Yuja Wang, Concert Pianist

 Hard to believe that Yuja Wang's debut at Ravinia was 4 years ago! 

 I hope to see another of Ms Wang's piano concerts soon, Lord willing.  Maybe in Germany while on a visit with family members?!! That would be an awesome trip 🙋

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: 

make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.

(Psalm 98 )

**

I Benefited From a Stop at the Trump International Hotel, Chicago

Trump Hotel:  I'd admired the Hotel from afar. Now, we were finally inside its lobby.  I found it surprisingly low-key as far as the presence of uniformed security personnel, but my friend pointed to the many security cameras overhead. 

We had gone inside for a badly-needed toilet break.

 Across from the co-ed bathroom stood a man -- the only uniformed "security" that I saw.  He may have only been a Bellboy (a kindly one at that) whose  main duty, said he, was to make certain "everything was all right".  My gut feeling was that he mainly watches for homeless people who take advantage of said accessible bathroom. 

Feeling much-relief after our comfort-room visit, I blessed Mr Trump. I was convinced more than ever that not only is he good for the American people nationally, he is also beneficial on a more personal level, LoL.

To anyone who lives in the outskirts of a big city such as Chicago, go and visit at least once a year. You may feel as invigorated and appreciative afterwards as we did. 

We went on a water taxi tour @ approximately 9:00 pm for a back-and-forth trip on the  Chicago River which ended with fireworks by Navy Pier.  Nice. Chicago is beautiful.  What a skyline!  What a lively Chicago River night-life! We have plans to return, Lord willing; and now have even better ideas as to where to take visiting Guests.

There is a river, the streams whereof 

shall make glad the city of God, 

the holy place of the tabernacles

 of the most High.

- Ps 46

Trump International Hotel and Tower, Chicago

CHICAGO RIVERWALK FIREWORKS CRUISE

Wrigley Building

Tribune Tower

Marina City

**

A First! Wedding at Big Mansion

Our friends' only daughter recently got married.  The venue for both ceremony and reception was the Lehmann Mansion in Villa Park, IL. 

PROs: 

1. gorgeous, quality-built mansion with wood trim and floors, lots of windows
2. pretty garden
3. open Bar
4. pleasant Servers
5. great food

CONs:

1.  mosquitos in the evening were a-plenty 
2. cars/parking lot was the de-facto background on some outdoor photos. A prettier background via the installation of a tall, decorated barrier is a must.

liquid refreshments for a warm day

pretty tiles in the bathroom

chicken

steak

wedding keepsakes

pretty, pink Rose candle

Lehmann Mansion, Lake Villa Illinois

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Our Family's Illinois Unclaimed Property Claim

8 years after the fact

Thankful for the relative who gave us the heads-up on unclaimed property (cash) that belonged to our deceased Mom and Dad. These were assets that remained under the radar when we three Sibs closed-out their individual accounts.

The names are posted by the state after 5 years of none-activity has been noted (most likely through death or neglect).

We certainly rejoiced after our initial shock. We got started on our claim and were told that it would be "just a couple of months" to complete the process.

By the time the check was issued to us by Illinois,  it was over a year later. The amount was 5-figures but had to be divided among the three of us. We were aware of 2 relatives who also had claims, but they were entitled to only about $100+ each.  Thus,  our check was huge compared to theirs.  So, I remain extremely grateful for my share of the $$$. Praise the Lord!  It will certainly help pay for our home renovation.

Check the link below for your name or your loved one's name.  You may be pleasantly surprised as we were. 

IL Unclaimed Property







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Dan Coats, Syria, and ISIS

WC: The Magic Flute

A couple of Wheaton College alumni have been in the news recently:  Evangelist, Billy Graham ;
 and Dan Coates (class of '65), Director of National Intelligence under President Trump.

As much political experience as Mr Coates has (US Senator, US Representative, Ambassador to Germany), Christians must include him in their daily prayers to God.  Why? Mr Coates and his department produce the daily briefing that the President gets every morning. Thus, Mr Coates' accuracy, wisdom, intelligence, honesty, and memory must never, ever be compromised.  Mr Trump will base much of his decisions regarding national security and US interests abroad based on that daily report (definitely pray for President Trump also).

