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Opinion

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Poll: Should Chicago Have a Casino?

Illinois lawmakers are again looking to expand gambling options in Illinois.

  Illinois lawmakers are considering plans to add more casinos as the state continues to grapple with budget woes. The latest proposals would place casinos in Danville, Rockford and Waukegan. Another proposal would allow for slot machines to be operated at race tracks like Arlington Park, the Alton Daily News reported. The bills are sponsored by Terry Link (D-Waukegan) in the Senate and Lou Lang (D-Skokie) in the House. Gov. Pat Quinn has called the legislation to, once again, expand gambling in Illinois "a distraction." Meanwhile, behind the scenes, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel has been pushing for a Chicago casino. A Chicago casino is something that officials in the city long have sought. As far back at 1993, Mayor Daley proposed an $800 …

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fred

4:43 pm on Monday, May 21, 2012

Bonnie if gambling isa morality issue. WHY DO CHURCHES DO IT?   more ›

The Sunday Cartoon

A NATO Worth Fighting For

Not interested in NATO protesters? There's another fight taking place this weekend.

dan

9:12 am on Sunday, May 20, 2012

Huh? this is the least publicized, the least important and maybe eventually the least memorable Crosstown Classic series in history. Tickets for Friday's game were going for as low as $14 on Stubhub. There have been years where you couldn't get a brokered ticket for less than $100. This is not a battle or a fight.. it's a skirmish between local militias who don't have weapons.   more ›

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Should You Open Gifts at a Kid’s Birthday Party?

The decision of whether to open gifts at a kid's birthday party isn't always easy.

  Birthday parties mean birthday presents which brings up the question, “Do you open the gifts at the party or not?” When I ask people this question I get some adamant "Yes" and "No" answers, but quite a few Moms I talk to, especially new Moms, aren’t quite sure what to do. My vague answer is, “It depends.” There are quite a few things you need to consider regarding your child’s birthday party and the answer may not be the same every year. First and foremost you need to do what is right for your child. Does he or she want to open gifts or just keep playing with friends? You also need to consider what you can handle as the party hostess. Sometimes it is hard to gauge how much time it will take. But, don’t let anyone tell you how it should …

Sue Kirchner

10:43 am on Friday, May 18, 2012

Thanks again for all of the comments. I love the idea quite a few of you shared of taking a photo of your child opening the gift, holding the gift, or even with the gift giver to send with the thank you note. What a thoughtful touch.   more ›

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Readers' Choice: Best Clothing and Accessories Boutique

This week's Readers' Choice did not receive many nominations.

This week's Readers' Choice selection was clothing and accessory boutiques.  Although there are many in the Lake Zurich and Barrington area, we received nominations for only two shops: Urban Flair and Mia Sorella. With just two businesses in the running, we decided not to move on with the poll this week.  Stay tuned for next week's Readers' Choice! 

Monday, May 14, 2012

Readers' Choice: Best Clothing and Accessory Boutiques

Nominate your favorite clothing boutique in Barrington or Lake Zurich.

We are very lucky to have a plethora of clothing and accessory boutiques in the Barrington and Lake Zurich area. From jewelry to clothing to purses, there's a boutique to suit your fancy here in town.  This week's Readers' Choice is best clothing and accessory boutique. If you have a favorite, nominate it in the comments section. The boutiques with the most nominations by 5 p.m. on Tuesday will be included in our poll on Wednesday morning. The winning boutique will be named on Saturday.  Please see the Readers' Choice rules to the right to learn about how voting and scoring works.  So, let's hear it. What is your favorite clothing and accessory boutique in the Lake Zurich and Barrington area? 

Gail Jones

10:50 am on Thursday, May 17, 2012

600 Haute on Northwest Highway next to Fruitful Yield!!! Rachel has a great selection of designer purses, jewelry, scarves, etc. She's new to the area so stop in and support her!   more ›

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Poll: Should Gay Marriage Be Legal?

