Podcasts about obama center

Mayor Johnson visits Springfield, neighbors protest a proposed luxury hotel near the Obama Center, Sen. Duckworth backs Lt. Gov. Stratton for Senate seat. Reset goes behind the headlines of those stories and much more in our Weekly News Recap. This week's panel features Axios Chicago reporter Carrie Shepherd, Chicago Tribune criminal justice reporter Sam Charles and WBEZ statehouse reporter Alex Degman. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Ep. 351: @KNaughton711 @PaSuburbsGuy/Art had the plague/Art's Shirt/Prop Bets/Dave's Mean Neighbor/Whiny Dems help Trump/Dave's Hot Takes/Canada can't take a joke/Obama Center boondoggle/What We're Watching

Earlier this week, the Civilian Office of Police Accountability released body cam footage, numerous bystander videos, and 911 calls related to police shooting and killing Dexter Reed during a traffic stop in March. Invisible Institute's Maira Khwaja and Crain Chicago's Corli Jay are here to discuss the fallout including COPA questioning officers' accounts of what led to the traffic stop. Plus, we discuss the latest court ruling regarding ongoing Obama Center construction, a new small business incubator in Englewood, and Market Box Chicago celebrates four years of mutual aid. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Crain's residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about recent home sales, including an upper-floor St. Regis condo that sold at almost $1.2 million lower than its 2021 price.Plus: Johnson urges calm after video of Humboldt Park police shooting released, Boeing whistleblower alleges 'shortcuts' taken on 787, Bears recruit Andrea Zopp as a legal adviser as stadium push rolls on and court allows Obama Center construction to keep moving.

Valerie Jarrett, CEO of the Obama Foundation and former senior advisor to President Barack Obama, joined Executive Director of the George W. Bush Institute David J. Kramer and host Andrew Kaufmann to discuss the collaboration between the Bush Center, the Obama Foundation, and 11 other presidential centers to affirm the principles of democracy.Hear more about the progress of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, the importance of principled leadership, and how to stay optimistic when the news of the day always seems tough on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.Related content: Presidential Centers Affirm That 'Democracy Holds Us Together'

BrownTown chops it up with Dixon Romeo, Executive Director of NotMeWe and organizer with the Bring Chicago Home campaign. On March 19th, 2024, Chicago voters have the opportunity in the state primary elections to restructure the already existing, one-time Real Estate Transfer Tax (RETT) "on properties when they are sold to create a substantial and legally dedicated revenue stream to provide permanent affordable housing for people experiencing homelessness" (BringChicagoHome.org). The gang breaks down the years of organizing it took to get here and the ballot measure itself which increases the existing flat tax from .75% for the total price of all homes to 2% on the home price over $1 million and 3% for on the home price over $1.5 million, yet decreases for all homes under $1 million (~93% of new home buyers). BrownTown and Dixon also push back on real estate lobby-backed lies and places this moment in broader social and political context regarding the mere existence of homelessness in the richest, most powerful country in the world. Get in loser, we're Bringing Chicago Home! Originally recorded March 1, 2024. GUESTSDixon Romeo is a lifelong South Shore resident and executive director of Not Me We, a grassroots community group building power for poor and working-class folks in the neighborhood. Dixon is also an organizer with the Obama Community Benefits Agreement Coalition, which includes organizations across Chicago and residents at risk of being displaced by the Obama Center and the University of Chicago. Follow Dixon on Instagram and Twitter; and NowMeWe on Facebook and Instagram!Support Bring Chicago Home on their website and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter! Vote now until March 19, 2024. SoapBox Micro-doc PSA coming soon! Mentioned in episode and more information:Lightfoot's Promises to Use Federal COVID-19 Relief Funds to Transform Chicago Falling Short (WTTW)Bring Chicago Home referendum info (WGN, Video)Chicago Coalition for the HomelessFebruary 23rd lawsuit and March 6th appeal win for BCHOpinions on this episode only reflect David, Caullen, and Dixon.CREDITS: Intro soundbite from ABC Chicago. Outro music from Journey by Tobe Nwigwe. Episode photo from Chicago Coalition for the Homeless' website. Audio engineered by Kiera Battles.--Bourbon 'n BrownTownFacebook | Twitter | Instagram | Site | Linktree | PatreonSoapBox Productions and Organizing, 501(c)3Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Site | Linktree | Support

On this week's At Issue, WBBM Poliitical Editor Craig Dellimore talks with the Executive Vice President of the Obama Foundation, Michael Strautmanis, to talk about the programs within the foundation, its goal to develop future leaders, the Obama Center & more. 

Last week, Fifth Ward Ald. Desmon Yancy introduced the South Shore Housing Preservation Ordinance to City Council. The measure would provide increased protections for longterm renters and homeowners who fear displacement as the Obama Presidential Center continues construction in Jackson Park. Lead Producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran look through the ordinance and discuss how the proposal could affect renters citywide . We are also going through some of your responses to our "alphabet dating" picks and preparing to say goodbye to summer. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Community organizer Dixon Romeo joins Ben for a week's worth of news. Including…the city council's conservative caucus. Is there one? The Obama Center community benefits agreement. Will it be adopted? The latest MAGA editorial in the Tribune. Does anyone read this drivel besides Ben? Northwestern hazing scandal? How can smart people be so dumb? And what's it gonna be—Barbie or Oppenheimer? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ja'Mal Green is trying to decide who to endorse in the mayor's race. Ben riffs. Activists Kiara Hardin and Dixon Romeo talk Obama Center community benefits agreement. And more...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Also in the news: Alderman incensed with State's Attorney's Office, says yesterday's suspected killer of CPD officer belonged in jail; Evanston City Council to build new animal shelter; Activists worried about affordable housing around Obama Center and more.

Also in the news: Alderman incensed with State's Attorney's Office, says yesterday's suspected killer of CPD officer belonged in jail; Evanston City Council to build new animal shelter; Activists worried about affordable housing around Obama Center and more.

Also in the news: Alderman incensed with State's Attorney's Office, says yesterday's suspected killer of CPD officer belonged in jail; Evanston City Council to build new animal shelter; Activists worried about affordable housing around Obama Center and more.

Manny Ramos--investigative reporter for the Illinois Answers Project--talks SBF & FTX. That is--Sam Bankman-Fried and FTX, his rogue crypto company. Or--how did this wheeler dealer, recently arrested for fraud, convince the Lightfoot administrate to celebrate using his money to run a financial training program for poor people. Financial advice from Bankman-Fried? What's next--bank security from Jesse James? Also, a few words about escalating real estate prices in Woodlawn, South Shore and other south side communities instigated by land speculators buying properties near the Obama Center. Manny is on the case!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Top US border official Chris Magnus told to resign or be fired Batman voice actor Kevin Conroy dies aged 66 Why is Trump suddenly attacking Republican rivals Ukraine war Celebrations as Kyiv takes back key city Kherson FTX Crypto firm collapses into bankruptcy COP27 Joe Biden issues climate rallying cry to world leaders States are counting votes with key races still in play. Heres what to know Republicans redirect hopes for Senate majority on Georgia runoff Its powerful how John Fettermans hoodie won the popular vote in Pennsylvania US midterms Local Kentucky races decided by coin toss U.S. stops taking student debt forgiveness applications after ruling Why is the UK struggling more than other countries Construction halted at Obama Center after noose found Some Republicans call for delaying Senate leadership elections in challenge to McConnell Ukrainian flag raised in Kherson after Russias retreat top U.S. general says diplomatic solutions possible Control Of Congress Still At Stake After Midterm Election Day CBS Miami Control of Congress remains unknown three days after midterm elections Biden Announces Restrictions on Methane Emissions at COP27 Student debt forgiveness Texas court strikes down Bidens plan

CNN's woke purge begins! Media 'hall monitor' Brian Stelter is OUT, Chicago's Obama Center has no money, Joe Rogan calls out REGIME over what's REALLY behind Mar-a-Lago FBI raid, Does Joe Biden have dementia?

