2009 May « Rogers Park Politics

A SURVIVOR AT DEATH’S DOOR, AND THEN SOME!

The Artist, himself: George Kikones

He lives above his Glenwood Avenue studio. You’ve seen him walking on Lunt Avenue. But, have you ever stopped and spoken with him…seen his life-work?

George remains a “working artist”, and I wish I could show you shots of his ‘in progress’ art, but that would not be right. I show you his portrait, which he agreed to, and a shot from an article in the Chicago Tribune, which talks of his injury and his stoic persistence to recover and regain his life.

Although I am also an artist, my life-work pales in comparison to what George has accomplished. And he still searches for the way to express himself, working with wax, and oil, and masonite. His newer works, trust me, are so beautifully executed, I wanted to shout! But , I kept my composure as we spoke, and found a humble, hard-working, fellow-artist.

We have wonderful people here in Rogers Park, if only we take time to say ‘hello’ on the street. We CAN be a tightly-knit community, if only we try.

May 30, 2009 Posted by rogersparkpolitics | 60626, Art, Chicago Artists, George Kikones, Rogers Park | | No Comments Yet

MORSE AVENUE,TODAY

Now, just a question.

Why is this FINALLY being done?

Is Joe Moore trying to do a little CYA?

Answer: YES. For the Camelot (Rich Aronson) Realty people and for the other new condos further down the block.

I saw some filled potholes today. No wonder nothing works in “The City That Works”! They were so loosely filled (on Glenwood Avenue), that if 15-20 cars drove over them, they would become potholes again!

Y-IZZIT?

Would this have happened in Rogers Park a lot sooner if we had a resident, decent, upstanding human being as alderman?

May 30, 2009 Posted by rogersparkpolitics | 49th Ward, 60626, Ald. Joe Moore, Glenwood Avenue, Morse Avenue, Potholes, Rogers Park | | No Comments Yet

I HOPE YOU ARE VERY, VERY NERVOUS RIGHT NOW!

The Alder-Joker–Joe Moore, of the 49th Ward.

May 29, 2009 Posted by rogersparkpolitics | Ald. Isaac Carothers Wearing a Wire, Ald. Joe Moore, Aldercrooks, Chicago City Council, Coming for you, FBI, Have a Nice Day Joe | | No Comments Yet

COULD IT HAPPEN HERE?

An interesting quotation this afternoon from an article in the Chicago Tribune entitled,

Ald. Carothers, developer accused of corruption

“We want to send a message today. . .that if people pay money to alderman (sic) who have an influence over zoning in the hope of getting a benefit…we will investigate both the alderman and the people who pay the money,” U.S. Atty. Patrick Fitzgerald said at an afternoon news conference.

Read it all here. This means you, Joe!

May 28, 2009 Posted by rogersparkpolitics | Ald. Ike Carothers, All Aldermen and women, Chicago City Council, Pay-To-Play, corruption, developers, dirty politicians, zoning | | 1 Comment

Martin J. Schmidt

I never met Martin J. Schmidt but I share his love of Rogers Park and photography.

May your memories give you strength.

Full story here: The Eyes of Rogers Park – Lake Effect News

May 28, 2009 Posted by rogersparkpolitics | Martin J. Schmidt, May your memories give you strength, Rogers Park, founder of the Rogers Park / West Ridge Historical Society, photography | | No Comments Yet

CLARK STREET & ESTES AVENUE

He didn’t just walk by, with the normal casual indifference exhibited by most people on the street. He had actually just finished a discussion with another man involving what lay beyond the netted cyclone fence.

There seems to be an air of sadness or defeat about him…or his iPod is playing some very serious funereal tune.

Maybe he’s simply disgusted, as are so many of us who live in Rogers Park, to be looking at this…

…because he read these…

…and realized the license is outdated.

This is a dangerous hole in the ground. It has been and still is accessible to anyone wanting to be down there for whatever reason. Their graffiti has been taken care of by Mayor Daley’s team, wielding roller upon roller of “baby ca-ca brown” paint.

Does covering up the graffiti make the hole less dangerous?

