Random Rockford Celebrity

I often amaze and annoy my friends with my ability to tie just about everything back to Rockford, IL -- an urban version of Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon.

I recently found out that Michelle Williams (of Destiny's Child) is from my home town, that will open up a ton of new possibilities.

Other Notable Rockfordians (or a lesson in porn, pop and politics....and one playful potato)
Jane Addams, Nobel Peace Prize Winner
Ginger Lynn Allen, pornographic actress
John Bayard Anderson, U.S. Representative and 1980 presidential candidate
Cheap Trick, rock band (perhaps the greatest power pop band ever!!)
Janet Lynn, ice skater
Susan Saint James, actress, childhood years
Lynn Martin, US Secretary of Labor and Congresswoman
Aidan Quinn -- my dad wallpapered his parent's house in the "Early Frost" era

Rockford, like GM, was once great with a lot of possibility and pluck. Now, it is considered one of the least livable cities in the US by Money Magazine. A safe bet that you're not going to offend any of your readers, as that segment must be both literate and have money to invest -- not the norm in good, ol' Rockford. So, when you're wondering what can property taxes buy you, think Rockford. Rockford has one of the highest property tax burdens in the US.

Strangely, I often miss my hometown and the true characters that it has produced.