Regarding SYRIA:

U.S. makes decision on troops in Syria: intelligence chief

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. intelligence chief said on Wednesday that a decision had been made on the future of American troops in war-torn Syria and the White House would make it public soon.

Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats said the decision was reached at an “all hands on deck” National Security Council meeting on Tuesday.

President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he wanted to “get out” of Syria but offered no timetable. 

At the same time, Trump’s advisers warned of the hard work left to defeat Islamic State and stabilize areas recaptured from the hardline militant group.

Trump said at a news conference the United States would “not rest until ISIS is gone,” using an acronym for the militant group. But he also suggested that victory was imminent.

“It’s time,” Trump told reporters, when asked if he was inclined to withdraw American forces.

The Pentagon and State Department have said a longer term U.S. effort would be needed to ensure that Islamic State’s defeat is a lasting one.

Reporting by Jonathan Landay; Writing by Doina Chiacu; Editing by David Gregorio

official portrait, Dan Coates (Director of National Intelligence)

Dan Coates, Director of National Intelligence

US & Syria

Director of National Intelligence

Wheaton College Alumni Profiles

********************

Preacher Billy Graham, Class of 1943

We learned today (Feb. 21, 2018) that Billy Graham '43 LITT.D. '56, Wheaton's most well-known alumnus, has entered his heavenly rest. The Wheaton College family worldwide grieves his death with members of the Graham family and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association team, and rejoices with them that this beloved servant of the Lord has completed his journey and is at home with his Savior. A special memorial website for Billy Graham is available at wheaton.edu/billygraham.

Billy Graham preached the gospel to 215 million people in live audiences in 185 countries and territories at more than 400 crusades, missions, and evangelistic rallies. His influence for the Kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ is beyond human measure. He provided spiritual counsel to every president from Harry S. Truman to Barack Obama and was sought out by countless other political and religious leaders around the world spanning several generations. Renowned for his humility, transparency, simplicity and integrity, Billy Graham proved faithful to the end as a "prophet with honor." 

From the day he first set foot on Wheaton's campus in September 1940, and soon met his beloved wife Ruth, Dr. Graham remained a booster of Wheaton College. Through the years he went out of the way to encourage each of Wheaton's presidents. It was because of his love for Wheaton that the Billy Graham Center is one of the most prominent buildings on our campus. 

I was just starting high school when the Graham Center was dedicated and Billy Graham preached to a huge crowd on Wheaton's front campus. I was there that day, sitting on a picnic blanket and listening to Dr. Graham preach the gospel he loved to proclaim—the good news of forgiveness for sin and the free gift of eternal life through the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Like countless others who heard Billy Graham preach, I re-committed my life to Christ. 

Now the Lord has taken Billy Graham to heaven. It is where he belongs, and where in recent years he has been ready to go. When I met with Dr. Graham during my first year as president of Wheaton College, he spoke freely and openly about his hope to be with Jesus soon. 

In his 1997 autobiography, Just As I Am, Dr. Graham wrote,

I don't know the future, but I do know this: the best is yet to be! Heaven awaits us, and that will be far, far more glorious than anything we can ever imagine. As the Bible says, "Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is" (I John 3:2). This is the hope of every believer. It is my hope, and I pray that it will be your hope as well. I know that soon my life will be over. I thank God for it, and for all He has given me in this life. But I look forward to Heaven...Most of all, I look forward to seeing Christ and bowing before Him in praise and gratitude for all He has done for us, and for using me on this earth by His grace—just as I am.

Lisa and I, along with other members of Wheaton's community, will be traveling soon to attend Billy Graham's memorial service in Charlotte. Please join us in praying for Dr. Graham's ongoing legacy and for all who grieve the passing of one of the church's most effective evangelists.

Philip Ryken
President
Wheaton College, IL

************

New Postage Stamps for 2018: John Lennon Forever

Our beloved, dearly-missed Beatle lives on!  So does Mister Rogers, beautiful Lena Horne, and my very own state of Illinois (aka, Land of Lincoln).

