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Ask Paul B: Smoking NOT an Option for Teen …

Cardinal News — Thu, 16 May 2013 20:30:59 +0000

Dear Paul B,

My son, who just turned 17, claims that it is his “right” to smoke, and I can’t stop him. My friends, his two older siblings, and even a teacher have spoken to him. He will not relent, but I have threatened to kick him out if he doesn’t stop. He smokes in front of me, and I can’t stand it. I fear that the second hand smoke will harm me and my two dogs. He has become insolent and disrespectful since he started smoking at home. I think he is “testing me.” Need some help.

Mama K

++++++++++++++++

Dear MK,

Testing you? You think? Of course he is. Sources report that over 6,000,000 die every year from the “brown plague.” In foreign countries, mostly Asia and India, tobacco causes more deaths from chronic lung disease than cancer. Smoking can also lead to death from tuberculosis. I can report DEATH stats all day long due to smoking. A pack of cancer sticks costs about $8.65 on average, unless you go online to purchase. The ONLY positive for smoking is one’s ownership of Phillip Morris or R. J. Reynolds stock; a decent hedge I must say, to cover your funeral expenses. MK, tell Chief Smoking Punk that you will NOT charge him rent ($200 monthly,) if he quits smoking TODAY. Otherwise, he better use that tobacco dough to cover his $200 per month habit. It’s all about options, so don’t threaten without a viable option for him. At a pack a day, he’ll cover his “rent free room,” and keep him upright for an additional 25 years or so. Stay tough, Mama K.

Paul B

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ASK PAUL B! usually appears on Thursday evenings, but occasionally appears on other days or times so the article might be introduced to new readers.

IMPORTANT LEGAL STUFF:
Advice is offered for general discussion. Any advice from a columnist or someone who has never actually met you is not guaranteed to be fit for your particular situation. While the advice might help send you in the right direction to find a solution to your problem, missing information or lack of specific dialogue might cause you harm, or delay a solution to your problem. Never use this advice as the sole replacement for advice from a physician, psychologist or other health professional or other professional. The information provided through any Arlingtoncardinal.com post or Ask Paul B! post is not a substitute for health, legal and other professional advice where specific facts and circumstances warrant additional personal attention. If any reader requires legal advice, health advice or other professional assistance, each reader should always consult his or her own legal, health professional, or other professional advisors and discuss the facts and circumstances that specifically apply to the user. Consider the topics discussed as a part of your overall experience for your pursuit of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Don’t hesitate to get help when you might need professional help.

The views of Ask Paul B! are not necessarily the views of The Cardinal — Arlingtoncardinal.com.

Ya Know, I Mean Dzhokhar Tsarnaev Is Innocent, He’s Not a Terrorist

Cardinal News — Tue, 14 May 2013 22:00:11 +0000

An ardent supporter of the “Free Dzhokhar Tsarnaev” movement fervently believes the Boston bombing suspect is innocent — and among her points of defense … a pressure cooker bomb is “way too heavy” to carry around in a backpack.

Sarah Cook says that TMZ and other media are slandering the names of Dzhokhar Tsarnaev and Tamerlan Tsarnaev, and says that a pressure cooker is way too heavy to carry in a backpack.

We now have teen idol terrorists.

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Dennis Rodman … A Secret Weapon to Match Crazy Wits Wavelength with North Korea’s Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un?

Cardinal News — Sat, 11 May 2013 16:17:30 +0000

Dennis Rodman thinks he can handle the North Korea conflict better than President Obama, by saying he “can’t do #$%R”. Yeah because we all know Dennis Rodman pulls a lot of weight around Capitol Hill.

Former Chicago Bull’s star Dennis Rodman is going back to North Korea in August to achieve (in his mind) what President Barack Obama cannot do — get Kenneth Bae released.

