Want to Know About Tony "The Man in the Iron Mask" Rezko? Read Sun Times Reporter Natasha Korecki - A Real Journalist

The Media stinks because it collectively believes that its audience agree fully and rapturously with it or are to dismissed universally as bumpkins, Rubes, hill-rods, knuckle-draggers, and Bible-clinging gun toters. I have never owned a gun and read the Bible via the readings during Mass on Sundays.

The Media believes it to be H.L.Mencken, Edward R. Murrow, Ring Lardner and Anne Landers on steroids. Too many iconic columnists believe themselves to be Atticus Finch, when in fact they are little more than Ernest T. Bass.
Some female columnists see themselves as 12-Step Dry Dorothy Parkers and are little more than Roseanne Barr before a well-needed nap.

There are yet great writers covering stories. In Chicago, the Sun Times is blessed to have great reporters, despite a daffy Color-forms Progressive editorial board.
Mark Konkol, Abdon Pallasch, the tenacious Tim Novak, the always fair and witty Steve Metsch, Maureen O'Donnell and the brilliant Natasha Korecki.

Yesterday, Ms. Korecki offered the most exact, tightest, honest and insightful summary of the Tony Rezko saga in her report on today's sentencing of America's Man in the Iron Mask.

Tony Rezko was the 2008 Presidential Campaign in miniature - a story where the smoke ascending from the fire was sucked up into the ozone by the Media, like a powerful kitchen exhaust hood over a toasting skillet of week old fish.

Natasha Korecki recently covered the Blago court dates with wit and accuracy.

Here is a real journalist who respects her readers on Tony Rezko.

Long known as the “political fixer,” who was friends with a politically young Barack Obama, Tony Rezko once grabbed headlines in a presidential campaign. At the same time in Illinois, Rezko’s name was synonymous with a federal investigation into former Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

But since Rezko volunteered to go jail after his 2008 conviction, he’s settled in as not much more than a footnote in both politics and corruption.

That’s partly because the investigation into Blagojevich exploded after Rezko’s trial, taking a new turn involving the sale of President Obama’s U.S. Senate seat — conduct that happened when Rezko was already behind bars.

However, even though he cooperated with federal authorities after his conviction on 16 of 24 counts of corruption under Blagojevich’s tenure as governor, Rezko was never used as a witness in subsequent criminal cases.

It’s left the once high-profile defendant, set to be sentenced on Tuesday in Chicago federal court, in a precarious position.

Rezko volunteered to go to jail immediately, volunteered to cooperate and volunteered to delay his sentencing so he could be called as a witness at both of Blagojevich’s trials as well as the trial of Springfield power broker William Cellini, according to his lawyers.

Being behind bars — but not sentenced — meant he endured more oppressive prison conditions than most white collar criminals who are usually sentenced then shipped off to prison camps, his lawyers said.

But in the end, the government never called him to the witness stand. While Rezko’s lawyers asked U.S. District Judge Amy St. Eve. to sentence him to time served, the government has requested a stiff penalty: 11 to 15 years in prison.

Thank Ms. Korecki! You wrap things up much tighter than a Federal Prosecutor with an agenda! You respect the people at the Red Boxes fishes for alot of quarters.

Jesse Junior - Never Eats at a Place Called Mom's and He Should - The Political Perils of Pretty Pie Ploppers! Caveat Junior!

Boy, Howdy! What a tough morning for three striving African Americans on the rise.

One disc jockey comedian got the Feds to make a Bridgeport couple sign over their home to him. ( Chicago Tribune)

One African American restaurateur with several listings who ran against Toni Preckwinkle beefed to Mary Mitchell that he is being required to bring his clubs and restaurants 'Up to Code!' Jeesh, and in this our post racial America. Well, thank W.E.B Dubois ( The God of the Talented Ten Percent) that Eric Holder ( a Ten Percenter) has his delicate hands on the Justice throttle - for now.

Lastly, Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. who challenged the Feds to "bring it (whatever it is) on,' only this weekend has "it" (whatever "it" is) all over the front page of the Sun Times - brought to you by the wonderful Natasha Korecki, as well as Chris Fusco and Lynn Sweet. Now that is one tough tag-team.

Stemming from the Blago fall-out and the Indian American ( not American Indian mind you) fund raising connection, Junior is confronted with his acquaintance to a Washington D.C. hostess - not the usual hash-slinger, mind you.

