The Soapbox
Pumping up the message:
We like the effort by U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk and former Chicago Bear James "Big Cat" Williams to lend their star power to fight cyberbullying. They teamed up this week in Libertyville to film a public service announcement that will run on Kirk's website, on YouTube and possibly on cable. Messages from celebrities tend to resonate.
Weather contingencies:
Indian Prairie Unit District 204 knows that when students don't come to class, state aid drops. So, considering that several schools have no air conditioning, officials are wise to discuss a policy for what to do when temperatures reach the 90s. Especially with the unpredictable weather we've seen the past few years.
The perfect game:
Television ratings for the Little League Baseball World Series are climbing, and it's not just because of the big-market teams from Chicago and Philadelphia. The players and coaches demonstrate great sportsmanship and play the game with a focus and pace that is enticing. Major League Baseball officials could learn a few things from their game.
She's a game-changer:
It's been quite a month for women in sports. The San Antonio Spurs broke ground by hiring Becky Hammon as a full-time NBA assistant coach. And now 13-year-old Mo'ne Davis pitches a shutout in the Little League Baseball World Series and makes the cover of Sports Illustrated. More barriers knocked down by a pair of terrific role models.
Apt name for the job:
A recent noise study determined that one of the occasional auto racing events in the parking lot of Hoffman Estates' Sears Centre Arena wasn't dangerous to the hearing of anyone there or of nearby neighbors. The name of the noise-study company representative who attended the Hoffman Estates village board meeting? Tom Thunder, naturally.
Spare change?
The Illinois Tollway is encouraging those with old, unused I-PASS accounts to reactivate them or seek a refund. There are about 50,000 such accounts and more $2.2 million in limbo. Here's hoping that the tollway will remit those refunds in something other than bags of nickels.
Be biker friendly:
A couple of editors who occasionally bike to work respectfully request two things. Drivers, when it's safe for you to do so, give us some extra space when you pass us. Homeowners, trim bushes and limbs that hang low over well-traveled sidewalks, even if technically it's not your responsibility. Thank you.
Shrinking campus:
We're sorry to hear about Roosevelt University's decision to move most of its academic programs from Schaumburg to its downtown Chicago campus due to declining enrollment. The school has had a presence in the suburbs for nearly 40 years. Let's hope Roosevelt can lease the space and at least keep the College of Pharmacy in the area.
The countdown begins:
Another year of high school football begins with the first games of the season next Friday night. Football draws a lot of fans, and the unruly ones need to be reminded they are guests in the stadium and they should conduct themselves appropriately. The officials can't hear your foul mouth, but your neighbors can. Be passionate but positive.