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Check out the 2010 and the 2012 maps for Jesse Jackson, Jr.'s Second Congressional District. Want a nice "job"? The primary will be February 26 and the general election for municipal offices and to fill Jackson's empty chair will be April 9, if Cook County Clerk David Orr gets his way.
Think anyone is doing an analysis of the timing of Jackson's resignation? Does anyone not think there was plenty of maneuvering going on before the November 6 General Election to keep Jackson from announcing his intention to resign? Gotta give the pols some time to get creative, and now you can see it starting. Just read the full AP article here.
But first look at the size of the district. See this map and compare the 2010 boundaries with the 2012 boundaries. Could Republicans get in there, work hard and pull a real upset?
Bobby Rush (D-1) is quoted as saying to anyone who is thinking of running for Jackson's seat, "Cool your jets."
In other words, they have got it under control. Who is "they"? The ones in control. Big Brother. The ones who know what is best for you. Yeah, sure.
Why are they worried? "Spread the field of candidates too thin, they say, and it becomes easier for a more conservative candidate - or anyone else party leaders don't want - to pull off a win."
What influence could a Congressman have on Chicago crime? Could a leader, rolling up his sleeves and getting on the ground in his District, begin to make a difference? Yes, I know ... Congressman is a Federal office. So make "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness" a reality.
The first thing he'd have to do is build a high wall around his office. Put two doors in it. One for residents and registered in-District voters. Leave that door unlocked.
The second door? Make that one about a foot high. Mark it "Lobbyists, Influence Peddlers, Crooks". Put a big padlock on that one.
Run background checks and drug screens on anyone to be hired for a District job. Publish the results of your own random drug screens on the front window of the District offices.
If the person winning the office doesn't live in the District, move into the District. Right into the heart of it. Right into the War Zone. And no bodyguards, either. Your constituents don't have bodyguards. Why should you?
30 Kasım 2012 Cuma
Zinke's "cooperating" witness
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This issue deserves a new article and not "just" a comment to previous articles.
One person (Curious1) keeps commenting that Zinke "...made a valid judgement call and in the open brought the leader of RITA corp in as a cooperating witness with all available records to share with the DEA."
Let's see, 1. confidential DEA investigation; 2. destination of illegal drugs: RITA Corp.; 3. president of RITA Corp. is long-time, high-dollar campaign supporter of Sheriff Nygren and long-time member of the sheriff's Merit Commission; 4. Zinke quickly reveals confidential information to Brian Goode; 5. Goode shows up in sheriff's dept. parking lot with what the public is led to believe are shipping documents.
You don't have to be a rocket scientist to know that a "cooperating witness" should be kept away from the sheriff's department and should stay silent. You don't trash a DEA investigation pertaining to inbound drugs by "outing" a cooperating witness. What does Zinke do? Invite or allow Goode to come to the Sheriff's Department!
I wonder who dreamed up the "cooperating witness" angle. Who created that? Is it just "spin"? Anyone else getting dizzy?
The proper course of action here is an investigation by an impartial body - an organization not influenced by Nygren or Zinke or political or good-old-boy connections. Of course, that eliminates certain investigating bodies, because of their close ties to Nygren.
I would rule out the Illinois State Police, District 2 (unless things are different under the current commander), and the FBI (unless things are different after Robert Grant's departure). The FBI is having a hard time finding Zinke's December 3, 2010, to the Chicago office; that's the letter to which Assistant Special Agent in Charge Angela Byers replied on January 4, 2011. She replied under Grant's name (writing on his behalf, it is to be assumed) and specifically referenced Zinke's letter by date.
Zinke conveniently lost his copy of the December 3, 2010, letter, too. There is no record of it at MCSD. None. Even the Illinois Attorney General's office could not stimulate MCSD to look a little harder.
How an official letter (document) disappears at the McHenry County Sheriff's Department ought to be the topic of yet one more investigation. The Illinois Records Act should control how records are disposed of. Generally speaking, records cannot be mutilated, destroyed, transferred, removed, or otherwise damaged or disposed of, in whole or in part, except as provided by law. Perhaps MCSD thinks it is exempt from that.
Someone suggested to me that possibly the FBI's January 4, 2011 letter was "manufactured". I have asked the FBI to authenticate its letter; i.e., did it actually come out of the Chicago office on FBI stationery, complete with date and signature (but without a File Number)? Will the FBI authenticate that letter? If they can't or won't, what will that mean?
I have a copy of that letter, which I received from MCSD, thanks to FOIA. And Cal Skinner published a copy of that letter on McHenry County Blog. But are these really copies of an official document from the FBI Chicago office?
One person (Curious1) keeps commenting that Zinke "...made a valid judgement call and in the open brought the leader of RITA corp in as a cooperating witness with all available records to share with the DEA."
Let's see, 1. confidential DEA investigation; 2. destination of illegal drugs: RITA Corp.; 3. president of RITA Corp. is long-time, high-dollar campaign supporter of Sheriff Nygren and long-time member of the sheriff's Merit Commission; 4. Zinke quickly reveals confidential information to Brian Goode; 5. Goode shows up in sheriff's dept. parking lot with what the public is led to believe are shipping documents.
You don't have to be a rocket scientist to know that a "cooperating witness" should be kept away from the sheriff's department and should stay silent. You don't trash a DEA investigation pertaining to inbound drugs by "outing" a cooperating witness. What does Zinke do? Invite or allow Goode to come to the Sheriff's Department!
I wonder who dreamed up the "cooperating witness" angle. Who created that? Is it just "spin"? Anyone else getting dizzy?
The proper course of action here is an investigation by an impartial body - an organization not influenced by Nygren or Zinke or political or good-old-boy connections. Of course, that eliminates certain investigating bodies, because of their close ties to Nygren.
I would rule out the Illinois State Police, District 2 (unless things are different under the current commander), and the FBI (unless things are different after Robert Grant's departure). The FBI is having a hard time finding Zinke's December 3, 2010, to the Chicago office; that's the letter to which Assistant Special Agent in Charge Angela Byers replied on January 4, 2011. She replied under Grant's name (writing on his behalf, it is to be assumed) and specifically referenced Zinke's letter by date.
Zinke conveniently lost his copy of the December 3, 2010, letter, too. There is no record of it at MCSD. None. Even the Illinois Attorney General's office could not stimulate MCSD to look a little harder.
How an official letter (document) disappears at the McHenry County Sheriff's Department ought to be the topic of yet one more investigation. The Illinois Records Act should control how records are disposed of. Generally speaking, records cannot be mutilated, destroyed, transferred, removed, or otherwise damaged or disposed of, in whole or in part, except as provided by law. Perhaps MCSD thinks it is exempt from that.
Someone suggested to me that possibly the FBI's January 4, 2011 letter was "manufactured". I have asked the FBI to authenticate its letter; i.e., did it actually come out of the Chicago office on FBI stationery, complete with date and signature (but without a File Number)? Will the FBI authenticate that letter? If they can't or won't, what will that mean?
I have a copy of that letter, which I received from MCSD, thanks to FOIA. And Cal Skinner published a copy of that letter on McHenry County Blog. But are these really copies of an official document from the FBI Chicago office?
How wrong was Zinke?
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Is the possible investigation of Undersheriff Zinke falling off the radar in McHenry County?
In summary, Zinke is alleged (in a Petition filed in Court) to have revealed a confidential DEA investigation to Brian Goode, president of RITA Corp. in Crystal Lake. Illegal drugs were part of a shipment headed from Texas to RITA Corp.
Why should Zinke have not informed Goode?
At the McHenry County Sheriff's Department there are what are called General Orders. These tell employees (deputies, command officers, Undersheriff, Sheriff) what they can and cannot do.
"Item 8. Assisting Criminals.
"a. Except as authorized, employees shall not communicate information
which might assist persons suspected of or charged with criminal acts.
"b. Employees may communicate information to appropriate Departmental
employees or the Prosecuting Attorney's Office that would exculpate
individuals suspected or charged with a criminal act..."
What does 8a mean?
Exactly what it says. Zinke is an employee. Therefore, he "shall not" communicate information that might "assist" persons suspected... If drugs were headed for RITA Corp. (and the Petition said they were (according to the DEA)), and if Brian Goode is the president of RITA Corp. (and he is), then he might be a person "suspected".
The complete evidence gathered would help the DEA determine whether or not Goode was involved in any criminal way. As president of the company he is responsible for everything that is going on in his company. It is also certainly possible that criminal acts could be taking place in the receiving or shipping department of which he had no knowledge.
It would be up to the DEA to determine if and when to reveal to Goode that his company was suspected of criminal activity. If the illegal drugs in the current shipment were removed from the truck at an intermediate stop and never reached RITA Corp. (and were not intended to reach RITA Corp.), then wouldn't RITA Corp. be off the hook?
Were there illegal drugs in other shipments bound for RITA Corp.? Were they delivered to RITA Corp. or were they removed before the truck(s) reached RITA Corp.? The DEA's investigation would be thorough.
It was not up to Zinke to contact Goode and reveal a confidential DEA investigation.
The political tie cannot be ignored. The address-of-record for Zinke's political campaign is at RITA Corp. Zinke's boss, Keith Nygren, and Brian Goode seem to be very good friends. Nygren's own political campaign benefited to the tune of $50,000 over ten years. And Goode has been a member of the Sheriff's Merit Commission since 2004. And had a marked MCSD squad car parked (stationed) at his residence for some yet-unknown reason. Zinke certainly wouldn't want to do anything to irritate Goode or his boss.
But revealing a confidential Federal investigation? One commenter to a previous article wrote that Zinke just did what any good cop would do.
I don't think so!
In summary, Zinke is alleged (in a Petition filed in Court) to have revealed a confidential DEA investigation to Brian Goode, president of RITA Corp. in Crystal Lake. Illegal drugs were part of a shipment headed from Texas to RITA Corp.
Why should Zinke have not informed Goode?
At the McHenry County Sheriff's Department there are what are called General Orders. These tell employees (deputies, command officers, Undersheriff, Sheriff) what they can and cannot do.
"Item 8. Assisting Criminals.
"a. Except as authorized, employees shall not communicate information
which might assist persons suspected of or charged with criminal acts.
"b. Employees may communicate information to appropriate Departmental
employees or the Prosecuting Attorney's Office that would exculpate
individuals suspected or charged with a criminal act..."
What does 8a mean?
Exactly what it says. Zinke is an employee. Therefore, he "shall not" communicate information that might "assist" persons suspected... If drugs were headed for RITA Corp. (and the Petition said they were (according to the DEA)), and if Brian Goode is the president of RITA Corp. (and he is), then he might be a person "suspected".
The complete evidence gathered would help the DEA determine whether or not Goode was involved in any criminal way. As president of the company he is responsible for everything that is going on in his company. It is also certainly possible that criminal acts could be taking place in the receiving or shipping department of which he had no knowledge.
It would be up to the DEA to determine if and when to reveal to Goode that his company was suspected of criminal activity. If the illegal drugs in the current shipment were removed from the truck at an intermediate stop and never reached RITA Corp. (and were not intended to reach RITA Corp.), then wouldn't RITA Corp. be off the hook?
Were there illegal drugs in other shipments bound for RITA Corp.? Were they delivered to RITA Corp. or were they removed before the truck(s) reached RITA Corp.? The DEA's investigation would be thorough.
It was not up to Zinke to contact Goode and reveal a confidential DEA investigation.
The political tie cannot be ignored. The address-of-record for Zinke's political campaign is at RITA Corp. Zinke's boss, Keith Nygren, and Brian Goode seem to be very good friends. Nygren's own political campaign benefited to the tune of $50,000 over ten years. And Goode has been a member of the Sheriff's Merit Commission since 2004. And had a marked MCSD squad car parked (stationed) at his residence for some yet-unknown reason. Zinke certainly wouldn't want to do anything to irritate Goode or his boss.
But revealing a confidential Federal investigation? One commenter to a previous article wrote that Zinke just did what any good cop would do.
I don't think so!
What does MCSD do?
To contact us Click HERE
Is the public interested in the activities and results of the McHenry County Sheriff's Department?
Does it have time to go to the County Board meetings or wade through the ton of information generated for the County Board reports?
One would think he could read some of the press releases and get a pretty good idea of what the deputies are doing. It doesn't do much good to "think" that because, when you go to the Sheriff's Department website (www.mchenrysheriff.org) and look under "About Us" in the Media Releases, you won't find much.
For example, what's there right now?
11/20/2012 - Two Men Arrested for Delivery of Cannabis
11/16/2012 - Wonder Lake Resident Arrested for Sex Offender Violations
If that all we got from 400+ employees, over 100 take-car homes, and what may be an absentee sheriff?
What does CALEA call for in terms of press releases? My guess is that there should be a standardized system of issuing statements to the press. The press releases ought to be posted online, where media reporters and county residents (and anyone else) can read them.
Instead, what seems to happen is that information is handed out to selected reporters and media, and it may or may not ever reach the public.
It would be an easy task to post the daily blotter on the Sheriff's Department website. Right now it collects dust in the Administration Office of the Sheriff's Department. You can go and read it, if you want to make a trip to the Courthouse, park, pass through security and go to the second floor during normal business hours.
