Chicago has long been one of my favorite cities in the world. It is a place where interesting things happen and its proclivity for corruption is, of course, legendary. The latest scandal in the Windy City is actually a statewide issue involving Governor Rod Blagojevich. The story is fascinating in its absurdity. If you haven't read the complaint, it's worth the time to download it from the Trib's website - click here - it's fascinating reading.
A more important issue at play in this story is the role of newspapers. The Chicago Tribune and the Sun-Times have both played an important role in reporting this story and it occurred to me that it's worth taking some time to reflect on the future of the newspaper industry. We've all seen evidence of their plight; declining ad revenues, declining circulation, and cutbacks in staffing and features. The internet is the major culprit in their plight, and while I certainly support the internet and am a regular user, I am also a regular newspaper reader.
The major point of consideration is that the Blagojevich investigation was actually initiated by reports in the Trib as a result of their own investigation. The story may have broken anyway, but consider all the important stories in the past that were uncovered by investigative journalists (think Watergate), and that without their efforts many corruption stories would never have been pursued. As much as the internet has become an important supplement to news availability, it's mostly reporting and commenting on issues that were first reported in a newspaper. So where is this leading? If we lose our newspapers, who is going to do the research and the investigations to uncover stories like this? It's not going to happen.
What can you do? Buy a newspaper and read it, tell your retailers that you read the papers and that their advertising is important. Send an email to the reporters whose work you appreciate and tell them thank you. Write to their editor and offer encouragement.
When I travel, I usually travel by car and every time I stop I make it a point to buy the local papers. That may be extreme, I'll admit to being a news junkie, but it has given me an interesting insight into the diversity across this great land of ours.
So, go buy a paper and let these guys know that we not only need them, but we recognize the value of what they do.
Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukkah and Happy New Year!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Here Come the Holidays
Here it is closing in on Christmas, then New Year's eve and we're into a brand new year. New president, new hopes for economic growth and peace on the planet. It all makes my head hurt. The holiday season gives me plenty of time to contemplate how things went and how they might go next year; those are not things I particularly want to think about, but there you go.
I know that you will have time for thought as well and I hope that you will give some thought to the future of our wounded warriors. As of last week there were more than thirty thousand soldiers, airmen, sailors and marines that have been wounded in action in Iraq. Some of their injuries were devastating, and life changing. What I'd like to ask of you is to remind your congressman and senators how important it is that we take care of these courageous men and women. About one third of the wounded were injured badly enough to be evacuated by air for medical treatment. Here are the detailed numbers if you're interested - click here.
The future for these heroes is going to require that we step up and help in any way that we can. Helping can take many forms, I think the most important thing is to let them know that they're not forgotten. America Supports You is a web site - click here - that provides information on the many ways you can help, if only to send a card. And remember this shouldn't be just a Christmas effort, many of these guys are going to need our support for a long time.
Taking care of our soldiers has to be recognized as an issue that is completely separate from your political views about the Global War on Terrorism. Soldiers don't make decisions about where to fight or who to fight, soldiers volunteer to protect you and I at sometimes a very high price. Thank a soldier for their sacrifice whenever you see them.
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah to all my friends.
I know that you will have time for thought as well and I hope that you will give some thought to the future of our wounded warriors. As of last week there were more than thirty thousand soldiers, airmen, sailors and marines that have been wounded in action in Iraq. Some of their injuries were devastating, and life changing. What I'd like to ask of you is to remind your congressman and senators how important it is that we take care of these courageous men and women. About one third of the wounded were injured badly enough to be evacuated by air for medical treatment. Here are the detailed numbers if you're interested - click here.
The future for these heroes is going to require that we step up and help in any way that we can. Helping can take many forms, I think the most important thing is to let them know that they're not forgotten. America Supports You is a web site - click here - that provides information on the many ways you can help, if only to send a card. And remember this shouldn't be just a Christmas effort, many of these guys are going to need our support for a long time.
Taking care of our soldiers has to be recognized as an issue that is completely separate from your political views about the Global War on Terrorism. Soldiers don't make decisions about where to fight or who to fight, soldiers volunteer to protect you and I at sometimes a very high price. Thank a soldier for their sacrifice whenever you see them.
