Dead White Man - Gaius Sallustius Crispus - Speaks to Voters About Yamheads in Elected Office

( Photo of Two Political Yamheads - Chicago Sun Times)


'We are the Senator!'

WASHINGTON -- Roland Burris, being Roland Burris, put it to me this way Friday when we talked: "We are the senator."

We are? We are not impressed.

http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/blagojevich/index.html

It appears that not only is Roland Burris prone to the Royal/Papal We, a sure sign that an American is prone wearing crowns and gowns without the Mental Health Professionals in attendance, but also is another Lame Ranger: Todd Stroger, Junior Jones, Caroline Kennedy& etc.

Well, Milorad might have picked worse, but he sure as hell could not have selected a more worthy micro-head on which to place the Senatorial laurel wreath- which will fall down onto Roland the First's tiny shoulders sometime on Monday when he intrudes himself into the U.S. Senate.

Roland will pal up in short order, no doubt, with another Lame Ranger - Princess Caroline Kennedy .

A dead white guy, who went by the handle Sallust back in Roman Times, wrote a preface to his study of the Jugarthine War* and it is a pretty solid study of what solid people in political life need to understand.

Sallust is no Maya Angelou, but then again who is?

I. Mankind unreasonably complain of their nature, that, being weak and
short-lived, it is governed by chance rather than intellectual power;
for, on the contrary, you will find, upon reflection, that there is
nothing more noble or excellent, and that to nature is wanting rather
human industry than ability or time.

The ruler and director of the life of man is the mind, which, when it
pursues glory in the path of true merit, is sufficiently powerful,
efficient, and worthy of honor, and needs no assistance from
fortune, who can neither bestow integrity, industry, or other good
qualities, nor can take them away. But if the mind, ensnared by
corrupt passions, abandons itself to indolence and sensuality, when
it has indulged for a season in pernicious gratifications, and when
bodily strength, time, and mental vigor, have been wasted in sloth,
the infirmity of nature is accused, and those who are themselves in
fault impute their delinquency to circumstances. Emphasis my Own


If man, however, had as much regard for worthy objects, as he has
spirit in the pursuit of what is useless, unprofitable, and even
perilous, he would not be governed by circumstances more than he would
govern them, and would attain to a point of greatness, at which,
instead of being mortal,he would be immortalized by glory.


II. As man is composed of mind and body, so, of all our concerns and
pursuits, some partake the nature of the body, and some that of the
mind. Thus beauty of person, eminent wealth, corporeal strength, and
all other things of this kind, speedily pass away; but the illustrious
achievements of the mind are, like the mind itself, immortal.

Of the advantages of person and fortune, as there is a beginning,
there is also an end; they all rise and fall, increase and decay.
But the mind, incorruptible and eternal, the ruler of the human race,
actuates and has power over all things, yet is itself free from
control.

The depravity of those, therefore, is the more surprising, who,
devoted to corporeal gratifications, spend their lives in luxury and
indolence, but suffer the mind, than which nothing is better or
greater in man, to languish in neglect and inactivity; especially when
there are so many and various mental employments by which the highest
renown may be attained.

III. Of these occupations, however, civil and military offices,and
all administration of public affairs, seem to me at the present time,
by no means to be desired; for neither is honor conferred on merit,
nor are those, who have gained power by unlawful means, the more
secure or respected for it. To rule our country or subjects by
force, though we may have the ability, and may correct what is wrong,
is yet an ungrateful undertaking; especially as all changes in the
state lead to bloodshed, exile, and other evils of discord; while
to struggle in ineffectual attempts, and to gain nothing, by wearisome
exertions, but public hatred, is the extreme of madness; unless when a
base and pernicious spirit, perchance, may prompt a man to sacrifice
his honor and liberty to the power of a party.

IV. Among other employments which are pursued by the intellect, the
recording of past events is of pre-eminent utility; but of its merits
I may, I think, be silent, since many have spoken of them, and since,
if I were to praise my own occupation, I might be considered as
presumptuously praising myself. I believe, too, that there will be
some, who, because I have resolved to live unconnected with political
affairs, will apply to my arduous and useful labors the name of
idleness; especially those who think it an important pursuit to court
the people, and gain popularity by entertainments. But if such persons
will consider at what periods I obtained office, what sort of men[13]
were then unable to obtain it, and what description of persons have
subsequently entered the senate, they will think, assuredly, that
I have altered my sentiments rather from prudence than from indolence,
and that more good will arise to the state from my retirement, than
from the busy efforts of others.

Gaius Sallustius Crispus - The Jugurthine War

*

Sallust's Jugurthine War is a brief monograph recording the war in Numidia c.112 B.C.. Its true value lies in the introduction of Marius and Sulla to the Roman political scene and the beginning of their rivalry. Sallust's time as governor of Africa Nova ought to have let the author develop a solid geographical and ethnographical background to the war, however, this is not evident in the monograph despite a diversion on the subject because Sallust's priority in the "Jugurthine War", as with the "Catiline Conspiracy", is to use history as a vehicle for his judgement on the slow destruction of Roman morality and politics.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sallust#Jugurthine_War*

Beachwood Reporter Details Blago T'aint as Much Tainted as Illinois - The Besmeared Realities of Progressive Politics

Steve Rhodes did a real nice summary of the Obama Internal Whitewash - 'We did NOT inhale'- the fumes of Stinky Politics. But Illinois has been Smoke Free for a Year Now! Progressive Nanny Staters sent Old Man Tobacco the Way of Demon Rum and Effective Government!

That is Progressive. You see Progressive Political Reality is this - 'We can not win an election more than three hundred yards from the Lakefront without the 'Old Timey Saloon Keeper' methods, but we like to stand far and away from them and allow the Machinery to get us in.' Take politics out of the smoke-filled back rooms of the saloons and a Commonwealth akin to Sesame Street ( brought to you by grant from the MacArthur Center for Justice) will grass-root itself and make Teutopolis, Carmi, Rock Island, Ottawa, Papineau, and Coal City, IL virtual Hyde Parks.

Prohibit the rights of citizens by legislative fiat and Free Illinois!

Reform Crusaders, like Mike Quigley, Joe Moore, Ed Smith love to Prohibit and yet they always require old school Ward operatives of the smoke filled room variety to get out the vote and then Mike, Joe, and Ed can sink their Progressive incisors deeply into the hands that passed out the palm cards on election in the Chicago Media, once re-elected.

President Elect Barack Obama's political life was made possible from a grant of the local Ward Committeemen.

Now the chickens have come home to roost. No one within spitting distance of local Chicago politics is shocked or surprised, but propriety and the solemnity of the up-coming Change is Hope Inauguration on January 20th dictates a whiff a smelling salts in public. 'Saul, Saul why have you forsaken us!'

Beachwood Reporter's Steve Rhodes offers a nice redaction and commentary on the explosively obvious Obama Whitewash - 'We're Okay!'

"Obama also said 'he had no interest in dictating the results of the selection process and he would not do so, either directly or indirectly through staff or others,' the report said, adding that Whitaker relayed that information to Peters."

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But we know that Obama indeed did try to influence the selection process.

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Then again, if Jarrett bailed because the process was dirty, why this?

"After Jarrett removes herself from consideration from the Senate seat, Obama discusses other qualified candidates with Emanuel and Obama adviser Axelrod, including U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky, U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., state Comptroller Dan Hynes and Illinois Veterans Affairs Director Tammy Duckworth. Obama understands that Emanuel will relay these names to Blagojevich's office."

And again, if Obama "understands" that Emanuel will relay these names to Blagojevich's office, how is that not trying to influence the selection process?

*

"But the report, when meshed with allegations in Blagojevich's criminal complaint, portrays Jarrett as being far more involved in seeking to be appointed to the Senate than has been previously known," the Sun-Times reports. "She removed herself from consideration after a conversation with a union official who had spoken with Blagojevich."

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Emanuel listened to at least one recording, according to an AP report.

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"Blagojevich, the complaint indicates, met with Balanoff around Nov. 5, at which time the governor understood Balanoff 'was an emissary' to discuss Jarrett's interest in the Senate seat."

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"'Though their conversation would seem to suggest that Blagojevich - who holds the sole power to appoint Obama's replacement - was seeking a quid pro quo, 'Ms. Jarrett did not understand the conversation to suggest that the governor wanted the cabinet seat as a quid pro quo for selecting any specific candidate to be the President-elect's replacement,' the Obama report states."

*

"Obama, who has downplayed his role in the Senate selection process, 'believed it appropriate to provide the names of multiple candidates to be considered," according to the report."

*

"Unlike other contenders, who went hat-in-hand to Blagojevich - under an ethics cloud even before he was arrested Dec. 9 on public corruption charges - Jarrett did not approach the governor directly. I can see why. Would have been off message," Lynn Sweet writes.

