERS are learning that lesson this year after having HOF's at that position for thirty years and now they suffer with JORDAN LOVE, who is a disaster and if they think he's the long term answer, they will be looking up in that division for a long time.

                                                                         ******* 

BEST college team? GEORGIA, until they lose.

                                                                      *******

The WHITE SOX have begun the total tear down and I say bravo! That group had their chance to ring the bell and never advanced in the playoffs before bottoming out the last two years and so the exodus began at the trade deadline and continued when the season ended.

Just a few highlights: 

TIM ANDERSON was too busy making babies out of wedlock so he "couldn't focus on baseball" and sucked the entire year but he still cashed those big checks. Go bag groceries.

LANCE LYNN was too busy hanging out at the all-you-can-eat buffet so he got traded and then the DODGERS found out just how much that fat piece of garbage sucked when he gave up 5 homers in less than 3 innings in the biggest game of the year.

KENYAN MIDDLETON...JAKE BURGER....MIKE CLEVENGER....JOE KELLY....KENDALL GRAVEMAN....LUCAS GIOLITO....BRYAN SHAW....and many more to follow as they empty the barrel and start over.......AGAIN.

JOSE ABREU didn't realize how lucky he was to get out of town when he did.

And now the Sox lose one of the best announcers in MLB as JASON BENETTI bails out on this dumpster fire and heads up to call the games for the fast improving Detroit Tigers.

And the White Sox were concerned about attendance THIS YEAR???

                                                                        *******

The north siders are involved in an interesting chess match as they try to attract quality free agents, first by hiring CRAIG COUNSELL as their manager, a known winner who got the most out of some average teams up in Milwaukee and is well respected throughout the league and I AM HERE TO HELP THE CUBS REBUILD.  

They have to replace big time contributors like CODY BELLINGER, MARCUS STROMAN and even long time utility player JEIMER CANDELARIO, who came to the Cubs at the trading deadline and played both first and third. You have to replace Bellinger's offense and Stroman's all-star performance in the first half. Who to pursue?

Ok, forget OHTANI cause he ain't playing in cold weather and there's no place colder than Wrigley in April & May plus the park smells like urine when the warm weather does arrive. 

May I suggest BLAKE SNELL of the Padres? Left handed CY YOUNG WINNER will cost the smarmy TOM RICKETTS a few bucks but he has more than enough to grab the 30 yr. old Snell to a long term contract. They need pitching badly and he fills a need. Currently males 10 million.

JOSH HADER is also available. He's only 29 and the best reliever in baseball. Just make sure that getting a haircut is part of any contract. Current salary is 14 million.

Third base?? Professional midget NICK MADRIGAL is not the answer because he has to take 4 steps towards first before he throws and PATRICK WISDOM is laughable as an everyday player so just make the call to Toronto and grab free agent MATT CHAPMAN, a 4 time gold glover who only hits .240 but is a vacuum at third and makes a paltry 12 million. 

These 3 amigos would help the ball club immediately and then keep looking for some power for the outfield.  You're welcome.

                                                                   *******

CONNOR BEDARD of the Blackhawks is 'must see' tv as he is rapidly becoming the only highlight on another crappy Chicago team. Went to see him in Tampa and got 2 & 2 in a 5-3 win and then he scored 2 more goals today in a 5-4 loss. He is incredible.

                                                                    *******

Here's your happy hour trivia. The tallest professional athlete is Connor Bedard, Nick Madrigal or Marcus Stroman?  Hmmmmmmm

                                                                  *******

Job opening at TEXAS A&M. Bur don't feel bad for JIMBO FISHER. His severance is 75 million. Time to go fishing.

                                                                        *******

That's it for now. Enjoy the weather this week and stay alive by staying out of Chicago. Oh yeah, the tallest is Bedard at 5'10.

 

                                                                        

IT'S A NO BAD NEWS BLOG

 All of the turmoil in the world is wearing me out so it's time for good news based on real stories and my observations.

McDonalds still has the best French fries.

BOSCH is well worth your time if you have Amazon Prime. BOSCH LEGACY is the second part so don't watch that before BOSCH.

The tv strikes were brutal but finally settled. Maybe January for the returning shows.

Love the commercial where the kid brings a pair of slippers to Santa.

Hate the commercial where the wife buys him a watch and he buys a set of trucks and she steals the one he wants. GMC has run that commercial 3 years in a row and I am ready to throw a shoe unless he divorces her.

Lady in Chicago with terminal cancer takes in 7 migrants who were residing in a police station. "They needed a home and I appreciate the company." Sounds like a win-win.

Should the groom exclude relatives that always drink too much and cause fights? Hey, it's YOUR wedding so invite who you want and if the drunks ask why they weren't invited, tell the truth and I'm sure you have several examples to remind them of their stupidity.

Just located Judy's recipe for NON-ALCOHOLIC hot buttered rum. awesome.

The world series has the lowest ratings in years. Game 1 had the lowest first game ratings IN HISTORY. ugh.

Although October is celebrated world-wide because it's my birthday month, this year saw us lose too many people with whom you were familiar. We say farewell and Godspeed to:

MATTHEW PERRY of Friends was one of the few people on tv who, as CHANDLER BING, could make me laugh out loud with his sarcastic remarks and self deprecating humor.

DICK BUTKUS, a total animal on the football field and that compliment isn't given to  many players. He was the GREATEST linebacker in the history of the NFL.

