Poor Name Choice is an Understatement

Planned Parenhood Express. They even had the nerve to put it in a strip mall, it next to like a Cold Stone Creamery....what is a Creamery anyway?


Funny Photo Friday:
It's very creative, but I think it's a bad idea to name a product the "Titantic"

Dateline--Sunny Saturday in Oak Lawn

Fitting the post from last Thursday about couples disagreements’ and the abortion issue, I felt it necessary to ease any lasting tension with some comic relief. So the picture above is of one of the many Planned Parenthood Express locations in Illinois. Until this week I had NEVER seen one of these clinics and upon first glance all I could think was, “Really?! Is that really the word you want to use to describe the services received inside the building?” In fact, I’m pro-choice, and I still think it’s insane, but hilarious to name a clinic so poorly, and irresponsibly.


I looked into it and these clinics have been around since 2003 apparently, and no abortions or true consultations take place there, unlike other Planned Parenthoods that operate at a normal speed. No. They are mostly used for paper work, small seminars, and picking up birth control and contraceptives. But come on admit it, when you see first look at the pic, it reads like a fast food restaurant for abortions. The term “express” is so common in the service industry, that it makes it seem as if what’s going on inside that building IS NOT controversial. A good percentage of Americans believe that abortion is straight up murder and that Planned Parenthood is an organization that helps commit murders. I’m sure the people at Planned Parenthood know this, so I think it’s hilarious that they had the stones to put an “express” at the end of their name, thus knowingly invoking the idea of “express murder” in the minds of many pro-lifers. I admire PP’s sense of humor, but it’s a little uncouth in my opinion.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t want my abortions to be “express” Nor do I want my parenthood planning to be “express”. As far as plans and parenthood go, there shouldn’t be anything express about it. This seems like an area that needs to be carefully thought out. You know what SHOULD be express?...Expressways, Fed Ex, trains coming into Union Station, Oil changes, the amount of time it takes for a woman to get ready to go out for one evening (never happens) but…..day to day stuff, not abortions. I would advise PP to pay closer attention to the language on which we’ve all agreed.

But, then again, I may be wrong. Maybe we are moving closer to a time of increased tolerance. It is possible that many of the controversial liberal issues will become normalized with Obama in the White House, and such bold applications of nomenclature will become commonplace. Since we already have express now, if PP was ever expanded into a free market we could have spots like “Morton’s Abortin’s’”….it would be like the Joe’s Crab Shack of Planned parenthood with an annoying staff and stupid commercials….or we could jam two controversial liberal agendas into the same building like those half-KFC half-Taco Bell joints….just call it A.B.’s and S.C.’s…..a little spot where you can do abortions or get hooked up with a stem cell fetus. If we already have express, we may very well be on our way.

What is This?.... Amateur Hour?!

Thorough Thursdays: I'll Give My Opinion, but please believe I want your's too.

Dateline--Too much Radio

Since we opened it up for debate last Thursday, I wanted to do the same this week, and also provide a thorough opinion on a matter in sports that is troublesome. The issue is raised every Fall and every Spring with the respective arrivals of Bowl season in college football and March madness in college basketball. The issue is amateurism. Should college athletes get paid? With the end of March Madness coming just last week, ESPN broadcaster, Jay Harris took time to give his opinion on the issue in a short commentary that aired on ESPN Radio this week. After hearing it, I decided it was time to get thorough.
Harris was commenting on the double standard that exists between players and coaches in college basketball when it comes to players transferring and coaches leaving for better paying jobs i.e. John Calipari’s acceptance of the Kentucky job last week.

“I’m sick of this fake amateur argument, this fake ‘they’re getting a free education argument’. There is nothing free in big time college athletics”...

Harris went on to talk about how it is unfair that athletes who transfer schools are forced to sit out a year before regaining their eligibility. While referencing Stephon Curry’s little brother Seth, who is transferring to Duke next season, Harris ended his rant by saying

“Let him play. Now. And while you’re at it, pay the kids, stop using them.”

At the core of Harris’ opinion is that college athletes should be paid and that they are entitled to a share of the billions of dollars generated from the athletic events in which they participate. Though these players receive scholarships, Harris dismisses the idea that it is a legitimate form of payment.

