Category: Chicago at Its Finest

Chicago: The City That Works

CHICAGO:  THE CITY THAT WORKS We moved out of the city several years ago, but we go back often enough.  And each time we do, I’m still excited to hear the noises, see the citizens, and watch the sights on our travels. Chicago offers so much.  We’re very aware of its restaurants, theatre, museums, sports... Read more »
By H. Van Howe,
Tuesday at 11:00 am • 

An Address Book Full of Memories

This post is a winner of ChicagoNow’s 20 Best Posts of February 2019.  Enjoy. An Address Book Full of Memories I keep my old address book in a wooden bureau beneath the dining room window. The book is almost 20 years old, time worn, and held together with (everyone’s favorite) duct tape. I almost asked... Read more »
By H. Van Howe,
February 19, 2019 at 11:00 am • 

PIZZA FOR BREAKFAST

PIZZA FOR BREAKFAST It’s the 2-year anniversary of PIZZA FOR BREAKFAST.  Please enjoy the original, deep-dish version of the classic post that led the way… The other day I had an reflective thought: the mark of a good pizza is in how well it holds up for breakfast. Many of us realize this when a... Read more »
By H. Van Howe,
August 21, 2018 at 11:00 am • 
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Why Chicago? Why Now?

Take a look at a rerun from last Summer 2017.  In the wake of another weekend of heavy violence in our city, it’s important to reflect on what’s still out there. I took another ChicagoNow Blogapalooza challenge and selected the topic: Write About Your Tomorrow. Many of us may initially think it’s just another typical... Read more »
By H. Van Howe,
August 7, 2018 at 11:00 am • 

In Honor of Aunt Grace's Birthday...

A repeat from last year — in honor of my Aunt Grace’s Birthday. Enjoy. Earlier this year I wrote about my Aunt Grace and her commitment to Chicago and its great transit system, the CTA. What I didn’t provide was a little background on Aunt Grace and why she has (retrospectively) become such a good... Read more »
By H. Van Howe,
July 24, 2018 at 11:00 am • 

I Want to Work on the 34th Floor

I want to work on the 34th floor I want to work on the 34th floor.  The 34th floor of my building houses the stunning prototype for CBRE real estate offices.  It offers breathtaking views of the Chicago river, stunning skyscrapers including the Tribune Tower, and has at least 2 stories of windows looking east... Read more »
By H. Van Howe,
June 14, 2018 at 7:00 pm • 
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Family Doesn't Let Family Move to The Villages

Family doesn’t let family move to The Villages.  That’s my statement and I’m stickin’ to it.  There may be some backlash over this post, but I’m ready for it. Because moving to The Villages in central Florida is where I draw the line.  Years back my mom, Dorothy, phoned to tell me she heard great things about... Read more »
By H. Van Howe,
June 5, 2018 at 11:00 am • 

'Cause I Said So - Overheard Conversations

‘Cause I Said So Welcome to my random thoughts page entitled “’Cause I Said So.”  These are general musings, rants, observations and otherwise unimportant details I notice about life.  Enjoy and share. Below are various statements I’ve overheard while commuting, enjoying the beach, at the office, etc. People amuse me. Overheard on Metra train: Girl... Read more »
By H. Van Howe,
March 13, 2018 at 8:00 pm • 

The Kindness of Strangers

A Caring Stranger We had an inspiring presentation at the office last week. Doug Harris of The Kaleidoscope Group was full of encouraging messages and conveyed to us the spirit of leadership that is found within all of us.  Mr. Harris counseled us on emulating the power of others, even if that influence is found... Read more »
By H. Van Howe,
February 27, 2018 at 11:10 am • 
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This Week's Forecast: Gloom and Doom

Sleep can fool one into dreaming that everything is back to normal.  Everyone is fine and no one gets hurt. Then morning arrives and you realize it was just a dream.  Reality is still here. Fittingly, today’s weather matches the current mood.  Dark and foggy.  Damp and dreary. The local newscasts gives more specifics on... Read more »
By H. Van Howe,
February 15, 2018 at 11:00 am •