G8/NATO Summits 2012

Pre-Protest Inspection

2012-05-20T20:11:00.000-07:00

My day's end

2012-05-20T16:56:00.001-07:00

I'm heading home now folks. I'm tired, sore, worn out, my batteries are dead, my memory cards are full, and I couldn't be happier. I have alot of video and pictures, which I'll be posting as I can. I couldn't do a live upload because I couldn't get online. Too many users it would seem. I'll have a nearly full upload by the end of the night.

Leaving to report

2012-05-20T11:12:00.000-07:00

Well folks, I'm about to be on my way to McCormick place. I'll be uploading my pictures here as I can, and videos on my YouTube Channel. If you'd rather view the photos on Flickr, here's my Flickr Stream.

I just hope we can have a peaceful protest.

Where are all my posts?

2012-05-18T20:13:00.001-07:00

Sorry folks, I either dropped the ball myself, or something dropped it for me. For the past month and a half I've been writing my posts and having them post themselves. Auto-posting can be great. Something happened, so they didn't post. I should have kept a closer eye on it. Sorry folks.

Anyway, I don't need to bore you with all the posts I missed. They are more then likely, the same things you've been seeing almost everywhere else. Again, I'm sorry, I'm just glad I checked it before the summits. Without further adieu, I'm back.

Quick rundown or recent news:

-8 arrests at Obama's Chicago HQ
-March through Canaryville and Bridgeport that included the assault of an 80 year old man and police threatening the arrest of citizens watching in the Canaryville area
-Police raid which included mistaking brewing equipment for Molotovs
-Buses of protesters arriving
-Another march on the north side
-March of nurses and anti-NATO downtown, group broke off leading in a couple of arrests

That's just a brief overview of the most recent news bits.

G8 NOT IN CHICAGO!

2012-03-05T13:47:00.005-08:00

The G8 Summits will not be held in Chicago as has been announced for the past 6 months, but at Camp David, MD. Now, little is known why, but it has been moved. The NATO summit will still be held in Chicago. One less thing to worry about.

School Closures

2012-03-05T08:21:00.000-08:00

Given the state the City will be in during the summits, schools and businesses are considering closing and/or will be closed during the news reported dates for the Summits.

Saint Ignatius school is planning on closing for the summits not due to close proximity, but to prevent any danger to their students of whom they have 1,400, that travel to school. Their prom was moved and they are adjusting the sports games to away games.

Columbia College has already modified their Spring schedule so that students can avoid much of the problems the Summits may cause.

DePaul University will be closing it's Loop Campus. It's not quite that they are worried about protesters, but for the reason that the traffic would be so horrid students and staff may not even be able to make it in.

As we move closer to the Summits, we can expect even more schools to close as well as quite a few businesses.

Return to Reporting

2012-03-05T07:59:00.002-08:00

Well readers, I had to take a while off for various personal reasons. An email sent to me was asking if it had anything to do with the blog. That was only a small part of it. But, now that I'm back, only to find that there is quite a bit that happened during my time away. I'll have to Really bear down and get everything together.

Anonymous' Call

2012-02-05T15:43:00.000-08:00

Something that has appeared in the new recently is that it's "Anonymous" putting forth the call for people to Occupy Chicago in regards to the Summits after news agencies found videos online of the call. Citing website shut downs caused by Anonymous as being related to the possibility of the same for Chicago. The website shut downs were not in correlation to the video call. They were in response to ACTA (Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement) that was signed by the US in secrecy as it is in other countries. The video of Anonymous calling for people to come to Chicago is the Adbuster's influence on some of Anonymous. Another thing that is irritating me is that people continuously saying they've spoken to the "leaders" of Anonymous. This is untrue. Anonymous is an amalgam of people on the internet. The only person who can possibly be their leader is Christopher "m00t" Poole.

White House Promises

2012-02-02T09:50:00.000-08:00

Well, the White House claims Chicago won't be footing the bill for the cost of security. It's that nice? I doubt that'll happen. More then likely we'll need to still pay a portion for security. Not to mention, shops that require extra security will have to pay their own bill. They also claim, they are confident that Chicago can handle the potests and other security concerns... Again, doubt it. We can barely handle what we already have in this city.

