tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64263272011-11-27T19:46:24.872-06:00Buildings, Trees, Sidewalks, Glue . . . . A Chicago, IL Blog Dispatched from the 43rd Ward on the Near North Side . . . Lincoln Park. 60614 . . . Blog in Urbs in Horto. Established 2004.Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.comBlogger4181100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-21176658168786791892007-11-03T03:40:00.001-05:002007-11-03T04:11:16.552-05:00

Effective today, I have "gone live" as the About.com Guide for Chicago Locals. You can find the site here. About.com is A New York Times Company, and I am pleased to have this opportunity. After three years of blogging here for "love and comments," (as Pound's Wendy McClure once described it), I will be paid to blog about Chicago.I'll be taking my e-mail address down from this site and

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-9342626609701381442007-06-18T12:26:00.000-05:002007-06-18T12:38:40.032-05:00

Well, I've been kind of bummed about our house purchase falling through.As someone who blogs on the micro-community level, I feel I am neither here nor there. I'm not sure I'm really a part of Lincoln Park because I may be leaving shortly for another Chicago neighborhood, but I don't know which one.Obviously, blogging-wise, I've come to a screeching halt.I need to go on hiatus until I know where

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-60510103734279292462007-05-07T19:41:00.000-05:002007-05-07T20:43:48.935-05:00

"The month of May not only brings proverbial flowers, but it also brings back the sun worshippers, dog owners, baby jogger owners, sightseers and, unfortunately. . .trash. My husband and I volunteer for the Alliance for the Great Lakes, and I serve as a beach captain for North Avenue Beach. We organize clean-ups five times a year. Our kick-off clean-up was on April 14 to coincide with Earth Day.

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-66556452455539269152007-05-05T19:51:00.000-05:002007-05-07T06:23:34.889-05:00

I often find myself asking this question whenever the topic of the fire comes up.You hear about the devastation, the rebirth, the cow, but rarely do you ever hear about victims. That omission just doesn't fit with how Americans tend to relate to disasters, including historic ones.For instance, doesn't it seem like there would have been some notable memorial for the victims of the fire erected by

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-62900176124155870022007-05-04T20:53:00.001-05:002007-05-04T21:00:15.664-05:00

The artist and Old Town resident Jenny Roberts (whom I've blogged about before here and here) throws a No Parade tomorrow, Saturday, May 5, as part of the Lumpen Version 07 Festival. Read more about the No Parade here.

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-24661844684409450322007-05-01T12:31:00.000-05:002007-05-01T13:10:54.845-05:00

Vi Daley's run-off election seemed to reveal a lot of issues with our community's organizations. If you check in with the comments still blazing on this blog's recent "Vi Daley" post, you'll see some of it.In my pre-election comments, I complained that I thought our community was sliced and diced into so many different groups and organizations that it didn't help foster a sense of community,

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-7878289689583299562007-05-01T11:28:00.000-05:002007-05-01T12:29:06.828-05:00

I've got Band-aids on both big toes from walking the remarkable ArtChicago on Monday. What a visual feast!The Artist Project offered independent artists a seat at this sprawling art market's table.Many of them explored Chicago's urban and natural landscape as their subject matter. Here are two.William Dolan William Dolan's work is at right. The first painting is called "Blue Caprice. "The second

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-29606284074508569892007-04-28T13:29:00.000-05:002007-04-28T14:03:52.299-05:00

My older brother, John, lives in Brooklyn and helps run a tv lighting company called Liberty Lighting. In other words, he's a gaffer. And, he's really, really good at it. So good that Barbara Walters always hires him to light her for her interviews and feature shows. You can see her at left in this photo without his lighting.Occasionally, he sends us photos from his celebrity shoots, and I

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-42789548799694050482007-04-27T14:12:00.000-05:002007-04-27T21:54:34.679-05:00

No corner in Lincoln Park better exemplifies the changing built landscape of this neighborhood than Howe and Armitage. That's where you'll find this little blue gem from 1886. It's dwarfed by the three-, four-, and five-lot palaces that have risen all around it. Now, it's a complete anomaly.Sadly, it's probably also awaiting its slaughter.It's been for sale at least since 2005 when I took these

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-48255764492079793032007-04-26T14:43:00.000-05:002007-04-26T15:06:55.121-05:00

I'm already tired of hearing about the cicadas.I can't help but wonder if it's going to be a big nothing like Y2K was. You know, with global warming and all that. It's entirely possible the cicadas won't know to come out this year.The Trib adores the story. This morning's front page features an article by an oh-gosh bride who had envisioned a ceremony outside. But, oh yuck. "Can you imagine

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-291165857592785112007-04-26T11:52:00.000-05:002007-04-26T20:43:04.505-05:00

You guys rock. Thanks for all the comments blazing on my previous post while I took some more down time.Just a few more comments on Vi's re-election and what you've posted:- I wrote that people re-elected Vi due to her leadership and experience. I really don't know that. I was just giving her the benefit of the doubt. A more accurate statement would have been that voters decided to keep her

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-34819869380643017082007-04-18T09:36:00.000-05:002007-04-18T09:59:22.990-05:00

Well, Vi's victory last night was clearly decisive. No doubt about it. While her fellow incumbents fell to their spirited opponents or clung to their seats by a thread, Vi was way out ahead of Michele Smith. Clearly, voters felt her leadership and track record were worthy of her keeping her job.She raked in 4,347 votes to Smith's 3,798 with 98.31% of the vote in. (These numbers from the Trib

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com73tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-52130725136210690672007-04-17T21:52:00.000-05:002007-04-17T22:02:09.797-05:00

The 43rd ward election results seem to have ground to a stop. What gives? Here's the Trib's site. I'm going to bed. I'll see in the a.m. who is our alderman.Night, night. Sleep tight.Update: A-ha. Here's what's going on courtesy of the Trib.

