Highway Robbery in the United States

                      This is a Stick-up, Don't make this a Court Date!

Many of the most difficult issues drivers must face is traffic safety.  If travelers are not carefully paying attention to road hazards, they are diligently paying with cash or credit cards to obtain convenient ways for efficient travel.  Given the similarities between our tollways, turnpikes and interstate highways often require payment to travel these expressways. Such legalized extortion on United States highways and turnpikes may vary. Transponders are used to electronically collect money and can be found in states such as New York, Illinois, Oklahoma and California.

At first glance, crossing over the Bronx-Whitestone Bridge built in 1939,  drivers travel south on Interstate 678.  Road construction is nothing new, as vehicles slow to a snail’s pace and inch along toward the “Big Apple.” Unlike free roads that lead motorists into the city, travelers must open their eyes and their wallets for thruway agents ahead and pay the suggested added road tax.  A distinctive purple and white E-ZPass logo sign will warn a driver that they are about to be robbed. If you do not own an E-ZPass transponder the driver must have the money ready or face going to jail. Fees may fluctuate depending on the miles traveled. However, the state of New York offers basic annual packages starting at $88.00 with no minimum driving required.  That is approximately $8.00 per month with some restrictions on bridges such as, George Washington and Goose Island. Should the need to occur, To be eligible for E-ZPass® Plus you need to replenish your E-ZPass® account with a credit card. Next, the driver will be directed out of the Thruway gate and safely proceed back onto the roadway. 

No matter what time of day, Interstate 290 is bumper to bumper with cars and trucks coming and going into Chicago, Illinois.  This slow moving parking lot on I-290 is located in the heart of the windy city and vehicles will begin to move at the posted speed limit of 55 mph heading westbound. Traffic lightens and easier travel begins.  What may appear as a broken ramp meter, is actually the on ramp transition off Austin and Harlem roads.  Next, as the driver enters the I-90 transition heading toward Rockford, Illinois, tollway employees hired by elected officials await to take the travelers’ cash.  In the land of Lincoln free travel on the Interstates is only a fairy tale and is prohibited by law. I-Pass lanes are clearly marked with blue and white signs to inform toll users that a fare is required up ahead. “Toll rates can range from $1.50 to as much as $10.00,” depending on how far a motorist may travel (Office of the Illinois Secretary of State). Furthermore, if the toll user refuses to pay, the driver could in fact have their license revoked or suspended. Unlike New York and California that use an agency called the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) for their drivers, the State of Illinois has what is known as the Secretary of State, that issues driver’s licenses to their legal road users.  This government facility will keep a watchful eye. According to Acting Executive Director Michael King of the Illinois Tollway, “More than 80 percent of the 1.4 million daily drivers on the Illinois Tollway” enjoy the convenience of I-PASS, those who drive their roads, using surveillance cameras, law enforcement and other methods of payment for toll convenience (Office of the Illinois Secretary of State).

In California, there are a number of freeways that use the FasTrack system.  Freeway travelers have the option to use a carpool lane that allows access for registered credit card holders. This service may be use to commute faster and could be more productive for drivers.  FasTrak toll collections have a three point system. “As the vehicle enters the toll lane, sensors detect the vehicle. The two-antenna configuration reads a transponder mounted on the vehicle's windshield and a payment is electronically collected” (The Toll Roads).  For example, a commuter using FasTrack will notice a green and white sign with a digital fare required. Once a FasTrack user makes that commitment., they may enter the carpool lane. However, note that solo-driver FasTrak customers should not enter these express lanes when an HOV ONLY message is displayed on the roadways overhead. Law enforcement will not grant safe passage, should a motorist have the proper credentials for solo drivers using this roadway.  Drivers who do not possess a FasTrack pass mounted inside their clear windshield, can face heavy penalties and perhaps jail time for violating California state laws. However, should a FasTrack consumer need to calculate a fare to Irvine or Laguna Niguel, FasTrack has an online map to help out loyal customers. Despite that fact we need toll roads to get to work, for school and to see our families, many similarities can be found.  The I-Pass and E Z Pass can be used in states such as Indiana, Ohio, and northern parts of Pennsylvania. The transponders are nearly the same size, are mounted on the windshield and payments can be deducted from your bank or credit card.  Unfortunately, these two transponders are exempt from the Pike Pass, located in Oklahoma and only residents from that state have the privilege of using this electronic toll collection.   Exact-change bays and toll booth agents have the same attributes as the I-Pass and E ZPass Whereas the FasTrak is unmanned and more efficient.

