I rode to work this morning and it was gorgeous! About 65 degrees when I left at 7 am, the Lake was relatively calm and the number of riders is picking up. My muscles are slowly adjusting - I had a decent time of 61 minutes. I felt a nice spray from the waterfall at McCormick Place, which was refreshing as I forgot my water bottle.
I attended a Remembrance and Recommitment Service at my church last night that capped a year of awareness of all of the gun deaths of CPS students during the school year. There were almost 80 young people who lost their lives. Very sad. There are also about 250 kids injured but not killed in a typical year. We lit candles for each on Sundays, read names, and prayed for peace. Now we are looking at what we can do to help.
There are two pertinent websites that you can go to in an effort to help - I am sure that there are other ongoing efforts that need support also. These two are www.fixgunchecks.org, which is a petition to ask Congress to amend the law to require a background check for each and every gun that is purchased; and www.ceasefirechicago.org, which is an organization working to proactively implement strategies to reduce the level of violence in Chicago neighborhoods. See if either draws your participation, or find another way to help - please.
Our society seems to be turning to a more violent one with each passing year. Recently Wisconsin, of all places, passed a law approving the carrying of concealed weapons. If I heard the NPR broadcast correctly, Illinois is the only state left without such a law. Why is this necessary? Are we returning to the Wild West with shootouts? Statistics show that people who keep guns in their homes are much more likely to kill a loved one by accident than to harm an intruder on purpose.
A favorite old sweatshirt of mine from St. Ben's Church in Milwaukee has the saying "There can be no peace without justice." That is so true. If we would invest our energies and resources in justice issues, the perceived needs for having guns would be eliminated.
The NRA is one of the biggest lobbying organizations in the country, if not the largest. They spend millions of dollars to make sure the laws enable the owning and use of all sorts of weapons. Wouldn't it be nice if, now since they seemed to have achieved their goals, they would start investing in justice issues in our country, such as education, jobs, and health care?
About as likely as the day when schools have all the money they need to provide quality education to all children and the Defense Department has to have a bake sale to make ends meet.
Take care.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
A Thought for the Day
Love does not consist in gazing at each other but in looking outward together in the same direction. Antoine
Take care.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
A thought for the Day
A favorite quote of mine....
Friendship is a single soul dwelling in two bodies.
Aristotle
Take care.
Friendship is a single soul dwelling in two bodies.
Aristotle
Take care.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Another Ride
I followed up my Friday ride with another one today, even though the trip home Friday evening was physically rough for me. Wind blowing from the north - muscles aching....
I had my mind set on riding today even though the sky was getting darker as the time grew closer to leave. Then it started to rain, lightening, and thunder. It was too late to change clothes and catch the el so I forged ahead. It was raining cats and dogs, so to speak, with lightening and thunder enlivening the ride. It took only minutes before I was soaked to the skin, but at least the temperature was moderate.
There weren't too many folks out today, surprise, and I didn't see a soul from the end of Grant Park to the Firefighters' Memorial. The rest of the way from there I saw four joggers and about a dozen riders. On normal days people are just focused in on their running or riding and really don't pay much attention to others on the path, but it was interesting today as most of those on the south side had a cheery good morning when I passed, so I reciprocated. It was like an "atta" boy, or girl, for being out in the weather.
The rain let up appreciably for the second half of my ride, but by then it really didn't matter. A mallard duck was sitting at the McCormick Place waterfall, on the edge of the pool and staring into the falling water. He didn't notice as I rolled by. There was a tug boat pushing a construction barge towards the harbor under construction, and that harbor's shore was filled with gulls and geese, scavenging for food.
The Lake was relatively calm considering the storm, and there was more chance of getting splashed by a car or bus when the trail neared Lakeshore Drive than getting hit by a wave. It was overcast, of course, and most cars and bikes had their lights on.
The whole scenario reminded me of the sermon that Pastor Joy gave yesterday about the presence of God in our lives and how we feel and experience it. The whole storm was powerful beyond my comprehension, it exerted such strength that we are effected and dwarfed by it. My ride was longer than normal and a little less certain. It represented the God that it is beyond us - one that is amazing and awe inspiring. Then there is the feeling that I had of God's presence - I could feel him/her, and felt that God would guide me safely along my 14 mile journey. God was with me.
