December 2012
DONE - District One News Events
Latest News for December 2012
=== Nothing is worth more than this day. ===
=== Each day is a gift to be treasured. ===
Contact jerryd at: jerryjd@jerryd.ws
Want to Contact Your Legislator? Click here.
December 29, 2012
The Chicago Sun Times has an editorial titled: "It’s past time to cut state pension costs" which you can read here.
December 29, 2012
The Chicago Tribune has an Associated Press article titled: "Wisconsin retirees could face 13 percent pension cut" which you can read here.
December 28, 2012
Sad News. Roy Fonda [Exec; 2001] sent an email from Don Lorentzen [Const; 1991] that said that Don got a call from Hospice of Arizona that his wife, Joyce, passed away. Don added that: "As we agreed Joyce will be cremated and there will be no memorial service." We extend our heartfelt sympathy and condolences to Don, his family and friends. And, sadly, you may recall that Don and Joyce lost their daughter in June, 2011.
December 27, 2012
A Broomhilda strip is here.
December 27, 2012
Pensions:
The Chicago Sun Times has an article by Dave McKinney titled: "Retired state workers in cross-hairs of Illinois’ pension crisis" which you can read here.
The State Journal-Register has an article by Doug Finke titled: "Analysis: Proposal would sharply cut state's pension debt" which you can read here.
The Chicago Sun Times has an article by Terry Savage titled: "On pensions: Something’s gotta give" which you can read here.
The report referenced by Ms. Savage on the Institute of Government and Public Affairs Website titled: "Pension Experts Propose New Reform Measures For the Illinois State Universities Retirement System" is here.
The Institute of Government and Public Affairs Website has a page titled: "Public Pensions in IL" with a number of items and article is here.
Crain's Chicago Business has a blog entry by Greg Hinz titled: "Pension reform slips again on Legislature's timetable" which you can read here.
December 25, 2012
A Christmas Day 'For Better or Worse' strip by Lynn Johnston is here.
December 22, 2012
Signe Wilkenson's 'Political Cartoon' after the
Horrific Newtown, CT Tragedy.
Wishing Everyone
- Peace on Earth -
- Goodwill to All -
We Hope You All Have
a Safe & Healthy
Holiday Season
December 20, 2012
Since northern IL is maybe-maybe not on the verge of the first major snowfall of the season, the Chicago Tribune has an article by Richard Wronski titled: "High-tech highway operations centers gearing up for winter - Multimillion-dollar systems of cameras, sensors will monitor Chicago-area roadways" which you can read here. The article touches on D1's Comm Center at 201 W. Center Court. Also, the Trib provides "Online and phone resources for motorists" which you can see here.
December 20, 2012
It's never enough for this stroke. The Naperville Sun has an article by Stefano Esposito and Dave McKinney titled: "Gov. Quinn lukewarm to state union employees pension plan" which you can read here.
December 20, 2012
Marty Anderson [Elec; 2008] sent an email with the title: "Ain't Ready For Reform" and a link to a State Journal-Register editorial titled: "Our Opinion: More to be done to make legislature transparent" which you can read here.
December 20, 2012
The State Journal-Register has a video titled: "Explaining the new state employee pension bill" which you can view here.
December 20, 2012
And, sometimes, when your faith may be threatened, after something like the horrific tragedy of Newtown, CT, along comes something. Business Insider has an article by Jennifer Welsh and images titled: "Award-Winning Pictures Of The Tiniest Things On Earth" which you can view here. [ Just a thought from jerryd. ]
December 20, 2012
Here we go again? Politics IL Style: the Chicago Tribune has an article by Katherine Skiba titled: "Ethics panel investigating Rep. Aaron Schock" which you can see here.
December 20, 2012
State of IL Pensions:
CapitolFax has a thread titled: "Today’s Number: $13,680 a year" which you can read here.
The Chicago Tribune has an article by Rick Pearson titled: "Unions blast state on plans for underfunded pensions" which you can read here.
CapitolFax has a thread titled: "Quoting myself" which you can read here.
WBEZ radio has an article by Alex Keefe titled: "The Ghosts of Illinois Pensions Past - Roots of current crisis go back decades. Basically, state leaders wanted a pension system but didn't want to pay for it." which you can read here.
And, WBEZ has a look back to 1970's IL Constituion titled: "December 15, 1970 - Illinois' New Constitution" which you can see here.
