Author: Administrator
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So, what was that you wanted to know?
The last month or so has seen a flurry of behind the scenes activity at the Babuk Report. All for the good. It’s all about Learn About Chicago a venture described elsewhere in this blog. Learn About Chicago is an initiative that is an extension of the sort of architectural awareness and organization that I’ve […]
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Mechanized Bridges in Portland
The American Institute of Steel Construction published a story I wrote for their monthly newsletter’s ” Bridge of the Month” feature. The story follows: Waddell & Harrington, Consulting Engineers of Kansas City, built many of their patented bridges at many locations throughout the U.S. One example is the Hawthorne Bridge in Portland, OR, spanning the […]
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More Poetry
In response to a recent musing about William McGonagall, friends from Vancouver have since brought to my attention Sarah Binks, the Sweet Songstress of Saskatchewan. A regular feature on a CBC Radio broadcast, her works included poetry like this: “My Garden” A little blade of grass I see Its banner waving wild and free And […]
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Visions of Winter, Melted Away…
A recent presentation to the Scottish-American History Club about the Firth of Forth Rail Bridge would not have been complete in historical context without mention of the Firth of Tay Bridge Disaster. One in the audience chuckled, and mentioned a poem composed about the disaster written by William McGonagall. “…On the last Sabbath day of […]
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It’s Winter
The omni-present whitish glow quietens all.
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Happy New Decade!
Happy New Year. It’s surprising to see that we’re already a decade into the new century. Previous posts have spoken about vacant storefronts and even vacant buildings, all from the aftermath of the latest economic turn. There is so much vacant space out there that based on current absorption rates, some markets have several years […]
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More Chicago Christmas Trees
If the Cook County Treasurer’s display of “Christmas Trees Around the World” wasn’t enough, the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry likewise has a display of “Christmas Trees Around the World”. Unlike the Treasurer’s Office which has table top height trees, the Museum’s trees are full height – well, as full height as one could […]
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Christmas Trees Around the World in Cook County
Chicago is a city of neighbourhoods, and a city of many ethnic backgrounds and traditions. Recently, I was invited to attend the Cook County Treasurer’s / Office of Ethnic Affairs Christmas Party of “Christmas Trees Around the World”. Every year, they send me an invite to attend. They know me from the […]
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Departing Chicago?
A recent editorial cartoon depicted Illinois as an airport. In the departures gate were the 2016 Olympic Games, a variety of major trade shows that recently announced leaving Chicago, and Oprah Winfrey. In the arrivals gate were prisoners being transferred from Gitmo. Much of this is directed at Chicago specifically: the “departures” noted are all […]
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One Final Note about the Hanna Roundhouse
The “Roundhouses of the World” exhibit that has been on display at the Hanna Public Library is closing this week. In a way, it still lives on. The Oak Park Architectural League is having its Bi-Annual Members Show this month at the Oak Park Public Library in Oak Park, Illinois. Being a member, my contribution […]