A summary of statistics could also be easily published on the Sheriff's website. How about traffic activity? Accidents? Tickets? Warrants served? Jail numbers (in/out)?
Maybe add a special column to indicate the days when the Sheriff actually showed up in the o0ffice for a full day's work.
Does it have time to go to the County Board meetings or wade through the ton of information generated for the County Board reports?
One would think he could read some of the press releases and get a pretty good idea of what the deputies are doing. It doesn't do much good to "think" that because, when you go to the Sheriff's Department website (www.mchenrysheriff.org) and look under "About Us" in the Media Releases, you won't find much.
For example, what's there right now?
11/21/2012 - Crime Prevention Tips for the Holiday Season
11/21/2012 - Arrest for Animal Neglect
11/21/2012 - McHenry County Sheriff's Office Along With United States Marshal Service Conduct Sex Offender Compliance Check11/20/2012 - Two Men Arrested for Delivery of Cannabis
11/16/2012 - Wonder Lake Resident Arrested for Sex Offender Violations
If that all we got from 400+ employees, over 100 take-car homes, and what may be an absentee sheriff?
What does CALEA call for in terms of press releases? My guess is that there should be a standardized system of issuing statements to the press. The press releases ought to be posted online, where media reporters and county residents (and anyone else) can read them.
Instead, what seems to happen is that information is handed out to selected reporters and media, and it may or may not ever reach the public.
It would be an easy task to post the daily blotter on the Sheriff's Department website. Right now it collects dust in the Administration Office of the Sheriff's Department. You can go and read it, if you want to make a trip to the Courthouse, park, pass through security and go to the second floor during normal business hours.
A summary of statistics could also be easily published on the Sheriff's website. How about traffic activity? Accidents? Tickets? Warrants served? Jail numbers (in/out)?
Maybe add a special column to indicate the days when the Sheriff actually showed up in the o0ffice for a full day's work.
29 Kasım 2012 Perşembe
Zig Ziglar leaves the earth today
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Zig Ziglar died in Plano, Texas, today at age 86.
I met Zig in 1995 in Washington, D.C. at a big meeting of the National Speakers Association. I was living in Richmond, Va. at the time, and an NSA member invited me to the banquet and speeches. He made sure to introduce me to Zig.
Back in the 1970s I read and owned a copy of See You At the Top and to this day I remember the advice in the front of the book: "You can get everything in life you want if you will just help other people get what they want!”
Zig had a wonderful career and helped tens of thousands of people. He was a true giver.
There is a fine article in today's Washington Post about Zig. You'll have to create a free account there, if you have not read the Post online before.
The image here is from Zig's Facebook page and is used with permission.
Zig Ziglar died in Plano, Texas, today at age 86.I met Zig in 1995 in Washington, D.C. at a big meeting of the National Speakers Association. I was living in Richmond, Va. at the time, and an NSA member invited me to the banquet and speeches. He made sure to introduce me to Zig.
Back in the 1970s I read and owned a copy of See You At the Top and to this day I remember the advice in the front of the book: "You can get everything in life you want if you will just help other people get what they want!”
Zig had a wonderful career and helped tens of thousands of people. He was a true giver.
There is a fine article in today's Washington Post about Zig. You'll have to create a free account there, if you have not read the Post online before.
The image here is from Zig's Facebook page and is used with permission.
Ill. law enforcement - pro-concealed carry?
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Recently I read a statement on the Facebook page of a new concealed-carry organization called Pass Conceal Carry. I think they started with great flourish and then found out that the road is uphill. They had a debut radio show with some good ideas, and then nothing further except t-shirt sales and words.
The statement that attracted my attention was that 101 Illinois county sheriffs (out of 102) were in favor of concealed carry and that "all" the police chiefs in Illinois (except Supt. Garry McCarthy of the Chicago PD) were in favor.
Pass Conceal Carry also stated that a legislator had addressed the General Assembly with those statistics. Being a "Doubting Thomas" I queried Pass Conceal Carry on Nov. 21. To date they have not replied.
On November 21 I emailed Mike Tryon about these statistics and asked if he knew of them or knew which legislator had addressed the G.A. - No reply.
Also on November 21 I emailed Crystal Lake Police Chief Dave Linder and Woodstock PD Chief Robert Lowen to ask whether they would support concealed carry; for example, a reasonable concealed-carry bill like HB0148.
Neither replied.
Earlier this month I poised a question on the Facebook page of the Illinois State Rifle Assn., asking if there was a sub-committee working on concealed carry. Someone responded on behalf of ISRA and suggested I contact the Executive Director of ISRA. On November 13 I called and left a message for him. A period of two weeks seems like a long time to wait for a return call. My guess is they really don't want "us peons" messing around while the lobbyists are bullying the politicians.
Individual citizens can only be effective if they combine into large groups and focus their efforts with both intensity and timing. The Cook County Democrats who are stalling concealed carry for the entire state must hear from their own constituents, not just from lobbyists or out-of-towners.
The statement that attracted my attention was that 101 Illinois county sheriffs (out of 102) were in favor of concealed carry and that "all" the police chiefs in Illinois (except Supt. Garry McCarthy of the Chicago PD) were in favor.
Pass Conceal Carry also stated that a legislator had addressed the General Assembly with those statistics. Being a "Doubting Thomas" I queried Pass Conceal Carry on Nov. 21. To date they have not replied.
On November 21 I emailed Mike Tryon about these statistics and asked if he knew of them or knew which legislator had addressed the G.A. - No reply.
Also on November 21 I emailed Crystal Lake Police Chief Dave Linder and Woodstock PD Chief Robert Lowen to ask whether they would support concealed carry; for example, a reasonable concealed-carry bill like HB0148.
Neither replied.
Earlier this month I poised a question on the Facebook page of the Illinois State Rifle Assn., asking if there was a sub-committee working on concealed carry. Someone responded on behalf of ISRA and suggested I contact the Executive Director of ISRA. On November 13 I called and left a message for him. A period of two weeks seems like a long time to wait for a return call. My guess is they really don't want "us peons" messing around while the lobbyists are bullying the politicians.
Individual citizens can only be effective if they combine into large groups and focus their efforts with both intensity and timing. The Cook County Democrats who are stalling concealed carry for the entire state must hear from their own constituents, not just from lobbyists or out-of-towners.
Mark's Duck House - Falls Church, VA
To contact us Click HERE
Ah dim sum. I don't get to have it often because the bf doesn't like small dishes...pshhh! Well that's what friends are for! One of my friends took me to Mark's Duck House - her favorite spot for Sunday dim sum. The restaurant has been around for over 20 years serving Hong Kong-style cuisine. As their name suggests, they are known for their Peking Duck. However, we didn't get a chance to try it.
Located in a shopping center, there is plenty of free parking, but it can get crowded.
This place is smaller than other restaurants that offer dim sum, so it was PACKED! We took a number when we got through the crowd waiting by the door.
They offered many of the same dishes I'm used to seeing as well as some different items. Sorry guys, but I don't have prices for any of these items because they were in Chinese. All dishes are between $2.50 - $7.50 though.
1. Pan-Fried Chives Dumpling - Out of all the dumplings, this was my favorite.
2. Shrimp and Pork Dumpling (Shiu Mai)
3. Shrimp and Pork Dumpling
4. Shrimp Dumpling (Har Gao)
5. Fried Taro Dumpling - One of my favorite dishes when I have dim sum.
6. Shrimp Noodle Crepe - Best noodle crepe I've tried.
7. Lemongrass and Ginger Oyster - Oyster by itself was the size of my palm.
8. Stuffed Crab Claw - I broke my chopstick trying to cut this. It was massive!
Service was very fast with the carts, they constantly filled our water glasses, replaced my broken chopstick and reminded me that I forgot my leftovers. I thought they were great! Food was on point. Now I just need more dim sum buddies!
6184 Arlington Blvd
Falls Church, VA 22044
(703) 532-2125
marksduckhouse.com
Located in a shopping center, there is plenty of free parking, but it can get crowded.
This place is smaller than other restaurants that offer dim sum, so it was PACKED! We took a number when we got through the crowd waiting by the door.
They offered many of the same dishes I'm used to seeing as well as some different items. Sorry guys, but I don't have prices for any of these items because they were in Chinese. All dishes are between $2.50 - $7.50 though.
1. Pan-Fried Chives Dumpling - Out of all the dumplings, this was my favorite.
2. Shrimp and Pork Dumpling (Shiu Mai)
3. Shrimp and Pork Dumpling
4. Shrimp Dumpling (Har Gao)
5. Fried Taro Dumpling - One of my favorite dishes when I have dim sum.
6. Shrimp Noodle Crepe - Best noodle crepe I've tried.
7. Lemongrass and Ginger Oyster - Oyster by itself was the size of my palm.
8. Stuffed Crab Claw - I broke my chopstick trying to cut this. It was massive!
Service was very fast with the carts, they constantly filled our water glasses, replaced my broken chopstick and reminded me that I forgot my leftovers. I thought they were great! Food was on point. Now I just need more dim sum buddies!6184 Arlington Blvd
Falls Church, VA 22044
(703) 532-2125
marksduckhouse.com
Bobby's Burger Palace - College Park, MD
To contact us Click HERE
What a storm! I hope everyone is safe because Sandy was quite destructive, but thankfully our part of Rockville wasn't affected much. Just a few hours without power.
So we haven't started our 'wedding' diet yet, so I'll just continue to write about fattie places like Bobby's Burger Palace. The Fi (I guess that's his new name? Let's test it out.) visited the University of Maryland location. We met at UMCP, and things have changed. We never had nice buildings and restaurants like this when we were there! I'm not that bitter though...
The name is self-explanatory - they serve burgers. Gourmet ones created by Celebrity Chef Bobby Flay to be exact. The interior is bright with warm lighting. It's filled with bar seating/communal tables and very comfortable chairs that spin! It's a casual place where you order/pay at a register, they give you a number, and they bring food out to wherever you are sitting.
Many of the burgers are named after cities and characterized by a food that represents them. For example: The Fi ordered The Philadelphia Burger is topped with Provolone Cheese, Griddled Onions and Hot Peppers ($7.75). He thought it was good, but nothing out of the ordinary.
If you're not in the mood for a burger, they offer sandwiches, salads, sides, milkshakes and other beverages. Also, if you don't eat beef, you can substitute the beef patty with turkey or chicken breast.
I wanted a flavor explosion so I ordered the Bobby Blue Burger with Blue Cheese, Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato $7.75), and it wasn't as pungent as I was hoping. Again, it was an ok burger, but nothing particularly special. Ray's Hell Burger's equivalent is much better.
I love Sweet Potato Fries ($3) and these came with a Honey Mustard Horseradish Sauce which was awesome.
If you like dipping sauces, they have a variety including Jalapeño Hot Sauce, Chipotle Ketchup, Burger Sauce, and Barbecue. Sadly none of them really stuck out for me.
Overall, we weren't wowed. So if we were visiting our Alma Matar again, we'd probably stop by Cluck U. However, I will say their service was impressive. We weren't there for long, but 3 different times someone would check on us. Pretty nice!
8150 Baltimore Avenue
College Park, MD 20740
240-542-4702
www.bobbysburgerpalace.com
So we haven't started our 'wedding' diet yet, so I'll just continue to write about fattie places like Bobby's Burger Palace. The Fi (I guess that's his new name? Let's test it out.) visited the University of Maryland location. We met at UMCP, and things have changed. We never had nice buildings and restaurants like this when we were there! I'm not that bitter though...
The name is self-explanatory - they serve burgers. Gourmet ones created by Celebrity Chef Bobby Flay to be exact. The interior is bright with warm lighting. It's filled with bar seating/communal tables and very comfortable chairs that spin! It's a casual place where you order/pay at a register, they give you a number, and they bring food out to wherever you are sitting.
Many of the burgers are named after cities and characterized by a food that represents them. For example: The Fi ordered The Philadelphia Burger is topped with Provolone Cheese, Griddled Onions and Hot Peppers ($7.75). He thought it was good, but nothing out of the ordinary.
If you're not in the mood for a burger, they offer sandwiches, salads, sides, milkshakes and other beverages. Also, if you don't eat beef, you can substitute the beef patty with turkey or chicken breast.
I wanted a flavor explosion so I ordered the Bobby Blue Burger with Blue Cheese, Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato $7.75), and it wasn't as pungent as I was hoping. Again, it was an ok burger, but nothing particularly special. Ray's Hell Burger's equivalent is much better.
I love Sweet Potato Fries ($3) and these came with a Honey Mustard Horseradish Sauce which was awesome.
If you like dipping sauces, they have a variety including Jalapeño Hot Sauce, Chipotle Ketchup, Burger Sauce, and Barbecue. Sadly none of them really stuck out for me.
Overall, we weren't wowed. So if we were visiting our Alma Matar again, we'd probably stop by Cluck U. However, I will say their service was impressive. We weren't there for long, but 3 different times someone would check on us. Pretty nice!8150 Baltimore Avenue
College Park, MD 20740
240-542-4702
www.bobbysburgerpalace.com
28 Kasım 2012 Çarşamba
2nd Amendment for Dummies
To contact us Click HERE
“Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect every one who approaches that jewel. Unfortunately, nothing will preserve it but downright force. Whenever you give up that force, you are inevitably ruined.” Patrick Henry, Virginia Ratifying Convention, June 5, 1788
Why is the Second Amendment important? Because it guarantees all the others.