SUZANNE SOMERS, the blonde cutie from THREE'S COMPANY who unfortunately, was  better known for her 23 year battle with cancer and alternative medicine.

RICHARD ROUNDTREE, the man who was SHAFT in 5 different movies and was part of the blaxploitation genre which showed black men as tough and strong.

The snow and cold weather on Halloween was just like spring training in baseball. Just getting you ready for the long season ahead.😬⛄

SANTA & MRS CLAUS will be riding special  holiday trains over the Metra routes beginning December 2. Tickets are $5 and must be purchased online starting today. All trains are expected to sell out. For more information      metra.com/holiday/trains 

Eggnog should be here soon. Yes, I know, you all love it just like you loved gelled cranberries in a can at Thanksgiving.

Least favorite for me? Stuffing and green bean casserole. No thank you.

For those who heat up the eggnog to make an adult beverage, do you use whiskey, brandy or rum? I like them all. Our family called that combination a TOM & JERRY, although a legit T&J has cognac and we couldn't even spell that, let alone afford it.

At 4 p.m. on Thursday, December 2nd on 93.9 LITE FM, their 23 year tradition of around-the-clock CHRISTMAS MUSIC begins. I know it can irritate some people but that's why they give you choices on your radio system.  

Finally, one more reason to enjoy November 2nd. THE LAST NEW Beatles song will be released. "NOW AND THEN" features all of the Beatles. Google the song for more.

And that's it. Hope I put a smile on your face because we all need it about now.

Talk to you soon.

MORE RATS COVER THEIR ASS

 BOOM! In a stunning turn of events, Donald Trump's chief of staff MARK MEADOWS has accepted TOTAL IMMUNITY to testify against the former president. Meadows has told Special Counsel JACK SMITH that trump was "dishonest" on election night and had absolutely no factual information that he had won the election.

Meadows also said that he and Attorney General BILL BARR met with Trump at the white house in mid-December and told him that RUDY GIULIANI had only produced conspiracy theories but had produced zero evidence to support the allegations and Barr insisted that there was no evidence and that the 2020 election was the most secure in history.

While Trump has verbally discarded the three attorneys who have accepted plea bargains, he has repeatedly said the Meadows was a "special friend" and "a great chief of staff, as good as it gets."  I think once again someone accepted a deal rather than, at the age of 64, spend serious time in prison. MORE TO COME!

                                                                   *******

But is Trump laying low? Stop yourself!! He went public today when the Republicans came out with a new nominee for Speaker and told the world that voting for TOM EMMERS of Minnesota "would be a tragic mistake." The far right Republicans (and I mean FAR right) immediately took the whipping from Trump and railed against Emmers, who promptly dropped out of the race. The big mistake for the guy from Minnesota?? He had the audacity to vote for certification of the 2020 election! Shame, shame!

                                                                 *******

I am a moderate Republican but this party ******** bad language coming********is so fucked up that I can almost guarantee that they won't elect a Speaker without the help of the Democrats. I think most regret dumping KEVIN McCARTHY because they thought it would be easy to elect a new Speaker but apparently not so much.

A rumor making the rounds is that McCARTHY is floating a plan to re-instate himself as Speaker and make psuedo-nazi JIM JORDAN as the assistant. Jordan is also a strong ally of Trump and believes 2020 was stolen. Wonderful.

                                                                       *******

Moving on from the garbage, the Justice Department is investigating AMAZON because they charge too much . A quick trip in the time machine: When I was a kid, my Dad asked me where I was going to buy a new baseball and I told him Mercury Sports, a local store that was close by but my Dad told me to wait until the weekend and he would take me to the Ben Franklin because it was cheaper. He was right and I got 3 baseballs for the price of  2.

BOTTOM LINE...They can go to the Ben Franklin if they want but if people want to pay the price for the convenience of home delivery, it's up to them and quite frankly, none of the government's business. You don't have anything more important to do??  

                                                                 *******

You know the guy with the eye patch who runs the OATH KEEPERS and was just sentenced to 18 years for his part on January 6th? STEWART RHODES has a degree in political science and also graduated from YALE UNIVERSITY law school and it is not easy to gain entrance to their law program but color me surprised when I found out those facts.

Why was I checking on the pirate-like Rhodes? (by the way, he shot his own eye out) Because the Justice Department has filed an appeal trying to get his sentenced INCREASED! In all my years associated with law enforcement, I have never heard of an action like this. I get the feeling that Justice doesn't care for Mr. Rhodes.

                                                                   *******

Think your dog is getting old? My friend's TONY & BARB have one that's 16 but that is just half the age of the recently deceased 31 year old named BOBI who was a purebred RAFEIRO do ALENTEJO and lived on a farm in Lisbon, Portugal with his owner and 4 cats. The owner got the dog for his 8th birthday.  I've never heard of this breed but they normally live 10-14 years. Man, that was a lot of dog food.

                                                                     *******

ISRAEL keeps pounding the north side of GAZA and I think that will continue until every building is leveled. Two more recently released hostages stated that Hamas lives underground just like the Vietcong did back in the day so when the ground assault starts, that will be the priority.