Well apparently, Harris uses his DVR to fast forward through commercials during tournament time, but as that annoyingly recurring ad clearly states…, “There are over 380,000 NCAA student athletes, and most of [them] will go pro in something other than sports.” Arguing that Division 1 collegiate athletes should be paid for their services seems valid on its face, but is irrational and irresponsible when analyzed further. Harris says he is sick of this “fake 'amateur' argument”, but the argument is not fake, it's just real. These kids ARE amateurs. Not all of them, in fact the overwhelming majority will never be professionals in the sport they play.

The fact of the matter is, no matter how you slice it, these athletes in Division 1 sports, get a FREE ride, and if that is no longer an acceptable form of retribution for services rendered on the court or on the field then I question our values when it comes to education. In a world with a growing population and plummeting economy, a college degree is priceless, and damn near a necessity for some of even the most menial of professions.

The world is very unkind to the uneducated (see picture below), so to scoff at a free education is to mistake the situation for what it truly is. If an athlete takes advantage of his/her free education, then the “payment” they so rightfully deserve, will be realized after completing their degree, as they are immediately qualified to make more money and work in more jobs than anyone who is lacking the hardware.


Poorly educated woman struggles to make sense of a world in which a land mammal (elephant) is actually smaller in size than the celestial body orbiting the planet earth (Moon).

Also, let’s not forget that for the few athletes that are good enough to play their sport for a living, college serves as a FREE stepping stone to the next level, a FREE stage for a player to hone, and showcase their skills (interview) for the NBA, MLB, NFL etc. It’s like a trade school that doesn’t force you to pay union dues.

I am sick of the idea that we should all empathize with the sacrifices made, and hardships endured by the big time college athlete. I realize that they captivate, and entertain us with their athletic ability, but their daily grind, their busy schedule, and their ability to juggle school and sports is nothing to stand in awe of. These athletes are working NO harder during practice and games than the countless students who work nights and weekends putting themselves through school, paying off loans, supporting not only themselves, but sometimes families as well. Oh and by the way, no college sport is played year round, so there are long stretches of time in which athletes’ only responsibility is to attend to class; Their rent, their books, and their tuition is still paid for. When’s the last time you got to take a couple MONTHS off work with full pay? Don’t get me wrong, I know they work hard, but in the grand scheme of life, Division 1 college athletes are getting a free ride for playing a sport that they would participate in anyway, i.e. getting paid to do something, that they would normally do FOR FREE. So shame on you/them for even thinking that a free education isn’t payment enough.

Let me know if you agree/disagree, because I know some will dissent and I want a robust, lively and spirited debate.

We have a winner

The North Carolina Tar Heels steamrolled their way to the national championship this year. The only scare, if you can even call it that, was a second round game with Louisiana State University. They won that game by nearly twenty. The Tar Heels were the preseason favorites to capture the trophy, and were the third overall number one seed in the tournament. But once the game Monday night ended with North Carolina dominating Michigan State University many analysts, commentators and fans were supplementing their praise for the team with talk of how disappointing the game and then tournament was.

Now I seriously doubt there are that many MSU fans out there (I can understand their disinterest), so why were so many people disappointed? Sure the game was not one for the ages, won with a layup by Ty Lawson as the time expired. But why does it have to be one of the greatest games of all time for you to be happy with the experience?

North Carolina went to Detroit and put on a clinic, for the second time this year mind you. They played a near flawless game and reminded the world why, when earlier this year they beat MSU by 35 points, people predicted they would finish the year undefeated. The dominant performance was a showing of how the game is to be played both offensively and defensively.

However if you are a casual observer of the game and filled your bracket out in the dark, then your opinion on the game and ultimately tournament do not count and I don't want to hear from you. You obviously would not have seen and then understood UNCs mastery during the game. Now those of you who consider yourself fans yet had no rooting interest in either team, shut up as well. Your opinion is a little more valuable, but come on. Even if you weren't a fan of either team watching Ty Lawson set an all time record for steals in a final four game or see UNC put up a record number of points (55) in the first half is boring? Get out here.

Overall the tournament was what it was supposed to be and the winner was who it was supposed to be. Sure George Mason was a good story a few years ago, but to claim March was a disappointment because there was no Mason is ludicrous. An unheralded team does not have to be in the mix to enhance the game play. To reference the Cinderella term thrown out every year, let me remind you Cinderella was fine as hell. But guess what? She was merely one of many at the ball that night. The Prince, luckily for Cinderella, was just a picky snob.