*

In other words, don't taint the image with reality.

Thank God and Greyhound the Obama linens are unsoiled!

Rod Blagojevich is the Governor of Illinois. He was keel-hauled immediately after the election of President Elect Obama by Federal Prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald - the all purpose bleach of the life political in Illinois. I feel that Fitzy might have pulled the trigger too quickly on Gov. Rod.

The Guv is the same guy who appeared to be as nutty as a Stuckey's Log when he ran against Paul Vallas in 2002. In fact, he just might be a little more restrained these days; however, the politically expedient in Illinois took a shine to young Milorad:

Here's my 'guy who gets the news with the other guys at Kean Gas at 5AM' political scratch sheet from Wikipedia:

In 2002, Blagojevich ran for his party's nomination to become governor. Blagojevich won a close primary campaign against former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris, whose base was largely African-American voters,[citation needed] and Chicago Public Schools Superintendent Paul Vallas, who ran well in the suburban "collar" counties of Chicago.[citation needed] Blagojevich finished strongly in southern Illinois, winning 55% of the primary vote downstate, enough to win a primary victory by a thin margin.[16]

During the primary, state Senator Barack Obama backed former Attorney General Burris, but supported Blagojevich after he won the primary at Burris' suggestion,[21] serving as a "top adviser" for the general election.[22] Future Obama senior adviser David Axelrod had previously worked with Blagojevich on Congressional campaigns, but did not consider Blagojevich ready to be governor and declined to work for him on this campaign.[22] According to Rahm Emanuel, he, Barack Obama, Blagojevich's campaign co-chair David Wilhelm, and another Blagojevich staffer "were the top strategists of Blagojevich's 2002 gubernatorial victory," meeting weekly to outline campaign strategies.[22] However, Wilhelm has said that Emanuel overstated Obama's role in the sessions, and Emanuel said in December 2008 that Wilhelm was correct and he had been wrong in his earlier 2008 recollection to The New Yorker.[22] ( emphasis my own - to point out the incidental 'well-lookee here' on future U.S. Senator Roland Burris of Illinois - The Land of Linens)

In the [general election, Blagojevich defeated Republican Illinois Attorney General Jim Ryan.[16] Blagojevich's campaign was helped by his connected father-in-law, Chicago alderman Richard Mell.[16] Ethics scandals had plagued the previous administration of Republican George Ryan (no relation to Jim), and Blagojevich's campaign focused on the theme of "ending business as usual" in state government.[23] Polls prior to the election found that many Illinois voters were confused about the names of George Ryan and Jim Ryan, a fact Blagojevich capitalized on.[24] He asked, "How can you replace one Ryan with another Ryan and call that change? You want change? Elect a guy named Blagojevich."[24] Blagojevich won with 52% of the vote over Jim Ryan.[24] On election night, he said: “Tonight, ladies and gentlemen, Illinois has voted for change.” [23]

A Cornucopia of Progressive endorsements hailed Blago into the Governorship. SEIU opened its huge wallet! Progress Illinois! Hail Rod! Hail Progress! Hail Storms!

Yep, Change one set of soiled linens for the breezy fresh Progressive new ones - Oh, wait them undies is soiled as well!

Walp!

1. Gov. Rod Blagojevich is the Governor of Illinois and he is Constitutionally ( large 'C' as in Illinois Con and not small 'c' as in capable)empowered to appoint the next U.S. Senator.

2. Roland Burris will be the next the U.S. Senator.

3. None of this stuff is new or shocking.

4. Blagojevich will most likely be impeached, but will probably waltz on the charges brought on by Fitzy.

5. Politics needs to be purged of Progressive influence and returned to effective career politicians.

6. Smoke-filled back rooms are essential to the conduct of good government and effective government services - time to lift the smoking ban. Either that, or require that Lisa Madigan, Barbara Flynn-Curry, Mary Flowers and the the other solid women in politics take up dipping Copenhagen and gnawing chaws of Red Man.

The Mixed Nuts of the Free Gaza Group of Activists -The Left's Bump in Obama's Ascendant Foreign Policy

Israelis, God Bless Them All, are fighting back at the Hamas thugs who have showered rockets onto schools, synogogues, churches, markets, and homes in Isreal and the Lefties around the globe are beefing. That's what they do. Take the contrary view to world truth, make a pain-in-the-ass of yourself on a global scale and get nominated for the Nobel Prize.

Israel is taking the proper course and naturally anti-Semitic Leftists seize the day.

Gaza will be a huge nail popping up from the soles of President Elect Obama's Florsheims.

President elect Obama may wish that John McCain had won . . .after the Ball is over on January 20th, 2009.

He may wish that he was runner-up; maybe not.

It appears the assorted nuts of planet earth - earnest world warriors offering Hegelian contrarian press statements about world events and boarding yachts to 'make a statement' against Israel will push President elect Obama to make a stand on American Foreign Policy. The Free Gaza Group will be invited on Bill Maher, MSNBC, NPR, and other lefty outlets for sober, hushed, earnest and eye-ball spinning anger.

No one's eye-balls spin like Green Party POTUS Candidate and former Congressman Cynthia McKinney - the turnstile jumper of the U.S. Congress.

Cynthia, according to Drudge Report, and a whole boatload of earnest activists like herself had their yacht rammed by the Israeli Navy as they attempted to cargo humanitarian aid to Gaza - the Hamas rocket launching paradise and cause celeb deep thinkers and trendy Nobel Prize wannbees. Here is the Free Gaza Group:

Mission Statement
We want to break the siege of Gaza. We want to raise international awareness about the prison-like closure of the Gaza Strip and pressure the international community to review its sanctions policy and end its support for continued Israeli occupation. We want to uphold Palestine's right to welcome internationals as visitors, human rights observers, humanitarian aid workers, journalists, or otherwise.

Who are we?
We are these human rights observers, aid workers, and journalists. We have years of experience volunteering in Gaza and the West Bank at the invitation of Palestinians. But now, because of the increasing stranglehold of Israel's illegal occupation of Palestine, many of us find it almost impossible to enter Gaza, and an increasing number have been refused entry to Israel and the West Bank as well. Despite the great need for our work, the Israeli Government will not allow us in to do it.

We are of all ages and backgrounds. Back home, we are teachers, doctors, nurses, engineers, truck drivers, youth workers, musicians, secretaries, parents, grandparents, lawyers, students, activists, actors, playwrights, politicians, web designers, authors, international training consultants, and we even include a former Hollywood film industry worker, a former Marine, an aviator, and an explorer. We are Italian, Irish, Canadian, Greek, Tunisian, German, Australian, American, English, Scottish, Danish, Israeli, and Palestinian. ( emphasis my own)

A veritable rainbow! An unemployed Hollywood Swinger! There are no Former Marines - ask any Marine. An Explorer???? Well you also have in your bag of assorted nuts the most thoroughly documented lunatic in the US Congress since Gus Savage - La Belle McKinney!

McKinney called on President-elect Obama to address the Gaza crisis, saying the weapons being used by Israel were supplied by the United States.

McKinney denied that the incident was an accident. “What the Israelis are saying is outright disinformation,” she said. “What happened to us last night was a direct threat to our mission, but not our cause.”

Palmor called those allegations “absurd.”

“There is no intention on the part of the Israeli navy to ram anybody,” Palmor said.

In a press release, the Free Gaza movement stated, “Contrary to international maritime law, the Israelis are actively preventing the Dignity from approaching Gaza or finding safe haven in either Egypt or Lebanon. Instead, the Israeli navy is demanding that the Dignity return to Cyprus — despite the fact that the ship does not carry enough fuel to do so.”

McKinney is a high-profile member of a boatload of activists that set sail Monday from Cyprus to deliver medicine to war-torn Gaza.

'Who made this Shrimp Platter? These are frozen! I Said fresh! I'll busta cap in your ass! Why is this boat rocking???'

An Irish Activist Caomhe Butterly has been all over the globe activating: New York Homeless, Mexican Zapatistas, Isreal Bashing and deploring American efforts in Iraq from the get-go! Ms. Butterly was even shot in the thigh during one of her earnest visits to Gaza by IFD soldiers.

In 2003, before The Surge and long before Iraqis could once again drink clean water, vote and go the market, Ms. Butterly fulminated against American Fascism:

"They are sick. They are deeply, deeply sick. Tell the Americans we don't believe in this freedom" says an elderly man. His comment is one of the many of the crowd that surround us yelling their pain and anger--demanding an explanation, a response--"why?" "why do they insist on continuing to massacre our people--how much more blood do they want?" "show them, show the world, tell them the truth."