Police Audio Recording Change

2012-01-30T10:44:00.000-08:00

As some of you know, it is illegal to record audio without all parties consents, even in a public place. Video is ok, just not audio. CPD Superintendent Garry McCarthy wants to change the law. Under Illinois Law, in order to record audio, BOTH parties must consent to the recording. McCarthy wants to change the law to allow the recording of on-duty Police in public areas. It's a slight change, but no longer will it be an arrestable offense to record police. I'm fine with this. This will award both sides protection, and the ability to prove incidents where the audio can be of great assistance.

Requests and Occupation at The Global Crossroads

2012-01-30T05:13:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the lack of an update, so here's the overview.

Chicago has requested the Shops on the Mag Mile (Magnificent Mile, a shopping district along North Michigan Avenue) hire extra security for their shops and employees to and from work. That'll cost more then what they MAY receive from the estimated profit they will make from the Summits.

Adbusters, a company supposedly behind the Occupy movement (Some of us know the truth) is calling for at least 50,000 protesters to show up for a month, on May 1st, before the Summits to set up tent cities, showers, and kitchens for Occupy Chicago and stay until the end of May. Talk about controlled chaos.

" With a bit of luck, we’ll pull off the biggest multinational occupation of a summit meeting the world has ever seen." Adbusters Tactical Briefing #25

Knowing the Occupy mentality, I wouldn't be surprised if the gathering turns out to be in excess 60,000. And the way they are doing it will cause a bit too much misinterpretation.

The City of Chicago released the new slogan for the Summits, "The Global Crossroads." It was going to be for the Olympics, but, since this will bring us to the "Global Stage" they are using it for this.

Places to Eat

2012-01-21T12:00:00.000-08:00

If you're not from around here, a tourist, protester, dignitary, you may just go to some random place for food, get something that sucks, then think all food in Chicago is horrible. That's not true. Sure, there are some sad joints around that taste horrible, but there are some little gems around the city that have some of the best food you can ever find.

Who has the best "food item"?

It's a common question when someone comes to Chicago. I'm not going to cover the big name places, just Chicago favorites. When coming to Chicago, there something you need to know about us, we are highly competitive. Whether it be food, sports, parks, fishing spots, or even geographical locations, we will argue what is the best. Right now, I'll focus on Chicago Favorites within a couple miles of McCormick place, which seems to be the main hub for everyone.

Ricobene's -252 West 26th Street
Breaded Steak Sandwich

Started with two bothers. The may not have created the Breaded Steak Sandwich, but the perfected it to the point, almost no one will argue this point. Northsider's and Southsider's can almost agree on this, they have the best. Once you eat it, you will never forget it.

Connie's - 2373 South Archer Avenue
Deep Dish Pizza

You want the best deep dish in the city, you HAVE to go there. Hands down, it is the best you'll find. If you eat in, it's an atmosphere like few other. Every one of them, perfection in a pie. You would swear it's what they put all their time into.

Phil's Pizza - 1102 West 35th Street
Thin Crust Pizza

Now, this place can get me into trouble. Some people hate their pizza, I love it. The majority of the times, it's the only pizza I eat. Just the right crisp to the dough, perfect sauce, and never short with toppings. The perfect thin crust pizza you can find. Other may argue, but I cannot.

Freddie's - 701 West 30th Street
Italian Beef Sandwich

Few can deny the Italian Beef Sandwiches at Freddie's. Meat is the perfect thickness, perfect taste, and one can fill almost anyone with some left over. This is the place to go. I can't say anything else but Perfection.

Punky's Pizza and Pasta - 2600 South Wallace Street
Panzerotti

You will not find a better place for Panzerotties then Punky's. All individually made but they each seem to have a flavor all of their own. You just can't go wrong.

Villians - 649 South Clark Street
BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich - Large Variety of Microbrew Beer

You like Barbecue? You like Beer? Look no further then Villains. Don't let the decor confuse you, it may look like a dive, but they have the best of both worlds. Their BBQ PPS is smoked in-house for 12 hours. With house made BBQ sauce and coleslaw, you'll never want to leave. As for their beer selection, they have over a hundred. You're bound to find something you want.

