Video from auction of Rod Blagojevich’s stored items at Boyer-Rosene Moving and Storage Thursday.

Almost 100 bidders came out for an auction at Boyer-Rosene Moving and Storage for a chance to bid for pictures, personal files, statues and other items formerly owned by former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich. Some of the items included Elvis Presley memorabilia. The auction was held today after Friends of Blagojevich, which had been renting the space since 2002, failed to pay an outstanding storage bill, and failed to reply to attempts to collect payment by the moving and storage company Bekins Boyer-Rosene.

The bidders laughed when an award plaque for ‘Political Leadership’ was put up for bidding. It went for $120. The crowd also laughed when the auctioneer announced that a set of law books were next — “highlighted, but I think he highlighted with black,” said the auctioneer.

A life-sized statue of Elvis Presley, which went for $20,500, was the top prize at the auction. Otherwise, items were hauled out of seven 7′x7′x5′ wooden crates. One crate was auctioned off in total, with contents unknown starting at $1200 — the bidding actually went down.

All of the money proceeds raised are being donated to Children’s Memorial Hospital.

Some of the finest in summer fun is the Arlington Heights Fire Department neighborhood water fights at Recreation Park, July 5, 2010.

It’s time for the The Cardinal annual reminder of things to do before summer is over. We are losing about two minutes of daylight per day at this time of year. By the end of August we’ll be losing three minutes per day. There’s always Florida vacations.

For a list of summer items TO DO on The Cardinal, check End of Summer: 100 Things to Do Before Summer Is Over in Chicago.

Or become a fan of The Cardinal’s A Gazillion Things To Do Before Summer’s Over, The Master ‘To Do’ List on facebook.

Governor Pat Quinn speaking as he signed a bill into law that will keep bicyclists safer on Illinois roads by making it illegal for automobile drivers to crowd bikers.

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed legislation into law that are designed to better protect bicyclists in the State of Illinois.

Governor Quinn sign the legislation today at Campbell Street Bicycle Shop, 13 West Campbell Street in downtown Arlington Heights. And then became part of parade detail for the Arlington Heights July 5th Parade for Independence Day.

SB 2951 – Bicycle Safety
Provides that a person driving a motor vehicle shall not, in a reckless manner, drive the motor vehicle unnecessarily close to, toward, or near a “bicyclist, pedestrian, or a person riding a horse or driving an animal drawn vehicle” (rather than just a “bicyclist” as provided by the introduced bill, as amended). Changes the penalty for a crowding a bicyclist from a Class 4 felony to a Class 3 felony.

According to League of Illinois Bicyclists executive director Ed Barsotti the bills “will help both motorists and bicyclists do their parts in sharing our roadways safely.”

According to the group one bill will establish new penalties for motorists that drive recklessly or unnecessarily close to bicyclists.

The second piece of legislation (SB 2798) will create “Share the Road” Illinois licenses plates. The money from the license plates will fund education campaigns.

See also …
bikelib.org

Illinois Municipal League
SB 2951 Bicycle Safety

Campbell Street Bicycle Shop Facebook

Soldiers in a past Fourth of July parade in Arlington Heights.

What is the parade route for the Arlington Heights Independence Day Parade?
Go to StreetsofArlington.com/july4parade (yes, it’s really the 5th) for information on the 5th of July Parade Route, including staging area, direction and the starting and ending points of the parade. The parade steps off at 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 5, 2010 at Highland and Oakton Avenue, heads east on Oakton, heads south on Dunton Avenue, turns east on Miner Street and ends at Recreation Park (500 East Miner Street).

What’s the weather forecast for the 5th of July Parade?
The best website for Arlington Heights weather is Arlingtoncards.com/weather
The page includes a dropdown menu with a 6-frame progressive NEXRAD weather image and a single frame radar image. There is also a link to street-level radar in the header of Arlingtoncards.com/weather …

The Arlington Heights Fifth of July Parade is a long parade (it steps off at 10:00 a.m.), so if you want to know what temperature is forecast for 10:00 a.m compared to 12:00 noon, check the hourly forecast in the dropdown menu in the header of Arlingtoncards.com/weather.

Jesse White tumbler — a common, but extraordinary, unit in the Arlington Hts. Independence Day parade.

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White keeps a close eye on tumblers.

Where is the review stand for the Fifth of July parade in Arlington Heights?
The review stand for the Arlington Heights is on Dunton Avenue, just South of Euclid Avenue in front of the Arlington Heights Memorial Library.

Wheeling High School Marching Band at the Independence Day Parade in Arlington Heights.

LAST 15 in RED WIDGET for twitter.com/earlyreport (from The Cardinal — Arlingtoncardinal.com) …

LAST 30 TWEETS from twitter.com/earlyreport (from The Cardinal — Arlingtoncardinal.com)

Alyssa Milano At Larry King’s Telethon In Hollywood, California U.S.A.

Larry King’s celebrity telethon Monday night to benefit relief efforts in the oil spill disaster in the region of the Gulf of Mexico brought in $1.8 million for the United Way, the National Wildlife Federation, and the Nature Conservancy.

King, who celebrates 53 years in broadcasting this year, described a sense of urgency in getting help to the Gulf of Mexico, a region under extreme duress since the oil rig explosion on April 20.

“I understand bureaucracy and that some things take time, but when you’re out of work, you don’t need help tomorrow, you need help today,” he said in a press release. “We’re going to raise all we can to help the people and also the wildlife that need it now.”
– Larry King

Larry King and celebrities gathered at the CNN Building in Los Angeles while CNN broadcast the two-hour telethon special “Disaster in the Gulf: How You Can Help.”

Ke$ha At Larry King Live: Disaster in the Gulf Telethon In Hollywood, California. U.S.A.

Victoria Principal At CNN Building In Hollywood, Califronia. U.S.A.

View Larger Map at Cahuenga and Sunset

View Larger Map view from Cahuenga Blvd.

Associated Press reporter Ted Shaffrey tours a Subway sandwich restaurant that is continually hoisted to the top of the World Trade Center construction site as workers build new floors.

The restaurant is in a cargo container at the top of a hydraulic lift, which takes about two hours to lift one floor level.

Subway franchise owner Richard Schragger also has to manage special waste procedures for the facility. A compost handles solid waste and a machine boils away liquid waste. The location of the Subway sandwich shops save workers’ time while they work on World Trade Center One.

Combining fine art with fine cuisine, Pamela’s Parkside Grill, 27 W. Campbell St., Tuesday, July 6, 6:00 p.m., hosts its one-of-a-kind monthly “Gallery Dinner” where artists display and discuss their work with diners at each table during their four-course meal. Cost is $25 per person making reservations up to one week in advance, or $30 after that date. Reservations are required by calling the restaurant at (847) 394-2728. For more information please visit www.pamelasparkside.com.

Featured at the July 6 event are recognized artists Gary Swiontek (photographs), Sandra Fink May (painting/mixed media), Judy Edelman (textural painting), Sandie Bacon (painting), and Pamela Olin-Maybloom (steel sculpture and painting).

Beginning at 6:00 p.m., diners will view the artists work, then sit down for a special meal featuring an appetizer, soup or salad, entrée, and dessert. In an intimate dining experience, each artist will rotate tables for each course to let diners learn more about them and their work.

“This intimate atmosphere enables diners to talk with the artists without having to approach them cold,” said Olin-Maybloom, also the owner of Pamela’s Parkside Grill with her husband and executive chef, Howard Maybloom. “It gives them an easy way to converse; conversation is lively. The artists built relationships with people who were interested enough about art to make purchases that evening,”

She added the Pamela’s Parkside Grill is helping to revitalize the artist community that thrived for so long in downtown Arlington Heights.

