So, after weeks of procrastination, I’ve decided it’s time to jump on this “blogosphere” and see what all the fuss is about. A colleague I won’t name tells me trying to come up with the perfect first post is a waste of time, so blame him if this one is less than profound. Anyway, allow me to introduce myself. I’m a Leo. I like long walks on the beach. My main job here at Chicago Public Radio is to monitor the goings-on in the region, and make sure our award-winning reporters are covering everything. Pretty sweet gig really. It’s kinda like Phil Jackson telling Michael Jordan to put the ball in the basket, then sharing in on the glory when he does. For the record, the champagne showers are the best part. My job gives me a pretty interesting perspective on the news, and I hope that I can share it with you, through this series of tubes you call the internet. I’ll give you a heads up if there’s something interesting we’re cooking up, and I’ll drop some previews of news that’s scheduled to air. You could probably make a pretty penny betting your friends, that say, Ben Calhoun will have a story on the Governor at 5:03 PM. Or maybe not… So, here’s some of the stuff we’re looking into today. If there are any stories you feel like we’re missing, shoot an email to news@chicagopublicradio.org, or leave comment on this blog. Also, please forward a percentage of your winnings to me in a discrete way. As you know, Natalie is all over the R. Kelly case like Abby Ryan on the outbound Edens. Rob Wildeboer is waiting for the jury to come down with a verdict in the Tony Rezko corruption case. Ben Calhoun just got back in from a Rod Blagojevich press conference on the state’s budget plans. “It was amazing.” Ben’s words, not mine. We’ll also hear about some gas stations scamming customers, so listen up if you want to avoid getting swindled. (I love that word.) That’s all I’ve got for now, but leave some comments and keep checking back.