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-84483204724524267272007-04-17T20:04:00.000-05:002007-04-17T20:08:20.249-05:00

The Chicago Tribune is posting race results here. So far, Vi Daley leads Michele Smith 3242 to 2854 with 71.19% of the precincts reporting. Meanwhile, Ted Matlak and Joe Moore are trailing their challengers by inches. Stay tuned.

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-42881762480758434722007-04-16T12:02:00.000-05:002007-04-16T12:51:10.653-05:00

The campaigning is fast and furious. E-mails from Tim Egan. Post-it notes on my front yard gate from Vi Daley. Neighbors from Old Town mailing on behalf of Michele Smith.Are you planning on voting tomorrow?I am one of those people who shows up at just about every election no matter what. I believed all that stuff in elementary school about how other countries wished they had a right to vote like

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-29592040637050682472007-04-11T15:05:00.000-05:002007-04-11T16:49:31.240-05:00

Well, here's a hint. Mr. The Place Where We Live and I have been out having a BLAST of the "wish you were here" variety.We also signed a contract on a home in a ward other than the fighting 43rd. It's a consuming process with inspections and all that, so I've missed a few of the main (in) fights and televisiony things going on between Michele Smith & Vi Daley.What have you heard lately? Who won

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-15996381161272372412007-03-22T12:07:00.000-05:002007-03-22T13:20:14.572-05:00

Before TPWWL heads out on spring break (totally, dudes), here is the latest in the 43rd aldermanic run-off that pits incumbent Vi Daley against Michele Smith. See you in April!Ms. Smith rung the bell of my home while out canvasing the neighborhood. She was kind enough to share her opinions about her positions and fill me in on the latest news from the campaign front as she sees it. Somewhere in

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-59025459770675805352007-03-22T11:50:00.000-05:002007-03-22T12:06:23.674-05:00

Four-hundred and nine University of Chicago alumni submitted haiku poems for a contest sponsored by the University of Chicago Magazine. The poems had to be about the university somehow.Giuliana Fargnoli Champman, AB '96, won with this charming little number:Japanese touristsstanding around the Atomphotograph themselves

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-71990412794529263612007-03-16T08:24:00.000-05:002007-03-16T08:37:01.372-05:00

From the American Memory Collection of The Chicago Daily News. The archive description reads: "Four Irish relics related to St. Patrick on a table in the Field Museum in the Loop community area in Chicago, Illinois. 1907."He probably put them in the coat check while he was looking at the dinosaurs, and then, when he got back to Ireland, he found the stub in his wallet and went, "Oh, jeez."

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-28232748535899495642007-03-15T14:28:00.000-05:002007-03-15T15:00:32.652-05:00

Lucien Lagrange, the architect whom I've described previously (here) as a French man right out of Central Casting, will be hosting a preview of his newest project at 2520 N. Lakeview on Thursday, March 29 from 4 - 8 p.m.Is it possible to measure the mortgage by the menu? You tell me:Ruffled Smoked Salmon on Black Rye BreadMinted Cucumber Creme Fraiche and Fresh Mint Medium Rare Breast of Duck

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-68771951480913722942007-03-12T06:52:00.001-05:002007-03-12T07:04:42.014-05:00

Tim Egan e-mailed his statement about why he will be endorsing Vi Daley in the run-off. He entitled it, "A Vision for the Future."He writes:There is much to be said after experiencing the eye of the storm view in a campaign for Alderman in the City of Chicago. Educational is the first word I would use to describe two years plus on the “Chicago Stump.” Secondly, but most important, is the great

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-77780636612088461902007-03-10T08:56:00.000-06:002007-03-10T09:04:46.943-06:00

ABC Channel 7 reports here that Tim Egan is backing Vi Daley in the run-off. Hmmmm. Vi's reaction as quoted in the article:"I met with him and I think he ran a good campaign and he has some ideas that I will be working with him on."Opponent Michele Smith's reaction as quoted in the article:"The overwhelming majority of the voters voted for change. They responded to our campaign because it was

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-15484389106148553112007-03-08T17:36:00.000-06:002007-03-08T17:40:00.389-06:00

Lynn Becker reports here that the Farwell will be gutted. He writes,"In a a dazzling display of raw political power and overwhelming self-deception, The Society for the Protection of Wealthy Developers, formerly known as the ommission on Chicago Landmarks, voted this morning to demolish the landmark Farwell Building on North Michigan and remount the surviving elements of its facade on a new

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-50874445791264545902007-03-08T17:09:00.000-06:002007-03-08T17:17:46.442-06:00

Press 2 if you plan to vote for Michele Smith. (So we can write you off.)Press 3 if you are undecided. (So we can work on you.)Press 4 if you are not planning to vote in the election. (So we can ignore you.)When "the machine" quite literally called today, the robo voice identified herself as being with Vi's campaign. After I pressed 3, I was disconnected. No smoozy "Goodbye" or "Thank you." Just