                                                                        *******

OATH KEEPERS on the roster of the CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT????? One of mayor-elect Johnson's promises was to get rid of anyone aligned with a seditious group. I'm sure the new police Superintendent was just thrilled when that 'secret' membership list became public. "There's no place on the Chicago Police Department for individuals like that. Tough to rebuild trust in the community like that,"

                                                                       *******

Okay, time to watch game 7. Stay safe and stay out of Chicago. Enjoy the next couple of days and also stock up on firewood. 83 degrees today and 42 a week from now.

YIKES  

THE RATS START TO SCURRY

This is what I get for not finishing what I start on Thursday.

One thing you can always be sure of and that's when a ship begins to take on water, the rats are the first ones to find a way out and this adage also applies to humans involved in a criminal conspiracy such as the election fraud case in Georgia.

Attorney SIDNEY POWELL accepted a plea bargain in which she pleaded guilty to six counts of election interference in exchange for six years of probation AND TESTIFYING TRUTHFULLY in the case against Donald Trump. She will also testify to a meeting she attended at the white house after the election in which the main topics were how to manipulate the outcome of the election held a month earlier.

Apparently Powell decided that at the age of 68, she wanted no part of prison time and found it easier to testify against trump in return for probation and now we'll see if the second attorney charged will also see the light.

Co-defendant KEN CHESEBRO recently lost in a bid to have his indictment dismissed and is scheduled for trial soon. Any bets that Chesebro decides that he'd rather live with his wife in their new home in Puerto Rico rather than checking into the federal prison up in freaking Minnesota? Me thinks I smell ANOTHER plea bargain soon.

Chesebro accepted a plea Friday morning, similar to his cohort, Sidney Powell.

                                                                 *******

I need to revise my position on Palestine. I was angry when I wrote that every Palestinian male should be killed when I should have stipulated that it should be limited to adult males who live in GAZA. Again, it's a harsh position but HAMAS long ago was designated a terrorist organization and it's members need to be put down and remember that adult males  who chose to live there ALWAYS had a choice to move out of Gaza but they made their choice to live in an area governed by a terrorist group. Now live with it. Or die. 

GAZA is 5 miles wide and 25 miles long, about the size of Philadelphia, and continued bombing should bring most, if not all, of the buildings to the ground and then it's the job of the 350,000 foot soldiers to ferret out the cowards hiding in the tunnels and light them up with phosphorus grenades and melt them in place.

My one fear is as the good citizens of Gaza are moving to the south, what's to prevent Hamas members from blending in with the others and escaping, only to continue their hatred in the future?

And the hostages are now numbered at 203. Hamas will have a choice to make very soon:

1) Release all the hostages

2) Release some as a show of good faith

3) Start killing them on a live video feed

The mother/daughter from Illinois were released Friday afternoon.

                                                                        *******

Moving along, as the nights get colder and colder and winter sets in, any volunteers to sleep in the city's 'winterized' tents they're setting up for the migrants? Just curious. There are currently 26 abandoned schools in Chicago and two things need to happen: 1) Convert them to livable space for families and 2) Get those residents WORK VISAS as soon as possible and maybe we wouldn't have as many HELP WANTED signs in commercial windows.

Do the buildings need work? Of course they do but get them off the streets and back to work and eventually, they'll be renting their own apartment or home. WIN WIN. Do you think they'd rather be in a converted school or a tent? 

                                                                     *******  

But neighborhoods are now rebelling at their lands/ buildings being used to house the migrants. Yesterday a brawl broke out in BRIGHTON PARK as residents protested the 'tent city' that is being erected there. I was wondering when that would start.

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Ohio congressman JIM JORDAN lost again on Friday, his third attempt at being SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE and despite getting less votes each time, says he will keep on trying.......which ties up congress on both sides of the aisle and nothing gets done. Two weeks and counting.......

                                                                 *******

A very special and sad good-bye to BURT YOUNG, the actor who played in all the ROCKY movies as his brother-in-law Paulie and received an Oscar nomination for his performance in the original film. Young was also a prolific painter and author. He was 83. 

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Another summer has passed and STILL no one has taken me fishing. I have never caught a fresh water fish bigger than a dinky perch. Once again, I will put away my ZEBCO and my RON POPIEL POCKET FISHERMAN for the winter.

                                                                  *******

Hey, if you see a bat on the outside of your house, just leave him be because he's just trying to get warm on these cold nights and rest up for the rest of his journey down south. Remember these mammals eat mosquitos, cockroaches and garden pests all summer long. Those who don't migrate will settle into old mines and inside of older trees and hibernate for the winter. AND NO, all bats don't have rabies.

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Meteor shower this weekend around 0200 hrs Sunday morning. If you can get to a dark area, settle into a lawn chair and look southeast.

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Hey, at least one of the airlines is listening! Starting next week, United will let people holding window seats board first, followed by middles and finally aisle seats boarding last.

That should eliminate most of the up & down of boarding. (families in the same row will still board together)

                                                             *******

That's all I have. Don't forget the forecast says low 70's this coming Tuesday so maybe take a sick day and enjoy summer one more time. Stay out of Chicago and stay safe. 

 

A VERY SAD DAY IN THE WORLD

When you've been around as long as I have plus having 25 years in law enforcement, you see some pretty terrible things and wonder just what the hell is wrong with the world but last weekend's unjustified and unprovoked attack by HAMAS on unarmed civilians in ISRAEL and the savage massacre AND BUTCHERY of women and children have just brought me to the edge and it is time for Israel to end this, once and for all.