0:00 - Dan & Amy take a moment to remember Ivana Trump  6:19 - Dan & Amy take a look at the governor race and how much longer can Illinois afford Pritzker  22:25 -MSNBC's Malcolm Nance & John Bolton & two different views of Jan 6 44:17 - Thomas DeVore, attorney with Silver Lake Law and Republican candidate for IL AG, shares his plan to protect election integrity in Illinois.For more on Tom's campaign for Attorney General visit tomdevore.com 58:31 - John O'Neil, graduate of the US Naval Academy, Vietnam veteran, served as a clerk for Chief Justice William Rehnquist and NY Times bestselling author, shares his new book  The Dancer and the Devil: Stalin, Pavlova, and the Road to the Great Pandemic 01:18:18 - James Parker Hall Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus of Law, Senior Lecturer at the University of Chicago, Richard Epstein, offers his argument against a  judge's decision for Obama Center to stay in Jackson Park 01:37:05 - Executive Editor of the Federalist, Joy Pullman: Here's What Your Child's School Should Be Teaching About American History And Government. Check out Joy's Latest for the Federalist here 01:51:34 - OPEN MIC FRIDAY!!!! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NOTE: This episode was recorded in early April. In this episode we focus on “Is There a Technical Solution?,” “Autumn in New York,” and “Optimodal.” But first we spend some time (as usual) lamenting the state of the world, especially the plight of the unhoused from Maine to Chicago. We decide private property should be abolished, which is also one of the best takeaways from Eric Holthaus's The Future Earth. We also curse Barack Obama for what the Obama Center is doing to the South Side of Chicago. A bad guy, actually! This leads us into thinking about public space and the commons, which takes us back into Green Earth and Frank's experience living in a tree in Rock Creek Park. Here, outdoor spaces have become something more than what they were before the flood and the freeze. In the park, with Frank, the bros, and the frisbee golfers, we can find the novel's speculative kernel, taking us outside the question of whether science can become political and whether politics can be reconciled to science. We talk about home and habits, how the everyday lives of the characters are so partitioned and look for the things that hold Frank's life together, one of which is the economy, indebtedness, insurance–ironically the very thing that, in the novel's A-plot, may force the world to change course. The uninsurability of property in the face of catastrophic climate change may force capital into a different direction. In this way, Green Earth provides an actuarial imagination that gives a different relationship to the future, in ways that KSR will continue to develop in New York 2140 and The Ministry for the Future. Meanwhile, Phil Chase is doing his Wizard of Oz routine, and Matt and Hilary reflect on what it looks like when our politics is centered on charismatic leaders. Being beholden to a pseudo-magical figure and the hierarchies and dependencies entailed by that arrangement don't lend themselves to having a better democracy. Even Frank's relationship with the bros seems to be one of liberal benevolence, which they do not fail to call him on. We critique Chase's speech calling on America to fulfill its “historical destiny” and put pressure on the possibility of threading the needle between the U.S. being a world leader without being hegemonic, “inventing permaculture” without engaging in imperialism. Can we reconcile the idea of the nation-state with the idea of a global civilization? What does “culture” mean in a borderless world? The whole notion of “permaculture” is a weird one–isn't culture constantly changing? The section ends with some hints toward the need for a new global religion, with Frank dipping his toe in Emerson (and then getting beat up). Hilary pulls a switcheroo, picks a bone with Donna Haraway, demands action, and Matt plugs Tokyo Vice. It's all happening. Email us at maroonedonmarspodcast@gmail.com Follow us on Twitter @podcastonmars Leave us a voicemail on the Anchor.fm app Rate and review us on iTunes or wherever you listen to your podcasts! Music by Spirit of Space --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/marooned-on-mars/message

AirGo is joined on this episode by the incomparable Maira Khwaja. Maira is a writer and organizer of Public Strategy for the Invisible Institute, a journalism organization on the South Side of Chicago. She's a determined and joyful community organizer, building collective power with a variety of community projects and initiatives including food distribution across the city, the fight for housing protections in the wake of the Obama Center, and many more. Maira is also one of the most loving and caring humans in our circles, and it was a pleasure to celebrate and learn from her. The convo went so deep that we had to break it up into two episodes for you to enjoy. Part 1 came out last week, we recommend checking it out before hopping into this episode! SHOW NOTES Explore Envisioning Justice RE:ACTION - https://envisioningjustice.org/AG/ Support the Chicago Torture Survivor Relief fund - https://www.classy.org/campaign/survivor-relief-fund-in-the-time-of-covid-19/c278576 Somewhere in Wiscansin episode - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/airgo/id1016530091?i=1000496157613 Harith Augustus exhibit - https://forensic-architecture.org/programme/exhibitions/chicago-architecture-biennial-2019 Chicago Police Torture Archive - https://chicagopolicetorturearchive.com/ The Mauritanian - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tmxxzZXLEM John Burge Survivors - https://chicagotorture.org/reparations/history/ Deadly Exchange campaign - https://deadlyexchange.org/ Remaking the Exceptional: Tea, Torture, & Reparations | Chicago to Guantánamo - https://resources.depaul.edu/art-museum/exhibitions/Pages/remaking-the-exceptional.aspx KOCO - https://kocoonline.org/ Not Me We - https://instagram.com/notmewe_ STOP Chicago - https://www.stopchicago.org/ Jacqui Germain - https://www.jacquigermain.com/

A judge recently dismissed a lawsuit regarding the Obama Center planned to be built in Jackson Park. Protect Our Parks is a group fighting to protect the habitat of Jackson Park and other natural ecosystems. Protect Our Parks Co-counsel Professor Richard A. Epstein joins John Howell to express his feeling on the lawsuit and what their next plan is.

AirGo is joined on this episode by the incomparable Maira Khwaja. Maira is a writer and organizer of Public Strategy for the Invisible Institute, a journalism organization on the South Side of Chicago. She's a determined and joyful community organizer, building collective power with a variety of community projects and initiatives including food distribution across the city, the fight for housing protections in the wake of the Obama Center, and many more. Maira is also one of the most loving and caring humans in our circles, and it was a pleasure to celebrate and learn from her. The convo went so deep that we had to break it up into two episodes for you to enjoy. Here's Part 1, with Part 2 to follow next week! SHOW NOTES Explore Envisioning Justice RE:ACTION - https://envisioningjustice.org/AG/ Support the Chicago Torture Survivor Relief fund - https://www.classy.org/campaign/survivor-relief-fund-in-the-time-of-covid-19/c278576 R3 Coalition - https://www.facebook.com/R3Coalition/ Andy Clarno - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-188-andy-clarno/id1016530091?i=1000438261203 UChicago Crime Lab - https://urbanlabs.uchicago.edu/labs/crime Trina Reynolds-Tyler on AirGo - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/airgo/id1016530091?i=1000436477593 Jamie Kalven on AirGo - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/airgo/id1016530091?i=1000434150947 Beneath the Surface, a project that investigates gender-based violence at the hands of the police - http://www.btsurface.com/ Citizens Police Data Project - https://cpdp.co/ Marketbox - https://marketboxchi.org/ Saul Alinsky - https://studsterkel.wfmt.com/programs/saul-alinsky-american-community-organizer-political-activist-and-writer-discusses-his-book Almighty Black P Stone Nation by Natalie Y Moore - https://www.chicagoreviewpress.com/almighty-black-p-stone-nation--the-products-9781569768464.php Natalie Y Moore on AirGo - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/airgo/id1016530091?i=1000502721915 Dissenters - https://wearedissenters.org/ Asha Ransby Sporn on AirGo - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/airgo/id1016530091?i=1000458120525