Kenneth Bae (also known by the name Pae Jun Ho) is an American citizen who is currently detained by North Korea on charges for “crimes aimed to topple the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea”.On April 30, 2013, North Korea’s Supreme Court sentenced Bae to 15 years hard labor, and on May 5, 2013, North Korea stated that it wouldn’t be using Bae as a “bargaining chip”.

I’m calling on the Supreme Leader of North Korea or as I call him “Kim”, to do me a solid and cut Kenneth Bae loose.

— Dennis Rodman (@dennisrodman) May 7, 2013

On May 7, after reading an article from The Seattle Times, Dennis Rodman sent out a tweet asking his friend Kim Jong-un to release Kenneth Bae.

You Can Still Help Arlington Heights Firefighters Reach “Fill The Boot” Fundraiser Goal For Muscular Dystrophy Association

Cardinal News — Thu, 09 May 2013 16:38:14 +0000

Firefighters immediately after volunteering at Arlington Heights Road and Northwest Highway for the MDA “Fill the Boot” fundraiser.

The “Fill the Boot” Fundraiser is a little short of the $20,000 goal set to provide services for area residents with Muscular Dystrophy. The “Fill the Boot” fundraiser was held Friday May 3, 2013 at Palatine Road and Arlington Heights Road, Northwest Highway and Arlington Heights Road, Golf Road and Arlington Heights Road, and the downtown Metra station.

New MDA Ambassador, two-year-old Ben Noble of Arlington Heights, along with his mom, Lauren, were out with Arlington Heights firefighters collecting donations Friday. Previous MDA Ambassador Seth Goldberg was on hand, as he has been for every event.

Radio station 97.1 “The Drive”, 102.3 XLC, and ESPN Sports 1220 AM were also on hand for support at the Palatine Road/Arlington Heights Road location.

PHOTO ALBUMS …
MORNING DRIVE
Firefighters volunteering for MDA Fill the Boot Drive downtown and at Arlington Heights Road and Palatine Road …

EVENING DRIVE
Firefighters volunteering for MDA Fill the Boot Drive at Northwest Highway and Arlington Heights Road …

EDDIE’S MDA BENEFIT
Firefighters and friend at Eddie’s on Northwest Highway for dinner and silent auction …

Cold, rainy weather may have been the reason for the shortfall, but firefighters toughed it out in the rain to work for the fundraising goal.

Eddie’s Restaurant hosted a silent auction Friday night with a Fish Fry, which was a big help in approaching the $20,000 goal. All of the business that donated items and services were a big helps. Arlington Heights firefighters Local 3105, Mariano’s, Valli Produce, Arlington Heights Ford, and Forest View Elementary School also support the MDA “Fill the Boot” goal.

You can still make a secure online donation to the AHFD MDA Boot Drive at www.iafflocal3105.org/mda

Psychic Sylvia Browne Told Amanda Berry’s Mother that Amanda Was Dead in 2004

Cardinal News — Thu, 09 May 2013 11:18:04 +0000

A famed psychic was dead wrong about the “death” of Amanda Berry. CNN’s Jeanne Moos reports on the backlash.

On The Montel Williams Show in 2004, Sylvia Browne claimed that Amanda Berry was dead. Browne said to Amanda’s mother, Louwana Miller, “She’s not alive, honey”. Louwana Miller died of heart failure in February 2006. Amanda Berry escaped nine years later from her kidnappers and was found alive Monday May 6, 2013 near the kidnapping suspect’s home at 2207 Seymour Avenue, Cleveland.

Sylvia Browne is an American author who describes herself as a psychic and spiritual medium. Browne has made several appearances on Larry King Live, was a weekly guest on The Montel Williams Show, and hosts her own hour-long show on Hay House Radio, discussing paranormal issues and giving callers advice in her role as a psychic.

Sylvia’s Statement on Amanda Berry
“If ever there was a time to be grateful and relieved for being mistaken, this is that time. Only God is right all the time. My heart goes out to Amanda Berry, her family, the other victims and their families.”