Later, we move on, to the school occupied by the American military for the past week. It is here that - we are told--a non violent orderly demonstration to the school took place last night. All those interviewed, all those crowded outside the school now insist that the official version is false. They gathered peacefully, and marched peacefully, past the mosque through a residential area to the barbed wire coils that surround the occupied school.

The American troops as we arrive, are packing up. This is not a media stunt--the media have come and gone--a constant traffic, all day, through the hospital. Pictures taken, grief and loss encapsulated into palatable sound bites. This withdrawal is tactical. The public relations campaign of a benign occupation will be difficult to maintain if there is follow-up to this particular massacre. If there are charges pressed by the families, by the brothers who were hit by stray bullets inside their house. If there is investigation into the legitimacy of the official army version of events. It will become d! difficult, if there can be, in Falluja, a focal center for people's anger and frustration, an occupied school, snipers pointing guns at people entering and exited the mosque. It is easier for everyone, if the soldiers slip off into the night, avoiding the scrutiny, the fixed eye of accountability, which must be a factor in any "liberated" "democratic" country. So they do, slip off into the night--and, not recognizing us as their armoured cars and trucks pass our car on a dark highway to Baghdad, American soldiers pump their fists into the air for our cameras, giving us the victory sign.

Liberation--an ephemeral, passing phenomena has come and gone in Falluja. It came, sat uncomfortably for a week--without translators, cultural or historical sensibility, brought a temporary horde of journalists to record its only lasting impression on a community; that of violence, and pain, and loss; and left. Falluja, we are told lat! er via a news report by a BBC reporter, has always been "anti Amer ican". This should, and will, nullify or qualm any murmurings of distrust abroad as to what lies ahead.

Caoimhe Butterly is an Irish human rights activist, currently living in Baghdad with Voices in the Wilderness. She spent a year in Jenin, Palestine, and since her deportation in Dec. 2002, has been campaigning full-time in Ireland and the UK, giving over 70 talks on Palestine and Jenin. She is in Iraq indefinitely, and can be reached through: info@vitw.org

President Elect Obama will face moral and political back-blow from the trendy loudmouths who helped elect him -God Help the Man.I will venture to say that the Gaza Group and the media morons will attempt to paint President Obama as Bush III by President's Day 2009. When you get into a crowded boat, make sure you look to see just how fast your fellow occupants' eyes are spinning. If Cynthia McKinney's broad beam occupies any lumber on the craft - take the next boat, Mr. President!

Jan 'I Want Obama's Seat' Schakowsky's Progressive Keyboarding Class

Huge Hat Tip and Hosanna to Max Weismann and the Center for the Study of Great Ideas.

Couch Cruiser's 'Valkyrie' - Nazis as Great Guys . . .Just Slow on the Draw!

Yep. Rommel was a good Nazi. Tried to snuff the the Paper Hanger a tad late in the War though. Erwin and the Lads kind of Screwed the pooch and got themselves Luca Brazzi'd for their efforts - pretty thick oak on Al's Big Table and all.

Tom, the Couch Jumper, Cruise made a huge movie about the terrific group of guys **who decided that Hitler had to go . . . kind of like many in the Illinois Legislature getting an inc-ling that Blago is, and has been, a tad milky in the filbert.

Well, Valkyrie is one movie that I can't wait to see . . .when it comes on Cable.

About a year before I was born, Henry Hathaway directed a movie called The Desert Fox* which presented some of the life of Field Marshall Erwin Rommel, who was part of the Valkyrie Plot to assassinate Old Vienna Al Hitler - the Peter Principle on Steroids.

The Desert Fox covered the plot and substance of the Tom Cruise movie pretty good. In fact, it is safe to say that every male over the age of thirty and most of the women who tolerate us caught the James Mason Rommel story and got a pretty good fix on the tale from Saturday Night at the Movies ( Click My Post Title for more) - 'Are you serious, Englishman?' was the great riposte to the British commando sent to kill Rommel and fails -'Did we get . . .him?' Laughing Nazi,'Are you serious, Englishman?' You gotta love movie Nazis - real ones are pretty pathetic dopes - like the dubious sexual orientation goose-steppers who used to hang out around Marquette Park.

Well, Tom Cruise, who may not be nuts, but plays a great one in real life is all over the place with this Pup of a Picture.

Good Nazis decide to kill Hitler and fail.

Save your dough. Desert Fox will be on AMC or TCM - watch a guy who knows how to do a Nazi. James Mason is Rommel.








*The film starts with Rommel as desert warfare genius and then when he does become ill and is invalided out of North Africa, the Allies regain the initiative and beat his famed Afrika Korps. Rommel is then sent to Western Europe to supervise the defenses on the Atlantic.

There comes a point when Rommel does realize that his Fuehrer is destroying his country and becomes involved in the plot to kill him and overthrow the government. That is what most of the film deals with.

James Mason is a stalwart Rommel a perfect conception of the man they called The Desert Fox. In this mostly male film, Jessica Tandy has little to do but be loyal and supportive as Frau Rommel.

Luther Adler who among other parts he played in his long distinguished career was David Ben-Gurion. He goes the whole opposite way in his portrayal of a ranting and malevolent Adolph Hitler. How a man who took his Jewish heritage as seriously as Luther Adler did, prepare for the role of Hitler is beyond my scope. But then again, there were few actors as good as he.

Though Mason does a fine job given what limited material he had to work from, archives have been opened and we know a whole lot more about Erwin Rommel. Time for another biographical study. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0043461/


** 'Listen, Obersturm Gruppenfuehrer, the Al I know loves Dogs and Kids and he's . . .he's dating really . . .fat ankles sure but she's a female woman . . . Look. He's Okay, I'm telling you. We're doing pretty good and two fronts going. If things look bad in July we'll pink slip him.'

Andrew Distel - Jazz Genius at the Pump Room!

Click my post title and listen to young guys who treat music with respect.

Andrew Distel fronts a quartet of young jazz artists who grace Chicago's Pump Room* on Friday and Saturday nights from 8-10 PM.

There is absolutely no room on the tight stage for any nonsense or clinkers. With a clear and clever voice that delicately places the intent of the composer up on a Waterford Crystal mantel, Andrew sparks the piano, bass and drums **when adding the trumpet, flugelhorn and coronet to the International Songbook.

Along with pianist Pete Benson ( who reminds one of Errol Garner when he solos), Mr. Distel elevates the tones and textures which give music its ability to level out the cant and narcissism that seems the hallmark of contemporary performance artists masquerading as musicians.

These young men are the real deal. They are journeyman geniuses . . .lacking any and all of the puffery of egomaniacs with microphones. Distel scats like Torme! My personal favorite is Andrew's take on 'Sleepy Time Down South.'

If you love your wife as you should, allow Andrew Distrel and his sidemen to lead you to the dance floor for some serious affection reconnection through real music.

You will meet some of the nicest and brightest people in Chicago; especially Commodore Max Weismann who holds court over a crowd of regulars known to the Pump Room irregulars as the Hole in The Wall Gang. Max and the late Mortimer Adler developed the Center for the Study of Great Ideas and the Great Books Program.

Here's a Great Idea!

Dress up; Put on the Dog; and Get to the Pump Room. Treat yourself to real music by Andrew Distel.



* Pump Room in the Ambassador East Hotel:
1301 N. State Parkway
(312) 266-0360

When Ernie Byfield opened The Pump Room in The Ambassador East Hotel on October 1, 1938, he undoubtedly had little idea that he was beginning an enterprise that would still be thriving to this day. Today, The Pump Room remains a magnet for movie stars and celebrities as well as a highly-acclaimed restaurant and Chicago landmark.
In 1938, Mr. Byfield was inspired by a place called the Pump Room that dominated the scene in 18th century England. Located in the resort city of Bath, The Pump Room was a place where Queen Anne and other stylish Londoners converged to revel in the social life at night after a long day. The Pump Room was named after the hot water drinks “pumped” into its patrons’ cocktails.

Byfield’s Pump Room was a success from the day it opened. Chicago’s socialites perched themselves along the large room’s western wall to observe the celebrities who made their appearances along the east side of the room. Those guests seated in Booth One, perhaps the more renowned table in the country, attracted the most attention. Famed actress Gertrude Lawrence, who was starring in a play in Chicago at the same time as The Pump Room’s debut, established its reputation. Miss Lawrence staged a nightly gathering in Booth One during the play’s entire 90-day run. From that moment on, The Pump Room became the place to see and be seen.

John Barrymore roared for champagne; Bette Davis could be found curled up on the piano bench; Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall celebrated their wedding in Booth One, as did Robert Wagner and Natalie Wood. Liza Minelli grew up in Booth One and has fond memories of dining there with her mother, Judy Garland. Ms. Garland immortalized the restaurant in the lyrics to “Chicago”, with the words “we’ll eat at The Pump Room/Ambassador East, to say the least”. And of course, Frank Sinatra held court in Booth One countless times.