“We are now the only downtown art gallery as well as the only upscale, non-ethnic restaurant in the town’s bustling downtown restaurant community. Our ‘Gallery Dinners’ give our guests an appreciation both of fine art and fine dining, a glimpse into the artist’s mind,” she said.

Pamela’s Parkside Grill features an eclectic menu of grilled seafood and fine meats as well as several sauced dishes plus flambé desserts. The daily food offerings are complemented by unique artwork by local artists which is available for purchase.

Pamela’s Parkside Grill is open for lunch Tuesday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; for dinner Tuesday through Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; for Nite Bites Friday and Saturday from 9:30 p.m. to Midnight.; and for a combination menu of breakfast favorites, lunch offerings, and light dinner options Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The restaurant is closed on Mondays.

The Stanley Cup will be honored with its own float during the Elk Grove Village Hometown Parade Satruday starting at 6:00 p.m. The parade steps off at Elk Grove Boulevard at Tonne Road and proceeds to Lions Drive.

The Stanley Cup will be presented on a float with Blackhawks President John McDonough (a 25-year Elk Grove Village resident), Mayor Craig Johnson, and Elk Grove Village trustees. No Blackhawks players are planning to attend.

The parade theme for 2010 is “Star Spangled Salute to America”.

The parade route runs westbound on Elk Grove Boulevard from Tonne Road to Lions Drive. The distance is 0.9 miles.

Step-off time is 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 19, 2010 — road closures will begin at approximately 5:00 p.m.

More info …
Elk Grove Village [official site] …

Music Mogul Russell Simmons Launches the NOH8 Shake pronounced (‘No Hate’) at Millions of Milkshakes on Saturday June 12, 2010 during West Hollywood LA Pride Festival 2010.

A vegan NOH8 shake with oreo cookies, vegan ice cream, and chocolate — specially designed to remind people to be tolerant.

Russell Wendell Simmons (born October 4, 1957) is an American entrepreneur, the co-founder, with Rick Rubin, of the pioneering hip-hop label Def Jam, and creator of the clothing fashion lines Phat Farm, Argyleculture, and American Classics.

View World in a larger map
Millions of Milkshakes West Hollywood at 8910 Santa Monica Boulevard where Russell Simmons unveiled the NOH8 milkshake at the Millions of Milkshakes West Hollywood location.

Russell Simmons is the younger brother of Daniel Simmons, Jr., and he is the older brother of Rev. Joseph Simmons, better known as “Run” of Run-DMC, and son of Daniel Simmons, Sr, a public school administrator and Evelyn Simmons, a New York City park administrator. His brother Daniel Simmons, Jr., is an accomplished abstract artist.

Russell Simmons has been vegan since 1998, and advocates the adoption of practicing Ahimsa and veganism citing animal rights along with the environmental and health benefits.

Since May 2005 he has been a contributing blogger at The Huffington Post.
In January 2009 he was named Editor-In-Chief of GlobalGrind.com: The World According To Hip-Hop.

Russell Simmons is the fourth richest figure in hip-hop, having a net-worth estimate of $340 million, behind Jay-Z with $547 million, 50 Cent with $440 million and Sean Combs with $358 million.

Simmons attended City College of New York, but left his studies to begin promoting local rap music acts, including Kurtis Blow, John Chavous and Run-DMC (whom he would later sign to his record label), and producing records. In 1982 Russell met electronic music pioneer Bruce Haack and collaborated on the recording of a track called ‘Party Machine’. Although the single was never released, it is now considered the ‘blueprint’ of electro/rap music and one of Russell’s first recordings before his hip-hop career was launched. In 1984, he met Rick Rubin and they founded Def Jam Records, signing the Beastie Boys, LL Cool J, Public Enemy among other acts.

Millions of Milkshakes is a family place, where every teenager wants to be seen. At Millions of Milkshakes, customers design their own milkshake from a choice of over 50 toppings, including a range of candies, chocolates, cereals, fruits and protein boosts, as well as ice cream, non-fat yogurt and vegan ice cream. In less than 12 months Millions of Milkshakes has become a celebrity hotspot with a long wait-list of actors, musicians, and athletes requesting to make their own signature shakes.

Thousands of fans took to the streets of Chicago Friday for a ticker tape parade honoring the Stanley Cup champion Blackhawks. Chicago won their first Cup since 1961 on Wednesday, beating the Philadelphia Flyers in six games.

The City of Chicago estimated that 2 million people attended the event, which beats record turnouts for the White Sox’s World Series celebration in 2005 any of the six Grant Park rallies during the Bulls’ championship celebrations of the 1990s.

At least 75 people were taken to nearby hospitals — some alcohol related illnesses and injuries, and some heat-related illnesses. The Chicago Fire Department called for a 2ND Alarm EMS Task Force Box, which brought mutual aid rescue ambulances from about 20 suburbs. Ambulances staged at the Chicago Fire Academy. Many victims requiring medical aid were collected to an near Lower Wacker and Lower Michigan before being transported to a hospital.

Yesterday’s high was 89°F with a temperature of 84°F and dew point of 71°F at 11:00 a.m. (Relative Humidty 65%)

2010 Chicago Blackhawks Stanely Cup Parade view from Canal and Washington street leading to main parade route. At 5:32 the Stanley Cup emerges from under the bridge with Patrick Kane hoisting it to the sky!!!

Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook will bring the Stanley Cup to “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” Monday, June 14, 2010.

Finals are over. You are looking for a release … something different. The Arlington Heights Memorial Library is holding its first Techno Dance Party with magnetic new music handpicked by teens. The library will be raffling off iTunes gift cards during the event. From the library: “You’ve never seen the Library like this!” For teens going into high school in the fall and older. Register online or at the Reception Desk, 847-392-0100.

Registration Ends: 6/11/2010 at 8:00 PM

Location: Arlington Heights Memorial Library Hendrickson Room
Event Type: General—Teens
Date: 6/11/2010
Start Time: 8:00 PM
End Time: 9:30 PM

The Village Board of Arlington Heights Monday June 7, 2010 unanimously passed a resolution requesting that Cook County not install red light photo enforced cameras at intersections in Arlington Heights because it “violates the spirit of home rule and imposes on the village’s right to regulate traffic within its corporate boundaries.”

An ordinance that specifically prohibits the installation of red light cameras with out the consent of the Village of Arlington Heights is also planned. Schaumburg has a similar ordinance written that is expected to be passed tonight. Jack Siegel is the village attorney for Arlington Heights and Schaumburg that is involved in legal counsel regarding writing the ordinance.

On June 3, 2010 the Cook County Board voted Tuesday to install Red Light Cameras at intersections in several Cook County suburbs. The cameras will be installed in the next 30 to 60 days.

