MUScoop

MUScoop => The Superbar => Topic started by: Sir Lawrence on April 25, 2014, 12:10:25 PM

Title: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: Sir Lawrence on April 25, 2014, 12:10:25 PM
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2014/04/25/state-pride-gallup-montana-alaska/8140879/

For the record, I like Illinois.  Chicago is a world class city, and the rural areas of Illinois are basically the same as Wisconsin/Indiana/Iowa/Minnesota, aren't they?

So what explains the lack of pride?
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: ChicosBailBonds on April 25, 2014, 12:33:45 PM
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2014/04/25/state-pride-gallup-montana-alaska/8140879/

For the record, I like Illinois.  Chicago is a world class city, and the rural areas of Illinois are basically the same as Wisconsin/Indiana/Iowa/Minnesota, aren't they?

So what explains the lack of pride?

I'm surprised this didn't help

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-chicagoland-emails-20140424,0,3225160.htmlpage

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-rahm-emanuel-chicagoland-met-20140425,0,2516905.story

Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: warriorchick on April 25, 2014, 12:49:20 PM
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2014/04/25/state-pride-gallup-montana-alaska/8140879/

For the record, I like Illinois.  Chicago is a world class city, and the rural areas of Illinois are basically the same as Wisconsin/Indiana/Iowa/Minnesota, aren't they?

So what explains the lack of pride?

I'll bite:

How about completely corrupt politicians, high taxes, and a government on the verge of bankruptcy?
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: keefe on April 25, 2014, 12:52:56 PM
I'll bite:

How about completely corrupt politicians, high taxes, and a government on the verge of bankruptcy?

Russia?  UK?  California?  NY?  Italy?  Michigan?  etc., etc., etc...
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: warriorchick on April 25, 2014, 12:55:28 PM
Let's also consider this completely counterproductive tourism ad:

http://www.youtube.com/v/bnWhAT6Cjws?version=3&amp;hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="560" height="315" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>

Nothing better to sell the state than to tell everyone that except for Downtown Chicago, Starved Rock State Park, and the Lincoln Presidential Library, there is absolutely nothing of interest here.
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: warriorchick on April 25, 2014, 12:56:38 PM
Russia?  UK?  California?  NY?  Italy?  Michigan?  etc., etc., etc...

Maybe we Illinoisians are just better at self-assessment than the residents of those other screwed-up places.
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: Silkk the Shaka on April 25, 2014, 12:57:42 PM
I'll bite:

How about completely corrupt politicians, high taxes, and a government on the verge of bankruptcy?

Or maybe its major hub Chicago has a transient population with no emotional ties to Illiinois and it's bitterly cold? Nah, gotta be taxes.  ::)
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: keefe on April 25, 2014, 01:02:58 PM
there is absolutely nothing of interest here.

Well, truth in advertising. Refreshing.
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: Benny B on April 25, 2014, 01:04:34 PM
I would offer the following:

1) Corrupt government, rising taxes, unfunded pensions, stagnant unemployment, etc.
2) The survey sample skewed towards Chicago-residents who are either embarrassed or can't reconcile that there's 45,000 sq miles of the state lying outside the Chicagoland area.
3) Too many Bears and Cubs fans... not enough Blackhawks and Bulls fans.
4) Lack of a dominant "State Institution" with which residents can identify.  Wisconsin has the Packers.  Kentucky has UK.  Utah has LDS.  Minnesota has lutefisk (or maybe it's the horns stuck in their noggins).  Texas has Texas.  What does Illinois have?  (Hawaii already claimed Obama, so no luck there).
5) The lovely murder rate that no one ever speaks about until it gets out of hand.  (At least Detroit and Oakland realize they have a problem)
6) Rio 2016.
7) Jim Belushi.
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: warriorchick on April 25, 2014, 01:08:44 PM
I would offer the following:

1) Corrupt government, rising taxes, unfunded pensions, stagnant unemployment, etc.
2) The survey sample skewed towards Chicago-residents who are either embarrassed or can't reconcile that there's 45,000 sq miles of the state lying outside the Chicagoland area.
3) Too many Bears and Cubs fans... not enough Blackhawks and Bulls fans.
4) Lack of a dominant "State Institution" with which residents can identify.  Wisconsin has the Packers.  Kentucky has UK.  Utah has LDS.  Minnesota has lutefisk (or maybe it's the horns stuck in their noggins).  Texas has Texas.  What does Illinois have?  (Hawaii already claimed Obama, so no luck there).
5) The lovely murder rate that no one ever speaks about until it gets out of hand.  (At least Detroit and Oakland realize they have a problem)
6) Rio 2016.
7) Jim Belushi.

I would agree with all of the above.  I was simply hitting what I considered the top 3.

And I am sure that at the time of the whole Blago mess, I wasn't the only person who got snickered at during my travels when I told people I was from Illinois.
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: NersEllenson on April 25, 2014, 01:17:26 PM
Minnesota is a weird place....freezing cold winters...dreary springs....only 4 months of nice weather....and extremely high state income tax, and other taxes....shocking that its residents love it so much...I can only assume most have never lived anywhere other than MN.
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: Hards Alumni on April 25, 2014, 01:19:37 PM
I'm not sure it has as much to do with "pride", but I'm sure the people of IL recognize that they don't have the 'best or one of the best' to live in.
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: ChitownSpaceForRent on April 25, 2014, 01:21:30 PM
Meh. Im a very proud Chicagoan and yes I use the term Chicagoan because the difference between the city and the rest of the state, is probably the biggest discrepency between any major city and their respective state.
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: Sir Lawrence on April 25, 2014, 01:22:47 PM

And I am sure that at the time of the whole Blago mess, I wasn't the only person who got snickered at during my travels when I told people I was from Illinois.

And when I travel abroad, I almost always say that I'm from "near Chicago" since no one knows where the heck Milwaukee is. 
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: MU B2002 on April 25, 2014, 01:24:17 PM
Whatever you don't, just don't make fun of any politicians on Twitter.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/apr/22/peoria-ill-police-raid-home-discern-who-mocked-may/
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: ttheisen on April 25, 2014, 01:29:24 PM
Meh. Im a very proud Chicagoan and yes I use the term Chicagoan because the difference between the city and the rest of the state, is probably the biggest discrepency between any major city and their respective state.