I know that Israel has about 9 million citizens and Palestine about half that but the power has been turned off and they have no water and Israel just activated 350,000 reservists and they eventually will begin the ground assault and there is just one way to do it. EVERY ADULT MALE in Pakistan should be shot and killed because even the non-hamas followers hate Israel and they need to be taken down like the rabid dogs they are. 

I thought for sure once Israel started the bombs and rockets, that the governing body of Palestine (Hamas) would give it up but even today they continue the assault so Israel has stepped up their long range attack with even more bombs and rockets, obliterating homes, churches, schools and hospitals. Cruel, yes. But when the enemy is using those buildings to hide, Israel has no choice.

A Lt. Colonel said in today's interview, "Our objective is to continue this assault until Hamas is no more. We will continue the fighting until we are sure this type of attack will NEVER happen again. NEVER." The look in his eyes said it all and I pity the enemy who comes in contact.  STILL THINK THEIR RESPONSE IS WRONG ?  READ ON.

A kibbutz is like a neighborhood and the first one attacked was full of young families trying to get their lives started and none were military but those psychos chopped up the babies and toddlers and beheaded many of them and then just shot the adults in the head and moved to the next unarmed house and continued the carnage. WHAT KIND OF ANIMAL BEHEADS A BABY? 

And how about the annual festival where 900 young people were listening to music IN AN OPEN FIELD and Hamas rode up on motorcycles and 4-wheelers and just opened fire and then grabbed a couple dozen young people and took them as hostages. Will they survive? I think you know the answer to that because Israel will not negotiate this time.

And so it must happen to protect their future. Every Pakistani adult male must die when the ground attack begins. Spare the woman and children unless they offer resistance and then, they too must die. This has to be a total and complete purge for Israel to ensure a safe future.

This is so sick.

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Professional jerkoff and serial liar Rep. GEORGE SANTOS (r) of New York appears to have finally run out of time because the testosterone-lacking Republican members of congress have finally been beaten up enough by the media and the general population and figured they better get him expelled before the next election rolls around. Santos was sworn in this past January and is on the payroll for an annual salary of $174,000 and has continued to collect despite being exposed numerous times as a liar and a cheat, including the resume he submitted when running for office and he repeatedly said that he wouldn't resign because he didn't do anything 'that bad.'

Check out the charges in the indictment. (grab a fresh cup because this will take a while)

CONSPIRACY AGAINST THE U.S., 

WIRE FRAUD,  

MAKING FALSE STATEMENTS TO THE FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION, 

FALSIFYING RECORDS TO THE FEC, 

AGGRAVATED IDENTITY THEFT, 

MONEY LAUNDERING, 

THEFT OF PUBLIC FUNDS and so on and so on.....a total of 23 charges and a very good possibility of 10 years in prison. Santos has pled not guilty to all charges and returns to court October 23rd.

BUT........The woman who was his campaign treasurer pled guilty last week to all sorts of connected charges and will testify against Santos to get a reduction in prison time. I truly hope he goes to trial AND TAKES THE STAND because I want to listen to him explain.

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DOROTHY HOFFNER was a hoot! The 104 year old went skydiving on October 1st and set the Guinness Book record for oldest skydiver and simply said the "the jump was nice & peaceful and my age has nothing to do with anything" On October 9th, Dorothy passed away peacefully in her sleep. She could play on my team anytime. R.I.P. Dorothy.

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More crazy people! MAISON DES CHAMPS, an anti-abortion activist known as the "PRO-LIFE SPIDER MAN" was arrested after scaling a 42 story building in downtown Chicago with use of any ropes or tools. He was greeted at the top by some not-so-happy police officers and immediately taken into custody and charged with trespass. One anonymous officer said that "they should add up the cost of dispatching fire department personnel and police personnel and make him pay for the time. Maybe he won't think it's so funny next time." 

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Finally, a sad note from the world of sports and the city of Chicago as Chicago Bear DICK BUTKUS, the best middle linebacker to ever play the game, passed away last week at the age of 80. Butkus truly was a 'monster of the midway' and it's a known fact that players on the other team would tell their quarterback to change the play if it required them to go anywhere near #51.

HALL OF FAME RUNNING BACK LENNY MOORE :  "He was simply the best and if the Bears were losing, which happened a lot, he would get in a real foul mood and if you had the ball anywhere near him, you were in for a world of hurt. Dick didn't just tackle you, he bear hugged you and then slammed you to the ground with his 250 pounds on top of you and then he'd threaten you that if you came in the middle again, he would break your leg. And we all believed him!!"

He only played 9 years because of bad knees but was elected to the HALL OF FAME the first year he was eligible. One of a kind. GODSPEED, MR. BUTKUS.

                                                                   *******

That's it for now and I'm sorry that most of this post was terrible news but it just couldn't be avoided. Hopefully next time will be better.

SPORTS OF ALL SORTS

 It has become a happy rite of passage in this column to announce that those cheating catholic pricks from NOTRE DAME have been eliminated from any chance of playing for the national championship but this year I'm proud to announce that they also have the leading candidate for DUMB ASS COACH OF THE YEAR. The football program has been insignificant since 1988 but they continue to trumpet how wonderful their program is but to be truly wonderful, you have to win the close ones AND have strong coaching. They fail in both categories and their players are traditionally 'soft' when the going gets tough.