Three intersections in Arlington Heights are on the list.
Three Arlington Heights locations:
Arlington Heights Road and Lake-Cook Road, Arlington Heights/Buffalo Grove
Hintz Road and Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights
Hintz Road and Buffalo Grove Road/Windsor, Arlington Heights

All 30 locations:
Lake Avenue and Ridge Road, Wilmette
87th Street and Roberts Road, Hickory Hills/Justice
Arlington Heights Road and Lake-Cook Road, Arlington Heights/Buffalo Grove
Schaumburg Road and Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg
Vollmer Road and Central Road, Matteson
Euclid Avenue and Roselle Road, Palatine
Euclid Avenue and Quentin Road, Palatine
103rd Street and Roberts Road, Palos Hills
Lake-Cook Road and McHenry Road, Hickory Hills
Schaumburg Road and Roselle Road, Schaumburg
Lake-Cook Road and Skokie Boulevard, Northbrook
Greenwood Road and 154th Street, South Holland/Dolton
167th Street and Kedzie Avenue, Hazel Crest/Markham
Sauk Trail and Orchard Drive, Park Forest
143rd Street and Ridgeland Avenue, Orland Park
Buffalo Grove Road and Lake-Cook Road, Buffalo Grove
Meacham Road and Nerge Road, Elk Grove Village
Central Road and Roselle Road, Schaumburg
Lake-Cook Road and Waukegan Road, Deerfield
Hintz Road and Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights
Hintz Road and Wolf Road, Wheeling
County Line Road and Plainfield Road, Hinsdale
Roselle Road and Wise Road, Schaumburg
Meacham Road and Biesterfield Road, Elk Grove Village
Wise Road and Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg
County Line Road and German Church, Burr Ridge
171st Street and 80th Avenue, Tinley Park
Arlington Heights Road and Devon Avenue, Elk Grove Village
Hintz Road and Buffalo Grove Road/Windsor, Arlington Heights
Schaumburg Road and Plum Grove Road, Schaumburg

Check Arlington Heights area police and fire calls every day on Twitter or the CRIME BLOG column …

FOLLOW ARLINGTONCARDS ON TWITTER!

OR …
CRIME BLOG COLUMN …

The Cook County Board voted Tuesday to install Red Light Cameras at intersections in several Cook County suburbs. The cameras will be installed in the next 30 to 60 days. Three intersections in Arlington Heights are on the list.

Three Arlington Heights locations:
Arlington Heights Road and Lake-Cook Road, Arlington Heights/Buffalo Grove
Hintz Road and Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights
Hintz Road and Buffalo Grove Road/Windsor, Arlington Heights

All 30 locations:
Lake Avenue and Ridge Road, Wilmette
87th Street and Roberts Road, Hickory Hills/Justice
Arlington Heights Road and Lake-Cook Road, Arlington Heights/Buffalo Grove
Schaumburg Road and Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg
Vollmer Road and Central Road, Matteson
Euclid Avenue and Roselle Road, Palatine
Euclid Avenue and Quentin Road, Palatine
103rd Street and Roberts Road, Palos Hills
Lake-Cook Road and McHenry Road, Hickory Hills
Schaumburg Road and Roselle Road, Schaumburg
Lake-Cook Road and Skokie Boulevard, Northbrook
Greenwood Road and 154th Street, South Holland/Dolton
167th Street and Kedzie Avenue, Hazel Crest/Markham
Sauk Trail and Orchard Drive, Park Forest
143rd Street and Ridgeland Avenue, Orland Park
Buffalo Grove Road and Lake-Cook Road, Buffalo Grove
Meacham Road and Nerge Road, Elk Grove Village
Central Road and Roselle Road, Schaumburg
Lake-Cook Road and Waukegan Road, Deerfield
Hintz Road and Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights
Hintz Road and Wolf Road, Wheeling
County Line Road and Plainfield Road, Hinsdale
Roselle Road and Wise Road, Schaumburg
Meacham Road and Biesterfield Road, Elk Grove Village
Wise Road and Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg
County Line Road and German Church, Burr Ridge
171st Street and 80th Avenue, Tinley Park
Arlington Heights Road and Devon Avenue, Elk Grove Village
Hintz Road and Buffalo Grove Road/Windsor, Arlington Heights
Schaumburg Road and Plum Grove Road, Schaumburg

Check Arlington Heights area police and fire calls every day on Twitter or the CRIME BLOG column …

FOLLOW ARLINGTONCARDS ON TWITTER!

OR …
CRIME BLOG COLUMN …

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – Vocal artist Cindi Cronin sings standards, Sinatra, and more in a return engagement Saturday, June 12 at 8:00 p.m., at Pamela’s Parkside Grill, 27 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights.

Cronin, who is being joined by Mingus Matkus on saxophone, sings melodies that serve as suitable background during dining; she will follow with a second set so diners may take to the dance floor.

Pamela’s Parkside Grill, the only upscale, non-ethnic restaurant in the town’s bustling downtown
restaurant community, features an eclectic menu of grilled seafood and fine meats as well as several sauced dishes plus flambé desserts. The food offerings are complemented by unique artwork by local artists which is available for purchase.

Pamela’s Parkside Grill is open for lunch Tuesday through Friday from 11: 00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; for dinner Tuesday through Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; for Nite Bites Friday and Saturday from 9:30 p.m. to Midnight.; and for a combination menu of breakfast favorites, lunch offerings, and light dinner options Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The restaurant is closed on Mondays.

For more information contact Pamela’s Parkside Grill, (847) 394-2728, or visit www.pamelasparkside.com

Cindi Cronin made her theatrical/ vocal debut in 1972 at Salley’s Stage, a musical pizza eatery, as a Saturday night entertainer. In addition, in 1978 was a primary performer in Chicago Public Libraries “Vaudeville“ production. Other theatrical credits include six years at The Kings Manor Dinner Theater as a cast member/ solo performer. (1978-1983). In addition to her vocal talents, Cindi attended Loyola University in 1978 to receive her certification as a Paramedic.. Working at Lutheran General Hospital 1979- 1985 was exciting but, music was her passion. After having two children and opening a party decorating business (for the past twenty years) entertaining was a must. In 1999 she met Lou Elia, a Chicagoland music promoter and has been singing ever since. Her present credits as a solo artist include: In Illinois, 3 Olives in Norridge, Valley Low Country Club in Glenview, Gionattis Resaurant in Schiller Park, Al Di La in Oakbrook, Dover Straits in Hoffman Estates. In Indiana, she has performed at the Indiana Beach Resort. She has also performed live with the Joe Valentino Trio, 200 East Supper Club in downtown Chicago.

See also …
CCsings.com

Chicago Swim School shares news about drowning prevention
As anactive member of the U.S. Swim School Association we advocate for water safety awareness and drowning prevention. On May 24, 2010 the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) updated their guidance on water safety and drowning prevention. In its updated policy, the AAP has revised its guidance on swimming lessons and also highlights new drowning risks. Jeffrey Weiss, lead author of the policy statement says, “To protect their children, parents need to think about layers of protection. Children need to learn to swim. Swimming lessons can be an important part of the overall protection, which should include pool barriers and constant, capable supervision.” The statement goes on to say that new evidence shows that children ages 1 to 4 may be less likely to drown if they have had formal swimming instruction. This new guideline is a monumental change that indicates that the AAP recognizes the evidence that U.S. Swim School Association member schools have been promoting for years: formal swim lessons are a vital part of the multilevel approach to drowning prevention and water
safety.

The AAP offers a specific 11 point advice list for parents that includes: never leaving children without adult supervision around any type of water; closely supervise children at all times; inquiring about exposure to water when your children are not in your care; installing appropriate fencing and gate systems around pools; providing swimming lessons to children; learning CPR; not using air-filled swimming aids; wearing life-jackets when children are in boats; knowing water depth and underwater hazards before allowing children to jump in any body of water; swimming at lifeguard supervised open bodies of water and counseling teenagers on the increased risk of drowning when alcohol is involved.

If you would like to learn more about water safety, drowning prevention or if you would like to sign your child up for swim lessons, you can contact: Chicago Swim School at 847-870-7946 or 630-608-4857 or visit www.chicagoswimschool.com. Chicago Swim School has locations in Arlington Heights, Glenview, and Oswego.