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-28209127262633744612007-03-07T18:23:00.000-06:002007-03-07T19:33:39.525-06:00

Although Tim expected to make a statement on Monday about his intentions for the run-off, I'm guessing that life has intervened and he's taking the time he needs to be with his family right now. Or, perhaps he's mulling over how he'd like to proceed. Maybe both.I'm sure he'll let us know what's up when he's good and ready.UPDATE: Here's the March 5 statement from Tim's campaign site, but that

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-55753122329356687932007-03-07T10:58:00.000-06:002007-03-07T11:29:41.198-06:00

I stumbled across I'm Not the New Me at the Brown Elephant thrift store recently. It's a memoir, and I adore it.It's written by fellow Chicagoan Wendy McClure, who blogs at a site called Pound. The book, to her enormous credit, grew out of the blog. She writes about her struggle to lose weight in a snarky world that expects it of her. Chicago is her backdrop. Here's an excerpt that reveals a bit

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-7032682927499412572007-03-06T11:24:00.000-06:002007-03-06T11:53:28.269-06:00

Lynn Becker tracks the continuing saga of the stripping of the Farwell Building's landmark status in favor of a parking lot here.It's not surprising that the win earlier this year by preservationists was tentative at best. It's back on the docket for this Thursday.Interested citizens can attend or send an e-mail to the Deputy Commissioner as outlined below.Unfortunately, Lynn's post was written

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-25223460021217472082007-03-02T13:22:00.000-06:002007-03-02T13:33:22.541-06:00

Sad news from the Egan camp.I received this earlier today in response to my inquiry for a post-election statement or comment. (I am in the process of e-mailing all the candidates for statements/responses should they care to share them.) I was certainly sorry to hear this news and wish Tim and his family well. Expect to hear a statement from him on Monday.Tim wrote,"The aftermath has been

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-14031714792985699652007-03-01T20:55:00.000-06:002007-03-01T20:59:45.902-06:00

I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to read the comments on this post on Peter Zelchenko's 43rd Ward blog before Tuesday's election, but the discussion by some of Vi Daley's campaign staff and the ward-oriented debate are still of note.

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-45424991072242770982007-03-01T20:16:00.000-06:002007-03-01T20:28:13.196-06:00

Here is the statement from Michele Smith's campaign. I received it earlier today, but I've been out."Dear Friends,Thank you for your support! We are very excited about the election results. Because of YOUR support, we forced the incumbent into a run-off election on April 17. I would like to thank Tim Egan, Rachel Goodstein, and Peter Zelchenko for running strong campaigns. They showed up at the

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-53866997777480675122007-03-01T12:11:00.000-06:002007-03-01T12:24:33.130-06:00

The Vi Daley campaign e-mail newsletter just arrived. Here's her statement:"Dear Friend, I want to thank everyone for their hard work over the past 3 months. We did well in a crowded race but came up a few hundred votes short to avoid a runoff election on April 17th. I want to congratulate Tim Egan, Rachel Goodstein, and Peter Zelchenko on their valiant campaigns. They offered a number of worthy

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-50812171140127683362007-02-28T19:53:00.000-06:002007-02-28T20:00:56.687-06:00

According to the unofficial results of the Chicago Board of Elections, 9143 of us turned out. (That reflects all but two of the 59 precincts, which had yet to be included in the final count.) There are more than 32,000 eligible voters.

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-19088644929057523202007-02-28T11:40:00.000-06:002007-02-28T12:03:17.195-06:00

Tim Egan came in third in the ward fight, with Peter Zelchenko and Rachel Goodstein following behind but close to one another. I appreciated the positive attitude, neighborly spirit, and "stand-up guyness," that Egan introduced to the election. It will be very interesting to see whether he decides to throw his support to Daley or Smith in the run-off. Or, will he sit on the sidelines and say "

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-73094303670991807752007-02-28T11:14:00.000-06:002007-02-28T11:21:34.151-06:00

Wow. Wow. Wow. I did not expect a run-off in this ward (or Matlak's). I just thought the machine would roll along, indifferent to the voices of those not in charge. Any way you look at it, last night was a big loss for Vi Daley and a big win for challenger Michele Smith. More people voted against Vi than for her. And, any way you look at it, more debate in this ward about our future direction

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-29312505609821799162007-02-27T19:52:00.000-06:002007-02-27T21:46:54.341-06:00

According to CLTV, Vi's hanging just below the needed 50% of voter turnout for re-election while Michele Smith nips at her heels. According to WGN/The Trib, here's how it breaks down so far w/ 83% of the precincts in:Vi Daley -- 3,616 -- 48% Rachel Goodstein -- 218 -- 3% Michele Smith -- 2,494 -- 33% Peter Zelchenko -- 331 -- 4% Tim Egan -- 922 -- 12%My gosh, by my count, Vi's opponents have

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-15673457247491055932007-02-27T07:02:00.000-06:002007-02-27T07:58:39.888-06:00

This is Tree Turner. He works at Swim Cafe, a favorite little spot of mine on Chicago Avenue. Yesterday, he was expressing what should be the mood for today.You can find more about Tree, who has been called "the Kerouac of rap," on his Myspace page here. (Note: To those mourning the good kharma and fine food at Hillary's Urban Eatery. Swim Cafe should be your new spot. Try the summer salad. Mmmmm