Episode Summary Bob Sonnenberg grew up as what most people would call a “normal individual”. He went to school, had a good home life and after college he went to work. However, several years ago, his “normal” life changed when in an instant he lost almost all of his eyesight and entered a whole new world. However, Bob internally rejected the typical view held by most people toward losing their sight. Bob moved forward and demonstrated that he truly has an unstoppable mindset. Today I invite you to meet this strong and confident individual. Learn how he not only has survived but how he thrives and gives back to all of us in so many ways. Bob Sonnenberg has mostly been an unsung hero, but today we put his song out there for everyone to hear and celebrate. Some directories do not show full show notes. For the complete transcription please visit https://michaelhingson.com/podcast About the Guest: Bob Sonnenberg, CEO Bob is a native of Marin County and a fifth generation Californian. He has more than 30 years of experience in finance, development, and investments, including operating his own brokerage and insurance business and manufacturing business. Prior to joining EBC, he served for more than 10 years as Associate Director of Planned Giving and Major Donor Officer for Guide Dogs for the Blind. Bob earned his MBA from Golden Gate University. Devoted to his community, Bob is an advocate for quality of life for older adults and people living with disabilities. He serves on the board of Whistlestop and Marin County Estate Planning Council and is a past Mill Valley Rotary member as well as having served on the Board of the Community Institute of Psychotherapy (CIP) for over 10 years. Bob leads an active and independent lifestyle and enjoys hiking, gardening and tandem bike riding. He lives with his wife Cindy and guide dog, Langley, in San Rafael, CA. About the Host: Michael Hingson is a New York Times best-selling author, international lecturer, and Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe. Michael, blind since birth, survived the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog Roselle. This story is the subject of his best-selling book, Thunder Dog. Michael gives over 100 presentations around the world each year speaking to influential groups such as Exxon Mobile, AT&T, Federal Express, Scripps College, Rutgers University, Children's Hospital, and the American Red Cross just to name a few. He is Ambassador for the National Braille Literacy Campaign for the National Federation of the Blind and also serves as Ambassador for the American Humane Association's 2012 Hero Dog Awards. https://michaelhingson.com https://www.facebook.com/michael.hingson.author.speaker/ https://twitter.com/mhingson https://www.youtube.com/user/mhingson https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhingson/ accessiBe Links https://accessibe.com/ https://www.youtube.com/c/accessiBe https://www.linkedin.com/company/accessibe/mycompany/ https://www.facebook.com/accessibe/ Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app. Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. Transcription Notes UM Intro/Outro 00:00 Access Cast and accessiBe Initiative presents Unstoppable Mindset. The podcast where inclusion, diversity and the unexpected meet. Hi, I'm Michael Hingson, Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe and the author of the number one New York Times bestselling book, Thunder dog, the story of a blind man, his guide dog and the triumph of trust. Thanks for joining me on my podcast as we explore our own blinding fears of inclusion unacceptance and our resistance to change. We will discover the idea that no matter the situation, or the people we encounter, our own fears, and prejudices often are our strongest barriers to moving forward. The unstoppable mindset podcast is sponsored by accessiBe, that's a c c e s s i capital B e. Visit www.accessibe.com to learn how you can make your website accessible for persons with disabilities. And to help make the internet fully inclusive by the year 2025. Glad you dropped by we're happy to meet you and to have you here with us. Ad 01:28 On April the 16th at 2pm North American instant time, blind musicians from across the globe are getting together for an online benefit concert for Ukraine. It's called we're with you. And all money raised goes to the World Blind unions unity fund for Ukraine. To learn more, including how to listen and how to perform it. We're with you. Visit mushroom fm.com/with you. That's mushroom fm.com/with you. Michael Hingson 01:58 Hi, and thanks for dropping by Welcome to unstoppable mindset where inclusion, diversity and the unexpected meet least that's what we say. And I'm glad that you're able to be here and hope that you enjoy our session today. We have a person that I regard as a special guest. He's been a very close friend for oh my gosh, 16 years or more. Bob Sonnenberg and I met at Guide Dogs for the Blind. And he was looking at getting a job and looking at the concept of having a guide dog and I was working at Guide Dogs for the Blind and we had a chance to meet and talk and friendship has grown from there. It's kind of all turned around a couple of years ago, he drafted me to serve on a board for an organization of which he is the executive director of the Erlbaum center of the blind. In Santa Rosa, California. Bob, welcome to unstoppable mindset. Bob Sonnenberg 02:51 Well, thank you so much, Michael, for for having me for inviting me and it has been quite a journey over the last 16 years, that's for sure. Michael Hingson 03:02 Well, I would love to hear about the journey, that's a good place to start. So tell us a little about you in general, you know, you grew up I know as a as a sighted person and so on. And then things change but tell us about your life and your journey. Bob Sonnenberg 03:19 So, well, where do you start? Okay, so one of the things is that that is probably unique to me maybe in being a native Californian and a seventh or eighth generation Californian but dating back to the 1820s here in the state of California. So somewhat unique and and there's not a lot of us in that in that club. But I grew up here in the San Francisco Bay Area, spent most of my childhood in and Marin County, California just north of San Francisco been happily married for 40 years and that's been a journey and have have two young young boys real proud of that both married and live really close by to me. So on a personal level, it's been a it's been pretty terrific to have be surrounded by not only great friends but also great family. And my background, it's while the childhood years were spent here in the North Bay in Northern California. I've also had a lot of experience in one of my lifes I was a cowboy and was on the junior rodeo circuit years ago so pretty fearless as far as my adventures experiences and love sports and I love the concept of unstoppable because I think it's just a great not to have any upper limits with your life. And like Michael said, I 16 years ago I was I just kind of share how my my world is really changed dramatically as far as being fully sighted to the not so fully sighted or the low vision world. And I was driving up to Sacramento and all of a sudden outside the city limits, my retinas kind of shut down. And all of a sudden, I couldn't see the couldn't see the freeway signs. And so that was my quick entry into vision loss. And that transition really wasn't, it wasn't a gentle transition, it was really an abrupt transition. But it took me a while to really absorb and figure out how to deal with it. And even from the point of telling people that I've lost my lost a significant amount of my sight. And I still think that was one of the hardest things I had to do. When I first lost my sight is telling, acknowledging that I had a disability. But once I got over, that fear that that, that issue, I was able to start moving forward. It took me a while to embrace using a cane and and once I figured out that it was a great tool to be able to use a cane and navigate safely. It was easy, you know, and it's pretty, it's really second nature now. And I think one of the things that has served me well, maybe from a work experience level is prior to being involved in the nonprofit world prior to being involved with Earl balm center prior to being involved with guide dogs was I was in the, in the financial world, and life insurance business, and also the investment, retirement planning business and, and having that expertise of 30 plus years is has been pretty terrific. As far as being able to meet an incredible array of people. It's all people oriented. My whole work experience has been people oriented and connecting with people and, and building relationships with people. And so that's really helped me in in entering the new world of low vision. And I want to go ahead, right, well, Michael Hingson 07:21 I want to get into that. But But I have to ask you a couple questions. First, you said something early on that I'm really concerned about. They're married, but you still call them young boys? Hmm. Bob Sonnenberg 07:32 Well, you're younger than me much younger than me, like, you know, early 30s, mid 30s. So Michael Hingson 07:41 young boys. Well, that that's great. I remember them when they were a lot younger. Of course, we've been down here now for a while I haven't seen them. So we'll we've got to work that out. But you know, we we continue the circle of life as it were. So that that is really cool, though. But tell me about your time on the on the rodeo circuit, what did you do? Bob Sonnenberg 08:05 So not only race, race ponies roll out years. And, you know, I had this vision when I was a kid that I would grow up and have some connection with a four legged animal and a harness, okay, or not a harness, but a halter. Okay, some leather type, you know, like a, a bridle. So I think it's really important. And I've kind of shared this in sometimes in talking with with groups of young kids, and you got to be really clear on what your goals are, what your vision is. And so I have a guide dog, my second guide dog and so I am connected with a four legged animal, not the dog that is not the four legged animal that I envisioned when I was 1012 years old. And I've connected with having not a bridle but a harness. So I was there was a missing piece in my vision of when I grew up to be a grown well, I'm still growing up, but Michael Hingson 09:12 this is this sort of God's way of saying, Be careful what you wish for. Bob Sonnenberg 09:16 Yeah, exactly. You can be a little bit more clear, okay, and concise and focused. And but, you know, it's even to this day, I know that I mentally and mechanically, I could probably go out and easily ride a horse again and also probably even rope again. Michael Hingson 09:34 I was just gonna ask if you've done any ride, you know, not rodeo necessarily, but have you done any writing or anything in the last little while? Bob Sonnenberg 09:43 Not in the last little while. It's it's definitely on my my, my bucket list once again. Somehow, someway get involved in horseback riding again because I love doing it. It's just it's wonderful. Michael Hingson 09:59 It's been a while since I've had that opportunity, we'd love to do it again. There's nothing like the, the feeling of communicating within and riding a horse and interacting with them. Yeah, last time last time, I think we interacted with a horse was in New York City. And it was Roselle. Actually, um, we were at the, I think, walking by the Plaza Hotel right across from Central Park. And Roselle saw these dogs across the street. At least she thought they were and and somebody somebody had told me that it was the carriage horses for the carriages and all that that, that drive around anyway. I said was hey, you want to go meet them and she was wagging her tail and the closer we got the slower she walked. As they kept getting bigger and bigger and bigger. She figured out they're not dogs. I don't know about this anymore. Anyway, we went up to one. And I started talking to the guy whose horse it was the horse's name was Charlie and he said, Well, Charlie isn't necessarily the most friendly horse so you might be careful. But Charlie and Roselle struck up a relationship and they talked to each other and Charlie was very friendly and sniffed Roselle. Roselle got to sniff Charlie and we stayed there about 10 minutes and Roselle was quite happy and comfortable. She made a new friend. Bob Sonnenberg 11:22 That's great. Yeah. Michael Hingson 11:24 But there's nothing like riding a horse. I hope you get to do it. Someone I hope we can do it down here sometime soon or else up there. Bob Sonnenberg 11:32 Yep, yep, it's definitely on my list of things to do. Michael Hingson 11:37 So what happened when your retina shut down? You're on the freeway, how did you deal with that immediately? What did you do a Bob Sonnenberg 11:44 lot of emotions. You know, unfortunately, I could see I was very familiar with Sacramento and driving into Sacramento and I just kind of I was able to turn off to the roadway safely and, and actually was up there was early in the morning, I went to an all day conference, really not knowing what was going on rather than I couldn't see very well and went to the conference and made a decision. At the end of the day, probably about five o'clock, it was this saint January of 2004. So it was dark, getting dark, about five o'clock or so. And I didn't want to call and worry my wife that I I'd be late or whatever. And we had plans to meet in the city that night in San Francisco and there was about a 80 mile drive south to San Francisco and Sacramento. And so I made the decision to get in the car not necessarily the necessarily the best decision I've ever made. But I got in the car. And California was kind enough to put in those what I refer was referred to that time. Boy bumps in the freeway. So yeah, that but that's whatever. Anyhow, I just got in the slow lane and use that as kind of my guideline and safely drove to San Francisco. And that was a last evening I drove a car and I made it successfully. So Michael Hingson 13:14 safely. I don't know. But you made it which safely I Bob Sonnenberg 13:17 made it. Yeah, didn't hit anything and hurt anybody. And and I arrived. And Michael Hingson 13:22 so what did you then do what then? What happened? First of all, what? When did you learn what cost you're? Bob Sonnenberg 13:30 So it was really interesting. Just happened on a Saturday morning and Monday morning, I made arrangements to come up and see a retinal specialist in actually ironically in Santa Rosa. And I met with her and she gave me the diagnosis that it was myopic degeneration. So similar to macular degeneration, it's really high, high level nearsightedness. So I just, I don't have any dark spots, black spots, I can just the visual acuity is just not as sharp as it was and it's not correctable. So from that perspective, the fact that I don't have any dark spots, black spots, that's really account that is a blessing every day. But when I we arrived home, and I sat down with each one of my sons and told them what the diagnosis was and was just, you know, slowly processing it, but I love to share this one story with my oldest son I sat down with him and he said, Dad, you know how I can help you we'll help you and if you need a ride someplace, give me a ride and but I have a question for you and and the question was, well, God when you when you lose one of your senses, I've heard that another one is supposed to get better. I said, Yeah, I've heard that too. But, Bob, this just happened two days ago. So what are you asking me? He said, Well, when are you going to get a sense of humor. So he's much bigger than me. And I just gave him a big hug. But I, I love sharing that because, you know, that's kind of what it's all about just looking at things in a different lens and looking at it joyfully, as opposed to what was me. So having that attitude of positivity is really probably really helped me in this journey. Michael Hingson 15:38 So what was your work at the time? Bob Sonnenberg 15:41 So at that time, I was working for the triple A organization in Marion County, and our my role and responsibility was really marketing developing selling there. While everyone knows about their travel business, or their property casualty, their auto insurance and homeowners insurance, not a lot of folks knew about their life insurance business, and that was part of my background. So I was embarking on marketing for them the life insurance business in marine County. And so right in my backyard, it was a great, you know, I lived a couple miles away from where I worked. So it was pretty cool. And a triple eight, at the time really didn't know what to do with somebody that couldn't see the computer, they had no tools, no preparation for someone that was, couldn't really see. And they tried a lot of different things to try. And as far as job accommodations for me, and I will never forget the one of the first things that they tried to have me suggested I embrace as far as a position, not in the life insurance business, but in another role, another responsibility within the organization, they said, Bob, we'd like you to answer the phone. And I'm sure my reaction was it was a stunned silence, because it was not something that I really cherish doing. And fortunately, for me, I only lasted in with that responsibility for about two or three hours. And then they, they, they tried to multiple things, and I was able to work and get support, get help from the Department of Rehabilitation, get some job accommodation type tools, magnification tools, and, and I really, I, I didn't stop working the whole time. And I were, we get a ride there every day to work for one of my either my wife or my kids. And it just, it helped me having that, that work ethic, it helped me having a day, every day something to do something to work at and just kind of it helped me adjust to the sight loss and doing different things. And I you know, not only did things in interacting with people every day at the AAA organization, but also different having different roles there and using the tools and being out there where I could, I had a video magnifier, a big desktop so it just kind of accentuated the fact that hey, this guy has special tools, there's got to be someone with him and I got a you know, it took me a while to process that and but having that ability to work every day and work at it every day and embrace that connected connectivity with other people every day really helped me transfer and my fear of not having full sight anymore. And I just learned how to adjust and it was a you know, it takes time and it's kind of maybe even a lifelong thing because you still have maybe for myself and I'm not sure I really haven't talked a lot