Front entrance sign to Mariano’s Fresh Market.

UPDATE …
See grand opening update from The Cardinal Mike Ditka & Chicago Blackhawk 2010 Champion Players Dave Boland, Adam Burish to Highlight Grand Opening Events for Mariano’s Fresh Market

When will Mariano’s open?
Both the front entrance sign and the corner sign at Kensington and Dryden is up and on display at the new Mariano’s Fresh Market. Landscaping is underway and the parking lot shopping cart racks complete with a roof were installed today. Looks like they will be stocking the shelves soon. Word is out that the first Mariano’s Fresh Market, a new supermarket from Roundy’s of Wisconsin, will open July 19 in Arlington Heights with a charity event. The regular store opening is planned for July 20, 2010.

Not only is the fresh market store a huge grocer, it will feature an indoor-outdoor cafe/deli area, an eat-in sushi bar, Italian espresso and gelato cafe, European bakery, wood-fired pizza station, custom sandwiches including panini, food sampling, catering, and a wine and beer department specializing in pairings with customers’ menus. Mariano’s Fresh Market has not officially confirmed the July opening.

The front entrance of the Mariano’s Fresh Market grocery store.

The new website for Mariano’s Fresh Market with the motto Shop Well. Eat Well. Live Well.
marianosfreshmarket.com

View Arlington Heights Restaurants ~ Taste-of-Arlington.comshowing Mariano’s Fresh Market new location in a larger map
Blue shape approximate size and location of Mariano’s Fresh Market — the new location in Arlington Heights coming this summer 2010 (overlayed on the former Lattof Chevrolet site).

Information about RSS Feeds, Feed Listings, Aggregation of Category Headlines COMING SOON!

Feed Listings will be listed and included here.

Atlantis’ homeward-bound astronauts paid tribute Tuesday morning to their space shuttle, nearing the end of its final journey after a quarter-century of spaceflight. Commander Kenneth Ham noted that Atlantis has spent nearly 300 days in orbit over 32 missions, and traveled 120 million miles. The commander and his crew took along a small U.S. flag that flew on Atlantis’ first flight.

Apple iTunes Apple iTunes

“Empire State of Mind” was the wake up song for the crew of the Atlantis Space Shuttle crew on Tuesday, May 25, 2010.

“Empire State of Mind” is a song by American rapper and hip hop artist Jay-Z, featuring vocals from R&B and soul singer Alicia Keys. It was released as the third single from Jay-Z’s 11th studio album The Blueprint 3 (2009), from his Roc Nation label in October 2009. The song is an anthemic ode to both artists’ native New York, and features a music sample of “Love on a Two-Way Street” (1970) by The Moments. The track was originally written after Brooklyn natives Angela Hunte and Jane’t “Jnay” Sewell-Ulepic were feeling homesick while on an overseas trip in February 2009. The following month they sent the song in for consideration at Roc Nation, but the song received negative reviews. Initially discouraged, the duo sent the song to Jay-Z after being suggested to by a associate of EMI, and after an incident which they described as an omen.

After hearing the song, Jay-Z immediately recorded it, having changed all of the verses, but keeping the hook. The track was suppose to feature Hunte on the song’s hook, but when Hunte and Sewell-Ulepic were asked if they thought someone else would be more appropriate for the chorus, Hunte suggested Keys. Mary J. Blige was also considered for Keys’ part, but Keys was chosen after Jay-Z heard the song’s piano loop. The song was viewed as being a “orchestral rap ballad” and has pop-rap musical styles. It contains references to drugs, locations in New York as well as its famous residents, and describes the city’s essence. Profanity is also present throughout the song, and although it is usually included during live performances, it was omitted during Jay-Z and Keys’ performance at Game 2 of the 2009 World Series.

CollegeHumor.com recently did a spoof of the song with ‘Galactic Empire State of Mind’ …

Galactic Empire State of Mind: He’s got 99 problems but a Jedi ain’t one. Bet you didn’t know Darth Vader was a rapper.

Arlington Park Horseracing Track - Homestretch

The racetrack has a new $1 million video system, with robotic cameras and 100 high-definition televisions. All cameras are also high-definition cameras.

In addition to arlingtonpark.com, a new interactive website is unveiled that will offer greater insight to events and to the social media side of Arlington Park — arlingtonparklive.com. A new YouTube channel with tote board instructions and a Horseracing 101 video has been added to an existing facebook account and a new twitter account — twitter.com/ap_live.

Self-Service Wagering Tips from Arlington Park Entertainment Reporter Alyssa Ali.

SEE ALSO …
Arlingtoncards.com/horseracing
Arlingtoncards.com/calendar

The Arlington Park season will feature a 27-event stakes schedule with purses in excess of $5 million highlighted by the International Festival of Racing on Saturday, Aug. 21 featuring three Grade I turf races – the Arlington Million, the $750,000 Beverly D. and the $400,000 Secretariat Stakes.

Arlington Park will run a 91-day meet in 2010 from Thursday, April 29 through Sunday, Sept. 26. The horseracing track will have live racing Thursdays through Sunday, and the following Mondays: May 31, July 5 and Sept. 6. Arlington Park has six special dates scheduled for the season:
Kentucky Derby, May 1
Preakness Stakes, May 15
Belmont Stakes, June 5
Prairie State fest, June 19
Fiesta in the Park, July 11
Arlington Million, Beverly D and Secretariat races, Aug. 21

Post times are 1 p.m. Thursdays and Sundays, 3 p.m. Fridays (2 p.m. Fridays in September). Saturday posts vary from 12:15 p.m. to 1 p.m. except for 4 p.m. post on July 3.

Arlington Park, whose parent company is Churchill Downs Incorporated (Nasdaq: CHDN), also operates 10 off-track, simulcast-wagering facilities: Trackside Arlington Park (Arlington Heights), Trackside Chicago, Trackside Quad City Downs (East Moline), Trackside Waukegan, Shooters Bar & Grill at Don Carter Lanes featuring Trackside Rockford, Fat Sam’s Bar & Grill featuring Trackside OTB in Lockport, Lucky’s featuring Trackside OTB in South Elgin, Nicolino’s featuring Trackside OTB in McHenry, Tad’s Sports Bar & Grill featuring Trackside OTB in South Beloit and Salerno-Pincente Ristorante featuring Trackside OTB in Hodgkins.

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – Vocal artist Cindi Cronin sings standards, Sinatra, and more in a return engagement Saturday, May 1 at 8:00 p.m., at Pamela’s Parkside Grill, 27 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights.

Cronin’s melodies serve as suitable background during dining; she will follow with a second set so diners may take to the dance floor.

Back by popular demand, Cronin also performs at restaurants, lounges, country clubs, and resorts throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. She is scheduled to return to Pamela’s Parkside Grill on June 12.

Pamela’s Parkside Grill, the only upscale, non-ethnic restaurant in the town’s bustling downtown restaurant community, features an eclectic menu of grilled seafood and fine meats as well as several sauced dishes plus flambé desserts. The food offerings are complemented by unique artwork by local artists which is available for purchase.

Pamela’s Parkside Grill is open for lunch Tuesday through Friday from 11: 00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; for dinner Tuesday through Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30; for Night Bites from 9:00 pm to 12:00 a.m.; and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., serving a combination menu of brunch favorites and lunch offerings. The restaurant is closed on Mondays.

