3 posts tagged “chicago”

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one hundred eighth

Jul 20, 2007
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My time in the windy city was well spent, I think. I didn't get to spend much time touristing around with a camera, though, so my collection of photos from my time there isn't too impressive. However, because I've got nothing on my mind worth throwing into a blog post today, I'll just leave you with a couple of my pictures.

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On my last day there, I rushed out into the heart of downtown with my camera and ran into this famous-looking theatre. I've absolutely no idea how famous it might be, though.

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Mostly, though, I was fascinated by the train that ran through downtown at the second-story level. I'd read about Chicago's elevated train system, and I'd even seen it spoofed in video games and movies, but, for some reason, this seemed much more interesting in person. Go figure.

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Ah, the obligatory shot of the train coming into the station. Nothing too exciting - unless you're a touristing loser like myself.

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This is the Trump Tower being built - I think that one of the Apprentice winners is somehow related to it. Honestly, I couldn't care less, though.

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One thing that I loved about the Windy City was the Chicago River snaking it's way through the heart of everything. This is a shot of downtown with the river running through it.

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And this is the Jeweler Building. The dome at the top of the building used to house Al Capone's favorite speakeasy. This building also happened to be where my temporary office was located for the week.

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The Jeweler Building lobby and elevators were all maintained in their original art-deco glory. This is the ceiling of the lobby.

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On the right side of this photo is the letter box located in the lobby of the Jeweler Building. It's about as gaudy as they come.

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Last, but not least, some of the intricate design work on the elevators.

Obviously, my photography skills aren't the best. However, my blogging skills seem to be much worse these days, so consider yourself lucky.

two hundred seventh

Jul 19, 2007
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Trying to revive a daily blogging habit can be hard when you're busy trolling around the streets of downtown Chicago in search of adventure. But I'm here and I'm quite happy to have made the trek. Chicago's a pretty nice place, it reminds me a lot of Boston. The architecture and the way that everything moves seems to have a similar flow.

The company flew me out here so that I could get some face time with some of the people that I do all the paperwork for back at the corporate headquarters. Ultimately, I'm just enjoying the opportunity to take in some legitimate Americana. That and the opportunity to get the company reimbursement for any expenses accrued. Thank god for company-purchased Chicago-style pizza.

Curiously, both of the taxi drivers that I've dealt with in the last few days have handed me blank receipts when I request them. I guess that they're accustomed to jet-setting business-types who'll write in some super-inflated charges before submitting those charges to the company for whom they're working. I think I kind of surprised both of them when I made them stop to fill out the receipt for me before they could drive away.

Back to California tonight, where I can get back to my regular daily updates. I'm sure you've missed me something terrible, you dastardly internet goons.

one hundred sixty-eighth

Apr 26, 2007
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In other news, yesterday I stumbled upon what is quite possibly the stupidest quote that I've read in the last couple years (emphasis added):

"Selling illegal papers to immigrants so we can work, basically. That’s all we buy them for, is to work,” said Little Village resident Luz Nolasco. “But apparently that’s against the law and God forbid we help America!"

It's a quote from someone who was obviously upset over the recent immigration raid in Chicago.
And apparently the the term 'illegal' shouldn't apply to anyone who feels morally superior about their position in life.

Another problem I have with this article is the mention of the local police not being notified of the raid taking place. Who cares? Police forces across the country have been ranting for years about how immigration law is not their responsibility, and that it is a federal issue. So why the sudden surprise that the feds don't want to let the local police in on the fact that they'll be making a raid?
Just like our outspoken village-idiot pal, Luz Nolasco, it looks like the local authorities not only want their cake, but they want to eat it too.

Given, I understand the local community being upset about the excessive show of force in the raids. This was an obvious attempt on the part of immigration authorities to try and remind the American public of their relevance. So of course they're going to rush in with their guns drawn.
In all reality, though, these little publicity stunts don't even put a dent into the estimated 12 million illegal aliens in America - so what's the point?