Up, Down and Around Our Town

Our last shot at the wonderful month of August and if you're real lucky, you would order up this month's weather as a steady diet. More like San Diego than the usual triple digit conditions that are customary for this time of the year. No one complaining and we'll savor it for as long as we can.

Our politics on the state level continue to evolve. Perhaps the worst leadership in Illinois's history is about to lose his one good friend. Emil Jones, who has played wing man for Gov. Rod, is stepping down in the fall. Essentially he is retiring and the good old boys are scrambling to see who can get this coveted spot. This administration is the landlocked Titanic and with Emil Jones not backing the lack of leadership from this Senior Administrator, one only knows. That's the problem when you're bought and sold to get the election won; such was completed and the gridlock in the Land of Lincoln is at an all-time high. Stay tuned - it will get better.

The Junior Senator from Illinois has chosen Joe Biden to be his running mate. Actually, a pretty good choice. Biden's experience in foreign relations makes him a good balancing act for a young and inexperienced leader. But, even if you're on the GOP side of things, Barack Obama does talk a good game. It will be interesting to see how his domestic policy starts to evolve during the campaign. Even an old crusty voter like me can see the potential that may be part of an Obama Presidency. All we do know is that the pickins are thin; John McCain offers nothing. Nothing more than more of what we don't need. Plus, the 500 pound gorilla in the room that looks and sounds like Iraq is draining both dollars and confidence at a record rate.

We never seem to learn this lesson. We're in a scuffle that cannot be "won." Just can't. And all of this blather about allowing the Iraq government to run itself will last until 36 hours after we have finally pulled out and the history of the last 2200 years will take over once again. We didn't figure that out in Viet Nam until the lesson was obvious; it appears we are making the same mistake of trying to bully our way into democracy. Not in a global world; not in a global economy and certainly not under this leadership.

Speaking of global, the Olympics were wonderful. China showed itself well and even if they cut a few corners in the computer department to accentuate their shows, the outcome was still grand. The USA showed itself well, some new heroes were identified and Michael Phelps and the Redeem Team came home with lots of pride and gold. In other words, job well done. It was great television for a couple of weeks.

Now we're stuck with two weeks of political conventions. More swimming, please.

The baseball season is winding down to its last 30 days and looks like the Cubbies will post their 2nd straight division title. Could this possibily be the year that the 100 year old tradition of not winning could change? In many ways, I hope so. For the fans and ownership, certainly. But, if you're a fan of baseball, listening to the WGN radio feed of Pat Hughes and Ron Santo is just good entertainment. And no on - not anyone - bleeds Cubbie Blue more than Ron Santo. For all of the right reasons, here's hoping we see the Northsiders in the deep Post Season.

As for the Redbirds, not enough. Injuries and guys you have never heard of are trying to keep the ship afloat. The return of Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright bode well and perhaps a late season run for the Wild Card is in the pool. But, the Brewers will be tough to beat. Prediction as of the end of August? How about the Cubbies and the White Sox for all of the marbles. An all Windy City World Series. Now, that would make us forget the Political Conventions.

Brett Favre aside, the NFL will be starting up in a few weeks. Nothing to write home about in St. Louis other than a team with no chemistry, little leadership and more brittle than a sheet of glass. Defense lacking, offense stale and (perhaps I am the only one) a home stadium that perhaps is the worst place to watch a game in the entire league. My prediction is that they will be 2-12. It may be generous.

The Bears? Lots of talent and no QB. When you're down to Kyle Orton, it just isn't gonna work. Much as I like the Bears and their swagger, I hope they find a little offense. The Rex Grossman era is, hopefully, over. There is talent and no one seems to get more out of a team than Lovie Smith; perhaps. 10-6 and a wild card slot.

For the Chiefs? See St. Louis. Same story. 4-10 is about it.

We'll check back on those in a few months. I must admit that my appetite for NFL has shrunk. Games that are predictable and usually way too long. Usually comes down to a field goal in 80% of the games and the Prime Time games are nothing more than a place to show commercials and throw in a few sets of plays. The bubble will someday burst, even on the reality TV series known as the NFL.

But, most of all, this time of the year marks the ability to tee it up all over again. After witnessing the orientation of over 300 new faces at the Harvard on the Hill, I am convinced that our future is in excellent hands. It is my hope that we can guide, mold and inspire some of these young people to marry the wonder of youth with the experience of us old guys. They keep you young, they challenge you and they are truly interested in many things. The start of the school year always brings excitement and this year is no different.

Speaking of Culver, it was noted that there is a new plaque on the Tomlinson fountain. Found out that such was a birthday present for my golf partner and oldest son Lanse. With this week marking my 40 year arrival at this fine old school, it was remarkable to learn that his son Tyler used the Tomlinson fountain to propose to his soon-to-be bride. Nice touch. Particularly since I knew or know all three of the principals in that thought. Grandfather Ed was of immense assistance to a struggling 18 year old and his son has been a great friend for many years and watching son Tyler blossom on local television is just good TV. Congrats and thanks for keeping those traditions going.

My hero is now prospering, being care for in so many ways. One of her presenting challenges is almost at a standoff and while there will be others, her status as one to admire and adore has done nothing but grow. Even big brother Wilson is thriving in the First Grade and now that Grammy has retired, she will be a frequent room mother type. That's nice symmetry.

So, enjoy your Labor Day holiday, savor the delightful weather as we head into the last few weeks of summer and join me next week for a little more sage from the heartland. Till then, and as always, I remain....