Finally, I took in the sights and sounds of the lakeshore as I rode along and felt that I could internalize the wonders that I was experiencing. I can appreciate in some small way the significance of our world - its beauty, its significance, and the importance of co-existance. God was within me.
Maybe a little corny to some, but my God, your God, our God, is always there if we take the time to notice - if we think about it - if we consider the role(s) we are intended to play in our lives. It is reassuring to me - helps me move forward - helps me to work at staying positive - helps me to always search for my opportunities to serve others.
I hope that your week will present you many chances to grow, and to help others grow.
Take care.
I had my mind set on riding today even though the sky was getting darker as the time grew closer to leave. Then it started to rain, lightening, and thunder. It was too late to change clothes and catch the el so I forged ahead. It was raining cats and dogs, so to speak, with lightening and thunder enlivening the ride. It took only minutes before I was soaked to the skin, but at least the temperature was moderate.
There weren't too many folks out today, surprise, and I didn't see a soul from the end of Grant Park to the Firefighters' Memorial. The rest of the way from there I saw four joggers and about a dozen riders. On normal days people are just focused in on their running or riding and really don't pay much attention to others on the path, but it was interesting today as most of those on the south side had a cheery good morning when I passed, so I reciprocated. It was like an "atta" boy, or girl, for being out in the weather.
The rain let up appreciably for the second half of my ride, but by then it really didn't matter. A mallard duck was sitting at the McCormick Place waterfall, on the edge of the pool and staring into the falling water. He didn't notice as I rolled by. There was a tug boat pushing a construction barge towards the harbor under construction, and that harbor's shore was filled with gulls and geese, scavenging for food.
The Lake was relatively calm considering the storm, and there was more chance of getting splashed by a car or bus when the trail neared Lakeshore Drive than getting hit by a wave. It was overcast, of course, and most cars and bikes had their lights on.
The whole scenario reminded me of the sermon that Pastor Joy gave yesterday about the presence of God in our lives and how we feel and experience it. The whole storm was powerful beyond my comprehension, it exerted such strength that we are effected and dwarfed by it. My ride was longer than normal and a little less certain. It represented the God that it is beyond us - one that is amazing and awe inspiring. Then there is the feeling that I had of God's presence - I could feel him/her, and felt that God would guide me safely along my 14 mile journey. God was with me.
Finally, I took in the sights and sounds of the lakeshore as I rode along and felt that I could internalize the wonders that I was experiencing. I can appreciate in some small way the significance of our world - its beauty, its significance, and the importance of co-existance. God was within me.
Maybe a little corny to some, but my God, your God, our God, is always there if we take the time to notice - if we think about it - if we consider the role(s) we are intended to play in our lives. It is reassuring to me - helps me move forward - helps me to work at staying positive - helps me to always search for my opportunities to serve others.
I hope that your week will present you many chances to grow, and to help others grow.
Take care.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Ride along the Lake to work
This morning I finally did it and took my first bike ride to work this year. The first is always the hardest because it is 14 miles and hard to jump into. I had been making excuses this spring that it was too hot, too cold, or too rainy, and that worked since Easter.
I checked back and this is a few days earlier than my first ride last year and it was a beautiful morning. The lake was calm at Belmont Harbor and stayed that way all along the way - an unusual morning. I left home a little before 7 am so the path was not too crowded yet with bikers and runners, and just a very few roller bladers. I made it about three miles before my body told me that I hadn't done this for awhile, so I tried to pace myself a little. Still made the trip to Hyde Park in a little over an hour. Last year I got my time under 45 minutes and that will be my goal again this year.
The ride gives me a different perspective on the city - really get a good view of the lake and all those using it. There were no sail boats out this morning but there were several families of ducks and geese paddling along. There were plenty of spring flowers in bloom along with city workers and contractors sprucing the flowers beds up and mowing grass. As I rode I noticed the places where the city has fixed the path with asphalt and the many other spots they have not been able to get to. Luckily the path is relatively flat with some ups and down so it is not the most difficult journey to take.
