Saturday, May 16, 2015

Saturday fun activity: Where IS this?


     I think I take so many pictures of street scenes and inanimate objects because I'm shy about asking people if I can take their photograph. It's awkward for me, makes them self-conscious, and shatters the moment, causing them to stiffen up. Usually I try to photograph people on the sly, while their attention is elsewhere, but something that isn't an option, as with this man enjoying his cigarette in solitude. But I couldn't just pass him by, given his singular outfit. The deep orange jacket is what first caught my attention, and his pork pie hat, rolled jeans, expanse of ankle and dapper mustache. It looks like a costume a child would wear in 1910. I asked if I could shoot his photo, and he said yes, but then his body language was directed at me, and he didn't have the sense of solitude he had when I first saw him. He wouldn't give me his name or other details, beyond the fact that he wasn't visiting, but on a break from his office ... where?
     Where exactly did I notice this young, or youngish man, having his nicotine fix? Guess the correction location—I'm looking for a specific street—and win one of my coveted 2015 blog posters. Any insight into the fashion would be appreciated as well. I can't say I've seen anything like it, other than on gondoliers in Venice. Good luck, and please remember to post your entries below. 

34 comments:

  1. For some reason it struck me as really familiar.....south "plaza" of 2 Illinois Center (233 North Michigan)??

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    1. I think you got it & beat everyone else, as I recognize the windows of the original 1950s Prudential Building in the middle background.

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    2. @Edward. You got it. Send me your address -- or have you won before? I might already have it. Dailysteinberg@gmail.com.

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  2. I think it's on the east side of Stetson

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  3. As for fashion, the mustache looks more like an 1890's handlebar style, they'd wear while singing with a barbershop quartet.

    If some other persons catch you taking their pics, one of these days they might think you are some oddball and accost you.

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    1. I hope at first he didn't mistakenly think you were approaching him to ask for a date.

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    2. Peril of the business. See "J is for Journalism" in "The Alphabet of Modern Annoyances." The women at that conference were aghast to find a man trying to speak to them.

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  4. How about taking pics of some bldgs. in the Joliet or Naperville area?

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    1. I do have a buddy in Naperville, and sometimes go there. Next time I make the hejira to Naperville, I'll keep my eyes peeled.

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  5. The Naperville River Walk might be an idea.

    There's a great Jewish deli on Naperville Rd. and Ogden, northeast corner.

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    1. Being Italian-American (lapsed Cath.) I'm no expert on Jewish delis but their sandwiches taste good to me.

      Try Maggiano's for good Italian food, several locations. Stay away for Olive Garden junk.

      Giovanni's in Crest HIll, north of Joliet, has some true Ital. authentic, not a chain.

      Don't forget those in Lockport either.

      Schmaltz's is the name of the aforementioned deli.

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    2. I presume you like Italian food, Mr. S. Few don't.

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    3. The Lockport canal featured on PBS with that Baeur guy doing Chicago history.

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    4. I was at Francesco's Hole in the Wall last night. And boy, was it good.

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    5. Oh, that's in Northbrook. I've never been there. Once I missed an exit on 294 and couldn't get off until Deerfield, was trying to get around Melrose Park. I thought I was going to hyperventilate and practically kissed the ground when I got back toward Bolingbrook. Believe me I had a bit of vino, when I got home. I avoid highways when I can now unless it's a very local stint.

      Try Quartino's downtown, if you haven't. A bit pricey with small portions, but a rare treat.

      I know a few middle aged women that don't like highway driving, I'm not alone.

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    6. Neil, we just made a pilgrimage to Charlie Beinlich's, which we'd never been to, but had heard about, last week. (It wasn't much of a pilgrimage, once we'd gotten to the Botanic Garden, which was our primary destination...) I noticed Hole in the Wall right near there as we were approaching, and wondered if we should have gone there instead. Beinlich's was a swell old-school kinda place, but with all the fantastic burgers out there these days, I don't know that we'll be going back. Any thoughts on that place? We often go to Max's Deli after a Botanic Garden visit -- is that acceptable, or might you have a better recommendation? Apologies for the pesky queries, I realize you're neither a restaurant reviewer, nor a Yelp employee. ; )

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    7. I've gone to Charlie Beinlich's once in 14 years. Great ambience, a good burger, I'd certainly go back, if I want to eat a burger in a rural Wisconsin bar. Hole in the Wall isn't comparable -- it'll require a 45 minute wait and cost four times as much. If you really want to hit a gem, go to Prairie Grass across the street (though Hole in the Wall is very good, there's always a wait, and it costs more, and you're not In The Club when you eat there.

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    8. Thanks for the reply and tip, Neil. We've been to Prairie Grass a couple times. Very good and we like it a lot, but a little pricey for a just-looking-to-eat random dinner, for us, anyway. So, Hole in the Wall would obviously not be a likely choice, either. Oh, well, there's always Chipotle... ; )

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  6. Steve McMichael, former bear, has a sports bar in Romeoville. He ran for mayor here a few years ago. Don't forget about Plainfield and Bolingbrook either. Then you can really stump everyone.

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  7. Northbrook is a long way from Will County. Such a long drive on my own would make me nervous, even if I'm not elderly.

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    1. Really? That's sorta sad. I've driven from Chicago to LA and back, from Chicago to Nova Scotia. It's not that hard.

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    2. I once drove straight from Nova Scotia to Chicago, with just a couple meals and sightseeing stops, no sleep, in 28 hours, or something, because we were on a tight schedule. Crazy, but memorable. The only scary part was at about 3 in the morning on the New York thruway when we rapidly came up on a dead moose? bear? -- seemed larger than a deer -- smack in the middle of our lane. Could easily have plowed right into it, if I hadn't been paying attention. Not that I had been falling asleep, but that really woke me up for the next half-hour! Fortunately, the Tim Horton's coffee was still doing the job...

      One of the longest road trips I've participated in was a little over 7,000 miles in 17 days with a couple of buddies after high school. Camping the whole time, too. Those were the days, as they say!

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    3. before cell phone days, it was scarier for a lady then a guy to break down in the middle of nowhere and probably more dangerous

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    4. signed, Emily Simpson Reitecart

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  8. Well if you ever experience anxious menopause, and drive to Cal., then you can brag. lol- (no addictive tranqs for me , thanks) I have a spouse to help with the far rides. Flying is nice and quick too.

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  9. If you ever are signing books at the Barnes and Noble in Joliet, Mr., announce it here please.

    I'll come in and get my Chicago book signed.

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  10. NS, you walked right into that one, about the driving.

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  11. Back to today's posting...the only real question is WHERE DOES THIS GUY WORK?

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    1. for the Wendella boat rides?

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  12. @barry. Slack & Company??? Pure guess. But it's a creative agency located in Illinois Center.

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  13. He's probably too cool for it, but the fashion looks like J Crew.

    Francis

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  14. looks like a fool

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  15. Sheila Gibson StoodleyMay 16, 2015 at 2:09 PM

    The first thing I thought of when I saw him was Mr. B, the Gentleman Rhymer. Below is a link to his 'Chap-Hop History.'

    https://goo.gl/3VaO0K

    I can picture this guy 'raising the veranda' behind Mr. B, if Mr. B had opted for extras.

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  16. Wonderful subject, well seen! I'm an avid street shooter and would have had a difficult time passing up that guy.

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