President Barack Obama said that he supported gay marriage this week, while Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney has said he believes marriage should be between a man and a woman.

  Gay marriage came to the forefront of the 2012 presidential campaign this week. President Barack Obama said on ABC's Good Morning America that he personally supported gay marriage. "You know, Malia and Sasha, they have friends whose parents are same-sex couples. There have been times where Michelle and I have been sitting around the dinner table and we’re talking about their friends and their parents and Malia and Sasha, it wouldn’t dawn on them that somehow their friends’ parents would be treated differently," Obama said in the interview with ABC. Obama's support for gay marriage came one day after North Carolina passed an amendment defining marriage as a union between a man and a woman, the Huffington Post Reported. Republican …

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RB

7:59 pm on Thursday, May 17, 2012

Marie: I hope you get some clear answers, that was a good question. My experience is that the religious right feels that the Government should support them in their effort to implement laws based upon religion. I guess it's similar to the Taliban and Islamic law. Of course the Taliban may take it further with the whippings, beheadings and bulldozing of centuries old relics but, it's a slippery …   more ›

The Sunday Cartoon

Obama Has His Say on Gay Marriage

Obama makes a statement in support of gay marriage.

Charley Krebs

11:18 pm on Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Thanks for commenting everyone... and please continue the conversation. To quote another cartoon's theme song [The Flintstones]: "...we'll have a gay old time!"   more ›

Saturday, May 12, 2012

Academic Corner

What Not to Buy for Your Child's Teacher

It's the thought that counts, but some gifts are just appreciated more than others.

Recently, I was reading an article online about the “Worst Teacher Gifts Ever.” The article had a slide show attached, which featured some superbly awful gifts. My favorites were fishnet stockings and unicorn soap. There was also a ceramic mug with a cat face on it from a student who told the teacher, “My mother thinks you’re a cat lady.” Ouch.  With the end of the school year fast approaching, many parents are looking for teachers’ gifts, so here is my unsolicited advice on what not to get your kid’s teacher: Other bad ideas that may seem like a good idea at the time include stuffed animals, religious items, knick-knacks or anything you have to dust. One student gave me a bottle of multi-vitamins. How bad do you have to look for someone …

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Cory Ingersoll

9:42 am on Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Forgot to add a "not" in the line in the 2nd paragraph..."The kids that forgot or could NOT afford, were made to feel bad...."   more ›

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Why Do You Love Being a Mom?

A Mother's Day reminder of the joys of motherhood

Mother's Day is this Sunday, just in case you were too busy being a Mother to notice. It got me thinking about how sometimes I'm so busy, tired, and stressed that I don't stop to appreciate why being a Mom is worth it. Some days it's easier to focus on the negatives and I ask myself why did I go through all of the pain, nausea, sleepless nights, insecurity, and the extra 10 pounds that won’t go away? So, I wrote a post on Why Being a Mom is Worth It that I wanted to share. But more importantly, I'd love to hear from you. Why Do You Love Being a Mom? Please comment below and let's create a great list of why Motherhood is amazing. The reminder is a nice gift to ourselves. I want to wish everyone a Happy Mother’s Day. I hope your day is …

Donny

12:19 pm on Saturday, May 12, 2012

Happy Mother's Day to all the dedicated hard working moms out there!   more ›

Why is Your Mom Tops in Town?

Want to spotlight that very special lady? Add a photo of you and your mama here and share what makes her so amazing with Patch readers (hint: send her the url and you'll get brownie points).

  With Mother's Day quickly approaching – it's this Sunday, May 13 – how are you planning to celebrate your mom? While flowers or brunch might be nice, what's better than telling the world what she means to you? Add a photo of you and your mom to this gallery and share why you’ve got the "World’s Greatest Mom" in the accompanying caption. Or, dads, ask your kids what their mom means to them and share their answers, along with a photo of the family.  We'll be featuring new photos throughout the week. Happy Mother's Day from Patch!

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