For more information contact Pamela’s Parkside Grill, (847) 394-2728, or visit www.pamelasparkside.com

Cindi Cronin made her theatrical/ vocal debut in 1972 at Salley’s Stage, a musical pizza eatery, as a Saturday night entertainer. In addition, in 1978 was a primary performer in Chicago Public Libraries “Vaudeville“ production. Other theatrical credits include six years at The Kings Manor Dinner Theater as a cast member/ solo performer. (1978-1983). In addition to her vocal talents, Cindi attended Loyola University in 1978 to receive her certification as a Paramedic.. Working at Lutheran General Hospital 1979- 1985 was exciting but, music was her passion. After having two children and opening a party decorating business (for the past twenty years) entertaining was a must. In 1999 she met Lou Elia, a Chicagoland music promoter and has been singing ever since. Her present credits as a solo artist include: In Illinois, 3 Olives in Norridge, Valley Low Country Club in Glenview, Gionattis Resaurant in Schiller Park, Al Di La in Oakbrook, Dover Straits in Hoffman Estates. In Indiana, she has performed at the Indiana Beach Resort. She has also performed live with the Joe Valentino Trio, 200 East Supper Club in downtown Chicago.

See also …
CCsings.com

INTERLOCHEN, Mich. — Jessie Ann Bolash, 17, of Arlington Heights has been accepted and will attend Interlochen Arts Camp, the world’s premier summer arts program for aspiring artists grades 3 through 12. Jessie Ann, the daughter of Robert and Camille, will study Vocal Arts and Operetta at the Camp. In 2010, the Camp will mark its 83rd season at the forefront of arts education.

Jessie Ann is currently a Junior at Prospect High School in Mt. Prospect, IL. She has been a member of Prospect’s Treble and Varsity Choirs, and is currently a member of the Honors Choir. Also, Jessie Ann is a two year member of the award winning all-girls show choir, Company. This year Jessie Ann will be receiving her varsity letter for choir at Prospect. Besides being involved with Prospect’s Music Department, Jessie Ann is a voice student at Harper Junior College in Palatine, IL. Jessie Ann has taken private voice lessons for 5 years and has been involved in various choirs, recitals, and singing opportunities for the past 9 years. Recently, Jessie Ann was a finalist in the Junior Opera Idol competition in Evanston, IL. Also, she has participated in the national Classical Singer competition. Jessie Ann is planning on pursuing classical vocal performance in college and is committed to making this her career. This summer will be Jessie Ann’s second year attending Interlochen Arts Camp as a Vocal Arts and Operetta major.

Interlochen Arts Camp in Michigan attracts students, faculty and staff from all 50 U.S. states and more than 40 countries. These 3,000 artists fill Interlochen’s northwoods campus with an explosion of creativity. Student-artists learn from world-class instructors and produce hundreds of presentations each summer in dance, theatre, creative writing, visual arts, music and film.

Among the distinguished Camp alumni are Norah Jones, singer Josh Groban, opera and concert soprano Jessye Norman, conductor Loren Maazel, jazz pianist Eldar, actor Anthony Rapp, cartoonist Cathy Guisewite and many more. Approximately ten percent of the nation’s professional orchestra musicians have roots at Interlochen and the alumni community has been honored with 90 Grammy Awards.

In addition to hundreds of performances, presentations and readings by young artists, Interlochen brings leading artists and performers to the northern Michigan campus. In recent years, guest artists have included Joshua Bell, Olga Kern, Bob Dylan, Van Cliburn, Willie Nelson, B.B. King, Guster, Lyle Lovett, Trace Adkins, Branford Marsalis, the Moody Blues and many more.

Highlights of the 2009 Camp season can be found at: www.interlochen.org/camp/video

Interlochen Arts Camp is part of the nonprofit Interlochen Center for the Arts, recipient of the National Medal of Arts and the only organization in the world that brings together: a 2,500-student summer camp program; a 500-student fine arts boarding high school; opportunities for hundreds of adults to engage in fulfilling artistic and creative programs; two 24-hour listener-supported public radio stations (classical music and news); more than 600 arts presentations annually by students, faculty and world-renowned guest artists; a global alumni base spanning eight decades, including leaders in the arts and all other endeavors. For information, visit Interlochen online at www.interlochen.org.

A deal in the works at the Illinois State Capitol would put hundreds of video slot and poker machines at Arlington Park and other horse tracks across the state. Taxes would provide millions of dollars for construction spending.

As proposed, Arlington Park and other Cook County tracks are set to get up to 1,200 video gambling positions. Downstate tracks would be limited to 900 video gambling positions. The video casinos would have to be located within 300 yards of the track. Arlington Heights would only get 5% of the revenue from the slot machines, and the race tracks would have to pay up to $25,000 per video gambling machine. The current plan does have the backing Arlington Park, which would welcome the opportunity for new construction and additional jobs.

The controversy over slot machines has existed years. In 1995, a local referendum question on whether to support casino gambling at the track won by 38 votes, but the Arlington Heights Village Board passed a resolution against more gambling. Officials have always known that state legislature could overrule the decisions of the Arlington Heights Village Board.

Bumble Bees, like their relatives the honey bees, feed on nectar and gather pollen to feed their young.

Bumblebees are social insects that are characterized by black and yellow body hairs, often in bands. However, some species have orange or red on their bodies, or may be entirely black. Another obvious (but not unique) characteristic is the soft nature of the hair (long, branched setae), called pile, that covers their entire body, making them appear and feel fuzzy. They are best distinguished from similarly large, fuzzy bees by the form of the female hind leg, which is modified to form a corbicula; a shiny concave surface that is bare, but surrounded by a fringe of hairs used to transport pollen (in similar bees, the hind leg is completely hairy, and pollen grains are wedged into the hairs for transport).

Like their relatives the honey bees, bumblebees feed on nectar and gather pollen to feed their young.

Queen and worker bumblebees can sting, but unlike a honey bee’s, a bumblebee’s stinger lacks barbs, so they can sting more than once. The honey bee fatally injures itself when it commits to using its stinger. Bumblebee species are normally non-aggressive, but will sting in defense of their nest, or if harmed. Female cuckoo bumblebees will aggressively attack host colony members, and sting the host queen, but will ignore other animals (including humans) unless disturbed.

The Arlington Heights Police Department is ready to put on their dancing shoes and participate in a fun event, “Rockin’ with The Cops,” with Arlington Heights 5th grade graduates on Friday, June 11 from 7-10 p.m., at Pioneer Park, 500 S. Fernandez Ave.

“Rockin’ with the Cops” community event is a great way to celebrate 5th grade graduation while getting to know local police officers and enjoying a fun night of games, swimming, music, food and prizes.

The first 250 students to get their completed application forms turned into the Arlington Heights Police Department’s front desk by 9 a.m., Monday, May 10, 2010 will be able to participate. A maximum of four applications may be submitted by each applicant.

Applications can be downloaded from here. If you have questions, please call Officer Aiello at 847-368-5310 or email him at jaielloATvah.com.

Last February the The Cardinal reported about a popular Facebook page called ‘Growing Up in Arlington Heights‘ which at the time had 1,300 fans on February 6, 2010. Today the page has 6,249 fans. And now a new page, most likely by another creator, has come on the scene for nostalgia’s sake: Arlington High School Alumni Photos Then and Now. So far, the author or authors of the page have four albums dedicated to years for the Class of 1975, Class of 1976, Class of 1979, and Class of 1974. The clever designer is putting alumni in each album — using photos from yearbooks and current Facebook photos.

