January 2008 Archives

It appears the days of my trolling the neighborhoods for weekly dispatches are about over.

Will you miss me like I'll miss you?

t's been 40 years since Mike Royko suggested Chicago take on a new motto, Ubi Est Mea -- "Where's mine?"

Still, loads of city politicians continue to live up to Royko's maxim by making sure any good they do for the city also benefits a buddy, crony, lackey, lover or blood relative.

Take the fancy new brick homes springing from the old iron plant on the wrong side of the tracks at 105th and Vincennes in Ald. Howard Brookins Jr.'s 21st Ward.

Who was the Austin Neighborhood named after?

Be first to post the correct answer to win a Sun-Times T-shirt.

Stolen from the internet,\ here's: Ten Things You Can Do While Smoking Outside Besides 'Smirting'

Are you a smoker and a — a Smirter — who's found that the smoking circles outside bars since the state smoking ban went into effect Jan. 1?

Tell us your smirting success story and share your best smirting pick-up line, here.

What neighborhood does U.S. Sen. Barack Obama call home?

Be first to post the correct answer to win a Sun-Times T-shirt

Last week I stumped you. No one knew Abbott Avenue is named for Robert Sengstacke Abbott, founder of the Chicago Defender.

Be first to post the correct answer to today's hoods quiz to win a Sun-Times T-Shirt.

The Chicago City Council housing committee today forwarded Ald. Eugene Schulter's substitute ordinance for acquiring property in the the 4800 block of Western in Lincoln Square to the city council for approval.

If approved, substitute ordinance would allow the city to acquire property on that block only if owners voluntarily agree to sell. The previous ordinance would have allowed the city to use its eminent domain power to take the property.

Here's what Schulter (47th) told Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman following today's housing committee meeting ...