Lawmakers: Military could quell Chicago violence

An article from washingtonpost.com


The Associated Press
Sunday, April 25, 2010; 9:46 PM

CHICAGO -- Two Illinois lawmakers say violence has become so rampant in Chicago that the National Guard must be called in to help.

Chicago Democratic Reps. John Fritchey and LaShawn Ford made a public plea to Gov. Pat Quinn on Sunday to deploy troops.

The request comes amid a recent surge in violent crime, including a night last week that saw seven people killed and 18 wounded, mostly by gunfire.

Fritchey says Chicago has had 113 homicide victims this year. He says the police department has done a commendable job, but its resources are stretched thin.

Chicago Police Supt. Jody Weis says he appreciates the lawmakers' frustration and willingness to help, but doubts the National Guard is the best answer.


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Praying for Chicago.

Runaway for a Day, Okay?

I’m always “good”. Some days just aren’t though. And I don’t always realize this until the day is almost over and I'm struggling to keep it all together.

I lost the fight today. Actually, I gave up without much of a battle. I’m usually too stubborn and driven to give up completely, even on a bad day, but not today.

I don’t feel like myself today at all. I like challenges and working through things, but not today. Being around people is typically the best part of my day, but not today. Running away seems like the best answer. Just for today, okay?

My encouraging quote of the day comes from the Beatles song Ob-la-di Ob-la-da: “Yeah, ob-la-di, ob-la-da life goes on brah. La la how the life goes on. Ob-la-di, ob-la-da life goes on brah. La la how the life goes on.”

It hasn’t been the best day. Tomorrow will be better. Life goes on!

Puddle Jumping 101

1. The first step is to find a friend to jump in the puddles with. I think it would be lame to go alone.
2. Cute rain boots – fashion is always important and it’s good to look the part. Mine are navy blue with light blue daisies on them and Emma’s are brown with multicolored polka dots.
3. The proper attire is the next mandatory thing on the list. Depending on the temperature, shorts and a sweatshirt are ideal. If it’s a little too cold for that, jeans and a ski jacket work as well.
4. Then you need rain to make proper puddles. If it’s pouring down rain, you’ll already be wet, so a huge rainstorm isn’t the ideal puddle jumping weather. After the rainstorm, however is perfect. Light rain tends to be the best and the puddles are new.
5. Once wearing rain boots and rain clothes, it’s time to go outside and find a somewhat empty parking lot or a place with lots of puddles. My personal favorite place is the plaza at Moody.
6. Next, you need to pick a large puddle.
7. Make sure that the puddle isn’t too muddy of full of worms, because that’s just gross if it is. If it’s a little dirty, that’s fine, but absolutely no worms.
8. Stand an equal distance away from the puddle with your puddle jumping friend.
9. Count down from 3 and then run…
10. And, of course, you jump and land in the puddle making a large splash and getting soaked!

**repeat steps 6-10 as many times as necessary