The FBI interviewed that acquaintance -- a Washington, D.C., restaurant hostess named Giovana Huidobro -- about a year ago as part of its corruption probe of Blagojevich. Authorities were trying to determine whether Jackson had asked Nayak to offer Blagojevich campaign cash in exchange for the then-governor appointing Jackson to the seat once held by President Obama, according to sources with knowledge of the probe.

Huidobro, Jackson and Nayak all dined together on Oct. 8, 2008 -- the same day that Nayak has told authorities he had a key conversation with Jackson about the Senate appointment, sources said. The three then ended up at Ozio, the restaurant and club where Huidobro works and where Jackson has held fund-raisers.

Huidobro told authorities she knew nothing of Jackson's political dealings regarding the Senate seat, according to sources. She also said she flew to Chicago on several occasions at Jackson's request and that Jackson sometimes reimbursed her for her travels.

Nayak told the FBI that he paid for two airline trips for Huidobro from Washington to Chicago in 2008.

Through a spokesman, Jackson declined to comment for this story.

Jackson does not appear to have reported the flights for Huidobro as a gift on his House financial-disclosure statement, and it's unclear whether he violated any ethics or fund-raising laws by not doing so.

He was once considered a potential presidential candidate and now is discussing a bid to succeed Mayor Daley. His wife, Ald. Sandi Jackson (7th), also has been mentioned as a possible mayoral candidate, though she downplayed her chances of running during a jobs rally she attended Monday.

In a radio interview about the mayor's race last week, Jackson challenged federal prosecutors to "bring it on" if they have evidence he was a conspirator in Blagojevich's corruption case.

I too am acquainted with beautiful women and all but one are acquaintances - the exquisite beauty with whom I am seen in public is a stunner - a diminuitive cross between Audrey Hepburn and Jennifer Jones. Whenever she sings jazz or liturgical choral, she has a wake of ardent gentleman suitors following her tiny steps. I can only believe that this good woman is working off a priori time-served in Purgatory. Most folks agree with my assessment. The balance of beautiful women are also talented Artists ( Cathy O'Connell,Laura Amend, Amanda Crumley, Mary Houlihan), Activists (Jamillah Ali-Joyce, Susan Jordan Mary Beth Sheahan), Media Persons (Mary Ann Ahern, Tamara Holder), Morgan Park Moms ( about 8,000 of them), Coaches (Katie Schumacher), Philanthropists ( Patti Bidwill, Mary Ann Roti, Peggy Blandford).

I am and can be as shallow as MSNBC, but I am also by choice, training and inclination completely monogamous.

Nevertheless, Congressman Jackson has more than his foot in "it" -whaterever it is - it seems.

Why is it that politicians and powerful Don Drappers in Big -Bucko-Industries & Services never seem to have acquaintances that happen to be large . . .substantial women . . .gals who like to polish off a hectar of popcorn at the CinePlex after a dinner consisting of a porterhouse the Size of USS Ronald Reagan, a Tsunami of Mojitas and a wedge of Milky Way Chocolate Cheesecake that could hold up a brick wall. You know, BIG . . . Good Hearted Gals?

Or, why not a girl with a set of choppers that could bite a pig's fanny through a picket fence?

Or, a Hostess who bears a striking resemblance to Academy Award nominee and Golden Globe winning actor Randy Quaid?

Looks are shallow. There is so much more to the magnificent human heart. I am as ugly as a bald dog, but not as bad as a Congressman on holiday.

Next Time, Congressman Jackson, get your tucker at Blues Cafe or Slater's Biscuits and Gravy Wagon in Kankakee, IL.

Steer clear of the flashy and fork up the substantial portions at modest prices and avoid a Giovanna ( nice girl and easy on the eyes) and get a acquainted with Gert, or Mom.

Federal Prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald - What You Want Ain't What You Get?

Poor Fitzy! I mean that.

Metaphorically speaking, Patrick Fitzgerald asked the brain numbingly spectacularly gorgeous Class Knockout to the Prom and weeks later ends up going with the bearded fat girl in the iron lung.

Here's the Butcher's Bill from the best Blago Reporter in Chicago Natasha Korecki, et al, of the Chicago Sun Times - Blago Blog,

The jury is finally in on Rod Blagojevich — and the verdict is decidedly mixed.

A federal jury of six men and six women just returned a split verdict against the former governor, convicting him on only one of the 24 criminal corruption counts he faced.

The governor was found guilty of giving a false statement to federal agents.

