So, I was thinking about visiting downtown Springpatch this weekend. I know with the fair over and school starting its kind of a slow time. Anything special going on?
Well there is a blues and jazz festival downtown, and oh yeah, some guy is going to announce something at the state capital (old) Saturday. I think his name is Obama, or something or other. Heavy snark I know could…not…help…it, sorry.
Since he ‘missed’ Obama’s big conference with state governors in Chicago, what ’scheduling conflict’ will keep the Illinois governor away from Saturday’s Obama event?
Rush is a great group. I particuraly like the Rush song freewill:
There are those who think that life has nothing left to chance take,
A host of holy horrors to direct our aimless dance.
A planet of playthings,
We dance on the strings
Of powers we cannot perceive
“The stars aren’t aligned,
Or the gods are malign…”
Blame is better to give than receive.
Chorus
You can choose a ready guide in some celestial voice.
If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice.
You can choose from phantom fears and kindness that can kill;
I will choose a path that’s clear
I will choose freewill.
There are those who think that they were dealt a losing hand,
The cards were stacked against them; they weren’t born in Lotusland.
All preordained
A prisoner in chains
A victim of venomous fate.
Kicked in the face,
You can’t pray for a place
In heaven’s unearthly estate.
Chorus
Each of us
A cell of awareness
Imperfect and incomplete.
Genetic blends
With uncertain ends
On a fortune hunt that’s far too fleet.
Great song, Ghost! My favorite Rush lyric is from “New World Man”: He’s old enough to know what’s right but young enough not to choose it.
I wish the Rush Limbag would retire and buy the St. Louis Rams—I would certainly move out of the 618 then!
- Dan S. a Voter and Cubs Fan - Thursday, Aug 21, 08 @ 9:26 am:
Just a normal weekend, Farmers Market downtown, Blagoof not in town and I think there is a Blues & BBQ festival on the north side of the Old State Capitol but other then that normal Springfield weekend.
I saw Rush (the band) a couple years ago on their 30th anniversary tour at Riverport….AWESOME FREAKIN” SHOW! One of my top 5 concerts of all time…even if I was behind the sound board. I also saw them on “roll the bones” tour…. this is starting to look like a myspace page.
The Rush song, The Trees reminds me a bit of the house and the senate…
There is unrest in the forest
There is trouble with the trees
For the maples want more sunligh
And the oaks ignore their pleas
The trouble with the maples
(and theyre quite convinced theyre right)
They say the oaks are just too lofty
And they grab up all the light
But the oaks cant help their feelings
If they like the way theyre made
And they wonder why the maples
Cant be happy in their shade?
There is trouble in the forest
And the creatures all have fled
As the maples scream `oppression!`
And the oaks, just shake their heads
So the maples formed a union
And demanded equal rights
the oaks are just too greedy
We will make them give us light
Now theres no more oak oppression
For they passed a noble law
And the trees are all kept equal
By hatchet,
Axe,
And saw …
–Last week’s historic victory over KC with four straight taters from Thome, Konerko, Ramirez and Uribe.
–The final game of the four-game sweep of Milwaukee up at Miller Park, Edmonds hitting a solo shot and granny. Great ballpark.
Sox are hot. If Griffey and Konerko hit anything, they could surprise in the playoffs.
Ten days on vacation in Wisconsin and Michigan, both states where you can enjoy a cold beer and smoke in a bar. God, I’ve missed it. First day back, I lit up instinctively in my favorite watering hole.
I think Rich must be dealing with law enforcement issues trying to get KFan bailed out after he (Kfan) wouldn’t leave the PCCC lobby after the Poison show last night…
On this education debate which seems skewed towards lets beat up the “wealthy” suburbs, it’s really frustrating and interesting that we once again hear NOTHING from the democratic suburban legislators.
