243 Comments - Mr. Ethics - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 7:10 am: Ethics is used as a publicity tool by this current administration. The name is a sarcastic play on words. - colt 45 - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 7:12 am: …a fine malt liquor - OneMan - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 7:17 am: Because I am just One Man - bored now - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 7:20 am: “bored now” was a phrase used by evil willow in at least one episode of buffy the vampire slayer. it’s also derivative of another nym, the one i’ve used for email since moving up to illinois (and thus, has nothing to do with that other life). several people here recognized it’s origin… - Skeeter - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 7:27 am: Named after the kennel name for my GSD, who was named after a South Park character. The usual response to that South Park was “Hold on, Skeeter, he ain’t hurtin nobody” which tends to be a proper response when my GSD decides that the pizza delivery guy is evil or when I make comments about the Cook County GOP. We both are known to spend way to much time attacking the irrelevant. - Cassandra - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 7:34 am: Cassandra was granted the gift of prophecy by the gods. Then she was cursed so no one would believe her. She was always right, though. - Rod sez I'm pork - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 7:37 am: I am the executive director of an agency that helps people with disabilities which the Governor has labeled “pork.” On the plus side, I did get a nice t-shirt. - Leroy - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 7:40 am: I’m from the south side (that’s the baddest part of town) - Snidely Whiplash - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 7:47 am: NYA-AH-AHHHHH!!!! (Wait a minute, maybe that was Dishonest John!) - Anonymoose - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 7:53 am: I like to keep to myself and I am 5′8 and weigh 275 lbs. - North of I-80 - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 7:55 am: I-80 is the Culture Curtain. Fortunately some of us live on the correct side of it [just kidding… selected as reference only. If it was taken would have used county I live in] - Ghost - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 8:03 am: A disembodied spirit that exists in the world but has no ability to effect it; a ficticious person. - Rich Miller's Beard - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 8:04 am: Nobody knows what lurks inside me - Shelbyville - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 8:09 am: home town. - If It Walks Like a Duck... - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 8:10 am: Because I prefer Indianan poetry (i.e., James Whitcomb Riley) to Illinois’ puffery. Besides, I like to remind people that there’s an elephant in the living room. - PJ - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 8:11 am: Just an old CB handle from the early 1980’s, when people used CB’s for a distraction since cell phones hadn’t been invented yet. - train111 - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 8:14 am: An ‘obsession’ as my wife would call it with trains. Incidentally the mass media doesn’t know its rear end from a hole in the ground when it comes to discussing railroad related issues. train111 - South of I-80 - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 8:14 am: To indicate location. By the way, I’m on the proper side of the so called “Culture Curtin”. - Fan of the Game - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 8:15 am: In W.P. Kinsella’s novel Shoeless Joe upon which the movie Field of Dreams was based, Ray Kinsella wanders the late-night streets of Chisholm, Minnesota, to ease his mind after a day of researching an obscure baseball player-turned-doctor named Archibald “Moonlight” Graham. He notices that the cars on the street look older, the scene has changed, and the calendar says he has travelled in time to the 1950s. Ray sees a figure ambling slowly up the sidewalk, and he approaches. “Dr. Graham! Dr. Graham!” he calls, and the figure stops and turns. “Are you ‘Moonlight’ Graham?” Ray asks. “You must be a fan of the game to know ‘Moonlight’ Graham,” the stranger replies. In the next several pages Kinsella, through the voice of “Moonlight” Graham expounds on what is right about sports and the place they fit and fill in our lives. It is a treatise on what is good about athletics, and something I try to remember when thinking and watching and writing about young people playing the games. - The Welshman - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 8:22 am: Because of my rich coal mining and celtic heritage! - Squideshi - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 8:24 am: Squideshi is a combination of Squirrel and Aikideshi. I started using Squirrel on dial-up Bulletin Board Systems back in about 1983 and continued to do so for about 20 years. (In those days it was a Commodore 64 with a 300 baud modem and a rotary phone to manually do the dialing.) At some point after about 1996, I decided that the Aiki martial arts that I was studying had become an important part of my life and it was time to pay homage to them. It was at this time that I started using Aikideshi, in addition to Squirrel. (Aikideshi means “student of Aiki” in Japanese.) I quickly got tired of using two separate names; and didn’t want to choose between them, so I combined them, ending up with Squideshi. - Sister Mary Martini - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 8:29 am: Because this administration has driven me to drink. - one of the 35 - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 8:30 am: I am one of the 35 state employees canned by the current Governor on his first day in office, January 13, 2003; a day that will live in infamy. Although it didn’t seem so at the time, it was probably the best thing that ever happened to me. - phocion - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 8:31 am: Phocion (402 - 318 B.C.) After Athens became a decadent democracy, the historically obscure Phocion did his best to save his fellow citizens from their own foolishness. Even though the consequences of making a mistake are serious, and honesty and frankness are required, people are too sensitive to hear the truth. At such times the job of government is most dangerous. Those who indulge the foolishness of the people are destroyed in the common ruin, and those who try to lead correctly are the first to die. Phocion earned the same fate as Socrates. Also picked this name because it was one pseudonym that Alexander Hamilton operated under. - keepin up with jones - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 8:35 am: Everyone would like their family members to do as well as Senate President Jones’ family has done lately on the state payroll. - plutocrat03 - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 8:36 am: It is a marriage of the traditional and modern uses of the term. Since our political culture is so money soaked, the only people who can possibly govern fairly are those so wealthy that they cannot be bought. ‘03 is the first year I blogged. - What planet is he from again? - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 8:42 am: It’s a question as to the planet of origin of Governor Goodhair. Perhaps his contorted logic (e.g., losing a vote 107-0 is a victory; “We can’t afford $500M of pork, so with the money I’m saving I’m spending $500M on health care…”) isn’t contorted at all from planet Xqrot[ñy (if indeed that’s where he’s from.) - DC - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 8:43 am: Dual reference to my current location and my initials. Besides, I don’t think anyone would get the SuperDave (Osborn) reference. - He makes Ryan Look like a Saint - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 8:46 am: I chose this because this governor and a lot of their staff indeed make Ryan look like a saint. And hopefully for the citizens of Illinois, Justice will one day be served. - budget watcher - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 8:48 am: i love numbers and watching how our administration is so creative in finding money (usually at the expense of an agency or program) - John Ruberry - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 8:48 am: Marathon Punidt: Well, I’m a pundit and I run marathons. Being a Republican and therefore possessed with limited intellegence, I’m unable to think of any thing more creative. - Lainer - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 8:51 am: A nickname given me by a co-worker years ago, as a variation on “Elaine” - Gathers No - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 8:57 am: Following the rolling stone…. - jerry 101 - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 