about it with other folks that have lost their sight later in life but it's a transition period and you know the interceptor really have the internal maybe attitude fortitude that you want to keep being successful you still want to be engaged in life and that that's probably been the one of the big motor freight motivators for me, you know, having been curious being fearless. constantly wanting to move forward. So Michael Hingson 19:46 What job did you ended up settling on? Or did you did you end up with a sort of a regular job for a while at triple A? Bob Sonnenberg 19:55 They had, I not only gave handed out maps gave directions to people because I knew that the area that I was living in serving in, I sold the work to the cashier, as a cashier is selling travel equipment within this store, I did inventory, they, they had me doing a little bit of everything and a lot of everything so, but I made some great connections with the people that I worked with. And that's kind of always been my Hallmark. I mean, as far as you can't do anything you do in life, I don't think you can't do it alone. And so you need to be able to have the ability to work with people and get support from other people. And, and it gave me the opportunity to do that. And really, you know, in hindsight, it really, it was a pretty low stress responsibilities that I had, looking back at it, it was it was definitely something I hadn't done in my sales, so called sales, production type career. So, you know, it was a learning experience. And I ultimately, when I, when I got learned how to use these new tools, this video magnifier or whatever their technology that might be out there, one of the trainers I will never forget, he said, he told me about people that I should connect with. And I'll never forget who he was. And when it was and who he told me I should reach out to her. So he was uh, he gave us a training and like, a new piece of equipment to my house. So I could use a video magnifier big desktop video magnifier, my house and you set it up for me and see the same, you know, Bob, you should you should connect with this guy. You may have heard of him. And they said, he said, Sam is Michael Hinkson. And so, being fearless perhaps, and not bashful about reaching out, picking up the phone and calling a stranger. That's what I did. And that's how I that's how I connect with you, Mike and, you know, ultimately connected getting a guide dog, you know, the first time I got was even considering getting a guide dog guide. They took me on a came in interviewed me did a lifestyle assessment. And then they wanted to test my cane skills. Well, this was six months into losing my sight. And I never even touched the cane. So they told me or with guide dogs told me where I was supposed to walk to. And I knew the area and I knew the routine. And I could see well enough to navigate what I thought was safely and not bump into people. So I went on the test walk that guide walked and didn't bring the cane and that was probably a bad example that I set for the guide dog instructor and but after doing that journey, or after doing that test, I got back to my house and said to the guide dog trainer, I said you know, Jim, I really don't think I need a guide dog. Okay. And my attitude was that, you know, I wasn't ready mentally to get a guide dog. But he said, Bob, what you should do just, you know, thing, your life can change. Your attitudes can change. So don't give up the thought but but wait six months, wait a year, whatever. And that's what I did. And so slowly I got I figured I had to figure out how to use a cane. So once I once I adopted and embrace using the cane. I practice every day, I was working at triple A every break I had, every lunchtime I had if I had to wait for a ride to get picked up. I'd be out there practicing using the cane until I felt really comfortable doing it. And it just became part of my life. So to answer your question or not my Michael Hingson 24:12 it does. It does and yeah. So you you eventually got to the point where you decided to to go out and get a guide dog is is your eye condition a degenerative one is it stable? I'm not asking you whether you are stable, but just your eye condition. Bob Sonnenberg 24:32 Yeah. Okay. Fortunately, my my eye condition has been really really stable. For the last really, almost since the beginning I initially I used to get a lot of on a regular basis shots of evason which were to help ward off perhaps the macular degeneration portion or and really, it got to the point where I I haven't had a shot for a least a dozen years as far as shots in the eye to to deal with a myopic degeneration. I get it. I get it tested regularly. And I can I know what the difference is as far as if there's any significant change. Well, let Michael Hingson 25:18 me ask a nice question. Oh, go ahead. Yeah, no, I Bob Sonnenberg 25:21 was gonna say one of the things and I, I've always had maybe some eye issue, one of my one of my eyes is, has never been had really good functional vision. Growing up, I played a lot of sports. But I really just saw out of one eye and my left eye was always been known as a as a so called lazy eye. So I really had no really has no functional vision, he I can see maybe two fingers, two feet in front of me if I'm lucky. But so and my left eye tends to wander quite a bit. So to keep people that I interact with on a regular basis, and on a daily basis, I wear a patch over my left eye to make the person I'm interacting with feel feel more comfortable. Michael Hingson 26:11 Interesting way to, to deal with it and to look at it. Well, I'm curious, although the condition is not necessarily one that will change a lot over time. What would you do? Or how would you react? Because you obviously do still depend on eyesight to at least a degree, if not a significant degree? What would would happen to you? What would your attitude be? If you lost the rest of your eyesight? Bob Sonnenberg 26:40 You know, I think I could, I don't like to think about it, number one, but if I did, I could make the adjustment. And, you know, and I think having made the adjustment from fully sighted to low vision, that's helpful to have in my background. But I connect with folks, you know, Michael, like, you know, sight, have a master's in physics. And so I, I really tried to be inspired by people that have that I think are very accomplished in what they do that have either no site or a site similar to mine. And it gave kind of the service or, for me a role model and inspiration that, you know, it gives maybe some degree of comfort that they're successful, they're moving forward with their life. I can do the same thing. Michael Hingson 27:43 Well, you've you and I have you and I have chatted a lot about this. But yeah, let me let me pose this question. So the National Federation of the Blind is an organization of over 50,000 blind people that has been around since 1940. And its second major president, Dr. Kenneth Jernigan, wrote an article called a definition of blindness. That was published in the 1960s. At the time, he was the director of the Iowa Commission for the Blind, as well as being the president of the Federation. And one of the the premise of the article was that you are blind or you ought to think of yourself as blind if your eyesight diminishes to the point where you have to use alternatives to full eyesight, in order to function. And when you start to have to use large print or magnifiers, or whatever, you should learn the techniques of blindness, and recognize that that you are in fact a blind person that blindness is not a total lack of eyesight. But blindness is a a characteristic that defines well, well defined is probably the wrong word, but a characteristic that you acquire, where you've lost enough eyesight that you have to do things differently. What do you think about that? Bob Sonnenberg 29:10 I think about it probably every day. And and one of the things I've realized that it takes me more time to prepare for things to practice. It takes me more time to practice things and I still trying to do everything I did in the sighted world. And one of the things I took up a few years back was that I like like sports and and so I took up tandem bike riding, okay, and know that I do not ride in the front. I'm not the pilot on the bike. But I got a guy that used to used to be a real pilot and he flew off aircraft carrier so I've been really fortunate to connect with some amazing people in my life and and having that having an attitude You'd have no fear or not. And no fear, I think is maybe a good way to describe it. But I've had a chance to throw out a couple of first pitch, first pitches in baseball games and threw out a first pitch in, in the American League and also the nationally and I know that from an athletic standpoint, I probably wouldn't have had that experience. If I was fully sighted. There'd be no, no reason for me to get that opportunity. So, you know, I like to just throw strikes, three strikes, and it's validated. Okay, just so you know, you feel free to do a Google search Bob Sonnenberg first pitch, it's actually memorialize and, and the announcer who put it up there on YouTube initially is a kid that I, I coach in little league baseball. So it's amazing how full circle things, things are in life. But I guess our strike, Michael Hingson 31:04 let's just point out that there's this other this other guy named Fauci, who threw out a pitch at the nationals baseball game, and he didn't throw a strike, you know, so yeah, I mean, you, you are welcome to say that he should keep his day job. Yeah, yeah. But you know, what is exciting? Bob Sonnenberg 31:23 A lot of things are, you know, that, that I'm able to do a lot of his his mental and mechanics. And so if you keep that in perspective, that's, that's how I kind of look at things and know that if I keep the mental and mechanics up, because I've done it before, I can do it again, type thing. And I could probably throw a strike with my eyes close to. But isn't Michael Hingson 31:49 that what it's really about? It's yeah, oh, it's really all mental. Yeah, it is. Yeah. And oftentimes, we allow ourselves to get distracted, or we allow ourselves to become fearful. And as an I call it blinded by fear, because things happen to us. And we don't learn how to adjust or as some people would say, roll with the punches, and we just allow ourselves to be overcome by things that aren't truly relevant, and that we allow ourselves to not adapt and grow when things come along to give us that opportunity. Bob Sonnenberg 32:34 That's absolutely true. I think it's it's one of the amazing things and that I get to see at their Obama center every day to connect with people that are going through that transition. A really neat thing happened, actually, just this morning, Mike, that maybe about a month ago, I did a presentation to a group of folks, actually in Marin County, via zoom. Folks, it was a vision support group. And they asked me to after the first year, they asked me if I'd like to say a few words in this group. And so I had a good Zoom meeting with him and some of the people in the group I had known from another chapter in my life. And so having that familiarity was really pretty cool. And one of the individuals I met as a result of doing that, he called me afterwards and said, Bob, I'd like to come to their obame Center. And but I, I've never and I understand that you take the smart Train, I've never taken the smart train. So I met him at the train depot when seven o'clock one morning and we took the smart train together. He came up here, I introduced him to my coffee place and I introduce them to the My driver that I get a ride from at the from the train station to their Obama's center every day. And he got some instruction here at the Obama center that day. Well, this morning, he's coming back for another training session. He's sitting in the lobby here at their obame Center. And he done made the smart train journey all by himself gotten here all by himself, it was just, it was kind of full circle to see that, you know, and he wasn't afraid of doing that he'd never taken the train before, prior to joining me on the train that one day just 30 days ago. So to see that transformation, pretty phenomenal. Michael Hingson 34:41 It's, again, all about mindset. And it's all about Yeah, the creator of your own mental attitude. And I've heard so many stories like that. It's it's great to hear so exciting and yeah, hopefully he will continue to grow in growing up myself, I've heard a number of stories like that. There is a guy he has since passed, he passed last year. His name is Doug Morris, a longtime friend of mine, through the National Federation of blind I met him when I first went to Iowa to work on the Kurzweil project back in 1976 or early 77. And Dunn was a type type one diabetic, he lost his eyesight, or literally, almost overnight, totally lost his eyesight due to diabetic retinopathy. And he happened to go to the Iowa Commission for the Blind for services. He lived in Iowa, the Commission at the time in the 60s was the lead agency, as much as anything because of the attitude that Dr. Jernigan instilled in the agency, which is the blindness isn't the problem. It's our attitude. And that blind people, although we use alternative techniques, blind again, being not just totally blind, but we use alternative techniques to what sighted people do. So Don went to the center before he lost his eyesight. He had worked for Iowa Bell, before the breakup part of the telephone company, he was the number one sales guy, he had sold more than twice what everyone else had sold, when he went to the commission, and then went back to doing the same job. And because of what he learned, and because of his attitude and mindset, he was able to continue to do the job. And oh, by the way, continue to sell like twice as much as anyone else. But then an opportunity came along, where they were looking for someone to teach people to sell. And he applied, and they would not let him apply for the job. They kept saying things like we would rather you be where you are, because you're you're bringing so much in forest. And he said, but this is a promotion, and I gotta have the right for a promotion and all that. And they said, but you're doing so well. So he finally called the National Federation of blind and the Iowa commission got resources from both to help sat down with the bell people and learned that the real issue was that they didn't think that a blind person could teach didn't matter what he had done didn't matter what his track record was, they didn't think that a blind person could teach, which is, of course, what we run into all the time, people's perceptions of what blind people can do and not do. So Don quit, he left the Iowa Bell company, and kind of had his customer database with him. Another great connector, by the way, I would say, and for those who are listening and think about it, Bob is one of the greatest connectors that I know, period, you you connect with people and you emphasize that in our time today, but anyway, so don, quit, started his own company. And he I think I may have told this story before, but he told people that he went to his customers and others go off and get your best quote from Iowa Belle, and then come to us. And we will charge you only half of what we save you over a three year period. And I said, How did that work out for you? And he said, Generally, it worked out really well given the prices they charge. I said, but did you ever have a situation where you didn't save anyone anything? And he said I had one customer who only owed me a nickel for three years worth of work. And that's all he gave me. He said and he said, I thought that was great. That's fair. That's what I that's what I committed to when he quit when he retired from that job and retired from him because he started the company when he retired and left the company. He said I paid more in taxes the last year than I made as a salesperson working for Iowa Bell. But it's all unstoppable mindset. And he learned that you've learned that. And that's really what it's all about, isn't it? Bob Sonnenberg 39:00 It really said, yeah, yeah. And it's got to come from within you within the individual, you know, you it's really easy to, to maybe share that story but to be able to demonstrate from a living standpoint, that's that's what makes a difference. Michael Hingson 39:21 And it is all about practicing what you preach and not just talk down. It's so easy for people to talk about it. But there are many unstoppable mind people, mindset people I know and you prove it every day, you've demonstrated what what can be done. And you are great at building relationships. And so you join Guide Dogs for the Blind. When did you join guide dogs Bob Sonnenberg 39:47 in 2006? And it was really Yeah. But one of the things in joining guide dogs it opened up a whole new chapter Army as far as you know, a bigger world and working in a retail shop and, uh, you know, Mark one solo marketplace at AAA, so because it gave me a chance to. I've worked in the development arena. And so my job was connecting with people, which was great. But it also gave me a chance to travel. Not only the greater barrier, but really, ultimately all over the country. And to meet people that supported an organization that dealt with blindness was is pretty empowering. Empowering in so many different levels and such a unique opportunity for many times, and many different groups of people, many different places with people. But traveling independently like that, that's really helped me having that experience, getting on a plane, getting on a train, getting on a bus, whatever the case may be. And doing it sometimes not doing it alone, sometimes, but also doing it as part of a group sometimes so so. Well, and of course, I made a difference. Michael Hingson 41:18 And development of for those who don't know, in the nonprofit world is, is fundraising is helping to acquire the funds to support the organization. Bob Sonnenberg 41:30 And one of the benefits of not seen when you do that type of work, Michael and and the audience is that you can you can picture what people's reaction might be when you talk to people about providing friends providing support for organization, you always think I've always kind of picture that it's, it's mentally, they're really, they're thrilled to talk about it. And I know many times they're very uncomfortable talking about money stuff, but you know, having that background that I get in the insurance business and the investment business, money was a pretty easy skill set to be able to talk about communicate about so I always looked at it as as a great tool to be able to kind of mentally picture that people were, you know, they'd like what they heard from