Trashy neighbors acting like fools, cops show up, again

My neighbors were fighting again,  it spilled outside and created an all out street brawl.  They continued to fight even after a dozen squad cars showed up.  This is a regular occurrence

 What the hell is wrong with them??  I'm getting sick of this shit.

Trip to Disney World

My daughter, like most 5 year olds is really into princesses, so for her 5th birthday we decided to take her to Disney World in Florida.   I have to admit that I wasn't particularly looking forward to a 22 hour drive.   Since we made multiple stops  the drive wasn't bad at all, minus the  horrible food choices (Mcdonald's/Wendy's everywhere)

Our first stop was in Nashville TN, home of country music.   Music is everywhere in Nashville, practically every bar has live music at all times, we got to hear a guitar player from Chicago.  He was telling us he lived in Bucktown when it was full of  Latin Kings.   The main strip  kinda cheesy, lots of neon lights, locals call it Nash Vegas, but it's fun.  We were bummed to heard that the Johnny Cash museum wasn't opened yet. So we  went to The Tennessee State Museum and saw a photo exhibit of Elvis in his early years.   They also had a history of guitars.

The next day we set off to Orlando Florida.   As we drove through southern Georgia and northern Florida I noticed all these religious billboards.  They had images of Jesus with the military.  I also saw many anti-abortion billboards.  The strangest billboard I saw was one that  appeared to be the pleas of a neglected wife.

Next stop,  Kissimmee.  Kissimmee basically looks like huge suburb that wouldn't exist if not for  Disney World.  So the next day we finally arrive in Disney World.  The place is enormous.  My daughter fell in love with the place, she didn't want to leave.   One thing I noticed was that the adults in Disney World seem to be as into the whole Disney thing as much as the kids.  During the shows and parades the adults rushed and bulldozed  their way to the front.

After hanging out in Florida for a few days we set off to return home.  We made a pit stop in Savannah Georgia.   We've been to Savannah several years back and loved it.   I was disappointed to find that Savannah had been hit really hard by the recession.  Boarded up buildings dotting downtown Savannah reminded me that the recession is far from over.   I hope it rebounds.  

One last stop before home, Asheville NC.  We had lunch  at a local brewery, Lexington Avenue Brewery,  had a flight of their beers, not bad, but not great either.  We went to nearby town of Black Mountain for an outdoor  Christmas party.   The drive home through Tennessee and Kentucky is breath taking.

As I drove home I realized how much I love traveling, how I wish I lived closer to the mountains, and how important nature is for the soul.

Fall harvest!

Here are a few photos of our harvest.  This was the first year that we  really got into.  I build a few raised beds and  planted fruits, vegetables, and herbs, all organic of course. No pesticides, no GMO, and no cheetos!! All natural.

I was surprised at the yield from the cucumbers.   Not a bad harvest for novices.

Strawberries were on the small size, but it's trial and error.

Eldery tenant recently passed away

My elderly tenant, who was also my neighbor recently passed away after struggling with a debilitating illness.  I didn't know her very well but my condolences go out to her family.

RIP Mrs. J.

Voted early this year

I just cast my ballot for the upcoming Presidential election.   I was hoping that voting early would save me from the crowds.   I was surprised at how long the lines were.  I assumed that people aren't as interested this year as they were in the last election.  Lawndale in particular has a very low turnout rate.  25% voter participation is not unusual in some precincts.  You would have never known that from the looks of the polling place.  Maybe they are voting twice or three times, (JK, or maybe not) At any rate,  I can't wait till the election is over.   I'm sick of all the bickering,

One thing I noticed was that the majority of the voters were older people, and by older I mean senior citizens.  I guess that trend even occurs on the West Side.

East Garfield Art Walk 2012

Let me start off by saying that I was really looking forward to this event. Previous years were pretty fun.      I enjoy art fests quite a bet.   The most famous one in Chicago was probably "Around  The Coyote" in Wicker Park (now defunct thanks to gentrification).  Now I wasn't expecting this one to be in the same category as the Coyote, but  this years art walk was a pretty big disappointment.

We went to the  Albany Carroll Arts Building were we chatted with some of the artists and  bought some art.  However  I was disappointed that many of the studios were closed this year.  The place also didn't seem to have the excitement it had of previous years.  I don't know if it's because of the economy, but the mood was pretty dismal. I have my theories, perhaps the artists have a beef with the landlord and decided to boycott the event, perhaps the organizers didn't really care, perhaps the artists don't care, or maybe the artists in EGP are not really a part of the community.