After Byfield’s death in 1950, The Pump Room held on to its allure as a place for stargazing. A new generation of luminaries took up residence in Booth One. Mel Brooks personally greeted each guest; Paul Newman and Robert Redford lunched on ham sandwiches and pilsners every day during the shooting of “The Sting”. Michael J. Fox, Eddie Murphy and Jim Belushi have all continued the tables’ famous tradition.

Opera star Beverly Sills has added some high notes to the room, while a few rock and roll legends like David Bowie, Fleetwood Mac, Olivia Newton-John and Mick Jagger, have added some of their own. A little known drummer was refused entry when he failed to pass the dress code and titled his solo album, “No Jacket Required” after the incident. His name- Phil Collins. (He was sent a new jacket by way of apology.)


Executive Chef Nick Sutton

The real command presence of the Pump Room:Bartender Extraordinaire - Angel!


**Andrew Distel Quartet at the Pump Room:
Andrew Distel - Vocals - Trumpet & etc.

Pete Benson - Piano ( 'nuff said!)

Jake Vinsel - Bass ( Jazz Bass Man named Jake!)

Brian Ritter - Drums ( Brian keeps it all together with delicate and clever precision)

http://www.pumproom.com/history.html

Prep for New Year with the Terry Sullivan Trio at Chicago's Gallery Cabaret!

Ms. Terry Sullivan is a writer ( Cultural & Arts Editor for Chicago Daily Observer, choral director of St. Cecelia Chorus of St. John Cantius Catholic Church, and a seasoned Jazz singer, who Chicago nightlife pioneer and jazz enthusiast Mr. Nick Novich ( Nick's Place & etc.) likened to ' the sweet voice of Blossom Dearie.'

Terry Sullivan Trio will grace the stage of Gallery Cabaret in Bucktown on December 29th from 8-10PM. Get a start on your New Year with the vocal stylings of Ms. Terry Sullivan and Great American Song Book!

Ms. Sullivan is accompanied by two of Chicago's best Jazz Artists - pianist Tom Hope and Bass Man Brian Sandstrom.


Tom Hope, Jazz pianist, was born and raised in Houston, studied music at North Texas State U., and was a U. S. Army bandsman. He lived and worked in Los Angeles in the 70's and is a Chicagoan since 1976. An

experienced accompanist, he has a repertoire of thousands of tunes in all keys, with an emphasis on the Great American Songbook.

Tom has performed with Barrett Deems, Arnett Cobb, Scott Hamilton, Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson, Ira Sullivan, Ken Peplowski, Ed Polcer, Red Holloway, Lee Castle, Richie Cole, Al Grey, Britt Woodman and Charlie Persip, as well as singers such as Jaye P. Morgan and the Four Freshmen. He is also an accomplished singer and a student of the guitar.

Tom offers jazz vocal coaching in the context of the Great American Songbook. This involves learning the real melodies and rhythms of the songs, choosing tempos on the basis of lyrical sense and swing, then allowing one's natural style to develop. This leads to liberation from copying other performers' personal interpretations.



Brian Sandstrom - "One of the busiest bass players working in the Chicago area." Chicago Tribune.

Brian, sideman on more than 25 CDs, has toured Europe with free jazz pioneer Hal Russell. He has also recorded and played locally & nationally with such notables as Doug Blake, Frank Portolese, Willie Pickens, Ken Vandermark, Kent Kessler, Rusty Jones, Robert Shy, Mars Williams, Ed Pertersen, Von Freeman, Ira Sullivan, and Frank Catalano.


Gallery Caberet:

The Gallery Cabaret has been operating in Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood since 1990. According to owner, Ken Strandberg, the Gallery Cabaret harkens back to a time when "you could walk into a joint, buy a drink, and enjoy live entertainment like comedy or music just for being there and being a patron." The Gallery has offered free entertainment 7 nites per week since it opened. Over time, many up and comers have graced the stage, like The Smashing Pumpkins, Urge Overkill, Material Issue and Liz Phair (while they were still up and comers!). The Gallery has also hosted numerous comedy acts and poetry readings and slams. Every month, local artists have their work on display at the Gallery. Currently, we also offer cable TV including your favorite sports, until prior to showtime, and early bird drink specials from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm. We also have Darts and Golden Tee Golf. Can't wait for music to start? We have TouchTunes internet jukebox with access to 1000's of songs.

Merry Christmas! God is Great and the Rest Ain't Too Bad!

Merry Christmas*! This morning cops and fireman and City Workers were getting coffee at White Hen at 103rd & Artesian as well as Kareem's Dunkin Donuts over on Western. They were bundled in arctic gear for a full day of serving all of us.

Two young coppers and a young lady EMT had been among the worshippers at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on 116th Church Street last night, when Terry McEldowney held forth with Oh, Holy Night and Adeste Fidelis. The tiny French Mission church built in 1904, during the Chicago Stockyard Strikes was packed with Faithful and devout neighbors from all over the 19th Ward. Terry McElligott and I were asked to pass the Offering baskets after Father Dempsey's sermon explained that 'God does not read computer print-outs for his Beloved, but sends his Son among us, to share our Joys, Set-backs and Sufferings.' Sacred Heart Church did Okay! It took four good cranks on the hopper of the Offering Box to load the offerings.

My kids and I slept in Peace, because public service angels were out and about on Duty.

The young Police officers and Fire Fighters and all the public servants from the City of Chicago's Water Department and Streets and Sanitation and the Peoples Gas crews and the frozen wire warriors on the ComEd trucks are out with the Little Guy in the Manger - keeping watch, while the angels sing.

* I found this manger scene on the Net; done a by a young artist when he was 7 years old. Click my post title for his site.

God Bless Us All - He has and he does!

Palin Responds - 'Rudolph Asked the Right Questions - Anyone from Salon or Huffpo Around Wasilla?'

Now, that's Executive Conviction!

I received a notice from Max Weismann of the Center for the Study of Great Ideas, which will soon be on Huffington Post without citation.


Dear Members, Colleagues and Friends of the Center,


Thanks to your continuing support, we are pleased to announce our eighteenth anniversary. The Center was founded on Mortimer Adler's birthday, December 28, 1990.


Although we will publish a special tribute on his birthday, we will be on hiatus from today through January 6, in memory of Dr. Adler and a holiday respite.


Dr. Jonathan Dolhenty, Senior Fellow; Ken Dzugan, Senior Fellow and Archivist; Dr. Jay Gold, Senior Fellow; Paul Harrison, Senior Fellow; Dr. Alan Iliff, Senior Fellow; Dave Peterson, Webmeister; Robert Sutherland, Senior Fellow and I wish you and your loved ones, a Joyous Holiday Season and a Healthy, Prosperous New Year.


Max Weismann


Max also passed along the above photo indicating that members of Tanked Up Media might have an answer to idiotic questions and follow-up like

GIBSON: National security is a whole lot more than energy. You think, Charlie?

Illinois 12 Gauge Slug Round, Governor? Oh, I hope! Right between Charlie's Pinz Nez's - metaphorically speaking of course - 'Tis the Season and All.

Well, its seems that Rudolph, Pathfinder for S. Claus Christmas/Holiday Delivery Systems, stuck his big red nose in where it did not belong.

Governor Palin, I would like to introduce you to Illinois Governor Extant Rod Blagojevich.

One step, Mr. Blago, get to runnin'!

Merry Christmas to Max and all the crew at Center for the Study of Great Ideas!

Tyna Robertson and Arianna Huffington: Serial Sisters of Superstar Serangeti

Nothing says Christmas like Sharing. Toys for Tots; Salvation Army Buckets; St. Cajetan's 8th Graders Caroling for the Elderly; giving trees at Sacred Heart Parish for poor kids in Englewood and serial skanks Tyna Robertson and Arianna Huffington helping themselves to people with talent.

Yep, my old heart is warmer than Brian Urlacher's Under Armor after the OT win over Green Bay and gayer than the cowboys and farmers in the swell choreography of Oklahoma!

It seems that the spirit of giving and taking has blanketed the landscape of Chicago like Patrick Fitzgerald's paper trail wire-net on Governor Blagojevich this snowy Chicago morning.

Item one: The Lord of Dance, Chicago's Own Michael Flatley of Little Flower Parish*, has horn-piped a chorus line of lawyers seeking documents on why serial dater Tyna Robertson has not met the vig on the $11 million settlement dropped into her elegantly manicured mitts:

Burr Ridge, IL -
Tyna Robertson got a house call from the Cook County sheriff’s office at about 8:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 22, at her Burr Ridge home.

