Shorty’s Sadness: No Block Party This Year
August 23rd, 2010 by Shorty
I passed several block parties this weekend and my heart dropped. At least three people asked me if I was having a block party, and my answer was negative. The final reality check was a preview from the Chicago Independent Bulletin Newspaper managed by Hurley Green, III.
Our block has not had a block party since 2007. That was when I was an active block club president. No one else has picked up where I left off.
Life happened; my career changed; and I had to drop some things. Now that my career is going in the right direction, I may be able to have a party next year. And when people ask, “When is your block party?” or “How was your block party?” I can have a proud and affirmative answer.
Have You Ever Been Mistreated by a CTA Bus Driver?
August 20th, 2010 by Shorty
I had a conversation with an older woman with obvious limited mobility who said that a CTA bus driver would not drop the platform for her to step up. She ended up falling and still had a bruise. This bothered me because I have personally been left by drivers and I’ve seen drivers take off when they saw people running for the bus. But to mistreat people with disabilities is beyond evil.
She didn’t tell me which line it was. However, I’m sure she’s not the only person who has been mistreated. And, I’m sure she didn’t call CTA to report it. Like most people don’t.
Let us know your story if
- You have ever been mistreated by a CTA bus driver
- You have ever mistreated a bus driver (and are willing to admit it)
- You are a bus driver that has been mistreated
Can’t wait to read what happened!
Shorty Wonders: When Does the Community Start Caring?
August 19th, 2010 by Shorty
As I read about, watch and hear stories about people, especially children, being killed daily on Chicago’s South Side, I wonder how many people say, “Oh, another person died today,” or “Poor baby,” like it’s OK that a life was taken senselessly.
But, what is the reaction of those same people when something (God forbids) like that happens to someone close to them?
I find that there is another group of people that react after the fact for whatever reason. I respect the fact that they are taking action, but deaths are occurring NOW. There are small things that can be done NOW to stop great tragedy later.
I often wonder: when does the community start caring? If I had to guess, they start caring when they experience loss personally. They are not seeing the death of any one person as a loss because they don’t know that person. And I also wonder: Do they ever think of or pray for the family that was left behind?
Yes, I’m outraged! I don’t have any children of my own, but I grew up at a time when the community took care of me. When I did something (although I was generally scared to get in trouble), I was chastised from everyone who saw what I did from across the street to the end of the alley. Then, I got in trouble with my mother and grandmother. I usually only got one whipping. I guess they tossed a coin on that one. But still, I had a crew of people caring. I knew no one was going to bother me because someone was looking out for me even when I could not see them watching.
I often wonder if am just like those people who read, watch and hear stories and do nothing. I do get emotional when I see a family member or friend talking about their loved one in past tense – “She was” or “he was.” That should never be, especially when it’s a parent talking about their child.
Is my mission of speaking life to the people I encounter enough? Whenever I pass someone on the street, I normally smile, give a complement or saying something positive. I’m finding that just acknowledging people with a greeting makes a difference. However, I have not sought out an organization to volunteer my services. Do I really need to do that to make a difference? Or, is my speaking life to others enough? I don’t know.
What I do know is that people in the community need to start caring before tragedy hits home. And no one can say, “It can’t happen to me.” It can happen to anybody at anytime because bullets do not have names on them but they do have intended targets.
Please know that I’m not discounting other areas of the city. All lives are precious to me. However, lives are snuffed daily on the South Side and are just as quickly forgotten – except by those who loved them. And, if deaths are occurring at alarming rates in other areas, they are not being reported.
So, when do you think the community starts caring – before, during or after tragedy?
Shorty’s Thoughts on Gov. Quinn’s 911 Prank Call Penalties
July 30th, 2010 by Shorty
Governor Governor Pat Quinn
These are my thoughts about this new law. This excerpt was taken from the Springfield Political Buzz Examiner, David Ormsby’s post.
“Making false calls to 9-1-1 can put our law enforcement officers and emergency responders in serious jeopardy and endangers public safety by straining resources,” said Quinn. “We must do everything we can to support the brave men and women who protect the public.”
While I completely understand the Governor’s position on false 9-1-1 calls, my South Side mind kicked in. There are so many “real” 9-1-1 calls that either do not get responses or the “the brave men and women” hired to “protect the public” take a long time to respond to them.
Are these response times, or the lack thereof, because they are on these false calls or do they not think calls made from certain areas on the South Side are important? Or, are they afraid to go into some areas?
I’ll admit that there are some areas where I’m on pins and needles (I check out crime reports on Every Block Chicago quite often and attend CAPS meetings), but I don’t have a gun or bullet-proof vest.
Although the city is experiencing a lack of staff and budget cuts, many South Siders have experienced trauma and sometimes death because of long response times or no response at all from calls made to 9-1-1. How can these situations be addressed?