The property, at the southwest corner of Clark Street and Estes Avenue, has been foreclosed upon since over a year ago.

What stood there before? This…

…which was allowed to be destroyed by this…

…Ald. Joe “I lost all the zoning data” Moore and his sleazy circus of dishonest developers!

May 27, 2009 Posted by rogersparkpolitics | 49th Ward, 60626, Adelphi Hole, Adelphi Theater, Ald. Joe Moore, Bozo and His Sleazy Circus, Cedomir Chad Zuric, Dangerous Hole, Insecure Fence, Rogers Park, local real estate developers | | 1 Comment

7013 Studio event: Blue Note

May 27, 2009 Posted by rogersparkpolitics | 7013 Studio, 773 220-8015, Blue Note, Celebration of color and music, Rogers Park, blues artwork, live blues music | | No Comments Yet

Happy Memorial Day

In memory of all those who have served in the past and present.

May 25, 2009 Posted by rogersparkpolitics | American Flag, Chicago, Church of the Atonement, Memorial Day, stained glass | | No Comments Yet

Rogers Park sunset – Part II

May 25, 2009 Posted by rogersparkpolitics | Remember to look at the sky today, Rogers Park, sky, sunset | | No Comments Yet

Rogers Park sunset

May 25, 2009 Posted by rogersparkpolitics | Remember to look at the sky today, Rogers Park, natural beauty, sky, sunset | | No Comments Yet

Great architecture

Appreciation of great architecture does not make a man evil, but the destruction of great architecture can.

- Bill Morton May 24th 2009

note: see photo above

May 24, 2009 Posted by rogersparkpolitics | 1920's architecture, Rogers Park architecture and history, architectural treasures, evil, evil deeds, great architecture, wasteful destruction | | No Comments Yet

good morning

May 23, 2009 Posted by rogersparkpolitics | Lake Michigan, Remember to look at the sky today, Rogers Park, Sunrise, early morning, good morning, morning, sky | | 1 Comment

DON’T MISS THE DEADLINE! CONVERT NOW!

Funny, my headline on this post sounds like a religious thing, doesn’t it?

Chicagoans among least-ready for DTV in June

Ethics in Illinois Politics?

Dear William:

Last week I asked you to take a short survey on ethics reform.

Thousands of you responded and it is clear – cleaning up Illinois politics should be our top priority in Springfield. The response was so overwhelming we’ve created an online petition calling on our legislative leaders – Governor Pat Quinn, Speaker of the House Michael Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton – to support and enact a $2,400 cap on individual contributions.

Unless you raise your voice now, we will lose our chance to enact real reform today.
Right now in Springfield, the legislature is debating whether to adopt limits. There are many proposals but if we want to end the cycle of corruption caused by big money donors and political patrons we must limit the amount of money they can contribute to candidates each election cycle.

Sign the petition today at www.juliehamos.org/ethics and let’s take the first step towards ending the era of Wild West politics.

We are at a unique time in our state’s history and we are the closest we may ever come to passing sweeping ethics reform. Next week members of our growing coalition and I will deliver the signatures to our legislative leaders in Springfield.

By signing the petition today you send a clear message that this is no time for reform lite – we want credibility restored to our state.

Add your name to the growing movement for reform in Illinois and sign the petition today at: www.juliehamos.org/ethics

Also, please spread the word among your colleagues and friends about this petition:

Tell A Friend About Our Ethics Petition

Warm regards,

Julie Hamos

May 20, 2009 Posted by rogersparkpolitics | Governor Pat Quinn, Senate President John Cullerton, Speaker of the House Michael Madigan, Springfield, ethics reform | | No Comments Yet

rogersparkchicago.wordpress.com

May 19, 2009 Posted by rogersparkpolitics | rogersparkchicago.wordpress.com | | No Comments Yet

INSTANT KARMA’S GONNA GET YOU!

After my encounter on Saturday with Lindsey Pearlman, one of the stars in “The Bible: the Complete Word of God (abridged)” which is playing at the Heartland Studio Theatre until June 7th, 7016 N. Glenwood Avenue in Rogers Park (shameless free publicity!), I turned around and saw this.

