gaps

I was walking in the Loop at lunchtime noticing empty storefronts. The list of what's NOT there anymore is an interesting mix. I've been watching Mac Kelly's locations disappear for a while - one less place to get a good lunch. Which raises the question: why does Panda prosper? Do we really need more palaces of instant indigestion? There are plenty of places with similarly priced food that is actually good. The Gap is gone from Madison and Dearborn - my old fallback when I'd ride my bike to work and forget to pack a shirt in my pannier.

I saw the Hi Guy on Madison - first time I've seen him in a while.

The Wabash streetscape project is getting old already. I'll glad when it's done. Jackhammers on top of the El's roar and cabs honking puts the noise level over the top. I was grateful that the jackhammer guys were on lunch break when I came by later.

And now....back to work...TGIF!

weird hair day

This morning was a weird hair day on the train. A woman sitting in front of me had short hair, not quite shoulder length. I'm guessing she's trying to grow it longer. It was pulled back into tiny ponytail and was barely long enough for that. The hair at top of her neck too short to be pulled into the pony tail. It was hanging loose in clumps, like big tarantula legs. It looked like a tarantula was hitching a ride on the back of her neck - ewww!!!

street scenes

I was just out taking a walk at lunchtime. You never know what you'll see in the Loop. I walked up Wells St. towards the Merchandise Mart. A bike messenger wearing an interesting outfit was getting some reactions. He wore a hockey uniform and helmet covered with colorful drinking straws, sticking out porcupine-like. As he was locking up his bike in front of the Mart, I asked "What's the occasion?" He laughed and said "Friday night." Maybe he's going to Hyde Park Critical Mass tonight.

The weather has finally gotten nice, so lots of people are out walking and enjoying the sun.

A growing line is wrapping around the block, leading to the Cadillac Palace Theatre, which has "CNBC Presents Fast Money" on the marquee. Whatever...

A chunky girl stuffed into tight denim capris waddled down LaSalle in her gold lame shoes, yapping on her cell phone, oblivious to the rest of the world.

Back to the office...only a few more hours before I escape. TGIF!!!

Loop scene

As I was walking past the post office at Clark & Adams last night, I was passed by a little old lady wearing a knee length fur coat zipping along on a Razor scooter. Different.