8 November 2014: Jurassic Ballpark

It looked almost like a pair of fierce dinosaurs were tearing into the east side of Wrigley Field this afternoon. I went a little snap-happy taking pictures, many of which are posted on my newest blog, Watching Other People Work.  

28 October 2014: The Falling of the Year

This tree at an undisclosed location in Rogers Park is a favorite of mine
 at any season. The lower part of its trunk grows almost horizontally.
I am always afraid that one day it will be chopped down as a nuisance,
but i really hope not.  

16 October 2014: Chicago Fashion Week

It's Chicago Fashion Week, and if you walk from the Red Line to the Blue through the Block 37 concourse, you are bound to encounter something far different from the usual array of business suits, Bulls caps, and Blackhawks jerseys. 

Pictured here is a design by Alexander Knox of Columbia College Chicago, 

who was a contestant on this season of Project Runway. 

To be perfectly honest, i'm not the most fashion-conscious person out there, 

but this was definitely a lovely, whimsical design 

(I only wish i'd been able to get a better picture on my phone). 

14 October 2014: Lost in the Clouds

The Sears Tower swathed in clouds

13 October 2014: Welcome to Rush Hour

As much as i love Rogers Park, occasionally i have to leave in order to earn
my daily bread. Being packed into the L at rush hour is no fun at all. 
But fortunately, our many excellent buskers always help to lighten the mood.
These guys were among the best i've heard. 

27 September 2014: Open for Business!

Philly's Best is open for business, and yours truly is happily busting her diet on an authentic Philly cheesesteak -- made with Cheez Whiz, of course -- with a TastyKake Butterscotch Krimpet for dessert. Business was looking pretty good when i was there, and i hope they will do well in this location. It's always great to welcome a new business to the 'hood, but it's even better when it's a place that serves one of my favorite guilty pleasures. 

25 September 2014: What a Shame!

The former Chase bank at 1425 W. Morse Ave.

I usually try to keep things positive and focus on the good things in Rogers Park whenever possible, but this is a disgrace! The Chase bank closed less than two weeks ago, but already the property looks like something out of a post-apocalyptic nightmare. There are still two active businesses at this location--a laundromat and a Family Dollar--so why isn't the property owner even bothering to empty the trash? 

Given the larger problems in the neighborhood--including yet another gunfight just around the corner from this location in the middle of the day today--this may seem like a minor problem, but it makes this commercial stretch look abandoned and dangerous. This is definitely not what we need if we are going to keep our community vibrant and welcoming.