PollyPeoria: 12/05/2005

Monday, December 5

Michael Jackson and Tom Cruise. Separated at Birth?

I mention the possibility because they both seem pretty damn crazy. Hide-the-kids and-lock-up-any-sharp-objects type of crazy. Cruise doesn't believe in anti-depressants for post partum depression. Well, of course, Tommy has never lived through an episiotomy. For those of you males out there who remain in blissful ignorance, an episiotomy is when they cut a woman from, well, "stem to stern" shall we say in order to make room for baby to emerge. Why do they do such a thing? Some doctors are psycho, they do them almost automatically now days. Remember when C sections were automatic a few years back? To be completely fair to the medical profession, in this country, episiotomies are frequently required because babies are simply too big for the birth canal. Better nutrition, or something. Ahem!

Anyway, Tom won't allow Katie to take Prozac after labor and delivery, but Tom likes to look at baby daily with his personal ultrasound machine. Huh, nice guy. Help tired, sore, hormonal, mother of your child alleviate emotional pain by picking up a perscription, no way! Nuke unborn child with unnecessary radiation daily, you betcha.

I used to think Tom was a nice guy. After seeing Top Gun, Tom became one of the first men I ever loved. He followed Shawn Cassidy and Christopher Reeve. Now I think Cruise has completely flown off his rocker.

As for Katie Holmes, well, can you say KID? I know she is twenty-six and their union isn't legally perverted, but still... I don't have a problem with older men and younger women or vice versa. But, come on, LOOK AT HER. Every picture I've seen of Katie - even the ones where she tries to play sex kitten - I still just see a girl. Besides, what grown woman allows herself to be called "Katie?"

Well, nothing like childbirth to make a girl grow up fast. That, and a shot gun marriage. Followed by a quickie divorce. Sigh. Kids these days.

Take two of these and call a real shrink in the morning, Katie.

Who is the Grinch here?!

I've been receiving some very interesting e-mails from friends at City Hall, Chase Ingersoll, and people who work for Chase regarding the Grandview Hotel situation. Chase has taken to calling City Manager, Randy Oliver, "The Grinch" as The City asked Judge Barra to uphold his order to close the problematic hotel.

Not surprisingly, Judge Barra agreed. Judges tend to expect that their orders will be obeyed. The smart way to do business with The Court would to have been to close the place and then ask that the Hotel be allowed to stay open due to new ownership.

Chase says he is the new owner. The old owner was the problem, the cause of the numerous crimes and police response to the property. Judge Barra, who recently entertained a plethora of motions from Chase decided that the issue of ownership would be decided in a separate trial. "Old" owner, Krishan Jain now says that the sale between he and Chase is null and void, as Ingersoll did not make necessary mortgage payments. Chase says Jain committed crimes on the property and that the $9,000 mortgage payment is being held in escrow.

What we do know for a fact is this: Chase knew he was buying a Hotel that was slated to close. At the time of purchase Chase stated that he was happy the Hotel was closing and that he planned to use that time to make much needed renovations. He even stated that he would like to close the Hotel sooner than required in order to get started on repairs. Didn't happen.

Chase was also happy about the closure, he said, because he was able to purchase the property at a rock bottom price, and actually thanked the City for its legal pursuit against "old" owner Jain.

Ingersoll then decided the closure order didn't apply to him. Next, Chase started taking in guests. If news reports are to be believed, there are more people living at the Grandview Hotel now than in years. Thirty or so.

Whether Chase Ingersoll is legally correct or not will ultimately be decided by The Court. He has lost all of his latest battles in front of Barra. Who knows if a higher court will entertain his next round of paperwork?

Nonetheless, Ingersoll needs to take some responsibility. He knows enough law to know that victory was by no means a sure thing. In fact, considering that Judge Barra is an elected official living on the North end of town, and has been presiding over a case in a courtroom filled with fed up, angry residents for months, well, the outcome was fairly foreseeable. Some how, some way, that hotel is going to close... at least for a little while. From here, it looks like Chase attempted to pack the Hotel solely to try to make closing the place that much harder for the City and the Judge. A risky game. Too bad Chase isn't the only player.

IMHO City Manager Oliver isn't the Grinch here. I truly hope that in the long run, Chase is the guy to turn the property around. According to my sources, police calls to the property are way down. However, Ingersoll set a lot of people up for a very hard fall. These folks are not loaded with cash (or they wouldn't be living at the Grandview) and some are likely social services cases. The fact that such people are likely to be homeless during the holidays falls squarely on Ingersoll's shoulders.

Russell loves me no matter what.

After all, he has been known to get a bit testy himself at times.

