The Taller, the Better

Well see the building would be taller and therefore people would want to live there.

The Chicago Sun-Times reported yesterday that the Fordham Company was thinking about building a 115 story tower which would be the tallest in the US. Housing mostly condos and hotel space, the 'spire' would be 2,000 feet tall, over 500 feet taller than the Sears Tower. While I'm not in love with the look of the tower, any addition to the skyline would be cool and taking the tallest building title back would be very nice. Trump Tower, which is currently being built, will give the city a skyline face-lift as it is, but this Fordham Spire would dominate the skyline.

The Stirling Prize short-listed the Scottish parliament. You can check out last year winners here.

UPDATE (4:30): Here is more on tall buildings and how even after 9/11 people are looking to build up.

Also looks like Chicago will make a big for the 2016 Olympics. How cool would that be?

Thoughts and notes and Sox

Just a few notes and thoughts for the day.

I think this pretty much sums of one of the many reasons why big business stinks. Not only are they preventing the 'market' from going about it's business, but they're also promoting crap music. Which reminds me, to all those who believe that the government is inefficient and poorly run, big business is just as bad and often times more expensive. Can you imagine how much a privatized postal service would cost to send a letter? Seventy-five cents? A dollar?

Here is a fun and quick read on olive oil.

Kristof with a smart, moral, and on the mark op-ed on how we spend way too much time getting sucked into Tom Cruise going insane and forgetting about actual important issues.

And quickly some thoughts on the Red Sox/White Sox series this weekend:
* The White Sox are for real. I think we all knew this, but for those who don't live in Chicago, there you go.
* It may have been the right move long term, but letting Pedro walk has really hurt the BoSox this year. They probably won't make it far in the playoffs without him.
* The Red Sox aren't as good as they were last year. Their bullpen is one arm deep and their starting pitching is just above average.
* Red Sox fans are the most annoying fans on the planet. I mean my god... the world does not revolve around Boston and New England. It's amazing how Red Sox fans managed to piss off the entire country in less than six months. I'm openly rooting for the Yankees to win that division since I don't think the O's will be able to get it done.
* I wouldn't mind the Sox playing the BoSox in the playoffs. Ortiz, Manny, Damon, and Varitek are the only players that would scare me at the plate. But other than that, their line up isn't too must to worry about. The New England media and ESPN has over hyped the BoSox and a lot of their players aren't as good as some people think they are.
* Schilling looks bad. Really bad. He's huge, as if he hasn't worked out in about nine months.
* Varitek, hands down, is the best catcher in baseball right now.

i-Pod 25: July

I haven’t done my favorite gimmick for this site in about two months, so it’s time to do it again. Yep that’s right, it’s time for Top 25 Most Played on my i-Pod! Yeah I know, weird time to do it as the world goes up in flames, the Sox sit in first, and it being hotter than Hell here in Chicago, but sometimes you’ve got to take your mind off of things. Music usually does the trick. Click here for May and April’s top played and reviews of non-New Songs.

1) Letter from an Occupant by The New Pornographers - I haven’t even been listening to this song as much, that’s how big of a lead it has. It’s a good song and I heart Neko Case.

2) What Ever Happened by The Strokes - I’ve written on the mastery of this song and I’m not going to add anything new. “Oh dear is it really all true?”

3) Take Me Out by Franz Ferdinand – Does anyone not enjoy this song? Seems like one of those that crosses every musical boarder and conquers all, like just about anything Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson, or Elvis has done.

4) The Laws Have Changed by The New Pornographers – I’ve got to admit that when I listen to this song I feel like dancing, swinging my arms and dancing.

5) Speed of Sound by Coldplay – New Song! Is this like a wantabe Clocks or is it something original? This song has major problems (for starters the chorus) but for whatever reason the song still works, maybe because of it’s one of Martin’s better vocal performances and the only song worth a damn on the new album. Plus the bridge kicks ass even if it’s short and comes in way too late.

6) Someday by The Strokes – The Greatest Drinking Song Ever Written will always be on a list like this.

7) Meet Me in the Bathroom by The Strokes – New Song! I really enjoy this song, I think I just like the chorus to be honest, but it’s a fun song to listen to. The beat carries the song (unusual for a Strokes song) and I like the idea of meeting a girl in the bathroom.

8) Maps by Yeah Yeah Yeahs – What a song.

9) Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels) by The Arcade Fire – Buy the album, yawn.

10) Nothing by Mason Jennings – “Because you like music that makes you move.”

11) Float On by Modest Mouse – I have nothing to add from last time. Aiight?