Last I checked these people were elected by their constituents who pay high taxes and live in these places for a reason, and you might think once in awhile that it would be nice of the Karen May’s, Susan Garrett’s, Shoenberg’s and others of the world to step up and represent US.
The Republican State Party chairman comes from these areas, and it’s also kind of hard to hear a deafening silence from him on this issue since these are his neighbors that send their kids to New Trier.
Poison to Kev is a dirty 30 of Old Style and no House or Senate to chase for Rich. Might as well skip the middleman and just pour it on the bathroom floor.
A potential temporary QOTD. Just got word that IDNR sites are getting only 50% of the budget they got last year which was cut 22% from the year before. This means they are expected to operate on 28% of their normal budget. What are the thoughts on whether this is all a ploy by the Gov. to get the citizens of Illinois so steamed that they will support an income tax increase? I have wondered why the programs the Gov has been cutting are the ones that affect people so much. Recreation, substance abuse, transportation, roads, etc. Do you think that there is some one in his administration that is smart enough to plan this out? Or am I seeing things that are not there?
Concerning the “advertisement” Tuesday by the “Alliance to Destroy Illinois Coalition” — their reasons to block a con-con because they seem to like our severely broken state government:
• The total cost of a convention is predicted to approach $80 million. Illinois has much more critical financial priorities including schools, healthcare, housing and transportation.
Yeah guess what, there’s more of a chance to produce the fixes we need to save money in the long run than in the congress and government. These last two years were so bad that the citizens changing the structure will make the money well-spent. And where did they get this $80 million figure anyway?
• The current problems in state government are caused by a breakdown in the political process, not the constitution.
Yeah, that’s STRONG MAJOR ARGUEMENT to HAVE a con-con! The government abused his authority…and some provisions in the state constitution allowed him to do so! What is needed is added protections to put the governor on a tighter leash so he can’t maul someone like he’s been doing the past two years. And the state congress will never ever pass some of the needed changes, like recall, like no automatic pay raise, like term limits, like removing the amend veto, etc.
• The same Legislature and Governor we have now will be in a position to dominate a convention.
Wrong, the citizens get to pick their delegates. The citizens however should not vote for anyone that’s been involved in the current problems with the state. And the citizens have to approve every amendment that comes outta there.
So this message is for that “Alliance”…you’re NOT helping Illinois, you’re screwing Illinois. You’re stabbing us all in the back demanding we live with his disfunctional and broken government. It will be a catastrophic mistake to not have a con-con this year, because the folks in power are out of control. Something must be done, and the governor and state congress aren’t going to do anything to fix this state’s problems, so its in the hands of the citizens of Illinois to do the dirty work they won’t.
Curious, second excuse, he’s going to stay in South Chicago and see off 200 troops going to Iraq. Gee, suddenly Blago goes patriotic on us.
First excuse (both according to Sneed), Sneed hears Gov. Blago didn’t want to muddy the Obama waters with pesky reporters asking him questions about convicted influence-peddler Tony Rezko, who was this/close to both Blago and Obama, despite Obama’s protestations.
Yeah, like the press is actually going to pay any attention to Blago on Saturday. This will be a NATIONAL press corps and Blago is not even close to being on their radar. I think that’s actually the problem - he will get NO attention in Springfield and more State attention by being his rude self and thinking he’s hurting feelings by not showing up at all. Here’s a clue Blago. We really don’t care if you don’t show up in Springfield EVER again.
==Do you think that there is some one in his administration that is smart enough to plan this out?==
There might have been at one time, but I don’t think there is anyone left that can do the hard work (witness the rewrite campaign). Emil riding off into the sunset is IMHO the door clanging shut on the opportunity for major accomplishments by the current administration. The successor will not be as bound to the gov as Emil, and MJM wins again. But since I’m a Cubs fan and thereby an eternal optimist, I would love to be pleasantly surprised.
er VW=VQ dang these keyboards and their closely spaced letters.