Interesting - I would say Miami compared to FL and Portland compared to OR are in the conversation.
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: warriorchick on April 25, 2014, 01:33:49 PM
And when I travel abroad, I almost always say that I'm from "near Chicago" since no one knows where the heck Milwaukee is. 

When I was traveling in Europe in the mid '80's and told people I was from Milwaukee, they would ask me if I knew Fonzie or Laverne and Shirley.
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: SaintPaulWarrior on April 25, 2014, 01:44:08 PM
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2014/04/25/state-pride-gallup-montana-alaska/8140879/

For the record, I like Illinois.  Chicago is a world class city, and the rural areas of Illinois are basically the same as Wisconsin/Indiana/Iowa/Minnesota, aren't they?

So what explains the lack of pride?

Fixed.
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: Hards Alumni on April 25, 2014, 01:45:07 PM
Fixed.

Agreed.  WI and MN are much more interesting, and there is forests, lakes and rivers.

Its not just flat farm land.
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: Coleman on April 25, 2014, 01:49:19 PM
The fact of the matter is that Chicagoans are very proud of Chicago. More so than residents of any city in Wisconsin or probably anywhere else in the Midwest. Spend 15 minutes in Chicago and you will see more 4 Star flags hanging in windows and at bars than you will see Milwaukee flags (I'm assuming they have one?) in the entire city of Milwaukee - I lived in Milwaukee for 5 years and couldn't even tell you what their flag looks like.

I say this as someone living in Chicago for the past five years (after spending the first 23 years of my life in Wisconsin) and having tons of friends from Chicago as well.

There is animosity between Chicagoans and downstate Illinoisans as they perceive our outsize political, cultural, fiscal, and economic influence on the rest of the state as unfair. Perhaps this is true, or perhaps not. There is also the perception that people from downstate are hillbillies and there is very little culture, or even natural attractions such as Wisconsin's northwoods or state parks. Southern and central Illinois is entirely flat farmland. There isn't much to see or do.

All of this is why Chicagoans are very, very proud of their city, but could care less about the rest of the state.

For the record, I am proud of my Wisconsin heritage, but even prouder to live in one of the greatest cities in the world. I have no strong desire to move back north of the border, although I would for the right job.
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: Sir Lawrence on April 25, 2014, 01:49:54 PM
Plenty of flat farm land in Minny.  Check out the area around Mankato sometime.  
(And yes, I get the draw of the "Up North" areas).
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: ATL MU Warrior on April 25, 2014, 01:50:09 PM
Meh. Im a very proud Chicagoan and yes I use the term Chicagoan because the difference between the city and the rest of the state, is probably the biggest discrepency between any major city and their respective state.
See:  Miami vs. the rest of Florida.
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: MU Fan in Connecticut on April 25, 2014, 01:51:40 PM
When I look at the chart I see the higher percentage states have some sort homogeniality to rally around that helps explain the percentage.  Utah - Mormanism.  Minnesota - predominate Scandinavian background.  Vermont - Green Mountains, Ben & Jerry's, skiing with a small population fits the whole state.  New Hampshire - Small population and see the license plate.  Wisconsin - The Packers & Cheese(heads).  Alaska & Wyoming & Montana -Very large geographically yet very UNpopulated states.  And Texas is full of Texans.  (Which is you asked the other 49 would probably be the least liked state.)

As a Connecticut ambassador (as I've been called), I do see a large number of unhappy with Connecticut people, but the very same people think "everything sucks" and when asked where is it better can never provide an answer.  What does it mean?  I don't know?
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: SaintPaulWarrior on April 25, 2014, 01:56:03 PM
Minnesota is a weird place....freezing cold winters...dreary springs....only 4 months of nice weather....and extremely high state income tax, and other taxes....shocking that its residents love it so much...I can only assume most have never lived anywhere other than MN.

I have lived in Chicago and obviously Milwaukee.  Moved here 20 years ago and love it.  I love winter because my wife and I snowmobile every single weekend so the more snow the better.  I don't know what you mean by dreary springs because it has been beautiful weather lately.  State income tax is high I will give you that but my property taxes are literally 80% less than my family and friends who live in the burbs of Chicago.  No offense but what are the other taxes that I am paying that I do not know about? And everyone here is so nice.
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: ChitownSpaceForRent on April 25, 2014, 01:56:45 PM
The fact of the matter is that Chicagoans are very proud of Chicago. More so than residents of any city in Wisconsin or probably anywhere else in the Midwest. Spend 15 minutes in Chicago and you will see more 4 Star flags hanging in windows and at bars than you will see Milwaukee flags (I'm assuming they have one?) in the entire city of Milwaukee - I lived in Milwaukee for 5 years and couldn't even tell you what their flag looks like.

I say this as someone living in Chicago for the past five years (after spending the first 23 years of my life in Wisconsin) and having tons of friends from Chicago as well.

There is animosity between Chicagoans and downstate Illinoisans as they perceive our outsize political, cultural, fiscal, and economic influence on the rest of the state as unfair. Perhaps this is true, or perhaps not. There is also the perception that people from downstate are hillbillies and there is very little culture, or even natural attractions such as Wisconsin's northwoods or state parks. Southern and central Illinois is entirely flat farmland. There isn't much to see or do.

All of this is why Chicagoans are very, very proud of their city, but could care less about the rest of the state.

For the record, I am proud of my Wisconsin heritage, but even prouder to live in one of the greatest cities in the world.

I think this just about sums it up best. The only times I have been down state were to visit my friends at U of I or SIU. The colleges are the "cities" in those areas, Chambana and Carbondale.  Chicagoans really do believe that the people from down state are redneck hillbillies whatever you like to call them. Chicago is its own state.
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: Galway Eagle on April 25, 2014, 01:58:46 PM
I think it's because of the division in the state.  I mean when the rest of the state is actively trying to push legislation through to get the Chicagoland area out it makes it hard to feel united.  Not to mention of the most populated counties three of them spend their time hating on Cook county for being so liberal.  It's also because all of our sports teams are Chicago specific and tons of people down south actually support St Louis sports feeling more associated with Missouri.  Even U of I isn't in a big part of the state like Madison is in well Madison, Minnesota is in the twin cities, etc.

