Sassone

Memorial Day is so much more than just a parade

For most of us, Memorial Day is a day away from work and, maybe, a parade. But Memorial Day also is my Uncle Vincent. I never knew Uncle Vincent. He was a pilot killed over Sicily in World War II. I don’t know much about …Read More
Grin and bear Harlem Avenue construction

Hurry! Open a lot of businesses along Harlem Avenue, quick! Progressive thinking at village hall has it that the way to boost business in Oak Park is to slow traffic on the streets on which businesses are located. This theory is at the heart of …Read More
Me and Vidal, separated by an ‘e’

No condolences necessary. Not to me, anyway. For years, people have been asking me if I am related to Vidal Sassoon. The hair-care magnate, as the Washington Post called him, died May 9 at age 84. Other than that his last name and my last …Read More

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Wishful thinking: People are generous

Like Dr. Frankenstein I conducted an experiment and wish I hadn’t. I dabbled in things best left unknown. Don’t get nervous. I didn’t try to create artificial life. My experiment involved measuring people’s generosity. I keep hearing how helping those in need should be left …

A concealed pitch for concealed weapons

I am against crime. How the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association knows this, I can’t say. Lucky guess. Anyway, because I am against crime and — as the letter the group sent me puts it — “ ... fed up with people who turn to crime as an easy …