I have jury duty starting on Monday. The weird thing about it is that is that is in the south Loop, about 50 miles from my house. I called and said there must be some mistake. I have not lived in Cook County in 8 years. The lady explained that this is a federal courthouse which draws its jurors from 8 counties. There are no federal courthouses any closer, only county courts.

It's a PITA but I will go and do my duty as a citizen. I just hope it isn't some mob trial that goes on for months.

This is the third time I have been called to a jury. The first two times I was thrown straight out when they saw my line of work. Prosecutors and defense attorneys alike do not want analytical types. They want putty in their hands.

The weird thing is when most of us get in the courtroom we want to serve. Getting out of jury duty is a running joke but once you are there in that room you want to be part of it. There is a sense of seriousness and solemnity about it. Someone's life might be at stake.