A transcript of Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich's statement Friday ...more

December 19, 2008

In 2003, Plant High School won all of one football game. The once-proud Panthers had fallen on the hardest of times; they were now Friday Night Lightweights. Dad's Stadium orphans. Enter new head coach Robert J. Weiner, who seemed almost oblivious to the riches-to-rags challenge. The whispers had grown deafening that the iconic, 82-year-old South Tampa institution, synonymous with affluence and academic achievement, had grown too soft to excel at a tough, noncountry club sport. But the longtime Jesuit High assistant had seemingly been preparing for this opportunity his whole career. His philosophy of old-school work ethic, zealot-like motivation, unwavering loyalty and community commitment -- plus a fun, high-octane spread offense – may have found the perfect fit in high-profile, under-performing Plant High. He also realized that South Tampa was unique: a de facto small town within a major city and would likely rally around a revived football program. ...more

August 19, 2008

As any military historian will testify, among the most difficult of maneuvers is the strategic retreat. Napoleon's retreat from Moscow, Lee's retreat to Appomattox and MacArthur's retreat from the Yalu come to mind. The British Empire abandoned India in 1947 - and a Muslim-Hindu bloodbath ensued. ...more

July 31, 2008

You can buy a Hummer and a Prius for the price of some rare books. But price doesn't seem to faze the truly driven bibliophile, the collector who values a book above any kind of car. ...more

December 23, 2007