- South Side Mike - Thursday, Aug 21, 08 @ 10:03 am:
Have there been any follow-up stories on the flooding from earlier this summer? How are some of the river communities adjusting? I know the topic doesn’t have a political angle anymore, but what state leaders and local reps do after the cameras leave is more important than the press conferences they hold during the disaster.
I checked and I am not wearing a tinfoil hat so I will add this.
I have been wondering how anyone in the Gov’s group could be so naive as to think there is a chance for him to be re-elected after all that has transpired. But what if the public demanded a tax increase to give money to fund IDNR and IHPA so those sites could function properly, give money to transportation to keep up with the demand of more ridership, give more money to schools, keep all the prisons open, fix the state’s roads, have a significant capital plan, and of course fund some health care program. He already has Madigan started in that direction. so he comes off the hero IF this all happens, and he can point the finger at Madigan for those taxpayers who don’t want a tax increase. He kills two birds with one stone. His last years are better and he puts MJM behind the eight ball.
Apple Cider!! Don’t really like Fall, because Winter follows, but fresh apple cider almost makes it worthwhile. Especially if you can find some that hasn’t been boiled (pasteurized). Great mixed with peach schnapps (fuzzy apple?)
- Vote Quimby! - Thursday, Aug 21, 08 @ 9:13 am:
So, I was thinking about visiting downtown Springpatch this weekend. I know with the fair over and school starting its kind of a slow time. Anything special going on?
- Moderate Repub - Thursday, Aug 21, 08 @ 9:17 am:
Well there is a blues and jazz festival downtown, and oh yeah, some guy is going to announce something at the state capital (old) Saturday. I think his name is Obama, or something or other. Heavy snark I know could…not…help…it, sorry.
- Vote Quimby! - Thursday, Aug 21, 08 @ 9:18 am:
MR: Is that the guy Rush calls the ‘anti-christ’?
- Ghost - Thursday, Aug 21, 08 @ 9:20 am:
I wonder if KFan has spinners on his mercedes….
I wonder if Bill is William “Bill” Quinlan….
- Moderate Repub - Thursday, Aug 21, 08 @ 9:21 am:
Vote Quimby! - Thursday, Aug 21, 08 @ 9:18 am:
MR: Is that the guy Rush calls the ‘anti-christ’?
No, thats some B. Hussain guy, who I think may be African American, or something. Who knows, Rush is so hard to keep up with, hes just so smart.
- Curious - Thursday, Aug 21, 08 @ 9:22 am:
I’ll throw out a temporary QOD.
Since he ‘missed’ Obama’s big conference with state governors in Chicago, what ’scheduling conflict’ will keep the Illinois governor away from Saturday’s Obama event?
- Ghost - Thursday, Aug 21, 08 @ 9:23 am:
Rush is a great group. I particuraly like the Rush song freewill:
There are those who think that life has nothing left to chance take,
A host of holy horrors to direct our aimless dance.
A planet of playthings,
We dance on the strings
Of powers we cannot perceive
“The stars aren’t aligned,
Or the gods are malign…”
Blame is better to give than receive.
Chorus
You can choose a ready guide in some celestial voice.
If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice.
You can choose from phantom fears and kindness that can kill;
I will choose a path that’s clear
I will choose freewill.
There are those who think that they were dealt a losing hand,
The cards were stacked against them; they weren’t born in Lotusland.
All preordained
A prisoner in chains
A victim of venomous fate.
Kicked in the face,
You can’t pray for a place
In heaven’s unearthly estate.
Chorus
Each of us
A cell of awareness
Imperfect and incomplete.
Genetic blends
With uncertain ends
On a fortune hunt that’s far too fleet.
- Plutocrat03 - Thursday, Aug 21, 08 @ 9:24 am:
I thought those fancy wheels were called spreewells…..
- Vote Quimby! - Thursday, Aug 21, 08 @ 9:26 am:
Great song, Ghost! My favorite Rush lyric is from “New World Man”: He’s old enough to know what’s right but young enough not to choose it.