– Sylvia Browne

See also …
Sylvia Brown — sylviabrowne.com

Arlington Heights Police Department Officer Russell Mandel; “Crime Stopper Of The Year” Award

Cardinal News — Mon, 06 May 2013 12:09:14 +0000

Arlington Heights Police Department Officer Russell Mandel “Crime Stopper Of The Year” Award.

To help promote public awareness of the Arlington Heights Crime Stoppers Program and to recognize Arlington Heights Police Department personnel for exceptional “crime fighting” efforts, Arlington Heights Crime Stoppers and the Arlington Heights Police Department are proud to announce this year’s recipient of the 2012 “Crime Stopper of the Year Award.” This award is presented each year to a selected member of the Arlington Heights Police Department who has made a recognizable contribution to the community’s crime fighting efforts through a significant arrest or the suppression of criminal activity. Nominations for the award may be based on a single incident or combination of enforcement endeavors and may be made by any member of the Department.

Selection for the award is based on a majority vote of Department supervisory staff. The recipient of the 2012 “Crime Stopper of the Year Award” is Officer Russell Mandel. Crime Stoppers will present him with a $500.00 award at a luncheon on Thursday, May 16, 2013, in the Arbor Ballroom at the Double Tree Hotel Chicago in Arlington Heights.

Ask Paul B: Investing Do’s and Do Better’s

Cardinal News — Fri, 03 May 2013 22:36:24 +0000

Dear Paul B,

I have been an investor for four years now. The market seems to be watching my every move. I cannot explain why the last three stocks that I had rallied an average of 38% within a few weeks/months after selling. I had been patient for years with two of them, yes years!! I am so angry, I could just scream. If any of my neighbors near the Arlington Heights Library hears me scream, don’t worry, I won’t jump (yet.)

Robbie

++++++++++++++++

Dear Robbie,

I can feel your frustration. Investing is 50% homework, and 50% patience. Our emotions often guide us in investing, while only the price action, and, as I refer to stocks “giving them the time to cook.” We cannot divine the exact time to buy or sell, but we can control our emotions so that our investments are given the appropriate time to prove us either right or wrong. How often do we wait 3 or 4 years of a losing position, and then when we see the “break even price” we sell. Why? I have learned throughout my forty years that the market does not care when or why or at what price I bought or sold. My timing could be perfect, but typically we must have the patience of a saint. My nightmarish experience began when I sold Autozone (AZO) after about four years. I was way early, but I eked out a 3% gain. My good friend, who is in the auto-parts business recommended it to me. I had a rather large position, and thought I was prudent to jump out when I did. Within three months the stock gained 20%, and it went on to become an auto after-market leader with hundreds of stores. My lack of patience cost me $80,000!! I cannot pass up an Autozone without grimacing, and a few choice words. Follow your investments with a few hours of research each week. More to come…

Paul B

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ASK PAUL B! usually appears on Thursday evenings, but occasionally appears on other days or times so the article might be introduced to new readers.

The views of Ask Paul B! are not necessarily the views of The Cardinal — Arlingtoncardinal.com.

VIDEO: Off-Duty Firefighter/Paramedic Rushes to Apply Business Mans Belt as Tourniquet at Boston Marathon Bombing

Cardinal News — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 13:25:05 +0000

Off-duty firefighter Matt Patterson immediately applied a tourniquet to 7-year old Jane Richard and got her to an ambulance after the Boston Marathon bombing, helping to save her life.

Matt Patterson, a suburban Boston firefighter, said he had tunnel vision and immediately went to work with a tourniquet on the first victim he saw — the sister of fatally injured Martin Richard. Matt Patterson, 30, a firefighter/paramedic from Lynn, MA was in a restaurant when the two bombs went off, when he instinctively ran to Jane Richard’s side. She immediately told the off-duty firefighter that her name was Jane.

Martin Richard’s mother and his 7-year-old sister were among the more than 260 others wounded at the finish line of the Boston Marathon on April 15, 2013. Jane Richard’s life was saved because of the fast action to apply a tourniquet to her leg amputated by the blast of a bomb.

