Check out what our training class did in ONE day in Chicago: behind the scenes tour of the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, toured Soldier Field (they were setting up for a Kenny Chesney concert), toured Marshall Fields with lunch in the Walnut Room, toured Chicago Cultural Center (formerly Chicago Public Library, went on the TRADING FLOOOR of the Chicago Board of Trade, toured Chicago Theater, water taxi tour, toured Wrigley field, saw IMAX on Shackleton Expedition and went to the horse races at Maywood Park. Our team beat the other team at the horse races, so we got to keep our money AND theirs. We stayed at the Ritz Carlton (owned by Four Seasons): highest rated hotel in North America 7 of the past 8 years in Conde Nast survey. Amazing place!

Highlights from other days: dinner at Fogo de Chao with team member from MBA program, lunch on 95th floor of John Hancock building and Chicago Art Institute.

Tomorrow is the last day of school for the kids. They’ve adjusted well to their new school. We’ve been impressed by the teachers, principal, district and students. The boat is cleaned up and ready to get wet. Last month we took it to a tiny lake about 5 miles from our house to make sure it was running OK. Boat checked out, but the lake didn’t. Ski boats are restricted to an area that was just big enough to turn around in at 30 mph. Time to explore.

The church activity for YM/ YW last night was a pinewood derby. The kids came up with some creative designs. There was a great turnout. I built one and raced it once in the last first round heat when a kid needed someone to race against. I beat him, but I didn’t feel good about advancing and leaving him out, so I told the bracket masters that he won. His dad was there and he was all excited, how could I not. He made it to the top 6 or so, so mine would have done well.

I HATE the Lakers. Go Celtics!!

Mrs. Clinton would have been a disaster as president. Mr. Obama may prove a disaster, and John McCain may, but she would be. Mr. Obama may lie, and Mr. McCain may lie, but she would lie. And she would have brought the whole rattling caravan of Clintonism with her—the scandal-making that is compulsive, the drama that is unending, the sheer, daily madness that is her, and him…For all her accomplishments and success, it was her sketchy character that in the end did her in.

Peggy Noonan, wsj 6/6/08