Of course California and New York have the authority to place toll users out of service and jail time under vagrant laws. Furthermore, Illinois and Oklahoma can enforce a toll user with hefty fines and suspended driving privileges. These toll implications are still punishable by law. Some may argue that tolls are too expensive, and other say toll roads are needed to help with the upkeep. The toll roads have become a life-line in commerce, and should these roadways be disrupted, goods, services and the quality of life can be delayed

History has shown us that coach roads were once used and that beautiful young ladies lost their baubles to the trade of highwaymen. Outlaws were hunted down by the townspeople and victims would hang the bandits for the crimes committed. Today, drivers are being robbed by the towns themselves as greed has become the American way of life. Road taxes can be good if the money is used for the right reasons and not ill will toward gluttony. In time, there will be no one left to rob and hopefully corruption shall be punished like the highwaymen during the 1800’s, and justice shall prevail once again. 

Spandau Ballet

                                     

A Last Dance for Romance in America

                                                                

Spandau Ballet  Photo: Dave Hogan

The year was 1976 and frilly-frop shirts, big belts, big hair and big egos found its way into a London subculture environment.  A cult without a name had formed a social uprising and a name would be needed to feed these vain, narcissistic creatures at the Blitz Night Club. That name would be called The New Romantics movement.  Unlike Heavy Metal groups such as Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden, which wanted to strike fear into the hearts of their audience. Heavy Metal music had implementing spooky music and creating evil mascots. Furthermore, The New Romantic music was more about flamboyant clothing, cosmetics and gender bending the rules in British cities such as Manchester, Liverpool and London.

In the United States during the Jimmy Carter days, the first ongoing music scene was assigned the Punk label shortly after the Hippy movement in the mid-1960’s.  In London Punk Rock was more geared toward anti-establishment views and a rebellious culture. When the synthpop dance craze hit California in the early 1980s, musical performers such as Boy George, Wham and Duran Duran were jockeying for position to win the hearts and minds of teenage consumers, only to sell records like candy in this bubblegum world of music. Spandau Ballet was yet another group that topped the record charts with their upbeat tempos and stylish dance lyrics. But before all the fame and misfortune, they were a house band called Roots at the Blitz Night Club located in North London, England. To Spandau, it was more about becoming popular and filthy rich with gross displays of disposable income. Music would be their golden ticket and every Tuesday night these “Soul Boys” would rock the house.  Boy George would work the coat room and Spandau Ballet would practice their craft with a vibrant new club scene for the elite New Romantics cult following. “I was in love with charisma, explained bassist Martin Kemp. It wasn't until much later when I watched Jail House Rock and at that point I wanted to be like Elvis, Marlon Brando and Bruce Lee. I could care less about the music and was in this for the ride,” he adds to say. In 2010, a world-famous band member from England was ready to pump the breaks and slow Spandau’s  lofty journey down. When the phone rang one night during Spandau Ballet’s television performance on the Johanth Ross show, Iron Maiden’s drummer, Nikko McBrain was on the other end wishing to speak with John Keeble. The first thing McBrain mentioned to Mr. Keeble was not at all about the sound, but in fact how fabulous they [Spandau Ballet] looked sitting on the sofa in their expensive suits. “You look like a band,” said McBrian swinging his big drum sticks. Keeble (Spandau's Drummer) responded back with an irate tone is his voice and replied to McBrain, “That body language means everything. Forget the songs, forget the music, this is all about being cohesive and being a band again. We’re Spandau Ballet – who the fuck are you?”  However, on the phone with The Evil Genius, was Martin Kemp calling from his LA Office to Chicago, He was a complete gentleman and spoke in a very pleasant tone. Mr. Kemp answered each question with concern and kindness in his British dialect as we chatted about Frank Sinatra, Humble Pie and the early days of bass playing, when this instrument control a solid riff as a lead performer. 