Read KrisAnne Hall's blog about the Second Amendment.
Why must gunowners stand firm and refuse encroachment? Because one little step leads to the next.
Take Illinois, for example. We have registration of gun owners, but not of guns. Suppose Gov. Quinn decided to confiscate all the guns in the State of Illinois and issued a proclamation that all police and military personnel should proceed to knock on doors and collect all the guns in the State owned by citizens.
Which doors do you think they will knock on (or knock down) first? Will they suit up and head for the War Zone in Chicago? Maybe down to 79th St. or 87th or 95th Street on both sides of the Dan Ryan? Think they'll raid houses there? Collect all the guns from the criminals?
No way. The criminals don't have FOID cards.
The idiots want to call a semi-automatic weapon an "assault" weapon. They mis-name it. So they "declare" it so and call it "illegal". Maybe next, they'll say that driving a car stick-shift transmission is dangerous and therefore illegal. You have to drive a car with an automatic transmission. Or vice versa.
Wasn't there a Japanese commander who wisely recommended that they avoid attacking U.S. mainland? "They all have guns." Right. He understood. And we are going to keep our guns. In case we must defend the U.S. against all invaders, foreign or domestic.
Would our city officials in Woodstock, Crystal Lake, McHenry, Huntley stand and say, "No way!"
Would they pledge, now, never to confiscate guns from law-abiding citizens?
Why is the Second Amendment important? Because it guarantees all the others.
Read KrisAnne Hall's blog about the Second Amendment.
Why must gunowners stand firm and refuse encroachment? Because one little step leads to the next.
Take Illinois, for example. We have registration of gun owners, but not of guns. Suppose Gov. Quinn decided to confiscate all the guns in the State of Illinois and issued a proclamation that all police and military personnel should proceed to knock on doors and collect all the guns in the State owned by citizens.
Which doors do you think they will knock on (or knock down) first? Will they suit up and head for the War Zone in Chicago? Maybe down to 79th St. or 87th or 95th Street on both sides of the Dan Ryan? Think they'll raid houses there? Collect all the guns from the criminals?
No way. The criminals don't have FOID cards.
The idiots want to call a semi-automatic weapon an "assault" weapon. They mis-name it. So they "declare" it so and call it "illegal". Maybe next, they'll say that driving a car stick-shift transmission is dangerous and therefore illegal. You have to drive a car with an automatic transmission. Or vice versa.
Wasn't there a Japanese commander who wisely recommended that they avoid attacking U.S. mainland? "They all have guns." Right. He understood. And we are going to keep our guns. In case we must defend the U.S. against all invaders, foreign or domestic.
Would our city officials in Woodstock, Crystal Lake, McHenry, Huntley stand and say, "No way!"
Would they pledge, now, never to confiscate guns from law-abiding citizens?
Where is Beth Bentley? Week 131
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Little did I think, over two years ago, that I would still be asking every week where Beth Bentley is.
Bentley, then 41, disappeared in May 2010. If you like playing "Pin the Tail on the Story", by now you probably have concluded thinking about this "missing person" case and decided what you think happened.
Is it a "missing person" case? That's what the Woodstock Police Department (WPD) continues to call it.
Was it ever considered otherwise? Is there an officer at WPD who believes it is not? Some departments have officers who latch onto a case and keep the investigation going. WPD rotates its officers in and out of the Investigations Division "to get everyone a chance". After paying for expensive training and experience, they go back on the street. A good plan?
Earlier this year WPD tried to "nail Jello to the wall" and arrested Jennifer Wyatt-Paplham on two felony charges related to Beth's disappearance. Months later, a judge threw the case out. If you read the statute, it never should have been filed in the first place by WPD, and the McHenry County State's Attorney's Office never should have authorized the felony charges.
WPD says it is in charge of the "investigation". Yet they seem to be hanging onto a thread that Beth disappeared from Centralia, Ill. (or maybe from rural Mount Vernon, Ill.). Woodstock is over 300 miles from Mount Vernon.
A cold case in Colorado involved authorities who argued about jurisdiction - the sheriff's department where the girl disappeared or the sheriff's department where she lived. In that case, neither wanted it, so they just pointed fingers and said, "Not me."
Starting with the house where Beth's car was parked in the garage over the week-end, did WPD ever take that house apart? Any lab guys ever go over Beth's car? Or the rental car? Did WPD ever borrow a sniffer dog and take it through the car or the house? Of course, it would have picked up Beth's scent in the car. Anywhere else in the house? Downstairs living areas? Upstairs bedrooms? Basement?
Is the Illinois State Police, Zone 7 Investigations (Effingham, Ill., for Jefferson County), really involved? WPD Chief Lowen said at one point that the Illinois State Police were involved. In what way?
If it's a "missing person" case, why isn't there any information or ongoing appeal to the public? Some say, if the family wanted it, they'd be asking for it. Sorry; not good enough. Beth Bentley is a person - a person, a woman, who disappeared under mysterious circumstances. The town, the City of Woodstock, the People of Woodstock owe her the inquiry.
If you had been missing 2½ years, would you just want a file stuck in a filing cabinet at the P.D.? Would that be good enough?
Bentley, then 41, disappeared in May 2010. If you like playing "Pin the Tail on the Story", by now you probably have concluded thinking about this "missing person" case and decided what you think happened.
Is it a "missing person" case? That's what the Woodstock Police Department (WPD) continues to call it.
Was it ever considered otherwise? Is there an officer at WPD who believes it is not? Some departments have officers who latch onto a case and keep the investigation going. WPD rotates its officers in and out of the Investigations Division "to get everyone a chance". After paying for expensive training and experience, they go back on the street. A good plan?
Earlier this year WPD tried to "nail Jello to the wall" and arrested Jennifer Wyatt-Paplham on two felony charges related to Beth's disappearance. Months later, a judge threw the case out. If you read the statute, it never should have been filed in the first place by WPD, and the McHenry County State's Attorney's Office never should have authorized the felony charges.
WPD says it is in charge of the "investigation". Yet they seem to be hanging onto a thread that Beth disappeared from Centralia, Ill. (or maybe from rural Mount Vernon, Ill.). Woodstock is over 300 miles from Mount Vernon.
A cold case in Colorado involved authorities who argued about jurisdiction - the sheriff's department where the girl disappeared or the sheriff's department where she lived. In that case, neither wanted it, so they just pointed fingers and said, "Not me."
Starting with the house where Beth's car was parked in the garage over the week-end, did WPD ever take that house apart? Any lab guys ever go over Beth's car? Or the rental car? Did WPD ever borrow a sniffer dog and take it through the car or the house? Of course, it would have picked up Beth's scent in the car. Anywhere else in the house? Downstairs living areas? Upstairs bedrooms? Basement?
Is the Illinois State Police, Zone 7 Investigations (Effingham, Ill., for Jefferson County), really involved? WPD Chief Lowen said at one point that the Illinois State Police were involved. In what way?
If it's a "missing person" case, why isn't there any information or ongoing appeal to the public? Some say, if the family wanted it, they'd be asking for it. Sorry; not good enough. Beth Bentley is a person - a person, a woman, who disappeared under mysterious circumstances. The town, the City of Woodstock, the People of Woodstock owe her the inquiry.
If you had been missing 2½ years, would you just want a file stuck in a filing cabinet at the P.D.? Would that be good enough?
U.S. Supreme Court - okay to record cops
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The Associated Press reports today on the U.S. Supreme Court and the constitutionality of Illinois law that prohibits records of cops while they are doing their jobs.
The Illinois law smelled like a dead rat, but it had to be dragged all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. The fact that it was stupid enough on its surface was not enough reason for state legislators to change the law.
The Supreme Court declined to take the case, according to the oral statement that can be heard on the Chicago Tribune website.
This causes me to think of the McHenry PD case filed against a local resident in 2010, which was tossed in 2011 by Judge Prather. My previous article about that can be read here.
My personal thoughts? Of course, it is okay to videotape an arrest or warrant service. Most cops are honest and conduct their business within the law; they won't object to being recorded. And then there are others.
The Illinois law smelled like a dead rat, but it had to be dragged all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. The fact that it was stupid enough on its surface was not enough reason for state legislators to change the law.
The Supreme Court declined to take the case, according to the oral statement that can be heard on the Chicago Tribune website.
This causes me to think of the McHenry PD case filed against a local resident in 2010, which was tossed in 2011 by Judge Prather. My previous article about that can be read here.
My personal thoughts? Of course, it is okay to videotape an arrest or warrant service. Most cops are honest and conduct their business within the law; they won't object to being recorded. And then there are others.
Zinke's "cooperating" witness
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This issue deserves a new article and not "just" a comment to previous articles.
One person (Curious1) keeps commenting that Zinke "...made a valid judgement call and in the open brought the leader of RITA corp in as a cooperating witness with all available records to share with the DEA."
Let's see, 1. confidential DEA investigation; 2. destination of illegal drugs: RITA Corp.; 3. president of RITA Corp. is long-time, high-dollar campaign supporter of Sheriff Nygren and long-time member of the sheriff's Merit Commission; 4. Zinke quickly reveals confidential information to Brian Goode; 5. Goode shows up in sheriff's dept. parking lot with what the public is led to believe are shipping documents.
You don't have to be a rocket scientist to know that a "cooperating witness" should be kept away from the sheriff's department and should stay silent. You don't trash a DEA investigation pertaining to inbound drugs by "outing" a cooperating witness. What does Zinke do? Invite or allow Goode to come to the Sheriff's Department!
I wonder who dreamed up the "cooperating witness" angle. Who created that? Is it just "spin"? Anyone else getting dizzy?
The proper course of action here is an investigation by an impartial body - an organization not influenced by Nygren or Zinke or political or good-old-boy connections. Of course, that eliminates certain investigating bodies, because of their close ties to Nygren.
I would rule out the Illinois State Police, District 2 (unless things are different under the current commander), and the FBI (unless things are different after Robert Grant's departure). The FBI is having a hard time finding Zinke's December 3, 2010, to the Chicago office; that's the letter to which Assistant Special Agent in Charge Angela Byers replied on January 4, 2011. She replied under Grant's name (writing on his behalf, it is to be assumed) and specifically referenced Zinke's letter by date.
Zinke conveniently lost his copy of the December 3, 2010, letter, too. There is no record of it at MCSD. None. Even the Illinois Attorney General's office could not stimulate MCSD to look a little harder.
How an official letter (document) disappears at the McHenry County Sheriff's Department ought to be the topic of yet one more investigation. The Illinois Records Act should control how records are disposed of. Generally speaking, records cannot be mutilated, destroyed, transferred, removed, or otherwise damaged or disposed of, in whole or in part, except as provided by law. Perhaps MCSD thinks it is exempt from that.
Someone suggested to me that possibly the FBI's January 4, 2011 letter was "manufactured". I have asked the FBI to authenticate its letter; i.e., did it actually come out of the Chicago office on FBI stationery, complete with date and signature (but without a File Number)? Will the FBI authenticate that letter? If they can't or won't, what will that mean?
I have a copy of that letter, which I received from MCSD, thanks to FOIA. And Cal Skinner published a copy of that letter on McHenry County Blog. But are these really copies of an official document from the FBI Chicago office?
One person (Curious1) keeps commenting that Zinke "...made a valid judgement call and in the open brought the leader of RITA corp in as a cooperating witness with all available records to share with the DEA."
Let's see, 1. confidential DEA investigation; 2. destination of illegal drugs: RITA Corp.; 3. president of RITA Corp. is long-time, high-dollar campaign supporter of Sheriff Nygren and long-time member of the sheriff's Merit Commission; 4. Zinke quickly reveals confidential information to Brian Goode; 5. Goode shows up in sheriff's dept. parking lot with what the public is led to believe are shipping documents.
You don't have to be a rocket scientist to know that a "cooperating witness" should be kept away from the sheriff's department and should stay silent. You don't trash a DEA investigation pertaining to inbound drugs by "outing" a cooperating witness. What does Zinke do? Invite or allow Goode to come to the Sheriff's Department!
I wonder who dreamed up the "cooperating witness" angle. Who created that? Is it just "spin"? Anyone else getting dizzy?
The proper course of action here is an investigation by an impartial body - an organization not influenced by Nygren or Zinke or political or good-old-boy connections. Of course, that eliminates certain investigating bodies, because of their close ties to Nygren.
I would rule out the Illinois State Police, District 2 (unless things are different under the current commander), and the FBI (unless things are different after Robert Grant's departure). The FBI is having a hard time finding Zinke's December 3, 2010, to the Chicago office; that's the letter to which Assistant Special Agent in Charge Angela Byers replied on January 4, 2011. She replied under Grant's name (writing on his behalf, it is to be assumed) and specifically referenced Zinke's letter by date.
Zinke conveniently lost his copy of the December 3, 2010, letter, too. There is no record of it at MCSD. None. Even the Illinois Attorney General's office could not stimulate MCSD to look a little harder.
How an official letter (document) disappears at the McHenry County Sheriff's Department ought to be the topic of yet one more investigation. The Illinois Records Act should control how records are disposed of. Generally speaking, records cannot be mutilated, destroyed, transferred, removed, or otherwise damaged or disposed of, in whole or in part, except as provided by law. Perhaps MCSD thinks it is exempt from that.
