Thursday, December 29, 2011
Day 120 - Piggyback
Dec 29, 2011. Since I was on my own for dinner tonight, I went out and fed myself then walked around the neighborhood looking for photos. I got a handful of shots, and this is one of the few that had people. Usually when I see this, the girl is wearing heels - or carrying heels, actually.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Day 119 - Shallow Roots
Dec 28, 2011. I'm a bit surprised this tree hasn't forced its way into the concrete below it. I suspect it will be removed once the Bloomingdale Trail is actually designed and landscaped. It will be a pretty spectacular park area and a beautiful hike and bike trail when it's finished.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Day 118 - Riverboat Snowman
Dec 27, 2011. Had I settled for the shot I took on way to get coffee, today's photo would be an overhead shot of orange drink in a styrofoam cup sitting on the curb. While that would have been conceptually engaging, here's a plywood snowman at an elementary school instead.
Day 117 - Cthulu Fruit
Dec 26, 2011. I saw an example of this mystery fruit a few weeks ago on the page of one of my flickr contacts. Then I saw a basket of them last night at Whole Foods, but they weren't labeled, so they remain Cthulu fruit to me.
Monday, December 26, 2011
Day 116 - Christmas
Dec 25, 2011. Our Christmas evening was spent with friends eating, drinking, and being merry. A couple of those friends are chefs, and I think everyone is a good cook, so word to that! Best of all, every one is a joy to hang out with. So here's to a fabulous holiday with friends, family, dogs, whatever - from Will, Shereen, Tonja, Alex, John, Mike, and Mike.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Day 115 - Left Handed Santa
Dec 24, 2011. Here's another holiday pasteup from Left Handed Wave. His Halloween edition also ended up on my 365. Will he do bunny suits again for Easter? Or Stigmata Bananaman? We shall see. Merry Christmas, everyone! Happy Christmas across the pond! Also, Joyeux Noël, Feliz Navidad, and the greetings in other tongues that I don't know.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Day 114 - Teapot
Dec 23, 2011. We finally got our friends Patricia and Dave to Marrakesh, a Morrocan restaurant near our house. It's really delicious, and I recommend it to anyone. Here is a photo of our teapot after dinner, full of mint tea.
Day 113 - Second Coming
Dec 22, 2011. DJ LA Jesus returns for a funktastic Christmas Party with a new crown and a new pulpit and new tunes at Berlin Nightclub.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Day 111 - Yellow Rose
Dec 20, 2011. I brought yellow roses home to my wife today, so ended up photographing them for my 365 photo. Extension tube, tripod, and remote speedlight, and I was ready to go. When I saw them, I immediately thought of bringing them to my wife, and started to blow it off. Then I realized that if I was spontaneously thinking of bringing flowers home, I should really follow through.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Day 109 - Jammie Girl
Dec 18, 2011. Walking down the street, I actually spotted a table in a bar occupied by three girls in footie pajamas. Of course I shot immediately through the window, even though I didn't have the greatest of angles or lighting and had crazy reflections to maneuver around. Not a great photo, but a cool moment captured.
Day 108 - Moz
Dec 17, 2011. Last night, Shereen and I went to see Morrissey at the Congress Theater. Wanting to be up front, we got there pretty early and found 100-150 people already lined up in the 33º weather. While we were there, Morrissey came out of his bus alongside the sidewalk we were on, and walked to the backstage door, politely waving to the folks lined up. The one person who shrieked and ran halfway toward him was an eleven-year-old girl, which I found curious, but kind of cool. Since it was cold, they opened the doors as early as they could, and we went in and to the front of the stage after an hour and a half. This was the third Morrissey show I've seen, and it was significantly darker than previous shows. On a few occasions, he let the band go off into swirling, noisy psychedelia, and the commentary and setlist showed a bit more morbidity than I had previously seen. "Meat Is Murder" appeared in the setlist accompanied by video footage of some quite cruel and violent aspects of meat and dairy farming. It was an intense show till the end, when security got put to work by a stage invasion that somehow never reached Morrissey. If Jay Cutler had witnessed it, he would have been envious.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Day 107 - Alive!