Martin Richard, 8, was buried Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at a private funeral Mass.

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Arlington Heights Resident Finds, Reads Own Epitaph

Cardinal News — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 16:56:42 +0000

Dear Paul B,

I have lived in our great community of Arlington Heights for over 57 years. I fought for our country, raised our family here, took care of our two girls, and continue to help out with a Grandchild. I was upset to find an “epitaph,” which looked vaguely familiar when I was sitting for my little granddaughter recently. I was shaken, and demoralized to know that my daughter is expecting my demise soon. What is really upsetting is that I am not even sick. I am in my eighties, but I am not planning on leaving anytime soon….not even on vacation! Should I ask my daughter what the heck is going on, or just leave it alone. I am thinking about this way too much, and and old friend suggested that I ignore it. He said that she was probably bored one night. What would you do?

Mr. B

+++

Dear Mr. B,

I was married to a woman who ALWAYS planned for everything, and I mean everything! She hated surprises and not being prepared. I can only tell you that there are others like her out there, and a heckuvalot worse. I recall that my ex would plan meals four weeks out, and I find that quite unique, given that food coupons aren’t even produced two weeks in advance. If there is a loving relationship here, and I am sure that there is, then just let it go. This is not something you need to challenge her on, unless of course, you find arsenic hidden in the back of a cupboard…

Paul B

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ASK PAUL B! usually appears on Thursday evenings, but occasionally appears on other days or times so the article might be introduced to new readers.

The views of Ask Paul B! are not necessarily the views of The Cardinal — Arlingtoncardinal.com.

Steven Schmidt of Barrington Hills Killed in Crash on Palatine Rd, Inverness

Cardinal News — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 18:40:14 +0000

Fatal crash involving a school bus with no passengers on Palatine Road, just east of Highland Road in Inverness killed Copper Plus General Contractor Steven Schmidt on Thursday.

The identity of the driver of an SUV that crashed with a school bus Thursday was released Friday. Steven Schmidt of South Barrington was pronounced dead at Northwest Community Hospital after a suffering injuries from a head-on crash with a school bus. Schmidt was a general contractor operating a successful business known as Cooper Plus Home Services serving the North Shore area of Chicagoland with custom remodeling projects. Steven Schmidt graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois and did graduate work in Physics at Northern Illinois University.

Inverness police and Palatine Rural firefighter/paramedics responded about 3:50 PM Friday to a crash involving a school bus and an SUV near Palatine Road and Highland Road Inverness, IL. Police and firefighter/paramedics arrived within two minutes and reported a school bus-vehicle crash involving extrication — possibly prolonged extrication. Crews on the scene requested an extra rescue squad respond to the scene. No passengers were aboard the bus.

The driver of the SUV required rescue extrication to free him from the vehicle. The extrication operation lasted just under 25 minutes. A medical transport helicopter was requested, but could not respond because of weather conditions. Schmidt was transported to Northwest Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The bus driver was walking at the scene after the crash, and was transported by Hoffman Estates rescue ambulance to St. Alexius Hospital in Hoffman Estates. The school bus was a Community Consolidated School District 15 school bus.

A witness reported that the westbound SUV moved into the oncoming eastbound lane, and the eastbound school bus driver responded by trying to evade the SUV — moving toward the westbound lane. The vehicles crashed, and the SUV was pushed into the north side of Palatine Road.

Barrington, Hoffman Estates, and Rolling Meadows firefighters assisted Palatine Rural firefighters at the scene.

Palatine Road was closed in both directions for an extended period.

Map of area of head-on crash near Palatine Road and Highland Road in Inverness …

A Forensic Scientist Reveals How Women See Themselves Compared to How Other People See Them

Cardinal News — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 02:18:49 +0000

Women are their own worst beauty critics. Only 4% of women around the world consider themselves beautiful. At Dove, we are committed to creating a world where beauty is a source of confidence, not anxiety. So, we decided to conduct a compelling social experiment that explores how women view their own beauty in contrast to what others see.