Someone suggested to me that possibly the FBI's January 4, 2011 letter was "manufactured". I have asked the FBI to authenticate its letter; i.e., did it actually come out of the Chicago office on FBI stationery, complete with date and signature (but without a File Number)? Will the FBI authenticate that letter? If they can't or won't, what will that mean?
I have a copy of that letter, which I received from MCSD, thanks to FOIA. And Cal Skinner published a copy of that letter on McHenry County Blog. But are these really copies of an official document from the FBI Chicago office?
Feed people, but not the bears
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I love this message that is makes the rounds:
"The Food Stamp Program, administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is proud to be distributing the greatest amount of free meals and food stamps ever, to 46 million people.
"Meanwhile, the National Park Service, administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior, asks us 'Please Do Not Feed the Animals.' Their stated reason for the policy is because the animals will grow dependent on handouts and will not learn to take care of themselves."
"The Food Stamp Program, administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is proud to be distributing the greatest amount of free meals and food stamps ever, to 46 million people.
"Meanwhile, the National Park Service, administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior, asks us 'Please Do Not Feed the Animals.' Their stated reason for the policy is because the animals will grow dependent on handouts and will not learn to take care of themselves."
27 Kasım 2012 Salı
Shooting at Chicago funeral
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Just over the week-end I read an October article on Chicago's ABC TV-7 news about Pastor Corey Brooks of the New Beginnings Church, down in the war zone of Chicago. Brooks had walked more than 3,000 miles from New York to L.A. to raise money for a community center. He raised $500,000 toward a $15,000,000 goal.
In today's Chicago news two gang members were shot while attending a funeral at St. Columbanus Church in the 300 block of East 71th Street. Rev. Brooks had just conducted the funeral service, when shots were heard.
Well, Mr. Mayor? Supt. McCarthy? You're not keeping Chicago very safe, are you?
What if all the law-abiding citizens in Chicago were armed? If a dozen armed men and women, knowing the law and how to shoot straight, had stepped out of the church first, would the shooter (or shooters) have fired? If they had, maybe they would have been lying dead in 71st Street when the cops arrived.
But, thanks to Rahm Emanuel and Garry McCarthy and a bunch of Cook County Democratic state representatives, Illinois does not have a concealed carry law. The blame for the continuing carnage should be directed right at them.
In today's Chicago news two gang members were shot while attending a funeral at St. Columbanus Church in the 300 block of East 71th Street. Rev. Brooks had just conducted the funeral service, when shots were heard.
Well, Mr. Mayor? Supt. McCarthy? You're not keeping Chicago very safe, are you?
What if all the law-abiding citizens in Chicago were armed? If a dozen armed men and women, knowing the law and how to shoot straight, had stepped out of the church first, would the shooter (or shooters) have fired? If they had, maybe they would have been lying dead in 71st Street when the cops arrived.
But, thanks to Rahm Emanuel and Garry McCarthy and a bunch of Cook County Democratic state representatives, Illinois does not have a concealed carry law. The blame for the continuing carnage should be directed right at them.
New organization lists kill zones
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There is a new organization that has sprung up in Chicago that is asking Illinois citizens to sign its petition against concealed carry.
The organization is the Stop Conceal Carry Coalition. The online Chicago Tribune carries a photo of Cook County Commissioner Larry Suffredin and a comment in its article by 22nd Ward Ald. Ricardo Muñoz.
Muñoz said, "I can't fathom the idea of going to the mall and just thinking that under that coat over there, or in that purse, there might be a weapon. We cannot allow concealed carry to be the law of the land."
I wonder where Muñoz thinks he lives. Right now, every day, when he goes to the mall, he ought to be thinking that, because the criminals and the gangbangers are there and armed.
It's the law-abiding citizen who is unarmed. How dense is that guy?
Oh, and Fr. Pfleger, pastor at St. Sabina Catholic Church on Chicago's South Side, was right there to throw in his 2¢ worth, saying, "Thank God Illinois can be an example and not be pressured into following the rest of the country."
.
Yep, look at the example Illinois is. And especially Pfleger's hometown. Chicago is a great example of lawlessness, shootings, killings, etc. Right?
Don't follow the rest of the country into lower crime and increased safety. Is that what he is saying?
Now look at the petition they want people to sign:
"We, the undersigned, oppose any 'Concealed Carry' legislation in Illinois that would allow people to carry concealed weapons in public, on their persons, in cars, buses, and trains, in houses of worship, schools, libraries, stores, shopping malls, movie theaters, restaurants, offices, and businesses, or anywhere other than in their own homes.”
There are the "kill zones" that the Coalition wants to maintain. Better check those 6,900 signatures. I wonder how many of them can be found in Coroners' Reports and on cemetery headstones.
How interesting that the Illinois Secretary of State doesn't know about Stop Conceal Carry. As a Coalition, must they register with the State? Is it incorporated?
On its website is a long list of supporters. I wonder how many on the list are FOID cardholders.
The NRA and ISRA will want to take note of these:Representatives Karen May, Daniel Biss, Susan Garrett, Elaine Nekritz, Laura Fine and Robyn Gabel, and Senators Terry Link and Julie Morrison.
I wonder if Ald. Muñoz and Commissioners Debra Shore and Larry Suffredin routinely "pack". Do they?
BTW, if you want to see what a stand-up guy Muñoz is, read his Wikipedia entry.
The organization is the Stop Conceal Carry Coalition. The online Chicago Tribune carries a photo of Cook County Commissioner Larry Suffredin and a comment in its article by 22nd Ward Ald. Ricardo Muñoz.
Muñoz said, "I can't fathom the idea of going to the mall and just thinking that under that coat over there, or in that purse, there might be a weapon. We cannot allow concealed carry to be the law of the land."
I wonder where Muñoz thinks he lives. Right now, every day, when he goes to the mall, he ought to be thinking that, because the criminals and the gangbangers are there and armed.
It's the law-abiding citizen who is unarmed. How dense is that guy?
Oh, and Fr. Pfleger, pastor at St. Sabina Catholic Church on Chicago's South Side, was right there to throw in his 2¢ worth, saying, "Thank God Illinois can be an example and not be pressured into following the rest of the country."
.
Yep, look at the example Illinois is. And especially Pfleger's hometown. Chicago is a great example of lawlessness, shootings, killings, etc. Right?
Don't follow the rest of the country into lower crime and increased safety. Is that what he is saying?
Now look at the petition they want people to sign:
"We, the undersigned, oppose any 'Concealed Carry' legislation in Illinois that would allow people to carry concealed weapons in public, on their persons, in cars, buses, and trains, in houses of worship, schools, libraries, stores, shopping malls, movie theaters, restaurants, offices, and businesses, or anywhere other than in their own homes.”
There are the "kill zones" that the Coalition wants to maintain. Better check those 6,900 signatures. I wonder how many of them can be found in Coroners' Reports and on cemetery headstones.
How interesting that the Illinois Secretary of State doesn't know about Stop Conceal Carry. As a Coalition, must they register with the State? Is it incorporated?
On its website is a long list of supporters. I wonder how many on the list are FOID cardholders.
The NRA and ISRA will want to take note of these:Representatives Karen May, Daniel Biss, Susan Garrett, Elaine Nekritz, Laura Fine and Robyn Gabel, and Senators Terry Link and Julie Morrison.
I wonder if Ald. Muñoz and Commissioners Debra Shore and Larry Suffredin routinely "pack". Do they?
BTW, if you want to see what a stand-up guy Muñoz is, read his Wikipedia entry.
Zinke's "cooperating" witness
To contact us Click HERE
This issue deserves a new article and not "just" a comment to previous articles.
One person (Curious1) keeps commenting that Zinke "...made a valid judgement call and in the open brought the leader of RITA corp in as a cooperating witness with all available records to share with the DEA."
Let's see, 1. confidential DEA investigation; 2. destination of illegal drugs: RITA Corp.; 3. president of RITA Corp. is long-time, high-dollar campaign supporter of Sheriff Nygren and long-time member of the sheriff's Merit Commission; 4. Zinke quickly reveals confidential information to Brian Goode; 5. Goode shows up in sheriff's dept. parking lot with what the public is led to believe are shipping documents.
You don't have to be a rocket scientist to know that a "cooperating witness" should be kept away from the sheriff's department and should stay silent. You don't trash a DEA investigation pertaining to inbound drugs by "outing" a cooperating witness. What does Zinke do? Invite or allow Goode to come to the Sheriff's Department!
I wonder who dreamed up the "cooperating witness" angle. Who created that? Is it just "spin"? Anyone else getting dizzy?
The proper course of action here is an investigation by an impartial body - an organization not influenced by Nygren or Zinke or political or good-old-boy connections. Of course, that eliminates certain investigating bodies, because of their close ties to Nygren.
I would rule out the Illinois State Police, District 2 (unless things are different under the current commander), and the FBI (unless things are different after Robert Grant's departure). The FBI is having a hard time finding Zinke's December 3, 2010, to the Chicago office; that's the letter to which Assistant Special Agent in Charge Angela Byers replied on January 4, 2011. She replied under Grant's name (writing on his behalf, it is to be assumed) and specifically referenced Zinke's letter by date.
Zinke conveniently lost his copy of the December 3, 2010, letter, too. There is no record of it at MCSD. None. Even the Illinois Attorney General's office could not stimulate MCSD to look a little harder.
How an official letter (document) disappears at the McHenry County Sheriff's Department ought to be the topic of yet one more investigation. The Illinois Records Act should control how records are disposed of. Generally speaking, records cannot be mutilated, destroyed, transferred, removed, or otherwise damaged or disposed of, in whole or in part, except as provided by law. Perhaps MCSD thinks it is exempt from that.
Someone suggested to me that possibly the FBI's January 4, 2011 letter was "manufactured". I have asked the FBI to authenticate its letter; i.e., did it actually come out of the Chicago office on FBI stationery, complete with date and signature (but without a File Number)? Will the FBI authenticate that letter? If they can't or won't, what will that mean?
I have a copy of that letter, which I received from MCSD, thanks to FOIA. And Cal Skinner published a copy of that letter on McHenry County Blog. But are these really copies of an official document from the FBI Chicago office?
One person (Curious1) keeps commenting that Zinke "...made a valid judgement call and in the open brought the leader of RITA corp in as a cooperating witness with all available records to share with the DEA."
Let's see, 1. confidential DEA investigation; 2. destination of illegal drugs: RITA Corp.; 3. president of RITA Corp. is long-time, high-dollar campaign supporter of Sheriff Nygren and long-time member of the sheriff's Merit Commission; 4. Zinke quickly reveals confidential information to Brian Goode; 5. Goode shows up in sheriff's dept. parking lot with what the public is led to believe are shipping documents.
You don't have to be a rocket scientist to know that a "cooperating witness" should be kept away from the sheriff's department and should stay silent. You don't trash a DEA investigation pertaining to inbound drugs by "outing" a cooperating witness. What does Zinke do? Invite or allow Goode to come to the Sheriff's Department!
I wonder who dreamed up the "cooperating witness" angle. Who created that? Is it just "spin"? Anyone else getting dizzy?
The proper course of action here is an investigation by an impartial body - an organization not influenced by Nygren or Zinke or political or good-old-boy connections. Of course, that eliminates certain investigating bodies, because of their close ties to Nygren.
I would rule out the Illinois State Police, District 2 (unless things are different under the current commander), and the FBI (unless things are different after Robert Grant's departure). The FBI is having a hard time finding Zinke's December 3, 2010, to the Chicago office; that's the letter to which Assistant Special Agent in Charge Angela Byers replied on January 4, 2011. She replied under Grant's name (writing on his behalf, it is to be assumed) and specifically referenced Zinke's letter by date.
Zinke conveniently lost his copy of the December 3, 2010, letter, too. There is no record of it at MCSD. None. Even the Illinois Attorney General's office could not stimulate MCSD to look a little harder.
How an official letter (document) disappears at the McHenry County Sheriff's Department ought to be the topic of yet one more investigation. The Illinois Records Act should control how records are disposed of. Generally speaking, records cannot be mutilated, destroyed, transferred, removed, or otherwise damaged or disposed of, in whole or in part, except as provided by law. Perhaps MCSD thinks it is exempt from that.
Someone suggested to me that possibly the FBI's January 4, 2011 letter was "manufactured". I have asked the FBI to authenticate its letter; i.e., did it actually come out of the Chicago office on FBI stationery, complete with date and signature (but without a File Number)? Will the FBI authenticate that letter? If they can't or won't, what will that mean?
I have a copy of that letter, which I received from MCSD, thanks to FOIA. And Cal Skinner published a copy of that letter on McHenry County Blog. But are these really copies of an official document from the FBI Chicago office?
Mark's Duck House - Falls Church, VA
To contact us Click HERE
Ah dim sum. I don't get to have it often because the bf doesn't like small dishes...pshhh! Well that's what friends are for! One of my friends took me to Mark's Duck House - her favorite spot for Sunday dim sum. The restaurant has been around for over 20 years serving Hong Kong-style cuisine. As their name suggests, they are known for their Peking Duck. However, we didn't get a chance to try it.
