As you well know, you can depend on me to find the really important things in the news:
- From the “Here’s Hoping the Cubs Win” Department: According to the LA Observed blog, the usual bet is on between Chicago and Los Angeles regarding the Cubs vs. Dodgers Playoff Game. Chicago mayor Richard Mayor Daley previously wagered a “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” package of food, soft drinks and sporting goods from Chicago companies, including Vienna Beef hot dogs, Lemonheads and sunflower seeds. And what did Antonio offer:
“If the Dodgers win, Los Angeles gets Chicago’s 2016 Olympic bid,” said Mayor Villaraigosa. “If the Cubs win, Chicago can take back Sam Zell.”
The Mayor added: “It would be a tremendous blow to the City of Los Angeles to lose such a great corporate citizen such as Mr. Zell, so in unlikely event that the Dodgers lose, I’d insist that as a consolation he sell the L.A. Times back to an L.A. owner before heading back to Chicago.”
- From the “Now We Know The Downturn Is Bad” Department: Two items indicating some far reaching effect of the economic downturn. The Los Angeles Times is reporting that less money is being sent to Mexico, creating problems for their economy. And worse yet, the South African Times is reporting that the Hugh Hefner (83), is going bankrupt — and he has had to get rid of some of his Playboy Bunnies. Hefner has reportedly been told to lay off some of his “staff” this month, or risk losing his millions.
- From the “Back In Good Graces” Department: The NY Times is reporting that Russia has rehabilitated the last czar, officially recognizing the Romanovs as victims of “unfounded repression” 90 years after they were executed. Even scarier: some want to bring back the monarchy.
- From the “Things That Make You Go Ugh” Department: The husband of a Chicago bar owner, according to the Chicago Tribune, has painted a nude portrait of Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin. He has hung it above the Old Town Ale House on the north-side of Chicago, where it’s now a prime attraction among his display of more than 200 celebrity portraits and other racy art (NSFW). Now, if that wasn’t enough to make you go “ugh”, he said his daughter, who does a good impression of the Alaska governor, served as model. For those that must see it (note there is a strategically placed table), click here (SFW))
