Only Six Months Away

The next time you catch yourself complaining about the heat, remember we are only six months away from winter!

Only five months to Xmas!

If it is hot and humid in your neighborhood, just remember it was only six months ago that the rust belt was buried in snow.

Boo!

Sorry amigos. I have been busy working over-time, trying to catch up on my bills since last fall. I apologize for neglecting my blog. Of course, this picture was taken on Halloween. I was trying for a zombie or "Night of the living dead type look. Unfortunately, I think I ended up looking more like a racoon that needs braces!

Urban Art

In an attempt to head off Taggers, many building owners have painted murals on the sides of their buildings. This mural is on the side of building bordering the local Catholic Church's parking lot. I believe the mural is supposed to represent the family working together for the common good. Or maybe it's just a picture of a bunch of Mexicans at a barbecue.

Summer In The City

Hot Time, Summer in the City. Back of my neck gettin' dirty and gritty...... Chicago's youth frequently seek refuge from the heat in the Lake Michigan water provided from the local fire extinguisher. Not a car goes by that doesn't get sprayed.

Pilsen

Only ten minutes from Chicago's historic Loop, the Hispanic Pilsen neighborhood boasts the largest concentration of Mexican's in the U.S. 24 hours a day you can feel the oomph oomph of subwoofers blasting banda musica as the young men cruise the streets. Occasionally a young gang banger from the La Raza's or Ambrose will wander onto the wrong block and be gunned down. Nevertheless, the best Mexican food in Chicago is only footsteps away.

Ever Feel Claustrophobic?

Many of the buildings in Chicago's downtown or "Loop" were thriving buisinesses. With the latest housing boom, property values have skyrocketed and many buisinesses have moved. Developers have bought up many of the older buildings in Chicago's downtown and they are being converted into condominiums. I lived downtown for many years. However, my rent went from $950 a month, in 1995, to $1750 a month in 2001. I believe, thanks to Donald Trump and other real estate developers, middle class workers can no longer afford to live downtown. But the elite can find a bargain on condos with only a 200 percent mark up.