Who is a bigger baby when sick – You? Or your significant other?
March is here. Photo by Clark Maxwell
Top story: I had a stomach bug. I’m better now, thanks. I went to the store yesterday to get some Gatorade and saltine crackers. The woman said to me, “this looks like hangover food.” It does? Since when are crackers and Gatorade hangover food? Maybe she thought the crackers were a patty melt. Anyway, the story here is the lack of compassion Julie has for my condition. I rarely get sick, but, yes, when I do, I probably act like a baby. I am my father’s son and he is notorious for acting like the heavens are opening up every time he gets a cold. But instead of getting “how are you feeling” compassion, I am getting huge sighs because there are cracker crumbs on the couch. This morning after a difficult night of restlessness, I got nothing! No “how are you feeling” or “can I make you some breakfast” or “sponge bath.” Then I realized maybe I could be more compassionate when she is sick (which is much more frequent than I). Maybe if I were nicer when she was sick, maybe I would get the basics in return. Or maybe the non-stop midnight moaning ticked her off. So, I ask you: who’s a bigger baby when they are sick – you? Or your spouse/significant other?
B story: Today should be a big day for budget rhetoric. We should find out a few more details about the governor’s budget plan before his big speech tomorrow. We will be broadcasting the speech live and we will be bringing you episode #2 of “The Lunchbox,” our live-blog/chat show, which will be all about the budget address. “The Lunchbox” is essentially “The View” meets a 1996 AOL Chatroom. Remember when you first got your PC/Mac and it came with the 1,000 hours of AOL CD? And you used those hours to peruse chat-rooms to see what the fuss was about? You know, before porn took over chat? Well, we’re taking it back. Join us tomorrow at 12 noon.
C story: My favorite post is back! Mr. Feder goes retro and brings us a column from his archives, looking back to March 1990. You gotta love it. The first item is about Bozo.
D story: We’re getting some great comments on Chip Mitchell’s affordable housing in Logan Square story. The story is from mid-February, but the comments keep pouring in. Jump in, because we close the commenting after a certain amount of time (a month, maybe?)
Weather: Best sunrise photo ever.
Sports: Finally, someone calls it out. I’m all about having tradition in Chicago, but the way the fans scream through the National Anthem is not tradition, it’s disrespectful. I’m not one to follow all the rules, but it’s pretty cut and dry. You let the anthem play out and then you cheer when it’s over.
Kicker: Are there any elementary schools in Chi that are pulling this off? It pains me to link to a NY school, but this version of Phoenix’s Lisztomania is breathtaking. These kids are all going to be whoever they want to be, thanks to this class. Just play this the next time a school wants to cut the arts.
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Gatorade and saltines ? You must have an iron constitution. You are living on
fumes from sugar, salt and white flour. Now that you are better you will forget how
terrible you felt – and will have no sympathy for anyone that is ill.
What’s for dinner ? A candy bar ? Get one with nuts . . . more nutritious !
I don’t want to touch your stomach bug, or the marital dynamics surrounding it, with a ten foot pole. I will comment only on the whole “cashier and/or someone in line behind you commenting on your purchase” gladly. I really hate it and feel like it is the one of the rudest, most invasive social actions. I mean, honestly. When I was going through cancer treatments, it was everything to not just be like “Madame, I am going to projectile vomit at any second, so let’s skip the chit chat shall we?”
baby!
The video of the chorus was a nice surprise. I’m all for the arts, it adds to our quality of life and as a young student I have benefited from a music program. The major caveat… let’s make sure other parts of the school curriculum are not ignored, i.e. math/science etc. I get the whole “Man cannot live by bread alone” argument to keep arts, and sports for that matter. But when you get right down to it, test scores in Chicago Public schools and elsewhere simply must improve. It would be interesting to know what the basic education test scores are for the children in this particular NY school. If they are excelling, then maybe we need to take a closer look at that and apply the template to the public education system on a national level.
Regarding disrespectful behavior during national anthems, I wholeheartedly agree. If you’re not singing along, then stay silent and respectful.
MB – next time just vomit. It’s more effective than just staring them down.
Yes, agreed that Math/Science are important, but watching this video shows me that kids are getting the confidence to perform, which in turn gives them the confidence to speak up and the confidence to contribute and collaborate. Those are the exact traits we need in neighbors and community builders. People who understand that you need a chorus to build a village, not just the loudest voice. I’m not saying it should be the only thing taught in schools, but it shouldn’t be the last.
With that said, get rid of art, gym and geometry classes. Who needs it.
Justin, agreed… very important traits indeed. Although I’m still curious and hopeful that the broad spectrum of their curriculum is successful. When funding is not available, we as adults can try to fill in the cultural gaps for these kids with after hours activities. In a perfect world, the economy is flourishing and funding isn’t an issue.
Watching this video, it’s hard not to feel hopeful. Can you imagine adults in a typical workplace being this happy and collaborative? We can hope. :-)
To Kent and Justin – that music teacher is one in a million too. Let’s not forget that! Even when there is arts funding, it takes inspired and creative educators to get that kind of commitment and participation from students.
Justin ! I thought you were in theatre ! Stand-up ? Your acting teachers will tell
you that the left brain and the right brain have to link up and work together.
This is what creates genius moments. Improvisation. Discovery. Invention. Ideas.
. . . . .
Kill Art and Geometry ? Every heard of Buckminster Fuller ? Your set designers must know
architectural basics as well as color design. Talk to someone building a set at Second City
or the Goodman.
. . . . .
You are into sports and very athletic. Great ! Some of us need and want alternatives
to playing round ball. How about yoga, weights, dance, martial arts.
We are the fattest people in the world. We need some kind of physical activity.
This will reduce health problems now and later. People in Europe walk everywhere. We drive.
. . . . .
The rest of the world is beating us in Science and Math. We need to make this
relevant to kids. This is where the next new invention will come. Computers, cars . . .
even the gaming world and movie animation and special effects.