Trailing by a dozen but with almost ten minutes left and all three timeouts in their pocket, future rocket scientist and current head coach MARCUS FREEMAN elected to go for it on 4th down and 11 on his own 35. Not even close and they turn the ball over and LOUISVILLE runs the ball down their throats in just two minutes to put the game away 

33-20. But was it the coach's fault for calling that stupid play??? NOPE. He promptly threw his players under the bus and said it was their lack of execution, not his play calling.

Remember this is the same coaching staff that allowed the defense to play A MAN SHORT ON TWO CONSECUTIVE PLAYS against OHIO STATE and allowed the buckeyes to get into the end zone as time ran out. Two plays in a row. Anyone get fired? Nope. Player's fault for not knowing their assignments.

Now today the Irish have come out with the excuse that the difficult schedule has worn them down because they played three ranked teams in a row with USC coming this Saturday. Quick review: they needed a miracle play to edge DUKE, forgot that you play with 11 players not 10 against OHIO STATE and pissed that game away plus they got their their asses kicked by LOUISVILLE. Poor babies. Still wish they'd join the BIG TEN.

P.S. CHASE CLAYPOOL played at notre dame. 'Nuff said.

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If you didn't watch OKLAHOMA-TEXAS in the early game Saturday, you missed a tremendous game that went down to the last 15 seconds before the #12 Sooners upset the  #3 Longhorns 34-30. Smash mouth football with loads of offensive firepower in what was the final RED RIVER RIVALRY with Texas holding the advantage with a record of 63 wins-51 losses and 5 draws since the annual game started in 1900. Texas moves to the SEC next year.

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BEARS WIN! BEARS WIN! They finally rang the bell against the WASHINGTON COMMANDERS after letting a huge lead disappear the week before against DENVER. Now this week they play a home game against the MINNESOTA VIKINGS who lost their all-world receiver last Sunday to a hamstring injury and have the same record as the Bears at 1-4 but before you go getting a second mortgage to bet on them this week, remember that the Bears looked good against 2 bad teams and even though the Vikings also stink, it will be the Viking passing offense against the beleaguered Bears secondary. KIRK COUSINS has thrown for 1500 yards in 5 games but come to think of it, his defense also sucks so if JUSTIN FIELDS has a decent game...................

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The CUBS folded like a cheap suitcase in September but I have to give them some props. After the White Sox started mailing it in around the end of June, I actually watched the Cubs thru July/August and they were fun to watch as they climbed into contention before losing 14 of their last 20 and diving like a submarine. Unfortunately, they will regress next year when CODY BELLINGER says adios on the free agent market and he might be joined by MARCUS STROMAN, YAN GOMES and JEIMER CANDELARIO. but the major loss will be Bellinger who had a great contract year. Nice player.

                                                                        *******

Now let's talk about the WHITE SOX. No, let's not. They stink and need to back up the truck and start over. They made a positive move by dumping KENNY WILLIAMS & RICK HAHN and I thought there was a chance until they announced FREAKING TONY LARUSSA was back as an advisor. It was time to switch the channel because if they don't care, neither do I.

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I don't care about TRAVIS KELCI & TAYLOR SWIFT. I mean, not one ounce of care but I'm also not a hater. Go out, have fun, get laid and have more fun. SIDEBAR: Swift is a diehard EAGLES fan and on MONDAY, November 20, the Eagles travel to KANSAS CITY. Just wondering what skybox she's sitting in that day. Maybe she shows up with one of those 50/50 jerseys supporting both teams. 

Swift performs in Brazil on the 19th but then she breaks for Thanksgiving and her next concert is the day after the holiday so she could certainly make it back for the game because I'm pretty sure she's coming home for the turkey day festivities and her next concert is the day after the holiday. Maybe.

                                                                     ******

I'm done. Catch you later.

THE HITS JUST KEEP ON COMING

Here is your major HAH-HAH of the day. The city of Chicago reports that attendance in the theatre district is down almost 60% and, of course, they blame everything from shrinking budgets to a decline in private funding which is all a very convenient rubber stamped excuse BUT THE REAL REASON IS PEOPLE ARE SCARED TO GO INTO CHICAGO!

I've been railing against the city for four years and been subject to scoffing at the hands of some of the people who read this blog but now, the chickens have come home to roost. Take your pick: CAR JACKING, ARMED ROBBERIES, SNATCH AND GRABS (goodbye necklace or phone) GANG ACTIVITY AT INTERSECTIONS AND IN STORES AND MY FAVORITE.......RANDOM SHOOTINGS WHERE A STRAY BULLET FINDS AN INNOCENT BODY.

Excuse my following use of bold print but I'm trying to make a point.

For the love of God, people are even getting shot sitting in the bleachers at a ball game and the city wants you to believe everything is hunky-dory. And you know the stats are coming and here they are for the year to date: 2412 people have been shot....443 of those died. That's 200 people shot EVERY MONTH with 37 dying EVERY MONTH

And to celebrate my birthday month, after only 4 days, 39 people have been shot with 4 homicides. IN 4 FREAKING DAYS!!!! 

And here's the stat I want you to pay very close attention to when thinking about visiting the city or allowing your child to head into the jungle.........

SOMEONE IS SHOT EVERY 2 HOURS AND 45 MINUTES (9 people a day) AND 

SOMEONE DIES FROM VIOLENCE EVERY 13 HOURS AND 26 MINUTES           (2 a day)

Have family or friends living in the city? Let them come to you, even if you have to pay the train or bus fare. It's cheaper than a funeral.