December 17, 2012
Mike Kroot [Elec; 2002] sent a link to a .pdf titled: "House Bill 6258, Rep Elaine Nekritz – Introduced December 5, 2012" which you can read here.
December 17, 2012
The State Journal-Register has an article titled: "Gov. Pat Quinn says the pension crisis is Illinois' own fiscal cliff" which you can read here. And, an Associated Press article titled: "Experts: Recession worst 'fiscal cliff' outcome for Illinois" which you can read here.
December 17, 2012
The New York Times has an editorial titled: "Taking Aim at Michigan’s Middle Class" which you can see here.
December 17, 2012
The Naperville Sun has an article titled: "Topinka has grim message about state finances" which you can see here.
December 17, 2012
IDOT Twitted "Secy. Ann Schneider has some simple tips to help you stay safe on the roads this winter in our new On the Move video" which you can see here.
December 17, 2012
CapitolFax has a thread about the passing of "Mary Lee Leahy" which you can see here. [ Unfortunately, the recent IL politicians have found a number of ways around Rutan. ]
December 17, 2012
The State Journal-Register has an Associated Press article titled: "Illinois college students join state pension reform push" which you can see here.
December 17, 2012
And, Ho Ho Ho. CBS in St. Louis has an article titled: "Cop Gives Man Nearly $300 Ticket For Driving Truck Covered In Christmas Lights" which you can see here.
December 14, 2012
The arrangements for Al Bryk [Land Acq; 2003] are as follows: Visitation is Friday, December 14th from 4:00pm - 9:00 pm. Funeral Saturday, December 15th at 9:15am from the Colonial-Wojciechowski Funeral Home, 8025 W. Golf Rd., Niles, to St. Thecla Church for 10:00am Mass. Entombment All Saints Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Cancer Society or Cornerstone Hospice, 2445 Lane Park Rd., Tavares, FL. 32778, appreciated. You can sign the guestbook at the Colonial-Wojciechowski Funeral Home here. And, you can see Al's obit in the Chicago Tribune here. And, thanks to all who emailed arrangements and obit info.
December 11.1, 2012
Ooops. Looks like I screwed up the links for today's posts. Try them now. Thanks to Mike Kroot and William Sabbath for the heads up !
December 11, 2012
The Telegraph, near St. Louis, has a comprehensive article from the Illinois Statehouse News by Jayette Bolinski titled: "Pension experts divided over Nekritz-Biss plan" which you can read here. This is one you probably should read.
The Chicago Tribune has a commentary by Dick Ingram titled: "Back to the future on pension reform" which you can read here. Dick Ingram is executive director of Teachers' Retirement System of Illinois. Of course, the Trib follows that with an editorial titled: "Real math, Illinois math - A pension boss speaks truth to educators — and the rest of us" which you can read here.
December 11, 2012
December 11, 2012
The Chicago Tribune has an article by Monique Garcia titled: "Quinn, state workers union firmly at odds in contract dispute - Pay raises, health care benefits are key points of contention" which you can read here. And, an associated article also by Monique Garcia titled: "Many steps before an Illinois union can declare a strike" which you can see here.
December 11, 2012
The Chicago Tribune has an editorial titled: "Still waiting - Taxpayers were supposed to get a break on retiree health care costs. It hasn't happened." which you can read here.
December 10.1, 2012
Sad News. Roy Fonda [Exec; 2001] and Pete Godowski [Prog; 2003] forwarded an email that said: "Al Bryk [Land Acq; 2003] died of stomach cancer in Florida. There are no details yet." We extend our heartfelt sympathy and condolences to Al's family and friends.
December 10, 2012
Not so you should care, but ... Today is the 9th anniversary of DONE. The first post was December 10th, 2003. How about that? Since then, about 5,500 items have been posted here. Having said that, more and more news Websites are going to pay-to-view, so we'll probably start seeing less and less links to post. We'll have to see how long DONE is sustainable.
December 10, 2012
A great Dogs of C-Kennel strip is here.
A Dilbert strip is here.
December 10, 2012
CapitolFax has a thread titled: "Quinn tells state workers he respects, values them" which you can read here. [ OK. From where I sit, this just confirms that quinn is something less than truthful, too. Like some of the comments suggest: 'talk is cheap; actions count'. quinn's actions doesn't show 'respect' for State workers nor Retirees. ]
December 10, 2012
The Southern Illinoisan has an article by Kurt Erickson titled: "Roadside memorial program could end" which you can see here.
