Former President George W. Bush, in town to promote his book Decision Points, said that Sears Tower was "a genuine target" of terrorists on September 11, 2001 and praised Mayor Daley for his response in evacuating downtown the day of the attacks. more ›

It looks like former Chicago Public Schools CEO Arne Duncan will face few - if any obstacles - on his way to becoming President-Elect Barack Obama's Education Secretary. Duncan came out of a two-hour senate hearing with nary a hair on his head ruffled. Obama's personal point guard also solicited praise from Republican members of the hearing committee. Republican Sen. Johnny Isakson (GA), said of Duncan,"I've been involved in education in my entire public-service career and never had a more enjoyable conversation with anyone than I had with you when we met the other day. I want to commend you on what you've accomplished." And Rep. Sen. Richard Burr (NC) called Duncan one of "the two smartest nominees the president has appointed," the other being Nobel-prize winning physicist Dr. Steven Chu, Obama's nominee for Energy Secretary. more ›

Our resident jaunter had to up and leave town suddenly this weekend, but we will try our best to fill you in on happenings for today. Despite the January blahs, there's quite a bit of stuff going on. Fox & Obel, they of upscale food market fame, are holding a free chocolate tasting from 1-5 p.m. The chocolate in question is Schokinag, of which drinking chocolate will also be available (mm!). Strap on the feedbag... more ›