"Illinois Statehood (Statehood series)
This stamp celebrates the 200th anniversary of Illinois statehood. Known as the Prairie State, Illinois became the 21st state of the union on Dec. 3, 1818." -- USPS

John Lennon quote, via triple m hobart

USPS' new stamps for 2018


John Lennon -- On Consignment

*************************

Taxes Wasted: Illinois Keeps Spending Money with High Salaries + Louis Gutierrez & Wife

Examples: Village & City Manager compensations:

City of Chicago Departments pay a lot in overtime

More ... 

20,295 teachers and school administrators – including superintendents Joyce Carmine ($398,229) at Park Forest School District 63, Troy Paraday ($384,138) at Calumet City School District 155, and Jon Nebor ($377,409) at Indian Springs School District 109. Four of the top five salaries are in the south suburbs – not the affluent north shore.

10,676 rank-and-file workers and managers in Chicago – including $216,200 for embattled Mayor Rahm Emanuel (D) and $400,000 for Ginger Evans, Commissioner of Aviation – including a $100,000 bonus. Timothy Walter, a deputy police chief, made $240,917 – that’s $146,860 in overtime on top of his $94,056 base salary. Ramona Perkins, a police communications operator, pulled down $121,318 in overtime while making $196,726!

9,567 college and university employees – including the southern Illinois junior college power couple Dale Chapman ($465,420) and Linda Terrill Chapman ($217,290). The pair combined for a $682,000 income at Lewis and Clark Community College. Fady Toufic Charbel ($1.58 million) and Konstantin Slavin ($1.04 million) are million-dollar doctors at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

8,817 small town city and village employees – including 84 municipal managers out-earning every U.S. governor at $180,000. These managers include Lawrence Hileman (Glenview – $297,988); Michael Ellis (Grayslake – $264,486); Robert Kiely (Lake Forest – $255,247); Kevin Bowens (Libertyville – $254,428); and Richard Nahrstadt (Northbrook – $250,248).

Former Gov. Jim Edgar (R) took $2.38 million in compensation from the University of Illinois (2000-2013) and has received at least $2 million in pension payments earned from his 20-year career as legislator, secretary of state and governor. Today, Edgar receives $241,272 ($20,106 per month) per year from two pension systems: the General Assembly Retirement System ($161,016) and the State University Retirement System ($80,256).

Even current Governor, Bruce Rauner (R), is not exempt from spending money as if it grows on trees.  His wife now "works" as a Personal Assistant with a salary of $100,000 courtesy of the State of Illinois.  Will I vote for him in Illinois' Primary Elections next March 2018? Hmmmm....

I continue to admire the couple though (pictured below), especially during the Lincoln Laureate Award Ceremony of our college senior daughter. Mrs Rauner has a nice smile and a firm handshake.  She is a help and not a hindrance to Mr Rauner as far as I can tell.  But at a cost to our state of $100,000 a year?!! Once again, Hmmmmmm ...

source: Forbes Adam Andrzejewski , CONTRIBUTOR

Use the Interactive Map here  or  below for more of the horrid details.

Forbes on Illinois' financial troubles
63,000 each make over $100,000 per year


This is a cool tool for all of the USA
Interactive Map



Democrat Luis Gutierrez's Wife Got $400,000+

17.8.28.18

Springfield: Old State Capitol Building, Abraham Lincoln, Mr Obama

This beautiful Illinois historic building deserves its very own post.  It's been relegated to housing ceremonial functions and as a Lincoln museum.

Picture Below:  She's in costume as a lady of the 19th century.  IRL, she's a Speech Therapist and a graduate of N I U.

double stairs

President Lincoln's body was viewed by thousands in this room

Governor and Mrs Bruce Rauner of Illinois

Mr Barack Obama was at the Old State Capitol Building to officially kick-off his presidential candidacy in Year 2007. I suppose he wanted the connection with the Great Emancipator, President Lincoln. I wonder why  Mr Obama did not choose Martin Luther King instead?

Mr Abraham Lincoln, in Year 1858,  also announced his candidacy at this building.

Save your pennies! The Lincon penny of Year 2009 features the building.

pc: wikipedia

pc: wikipedia

pc: wikipedia

Old State Capitol State Historic Site

12.8.28.18