There's more chicago pride though than almost every other city I've been to outside of maybe Boston.  
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: RushmoreAcademy on April 25, 2014, 02:02:26 PM
I can't believe that Texas is not closer to 90%.
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: PBRme on April 25, 2014, 02:03:26 PM
Let's face it the south starts around Kankakee.  Springfield is definitely in the south.  It's two states
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: SaintPaulWarrior on April 25, 2014, 02:08:01 PM
Plenty of flat farm land in Minny.  Check out the area around Mankato sometime.  
(And yes, I get the draw of the "Up North" areas).

There is no reason ever to go to Mankato.  South of me might as well be Iowa except for the SE part of the state along the Mississippi. 
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: Coleman on April 25, 2014, 02:08:24 PM
By the way, there is nothing wrong with a heavy sense of skepticism and self-deprecation. Chicago is a capital of comedy and doesn't take itself, or the rest of Illinois, too seriously. The fact that Texas thinks so highly of itself speaks volumes...
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: 77ncaachamps on April 25, 2014, 02:10:07 PM
By the way, there is nothing wrong with a heavy sense of skepticism and self-deprecation. Chicago is a capital of comedy and doesn't take itself, or the rest of Illinois, too seriously. The fact that Texas thinks so highly of itself speaks volumes...

Second that.
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: SaintPaulWarrior on April 25, 2014, 02:11:08 PM
 Minnesota - predominate Scandinavian background.  

Actually the predominate European background in Minnesota is German followed by Scandinavian.  

37.9% German
32.1% from the Nordic countries; (16.8% Norwegian, 9.5% Swedish, 4.7% Finnish, Danish, Icelandic, Faroese and Karelian)
11.7% Irish
6.3% English
5.1% Polish
4.2% French
3.7% Czech
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: mikekinsellaMVP on April 25, 2014, 02:12:56 PM
Interesting - I would say Miami compared to FL and Portland compared to OR are in the conversation.

Double meh.  Oregon has a pretty nativist culture, especially w/ the influx of Californians in the last 25 years.  (Former governor Tom McCall once suggested the border signs read: "Welcome To Oregon.  Welcome to visit. Welcome to leave.")  While the new breed of Portlander might contend to be from the city, lifers tend to indicate that status by saying they're from the state.

The fact of the matter is that Chicagoans are very proud of Chicago. More so than residents of any city in Wisconsin or probably anywhere else in the Midwest. Spend 15 minutes in Chicago and you will see more 4 Star flags hanging in windows and at bars than you will see Milwaukee flags (I'm assuming they have one?) in the entire city of Milwaukee - I lived in Milwaukee for 5 years and couldn't even tell you what their flag looks like.

I say this as someone living in Chicago for the past five years (after spending the first 23 years of my life in Wisconsin) and having tons of friends from Chicago as well.

There is animosity between Chicagoans and downstate Illinoisans as they perceive our outsize political, cultural, fiscal, and economic influence on the rest of the state as unfair. Perhaps this is true, or perhaps not. There is also the perception that people from downstate are hillbillies and there is very little culture, or even natural attractions such as Wisconsin's northwoods or state parks. Southern and central Illinois is entirely flat farmland. There isn't much to see or do.

All of this is why Chicagoans are very, very proud of their city, but could care less about the rest of the state.

For the record, I am proud of my Wisconsin heritage, but even prouder to live in one of the greatest cities in the world. I have no strong desire to move back north of the border, although I would for the right job.

Several folks have already touched on it.  Say "Chicago" and you think of the sports teams, the lakefront, downtown, Rahm and the Daleys (good or bad), summer festivals, etc.  Say "Illinois" and you think of Springfield, Ryan and Blago sharing a cell, or one of the most inept athletic departments in the Big 10.

I think back to when I was a freshman at MU and didn't know a damn thing about the Midwest.  Chicagoland residents were from Chicago, downstate residents were from "near St. Louis."  The only people who used the I-word were Wisconsinites explaining to me the concept of a FIB.
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: warriorchick on April 25, 2014, 02:15:30 PM



There's more chicago pride though than almost every other city I've been to outside of maybe Boston.  

Do you think the residents of Lawndale and Inglewood have a lot of city pride?  I am just asking; I don't know.  Chicago is a great place to live if you are relatively well off and can afford to send your kids to private school and don't rely much on city services.  Otherwise, not so much.

Also, it's possible to love Chicago and hate Illinois.
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: Coleman on April 25, 2014, 02:17:19 PM
Do you think the residents of Lawndale and Inglewood have a lot of city pride?  I am just asking; I don't know.  

Yes. Absolutely.

Let me know when a rapper from Milwaukee's projects starts writing songs about it...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQ488QrqGE4
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: swoopem on April 25, 2014, 02:19:27 PM
Pure Michigan. That is all
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: RushmoreAcademy on April 25, 2014, 02:21:22 PM
Let's see what the people who actually took the poll think: (from the Wash Post):

"Okay, so why are people in Illinois so down on their state? The folks at Gallup posit that maybe it has something to do with all of the scandals and investigations that have created basically no trust in the state government or the way residents think the state’s taxes are too high. People in Illinois seem reasonably happy, ranking in the upper half of last year’s Well-Being Index. So maybe they’re just being really honest and admitting that while their state has its charms (Chicago), it’s no North Dakota."

Here is the link to that other mentioned study:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2014/02/24/whats-the-happiest-state-hint-its-one-of-the-dakotas/


Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: JWags85 on April 25, 2014, 02:24:21 PM
Yes. Absolutely.

Let me know when a rapper from Milwaukee's projects starts writing songs about it...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQ488QrqGE4

THIS.  There is a ton of Chicago pride in those areas.  Its different than an appreciate for the Art Institute and Second City perhaps, but its still incredibly strong.

After college, I had friends move to LA, NY, Boston, etc... as well as Chicago.  I can say, pretty clearly, that my friends that moved to Chicago like me developed more pride for their adopted home city than anyone else, by a long shot.  Picking up Chicago teams as their second favorite team, identifying with the city, etc...  There is some profound draw to it.  Has to be to compensate for the miserable weather 8 months out of the year.
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: Coleman on April 25, 2014, 02:25:02 PM
Let's see what the people who actually took the poll think: (from the Wash Post):

"Okay, so why are people in Illinois so down on their state? The folks at Gallup posit that maybe it has something to do with all of the scandals and investigations that have created basically no trust in the state government or the way residents think the state’s taxes are too high. People in Illinois seem reasonably happy, ranking in the upper half of last year’s Well-Being Index. So maybe they’re just being really honest and admitting that while their state has its charms (Chicago), it’s no North Dakota."