Now, I haven’t been walking on Glenwood (from Lunt south to Morse Avenue) this winter/spring for reasons obvious to those who know me. I was actually startled that this artwork could have been approved (by own own dear alderman, AND by the CTA?). Quite frankly, I’d like to see more of it. Wouldn’t you? It’s like instant karma, isn’t it?

Especially on these walls of the CTA tracks? Almost knocked my socks off! Proven here: IT CAN BE DONE!

This is so much more professionally executed than ‘the Wall’, which I worked on last year in excessive sun and heat (not covered with an artists’ cooling tent, which ‘Dear Alder-Joker’ and his buddies Katy and Michael at the Heartland Cafe simply CANNOT conceive of as a NECESSITY!).

It is truly a beautiful piece of art, as urban art is meant to be (take note, TAGGERS!). I sincerely hope this section of Glenwood Avenue will last, past the next several generations!

May 17, 2009 Posted by rogersparkpolitics | 49th ratbag alderman, Ald. Joe Moore, Decoration, Lunt Avenue, Morse Avenue, N. Glenwood Avenue, Rogers Park, Urban Art, Wall of Art. 60626 | | No Comments Yet

Looking for Something Off-beat? Funny? Satirical?

I had stopped to read the posts stapled to the wall on Glenwood Ave. earlier today when a voice from behind bubbled, “Ooh, that’s a really good show! Really!”

The voice belonged to Lindsey E. Pearlman, one of the stars of “The Bible: the Complete Word of God (abridged)” now playing at the Heartland Studio Theatre, 7016 N. Glenwood Avenue here in Rogers Park!

Obviously, Lindsey let me take her pic doing a ‘Vanna’–free publicity! But with her vivacious personality, this one will go far!

See some theatre, especially something like this, which Lindsey says is a bit outside the box and irreverent at times. It’s good for the soul to laugh!

Tickets are available online at: www.ouroborostheatre.com/tickets.html or you may call: 1.866.811.4111.

May 17, 2009 Posted by rogersparkpolitics | 60626, 7016 N. Glenwood Avenue, Comedy, Heartland Studio Theatre, Lindsey E. Pearlman, Rogers Park, The Bible-the Complete Word of God-unabridged, satire | | No Comments Yet

Where there’s a camera, there’s Joe!

Alderman has Second Thoughts about Parking Program

Was this set up, or was Ald. Joe Moore just wandering around downtown with nothing to do (being alderman IS a part-time job!) and ‘happened’ upon Jay Levine and the CBS2 cameraperson?

Joe, that mole is getting bigger! Best go have it checked out!

Watch video here

Levine: You voted ‘for’?

Moore: I did. It was a vote that I have come to regret and, uh, it was a mistake.

Moore (on cell phone): I’d like to report a couple of, uh, broken pay boxes?

May 16, 2009 Posted by rogersparkpolitics | Ald. Joe Moore, Broken Parking Pay Boxes, CBS2, Jay Levine, Joe Moore-Face Time, Joe's Mole, Mistake, Parking Meters, Refuse of the 49th Ward | | No Comments Yet

Art Reyes and his 7013 Studio–Get there!

You’ve got two and a half hours left to get over to Art Reyes’ new gallery, 7013 Studio, right here in Rogers Park at 7013 N. Sheridan Road!

The opening is on until midnight, and I’m sure you’ll get to hear Art’s new CD, B.Y.O.B.!

Art’s signature is as straightforward as his voice, and just as smooth!

Head on over with a couple of friends!

Or meet some new ones! You never know!

Art! Music! Video! Fun! Party!

And Art Reyes! At 7013 Studio, 7013 N. Sheridan Road, until midnight tonight!

Photos courtesy: William R. Morton

May 16, 2009 Posted by rogersparkpolitics | 60626, 7013 N. Sheridan Road, 7013 Studio, Art Gallery Opening, Art Reyes, Rogers Park | | 1 Comment

Art, for Art’s sake–7013 Studio Opening Tonight!

What are you doing, right NOW! Twiddling your thumbs?

There’s a new gallery opening tonight in Rogers Park! Why not head over, NOW!