I wish the Rush Limbag would retire and buy the St. Louis Rams—I would certainly move out of the 618 then!
- Dan S. a Voter and Cubs Fan - Thursday, Aug 21, 08 @ 9:26 am:
Just a normal weekend, Farmers Market downtown, Blagoof not in town and I think there is a Blues & BBQ festival on the north side of the Old State Capitol but other then that normal Springfield weekend.
- Siyotanka - Thursday, Aug 21, 08 @ 9:28 am:
Speaking of conflicts…and heartburn. Did anyone notice that our gov. has NOT been invited to speak at the Demo convention.
- Vote Quimby! - Thursday, Aug 21, 08 @ 9:28 am:
I saw Rush (the band) a couple years ago on their 30th anniversary tour at Riverport….AWESOME FREAKIN” SHOW! One of my top 5 concerts of all time…even if I was behind the sound board. I also saw them on “roll the bones” tour…. this is starting to look like a myspace page.
- Vote Quimby! - Thursday, Aug 21, 08 @ 9:29 am:
Siyo: No we didn’t, execpt for these people on yesterday:
https://capitolfax.com/2008/08/20/obama-
boosts-blagojevich-enemies-more-on-the-springfield-visit/
- dupage progressive - Thursday, Aug 21, 08 @ 9:29 am:
I wonder what the spin will be when gov is shut out from speaking at dem convention…
- Ghost - Thursday, Aug 21, 08 @ 9:30 am:
The Rush song, The Trees reminds me a bit of the house and the senate…
There is unrest in the forest
There is trouble with the trees
For the maples want more sunligh
And the oaks ignore their pleas
The trouble with the maples
(and theyre quite convinced theyre right)
They say the oaks are just too lofty
And they grab up all the light
But the oaks cant help their feelings
If they like the way theyre made
And they wonder why the maples
Cant be happy in their shade?
There is trouble in the forest
And the creatures all have fled
As the maples scream `oppression!`
And the oaks, just shake their heads
So the maples formed a union
And demanded equal rights
the oaks are just too greedy
We will make them give us light
Now theres no more oak oppression
For they passed a noble law
And the trees are all kept equal
By hatchet,
Axe,
And saw …
- Justice - Thursday, Aug 21, 08 @ 9:32 am:
Sorry about that deleted post Rich…I was cleaning my mouth and it went off.
- wordslinger - Thursday, Aug 21, 08 @ 9:32 am:
Best year in memory for Chicago baseball.
I’ve been to a few games, two great ones:
–Last week’s historic victory over KC with four straight taters from Thome, Konerko, Ramirez and Uribe.
–The final game of the four-game sweep of Milwaukee up at Miller Park, Edmonds hitting a solo shot and granny. Great ballpark.
Sox are hot. If Griffey and Konerko hit anything, they could surprise in the playoffs.
Ten days on vacation in Wisconsin and Michigan, both states where you can enjoy a cold beer and smoke in a bar. God, I’ve missed it. First day back, I lit up instinctively in my favorite watering hole.
- Gish - Thursday, Aug 21, 08 @ 9:33 am:
Go to the Farmers Market, pick up some bread from Incredibly Deliciouseseses tent and get some honey from the old honey folk. Party!
- Ghost - Thursday, Aug 21, 08 @ 9:34 am:
bah,
got to Darcy’s Pint and get a Buffalo Chicken Horseshoe!
let your artiers soften back up and hit Charlie Parkers for a breakfast shoe the next day.
- Vote Quimby! - Thursday, Aug 21, 08 @ 9:36 am:
I think Rich must be dealing with law enforcement issues trying to get KFan bailed out after he (Kfan) wouldn’t leave the PCCC lobby after the Poison show last night…
- Balance - Thursday, Aug 21, 08 @ 9:39 am:
Did the Senate do anything with Madigan’s stripped down capital bill on Tuesday?