Here is the link to that other mentioned study:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2014/02/24/whats-the-happiest-state-hint-its-one-of-the-dakotas/




It is interesting. People always attribute the corruption to state government, complain about state taxes, etc., but the mayor of Chicago is basically a beloved prince with unquestioned power.

Whether that's a fair perception of the state and the city, I'm not sure, but it is the perception.
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: warriorchick on April 25, 2014, 02:29:35 PM
Yes. Absolutely.

Let me know when a rapper from Milwaukee's projects starts writing songs about it...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQ488QrqGE4

Kanye grew up in South Shore, which is a middle-class neighborhood. His mother was a college professor and a department chair at her university.  But of course, you assumed that since he is black, he lived in the 'hood.
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: ChicosBailBonds on April 25, 2014, 02:30:57 PM
Maybe it is the recent article in the last week about Chicago cooking the books on crime to bring the numbers down. Outstanding

http://www.westernjournalism.com/chicago-police-superintendent-caught-cooking-books/
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: NersEllenson on April 25, 2014, 02:32:47 PM
I have lived in Chicago and obviously Milwaukee.  Moved here 20 years ago and love it.  I love winter because my wife and I snowmobile every single weekend so the more snow the better.  I don't know what you mean by dreary springs because it has been beautiful weather lately.  State income tax is high I will give you that but my property taxes are literally 80% less than my family and friends who live in the burbs of Chicago.  No offense but what are the other taxes that I am paying that I do not know about? And everyone here is so nice.

I get to Minneapolis frequently...love it in the summer time...hate it generally November - May.  Spent the month of May there last year...rained 26 of 31 days...and I believe thus far for this year there have only been 2 days that have reached 70..and it's the end of April.  Living in Dallas of course skews perception with the unreal cost of living, clean, no pot holed streets, no state income tax, property taxes comparable to Minnesota, and sunny 300 days a year...with brutal in the winter equaling about 15 days that fall below 40....As for Chicago....I'd never live there...in my view ridiculously high cost of living for what it has to offer...again, great place in the summer...but the cost to live there...for as bad of weather as you get...no thanks.
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: Coleman on April 25, 2014, 02:34:17 PM
Kanye grew up in South Shore, which is a middle-class neighborhood. His mother was a college professor and a department chair at her university.  But of course, you assumed that since he is black, he lived in the 'hood.

Yep, you know me so well.

Maybe it was because he showed Cabrini-Green homes in a music video about coming home?

Nah, it must be because I'm racist.
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: warriorchick on April 25, 2014, 02:36:11 PM
Maybe it is the recent article in the last week about Chicago cooking the books on crime to bring the numbers down. Outstanding

http://www.westernjournalism.com/chicago-police-superintendent-caught-cooking-books/

Let's not forget that a few days ago the Illinois legislature voted to spend $100 million on the Obama Presidential Library.  And it's not about what you think of Obama; it's about the fact that

 a)presidential libraries are usually built from private donations and

 b) THE STATE IS BROKE!
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: warriorchick on April 25, 2014, 02:38:36 PM
Yep, you know me so well.

Maybe it was because he showed Cabrini-Green homes in a music video about coming home?

Nah, it must be because I'm racist.


He also showed Michigan Avenue and the Gold Coast.

And I wouldn't describe you as racist, but as someone who jumps to conclusions.
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: Coleman on April 25, 2014, 02:43:21 PM
He also showed Michigan Avenue and the Gold Coast.

And I wouldn't describe you as racist, but as someone who jumps to conclusions.

 ::)

It doesn't change the fact that a lot of people in poor neighborhoods do have a lot of pride in Chicago, which is what this topic was supposed to be about before you decided to turn it into a discussion of my alleged prejudices.
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: SaintPaulWarrior on April 25, 2014, 02:49:14 PM
I get to Minneapolis frequently...love it in the summer time...hate it generally November - May.  Spent the month of May there last year...rained 26 of 31 days...and I believe thus far for this year there have only been 2 days that have reached 70..and it's the end of April.  Living in Dallas of course skews perception with the unreal cost of living, clean, no pot holed streets, no state income tax, property taxes comparable to Minnesota, and sunny 300 days a year...with brutal in the winter equaling about 15 days that fall below 40....As for Chicago....I'd never live there...in my view ridiculously high cost of living for what it has to offer...again, great place in the summer...but the cost to live there...for as bad of weather as you get...no thanks.

I guess it is May showers bring June flowers.  You got me on the potholes.  They are horrendous this year but unlike another city I have lived in they actually get out very early and "patch" them up.  Like I said I love winter.  In fact if it were not for my boat I would take 12 months of winter to ride.  Just had 2 close friends move to Austin for all the reasons you stated above.
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: swoopem on April 25, 2014, 02:52:11 PM
I get to Minneapolis frequently...love it in the summer time...hate it generally November - May.  Spent the month of May there last year...rained 26 of 31 days...and I believe thus far for this year there have only been 2 days that have reached 70..and it's the end of April.  Living in Dallas of course skews perception with the unreal cost of living, clean, no pot holed streets, no state income tax, property taxes comparable to Minnesota, and sunny 300 days a year...with brutal in the winter equaling about 15 days that fall below 40....As for Chicago....I'd never live there...in my view ridiculously high cost of living for what it has to offer...again, great place in the summer...but the cost to live there...for as bad of weather as you get...no thanks.

Ners are you from Dallas or move there after college? I can't recall meeting anyone from Texas during my time at MU (minus bball players)
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: ChitownSpaceForRent on April 25, 2014, 02:59:52 PM
Do you think the residents of Lawndale and Inglewood have a lot of city pride?  I am just asking; I don't know.  Chicago is a great place to live if you are relatively well off and can afford to send your kids to private school and don't rely much on city services.  Otherwise, not so much.

Also, it's possible to love Chicago and hate Illinois.

