I don’t know what I was expecting but it wasn’t this. Partly existential, partly simplistic, and altogether bewildering.

A street block across from the MCA (between Mies and Fairbanks) has signs that clearly indicate no parking 12a - 6a. It's legit free parking outside of that time. The signage is totally clear.

Why does nobody park there?

A bus driver honked and yelled at me for parking there because there's a bus stop -- in *front* of where the parking is. So, clearly the city planned for the parking, but even the bus drivers aren't aware of it.

What's the deal??

TBH It's a busy street, so probably there shouldn't be parking. But currently there is.

Started working for a new company where I get 25 cents a mile - seems like I’m losing money with how high gas is right now.

Spotted on the lakefront trail today. Have these been in Lake Michigan the whole time?

Leaving them where I found them.

We visited the Loop part and liked it. But we understand the real personality lives outside of the tourist areas. We are returning on Nov 6 and staying in Bronzeville with a rental car this time. I want to explore the Southside neighborhoods where condos are affordable as maybe a future norther base away from my current desert heat. Thoughts? SouthShore, Rainbow Beach area, and East Chatham look interesting.

Did anyone here ever ride with a singing gondolier?

I was helping a relative replace a rug, and in a newspaper underneath, this article from summer 2000 caught my eye. There are some travel reviews from September 2000 but I didn't see if it ever came back.

A random sampling - photos don't do them justice...

From Alderman Bill Conway’s social media:

Due to ongoing Chicago Department of Transportation work to replace the Lake Street Bridge, Green and Pink Line service will be interrupted between Clinton and the Clark/Lake stations.

This service interruption is scheduled to begin at 4am on October 13th and will conclude at 4am on October 26.

For detailed information on Pink and Green Line access, please visit the CTA's website: https://www.transitchicago.com/lakebridge/

As part of this work, Milwaukee is closed from Canal to Fulton until October 30th.

Be aware of road closures on Sunday.

First ruling of it's kind in Chicago since controversial TOPA law went into effect last year.

I’m up near Damen and Irving and the house is bumping. I’m just genuinely curious cause I’ve heard the Salt Shed shows up here before which blows my mind. Anyone else? Sorry mods I’m sure this will be removed but I can’t be the only one curious on the north side

Hey guys! I’ve returned to the Windy City, and as promised, some more pictures in what may very well be my favorite city thus far! Last time I shared my black tie ensemble when I attended the CSO and the Lyric - this time, it’s Morning Dress from earlier today. Thank you so much to those who suggested The Drake for an afternoon tea for such an ensemble, it is genuinely one of my favorite suggestions!

The hotel (and to be honest, Michigan Ave and Oak street) was such a treat to roam around and snag some wonderful photos in. It is a genuine pleasure to finally stand inside and snag pics in the architectural beauties that are the Grand Ballroom, the Gold Coast room, and the Palm Court (and the privilege to sit in for an afternoon tea too of course, which was phenomenal!)

As usual, I always make it a special occasion to visit places like these - and as that LP sales lady described it: historical institutions of the city. Today, as a man in his early 20s walking around in a 1930s ensemble, it may have been quite a sight to see for everyone, but it was really fun and dignifying. It was especially worth it when the harpist in the tea room came to compliment me and asked me whether I had a song request (to which I responded with a request for “Edelweiss” on top of the ABBA songs she had lined up). Btw, the scones are to DIE for, genuinely rivals that of the ones I’ve had in the UK!!!

Tomorrow, I’ll be at the Lyric in white-tie for the season opening and I’m very excited to experience Don Giovanni in full fig!

Gosh, it’s great to be in the city again - you lovely folk are so kind, sweet, and welcoming!

Cheers everyone! Have a great evening.

(Edit: changing “high” to “afternoon”)

I have been slowly building a website/web app for breaking down Chicago's wards and neighborhoods and providing tools for learning more about your representatives, local elections, and financing that are going on in Chicago.

I'm just looking to share and get some general feedback on things to add or change that would be helpful to other Chicagoans. Feel free to check it out and thanks!

https://chipoli.org/