The mother of Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher’s son was under arrest. Robertson was arrested for a warrant stemming from false sexual allegations she made against Michael Flatley, of Riverdance fame, according to media reports.

The dancer requested Robertson be held in contempt.

Robertson was taken into custody this morning and appeared in a Cook County circuit court later this afternoon.

The case involving Flatley ruled for Robertson to pay $11 million, which she has allegedly not paid any part of, according to reports. Cook County Judge Alexander White said if Robertson does not cooperate with Flately’s attorney, she could go to county jail for six months.

Robertson was supposed to appear in court for the Flatley case but did not show up, reports state. She contends she never received notice, reports state.

Reports said that Urlacher picked up his son, Kennedy, after Robertson was arrested. Urlacher and the Bears are scheduled to play the Green Bay Packers tonight at Soldier Field in Chicago.

http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/darien/police_and_fire/x512360393/Mother-of-Brian-Urlacher-s-son-arrest-at-Burr-Ridge-home-this-morning

Urlacher has gotta love Lord of the Dance! Nothing says Christmas like a gift from a complete stranger.

Stranger yet is Arianna Huffington, the Greek serial dater who looted some California tycoon slob named Huffington of his family handle and all his gelt.

Arianna's millions gave her the where-with-all to become a dedicated Leftist and publisher of Huffington Post - The Hollywood Squares of Internet journalism. Huffington Post is remarkable for its cavalcade of C-List Hollywood talent and wits who post columns fulminating against President Bush, praising Congressional Puffer Fish Barney Frank, and congratulating celebrities for having strong like-minded opinions. Some of the lightweights for Huffington Post include: Steve Weber - a generally face-less actor who was on some TV show back in the 90's,Marty Kaplan a guy with a resume like GD's Rap Sheet, Bob Creamer, check-kiting felon and Progressive Lecturer.

Well it seems that Arianna's gang has been pinching material from people with genuine talent:

Kevin Allman, a New Orleans journalist and editor of Gambit Weekly, finds The Huffington Post's idea of starting a whole series of city-focused aggregation sites hypocritical, especially given the site is named after Arianna Huffington, a popular, and now-liberal-leaning columnist.

In other words: professional newsgathering organizations have paid professional writers to do professional work, and then Arianna comes in, creates links to their creations, and sells ads on her own page. How progressive.

But Peretti says some 95 percent of The Huffington Post's traffic goes through the headline links, and that when The Huffington Post does original reporting or adds to a story, it changes a headline link to point to its content.


Otherwise, the Chicago project picks the 'best' stories from publications like the Chicago Tribune, the Sun Times and the Chicago Reader.

As for disgruntled publishers, Peretti seems genuinely perplexed and says The Huffington Post links should be good for them — and suggests that upset editors get in touch and build relationships with Huffington Post editors.

Oh, Yeah!!!


BWAAAAHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAA!

You, Sweet-Pea, are a Lulu,Sir!

Heck, I do that near every day - lift stuff off the Internet and write about it ( but I always [as much as in my limited powers to do so] and give Credit/HTs/Props/Acknowledgments and provide links to the sources)for nothing - no pay - just to practice my writing chops for benefit of you my human sisters and brothers.

Christmas 365/24/7 - for Patrick Francis, doncha know? Shoot, I'm a Soft-touch. I make a drop to every Squeegee Artist and Styrofoam Cup Capitalist! They are actually out there working! Unlike Arianna and Kid Sis Tyna!

Tyna and Arianna, it seems - by what it is reported in the news and elsewhere - to me are just a pair of Lion sisters poised to pounce out there on the Celebrity Serengeti: cut a weak man out of the herd and devour! Merry Christmas Girls!

* Click my post title for more on Flatley

Locke Bowman Hearts Burge - Woos Madigan: Torture Gets a Dewey Treatment by U of C Buzz-cut Commies!

Buzz-cut Commies live off of Tax-Free Non-Profits (501(c)3)power drippings from the endowments of Huge corporate trusts. That way they can make a substantial profit for themselves through lawsuits directed at tax built and generated institutions (City of Chicago-especially Police) and bank a modest five to six figure salary from the Center established by the Trust: like the MacArthur Center for Justice. Work within the System to Bring It Down! Boom! Eat the Rich and Become One!

The MacArthur Center for Justice took a long hard swing at the Cook County Sheriff's Office under Michael Sheehan back in the 1990's and whiffed badly. The MacArthur Gang attempted to 'prove beyond a reasonable doubt' that 'systemic racism' caused prisoners held for monstrously violent crimes in Cook County Jail were being 'tortured' by evil white, close-knit ethnic,politically connected Neo Nazis.

The Love Bunnies and Humanitarian Huggie Bears incarcerated for murders and mayhem in Cook County Detention Center's Violent Crimes Wing were 'not' being encouraged to riot by lawyers from the MacArthur Center for Justice - thus, eliciting a strong response from Corrections Officers - Mercy Sakes and Jane Addams's Girlfriend NO!

They were victims of systemic racism. However, it took a mere twenty minutes for a jury to toss the allegations against Sheriff Sheehan and send MacArthur Center for Justice back to G. Flint Taylor - The Woody Hayes of Police Abuse Lawsuits - for chalk talks.

Locke Bowman is one of the Super Lawyers who Keep Torture Alive in Chicago's Laughing Stock Media.

Locke Bowman and the other Buzz Cut Commies have been eclipsed by Obama-Euphoria, a Barney Frank Bail-out Giveaway of the Mortgage Ponzi Scam, some pretty cold weather, Bears Reprieve in the NFL, and a general understanding by tax-payers that MacArthur Center for Justice does more to create Thug Comfort Zones in Chicago ( The Murder Bar is 500 and No one meets a Challenge like a Chicago Thug!)than Burge could have done with the Hermann Goring Division.

Systemic is a leftist term developed to employ a biological conceit in order to advance an agenda that is artificial. Biology deals with Nature. Lefties stretch like Gumbis to try and make a point.

That is because University of Chicago's Jon Dewey is Baby Daddy of American Leftism.

Dig it! You see, John Dewey, made inquiry the essence of logic - not Truth or Knowledge, according to Bertrand Russell in his History of Western Philosophy. Dewey, the Father of Modern American Public School Education (A Peach of a Job there Johnny Boy!), argued that 'Universal Wholes' are to be the outcome of inquiry. Russell points out that Dewey's love of 'Organic Wholes' stemmed from his love of biology and the goofy philosophy of Hegel ( Dialectical Materialism -Class/State Warfare as Truth). Russell goes on to say that,'Dewey's World is one in which human beings occupy the imagination and the cosmos and all that goes with it is an adjunct. Thus, Al Gore's Global Warming is an Insistence Verity despite the fact that it is and has been 25 degrees below zero ( with the wind chill) here in America since last week. If WE - the Dewey-ite Progressives say there is Systemic Torture, or Global Warming, or Fois Gras Genocide brought on by Industry, then there, By Jane Addams's Whiskers, is Global Warming & etc.! Inquiry is Truth! Keep Inquiry Alive! Inquiry is Hope! Hope Floats and MacArthur 501 (c)3 Money Keeps a Coming!

So, here is a Locke Bowman in today's Sun Times - Lefties always have cool names - taking on Attorney General Madigan for doing exactly what the Attorney General is supposed to do.

Madigan's effort is opposed by Locke Bowman, legal director of the MacArthur Justice Center at Northwestern University Law School and the lawyer for an inmate who has been granted a hearing on a torture claim. Bowman said one prosecutor should have responsibility for all of the cases and that the issue in all of the cases -- whether convictions based on torture should be allowed to stand -- should be addressed.

"Madigan's attempt to offload some of the cases is a tacit admission that she doesn't have the stomach to get to the heart of the matter," Bowman said in an e-mail. "In many cases, she has resisted hearings on legal technicalities, arguing that torture victims waited too long to present their torture claims or that the claims were barred by earlier decisions" against the inmates that came when much of the Burge scandal still hadn't come out.

"She has failed to come to grips with the need for a fair, systemic approach to resolve these cases," Bowman said. "It is unacceptable in any society of human beings to allow some 25 men to languish in prison following convictions that rest on tortured confessions. Lisa Madigan has the opportunity to right this wrong. If she continues to dodge that legal and moral responsibility, she risks permanent damage to her reputation as a reform-minded official."

To add weight to the INQUIRY - the Sun Times added a touch of John Conroy to the gravitas of Maurice Possely. John Conroy's schtick is Police Torture and lost his paycheck at Chicago Reader some time this last summer. The Sun Times is acting like a journalistic Branson, MO giving Conroy this by-line co-pilot seat.