With Spandau, the music was not only timely. A canny mix of contemporary funk and heavy bottom dance grooves had become groundbreaking. Members Tony Hadley, (Lead vocals) Gary Kemp, (Lead guitar) Steve Norman (Percussion & Sax) and drummer, John Keeble contributed to the band’s success spearheading a new pop culture around the world. Most Spandau Ballet fans can become lost in a daydream drift back in time hoping a lover will never fade away, enjoying the good life, if only for a moment. Perhaps a high school prom, their wedding day or that romantic night with a fresh start of hope on New Year’s Eve.  Embracing their Soul Mate as one with songs such as “True,” “I’ll Fly for You” and “Gold,”  a hopeless romantic can  glide effortlessly, lost in twilight with only love in their eyes.  In addition to satiating Spandau Ballet and their cult’s appetite, the Music Video War had begun.  Duran Duran finished up their video shoot featuring Rio, using ice cream smiles and a wicked bass line performed by John Taylor.  Spandau Ballet had raised the bar, shooting their video titled: “Highly Strung”  in Hong Kong and Australia, costing over $450,000.  These two music videos were among the first to use 35 mm film and shot by professional directors from Hollywood, California during 1984.  “Those where crazy times,” said Kemp. "Today, you can shoot an hour long documentary with the money we used to shoot just a five minute video,” he added to say.  However, Martin Kemp was not just another pretty-boy filming music videos.

Martin Kemp

A new approach in motion pictures and television, Martin Kemp is no stranger to the Silver Screen.  Appearing in The Krays as a Heavy Weight Gangster, Who Wants to be a Millionaire Celebrity Series and Discovery Channel’s very own cable television show titled: Chop Shop. Kemp has maintained to stay in the spotlight for 30 years.  However, Mr. Kemp’s long run of success has not always been a pleasure cruise of beautiful girls, boat loads of money and champagne dreams. During 1995 while living in Los Angeles, California Martin Kemp had a good run working as an actor. Shortly after, while working on Television series in Canada Martin Kemp’s career sat as idled as painted ship for nearly half a decade.  “I was working on a show called the Outer Limits, explained Kemp. I remember them putting on this ball cap because I was playing a scientist that invented this pill that could give you everlasting life. That’s when they discovered a big lump on the back of my skull,” said Kemp.  That lump was a brain tumor that nearly took Mr. Kemp’s life and soon after, his movie career sunk like a lead balloon.  

Despite Spandau Ballet’s war on music royalties, battling brain Cancer and countless hardships- each member endured during their struggle with success.  A long time had slowly passed and Spandau Ballet had vanished into a murky fog bank of uncertainty, never to be seen again. During our phone interview, the group is now back on track with one last dance for their loving fans.  Preparing to shoot another music video, Martin Kemp had these inspiring words to share. “Positive mental attitude is important and for years I carried around this saying with me and that is, you must believe to achieve," Mr. Kemp stated. What he is trying to say is, that you need to believe in yourself and in other people to reach the goals that you wish to accomplish.      

2015 Chicago Auto Show Review

4C Spider

First held in 1901 at Coliseum exposition hall, the Chicago Auto Show has become the largest and most popular car show in the United States for the past 107 years.Two great American pastimes have come together under one roof as thousands of vehicles from around the world have been on display. Featuring a Lamborghini Diablo in 1990 and Dodge Challenger SRT8 back in 2008 were among the some of  the heavyweights at past events. Other gas guzzling, high performance vehicles such as the Mercury Bobcat and Cadillac Seville Diesel have been showcased at the Chicago Auto Show as a reminder that Chicago is the city that works and  that our city will always put the hustle behind the muscle for just about any car enthusiast. We welcome all of them with big shoulders and open arms.

