It's a Country Thing, You Wouldn't Understand-- Part 3

After watching the Country Music Association's awards show, Wednesday. A few observations and thoughts.

I always wonder how they're so consistent of stopping the show right at 10 PM. That is some good planning for a live show.

Great to see Brad Paisley and Keith Urban playing "live" together for their song "Start a Band" for the first time at the beginning of the show.

Kelly Picklar just had to have been "poured" into that dress. Tina Turner and the Ikettes had "NOTHING" on her.

What will it take to get Alan Jackson to move from his spot in front of the mike? Actually, as long as he keeps making great music like "Good Time," who cares? That would have to drive old Garth Brooks mad.

I have now heard the new Lady Antebellum song and need to hear their whole album. They could be the next great band. Congrats on NewArtist of the Year.

Brad Paisley has great sense of humor. I liked his comment to Martina McBride, "Great Pipes."


ALL SUMMER LONG

Kid Rock did his great "All Summer Long" after cheering on the Titans and wearing their jersey. This was a song that branched into all sorts of genres, including the pop and country charts as well as my Beach Music. It was a hard song to escape this summer. On our trip to North and South Carolina and Tennessee, we heard it at least once a day on various radio stations.

Great idea to put "Werewolves of London" and "Sweet Home Alabama" together with a new twist. I wonder if he was thing "Perfect Summer Song" when he made it.


EX-HOOTIE-- The NEW and the OLD

Now, he's chameleoned to country. A Hootie no more, Darius Rucker knows his "Don't Think I Don't Think About It" country stuff. And, I really liked him with that other band. I'll also have to get his album.

That was a great group up for best new artist. Besides Lady Antebellum, there was Rodney Atkins, James Otto, Jason Aldean,and kelly Picklar. Country definitely has a future with new folks like these coming up.

I would have liked to see Andy Griffith get up and sing with Brad Paisley on "Waiting On a Woman."

Very touching tribute to James W. Ponder, III by his wife. He was killed in Afghanistan June 28, 2005 and was the father of two girls. As Leslie Ponder said, "Music has the power to heal." And then the song by Carrie Underwood.

I would have liked to have seen something more done with Hall of Fame inductees Emmylou Harris, Tom T. Hall, Statler brothers, and Ernest "Pop" Stoneman (and I don't even know who he was or is).

Great performance by the Eagles on "Too Busy Being Fabulous" to close out the show.

TV Definitely Worth Watching. --RoadDog

Questions for retired folk: How many retirees does it take to change a light bulb? Answer-- Only one, but it might take all day.

JSS: Hawaii Quarter-- $2 Gas in Illinois?-- Cubbie Honors and A Goodby, Finally-- McCain's a Funny Guy

JSS-- Just Some Stuff


1. HAWAII QUARTER-- And I've been somewhat collecting these and always turn them over to look. And, finally, we reach the end of the run, but have we? The Hawaii state quarter is being issued, the last of 50 that have come out since 1999. Every ten weeks or so, we'd have to check to see if we had one. Is it the end? Nope. Now we're going to have the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, American Somoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands. Oh, well.


2. $2 GAS IN ILLINOIS?-- The Tribune reports that $2 gas ($1.99.9) was spotted in New Lenox, Illinois, the first sub-$2 price in the area since 2005. It was $2.16 in Fox Lake this morning.

Yesterday, my heart started beating wildly when I saw $1.99.9 in McHenry, but then realized that was with a car wash. Nasty people!!


3. CUBBIE HONORS AND A GOODBYE, FINALLY-- Congratulations to Cubs catcher Geovanny Soto who won the National League Rookie of the Year after that outstanding season. He is the 5th Cub in history to get the award. The others: Billy Wiliams in 1961, Kenny Hubbs in 1962, Jerome Walton in 1989, and Kerry Wood in 1998.

Also, congratulations to Cub manager Lou Piniella who won the National League Manager of the Year Award.

While on the subject of Kerry Wood, he's on his way out after a generally disappointing career on the North Side. We were definitely hoping for better from him and all those dollars he earned on the disabled list.


4. McCAIN'S A FUNNY GUY-- Senator McCain was on the Jay Leno Show earlier this week and had a few good ones.

"I've been sleeping like a baby. Sleep two hours, wake up and cry. Sleep two hours. Wake up and cry."

The morning after the election "I didn't read the newspaper. I knew what it was going to say."