Click my post title if you must for more.

Blago Mouthpiece Sam Adam, Jr. Offers Free Exclusive Interviews at Will County Fair in Peotone! Nah, Read Natasha Korecki!

I have been worried that attorney Sam Adam, Jr. has been put off his feed and is losing sleep with guilt - guilt over maybe not having giving Milarod his props in court. Sam seems a mere shadow of his former self.

I have been worried, as well, that perhap I have not really, really, really tried to make my children proud of me by becoming a reality show contestant. I am down to three meals a day and seven hours of sleep.

Sam Adam, Jr. has granted a number of "exclusive' interviews to a number of "exclusive" intellectual giants like Elizabeth Brackett of WTTW - Winnetka Talks to Wilmette. However, Guilty Sam might wish to spread the love and offer -

Sam Adam, Jr. Esq. - Exclusive Interviews

Ride The Sam Adam, Jr. Blago Truth Tour - $ 83.00 per minute - You'll know what's what and I'll sleep and eat better.

At the Will County Fair in Peotone!

Will County FairDate:8/29/2010 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. - View More Dates Address:710 S. West Street Peotone, 60468 - Adult Activities, Children's Activities, Festival Description:The Will County Fair offers a variety of entertainment, activities, competitions, and vendors for visitors of all ages.

Be sure to visit the Forest Preserve District's booth in the Exhibit Building to collect information about all that the District has to offer.

Visit the Will County Fair Web site for more information.

Rube Hickey, nailing the first of many Elephant ears, "Hey, that ain't free!"

Sam Adam, Jr., still fasting and sleepless, " Move it along, Son! The offers Free! Fee is not Free, Dr. King rode a lunch counter for your sins and all our sins!!!! I will go to jail rather than contemptuously take less than the posted $ 83.00 for this exclusive free offer! Truth, Son! Truth! Now, move it along!"

Rube Hickey, " Mike Flannery said the same thing! Dang! Still, that's a hull lot of corndogs! Good luck, Counselor."

For real Blago Straight Dope - go exclusively to Natasha Korecki!
Click my post title for a real reporter.

Sun Times NewsPro Natasha Korecki Covers Burge Trial as it Should - Facts, Nothing But the Facts

The Chicago Sun Times has the best reporters and worst columnists in Chicago.

Mark Konkol, Tim Novak, Chris Fusco and sometimes Abdon Pallasch are strong and honest. My favorite read is Natasha Korecki she slides a sentence with the grace of sportswriter Dan McGrath and avoids the posing and posturing of the would be Menckens and Divas.

Paddy Fitz the Fed needs Media Points after his Blago Blunders and here he is playing to his orchestra. The Burge Trial will be a Circus and the Feds will play to the folks who only read what Carol Marin, Mark Brown, Mary Mitchell, and the Sun Times' weak-ass editorial board writes. The Sun Times has talent like Ms. Korecki who will report and not fabricate. BTW- The Sun Times Editorial Board is 10X better than the Chicago Tribune's.

Jon Burge has been convicted by the media and the media never checks its own sources - they are in agreement with all the nonsense that the Burge Industry ( Peoples Law Office, Mr. & Mrs. Ayres-Dohrn, Northwestern Law, CPUSA) have provided the lazy and the wildly ambitious columnists.

Thank you Natasha Korecki! This is a good read and a fine report.

Dressed in a black suit, tie, and blue shirt, former Chicago Police Cmdr. Jon Burge on Thursday spun around in his chair and seemed to struggle a bit as he stood up.

"Morning, ladies and gentlemen," said the man who for decades has been accused of torturing murder suspects.

» Click to enlarge image

Former Chicago Police Commander Jon Burge as he leaves the Federal building for a lunch break Thursday.
( Brian Jackson/Sun-Times)


Burge was briefly inside a courtroom addressing the potential jurors who will judge his fate in his trial that starts later this month on obstruction of justice and perjury charges. A pool of jurors were summoned today to fill out a questionnaire but jury selection in the case doesn't begin until May 24. After court, a slow-moving Burge, who lives in Tampa, Fla., said he felt "terrible," physically and that it was "not unusual," to be back in Chicago.

Nearly 80 potential jurors were handed questionnaires in preparation for the upcoming selection.

U.S. District Judge Joan Lefkow told the ethnically and racially diverse panel not to read or listen to any media coverage of the case.