What are your thoughts?
Water Damage Restoration Services NOT to Call if You Need Help
July 6th, 2010 by Shorty
My basement flooded last week due to a sewer backup in my community, and I need estimates to send to the city. I contacted two flood damage restoration companies that were not at all helpful.
The first company, Flood Squad, wanted to know if I needed services immediately. When I told the guy that I needed estimates to send to the city, he told me that he would call me back, and never took my number. Their number is 800-749-7093 by the way.
Chicago Flood Force, the second company I called, asked me for a claim number. I asked where I could get a claims number, and he said, “I don’t know.” He was about to say something, but I interrupted, “Obviously you’re not interested in helping me,” and I hung up. Their number is 800-786-4079.
Just wanted to let you know.
Wal-Mart is NOT the Answer to the Unemployment Problem on the South Side
June 28th, 2010 by Shorty
Photo borrowed from Chicagoist.com
I have been listening to debates about Wal-Mart coming to the South Side of Chicago. I have seen several Aldermen on the news, including my own, Aldermen Howard Brookins, fight to have the big-box retailer come into our community to provide jobs. I personally don’t think Wal-Mart is the solution to the unemployment problem on the South Side.
Mayor Richard Daley is. Let me share why.
According to a June 14th article in Crain’s Chicago Business, Mayor Daley runs up big debts building his global city; what about the rest of Chicago?, Mr. Daley has built his “global city” in eight communities – none of which is on the South Side. These communities have high levels of education and income as well as condos, upscale retail stores, and even nicer restaurants.
However, the article also states that “in Washington Park, where Mr. Daley hoped to host the 2016 Olympics, population is down, jobs and stores are scarce, and incomes are a tiny fraction of those in the South Loop.” Long story short, this community ain’t got jack. Actually, this applies to most of the neighborhoods south of Washington Park. All of these problems existed pre-Wal-Mart.
The article further states, “Despite his attention to the schools and public housing, Chicago is still mired in the past” because incomes are stagnant; there are very little improvements in the public school system; and total number of jobs are steadily declining.” What does this mean? To me, it means that Mayor Daley created this mess and he needs to find a solution. And Wal-Mart isn’t the answer.
Really pay attention to what was stated. Despite his attention to the schools and public housing, there has been little progress in income, the school system or jobs in this community. On the other hand, condos, upscale stores and restaurants, and employment opportunities were created in his “global city” and Wal-Mart was not mentioned one time. In fact, I’d like to bet that there are no stores in those communities (i.e. Dollar Stores and Wal-Mart) that are suited for low-income shoppers.
Based on that information alone, it is safe to assume that if Mayor Daley put the same time, attention and resources into South Side communities that he did with his prosperous pet project, there is a possibility that education, incomes and employment opportunities would grow, too – without Wal-Mart.
I’m not opposed to employment opportunities being created. I am, however, opposed to other people looking for someone else to clean up their mess. And, I’m really enraged and insulted that Mr. Mayor is slighting the South Side by offering Wal-Mart as a solution to the unemployment problem he created instead of those he used in his hi-tech “global city.”
So, do you think Wal-Mart is the solution to the South Side’s unemployment problem?
“Can’t Stop Eating those Jays”….Yes, I Can
June 27th, 2010 by Shorty
I had a bag of Hot Stuff Jays potato chips today, and I was sorely disappointed!
First of all, they do not taste the same as they did when they were under the ownership of Jays. And, the bag was too small for the $1.00 price tag. While I understand the prices of goods and services have increased over the years, it’s disappointing to know that quality and quantity of Jays have been sacrificed. Now, this classic Chicago favorite has been ruined!
Have you any Jays snacks lately? Did you taste a difference?
8 Reasons Why the Chicago Public Library Card is Priceless
June 24th, 2010 by Shorty
Of all the items I carry in my wallet, my Chicago public library card is the second most valuable — next to my driver’s license. Not only is the little green and white card the key to a world of possibilities; it is totally priceless. Let me tell you why.
1.Library cards are FREE. There are no fees, charges or taxes for owning the card. Just complete an application and provide proof of identity, a current address and Chicago residency.
2.Obtain a FREE education via books, periodicals, movies, museum passes, and other special perks offered by individual libraries. There is one main library, 76 neighborhood branches, and three regional facilities in the Chicago library system. Books can also be borrowed from suburban libraries according to the reciprocity policy. Therefore, this free education is very easy to obtain.
3.Accounts can be accessed online 24/7 with a valid library card for FREE. Records will show how many books that are checked out; when they are due; and any other information that is relevant to individual accounts.
4.Conduct research from home for FREE. Periodicals and other reference materials used for research can be found on the library’s website 24/7. There are only a couple resources that can only be found on the library databases; otherwise, all other research can be conducted remotely.