Lisa Madigan explained the truth of the shift in respnsibilities with regard to Torture Investigations by the Attorney General's Office: ( N.B. - Dewey Progressivism and Education is all about Inquiry - Truth is whatever the conclusion reached by the initiated inquiry happens to be):

Cara Smith, Madigan's deputy chief of staff, called Bowman's allegations "unfounded, grossly misleading and misdirected. . . . Unfortunately, Mr. Bowman chooses to level harsh criticisms at the very office who has worked diligently in pursuit of justice in the cases we've been assigned, and we will continue to do so.

"In every one of the Burge cases that has been assigned to us, we have worked diligently with the facts and the law with the goal of seeking justice," Smith said. "Because the conflict that brought these cases to us no longer exists, we thought it appropriate to request they be put back where they began, which is in the Cook County state's attorney's office."

The motion to transfer the five cases comes weeks after Burge was indicted on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice based on his denial of torture during testimony under oath in a civil case. Burge's trial has been set for next May.

Locke Bowman, a Buzz-cut Commie and Deweyite, but a Super Lawyer, depends upon Inquiry. Without Inquiry; no income!

Blago's Borscht Capades Channels Mickey Katz - Oy Vey!

"Men who eat salami come on and Join the Yiddish army,/ Fight! Fight! Fight for Palestine!/
If you like your bread and gravy Come and join the Jewish navy/ Fight fight fight for Palestine./
Come on you sons of bitches Put on those Purple britches/ Fight Fight for Palestine." Mickey Katz*


"I will fight, I will fight, till I take my very last breath. I have done nothing wrong.” - R. Blagojevich 12/19/2008

I heard Governor Sunshine sing his battle cry and thought that he was channeling the great Yiddish Parodist Mickey Katz! My late pal and boyhood chum, Danny Levi sang this song at a Little Flower Picnic. Danny's family was Jewish in a neighborhood surrounded by Goyisher Cossocks from Ireland.

Danny Levi bought a saloon ( photo above) on 111th Street that was mainstay of Little Flower, St. Sabina, St. Killian, Visitation, St. Tommy More, St. Ethelreda and St. Margaret of Scotland children of the Diaspora - The Irish Temple! Danny's logo was a Star of David encompassing a Shamrock. Danny knew more Clancy Brother and traditional Irish ballads than Terry McEldowney and he also knew the great Yiddish works of Klezmer artists and Borscht Belt singers like Mickey Katz.

Mickey Katz knocked the schmaltz out of faux sentiment when he was with Spike Jones and his City Slickers.

Governor (extant) Rod Blagojevich is taking another great leap over the political shark and using faux sentiment that works so well for elected officials caught in the act of grabbing a baby's Laffy Taffy or knocking another man's wing-tips from under a John Stall:

In his first statement since he was arrested on federal charges of conspiracy and soliciting bribes, Mr. Blagojevich was alternately emotional and combative, his voice breaking as he told reporters that he would be vindicated, and asked Illinois residents to withhold their judgment.

“I intend to stay on the job and I will fight this thing every step of the way,” he said in an appearance at the James R. Thompson Center in downtown Chicago. “I will fight, I will fight, I will fight, till I take my very last breath. I have done nothing wrong.”

Blago lawyered up with the Illinois Criminal Law A Team; Fitzy must play Beat the Clock with an indictment; President Elect Obama ain't saying nothing; Rahmbo's loins are on the Weber; the Illinois Legislature is posturing; the Media is as genuinely curious about 'the Truth' as a sixteen year old boy is about Quantum Mechanics - Mickey Katz! America needs You!


CLICK my Post Title for Mickey Katz's rendition of Davy Crockett!


http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/20/us/20illinois.html?bl&ex=1229922000&en=4151becfb65bac73&ei=5087%0A

*

Mickey Katz (June 15, 1909 Born: Cleveland, Ohio - April 30, 1985) was a U.S. Jewish comedian and musician who received his first moments of fame in the 1940s as a member of Spike Jones and His City Slickers where he was most famous for his "glugging" vocal sound effects on tunes like "Cocktails for Two" and others. He later went on to perform his own parodic musical review and record highly popular "ethnic" comedy albums on the Capitol label where he would perform English-Yiddish parody songs. He was also recognized as a master of what would later be called Klezmer style clarinet and had several hits during his long career. Though Katz sang primarily in broken Yiddish, he is often as recognized as one of the godfathers of American song parody which would later be advanced by the likes of Allan Sherman and, in the 1980s, Weird Al Yankovic.

Katz and his group can be seen in the movie Thoroughly Modern Millie accompanying Julie Andrews as she sings a Yiddish song at a Jewish wedding.

Katz is the father of Broadway legend Joel Grey and a grandfather of the actress Jennifer Grey. In the early 1980s he told the story of his life in a biography called Papa Play for Me.

A number of famous Jewish musicians, including those with their own bands have recorded with him including Manny Klein, Ziggy Elman and Si Zentner.

Jazz musician Don Byron recorded a tribute to Mickey Katz in 1993 entitled Don Byron Plays The Music of Mickey Katz.

The 2003 British movie Wondrous Oblivion featured Katz' "The Barber of Schlemiel" (a parody of The Barber of Seville in a scene where the Jewish main character played the record for his Jamaican neighbor. No soundtrack has been released for the film as yet.

Hickey - The Iceman Cometh to Governor Blagojevich

In a Blue Running Suit and Blue and White Head band protecting thick, lustrous black hair, the iconic Governor of Illinois winds up his sprint south from Ravenswood; having reached south west Beverly/Morgan Park - the Ultima Thule of Chicago. Gov. Rod Blagojevich cools down his sprint to a manly walk and silkily sides off his route to approach a middle-aged,but ruggedly handsome, resident of the neighborhood, busily chipping away at the ice packed sidewalks of his neighbors. It is 4:45 AM on December 19th. Chicago, having been visited with an ice storm in prelude to a dumping of an expected 12" of snow.

The middle aged, but ruggedly handsome, Morgan Park resident pauses in mid thrust at the plate-glass ice ( two inches thick) and makes the sign of the cross for his quiet and personal Morning Prayers. The wiry muscled man intones with a dignified baritone:

Hickey: I believe in God the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth,
and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, Who was conceived by
the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into Hell; the third day He arose again from the dead;
He ascended into Heaven and is seated at the right hand of God
the Father Almighty, from thence He shall come
to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church,
the Communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

Rod-- Hey, you a voter? ( The middleaged, but ruggedly handsome man, is not startled - but aware of the jogging Governor and nods recognition with a quiet dignity found everywhere in the 19th Ward) Sure you are. Know me? Let's put aside the politics and trust the people. Let's embrace the unique opportunity we all have; take the heat and make the hard and difficult decisions, knowing that we're doing it to make things better for the people of Illinois.

Hickey - -Now, Governor! Up to your old tricks, eh? I see what you're driving at, but I can't let you get away with--

Rod--"Hang loose."


HICKEY-- You're beginning to worry me, Governor. Something's holding you up somewhere. I don't see why--You've faced the truth about yourself. You've done what you had to do to kill your nagging pipe dreams. Oh, I know it knocks you cold. But only for a minute. Then you see it was the only possible way to peace. And you feel happy. Like I did. That's what worries me about you, Governor. It's time you began to feel happy--


Rod--"I want to make money,what are you drunk, or sober?"

HICKEY--Oh, hell, Governor! You don't think I'd come around here peddling some brand of temperance bunk, do you? You know me better than that! Just because I'm through with the stuff don't mean I'm going Prohibition. Hell, I'm not that ungrateful! It's given me too many good times. I feel exactly the same as I always did. If anyone wants to get drunk, if that's the only way they can be happy, and feel at peace with themselves, why the hell shouldn't they? They have my full and entire sympathy. I know all about that game from soup to nuts. I'm the guy that wrote the book. The only reason I've quit is--Well, I finally had the guts to face myself and throw overboard the damned lying pipe dream that'd been making me miserable, and do what I had to do for the happiness of all concerned--and then all at once I found I was at peace with myself and I didn't need booze any more. That's all there was to it.

Rod--"I’m going to keep this Senate option for me a real possibility, you know, and therefore I can drive a hard bargain. You hear what I’m saying. And if I don’t get what I want and I’m not satisfied with it, then I’ll just take the Senate seat myself."

HICKEY--Well, well! The Old Grandstand Foolosopher speaks! You think you're the big exception, eh? Life doesn't mean a damn to you any more, does it? You're retired from the circus. You're just waiting impatiently for the end--the good old Long Sleep!

Rod--“I don’t think there’s any cloud that hangs over me. I think there’s nothing but sunshine hanging over me.”