The Arlingtoncards.com/reunion page is due for a makeover — especially to keep up with facebook innovations and content — but both links have been added today near the top of the page.

Picture showing ‘Fuego’ sign removed before new ‘Salsa 17′ is installed.

Fuego at 17 West Campbell Street is now known as Salsa 17. The popular restaurant changed names about two weeks ago after a part-owner with rights to the name, gave up his ownership and took the name with him to another location at 2047 North Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago. Rumors on the Internet had the restaurant being labeled as closed, but those rumors are false. The restaurant is open and operating.

Salsa 17 is the same restaurant at the same location. It’s just missing a sign right now. The official website is Salsa17.com, but as of March 31, 2010, the domain name is registered privately with no website attached to the web address.

It was Fuego at Campbell Street, not Fuegos.

Salsa 17
17 West Campbell St.
Arlington Heights, Illinois
salsa17.com

847.590.1122

Updated photo (May 19, 2010): Front entrance sign to Mariano’s Fresh Market.

UPDATES …
See grand opening updates from The Cardinal …
Mike Ditka & Chicago Blackhawk 2010 Champion Players Dave Boland, Adam Burish to Highlight Grand Opening Events for Mariano’s Fresh Market

Mariano’s Opens: Huge Crowd is Happy with New Area Grocer; Hours, Images and Details …

Roundy’s Supermarkets, Inc. has announced the name for its new Chicagoland stores, “Mariano’s Fresh Market.” The name is a nod to the Italian culinary heritage of Roundy’s CEO Bob Mariano. The new stores will reflect old-world adherence to quality and personal service, blended with Mariano’s signature approach to supermarket innovation.

A look at the front of Mariano’s Fresh Market from Kensington Road looking south toward Northwest Highway.

Mariano is thrilled to be back in Chicago and proud to once again provide the community with what he calls “the aisle by aisle selection and the value every shopper deserves.” Mariano’s Fresh Market will epitomize their brand promise: Shop Well. Eat Well. Live Well. The emphasis of the new stores will be on fresh offerings in produce, meat, seafood, bakery and deli, with prepared foods available for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The full-service shopping experience will include natural and organic products, and a wide selection of homeopathic remedies.

The wine and spirits department, sushi bar, and Italian themed cafe featuring espresso, gelato, and panini are attractions that are sure to elevate the shopping experience to a new level.

“We want our customers to know that Mariano’s Fresh Market intends to be fully immersed in the fabric of our communities. We take this responsibility very seriously and are already developing plans to activate our long term dedication to the neighborhoods we will serve,” said Mariano.

View Arlington Heights Restaurants ~ Taste-of-Arlington.comshowing Mariano’s Fresh Market new location in a larger map
Blue shape approximate size and location of Mariano’s Fresh Market — the new location in Arlington Heights coming this summer 2010 (overlayed on the former Lattof Chevrolet site).

Mariano’s Fresh Market at Site of Former Lattof Chevrolet
Mariano’s Fresh Market in Arlington Heights will be located at 802 East Northwest Highway, at Kensington Road, and will open in Summer 2010. The Chicago East Loop location will be the first full-service grocery store to open downtown in many years and is designed to be part of the new condo development at 340 East Randolph Street, slated for completion in 2011.

About Roundy’s Supermarkets, Inc.
Roundy’s Supermarkets, Inc. is a leading grocer in the Midwest with nearly $4 billion in sales and more than 18,000 employees. Founded in Milwaukee in 1872, it operates 154 retail grocery stores and 88 pharmacies under the Pick ‘n Save, Copps, Rainbow and Metro Market banners in Wisconsin and Minnesota. In recent years, Roundy’s has ranked on Fortune’s list of America’s Most Admired Companies.

Robert Mariano is chairman and chief executive officer. Senior leadership is comprised of eight group vice presidents and an executive vice president.

For more information about Roundy’s, visit the company website at www.roundys.com.

Wednesday September March 17, 2010 was the day to turn out for a St. Patrick’s Day parade through the streets of New York, wearing green, waving at bands.

Little is known of Patrick’s early life, though it is known that he was born in Roman Britain in the fifth century, into a wealthy Romano-British family. His father and grandfather were deacons in the Church. At the age of sixteen, he was kidnapped by Irish raiders and taken captive to Ireland as a slave. It is believed he was held somewhere on the west coast of Ireland, possibly Mayo, but the exact location is unknown. According to his Confession, he was told by God in a dream to flee from captivity to the coast, where he would board a ship and return to Britain. Upon returning, he quickly joined the Church in Auxerre in Gaul and studied to be a priest.

In 432, he again says that he was called back to Ireland, though as a bishop, to save the Irish, and indeed he was successful at this, focusing on converting royalty and aristocracy as well as the poor. Irish folklore tells that one of his teaching methods included using the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity (the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) to the Irish people. After nearly thirty years of teaching and spreading God’s Word he died on 17 March 461, and was buried at Downpatrick, so tradition says. Although there were other more successful missions to Ireland from Rome, Patrick endured as the principal champion of Irish Christianity and is held in esteem in the Irish Church.

Originally the colour associated with Saint Patrick was blue. However, over the years the colour green and its association with Saint Patrick’s day grew. Green ribbons and shamrocks were worn in celebration of St Patrick’s Day as early as the 17th century. He is said to have used the shamrock, a three-leaved plant, to explain the Holy Trinity to the pre-Christian Irish, and the wearing and display of shamrocks and shamrock-inspired designs have become a ubiquitous feature of the day. Then in the 1798 rebellion in hopes of making a political statement Irish soldiers wore full green uniforms on 17 March in hopes of catching attention with their unusual fashion gimmick. The phrase “the wearing of the green”, meaning to wear a shamrock on one’s clothing, derives from the song of the same name.

Change Your Clocks Overnight
When Daylight Saving Time begins on the second Sunday in March, turn clocks forward 1 hour to Daylight Saving Time (-5 GMT/UT) “Spring Forward”… Daylight begins later; Nightfall arrives later. The body feels like it loses an hour.

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS/CHICAGO TIME ZONE
Arlington Heights, Illinois is in the Central Time Zone of the United States (CST -6, CDT -5). Daylight Savings Time is observed from the second Sunday in March at 2:00 a.m. until the first Sunday in November at 2:00 a.m. In Central Standard Time (CST), Arlington Heights is 6 hours behind the Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) or Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). In Central Daylight Time (CDT), Arlington Heights is 5 hours behind the Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) or Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

When Daylight Savings Time ends on the first Sunday in November, turn clocks back 1 hour to Central Standard Time (-6 GMT/UT) “Fall Back” … Daylight begins earlier; Nightfall arrives earlier. The body feels like it gains an hour.

The new Daylight Savings Time changes took effect March 11, 2007, Daylight Savings Time was extended another four to five weeks, from the former DST period ranging from the first Sunday of April to the last Sunday of October. The change was introduced by the Energy Policy Act of 2005.

You can jump direct to Daylight Saving Time information and more time information quickly and directly at …
Arlingtoncards.com/time

United States Time Zone Map: Pacific Time Zone DST -7, Mountain Time Zone DST -6, Central Time Zone DST -5, Eastern Time Zone DST -4, Alaska DST -9, Hawaii DST -10 (subtracted times from UTC/GMT).

‘Lucas’ played by Corey Haim carried to the Grace Gym stage at the former Arlington High School during a pep rally scene shows the Card Code (upper right) and brilliant red color scheme of the Grace Gym from the former ‘Home of the Cardinals.’