5.FREE Internet and WiFi are available at all libraries. Library cards are required for internet access; WiFi can be accessed through individual computers.
6.Gain FREE entry into most of Chicago museums with museum passes. Passes can be checked out for up to seven days. Although they do not allow entry into the extra attractions at museums, patrons can walk in for no charge.
7.After searching for books online, patrons can request to have books sent to the ANY library of their choice for FREE. Books can be delivered to a branch close to home or not.
8.Other benefits include FREE author discussions, exhibits and programs for individuals of all ages.
Although the library system offers lots of free stuff, patrons do have to pay late fees and any charges accrued for items checked out if a library card is lost or stolen. Fines range from $.20 a day for books and music up to $2 a day for movies and museum passes. Fortunately, there are maximum fines per item. Patrons won’t go broke unless they have a lot of items borrowed.
Essentially, getting a FREE library card; access to a FREE education via books, movies, and museum passes; and FREE computer access, WiFI and online research are totally priceless.
Shorty’s Discovery of Entrepreneurial Opportunities at the 2010 Internet Retailers Conference
June 21st, 2010 by Shorty
I attended the 2010 Internet Retailer Conference & Exhibition at McCormick Place from June 8 – June 10, 2010. Yeah, I know this is a little late which is why you should hire The Write Design Company to share details of your events and meetings in real-time via live blog. As your South Side Resource and entrepreneur, I would like to share the entrepreneurial opportunities I discovered at the conference.
Know that there are ALWAYS ways to make money – legally. As an entrepreneur, I am always seeking those opportunities to share with others. In fact, it’s a blessing to let you know what’s happening in an effort to expand your mental horizons and cash flow. Especially in this recession.
Business Opportunity 1: Start an Online Business
The purpose of this conference was to provide education, tools and resources for online businesses. Retail sales plunged 7% while internet sales actually increased 2% during these challenges economic times. In fact, ecommerce sales were 18.48% in March 2010.
You can’t really lose by starting an online business. You can start part-time at home with little overhead. But you must have a quality product for the right audience with excellent customer service.
Business Opportunity 2: Become a Service Provider to Online Businesses
Businesses from all over the world attended this conference. Over 400 vendors providing approximately 70 types of business services displayed and discussed their products and services. Some of the services included: web design, credit card protection, internet security, customer service, live chat for online customers, and multi-channel marketing.
Visit www.interneretailer.com to learn more about the opportunities available and how to get started in this industry.
Business Opportunity 3: Become a Service Provider to Conference Organizers
There were complimentary appetizers, alcohol and beverages, massages – chair and feet, and cell phone charging. I know for certain that the massage therapists were independent contractors hired to work the conference.
Business Opportunity 4: Mobile Solutions to Internet Businesses
Most people start their shopping online with mobile phones coming in a close second.
Armed with this information, figure out how to make shopping easier for customers; create applications and software for organizations; or come up with something so unique that Apple and Google will compete for it.
Business Opportunity 5: Writing, Design, Editing, Publishing, Printing
Each of those 400 companies had marketing materials ranging from business cards to manuals. They all had logos to distinguish themselves from other organizations in attendance. All of the 175 speakers needed bios, and may have other promotional needs outside of the conference. The conference materials were outstanding. Also, The Internet Retailer magazine may be open to freelance journalists.
These were just a few of the opportunities I discovered during my 2010 Internet Retailer Conference experience. I hope you use this information to consider business ideas, and to create opportunities for yourself. Maybe you can loosen the chains of Corporate America if you are in a position you just absolute don’t love. If you don’t have a job, now is the best time for you to start your own business. As you can see, you can’t depend on other people to take care of you, so it’s best to put your destiny in your own hands.
Also, to view live blogging and tweets from the conference, check out June 8th and June 9th of the conference.
What does President Obama have to do with Violence in Chicago?
May 28th, 2010 by ShortyI was watching a news show and I briefly heard someone say that this is the first time President Barack Obama has been to the city amidst the violence that is occurring.
Allow me to say that I did not hear the whole story, so I don’t know what the topic was. However, I am going to comment on the statement I heard the person make.
First of all, violence has been mounting in Chicago for years. It just didn’t happen overnight. In fact, Chicago was ranked the most violent city over 10 years ago when our current President was not even a senator. So, what does his presence here have to do with the current level of violence? Would his being here mean anything to the people who are selling and using the guns?
Secondly, were the same demands being made of President Bush? Probably not. African Americans knew he couldn’t be count on during the Hurricane Katrina disaster. Did anybody call Bush out on that one other than Kanye West?
I just had to say something about that comment because I felt the dude was saying that President Obama needs to come to Chicago to try to stop the violence that has bee building for years. Honestly, it will be easier to clean up the oil spill in the Gulf than it will be to clean up the violence that has overtaken the streets of Chicago.
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