"Arizona may be the only state where mothers don't tell their children that some day they will grow up to become the president of the United States. Barry Goldwater, Morris Udall, Bruce Babbitt, and I ran twice."

Just Some Stuff-- RoadDog

Questions for retired folk: What's the biggest gripe for retirees? Answer-- There's not enough time to get everything done.

It's a Country Thing, You Wouldn't Understand-- Part 2

Country's top-selling ever albums/CDs had 4 by Garth Brooks, 3 by the Dixie Chicks, 2 by Shania Twain, 2 by the husband wife team of Tim McGraw/Faith Hill, 1 soundtrack, 1 by Billy Ray Cyrus and 1 by LeAnn Rimes.

I have the Top Nine and 11, 13, and 15.


The Top 15 Best-Selling Country Albums of All Time with year and sales rounded off:

1. Come On Over-- Shania Twain-- 1997-- 15.5 million
2. Ropin' the Wind-- Garth Brooks-- 1991-- 9.6 million
3. No Fences-- Garth Brooks-- 9 million
4. Wide Open Spaces-- Dixie Chicks-- 1998-- 8.7million
5. Fly-- Dixie Chicks-- 8.3 million
6. The Hits-- Garth Brooks-- 1994-- 7.8 million
7. The Woman in Me-- Shania Twain-- 1995-- 7.6 million
8. Some Gave All-- Billy Ray Cyrus-- 1992-- 7.5 million
9. Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?-- Soundtrack-- 2001-- 7.4 million
10. Some Hearts-- Carrie Underwood-- 2005-- 6.6 million
11. Breath-- Faith Hill-- 1999--6.5 million
12. Double Live-- Garth Brooks-- 1998-- 6 million
13. Not a Moment Too Soon-- Tim McGraw-- 1994-- 6 million
14. Blue-- LeAnn Rimes-- 1996-- 6 million
15. Home-- Dixie Chicks-- 2002-- 6 million

In this world of downloads, these records will probably stand for a long time, perhaps forever.

As I Sit Here Listening to 10CC. How Country is That? --RoadDog

Questions for Retired Folk: Why don't retirees mind be called Senior? Answer-- It comes with a discount.

It's a Country Thing, You Wouldn't Understand

Congratulations to the winners of the 2008 CMA, Country Music Association, Awards.

Entertainer of the Year-- Kenny Chesney
Male Vocalist-- Kenny Chesney

I would have gone with Brad Paisley for those two. Chesney is great, but Paisley just blows folks away when he is not playing practical jokes on his cohorts.

Female-- Carrie Underwood
New Artist-- Lady Antebellum
Vocal Group-- Rascal Flats
Vocal Duo-- Sugarland
Album "Troubadour"-- George Strait
Single-- "I Saw God Today" --George Strait
Music Video-- "Waitin' on a Woman" Brad Paisley and Andy Griffith I really like this one.
Musician of the Year-- Mac McAnally-- One of my favorites who often works with Jimmy Buffett.

Get Some Country in Your Soul. --RoadDog

JSS: Gas Prices Continue to Drop-- Seein' Movies-- Because I'm the Mayor-- Crummy Weather Continues

JSS-- Just Some Stuff


1. GAS PRICES CONTINUE TO DROP-- It's almost like it's a bad idea to buy gas when it gets a little low, because if you wait a day, it will be lower. But after those Big Oil nightmares last summer, it's a much-needed relief. Saw gas for $2.19 in Fox Lake today!!!

2. SEEIN' MOVIES-- Went to the Fox Lake Theater today and saw "Saw V" and "Role Models."

"Saw V" was as strange as any of the others. How do they keep coming up with new ways of killing folks? And then, there are the hard things old Jigsaw made people chose. I admit, I just saw the first two of the "Saw" movies a month ago. I didn't originally see them figuring it was teenage slasher genre. They definitely aren't.

I really enjoyed "Role Models" about two slacker types who have to be big brother to two young misfits and the eventual bond that forms between them. Then, there was those mighty interesting medieval folk.


3. BECAUSE I'M THE MAYOR-- Fox Lake Mayor Cindy Irvin just sold her house to the Fox Lake Library so it can go ahead with expansion. She sold it for $270,000, about $35,000 more than it appraises for, but less than she had been asking. The library never considered eminent domain. PLUS, she IS the mayor. What's that about fighting city hall?

When asked if she planned to leave the community, she replied "I have to stay here. I'm the mayor." Well put.