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Another Trump lover got an extended vacation from the federal government on Wednesday when he was sentenced to 4 1/2 years for his part in the January 6th attack. Illinois resident and full time scumbag Shane Woods is also awaiting trial for 1st degree murder after driving north in the southbound lanes and causing a fiery multi-car crash, killing one and severely injuring two others. Woods had initially been stopped for going 101 mph but then took off from the stop when the officer returned to his squad. His trial is set for January. One final note on this jag: He's made $150,000 annually since 2017 and brags about not paying taxes. I bet his parents are real proud.

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Remember tough guy CHRISTOPHER WORRELL, who stated he'd be proud to go to prison for his part on January 6th and then disappeared before his sentencing date, sneaking away at night like an alley rat? Well, it seems that old Chris is not the sharpest knife in the drawer as he tried to sneak back home and was snatched up by law enforcement. Did he think they'd stop looking? Chris was given 14 years. Enjoy.

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Hey! Want a state job? Apply for the head of the DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES which is now open due to the recent resignation of the current chief. However, a word of caution if you're looking for long term employment because the agency is looking for their 13th boss in 14 years.

It is a terrible job that suffers from a bad budget and understaffing that borders on criminal even if they had twice as many investigators. FORGEDDABOUTIT!

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I dare you to come up with a viable solution to the migrants arriving daily in Chicago.

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And from the 'another penis' department......Ohio GOP senator JD VANCE once again blocked the confirmation of two U.S. attorneys for Ohio and Illinois because he doesn't think the Justice Department should have indicted former president trump. Now one has nothing to do with the other but Vance is acting like a petulant child and depriving residents of two states of the attorneys who preside over federal injustice in their jurisdictions. But some archaic law allows Vance to block their confirmations even if it has nothing to do with anything.

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Here we go again. The Chicago Teachers Union contract expires next summer and union president STACY DAVIS GATES is already talking monumental additions to the contract including a nurse in every school, smaller class sizes, more bilingual staff, improve special education, social workers on site, more rebuilding of crumbling schools and an overall 10 year plan for improvement of all schools. Now the interesting part of the negotiations is she will be dealing with Mayor-elect BRANDON JOHNSON, who owes his election day win to the Chicago teachers. Conflict of interest?  We'll see.

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As I was typing this, the news came across that Chicago Bears great DICK BUTKUS had passed away at the age of 80. For people my age, he was a pleasure to watch every Sunday. "Take no prisoners" was his mantra and we loved him for that. RIP, big guy.

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The Hollywood writers strike finally ended and the late night talk shows have resumed and that's a very good thing!

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That's it for now. Be safe and stay out of Chicago.

   

 

SPORTS OF ALL SORTS

 Hello again everybody and we have a lot to talk about so let's start with baseball and pay a quick visit to the south side because that's all they deserve. They started the purge a few weeks ago by dumping some dead weight and with the exclusion of LUCAS GIOLITO, there were no tears shed in this corner. 

Then we start hearing about a lack of rules and people sleeping in the bullpen and no leadership so that means it's adios time for first year manager PEDRO GRIFOL. Pete, all of this falls under your umbrella and how could you not have rules? It's been said for years that great assistants don't always make good leaders. (see BUDDY RYAN).

So I'm thinking we're on the right track until I see a picture of hair dye-less TONY FREAKING LARUSSA on the sports page. Advisor? Consultant? The man doesn't even know the rules of the game or how to handle a bullpen so what is he going to advise?  Or is Jerry just looking for a gin rummy partner? We all saw first hand that the game has passed him by. Apparently Jerry wasn't looking.

 The betting window is now open. When does Tony get his first DUI in Chicago?

                                                                     *******

And now on to the north side where the CUBS have apparently righted the ship from their early season doldrums and are full steam ahead to play in the wild card round but I don't think they have enough pitching to catch Milwaukee. CODY BELLINGER has been spectacular and if he's not getting a big hit, he's making a nice catch in the outfielder. BUT WILL THE CUBS MATCH THE HIGHEST FREE AGENT OFFERS?

The Cubs have a team that's easy to like and that hasn't always be the case in the past. (see Sosa, Baez, Contreras, Arrieta, Zambrano,  et al) They give polite and inciteful interviews and other than CHRISTOPHER MOREL, there doesn't seem to be any hot dogs on the team but what do you expect when WILLSON CONTRERAS was your mentor. I understand getting excited but tearing off your own jersey while running around the bases? no no no.

The bullpen is exciting and they seem to have three guys who can hold the lead and a bona fide closer in ADBERT ALZOLAY. In a couple of days they start a 3 game series against the front running Brewers which should be worth watching.

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Losers of the second half?? THE CALIFORNIS ANGELS, who chose to NOT trade SHOHEI OHTANI at the trade deadline and then added some beef to the lineup by trading 3 high prospects so they could make a move for the post season but two things went wrong: 1) the team immediately went into a tailspin and lost 12 of 16 to basically end any hopes of the wild card and 2) Ohtani tears the same elbow ligament that he had repaired with Tommy John surgery in 2018. The Angels could have gotten the mother lode of players for Ohtani and now he hits the free agent market, albeit as damaged goods. But don't hold any tag days for him because he is going to sign for 400-500 million, broken wing or not.