12) Where is my Mind? by Pixies – Why can’t there be more songs like this?

13) The Late Greats by Wilco – “You can’t hear it on the radio…”

14) Dedicated by The Amps – Kim Deal rocks. I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, my goal in life is to drink with Kim Deal and Liz Phair. And Neko Case is making her case to be added to that list.

15) Clocks by Coldplay – Whenever I hear the intro I think London and I think Tottenham Court Road.

16) Mr. Brightside by The Killers – New Song! There is a hint of desperation in this song that I love, the hint of ‘Come on girl I’m not that bad! I’m not that big of a loser!’ Plus the urgency of the song makes it a good weekend song… and who doesn’t love the end of the song when the drums are going at it, the guitar is doing its thing, and the bass is holding everything together. When you hear it, you realize how close this song is to going completely out of control, but the Killers hold everything together and therefore the song works.

17) If We Could land a Man on the Moon, then Surely I Could Win your Heart by Beulah – I heart this song.

18) Big Sur by Mason Jennings – “This is the song to give you hope” just a great ditty that is a three for one in the process. I like to think of it as the Singer/song writer Midwestern Paranoid Android.

19) B.O.B by Outkast – This song amazes me every time I hear it. Just an amazing song.

20) Romeo by Basement Jaxx – Who knows what the deal with this song is, but hey as I’ve said, it’s a great weekend song.

21) Me and Mia by Ted Leo and the Pharmacists – New Song! Wow this song made it? Well good for this song. It’s a fun song and I really like the chorus. So yeah, I don’t have much more to say about it. Check it out if you’d like.

22) Crazy in Love by Beyonce – New Song! Okay the answer is simple and easy. The formula is can’t miss, yet no one seems to do it. But let’s say you’ve got a good song, it’s not great but it’s good. You’ve got the hottest singer on the market signed up to do the song and she’s got it all, the looks and the voice. And she does well on the song but something is still missing. So what do you do? Well that’s easy, you call in Jay-Z and you let him add some horns and you’ve got a classic. The horns put this song over the top. Dooooo-do-do-do-do-do-Dooooo.

23) New Slang by The Shins – I think any time I go back to my home town, or anyone for that matter, this song must be played as you drive though the streets of the neighborhood you grew up in.

24) The Rat by the Walkmen – This song rocks. I’m boring today aren’t I?

25) Nowhere Again by The Secret Machines – I heart the bass and entire structure of this song. Yay.

Trucks for Hire

As the fallout of the Trucks for Hire continues, here is a recap of the situation, how it started, who was in on it, and all that jazz. Corruption at it's finest. And we in Chicago just shrugg and say, "It's just the way the city works" and continue on with our day. That's also why we, Chicago, own DC. But that's another story.

More Attacks in London

VFLOAB has been known to eat here.

There are reports of four more attacks in London, three on the Underground and another on a bus. The BBC is reporting that the attacks were minor, but none the less another scary day in London.

Warren Street, where one of the attacks took place, was the Tube stop that VFLOAB used on a daily basis when living in London.

As always, my thoughts and prayers go out to all in London, and the world for that matter.

Follow the latest here.

Recent Media Reviews

Just because I should, here are a few reviews of recent media releases...
TV:
As I've posted, I'm enjoying this seasons Real World: Austin. Check it out. Other than that I'm watching the White Sox or a baseball game, the always enjoyable PTI, and various ESPN programs that aren't that interesting. I want less Stu Scott, is that too much to ask for, less of Stu? I caught "Entourage" the other day. I watched it last year, was disappointed in it, but it was just good enough to keep watching. I really don't miss it. It's not that good of a show. If the main characters were not white and male, people would be outraged by it. But since it's white males doing drugs, sleeping around, and being jack asses, it's okay. Whatever.

Movies:
I haven't seen anything this year, nada. No Star Wars, no Batman, no nothing. I have caught a few films on TV, saw Le Divorce again yesterday. I enjoy that movie for some reason, even though I'm sure most people don't and the characters are a bit, umm, all over the place because there are so many people in the movie. I enjoyed Door to Door on TNT the other night even though it moved too quickly.

Music:
Ahh, finally something I'm sort of keeping up with...
The White Stripes, Get Behind Me Satan -- This is just aiight. I mean it's not bad, I don't think the White Stripes could make a crap album, but the album lacks a song that pulls you in. On the whole, the album is just fine. Most of the songs are good, but there isn't anything great partly because Jack is unplugged for the most part and the usual pounding and beat coming from Meg isn't as in your face. "Take, Take, Take" is the best song on the album, but it's nothing really like what the Stripes have done on their last two albums. While I'll never knock a band for maturing and progressing musically, in the process of doing that the band may hit bums in the road as it tries to feel out what they want to do and where they want their music to go. After Elephant, you could say that Get Behind Me Satan is the sort of album, that when we look back at a bands musical career, that bridges the gap from one era to another, ala the Beatles and Rubber Soul.