Dec 16, 2011. Friday's 365 photo went like this: Look up from reading and see that it's 11:59, grab camera and walk over to mantel. Take picture of KISS figures. Return to reading. I will admit that one of the things I read earlier in the day was the first couple of chapters of Ace Frehley's autobiography.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Day 106 -Twinkling
Dec 15, 2011. The photoshop is terrible, but I just wanted to get my daily image up promptly and had to remove the ugly background. The shoot was fantastic. We definitely got some good photos. I can't wait to see them finished, but it's 3:30 in the morning, and I'm done for tonight.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Day 105 - Tree and Train
Dec 14, 2011. During my late lunch break (yes, it's dark, but the sun sets around 4:15 these days in Chicago), I wandered in the rain hoping for some photos to present themselves to me. I saw this tree at a pub next to the L tracks, and as I was sizing it up, I heard a train coming. I knew I had a shot coming up, so I put my elbows on the rail, composed my shot, and started a burst of photos as the train entered the frame. I like the front of the train approaching the tree top, but preferred the train being fully in the frame for my final choice. I hope you're enjoying your holiday season.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Day 104 - Window Dressing
Dec 13, 2011. After having something to eat at the Gallery Café, I saw some movement in my peripheral vision while walking down the street. Sure enough, there was someone stripping down and then putting on something new right there in the window of Akira for all of North Avenue to see, although I was the only one taking pictures, as far as I could tell.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Day 103 - Arrrrrrrr
Dec 12, 2011. Here is my holiday decoration for 2011 - a pirate nutcracker. I'm debating putting up more decorations soon. We'll see. Humbug.
Day 102 - Schmokin
Dec 11, 2011. Riding my bike around, most often to and from work, I keep an eye on the streets and sidewalks for a photograph. I spotted this lady sitting on a ledge in tights and heels and having a smoke break, so I whipped over to the sidewalk and snatched her soul with my camera. You can see she's exhaling it anyway, so finders-keepers. My eagle eye did not, however, spot my wife on the other side of the street a block later, and my drummer's ear sure didn't hear her yell my name. I don't typically keep a very close watch on the left sidewalk, since I can't really photograph it.
Day 101 - Fishbone Is Red Hot
Dec 10, 2011. I disappointed myself by missing a third Fishbone show in as many years. I used to never do that, going back to my first Fishbone show in February 1987. Previously, there was a night I couldn't get off work, and a night that my back hurt so badly I couldn't move. That night, my brother came and got my ticket to sell or give away at the show. I did my laundry this time, which included three Fishbone shirts, though.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Day 100 - Tree Transporter
Dec 9, 2011. I spotted this fellow rolling down the sidewalk with some difficulty, as one might expect carrying a Christmas tree over one's shoulder while riding a bike. I then felt obligated to race him to the next open area of street, get close to his path, and photograph his struggle. In other news, I've finished 100 days of a year of daily photos. In other, other news, it's 18º F outside. Yikes.
Day 99 - Ice Cream!
Dec 8, 2011. It has become traditional to eat ice cream before we do machine maintenance at work. "Tis the season to maintain traditions!
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Day 96 - It's Not Delivery
Dec 5, 2011. Roaming the streets after dinner, I happened upon Herman Cain in a doorway. I'm assuming the artist is CRO, also known as Ray Noland.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Day 95 - Dealing the Cold Wind
Dec 4, 2011. Today was like this. When I left for work this morning, it was 51º and really windy. By the time I came home it was 37º and I wasn't dressed for it. I still rode a few extra blocks, which allowed me to see this new paint job on the shutter at St. Alfred. A timely sighting, I think.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Day 94 - Plungers
Dec 3, 2011. Before work today, I went up to Loyola to witness the 6th annual Invisible Conflicts Plunge Fundraiser. Invisible Conflicts raises funds for the Dwon Madiki Partnership to aid in the education of children in villages in Uganda. The temperatures weren't very polar, but it was cold enough to get the attention of those that went into Lake Michigan.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Day 93 - Her Name Was Pauline
Dec 2, 2011. I think this is in the window of a clothing store. Every time I've noticed it, the display seems to be an art piece in itself, rather than a display of the merchandise. This nature girl is up currently at Bonnie & Clyde on Division Street.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Day 92 - Weekly Maintenance
Dec 1, 2011. Maintenance at work, it's got to be done. It helps us keep the machines running almost smoothly.
Day 91 - Through The Trees
Nov 30, 2011. This vacant lot with a mansion behind it has, of course, become a lot for the sale of Christmas trees. The trailer from which business must be conducted isn't an eyesore because it's camouflaged.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Day 90 - She Is The Road Crew
Nov 29, 2011. Today, my Dad left to return to Austin. We went to the Bongo Room for breakfast, though, where we encountered a paving crew on the way. I took a picture of a truck full of asphalt backing into the street to be paved,and this flagger to my left posed. Of course, I quickly shifted to her and fired a series of out-of-focus shots. Despite the technical shortcomings, she still got me my favorite photo of the day. Thanks, flagger lady!
Day 89 - Chuckling Dad
Nov 28, 2011. My Dad seemed to have a good time with us at Bin café, even though he didn't particularly enjoy it. He did enjoy the arancini, though. He also felt that tapas style was a stupid way to order food, but he was still a good sport. After dinner, we took him to Santullo's and got him a slice of the veggie flatiron bbq, which he did enjoy. I was full from Bin, but had a tasty root beer. Thanks, Santullo's!