I spent 12 years in CPS and I turned out alright. Steve Taylor, Jabari Parker and Derrick Rose are  from Englewood and theyre doing good things. Its a case my case basis. As much as I cant stand D Rose, he does love Chicago.
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: MU B2002 on April 25, 2014, 03:43:48 PM
::)

It doesn't change the fact that a lot of people in poor neighborhoods do have a lot of pride in Chicago, which is what this topic was supposed to be about before you decided to turn it into a discussion of my alleged prejudices.
Let's tone down the outrage.

 You said, and i quote,
Yes. Absolutely.

Let me know when a rapper from Milwaukee's projects starts writing songs about it...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQ488QrqGE4

Implying that Kayne was from the projects shown in his video.  Warriorchick simply explained he was not from said projects. 
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: ChicosBailBonds on April 25, 2014, 03:59:15 PM
It is interesting. People always attribute the corruption to state government, complain about state taxes, etc., but the mayor of Chicago is basically a beloved prince with unquestioned power.

Whether that's a fair perception of the state and the city, I'm not sure, but it is the perception.

LOL....beloved....birds of a feather flock together
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: Galway Eagle on April 25, 2014, 04:05:12 PM
Do you think the residents of Lawndale and Inglewood have a lot of city pride?  I am just asking; I don't know.  Chicago is a great place to live if you are relatively well off and can afford to send your kids to private school and don't rely much on city services.  Otherwise, not so much.

Also, it's possible to love Chicago and hate Illinois.

Having grown up about two miles from north lawndale and having boxed out of their gym (honestly you don't go to Lincoln Park or Lakeview if you wanna box) I can say there's tons of it.  Don't wanna be stereotypical here but while they might not care about the cubs or Blackhawks if the bulls or even the sox were to win it again you'd see just how much they care about the city
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: ChicosBailBonds on April 25, 2014, 04:05:20 PM
Let's not forget that a few days ago the Illinois legislature voted to spend $100 million on the Obama Presidential Library.  And it's not about what you think of Obama; it's about the fact that

 a)presidential libraries are usually built from private donations and

 b) THE STATE IS BROKE!

That's a little surprising, maybe George Clooney can step up with some donations

http://www.reviewjournal.com/columns-blogs/norm-clarke/wynn-clooney-exchange-barbs-over-heated-dinner-conversation
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: Coleman on April 25, 2014, 04:19:07 PM
Let's tone down the outrage.

 You said, and i quote,
Implying that Kayne was from the projects shown in his video.  Warriorchick simply explained he was not from said projects.  

She could have said he was not from the projects and that would have been that, I would have graciously stood corrected. But she also said I made assumptions about him because of the color of his skin, when that was not the basis of my judgment. The basis was instead his lyrics in many songs about the projects, gangs, other elements of that culture. So based on that, I assumed he was from that background. I guess those songs do not accurately represent his upbringing, but I wasn't aware of that before now. All I knew was he was from Chicago.

I can be wrong - and I was - and I'm always willing to admit when I am. But its another thing to say I was wrong because of some sort of prejudice.

Moving on...
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: brandx on April 25, 2014, 04:34:20 PM
I think this just about sums it up best. The only times I have been down state were to visit my friends at U of I or SIU. The colleges are the "cities" in those areas, Chambana and Carbondale.  Chicagoans really do believe that the people from down state are redneck hillbillies whatever you like to call them. Chicago is its own state.

Aren't they? As a lifelong Wisconsinite, I go to Chicago a lot.

The rest of the state? Just what I'm forced to drive through when I go to Colorado and Utah.
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: warriorchick on April 25, 2014, 04:45:44 PM
Aren't they? As a lifelong Wisconsinite, I go to Chicago a lot.


What is the difference between the residents in downstate Illinois and the residents of upstate Wisconsin?
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: Dan on April 25, 2014, 04:59:39 PM
300 miles & shoes. In that order.
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: keefe on April 25, 2014, 05:00:09 PM
probably the biggest discrepency between any major city and their respective state.

You are young.

Ask someone not from Seattle, NYC, Lanta, Miami, Portland, Las Vegas, LA, Balmer, etc...how they feel about those cities. One big difference is that they might not even know someone in those cities while people in Illinois likely know someone in Chicago. Seattle and the other side of the Cascades are night and day.
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: ChicosBailBonds on April 25, 2014, 05:19:35 PM
Aren't they? As a lifelong Wisconsinite, I go to Chicago a lot.

The rest of the state? Just what I'm forced to drive through when I go to Colorado and Utah.

Tolerance....progress....moving forward...
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: ChicosBailBonds on April 25, 2014, 05:23:10 PM
Meh. Im a very proud Chicagoan and yes I use the term Chicagoan because the difference between the city and the rest of the state, is probably the biggest discrepency between any major city and their respective state.

Detroit and Michigan comes to mind.  Milwaukee and Wisconsin to a lesser extent.  There was a time when New York and NYC was like that to some degree, then NYC cleaned up their act and things got better.

A lot of people aren't thrilled with the giant sucking sounds coming from those urban areas.  At least, that is their perception.
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: NersEllenson on April 25, 2014, 05:57:28 PM
Ners are you from Dallas or move there after college? I can't recall meeting anyone from Texas during my time at MU (minus bball players)

Moved there 16 years ago..right after graduating from MU.  Grew up in WI.  Love Texas....probably takes living there for a little while to "get it" as far as why Texans are so proud.  West Texas is nothing to write home about...ugly....but the Hill Country..Austin..are great.  Dallas proper is very nice.  Fort Worth as well...lots of trees, hills in Fort Worth.  The urban sprawl of the suburbs is blah.  But...when you can live in a suburb with good schools in a brand new home, that's 3,000 sqaure feet with a swimming pool for 300,000-350,000...and pay no state income tax, shovel no snow, wake up to sun 300 days a year...that's pretty great.

I love to snow ski/snowboard...but prefer to just go to Colorado/New Mexico for one or two weeks in the winter...and get my fix, then get out of the cold.
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: brandx on April 25, 2014, 11:10:25 PM
What is the difference between the residents in downstate Illinois and the residents of upstate Wisconsin?

No difference.
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: brandx on April 25, 2014, 11:30:34 PM
Tolerance....progress....moving forward...

Humor escaping you lately?
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: keefe on April 25, 2014, 11:43:57 PM
the Illinois legislature voted to spend $100 million on the Obama Presidential Library

Why? Won't it be in Menteng?