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-26156680373770040952007-02-26T09:27:00.000-06:002007-02-26T09:54:24.797-06:00

Okay, so you've either been paying attention to this race or it's completely gone over your head. (And, it's hard to blame you for that, really.) Maybe you've noticed a boatload of junk mail and a few robo calls from da mayor lately.So, whadda you do tomorrow, election day? Well, you've got to vote. Here are your 43rd ward choices for alderman and their accompanying websites:Vi Daley-IncumbentTim

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-4720426963881427652007-02-22T21:47:00.000-06:002007-02-22T23:40:47.685-06:00

The four challengers for the 43rd Ward Aldermanic seat appeared on WTTW's Chicago Tonight tonight.Just to set the stage: Tim Egan looked like he may be growing a mustache. Rachel Goodstein wore a necklace with a giant, vertical "VOTE" on it. Michele Smith wore lipstick that matched her hair color. Peter Zelchenko held a roll of masking tape.The show featured the candidates in the order that their

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-77088177429590902562007-02-21T20:33:00.000-06:002007-02-22T07:10:28.936-06:00

I took these photos of the Pilgrim MB Church more than a year ago. It was located on the southeast corner of Willow and Burling and has since been torn down.This church and its congregation were a joy to me, even if I did take it in from a distance. Every Sunday the street would be loaded with men and women and children of all ages dressed in their royal-colored morning best.One Sunday, when I

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-80796231729085416992007-02-21T19:34:00.000-06:002007-02-21T19:52:11.758-06:00

Tim Egan stopped by TPWWL to comment on my post about his appearance on YouTube. He wrote,"Since you have been kind enough to give everyone an inning by inning replay of election coverage, please allow me to put in my first politico blog entry. I’ll go end to start in response to your U-Tube post.Jake, the ‘dude’ who has endorsed my candidacy and made the rather gothic video is a 14 year old

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-17048700674686332382007-02-21T19:27:00.001-06:002007-02-21T19:36:37.985-06:00

You can find the questions and brief responses from the 43rd ward candidates from last Thursday's forum at the Lakeview Action Coalition's website here. LAC is not endorsing a candidate, so they've attempted to report the answers in as un-biased fashion as possible.NOTE: Vi Daley did not show. The LAC reports, "While this date worked on Alderman Daley’s schedule in early January, she had two

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-48981694130744428902007-02-20T19:23:00.000-06:002007-02-20T22:22:43.854-06:00

I'm back, mons. Let's dig into it. Thanks to all the active commenters. Please continue to chime in as our 43rd ward aldermanic election nears.Here is a run-down of all the candidates and their You Tube appearances. Perhaps y'all like your candidates via the tube?[Also, please note, I just signed up for YouTube today. Better late than completely lame, right? To get to the video, please click on

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-79996297041776975172007-02-20T19:22:00.000-06:002007-02-20T21:10:46.922-06:00

43rd Ward Aldermanic candidate Peter Zelchenko stopped by the blog to comment recently. He wanted to set the record straight about his point of view on Vi Daley's vote on the Big Box ordinance.He wrote,"Vi Daley reported to me the night before the vote that she was voting against the Big Box ordinance because her friend Carrie Austin had asked her to. Succinct but senseless."Find the original

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-69639375389166847842007-02-14T20:09:00.000-06:002007-02-14T20:10:02.616-06:00

Never again, we said to ourselves last year, would we endure a Chicago winter without leaving for warmer weather at least once.That little promise is paying off big time right about now.See you next Tuesday. We're heading to Jamaica.In the meantime, a very fine reverand e-mailed to remind me that tomorrow, Thursday, February 15 is the next 43rd Ward Aldermanic Candidate Forum. Here are the

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-45445454136412076442007-02-14T20:07:00.000-06:002007-02-14T21:53:52.090-06:00

I e-mailed the people at Steve Edward's 848 to ask how they chose the citizens that appeared in in the WBEZ intro segment to the 43rd Ward Aldermanic Forum.The comments-section erupted on this blog after the forum(here). Some folks thought the featured citizens were "plants" by Vi Daley's campaign. 848's producer, Aurora Aguilar, was kind enough to respond promptly. She wrote,"(We) chose those

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-22663914978952609452007-02-13T16:58:00.000-06:002007-02-14T20:19:02.790-06:00

Also,Tom Bowen reports that he wouldn't hire any one of his boss's opponents to shovel snow. Then, he thinks again, and says Tim Egan and Rachel Goodstein would probably do a good job.Find these thoughts and more fireworks breaking out in the comments section of yesterday's post on the 43rd ward election here. UPDATE: Here's a clarification of Tom's quote from the comments. He wrote, "“Vi said

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-51659062387402846092007-02-13T09:37:00.000-06:002007-02-13T09:40:14.516-06:00

One of my earliest posts on this blog, in January of 2005, was about the Reader's restaurant "finder." I mentioned how I loved to use their rated restaurants as a guidepost for choosing new places to dine.On Saturday night, we picked the RRR-rated Marigold to try, and we weren't disappointed. It's the first truly upscale, high-end Indian restaurant I've been to in the city. Dee-lish and L-egant.