8:58 am: an abbreviation of my first name, plus the numbers 101. The 101 has zero significance. When you register for things, though, “1″ is always taken. So the first alternate I try is 101. - JakeCP - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 8:59 am: Hi I am an African-American male, who is 15 years old. The JakeCP stands for Jake’s Chicago Politics which is the name of my podcast on itunes. My website for my podcast is www.jcpolitics.com Oh and I consider myself to be an independent. - Ravenswood Right Winger - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 8:59 am: I am a lonely voice in my elitist neighborhood, crying out against the incompetence of Blago & Stroger. Oh, and back in the day I played right wing on my ice hockey team. - It's 5 O'clock somewhere - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 9:01 am: There has to be a Happy Hour somewhere - Capitalist Pig - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 9:04 am: This was a moniker attached to Ronald Reagan by communist leaders and by the democrats at home. It is a reminder that the enemy abroad still has accomplices amongst us. It also makes clear that I am a capitalist and I believe in this system, although I live in a state that does not. - Trafficmatt - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 9:19 am: I used to be a traffic engineer and my name is Matt. Now I’m one of those big bad real estate developers. - Truthful James - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 9:23 am: Goes back to Bret Harte short stories “Plain Language From Truthful James” Harte was a contemporary and perhaps equal to in short stories, of Mark Twain and similarly a newspaper columnist. The fun part, about which nobody has noted here, is that if you got beyond the title Truthful James purveyed tall tales. I don’t. - Bill - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 9:27 am: OOOhhh yes you do. Your name is quite appropriate.:) - The 'Broken Heart' of Rogers Park - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 9:28 am: I live near the Heartland Cafe (quick promotion for local business). The owners of the business (Katy Hogan and Michael James) are a couple of aging 60’s activists who coined a neighborhood phrase The Heart of Rogers Park. While in the 60’s and 70’s this area may have been the Heart of Rogers Park, the heart seen it’s share of serious blight in the form of gangs, guns and drugs. The Heart has developed a nasty cancer. I think that explains it. - Muskrat - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 9:29 am: From “Muskrat News”; a self-produced humorous news site I ran as a hobby during law school. - Anon - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 9:32 am: Hey JakeCP, if you’re 15 years old, shouldn’t you be in school today? - Justice - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 9:34 am: I stand shoulder to shoulder with those who cannot defend themselves. It started when I was a kid in an orphanage, through school, through the Corps, and on into private life. I work in the background and defend this kernel that is part of this great nation, much like all those on this blog do. No better, no worse, simply involved. And no, I do not have a cape, just an invincible will to see that no one abuses the rights of another, just as you do. I enjoy this blog, the knowledge it brings to the forefront daily, the intensity, brilliance, and on occasion the hilarity of the many varying opinions, and of course the masterful moderator. A delight if I may say so! - Pat collins - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 9:35 am: I’m very boring, it’s my name *^^* - the Other Anonymous - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 9:37 am: When I first started reading this blog, all the comments were made by “anonymous.” After Rich made a plea to start using unique names — to avoid the responses to “anonymous at 9:48 am” — I chose “the Other Anonymous.” You know, like the other white meat. This is not a statement about pork, though. - Billy Dennis - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 9:39 am: Peoria Pundit — A marketing decision. Several years into blogging, I realized I was getting a lot of hits and maybe I could get more. I looked around at the blogs I wanted to emulate, and Instapundit was one of them. Well, I wanted to be a local version of Instapundit, so “Bill’s Content” became “Peoria Pundit.” - annoyed all the time - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 9:41 am: I chose annoyed all the time because I just always am ont oo many issues - i don’t always have a rational reason, mostly just an annoyed reason to be annoyed… people annoy me… - The 'Broken Heart' of Rogers Park - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 9:43 am: Since I started my blog four years ago, I’ve created somewhat of a blog craze. Here’s some other Rogers Park blog names. These are reall blogs folks. Morose Hell Hole The ‘Broken Liver’ of Rogers Park When Morse Hell Hole Says RPTalks Aldermans Intern 24/7 North of Howard Watchers Estes Dude Fargo Observer Howard Hellhole I love everything and everyone Josh in Rogers Park Life in 60626 Life in Rogers Park, Chicago The Living Room in Rogers Park Michael on Fargo Morse Ave is Great! Mousebacon North Howard Neighbors Association The North Coast Rogers Park Bench Rogers Park Dog Rogers Park Forever Rogers Park in 1000 Words Rogers Park Inconsistent Rogers Park Neighbor - Judith Reese's Leopard-Skin Pillbox Hat - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 9:44 am: Little did I know that Mr. Zimmerman would open with my nickname at the Saturday Chicago show. And I didn’t take Judith Reese. - Lefty - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 9:46 am: Somewhat self-explanatory based on my posts here and elsewhere, but I also chose it because I am wrong-handed. When the name is taken at other sites, I use “Lefty Lefty.” Not very interesting. Nope, not at all. - curious george - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 9:47 am: just ‘curious’ about it all… George - GoBearsss - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 9:49 am: Umm… I like the Bears? - Keep Smiling - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 9:51 am: This is the advise I give myself in light of the currently dismal state of government. But it too is a double entendre. Where I’m from, you can say just about anything, as long as you do it with a smile. - zatoichi - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 9:57 am: A blind swordsman from Japan. It was a major Japanese film series in the 60’s that plays regulary on IFC on Saturday morning samuri movies. Pretty good story lines and action for breakfast. Oddly addicting, kinda like those terribly lipsynched Italian Hercules films WGN used to run all the time. Had a decent film update several years ago. Use same name for online gaming. - 312 - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 10:05 am: Its where I live, work + play. And pay too much for beer, curse cab drivers, circle for parking spaces, etc… But I’ve lived throughout Illinois and would NEVER live anywhere else. - Silent Majority - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 10:06 am: Shamelessly plagerized from Richard Nixon. One of the many not elected to political office but who has to suffer from the decisions made by the few (politicians) to benefit the few (their friends and special interest groups) at the expense of the many (the silent majority). - Bluefish - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 10:06 am: One fish. Two fish. Red fish. Bluefish. That and I’m a Dem who is into something related to fish (if you knew me you’d get this meaning). - so-called "Austin Mayor" - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 10:11 am: “Austin Mayor” was originally the pseudonym that I used for letters to the editor. The need for a pseudonym seems quaint now that the Sun-Times is posting completely anonymous blog comments in their paper. Then I started a blog to post those letters and the unpublished ones. And then I started posting comments to Eric Zorn’s blog using that name. But then EZ insisted that I had a moral obligation to make it clear that “Austin Mayor” was a pseudonym. So I went with “so-called ‘Austin Mayor’” because I figured that the acronym of the pseudonym — “pseudacronym”? — would make it clear that there was no birth certificate bearing that name. And then my “SCAM” slowly snowballed out of my control. If I had it to do all over again, I’d probably pick “Super Smashing Cowboy Pirate Punk Pundit Machine 3000″ aka “SSCPPPM3K” as my blogging name. Oh well… – SCAM - Yellow Dog Democrat - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 10:11 am: From the Civil War through the end of World War II, “Yellow Dog Democrat” was the term given to Southern Democratic Party loyalists. So