you. Okay, what, but I couldn't really see their reactions, but that's what I pictured. So. Michael Hingson 42:33 So then you worked at Guide Dogs for a while. And eventually, you left? How did you get connected with a robot home. Bob Sonnenberg 42:45 So I was a guide, I worked for guide dogs for 10 years. And in develop in the development arena. And an opportunity came up with Earl balm, which is just just up the road 30 miles up the road from where I was learning where I was working at guide dogs. And they were looking to maybe formalize their their friend way in their development department. And so they needed someone with development experience and, and having this combination sight loss and development experience it, it was a really natural transition for me and a friend a great opportunity for me to be able to do that. And I've been here at the Obama center for five years. And I initially, I oversaw the development and have made some inroads relative to that, but then an opportunity. Three years ago, I had an opportunity to be become the CEO of the organization. So, you know, once again, you know, being fearless, utilizing maybe all the tools, all the stuff that I had experienced prior to losing my sight. To demonstrate it in the world of low vision now is a exciting opportunity, challenging opportunity every day. It's it's challenging, but it's definitely allowed me to the opportunity to develop a more improved and it's a constant work in progress but improve my skill set my ability to do more things, to try new things and and to be around to be kind of the springboard for people in North Bay here who have lost their sight to come to be part of this organization to see people flourish. You know, to to know that there's, there's hope. Give them joy, give them hope. Give them tools, provide the training, provide the community support, to be successful with their life to enjoy their life once again and not dwell on the negativity Last night, so Michael Hingson 45:01 tell us a little bit. Tell us a little bit more about Erlbaum. What what the center is, how long it's been around, kind of her vision going forward, because it's, it has been considered a pretty small agency up in the Santa Rosa area. And you are definitely growing it. You drafted me to be on the board, so I'm prejudiced, but just in looking at it objectively and looking at what you've done, but tell us more about the center. Bob Sonnenberg 45:28 You know, I think it's, it's, you know, we we serve four different counties. So we serve Sonoma County, Napa Lake Mendocino counties, and and there's a tremendous number of people, as far as maybe older adults that have issues with sight loss and, and different degrees. But, but when you so we, we work with, and and get clients through the Department of Rehabilitation Blind Services Group, we get clients, folks with sight loss from the Veterans Administration. And then we get clients from the the community of ophthalmologists here in the in the county that we serve. And so when you lose your sight, it's it's a lot and it's, it's it's scary. And we we try and promote ourselves and and as a place where you can maybe transform your life once again, maybe we energize your life once again. But one of the things that is key to the Earl balm Center as a vision rehabilitation organization is we have 1616 employees and incredible passionate folks, staff that that really love helping other people and and love seeing success in other people and Trent that transformation thing. So when you come to their Obama Center, one of the first kind of door openers for folks is that a majority of folks to have some site we may need. So we will go through a what's known as a low vision clinic process where a trained, licensed, professional optometrist will review analyze someone's remaining site and perhaps recommend tools that might help and give them hope that they can use some of their remaining site to kind of move on with their life. And so when you as a client, hear that you can come to a place and maybe get some hope, or maybe get some joy back to your life. That's a great inspiring thing to have out there. It's a it's a, you need hope. You need something to look forward to. And and we provide that hope we provide that joy, we provide not only the tools that are relatively available to folks with low vision, but we train people on how to use our tools, whether it be assistive technology, we have assistive technology and services, we have orientation and mobility. And that's basically not basically but one of the pieces is that how to travel safely with a cane. So we provide incredible training relative to that. And then all types of living experiences. You know, when you can't see how do you get dressed in the morning? How do you match up your clothes? How do you women, how do you put on your makeup and all of that. So it's we provide all those tools, and we provide training with all those tools. So that's what we do every day and incredibly gifted people that do that instruction every day. It's great to be part of it. Michael Hingson 49:00 That's cool. How many Not to put you on the spot. How many blind people work at Earl balm today? Bob Sonnenberg 49:08 We have our we have one. We have to me being one of that group so that I've got the low vision experience. And then we have a lady by the name of Dr. Denise Bansal, who is actually the longest tenure, she'd been here for the organization, 20 years and so we've been in business 20 plus years, so and she has no sight whatsoever and just a remarkable individual woman, mother of two and married and incredible, inspirational person. So Michael Hingson 49:44 that's cool. And yeah, and hopefully more blind people. If you hear this, we'll explore and consider possible job opportunities that are obame Because you you certainly as the CEO do hire from time The time, but it's more important to let people know that the center exists both people who could use the services and also people who might be looking for a job as job opportunities come along. Bob Sonnenberg 50:12 We definitely, you know, we had one time we had for folks with sight loss. Actually two other totally blind folks that were instructors and they both went on to new different opportunities, but but their talents and their skill set were incredible. And the the potential growth opportunities for their Obama Center. This is the demographics as such, not only here locally, but also in the whole state of California, the populations getting older. And so with older, older adults come help issues, and obviously one of them very well could be sight loss. So the marketplace is is definitely in need of talented, great communicators, great teachers. And really, you know, having me do what I do from, you know, commuting up here, taking the smart train every day, public transportation, you know, just, there's really we need folks that are willing to inspire others. And that's kind of what a great way to do it. By demonstrating and using this skill set, folks with sight loss, Michael Hingson 51:35 role models. Yeah. So I want to turn I want to turn a little bit to something we've talked about it, it is something that all of us deal with from time to time. And that's just the whole concept of accessibility and inclusion. And as you know, I work for accessiBe, which is all about internet inclusion. But we face we all face the same things that that you faced as a fully sighted person and have now learned to view it from a different perspective. And that's the whole concept of inclusion, and accessibility. How do we get people in general to start to maybe change their views about persons with disabilities, and I don't know of a better term to use disabilities as what, what we're all categorized as, although I think that whether that's right or wrong, we can certainly change the definition of disability, it doesn't nearly need to be one where we don't have ability. And so maybe we need a new word. But the reality is, as you've pointed out, we all have different gifts. And so you are a person who doesn't have one particular gift that is the gift of eyesight, you have other gifts that people with eyesight don't have whoever you are, how do we start to really get people overall to change their view about persons who are different than they, Bob Sonnenberg 53:11 maybe education. And I pick one word education, and making people feel comfortable and understand. You know, I mean, the the world today is, education is such a big piece of anyone's success. And in one of the things that I maybe deal with is on an everyday basis is is when you do have a disability, getting comfortable with situations, like one of the things that I always think about is when I go to big gatherings, and I can't see who who's they're different. It takes me a while to, to navigate to feel comfortable. You know, and the more it's like anything, the more you get in you're in a position where we do go get involved with different groups, different crowds, you feel more comfortable, and you the more you do it, the it's like practice. So I try and always look for opportunities like that. And and I get that by traveling by, you know, whether it be the conductors or the clerk at the coffee store, whatever the case may be, it's just, you know, just having them connected at a individual personal basis, you know, building a relationship with people and it's it's tough to do it in and you can really just do it one person at a time, but But you sometimes you get it's frustrating that you can't do it. 20 people at Michael Hingson 54:58 the same time, but Sometimes you can. Sometimes you can't. Yeah, yeah. But it but it's true. It is all about education, you know. And for me, I deal with internet access every day. But I also do recognize that words matter. And I think one of my stories that that I think about and something that I didn't used to think about a lot, but now I do is how you and I are described, people tend to describe us as visually impaired. I think it was Brian Bashan, who we both know who is the CEO of the San Francisco Lighthouse for the Blind. At least, this is where I first heard the concept of, we're not visually impaired because we don't necessarily look different simply because we're blind. We're not less looking, if you will, because we're blind. It's more appropriate to say vision impaired. And although I think I got lots of vision, I don't have eyesight, but I'll accept that eyesight and vision are somewhat synonymous. But I think it's appropriate to discuss vision impairment, but not visually impaired because we're not visually impaired simply because we go blind or lose our eyesight, to some degree. agree with that. Yep. And it is a, it is something that that we face. And of course, people talk about visually impaired, and that is a negative cue for people in a lot of ways, and it is part of what we need to change. And the the concept of vision impairment. Boy, if I look at a lot of people in Washington, DC today, who have fully functional eyesight from a vision standpoint, they're incredibly impaired, you know. And it is an issue, but, but the fact is that we are and and I think it's better to look at us as persons with a vision impairment. And I and I also try to educate people, as we've discussed about blind, which isn't necessarily totally blind. And but I've heard educators, I've literally been in a room with an educator who talked about two students, one who was totally blind, and another one who was partially blind. And they said, the partially blind one can still reprint and gets to reprint the totally blind, one has to read Braille. And look at the difference in what the terminology is. It's that kind of subtle terminology that plagues us everywhere we go, because the reality is that the person who is partially blind and uses large print and magnifiers will never read at the speed of a totally blind student who grows up learning Braille and learning it well. And I'm sure you can attest to it, although you're not a braille reader, but you can attest to how much of a challenge it is to read printed material. Bob Sonnenberg 58:03 Yeah, absolutely. And I marvel at people they read Braille, it was when I for one of the great stories that that it's a guide dogs related story, but I had never, when I first got my first guide dog in 2006, I had never been around two people or three people that had word, either blind, totally blind, or low vision, and to be in a group surrounded for 30 days or so, with 22 dozen people that had different levels of sight loss. That was the most incredibly educational experience that I ever had, have had. Because I got to, you know, like you talked about, understand I get to be educated that, you know, the CVC how people other people navigated with sight loss and have that real world experience was, you know, it's something that you never forget, it's, it's really made all the difference to have that, that groundwork, that experience and so that kind of having that same community experience, like I had that during that getting that first guide dog is really kind of what rural bomb center does it we provide a safe community where people can experience sight loss and make that get the first toe in the water so to speak. That you know, you can do this. It's it's not the worst thing in the world. You're, you're living breathing and live in life. So you only get to do this live thing once. You may as well have fun doing it. You may as well enjoy it and really easy to say but it takes work like it's like life, I mean, you got to put one foot in front of the other constantly so Michael Hingson 1:00:05 and you move forward if you learn to move forward. So what is in summary, we've been doing this a while, and I really appreciate it. I know you've got things to do. But in summary, what would you say to people who come to you and say, I'm losing eyesight? Or I'm facing something different in my life? I can't do it. How would you respond to that sort of thing? How would you advise people to go Bob Sonnenberg 1:00:30 look for people that will inspire you? You know, I've had in the last couple of months I've had, there's a guy that I knew he's been dealing with sight loss for 10 years as a result from glaucoma, and has been very, very reclusive. And he is a guy that I knew 20 years ago, father of a son, my kids age, and he was a, we just connected and I probably have spent more time with him in the last month than I had 20 years prior to that. But if given him some hope, and and that, you know, he, he doesn't have to do this step alone. There are solutions, there are answers. There's opportunities out there. So, you know, embrace the opportunities, embrace, embrace sight loss, because without embracing it, you're not going to move forward, you're not going to be unstoppable. You you're going to be you're just going to go back in your shirt, and a shell to sort of speak and not to that's bad for some people. That's what they want. But you know, I think it's, it's, I've been really blessed to have a constant move forward attitude. Michael Hingson 1:01:52 And that is a great way to summarize it all because it's made you unstoppable in a lot of different ways. And we we all find challenges, but we can move forward and I'm really glad and blessed to know you and to hear your story again today. And I really think that you epitomize what we talked about when we talk about unstoppable Bob Sonnenberg 1:02:16 Yeah, well thank you again for you know, Michael for for doing what you do and and thank you for being there the frame that you are appreciate it. Michael Hingson 1:02:26 Well thank you in return for the same thing. So if people want to reach out to you and meet you, or they want to learn about Earl balm, and want to get your advice in words of wisdom, how do they do that? Bob Sonnenberg 1:02:39 You know, it's really easy. We're happy to say I have a website Earlebaum. And that's E A R L E B A U M .org. Santa Rosa, California. We're here to help and we'd love to help people move forward with their life. Michael Hingson 1:02:58 Well, I hope people will reach out and you have certainly been an inspiration and you have certainly given us a lot of advice and a lot to think about. And you are unstoppable and I know I use that word a lot but that's what the podcast is about and right ourselves. So thank you Bob for for being with us. My pleasure. If people want to learn more about unstoppable mindset if you just discovered us we are available wherever Podcasts can be reached. You can also search on www.MichaelHingson.com/podcast and Michael Hingson is M I C H A E L H I N G S O N so MichaelHingson.com/podcast. You can also email me if you'd like to reach out we love to hear from people. I've gotten requests from people who have said I know someone who should be on your podcast or I like what I hear or I'd like to see you do more of this and we love input. You can email me at Michaelhi M I C H A E L H I at accessiBe A C C S S I B E.com. Michaelhi@accessibe.com and we did mention it but are Earle Baum an accessiBe user and we thank you for that, Bob. Bob Sonnenberg 1:04:17 You bet. Our pleasure. Michael Hingson 1:04:20 Well, everyone, athanks for dropping by. We hope that you'll tune in again next week for another unstoppable mindset podcast. And in the meanwhile, have a good week and stay blessed and stay positive and unstoppable. Bob Sonnenberg 1:04:34 Thank you, Michael. Michael Hingson 1:04:36 Thank you Bob. Michael Hingson 1:04:44 You have been listening to the Unstoppable Mindset podcast. Thanks for dropping by. I hope that you'll join us again next week, and in future weeks for upcoming episodes. To subscribe to our podcast and to learn about upcoming episodes, please visit www dot Michael hingson.com slash podcast. Michael Hingson is spelled m i c h a e l h i n g s o n. While you're on the site., please use the form there to recommend people who we ought to interview in upcoming editions of the show. And also, we ask you and urge you to invite your friends to join us in the future. If you know of any one or any organization needing a speaker for an event, please email me at speaker at Michael hingson.com. I appreciate it very much. To learn more about the concept of blinded by fear, please visit www dot Michael hingson.com forward slash blinded by fear and while you're there, feel free to pick up a copy of my free eBook entitled blinded by fear. The unstoppable mindset podcast is provided by access cast an initiative of accessiBe and is sponsored by accessiBe. Please visit www.accessibe.com. accessiBe is spelled a c c e s s i b e. There you can learn all about how you can make your website inclusive for all persons with disabilities and how you can help make the internet fully inclusive by 2025. Thanks again for listening. Please come back and visit us again next week.

