My secret love's no secret any more

I was appalled by what I heard today about my governor, Rod Blagojevich, a man I contributed more than $400 to in 2002 and voted for twice. I was insulted by how cheaply he regarded Barack Obama's Senate seat ... and WRIGLEY FIELD! And yet … and yet …

I am so hot for Patrick Fitzgerald. He looked and sounded as though anger steeled his resolve to bring Blagojevich down. I love that he had the power to drag the Governor out of his home at 6:15 AM. And that he did it! Usually, when the alleged perp is high profile, he's given the opportunity to turn himself in. This morning, Patrick Fitzgerald gave the order to cuff Blagojevich and bring him as if he were a common street thug, not the Guv.

Patrick Fitzgerald, I love you. With the retirement of Greg Maddux, I need a new straight-arrow, geek-chic dream date, and I choose you.

Nailah Franklin Update -- Suspect Now Has Representation

Last month, the man about to stand trial for the murder of Nailah Franklin had second thoughts about representing himself and has accepted the assistance of the Cook County public defender’s office. I apologize for being so late in posting this development.

For those of you who aren't familiar with this case, Nailah Franklin was just 28 -- with a promising career, a supportive network of friends and a family who loved her -- when, in September 2007, she was kidnapped and murdered. I didn't know this young woman personally, but her story touched me. For example, while she was missing, Nailah's sisters held out hope that she was still alive because "her spirited and strong personality would help her survive." Friends recalled that she loved shopping and "all things Oprah." She volunteered at the Chicago Urban League, and was eulogized as "not a star, but a superstar."

Those close to her didn't want her to become just another "missing black woman statistic," and neither do I. Nailah Franklin deserves to be more than that.

I choose not to use the murder suspect's name here because I personally believe he's guilty and don't think he deserves notoriety for what he did. If after his trial I am proven wrong, I will publicly apologize. But for now, I choose to spotlight this lady instead. And my thoughts are with the family and friends who have to spend yet another Christmas without her.

This is just awful

Our governor was greeted this morning at 6:15 AM by FBI agents and taken into custody. He was released on his own recognizance and left the Federal Building by an underground ramp. Reportedly he's still wearing his running shoes, running pants and turtleneck.

According to the indictment, Rod Blagojevich tried to trade Barack Obama's Senate seat for favors and offered to have the State of Illinois buy the Cubs and Wrigley Field off the Tribune Company ... if they would fire their entire editorial board.

He's been under investigation for so long, I can't even remember when all the corruption talk started. But this is more blatant and awful that I'd imagined. I wish I could find it funny, but I don't. It's just sleazy and sad and I can't stop thinking about it.

Special Prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald said that right now, Abraham Lincoln must be spinning in his grave. I agree.

It's official. It's sad. But it's time.

He grew up in Vegas and makes his home there today, so it just stands to reason that he'd make the announcement there, during the baseball winter meetings. The headlines read:

PITCHING GREAT MADDUX ANNOUNCES
RETIREMENT

FORMER BRAVE MADDUX RETIRES

NEXT STOP: COOPERSTOWN

Through 23 seasons, Greg Maddux won 355 games (more than any other living pitcher), 4 Cy Young Awards … and my heart.

I know he will go into the Hall of Fame as a Brave. Whatever. He will always be this Cub fan's favorite Cub.