Dia dari Jakarta ini orang Indonesia kan!
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: ChicosBailBonds on April 26, 2014, 10:20:52 AM
Humor escaping you lately?

This is typically how the "tolerant" (self anointed) folks act...."tolerant for me, but not for thee".   "Tolerant for my position, but not yours"..."do as I say, not as I do"

You are right, it is funny, but in a sad funny way.
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: brandx on April 26, 2014, 11:27:46 AM
Why? Won't it be in Menteng?

Dia dari Jakarta ini orang Indonesia kan!

Or Nairobi?

The oil sheiks came through with money to help build the GWB library, so I'm sure the jungle "sheiks" will come up with something for BO's place. Maybe some nice pelts to put on the wall?
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: keefe on April 26, 2014, 12:56:37 PM
Or Nairobi?

The oil sheiks came through with money to help build the GWB library, so I'm sure the jungle "sheiks" will come up with something for BO's place. Maybe some nice pelts to put on the wall?

I lived in Jakarta for 4 years and know the area BO lived. It's actually part of the old Dutch area and the architecture comes out of 18th and 19th century Amsterdam.

Frankly, I've dismissed all of the foolishness about BO's place of birth and offshore residency as polemic. I was born outside the US of American parents and know there is zero question about my citizenship. His mother grew up here on Mercer Island; the man was born an American from his first breath. That he spent part of his childhood living in foreign cultures makes him a more rounded, tolerant, and inclusive person.

I would rather have a President who has a genuine global perspective than one who has only lived in Chicago.
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: Galway Eagle on April 26, 2014, 01:47:04 PM
This is typically how the "tolerant" (self anointed) folks act...."tolerant for me, but not for thee".   "Tolerant for my position, but not yours"..."do as I say, not as I do"

You are right, it is funny, but in a sad funny way.

It kind of sounds like you're trying to be upset that a tolerant person isn't tolerant of intolerance. 
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: brandx on April 26, 2014, 02:15:15 PM
I lived in Jakarta for 4 years and know the area BO lived. It's actually part of the old Dutch area and the architecture comes out of 18th and 19th century Amsterdam.

Frankly, I've dismissed all of the foolishness about BO's place of birth and offshore residency as polemic. I was born outside the US of American parents and know there is zero question about my citizenship. His mother grew up here on Mercer Island; the man was born an American from his first breath. That he spent part of his childhood living in foreign cultures makes him a more rounded, tolerant, and inclusive person.

I would rather have a President who has a genuine global perspective than one who has only lived in Chicago.

Agree completely. It would be great if more American kids could spend a little time abroad. Completely opens your horizons. I still remember my 1st trip to Honduras and how it changed my outlook on the world and how outsiders view the US.
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: warriorchick on April 26, 2014, 02:51:36 PM
What a coincidence...someone posted this to my Facebook today.

(https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1.0-9/1958474_10152228418478930_603462467_n.jpg)
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: Silkk the Shaka on April 26, 2014, 03:05:12 PM
What a coincidence...someone posted this to my Facebook today.

(https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1.0-9/1958474_10152228418478930_603462467_n.jpg)

I'm cringing with embarrassment at how unfunny this is despite how hard it's trying
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: Sir Lawrence on April 26, 2014, 03:18:55 PM
Agree completely. It would be great if more American kids could spend a little time abroad. Completely opens your horizons. I still remember my 1st trip to Honduras and how it changed my outlook on the world and how outsiders view the US.

I also agree, but too often "abroad" is one thing, and five miles is another.  My good friend is a teacher in the MPS system, middle school level, and he hosts a "discover Your city" trip each spring.  He has been doing this for 33 years.  Every year he shakes his head in disbelief at the number of his students that have never laid eyes on Lake Michigan. 
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: keefe on April 26, 2014, 03:41:27 PM
Agree completely. It would be great if more American kids could spend a little time abroad. Completely opens your horizons. I still remember my 1st trip to Honduras and how it changed my outlook on the world and how outsiders view the US.

I think most Americans, especially those in Middle America, would be stunned to know how most of the world views us.

I went to Hondo but it was military-related, flying F 16s for the NDANG. I didn't get any time to explore but did get to see how beautiful that region is from the air. Would love to go back someday for pleasure - even a recent trip to the Andes was entirely work related.
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: keefe on April 26, 2014, 03:52:19 PM
What a coincidence...someone posted this to my Facebook today.

(https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1.0-9/1958474_10152228418478930_603462467_n.jpg)

Is the Sears Tower still called that? What a colossal collapse. MU grads ran both Sears and Montgomery Wards into the ground. Brilliant.
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: warriorchick on April 26, 2014, 03:59:26 PM
Is the Sears Tower still called that? What a colossal collapse. MU grads ran both Sears and Montgomery Wards into the ground. Brilliant.

It's the Willis Tower now.  Although when my son was little, he used to refer to it as the "Serious Tower".
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: RushmoreAcademy on April 26, 2014, 04:14:46 PM
So, people on this board living who live in IL think it's better to live in IL??????????? And people who live in WI think it's better to live in WI?????????????????

(http://www.createitnow.co.uk/wp/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Untitled65.png)
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: brandx on April 26, 2014, 04:37:50 PM
Whoa, dude!
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: keefe on April 26, 2014, 05:25:16 PM
It's the Willis Tower now.  Although when my son was little, he used to refer to it as the "Serious Tower".

(http://www.freakingnews.com/pictures/98000/Bruce-willis--98364.jpg)
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: real chili 83 on April 26, 2014, 06:00:34 PM
Like SPW, I moved from Chicago to the Cities.

Summers are incredible.  What impressed me the most about this state is how people embrace and take advantage of the winter.

If you've never screamed across a frozen lake at 90+mph, you are missing something.

You can have Chicago.

Ners, send me a pm next time you are in town.
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: mueron on April 26, 2014, 09:40:01 PM
The fact of the matter is that Chicagoans are very proud of Chicago. More so than residents of any city in Wisconsin or probably anywhere else in the Midwest. Spend 15 minutes in Chicago and you will see more 4 Star flags hanging in windows and at bars than you will see Milwaukee flags (I'm assuming they have one?) in the entire city of Milwaukee - I lived in Milwaukee for 5 years and couldn't even tell you what their flag looks like.

