Comments for Wisch List

Comment on Students say ‘Boo’ to Chief Illiniwek scare tactics by Dave

Dave — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 02:54:45 +0000

No offense at all intended to the MI, Nick. They’re great. But since the Chief was removed, the halftime show lacks the luster it once had. There’s an enormous void that a band performance just can’t fill.

Comment on Students say ‘Boo’ to Chief Illiniwek scare tactics by Nick

Nick — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 02:41:01 +0000

“lack-luster half-time show”? I miss the Chief as much as any but I would hardly call the Marching Illini lack-luster…

Comment on Students say ‘Boo’ to Chief Illiniwek scare tactics by Charley Davis

Charley Davis — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 15:42:59 +0000

As a proud supporter of Chief Illiniwek, and long-time critic of the NCAA, the number one reason I was excited about conference expansion was the glimmer of hope that the 64 largest universities would break away from the NCAA to form their own governing body, where there would be no political correctness or institutional control excuses.

Long Live the Chief!

Comment on In Chicago, there’s trial … and error by Dave

Dave — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 16:03:46 +0000

I know what you’re saying, Dallon, but I had doubts about Blago’s conviction throughout the trial. Fact is, it never was a slam-dunk, because that rock-solid, inarguable smoking gun of a “sold” Senate seat, or whatnot, didn’t exist.

When you essentially pick a dozen people out of a phonebook — and that’s what juries are — it’s always possible to get one (or more) duds. At the same time, guilt requires a very high burden of proof and I’m not sure that the government had the ammo needed to meet that burden. I don’t know that their argument was really lacking, but rather that their material was slightly.

I’m not even sure it’s worth trying Blago again, honestly. It wouldn’t surprise me if he got off again in a retrial. I think in some ways, it might be best to just say that this whole thing got him out of office and kept more damage from being done. And that we might have to be satisfied with that.

That said, I do expect a retrial to occur. I’m just not sure it’s going to be worth it.

As for Leopold & Loeb. Incredibly fascinating pair, you should read more about them. I would have written more if I’d had the space to do so in print. Leopold reportedly had an IQ of 200 and Loeb was the youngest graduate in the history of the University of Michigan.

In some ways, they were the Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold of their era, on a smaller scale murder-count wise, but no less so on a scale of megalomania.

Before the murder, Leopold wrote to Loeb: “A superman … is, on account of certain superior qualities inherent in him, exempted from the ordinary laws which govern men. He is not liable for anything he may do.”

Compelling, creepy duo. Alfred Hitchcock’s movie Rope was inspired by them and their desire to “commit the perfect crime.”

Comment on In Chicago, there’s trial … and error by Dallon Christensen

Dallon Christensen — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 14:39:32 +0000

Dave, I just don’t understand how a single juror could not see what the other 11 saw. I know this is on the prosecution to weed people like this out, but I can’t help but think this juror was either bribed or threatened. With Blago and his cronies, it would not surprise me at all.

Great research on the Leopold case. I had never heard of that case.

Comment on Big Ten pride crawls through Chicago by Oskee2001

Oskee2001 — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 17:14:08 +0000

Or you could be like me and marry one!

Comment on Summertime Chi: 5 hot spots to visit by Dave

Dave — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 19:43:52 +0000

Thanks, man. Hope to see you soon!

Comment on When Chicago’s gone Hollywood by Dave

Dave — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 19:43:27 +0000

I did not know that, Gino. Very interesting. And, yeah, Chicago really does have an interesting film history. There was some other good stuff that I wasn’t able to include in the column. Look up the history of Essanay Studios some time when you get a chance.

Comment on I’m Cooperstown-bound and Down by Dave

Dave — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 19:41:40 +0000

Hey Dallon,

I actually didn’t write the column in the car, I wrote it a few days before I left for the trip (my weekly deadline is Thursday mornings). I just wrote it to read as I was in the car, as I knew I would be when the papers were delivered on Saturday. One of those little journalism tricks of the trade

As for the Cubs, I think Sandberg is probably the guy, although I wouldn’t mind Brenly. I’ve been impressed with him as an analyst and he tells it like it is. I don’t think he’d let the players get away with too much.

Beyond all that, though, I think it’s Girardi’s job to turn down. If he wants it, I imagine he’ll get it (and he should). If he wants to remain with the Yankees (which he likely will), then smart money is probably on Sandberg. But his hiring still isn’t a slam-dunk from what I hear.

Comment on Summertime Chi: 5 hot spots to visit by Gino Tomaro

Gino Tomaro — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 17:47:33 +0000

This is all great information…we will definitely take advantage of these in the near future. I love the brief format and the tip from a true local expert. Nice job