This is just a brief overview of some of the best, you have one for me to add? Let me know, I'll gladly add them on.

Note: Please treat these places as Neutral Ground. Don't start anything there, or alienate other patrons by preventing there from entering due to "Security Risk" of some nonsense like that. Remember, this is Chicago, we don't take that sitting down.

New Protest Laws

2012-01-18T10:51:00.000-08:00

1. Emergency Spending Authority: Approved
2. Park Closing Time Extensions: Approved
3. Amplified Sound Time Reduction: Approved
4. Resisting Arrest Fine Increase: Approved
5. Parade Permit Fee Increase: Approved

Breakdown:

Emergency Spending Authority

Emmanuel pushed for emergency spending authority in the case the city needs last minute supplies before the during the summits. Addition ammunition and the such. It was approved.

Park Closing Time Extensions

Chicago Parks, unless otherwise stated, close at 11pm and reopen at 4am. This new regulation keeps the parks closed for 2 extra hours until 6am. Supposedly to keep people from camping. However, it will affect people who like a run before work, or a late night walk.

Amplified Sound Time Restiction

Between the hours of 10pm to 8am, amplified sound is not allowed for parades. To be honest, this one makes little sense because to my understanding, that would fall in line with the already accepted noise pollution regulation. No megaphones, stereos, and the like can be used. Still don't know the effect of this.

Resisting Arrest Fine Increase

The minimum was increase from $25 to $200. Honestly, it's not the big of a deal. Just try not getting arrested.get slammed with $1000 fine. The max here is still only $500.

Parade Permit Fees Increase

The fees were increased from $35 to $50. It's bad for everyone. May not seem like much, but when you are trying to budget for a parade, it can hurt.

During the Votes, Protesters where ejected from the Hallway just a door away from the votes. They were removed because they were being disruptive. How? Yelling to be let in. Understandably, but i they were quieter, they may, very well, have been allowed in.

Now we know what's been changed. Still some time beforehand, so let's see what else.

(Not A) Call to Arms

2012-01-17T10:17:00.000-08:00

Quite a bit, I've been seeing people doing a "Call to Arms" to riot in the streets of Chicago. Why? It'll just work to prevent what message you have from getting through. News won't report on your side, they'll be too busy reporting on the riots. Those on the other, the law, are just doing their jobs. They are there to make money for themselves and their family. During the summits they will be putting in significant overtime. They are just people, like you and me. It's bad enough that they don't know if they'll go home to their families on a normal day, why make it worse. Things like this are why location have a damned army in front of their doors. This is why protesters get a bad name.

What ever happened to peaceful protest? About 4 years back, a group called "Anonymous" protested the crimes of Scientology during "Project Chanology". Beforehand, they called for this very thing, violence. A man named Mark Bunker (Wise Beard Man), who I had the pleasure of meeting, gave them the message to remain peaceful. They did, and you know what, Scientology is being prosecuted even now. Why? The protesters listened and remained peaceful which allowed their message to be heard. It's not a difficult concept.

When there is nothing to report but the message, it will be broadcast. So please, don't incite riots, it'll only take away what you want to give.

Fred Lowe

Chicago's Partial Retreat

2012-01-13T05:18:00.000-08:00

I reported a few days back that the mayor was "sorry" about the mistake he made in regards to the new regulations. In fact, he changed the game up yet again. The parade is not going to be limited to 2 hours, but remain at the original time allowed. The regulation regarding resisting arrest, is not going to double anymore, but they will be raising the minimum fine. Lastly, I forgot to report on a regulation that would require one parade marshal for every 100 people, that is no longer being requested.

They're finally posting some cash numbers now. The Summits are going to cost between $45-65 million. Honestly, I thing $100 million sounds better. Again, they claim this will not come out of taxpayer pockets, but you know what, they'll have to pay significant over time to emergency services in the city, and where does that come from?