On the south side there is work being done on a couple of harbors so even the bike path has detours. I think that the prettiest part of the trip is the Fireman's Memorial Park on the south side. Some special flowers there and it looks so serene.
Last year I thought I might take a Saturday to leisurely bike the path and take my camera. There are so many unique views. I did not get around to it last summer but will have to this year.
So I made it to work and still was able to walk. I took a shower and now am busy with my daily "grind". I hope that you are well, enjoying our wonderful city and lake, and keeping active.
Take care.
I checked back and this is a few days earlier than my first ride last year and it was a beautiful morning. The lake was calm at Belmont Harbor and stayed that way all along the way - an unusual morning. I left home a little before 7 am so the path was not too crowded yet with bikers and runners, and just a very few roller bladers. I made it about three miles before my body told me that I hadn't done this for awhile, so I tried to pace myself a little. Still made the trip to Hyde Park in a little over an hour. Last year I got my time under 45 minutes and that will be my goal again this year.
The ride gives me a different perspective on the city - really get a good view of the lake and all those using it. There were no sail boats out this morning but there were several families of ducks and geese paddling along. There were plenty of spring flowers in bloom along with city workers and contractors sprucing the flowers beds up and mowing grass. As I rode I noticed the places where the city has fixed the path with asphalt and the many other spots they have not been able to get to. Luckily the path is relatively flat with some ups and down so it is not the most difficult journey to take.
On the south side there is work being done on a couple of harbors so even the bike path has detours. I think that the prettiest part of the trip is the Fireman's Memorial Park on the south side. Some special flowers there and it looks so serene.
Last year I thought I might take a Saturday to leisurely bike the path and take my camera. There are so many unique views. I did not get around to it last summer but will have to this year.
So I made it to work and still was able to walk. I took a shower and now am busy with my daily "grind". I hope that you are well, enjoying our wonderful city and lake, and keeping active.
Take care.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Thought for the day
How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in your life you will have been all of these. George Washington Carver
Take care, my friends.
Take care, my friends.
Friday, June 10, 2011
A thought for the day
After some long, heavy comments, here is a thought that hopefully, will lift your spirits.
Take care.
Take care.
Those who love deeply never grow old; they may die of old age, but they die young. - A.W. Pinero
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Mr. Pawlenty
Politicians never tell it like it is. They always have a simple plan and if you just elect them, everything will be peachy keen.
Tim Pawlenty is the latest to send his "plan" out for us to read in the Tribune and papers around the country. His statement is filled with errors and/or misleading statements, such as all we need is a constitutional amendment to balance the federal budget. Why, he was "one of 49 governors operating with balanced budget requirements". Well, then why do have almost every state with deficit budgets? The PEW Center reported on March 15 of this year that "for the fourth year in a row, most states are facing budget deficits. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, the budget gaps total $112 billion for fiscal year 2112, which starts July 1 in most states. Only six states do not project having a shortfall to contend with."
So, it appears, at least 44 of the 49 governors must not be operating within the balanced budget requirements that they are charged with. Since Mr. Pawlenty was governor of Minnesota until this year, he was responsible for putting the 2012 fiscal year budget together. And guess what, Minnesota is listed as having a projected $3.8 billion deficit. What happened there, Mr Pawlenty?
In fact, what happened in 2009, Mr. Pawlenty, when the same source lists Minnesota as having a $426 million deficit? You went from bad to worse. And I didn't even check the other years you were in office. In 2009 44 states experienced budget shortfalls. Our 49 governors are doing a bang-up job aren't they? What happened to the "balanced budget requirements"?
In his "plan" to balance the federal budget, he said that he would ship Medicare off to the states. That doesn't solve the problem, it just shifts it to someone else. Medicare is a national program and a national responsibility, and therefore the problem of its solvency over time must be resolved with the Federal Government.
His "Google" test is ridiculous. "If you can find a good or service on the Internet, then the federal government probably doesn't need to offer the same good or service." Can you think of anything that the federal government does that isn't offered in the private sector? The federal government exists to provide appropriate services to all of its citizens. And not just the business community as Mr. Pawlenty seems to think.