So many different artists displaying their styles!

Music! Videos! Fun!

NOW, at 7013 Studio, 7013 N. Sheridan Road!

NOW, until midnight! Fun! Music! Videos!

You can meet some new people, NOW!

But only until midnight at 7013 Studio, 7013 N. Sheridan Road!

You might even meet the artist/owner of 7013 Studio–Art Reyes–NOW!

So, why not get over there–NOW–and stay until midnight! Four more hours!

Go on…NOW!

Photos courtesy: William R. Morton

May 16, 2009 Posted by rogersparkpolitics | 60626, 7013 N. Sheridan Road, 7013 Studio, Art Reyes, Rogers Park | | No Comments Yet

WHEN WILL THEY EVER LEARN…

Man in custody after Rogers Park stabbing

May 15, 2009
FROM STNGWIRE REPORTS

http://www.suntimes.com/news/24-7/1575709,w-man-custody-rogers-park-stabbing-051509.article

A man is in custody after stabbing another man while watching movies Thursday night in the North Side’s Rogers Park community. (Actually, that is West Ridge and the 50th Ward!–GG)

A man was stabbed in the neck and upper body about 11:10 p.m. at 2451 W. Howard St. and taken to Saint Francis Hospital in Evanston, police said. A condition was not immediately available, but the 41-year-old man was conscious after the attack and is expected to live, police said.

The man was allegedly stabbed when a fight broke out between (sic–that would be ‘among’–GG) a group of people watching movies at a residence, police said.

A man was taken into custody, but no charges have been filed as of early Friday, police said.

Belmont Area detectives are investigating.

*********

Rogers Park’s western boundary ends at the corner of Howard Street and Ridge Avenue. Whoever wrote this article should take note.

And for those of you who continue to think that a knife is just as good a weapon as a firearm–you’re correct. It can be just as deadly.

But knives were designed to chop food, not PEOPLE!

Will the ‘man in custody’ walk away with a slap on the wrist? Or thrown in the slammer for attempted murder?

We’ll have to wait and see, won’t we?

May 15, 2009 Posted by rogersparkpolitics | 2451 W. Howard, 50th ward, 60645, Ald. Bernie Stone, Knife Crime, West Ridge | | 2 Comments

HOORAY!! SHE’S BACK!!

Our all-time favorite reporter, Lorraine Swanson, will return soon!

From Uptown Update:

“We heard some glad news from Lorraine Swanson, former editor of News-Star, today:

‘I am tan, rested and relaxed and rolling out my new online news site for the North Side — Lake Effect News (http://www.lakeeffectnews.com/).

Lake Effect News will continue with its uber-local coverage of Uptown and other North Side lakefront communities.

We are loading the cannon with news stories, features, photos and video. We plan to be up before June 1. Our site will be updated daily, several times a day.

We’re also selling ads. Our ad rates are very affordable and will reach readers all over the city.

Our neighborhoods deserve and need an independent neighborhood newspaper that contiunes to focus on issues important to our neighbors and friends.’”

E-mail: lswanson@lakeeffectnews.com

May 15, 2009 Posted by rogersparkpolitics | 20th Century Rogers Park, 60601, 60611, 60626, 60640, 60645, 60657, 60659, 60660, Lake Effect News, Local Independent News, Lorraine Swanson, Online Newspaper | | No Comments Yet

Quest Network Services Recipe?

It’s easy as 1-2-3!

Take one purple Pansy…

…add two bright red Ranunculus…

…combine with three cheery yellow daffodils, and what do you get?

Spring flowers at Quest Network Services, 7301 N. Sheridan Road, Rogers Park!

Stop by to see the flowers change throught the seasons!

May 13, 2009 Posted by rogersparkpolitics | 60626, 7301 N. Sheridan Road, Daffodils, Pansy, Quest Network Services, Ranunculus, Rogers Park, computers, flowers | | No Comments Yet

A BIT OF HOLLAND IN ROGERS PARK

They’re fading now, but this is what the tulip bed looked like at the Emil Bach House this year. The architect was Frank Lloyd Wright, who designed the house for Mr. Bach in 1915.