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-18952297774656357832007-02-12T12:26:00.000-06:002007-02-12T12:24:35.575-06:00

Matt, aka Kuz from Interesting and Helpful, was kind enough to respond to my request for an update about his graduate work. He writes,"I'm taking 5 classes this semester, which should help push me far enough along to be able to work full-time and do my last 2 classes this fall.The courses:517 Regional Planning, taught by Ron Thomas, executive director of NIPC, which will soon be CMAP. We're

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-4978700236149771162007-02-12T09:44:00.000-06:002007-02-13T09:47:06.884-06:00

Here's a quick wrap-up of today's WBEZ candidate forum.We have five very compelling candidates, which this great ward deserves. The alderman's job, in many ways, is the most powerful in the city, but also the most thankless. I am truly grateful to all of them for their commitment and dedication to our community.I also thought Steve Edwards did an outstanding job of introducing our ward and

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-42338347479268353582007-02-12T09:08:00.000-06:002007-02-11T21:27:39.861-06:00

The debate has not yet started at the Chicago History Museum. I am listening from my home office. They have introduced the race as one of the most competitive in the city. More information, including what looks like it will be an audio download upon completion can be found here.

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-24703437859982716472007-02-11T21:09:00.000-06:002007-02-11T21:22:39.010-06:00

My friend, Shelley Scott, just e-mailed this photo of Obama from his rally today at the UIC Pavillion.Check out Dick Cheney in the second row with the Obama sign tucked under his chin.Even he's ready for change.Shelley believes it's a bit too early to choose a candidate, but that didn't stop her from titling her e-mail "Hope."Yes, indeed.

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-66432878159508268712007-02-10T12:59:00.000-06:002007-02-10T13:41:20.285-06:00

Earlier this week, I posted about how I had no idea why Vi voted the way she did on the Big Box store ordinance. (See post here.) It was an example I used to make a larger point about my frustration with her communications with the ward.Her campaign manager, Tom Bowen, was kind enough to e-mail me promptly with her rationale for the vote. He said, "All you had to do was ask."This reponse, I

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-55723914132383313542007-02-09T15:25:00.000-06:002007-02-09T16:18:05.122-06:00

I have been battling strep throat for the past week and am likely headed to my second round of antibiotics. If you attended last night's aldermanic forum, please share your thoughts and comments. Thanks!

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-36550820087606025232007-02-09T13:07:00.000-06:002007-02-08T12:08:39.416-06:00

Our car was stolen off the street about a week ago. (See post here.) Today, we got a call from the police that it was found a day after it was lost at the end of our block in a private parking lot. The towing company, who also has responsibility for towing cars out of that lot, had it.My husband had to pay more than $300 to retrieve his car. It was not damaged or broken into, which suggests to

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-84709572989112349802007-02-07T22:30:00.000-06:002007-02-07T22:36:05.869-06:00

Michelle Smith, candidate for 43rd ward alderman, stopped by TPWWL the other day and made this comment on one of my posts:Dear Jennifer,Thank you for the nice comment about Melissa. Melissa is working hard, along with many others, to get the word out about my campaign. I'm proud that Melissa made a good impression - one of the reasons I'm running is because I believe that representatives of the

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-22384269461265727752007-02-05T22:04:00.000-06:002007-02-06T06:48:45.442-06:00

I got my first 43rd ward election campaign Robo-call tonight. I almost hung up.But, then, dear readers, what kind of post would that make?So I hung in there instead. (Despite my being in the middle of coaxing frozen food and canned goods into an approximation of dinner.)The recorded robo-caller was a woman who blasted Vi Daley for being in Mayor Daley's pocket. I spent most of the call trying to

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-2449225203145089392007-02-03T08:01:00.000-06:002007-02-03T08:53:52.359-06:00

Interesting and Helpful pointed out a new website called Built Chicago. Their tag line is "A site dedicated to architecture, planning, and real estate in Chicago."They join the well-established YoChicago, "A Fresh Look at Chicago's Homes, Apartments, and Neighborhoods" in talking about all things Chicago built.I'd say in general that YoChicago seems to enjoy Chicago's new buildings, transactions

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-87348298844776289282007-01-30T06:37:00.000-06:002007-01-30T06:47:53.099-06:00

My husband just walked in the house after heading off to work and asked if I had driven his car last night.Um, no.Uh-oh.It's gone. From right in front of our house. Our Honda Accord Hybrid. Picked off the street last night. Damn. That car rocked. The thieves are no doubt enjoying the excellent gas mileage and quiet ride.Our friend's car was stolen on Saturday night out of his garage near Racine &

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-13051034894533746242007-01-29T20:05:00.000-06:002007-01-29T21:10:54.832-06:00

Here's how.Apparently the mayor is for them if your block is.Essentially, you need to have 67% of your street's residents approve it before it goes to the city for review. If you don't muck up fire department, police, and CTA routes, and you're on a residential street, you're probably good to go.The mayor says cul-de-sacs promote community. But, he doesn't explain how.He also believes they reduce

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-89451020465342519952007-01-29T19:58:00.000-06:002007-01-29T21:03:34.617-06:00

Anonymous made this comment to my post about Whole Foods ditching its current North Avenue location for a triple-sized one just south:"I wonder what is being done to handle newtraffic patterns and the added congestion frombuilding going in south of North Avenue?Whole Foods -- the British School---Twincondo towers that will be thirty stories tall--All this added traffic will be pouring onto

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-32181177428916483892007-01-25T12:41:00.000-06:002007-01-25T13:29:37.691-06:00

You learn the darndest things at the deli counter.Whole Foods is packing up and moving out, according to the lady who packed my orzo, feta & spinach salad into a plastic container this morning.Apparently, they're building a new structure just a bit south of their current location.Why? I asked.Her answer spoke volumes about the nature of change in our neighborhoods: "Because the building is old."