SPOILER:
Kind of the opposite of “Don’t hate me because I’m beautiful.” Face it, strangers saw these women as more beautiful than the women, who apparently perceived their own beauty as less than the judgement attributed to the stranger.

Comedian Jonathan Winters Dead at 87 in Montecito, California

Cardinal News — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 00:12:36 +0000

It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad World! Jonathan Winters giving some gas station attendants the business after they tried tying him up.

Jonathan Winters passed away of natural causes at his Montecito, California home at 6:45 p.m. PDT on April 11, 2013, surrounded by family and friends.

Jonathan Winters, the wildly irreverent actor and comedian who appeared in such films as “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World” and “The Loved One” and played Robin Williams’ son “Mearth” on the TV show “Mork & Mindy,” has died at age 87.

Winters also played a variety of characters, including Maude Frickert, Elwood P. Suggins, B.B. Bindlestiff and Lance Loveguard. The Jonathan Winters Show broadcast from October 1956 to June 1957.

Dean Martin and Maude Frickert.

It’s A Mad Mad Mad Mad World (1963) Official Theatrical Trailer.

It’s A Mad Mad Mad Mad World starred Spencer Tracy, Jonathan Winters, Buddy Hackett, Mickey Rooney, Edie Adams, Sid Caesar, Milton Berle, Ethel Merman, Dorothy Provine, Phil Silvers, Dick Shawn, Terry-Thomas, Jim Backus, William Demarest, Jimmy Durante, Peter Falk, Eddie “Rochester” Anderson, Paul Ford, Barrie Chase, and over stars with cameo appearances.

See also …
jonathanwinters.com

Former Star ‘Mouseketeer’ Annette Funicello Dead at 70

Cardinal News — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 17:17:18 +0000

Annette Funicello doing the introduction for the daily Mousekartoon on “The Mickey Mouse Club”.

Actress Annette Funicello, best known as a child performer on the original “Mickey Mouse Club” and for her beach movies with Frankie Avalon, died on Monday at age 70.

Annette Funicello had been in a coma from Multiple Sclerosis for years. She died from complications of MS, which she announced she had in 1992. She kept the disease a secret for several years.

Annette Funicello I’ll Never Change Him Beach Blanket Bingo.

BEACH BLANKET BINGO (1965) “INTRO”.

Annette Funicello – Hawaiiannette [Full Album] 1960.

Former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher Dies of Stroke April 8, 2013

Cardinal News — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 12:10:59 +0000

Former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher has died of a stroke Monday April 8, 2013 at age 87.

Margaret Thatcher’s spokesman Lord Bell revealed the news that the former politician had passed away peacefully after a long battle with poor health.

Britain’s first and only woman prime minister won three consecutive general elections, and served her office from February 1975 until May 1979. She suffered a series of minor strokes more than a decade ago.

Margaret Thatcher, the combative “Iron Lady” who infuriated European allies, found a fellow believer in Ronald Reagan and transformed her country by a ruthless dedication to free markets in 11 years as prime minister, has died.

Battling Brain Cancer with 69-Yard Touchdown: Huskers Jack Hoffman, Age 7

Cardinal News — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 12:11:19 +0000

Jack Hoffman scores a 69 yard touchdown in the 2013 Nebraska Spring Game.

During the Nebraska Huskers’ Red-White Spring Game, Jack Hoffman, age 7, wore No. 22, setup as Nebraska’s I-back and ran for a 69-yard touchdown.

See Jack Hoffman’s instructions on the sidelines before the big play … (Joe Ganz and Taylor Martinez work with Jack Hoffman on the hand off call for his touchdown run in the 2013 Nebraska Spring Game.)

Jack Hoffman Background Story …
On April 22, 2011, Jack was life flighted to Children’s Hospital Omaha after suffering a life threatening seizure. An MRI showed a lesion in the left temporal lobe. Doctors feared HSV Encephalitis, a life threatening brain virus. A rigorous 21-day treatment followed. Later testing revealed our worst fear–a brain tumor [more ...].

