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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 …

Craig Apelbaum

10:25 pm on Sunday, May 20, 2012

Yes. Chicago, Illinois should have casinos because it brings money into ytheir economy.   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 ›

Monday, May 14, 2012

Does Fewer Calories and More Exercise Lead To Weight Loss?

Tips on weight loss.

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 …

Comment_arrow

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 ›

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!

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Chowdown Showdown Coffee Challenge

Who has the best coffee in McHenry County? Let us know in our comments' section.

Patch.com editors tend to spend a fair amount of time working from coffee shops.  And this week, we are looking to area Patch readers to tell us, which coffee house do you think is the best in McHenry County?  Maybe this coffee shop has a great atmosphere for sitting and enjoying your cup of joe. Or perhaps this business serves up your favorite latte. Or, in your opinion, brews the best coffee in the county.  Whatever the case, you can vote for your favorite coffee shop by commenting below.  We will take comments in this article through Tuesday, May 15. Voting will stop at 5 p.m. We will select the top finalists — the coffee shop with the most comments — and place them in our finalists' poll. That poll will post on all McHenry County Patch…

Cary, Barrington Officials Among McSweeny's Endorsements

Candidate David McSweeney announces additional supporters.

David McSweeney, the Republican nominee for State Representative in the 52nd District, has announced additional support for his campaign.   McSweeney won a hard fought Primary Election and has secured the support of additional elected officials and community leaders to support his general election effort. "I have received overwhelming support going into the General Election cycle. Over fifty leaders and elected officials are supporting my campaign, including Leader Tom Cross,” said David McSweeney. “My message of lower taxes, less spending, and reform has earned me the support of these individuals and ultimately will help me win the election in November. My mainstream agenda is focused on helping the people in the 52nd District during …

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