Chicago is also known for hospitality, as those ripples of kindness will be noticed far beyond the city limits. This year, the 2015 Chicago Auto Show offered free pinball games for the family, a commemorative Chicago Blackhawks souvenir cup and hours of fun with the biggest and baddest vehicles in the industry. From Super Duty commercial trucks, stylish SUV's to the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider will educate the consumer and give them a chance to see something other than a reckless smoke bomb driving  down Lake Shore Drive.

Ford Super Duty Truck

The big news in Commercial Vehicles this year are the Ford F-650 & F-750 models assembled and built in the United States. Getting the job done in modern comfort, these medium-duty workhorses hold the power of the V10 Turbo Diesel with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Ranked in class of 6-7 vocations, these vehicles feature a clean cab-to-axle design that is head and shoulders above the rest. A new leaf spring suspension, anti-roll bar and re-tuned shock absorbers have been engineered to modify their work load capabilities. Construction, Heavy Hauling and Emergency vehicles are just few of Ford's Super Duty trucks and for past 38 year they used backbone instead of wishbone to get the job done right the first time when one else can.

Russell Datz & Bruce T. Pelletier

Next is the Volvo lineup with safety and fuel efficiency as a top priority. Looking into the past with Volvo's first 3-point safety belt that was introduced in 1959 was just the beginning for engineers. The 2016 XC90 T8 plug-in hybird will feature a 400 hp that can go zero to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. That is about a second quicker than most SUV's on the market today and with fuel  economy in the T8's Hybird at 59 MPG is definitely worth the research.  "We at Volvo design our vehicles with people in mind," explained, Russell Datz, National Media Relations Manager Volvo Cars. He adds to say, It's our goal at Volvo to make lives easier for the consumer." Easier said than done,  The T8 system can also expect to hold some serious electrical juice and can thrust this SUV for up to 25 miles on electrons using the rear motor. Datz also claims that the recharge time is between 2 to 6 hours using a 230-volt plug-in or 110-volt outage depending on the amperage of the circuit.

Jeep lovers are not alone in this competitive arena as they climb to new heights with the legendary 4X4 capability that features a V6 engine. The 2015 Jeep Wrangler has a 285-horsepower engine ready to conquer the Indiana Sand Dunes this summer. The only drawback for the Jeep Wrangler is fuel efficiency. Tested at 16 in the city it runs better and smoother on the highway at 21 mpg. So with that in mind, you can travel 472 miles on one tank of fuel. As for the 2015 Chicago Auto Show, this was a good event to cover. However, some years have been better and hopefully there will be more concept cars in the near future.

Fender Jazz Blacktop Bass Guitar

Developed in the United States, and manufactured in Mexico, this Fender Jazz Bass is lighter, brighter and supercharged with all the bells and whistles geared for just about any bass playing enthusiast.  Weather you are beginner, intermediate or studio cat, the Blacktop series is ideal to enhance any players performance. A twenty fret  neck with white dot position inlays, Rosewood body and three-ply pick guard features a classic look, with improved  playability and crisp tones, bass players will feel more sound than a thunder cloud. 

First, the Alder Jazz  body for the Fender Blacktop has a Rosewood body, a maple 'C' Shape neck and chrome hardware on the machine heads and Hi-Mass bridge. Humbucker pickups are featured on this jazz style bass for a low-end bottom sound. The relative frequency on the open E string is at 41.2 Hz,  which means that you can fell the tremendous power at nearly thirty feet away. Vintage style jazz bass controls have three volume settings such as, a middle, bridge and master tone that will enhance these single-coil pickups for a more customized sound. 

The chrome volume knobs for the pickups can offer flexibility with a full tone that is nice and solid by using both pickups. If you are looking for a metallic sound, the neck pickups could be a good choice if your are looking for that Red Hot Chili Pepper's sound. If you are looking for that flat muddy sound, this Blacktop Jazz series holds no secrets to that low bottom end that most bass players seek in the industry.  

Other distinctive touches include a synthetic bone string nut, four bolt truss rod and sleek gloss urethane finish. The Blacktop Jazz Bass will have your fans screaming for more, as they boogaloo to the Slapping and Tapping from your magic fingers. Power, punch and clarity can be added to your arsenal for under $500.00 and the Fender Jazz Blacktop Bass is the brute of all basses.  