I find it funny that just last month, we had little information as to what was going on. Now we're being slammed with data. If news keeps flowing at this rate, I might have to do daily posts.

Lastly, congratulations to Coalition Against the NATO/G-8 War and Poverty Agenda, also called CANG8, for getting the first of many parade permits.

Downtown Lockdown

2012-01-12T05:27:00.000-08:00

A little bit of breaking new. A proposal for the G8/NATO Summits includes a partial lockdown of a potion of downtown. Borders won't be disclosed until about 4 weeks prior to the summits.

Streets shut down? What kind of mess will that bring. I was planning on a post regarding possible street closures soon too. I'll still do it, but don't take it as a full truth. I'll see if I can't find out sooner for my readers.. This'll mess up everyone...
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Now that I have a bit more time I can cover some other things I wanted to.

With thew lockdown of Downtown, as you know, is NEVER as simple as they claim. For instance, for every day the parts of downtown are closed, each and every parking space will have to be paid for. Most of the meters will be at $5.75 for as long as the locations are timed. Might not seem like that much, but lets do a little math. Let's say 5,000 parking spaces. Let's say the spaces that need to be paid for from 5am, to 9pm. Right there is 16 hours. That's $92 dollars a day for just one spot. $460,000. And that's just one day. We're looking at, including staging, tear down, and the sort, about, let's say 3 weeks. Total would be $9,660,000. Now, they CLAIM it will not cost the taxpayers anything. It's coming from Private and Federal funds. I call bullshit. More they likely we'll get stuck with the bill, we almost always do.

Recently snipers were casing the area around O'Hare, Downtown, and McCormick Place. Now we know what airport everyone will be coming in. Security is going to be tighter then Lake Shore Drive at Rush Hour. People coming into the city around that time would be wise to come in either at Midway or take a train.

A little bit of hard-to-find news about the permits issued. To make up for blowing the new laws out of proportion, the city is offering free portajohns and audio equipment to protesters. What's next, armed escorts, hotels, free pizza? Well, I'll enjoy getting a slice or two. All joking aside, everything I find is making these Summits seem like far too much trouble then what it's worth.

"New Year's resolution. I made a mistake."

2012-01-10T09:32:00.000-08:00

Protesters have submitted applications for parade permits for the protests in May. YAY! But guess what?

Right now the hot button issue seems to be the fact that the "temporary" policies instated for the Summits (stiffer penalties for resisting officers, and no marches can last longer then 2 hours), will, in fact, be permanent and for EVERYONE in the vote on January 18th go that way. Emmanuel said he made a mistake when it came to it. No, you might not think it a big deal for the Summit protests, but it will effect everyone. Your Pride parades (sexual and cultural) can and will be effected. Think about it. The law will be, anyone refusing to disperse after only two hours can and will be arrested. So much for the good old day long parties. It's bad enough they're pretty much shutting down known city events like the Taste, but now the parades? When will it end? It's starting to look like "1984" here. Good book by the way.

As for the resisting arrest fines, not a significant problem over all. It's been about the same in New York and L.A. but now it's here. It is going to be double what it once was here. Still trouble, but not too big of a deal, but, then again, it was only to be for the Summits. I still find it funny. He begs for it to come here, and now he's mad because he has to put in effect all these laws to prevent trouble. But do I really care? Not as much as you think. But I do know this, if they put these laws on the books, they better follow it or it'll turn people away from the city. We can't have selective enforcement of the laws. And what do I mean? Here's something you might get a kick out of, you see people flying kites in the parks right? The same thing the Mayor did? It's illegal. It might turn into a law that's only used on certain people. If it's voted active, the parade law should be used on all of them. Including the Bud Billiken, St Patrick's Day, Thanksgiving, Gay Pride, and all of them. Like it or not, it will effect everyone. Remember that. In eight days, they'll vote, let's just hope they dismiss it, it'll cause more trouble then it's worth

The Occupy Side

2012-01-06T14:32:00.000-08:00

Recently, I was contacted by "Shaun Bailey" from Occupy Springfield, IL. He was interested in using my blog on one of their sites thinking it would be good to have an independent side to the die. Of course, I have no problem with this, and figured, given the reports the the Occupy Movement would be attending the Summit protests, I thought I try to get their side hammered down as well. After a few emails, I sent him some questions to answer for my blog. He accepted and here we are. Please note, that I, in no way, modified the contents of the following:

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For those who don't know, what is the Occupy Movement about?