( A ComEd truck idling within hearing distance of the exchange between ruggedly handsome middle aged, devout, sober and modestly honest Iceman Hickey and the joggingly dangeruese Governor of Illinois - ComED Linesman Gino Ford leans from his ice crusted cab and shouts --)

FORD -- That's the stuff, Hickey. Show the old faker up! He's got no right to sneak out of everything.

Rod--A well I bless my soul
What's wrong with me?
I'm itching like a man on a fuzzy tree
My friends say I'm actin' WIRED* as a bug
I'm in love
I'm all shook up
Mm mm oh, oh, yeah, yeah!
My hands are shaky and my knees are weak
I can't seem to stand on my own two feet
Who do you thank when you have such luck?
I'm in love
I'm all shook up
Mm mm oh, oh, yeah, yeah!

Please don't ask me what's on my mind
I'm a little mixed up, but I'm feelin' fine
When I'm near that girl that I love best
My heart beats so it scares me to death!

She touched my hand what a chill I got
Her LIPS* are like a volcano that's hot
I'm proud to say she's my buttercup
I'm in love
I'm all shook up
Mm mm oh, oh, yeah, yeah!

My tongue gets tied when I try to speak
My insides shake like a leaf on a tree
There's only one cure for this BODY* of mine
That's to have the girl that I love so fine!


HICKEY--you're getting me all wrong. Hell, you ought to know me better. I've always been the best-natured slob in the world. Of course, I have pity. But now I've seen the light, it isn't my old kind of pity--the kind yours is. It isn't the kind that lets itself off easy by encouraging some poor guy to go on kidding himself with a lie--the kind that leaves the poor slob worse off because it makes him feel guiltier than ever--the kind that makes his lying hopes nag at him and reproach him until he's a rotten skunk in his own eyes. I know all about that kind of pity. I've had a bellyful of it in my time, and it's all wrong! (with a salesman's persuasiveness) No, sir. The kind of pity I feel now is after final results that will really save the poor guy, and make him contented with what he is, and quit battling himself, and find peace for the rest of his life. Oh, I know how you resent the way I have to show you up to yourself. I don't blame you. I know from my own experience it's bitter medicine, facing yourself in the mirror with the old false whiskers off. But you forget that, once you're cured. You'll be grateful to me when all at once you find you're able to admit, without feeling ashamed, that all the grandstand foolosopher bunk and the waiting for the Big Sleep stuff is a pipe dream.

Rod-- I'm Off!Big boss man
Can you hear me when I call
Big boss man
Can you hear me when I call
Oh, you ain‘t so big
You‘re just tall, that‘s all


You got me working, boss man
Working 'round the clock
I want me a drink of water
You won't let me stop
You big boss man
Can you hear me when I call?
Oh, you ain't so big
You just tall, that's all


Gonna get myself a boss man
One gonna treat me right
Work me hard in the day time
But I'll sure rest easy at night
Big boss man
Can you hear me when I call?
Oh, you ain‘t so big
You just tall, that‘s all

GINO FORD--'What's his story,Hickey?'

HICKEY--He's nothing to me except I'm glad he's here because he'll help me make you wake up to yourself. I don't even like the guy, or the feeling there's anything between us. But you'll find I'm right just the same, when you get to the final showdown with him.

GINO Ford-- Strange Interlude, Dude!


( The middle aged, ruggedly handsome Ice Man continues his Morning Devotions and the corded sinews of his powerful forearms continue to do battle with the thick plates of ice covering the walk ways of his neighbors)

FINIS

* Had the Governor been a fan of Cook County Commissioner, Impression and natural 'Iceman' Jerry Butler ( Only the Strong Survive!) he might have had a less interesting December. Click my Post Title for the Real Iceman!!!!!!!!! Eugene O'
Neill nothwithstanding: Hickey passages from Gutenberg edition of O'Neill's The Iceman Cometh

Socialist Workers Bugged By Blago, SEIU and Two Party System-

Yikes. Blago is floating out there in the ozone 'Free-As-Bird and Guilty as Sin,' as Chicago's Distinguished Professor and Unrepentant Crony, Billy 'The Bomber' Ayers might say.

Yep, Ed Genson who was Jimmy 'The Bomber'Catura's mouthpiece back before Mr. Catura shed his mortal husk - with help to be sure, has already tied the Illinois Legislature in knots; Fitzy, it seems to me, might have pulled the trigger on Blago too soon; SEIU is getting more attention than they really care to have; everyone but Mike Hughes's dog has 'demanded - demanded, I say!' that Governor Sunshine vacate the Office of Illinois Chief Executive; POTUS-E Obama has 'as I've said so many times;' and Illinois has become the Jon Burge Political Corruption.

Now, the Socialist Workers Party, that played so nice with Howard Dean and Dave Axelrod and Rahm Emmanuel and Jan Schakowsky and SEIU is getting ready to make war on the Democratic Party over Milorod Blagojevich and his busy-beaver buddies and Pay to Play!

The Blagojevich scandal is also a reminder that the Democratic Party is one of the main institutions that systematically incorporates organizations of working people into a corporate-dominated system of horse trading and political favoritism.

This was illustrated when the Feds' tapes apparently captured some dealings of "Union Official A" (who has since been identified as Tom Balanoff of Service Employees International Union)--who, it appears, Blagojevich's staff was trying to enlist as a go-between for the governor to Obama's staff. The tapes also caught Blagojevich proposing a scheme whereby he could make up to $300,000 running a lobbying organization for the SEIU-sponsored Change to Win federation.

All of this may prove to be nothing more than idle talk, yet it is the kind of thing that the labor movement doesn't need. Unfortunately, it's too common in a labor leadership that in recent years has proven itself more attuned to Democratic Party deal-making than to grassroots mobilization.

Lance Selfa, the author, ( Reds and Rose-hued Barricade Stormers always have cool names) sure seems to have a grip on Patrick Fitzgerald's modus operandi:

If Fitzgerald's record is any indication, he will find something provable with which to prosecute Blagojevich--and it's likely to be something a lot less sensational than the charge that the governor was selling Obama's senate seat. Blagojevich may end up joining Ryan in the penitentiary, but the charge will likely be some penny-ante corruption of which any number of mainstream politicians could be accused.

It must have been this sort of behavior that Frederick Engels, Karl Marx's collaborator, was considering when he described American political parties in 1891 as "two great gangs of political speculators, who alternately take possession of the state power and exploit it by the most corrupt means and for the most corrupt ends--and the nation is powerless against these two great cartels of politicians, who are ostensibly its servants, but in reality exploit and plunder it."

Well, I guess it's a pay check, Lance. Stay frosty.

Gee. And the DNC and Reds played so nice together to bring Change We Can Believe In. Looks like more Change is Blowing in the Wind - not blowing up Billy - blowing in - like Lightweights in American politics. The Crab Barrel is Full of Them!

Jesse Jackson Junior Too Smart To Play Ball with 40 Watt Blago

Jesse Jackson, Jr. is smart. He is ambitious. He is at times a bit vain. Intelligence, Ambition and a bit of Vanity are essential to a Public Person.

Rod Blagojevich is dumber than NBC News and Charlie Weis* on crack. He is the Peter (pun up a storm, Kids) Principle to Enth Power Squared. Blago is Vain-er than an Old Man's Legs with Run-away Phlebitis -Characteristics best worn by a bar-fly.

I saw Congressman Jackson's presentation and Statement as Candidate # 5 and I believe him. He may have had some ambitious emissary gulled by Harris and the Guv into a power chat, but I do not believe that Congressman Jackson in any way tried to make Medicine with grown man who quotes Elvis Lyrics in Public . . . at least it was not Friend and Lover's 'It think it's so Groovy Now/That People are Finally Gettin' Togetha!!' That would be David Axelrod.

Jackson was sucked into Fitzy's wire-tap by Blago like a degenerate gambler takes in friends, relatives, banks, Pay-Day Loans and kids with wagons of empty pop bottles.

* Charlie Weis and Rod Blagojevich have mirror personalities and command presence - No 1st Downs! No 1st Downs! No 1st Downs!.

There's a Sucker Born Every Minute: Michael C. McDonald and Illinois Corruption

On 111th Street, in my Morgan Park neighborhood, Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery holds the remains of Chicagoans who not only served and protected; built and preserved;blessed and sanctified; but also corrupted and terrorized this city we love. Mt. Olivet is a Chicago museum that holds the bones of Francis O'Neil the Chicago Police Superintendent who single-handedly preserved Ireland's Musical Heritage and stemmed much of the violence during the 1904 Stockyard Strikes in Canaryville; Spanish American War/WWI/WWII heroes; the Chicago Clan-na-Gael Fenians who invaded Canada after the Civil War; gangsters involved in the Prohibition Beer Wars; and members of the many religious orders who created the Settlement House institutions that were co-opted by Jane Addams and erased from public memory by Progressive Agendas. Mt. Olivet holds people that we on the south side call 'The Real Deal.'

