Mood

Should be a gyro spit Italian beef taco thereby representing three great culinary traditions in da Near West Side aka Little Italy aka Tri-Taylor

I asked my students to name one movie that accurately depicts the college CLASSROOM experience. Blank stares---I get it. For my money, I would say the classroom scene in Good Will Hunting---at Bunker Hill CC, not MIT.

While the movie Looking for Mr. Goodbar would ostensibly be taking place in NYC based on the source material, most of the exterior shots and such were filmed in Chicago along Rush Street (see: the Faces marquee, etc) @robertloerzel.bsky.social, @rickkogan.bsky.social and other seekers.

Unbelievably controversial hot button incendiary take coming: The 1986 movie Back to School starts in NYC in 1940 yet somehow most of the movie implies that Rodney Dangerfield's rise to fame in the men's clothing business took place in Chicago---most likely on Wabash Avenue under da (El) tracks.

Totally forgot about this site. Oops.

Weird time to be talking about this, but I will be giving dozens of talks for America’s 250th this year related to urban transformations since the Bicentennial. I still have availability so if you know of a library or other cultural organizations that could sponsor me, let me know.

New movie by former bartender Paul Carr takes you into the venerable Green Mill and gives you stories about ghosts, gangsters, music, and Malort from owner Dave Jemilo and others who worked there. www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/28/c...

Chicago has opened its first food pantry inside a public library. blockclubchi.co/49TjbEH

Give this real one the nobel prize, any category.

May we all someday have 1/10000000th of the class, elan, and general worldliness of this legend.

The original monks of Santo Domingo serenading me under a bridge over the Seine. Live music is the best.

Weird time to be talking about this, but I will be giving dozens of talks for America’s 250th this year related to urban transformations since the Bicentennial. I still have availability so if you know of a library or other cultural organizations that could sponsor me, let me know.

Mr. Beef has arrived (Almost) At MDW.

What is good?

Only a few more weeks to get this fine pizza from George’s on Clark. Recommended.

Interesting—-I juse talked to someone at Iwan Ries on Wabash and they told me their first floor space will soon be home to a make your own sneaker store. Note: this building is a city landmark. @robertloerzel.bsky.social, @slulay2.bsky.social and others

Great to be at this @blockclubchi.bsky.social event celebrating immigrant’s impact and more. Immigrants are a vital part of this country——huzzah!

I am beyond serious and beyond disappointed.

This is my version of an Ed Ruscha project except from the train on the approach to Union Station.

Going to a bar in edgewater to watch the big game come find me

Logged back on but I am pretty sure I am all set but check out my professional site where I literally control the narrative. Theurbanologist dot com

Elected officials are wasting our time and our money by spending time on social media. There should be clear and specific guidelines for their use.

One thing is certain: We are all wasting our time here

Great book. Stein was a real one.

California Love

Totally forgot about this site oops

Great book. Stein was a real one.

Hi all. I have a newsletter where I write about cities and other matters. I would love it if you support my work—-thank you for your time. www.patreon.com/c/theurbanol...

Goals.

Portland, Maine thanks for having a $8 martini.

Cannot wait for the independent bookstores to open this morning!

When books went to war, more than 120 million, some carried by my dad, Herman, a U.S. Marine Corps sergeant and a combat correspondent who fought in and reported from battles at Guadalcanal and Okinawa. www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/25/f...

Seconded.

Chicago has lost a radio legend---the one and only JoBo of B96's Eddie & JoBo. These two gents held down Chicago drive-time radio for over two decades with a ribald mix of music, song parodies, confessional phone calls, and much more. Rest in FM sir. www.youtube.com/watch?v=CR95...

Hi all. I have a newsletter where I write about cities and other matters. I would love it if you support my work—-thank you for your time. www.patreon.com/c/theurbanol...

Hurts to lose a friend.

Commentary about trending topic goes here

This book is great.

Bonkers Sun Ra Tribute at Hidden Hall in Seattle—lots of cities could use more small/medium sized venues like this. @robertloerzel.bsky.social and other live music celebrants.

Some morning shots from Fremont. The one in Seattle, Wash.

Milwaukee approach one two, Milwaukee depart three four. All aboard