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Thanks to a heads up from Nephew Frank, I want to introduce you to a first year major leaguer on the Cleveland Guardians, 24 year old right hander TANNER BIBEE, who has a 9-3 record with an era of 3.01 era and a 3-1 strike out/walk ratio and is currently listed as the 4th choice for rookie of the year and if you're so moved, a $10 bet would return $200.00 but we all know that gambling is evil. Continued good luck to Tanner!

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My predictions for MLB post season awards: National League MVP RONALD ACUNA JR.

American MVP  SHOHEI    NL CY YOUNG ZAC GALLEN     AL GERRIT COLE

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR NL  CORBIN CARROLL    AL  GUNNAR HENDERSON

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Gambling is available just about everywhere from casinos to home computers to cell phones and even an old fashioned call to your neighborhood bookie will get your bet down BUT college athletes are not allowed to bet on ANY sport sanctioned by the NCAA or any professional sport.  Professional football players can bet on other sports but never the NFL and those bets can never be made from team properties and cannot be made with a bookie. Baseball players cannot bet on baseball. PETE ROSE go caught gambling on baseball and was banned for life from the sport. Got all that?

But down in I-O-WAY, they are apparently slow learners because they got caught gambling, making as many as 1,300 bets during the last school year. Booted from school, two of these guys had pro potential but they can kiss that future goodbye.

But our NFL players are not exempt from the evils of gambling either. At least 13 players have been suspended for a minimum of 6 games but most were suspended for the entire season. You can bet using your phone but not from the team's property and you can NEVER bet on an NFL game. 4 players were immediately released by their teams. Enjoy bagging groceries, you dumb asses. Zero sympathy.

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Speaking of the NFL, it's almost SHOWTIME!!! Two weeks from this Sunday, the CHICAGO BEARS open their season at home against the GREEN BAY PACKERS with the arrow pointing up for the Bears but down for the Packers. Now remember this team won just 3 games last year so if they can get to 7, they won't be in the playoffs but 7-10 will be a major improvement, especially if they beat the Packers twice. I still pick to Bears to finish last in the division but all 4 teams should be scrunched together, Vikings, Lions, Packers, Bears.  It's all up to the offensive line to keep JUSTIN FIELDS out of a body bag.

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The CHICAGO SKY is..........sorry, back to ignoring them and when their #1 player leaves for free agency in October, they can rename this team the CHICAGO TITANIC.

                                                                          *******

Ok, that's it for now. Stay safe and stay out of Chicago. Adios!

THE DOG DAYS OF SUMMER

First, my heart and I'm sure yours, go out to the people of Lahaina in Maui after that terrible fire totally wiped out that town and left people clinging to rocks after jumping in the ocean to escape the fire. How on earth do you rebuild from that? People lost everything except the clothes on their back. 850 people are still missing.

 But I do have one question because I've never heard of this. HOW DOES A HYDRANT RUN OUT OF WATER? Those firefighters put their asses on the line to help and were turned away by dry hydrants. Someone has to be accountable for not maintaining them, And how about the Public Safety guy who repeatedly try to defend not activating the emergency sirens? More investigation please.

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The dog days of summer have the people in Florida up in arms over PUBLIX' decision to allow ONLY SERVICE DOGS in their stores, no exceptions. Emotional support dogs and personal pets have received the boot...........and I totally agree with Publix. 

Walk next to a service dog or have a conversation with the owner and the dog sits or lays at the owners feet, just chillin' until his master is ready to go. No growling. No barking. Now come close to a support dog and the yapping or growling starts and god forbid if you have to reach past the owner to grab an item off the shelf, the dog goes psycho.

I love dogs but they need to be in the back yard or in the house. I think "emotional support"  dogs are a scam and people have jimmied the system to bring their pet dogs with them everywhere. Friend of mine has one of those creatures (and this man runs a big business and meets a lot of people every day) and pulled up while I was working in the yard so I walk up to the driver's side open window and Cujo decides that he needs to defend from the passenger seat and leaps across my friend to try and bite me. 

And then we go thru the dance where the owner talks to the dog like he understands English!! "Now calm down, Dan's my friend" and then he looks at me and says "He's just being protective. I know you understand." NO I DON'T!!  But I cut right to the chase and tell my buddy I hope that doesn't happen again and I no sooner get the words out of my mouth when Cujo attacks again but this time i was ready. I reached right to his collar and yanked that mutt thru the open window and pinned him to the ground. Suddenly, the 25 pound hairball wasn't so tough with my shoe on his shoulder and just laid there and whimpered. 

You feel the need to take your dog everywhere, that's fine with me but keep him under control and stay out of my store. If you need emotional support to buy a loaf of bread, use Amazon Shopping. And while we're at it, keep him off my planes, trains and buses. Emotional support dog, my patootie.  

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Another sad day in the courtroom as MACKENZIE SHIRILLA, 19,  was sentenced to a very just 15 YEARS TO LIFE after intentionally driving her car at 100 mph into a brick wall, killing her boyfriend and his buddy. The psycho was "shocked" first by being found guilty of two counts of murder and then SHOCKED by her sentence. Shocked, I tell you! What did she expect?? She could be eligible for parole in 15 years but the judge warned her that "the actual sentence is 15 years to life and every time you screw up, they add time and I have a very strong feeling that with your attitude, we won't be seeing you in this court in 15 years." good riddance.

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I have a question about all of the migrants being shipped to Chicago. They currently sleep in the lobby of police departments, tents or just on the sidewalks or in the parks. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE WEATHER TURNS? Just curious.

