bird party

There's a major sparrow party going on in my yard. I guess my feeder is one of the easiest food sources for these guys with most things getting covered by wet snow today. It's been a non-stop chatter-fest out there. The feeder (about 10 feet to the left of the picture) is emptying fast. Each of the little green circles contains a sparrow. At times, there are twice many in the tree and hedge. There are 8-20 birds on the feeder at any given time. They're fun to watch.

signs of spring

I'd like to see more of this.


Not this.

a bit of local political/social commentary

...courtesy of SCC

local talent at Jazz Showcase

Last night I enjoyed an energizing show at Jazz Showcase. Maurice Brown has a tight band of talented musicians, bouncing syncopated rhythms off each other and making the room come alive. They're playing again today - last day. Boost your weekend with some outstanding music.

a bass god

If you appreciate really excellent bass playing, here's an interview with Victor Wooten, with a link to a Youtube video. Really amazing bass player. Here's another cool solo in a slightly different style.

silly Saturday

closet shopping - this Sunday

If you have some clothing in decent condition that you're not wearing, the Chicago Clothing Swap this Sunday might be a great closet shopping opportunity for you.

funky Friday

Here's one from Senegal for your Friday. TGIF!!!

pedestrian accidents

This article in today's Trib about local pedestrian rates had one surprise for me. I would not have expected Oak Park to be so high on the list. Your $0.02?

signs of spring

I saw my first blooming daffodils of the season. Hostas and peonies are starting to come up. Irises and daylilies first showed up a while ago. The blue lawns are blooming. A friend down south has seen her first hummingbirds of the year.

something different next St. Patrick's Day

I was a little surprised, but then not really surprised at this news. If you checked out the poll results and comments on the Sun-Times article, I'm guessing that most who oppose cancelling the parade are NOT from the neighborhood. I know a lot of people who live within a few blocks of Western who leave for the day. We live far enough from the route that we don't have a lot of problems with the drunks. The parade has a major impact on lots of businesses in the neighborhood. Of those within a mile of the parade that are usually open on Sundays, most non-bars close on parade day. I'm that some business lose $$ because of it, so I wouldn't be surprised if that was a factor.

A friend on 111th speculates that lots of drunks will show up and make the rounds of bars on Western anyway. She said that there were already drunks peeing on the side of her house at 11:00 a.m. - BEFORE the parade started. Sheesh!

I'll be curious to see what they plan next year. My guess would be that any parade would be small and kid-oriented. They'll probably continue the Irish film fest and have some concerts. That's not a bad thing. The parade itself is still fun, but the drunkfest has gotten a bit out of hand.

DIY craft supplies - Saturday

Interested in a little DIY project? I just got this info from Sue Rosengard.

I have way too many pearls so I am joining 40 other artists in an different kind of show this Saturday - Do It Your Own Damn Self (see below). We are selling our excess, discontinued and overstock supplies. I have hundreds and hundreds of strands of freshwater pearls in all kinds of different colors, shapes and sizes. $10 per strand. Buy 10 get one free.

If you can't make it this Saturday and are interested in pearls, give us a call to schedule an appointment. 312.733.9350

signs of spring

the Hi guy - not bundled up

over the rainbow

The other day I was driving up Western and saw a wonderful sight: Rainbow Cone is open for the season. Yeah!!!! Gotta stop in this week for my first Rainbow fix of the year.

new Olympic cycling events?

While I was reading a news article about the city repaving some streets in advance of the IOC's upcoming visit, I had a moment of inspiration. Why doesn't Chicago propose a new Olympic cycling event or two? Some pothole-cratered streets could be preserved in their decrepitude for this very purpose.

Mountain bikers have technical courses, usually in the woods. How about an urban equivalent - the pothole course? Seems like a combo of slalom and jumps would be a natural. On second thought, BMX might be more suitable for maximum urban flavor.

What do you think?

penny postcards

A friend sent me a link for this web site: Penny Postcards. There's an interesting selection from the Chicago area and locations all over the country. There are a bunch from Riverview. Any special memories for you?

silly Saturday

funky Friday

For those you haven't experienced one of Chicago's most internationally eclectic music groups...Funkadesi

one glove

In this week of changeable weather, I've been seeing a lot of single gloves in the Loop - lying in the street, on the sidewalk, on train platform. You know there's a punny theme song tie-in here.....invent your own lyrics for the circumstances. TGIF!!!!

Beverly Bike Club meeting on 3/19

On Thursday 3/19, there will be a fix-a-flat teaching session at Beverly Bike & Ski, 9121 S. Western, at 7 p.m. At 8 p.m., the Beverly Bike Club will be having a meeting. If you're interested in either, come and learn a useful skill and meet some new folks.

signs of spring

you know it's almost parade day when...

* there are Irish flags, shamrocks and leprechauns everywhere in the neighborhood

* lots of houses have tents and port-a-pots set up in the yard

* port-a-pot trucks are delivering up and down Western

It was a beautiful day for today's downtown parade. Looks like we'll have a fine day for tomorrow's South Side Irish parade. Cheers!

tonight at Blue Moon

Playback is playing at 7 p.m. Tonight's special is irish stew. Come on down to Blue Moon!

silly Saturday

check into the samurai hotel - wait to see who shows up halfway through the sketch

feeling charitable

Here's a different suggestion for a wedding gift. This is kinda cool.

positive change

It's great to get some positive news this week.

silly Saturday

a bit of fun

I'm exceptionally grateful for Friday this time around. It's been a rough rough week. That made me appreciate the video in this David Byrne blog post even more than I otherwise would have. Enjoy!

funky Friday

a younger Ryan Shaw live at the Apollo Theater and something new