Crain's government reporter and host of the A.D. Q&A podcast, A.D. Quig, talks with host Amy Guth about South Shore, where The Obama Center has ignited a fight between anti-gentrification forces and homeowners hoping for some long-awaited upside. Plus: Air crash disaster risks an even wider rift for Boeing and China, Legislature gives final OK to unemployment bailout, State Farm accused of systematically shortchanging policyholders in total wrecks, and Chicago extends anti-gentrification surcharge on demolitions.

Construction is underway on the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park. But since the project launched, residents in nearby neighborhoods like Woodlawn and South Shore have worried the “transformation” the center is expected to bring to the South Side could push them out of their homes. They've fought for a community benefits agreement to ensure protections, but project leaders — and the former president, himself — have rejected calls to sign one. So what is a CBA? And without one, how else are housing activists fighting displacement? Guests: Dixon Romeo — Organizer, Not Me We Sarah Conway — Senior Reporter, City Bureau Here's City Bureau's guide on community benefits agreements and alternatives. Check out the Women's L Project, which celebrates women of Chicago's past and present. Call or text us at 773-780-0246 and tell us what you were doing right before the pandemic shutdown in 2020. Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In other news tonight: man went missing after crash on I-94 in northern Illinois; Hadiya Pendleton to be honored at Obama Center; Kyle Rittenhouse's rifle will be destroyed; and more.