Bright Eyes, I'm Wide Awake It's Morning -- You know those albums that you don't dislike, that aren't bad, everyone loves, but every song sounds just enough alike and has the same structure, which leaves you wondering why everyone loves it? Well this is that sort of album. It's not bad, it's actually pretty good, but it just sort of is. I guess the lyrics are alright, but I stopped listening to song lyrics years ago since for the most part, they're just crap poetry. And just when I'm will to write this album off suddenly, at the very end, this album explodes into something special. Sure it's only one song and it's the last song, but it's a great song. "Road to Joy" is a play off of "Ode to Joy" but it goes places you don't expect, it builds, it moves, it's classic. And when lead singer Conor Oberst shouts "Make some noise!" all bets are off.

Bloc Party, Silent Alarm -- I've had this for a while. It's good, very good. Good Brit pop or rock, if you're looking for that, good with it. Though with the song "This Modern Love" brings to question why every freakin' band of the past four years has to have a song with "Modern" in it. I know the Underground. But the Strokes jumped all over this four years ago. We don't need Bloc Party, Kaiser Chiefs, and others to do the same.

The Hold Steady, Separation Sunday -- Ever hear a band where the lead singer was so bad he was good? I guess the Darkness come close, but the Hold Steady hold the title. The dude can't sing, but you know what that doesn't matter because they've got cool guitars and drums, and even though I said I don't listen to lyrics, the lyrics here are fun and interesting.

Too Quick to Judge Roberts

Seeing that 99% of the decisions I've made have made have been bad for this country or put the country back 100 years... here's Johnny!

So Bush nominated Roberts to fill the seat on the Supreme Court that Sandra Day O'Connor left. That's fine, and before we all start patting W on the back or yelling about how Robert's shouldn't be the nominee, let's let him have his day 'in court' as they say. It's now the Senate's job to ask him the questions and find out if he is qualified to fill the seat on the Court. If he is intelligent, insightful, and in touch with American law and opinion, then I think most people will have no problem with Roberts as the next justice. If he's a one of those who says things like "The Constitution isn't a living or breathing document" (no shit!), then maybe we should think twice about him. To expect or hope that W was to nominate a liberal is foolish. That being the case, you cross your fingers and hope that Bush appoints a more moderate or centralist justice, another Justice O'Connor. Roberts may well be that. Or he could be another justice like Clarence Thomas, and therefore have no business on the Court. Only time will tell and it's now the Senate's job to ask him the questions and find out what Roberts thinks about justice, the Constitution, and the country.

Already both sides of the fence are talking up or down Roberts. That's just silly. No one had a clue who this guy was 24 hours ago, to say he's a good or bad choice is beyond stupid. Conservatives seem happy about W's choice, but they're basing their trust on W's decision. And we all know that W hasn't made many good decisions in the five years in office, Iraq anyone? The economy anyone? Meanwhile liberals are gearing up to shoot down Roberts, but for all they know Roberts could be a liberal who backdoored his way into the Supreme Court. Of course that's probably not the case, but the fact is, we just don't know.

But in the now 20 hours since W introduced him as his nominee we can already see what this fight is about: abortion. How abortion became an hot button issue in this country, I'll never know. But it is. What Robert's says about abortion will be the focus over the next few weeks. Time will tell what he says and the reaction to it all. And the most pointless debate in America will continue on.

25,000 Iraqis

According to this report, 25,000 Iraqi civilans have died since the US invasion in March of 2003. I'm not sure how many Saddam killed, but 25,000 are now dead in the name of 'democracy'. I wonder how they feel about freedom?

Money over Safty

The odds of Iowa or Maine or Idaho being a target for the terrorist is extremely low. Taking nothing away from those states of course, but that's the facts. States like New York, Texas, Illinois, and California are under much more of a threat and that is what makes the Senate's decision to give more money for "homeland security" to low risk places the ones listed above all the more unfortunate. Because it actually wasn't about homeland security, it was a chance for politicians to get money for their states, while jeopardizing the security of states that actually need it. A case of ‘when money speaks, truth keeps silent.’ The New York Times tackles the issue here.

Also, I want to pass along this interesting and informative read about, as the author calls it, Sports Taboo. Gladwell does an excellent job at looking and dispelling the belief that black athletes are actually better. It's well worth the fifteen minutes.