The last paragraph of his plan states:
"We can fix our economy. Our people are ready to get back to work. We just need to give them tools to get there and to get the government out of the way."
Unfortunately, Mr. Pawlenty's plan does not talk at all about what the tools are. He just talks about cutting services and cutting taxes on the richest 1% of our population (whose net worth, by the way, equals the net worth of 150,000,000 people - one half of our total population). Or put another was, the Forbes Fortune list of the 400 richest people in the US has a net worth that equals the net worth of everyone up to and including the 90th percentile of the population.
One of the most important tools is education - people are not "ready to get back to work" unless they have a proper education. We need more money spent on early childhood education, on primary and secondary education, and on university and graduate education. We only have 70% of our children graduating from high school and we do not have anywhere the number of persons in the sciences to compete in today's technological world. This will take a major effort by the federal government to support the local and state efforts.
Another tool needed is proper health care and health insurance. That too requires a major effort and investment. If people do not get preventive care and treatment, they will not be healthy and capable workers.
I could go on indefinitely in regards the challenges our country faces in maintaining our standing as the best place in the world to live. These require honest research and the development of programs that address our issues in an effective and efficient manner. They require all parts of our society to participate and feel represented.
Mr. Pawlenty's plan is just a bunch of hot air - no substance, no chance of implementation, and no chance to do what needs to be done.
Take care.
Tim Pawlenty is the latest to send his "plan" out for us to read in the Tribune and papers around the country. His statement is filled with errors and/or misleading statements, such as all we need is a constitutional amendment to balance the federal budget. Why, he was "one of 49 governors operating with balanced budget requirements". Well, then why do have almost every state with deficit budgets? The PEW Center reported on March 15 of this year that "for the fourth year in a row, most states are facing budget deficits. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, the budget gaps total $112 billion for fiscal year 2112, which starts July 1 in most states. Only six states do not project having a shortfall to contend with."
So, it appears, at least 44 of the 49 governors must not be operating within the balanced budget requirements that they are charged with. Since Mr. Pawlenty was governor of Minnesota until this year, he was responsible for putting the 2012 fiscal year budget together. And guess what, Minnesota is listed as having a projected $3.8 billion deficit. What happened there, Mr Pawlenty?
In fact, what happened in 2009, Mr. Pawlenty, when the same source lists Minnesota as having a $426 million deficit? You went from bad to worse. And I didn't even check the other years you were in office. In 2009 44 states experienced budget shortfalls. Our 49 governors are doing a bang-up job aren't they? What happened to the "balanced budget requirements"?
In his "plan" to balance the federal budget, he said that he would ship Medicare off to the states. That doesn't solve the problem, it just shifts it to someone else. Medicare is a national program and a national responsibility, and therefore the problem of its solvency over time must be resolved with the Federal Government.
His "Google" test is ridiculous. "If you can find a good or service on the Internet, then the federal government probably doesn't need to offer the same good or service." Can you think of anything that the federal government does that isn't offered in the private sector? The federal government exists to provide appropriate services to all of its citizens. And not just the business community as Mr. Pawlenty seems to think.
The last paragraph of his plan states:
"We can fix our economy. Our people are ready to get back to work. We just need to give them tools to get there and to get the government out of the way."
Unfortunately, Mr. Pawlenty's plan does not talk at all about what the tools are. He just talks about cutting services and cutting taxes on the richest 1% of our population (whose net worth, by the way, equals the net worth of 150,000,000 people - one half of our total population). Or put another was, the Forbes Fortune list of the 400 richest people in the US has a net worth that equals the net worth of everyone up to and including the 90th percentile of the population.
One of the most important tools is education - people are not "ready to get back to work" unless they have a proper education. We need more money spent on early childhood education, on primary and secondary education, and on university and graduate education. We only have 70% of our children graduating from high school and we do not have anywhere the number of persons in the sciences to compete in today's technological world. This will take a major effort by the federal government to support the local and state efforts.
Another tool needed is proper health care and health insurance. That too requires a major effort and investment. If people do not get preventive care and treatment, they will not be healthy and capable workers.
