This morning, I find myself missing Chicago. I downloaded a couple of Steve Goodman songs from iTunes, and that's what got the whole thing started. For those of you who aren't familiar with his music, Steve Goodman was the writer of the 70's hit "City of New Orleans", made popular by Arlo Guthrie and covered by tons of artists. Steve most closely fit into the folk genre, and always sang from the heart about life, love, and his home city. He passed away in 1984 after a long struggle with leukemia.

Steve was diagnosed with leukemia in the early 70's, but as with his matter-of-fact approach to everything else, he released an album shortly before his death entitled "Artistic Hair", the cover of which pictured him almost bald from extensive chemotherapy. But he remained until the end a height-challenged (just a little over five feet) fighter who eloquently and humorously captured the spirit of Chicago. Listen to his ballad "Lincoln Park Pirates", dedicated to Lincoln Towing, a notorious Chicago towing company, or "A Dying Cub Fan's Last Request", and you'll understand. What a guy.

Greetings from what appears to be spring (just a few degrees colder than normal). After a period of intense reflection, I have come to the conclusion that absolutely everything in the USA is changing. Italy is looking better and better. (I wonder if they take credit cards for down payments on Tuscan villas?) So what if they've changed their government over fifty times since World War II? As long as you can still get fresh baked bread, tasty local red wine, and good pasta, who cares?

Here's my solution to our current mess: OUTSOURCE THE WAR IN IRAQ. You may laugh, but just think of the possibilities and all the issues which might be resolved by this one simple action. There's work to be done and people willing to do it, so let's keep our options open.

In other news...I have a daughter who is heading to college in the fall! She's extremely happy that Georgia Tech (her alma mater-to-be) is in the Final Four. More news on this college experience as it develops.

Ciao! =:)