December 10, 2012
The Southern Illinoisan has an article by Kurt Erickson titled: "Former IDOT aide fined in ethics scandal" which you can see here.
December 10, 2012
Crain's Chicago Business has an article by Jason McGregor titled: "A county-level look at where Illinois' most vulnerable residents live" which you can see here.
December 6, 2012
Pension related:
CapitolFax has a thread from yesterday titled: "*** UPDATED x2 - Cullerton responds ***New pension plan to be unveiled today" which you can see here.
CapitolFax has a thread titled: "No, they didn’t reject the idea" which you can read here.
Chicago Mag has an article by Whet Moser titled: "Illinois Gets a New, Bipartisan Pension Plan; Here’s How It Works" which you can read here with some details about the plan. [ The article indiocates that some ideas are from Rep. Mike Fortner; which probably is a good start. ]
The State Journal-Register has an article by Chris Wetterich and Doug Finke titled: "Details emerge on new state pension proposal - Would reduce COLAs, hike retirement age and employee contributions" which you can read here.
The State Journal-Register has an article by Doug Finke titled: "Cost savings unclear on new pension plan" which you can read here.
CapitolFax has a thread titled: "Edgar to pension critics: Back off" which you can read here. [ Thank you, Governor Edgar ! ]
December 5, 2012
Here it comes. Crain's Chicago Business has a column by Greg Hinz titled: "Bipartisan pension reform plan emerges in Illinois House" which you can read here.
December 5, 2012
Tom Creighton sent an email that said: "I am proud to announce that my son, Tom Jr., is opening his new restaurant next Monday in Elgin. It is called ON THE SIDE and it is located at 74 South Grove Elgin IL. It will offer different breakfast/lunch items including home made soups for enjoyment for all." Tom [ Congrats to you and Tom, Jr. Hope we can get there soon ! If you're in the area, stop by and say hello ! ]
December 5, 2012
Chuck Schroeder [ Maint; 2489] sent an email with a story titled: "My Friend" which you can read on the Internet here. Lovely thoughts [ especially for an animal lover ]; thanks Chuck.
December 5, 2012
The American Graduate Website has an article titled: "High School Graduation Rate Changes map" which you can see here. Related is an Associated Press article by Josh Lederman in the Christian Science Monitor titled: "Why five states will give their students 300 more hours at school" which you can see here. And, the Chicago Tribune has an article titled: "Newark's triumph - Teachers accept the challenge and will get the reward" which you can see here.
December 4, 2012
NEWS FLASH !!!!!!!!!
December 3rd, 2012
Northern IL
Boone County
7:30 am temperature = 54 degrees !
4:30 pm temperature = 66 degrees !
66 degrees at the beginning of December in IL !!!!! WOW ! What is going on here?
December 4, 2012
Huffington Post has its' usual post titled: "Chicago-Area Cats, Dogs & Other Pets Up For Adoption (11/30)" which you can see here. [ Nina is a CUTIE !!! Look at that face !!! ]
December 4, 2012
CapitolFax has a thread titled: "Today’s number: $80 billion" which you can read here. [ Be nice if all that dough was going to pensions. ] Somewhat related, the Daily Herald has a blog post by Mike Riopell titled: "Sears thoughts, a year later" which you can see here.
December 4, 2012
CBS in St. Louis has an Illinois Radio Network article by Jim Anderson titled: "Pat Quinn Is 50th Out Of 50 In Popularity" which you can see here.
December 4, 2012
AFSCME Council 31 has an opinion in the Peoria Journal Star titled: "AFSCME believes in the middle class; Gov Quinn wants to drive down wages of hard-working families. " which you can see here.
December 4, 2012
The Rockford Register Star has an article by Doug Finke titled: "At $67,836, legislators in Illinois among best-paid in U.S." which you can see here.
December 1, 2012
The 21st Annual Keep In Touch Luncheon is 'coming of age' !!! Roy Fonda [Exec; 2001] reminds us that the 21st Annual Keep In Touch Luncheon will be on Wednesday, October 2nd, 2013 at Chandler's. Mark your calendars ! We're looking for another great turnout, as usual.
