The property where the Great Chicago Fire started is today a largely unremarkable place. Casual glance reveals little clue to the terrible chaos sparked there a century and a half ago. The Chicago Fire is one of the most iconic chapters in the City’s history. It took place October 8 – October 10, 1871. The fire killed about 300 … Continue reading Visit the Site Where the Great Chicago Fire Started
Lately everything involved with history related to white people seems to be turned into a false narrative of imperialism. The Mayor loves to get on Twitter and talk about “systemic racism.” So it was a pleasant surprise to see the Chicago River turn green right on schedule this year. Happy St. Patrick’s Day. © 2021 … Continue reading River Turns Green for St. Patrick’s
Chicago’s personality is made up of many features. One of them is our hot dogs. And unlike many other things, a Chicago-style hot dog is the same on the South Side as it is on the North or the West. What makes a hot dog Chicago-style? This is the classic recipe: poppy seed bun hot … Continue reading What Makes a Chicago-Style Hot Dog
Since the completion of Millenium Park’s “Cloud Gate,” it has taken prime focus when it comes to public art in Chicago. But there are other works worthy of attention. One such example is “Four Seasons,” a mosaic on display in Chase Plaza at Dearborn and Monroe. A work of Russian-French artist Marc Chagall, the mosaic … Continue reading Chicago’s Chagall
Today is Mexican Independence Day and last night people were showing their patriotism. Driving west on Lawrence Avenue, everything from Kedzie to Pulaski was more or less a non-stop party. People who do not live near a Mexican neighborhood may not understand how much energy is put into this. It is similar to the Fourth … Continue reading Mexican Independence is a Serious Matter
Once again we have a police incident involving the death of a black person caused by a white officer. Once again there is mayhem. Chicago is no exception. People like Father Michael Pfleger and Chance the Rapper have been in the streets decrying injustice, along with many others. There have been no local reports of … Continue reading George Floyd Protests Show the Black Community Needs to Grow Up
Millenium Park ice skating, now in its eighteenth season, is a great way to spend Christmas Day. The rink is surrounded by onlookers and the towering Millenium Park Christmas Tree. Holiday music is played over the public address system. It is all very festive. This year’s Christmas Day hours were 10AM – 8PM and admission … Continue reading Merry Christmas from Practical Chicago
The holiday parade on State Street is a great tradition. If you have not gone down to view it consider making the trip next year. There are bands, dancers, representatives from various cultures and areas of the City, and other interesting sights. Everything from luxury cars to ponies can appear in the parade. As you … Continue reading Happy Thanksgiving from Practical Chicago
Give the Lady What She Wants is required reading for people with interest in all things Chicago. It is also a great read for those interested in business. It tells the story of what may be the greatest retail success in the city’s history. Retail executives of today could also stand to look it over. … Continue reading Give the Lady What She Wants
Everyone in the photo above is glued to their phone: people of different genders, races and ages. They happily browse the web, watch YouTube videos and respond to text messages while riding a northbound train in the State Street Subway. What they may not realize is that their activities send valuable streams of data back … Continue reading Chicagoans are Addicted to Their Smartphones