4. CRUMMY WEATHER CONTINUES-- Definitely a different three days to begin this week than we had last week where I was catching rays on deck. Cold, blustery, overcast, and rain off and on.

Because I'm Not a Fan of This Weather. --RoadDog

JSS: Fox Lake Veterans Day-- Out Buyin' CDs--

JSS: Just Some Stuff.


1. FOX LAKE VETERANS DAY-- Yesterday, I went to the observance by the train station on a cold and blustery day. Even then, about a hundred people turned out to honor our nation's heroes. A blast on the emergency siren at 11 signaled the start.

The Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, VFW, American Legion, Sons of the American Legion, and Legion Riders were the color guard.

Cindy Irwin, the mayor of Fox Lake spoke first, followed by someone from the Legion Auxiliary, VFW, and Legion commanders.

Afterwards, the rifle squad from the Legion fired three volleys and a man played taps.

Thanks Veterans.

2. OUT BUYIN' CDS-- Afterwards, I hit the road (after stopping at McDonald's for a McRib meal) for McHenry and did my little part for the economy and bought 8 CDs. I went to Circuit City first, figuring I'd best use up what was left of my gift card Liz got me for last Christmas. There was a manager at the door assuring people all was well. The company declared bankruptcy on Monday.

They didn't have the new albums by Taylor Swift or NOW-29, saying they hadn't arrived, but I think it has something to do with the bankruptcy.

I did buy Larry Graham & Graham Central Station's Greatest Hits and the Spinners' "Mighty Love' there. Larry Graham was the base player for Sly $ the Family Stone, and the Spinners CDwas from 1974.

Next, I went to Best Buy and bought Shwayze, Best of NOW 10th Anniversary, and NOW-29. I like those NOW CDs as I get a good selection of the music the kids are listening to these days. I heard Shwayze's "Corona and Lime" in Myrtle Beach and really liked it. That really surprised a deejay at a bar there when I requested it. He couldn't imagine why an old guy like myself would know anything about Shwayze.

Last stop was at Borders where I had a 40% off coupon. Spent quite awhile there listening to CDs on their database and ended up with a good one, "The Whole Famdamily" by the Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band. Kind of a cross between the blues and rock. I also bought "Warmth of the Sun" by the Beach Boys and "The Best of Little Feat."

Checked out with Sean, who used to manage Full Cyrkle Records in Crystal Lake where I spent many an hour talking music and listening to old records. He said he figured he'd see me when the 40% coupons came out.

I Guess You'd Call My Selections a Variety.

Hey, a Deal's a Deal. --RoadDog

Marine Corps Breakfast-- November 8th-- Part 2

Continuing from yesterday.

We watched the Message from the Marine Commandant which was about the country's war with terrorism. This year is the 25th anniversary of the opening round of it for the US, the destruction of the Marine Corps Barracks in Beirut, Lebanon.

I enjoy it when they pass the mike around and have attendees introduce themselves. Most just say their unit and years, but a few give some great comments.

Eleanor, the oldest Marine, kicked it off saying her name and unit and "You all know I'm 85, so there." Brought down the house with that one.

Most spoke so fast and a few too far away from the mike, but some other comments:

In both World War II and the Korean War.

1943 joined Carlson's Raiders right out of boot camp. Joined Chesty Puller's company and after one battle, only 6 men left.

In Korean War and one of the "Frozen Chosin." Glad I made it back with all my limbs.

At Inchon.

In World War II, out for a coffee, and then back for the Korean War. Had a date with Tokyo Rose.

Desert Storm.

Marines never die, they go to hell and regroup.

In Vietnam in Quangtree Province.

I'm here for my son. He has been a Marine for three years and is now at the US Naval Academy in his second year. However, HE WILL be rejoining the USMC.-- There were lots of Ooo-Rahs at this point.

4th Generation Marine.

Definitely Enjoyed Getting Together with all These Jarheads and Eleanor. A Lot of History in That Room. --RoadDog

JSS: Death of the Dollar Menu?-- McRib's Back-- Mad Men Smoking-- Madagascar II-- Obama's White Half?

JSS: Just Some Stuff


1. DEATH OF THE DOLLAR MENU?-- An article in the Northern Star yesterday at how the McDonald's on Lincoln Highway in Dekalb, Illinois, has quietly raised the price of the double cheeseburger, a dollar stalwart and one of my favorites, twenty cents. OH, NO!!!