I say this as someone living in Chicago for the past five years (after spending the first 23 years of my life in Wisconsin) and having tons of friends from Chicago as well.

There is animosity between Chicagoans and downstate Illinoisans as they perceive our outsize political, cultural, fiscal, and economic influence on the rest of the state as unfair. Perhaps this is true, or perhaps not. There is also the perception that people from downstate are hillbillies and there is very little culture, or even natural attractions such as Wisconsin's northwoods or state parks. Southern and central Illinois is entirely flat farmland. There isn't much to see or do.

All of this is why Chicagoans are very, very proud of their city, but could care less about the rest of the state.

For the record, I am proud of my Wisconsin heritage, but even prouder to live in one of the greatest cities in the world. I have no strong desire to move back north of the border, although I would for the right job.

This guy nailed it.
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: ChitownSpaceForRent on April 26, 2014, 09:51:41 PM
It's the Willis Tower now.  Although when my son was little, he used to refer to it as the "Serious Tower".

I still call it the Sears Tower. If nothing else just out of habit.
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: ChicosBailBonds on April 26, 2014, 10:17:19 PM


There is animosity between Chicagoans and downstate Illinoisans as they perceive our political process to be filled with corruption and if you are not part of the machinery you have no chance



Bleu, I agree with most of what you said, but I think you did a disservice to the political part.  Chicago is legendary for corruption and the machinery and it really pisses people off....I would have changed your sentence to that in red above. 
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: LloydMooresLegs on April 27, 2014, 09:22:55 AM
Do you think the residents of Lawndale and Inglewood have a lot of city pride?  I am just asking; I don't know.  Chicago is a great place to live if you are relatively well off and can afford to send your kids to private school and don't rely much on city services.  Otherwise, not so much.

Also, it's possible to love Chicago and hate Illinois.

Absolutely.   I spent the day yesterday in Englewood with others from my parish and thousands of others from around Chicago working on housing side by side with the residents who have so much pride and ownership that they are willing to do stay and try to improve their circumstances not withstanding the horrific violence they live with day to day.  Much pride.
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: warriorchick on April 27, 2014, 10:14:27 AM
Absolutely.   I spent the day yesterday in Englewood with others from my parish and thousands of others from around Chicago working on housing side by side with the residents who have so much pride and ownership that they are willing to do stay and try to improve their circumstances not withstanding the horrific violence they live with day to day.  Much pride.

As I said, I didn't know whether there was or not.  Thank you for answering my question.
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: Windyplayer on April 28, 2014, 01:59:16 PM
5) The lovely murder rate that no one ever speaks about until it gets out of hand.  (At least Detroit and Oakland realize they have a problem)

Um, what? This is one of the most publicized problems in Chicago. It makes national news several times a year. I McCarthy and the rest of the police force have a pretty good understanding of what's going on and you can bet your ass Rahm is dropping F bombs left and right behind the scenes to ameliorate the situation.

Normally I don't get too worked up about posts, but this one was mind-numbingly uninformed.
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: Galway Eagle on April 28, 2014, 02:08:02 PM
Um, what? This is one of the most publicized problems in Chicago. It makes national news several times a year. I McCarthy and the rest of the police force have a pretty good understanding of what's going on and you can bet your ass Rahm is dropping F bombs left and right behind the scenes to ameliorate the situation.

Normally I don't get too worked up about posts, but this one was mind-numbingly uninformed.

While you're right on some levels McCarthy taking hundreds of decorated detectives and putting back in squad cars was an asinine decision.  Now he's got some of his best officers who actually understand Chicago, retiring early and going PI
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: Sheriff on April 28, 2014, 07:48:17 PM
Bleu, I agree with most of what you said, but I think you did a disservice to the political part.  Chicago is legendary for corruption and the machinery and it really pisses people off....I would have changed your sentence to that in red above. 

Precisely, Chicos.  Ask any taxpayer whose pockets aren't lined by patronage, cronyism or affiliation with pay-to-play special interests.  The roots of Illinois politics are nourished by the cesspool in Chicago and the canopy of the tree reaches all the way to D.C.
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: warriorchick on April 28, 2014, 08:26:39 PM
Precisely, Chicos.  Ask any taxpayer whose pockets aren't lined by patronage, cronyism or affiliation with pay-to-play special interests.  The roots of Illinois politics are nourished by the cesspool in Chicago and the canopy of the tree reaches all the way to D.C.

+1

God forbid that The Chicago Way is becoming The American Way.
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: brandx on April 28, 2014, 08:27:51 PM
+1

God forbid that The Chicago Way is becoming The American Way.


Aw... that's so cute.
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: Coleman on April 28, 2014, 08:35:55 PM
nm
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: Coleman on April 28, 2014, 08:42:41 PM
Bleu, I agree with most of what you said, but I think you did a disservice to the political part.  Chicago is legendary for corruption and the machinery and it really pisses people off....I would have changed your sentence to that in red above. 

No argument from me. There is a machine. But its power is not as strong as it once was, and it is possible to defeat it.

http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20140318/logan-square/northwest-side-state-rep-race-biggest-race-city-of-chicago
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: MDMU04 on April 28, 2014, 09:03:06 PM
+1

God forbid that The Chicago Way is becoming The American Way.

If you think it wasn't long before the current occupant took office, I don't know what to tell you.
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: Benny B on April 29, 2014, 12:01:32 AM
Um, what? This is one of the most publicized problems in Chicago. It makes national news several times a year. I McCarthy and the rest of the police force have a pretty good understanding of what's going on and you can bet your ass Rahm is dropping F bombs left and right behind the scenes to ameliorate the situation.

Normally I don't get too worked up about posts, but this one was mind-numbingly uninformed.

My bad... I forget that Daley is no longer telling the Trib what stories they can and can't run.

That said, what was originally meant to be a tongue in cheek response actually ended up having some merit to it... hey, I'm just as surprised as I am, apparently, uninformed.
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: keefe on April 29, 2014, 01:42:52 AM
My bad... I forget that Daley is no longer telling the Trib what stories they can and can't run.

That said, what was originally meant to be a tongue in cheek response actually ended up having some merit to it... hey, I'm just as surprised as I am, apparently, uninformed.