- shorefan - Thursday, Aug 21, 08 @ 9:44 am:
On this education debate which seems skewed towards lets beat up the “wealthy” suburbs, it’s really frustrating and interesting that we once again hear NOTHING from the democratic suburban legislators.
Last I checked these people were elected by their constituents who pay high taxes and live in these places for a reason, and you might think once in awhile that it would be nice of the Karen May’s, Susan Garrett’s, Shoenberg’s and others of the world to step up and represent US.
The Republican State Party chairman comes from these areas, and it’s also kind of hard to hear a deafening silence from him on this issue since these are his neighbors that send their kids to New Trier.
- Frank Booth - Thursday, Aug 21, 08 @ 9:46 am:
Poison to Kev is a dirty 30 of Old Style and no House or Senate to chase for Rich. Might as well skip the middleman and just pour it on the bathroom floor.
- Irish - Thursday, Aug 21, 08 @ 9:47 am:
A potential temporary QOTD. Just got word that IDNR sites are getting only 50% of the budget they got last year which was cut 22% from the year before. This means they are expected to operate on 28% of their normal budget. What are the thoughts on whether this is all a ploy by the Gov. to get the citizens of Illinois so steamed that they will support an income tax increase? I have wondered why the programs the Gov has been cutting are the ones that affect people so much. Recreation, substance abuse, transportation, roads, etc. Do you think that there is some one in his administration that is smart enough to plan this out? Or am I seeing things that are not there?
- Crimefighter - Thursday, Aug 21, 08 @ 9:49 am:
Concerning the “advertisement” Tuesday by the “Alliance to Destroy Illinois Coalition” — their reasons to block a con-con because they seem to like our severely broken state government:
• The total cost of a convention is predicted to approach $80 million. Illinois has much more critical financial priorities including schools, healthcare, housing and transportation.
Yeah guess what, there’s more of a chance to produce the fixes we need to save money in the long run than in the congress and government. These last two years were so bad that the citizens changing the structure will make the money well-spent. And where did they get this $80 million figure anyway?
• The current problems in state government are caused by a breakdown in the political process, not the constitution.
Yeah, that’s STRONG MAJOR ARGUEMENT to HAVE a con-con! The government abused his authority…and some provisions in the state constitution allowed him to do so! What is needed is added protections to put the governor on a tighter leash so he can’t maul someone like he’s been doing the past two years. And the state congress will never ever pass some of the needed changes, like recall, like no automatic pay raise, like term limits, like removing the amend veto, etc.
• The same Legislature and Governor we have now will be in a position to dominate a convention.
Wrong, the citizens get to pick their delegates. The citizens however should not vote for anyone that’s been involved in the current problems with the state. And the citizens have to approve every amendment that comes outta there.
So this message is for that “Alliance”…you’re NOT helping Illinois, you’re screwing Illinois. You’re stabbing us all in the back demanding we live with his disfunctional and broken government. It will be a catastrophic mistake to not have a con-con this year, because the folks in power are out of control. Something must be done, and the governor and state congress aren’t going to do anything to fix this state’s problems, so its in the hands of the citizens of Illinois to do the dirty work they won’t.
- Little Egypt - Thursday, Aug 21, 08 @ 9:49 am:
Curious, second excuse, he’s going to stay in South Chicago and see off 200 troops going to Iraq. Gee, suddenly Blago goes patriotic on us.
First excuse (both according to Sneed), Sneed hears Gov. Blago didn’t want to muddy the Obama waters with pesky reporters asking him questions about convicted influence-peddler Tony Rezko, who was this/close to both Blago and Obama, despite Obama’s protestations.
Yeah, like the press is actually going to pay any attention to Blago on Saturday. This will be a NATIONAL press corps and Blago is not even close to being on their radar. I think that’s actually the problem - he will get NO attention in Springfield and more State attention by being his rude self and thinking he’s hurting feelings by not showing up at all. Here’s a clue Blago. We really don’t care if you don’t show up in Springfield EVER again.
