Google may be setting itself up to lose a lot of users. For years Google has been putting up “doodles” on their home page. On their own they seem innocent and perhaps whimsical or educational. But if you begin scrolling through the recent history of doodles, which Google makes available, you begin to see politics … Continue reading Is Google Set for Decline?
The Garfield Park Conservatory is an urban oasis. It was constructed between 1906 and 1907, and opened to the public in 1908. It was intended as “the largest publicly owned conservatory under one roof in the world,” and replaced three smaller greenhouses in Humboldt, Douglas and Garfield Parks. It was designed by Chicago’s West Park … Continue reading Escape the Midwest at the Garfield Park Conservatory
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
Owners of older large mall properties in Chicago have a problem on their hands. Department stores that once loomed large on the retail landscape have gone bankrupt or reduced their location numbers. That puts these mall owners, who have buildings designed for department store occupancy, in a difficult position. With tenants disappearing and no rush … Continue reading What is Next for Vacant Department Store Spaces?
The state of the landmark Carson Pierre Scott & Company building at 1 S. State Street, today known as the Sullivan Center, is depressing. Completed in 1899, the building is a surviving work of noted architect Louis Sullivan. For most of its existence the building was home to the Carson Pierre Scott & Company department … Continue reading A Huge Comedown from Carson’s
The image above shows a University of Chicago advertisement on display in Daley Plaza along Dearborn Street. It features their Harris Public Policy unit. The line at the top of the advertisement reads: “Universal basic income is a handout.” The phrase “a handout” at the end is crossed out and replaced with “an equalizer.” Should … Continue reading Are Chicago Area Colleges Educating or Brainwashing?
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
One of the reasons Chicago is a desirable place to live is our lack of extreme circumstances. There are no hurricanes, earthquakes, land slides, wildfires, avalanches or tsunamis. There are no volcanoes in the area. We do not have to worry about scorpions, snakes, bears, or alligators. We have tornadoes. But unless you live in … Continue reading Do Not Drive Through a Flooded Underpass
The panic we now find ourselves in has produced many strange sights around Chicago, from empty grocery shelves to people veering out of the way when passing on the sidewalk. This exclusive Practical Chicago video illustrates probably the most incredible: how long it takes to get through traffic on Michigan Avenue. Government stay-at-home orders have … Continue reading Amazing Coronavirus Travel Times
The Chicago Auto Show, running since 1901 and currently the nation’s largest, is still going strong. The Show is located at McCormick Place. With 2.6 million square feet of exhibit space it is the largest convention center in the United States. McCormick Place probably seemed massive to people who visited it in the 1970’s, when … Continue reading Chicago Auto Show Continues to Shine