Day 88 - Theater
Nov 27, 2011. The Muppets! Go see it. If you hate Muppets, don't go see it, but don't come see me either. I want nothing to do with you.
Day 87 - Balls
Nov 26, 2011. Christmas decorations are all over the place now. These are on my way home from work.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Day 86 - Dad and Snowflake
Nov 25, 2011. My Dad is a fantastic guy, and is visiting me and Shereen for Thanksgiving. I cooked a feast (Shereen made cornbread) for the three of us, plus a friend who doesn't get to have her Thanksgiving until Monday. Friday night, rather than eating leftovers, we went out for dinner, and I made this photo of my Dad on the street while taking a stroll around the neighborhood.
Day 85 - Texas Fight!
Nov 24, 2011. This was the coffee mug of choice while watching Texas vs Texas A&M and eating pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving. And it's goodbye to A&M.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Day 84 - Fight The Power
Nov 23, 2011. On my walk to work today, I encountered this graffiti. The bomb has actually been there for quite some time. "Fight the Power," I first noticed today. Now I have Public Enemy stuck in my head, and I'm ok with that.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Day 83 - O'Hare Terminal
Nov 22, 2011. My Dad came up to Chicago for Thanksgiving, and I took the train to the airport to bring him back to the house. This is the end of the Blue Line at O'Hare Airport. Eddie O'Hare was a lawyer associate of Al Capone's who helped put Capone away for tax evasion. While driving his car, he was gunned down from another car. The airport was named after his son, Butch. Butch graduated from the US Naval Academy and was a decorated fighter pilot during World War II. He was the first WWII flying ace after shooting down five Japanese bombers while the only other plane available to protect his carrier, the USS Lexington, had a problem with jammed guns. He was also the first naval aviator awarded the Medal of Honor due to that day's action. He received other honors during the war, but was eventually killed in battle with another squadron of Japanese bombers.
Day 82 - Metal & Smoke
Nov 21, 2011. This is the metal recycling facility near my work. On my way home, I looked over and saw the lights and the smoke and knew I had to head over for a few shots. I don't think you can really grasp the scale in this shot, but that claw easily picks up cars. Sometimes there is a row of cars climbing the conveyor belt into that furnace. This might help: Day 10
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Day 81 - Hat Head(s)
Nov 20, 2011. After dinner at Pequod's Pizza, I had no interest in joining Shereen and our friends at the movie theater for the new Twilight movie, so I walked home. I took a very meandering route which resulted in a lot of graffiti shots and some shop windows. This one belongs to New'd near Division and Damen, if you're looking for a hat.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Day 78 - Sunshine
Nov 17, 2011. Cold today! Below freezing at last, but it should be warmer the next few days. It won't be long till the cold is permanent though. I'm not really looking forward to my face feeling like it's going to break if I touch it, even while wearing a balaclava. That's just the way it is up here, though, at least on a bike.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Day 76 - Fritesnatcher
Nov 15, 2011. After a long day where even I held a class, it was nice to hang out at Bar Bar Black Sheep, where the highlight was parmesan truffle fries.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Day 75 - Harbinger
Nov 14, 2011. A few days ago (Thursday, when it sort of snowed), I saw my first snow plow of the season. The plow on the front of the truck was brand new, clearly never touched by snow. This is the second one I've seen, and it appears to have been put to the task in the past. Last February was a sizable task, too. Predictions claim that this winter will be similar to the last, which was pretty freaking heavy. At least it wasn't as cold as 2008/2009. I hope the approaching winter doesn't reach those lows, even if it does drop two feet of snow on us at a time.
Day 74 - Photo Booth X-Ray
Nov 13, 2011. I had been sitting in front of my computer, choosing photos to go into a presentation for a college art class. I hadn't shot anything worth reviewing all day, so I turned on PhotoBooth and snapped a few shots. This one wins!
Day 73 - Turtle!
Nov 12, 2011. Yes, a giant plush turtle. Like that's not going to be the photo of the day.
Day 72 - The Great Concerto
Nov 11, 2011. I attended a college function where Shereen works, and encountered Naperville's Central Park on the walk from the train station to the Fine Arts Center. This is the mural at the Naperville Concert Center. It appears that this is actually the stage for outdoor performances.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Day 71 - A Dash of Snow
Nov 10, 2011. It was just yesterday that I wondered when I would be shooting the first snowfall of the season and what that would look like. The snow didn't amount to much of anything, but here is some falling from the sky. It was grey and cloudy a couple of minutes before, but when the sun burst out along with another snow shower, I ran down the stairs, grabbed my camera, and went out to snap whatever I could.
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