Chicago is hiding from me
As I was reading through my emails earlier this evening, I came across a message from someone working with the League in Columbus. The message said: "Good news from Chicago," and it linked to a story about a massive rally that was held here yesterday.
According to the link, between 300,000 and 500,000 people were marching in the streets of downtown, protesting U.S. House Resolution 4437, the "Border Protection, Antiterrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act." 300,000 to 500,000 people! That's about a sixth of the population of Chicago... and I didn't know anything about the rally. And, what's worse, I had to hear about it from SOMEONE IN COLUMBUS!
O Chicago, you frustrate me so!
I have really tried to give Chicago a chance. Really, I have. I go out to explore on different days, at different times, around different parts of the city, and everytime I do this, I find absolutely nothing that I am interested in (with the exception of the Soul Vegetarian restaurant on the southside and a really amazing southside Presbyterian church that has a greenhouse built into the sanctuary). In fact, I have come to really dislike Chicago. Sure, part of that dislike is just me going into withdrawl from not being in Columbus, but part of it is also the fact that there is really nothing here that I find appealing.
And then one of the largest demonstrations ever to take place in the midwest happens within its city limits, and I don't even know a thing about it. How can this be??
People tell me that Chicago is such a great place. If that's the case, then the city is hiding from me.
(Oh, and one more rant: The Chicago Public Library system is archaic. And they won't let people check out, or even listen to, anything in their music collection... it's reserved for music students only.)
(Okay, two more rants: I'm not too impressed with their urban farming programs, either. I would have never guessed that Columbus is so far ahead of the game.)
(By the way, I don't want to give the wrong impression -- I'm glad I'm here, but I am anxious to get back to Columbus.)
posted by jonathan meier at 12:05 AM
2 Comments:
You don't love Chicago? What's wrong with you?
Actually, a lot of what you said makes sense.
Suggestion: Chicago Diner on Halstead in Boystown. If you can stand the gays (tehe), it's an awesome vegan diner with wonderful vegan deserts!
Another suggestion: Have you gone to Quimby's? It's on North, I think; Great place to get zines and such.
Another suggestion: Uncle Fun is a great toy store, and my friend Billy works there. It's on Belmont. It has wonderful kick ass kitschy toys from old days and such. You'll enjoy it, I think.
Thanks, Mikey! I was actually hoping you'd write in with tips. I've been meaning to go to Chicago Diner, but I didn't really know where it was. Now, at least, I know the general location.
Didn't you once tell me that your friend Billy lives in a vegan house or something??
Post a Comment
<< Home