2. MCRIB'S BACK!!!-- Well, at least McDonald's has come back with my FAVORITE sandwich, the McRib in the Midwest. That means a FEW trips to McDonald's over the next few weeks. I was disappointed that we didn't have it here back at the end of September and early October like they did in the south

3. MAD MEN SMOKING-- I've always wondered about all the smoking going on in AMC's "Mad Men." That is just something you just don't see on TV anymore. It turns out they are smoking Ecstasy herbal cigarettes which are tobacco and nicotine free.

4. MADAGASCAR II-- Last Friday, while attending the "Changeling" movie at the Fox Lake Theater, I saw lots and lots of 1st through 5th graders coning in with their parents to see the new "Madagascar II: Back to Africa" movie. Hey, at 1 PM, what about school? Perhaps they were getting a benefit of being home-schooled. Hey, sign me up.

5. OBAMA'S WHITE HALF?-- You keep hearing about him being the first black man elected president of the US. I just wonder what happened to his white half?

Just Wonderin'. --RoadDog

And Then, Today is Veterans Day

The eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month the "War to End All Wars" ended as the guns fell silent in World War II. Today, we celebrate the sacrifices of all our veterans of all of our wars here in the US and around the world. And today, we mark the 90th anniversary of the end of it.

In Australia, it is Remembrance Day, especially poignant this year with the locating of the HMAS Sydney wreck.

Plus, this may well be the last observance for the four remaining veterans of that war. Britain has three: Henry Alingham, 112; Harry Patch, 110; and Bill Stone, 108. In West Virginia, we have the last US vet, Frank Buckles, 107.

The last French and German veterans died this past year.

The New Jersey World War II Memorial will be dedicated today in Trenton and the woman believed to be the nurse, Edith Shein, 90, in the famous Life photograph where the sailor planted the kiss heard-round-the-world on VJ Day ending WW II will be the grand marshal in the NY City Veterans Day parade.

Here in Fox Lake, I will be attending the American Legion and VFW ceremony at the train station at 11 AM.

You can find more on these stories at my other blog: http://cootershistorything.blogspot.com

A Big Thank You to All of Our Veterans. Job Well Done. --RoadDog

Oops, I Forgot to Mention Two Significant Anniversaries Yesterday

I forgot to say congratulations to those gallant lads and ladies of the United States Marine Corps, which turned 233 years young yesterday. As they say, "Ooo-RAH!!!"

PLUS, yesterday, was the 35th anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald in Lake Superior from one of those storms of November as Gordon would say. I see that the Detroit Historical Society had a presentation in its memory and also that of the Carl D. Bradley which sank in Lake Michigan during another November storm, Nov. 18, 1958.

While teaching, I would spend three days making a presentation on the Edmund Fitzgerald and the Great Lakes at this time. The kids could make a picture of the ship for extra credit and I collected some really nice ones over the years.

Plus, they would hear the "Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" by Gordon Lightfoot many, many times as well as Pat Dailey's "Great Lakes Song" and other water-related songs like "White Squall."

Let's Hear it For the Jarheads and a Moment of Reverance for the Crews of the Edmund Fitzgerald, Carl D. Bradley and All Ships That Went Down in the Great Lakes. --RoadDog

Don't It make Ya Feel Old

One thing good old Bob Stroud does on his show besides give you all that great "OLD" music from the 60s and 70s, information about the tunes, but also he makes you feel "old."

He always spotlights and plays a song from them of the birthdays of artists celebrating this week. What happened to the generation that "Hoped we don't get old?" We're getting OLD.

Birthdays this week:

Tom Fogerty (CCR)-- would have been 67
Freddie Garrity (Freddie & the Dreamers)-- would have been 68
Jesse Collins Young (Youngbloods)-- 61
Neil Young-- 63
Bonnie Bramlett (Delaney and Bonnie)-- 64
Jim Peterik (Ides of March, Survivor)-- 58
James Young (Styx)-- 59
Booker Jones (Booker T. & the MGs)-- 64
Ronny Hammond (Atlanta Rhythm Section)-- 58.

We saw Jim Peterik Sunday at Bob Stroud's record release Party.

Who's Getting Older? --RoadDog

Creedence "Covered" Revival

Yesterday, November 9th, Bob Stroud featured the songs Creedence Clearwater Revival covered on their albums. This was in honor of what would have been Tom Fogerty's 67th birthday and he called it Creedence "Covered" Revival.

If I HAD to pick a favorite group from the 60s and early 70s, I'd probably have to go with CCR. I bought every one of their albums as soon as it was released. This was the only group I did that for, even the Beatles. Of course, when Creedence did a cover, they put their unmistakable stamp on it.

