How things have changed in the South Loop

11/24/2010

When I moved to my house at Roosevelt and State more than 16 years ago, we used to say, "Things will be great around here when it’s safe enough to walk to Chinatown."
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The meaning of the 2010 election

11/17/2010

In 2010, Republican electoral waves crashed over Illinois Democratic rocks. The government pendulum, which had swung heavily to Democratic control, swung back. But this is not necessarily a permanent shift. As opinion waves roll in, they roll back out. The pendulum of voter unhappiness could swing back again in the next election.
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South Loop real estate reputation

10/27/2010

I hate it whenever anyone insults the South Loop. We've been lucky, sailing on good PR that was earned and deserved for years. We’ve maintained a good reputation because we have lots of new housing, restaurants and shopping--and we are close to everything where everyone wants to be.
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The best vs. the worst, you decide

Altogether we taxpayers pay a hidden "corruption tax" of up to $500 million a year.

10/20/2010

Chicago faces the best and worst of times. The state of Illinois is $13 billion in debt and can no longer pay its bills. Mayor Daley has papered over a $650 million city government deficit with one time revenues. He has left a $1.5 billion annual structural deficit for the next mayor to solve.
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Putting the Greek in Greektown

10/13/2010

Just about once a week I encounter someone looking for Greektown; many have a map out when they stop me to inquire about that neighborhood’s whereabouts. I have the unenviable task of informing them that they have already arrived.
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'Under America' gets to the heart of housing

One View

09/22/2010

It's an odd experience when you go to see a play that so closely mirrors your own life that it’s like seeing yourself, dressed in costume, spouting lines on a stage in front of you. That's how I felt when I attended the premiere of Mortar Theatre's Under America, a play running this month at the Athenaeum.
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Post-Daley era

Beyond the campaign sound bites, Chicagoans will be looking for new leaders with a positive vision.

09/15/2010

Mayor Daley’s surprise announcement that he will not run for reelection has let loose a flood of would-be mayoral candidates. Even more candidates have come out of the woodwork to run for alderman now that the city council may no longer be a rubber stamp.
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South Loop Wild-erness

The area around my property has the equivalent of a National Park

08/25/2010

I really wanted to sit out a lot on my decks (big and small) and in my yards (back and side) this summer but it all came to naught. The truth is, I am terrified of the outdoors at Roosevelt and State.
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Revolutionary change

08/18/2010

Next year, the Chicago City Council will be different. Jerry Morrison, Executive Director of Service Employees International Union (SEIU), foresees a turnover of 15-20 aldermen, the largest in modern political history. New aldermen with different bases of political support will create a new council.
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Lolla over the ages

One View

08/11/2010

I attended the Lollapalooza Music Festival for the first time in the early 1990s. At that time, the fest was still in its infancy — only a few years old. Organized by Jane’s Addiction’s frontman Perry Farrell, the festival was like him, a young, restless beast, roaming the country bringing what was then known as “alternative” culture to those tuned to such wavelengths.
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