In other news tonight: man went missing after crash on I-94 in northern Illinois; Hadiya Pendleton to be honored at Obama Center; Kyle Rittenhouse's rifle will be destroyed; and more.

In other news tonight: man went missing after crash on I-94 in northern Illinois; Hadiya Pendleton to be honored at Obama Center; Kyle Rittenhouse's rifle will be destroyed; and more.

The great activist/scholar Timuel Black dies at age 102. Ben offers a tribute. Harish Patel returns to talk about guaranteed income. And Alderwoman Jeanette Taylor returns to talk about getting over COVID, vaccine mandates, Obama Center, budgets and more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Obamas were in town Tuesday to break ground on the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park. But not everyone is convinced the campus will be a beacon of hope and change for surrounding South Side communities. Host Jacoby Cochran is joined by Injustice Watch's Charles Preston and WTTW's Heather Cherone to discuss lingering concerns facing the Presidential Center. The trio also dive into Mayor Lori Lightfoot's 2022 budget proposal; and, of course, they leave us with a few moments of joy, including the grand reopening of Semicolon Bookstore and improving Covid numbers.  Guests: Charles Preston — Audience Engagement Manager, Injustice Watch Heather Cherone — Political Reporter, WTTW Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

The Bears buy property in Arlington Heights. Ben says—good riddance. Monroe Anderson talks LeBron and vaccines. And south side activist Dixon Romeo talks Obama Center and gentrification.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben returns from a vacation in MAGAVILLE only to discover--nothing's changed! Also, attorney Leonard Goodman talks about the Obama Center. And Juanita Irizarry, executive director of Friends of the Parks, talks about Amazon in the parks. Apparently, no one in charge of the park district knows what's going on in the parks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(7:09)...Bears rookie QB first game action Justin Fields has strong debut for Bears (10:20)...Nike cracking down on shoe customizing..(12:26)..the Obama Center..(15:21)...Gov. Pritzker signs bill preventing hair discrimination in schools..(20:52)...Kanye 2nd listening party..(24:50)..Lil Uzi can't legally buy and own a planet..(27:40)...Ky'Wuan Dukes Makes History As First HBCU Athlete to Sign an Endorsement deal..(28:28)..Hansel Emmanuel offered scholarship..(37:07)...Black Excellence..(39:41)..What do black people think about white people adopting black kids?..(52:46)..How do u spot a thot...(57:03)...FT GUEST Thomas Brewer owner of WHADDAJERK --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/amon-phillips/support

Protect Our Parks have put a halt on the construction of the Obama Center claiming the Federal Government failed to conduct required environmental reviews.

(7:09)...Bears rookie QB first game action Justin Fields has strong debut for Bears (10:20)...Nike cracking down on shoe customizing..(12:26)..the Obama Center..(15:21)...Gov. Pritzker signs bill preventing hair discrimination in schools..(20:52)...Kanye 2nd listening party..(24:50)..Lil Uzi can't legally buy and own a planet..(27:40)...Ky'Wuan Dukes Makes History As First HBCU Athlete to Sign an Endorsement deal..(28:28)..Hansel Emmanuel offered scholarship..(37:07)...Black Excellence..(39:41)..What do black people think about white people adopting black kids?..(52:46)..How do u spot a thot...(57:03)...FT GUEST Thomas Brewer owner of WHADDAJERK --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/amon-phillips/support

Chicago Sun-Times columnist Lynn Sweet joins John to discuss the deal between the city and the Obama Foundation. Read it: https://chicago.suntimes.com/city-hall/2021/8/13/22623645/obama-presidential-foundatio-center-construction-kicks-off-jackson-park-land

Greg, Brian, Munya, and Colin ponder working for exposure in the movies and elsewhere before talking about the drama surrounding President Barack Obama's 60th Birthday Bash in Martha's Vineyard, a request for aid (as in your money) in the planned construction of his Tower of Silence, a Presidential Library, in Chicago and some speculation as to the horrors held within, and a quick recap of the (ongoing) Seattle Primary results that have given us some room for hope.

Connected To Chicago (08/08/2021) - Nick Gale fills in for the vacationing Bill Cameron. Guest Steve Bernas, President and CEO of the Chicago Better Business Bureau highlights some of the latest scams and poor business practices that have increased in recent months. Roundtable panelists Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune, Greg Hinz of Crain's, and Lynn Sweet from the Chicago Sun-Times discuss the possibility of Kirk Dillard running for Governor and the Obama Center project getting another green light to build. Lauren Cohn talks youth basketball with coach Marpray Monson about his organization, Hoopademix.

