Now don't get me wrong... I love animals.  More than I do most people.   And I think that group of 125 volunteers and hundreds of runners who gathered together last weekend to benefit Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo was a very good thing for all involved.

But what I find incredible is the fact that in today's NewsReal there was no mention whatsoever of United's intention to close LASSW and PHLSW, as well as surplus out flight attendants from MIASW.  Nothing.

There were only the following three articles:

1. United, US Airways Relationship Grows

2. United and Japan Labor Union Reach New Contract Agreement

3. Chicagoland Employees Run for the Zoo

In other words, the Zoo received top billing over any base closure news.

Just to be sure I wasn't losing my mind altogether, I checked Unimatic Front Page news at 1700 CDT today.  We are now at over 24 hours and counting since the major announcement.  Perhaps there would have been some information there?

Nope.  Nothing.  All quiet on the Unimatic front at 1700 CDT June 3.

As I mention in the article below, stay tuned.  Although it is still zero dark 100 on Unimatic, perhaps they will publish some resources and information (after the giraffes and hippos of course) soon since I'm sure people's personal lives are in complete disarray with the base closure news.

This has been one of those crazy, ironic, incomprehensible days.

By the way, here's what happened last Sunday as reported in NewsReal:

A United group of 125 volunteers and hundreds of runners came together on Sunday, June 1, to promote the "United Run for the Zoo" -- an annual event that benefits Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo.

Volunteers were involved in every aspect of the event, including acting as course marshals, water station monitors and post-event refreshment servers.

Senior Vice President and General Counsel Fran Maher, a zoo board member, officially started the races. United employees also set up a customer outreach table to increase membership in United's award-winning Red Carpet Clubs(R), Mileage Plus(R), and Mileage Plus Visa(R) programs. The event attracts about 10,000 participants each year and draws many of United's top customers.

Amy Labandelo, staff representative-Civic Affairs says, "Our employee volunteers' upbeat, positive attitudes do much to reaffirm United's undiminished commitment to the community, in particular to the zoo. United's support helps keep this zoo admission-free, allowing everyone the opportunity to learn about and enjoy nature. What's more, the exemplary performance of our volunteers and runners will go a long way in helping United sustain the loyalty of our best customers and win over new ones."

Lincoln Park Zoo is one of Chicago's only major cultural institutions that remains free of charge. United is the official airline of Lincoln Park Zoo and has been a major sponsor of the United Run for the Zoo for 14 consecutive years. All proceeds from this event benefit the animals and conservation programs, keeping the zoo free 365 days a year.