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah to all my friends.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Thanksgiving
Yesterday was Thanksgiving and I hope you all had a wonderful day of family celebration and over-indulging in food and drink. I spent the day with family in Durham, NC and had the opportunity, like all of you, to reflect on those things I'm thankful for. Not that you were waiting for this, but I am thankful for two sons who are a constant source of pride, a daughter-in-law who completes a beautiful family, including two of my three grandchildren. I am thankful for the safe return of my soldier son from his seventh trip to Iraq and for his daughter, my third grandchild.
I hope to have news soon about a new book I've been working on and with any luck, progress reports on the screenplay based on The Tangled Web.
I continue to work with the troops in the Wounded Warriors Battalion at Ft. Bragg, we're working on some ideas for a fresh approach that will hopefully make the classes available to a wider group in the battalion.
The Tangled Web will soon be out of print, in anticipation of the release in paperback. Anyone who wishes to acquire the last round of autographed copies of the hardcover, send me an email at michaeljcain@gmail.com and we'll work to make that happen.
I hope to have news soon about a new book I've been working on and with any luck, progress reports on the screenplay based on The Tangled Web.
I continue to work with the troops in the Wounded Warriors Battalion at Ft. Bragg, we're working on some ideas for a fresh approach that will hopefully make the classes available to a wider group in the battalion.
The Tangled Web will soon be out of print, in anticipation of the release in paperback. Anyone who wishes to acquire the last round of autographed copies of the hardcover, send me an email at michaeljcain@gmail.com and we'll work to make that happen.
Friday, November 14, 2008
This month voters in the U.S. elected the first black president in it's history. Who'd a thunk it? I hope he does well and I hope all the new voters who were energized to support him prove to be more than flash in the pan voters. This country works best when the people are in charge, and less well when congress is in charge.
My son has returned from Iraq and I'm glad to have him back in the good old U.S. of A. Thanks to all of you for your good thoughts during his deployment.
I'm still working with the wounded warriors at Ft. Bragg and am enjoying the experience. I was honored to receive a certificate of appreciation from the Wounded Warriors Battalion during their recent Octoberfest event held at Moon Hall on Fr. Bragg.
We're still on track to release The Tangled Web in paperback in March 2009. Amazon.com is taking pre-orders now for any of you that are so inclined.
I've been hard at work on a couple of other projects. First on my list is a screenplay based on The Tangled Web. It's not under contract yet, but there is some interest and we're working hard to make it happen. Leave a comment to let me know what you think of the idea, or send me an email - michaeljcain@gmail.com -
My second project is fiction, which tells an interesting story dealing with current events. I'm really excited about it, and will release more information about it as it comes closer to publication.
My son has returned from Iraq and I'm glad to have him back in the good old U.S. of A. Thanks to all of you for your good thoughts during his deployment.
I'm still working with the wounded warriors at Ft. Bragg and am enjoying the experience. I was honored to receive a certificate of appreciation from the Wounded Warriors Battalion during their recent Octoberfest event held at Moon Hall on Fr. Bragg.
We're still on track to release The Tangled Web in paperback in March 2009. Amazon.com is taking pre-orders now for any of you that are so inclined.
I've been hard at work on a couple of other projects. First on my list is a screenplay based on The Tangled Web. It's not under contract yet, but there is some interest and we're working hard to make it happen. Leave a comment to let me know what you think of the idea, or send me an email - michaeljcain@gmail.com -
My second project is fiction, which tells an interesting story dealing with current events. I'm really excited about it, and will release more information about it as it comes closer to publication.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
More on the Wounded Warriors
Geez, where does the time go.
Since my last post, I've begun teaching a writing class with a group of wounded warriors at Ft. Bragg, NC. I don't think I've ever done anything in my life that has given me so much gratification in such a short time. These guys are the real American heroes we've heard about. They have much to say and much to teach us about dedication to duty, humility and courage.
I'm going to continue working with these guys at least through the end of the year and I will treasure every minute of the time. It's clear to me that our soldiers are not only deserving of our respect and support, but that we owe them a tremendous debt of gratitude. Thank you, come home safe.