Purchasing the Fender Blacktop Jazz Bass could be a good investment in one's happiness. So here are some suggested guidelines to help when ordering via internet. One, getting a written description along with serial number would be a good start. Second, ask for photographs. Furthermore, always get a written  purchase agreement from the seller to avoid scams, hustles and to fulfill your reasonable exceptions for your transactions. Until then, happy playing!

Life Is A Delicious Bitch, and She's In Heat!!

Most Metal Heads will scoff at the notion of  Marilyn Manson, much less a tribute band fresh form Chicago. My grudge against Brian H. Warner has been smoking on a personal back burner for many years- since the early 1990's with his Bullshit music such as Antichrist Superstar and Mechanical Animals. It drove me insane then, and it still does to this very day. Despite countless lawsuits, his rip-off version of Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) and the fact that this clown once lived in Ohio, has made me a salty journalist that will seriously question the integrity of his music.  However, putting all personal feeling aside, it was off to Nightcaps to show some local support to Delicious Bitch. 

The Saturday night was still young and I had arrived way too early for the show. Greeting me at the door was Vince S. a super-cool bouncer with no ego or Power trip issues. He shook and stamped my left hand and said, "Enjoy the show and thanks for coming out tonight." I gave a slight nod, ordered a beer and saw the bassist from Pipe, John Streba. He was there free-lancing his musical skills and to help out our good friend Van Halen Dave at his Birthday bash. "I gotta jet for a moment," I said to Streba and left for a few hours.

Father Christmas & Rudy Guzman

Once I returned, Vicious Circle was on stage performing the classic hit Wrathchild written by Iron Maiden. Sure, I could go on and on about the powerful vocals of Rudy Guzman and the band's outstanding showmanship that evening. However, I would like to give Dave Carlson (Nightcaps Manager) a special thanks for providing live weekend entertainment at his establishment and allowing local talent to shine in the dim spotlight at his dive bar on the Northside of Chicago. Carlson has always been a gracious club owner to his guests, which brings me back to the ominous fate of Delicious Bitch.  

John Streba

The room darken, the intor starts and bassist, John Streba was not on stage yet, but in fact was in the bathroom playing with his Pipe. As fans may or may not know, Streba has a thing for bathrooms and heavy Pipes. But let's not get into all that right now, shall we? It was time to restart the shows introduction as Delicious Bitch open with Irresponsible Hate Anthem.  The stage set-up, the theatrical make-up and live performance was indeed a night to remember. Other members included, lead guitarist, Neo and drummer Godeater that offered a solid foundation for all the Marilyn Manson classics.  Beautiful People, Long Hard Road Outta Hell and Crucifixion in Space  were just a few songs played at the VH Dave birthday bash and it was time go home.

Photo by: Ken Kope  Delicious Bitch-  John Streba VH Dave Neo & Godeater

I have learned. in my life and my work as a Rock-n-Roll journalist that not all bands are created equal and that you might be surprised to find some good talent in your backyard. So again, I urge you to get off your electronic devices and witness history and enjoy life.

Judas Beast Show Review

Keep Calm & Scream for The Beast!

It was Saturday night when I received a phone call from my photographer to cover an Iron Maiden tribute band in Libertyville, Illinois. "Gee, another Maiden tribute band," I thought to myself.  My true loyalty will always  be to my girlfriend Miss Gina Pfeiffer,  Maiden Chicago and of course, Blackened. I love all of them almost equally. And they key word in that last sentience is almost. Too me, seeing another band would be like me eyeballing another woman, and that is not cool by any standards. Perhaps, I could repent my evil ways, go to the show and scream for the filthy beast!

As we all know, Saturday  is the only day of the week were the Devil gives out free passes and you're allowed to become weird or wicked. It would be strange to see another cover band and that waft of god would punish me for doing so. On Sunday, I'll get my ass into church, because that's the Lord's day and there are no free passes for bad Karma. "Sure Ken," I said. Let's go and see how good Judas Beast can stack up against Maiden Chicago."  I hung up the phone, and waited for my ride.