Pi
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: warriorchick on April 29, 2014, 06:58:51 AM
More bragging rights for Texas:

http://www.latimes.com/business/autos/la-fi-hy-autos-toyota-move-texas-jobs-20140428,0,1792462.story

Toyota to move 3,000 jobs from Southern California to Texas


Toyota Motor Corp. said it will move 3,000 jobs from Torrance to new North American headquarters in Plano, Texas, over the next three years.

The move will affect 2,000 workers in Toyota's U.S. sales and marketing arm and 1,000 positions in its financial services business. That will leave about 2,300 Toyota employees in California.

No Toyota workers will remain at the company’s 2-million square foot office complex in Torrance. The company said it has not yet determined what it will do with the property.


The shift is part of a corporate strategy to locate the employees running its engineering and manufacturing, sales and marketing, financial services and certain corporate functions all on one complex.

“Ultimately, enabling greater collaboration and efficiencies across Toyota will help us become a more dynamic, innovative and successful organization in North America,” said Jim Lentz, chief executive of Toyota’s North America region.

“This is the most significant change we’ve made to our North American operations in the past 50 years, and we are excited for what the future holds,” he said.

Altogether, the moves will affect approximately 4,000 employees nationally.

Toyota will shutter its engineering and manufacturing office in Erlanger, Ky. -- near the Cincinnati-area airport -- with the personnel being distributed to a tech center in Ann Arbor, Mich., the new Plano, headquarters and a new facility at the automaker’s Georgetown, Ky., factory.

Toyota officials said that creating a more efficient corporate structure, not cutting costs, was the primary motivation in deciding to build a centralized headquarters in Texas.

Toyota has long been a Southern California fixture. Its first U.S. office opened in a closed Rambler dealership in Hollywood in 1957. The site is now a Toyota dealership. In 1958, its first year of sales, Toyota sold just 288 vehicles — 287 Toyopet Crown sedans and one Land Cruiser. Last year, Toyota sold more than 2.2 million vehicles in the U.S.

The U.S. branch picked Los Angeles for its first headquarters because of proximity to the port complex — where it imported cars — and easy airline access to Tokyo.

As Toyota grew, it opened its national sales and marketing headquarters in Torrance in 1982. The complex, built where its parts distribution warehouse was once located.

But today, about 75% of Toyota-branded vehicles sold in the U.S. are built in North America — many of them at plants in Texas, Mississippi and Kentucky. Moving the U.S. corporate headquarters to Texas puts senior management closer to those factories.

The company said it has committed to providing $10 million in continued funding for local nonprofits and community organizations in California and Kentucky over a five-year period beginning in 2017.


Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: LloydMooresLegs on April 29, 2014, 08:01:59 AM
I think that there is a bit of a misunderstanding of what should be recognized as the fully integrated and cooperative system of corruption in Illinois.  To be sure, there is resentment between some "downstaters" (meaning those Illinoisans who reside outside of "Chicagoland," whether south or west) and Chicagoans.

But the only meaningful distinction in the corrupt Illinois Democrat and Republican politicians who have cooperated historically in running Illinois finances into the ground in what John Kass of the Tribune has dubbed "The Combine," is between those who have been caught (GRyan [Rep], Blago [Dem], "Quarters" Boyle, Vrdolyak [both!]) and those who have not (MMadigan, Daley).
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: Benny B on April 29, 2014, 11:24:43 AM
I think that there is a bit of a misunderstanding of what should be recognized as the fully integrated and cooperative system of corruption in Illinois.  To be sure, there is resentment between some "downstaters" (meaning those Illinoisans who reside outside of "Chicagoland," whether south or west) and Chicagoans.

But the only meaningful distinction in the corrupt Illinois Democrat and Republican politicians who have cooperated historically in running Illinois finances into the ground in what John Kass of the Tribune has dubbed "The Combine," is between those who have been caught (GRyan [Rep], Blago [Dem], "Quarters" Boyle, Vrdolyak [both!]) and those who have not (MMadigan, Daley).

Truth be told, getting your daughter appointed as "elected" attorney general was a pretty cunning move on MMad's part to keep him in that latter distinction.
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: keefe on April 29, 2014, 11:27:18 AM
"Quarters" Boyle

This intrigued me to where I had to look it up. What I found was more bizarre than I could have imagined. We just don't have any of this in the PNW. There is no way you could make this up. Truly stranger than fiction.



http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2005-08-24/news/0508240217_1_prosecutors-grand-jury-hired-truck-program
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: Spotcheck Billy on April 29, 2014, 11:33:37 AM
This intrigued me to where I had to look it up. What I found was more bizarre than I could have imagined. We just don't have any of this in the PNW. There is no way you could make this up. Truly stranger than fiction.



http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2005-08-24/news/0508240217_1_prosecutors-grand-jury-hired-truck-program

Respect the process
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: mikekinsellaMVP on April 29, 2014, 11:57:21 AM
We just don't have any of this in the PNW.

Come on, keefe.  Between the CRC boondoggle and mayoral candidates who punch their pickup basketball opponents in the nuts, you know that's not true.
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: keefe on April 29, 2014, 12:21:46 PM
Come on, keefe.  Between the CRC boondoggle and mayoral candidates who punch their pickup basketball opponents in the nuts, you know that's not true.

I should have said Seattle. Oregon has a proud history of corruption.
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: LloydMooresLegs on April 29, 2014, 08:43:00 PM
This intrigued me to where I had to look it up. What I found was more bizarre than I could have imagined. We just don't have any of this in the PNW. There is no way you could make this up. Truly stranger than fiction.



http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2005-08-24/news/0508240217_1_prosecutors-grand-jury-hired-truck-program

Quarters deservedly is a corruption icon.
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: Avenue Commons on April 29, 2014, 09:40:41 PM
Agreed.  WI and MN are much more interesting, and there is forests, lakes and rivers.

Its not just flat farm land.

You apparently have never been to southern Illinois or the Mississippi river valley. Illinois isn't all flat.
Title: Re: Ouch, Illinois...
Post by: Spotcheck Billy on April 30, 2014, 10:08:59 AM
You apparently have never been to southern Illinois or the Mississippi river valley. Illinois isn't all flat.

that is true but that probably still leaves 90% as flatlanders