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Still think I'm over reacting to the dangers of Chicago? Well, feast your eyeballs on these numbers thru July31, 2023.

1722 people shot in 180 days.....363 homicides, .........707 car jackings. In other words, your death lottery chances are as follows...there are 9.5 people shot EVERY DAY....2 people will die everyday from those shootings.....and 4 people will get car jacked EVERY DAY inside the city limits and that doesn't count those victims who are beaten and robbed while losing their car. This past weekend, 38 people were shot and 7 killed......So go ahead and plan a wonderful day in Chicago.  And don't forget your body armor. 

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They won't reveal the exact number but the CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS are rumored to be short a thousand teachers and 200 bus drivers. This problem is the same as the one that haunts the police department. Too dangerous for $75,000 and no backing from the front office.

When I was in school (is this my father talking?) you smarted off to your teacher once and got suspended for 3 days. The second time it happened, you were history. Nowadays, not so much. A teacher friend of mine said one kid has been sent to the front office 6 times including two times for calling her a mother f-er. Suspended ONCE and always sent back to her. 

She requested transferring the little bastard to another classroom and was turned down flat. "take care of your own problems" is what she was told. And they wonder why the rest of the class is a nightmare when they realize they won't get in trouble. Sad.

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Man, more natural disasters. This time in California with tropical storm Hilary wreaking havoc from L.A. to Las Vegas and incredibly. the storm zig-zagged and basically missed  San Diego. Downfalls of 5, 6, 7 and even 8 inches of rain and it didn't come down softly. Residents of Vegas came out of their air conditioning and stared at the sky. "What is this wet stuff?" Wild fires, earth quakes, 100 degree temps, icebergs melting.....to quote DUSTY SPRINGFIELD.....🎵 "Somethings happening here and what it is ain't exactly clear"🎵

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Tough guy Proud Boy Christopher Worrell disappeared one day before his sentencing hearing when he was going to receive 14 years in federal lockup. Worrell was on home arrest awaiting his day in court but decided that his statement of "I will be proud to do prison time for January 6th."  Not so tough now. COWARD.

Speaking of guys in trouble, Donald Trump will surrender on Thursday and be required to post $200,000 CASH  to go home the same day. But this surrender will be different than the federal surrenders because the Georgia sheriff says "He will be treated no different than any other prisoner and WE WILL fingerprint him and take his photo." I'm praying they still use that heavy black ink for printing rather than the new electronic machines. A condition of the bond is that trump will have no contact with witness on social media, including having someone do it for him. Interesting proactive condition by the judge.

Now this is a NO-NO whether you like the former president or not. A woman from Plainfield, TRACY FIORENZA, threatened to kill both trump and Baron, his youngest son. She is in custody and I hope for a long time.

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That's enough for now. Be careful of the heat this week and hydrate. I will be going into lockdown until the weekend when 70's return.

A BUNCH OF STUFF

  I was wondering in my last post where all the lightning bugs were and someone wrote to mention JUNE BUGS were a no show and he's absolutely correct. Haven't seen one all summer. Add to that my old buddies, the CICADAS, who won't be here until spring of next year but that emergence is supposed to be huge.

 I also have an apple tree and the fallen apples ALWAYS ATTRACT bees and wasps but i picked up apples yesterday and zip. nada. nothing. (not that I minded) WHERE THE HELL IS EVERYONE??   Shhhhhh....I also don't miss the drought affected mosquitos but with all the rain in July........ August and September could be interesting.

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Speaking of  'where is everyone?' the federally job report issued over the weekend states there are 3 jobs available for every 2 unemployed people. So why are there still "help wanted' signs everywhere? When I went to the Jewel today, their sign asked for help in the deli, bakery, stock boys, cashiers, maintenance, meat department, pharmacy and produce. I guess the liquor department is doing ok. So if anyone tells you they can't find a job, point them to our local food store.

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LATE BREAKING NEWS!!!!! His royal highness just got federally indicted AGAIN and still claims that he's done nothing wrong. Still lurking is a 4th indictment from the state of Georgia. $40 million in legal fees and still counting. 😳

An interesting factoid which has drifted under the bridge without notice. Former trump attorney RUDY GIULIANI entered into a proffer agreement with the FBI and sat in for a lengthy interview. The agreement means that Rudy provided the feds with information that cannot be used against him in future court proceedings. I find that very interesting.

                                                    

  Will trump go to prison? I truly believe that he'll be found guilty BUT former presidents are provided Secret Service protection for life and I doubt that those agents want to spend the next ten years babysitting in a federal prison. I can see construction of a small facility where those agents would protect that building like they do the white house. Dogs, video, barbed wire, machine guns, etc. to keep intruders away and trump will sit inside and watch tv just like he does now. Same benefits as any convict in a minimum security federal prison.

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A fond farewell to TONY BENNETT who died last month at the age of 96. Even if you weren't a fan, you had to like "I left my heart in San Francisco" because it's one of the best slow dance songs ever. For you young 'uns, u-tube it. rest well Paisano.

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A fun time with your kids can be had on August 12-13 when the annual meteor shower (shooting stars) occurs. Check your media sources for best times.

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Hey, my friend Larry is in for a visit and I'll have his remarks next time. Stay safe and stay out of Chicago. As Larry says "you don't have to be a bad guy to get dead in Chicago."

ADIOS FOR NOW.