I could go on indefinitely in regards the challenges our country faces in maintaining our standing as the best place in the world to live. These require honest research and the development of programs that address our issues in an effective and efficient manner. They require all parts of our society to participate and feel represented.
Mr. Pawlenty's plan is just a bunch of hot air - no substance, no chance of implementation, and no chance to do what needs to be done.
Take care.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Commentary in the Trib
A good article in this morning's Trib by Jan Schakowsky and Mary Liebman. Please read.
It is a review of what happened since the Bush tax cuts passed in early 2001. Lost revenue = $2.5 trillion, with about 40% of that going to households with incomes above $800,000. When he came into office we had a nice surplus and this was an over-reaction and vote getting action that backfired and contributed greatly to the situation we are in today.
The inequitable distribution of income and wealth are driving this country to a sad state of affairs. The wealthiest one percent of households own more than 35.6% of all private wealth, and more than the bottom 90% of the US population combined. Mind boggling! In 2007 the 400 wealthiest Americans as identified by Forbes had about the same combined net worth as 150 million fellow citizens - half of our population - again just unbelievable. Millionaires are paying the lowest effective tax rates today since the 1920's.
Is this situation really necessary? There is no trickle down here. Do the rich really need unlimited and ever growing wealth?
No doubt that budget cuts are also needed, but they should include the Defense budget and the Congressional budget. I read True Compass recently, not a very good autobiography by Teddy Kennedy unfortunately, but he said that when he took office as senator in 1964 he had one aide. What is a senator's or representative annual budget now? Let them tighten their belts along with us. They are not a special class of people.
The budget and our economy are complicated issues, but we need to be equitable and just in our actions, or else the middle class will disappear and the lower class will be put in a position to think that a revolution is their only alternative.
Food for thought.
Take care.
It is a review of what happened since the Bush tax cuts passed in early 2001. Lost revenue = $2.5 trillion, with about 40% of that going to households with incomes above $800,000. When he came into office we had a nice surplus and this was an over-reaction and vote getting action that backfired and contributed greatly to the situation we are in today.
The inequitable distribution of income and wealth are driving this country to a sad state of affairs. The wealthiest one percent of households own more than 35.6% of all private wealth, and more than the bottom 90% of the US population combined. Mind boggling! In 2007 the 400 wealthiest Americans as identified by Forbes had about the same combined net worth as 150 million fellow citizens - half of our population - again just unbelievable. Millionaires are paying the lowest effective tax rates today since the 1920's.
Is this situation really necessary? There is no trickle down here. Do the rich really need unlimited and ever growing wealth?
No doubt that budget cuts are also needed, but they should include the Defense budget and the Congressional budget. I read True Compass recently, not a very good autobiography by Teddy Kennedy unfortunately, but he said that when he took office as senator in 1964 he had one aide. What is a senator's or representative annual budget now? Let them tighten their belts along with us. They are not a special class of people.
The budget and our economy are complicated issues, but we need to be equitable and just in our actions, or else the middle class will disappear and the lower class will be put in a position to think that a revolution is their only alternative.
Food for thought.
Take care.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Rod B.
Can't but help but comment on trial of our former governor - John Kass is doing a good job on "Dead Meat", and I hope the jury is able to come to a decision on more of the charges than last time. Basically our former governor is an unsavory character who deserves prison time. He did not fulfill his oath of office and only looked out for himself and governed without honesty. He has been caught in his lies and should go spend some time with Governor Ryan.
I am basically very liberal, but I believe that neither major party is without blame. They should pay the consequences of their actions.
There are so many problems that our elected officials have got us into, such as the State budget deficit and the totally underfunded State pension fund, yet we are the ones left holding the bag. It isn't right. And, even this fiscal mess we are in, each state legislator still has their own little slush fund for which they are not accountable, paying state college tuition for the children of their cronies, without regard to need or qualifications.
So now I feel a little better at least and will get back to more of the positive, which is where we need to be.
Take care.
I am basically very liberal, but I believe that neither major party is without blame. They should pay the consequences of their actions.