I was also disappointed that the studios across the street were closed as was the building at 3200 W. Carroll.  We were however able to see The Egyptian Lacquer manufacturing Company Building.  and see one of the studios.  The next day we headed over to the studios at 3311 W. Carroll which supposedly has 25 studios.  I think we saw 2 open at the most.

Our last stop was at the Switching Station Artist Lofts.  This one was equally uneventful.   We met a few of the artists, one woman was working on a mural, which was pretty cool.  However, just like the other buildings, most of the studios were closed.  A couple of the artists who were open didn't even have their work displayed.  They seemed disinterested.   We asked one of the artists why so many of the studios were closed and he replied, "we weren't getting a lot of visitors"   Maybe they weren't getting visitors because they aren't open.  I'm not sure why there was such low participation and a general malaise.  

The following week I was in Pilsen when they were hosting their own art walk.   Completely different experience.  There was trolley's full of dozens of people walking around the neighborhood and there many different activities going on at multiple locations.  There was this festive atmosphere.   It's too bad  because I think this festival has a lot of potential.  I'll probably still go back next year, though I'll probably skip the Switching Station and 3311.  Who knows, maybe it will be better. 

Bridgeport Mash Tun Oktoberfest

Two weekends ago I attended a craft beer festival at the  Bridgeport Art Atrium called the Mash Tun Fest, located on the loading dock of what was the former Spiegal's Warehouse on 35th street.  I heard about the event after seeing a flyer at Maria's.   This was first time I attended this fest and I must say I was pleasantly surprised. Admission included a souvenir beer glass and sampling of dozens of microbrewery beers.   I wasn't able to sample all the beers, 13 tastings  was my limit.    The fest also featured a pig roast, along with a few food trucks located just outside.  The crowd was very eclectic, different ages and different backgrounds.  As my friend said that night,  that's the great thing about Chicago.

Here is my review of the samplings.

Lagunitas Brewing Company,  an ale called A Little Sumpin Wild. This particular batch was pretty strong, packing almost 9% alcohol. Very strong but also good.  Thumbs up.  I recommend it if you like strong ales.

Belgian White from  Brooklyn Brewery called Fiat Lux.  I enjoyed it, good flavor.  I also tried their Sorachi Ace, which I was told is a Japanese type of beer.  I'd have to go with a solid thumbs down.  I didn't care for it at all.

A Pilsner by Baderbrau. This was my least favorite.   This beer was horrendous to the point that it's not edible.  The guy standing in line next to me at the pig roast described the taste  it as beer with oil mixed in.  I'd have to agree.  Apparently there are some positive online reviews of this beer.  Perhaps this was a bad batch, who knows. Whatever the case may be, my experience was extremely negative.

Blood of the Unicorn by a new company called Pipeworks.  As my friend Keith pointed out, with a name like that, you have to try it.   When I think of unicorns I think of  rainbows and my 4 year old daughter likes,  things that are wholesome and  innocent.  I remember hearing about Pipeworks last year. They are a new brewery in Chicago.  I remember when they were searching for a location they were considering the West Side.  I think they eventually settled in Bucktown. Anyways The Blood of the Unicorn is a strong Ale, approximately 8.5% alcohol.  Good strong flavor. I give it a thumbs up.   I also tried their Ubiquitous Pale Ale.  Another good choice.  

Belgian Ale from Pauwel Kwak.   I'd rate this beer as good.

Stone Brewing, Stone Levitation Ale.  I   rate this beer very good, one of my favorites.

I also tried a sampling  from Half Acre brewery. I don't remember the name of the specific beer but it was also good.  I've had Half Acre before and I've liked it.

Next on my list is Oaskar Blues.  I found their beer to be quite enjoyable. Another good choice.

Nosferatu by Great Lakes.  Not sure if the alcohol finally kicked in or not but my next choice was probably my favorite. Excellent beer.  Strong beer, but  also very smooth.  I liked it so much I had to get seconds.

Firestone Brewery.  The first one I tried was DBA ( Double Barrell IPA).  I overheard some guy discussing double barrell IPA and saying that it's not for everyone.  Now I know what he meant.  To put it bluntly, it sucked ass.  The other Pale beer from Firestone was actually good.  Unless your into DBA, I'd stick with their other pales.

3 Floyds. The Snow Weasel.    I've had good beer from 3 Floyds before, their Zombie Dust in particular.   The Snow Weasel was mediocre at best, so so.  I'd stick with the Zombie Dust, although it's pretty strong.

The event also featured a re-enactment of a Prohibition era speech.   To be honest, I really didn't pay attention since I was too busy sampling the beers. The event ended off with performance from a  local high school band which put on a good show.

Overall  good beer, good food,  good crowd, and great time.