From now, backwards through the 20th century, three cities have taken the "number two" position in Illinois, population-wise, after Chicago - (Itself once called the Second City - to NYC). All have worked to have a decent arts scene, over the years. I spent much of my life living in one of these cities, which I call, "Ye Olde City," (YOC). It's ( Read more... )

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This is what the riots have transformed into.  This and an insane federal government.

But it's good to be free.

The contagion continues...

Texans Spontaneously Sing National Anthem In Walmart
On Saturday, the day before America’s Independence day, Texans in a Haslet, Texas Walmart joined a woman who had started spontaneously singing the national anthem as she stood under a giant American flag, with the crowd breaking into cheers when they had finished.

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( ( Read more... )

I live in the middle of a tragic triangle.  Chicago, to the east, has it regular shootings - and two were killed during the riots last night.  Saint Louis, to the southwest, was the scene of the Ferguson protests and violence - and now had four police officers shot during the current riots.  Up to the northwest, there is Minneapolis, ground zero of ( Read more... )

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Here is a really tight power-pop trio from Northern Illinois.  Mark my words, they are destined to fame, once they get a decent front singer, like me, for instance.  Once they become famous, they will be known as being from Chicago, because Chicago appropriates the entire state.  Wilco is not from Chicago, despite one of their album pics, they are ( Read more... )

See - the same pre-storm violence also hit Chicago. (Note also Christmas holiday). (This refers to this post).

Subject: Exciting Sept 27 ME/CFS event in Chicago
Date: Sep 21, 2016 12:23 AM
#Million Missing Worldwide Protest

A Global Day of Protest for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)
Sept 27, 2016
11:30-12:30, James Thompson Center 100 W Randolph
Speakers:  Carol Head, President of Solvecfs.org
Lenny Jason and Marcie Zinn, DePaul University
Join individuals with ( Read more... )

(I will chop this into bite-sized paragraphs later).

( Things Fall Apart - a PART 2 )

Show me a national trend and I'll show you Chicago in denial.