See also …
Facebook “Team Jack” …

CaringBridge.org “Jack Hoffman” …

Film Critic Roger Ebert Dead Dead at 70

Cardinal News — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 19:56:02 +0000

Roger Ebert, the Pulitzer Prize-winning movie critic for the Chicago Sun-Times for more than 45 years who watched about 10 movies per week for more than three decades has died. The famous film critic announced just yesterday that he would be taking time off. Ebert was the co-host of one of the most well-known and enjoyed television programs in history, especially with the late Gene Siskel, the movie critic for the Chicago Tribune. Siskel died in 1999.

Ebert was 70 years old.

Unbelievable Video: The Vicious, Ball-Throwing, Verbally Abusive Mike Rice Fired at Rutgers

Cardinal News — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 17:15:58 +0000

Outside The Lines has obtained practice video that shows Rutgers basketball coach Mike Rice berating and pushing players, and using slurs against them. After the initial airing, Rutgers fired Rice.

Regrettable because you got caught …

Mike Rice reacts to the news he was fired as Rutgers basketball coach.

Mike Rice has been fired as head coach of the basketball program at Rutgers University after a video review by athletic director Tim Pernetti revealed coach Mike Rice hurling basketballs from close range at his players’ heads, knees, legs and feet; shoving and grabbing his players; feigning punching them; kicking them; and screaming obscenities and homophobic slurs at them.

In addition, Eric Murdock, an ex-NBA player and a former director of player development for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights was terminated for having complained of and reported illegal conduct by Mike Rice. A wrongful termination lawsuit is expected to be filed this week.

Some say the firing came too late, and only because the video went viral.

Buffalo Grove Police Chief Steve Balinski “4999″ Signs Off April 2, 2013

Cardinal News — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 01:27:41 +0000

Radio Sign Off from retiring Buffalo Grove Police Chief Steve Balinski.

At 2:36 p.m. Tuesday, April 2, 2013 Buffalo Grove Steve Balinski signed off and marked the end of his tour of duty “10-42″ and the end of his career as a Buffalo Grove Police Chief and Buffalo Grove Police Officer. Balinski served 36 years with the police department, and over nine years as police chief.

Police officers, firefighters, village employees, family and friends applauded Balinski, who greeted them with hugs and handshakes today.

“Gentlemen, ladies, thank you very much. It’s been my pleasure to be associated with you guys. God bless, be safe, see you around. Take care.”

– Steve Balinski

His retirement began with a bit of humor. A senior living facility bus from Belmont Village arrived with a sign that said, “Chief, your ride’s here!”

Radio Sign Off …

Chief Balinski: 4999 Central.

NWCDS: 4999.

Balinski: 10-42 Central. Thank you.

NWCDS: 4999, 10-42: Congratulations Chief Balinski on your 36 years of service to the Buffalo Grove Police Department, including the last nine — over nine as Chief of Buffalo Grove, and Northwest Central wishes you “Good Luck! Good Health! in your future endeavors.” KUJ 733, 1426 (CDT).

Balinski: Central signing off Central. Thank you for your outstanding help throughout these years, and the best to Northwest Central staff. God Bless.

NWCDS: 10-4 … good luck.

Great guy.

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Ask Paul B: Big Gulp, Cigs, Guns … Connection?

Cardinal News — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 23:08:42 +0000

Dear Paul B,

Are we now citizens of Russia? Is BIG BROTHER finally taking over our lives? I hate this scoundrel, Bloomberg..Who does he think he is, telling us how much we can drink or if we can buy cigarettes? He has a lot of nerve, doesn’t he? Why doesn’t he just lock us up in concentration camps…. What do you think about this attack on Americans? You haven’t said much….