loyal, in fact, that they would vote for a “yellow dog” before they voted for a Republican. What started out as animosity at the GOP over the Civil War and Reconstruction soon became just a fact of life, but not an immutable one. When Yellow Dog Democrat Theodore Hallam - an Irish lawyer and Civil War vet - was attacked for refusing to support the party’s nominee for Governor of Kentucky, his response was to the point: “When the Democratic party of Kentucky, in convention assembled, sees fit in its wisdom to nominate a yaller dog for the governorship of this great state, I will support him — but lower than that ye shall not drag me!” A warning to Rod Blagojevich: even Yellow Dog Democrats have standards. - erstwhilesteve - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 10:14 am: I have more “formerly”’s in my bio than anyone I know…. - Burrito - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 10:21 am: I had a little too much fun at a jungle juice party in college and the name stuck… - Marina City Limits - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 10:21 am: Amen, 312, Amen. I take it you are describing the current (312) as opposed to the pre-1988 (or was it ‘89) 312 which covered roughly half the population of Illinois. - capitol view - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 10:22 am: my office faces the State Capitol - so I have had a good view of the Capitol for over 25 years while lobbying for non-profit causes.(worked for the State for a decade before that - five of those years at the Armory, where I also had a good Capitol view most of that time.) - ArchPundit - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 10:25 am: When I started ArchPundit in 2002 the blogosphere was full of silly pundit names and at the time I was involved in a couple of contracts that were somewhat sensitive here in St Louis. I thought ArchPundit was sufficiently corny and relayed my location. Other possibilities included: Toasted Ravioli Pundit What High School Didja Go to Pundit You’re Not From Here Pundit Or from the home town I thought of doing Normal Pundit Similar to the quote in my College Yearbook Senior year—I begin here today in the place I began—A place called Normal. - nobody sent - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 10:25 am: http://www.amazon.com/We-Dont-Want -Nobody-Sent/dp/0253179157/ref=sr_1 _2/102-1928534-9133769?ie=UTF8&amp ;s=books&qid=1194452578&sr=1-2 - BehindTheScenes - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 10:27 am: I like politics and government, but I prefer to work behind the scenes… - JakeCP - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 10:33 am: Anon in case you don’t know, this is Report Card Pick up day. So to answer your question, no I shouldn’t be in school today. They would kick me ou if I tried to go unless accompanied with my mother. - S. Illinois - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 10:43 am: Because I fled to Southern Illinois after a few weeks working under the Blago administration. - kimsch - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 10:44 am: The first three letters of my forename and the first three letters of my surname. It’s much shorter than my full name which is 25 characters including spaces. - Napoleon Has Left The Building - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 10:52 am: I used to be Goodbye Napoleon, because I was waiting for him to leave. Now he’s gone. - Mongo - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 10:53 am: Mongo is, of course, borrowed from the character played by Alex Karras in Mel Brooks’ best movie, Blazing Saddles. But I am a pawn in the game of life (and legislation) so the name fits. - Captain America - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 10:56 am: I do a lot of voter registration in public places on the lakefront where part of the problem is getting people’s attention long encough to get them registered to vote. I wear lots of red, white and blue as a marketing technique, and when I’m outside I blast patriotic music - Sousa marches etc.. to get people’s attention. It works! - Lee Corso says: - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 10:57 am: I’ve used several pseudonyms, my favorite being “hot rod movie”, but primarily use Lee Corso says because of his humourous and contrarian opinions. As a lobster I fear retribution from just about everybody, but I see and hear things that make my blood boil to the point that I simply must cry foul sometimes, against my better judgment. As all fans of college football know, when the wind blows one way, you can count on Lee Corso to pop up with a “NOT SO FAST MY FRIEND” - JonShibleyFan - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 11:00 am: It’s the biggest no brainer in the history of earth. http://www.lnxloans.com/ Not a loan officer. Not even into real estate except as it relates to where I live. Not a shill for Lenox Financial. Simply a fan of the company’s founder, and some of the only ads I get excited to hear. If you’re an AM radio listener in the Chicago area, you know his voice. If not, visit the site and give a hear. I used to be called something else, but now I am not. - What can I say? - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 11:03 am: Speaks for itself. Hey DC, I love Super Dave, but am missing the reference. - JonShibleyFan - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 11:04 am: BTW, these are the essence of Jon Shibley: http://www.lnxloans.com/radio_ads/audio/radio_ads_blowtorch.htm http://www.lnxloans.com/radio_ads/audio/bat_in_the_face.htm - Sweet Polly Purebred - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 11:10 am: Hard hitting, competent newswoman who just happens to be the girlfriend of the amazing super hero - UNDERDOG! As an Irish Catholic Jewish Princess, mother always said I should marry a professional. No lawyers or doctors for me thanks, just a swell super hero who stands up for those who are powerless to stand up for themselves - which is my professional calling also! - Nick Naylor - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 11:13 am: My name is shamelessly stolen from a movie character. “Thank You for Smoking” is perhaps the finest film ever made about lobbyists. From his first line (Few people on this planet knows what it is to be truly despised), to how Nick Naylor is describedby a reporter (My other interviews have pinned you as a mass murderer, blood sucker, pimp, profiteer and my personal favorite, yuppie Mephistopheles)to his own description in the film’s last lines ( Michael Jordan plays ball. Charles Manson kills people. I talk. Everyone has a talent.)he is brilliant and refreshingly honest Nick Naylor is my hero. - Jake From Elwood - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 11:17 am: I like the movie “The Blues Brothers” . . . and I don’t live too far away from the town of Elwood in Will County. Orange whip, anyone? - VanillaMan - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 11:18 am: I am VanillaMan! - VanillaMan - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 11:18 am: One of millions of American men who believe in working hard, loving a woman daily, making lots of happy healthy babies, and living in the heartland of the United States of America, the greatest country in world history! - VanillaMan - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 11:19 am: We drive minivans, go to church on Sundays in dress clothes, and wear roomy boxers around the house. We respect parenting, reality, proven facts, heart-to-heart education and traditions. We were Boy Scouts that were told to strive to win, play fair, and don’t listen to whiners. We know that life is not fair, and could be far worst. We love John Wayne, and spit on Sean Penn. - VanillaMan - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 11:22 am: I am one of the millions of rocks that form the foundation our society is built on. Our country would simply collapse without our silent dedication to fixing the faddish stupidity that passes for intelligence today. It is to these men that I have chosen my name. They are my brothers! - pickles!! - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 11:22 am: Pickles!! was born a few years ago as my online alter-ego. He would frequent online game sites, and get under everyone’s skin with his comic mischief and schoolboy antics. Since then, he has sort of taken on a life of his own, away from me, his former master. Granted, he was never foul-mouthed and never used profanity or anything like that. Good, clean wholesome obnoxious humor is the moniker of the little green guy. The legend goes that Pickles!! is a green, dilly guy that lives in a jar in your fridge. He appears when you least expect them, but you know real fast when he’s there, and you can’t wait for him to leave. But he always leaves people with a story to tell, and