This was the scene in Nichols Park last night as Chicago was engulfed in a blanket of fog that lasted for an uncommonly long time—well into this morning, in fact. My family transformed it into works of art. Photos by Jane Averill; art direction, digital enhancement, and layout by Michael Panelas.
Here’s something new: an attractive public parking garage. I don’t know if these photos do justice to the new structure at the northeast corner of Clark and Kinzie in Chicago, but it is kind of cool looking. The double helix, I assume, is an allusion to the ramps that take you up the floors of the garage, not to DNA, but I could be wrong.
What do you suppose is going through the mind of writer Zadie Smith as she finds herself in the midst of this earnest male entourage—of chess players?
What’s that empty bag of popcorn doing on the table with all those formally attired champagne drinkers? Why does that glass (or candle holder?) control the center of the board? And are we to infer from the way Ms. Smith has casually brushed aside several of the White pieces with her purse that they are playing some hitherto unknown chess variant in which moves are made with sartorial accessories?
What’s going on here? And who are these yahoos?
I have to confess I’d never heard of Imelda May until last night, but she and Jeff Beck did a nice job in this tribute to Les Paul and Mary Ford at the Grammys last night. Beck certainly looks good for his age and can still play that guitar. Well done.
The centennial of guitar great Django Rheinhardt (1910-53) is only ten days away. Chicago Gypsy-jazz guitarist Alfonso Ponticelli and his band Swing Gitan are looking for a suitable place in town to celebrate. Any ideas? Either way, please watch their site for news. Gypsy jazz turns 100 along with Django on January 23.