Shirley

++++++++++++++++

Dearest Shirley,

You are NOT going to like my sentiments and opinion at all. I haven’t said much about this, because my focus has been on the GUNS!!! GUNS are killing innocent people, who are bothering nobody, especially children! I sincerely hope that Bloomberg targets (pun definitely intended) guns next! It is so very obvious to me that AMERICANS are bulging out of their clothes, irresponsible beyond belief regarding guns, sugar and cigarettes. I don’t want these irresponsible folks to shoot me, depend on me when they acquire Diabetes or emphysema or lung cancer! I am trying my best to resist all these temptations that will certainly lead to a significant decline in my health, and perhaps an early death. I do NOT wish that my kids are lured in my cigarette displays at the check out counter. They look like fun, are cheap enough to buy, without my knowledge, and are a nasty habit. I do NOT wish that my two kids drink so much damn sugar at one time that they cannot focus in school, as well as cost me thousands of “gold dollars” to fill their teeth. I really don’t feel like I am in Communist China (Russia no longer being the leader in Communism) I respect that Mr. Bloomberg cares about these kids (and many adults) who are NOT able to resist these “special prices for a 16 oz. or 32 oz. Big Gulps.” Cigarettes are a danger to everyone, so why throw it in our face? Nobody is stopping us from purchasing them. If you want them, smoke your lungs out, Shirley. Role models are obviously not an issue with you. You probably don’t have kids, right? I DO!!! I can’t tell my kids not to smoke drink or be obese if I am!! They will laugh right in my face, as they should. Set an example, and help Bloomberg to help ourselves.. Look around next time you’re on the street, and you will see that more than 50% need help.

Paul B

Mayor Michael Bloomberg says a judge’s decision to strike down New York City’s groundbreaking ban on big sugary drinks is merely a ‘temporary setback.’

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg is proposing legislation that would require retailers to keep tobacco products in concealed places. The legislation is expected to be introduced to the City Council on Wednesday.

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ASK PAUL B! usually appears on Thursday evenings, but occasionally appears on other days or times so the article might be introduced to new readers.

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Robert Komosa “ParalyzeD-DuDe” Dies March 16, 2013 After More Than 13 Years with Football Spinal Injury

Cardinal News — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 00:25:06 +0000

Family and friends are saddened to announce the death of Rob Komosa. According to family Rob succumbed to respiratory failure on Saturday evening March 16, 2000. His mother Barbara his 24-hour care giver since his injury was unable to revive him — 13-years after he was paralyzed at a football practice at Rolling Meadows High School.

On October 6, 1999 Rolling Meadows High School football junior Rob Komosa was tackled during practice into an unpadded fence post near the sideline and was instantly paralyzed. The post was only 11 feed 5 inches from the football field. Komosa underwent rehab at the Rehab Institute of Chicago and returned home to his residence in April, 2000.

Rob and his family settled a contentious lawsuit against Township High School District 214. Rob Komosa lived as a person near totally paralyzed and breathed only via a mechanical ventilator. For nearly five years Rob and his family relied on the charity of the community for financial support. An out of court settlement was reached by his attorney, Jeffrey Kroll of the Robert Clifford Law firm for a sum of $12.5 million. The legal battle was contentious and was settled: “no fault.”

Rob Komosa inspired thousands of persons in metro Chicago demonstrating an uncanny resilience and demeanor accepting his “fate worse than death” as one media reporter described it with great dignity.

“He was the most positive person I have ever known. I will miss him. He is paralyzed no more, he is free!”

– Deacon Donald Grossnickle, Ed.D Co-Founder, Gridiron Alliance NFP

Komosa reached out to paralyzed Eisenhower High School Cardinal football player and later friend, Rasul Rocky Clark of Robbins. Komosa helped Clark adjust and became a friend a mentor. Komosa helped raise funds for Clark including work to obtain a wheelchair accessible van. The Chicago Bears rallied to support both Komosa and Clark. Komosa and Clark regularly were guests at practices and games. Komosa never became bitter or resentful. Komosa helped produce a book: Great Moments in Football Halftime with Bears Coach Dick Jauron, Northwestern Football coach Randy Walker and Deacon Don Grossnickle. Funds from the sale of the book helped Rocky Clark and several other area paralyzed former athletes. Rasul “Rocky” Clark died in January 2012 following complications of abdominal surgery.