For my Significant Other, because I've been a bit cranky...

...and I don't forsee the situation improving anytime soon. My S.O. likes Jennifer Connelly, a lot. Merry early Christmas, Honey. I'm trying.

Merry Christmas from Ray LaHood

I received my annual Christmas Card from Ray last week. Thanks to Willy Nilly, much has been made of Ray's son, Darin, seeking a U.S. Attorney post in our region. Some believe that Darin was somewhat of a trouble maker in his teens. He may have even broke into some Park District property- Oh! The horror!- although I couldn't get that confirmed. You know what? SO WHAT? But for the grace of God go I and anyone else who is mildly worthwhile. The teen years are filled with stupid pranks and mistakes for most of us mere mortals. Lucky are those who didn't pay a high price with their lives. Anyone out there drag race? Speed? Have unprotected sex? Try a hit of marijuana? Drink a beer before their 21st birthday? Cheat on a test? Cheat on a girl/boyfriend? These would be the more mild of poor choices made by some teens. My question: Did you grow up? Did you stop acting like an ass? Did you get a job and make something of yourself?

From Ray's Xmas Card:

"The LaHood Family 2005

The year began with Ray considering a run for governor of Illinois. After six months of traveling the state and thorough consideration, he listened to his consitiuents >(Insert Polly's take here: YEAH, RIGHT. Even I can't keep my mouth shut on this one. What you really mean is that Jim Edgar took too long on the pot and you couldn't raise enough money.) and is continuing his service in the U.S. House of Representatives. Kathy left her job in Washington and is now the Finance Director for Goodwill Industries in Peoria.

Darin and Kristen will be moving their family to Peoria after four years in Las Vegas. Darin has accepted a position with the law firm of Miller Hall and Triggs. We are thrilled that McKay and Luke will be coming home.

Amy and Kevin continue to practice family medicine in Indianapolis. Amy is a faculty member for St.Vincent residency and Kevin teaches at Indiana University. We enjoy visiting with Ella and Henry as often as possible.

In September, Sam accepted a special assignment at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and will be there until the end of the year. He is excited by the challenges and opportunities of working in Iraq. We pray for his safety every day. >(Polly says: Yeah, NO KIDDING!!!)

Sara and Brian continue their academic work at Purdue University in Lafayette, Indiana. By next summer, Sara will receive her teaching certification and Brian will complete his work in Business Administration.

We wish all God's blessing to you and yours during this holiday season."

Okay, so, unless you and your offspring are as successful and you are willing to prove it... STEP OFF. (Ahem, Willy!)

I like Aaron Schock

Hat tip to Bill Dennis. I emerged out of my migrane stupor WAY too early (6:00 a.m.?!) Sunday morning. Just in time to listen to Bill Dennis interview Representative Schock on 104 FM. Schock was amazing, and I gotta say, Spears has his work cut out for him. Intelligence mixed with energy is a hard combo to beat. Schock eloquently blasted Gov. Chicagovich as a crummy leader who has neglected any needs that lie outside Chicago. Aaron mentioned that our beloved Governor loves the T.V. cameras, but as for spending the time and doing the work required in Springfield to lead, build alliances and convince legislators that Blago's agenda is worthwhile... Nope. Ain't happening.

Case in point, the new School Construction Fund, dormant now for three and half years. In the past, new schools have been built in areas with the fastest growing populations. No surprise, that means the collar districts surrounding Chicago. Now that Chicago has what it needs, what are the chances that our Gov is going to ask that we begin replacing crumbling ancient schools built in the 19th century here in Peoria? Nope. Ain't happening. What an ass.

Bill's entire interview with Schock was educational and entertaining. Which I had the ability to link it. AHEM!!!

What? No Tee-Hee Hee?

This morning's Word on the Street Column lacked the hormonal gossipy tune of late, but provided a sardonic, sarcastic, cruel and cutting wit that I very much enjoyed. (Merry Christmas, BTW.)

Councilman Chuckie Grayeb had a hissy fit regarding an idea Councilman Manning had for trimming the budget - eliminating longevity pay for non union City Employees. Chuckie thought the idea was heavy handed and whined that proper notice wasn't given to the proper people regarding the idea. Mayor Ardis, in a rare display of sarcastic humor replied, "In other words, doing our jobs." Ardis' serene "We-are-the-World-We-Are-The-Children-Michael-Row-Your-Boat-Ashore-I'd-Like-to-Buy-the-World-a-Coke" attitude went out the door at last week's testy City Budget Council Meeting.

Don't worry guys, most couples fight over money. Maybe counseling would help?

At least schedule another prayer furnace.