The Occupy movement stands against economic and social inequalities, for the most part. The primary catalyst for the Occupy protestors is the merger of big banks and corporations with our government and its political processes. We stand against corporations’ ability to buy our representatives' vote, as their motives of profit typically fall in direct opposition of equality and opportunity for the workers that make their profit possible in the first place, thus stripping the people of representation at all. We stand against the lies that are force fed through mainstream media, and seek to correct the peoples' perception of it by participating with it in such a manner that draws attention to the biggest dilemmas it causes, with the inevitability that it will inspire others to acknowledge those dilemmas exist.

How did the Occupy Movement start?

Technically, the "Occupy" movement started on September 17th when a small group of people attempted to carry out an idea set forth by Adbusters, which is a magazine that is anti-consumerism, and further perpetuated by an online hacktivist group (idea) called "Anonymous." It took hold in several cities around the country pretty quickly, despite the fact that it took the media 17 days to report on it. The media was finally forced to say something when hundreds of people were arrested for their peaceful march on the Brooklyn Bridge. Every Occupy cell started and functions a little differently, as a result of having no hierarchy woven into its structure, but the direction is unilaterally towards a progression in the way we do "business."

In reality, most people would suggest that Occupy started some time ago. Tahrir Square and Spain were models for the way the movement functions, and many of us believe you can trace these same (recent) energies of dissent towards the status quo to Greece, Spain, and all of the Arab Spring.

Why are you interested in attending the G8/Nato Summits?

G8 is comprised of exactly what we stand against. The world's richest get together and figure out how to keep themselves rich on the backs of everyone else. While they hold no elected positions, they help to craft policies that affect all of us in very big ways. (Bank bailouts, anyone?) Since their only accountabilities lie in their bank accounts, there is little regard shown for the people that are truly affected by the discussions held at a G8 or G20 Summit. They also have a role in "securing" the internet, and it is every truth-seekers duty to protect the internet from the "security" they intend to give it by shutting out sites like Wikileaks that have provided a much clearer picture of our current global scenario by posing the threat that truth holds over secrecy and lies. The internet is the last open channel we have left, and if we've learned anything from cable news, newspapers, and our own government, it's that money will do whatever it takes to protect money. Once money takes hold of the internet, we're right back in the dark, and it is definitely in the G8's "interests" to put us there.

The fact that NATO is meeting simultaneously should be a bit of a light bulb for newcomers to the global scheme. Anti-war protestors have been saying all along that the role we play in war and foreign policy is tied to the economic security for those that already have the most of it, and the fact that the world's largest military powers are meeting alongside the world's largest economic powers should ring some serious alarm bells for those just catching the plot.

What do you hope to accomplish there?

Awareness is key. Many of us inside the movement feel that education (not indoctrination) is our most immediate step in the journey towards a better world. People have been on the Cable News' chess board for far too long, and many, many Americans have no idea what is going on around them as a result. Tens of thousands of people in the streets over political and economic practices IN AMERICA are hard to ignore, and the more persistent we are in standing against these global injustices with clear facts (that cannot be refuted without the use of lies and misinformation), the more likely others will be to get involved. Naturally, we will be misrepresented by mainstream media... but the truth has a funny way of sinking in over time, and it certainly doesn't forget.

What are you thoughts on the possibility of extensive police presence at the event?

We are very aware of what we will be facing in Chicago... We believe it's good for America to see how far the corruption will go to protect its entanglement in our global situation, and having the amount of force that they will, no doubt, have on hand for the sake of controlling American citizens is a very telling sign that the message and energy we (as well as most of the non-affiliated protestors that will be there in May) are delivering makes the leaders of the status quo afraid. To the cable news viewer, that might be because unbathed hippies are such a "violent" bunch, but to those that are really paying attention, it just carries our message further into their hearts and minds. They want people to be afraid to show up, because the people are the only means of actually puncturing a hole through the wall with which they hide their crimes against, what we like to refer to as, the 99%. I've seen estimates claiming that 30,000 people expected to show in Chicago... It's funny, because there had to be close to a million people in Times Square on New Year's Eve, and we certainly didn't see Bloomberg bringing out LRADs in preparation of controlling that crowd.