Chicago Bears Vice President John Bostrom and Chicago Bears Director of Community Relations Caroline Schrenker were loyal friends of Komosa and Clark. Komosa was also befriended by Brian Urlahcer and many of the Chicago Bears players who always championed Rob’s cause. Virginia McCaskey, owner of the Chicago Bears Football Club loved and supported Komosa at every turn. Komosa was given a wheelchair accessible van by Richard Duchossois — Chairman of The Duchossois Group, Inc., the family-owned company headquartered in Elmhurst, Illinois that is known for its ownership stakes in Arlington Park and Churchill Downs race tracks, as well as for railcar and defense manufacturing.

Kim Duchossois, daughter of Richard Duchossois, was a close friend and especially during the early years of financial strain was an “angel” of kindness purchasing groceries, supplies, medicine and more. Duchossois was a founder of the “Make Room for Rob Campaign”. Brian and Joanna Metzger of Arlington Heights built a team of hundreds of persons who raised over $400,000 in less than a year. Rob Komosa was presented with the keys to a wheelchair accessible home in Prospect Heights-The “House that Love Built”. The Polish community reached out to the Komosa family, who were immigrants that settled first on Chestnut Avenue in Arlington Heights. Komosa was a proud member of Our Lady of the Wayside Catholic Church in Arlington Heights. The church community acted as a catatyst to help Rob and family. Rolling Meadows high school community held many fund raisers for Rob. The Arlington Area Christian Family movement rallied to build a ramp so that Komosa could leave his small house converted to a clinic.

An hour PBS documentary: The Unbreakable Spirit of Rob Komosa was produced by Bob Ray of Blueline Productions in 2001. The documentary followed Komosa for nearly a year telling his amazing story.

Komosa was a spiritual person accepting his destiny. Cardinal Francis George visited him at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Komosa attributed the prayers of the Cardinal and others to a spiritual gift of being able to endure long his suffering and for the suffering of his family.

Komosa inspired the founding of a charity called: The Gridiron Alliance — a not-for-profit organization which attends to the special needs of catastrophically injured student athletes. Until the time of his death Komosa campaigned for insurance coverage for high school athletes.

Komosa had thousands of friends. JJ O’Connor of Mount Prospect, also paralyzed in sports (high school hockey), mentored Komosa during the early days of rehab. They remained friends until the end.

Rob Komosa maintained his support for promoting safety and injury prevention in sports via the Gridiron Alliance. He never blamed football for his injury. He maintained his love of sports and football.

Komosa was the main subject of a book published in 2012, Unbreakable Resilience: Leap of Faith Stories to Live By-Eight Survivor Athletes Piecing Together the Grace and Blessings of an Imperfect Life. The book was published as a fund raiser by the Gridiron Alliance.

Speaking personally about Rob Komosa, Deacon Donald Grossnickle said, “Rob Komosa was my great friend, he was my spiritual mentor. His comeback resilience was amazing and powerful. I suspect Rob knew that this day would come. He recently reminisced on his Facebook page recalling people who were kind and supportive … the man who donated a computer to him so he could communicate with people, Mike Ditka, medical staff at the Rehabilitation of Chicago and more.

His legacy is wanting all high school athletes to have catastrophic insurance supplied by the school.

Rob gave a new face for disability — focusing always on what he could do, never looking back with resentment, grief or bitterness.

See also …
Gridiron Alliance gridironalliance.org

Facebook.com Robert Komosa (ParalyzeD-DuDe)

The Cardinal Rasul “Rocky” Clark (1984-2012) Dies of Medical Complications from Paralyzing Football Injury in September 2000