Corey Haim, a 1980′s teen heartthrob famous for his acting roles in ‘Lucas’ and ‘The Lost Boys’ has died at age 38. Haim died at 2:15 a.m. Wednesday at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Burbank, California, after he was taken by paramedics to the hospital from an apartment complex known as Oakwood in Los Angeles near Burbank.

‘Lucas’ played by Corey Haim with the Grace Gym scoreboard on the west wall toward the foyer.

Haim’s major break in acting was in 1986, billed as the main star alongside Kerri Green, Charlie Sheen, and Winona Ryder in the popular movie Lucas. Haim would receive a nomination for an Exceptional Performance by a Young Actor Starring in a Feature Film – Comedy or Drama at the Young Artist Awards for his role as the title character. Film critic Roger Ebert gave Haim good reviews.

Lucas filmed the summer immediately following the controversial closing of Arlington High School in 1984. The Arlington High School library was converted to a cafeteria for the film. Other school scenes, including the football field, were shot at Glenbard West High School in Glen Ellyn, Illinois and Arlington High School in Arlington Heights, as were many of the scenes outside of the high school. The pep rally scene early in the film was shot in the Grace Gym and Grace Gym foyer of Arlington High School. Other scenes for Lucas were filmed at various locations throughout Chicagoland.

Charlie Sheen as ‘Cappie’ on stage at Grace Gymnasium for the Pep Rally — an early scene of the film ‘Lucas’.

The title character, Lucas Bly (Corey Haim), is an extremely intelligent, if nerdy 14-year-old high school student. He becomes acquainted with Maggie (Kerri Green), a pretty older girl who has just moved to town. After meeting Lucas on one of his entomological quests while she is playing tennis, Maggie befriends him, spending time with him during the remainder of the summer. When school begins Lucas, who finds himself a frequent victim of bullying and teasing, has a protector of sorts —Cappie (Charlie Sheen), a fellow student and football player. Cappie was once one of Lucas’ tormentors, until Cappie contracted hepatitis and Lucas brought him his homework every day, ensuring that he didn’t fail his school work.

Wynona Ryder in the Grace Gym foyer which is now painted blue for Christian Liberty Academy.

Rina (Winona Ryder, in her first feature film role), Lucas’ best female friend, encounters him as he sits by a lake, looking across the lake at the dance festivities. Even though she has obvious feelings for him, Rina consoles Lucas as he frets about him and Maggie being “from two different worlds”. He witnesses Cappie and Maggie’s first kiss from across a lake.

The next day Lucas joins the football team in desperation, and the rest of the movie is about his determination.

Roger Ebert gave the film 4 out of 4 stars, calling it a film “about teenagers who are looking how to be good with each other, to care, and not simply to be filled with egotism, lust and selfishness, which is all most Hollywood movies think teenagers can experience”. Ebert later included the film in his top 10 films of 1986.

By the late 1990′s, Haim’s career was in trouble. After starring in several other films and a TV series, he filed for bankruptcy in 1997. In 2007, he told ABC’s “Nightline” that drugs hurt his career: “I feel like with myself I ruined myself to the point where I wasn’t functional enough to work for anybody, even myself. I wasn’t working,”

The Card Code in Grace Gym.

THE CARD CODE

HONESTY
Honesty in little things is not a little thing …

RESPECT
Respect for others means self respect …

RESPONSIBILITY
Responsibility brings privileges …

CITIZENSHIP
Citizenship = interest plus action …

EDUCATION
Education ends only with life …

SPORTSMANSHIP
Sportsmanship is participation,
net gain or loss …

FRIENDLINESS
Friendliness is contagious …
START AN EPIDEMIC!

Arlington High School Grace Gym decorated in 1984 for the 1986 release of Lucas.

See also …
Corey Haim Dies At 38: ‘Lucas’ Was Much More Than Teen Idol Fare

Village Bank and Trust Platinum Adventures Coordinator Kay Olivo, member of the Escorted Transportation Service Northwest (ETS – NW) Board of Directors, was among the recipients of the City of Good Neighbors Hearts of Gold Award from the Village of Arlington Heights in February.

ETS-NW is a volunteer organization that provides rides for senior citizens to medical appointments. They currently serve nearly 700 passengers in Arlington Heights, Barrington, Buffalo Grove, Hoffman Estates, Mount Prospect, Palatine, Park Ridge, Prospect Heights, Schaumburg and. Wheeling. Service boundaries extend east to Greenwood Avenue, west to Barrington Road, south to Biesterfield Road and north to Lake-Cook Road.

“I am very proud to be part of an organization that delivers such a valuable service to the community,” said Olivo.

Kathy Kasprowicz, Executive Director of ETS-NW, accepted the award on behalf of more than 70 volunteers on February 13th at the annual Hearts of Gold Awards Dinner at the European Crystal Banquet & Conference Center, 519 W. Algonquin Road, Arlington Heights. The Hearts of Gold awards program recognizes individuals who work or live in Arlington Heights for their generous contributions and acts of kindness

“It’s a very humbling experience,” said Kasprowicz. “There are so many people who deserve this award, but certainly our volunteers are among them. They are good neighbors personified.”

In 2009, ETS-NW provided 2,215 rides to medical, dental and therapy appointments; dialysis; chemotherapy; and lab work in the northwest suburbs of Cook County. Users pay a nominal fee for the service, although no one is denied if he or she is unable to pay.

Friday, February 26, 2010, the Arlington Heights Youth Commission will host an open house at the Teen Center, 112 N. Belmont Ave. in Arlington Heights.

A budget of $375K annual operating expenses must be met by April 30, 2010 or the Teen Center will close. Many suggest that the Teen Center be kept open by limiting expenses, cutting hours, etc., and looking for alternative ways for the Teen Center to bring in money.

More …
Teen Center Facebook Page …

View Google Street View at Northwest Highway and Benton

Aida Guss, 73, of Palatine, was walking southbound across Northwest Highway at Benton Street on her way to 6:30 a.m. Mass at St. Theresa Catholic Church when she was struck by a 2007 Toyota Tundra driven east by a 43-year-old Schaumburg man just after 6 a.m.

She is remembered by all as a ‘generous sweetheart.’ Aida Guss was married for 49 years to former Palatine Village President Robert Guss, who died in October 2007 at the age of 72.

Aida’s late husband, Robert Guss Jr., was a Palatine councilman from 1973 to 1977. Robert J. Guss was village president from 1977 to 1985. He led the effort to bring Lake Michigan water to Palatine and worked hard to establish a full-time fire department.

View Larger Map

Raw video during CYBER SHOCKWAVE.

Former high-level government officials participated in “Cyber ShockWave.” The event featured a full-day simulation of an attack on the U.S.’s mobile and Internet-based communications infrastructure.

Bipartisan Policy Center video.

The Bipartisan Policy Center hosted Cyber ShockWave, a simulated cyber attack on the United States. Cyber ShockWave will provide an unprecedented look at how the government would develop a real-time response to a large-scale cyber crisis affecting much of the nation.

A cyberattack disabled US cell phone networks, slowed Internet traffic to a crawl and crippled America’s power grid Tuesday — all in the interest of beefing up US security. The simulated exercise was in fact a dress rehearsal meant to give US leaders practice in responding to a future devastating cyber-assault.

Dubbed “Cyber ShockWave” and organized by the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC), the event was held at a Washington hotel room transformed for the day into the White House Situation Room, where the president and his advisers typically meet to address national emergencies.