Every team is there for a reason and if the 'big boys' whip up on the 'little guys' it's because they are superior team and that is how it is supposed to be. If you need a Cinderella to enjoy March Madness then I surely hope you will be rooting for the Kansas City Royals this summer or come NFL draft time you are on your knees praying for the Detroit Lions to nab a godsend with the number one pick. I mean wouldn't they be Cinderellas as well?

CLEARLY fine as hell.

Spring Cleaning

Chicago is, in my very biased opinion, the best city in the country and possibly the world. But that does not mean I am clueless as to the many problems that plague our city. As Chicagoans we deal with the same problems as any other citizen of a metropolis; the traffic, the taxes and unfortunately the crime. There is however one problem unique to Chicago (you could even argue the state), our politicians.

The state of Illinois has sent more governors to prison than murderers (percentage wise) and this past Friday had our impeached governor indicted by the Federal Government. In Chicago, the retired head of our Streets and Sanitation Department, Al Sanchez, was just found guilty in a case where he used the Hispanic Democrat Organization (HDO) as a hiring agency for the city. Mr. Sanchez may not have been a politician but he was certainly working for a political faction and to the benefit of the correct mayor, Richard M. Daley.

A die hard Sox fan wearing a

Cubs hat? Typical Chicago politician

To fix the problem that is Chicago politics we need to eradicate our local government of career politicians. It is time we issue term limits on our aldermen and mayors. Throughout their years of 'service' one thing becomes more and more important to the incumbent, the continuation of their 'service'. So career politicians do any and everything they can to minimize the competition. Then once faced with an opponent(s) these pols call in a few favors to help ensure that come election day the polls reflect favorably upon their campaign. Does this sound like the actions that are to be taken by an individual who is a representative for the community they reside in?

No. And I hope you are not that jaded to the political process to have agreed with that. A politician must not be afraid to take a stand and make a controversial vote. Our interests must be of the utmost importance to them and their office. By eliminating the potential to serve for years on end we can accomplish this. No longer will our politicians be acting in self perseverance, instead they may now act truly to what they are being paid to do and represent the people in their community.

Just take the recent leasing of the city's parking meters for example. Had our alderman not feared facing the ire of Mayor Daley, I am willing to bet that more than three of them would have voted against the 75 year lease. Now it was not his wrath in the short term that the aldermen feared rather they knew they would potentially be working with the mayor for years and may need to be on his good side for the duration of their work relationship. Term limitations eliminate this problem.

Now term limitations surely are not the only solution to stomping corruption out of politics, especially in Chicago. But it without a doubt would be a giant and great first step in the right direction. Think about it Buse Nation.

Deal or No Deal Courtney?----Welcome Back Baseball

Courtney Paris' big lying ass.

Monday Mullings: Put up or shut up, or you shouldn't have spoken in the first place.

On March 9th of this year, senior night for the Oklahoma University women’s basketball team, senior forward, Courtney Paris said that if their 3rd ranked Sooners did not win the national title, that she would re-pay her college scholarship, which is valued at $64,000. And it wasn’t just a fluke statement either. When the ceremony was over and local press outlets asked her whether or not she was serious she replied.

"I have a passion for our fans and university, and I want to do something special. "That's why I put my scholarship on the table. I meant what I said."

Throughout the entire tournament the media has treated her promise like a tremendous story. In fact each time Oklahoma has been mentioned in the women’s tournament, Courtney Paris and her ridiculous proposal were part of the conversation. Well yesterday, Paris and her Oklahoma Sooners LOST to Louisville in the Semi-Finals 61-59. And so, if I’m the Oklahoma athletic director, I’m mulling today: When can I expect my check Ms. Paris? Had Oklahoma won last night and eventually won the title, Paris no doubt would have been praised as one of the most courageous players in the women’s game. All March long we heard phrases like “Courtney Paris is putting her money where her mouth is” or “Paris talks a big game, but she has the toughness to back it up by putting her scholarship on the line.” Well she lost and I can’t wait to see how quickly this story dies as it never should have been a big deal in the first place.

Odds are the 21 year old does not have $64,000 saved up for a rainy day; and even if she were to go on to the WNBA, the average salary is $36,500 so I’m sure she’s not giving up her first 2 years salary just to be a woman of her word. I’m not hating on her for trying to inspire her team and instill confidence, but you can’t put up something that you DON’T have as collateral.