There are so many problems that our elected officials have got us into, such as the State budget deficit and the totally underfunded State pension fund, yet we are the ones left holding the bag. It isn't right. And, even this fiscal mess we are in, each state legislator still has their own little slush fund for which they are not accountable, paying state college tuition for the children of their cronies, without regard to need or qualifications.
So now I feel a little better at least and will get back to more of the positive, which is where we need to be.
Take care.
Chi Town
I grew up in a suburb of Chicago but then was gone for many years until moving into the city in 2001. I have had a long time interest in political science and there is no better laboratory than this city. Having seen the Daleys, both father and son (I was pretty far away between the Daleys) and now entering a totally new era with Emanuel, it has been a fascinating experience.
With the new mayor I am starting out with hope that he will work for the good of the community and minimize the cronyism that was always just behind the scenes in the Daley Administrations. I have hopes for the new Police Chief and Superintendent of Schools, although both come in with some baggage. However, we must remember that, to improve our schools and police department, it takes much more than just a few leaders promoting change. It takes everyone be involved and informed and demanding high standards. It takes everyone working together, including the unions involved. We still have a chance to right the ship, but it will be difficult.
It is a great city and it should care for all of the folks and children who live here.
More later on this as time goes along.
Take care, my friends.
With the new mayor I am starting out with hope that he will work for the good of the community and minimize the cronyism that was always just behind the scenes in the Daley Administrations. I have hopes for the new Police Chief and Superintendent of Schools, although both come in with some baggage. However, we must remember that, to improve our schools and police department, it takes much more than just a few leaders promoting change. It takes everyone be involved and informed and demanding high standards. It takes everyone working together, including the unions involved. We still have a chance to right the ship, but it will be difficult.
It is a great city and it should care for all of the folks and children who live here.
More later on this as time goes along.
Take care, my friends.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Thought for the day
"No one has yet fully realized the wealth of sympathy, kindness, and generosity hidden in the soul of a child. The effort of every true education should be to unlock that treasure." Emma Goldman
We should all try to combine the seasoning and experience of our years with these attributes of little children.
Take care.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Wow
Now this is a great day! The sun, the lake - being alive. Notice the trees in the breeze.
Enjoy, and take care.
Enjoy, and take care.
Life and Death
Death comes in many ways: quietly in the night, expected or not, tragically "before the person's time", by one's own hand, in a heroic act, in a foolish action.... It comes to all of us without escape.
I am not morbid by nature but I was at a funeral yesterday for a wonderful young lady, almost 20 years my junior, who was related to the in-laws of one of my daughters. She was vibrant, loved, and a mother of three daughters, two teens and one pre-teen. This is always hard to see, and I have seen it several times over the years. How hard it would be to leave your children behind! We all take pride in their accomplishments over the years, their families, and so forth. Of course one can have the belief that you will be able to watch your children from beyond the grave and still be able to "be with them".
And still I think that this is vastly superior to losing a children while they are young, or even just before the parent dies. I have lived a full life and I want them to have the same opportunity.
The inevitability of death makes it important to leave this life to the fullest, to share it with others, to not sweat the small stuff, and to truly love. Do the things that are important to you. Help others. Be involved in your children's (and grandchildren's) lives. Stand for something.
That is what I am trying to do.
Take care.
I am not morbid by nature but I was at a funeral yesterday for a wonderful young lady, almost 20 years my junior, who was related to the in-laws of one of my daughters. She was vibrant, loved, and a mother of three daughters, two teens and one pre-teen. This is always hard to see, and I have seen it several times over the years. How hard it would be to leave your children behind! We all take pride in their accomplishments over the years, their families, and so forth. Of course one can have the belief that you will be able to watch your children from beyond the grave and still be able to "be with them".
And still I think that this is vastly superior to losing a children while they are young, or even just before the parent dies. I have lived a full life and I want them to have the same opportunity.
The inevitability of death makes it important to leave this life to the fullest, to share it with others, to not sweat the small stuff, and to truly love. Do the things that are important to you. Help others. Be involved in your children's (and grandchildren's) lives. Stand for something.
That is what I am trying to do.
Take care.
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