In other news, the paperback edition of The Tangled Web is off to the presses in the next few weeks, I've updated the epilogue with new information and am looking forward to the next wave of promotional work, coming up in March.
I've been invited to do an interview about the book for the Mary Ferrell Foundation, which will be taped in Dallas this November during the annual JFK symposium sponsored by JFK Lancer. I would encourage any of you who have an interest in the JFK assassination to learn more about both groups. JFK Lancer's website Click here provides access to important historical information about the Kennedy assassination as well as Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King.
The Mary Farrell Foundation Click here is dedicated to the dissemination of information about these assassinations as well. They have the largest collection of documents gathered anywhere and they have recently added a searchable copy of my book to that collection. I encourage you to check them out.
Since my last post, I've begun teaching a writing class with a group of wounded warriors at Ft. Bragg, NC. I don't think I've ever done anything in my life that has given me so much gratification in such a short time. These guys are the real American heroes we've heard about. They have much to say and much to teach us about dedication to duty, humility and courage.
I'm going to continue working with these guys at least through the end of the year and I will treasure every minute of the time. It's clear to me that our soldiers are not only deserving of our respect and support, but that we owe them a tremendous debt of gratitude. Thank you, come home safe.
In other news, the paperback edition of The Tangled Web is off to the presses in the next few weeks, I've updated the epilogue with new information and am looking forward to the next wave of promotional work, coming up in March.
I've been invited to do an interview about the book for the Mary Ferrell Foundation, which will be taped in Dallas this November during the annual JFK symposium sponsored by JFK Lancer. I would encourage any of you who have an interest in the JFK assassination to learn more about both groups. JFK Lancer's website Click here provides access to important historical information about the Kennedy assassination as well as Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King.
The Mary Farrell Foundation Click here is dedicated to the dissemination of information about these assassinations as well. They have the largest collection of documents gathered anywhere and they have recently added a searchable copy of my book to that collection. I encourage you to check them out.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Ft. Bragg's Wounded Warriors
On Saturday (July 26) I had the pleasure of spending the afternoon with a group of wounded warriors at Ft. Bragg, NC. I was there with retired Marine Lt. Col Jay Kopelman. The troops were quick to forgive Jay for having been a Marine since he brought copies of his book to share with them. One Army Lieutenant told a story about his having chosen the Marines initially, but his father told him that his grandfather would roll over in his grave if he didn't join the Army. He was happy with the Army, but still felt like he'd been shamed into it.
It was a moving experience, to say the least. These guys are real American heroes and they represent us well. We all owe them a debt of gratitude for taking on the jobs that must be done. Please keep them in your thoughts.
It was a moving experience, to say the least. These guys are real American heroes and they represent us well. We all owe them a debt of gratitude for taking on the jobs that must be done. Please keep them in your thoughts.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
A Tribute To Our Wounded Warriors
Taking a little different angle on this blog, I'd like to talk a little about the heroes that work to make our country safe.
Most of you know that my son, Jason, is currently serving in the Army and doing his part for all of us. He recently deployed to Iraq and is making me very proud. It's very disconcerting to know that he's in harm's way, but he loves what he does and he does it very well.
One of the tragedies of war is injuries sustained by our brave men and women of the military. There has been a lot of press about troubles at Walter Reed, but it's worth pointing out that we do take very good care of our wounded warriors. Last year the military instituted a new unit at most of the major bases around the country called a Warrior Transition Battalion. Like a combat battalion, the WTB has a typical command structure, but there is a difference. The soldiers of the WTB have all suffered severe injuries in the war. With their primary injuries treated and on the mend, these troops are receiving ongoing physical therapy and other treatments as needed. They are housed together which allows them to support one another during this difficult time.
It's called a transition battalion because this is a temporary place for them as they transition from injured status back to regular duty or back to civilian life. They are supported during this time by a tremendous staff of doctors, therapists, and others who not only help them to get well, but also to prepare for the next stage of their lives.
At Ft. Bragg, NC the WTB currently has about 300 members. I've been blessed with the opportunity to spend some time with members of this group of warriors along with retired Lt. Col. Jay Kopelman (USMC) on Saturday July 26. Jay is a decorated veteran of multiple combat deployments to Iraq and recently wrote a book (From Baghdad to America) which deals with his own transition to civilian life and his battle with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). I'm honored to have a chance to tell these young men and women how much I appreciate the sacrifices they've made and to wish them well. Jay will be donating and signing copies of his book and I expect to do the same with my book, The Tangled Web.