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-38732005520227586112007-01-25T12:16:00.000-06:002007-01-25T12:33:08.125-06:00

It's local political junk mail time again my friends!And -- drum roll please -- here is the Tally of Contact my home has received from the campaigns via regular mail and phone calls.(I'm not including e-mails because I don't think we want our candidates contacting us this way less we all get death-by-spam from every government official in the state. But, if I were a candidate, I'd sure as heck be

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-32151628455863349662007-01-24T23:05:00.000-06:002007-01-24T23:02:53.357-06:00

I live very close to this home and have adored it for years. One of the reasons I love it is because you can tell there is some kind of courtyard inside. You can see the trees from the street rising up in the middle of the house. So many of the mega-mansions built around here seem to completely forego any kind of outdoor element in favor of fortifying their fortresses. But, this house always

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-70693450725323917752007-01-23T11:19:00.000-06:002007-01-23T11:27:49.688-06:00

Mark your calendars now for the 2007 Wild Things conference sponsored by Chicago Wilderness, a coalition of non-profit organizations working to preserve and celebrate our region's natural world. The conference will take place on Saturday, March 3 between 9 and 5. It will feature more than ten topic tracks:Advocacy/ Constituency BuildingArts, Culture, HistoryBackyards/Neighborhoods/ ParksBirds &

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-49538076071472746282007-01-22T20:56:00.000-06:002007-01-25T12:35:51.975-06:00

I found these dates for opportunities to meet the aldermanic candidates for our ward on candidate Peter Zelchenko's blog. (See here.)"Saturday, Jan. 27, 10 a.m. Citizen Action endorsement session, at the Chicago Hilton, 720 S. Michigan.Thursday, Feb. 1, Thursday, February 8 at 6:30 p.m. Mid-North Assn., Park West Community Assn., Diversey Harbor-Lakeview Assn. candidate forum, probably at the

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-69236221904801507492007-01-21T20:27:00.000-06:002007-01-21T21:43:25.665-06:00

The Goodman Theater presents August Wilson's Radio Golf on its main stage through February 18. The playwright, who was known to love Chicago and fostered the city's Congo Square Theater, died last year after a bout with cancer.We saw it last night. Here's a plot summary (borrowed from The Goodman Theater's website):"Aunt Ester's house at 1839 Wylie Avenue is scheduled for demolition to make way

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-48562746682953906592007-01-17T15:05:00.000-06:002007-01-22T22:37:51.558-06:00

Well, my friends, the time has come for the Great 2007 Aldermanic Race of Chicago's 43rd ward.If you're just picking up the story, dear neighbors, our alderman, Vi Daley, has four tough-minded competitors who sincerely want to take her to the Lincoln Park mat. So to speak.For the record, we here at The Place Where We Live headquarters have determined that we will act as Switzerland and will not

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-37839509918555881962007-01-16T06:25:00.000-06:002007-01-16T06:35:07.680-06:00

Here's a lovely photo that arrived in my in-box recently.The pro-water conservationist Debra Shore has been sworn in as a Commissioner at the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. She's on the left and a fellow Commissioner, Pat Horton, is on the right.Shore and Horton now help oversee the largest fresh water natural resource on the planet. Shore is making how we manage our storm water -

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-1167882024370676532007-01-16T06:24:00.000-06:002007-01-16T06:25:00.223-06:00

With a little tea and gelato making appearances, too. Mark your calendars now to roll out of bed and caffeinate at Navy Pier from Friday, February 23 til Sunday, the 25th.$20 per person if registered by Feb. 9. $30 thereafter. If the weather is as nasty as it is today, this sounds like something worth leaving the house for.More here.

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-35192768656254652782007-01-12T18:48:00.000-06:002007-01-12T18:49:32.327-06:00

An extra special greeting of peace to all who cross this URL as we remember Dr. King this weekend.Obviously, this photo has been borrowed from Picture History, but I'm using it anyway.It's a moment of rest for the civil rights marchers on August 28, 1963 -- the day MLK delivered his dream outside the Lincoln Memorial. I love how so many of them have their feet in the water and seem to be just

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-91793777104356780962007-01-11T08:19:00.000-06:002007-01-11T19:18:40.669-06:00

In a surprising move in the ongoing effort to improve the city's woeful recycling program, the Chicago Recycling Coalition has begun advising citizens to stop using the blue bags."Stop using the blue bag," their January 2007 newsletter, What Goes Around, advises. "Never worked, still doesn't.""Start using one of the many city and private drop-off sites for recycling, although it may mean finding

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-74286249284181956342007-01-10T19:53:00.000-06:002007-01-10T21:20:49.683-06:00

An anonymous commenter stopped by the other day and took issue with this post about last week's stunning Chicago Commission on Landmarks' meeting.S/he wrote:"It seemed a tad unfair as a first-timer to the scene to criticize Jonathan Fine as somehow missing an opportunity to defend the Farwell Building. Mr. Fine has been an outstanding advocate and a consistent voice at CCL.I have personally

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-32102616297246221772007-01-10T08:09:00.000-06:002007-01-10T21:10:21.376-06:00