Getting to Austin's in Libertyville was bit stressful, due to the fact that the transmission was slipping. But So Fucking What, right? And that explains our tardiness. We arrived just as Heaven & Hell was breaking down their equipment, missing the opening act, VVX completely. The place was already a madhouse with people dressed in zany Halloween costumes. Folks were decked out as Slash, Mafia trigger-chicks and Rock-n-Roll Space Pirates.It was good vibe until until the lack of hospitality came form the crude doorman that made my prevailing mood bit salty. He was dressed as an Asshole and, I pulled out the $10.00 cover charge, going inside. It was good, however, to see some old friends at this killer Halloween bash as well and seeing some Judas Beast. 

Mike Feldman & Dane McCartney

Next, the lights dimmed and the place was pitch black. The stage lights come on and Judas Beast exploded with there opening song by Slayer titled: "Seasons In The Abyss." Front-man, Dane McCarteny, offered his high range vocals and vibrant stage presents dressed as the Amazing Spider-man, that evening singing other Iron Maiden classics such as, Wrath Child, Two Minutes to Midnight and Number of the Beast. Other members include, Matt Berger (Lead Guitarist) Mike Feldman (Bass) and Jess Naputano (Drums).  However, the only queer thing about this show, was the extra two lead guitarist Matt Verden and Jeremy Lyzik. Other than that, this show was Bad-Ass!

Photo By: Ken Kope

Meanwhile, the sound was incredibly fantastic as Lyzik spun the guitar around his neck.  The show was full of  great energy as each member gave a spectacular performance that night. Feldman match each note created by Steve Harris and drummer, Jess Naputano kept the six piece foundation tight and solid. The highlight of the evening was the 10-foot tall filthy beast, himself, Eddie as he dangerously lurked the stage. His Flashing glowing eyes and large torsal, towered over McCarteny and the rest of the band members as they kept playing all the Maiden classics. Some more Judas Priest played on, and the crowed stated to thin out after Run to the Hills during all this madness. It was getting late and it was time to head back home.

My conclusion, Judas Beast has what it takes to join the ranks and can go toe-to-toe in the ring. Chicago heavy hitters such as. Maiden Chicago, Blackened and High Alert will give Judas Beast a good fight. However, the only folks that will get a knock-out performance, will be the audience. And Chicago Local Metal will send anyone home with ringing ears from the amplifiers. If you're looking for good karma, and do not wanted to fight the high prices of major labels, than these are the bands to support.

I know a lot about seedy record labels and they reek of bad karma. So stay far away and do not feed them your hard earned greenbacks. Instead, I invite all of you to get a ticket and check
out Judas Beast at their next show. As for myself. If I can not stay true to Maiden Chicago and to the men in Blackened, then release the Kraken!

Photo By: Ken Kope

Blue Angles: Rock Stars of the Sky.

                                                 U.S. Navy Blue Angels are Back in Chicago
                                                             

Photo by: Joseph Baumann

The only thing louder then a thousand Marshall full stack amplifiers at an Iron Maiden concert, would be the sound of the afterburners of  an F/A-18 Hornet screaming overhead at 700 mph. However, that was not the case at last years Chicago Air & Water Show.  This year the Blue Angels have  returned to the friendly skies of Chicago, after military cuts were affected by last years event.

F-18 Hornet Blueprint

In 1959 the first show was held under the direction of Al Benedict, a Chicago Park District Supervisor at Lake Shore Park and was part of a “Family Day” celebration for inner city children enrolled in day camp programs.  The budget was $88.00, and featured water skiers, diving competitions and Air Sea Rescues. Over 2 million people witnessed The Firebird's Delta Team, Lima Lima Flight Team and this year's first all Veteran Parachute Team. No U.S. Thunderbirds, No Golden Knights and no Blackhawk Helicopters. Just some Bozo from California flying a Red Bull helicopter and zipping back to Gary, Indiana. Ah. but that was last years event in 2013 and now Chicago makes history once again. The Blue Angels have returned to Chicago,Illinois and has performed before 470 million spectators  at air and waters shows across the United States. They have been astounding audiences since 1946 with their gravity defying flying, commanding presence and supersonic diamond-shaped maneuvers in their Royal  Blue & Gold      F/A -18 Hornets. Furthermore, these deadly Hornets are 56 feet in length and have wingspan of 40.4 feet, and these bluebirds of freedom can reach speeds up to Mach 1.7.

