Thinking through the events of 2012 year, it was clear that a lot of events have occurred internationally. At home, President Barrack Obama was re-elected; though in the international sphere, candidate Mitt Romney had nearly identical policies. North Korea and Iran continue to be belligerent and reckless. Europeans may have reached the end of theContinue reading “Three Trends to Watch in ’13”
Author Archives: andrewatnu
What do you know about your tank of gas? (The answers are here!)
Last week I put up this poll asking where our oil comes for here in Chicago? Thanks to the monthly data on imports, I can now report that the majority of Illinois’ petroleum comes from our neighbors to the north: Canada. Congratulations to the forty percent of you who got this one right! But those whoContinue reading “What do you know about your tank of gas? (The answers are here!)”
Vote Yes on the IL Constitutional Amendment
In short: This amendment will make it more difficult for legislators to turn Illinois into Greece. The Amendment will deter any further growth in unfunded future liabilities from direct benefit pensions and other benefits to public employees. Finally for those in public service (including myself) let me make clear that it will NOT affect currentContinue reading “Vote Yes on the IL Constitutional Amendment”
Chicago’s Thai Celebration
Last Friday, downtown workers were treated to free massages, tasty delicacies, and unique vendors as part of the Thai consulate’s festival! Here are some great pictures from the event. Here is a fruit carver which is apparently a traditional art. Such delicacy and care on such a temporal canvas reminds me of the Fluids Happening atContinue reading “Chicago’s Thai Celebration”
QE3: Money for Nothing (and the Chicks for Free)
Chicago School Teachers entered the second week on strike following disagreements over a medley of education issues. As a result average Chicagoans have been frantically searching for safe alternative daycare. And to make matters worse our beloved Bears fell short up in Green Bay. Chicago has been busy. Yet from the Beltway came a Fed decision thatContinue reading “QE3: Money for Nothing (and the Chicks for Free)”
Help a College Class Learn about Political Polling!
Please take the short linked poll. It was designed by my advanced Elections class at Harper College (with some guidance). Next Wednesday, the class will analyze the results! https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dFNuZDJuOHA0MDlveldCSUI5R0ttZEE6MQ
The Poor Penniless Penny
What is America’s obsession with the penny? Quoting a study from 1976, the US Mint suggested that the humble penny is the “most widely used denomination in circulation.” Even more bizarre, the one cent coin requires nearly 2.5 cents in raw materials. A penny saved is now a penny and half of your tax dollarsContinue reading “The Poor Penniless Penny”
The (Unresolved) Clash of Cultures: What Peru can learned from the “Party Politics” of Wounded Knee
Wounded Knee: Party Politics and the Road to an American Tragedy Like so many geographic names, the origin of the word “Chicago” is Native American. These first Chicagoans named the area: “shikaakwa” or “Stinky Onion.” Not the most ostentatious of names, but a very accurate description of the plant life that continues to line the banksContinue reading “The (Unresolved) Clash of Cultures: What Peru can learned from the “Party Politics” of Wounded Knee”
Where Should We Plant the Canadian Flag?
The Supreme Court just confirmed the constitutionality of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act’s (PPACA) individual mandate. This provision requires all uninsured Americans to enroll in health insurance or pay a tax penalty. For those who could not afford insurance, the Act was also to expand Medicaid. This second provision was adjusted but notContinue reading “Where Should We Plant the Canadian Flag?”
Rio Redbull, Now at Macy’s
As part of Macy’s “Brasil” summer marketing campaign, the former Marshall Fields superstore has added some fun extras to their usual inventory. In addition to Brazilian themed clothes, there are music CDs with killer beats (my personal favorite song was not there), snacks, and even a soda from our southern neighbors, Guarana Antarctica. According toContinue reading “Rio Redbull, Now at Macy’s”
Andrew Levin 