Chicago

It is a summy day in the city and the lake was calm and smooth this morning driving to work. We got hit with heat and humidity over the weekend with Saturday being the worst day. Whereas a few weeks ago the temp was consistently below the average by about 15 degrees, now we are about 15 degrees above normal.

I will write about the Vail trip shortly and perhaps have some pictures for your viewing pleasure.

The talk about the Olympics prevailed over the weekend with friends since Daley and a small delegation were in Switzerland making a presentation. There are mixed feelings about the spending for a three week event and how much it will cost the taxpayers. The state made a pledge of $250 million, but they are $9 billion in debt now, with no relief in sight, so I don't think that I would count on that.

The Olympics would probably do a lot for the city's infrastructure, but who really pays. It is a big ego thing for Daley, I think, and he will remain as mayor until the whole thing is over. He will find a way for approval, and then we all will rent our places out and leave town when it actually happens.

I would like the El to extend to the heart of the U of C campus as part of the infrastructure improvements as this is the only campus in the city that does not have direct access to the El. The Metra has a stop near campus, but that is a different system and requires an additional fare. The time to get to Hyde Park from almost any part of the city except the loop is an hour at the minimum. It should be a straight shot without a transfer necessary for most folks.

More on another day - take care.