Saint Patrick's Day 2013

Can you hear it? Creedence Clearwater Revival singing "Green River?"

Today is Saint Patrick's Day. It is celebrated by Irish people, all over the world. It's also celebrated by people who, once a year, pretend they are Irish. That's OK. Wishing to be something that you're not is a compliment to whatever that something is!

The picture? It is the Chicago River, Chicago, Illinois, USA. Every year the river is dyed green in honor of St. Patrick's Day. The view is looking east, in the direction of Lake Michigan. (Click the image for a better view.)

So, raise a glass of your favorite refreshment and toast the Irish and St. Patrick!

Sheen Shines in Chi-Town

If this were a boxing match, Charlie Sheen would have taken "Round 2" unanimously.

In Chicago he put on a different show with a different format. Gone was the rapper, the videos and the endless ranting. Instead, He came onstage (20 minutes late) with a pack of cigarettes and was "interviewed" by his friend and co-producer of the tour, Joey Scoleri.

Topics covered were:Marriage
His Aspen domestic violence arrest
CBS
AA
How to be a goddess
Paying for sex
The Plaza Debacle

So....the "Second City" loves Charlie Sheen!
WINNING?
In Chicago, winning can mean different things.
For example, Chicago loves their CUBS!

Wal-Mart Gets Green Light In Windy City

I'm a little late on this one. It was announced last week that Wal-Mart would be opening at least two stores within the Chicago City Limits. Not so fast, there are stipulations! The store must be constructed by union labor. The size of the store is limited and the workers, er...associates must be paid a certain amount above minimum wage.

A lotta people don't like Wal-Mart's reputation of putting the "little guy" out of business. I don't like them because they are not local and because some of their associates are basically unemployable. On the other hand, I think they can afford to pay their "good" people better. This is part of the problem with a "one size fits all" philosophy coming from out-of-town management. They must be doing something right. One stop shopping is probably their top attraction...with the illusion of low prices.

Getting back to Chicago. Are we in Russia? Doesn't Wal-Mart have rights? The union must build the Chicago Wal-Mart buildings? Do I smell another kickback?

Look folks, like it or not, it's a free country. Wal-Mart should be free to do business, legally, wherever the hell it wants to.

Oh and whether you get a check in the mail from Uncle Sugar, or if you actually earn a paycheck, you don't have to shop at Wal-Mart!

CHICAGO CUB(an)S

Mark Cuban, Dallas Mavericks owner with deep pockets, denies that a deal is in the works for him to purchase the Chicago Cubs from Tribune Co. Tribune wants to sell. Cuban wants to buy. The $625 million is more than the franchise is worth. What's the hold up?
Last wednesday, Cuban denied that the deal is going down. Denial of a business deal is common as the lawyers and accountants dot the i's and cross the t's. It'll happen because Cuban wants the Cubs. People with his kind of money usually get what they want.