Skyline named an accurate and commendable list of top stories from our neighborhood in 2006. They are:Children's Memorial Hospital Announces its Leaving Lincoln ParkSetback for the Tax Cap BillThe Chicago Historical Society's RevampColumbus Hospital's Demolition to Make Way for Condos and TownhomesThe Approval of the Lincoln Park Community ShelterThe Immigration Reform MarchesDaley's Shutting of

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-20646967800344198162007-01-08T22:57:00.000-06:002007-01-09T00:09:10.856-06:00

Bad day for 20th Ward Alderman Arenda Troutman. The Feds have knocked and it doesn't look good.Here's a representative snip from the affidavit off the Trib's website. (Note: The Trib marked the affidavit with the warning "Offensive Language.")TROUTMAN responded, "Tell him [the investor] this is what I want out of it. Now you don't say that." CW2 said, "Right, you just tell me." TROUTMAN continued

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-23550257963166044302007-01-08T13:50:00.000-06:002007-01-09T00:11:08.271-06:00

The Machine debuted this month and delivered eight pages of sprawly Pilsen coverage.The back page features Emerson Dameron's "Top Ten Pilsen Attractions." They are:1. The 18th Street El Station2. Cafe Jumping Bean (at 1439 W. 18th Street)3. The Neighborhood Kids4. Cristo Rey (A Jesuit School near Cermak and Wolcott)5. Gang Graffiti6. Satan's Disciples (Not sure what the attraction is here. The

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-49978292903739973972007-01-08T13:45:00.000-06:002007-01-08T20:46:06.039-06:00

Mess Hall, the "experimental cultural" folks who love to love this city, will celebrate the life and music of James Brown on Sunday, January 28. They're promising that those wearing jumpsuits will get free, temporary back-up singers. It's soooo tempting.More here.Nice photo of James in some circa 1970 Spandex here.

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-45655822479432522142007-01-07T20:22:00.000-06:002007-01-07T20:31:00.425-06:00

"One of my closer relatives invented the root canal."

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-26266058451990678222007-01-07T19:40:00.000-06:002007-01-08T20:47:04.976-06:00

Hilkevitch discusses the story behind his story about the UFO sighting at O'Hare in the Perspective section of today's Tribune. (See previous post here.) He said it was the single most read story in the history of the Trib's Internet presence. They're estimating it garnered more than 1 million page views.He wrote,"They were all dead serious about what they saw, and the accounts -- whether made

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-91630771315554907052007-01-07T06:59:00.000-06:002007-01-07T20:35:14.018-06:00

Can be found here. (What's shumai? Go here. )

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-84263709807015962602007-01-06T11:20:00.001-06:002007-01-21T14:39:58.113-06:00

I drive over Goose Island nearly every day and have been wondering when this new facility would open. Apparently, it did sometime recently to seemingly little fanfare. It's at 1150 N. North Branch Avenue.Good thing, too. I've got gobs of old paint, some fertilizer, and a mercury thermometer I've been wanting to get rid of properly. But, the only opportunities before this were random, 2-

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-29906251827619279152007-01-06T09:26:00.000-06:002007-01-08T20:49:22.193-06:00

My first piece of literature from the Daley re-election campaign arrived the other day. Smack dab on it, front and center, is a photo of the gargantuan surveillance cameras he has installed all over the city.I'm pretty amazed the cameras have received such a high level of acceptance. These are the ones that Daley has put in the highest crime areas.(Interestingly, just about a month ago, my

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-14822965726230137942007-01-05T21:57:00.000-06:002007-01-08T20:49:42.177-06:00

Composer buys House from Lawyer on GreenviewWhat would happen if someone took the real estate transactions listings, Googled the buyers and sellers, and then posted what personal information he could find about them on the web?It would look like this. Eew.

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-39542860143394140482007-01-05T11:47:00.000-06:002007-01-07T19:40:37.444-06:00

Here is the run-down of follow-up coverage on yesterday's stunner by the Commission on Chicago Landmarks:Lynn Becker's follow-up here and here.Blair Kamin's commentary in the Trib here.Johnathon Briggs overview in the Trib here.Kevin Nance in the Sun-Time here.My play-by-play of the meeting here.Plus, two more notes from the meeting that I think are relevant to throw into this mix:The

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-21377301258630757782007-01-04T15:55:00.000-06:002007-01-07T21:05:23.100-06:00

Well, that was a squeaker.The city's Commission on Chicago Landmarks, who today sounded to me a lot more like the city's Commission on the Promotion of New Development, failed to pass a proposal that would basically gut the meaning and effectiveness of the landmark designation in the city, and likely the country, as we know it.Thanks go to Commissioners Edward I. Torrez, Ben Weese, Phyllis Ellin,

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-57783090504755324942007-01-04T15:51:00.000-06:002007-01-04T19:03:56.827-06:00

In a vote that even stunned preservationists, the Commission on Chicago Landmarks about an hour ago failed to pass a proposal that would have allowed for the "dismantlement, demolition, repair and reconstruction of a Chicago Landmark."The Commission failed to get a simple majority when 4 members voted for the proposal, 3 against it, and one abstained.More color details in a moment or two from

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-1167878439110559712007-01-03T20:37:00.000-06:002007-01-03T20:56:58.343-06:00

Read more of Lynn's ominous account of the intent to strip Chicago's historic architecture of its last vestiges of protection here. The meeting is tomorrow, January 4 at 12:45 p.m. in the Cook County Board Room at 118 N. Clark.One more note: It's a damn fine piece of writing, too. As passionate as it is tailored. Here's a good sample:Why is this wrong? (demolishing landmarked buildings under the

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-1167855368755915362007-01-03T14:12:00.000-06:002007-01-03T14:16:08.773-06:00

Here's the press release that squirms through a justification of why a robot exhibit belongs at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. Sigh.