Located in a shopping center, there is plenty of free parking, but it can get crowded.
This place is smaller than other restaurants that offer dim sum, so it was PACKED! We took a number when we got through the crowd waiting by the door.
They offered many of the same dishes I'm used to seeing as well as some different items. Sorry guys, but I don't have prices for any of these items because they were in Chinese. All dishes are between $2.50 - $7.50 though.
1. Pan-Fried Chives Dumpling - Out of all the dumplings, this was my favorite.
2. Shrimp and Pork Dumpling (Shiu Mai)
3. Shrimp and Pork Dumpling
4. Shrimp Dumpling (Har Gao)
5. Fried Taro Dumpling - One of my favorite dishes when I have dim sum.
6. Shrimp Noodle Crepe - Best noodle crepe I've tried.
7. Lemongrass and Ginger Oyster - Oyster by itself was the size of my palm.
8. Stuffed Crab Claw - I broke my chopstick trying to cut this. It was massive!
Service was very fast with the carts, they constantly filled our water glasses, replaced my broken chopstick and reminded me that I forgot my leftovers. I thought they were great! Food was on point. Now I just need more dim sum buddies!
6184 Arlington Blvd
Falls Church, VA 22044
(703) 532-2125
marksduckhouse.com
Located in a shopping center, there is plenty of free parking, but it can get crowded.
This place is smaller than other restaurants that offer dim sum, so it was PACKED! We took a number when we got through the crowd waiting by the door.
They offered many of the same dishes I'm used to seeing as well as some different items. Sorry guys, but I don't have prices for any of these items because they were in Chinese. All dishes are between $2.50 - $7.50 though.
1. Pan-Fried Chives Dumpling - Out of all the dumplings, this was my favorite.
2. Shrimp and Pork Dumpling (Shiu Mai)
3. Shrimp and Pork Dumpling
4. Shrimp Dumpling (Har Gao)
5. Fried Taro Dumpling - One of my favorite dishes when I have dim sum.
6. Shrimp Noodle Crepe - Best noodle crepe I've tried.
7. Lemongrass and Ginger Oyster - Oyster by itself was the size of my palm.
8. Stuffed Crab Claw - I broke my chopstick trying to cut this. It was massive!
Service was very fast with the carts, they constantly filled our water glasses, replaced my broken chopstick and reminded me that I forgot my leftovers. I thought they were great! Food was on point. Now I just need more dim sum buddies!6184 Arlington Blvd
Falls Church, VA 22044
(703) 532-2125
marksduckhouse.com
26 Kasım 2012 Pazartesi
Appreciation important year-round
To contact us Click HERE
Today's Business Solutions column in the Northwest Herald hits the nail on the head. Be sure to read it.
Written by Catherine Jones, executive director of Workforce, Community and Business Programs at MCC's Shah Center in McHenry, the column addresses the importance of expressing appreciation and gratitude - and not just in November at Thanksgiving.
Read the column here. Print it. Frame it. Follow the suggestions and advice. Add her "thanks step" into your future projects and plans.
Written by Catherine Jones, executive director of Workforce, Community and Business Programs at MCC's Shah Center in McHenry, the column addresses the importance of expressing appreciation and gratitude - and not just in November at Thanksgiving.
Read the column here. Print it. Frame it. Follow the suggestions and advice. Add her "thanks step" into your future projects and plans.
Bakery robbers: "Give us da dough"
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The Chicago Tribune reports that three masked robbers attempted to rob a commercial bakery in Chicago early this (Sunday) morning. As they rounded up employees and forced some into a cooler, others escaped and called the Chicago Police.
Should employees be allowed to carry guns at work? Loaded, I mean. Like, under their aprons, if they are bakers. Should employees allow themselves to be herded into a cooler?
Luckily, some employees fled and the robbers realized it and ran without harming employees. It could have turned out otherwise.
Once robbers begin to realize that their potential victims might be armed, these types of crimes will drop precipitously.
Recently I came across a clip on YouTube or an ad for some gun store or gun training operation, and the "robber" in the ad was complaining about concealed-carry laws. He complained that guns (in the hands of citizens) increased the chance of his being harmed while conducting his occupation as a "professional" robber. He complained that his workers compensation rates for his crew might go up, if his associates got hurt while robbing people. He said they were entitled to a safe "working environment", meaning they shouldn't have to worry about a citizen shooting back.
It was a very clever ad.
Should employees be allowed to carry guns at work? Loaded, I mean. Like, under their aprons, if they are bakers. Should employees allow themselves to be herded into a cooler?
Luckily, some employees fled and the robbers realized it and ran without harming employees. It could have turned out otherwise.
Once robbers begin to realize that their potential victims might be armed, these types of crimes will drop precipitously.
Recently I came across a clip on YouTube or an ad for some gun store or gun training operation, and the "robber" in the ad was complaining about concealed-carry laws. He complained that guns (in the hands of citizens) increased the chance of his being harmed while conducting his occupation as a "professional" robber. He complained that his workers compensation rates for his crew might go up, if his associates got hurt while robbing people. He said they were entitled to a safe "working environment", meaning they shouldn't have to worry about a citizen shooting back.
It was a very clever ad.
Going to church? Take your gun
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It won't happen around here, but if you are in Marengo (that would be Ohio, north of Columbus (not the first Marengo you think of, if you live in McHenry County, Ill.)), you might want to drop in at Faith Baptist Church. And here's another reason to head over there:
You can take a weapons training class there that includes two hours on a member's private shooting range and qualify for a Ohio concealed carry permit (maybe only if you are an Ohio resident).
You missed the July 17 training (do you suppose they pray before going to the range?), but I'll bet they have another one coming up. And you can be pretty sure that no robber is going to hit the church in the middle of the sermon and think he is going to make off with the offering.
The original story in The Daily seems to be gone, but you can read a story about the story here.
Many thanks to a reader in Florida who tipped me off to this story.
It won't happen around here, but if you are in Marengo (that would be Ohio, north of Columbus (not the first Marengo you think of, if you live in McHenry County, Ill.)), you might want to drop in at Faith Baptist Church. And here's another reason to head over there:You can take a weapons training class there that includes two hours on a member's private shooting range and qualify for a Ohio concealed carry permit (maybe only if you are an Ohio resident).
You missed the July 17 training (do you suppose they pray before going to the range?), but I'll bet they have another one coming up. And you can be pretty sure that no robber is going to hit the church in the middle of the sermon and think he is going to make off with the offering.
The original story in The Daily seems to be gone, but you can read a story about the story here.
Many thanks to a reader in Florida who tipped me off to this story.
Prim for Sheriff holiday fundraiser planned
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The Winter 2012 fundraiser for Bill Prim's campaign for Sheriff of McHenry County (2014 election cycle) has been announced.
The Friends of Bill Prim invite you to D.C. Cobbs on Wednesday, December 5, from 6:00-9:00PM. D.C. Cobbs is located just off the Woodstock Square at 226 Main Street (one way).
A $30.00 door charge covers wine, beer, soft drinks and hors d'oeuvres. Dining off the menu is available at your own expense.
There are three ways to indicate that you will attend:
- register via www.primwinterfundraiser.eventbrite.com/
- email to matt@primforsheriff.org
- calling 847.787.7566 (leave message)
Registering in advance helps planners regarding preparations. The eventbrite method is a really cool procedure. Tickets will be available at the door.
You'll have to hunt for parking, because the Classic Cinemas-owned parking lot is gone for the construction of the expansion of the theater. You may want to park in the Metra lot by the train station and walk the half-block up (down?) Main Street.
The Friends of Bill Prim invite you to D.C. Cobbs on Wednesday, December 5, from 6:00-9:00PM. D.C. Cobbs is located just off the Woodstock Square at 226 Main Street (one way).
A $30.00 door charge covers wine, beer, soft drinks and hors d'oeuvres. Dining off the menu is available at your own expense.
There are three ways to indicate that you will attend:
- register via www.primwinterfundraiser.eventbrite.com/
- email to matt@primforsheriff.org
- calling 847.787.7566 (leave message)
Registering in advance helps planners regarding preparations. The eventbrite method is a really cool procedure. Tickets will be available at the door.
You'll have to hunt for parking, because the Classic Cinemas-owned parking lot is gone for the construction of the expansion of the theater. You may want to park in the Metra lot by the train station and walk the half-block up (down?) Main Street.
Zinke mess - swept under the rug?
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Think anything is happening with the complaint filed by Sgt. John Koziol about Undersheriff Andy Zinke? Where is it?
After Judge Meyer ruled that he was not going to appoint a Special Prosecutor to investigate why Zinke revealed a confidential DEA investigation to Brian Goode, president of Crystal Lake's RITA Corp., the cards fell to the Office of the McHenry County State's Attorney.
Lou Bianchi, the State's Attorney for McHenry County, already has a record of choosing not to investigate Sheriff Keith Nygren because of a perceived conflict-of-interest. He has said that he endangers his law license by risking an ethics complaint, should he embark on investigating and prosecuting a person (the sheriff) he represents.
As the State's Attorney, the Office is the legal representative of the Sheriff (and the sheriff's department). So this probably means he won't sink his teeth into Undersheriff Zinke for breaching confidentiality and telling Goode that a shipment of illegal drugs was headed for RITA Corp.
Zinke was not part of the DEA Task Force out of Rockford. Sgt. Koziol was. Koziol was required by Department policy to inform Zinke. He did so and wisely took a witness with him, his superior in the Investigations Division.
But Goode is a strong (Strong) financial supporter of Nygren. Goode has been on the Merit Commission of the Sheriff's Department since 2004. Goode's company, RITA Corp., is the address-of-record for Zinke's campaign for sheriff for an election that is two years away.
Zinke should have kept his mouth shut. He is first a cop. Somewhere down the list he might consider Goode a friend. But Zinke didn't keep his mouth shut. Within a day he revealed to Goode that drugs were headed to RITA Corp.
The DEA would have figured out the extent, if any, to which RITA Corp. and any of its employees were involved in the inbound shipment of illegal drugs. The drugs might even have been taken out of the shipment before the truck arrived at RITA.
But Zinke let the cat out of the bag and, for that, he deserves to be investigated. If the State's Attorney isn't going to do it, then Bianchi should get the State's Attorneys Appellate Prosecutor involved. Or go back to Judge Meyer.
Zinke should want this cleaned up. It will haunt him all the way to the election.
Have you noticed there hasn't be a word from Sheriff Nygren about this? He was in the courtroom when Judge Meyer ruled. Where is he now? Why hasn't he addressed this?
After Judge Meyer ruled that he was not going to appoint a Special Prosecutor to investigate why Zinke revealed a confidential DEA investigation to Brian Goode, president of Crystal Lake's RITA Corp., the cards fell to the Office of the McHenry County State's Attorney.
Lou Bianchi, the State's Attorney for McHenry County, already has a record of choosing not to investigate Sheriff Keith Nygren because of a perceived conflict-of-interest. He has said that he endangers his law license by risking an ethics complaint, should he embark on investigating and prosecuting a person (the sheriff) he represents.
As the State's Attorney, the Office is the legal representative of the Sheriff (and the sheriff's department). So this probably means he won't sink his teeth into Undersheriff Zinke for breaching confidentiality and telling Goode that a shipment of illegal drugs was headed for RITA Corp.
Zinke was not part of the DEA Task Force out of Rockford. Sgt. Koziol was. Koziol was required by Department policy to inform Zinke. He did so and wisely took a witness with him, his superior in the Investigations Division.
But Goode is a strong (Strong) financial supporter of Nygren. Goode has been on the Merit Commission of the Sheriff's Department since 2004. Goode's company, RITA Corp., is the address-of-record for Zinke's campaign for sheriff for an election that is two years away.
Zinke should have kept his mouth shut. He is first a cop. Somewhere down the list he might consider Goode a friend. But Zinke didn't keep his mouth shut. Within a day he revealed to Goode that drugs were headed to RITA Corp.
The DEA would have figured out the extent, if any, to which RITA Corp. and any of its employees were involved in the inbound shipment of illegal drugs. The drugs might even have been taken out of the shipment before the truck arrived at RITA.
But Zinke let the cat out of the bag and, for that, he deserves to be investigated. If the State's Attorney isn't going to do it, then Bianchi should get the State's Attorneys Appellate Prosecutor involved. Or go back to Judge Meyer.
Zinke should want this cleaned up. It will haunt him all the way to the election.
Have you noticed there hasn't be a word from Sheriff Nygren about this? He was in the courtroom when Judge Meyer ruled. Where is he now? Why hasn't he addressed this?
25 Kasım 2012 Pazar
JJJr's 2nd District
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Check out the 2010 and the 2012 maps for Jesse Jackson, Jr.'s Second Congressional District. Want a nice "job"? The primary will be February 26 and the general election for municipal offices and to fill Jackson's empty chair will be April 9, if Cook County Clerk David Orr gets his way.
Think anyone is doing an analysis of the timing of Jackson's resignation? Does anyone not think there was plenty of maneuvering going on before the November 6 General Election to keep Jackson from announcing his intention to resign? Gotta give the pols some time to get creative, and now you can see it starting. Just read the full AP article here.
But first look at the size of the district. See this map and compare the 2010 boundaries with the 2012 boundaries. Could Republicans get in there, work hard and pull a real upset?