- Pat collins - Thursday, Aug 21, 08 @ 9:51 am:
Hey, with fall approaching it’s time to go get apples and Squash. Acorn squash on the grill is quite yummy.
- Vote Quimby! - Thursday, Aug 21, 08 @ 9:53 am:
==Do you think that there is some one in his administration that is smart enough to plan this out?==
There might have been at one time, but I don’t think there is anyone left that can do the hard work (witness the rewrite campaign). Emil riding off into the sunset is IMHO the door clanging shut on the opportunity for major accomplishments by the current administration. The successor will not be as bound to the gov as Emil, and MJM wins again. But since I’m a Cubs fan and thereby an eternal optimist, I would love to be pleasantly surprised.
- Ghost - Thursday, Aug 21, 08 @ 9:56 am:
VW there is a chance Blago could get Emil lite (Hendon or trotter) in the Senate seat and can go forward as he would have with Jones.
- Ghost - Thursday, Aug 21, 08 @ 9:57 am:
er VW=VQ dang these keyboards and their closely spaced letters.
- South Side Mike - Thursday, Aug 21, 08 @ 10:03 am:
Have there been any follow-up stories on the flooding from earlier this summer? How are some of the river communities adjusting? I know the topic doesn’t have a political angle anymore, but what state leaders and local reps do after the cameras leave is more important than the press conferences they hold during the disaster.
- Skeeter - Thursday, Aug 21, 08 @ 10:07 am:
Anybody else shocked that Hamilton Academical is leading the SPL (tied with the hated Rangers) while Celtic is in third place?
I, for one, did not even know Hamilton played in the Scottish Premier League.
- Irish - Thursday, Aug 21, 08 @ 10:10 am:
I checked and I am not wearing a tinfoil hat so I will add this.
I have been wondering how anyone in the Gov’s group could be so naive as to think there is a chance for him to be re-elected after all that has transpired. But what if the public demanded a tax increase to give money to fund IDNR and IHPA so those sites could function properly, give money to transportation to keep up with the demand of more ridership, give more money to schools, keep all the prisons open, fix the state’s roads, have a significant capital plan, and of course fund some health care program. He already has Madigan started in that direction. so he comes off the hero IF this all happens, and he can point the finger at Madigan for those taxpayers who don’t want a tax increase. He kills two birds with one stone. His last years are better and he puts MJM behind the eight ball.
- dupage progressive - Thursday, Aug 21, 08 @ 10:11 am:
Thank you Pat Collins for helping me embrace the rapidly approaching fall weather…
Bring on the apple & pumpkin pies, and please make it a double apple cider…
:)
ah, the power of positive thinking.
thanks Pat!!
- wordslinger - Thursday, Aug 21, 08 @ 10:18 am:
Pat and DuPage, first things first: tomatoes, peppers, sweet corn.
- Random Thoughts - Thursday, Aug 21, 08 @ 10:28 am:
Thoughts for today:
Apple pie is quite tasty.
It’s raining here. I need to get gas for the mower.
Freewill and Limelight are great Rush songs.
Does K-Fan even know who Poison is?
- dupage progressive - Thursday, Aug 21, 08 @ 11:34 am:
wordslinger is right… just got so excited thinking about pie.
had a piece of raspberry pie this year - it was fantastic!
did i miss the cherry season?
mmm mmm pie.
that’s what happens in campaign years - you wake up & you’ve missed summer & early fall.
- Downstate Commissioner - Thursday, Aug 21, 08 @ 11:52 am:
Apple Cider!! Don’t really like Fall, because Winter follows, but fresh apple cider almost makes it worthwhile. Especially if you can find some that hasn’t been boiled (pasteurized). Great mixed with peach schnapps (fuzzy apple?)