The NHL Is Almost Back

Eric Daze wonders if you missed him...

I used to be a big NHL fan, but I learned last year, like most things, I can live without hockey in my life. That said, I'm still sort of pumped that it will be back, if for no other reason that the great names the NHL gives us like Saku, Teemu, and Konstantin Koltsov. And maybe the most fun of all will the insane month of August... we could see 400 players change teams come next month.

Ronnie Woo-Woo Missing?

I'm not missing, I'm just trying to catch the bus.

CBS is reporting that Ronnie Woo Woo is missing today.

Well this writer would like to report that he saw Ronnie getting booed at the Sox game on Wed. July 6, 2005 and then again Sun. July 10, 2005 chasing after the 35 CTA bus at 35th and the Dan Ryan Red Line Stop.

VFLOAB would love to hope that he is the one that breaks this story of Ronnie being okay. but that's highly unlikely since probably 5,000 other people saw him also.

Also check out Ronnie's web-site for a good time...

UPDATE: Others are e-mailing various news stations in Chicago saying that they too, like VFLOAB, have seen Ronnie around Chicago. God save the Woo!

A Street in London and W's Dumb Statement

"Doesn't Gay Marriage Suck?"

Here is a sentimental, somewhat moving, and retrospective look and not only the street where the bus in London blew up, but also at London today and yesterday.

And this op-ed here just goes to show how stupid and disrespectful Bush's, "We're fighting the enemy in Iraq and Afghanistan and across the world so we do not have to face them here at home." statement really is. It's amazing how often this administration continues to be wrong about things, yet keeps saying things like this in the hope that everyone will believe it. From Saddam and 9/11, to the finger pointing at Clinton for the woes of the economy and even 9/11, to the WMD in Iraq, to now 'fighting the terrorist there while they blow up stuff here' comment and now Rove's connections to the leaking of a CIA agents name, this administration continues to lie the American public and, for the most apart, get away with it since they and their conservative radio friends will blame gays marriage and liberals in some bizarre fantasy world they live.

Is Karl Rove Going Down?

Looks like he may be in some big trouble. Even the White House is backing off statements they had made about Rove not playing a part in the leaking of a CIA agents name. What a blow that would be for W, the White House, and even the GOP. But Karl Rove may be going down. What goes around...

I still have no clue why Novack isn't being thrown in jail, but if I were to guess, it's because he's buddy buddy with the GOP.

Our Bad

The Washington Post is reporting that the United States and United Kingdom are planning on pulling out most of their troops from Iraq in the middle of next year.

This is somewhat shocking news after W just went on TV two weeks ago saying that the US was going to stay the course. If this memo is true, it's a clear sign of a few things:

1) The White House is admitting their mistake. They should never have gone into Iraq and it's only made the war on terror more difficult.

2) Public opinion is now playing a heavy role in the planning of the administration. With most of the public now saying Iraq was a mistake, the White House's decision to pull out of Iraq means that they are worried about the 2006 elections. So worried that they're planning on leaving Iraq in hopes that it will allow them to continue to hold power in both the Senate and House.

3) It's pretty clear that establishing a democracy in Iraq was now a lie too. US troops are necessary to protect and provide a stable democracy in Iraq, but by taking troops away, without Iraqi troops able to do the job that US troops are doing, this Iraqi democracy will probably disintegrate into some sort of non-democracy.

Or of course the White House feels that by next year, the Iraqis will be able to governor and control their country. This seems highly unlikely and setting the bar too high. At the moment, there is no reason to believe that Iraqi troops will or would be able to keep peace in Iraq. If US troops left Iraq today, there is little doubt that civil war would break out.

All in all, if this is true, that the US is planning on leaving Iraq the decision to invade Iraq becomes even more of a headscratcher. What was the point? Weapons of mass destruction? Get rid of Saddam? Revenge for 9/11 for the American public? Something to get our minds off or forget about bin Laden?

Aftermath

The attacks on Thursday in London brings up so many questions. Are we safe here in the United States? Were the attacks in London in response to the war in Iraq or something else? Could the attacks have been prevented? What can we do to prevent future attacks? Is there any way to stop the terrorists? Is this a war we can win? What can we do as a society and culture to come to some sort of peace? Is there any chance or hope that we can reach some level of peace in the Middle East and with the terrorists?