While Burge and his underlings have long been accused of torturing suspects into giving confessions, he is not on trial for those actual acts. Burge is accused of lying on a sworn questionnaire that probed him of the alleged practices.

Sun Times Has Real Reporters, Natasha Korecki and Chris Fusco, Shedding the Light on Blago SEIU Senate Silverfish

The Icons and the See-nothing, Know -Nothing Sun Times Editorial Board gave Candidate Obama a Free Pass and Ride to the White House. Sun Times reporters would have dug deeper, but maybe the leash was on under Old Cyrus.

The Chicago Sun Times of neighborhood guy James Tyree is blessed with real talent - the reporters. Newspaper people Natasha Korecki, Mark Konkol, Chris Fusco, Maureen O'Donnell and the superb investigative pit bull Tim Novak.

The editorial board stinks and the iconic and fatuous loudmouth columnists offer little or nothing. The little that they do is enough to insult working people ( cops, firefighters, public employees and their neighborhoods) and drive a larger wedge between the races - to say nothing of the constant Catholic bashing.

That said, Jim Tyree's reporters are very good.

Today, Natasha Korecki and Chris Fusco beam some light on the SEIU Silverfish. Full disclosure: I met Tom Balanoff years ago over in Indiana when his father James represented the Steelworkers ( unlike most upper-echelon SEIU people, Tom Balanoff ( I think represented Cement workers at the time) is a working man and not a U. of Pennsylvania Social Worker manque) and found him to be a real gentleman and a rock-ribbed union man. SEIU needed a real working man in order to make sense to other real Union People here in Illinois -a real Union State. I believe that SEIU, which began here in Chicago with the sacking of the Old Janitors Local #25 in the 1970's, is anything but a real labor union, but that's me. Tom Balanoff, I believe has been triangulated by Stern and the Obama Staff and that Andy Stern will surface as the real deal maker. Again, what I know of Tom Balanoff is that he is a genuine, sincere and honest man getting jackpotted by power mad Stern and Anna Burger.

Here is Natasha Korecki and Chris Fusco's fine work:

It is the first indication that Obama personally called an official with SEIU, which had donated $1.8 million to Blagojevich.

Two sources with knowledge of the investigation say Obama called Balanoff on Nov. 3, 2008, to give Balanoff the green light to continue talking to Blagojevich about Jarrett's possible appointment. The man who would be elected president the next day first left Balanoff, whose union also supported Obama, an innocuous message asking him to return the call.

When Balanoff and Obama later spoke, Obama -- in addition to discussing the election and campaigning -- relayed to Balanoff that he would not publicly come out in favor of any one candidate for his replacement, sources said.

Obama also told Balanoff he preferred Jarrett to come to the White House with him, according to the sources. However, he said he thought Jarrett would be electable and a strong senator, the sources said.

Blagojevich's lawyers also cited a Feb. 3, 2009, FBI interview with the union official, quoting the official as saying, "Obama was aware that [Balanoff] would be reaching out to Blagojevich."

Balanoff interpreted the conversation as a green light to keep discussing Jarrett's candidacy with Blagojevich, the sources said.

The Blagojevich court filing doesn't accuse the president of any wrongdoing.

I hope that Tom Balanoff dodges any and all misery in this shabby tale, but I hope that Mandarin Andy Stern finally gets revealed as the Silverfish he is and has been.

Sun Times Natasha Korecki - A Real Reporter! Natasha Skewers Blago With an Elegant Final Sentence

That is Natasha Korecki in the Center - One of Chicago Best Reporters!


Who, What, When, Where, and Why are all that a reporter needs to present in any story with simple declarative sentences.

The absolute American Master of the simple declarative sentence is former Chicago Tribune Sports Editor Dan McGrath.

Natasha Korecki of the Chicago Sun Times is always at the head of the Class of the Field as well!

Today's piece on the Northwestern University speech by the odious louse and former Illinois Governor is one of Natasha Korecki's best presentations. It is a gem of solid reporting.

Ms. Korecki allows Blago to speak and cavort, unencumbered by irony. The irony of this Drip's perpetual public posing suffices and Ms. Korecki reports.

More, without the preening and self-absorption of columnist, Natasha Korecki gives the reader an elegant coup de grace on Bumpkin Blag with this poignard* of closing sentence -Blagojevich, 52, is scheduled to go to trial on wide-ranging corruption charges in June.

Right thru the liver!



*A poignard, or poniard, originally a French word, is a lightweight dagger employed in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.