SOURCE: AFP US officials rehearse fending off cyberattack

See also …
Bipartisan Policy Center

2 thousand sticks of dynamite were used to bring down a 30 story condo in West Palm Beach Florida Sunday. The demolition made the tower the third tallest building ever to be imploded in the U.S.

Dr. Oz gave a hero’s welcome to three Chicago firefighters Thursday. The audience learned that many firefighters started out fit, but a after a lot of eating at the firehouse, they became overweight and noticed a little more trouble with the job, especially climbing the ladder truck.

The three firefighters definitely showed some risk factors for heart disease! The firefighters accepted a challenge to lose 4 inches off their waist measurement in 60 days.

Iggy
235 lbs, Waist 43 inches, LDL Cholesterol 140, and blood pressure 160/94 mm Hg

Doug
Blood Pressure 138/78, Waist 44 inches, Body Weight 237 LBS with a family history of heart disease. Doug was already taking anti-cholesterol medications, so his LDL level was not displayed.

Mauricio “Juicy”
Body Mass Index (BMI) 41, Body Weight 284 lbs, Waist 49 inches

To save the firefighter’s lives, Dr. Oz recommended a four-part Drill Plan accompanied by former firefighter Rip Esselstyn, who developed his “Engine 2 Diet” plan for a team of overweight Texas firefighters.

Drill 1: Extinguish Dairy and Processed Foods (1-2 weeks)
Cheesy Meat Lasagna (800 calories changed over to Sweet Potato & Vegetable Lasagna with less than half the calories of the meat lasagna)

Drill 2: Extinguish Meat and Eggs (3-4 weeks)
Cheeseburger wih fries (950 calories) changed over to a Portabello Burger (290 calories)

Drill 3: Extinguish Bad Oils (5-6 weeks)
Unhealthy oil-baked cupcakes to Dark Chocolate Brownies made with applesauce.

Drill 4: Add Cardio & Strength Training (Weeks 7-8)
Funky jumping jacks for cardio, flutter kicks for core strength

Engine Two Diet by Rip Esseltyn

More about Doctor Oz Firefighter Book ‘The Engine 2 Diet’ by Rip Esselstyn
Professional athlete-turned-firefighter Rip Esselstyn is used to responding to emergencies. So, when he learned that some of his fellow Engine 2 firefighters in Austin, TX, were in dire physical condition-several had dangerously high cholesterol levels (the highest was 344!)-he sprang into action and created a life-saving plan for the firehouse. By following Rip’s program, everyone lost weight (some more than 20 lbs.), lowered their cholesterol (Mr. 344′s dropped to 196), and improved their overall health. Now, Rip outlines his proven plan in this book. With Rip as your expert coach and motivator, you’ll transform your body and lifestyle in a month. His plant-powered eating plan is based on a diet of whole foods, including whole grains, fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds. This invaluable guide features: **Dozens of easy, mouthwatering recipes-from pancakes to pizza, Tex-Mex favorites to knockout chocolate desserts-that will keep you looking forward to every bite **Pantry-stocking tips will take the panic out of inevitable cravings and on-the-fly meals **Guidelines on menu choices that will allow you to eat out, wherever and whenever you want **Rip’s simple, firefighter-inspired exercise program that will boost your metabolism and melt your fat away.

Rip Esselstyn
Rip Esselstyn was born in upper New York state and moved to Austin,Texas in 1982 to attend The University of Texas where he was an All-American swimmer. After spending 10 years as a professional triathlete Rip joined the fire department in 1997. For more information on Rip and THE ENGINE 2 DIET you can go to theengine2diet.com.

See also …
doctoroz.com
THE DR. OZ FIRE DRILL

Yankee Doodle Dandy, Cock Robin, Venture, Evergreen Theater, Bella Inn, La Tejanita, Turn Style, Svoboda’s, National Tea, Monaco Drugs, A&P, Vail Lounge, Uncle Alberts. If any of those business names bring back memories, then you grew up in Arlington Heights … and you’re not a twenty-something or a teenager. Someone has created a facebook page called Growing Up In Arlington Heights, Il. The ‘admin’ — as facebook ‘page’ creators are called — has encouraged other facebook users to exchange photos and experiences. The call to other facebook users has met a big response. Friday night about 6 p.m. there were about 740 fans of Growing Up In Arlington Heights, Il. after only a week in operation. Saturday at 2:00 p.m. there are over 1,300 fans of the page.

Most people who use facebook, have profiles, where they can share photos and experiences with their friends. Many businesses and some people with profiles take facebook a step further and create pages. The pages have fans, which include a wider range of people that don’t necessarily know each other. Those people can share experiences about their brand, which in this case is the experience of ‘growing up in Arlington Heights, Il. It seems a lot of people are fond of the experience.

CNET has reviewed, ahead of time, a survey scheduled to be released at a federal task force meeting today, which says that law enforcement agencies are virtually unanimous in calling for a national Web interface linking police computers with ISP’s and e-mail host computers to be created. Eighty-nine percent of police surveyed, the survey says, want to be able to “exchange legal process requests and responses to legal process” through an encrypted, police-only “nationwide computer network.”

Sampling of questions in the survey …
Q17: Nationwide security computer network for exchanging legal process between law enforcement and ISP’s?

Agree or disagree: A nationwide computer network should be established for the purpose of linking Internet service providers with law enforcement agencies so that they may exchange legal process requests and responses to legal process. Authorized user would communicate through encrypted virtual private networks in order to maintain the security of the data.

In your opinion, how long should SUBSCRIBER information like the billing name, address and credit card number be retained by Internet Service Providers?

In your opinion, how long should CONTENT information like the text or images in e-mails be retained by Internet Service Providers?

Frank Kardasz, who is scheduled to present the survey results at a meeting (PDF) of the Online Safety and Technology Working Group, organized by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Kardasz is a sergeant in the Phoenix police department and a project director of Arizona’s Internet Crimes Against Children task force.

In an incendiary October 2009 essay, however, Kardasz wrote that Internet service providers that do not keep records long enough “are the unwitting facilitators of Internet crimes against children” and called for new laws to “mandate data preservation and reporting.”

Current methods for obtaining search warrants and information requests are too slow for many police investigation. Of course, privacy advocates have their concerns.

Related content …

A Review of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Use of Exigent Letters and Other Informal Request for Telephone Records

SOURCE: CNET Police want backdoor to Web users’ private data

First Annual Tooth Fairy Day A Success!!!

Victoria Ursitti, DMD, a pediatric dentist in Arlington Heights along with her staff at All About Kids Dentistry held it’s first ever Tooth Fairy Day on Wednesday January 20, 2010. Overnight, the office dedicated to pediatric dentistry was magically transformed into Tooth Fairyland complete with blue skies, flowers, ivy, twinkling lights and beautiful fairy music.

On their way through “fairyland” which was designed to introduce young and new patients to their first dental experience, the children and parents stopped at various dental education stations, learning about the instruments used during the first appointment, about correct tooth brushing techniques and seeing overall that the dentist is a happy place to visit.

From their first sprinkling of fairy dust to the dental related goodies the children and parents received on their journey, their ultimate goal was to meet and greet with the Tooth Fairy. The Tooth Fairy, who spent the entire day at the office, answered all of the children’s questions and posed for many photos. She also entered their names into a raffle for a Special Tooth Fairy Pillow. All in all, the patients and parents really enjoyed their time with the Tooth Fairy as proven by the priceless smiles on their faces.

Dr. Victoria A. Ursitti’s office is located at 1845 East Rand Road in Arlington Heights. Telephone 847-870-0475.

For more information, check AllAboutKidsDentistry.com