But of course, the mulling wouldn’t be complete today if I did not take time to acknowledge the start of another baseball season. I’m glad it’s back, despite this “lousy Smarch weather” (Simpsons reference) that is delaying my Bangers season opener…but lets open it up for a debatable run-down of this year’s division winners, mvps, and cy youngs.

American League
East- Yankees-they aren’t old this year, 3 Aces in their prime in Sabathia, Burnett, and Wang, and A-Rod coming back in May after much of the steroid talk has died down, perfect for him to come in and start killing. Not to mention Texiera.

Central-White Sox (by default), they have not improved much from last year, but every other team seems to have more issues. Twins start the season with a hurt Mauer and a hurt Morneau, plus a hurt Crede is just a matter of time. Indians added Mark DeRosa to the lineup and Kerry Wood to the bullpen, but bouncing back from a disappointing 08 will require a massive resurgence of Travis Hafner who only played in 57 games last year with a bum, aging shoulder. Detroit can’t be trusted, despite having a sick roster full of explosive offense and cannons in the bullpen, they start slow, they swing low, never scoring as many runs as they should, and 3 of those cannons, Zumaya, Willis, and Bonderman all start the season on the DL.

West-Angels—even though the sexy money is getting put on Oakland this year, I don’t think Matt Holliday and Jason Giambi going to a pitcher’s park changes things for the A’s. Angels lost K Rod and Garrett Anderson, but they still have the best manager in (Scioscia), and the best player (Vlad) in a weak division. Texas still can’t pitch and Ichiro starting on the DL is grim news for Seattle.

Wild Card-Rays—their lineup is even sicker now with Pat Burrell and pitching is still raw as hell. But they won’t be better than the new look Yankees

Cy Young—Tossup between Dice K and Halladay. Though neither will make the playoffs in my opinion, Boston will compete mostly because of Dice K, Halladay will put up ridiculous numbers as usual.

MVP—Vlad…with Abreu solidifying the lineup and getting on base in front of him, Vlad will not finish with under 100 RBI like he did last year. He will murder the pitching in his division, and cruise to this award.

National League
East-Mets—different ballpark will make the difference in my opinion. Citi-field, though it is a pitcher’s park, has massive gaps and space for the Mets most important player. Jose Reyes. Plenty of triples for Reyes this year, plus a healthy Santana and newly instated K-Rod.

Central—Cubs, hate to say it, but as long as Milton Bradley does not kill someone, they’ll have the best record in the NL. They have an all star in every spot except second, center, and right. Not to mention 3 or 4 on the mound.

West—Dodgers, as much as this offseason was a soap opera, Manny will be Manny for an entire year. Thus the Dodgers will reap benefits, despite losing Lowe, weak division in terms of offense, what remains will get it done because of a potent offense.

Wild Card—Cardinals, even though the the Brewers, Phillies, and even the Reds I think will be relevant this year,the Brewers are not the same without Sabathia, the Phillies are due to fall off because the city of Philadelphia never stays on top for long, and the Reds are still challenged when it comes to generating offense.

Cy Young—Someone on the Cubs, take your pick Zambrano, Lilly, Harden, Dempter….when they are all on they dominate, and they are all starting the season relatively healthy. They are the best team and they know it, and they have the best pitching staff and they know that too. Someone is going to take that confidence and turn it into a ridiculous season. Numbers wise it won’t be better than Lincecum or Webb, but neither of them will be in the playoffs, doing it on the best team in a tougher division will count this year.

MVP—Jose Reyes, He’s going to hit, steal, and score runs. It will be between him and Manny, but the league isn’t exactly in love with Manny right now.
**Pardon the long post, but I’m excited for opening day baseball, f this lousy Smarch weather**


Smarch, a fake ass month referenced in the Simpsons that seems to represent the current climate in Chicago.
A wintery mix of windy September and rainy March....with a random 60 or 70 degree day here or there.

What Would You Do?

Who screams at someone from that ridiculously short of a distance?

Thorough Thursdays: BUSE Nation, What do you think?
Dateline: Couples Quarrels, or in this case, disagreements.