Any last thoughts on the Summits?

I sincerely hope that they go without incident. None of us are naive, but we, as Occupy, think it is very important to remain steadfast in our peaceful approach. Around the country, we have clearly seen the intention that power has to quell the statements of its abuse (no matter how peaceful), and I, for one, hope that Rahm Emmanuel understood offense to ALL of us American citizens before rushing to pass increased fines and time limits on Free Speech.

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"LRADs": Long Range Acoustic Devices

There you have it folks, From their mouth to your eyes. Now, so you know, this is one Occupy Cell and I'm not saying that this is true across the board, but, this is how Springfield, IL thinks. Now if I could talk to Black Bloc members and Dignitaries, I'd almost have every side. If you know any, send them to me please. Hell, if you know anyone willing to give their take on the Summits, I'll be more then happy to talk with them. I'll take insider scoops as well.

Just remember, as I told Shaun, and will tell you, I have no affiliation with any side, not Occupy, not Police, not Dignitary, nor Protester, I'm just a private citizen of Chicago.

McCormick Place

2011-12-06T05:20:00.000-08:00

I decided to talk about the facility known to be playing host for the event. Those unfamiliar with the location might be surprised by the size comprised of 4 main buildings not including the parking area. Unsurprisingly, on their own calender, the G8/NATO summits are not listed. There is a good chance that either the calender has yet to be updated, or, not posted due to security concerns. After all, it would list the move in/move out dates as well as location in the complex.

One source of mine claims that one of the summits will be taking place in the West Building/Lakeside Center, which overlooks the Lake Michigan and some of the Chicago Skyline. How true that report is, is unknown. But, if it is true, it opens up another protest location using Northerly Island. I told this to a protester who requested not to be named that it opens the possibility of tethered balloon signs to get into their view or even boat-based protesting. An officer I spoke to claimed that it would be a security nightmare due to the large area that protesters will be able to access.

A simple map of the facility:
Layout

One of the best maps I've found that included the access points and streets in the immediate area would just so happen to the "Designated Smoking Locations" map:

Smoking Locations

As you can see, depending on where it's being held, most if not all locations should be accessible or have a way around. More then likely Lake Shore Drive might be the main thoroughfare for dignitary travel. Along with that end of I-55, Cermak Rd, and Martin Luther King Drive , and possibly Michigan Avenue. During that week, if you can make a detour, do it. Also, in the case of medical emergencies in the area, Mercy Hospital is just a short distance away, good news for all sides.

For Google Maps, just use this link: McCormick Place.

For informational use only.

Protest First Aid

2011-11-22T08:59:00.000-08:00

This won't be about trips, falls, scrapes, the usual. Most, if not everyone, at the protests know how to treat these. The primary thing I'll be talking is CS/CN/CX (tear gas) and OC (pepper spray) exposure. Bare in mind that the treatments I'll cover may work for both.

[Before you go]

Don't use oil-based anything. The oil will hold the chemicals on your skin longer. If you wear contacts, opt for glasses. Contacts can act like the oil, keeping the chemicals in your eyes. wear something that can cover your exposed skin. Even something as simple as cheap rain gear can offer you some protection.

[Forewarning]

If OC spray is to be deployed, often times you'll see them reach for their spray canisters or ready paintball guns (if they will use peperballs. Concentrated chemical in a plastic container.)

In the case of tear gas, you can see their preparations easier. They'll begin donning their gas masks. This will give you the chance to ready yourself by covering exposed skin or even putting on your own mask.