Home prices in May increased at the fastest pace since 2013, but that doesn't mean the market is approaching bubble territory. Reporter Dennis Rodkin joins host Amy Guth to explain why in a recap of this week's housing news. Plus: Activists propose an alternative to the Obama Center, Kirkland & Ellis nears deal for biggest downtown office lease in years, software startup LogicGate raises $113 million and McDonald's outpaces Wall Street estimates even as labor shortages loom.

Chicago-area home values were up 8.9 percent in January, the biggest increase since April 2014. Reporter Dennis Rodkin joins host Amy Guth to dive into the numbers and virtually tour the most interesting homes on the market. Plus: Illinois won’t reopen further due to rising COVID rates; with $847 million raised, Obama Center groundbreaking set for mid-fall; Bob Mariano has a new grocery and restaurant idea with some big names behind it; and an Uptown initiative aims to help Asian American businesses.

Richard Epstein describes his work on a case pitting Chicago conservationists against Barack Obama on plans for the former commander-in-chief’s presidential center.

Executive director of the The Friends of the Parks, Juanita Irizarry returns to talk about the Obama Center coming to Jackson Park, General Iron coming to the Southeast Side, and environmental racism in Chicago.

Construction of the Obama Presidential Center could start in 2021, the same year planners once hoped it would open. A.D. Quig joins the podcast to discuss. Plus: Vaccine rollout nears next phase as officials prepare for new COVID strain, a bill to increase some firefighters' pensions advances over Mayor Lori Lightfoot's objections, Chicago snack brand Vitner’s to be sold and Advocate Aurora health system curbs ambitious revenue goal.

Our guest today, Noah Birk, is the highest producing multi-family broker in Chicago since 2014. In this episode, Noah provides great hyper-local insights on MFH investing in neighborhoods like South Shore, Auburn Gresham, Washington Park and Englewood. We discuss the impact that the Obama Center and Tiger Woods Golf Course play into the area’s appreciation as well as key mistakes to avoid on the south side for new investors. He also talks about how COVID has impacted the value-add space with large MFH investments and how much a typical 2/1 rehab can cost. If you learned something, please give us a 5 star review and share us with a friend! ----------------- Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com Email the Show: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com Guest: Noah Birk from Kiser Group Sponsors: Sizzle Home Staging, Das Law, LTD.   Link: Available positions at GC Realty   Link: Book Recommendation: Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win   Link: Jennifer Goldstone Attorney   Link: Kiser Group ----------------- Guest Questions Landlord tip of the day 3:58 Guest Intro: 6:15 How important is “block by block” on the south-side? 9:00 How much does the upcoming developments play into the south side? 10:12 Are clients often repeat clients in the south side of Chicago? 11:22 What are general rules of thumb if I’m an interested investor in South shore? 12:33 What are the borders of South Shore you’d be comfortable investing? 15:20 How would you compare Auburn-Gresham to South Shore? 17:40 How do you see transit affecting appreciation in the area? 19:95 How does Hyde Park compare to its surrounding areas? 21:35 What are your thoughts on Englewood as an investment opportunity? 24:30 Are Opportunity Zones influencing your clients? 26:04 How are clients getting buildings rehabbed during this environment? 28:25 Do you have rough numbers on how much a value add is per unit? 29:50 What are some things you make out of state investors aware of? 31:45 For new investors, would you recommend getting started with MFH right off the bat? 34:40   Wrap Up Questions What’s your competitive advantage? 37:10 What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a new investor in Chicago? 38:29 What do you do for fun? 39:15 What’s a good self development tool you’d recommend? 40:05 Name one person you’d recommend as a quality resource in Chicago? 40:55 How can we learn more about you? 41:50   That's our show! Thanks for listening! ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2020.

Every Thursday in Chicago Comes Back, Emily Drake and Todd Connor give leadership insights to help businesses move forward despite the impact of the pandemic. In this episode, they talk with host Amy Guth about what leaders need to know right now. Plus: United Airlines extends its mandatory face-covering policy as it predicts steep drop in sales, Woodlawn advocates reach Obama Center-area housing deal with the city, Lakeview Whole Foods sells for a staggering $71 million and the state reports widespread fraud in unemployment claims.

Vice President of the Chicago Teachers Union Stacy Davis Gates returns to talk ALL THINGS local politics, Bloomberg and what the hell happened in Iowa? 20th Ward Alderwoman Jeanette Taylor talks about the Obama Center and life in City Hall Mayor Lori Lightfoot.

Alderwoman Jeannete Taylor has an issue with the Mayor over the Obama Center and we talk about it. Also, Miles Kampf-Lassin talks about what the hell happened in Iowa.

Jennifer Welch, CEO of Planned Parenthood of Illinois tells us why Roe V. Wade is more relevant than ever and our friends Laurie Glenn and Juanita Irizarry return to take the deep dive on the Obama Center and the 2020 POTUS race.

Jackson Park has been proposed as a location for a new golf course and the Obama Center. Jackson Park Watch Co-President, Margaret Schmid, discussed the parks current situation with John Howell.

Bill Daley goes to Wall Street and more of your Obama Center location suggestions. Legendary Chicago Journalist Monroe Anderson returns and It's one hell of an interview with former State Senator Rickey Hendon.

Chicago Tribune reporter Lolly Bowean, ProPublica Illinois reporter and columnist Mick Dumke and Hannah Meisel from The Daily Line dive into the biggest local news stories of the week. They'll give their takes on Mayor Lightfoot vs. the Chicago Police Dept., Gov. Pritzker vs. anti-abortion forces, supporters of open parks in Chicago vs. the Obama Center, and much more. 

President of Protect Our Parks, Herbert Caplan, talks with John Howell about the judge tossing out the lawsuit to block the Obama Presidential Center.

Trump being Trump. The lawsuit has been thrown out and The Obama Center is coming to Jackson Park. maya Dukmasova of The Chicago Reader returns. Election Lawyer Adolfo Mondragon gives us an Ed Burke update and our dear friend Marc Sims is back to talk any and everything political news.

The Chicago Way w/John Kass – Ep 191(05/31/19): This week, John Kass and Jeff Carlin are joined by Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot to talk about Ald. Ed Burke’s legacy, how Chicago can step out from behind the ominous shadow of the old Chicago Way, and her plan to make Chicago work for its citizens. Plus, […]

Sarah Karp, WBEZ education reporter, tells us about her most recent story in which she dissects CPS' claim that graduation rates are quickly improving in the city's public schools. A major part of the success, Karp reports, is the use by CPS of commercial "alternative schools" that take at-risk students from traditional high schools. The curriculum, she tells us, is considerably less challenging, sometimes consisting of little more than sitting in front of a laptop for to or three hours a day. There are serious questions about how meaningful a high school diploma from one of these schools can be in today;'s complex job market. Nevertheless, there is good news to report, because the overall graduation rate has risen by more than ten percent in just five years. Jawanza Malone, Executive Director of the Kenwood Oakland Community Organization, echoes concerns about the value of this "alternative" schooling, and laments the fact that these troubled, at-risk teens are not being given a higher level of more intensive instruction. Malone tells us that displacement and gentrification are already serious problems near the site of the Obama Center, as real-estate speculators are flooding in to buy inexpensive properties before the Center opens. Malone Says that what's needed is a comprehensive community benefits agreement that would stipulate compensation for people who are displaced and standards for property preservation. He says that KOCO has not taken a position on whether a location in the park or in the community is preferable, but he says that putting the OPC in the neighborhood would be highly disruptive,with potentially 800,0000 visitors annually coming into a residential community. Malone says that, no matter where people stand on the controversial Presidential Center, the one thing he believes everyone agrees on is that there's no need for a Tiger Woods-designed PGA golf course in Jackson Park.

Audrey Henderson, writing for Next City, has surveyed the current status of the Obama Presidential Center development. As Chicago prepares to install a new Mayor, there's renewed emphasis on the demand for a Community Benefits Agreement, something the Obama Center developers have so far refused to accept. We also discuss plans to eliminate seven blocks of Cornell Drive, the lawsuit seeking to prohibit construction in Jackson Park, the proposed "world-class" golf course and significant concerns about displacement and gentrification. In our second segment, business writer Robert Reed (Chicago Magazine)talks about the serious implications for Boeing in light of the Company's role in the development and deployment of the 737-Max and possible legal troubles for the company. We also discuss casino gambling, and how it's losing its luster in the face of stringent Internet competition. Reed says the hope that tax revenue from casinos may help bridge the infamous pension gap may be seriously overblown. And he tells us that the business community in Chicago is staying largely on the sidelines in the Mayoral race, because they see Preckwinkle as an energetic taxer and Lightfoot as an unknown quantity. This program was produced by Chicago Access Television.

Last week, certain Chicago voters had additional ballot initiatives to vote for. One involved rent control, one was about the use of tax dollars generated by legal marijuana, and 2 were about public input in projects that will change their neighborhoods.  We talk about all of them, then dive deep with 2 activists who are working to make sure the Obama Center brings positive change for the residents living in the surrounding areas. Later we hear about what can be done about the rise in pedestrian deaths at the hands of vehicles. 

The Obama Center (of controversy), which candidate fits you best, interesting ward races, and mayoral frontrunners on three big issues.