When a relationship between a man and a woman is in its early stages, charisma, character, and general physical attraction are often the sustaining fuels. Aside from those cases in which serious relationships spawn out of a long time friendship and cases where the relationship is contingent on a 1 party, or dual night-riding system, most couples spend significant time “getting to know” one another while dating. The phrase, “getting to know one another” is basically a synonym for something I like to call personality probing. Both men and women conduct personality probes on the people they date in an attempt to make sure that person harbors no massive character flaws that will negate the possibility for a positive relationship. The more time that’s spent together, the flaws that will come to the surface, and when they do, we decipher which ones are and are not acceptable. (e.g. He leaves the toilet seat up, Bad but acceptable….He’s a necrophiliac, Gross and unacceptable.)

Some of the flaws, however, are not so obvious. In fact sometimes, the flaws we see in our significant others are actually perceived to be attributes in their own mind. And that’s what I’m getting thorough on today. Just because two people like, or love each other doesn’t mean they don’t act, think, or believe differently, or in opposing ways. When these things come up, I want to know, what is the protocol? For example, my girlfriend and I seldom differ in opinion, however when we do disagree, it’s usually not over something like what to eat for dinner, but something like Native American Mascots in college sports. I won’t go into specifics, but I’m against it, and she is for it. So what do you do? Is it right to argue our respective views, or just respect the other’s opinion. Since she is my girlfriend, should I strive to make her believe in my opinion, or should I try to come around to her side of thinking. It’s worth asking because when you think about it, much of a relationship comes down to resolving disagreements and working through them, be it through concession or persuasion. I find this quite puzzling and I’m looking for some insight. Don’t feel me? Then how about an example everyone can relate to more readily.

I have two good friends who happen to date each other. Their names are Doc and Marie. Doc is pro-choice and Marie is pro-life. With getting into any grizzly details, they feel strongly about their convictions as the abortion issue has personally affected both their lives in the past, however, the issue is normally not divisive for them as abortion as it rarely comes up. No problems come of this until one day, Marie, and the company she works for is asked to attend a Pro-Life fundraising auction on Friday night. It is the type of function where you’re encouraged to bring a friend or significant other, thus Marie invites Doc without hesitation. Doc then declines citing that it will be difficult for him to attend the auction given his Pro-Choice view on the abortion issue. Marie becomes upset because Friday nights are usually reserved for time with Doc anyway and now she will be the only employee who comes alone. She strongly feels he should attend. Doc is upset because if he were to attend, the atmosphere will reek of the abortion issue, thus making him feel tense and uncomfortable given his opposing views. He strongly feels Marie should go alone.

What does this couple do? How should they handle it, and how would you? Keep in mind that neither party is wrong for feeling the way they feel. Marie doesn’t want to convert Doc to being Pro-Life, she just wants him to suck it up for an evening and endure the auction so that she will have a good time as she’s expected to go. Doc doesn’t want to convert Marie to being Pro-Choice, he just wants her to suck it up for an evening and endure the auction without him, thus allowing him to have a comfortable Friday night instead of a miserable one. I’m asking buse nation because I truly don’t know. I’ll take real examples, hypotheticals, analogies, even riddles at this point. What do you do….in times of moral disagreement in a relationship? I would love to hear your thoughts. Comment away.

A few people need to get it

Numerous people and things need to get whooped.

Officer Robert Powell: Come on guy, where was the common sense that police officers are supposed to use when they are on duty? It does not matter that the person who was pulled over was an NFL running back, had this happened to anyone else it still would be just as outraging. A mere ticket can wait for running a stop sign. Especially when that vehicle that ran the stop sign heading straight to an emergency room loading dock. Sure your job is tough, but what is supposed to set you apart from others is your ability to assess a situation and make a quick decision based on common sense. Officer Powell, your resignation should have happened immediately.

University of California San Diego: How do you send acceptance letters to 29,000 REJECTED students? Is a simple apology supposed to make up for such a blunder? Had this been the dream choice for any of those students this letter would be one of the cruelest April Fools jokes of all time.

Justin Gaston: You are 20 years old and dating a 16 year old. I could care less that the GIRL you are dating is a millionaire, she is still just 16. Miley Cyrus may be cute but that's where it ends for me. She can only be labeled a cute girl, because she just got a license, is of sophomore age (in high school), and still has a body that has not developed. What the hell are you doing? Couldn't you find someone who is of legal age to fool around with and not statutorily rape a girl to set yourself up for life. You're almost as bad as K-Fed.

The Economy: Hating on the economy is nothing new, so this will be short. I overheard a guy use this as a line to entice a girl, "Cmon girl you know I just turned down overtime so that I could see you after work." On the real I know it's bad out there but do your pickup lines need to be that topographical?