Bobby Rush (D-1) is quoted as saying to anyone who is thinking of running for Jackson's seat, "Cool your jets."
In other words, they have got it under control. Who is "they"? The ones in control. Big Brother. The ones who know what is best for you. Yeah, sure.
Why are they worried? "Spread the field of candidates too thin, they say, and it becomes easier for a more conservative candidate - or anyone else party leaders don't want - to pull off a win."
What influence could a Congressman have on Chicago crime? Could a leader, rolling up his sleeves and getting on the ground in his District, begin to make a difference? Yes, I know ... Congressman is a Federal office. So make "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness" a reality.
The first thing he'd have to do is build a high wall around his office. Put two doors in it. One for residents and registered in-District voters. Leave that door unlocked.
The second door? Make that one about a foot high. Mark it "Lobbyists, Influence Peddlers, Crooks". Put a big padlock on that one.
Run background checks and drug screens on anyone to be hired for a District job. Publish the results of your own random drug screens on the front window of the District offices.
If the person winning the office doesn't live in the District, move into the District. Right into the heart of it. Right into the War Zone. And no bodyguards, either. Your constituents don't have bodyguards. Why should you?
Think anyone is doing an analysis of the timing of Jackson's resignation? Does anyone not think there was plenty of maneuvering going on before the November 6 General Election to keep Jackson from announcing his intention to resign? Gotta give the pols some time to get creative, and now you can see it starting. Just read the full AP article here.
But first look at the size of the district. See this map and compare the 2010 boundaries with the 2012 boundaries. Could Republicans get in there, work hard and pull a real upset?
Bobby Rush (D-1) is quoted as saying to anyone who is thinking of running for Jackson's seat, "Cool your jets."
In other words, they have got it under control. Who is "they"? The ones in control. Big Brother. The ones who know what is best for you. Yeah, sure.
Why are they worried? "Spread the field of candidates too thin, they say, and it becomes easier for a more conservative candidate - or anyone else party leaders don't want - to pull off a win."
What influence could a Congressman have on Chicago crime? Could a leader, rolling up his sleeves and getting on the ground in his District, begin to make a difference? Yes, I know ... Congressman is a Federal office. So make "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness" a reality.
The first thing he'd have to do is build a high wall around his office. Put two doors in it. One for residents and registered in-District voters. Leave that door unlocked.
The second door? Make that one about a foot high. Mark it "Lobbyists, Influence Peddlers, Crooks". Put a big padlock on that one.
Run background checks and drug screens on anyone to be hired for a District job. Publish the results of your own random drug screens on the front window of the District offices.
If the person winning the office doesn't live in the District, move into the District. Right into the heart of it. Right into the War Zone. And no bodyguards, either. Your constituents don't have bodyguards. Why should you?
Front license plate - special place
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Sometimes you just have to wonder how attentive the police are to license plates on cars in Illinois.
Illinois is a two-plate registration state. The State issues two license plates for cars. One of them is supposed to be fastened to the front bumper.
Look where this one is. Carefully tucked in tightly on the dashboard. Out-of-sight. Unreadable. This vehicle was in the McHenry County Government Center parking lot on November 9, parked near the east public entrance.
I found that drivers have various reasons for not displaying the front license plate.
Some feel it interferes with the aesthetic appearance of the front-end styling.
Some avoid the small cost of purchasing a bracket to mount on the front bumper.
Others don't want to drill holes in the front bumper.
Still others don't want their cars easily identified by PhotoRadar in Illinois reduced-speed work zones.
Some think Illinois should issue only one plate and so they will display only one.
What do you suppose this driver's reason (or excuse) is?
Sometimes you just have to wonder how attentive the police are to license plates on cars in Illinois.Illinois is a two-plate registration state. The State issues two license plates for cars. One of them is supposed to be fastened to the front bumper.
Look where this one is. Carefully tucked in tightly on the dashboard. Out-of-sight. Unreadable. This vehicle was in the McHenry County Government Center parking lot on November 9, parked near the east public entrance.
I found that drivers have various reasons for not displaying the front license plate.
Some feel it interferes with the aesthetic appearance of the front-end styling.
Some avoid the small cost of purchasing a bracket to mount on the front bumper.
Others don't want to drill holes in the front bumper.
Still others don't want their cars easily identified by PhotoRadar in Illinois reduced-speed work zones.
Some think Illinois should issue only one plate and so they will display only one.
What do you suppose this driver's reason (or excuse) is?
Fr. Pfleger wants spotlight
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Did you read where Deerfield resident Lidia Kuzniar was arrested for "stalking" Fr. Pfleger? Maybe she just walked to talk to him about supporting concealed carry in Chicago...
All that causes me to wonder what would happen if I went to talk to Fr. Pfleger about concealed carry. Would he have me arrested for stalking him?
Apparently, it's okay with him for so many men and women to be murdered in Chicago by illegal guns that he believes he must prevent law-abiding citizens from carrying concealed weapons. Why doesn't he "come out" and say, "No more killings (by punks with their illegally-owned and illegally-used guns)."
All that causes me to wonder what would happen if I went to talk to Fr. Pfleger about concealed carry. Would he have me arrested for stalking him?
Apparently, it's okay with him for so many men and women to be murdered in Chicago by illegal guns that he believes he must prevent law-abiding citizens from carrying concealed weapons. Why doesn't he "come out" and say, "No more killings (by punks with their illegally-owned and illegally-used guns)."
Courthouse (Wdk. Sq.) news
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Several years ago I viewed a wonderful DVD made about the courthouse rescue project in Farmland, Randolph County, Indiana.
It seems that the high-and-mighty wanted to tear down the old courthouse and put up a "modern" building, and some of the old-timers didn't think that was such a hot idea.
Somebody got an idea for a fundraiser, and the Courthouse Girls of Farmland was born. Seven "mature" women (ages 77-94) banded together, and their project raised enough money to kill the demolition and preserve the original building.
For a preview (or post-view), visit www.courthousegirls.com
I just ordered the DVD and will play a showing early in 2013 at the library. What if the People of Woodstock took an interest in the old courthouse building on the Square and made the City hear their 2¢ worth?
The People of Woodstock lost the battle over Grace Hall, but we don't have to sit back and watch hundreds of thousands of dollars get poured into the old courthouse building without a solid plan. It's "pie in the sky" to think some developer is going to come in with $5,000,000 and lose it on the Square.
The Woodstock Opera House was saved from becoming a packing structure by "concerned citizens". Or so I've been told, because I didn't live in Woodstock then. If you or your children will be staying in Woodstock, think about getting involved. Watch this site for the showing information for this amusing and pointed video. It's a winner!
It seems that the high-and-mighty wanted to tear down the old courthouse and put up a "modern" building, and some of the old-timers didn't think that was such a hot idea.
Somebody got an idea for a fundraiser, and the Courthouse Girls of Farmland was born. Seven "mature" women (ages 77-94) banded together, and their project raised enough money to kill the demolition and preserve the original building.
For a preview (or post-view), visit www.courthousegirls.com
I just ordered the DVD and will play a showing early in 2013 at the library. What if the People of Woodstock took an interest in the old courthouse building on the Square and made the City hear their 2¢ worth?
The People of Woodstock lost the battle over Grace Hall, but we don't have to sit back and watch hundreds of thousands of dollars get poured into the old courthouse building without a solid plan. It's "pie in the sky" to think some developer is going to come in with $5,000,000 and lose it on the Square.
The Woodstock Opera House was saved from becoming a packing structure by "concerned citizens". Or so I've been told, because I didn't live in Woodstock then. If you or your children will be staying in Woodstock, think about getting involved. Watch this site for the showing information for this amusing and pointed video. It's a winner!
Flight attendant totes gun into ORD
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This week's story about a long-time flight attendant with American Airlines who began to pass through security on Friday with a loaded handgun in her carry-on bag should turn out to be much ado about nothing.
Her attorney said that the woman's husband left the gun in the bag they share after his trip to Michigan.
To be guilty of the offenses with which she is charged, she had to knowingly do what she is charged with. If she didn't know the gun was there, then she didn't knowingly commit the violations.
The 65-year-old woman from Palatine has been an American Airlines employee for 44 years. I think it's safe to say she missed that flight to Shanghai.
Her attorney said that the woman's husband left the gun in the bag they share after his trip to Michigan.
To be guilty of the offenses with which she is charged, she had to knowingly do what she is charged with. If she didn't know the gun was there, then she didn't knowingly commit the violations.
The 65-year-old woman from Palatine has been an American Airlines employee for 44 years. I think it's safe to say she missed that flight to Shanghai.
24 Kasım 2012 Cumartesi
Vinton tops pile again
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First Assistant State's Attorney Norm Vinton once again came out on top of the pile of candidates for judgeships in McHenry County. Norm scored a 80.28% of "opinionated responses saying 'yes'," according to this morning's Northwest Herald. Congratulations, Norm.
Vinton joined the McHenry County State's Attorney's Office just last February from his position as partner in the Woodstock law firm of Michling Hofmann Vinton Plaza & Wick (now, Michling Hofmann Plaza & Wick, P.C.).
Chris Harmon copped second place with 76.4%. Good job, Chris!
The opinions were from McHenry County attorneys. Now the judges get to decide who will really be annointed (errr, appointed) and awarded the two open spots in our court system.
The newspaper named the top five, the bottom-scoring five (why would the paper do that?), one who didn't draw enough "opinionated responses" to be ranked, and that one (unnamed) had withdrawn.
So that's 12 out of the 24 who had thrown their hats into the ring. Why do you suppose the paper didn't just print all the names and rankings? The 24 attorneys who applied were:
Neil O. Anderson, Anne K. Brophy, Tiffany E. Davis, Mark R. Facchini, Robert W. Fetzner, Raymond M. Flavin, Kristen N. Foley, Adrian M. Gosch, Robert T. Hanlon, Christopher M. Harmon, Richard H. Jackson, Denise M. Kuzniewski, Cynthia D. Lamb, Gerald P. Lenzen, James K. McBride, Mary E. McClellan, George A. Mueller, Mary H. Nader, Jeannie M. Ridings, Cynthia A. Schaupp, Demetrios P. Tsilimigras, Norman D. Vinton, Marjorie L. Worth, and Sally J. Zimmerman.
Vinton joined the McHenry County State's Attorney's Office just last February from his position as partner in the Woodstock law firm of Michling Hofmann Vinton Plaza & Wick (now, Michling Hofmann Plaza & Wick, P.C.).
Chris Harmon copped second place with 76.4%. Good job, Chris!
The opinions were from McHenry County attorneys. Now the judges get to decide who will really be annointed (errr, appointed) and awarded the two open spots in our court system.
The newspaper named the top five, the bottom-scoring five (why would the paper do that?), one who didn't draw enough "opinionated responses" to be ranked, and that one (unnamed) had withdrawn.
So that's 12 out of the 24 who had thrown their hats into the ring. Why do you suppose the paper didn't just print all the names and rankings? The 24 attorneys who applied were:
Neil O. Anderson, Anne K. Brophy, Tiffany E. Davis, Mark R. Facchini, Robert W. Fetzner, Raymond M. Flavin, Kristen N. Foley, Adrian M. Gosch, Robert T. Hanlon, Christopher M. Harmon, Richard H. Jackson, Denise M. Kuzniewski, Cynthia D. Lamb, Gerald P. Lenzen, James K. McBride, Mary E. McClellan, George A. Mueller, Mary H. Nader, Jeannie M. Ridings, Cynthia A. Schaupp, Demetrios P. Tsilimigras, Norman D. Vinton, Marjorie L. Worth, and Sally J. Zimmerman.
Marengo trying; Woodstock? not
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Be sure to see the article in this morning's Northwest Herald about Main Street Marengo and its new director, Adam Johnson.
Marengo just keeps on "keepin' on."
What is "Main Street"? It's a community-building effort organized by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Crystal Lake has a thriving Main Street program (see its Facebook site).
Business people in Woodstock began developing an interest in a Main Street Program several years ago. It died off thanks, in my opinion, to uninformed and near-slanderous back-biting by certain people then associated with the Woodstock Chamber of Commerce. It seemed to me that the folks at the Chamber considered the Main Street effort as "competition" for membership dollars, rather than as an important business-development partner.
A Main Street-related icon was displayed on the City's website for several years after it was awarded, but how long can you trade on a 2007 designation? It was finally removed from the City's website about two years after the Main Street effort in Woodstock came to an inglorious end.
The "opportunity" for Woodstock to claim one of the top spots for entertainment and attraction in McHenry County is being squandered. Just ride about the Square. Then take a ride to Crystal Lake or any number of other small downtown areas. Just what is it that is supposed to draw shoppers and visitors with money to spend?
When the Main Street Program and the Woodstock Downtown Business Association were trying to get off the ground, the City was stingy with its money, failing to realize that the expenditure of the motel/hotel sales tax revenue was an investment in Woodstock. The Opera House gets the lion's share of the money. Why?
The Opera House is owned by the City, so the City is merely shuffling money from one pocket to another. The hotel/motel tax is like a shell game, sucking money out of the pockets of hotel guests, most of whom do not come to Woodstock for its night life (what night life?) or even Opera House events. Wasn't it enacted to stimulate overnight stays in Woodstock that might generate sales for shops, restaurants, etc.?
