Chicago -
By Steve Rhodes
Several readers thought I made a bad analogy yesterday when I suggested that folks wouldn’t shy away from buying cars from American automakers if those automakers happened to be re-organizing themselves in bankruptcy court. After all, I wrote, who among us hasn’t flown on an airlines in bankruptcy?
Posted on November 18, 2008
By Steve Rhodes
“We know you think it’s weak to allow anyone to see any emotion, especially emotion as embarrassing as well, embarrassment,” our very own Jim Coffman advises Lovie Smith. “But if you aren’t ashamed of your defense’s fundamental flaw, then pretty soon you’ll have to stop pretending you’re the right man for this job.”
Posted on November 17, 2008
By Natasha Julius
The Weekend Desk goes to India for six weeks and what the hell happens? Here’s a quick look at the top stories I missed while contemplating my navel.
Market Update
As I dangled somewhere over the Atlantic, the Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged from Mildly Disconcerting to Seriously Not Funny. Banks continued to eat each other and Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson continued his slow decline into Vice President Dick Cheney.
Posted on November 15, 2008
By Steve Rhodes
“CTA officials figure it will lose about 17 million rides because of the [fare] increase.”
Here’s an idea: cut fares and gain 17 million rides. Find a price point that would maximize revenue. Don’t they have an in-house economist to do this?
And why is reversing free rides for seniors off the table?
And is it ever a good idea to kiss-off 17 million customers who want your product?
There has to be a better way.
Posted on November 14, 2008
By Steve Rhodes
These just in.
*
“Obama Win Triggers Run on Guns.”
Alternate: “McCain Win Triggers Run on Guns.”
Alternate: “McCain Win Triggers Run on Abortions.”
Alternate: “Palin Win Triggers Run On Banks.”
Alternate: “Biden Win Triggers Run-On Sentences.”
Posted on November 13, 2008
By Steve Rhodes
Sorry folks, no Beachwood column today, I’ve got a lot of business to attend to. I’m planning to make a couple posts to Division Street later this morning, though. And, as always, there’s new material elsewhere on the site. ->>>
Posted on November 12, 2008
By Steve Rhodes
Fun with numbers, via a Tribune graphic on Sunday:
* The 21st Ward delivered the most votes for Obama: 30,059. Alderman: Howard Brookins.
* The 12th Ward delivered the least votes for Obama: 6,188. Alderman: George Cardenas.
Posted on November 11, 2008
By Steve Rhodes
“It’s almost certain that the handoff of the White House from President George W. Bush to President-elect Barack Obama will pass more smoothly than the greeting that Bush’s new crew faced in 2001,” the Tribune reports on its front page.
“The Ws were removed from the keyboards in the executive office building of President Bill Clinton’s departing administration.”
Oh Lord! Hoary media narratives never die!
Posted on November 10, 2008
Weekend Desk editor Natasha Julius remains on assignment in India. Stephanie B. Goldberg once again fills in with her Five Dumbest Ideas of the Week.
This was a week for the books. We laughed, we cried, we danced in the streets and some of us even had sex with strangers just to get a ticket to Obamafest. (Now there’s a story to tell the grandchildren.) But let’s not forget the little people.
Posted on November 8, 2008
By Steve Rhodes
The more Barack Obama changes, the more he stays the same. And the Chicago boys couldn’t be more thrilled.
“Windy City White House Begins,” the Sun-Times proclaims on its front page today, noting the appointment of Rahm Emanuel as chief of staff and the other Chicago appointments to come.
And this is a good thing?
Posted on November 7, 2008