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-1167796159233238722007-01-03T11:27:00.000-06:002007-01-03T11:07:00.370-06:00

A missive from the Art Institute of Chicago arrived the other day with a playbook update on the latest about their mass renovation. Mark your scorecards accordingly:Allerton Building - Main BuildingBuilt in 1893Designed by Boston architects Shepley, Rutan and CoolidgeRenamed Allerton Building in 1968 after long-time TrusteeCollection now needs to be "resintalled" Architect for reinstallation is

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-1167794201173732092007-01-02T20:39:00.000-06:002007-01-02T21:51:07.503-06:00

Well, New Year's Greetings my friends. I am back from the brink of bloghaustion and ready to gobble up some 2007. So, let's get going:First, my thanks to my good friends over at Apartment Therapy-Chicago, who were generous enough to mention my absence from cyberspace during a holiday drink on Christmas Eve, and who had the insight to note, with irony, that my disappearance came on the heels of a

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-1161310829104002082006-10-19T21:17:00.000-05:002006-10-19T22:41:19.136-05:00

[Note: This entry responds to an invitation to participate in Reconstruction: A Journal of Contemporary Culture's issue on blogging. Read more here. ]WHY I BLoG“(Blogging) is related to character. If your values are sound, your (blogging) will be sound. It all begins with intention. Figure out what you want to do and how you want to do it, and work your way with humanity and integrity to the

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-1160671686407643782006-10-12T11:45:00.000-05:002006-10-12T11:48:06.426-05:00

Poynter Online discusses a forthcoming website of "place blogs" called Placeblogger.com. Find article here.

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-1160670273657182792006-10-12T11:18:00.000-05:002006-10-12T11:24:33.693-05:00

This week's Time Out Chicago covers demolition and preservation issues around the city. Find articles posted here.

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-1159582868891867202006-09-29T21:15:00.001-05:002006-09-29T21:23:31.860-05:00

Michael Allen tracks the history and loss of the Cooperative Temperance Cafe at 3206 N. Wilton here. Photo courtesy of Ecology of Absence.

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-1159552678799093342006-09-29T12:52:00.000-05:002006-09-29T21:08:26.256-05:00

If not, you will soon. Zillow is the most compelling website I've seen yet for valuing and comparing real estate. They have more than 67 million homes in their database, and you don't have to register to use it. You can find out what your home (or any home) is valued at on the market, you can see an aerial view of its location, and track its value over time. If you own a home or if you're

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-1159495704277116622006-09-28T21:08:00.000-05:002006-09-28T22:59:16.260-05:00

Experts predicted today that the trend toward enormous houses on Howe, Orchard, and Burling streets will soon force a buyer to purchase the financially downgraded Sears Tower and relocate it to Lincoln Park. Real estate analysts with Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group point to significant economic pressures on the cost of building new homes and the seemingly insatiable appetite of high-end buyers

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-1159459329048123582006-09-28T10:52:00.000-05:002006-09-28T11:34:22.400-05:00

Behold!Before it's too late. This store recently closed and is sporting a "for rent" sign in its window. You can find it on North Avenue, just east of Elston, across from the Home Depot.

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-1159077324525385072006-09-24T00:36:00.000-05:002006-09-24T01:02:35.763-05:00

Long-time listeners at this blog know I've been following the creation and erection (so to speak) of the cupolas at Holy Trinity church near Noble and Division. The scaffolding finally came down, and they were looking their absolute best two weeks ago for a visit from the Vice President of Poland.When I asked a friend of mine, who immigrated from Poland more than twenty years ago, whether she

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-1159075222282240172006-09-24T00:07:00.000-05:002006-09-24T00:21:00.333-05:00

So, I came home tonight about a half an hour ago - at 11:30 p.m. That's p.m. as in, well come to think of it, I don't know what p.m. stands for. But, you know what I mean -- afternoon and nighttime. (Sidetrack to Google: it stands for post meridian.)Anyway, I come home and two guys in reflective vests are writing parking tickets all up and down my street. And, it's a residential street -- no

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-1158779786206212912006-09-21T11:32:00.000-05:002006-09-21T11:26:07.480-05:00

The Newberry Library's Fall 2006 public program brochure arrived in the mail recently. And, like all the public program brochures that arrive from around the city, I've dog-earred the pages of seminars I might take if I had the time.One recurring, dog-earred class is "A Short Course in House History," by Grace Dumelle. She is president of a historical research firm called Heartland Historical

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426327.post-1158637671710721892006-09-18T22:43:00.000-05:002006-09-20T14:02:37.700-05:00

Well, as you know, don't eat your spinach this week. (More here.)My husband went to Whole Foods this past weekend and came back with a 16-page booklet titled "Locally Grown" about the local farmers who grow Whole Foods' food. Maybe it was displayed a little more prominently to remind us of the faces behind our spinach and vegetables.The brochure is quite beautiful. It's printed on recycled paper

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05639223915296288760noreply@blogger.com0