The songs and original performer.

I Put a Spell on You-- "Screaming" Jay Hawkins
Susie Q-- Dale Hawkins
99 and a Half-- Wilson Pickett
Good Golly Miss Molly-- Little Richard
Night Time is the Right Time-- Ray Charles (and NOT the Cosby Show ensamble)
Cotton Fields-- Honey Ledbetter
Midnight Special-- Johnny Rivers
Ooby Dooby-- Roy Orbison
My Baby Left Me-- Elvis Presley
Heard It Through the Grapevine-- Marvin Gaye

I was familiar with these songs as I played those old albums over and over again. I just didn't realize they did that many covers.

Lovin' That Great CCR Music. --RoadDog

CBMA Winners

This past weekend, a celebration was held in North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach in honor of the 2008 Cammy Awards for the Carolina Beach Music Association. I hope to be able to attend it at some time. Maybe next year.

Some of the winners:

Female Vocalist-- Rhonda McDaniel
Male Vocalist-- Craig Woolard
Favorite New Artist-- Mark Roberts & Breeze
Song of the Year-- "Mama's Drinkin' Liquor Again" by King Tyrone & the Graveyard Ramblers (Got to love the title and group name).
Entertainer-- Jim Quick and the Holiday Band
FM DJ-- Ray Scott WVCO/Surf 94.9
FM Station-- WVCO (listening to it right now) 94.8 the Surf. 10th Year in a Row)
AM Station-- AM 920 WPCM-- Burlington, NC. Oldies and Beach all day (Unfortunately not on the internet. I'll tune in later this month when passing through to visit family in NC.)

Pioneer Award-- Little Anthony & the Imperials

There were lots of others. Go to www.cammys.org to see all of them.

Congrats to 2008 Cammy Award Winners!! --RoadDog

Marine Corps Birthday Breakfast-- November 8th

Saturday morning, I went to the Fox Lake American Legion for the Tom Grosvenor Memorial Marine Corps Birthday Breakfast.

This honored the 233rd anniversary of the Corps' founding, the 61st year of the USMC's Toys for Tots, and the 25th breakfast.

About 150 Marines were in attendance, from World War II to the present. For $7 we got all the SOS, scrambled eggs, and strong coffee we could handle along with hot sauce to season the eggs. SOS is a term I'll put nicely as "Stuff on a Shingle": chipped beef and gravy on toast. Donations of money and toys were taken for the Toys for Tots campaign.

This was the second year it was held at the Fox Lake Legion, having outgrown its former sites in Grayslake and Wauconda.

Tom Grosvenor was one of the original 13 who started the breakfast and the name of the event was changed to "Tom Grosvenor" after his death in 2001.


THE AGENDA

We had the presentation of the colors by the Marine Corps League 801. Then the pledge, Star Spangled Banner and Marine's Hymn. I was amazed that so many knew the second and third stanzas until I saw they were printed in the brochure.

The CUTTING OF THE CAKE ceremony involves the oldest and youngest Marine in attendance using a sword to cut the cake with the USMC emblem on it. This signifies the connection between those who have been and those who are currently Marines.

The oldest was a woman who was a corporal during World War II. And I didn't even know the Marine Corps had women during that war. You should have seen her head jerk around when the host gave her age at 84. If looks could kill, he'd have been a goner.

The youngest Marine was a staff sergeant on present duty.

The cake had been kindly donated by Louvin' Oven in Round Lake.

More to Come. --RoadDog

A Good Weekend Until Sunday

Enjoyed it despite the worsening weather, capped by the cold, overcast, snow flurries, and bluster of Sunday, and Da Bear Loss to Tennessee.


FRIDAY-- Met buddy Kip for breakfast, played NTN at Hello Folks in Fox Lake and saw an excellent movie called "The Changeling" at the FL Theatre.


SATURDAY-- Went to the Marine Corps Birthday celebration in the morning at the American Legion in Fox Lake and drove to Schaumburg for Bob Stroud's Record Release Party at the Borders with all those great 60s-70s Chicago groups.

Then, we went to six places, five of them new to us, to play NTN in the Northwest suburbs, paid $2.28 (cheapest gas in a long time) for gas in Barrington after almost putting diesel in the Malibu (Duh!) and had a McRib at McDonald's in Wauconda while being entertained by the local junior high folk.