[After Deployment]
Don't Panic!Something people seem to forget it that the pain is temporary. When they are inflicted with pain, the get agitated. When you get agitated, your breathing increases, as it increases you suck in more of the irritant, then the cycle goes on. Stay as calm as possible. If your blinded by the chemical listen. The "medics" will be calling for those exposed. Follow their voice. If your are one of the ones prepared for the chemicals or it doesn't bother you as much, help out. Something as simple as kicking the canister away can help a lot. Escort those you can to help then go back for more.

[Treatment]

A simple "L.A.W." (liquid antacid and water) can do wonders. Take your favorite liquid antacid, like Maalox, and fill a spray bottle with a 50-50% mixture with water. For eyes, start from the mucus membrane, (near the nose) and work your way out. For the mouth, spray, swish, and spit the L.A.W. Repeat as necessary. I really can't find much at all for the nose.

For the skin, nothing can beat soap and water. Some use alcohol wipes to clean the skin. While this may be effective, if you choose to do it, be care to to get too close to the eyes. Prolonged skin exposure can lead to chemical burns. These burns can be treated simple with medicated gauze.

[Afterwards]

Wash your clothes and wash yourself. Wash your clothes that have been exposed once or twice by themselves before you even thing about washing them with anything else. "Fuzzy" synthetic cloth like Gore-tex, and most fleece, are as good as gone. Chances are they will retain the chemical after cleaning exposing you to it once more. Take a nice cool bath to wash your hair and body. Wash a few times to ensure that you are clean and that the chemical is fully cleaned off your body.

If you have anything else you would like me to add, let me know.

For Educational Purposes Only.

T Minus 6 Months and special thanks.

2011-11-15T10:58:00.000-08:00

Six months left and the information regarding the summits is limited. The main bits of information released since the announcement in June are that they are coming to Chicago, police will receive training, the state/county/city received a grant for security, petitions filed for permits, and former Chicago 2016 (Olympics) President Lori Healey will be on organizing duties. Not much information. The logistics of the event are unknown. Times and locations, for the most part, are unknown. However, with 6 months, it's more then enough time to release more information.

And a special thanks to someone going by the name Anon Y. Mous. The anonymous donor has donated funds with the strict order I create a .COM domain, which I've already done. Thank you very much. The domain will be http://www.G8NATO2012.COM. It's live now.

Occupy Chicago vs. G8/NATO Protests

2011-11-14T10:00:00.000-08:00

Let's take a look at a few things. Chicago Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy thinks that the Occupy Chicago situation makes for a good dry run. Not really. OC is a, for the most part, a real peaceful protest. It's organised to a point. However, it's mostly Chicagoan's that know how CPD reacts and have made it a point to not get on their bad sides. That's why it's more peaceful then many other cities Occupy Wall Street is in. OC even has the Green group willing to go to jail.

The G8/NATO protest won't even come close to being that nice. Unlike OC, they have have the Black Blockers that who are the one's who do the damage. The rest, for the most part, are peaceful. But as we know, all it takes is for one idiot to start the downward spiral of order into sheer chaos. Just look up, "Black Block", you'll see what I mean. Not to mention, the sheer numbers will be overwhelming. More then likely, we'll need outside help to assist.

Now, how is that a valid comparison? It isn't.

Interview with Police

2011-11-10T08:57:00.001-08:00

Well, just got done talking to a two Chicago Police Officers. A two for one if you will. Name and certain locations have been modified to protect myself and the officers. Also the conversation has been slightly modified as well.

How's it going today.

Officer B. "Not bad."

Officer M. "Getting a little cold out."

What do you think about the summits coming?

Officer B. "It's going to be hell. I've seen the video from some of the prior G8 and NATO summits. Not a pretty picture."

Officer M. "I might take the week off."

It's going to be that bad?

Officer B. "Of course. Not only do we have the summits, but there's also 7 other things going at the same time. I don't even think that they'll even send us help until it gets too far."

Officer M. "Yeah. We're already 4,000 officers under what we're supposed to have. The biggest problem is that almost 500 are retiring by the end of the year."

I thought CPD was only about 2,000 officers down.

Officer M. "They weren't telling you half of everything. We're to have 13,000. We barely have 9,000. But you know why we're having the summits right?"

Emmanuel was kissing Obama's ass to get them?