Marengo just keeps on "keepin' on."
What is "Main Street"? It's a community-building effort organized by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Crystal Lake has a thriving Main Street program (see its Facebook site).
Business people in Woodstock began developing an interest in a Main Street Program several years ago. It died off thanks, in my opinion, to uninformed and near-slanderous back-biting by certain people then associated with the Woodstock Chamber of Commerce. It seemed to me that the folks at the Chamber considered the Main Street effort as "competition" for membership dollars, rather than as an important business-development partner.
A Main Street-related icon was displayed on the City's website for several years after it was awarded, but how long can you trade on a 2007 designation? It was finally removed from the City's website about two years after the Main Street effort in Woodstock came to an inglorious end.
The "opportunity" for Woodstock to claim one of the top spots for entertainment and attraction in McHenry County is being squandered. Just ride about the Square. Then take a ride to Crystal Lake or any number of other small downtown areas. Just what is it that is supposed to draw shoppers and visitors with money to spend?
When the Main Street Program and the Woodstock Downtown Business Association were trying to get off the ground, the City was stingy with its money, failing to realize that the expenditure of the motel/hotel sales tax revenue was an investment in Woodstock. The Opera House gets the lion's share of the money. Why?
The Opera House is owned by the City, so the City is merely shuffling money from one pocket to another. The hotel/motel tax is like a shell game, sucking money out of the pockets of hotel guests, most of whom do not come to Woodstock for its night life (what night life?) or even Opera House events. Wasn't it enacted to stimulate overnight stays in Woodstock that might generate sales for shops, restaurants, etc.?
42. The Unofficial St. Patrick's day in Champaign Urbana
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If you have been anywhere near the campustown on certain Fridays in March, and come up with a huge throng of greenish looking leprechauns, don't start pinching yourself to see if you are dreaming or not. You have just stumbled into the "Unofficial Saint Patrick's Day" in Chambana.
Here is what UofI wiki has to say about it:
Unofficial Saint Patrick's Day, or commonly known as Unofficial, is a local event on the Urbana-Champaign campus, which aims to replace the celebration of the official Saint Patrick's Day holiday with excessive drinking of alcohol.
Champaign bar owner Scott Cochrane created the event to increase business because the week of spring break on the academic calendar usually includes Saint Patrick's Day, which leads students to celebrate away from the campus.
The event is celebrated usually the weekend before the official Saint Patrick's Day holiday. Bars might open as early as 7 a.m., and students wear T-shirts with slogans such as "Drink 'til you're Irish" or "Irish I were drunk." One T-shirt slogan read: "Tap the keg, forget the class... it's Unofficial, so fill my glass!"
Things are not really as rosey as the above note suggests. On this day, you'll find a lot of underage drinkers, passed out here and there, or coming to class drunk. The police (Champaign, Urbana, County, and of course UofI ones) have a field day ... and nab a lot of underage drinkers.
However, things can often get deadly ... a few years ago, a UofI alumnus died when the motor bike she was riding crashed into a pole on Wright street between Green and Springfield. So, be careful when you are driving through campustown , better avoid going through the area altogether.
There is of course, the "official" Saint Patrick's day, but the drinking frenzy is much less on that one.
Mark's Duck House - Falls Church, VA
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Ah dim sum. I don't get to have it often because the bf doesn't like small dishes...pshhh! Well that's what friends are for! One of my friends took me to Mark's Duck House - her favorite spot for Sunday dim sum. The restaurant has been around for over 20 years serving Hong Kong-style cuisine. As their name suggests, they are known for their Peking Duck. However, we didn't get a chance to try it.
Located in a shopping center, there is plenty of free parking, but it can get crowded.
This place is smaller than other restaurants that offer dim sum, so it was PACKED! We took a number when we got through the crowd waiting by the door.
They offered many of the same dishes I'm used to seeing as well as some different items. Sorry guys, but I don't have prices for any of these items because they were in Chinese. All dishes are between $2.50 - $7.50 though.
1. Pan-Fried Chives Dumpling - Out of all the dumplings, this was my favorite.
2. Shrimp and Pork Dumpling (Shiu Mai)
3. Shrimp and Pork Dumpling
4. Shrimp Dumpling (Har Gao)
5. Fried Taro Dumpling - One of my favorite dishes when I have dim sum.
6. Shrimp Noodle Crepe - Best noodle crepe I've tried.
7. Lemongrass and Ginger Oyster - Oyster by itself was the size of my palm.
8. Stuffed Crab Claw - I broke my chopstick trying to cut this. It was massive!
Service was very fast with the carts, they constantly filled our water glasses, replaced my broken chopstick and reminded me that I forgot my leftovers. I thought they were great! Food was on point. Now I just need more dim sum buddies!
6184 Arlington Blvd
Falls Church, VA 22044
(703) 532-2125
marksduckhouse.com
Located in a shopping center, there is plenty of free parking, but it can get crowded.
This place is smaller than other restaurants that offer dim sum, so it was PACKED! We took a number when we got through the crowd waiting by the door.
They offered many of the same dishes I'm used to seeing as well as some different items. Sorry guys, but I don't have prices for any of these items because they were in Chinese. All dishes are between $2.50 - $7.50 though.
1. Pan-Fried Chives Dumpling - Out of all the dumplings, this was my favorite.
2. Shrimp and Pork Dumpling (Shiu Mai)
3. Shrimp and Pork Dumpling
4. Shrimp Dumpling (Har Gao)
5. Fried Taro Dumpling - One of my favorite dishes when I have dim sum.
6. Shrimp Noodle Crepe - Best noodle crepe I've tried.
7. Lemongrass and Ginger Oyster - Oyster by itself was the size of my palm.
8. Stuffed Crab Claw - I broke my chopstick trying to cut this. It was massive!
Service was very fast with the carts, they constantly filled our water glasses, replaced my broken chopstick and reminded me that I forgot my leftovers. I thought they were great! Food was on point. Now I just need more dim sum buddies!6184 Arlington Blvd
Falls Church, VA 22044
(703) 532-2125
marksduckhouse.com
Bobby's Burger Palace - College Park, MD
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What a storm! I hope everyone is safe because Sandy was quite destructive, but thankfully our part of Rockville wasn't affected much. Just a few hours without power.
So we haven't started our 'wedding' diet yet, so I'll just continue to write about fattie places like Bobby's Burger Palace. The Fi (I guess that's his new name? Let's test it out.) visited the University of Maryland location. We met at UMCP, and things have changed. We never had nice buildings and restaurants like this when we were there! I'm not that bitter though...
The name is self-explanatory - they serve burgers. Gourmet ones created by Celebrity Chef Bobby Flay to be exact. The interior is bright with warm lighting. It's filled with bar seating/communal tables and very comfortable chairs that spin! It's a casual place where you order/pay at a register, they give you a number, and they bring food out to wherever you are sitting.
Many of the burgers are named after cities and characterized by a food that represents them. For example: The Fi ordered The Philadelphia Burger is topped with Provolone Cheese, Griddled Onions and Hot Peppers ($7.75). He thought it was good, but nothing out of the ordinary.
If you're not in the mood for a burger, they offer sandwiches, salads, sides, milkshakes and other beverages. Also, if you don't eat beef, you can substitute the beef patty with turkey or chicken breast.
I wanted a flavor explosion so I ordered the Bobby Blue Burger with Blue Cheese, Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato $7.75), and it wasn't as pungent as I was hoping. Again, it was an ok burger, but nothing particularly special. Ray's Hell Burger's equivalent is much better.
I love Sweet Potato Fries ($3) and these came with a Honey Mustard Horseradish Sauce which was awesome.
If you like dipping sauces, they have a variety including Jalapeño Hot Sauce, Chipotle Ketchup, Burger Sauce, and Barbecue. Sadly none of them really stuck out for me.Overall, we weren't wowed. So if we were visiting our Alma Matar again, we'd probably stop by Cluck U. However, I will say their service was impressive. We weren't there for long, but 3 different times someone would check on us. Pretty nice!
8150 Baltimore Avenue
College Park, MD 20740
240-542-4702
www.bobbysburgerpalace.com
So we haven't started our 'wedding' diet yet, so I'll just continue to write about fattie places like Bobby's Burger Palace. The Fi (I guess that's his new name? Let's test it out.) visited the University of Maryland location. We met at UMCP, and things have changed. We never had nice buildings and restaurants like this when we were there! I'm not that bitter though...
The name is self-explanatory - they serve burgers. Gourmet ones created by Celebrity Chef Bobby Flay to be exact. The interior is bright with warm lighting. It's filled with bar seating/communal tables and very comfortable chairs that spin! It's a casual place where you order/pay at a register, they give you a number, and they bring food out to wherever you are sitting.
Many of the burgers are named after cities and characterized by a food that represents them. For example: The Fi ordered The Philadelphia Burger is topped with Provolone Cheese, Griddled Onions and Hot Peppers ($7.75). He thought it was good, but nothing out of the ordinary.
If you're not in the mood for a burger, they offer sandwiches, salads, sides, milkshakes and other beverages. Also, if you don't eat beef, you can substitute the beef patty with turkey or chicken breast.
I wanted a flavor explosion so I ordered the Bobby Blue Burger with Blue Cheese, Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato $7.75), and it wasn't as pungent as I was hoping. Again, it was an ok burger, but nothing particularly special. Ray's Hell Burger's equivalent is much better.
I love Sweet Potato Fries ($3) and these came with a Honey Mustard Horseradish Sauce which was awesome.
If you like dipping sauces, they have a variety including Jalapeño Hot Sauce, Chipotle Ketchup, Burger Sauce, and Barbecue. Sadly none of them really stuck out for me.
Overall, we weren't wowed. So if we were visiting our Alma Matar again, we'd probably stop by Cluck U. However, I will say their service was impressive. We weren't there for long, but 3 different times someone would check on us. Pretty nice!8150 Baltimore Avenue
College Park, MD 20740
240-542-4702
www.bobbysburgerpalace.com
23 Kasım 2012 Cuma
Slow week at the sheriff's dept.
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The past seven days must have been a slow week at the McHenry County Sheriff's Department. There has not been even one new media release since November 8. when Ryan O'Keefe was arrested near Richmond.
Have there really been no crimes of note in the whole of McHenry County, or is it just the case of "Don't tell the public"?
Sheriff Nygren was spotted arriving at the McHenry County Government Center late Wednesday afternoon, so mark up (part of) another day at work for him in 2012. He avails himself of special parking in the sally port, rather than parking behind the building in the space reserved for "501".
If I were Sheriff? I'd park in the back parking lot, just like everybody else, and I wouldn't have the #1 spot closest to the building reserved for me. And I'd tell my command staff to park "out" a little way and allow the line employees to have first choice of parking spots. I'd also get rid of the special reserved parking for Corrections command staff in front of the jail and loosen up that parking for visitors of inmates.
Have there really been no crimes of note in the whole of McHenry County, or is it just the case of "Don't tell the public"?
Sheriff Nygren was spotted arriving at the McHenry County Government Center late Wednesday afternoon, so mark up (part of) another day at work for him in 2012. He avails himself of special parking in the sally port, rather than parking behind the building in the space reserved for "501".
If I were Sheriff? I'd park in the back parking lot, just like everybody else, and I wouldn't have the #1 spot closest to the building reserved for me. And I'd tell my command staff to park "out" a little way and allow the line employees to have first choice of parking spots. I'd also get rid of the special reserved parking for Corrections command staff in front of the jail and loosen up that parking for visitors of inmates.
License illegal drivers? You're kidding, right?
To contact us Click HERE
Look out for the steamroller coming your way.
See the paper today? Illinois Senate President John Cullerton (D-6 (Chicago! Where else?)) said yesterday that he believes he can ram this bill down the throats of law-abiding citizens of Illinois next week (well, he didn't say it quite that way).
Cullerton believes he can jam the bill to give driver's licenses to illegal immigrants (no, John, they are NOT illegal "immigrants"; they are illegal aliens!) through the Illinois Senate this next week (Nov. 26-30). And Democratic Governor Pat Quinn says he'll sign it, if it passes the House.
Better get on the phone, folks. First thing Monday morning, since Illinois Representatives and Senators and their staffs have already taken off for the long Thanksgiving week-end. (Hmmmm, why is it that the Friday after Thanksgiving is a paid holiday for so many (government!) workers?)
Let's see; legal, law-abiding citizens of Illinois cannot get the right to carry concealed weapons, but lawmakers seem poised to give illegal people residing in Illinois the right to drive a car.
What part of "illegal" do the legislators not understand? The best way to make the roads safe is to allow only legal drivers to operate motor vehicles and to enforce the laws against driving without a license or registration or insurance! Hello? Just enforce the laws... the existing laws...
Land of idiocy!
See the paper today? Illinois Senate President John Cullerton (D-6 (Chicago! Where else?)) said yesterday that he believes he can ram this bill down the throats of law-abiding citizens of Illinois next week (well, he didn't say it quite that way).
Cullerton believes he can jam the bill to give driver's licenses to illegal immigrants (no, John, they are NOT illegal "immigrants"; they are illegal aliens!) through the Illinois Senate this next week (Nov. 26-30). And Democratic Governor Pat Quinn says he'll sign it, if it passes the House.