a garlicky, cruchy flavor in their mouths. Such is the orgin of Pickles!! Pretty Fly for A Green guy. well, you asked… - cermak_rd - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 11:23 am: I live in between Roosevelt Rd and Cermak Rd. Plus I have a certain fascination with Mayor Cermak who was way cool and he was glad it was him and not FDR. - VanillaMan - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 11:24 am: My postings are broken up because I have not be able to post it in it’s entirety. I’m not sure why. It is only happening on the QOTD today. - Tom B. - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 11:25 am: My first name and the initial of my last. - YouNeverSawMe - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 11:25 am: Because I feel guilty writing on these boards from the office. I always think to myself, “What if someone from the office found out that its ME writing all this stuff about our government system!??” My response would probably go something like my handle. Hence… - Litle Egypt - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 11:25 am: Because that’s where I was born and grew up, God’s country, the part of the state where you can’t beat an American Legion chicken & noodle dinner on a Friday night or a firemens pancake & sausage dinner on a Sunday morning; where on Saturday you are met by people holding out empty ice cream buckets at every stop light in every little town for money for the pom squad or a church youth group; where they still publish wedding announcements and describe in complete detail the bride’s dress and the groom’s tux; where the best bar-b-que can be found at 17th Street in Murphysboro or Marion; best pizza at Walt’s in Marion; best half price bargains everyday at the V-F store in West Frankfort; and where I wouldn’t be a Benton Ranger if that was the last town on earth. Great state parks (Giant City anytime for a family style chicken dinner at the Lodge), Shawnee National Forest, The Chocolate Factory in Dixon Springs, and THE best winneries in Illinois. YDD, my paternal grandfather was a YDD and my paternal grandmother would always cancel out his vote. - paddyrollingstone - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 11:26 am: Named after the Irish singer/songwriter/poet Shane MacGowan, leader of the Pogues and formerly the Popes. Sample: It was on the 23rd of June As I lay blasted in my room A small bird sang on an ivy branch And the song they sang was the “Jug of Punch” Tu-ra-lu-ra-lie, tu-ra-lu-ra-lay, Tu-ra-lu-ra-lie, tu-ra-lu-ra-lay, A small bird sang on an ivy branch And the song they sang was the “Jug of Punch” I don’t need my junkie friends All knockin’ on my door I just wanna do an old time waltz With a buxom Irish whore Call me Paddy Rolling Stone I’ve a jug full of Mountain Dew Just call me Paddy Rolling Stone When I’m howling at the ceilidh moon Call me Paddy Rolling Stone I’ve a jug full of Mountain Dew Just call me Paddy Rolling Stone When I’m howling at the ceilidh moon I’ll be drinking whiskey in a ditch With Scruffy, and Brick and Noel Now I’ve gone and lost my gear And I’m looking for my hole We are Tex’s riders And we come from Nenagh town One of these nights, durin’ one of those fights Gonna burn the whole place down Call me Paddy Rolling Stone I’ve a jug full of Mountain Dew Just call me Paddy Rolling Stone When I’m howling at the ceilidh moon Call me Paddy Rolling Stone I’ve a jug full of Mountain Dew Just call me Paddy Rolling Stone When I’m howling at the ceilidh moon When I die don’t bother me Just dig me a six foot hole With a candle at my head and feet And a jar of alcohol Just call me Paddy Rolling Stone I’ve a jug full of Mountain Dew Just call me Paddy Rolling Stone When I’m howling at the ceilidh moon Call me Paddy Rolling Stone I’ve a jug full of Mountain Dew Just call me Paddy Rolling Stone When I’m howling at the ceilidh moon - Rhino - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 11:27 am: My first wife said I was a “horny beast” and not one to dispute authority, I adopted the animal as my alter ego. - Boone Logan Square - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 11:29 am: Southpaw reliever + Chicago neighborhood = blog name of diehard Sox fan from Chicago. - Mr. W.T. Rush - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 11:30 am: Stands for “What’s The Rush.” That what Blaggo told Vandalia Frank last June when Frank suggested budget talks be accelerated. As it turns out the state is staggering along. - A Citizen - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 11:30 am: Started with Citizen A but Paul spiked me after one of my posts so I reversed it and have used it since. Citizen A was a play on Public Official A and others of similar purpose since I knew and had worked with many of them in better days. Also went with “A Citizen” because “Rich” was already taken! - Litle Egypt - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 11:31 am: P.S. For those of you who don’t know, Little Egypt is considered the southern most part of the state, south of Centralia. We don’t claim the metro east area nor do we claim anything in the Springfield area. Little Egypt is so named because of the Egyptian similaries, names of towns, fertile soil caused by river flooding (yes, river flooding leaves rich soil deposits on farmland), and even a similarity of weather. We also had Charlie Birger, who had absolutely nothing to do with Egypt and everything to do with gangsters and bootleg whiskey. - Arthur Andersen - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 11:34 am: I picked AA as my handle because I thought the collapse of the Firm after many honorable years was a good metaphor for what has happened to the State of Illinois over the recent past. - Just Sayin' - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 11:37 am: No good reason for my name, just seemed to work. I am disappointed Mongo isn’t named after the controversial State Fair champion that Blago ended up buying (after he accused a kid of cheating to win the competition). - Sacks Romana - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 11:44 am: Sacks is my last name. The “Sacks Romana” is a play on Pax Romana, a period of time in the Roman empire marked by peace, and the end of military expansion. If I’m ever elected to public office in the future I hope that the Sacks Romana will be known for similar qualities. - Sweet Polly Purebred - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 11:45 am: Little Egypt - Thanks for making me so darn homesick! Ah for the meadows of Christopher and Coello, the excitement of the Boskydell Pony Club, the fiddle contests at Giant City, the parties at Devil’s Kitchen and of course weekends on the houseboats at Crab Orchard Lake! - Just wondering - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 11:45 am: Is “Bill” an acronym for anything? - 1930s Labor Racketeer - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 11:52 am: Tony Cermak said that he did not come over on the Mayflower but came over as soon as he could. But the country would have been better off if it was FDR. - Michelle Flaherty - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 11:53 am: Band geek with an affinity for flutes and band camp in the American Pie movies. - The Federalist - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 11:56 am: I am a past Republican County Chair, but am so fed up with both parties and not being a tree hugger, I am hoping for a common sense party to arise. Hence the name Federalist. That tells you how old I am. - Healthcare Worker - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 11:57 am: It’s my JOB! - Man Who Grew Up Reading Chicago Today - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 12:03 pm: God Bless and God Save Vanilla Man. - Bill - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 12:04 pm: Naw, Its my first name. - anon - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 12:07 pm: still trying to find myself. - Judy, Judy, Judy - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 12:08 pm: Why? Cause Judy’s my first name. - Bill - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 12:09 pm: VanMan, You really are insane!Either that or else you are putting us all on. - NoGiftsPlease - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 12:09 pm: I worked at a state office where new employees could show up at any time — sent to us as “gifts.” Thus no gifts please! - Judgment Day Is On The Way - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 12:14 pm: Too much time spent (past tense) being worked in the administrative area of the Federal criminal justice system, N District of IL. Now I’m finally free. There will be justice, sealed and delivered. But it takes time. Patience. - Stuck with Sen. CPA - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 12:16 pm: Sort of self-evident. - Bill - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 12:17 pm: “There will be justice, sealed and delivered” Oh, you mean Fitz is getting fired? - Herself - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 12:20 pm: One of my multiple personalities. - Lainer - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 12:21 pm: Wow, all very interesting responses. I was the one who suggested this question, by the way. I have recently been contemplating a change in my blog name and am having difficulty coming up with something more anonymous but still meaningful… - Mr. W.T. Rush - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 12:21 pm: Bill FYI Most of us of think BILL means: Blaggo Is a Living Lie - Bill - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 12:22 pm: lol - Silent Majority - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 12:25 pm: Hey Bill, given your dogged defense of Blago, don’t talk anout anyone else being insane. VanMan is the best writer on this blog. I don’t always agree with him but his writing skills are top notch. - 4% - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 12:27 pm: My spouse works for the state and hasn’t seen a raise in years… - Bill - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 12:28 pm: Silent, I know…you’re Patrick Buchannan. - 47th Ward - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 12:29 pm: I wish I was as creative as everyone else here. When Rich asked that we use pseudonyms, I chose the ward in Chicago where I live. Boring, yes. But “Cal Skinner” was already taken. - Left Leaner - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 12:30 pm: My politics are middle of the road - but I tend to lean to the left on the spectrum. - Ghost - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 12:34 pm: Just Sayin, Blago did not buy the steer, mongo. The kid did cheat; used drugs on the steer. the drugs made the steer unsellable under federal guidelines. The cheating also disqualified him under the contest rules. Altough he promised to follow those rules, when he was not able to prevail from his unfair advantage he had a lawyer make a highly technical argument based on a loop hole. The Court agreed with the loop hole prompting the legislature to pass a new law closing the loop holes. No part of your description is accurate. - unclesam - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 12:39 pm: Because those old military posters are the best… and unclesam “wants you” to continue the true discorse of politics known as the CapFax Blog. - Undercover - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 12:42 pm: Due to my job, I must remain anonymous if I want to speak my uncensored mind. Hence “Undercover”, a little spicier and more mysterious than “Anonymous”. - VanillaMan - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 12:46 pm: Bill, you know I love your postings, humor and wit, but I think your posting questioning my sanity says more about how you feel about VanillaMen than it condemns me. You can join us too! Don’t be afraid! Us VanillaMen are dedicated in taking guys like you and turning them into rock-hard working husbands and fathers. How many push-ups can you do right now honey? Stop hiding behind that brain and start sweating! We’ve seen worst than you go from weak Nanny Staters into Muscular GI Joes in no time! Go ahead Bill! Beat your chest and say it loud and proud, “I pee standing up and I’m not going to take it anymore!” - Lainer - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 12:50 pm: I’m almost tempted to change my name to Chocolate or Strawberry Woman in honor of Vanilla Man, but I wouldn’t want people to mistakenly assume I’m Mrs. Vanilla Man. - Greg - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 12:51 pm: Spontaneous Solutions is a play on Von Hayek’s spontaneous order. That order emerges from the bottom up. And then…obviously…think tanks are about finding and marketing solutions. - Bill - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 12:52 pm: VanMan I like how you equate your conservative views with masculinity. Kinda like Rush and Sean and the boys do. Are they Vanilla Men Too? Anyway, I like your stuff too. It is really funny sometimes and my comments are not meant to condemn you. I just try to add to the frivolity in my own, humble, south side, urban way. - Sister Mary Martini - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 12:55 pm: Bill, VanMan–it’s a good thing I’m on vacation or my fellow cube-dwellers would be wondering what all the snickering and snorting is about! I enjoy both your regular posts very much. This blog makes me feel like I am hanging out with a bunch of (mostly) purty smart folks! - Baltimoron - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 12:59 pm: Because I’m a transplant from Baltimore and the “moron” part just kind of fits sometimes. - Muskrat - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 1:00 pm: Wait! This is a trick question — the question reads “Do you have a reason behind your blog name?” Only the original suggestion was “what is the reason?” So I want to change my answer, to “yes.” - It's 5 O'clock somewhere - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 1:00 pm: Little Egypt don’t forget the Shelton’s from Fairfield - Gregor Samsa - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 1:01 pm: From Kafka’s “Metamorphosis”. I was a lifetime Democrat who for years chafed under Republican rule and was 110 percent behind reformer Blagojevich from day one… until I found out what a roach he truly is. When it came down to voting for him again or for Judy, I had no choice. So I transformed into, if not a full-time Republican, at least an Independent now. So badly burned, I’d like to see the whole works thrown out and a fresh start. A curse on all their houses. - i d - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 1:02 pm: independent downstater lives in center of state and votes for or against individuals, not political parties. - Ron Burgundy - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 1:02 pm: I’m kind of a big deal. People know me. I have many leather-bound books and my apartment smells of rich mahogany. - Budget Watcher - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 1:02 pm: The original. Not sure why someone else appropriated the name (see 8:48 am). I was a former agency budget staffer in the current and previous three administrations - left this administration on my own terms and to take a private sector opportunity that pays better. Don’t miss state government from an employment perspective. Still like to keep track of what’s going on, but the longer I’m away, the less I know about current circumstances. Interstingly, I occasionally talk with staff still at the Capitol who are involved in the budget process, and it’s clear they’re having difficulty figuring out what’s going on too. - Deep Water - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 1:02 pm: “Deep Water” was a moniker given to me by Mark Brown of the Chicago Sun-Times when I was an informant helping uncover the “Hired Truck Scandal”. Oh the retaliation in return never ends, but I am alive. - Anon - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 1:04 pm: Short for anonymous hehe. - JonShibleyFan - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 1:13 pm: “…We’ve seen worst than you go…” Worst than you? So much for being the best writer on the blog. - Balance - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 1:13 pm: Somewhere in the middle of both sides lies the truth. Oh, Vanilla Man, I believe in loving a woman daily, too, but a different one every day. - Punley Dieter Finn - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 1:15 pm: In honor of the great muckraking Chicago journalist who, through the voice of “Mr Cooley” (a South Side undertaker and ward hack), coined such truisms as ” cut the cards and trust nobody” and “beanbags aint political.” - 6'2" Yeti - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 1:18 pm: Yetis are funny creatures - Keep Smiling - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 1:18 pm: Squideshi is keeping us waiting. Can anyone guess? - Nice Suit - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 1:23 pm: I was in the room when a current Congressman said this to Rod before he was Governor, after which Rod gave him the entire rundown of how to pick out fine men’s clothing. Hilarious. “Go with no vents. Double vents are like an butt-flap.” - irishpirate - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 1:29 pm: Belushi on the Irish Too much SNL during the 70’s. - Anon - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 1:30 pm: Yeah, but you need to be thin to wear no vents. Otherwise the behind looks like a vast expanse of fabric. - Loop Lady - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 1:33 pm: I live and work in the Chicago Loop, and duh, I’m a Lady, as in “Hey lady”… - Linus - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 1:39 pm: From Linus VanPelt, the intellectual of the ‘Peanuts’ gang. He was liberal enough to hand out free pats on the head to wild birds in need of reassurance; traditional enough to appropriately and unashamedly quote scripture to explain the true meaning of Christmas. Plus, we both like our blankies. I mistakenly thought VanMan was channeling Merle Haggard and his lyrics to ‘Okie from Muskogee.’ And … fie on whomever wished FDR had taken the bullet that got poor Cermak. - cermak_rd - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 1:46 pm: 1930s Labor Racketeer, I really don’t think the US would be better off it it had been FDR. I honestly think that the policies of FDR kept the US from veering headlong into either tyranny (to keep the socialists down, like under Wilson) or socialism. Check out the pop culture of the time. Something was a-brewin’. So don’t diss FDR. He’s 2nd on my list of all time fave pols. I did say I live between Roosevelt and Cermak after all. - SalukiDog - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 1:47 pm: A two-time SIU grad, who is from South of I-80 (Little Egypt to be more specific), but who now lives/works North of I-80…in the 312 to be exact… - duck duck goose - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 1:49 pm: Because I like ducks, but I thought “duck, duck, duck” would be too redundant. - Just Sayin' - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 1:58 pm: My bad, Ghost. I was getting Mongo and Flushy mixed up. Maybe I can go by Flushy from now on… - As A Mom - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 1:59 pm: I would like to grab a couple people by the ears, pull them together - facing each other and demand they play nice and get along. - Vinron - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 1:59 pm: I combined the last syllable of my two kids’ first names. - romeosatan - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 2:06 pm: My old military callsign, but being politically very moderate and a disabled vet didn’t stop Mr. Bighair from firing me simply because I was a registered Republican. - Team America, World Police - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 2:07 pm: A reaction (perhaps an over-reaction?) to some who believe in global isolationism, or in other words, the idea that if we withdraw all our troops from everywhere and quit messing in other countries’ business, they will go back to loving us, and we can enjoy our soccer games and lattes in peace. Ain’t gonna happen. There are evil people out there and we (the U.S.) are (largely) all that stands in the way. - Lainer - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 2:13 pm: And isn’t “Team America” also an animated puppet movie spoofing “Rambo,” “Die Hard,” et al. that (so I’m told) is really funny but definitely not for kids? - Pot calling kettle - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 2:13 pm: As in “The pot calling the kettle black.” A reminder to check my own actions at least twice before complaining about someone else’s. It works most of the time. - Reddbyrd - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 2:15 pm: IL Politics is great sport I prefer to be on a winning team Spelling twist keeps everyone on their toes - The Indignant Citizen - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 2:15 pm: Res ipsa loquitur. - Cogito - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 2:15 pm: Cogito, because reading these posts gets me thinking! - RMW Stanford - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 2:16 pm: Mine pretty unoriginal, its my last name and initials from my first and middle names - VanillaMan - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 2:16 pm: “Kinda like Rush and Sean and the boys do. Are they Vanilla Men Too?” No. They try and try though, and I admit that sometimes I see a itty-bitty bicep bulging out from Hannity’s $1500.00 suit, but these men are mere mortals, striving for VanillaMan authenticity. VanillaMen don’t wear pancake make-up and schlep for TV. We’re too damn busy fathering these kids! And Balance - kudos to you son! Just make sure you play safe, treat them like ladies and pay for any damages when you break their hearts! Merle Haggard? Sorry, I was raised in Chicagoland, and the only haggard I ever saw was around Mayor Daley’s eyes. - Anon sequitor - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 2:17 pm: Nothing intellectually challenging, just a simple but clever play on two words. BTW: non sequitor = “a logical fallacy or a comment which is humorously absurd or has no relation to the comment it follows” - Rod's Brush - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 2:24 pm: Since I’m used more than the lights at the governor’s mansion, my importance speaks for itself. - Team Sleep - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 2:24 pm: Team Sleep is a side-project dreamt up by The Deftones lead singer, Chino Moreno. Chino formed Team Sleep in 2001 or 2002, leaked some songs onto the internet and shelved the band for a few years. I’ve used the handle on several sites since Chino released info on the band. - Highland Online - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 2:25 pm: Highland, Illinios Online is my blog - formerly Councilman Sinnock Online - straight from the Metro East. Not Highland Park. - Fan of the Game - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 2:25 pm: Little Egypt, John Malkovich was a Benton Ranger. You can see a picture of him in his Benton football jersey on the wall of his apartment in Being John Malkovich. However, I agree with you about all the things that make southern Illinois a great place to live. It’s 5 o’clock somewhere, You can’t forget to mention Blackie Harris in the same breath. - Lula May - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 2:27 pm: Breakfast at Tiffany’s. - Walter Sobchak - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 2:33 pm: As in: Walter Sobchak: Am I wrong? The Dude: No you’re not wrong. Walter Sobchak: Am I wrong? The Dude: You’re not wrong Walter. You’re just an ****ole. Walter Sobchak: All right then. - Gus Frerotte's Clipboard - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 2:34 pm: Gus Frerotte stands on the Rams’ sideline with a clipboard, sending in the plays to Marc Bulger. Occasionally I like to send in a few thoughts to this board. As bad as the Rams’ completion percentage is this year, mine may yet be lower. I did consider it changing it to “Gus Frerotte’s Green Dot Helmet” when he actually got to play for a couple of games, but in the end, I’m just commenting from the sidelines myself, so I’ll stick with Clipboard. - It's 5 O'clock somewhere - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 2:35 pm: Fan of the Game… I was living in Fairfield, when Blackie was on trail for his last murder. - FAN of CAP FAX - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 2:40 pm: Says it all. Rich is the BEST! (but Vanilla Man I have a hankering for you, too! Those words, oh, those words!) - Fan of the Game - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 2:49 pm: - It’s 5 O’clock somewhere - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 2:35 pm: I was living in Fairfield, when Blackie was on trail for his last murder. ———————————————- What? Blackie never killed anyone. I remember when he was released from prison, some people in Wayne County were still scared of him, even though he was almost 80 years old. - Napoleon has left the building - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 2:56 pm: Rich - great QOTD today. Haven’t seen to many posts go over the 150 mark in a long time. Really telling about who the commenters are, as much as we’re willing to share anyway. - It's 5 O'clock somewhere - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 3:02 pm: Fan of the Game I still get the Fairfield papre (which carries Rich’s articles) and they still mention the Shelton and Blackie. just the other day an article on the 60th anniversity of one of the Sheltons being murdered. - Limerick - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 3:03 pm: One can see the source of my name, For it and my rhymes are the same. These rhymes do make sense, For my thoughts they condense, And make blogging a bit of a game. - Tunes - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 3:11 pm: College nickname- love music and was desribed as being “ISH”- which in frat. terms meant, “temporarily insane”- also “Looney Tunes” was my CB handle. - One_Mcmad - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 3:19 pm: One Man Can Make A Difference. - wordslinger - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 3:20 pm: Writer - VanillaMan - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 3:21 pm: I don’t