The [Friday] Papers

I'm not sure there's ever a better place to be on the planet than in the audience when The Detroit Cobras are playing - given that mere mortals like us can't be on stage in the band.

So I absolutely and unequivocally recommend the Cobras show at the Double Door tonight.

Resources:

* MySpace sound clips.

* Official band site.

* On Bloodshot.

* On Wikipedia.

* Rachel Nagy at the mike.

* Note the Labatt's Blue.

* Rachel Nagy and Maribel Ramirez. Ramirez is the genius behind the outfit.

* With Wilco doing Volkswagen commercials (and truth be told, a history of spotty live shows), the Cobras are the best band going.

Appetizer
Before the show you may want to head over to Tiger O'Stylies in Berwyn for a Save the Spindle fundraiser.

Mmmm, car-kebab . . .

Wi Infidelity
By Fran Spielman.

May 2006: "Chicagoans may someday be able to access the Internet no matter where they are - indoors or outdoors - thanks to a long-awaited competition launched Tuesday that could be a gold mine for taxpayers."

August 2007: "Rising costs, declining demand and increased competition from private Internet providers have prompted Chicago to shelve its ambitious plan to build an $18.5 million wireless Internet access system with a reach that extends into the city's poorest communities."

*

May 2006: "After more than a year of study that included City Council hearings, the Daley administration finally issued a 'request for proposals' that invites technology companies to describe how they would build an $18.5 million wireless Internet access system that would extend into Chicago's poorest communities."

August 2007: "EarthLink and AT&T responded to the city's so-called 'request for proposals,' or RFP, but both companies reportedly demanded that Chicago become an 'anchor tenant,' paying an annual fee to use the WiFi network to support city services."

*

May 2006: "Determined to bridge the digital divide, Mayor Daley also demanded that Chicago's private-sector partner make a 'financial commitment' to 'digital inclusion programs.' They include affordable computers and software programs and computer training aimed at the estimated 22 percent of all households that remain without a connection to the Internet and its boundless possibilities."

August 2006: "When the city refused - and insisted that the system attached to city street lights and lamp poles be built, maintained and operated at the contractor's 'sole expense' - negotiations bogged down."

*

May 2006: "Once a winner is chosen, the system is expected to take roughly 18 months to install. 'We'll be the first major city to move ahead in [bridging] this digital divide. No other city has done that in America,' Daley said."

August 2007: "Further complicating the issue was the rising cost of building the network and the declining cost of private Internet access. That made WiFi even less attractive - and less likely to attract large numbers of subscribers. Demand has been disappointing in other cities that have tried municipal WiFi."

*

May 2006: "The new system would give Chicago a sorely needed revenue stream - and carry benefits far beyond the tens of millions it would raise. Instead of racing over to Starbucks to get wireless access from your laptop or paying a monthly fee to the phone company to get it at home, the Internet would be available almost anywhere in the city."

August 2007: "The new system would have given Chicago a sorely-needed revenue stream - and carried benefits far beyond the tens of millions it would have raised. Instead of racing over to Starbucks to get wireless access from your laptop or paying a monthly fee to the phone company to get it at home, the Internet would have been available almost anywhere in the city."

False Advertising
Ad Age: News of environmental problems is making headlines every day. Is it really such a good idea to still leave the light on?

Mr. Bodett: I know you're joking, but you'd be surprised how many people have pointed this out to us. For the record, and at the risk of exposing myself as a complete fraud, we don't actually leave the light on for you. We just say that to be friendly. You have to turn it on yourself once you enter the room. There. I've said it. Hmm . . . I feel oddly peaceful, unburdened.

Education Cuts
* "Former Ohio State President Rips Culture of Rioting."

Fans rip culture of reading.

* "Research: Kids Forget Quite A Bit During 3-Month Break."

For years after, too.

* "Joke's On High Schooler Who Had Fans Spell 'We Suck.'"

"A high school student who tricked football fans from a crosstown rival into holding up signs that together spelled out, 'We Suck,' was suspended for the prank, authorities said."

Suspended?! He should be fast-tracked to the college of his choice!

Sheesh, authorities. They're ruining it for the rest of us.

The Beachwood Tip Line: Remember, it's our time.