I hope you'll one day have an opportunity to meet a soldier, sailor, marine or airman and that you will remember to thank them for their service.
I'll update in a few days to tell you about the visit.
Most of you know that my son, Jason, is currently serving in the Army and doing his part for all of us. He recently deployed to Iraq and is making me very proud. It's very disconcerting to know that he's in harm's way, but he loves what he does and he does it very well.
One of the tragedies of war is injuries sustained by our brave men and women of the military. There has been a lot of press about troubles at Walter Reed, but it's worth pointing out that we do take very good care of our wounded warriors. Last year the military instituted a new unit at most of the major bases around the country called a Warrior Transition Battalion. Like a combat battalion, the WTB has a typical command structure, but there is a difference. The soldiers of the WTB have all suffered severe injuries in the war. With their primary injuries treated and on the mend, these troops are receiving ongoing physical therapy and other treatments as needed. They are housed together which allows them to support one another during this difficult time.
It's called a transition battalion because this is a temporary place for them as they transition from injured status back to regular duty or back to civilian life. They are supported during this time by a tremendous staff of doctors, therapists, and others who not only help them to get well, but also to prepare for the next stage of their lives.
At Ft. Bragg, NC the WTB currently has about 300 members. I've been blessed with the opportunity to spend some time with members of this group of warriors along with retired Lt. Col. Jay Kopelman (USMC) on Saturday July 26. Jay is a decorated veteran of multiple combat deployments to Iraq and recently wrote a book (From Baghdad to America) which deals with his own transition to civilian life and his battle with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). I'm honored to have a chance to tell these young men and women how much I appreciate the sacrifices they've made and to wish them well. Jay will be donating and signing copies of his book and I expect to do the same with my book, The Tangled Web.
I hope you'll one day have an opportunity to meet a soldier, sailor, marine or airman and that you will remember to thank them for their service.
I'll update in a few days to tell you about the visit.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
The Latest News
The Summer is upon us and despite dire predictions people are still buying books. My publisher recently announced they are releasing a paperback edition of The Tangled Web after the first of the year. I'm excited about it and am happy to announce that there will be updated information about Richard Cain that has come to light since publication of the hardcover edition in April 2007. There will also be a new foreword written by Jack Clarke, legendary Chicago investigator.
I'm still seeking a well-healed producer to pick up the movie rights to the book. Stay in touch.
I'll be in Chicago the week of August 11 and hope to schedule some interesting events while I'm there. If you're not already on my mailing list, drop me a note (using the comment function here) and I'll let you know what's coming up.
Amazon Recommends The Tangled Web, and we're in pretty good company. Thanks to The Beachwood Reporter for reporting it. For more than a year now, The Tangled Web has been on Amazon's best seller list in the organized crime category, against strong competition it has done well.
Thanks for your continued support and be sure to come back and visit
I'm still seeking a well-healed producer to pick up the movie rights to the book. Stay in touch.
I'll be in Chicago the week of August 11 and hope to schedule some interesting events while I'm there. If you're not already on my mailing list, drop me a note (using the comment function here) and I'll let you know what's coming up.
Amazon Recommends The Tangled Web, and we're in pretty good company. Thanks to The Beachwood Reporter for reporting it. For more than a year now, The Tangled Web has been on Amazon's best seller list in the organized crime category, against strong competition it has done well.
Thanks for your continued support and be sure to come back and visit
Friday, March 28, 2008
The Tangled Web lives on...
Next week will mark the first anniversary of the release of The Tangled Web. I'm please to say that the book is still selling and still getting noticed. Most recently, a review was posted in my home town of Bay City, Michigan, written by Dave Rogers.
I don't have any immediate plans to go back to Chicago, but I'm working on it. I would like to spend a week or two as soon as the snow is gone. We'll see what happens.