think of conservatism as being masculine - I think what has happened is that some of us are confused as to our roles to the point where we are denying our biological destinies. We are men and we are women that future generations are depending upon. There is a reason you are here, and Starbucks has nothing to do with it, or even your platinum Visa card or credit rating. Our ancestors did a great job raising us and their success needs to be recognized. So, how well are you doing your job as your family’s generational representative? Are you making the next generation and raising new adults, or are you treating your kids as pretty pets that reflect your good tastes? Is it all about you, or all about them? I see too many “parents” treating parenting as some kind of unbelievable sacrifice preventing them from living fulfilled lives. In our advertising age, we are continually reminded that it is all about us. Right now we can see Dennis Hopper telling seniors to fight for their dream and to fight authority, as though it is still 1968. It isn’t about being conservative. It is about being grateful and respectful enough to listen to those who came before you, and after you. It is about being humble enough not to throw every proven societal tradition out a window in a vain attempt for more personal freedom or a spot on a TV reality show. We have teens using cell phones to send topless photos to their boyfriends. We have teachers running off with them. We have 40 year old men living stoned in their parents’ basement. Whoever sold us on the idea that we can be young forever, seemed to have forgotten that we all look really stupid as an old pot-bellied, ear-ringed, tattooed biker with a gray ponytail. When we are all dead and gone, I bet those photos will look really strange hanging on the walls of the neighborhood Cracker Barrel in the year 2060. - Joe in the Know - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 3:26 pm: Because I am. - John Lee Pettimore - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 3:28 pm: It’s the opening line of Steve Earle’s “Copperhead Road”. “My name’s John Lee Pettimore, same as my daddy and his daddy before”. - Mr. Cub - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 3:29 pm: In honor or Ernie Banks … and because I like to tweak the Citizens Utility Board. - Bambi & Koko - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 3:31 pm: Few know who we really are, but those who do know why we are named Bambi & Koko! - A Citizen - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 3:54 pm: Rich hasn’t answered the QOTD yet - judging by all the participants I guess the name “Rich” is self explanatory - Chicago Cynic - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 4:13 pm: Well let’s see. I live and work in Chicago. I’m kind of a cynic. Yup - that makes sense. - Pollyanna - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 4:24 pm: because I try to have that glass half full philosophy - Smitty Irving - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 4:24 pm: Who - variation of Irv Smith, former head of the Sangamon County GOP, Bill Cellini’s right hand man, and patronage king under Jim Thompson (where he routinely conspired to violate veteran’s preference hiring laws). Why - the failure of Blagojevich’s many critics to acknowledge that (other than George Ryan) corruption went on under Republican governors (Jim Thompson, Jim Edgar). The pretending there was no Hotel Deal, no MSI. The carping about Emil acting like a king but ignoring Pate acting like a king. The complaining about Mike Madigan’s power, but ignoring Jim Thompson’s naming / veto power over US Attorneys. Wrong is wrong, regardless of party affiliation. - Ken in Aurora - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 4:32 pm: Gee, I don’t know why I use this… - HoosierDaddy - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 4:43 pm: I’m an Illinois native, from R-109, but I’m a grad of Indiana University, and thus a Hoosier. I’m also the father of 3 great kids, and thus a Daddy. “Who’s yer daddy!?” Is what you *ing Illini yell at our games. - Skeeter - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 4:51 pm: Not to digress, but with regard to John Lee Pettimore, a great Steve Earl story. Steve Earl was doing a concert in Lincoln Park Zoo. My wife and I were standing next to a bunch of drunken frat boys. Steve Earl starts talking about the death penalty and they start cheering [the drunken “WOOOOO”], until the message starts seeping into their Jagermeister soaked brains that Steve Earl is AGAINST the death penalty. Watching these kids slowly wake up to what this great county-folk-rocker was saying was one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen. Steve Earl put on a great show that night. Telephone Road live was incredible — you really get the sense of the song far more when it is done live. I would remember the show anyway, but seeing those kids and their response was something my wife and I will recall when we are 80. - DuPage Dave - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 4:55 pm: No imagination here- DuPage is where I live and Dave is (sort of) my name… FYI- commenters seem to have pretty different definitions of what constitutes Little Egypt. Back in the days of one class high school basketball, there was usually one team carrying the banner for that part of the state, but I never got a clear idea of where it stops and starts… Help anyone?? - jwscott72 - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 4:59 pm: It’s the first initial of my first name, the first initial of my middle name, my last name and the year of my birth. I realize I’m not clever. - Larry Mulholland - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 5:05 pm: Nothing! My name means nothing. Just a silly name….. - Rich Miller - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 5:14 pm: ===Steve Earl was doing a concert in Lincoln Park Zoo.=== I was at that show. We stood right in front of the stage. Great time. - Rich Miller - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 5:17 pm: To answer “A Citizen,” I’m named after my father. - A Citizen - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 5:21 pm: - Rich Miller - Me too. But i was just having fun asking a totally ridiculous question. - bluedog demo - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 5:23 pm: because I am fiscally responsible and socially moderate. Like minded citizens supposedly got the name ” bluedog ” because we were choked into silence by the liberal wing of the Democratic party. However we survived and are now ” snapping and yapping like mad. There are more ” bluedogs ” in congress than ever before ! - He Makes Ryan Look Like a Saint - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 5:41 pm: Smitty–I guess I should change my name to “He makes the ALL look like Saints” I started during Thompson. Dealt with Edgar and (worse Mrs. Edgar) and the Ryans who treated people better than most, and I admit there were shady things that went on, but I can truthfully tell you that in my opinion THIS GUY IS THE KING (and I don’t mean Elvis)when it comes to shady deals, and staffers out of control. - Just the Facts - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 5:47 pm: Most of the time I just enjoy the give and take of the blog and rarely comment. However, upon occasion someone will state something as a fact that has no basis in reality and I feel compelled to challenge those assertions. Hence, the name . . . - yinn - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 5:59 pm: This is an actual nickname of mine. The story behind it is interesting to very few but precious to me. I like to think that it fits from the yin-yang concept as well, but that’s secondary to the meaning behind the original christening. - Six Degrees of Separation - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 6:20 pm: From the Kevin Bacon movie, and the theory that no person on earth is more than 6 people removed from anyone else on earth. In IL, all the playa’s are remarkably closely connected, and it doesn’t take much to get in the mix (or be dragged into it). - Papa Legba - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 6:24 pm: Papa Legba, voodoo god of the crossroads, stands at the road to the spirit world. He is the intermediary between the loa and human beings. He took pity on mankind and taught them the use of oracles and how to interpret them. Often depicted as an old, crippled man or gardener, he is also called just Legba or Legba Ati-Bon. The dog serves as his familiar and symbolic animal. During any vodun ceremony he is the first loa invoked–so that the gate to the spirit world may be opened for communication. - Six Degrees of Separation - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 6:28 pm: Corr. - From the Kevin Bacon game based on the stage play and movie - typing faster than I can think. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Six_Degrees_of_Kevin_Bacon - Super Mega - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 6:29 pm: Newly Tasty Improved Enhanced - Papa Legba - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 6:32 pm: I chose it for a variety of reasons. The main being that the Haitians created the first black democracy in the world - back in the 1800’s. That is why the US was able to execute the Louisiana Purchase. The French needed the money to fund their war to put down the slave rebellion in Haiti. It didn’t work. - Smitty Irving - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 6:33 pm: He Makes Ryan Look Like a Saint - history may or may not prove you right. (For example, what would Patrick Fitzgerald have done about the deal to build the Lottery Building; the deal Thompson and Cosentino gave Fears and Cellini as they left office in 1991; and he have failed to charge Jim Berger with obstruction of justice - his acquittal ended the MSI case just short of Belletire and Janis Cellini.) Corruption in Illinois is in both parties, at all levels of government, in all geographic areas, and in our past, not just the here and now. - A Citizen - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 6:51 pm: - Smitty Irving - Awww Smitty, Now you are just bragging. Or maybe “No Brag, Just Fact”. And it continues today, tomorrow and ???. It appears it is the Illinois way. I just think after they catch them they should throw them back so we can have the fun of catch’n em again! - Fan of the Game - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 6:52 pm: DuPage Dave, Little Egypt, in general, refers to anything south of US Hwy 50. - Dozer - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 7:07 pm: cause it’s what i run to make a living - Independent - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 7:17 pm: My moniker is obvious. I no longer care which party a candidate is from. Ideology is out the window when voting. Personal integrity is Issue #1 with me. - Southern Illinois Voter - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 7:33 pm: Self-explanatory…down here with Little Egypt in God’s country. Have you ever been to Trigg Tower (Johnson Co.)in the fall? - Second Hand Bookworm (formerly Lainer) - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 7:44 pm: I have been inspired to take a new blog name, or actually an old one. At the height of the CB radio craze in the 70s, my brother talked my parents into getting a CB radio. I joined him (briefly) in chatting on it and took the handle Bookworm, because I loved to read (and still do). My husband and I both love to visit used bookstores to this day as well. So, henceforth, I shall be known as Second Hand Bookworm. - the ole precinct captain - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 7:53 pm: I am a 20 year captain in the 39th Ward Regular Democratic Organization and also am involved in Palos Township Regular Democratic Organization. After 20 years in the trenches I am getting old and I am now the old timer. - Litle Egypt - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 8:07 pm: I would agree with Rte. 50 being the demarcation line for Southern Illinois; however, we do not claim any of the metro east area that is north of I-64. And even the anything in the metro east area is really pushing it. That area has kind of been a geographic area all its own (at least to us SI’ers) - Huh? - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 8:08 pm: What I say to myself when somebody says or writes something that doesn’t make sense. - Huh? - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 8:15 pm: It has been a while since the alternate personality has appeared: PE - PTOE, because I am a professional engineer (PE) with an additional professional certification (PTOE)in traffic operations. - Highway Man - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 8:26 pm: I’m an IDOT engineer. I make my living putting together road/bridge construction contracts. Wow, I’ve never seen 200+ comments before. - Roy Slade - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 8:32 pm: Only from one of the greatest cult westerns- Evil Roy Slade. (”someone’s coming, Evil”. “Shoot ‘em”. “It’s a woman”. “Wound her”). In this riotous parody of the Old West, rascally scoundrel Evil Roy Slade (John Astin) struggles to become an honest man for the love of a beautiful woman. Roy’s made a name for himself as a most wanted bank robber, but that was before he falls for the wholesome and lovely Betsy Potter (Pamela Austin). She tries teaching him morality, honor and how to bathe without a six-shooter. But for Roy, redemption doesn’t come easy. Bing Bell (Dick Shawn), the spangle-drenched, singing ex-marshal, has come out of retirement, a-strummin’ and a-gunnin’ for Roy. The comic shootout between these two legendary gunslingers is the kind of hilarious showdown that mad the Wild West wild. Evil Roy Slade is filled with lough-out-loud performances from an unequaled comedy ensemble that includes Milton Berle, Mickey Rooney, Edie Adams, Dom DeLuise, Henry Gibson, Penny Marshall and Ed Begley, Jr. It is one of my favorite movies! It is a movie for everyone- I do believe that Van Man would approve! - anon - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 10:04 pm: Wow!!! 233 posts with only a few duplicates. At least two hundred different posters. With us “anon”’s there are probably over 400 posters on this site. This blog has to have the most participants of any political site anywhere. I wish I could be more creative, but I have noticed it is sometimes easy to guess who some of you are after you post under your moniker. I just feel the need to stay anonymous. - Reformed - Wednesday, Nov 7, 07 @ 10:09 pm: Reformed…..as a result of Reform and Renewal and an Ethics Test, I have been successfully reformed….but not renewed. - Yellow Dog Democrat - Thursday, Nov 8, 07 @ 12:12 am: Vanilla Man: I’d like to hear your theory of “unproven facts.” Is that where George Bush throws evolution? - South Side Mike - Thursday, Nov 8, 07 @ 12:47 am: Taken as a monikor when I moved to North Side of Chicago to signify that I am a Sox fan. Now I live in DeKalb, but don’t feel like writing “Cornfield Mike.” - Patriot - Thursday, Nov 8, 07 @ 4:07 am: I am a Conservative who believes that the U.S. Constitution is a living document and needs to be protected from Liberals who want to perform abortions upon it. - Skeptical Optimist - Thursday, Nov 8, 07 @ 8:45 am: I’m optimistic about the future and about our ability to improve things, but I try to skeptically evaluate any solution presented to verify that it isn’t just the result of wishful thinking or ulterior motives. - VanillaMan - Thursday, Nov 8, 07 @ 9:02 am: “Vanilla Man: I’d like to hear your theory of “unproven facts.” Is that where George Bush throws evolution?” I’n not privvy to what the President personally believes. - JonShibleyFan - Thursday, Nov 8, 07 @ 10:09 am: “# I am a Conservative who believes that the U.S. Constitution is a living document and needs to be protected from Liberals who want to perform abortions upon it.” That’s satire, right? Or have you simply been asleep for the last 6 and a half years. Maybe your handle should be Rip Van Winkle. - Patriot - Thursday, Nov 8, 07 @ 10:50 am: JSF: Was that your best shot? Do not quit your day job. - cermak_rd - Thursday, Nov 8, 07 @ 11:19 am: Wow! Tons of comments. Does this mean people would rather comment about themselves rather than Blago or ethics or the poor abandoned governor’s mansion growing moldy and lonely with disuse? And what of Squideshi? - Patriot - Thursday, Nov 8, 07 @ 11:36 am: cermac_rd: See 8:24am on Wednesday for Squideshi. - Patriot - Thursday, Nov 8, 07 @ 11:47 am: Typo: cermak_rd, sorry. - cermak_rd - Thursday, Nov 8, 07 @ 12:10 pm: Thanks. I had missed it. - Vilhe Mechi - Thursday, Nov 8, 07 @ 3:26 pm: My Jedi name - OpenlineBlog.com - Thursday, Nov 8, 07 @ 3:45 pm: Openline is uh, a way to express whatever, but more importantly, that’s a lot of comments. - JonShibleyFan - Thursday, Nov 8, 07 @ 4:10 pm: “JSF: Was that your best shot? Do not quit your day job.” Snappy comeback, champ. - Patriot - Thursday, Nov 8, 07 @ 5:54 pm: JSF: My favorite past-time is trolling for liberals. Consider yourself netted. - Squideshi - Friday, Nov 9, 07 @ 2:16 am: Keep Smiling wrote, “Squideshi is keeping us waiting. Can anyone guess?” cermak_rd wrote, “And what of Squideshi?” I posted my answer way up at 8:24am on the 7th. Can you not see it? - Pot calling kettle - Friday, Nov 9, 07 @ 3:35 pm: Squid: For some reason, it wasn’t there! On Wednesday afternoon, I searched the postings for “Squid” and did not find a post. I came back today, and there it was. Go figure. - Todd - Saturday, Nov 10, 07 @ 2:26 pm: That’s my name. Sorry, comments for this post are now closed.