Officer M. "Not only that, but it's a test run. Since Daley couldn't get the olympics, he's trying to get them."

Officer B. "That's all it is. If we can handle this, we can handle anything."

What do you know about the training?

Officer B. "They haven't told us much of anything yet."

I've heard that they are sending some of you guys to either Seattle or Pittsburgh.

Officer M. "It won't be some. They'll have to send all of us. Not sure on the blocks, but if they send 250 of us over there, that's 250 off the streets. Now, imagine Chicago, on a regular day, with 250 gone. It'll be bad. I can tell you that now."

Any final thoughts for the readers?

Officer B. "When it comes, be careful. And try not to make too much of a mess. Remember, we have to clean it up."

Officer M. "I second that. I really don't feel like having to deal with a riot."

Police Training Pt.1

2011-11-10T04:44:00.000-08:00

The Chicago Police Department is training their officers for the summit. They are training in Pittsburgh and Seattle. More then likely, it will cover mass arrests, crowd control, riot control, and proper use of sontrol weapons like tear gas grenades, water cannons and batons.. My thought, why can't they bring the trainers HERE instead of sending almost all of our officers over there. May be cheaper, however, I'm unsure as to exactly what this training entails, but I digress. I may have an interview with an officer or two in regards to the training that may be given soon.

The biggest problem will be the tear gas. Some people, myself included, have been exposed to it. Military and protesters alike can tell you how it feels, myself included. Those who know, without having protecting, know not to freak and just let it do what it does while remaining calm and getting out of it. Remember, it won't ill you, just cause a lot of discomfort. There are two ways to protect yourself with a kit a little bigger then a cigarette pack, a gas mask, or, a homemade mask.

Tip one: Kit

It's simple, just a handkerchief, rag, or a bandanna, and a small bottle of vinegar. When you know the gas is coming, soak the cloth in the vinegar and put it over your mouth and nose. This will protect your airway. If you want, get some cheap swimming goggles for your eyes.

Tip 2: Homemade Gas Mask

Similar principle. You can use this info-graphic for the details.

For informational purposes only.

Dates and Locations

2011-11-09T11:33:00.000-08:00

So far, the dates, as they are known, for the G8 and NATO summits are May 15-22, 2012 and May 20-21, (needs confirmation) 2012, respectively. That's right! At the same time. Talk about trouble for the Chicago Police Department. I'd hate to see what kind of security they'll bring in. Expect cops on foot, horseback, in cars, and don't be surprised to see a tank or two.

So far it seems it'll be mostly at the McCormick Place Convention Center. Good for them, not so good for others. For one, the NRA, not that one, but the National Restaurant Association moved there show because it conflicted with the summits. A couple schools with plans to visit Chicago are cancelling them or moving the dates. If you plan on visiting Chicago, book your rooms NOW! Also, expect traffic to take a massive blow. Expect police barricades, motorcades, and tear gas grenades to block your path to where you want to go.

Yes, I said tear gas grenades. If the previous summits taught us anything, it's that protesters will be all over the place. It's know that both events bring in massive amounts of protesters. Now, we got BOTH of them at the same time. Rioting WILL hit the streets. Those of us who live here KNOW the monkey see, monkey do attitude this city has. All it'll take is one person to cast the first firebomb. CPD WILL react. It won't be race based this time, but full on chaos. It'll start at the location and move outward.Not a problem if you live farther away, but expect the stuff to go off a mile or two from the site as well.

Now, with the hotels, expect the summits to take up AT LEAST 10,000 hotel rooms. My GOD that's a lot. BUT, you have the chance now. Everyone is waiting on Pres.Obama. Now, a bit of a look into their security, per hotel, they want no more the 2 dignitaries per. That's right, only 2 per hotel, for the G8, so far as I know. NATO may be the same. Obama is not going to stay at his Hyde Park residence, oh no, he's going to be in a hotel. Everyone's eyes are on him. As far as I know, it's going to be either the Park Hilton, or the Four Seasons. My money's on the Hilton. Once his choice is made, expect a near sell-out within a couple days.

Good luck.