SUNDAY-- Listened to the CMT Country Music Countdown USA Show and Bob Stroud featured Creedence "Covered" Revival songs on his Rock and Roll Roots Show on the Drive in honor of what would have been Tom Fogerty's 67th birthday.

Then went to Baja Benny's to watch Da Bears-Tennessee game. The place was packed and had a hard time getting a seat. Da Bears could definitely have won this one, but for poor play selection and Da Grossman's inconsistent play.

Watched the great Animation Domination on Fox: Simpsons, King of the Hill, Family Guy, and American Dad. Also The Unit on CBS.

I will make separate entrees on the Marine Corps breakfast, Record Release Party, and NTNing.

Bad Weather, But Good Time. --RoadDog

On-Line Headlines, Throughout the Evening

The November 5th Chicago Tribune did an hourly look at some news sites. Make sure you read the Onion's comments. They are hilarious, and as usual, VERY, VERY TONGUE-IN-CHEEK.

CNN.com

6 PM-- McCain, Obama split first two called states
7-- McCain wins SC, CNN predicts
8-- Obama to win Penn, CNN predicts
9-- Two red states turn blue, CNN projects
10-- CNN: Obama to be next president

MSNBC.com

6 PM-- McCain wins Ky.; Obama takes Vt.
7-- Obama claims Pennsylvania prize
8-- Florida, Virginia hang in balance
9-- NBC: Obama wins Ohio, Iowa
10-- NBC: Obama wins

THEONION.com

6 PM-- Klemke wins
7-- Voting machines elect one of own to be president
8-- Bush "Can I stop being president now?"
9-- McCain refusing to tell voters what's in box unless elected
10-- Black man given nation's worst job

Ya Just Gotta Like Dem Onion Boys. Great Job Tribune!!! --RoadDog

Obamaphernalia

Another article in the November 6th Chicago Tribune by Monica Eng. She wrote about the street vendors at and following Tuesday's get-together in Grant Park.

COOLEST SOUVENIR-- Barackas-- a pair of these maracas with his face for $5.

BEST CLAIM-- "Get your official campaign towel. We have been traveling with the campaign and we assure you this is the official towel." $5 (Hand towel with Obama's face.

BEST JOB CAPITALIZING ON THE CHICAGO CONNECTION-- Tee shirt with "Chicago's in the house" under a picture of the White House flying Chicago's flag.

SECOND-BEST JOB CAPITALIZING ON THE CHICAGO CONNECTION-- Tee shirt with Cubs logo that becomes an O with "bama" inside. Yuck, Cubs, and Barack is a SOX FAN!!

FUNNIEST HOMEMADE SHIRT-- "Gobama Gobama Go"

BEST SALES COMEBACK-- When a woman tried to bargain down the vendor on a $20 Obama tee shirt, he replied: "But, he just took Ohio."

QUICKEST TURNAROUND-- Just moments after the race was called for Obama, stacks of "Yes We Did" shirts appeared.

BEST SALES PITCH FROM SOMEONE NOT SELLING AN ACTUAL SOUVENIR-- "Obama for president. I need the change," from a man sitting at Michigan Avenue and Randolph Street.

Now, This Is ONE Excellent Job of Reporting. A Very Real Part of Times Like This. Nice Job Monica. --RoadDog

Obama's Ripple Effect

An article in the November 6th Chicago Tribune discussed the effect that Barack Obama's election would have on Chicago and Illinois.

TOURISM-- Land of Lincoln will have another "presidential halo effect" Areas on Chicago's Southside and Springfield tied to Obama should have an increase in tourism.

KENNEDY EXPRESSWAY-- The airport closest to his home, Midway, is not big enough for Air Force 1, so he'll have to use O'Hare and take the Kennedy, causing massive tie-ups.

HIS NEIGHBORHOOD-- mix of upscale intellectual life and downscale street culture. Will it change?

HIS BLOCK-- Let's hope he doesn't choose to continue living in Chicago and commute to work like our governor. There are already barriers at either end of his block. Some neighbors are grousing about the inconvenience of the security.

UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO-- Obama was a former law professor here. More students? More federal funds?

OPRAH WINFREY-- Can she get even more popular?

MASS TRANSIT-- Going broke. Can more federal funds be coming from DC?

OLYMPIC BID-- For 2016 Games. Sure can't hurt.

WHITE SOX-- Barack Obama is a big Sox fan. Throwing out first pitch.

Sure Won't Hurt. --RoadDog