Photo by: Ken Kope

Announcer: Captain Herb Hunter.  Nice guy, always friendly with a firm handshake and warm smile. Good old Herb. He is smooth, quintessential yet had not not log any flight time this year. However, Capt. Hunter has logged 27,000 hours of flight time during his career as a Boeing pilot. And remember folks, if it’s not going… It’s not a Boeing. Captain Hunter has become a household name in Chicago since 1988, when he became the city's announcer for The Chicago Air &Water Show. Indeed, I spoke with Hunter regarding the laws of gravity and a G-force. "At super-sonic speeds, the human body is exposed to a centrifugal force, explains Capt. Hunter. One G is the amount of gravity for our body weight on the ground. A combat pilot can experience up to nine G's, that's nine times the normal body weight. And when the blood becomes heavy, it reaches the brain with difficulty and could cause tunnel vision." What Captain Hunter is saying, that if a person weighs 200 lbs, they would experience 1800 lbs of gravity pulling them down inside the cockpit.

This is article is not just about one's need for speed, but that some wishes do come true. It would be hard to find anyone more passionate about aviation than 78-year-old Ida Settle, except maybe her half-sister Isabelle.  Ida loved airplanes after her mother passed away, when she was only four years old.Their father would take her every Sunday to the local airfield, have lunch and watch the plains take-off in the sky.  In high school Ida dreamed  to become a pilot, but local flying schools did not accept women at the time.  So this year Members of The US Navy Blue Angels meet with the two sisters and received pictures and autographs with the flight crew and the pilots of the Blue Angels at Gary Indiana's Airport.

Buzzing around the Chicago skyline was yet another thrill seeker that’s been affected by this airborne virus. Heli-skiing, cave SCUBA diving and flying more then a 1000 air shows, Sean D. Tucker is a rock star of the sky. Tucker’s airplane, the Oracle Challenger bi-plane is a fire breathing beast with over 400 horsepower that can travel up to 300 mph.  He is a leader in the airshow business and has received all of the industry’s highest honors for low-level aerobatics. Awards include, the Crystal Eagle Award, World Airshow Federation Champion (2000) Living Legend in Aviation (2007) and in 2008 Mr. Tucker was inductee in the National Hall of Fame.  Sean D. Tucker is the only civilian performer to ever be allowed to fly close formation with both, Blue Angels and the Thunderbirds.

Photo by: The Evil Genius

My prevailing mood took a slight change for the worse, once the weather canceled Sunday's event.  The winds of Thor blew cold off from the lake, as the grey and lifeless clouds  covered the muscular John Handcock building with a dismal mist of fear. Too dangerous to fly, the FAA tried its best to keep hope alive, but not even the Blue Angels were no match for Mother Nature. Just 24 hours ago,  I could recalled smoke trails and several people jumping out of some type of aircraft. It was too high up in altitude to make out this U.F.O and all I could see was a smoke trail looping round and round toward the ground.  It was the All Veteran Parachute Team taking their big leap at 12,500 feet with a brisk temperature of only 40 degrees Fahrenheit.  This can be a highly contagious Virus known as The Disease for Speed. This illness is like no other. In fact, it will kill you faster than Goat flu. The nasty weather was making everone sick of waiting, and waiting for three hours until the FAA pulled the plug due to poor visibility and a low sky ceiling.

Photo by: Joseph Baumann

When summer stops, the fun stops as well. People will be back to work, the children will be back in school and it will be business as usual once again.  The Chicago Air & Water Show is a reminder to everyone that the fun stops here. Not all Chicagoans will agree with this. Some will shoot their pistols, others will get drunk and then try to hack Facebook for some strange reason. And then we have those who believe in two seasons, Summer and Football. Until then,  let the games begin.