The New York Times here tells the story of the culture and political scene in London that lead up to the attacks. Things had been brewing for years, Muslims in the West, in London, were displeased with the West’s policies towards the Middle East and other Muslims. Even though they were and are living in a Western, democratic, and prospers society, there are still many Muslims who are displeased with the Western world’s foreign policies. This doesn’t give much hope to the White House and Blair’s idea that democracy is going to some how change the mind set of the entire region. Even if we are successful in establishing a somewhat strong democracy in Iraq, there is no guarantee that Iraqis will respond with a government that is friendly to the West.

Meanwhile the Economist says that these attacks were expected, and while horrible and tragic, most people assumed that one day London too would suffer an attack. But it also correctly points out that these attacks took a year to plan, Al-Qaeda’s resources are limited, for them to pull off something like 9/11 would probably be impossible today since the war on terror has gone after and captured many members of Al-Qaeda. And attacks like the ones in London and Madrid take a lot of time and planing and human resources to pull off in the West.

Al-Qaida is claiming responsibility

Al-Qaida in Europe claims responsibility for blasts.

Emergency Services were called to these Tube Stops:
Edgware Road
King's Cross
Liverpool Street
Russell Square
Aldgate East
Moorgate
Tavistock Square

The blasts seem to have occurred in the northern part of Zone 1, Russell Square is within walking distance to the British Museum but is still pretty far away from the museum, but very close to the University College of London. Here is a map of the London Underground.

London Blasts

After a day of joy, today is a day of fear and sadness in London. Four bombs were detonated throughout the city today, for up to date information, reports, and pictures click here.

Also follow it on the Guardian's website and the BBC.

A very sad day indeed.

London Calling

Isn't Becks handsome?

Walking through the streets of Soho in the rain
London calling to the underworld

Okay so I put these two lyrics together from Zevon and the Clash, but hey it doesn't sound that bad actually.

London won the 2012 Olympics today in a bit of an upset, but not a huge one. Paris was the favorite, but London winning wasn't as big of a shock when you think about it. It was between these two cities for a few months now. London won, and it's a nice comeback story.

So what does that mean? Who knows, but it will be fun. London is a great place and the games being there will be a good time. They'll do everything right and be proud of the results. Of course, they'll be cynical of the whole series of events over the next six or seven years, and then about a week before the games they'll get all excited and love every second of it. I would have loved to be in London when they learned it was either them or Paris… I mean, I’m sure about three Brits actually wanted the game, but none of them wanted the French to get it… so if it meant that London had to win to prevent Paris from winning, well so be it. Bring on the games! That's just the way the Brits go. God love 'em.

New York lost, and lost early on. But they have to be the favorites right now for 2016. In fact, whatever US city gets the nod from the USOC (United States Olympic Committee) will be the favorite to host the 2016 games. Will it be New York? Washington DC? San Fran (who many said had the best US bid for this round of bidding, but since they choose the US location right after 9/11, New York got the nod)? Houston (I hope not, that may be the worst Olympics ever... Houston? What's in Houston? They were barely able to pull off the Super Bowl!)? We'll have to wait and see.

But I think the best American city to hold the games would actually be Chicago. The transportation system is above average, many of the venues already exist, it's a worldly city, has areas of development near downtown (the West side all around the United Center and to a degree, the Southside though by 2016, the Southside will be condos all the way to 35th and the rate things are going). Plus if the city gets it, you're sure that everything will get done and be done on time.

Finally, sorry about the generic "London Calling" title... but you know what. The Clash rock and this is for "London Calling", "Jimmy Jazz", "Rudie Can't Fail", and "I'm Not Down". In fact, if you’re in Paris, just put on “I’m Not Down” and I’m sure you’ll feel a little better.

London calling, yes, I was there, too...

Becks vs Ali!

London

or

New York

The rush for who gets the 2012 Olympics is on! Paris looks like they might blow this. Could London pull this out? Or will NYC do it? We'll find out soon! Becks vs Ali!

Bye, bye Sandy Day-O

For those worried about Sandra Day O'Connor resigning and her eventual replacement, read this. The Court usually has a mind of their own. The judges appointed to the Court are very often unpredictable and hard to figure. Who ever replaces O'Connor may end up being... liberal, even thought W thinks he's putting a conservative on the bench.

But that said, O'Connor stepping down is a nightmare. This is going to be a long, long fight. I figure Bush probably has to put a woman on the bench and someone that won't be too conservative or controversial. If Bush is smart, he'll nominate someone who is conservative but not ultra conservative. A long drawn out fight and battle is one of the last things this country needs right now. The Democrats know they won't get a liberal on the bench, but they also know that they don't want a ultra conservative on the bench. I think they would settle for a right leaning moderate with out much of a fight. I'd say expect a more moderate judge, but this being the W, prepare for the worse.