Last night at an intimate gathering to celebrate author Rose Keefe's visit to Chicago ( Rose is the author of the definitive biographies of Chicago beer war chieftains Dean O'Banion and George 'Bugs' Moran and recently The Starker: Big Jack Zelig and brilliant conversationalist), I had the pleasure of discussing the current political scandal concerning Illinois Governor Blagojevich with Richard Lindberg a veteran Chicago crime/political journalist/historian/author and host of the History Channel's 'Underground Chicago.'

Mr. Lindberg is coming out with a biography on the life of Michael Cassius 'Big Mike' McDonald the author of Chicago and Illinois political corruption. Recently Richard Lindberg authored the chilling study of the 1955 murders of two Chicago boys-The Schuessler-Peterson Murders by the monster Kenneth Hansen.


Big Mike McDonald controlled the vice and gambling in Chicago and created the cushion between the elites and the working classes through his corruption of elected officials. McDonald viewed himself as a commodities (gambling and drinking) broker confronted by a Ruling Class of Eastern Progressive Reformers who tried to outlaw beer ( to the masses of German immigrants) and whiskey ( to floods of stockyard and canal worker Irish) as well as gambling to all Americans. The forces of Reform were essentially Nativist Know-Nothings using Prohibition of booze and games of chance to effect political control over Chicago.

Richard Lindberg explained that long before Al Capone became associated with political corruption, Michael Cassius McDonald had perfected, what John Kass so brilliantly termed 'The Combine' - a Coalition of the Willing: 'Turn a blind eye to crime/You got Yours and I got Mine!'

Richard Lindberg's study of Big Mike is coming out soon.

Until then - take a look at this tight sketch of Big Mike from the folks at Find A Grave.Com: Photos from that great site!

Birth: 1839
Death: Aug. 8, 1907
Chicago
Cook County
Illinois, USA

Irish gangster. McDonald began his career as a gambler and used his winnings to open his own gaming parlors and saloons around Chicago. As his wealth grew so did his political power. McDonald eventually became leader of the Chicago Democratic Organization. McDonald became so powerful in fact that on his endorsement alone he could get men elected to high political office. In 1873 McDonald built "The Store" a large four-story saloon, boarding house, and gaming hall. The Store was dubbed "the unofficial City Hall" because much of the city's business was conducted on it's upper floors. A famous phrase, believed to have first been said by legendary circus man P.T. Barnum or Barnum's competitor, banker David Hannum, was allegedly attributed to McDonald. When an employee asked McDonald how they would ever keep The Store filled to turn a profit, McDonald allegedly responded "Don't worry about that. There's a sucker born every minute". The phrase "Never give a sucker an even break" was also credited to McDonald. McDonald was married twice, first to Mary Noonan, then to Dora Feldman. Mike renounced his Catholic faith and divorced Mary to marry Dora. At the age of thirty-two Dora fell in love with a 14-year old artist named Webster Guerin whom she was insanely jealous over. Dora became livid when she mistook Avis Dargan, the fiancee of Webster's brother Archie, as one of Webster's girlfriends. On the morning of February 21, 1907 Dora crept into Webster's studio and shot him through the neck killing him. During Dora's trial "King Mike" McDonald died of heart failure, but left enough money to cover his wife's expenses and court costs. Dora was aquitted on February 11, 1908. On his deathbed McDonald reclaimed his Catholic faith and proclaimed Mary as his only wife in the eyes of God. Mary and two of McDonald's sons from his first marriage later joined Mike in the family mausoleum in Mount Olivet cemetery. Dora was excluded. (bio by: Bobby Hart)


Search Amazon for Michael McDonald



Burial::
Mount Olivet Cemetery
Chicago
Cook County
Illinois, USA
Plot: Section 2 - Directly inside front gates turn right

Maintained by: Find A Grave
Record added: Apr 8 2005
Find A Grave Memorial# 10741444



http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=10741444

Will Mike Quigley Call for Blago to Resign?????????????

With growing chorus of elected voices harrumphing Blagojevich to 'Do the Right Thing!' . . . Illinois awaits that boomingly familiar voice that echoes Blago so nicely . . . in all ways - 'Mike Quigley Calls on Blaogjevich to Resign!!!! Resign I Tells Ya!'


CHICAGO (Reuters) - President-elect Barack Obama called on Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich to resign on Wednesday after he was charged with trying to sell Obama's U.S. Senate seat and swap favors for money.

Obama spokesman Robert Gibbs said Blagojevich needed to step down because "under the current circumstances it is difficult for the governor to effectively do his job and serve the people of Illinois."

Moves boiled up within Obama's home state of Illinois to strip Blagojevich of the power to make the appointment he allegedly tried to barter, either by driving him from office through legal means or letting voters fill the Senate seat with a special election.

After being arrested at home before dawn on Tuesday and then released on his own recognizance without having to post bail, Blagojevich showed no sign of resigning.

SEIU's Stern Wagonmaster of Blagojevich Senate Tagging Disaster?

I posed some thoughts concerning the rather thick involvement of SEIU in the Blagojevich corruption saga that has moved President Elect Obama deep into the shadows of the news cycle on Chicago Daily Observer ( click my post title for the full story):

The thickest part of the Federal Criminal Complaint against Gov. Blagojevich and his Chief of Staff seems to be getting short shrift from the Progressive Chicago Media. While the huffing and ‘Land’s Sakes!’ by media types surrounds the Cubs, Blago’s war on John McCormick ( God Bless Him!), and the odious attempted intimidation of Children’s Memorial Hospital, SEIU – the PAC that dresses up as a Labor Union – seems to go unnoticed despite the fact that it’s part in the complaint laid out by Prosecutor Fitz is the thickest.

The Washington Post offered this poignant paragraph:

The alleged role of the SEIU official was surprising, given that the union had not figured publicly in the investigation into Blagojevich (D). But on another level, the SEIU's apparent involvement is an indication of the extent to which it has, under the leadership of its ambitious and controversial president, Andrew L. Stern, become an omnipresent force in Democratic politics.

and also this:

With organized labor holding such high expectations for the Obama administration -- notably, hopes for legislation fiercely opposed by business leaders that would make it easier to form unions -- officials of other unions were hoping yesterday that the SEIU's apparent involvement in the Illinois scandal would not undermine their cause in Washington.

By late afternoon on December 9th, a day that will live in Illinois Infamy, until Fitzy and Feds Frog-Walk another politician to a waiting car, SEIU's well-trained parsers were in full blown denial and offering eye-popping denials of any cuteness on President Andy Stern's ( identified as the SEIU deal-meister chatting with Blago in post-POTUS Election America)part in the Blago Saga! 'Circle them Wagons, Marv!'

I conclude my post at Chicago Daily Observer with this:

SEIU under Andy Stern is a Democratic Party operation generating millions of dollars chummed into the roiling political waters to bait compliant sharks like Blagojevich. SEIU practices identity politics in order to muscle-up political action on State Legislators and strong –arm weak unions. The Progressive Gay friendly/illegal immigration amnesty/Stop the War/ and Bash business SEIU purple dye gets tossed about and mixed with the ink of Progressive Media journalists by Andy Stern and Anna Burger. SEIU is a Progressive Sacred Cow. . . .
It will be interesting to see if the Media put on the Jeweler’s Eye when making editorial decisions on Governor Blagojevich’s Final Days. That Flag is up; let’s see where it goes!

The Media is really not interested, at this time, with stepping in Andy Stern's Purple Sacred Cow Pie.

Guv! Listen to John Kass and Louis Prima! 'Sing,Sing,Sing! Lahdee Dah Ho! Ho! Ho!'

Forget John Wayne and Elvis Guv! Do what Louis Prima and Chicago Tribune's John Kass recommend:

This is the governor who once bragged that he had the "testicular virility" to make tough decisions. This is the governor who compared himself to John Wayne. Now he's trembling, afraid and, I figure, ready to spill his guts to save himself and his wife, Patti.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/chi-kass-blago-extradec09,0,6988635.column

( Click my post title and Sing, You Sinners!)


Everybody!

sing, sing, sing, everybody start to sing like dee dee dee, bah bah bah dah
Now you're singin with a swing
sing sing sing everybody start to sing like dee dee dee, bah bah bah dah
Now you're singin like everything.

When the music goes around,
everybody's gonna go to town.
But here is one thing you should know
Sing it high and sing it low.
Oh, sing sing sing sing everybody start to sing like dee dee dee, bah bah bah dah
Now you're singin with a real good swing!

Louis Prima - Poet