I don't have any immediate plans to go back to Chicago, but I'm working on it. I would like to spend a week or two as soon as the snow is gone. We'll see what happens.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Thank you Chicago
I had wonderful time in Chicago last Sunday and feel compelled to say thank you to the City of Chicago, to the Irish American Heritage Center and to all the people who attended the event. We had a good turnout, and the people who were there were interested and supportive. The IAHC hosted a small party afterwards where they served a wonderful luncheon and gave me an opportunity to meet with their members and talk about The Tangled Web and share some of their own stories.
Peg Reid of the Irish American Heritage Center was a gracious host and her husband, Joe, fixed the best cup of tea I've ever had.
One of the things I learned was that there is still a great deal of interest in the Chicago Outfit and their links the Chicago politics.
Stay in touch and we'll learn together about the late breaking news from the best city on the planet.
Peg Reid of the Irish American Heritage Center was a gracious host and her husband, Joe, fixed the best cup of tea I've ever had.
One of the things I learned was that there is still a great deal of interest in the Chicago Outfit and their links the Chicago politics.
Stay in touch and we'll learn together about the late breaking news from the best city on the planet.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Sunday March 9
I hope to see you all at the Irish American Heritage Center this Sunday. It should be a glorious day in Chicago. I'm expecting sunshine and 75 degrees. (I can expect that can't I?)
I'm told that I'll have an hour to speak, plus time for questions, so please bring your questions and hopefully we'll all have a good time. I plan to talk about Dick's relationship with Sheriff Richard Ogilivie and how they came to work together.
Also, as this event is hosted by the Irish American Heritage Center, I'll be talking about Dick's Irish heritage and how this played into his relationships in the Outfit.
Following the event there will be a reception where I'll have books for sale and will be available for further questions. Hopefully we'll have a chance to hoist a pint or a spot of Jameson's.
See you there!
I'm told that I'll have an hour to speak, plus time for questions, so please bring your questions and hopefully we'll all have a good time. I plan to talk about Dick's relationship with Sheriff Richard Ogilivie and how they came to work together.
Also, as this event is hosted by the Irish American Heritage Center, I'll be talking about Dick's Irish heritage and how this played into his relationships in the Outfit.
Following the event there will be a reception where I'll have books for sale and will be available for further questions. Hopefully we'll have a chance to hoist a pint or a spot of Jameson's.
See you there!
Monday, January 28, 2008
Upcoming Event in Chicago
I haven't posted in a while and was roundly chastised for it last night.
There hasn't been much activity lately, I've been stuck in Atlanta and haven't made any appearances since November in Dallas.
On March 9, 2008 at 2:00 PM I'll be appearing at the Irish American Heritage Center (4626 Knox Ave., Chicago). I'll be speaking about The Tangled Web and signing books afterwards. I hope to see a big turnout. I'll be sharing the stage with Peter K. Fallon who will be talking about Why the Irish Speak English.
Mapquest for driving directions.
There hasn't been much activity lately, I've been stuck in Atlanta and haven't made any appearances since November in Dallas.
On March 9, 2008 at 2:00 PM I'll be appearing at the Irish American Heritage Center (4626 Knox Ave., Chicago). I'll be speaking about The Tangled Web and signing books afterwards. I hope to see a big turnout. I'll be sharing the stage with Peter K. Fallon who will be talking about Why the Irish Speak English.
Directions
The Irish American Heritage Center is located at 4626 North Knox Avenue, Chicago, IL 60630, about seven miles north of downtown Chicago.
Mapquest for driving directions.
Northbound traffic should take the Kennedy Expressway (I-90/94) to Wilson Ave.(along the east side of the junction at which the Edens Expressway (I-94) separates from the Kennedy Expressway (I-90)). Take a right on Wilson and go one block East. The Heritage Center is located on the left.
Southbound traffic from the Kennedy Expressway (I-90) may exit at Lawrence Avenue, turn left, and take a right on Kilpatrick Avenue. The Heritage Center is a couple of blocks down on the left.
Southbound traffic from the Edens Expressway (I-94) may exit at Wilson Avenue. Take a left and go one block. The Heritage Center is located on the left.
CTA directions: Take the blue line L train to the Montrose station. Go East on Montrose to Kilbourn. Take a left on Kilbourn (north) to Wilson Ave. Take a left on Wilson (west) to Knox Ave. Take a right on Knox (north) and there we are.
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