Chris Britt's editorial cartoon for Wednesday, Oct. 15.

Imagine losing the family paycheck for two or three months. Or, in this case, imagine losing three of them.

In some ways it's amusing to see what issues have gained traction in this election. One such is the criticism from Republicans that Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama would dare to meet with foreign leaders "without preconditions." GOP nominee John McCain brought it up again at last week's debate, specifically regarding Iran, and it has become virtually a refrain for McCain's supporters.

Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., was right to moderate his comments comparing Sen. John McCain and his campaign to the late Alabama Gov. George Wallace, a staunch segregationist for much of his political career.

Some people at John McCain’s and Sarah Palin’s campaign rallies are becoming so unhinged that I wouldn’t be surprised if folks soon begin unfurling Confederate flags and raising pitchforks in the air.

Good timing, Ross Perot. On Sept. 30, the Times Square ticker that keeps track of the nation's debt ran out of room.

In all of about a week, Congress passed a massive bailout package for Wall Street amid warnings of another Great Depression.

Passing the buck, as in avoiding responsibility, not as in giving money to those who really need it, is an Illinois tradition.

Hallelujah! My vinyl has returned to life! For eons, I had been without a turntable. So my LPs had sat in the basement, wallowing in dust, cobwebs and fading memories.

Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s decision to sign a bill that takes money from dedicated state funds and use that money for other purposes does not sit well with the groups the money was taken from.

Make A Difference Day is the most encompassing national day of helping others — a celebration of neighbors helping neighbors. Everyone can participate. Created by USA Weekend magazine, Make A Difference Day is an annual event that takes place on the fourth Saturday of October, meaning this year it will be celebrated Oct. 25.

A chill is in the air. The leaves are turning incredible colors and tumbling down. Gardeners are harvesting and canning their crops. I’m baking apple pies. Front porches are popping up decorated with pumpkins and gourds. So, it must be my favorite time of the year — autumn.

I spoke with Mayor Tom Marcucci one morning and came away with a better understanding of him as a private citizen as well as of his vision for Elmhurst during his years in office.

This Saturday, Oct. 11, is your opportunity to make a difference at Springfield Park, 269 Springfield Drive, Bloomingdale. From 9 a.m. until noon, you can help preserve the wetlands.

I’ve come to the conclusion that I love cities. I loved Toulouse, and I loved London, and now I love New York City. There’s an energy, a vibe, an unseen intangible force at work in big cities. It sucks me right in.