Better get on the phone, folks. First thing Monday morning, since Illinois Representatives and Senators and their staffs have already taken off for the long Thanksgiving week-end. (Hmmmm, why is it that the Friday after Thanksgiving is a paid holiday for so many (government!) workers?)
Let's see; legal, law-abiding citizens of Illinois cannot get the right to carry concealed weapons, but lawmakers seem poised to give illegal people residing in Illinois the right to drive a car.
What part of "illegal" do the legislators not understand? The best way to make the roads safe is to allow only legal drivers to operate motor vehicles and to enforce the laws against driving without a license or registration or insurance! Hello? Just enforce the laws... the existing laws...
Land of idiocy!
A day for thanks
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Thanksgiving Day 2012. A day for thanks.
For what are you thankful?
A country in which we live freely?
Family?
Friends?
Feeling safe?
Having what you need?
For me, it is certainly not about Black Friday, Small Business Saturday or Cyber Monday.
The first thing for which I was thankful today was that I don't pay for my daily newspaper by the pound. And that I'm not the newspaper delivery man. I'm thankful for my Northwest Herald carrier, because he delivers my paper to the door.
The desperation of retailers screamed by the pile of advertising as I headed for the recycling bag with it. Every last piece of it. Black Friday seems to start now on Thanksgiving Eve, continue through Thanksgiving Day and into the evening and resume earlier and earlier on the Friday after Thanksgiving.
Will the American public ever come to its senses?
For what are you thankful?
A country in which we live freely?
Family?
Friends?
Feeling safe?
Having what you need?
For me, it is certainly not about Black Friday, Small Business Saturday or Cyber Monday.
The first thing for which I was thankful today was that I don't pay for my daily newspaper by the pound. And that I'm not the newspaper delivery man. I'm thankful for my Northwest Herald carrier, because he delivers my paper to the door.
The desperation of retailers screamed by the pile of advertising as I headed for the recycling bag with it. Every last piece of it. Black Friday seems to start now on Thanksgiving Eve, continue through Thanksgiving Day and into the evening and resume earlier and earlier on the Friday after Thanksgiving.
Will the American public ever come to its senses?
JJJr's 2nd District
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Check out the 2010 and the 2012 maps for Jesse Jackson, Jr.'s Second Congressional District. Want a nice "job"? The primary will be February 26 and the general election for municipal offices and to fill Jackson's empty chair will be April 9, if Cook County Clerk David Orr gets his way.
Think anyone is doing an analysis of the timing of Jackson's resignation? Does anyone not think there was plenty of maneuvering going on before the November 6 General Election to keep Jackson from announcing his intention to resign? Gotta give the pols some time to get creative, and now you can see it starting. Just read the full AP article here.
But first look at the size of the district. See this map and compare the 2010 boundaries with the 2012 boundaries. Could Republicans get in there, work hard and pull a real upset?
Bobby Rush (D-1) is quoted as saying to anyone who is thinking of running for Jackson's seat, "Cool your jets."
In other words, they have got it under control. Who is "they"? The ones in control. Big Brother. The ones who know what is best for you. Yeah, sure.
Why are they worried? "Spread the field of candidates too thin, they say, and it becomes easier for a more conservative candidate - or anyone else party leaders don't want - to pull off a win."
What influence could a Congressman have on Chicago crime? Could a leader, rolling up his sleeves and getting on the ground in his District, begin to make a difference? Yes, I know ... Congressman is a Federal office. So make "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness" a reality.
The first thing he'd have to do is build a high wall around his office. Put two doors in it. One for residents and registered in-District voters. Leave that door unlocked.
The second door? Make that one about a foot high. Mark it "Lobbyists, Influence Peddlers, Crooks". Put a big padlock on that one.
Run background checks and drug screens on anyone to be hired for a District job. Publish the results of your own random drug screens on the front window of the District offices.
If the person winning the office doesn't live in the District, move into the District. Right into the heart of it. Right into the War Zone. And no bodyguards, either. Your constituents don't have bodyguards. Why should you?
Think anyone is doing an analysis of the timing of Jackson's resignation? Does anyone not think there was plenty of maneuvering going on before the November 6 General Election to keep Jackson from announcing his intention to resign? Gotta give the pols some time to get creative, and now you can see it starting. Just read the full AP article here.
But first look at the size of the district. See this map and compare the 2010 boundaries with the 2012 boundaries. Could Republicans get in there, work hard and pull a real upset?
Bobby Rush (D-1) is quoted as saying to anyone who is thinking of running for Jackson's seat, "Cool your jets."
In other words, they have got it under control. Who is "they"? The ones in control. Big Brother. The ones who know what is best for you. Yeah, sure.
Why are they worried? "Spread the field of candidates too thin, they say, and it becomes easier for a more conservative candidate - or anyone else party leaders don't want - to pull off a win."
What influence could a Congressman have on Chicago crime? Could a leader, rolling up his sleeves and getting on the ground in his District, begin to make a difference? Yes, I know ... Congressman is a Federal office. So make "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness" a reality.
The first thing he'd have to do is build a high wall around his office. Put two doors in it. One for residents and registered in-District voters. Leave that door unlocked.
The second door? Make that one about a foot high. Mark it "Lobbyists, Influence Peddlers, Crooks". Put a big padlock on that one.
Run background checks and drug screens on anyone to be hired for a District job. Publish the results of your own random drug screens on the front window of the District offices.
If the person winning the office doesn't live in the District, move into the District. Right into the heart of it. Right into the War Zone. And no bodyguards, either. Your constituents don't have bodyguards. Why should you?
22 Kasım 2012 Perşembe
Mystery deepens about Zinke/FBI letters
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Efforts continue to discover a copy of a December 3, 2010, sent by Undersheriff Andy Zinke to the Chicago office of the FBI. The letter and all copies of it seem to have vanished into thin air.
Zinke apparently wrote to the Chicago FBI office (then headed by Robert D. Grant, Special Agent in Charge) about investigation of Sheriff Keith Nygren. On January 4, 2011, the Chicago FBI office replied to Zinke, opening its letter with "We have had the opportunity to carefully review your December 3, 2010, letter ..." That FBI letter was published on McHenry County Blog, and I have a copy of it.
You can read that letter here. Perhaps you will wonder, as I did, about the old-style typewriter font,. the lack of a File Number, and the disclosure of information that the FBI generally doesn't release.
Now, you would think that the McHenry County Sheriff's Department would have a copy of that December 3, 2010, letter; right? Of course, it should have a copy of the letter. Either Zinke wrote it himself or he had his secretary write it or perhaps one of the officers he directs.
There has to be a copy somewhere at MCSD! Records/documents/letters cannot just be deleted on someone's whim or because it "could" look bad if found. There are records retention laws that are to be followed.
However, a FOIA request to the Sheriff's Department resulted in no letter, and a further follow-up with the Illinois Attorney General's Public Access Bureau could not pry the letter loose. The McHenry County State's Attorney's Office cooperated with the Public Access Bureau. What happened to that letter?
It is inconceivable that an important letter from MCSD to the FBI would vanish - unless someone wanted it to vanish - or unless it never existed in the first place.
But what about the FBI's January 4, 2011, response to the request from Zinke?
Now the FBI said it has no such letter as the Zinke December 3, 2010 letter. In response to my June 14, 2012, FOIA to the FBI, initial responses were that I could expect a 118-day delay in a final response. In September and October my request was "in progress". And then today I received information that a "No Record" had been sent to me on July 20.
Which, conveniently, wasn't delivered to me? Question for the FBI... If a "No Record" letter was sent to me on July 20, why was I told in August that typical response time was 118 days? And in September and October that my request was moving along through channels?
Is this just the tip of an iceberg? Was there really no "genuine" January 4, 2011 letter? I have asked the FBI to authenticate that letter; i.e., to confirm that it is genuine and was prepared by Angela Byers in her official capacity and was mailed from the Chicago FBI office.
And maybe the December 3, 2010, letter from Zinke to the FBI never existed at all? Then why would Asst. Special Agent in Charge Angela Byers write to Zinke and request to his "December 3, 2010, letter requesting reports"?
Zinke apparently wrote to the Chicago FBI office (then headed by Robert D. Grant, Special Agent in Charge) about investigation of Sheriff Keith Nygren. On January 4, 2011, the Chicago FBI office replied to Zinke, opening its letter with "We have had the opportunity to carefully review your December 3, 2010, letter ..." That FBI letter was published on McHenry County Blog, and I have a copy of it.
You can read that letter here. Perhaps you will wonder, as I did, about the old-style typewriter font,. the lack of a File Number, and the disclosure of information that the FBI generally doesn't release.
Now, you would think that the McHenry County Sheriff's Department would have a copy of that December 3, 2010, letter; right? Of course, it should have a copy of the letter. Either Zinke wrote it himself or he had his secretary write it or perhaps one of the officers he directs.
There has to be a copy somewhere at MCSD! Records/documents/letters cannot just be deleted on someone's whim or because it "could" look bad if found. There are records retention laws that are to be followed.
However, a FOIA request to the Sheriff's Department resulted in no letter, and a further follow-up with the Illinois Attorney General's Public Access Bureau could not pry the letter loose. The McHenry County State's Attorney's Office cooperated with the Public Access Bureau. What happened to that letter?
It is inconceivable that an important letter from MCSD to the FBI would vanish - unless someone wanted it to vanish - or unless it never existed in the first place.
But what about the FBI's January 4, 2011, response to the request from Zinke?
Now the FBI said it has no such letter as the Zinke December 3, 2010 letter. In response to my June 14, 2012, FOIA to the FBI, initial responses were that I could expect a 118-day delay in a final response. In September and October my request was "in progress". And then today I received information that a "No Record" had been sent to me on July 20.
Which, conveniently, wasn't delivered to me? Question for the FBI... If a "No Record" letter was sent to me on July 20, why was I told in August that typical response time was 118 days? And in September and October that my request was moving along through channels?
Is this just the tip of an iceberg? Was there really no "genuine" January 4, 2011 letter? I have asked the FBI to authenticate that letter; i.e., to confirm that it is genuine and was prepared by Angela Byers in her official capacity and was mailed from the Chicago FBI office.
And maybe the December 3, 2010, letter from Zinke to the FBI never existed at all? Then why would Asst. Special Agent in Charge Angela Byers write to Zinke and request to his "December 3, 2010, letter requesting reports"?
Sheriff has a new "ride"?
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Whose "ride" is parked in the 501 spot at the McHenry County Sheriff's Department?
A sign in the east reserved parking lot clearly identifies the parking spot for the County Sheriff. I think that's still Keith ("Seldom Seen") Nygren.
But there is a mysterious black Mercedes E350 four-door sedan parked in that spot. Did Nygren turn in his b-i-g white Chevrolet Tahoe for fancier wheels?
The 501 spot is Nygren's. That's the spot for the Sheriff. Who would dare park there? What if Nygren rolled in and couldn't get in "his" spot? Some know, though, he likes to park inside the sally port, where his car is out-of-sight and where it's much harder to keep tabs on whether McHenry County really has a sheriff hard at work and earning his $145,000/year pay.
Rumor has it that this Mercedes was confiscated in a drug deal. If so, aren't there specific rules for the use of confiscated or seized vehicles?
Don't they have to be used for stimulate arrests in more drug crimes? If it is now an "undercover law enforcement vehicle", what is it doing in the MCSD parking lot, especially parked right up front in the sheriff's reserved parking spot?
And, if it is an "undercover law enforcement vehicle", under the County Vehicle Policy it can only be driven by a law-enforcement officer.
Or maybe it's really the personally-owned car of an employee. If that's the case, what is it doing in the sheriff's 501 spot?
Who investigates waste or mis-use in the Sheriff's Department? The Auditor? The Law & Justice Committee of the County Board? Anybody? Nobody?
Whose "ride" is parked in the 501 spot at the McHenry County Sheriff's Department?A sign in the east reserved parking lot clearly identifies the parking spot for the County Sheriff. I think that's still Keith ("Seldom Seen") Nygren.
But there is a mysterious black Mercedes E350 four-door sedan parked in that spot. Did Nygren turn in his b-i-g white Chevrolet Tahoe for fancier wheels?
The 501 spot is Nygren's. That's the spot for the Sheriff. Who would dare park there? What if Nygren rolled in and couldn't get in "his" spot? Some know, though, he likes to park inside the sally port, where his car is out-of-sight and where it's much harder to keep tabs on whether McHenry County really has a sheriff hard at work and earning his $145,000/year pay.
Rumor has it that this Mercedes was confiscated in a drug deal. If so, aren't there specific rules for the use of confiscated or seized vehicles?
Don't they have to be used for stimulate arrests in more drug crimes? If it is now an "undercover law enforcement vehicle", what is it doing in the MCSD parking lot, especially parked right up front in the sheriff's reserved parking spot?
And, if it is an "undercover law enforcement vehicle", under the County Vehicle Policy it can only be driven by a law-enforcement officer.
Or maybe it's really the personally-owned car of an employee. If that's the case, what is it doing in the sheriff's 501 spot?
Who investigates waste or mis-use in the Sheriff's Department? The Auditor? The Law & Justice Committee of the County Board? Anybody? Nobody?
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