December 1, 2012
[ A very good story. Thank you, NYPD Officer DePrimo. Conspiracy people think it was a setup; I'm thinking maybe not: There's LOTS of good people in the USA. ] ABC News has a story by Christina Ng titled: "An NYPD officer gives a shoeless homeless man a pair of boots in New York City" which you can read here. The image is here.
December 1, 2012
Again, unfortunately, there will still be lots of hungry families these upcoming holidays in the USA. If you have the means, consider writing a check to your local food pantry, give the pantry a call to make sure they'll be open & then take your check over there with a frozen turkey or a ham or two. Some pantrys will even take size 12 shoes! Boone county takes old working electronics, furniture, useable clothes etc. See what they do at your pantry and how it works for folks who need help. Pretty much every food pantry can use some help; please help if you can. Also at this time of year, you'll see easy-to-use food drop offs at many grocery stores along with easy-to-use toy drop offs for kids who won't get many (if any) toys this year. 'Sometimes, people have it worse' as Officer DePrimo explains in the story above. If you can help. Do it now. Thank you. jerryd
December 1, 2012
The Chicago Tribune has an article by Robert McCoppin titled: "Cook County launches program to memorialize those who died in DUI crashes" which you can see here.
December 1, 2012
CapitolFax has a thread titled: "Republican governor ridicules Illinois’ treatment of state employee unions" which you can see here.
December 1, 2012
The Chicago Tribune has an article by Ray Long titled: "Lame-duck lawmakers see that state jobs, tough votes equal political heat" which you can read here.
[ Quid pro quo? How is this legal? Oh, it's legal because they ALL SAY there is no link between the vote & the job. Sure; I can trust THAT ! ]
From the story: "Former Democratic Rep. Bob Flider of Decatur became the latest ex-lawmaker to get grilled by Republicans about why he switched his opposition to a tax increase only weeks after he lost his 2010 re-election campaign." and "A little more than a year later, Quinn appointed Flider the state's director of agriculture. The $133,000-a-year job came with a paycheck that's nearly twice what he made as a lawmaker."
[ And, guess what? He just got CONFIRMED! As Gail put it: "If they lost; they shouldn't be voting on anything any more." Hard to argue with that. ]
December 1, 2012
The government HealthCare Website has a page titled: "Giving Consumers a Picture of Health Insurance Costs & Benefits" which you can see here. [ Don't know; maybe this is something; maybe it's nothing. ]
December 1, 2012
Information Week has an article by Michelle McNickle titled: "EHRs Among Today's Top Health IT Hazards - Inaccurate patient information, mobile distractions and med device interoperability are putting patients at risk, says recent report from ECRI." which you can see here.
December 1, 2012
[ IL politics as usual? ] The Chicago Tribune has an article titled: "Rep. LaShawn Ford indicted on bank fraud charges" which you can see here.
December 1, 2012
CBS in St. Louis has an Illinois Radio Network article titled: "Illinois Near Bottom of List Ranking Fiscally Responsible States" which you can read here.
December 1, 2012
Crain's Chicago Business has an article titled: "Labor the biggest donor to state lawmakers — by far" which you can see here. [ Who ever said 'Money can't buy me love'??? But; if a bunch of IL is broke companies send a little each; I'll just bet they make up more than 'labor'. Just sayin'. ]
December 1, 2012
Want to tell your congressional representative on how you feel about a bill? Try this.
December Birthdays
Quote / Thought of the Month:
Inside every older person is a younger person wondering: 'What the hell happened?'
Recurring Thoughts of the Month:
Kids shouldn't go to bed hungry in America - Donate to your local food panty.
Go adopt a dog. Saving one dog may not change the world; but it changes the world for that one dog.
See a panhandler today? Give him or her a buck or two or ten. They wouldn't be doing it if they had real money. Life is getting tougher for a lot of folks these days.
Nothing is worth more than this day. Any day can be the last we have.
Each day is a gift to be treasured. Don't Miss It. Don't Blink.
Still Smoking?If you still smoke; get some help; find a way to stop now. Click here to get started.
Heart Disease in Women?
Go directly to the Go Red for Women Day
Website here with information about heart disease in women.
One More Thing
We're always looking for email addresses (and missing birth dates) of D1 Retirees on the 'Looking for Retirees' web page. If you have any info, send them along to jerryjd@jerryd.ws or jerryd@technologist.com
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