The South Side Wasn’t on the Map Beyond 35th Street For Real
August 9th, 2010 by Shorty
On my quest to learn more about South Side communities, I ran across the following statement in Images of America: Chicago’s South Shore by Charles Celander. “Few saw potential of the swampy land south of the city limits at 35th Street.”
If I am reading correctly, the city of Chicago actually ended at 35th Street in the 1800s! Entrepreneurs Mayor (Long) John Wentworth, Senator Stephen A. Douglas, and Paul Cornell saw things differently. That was then.
The same holds true today but for different reasons. I won’t share my opinion about that at this time. I will say that it appears that areas south of 35h Street have always been looked at differently. But, like in the 1800s, revival is still possible, and things will change.
Just wanted to share the historical information I discovered. Do you have more to share about this topic?
Personal Income Tax & Census Forms Help Build Prisons
August 8th, 2010 by Shorty
I attended an education session about how to keep boys in the classroom, and learned quite a bit. The one fact that REALLY stood out was how the government and private prison corporations determine how the number of prison to build.
For the past ten years, I heard that the third grade reading scores of students, mainly minorities, are used to determine the number of prisons that will be built. And, it’s been repeated constantly by public officials, educators, and other experts of all nationalities, races, and colors. There is some truth in this finding. That’s not the whole story. What has not ever been said by any of these people is that census forms and income tax forms are also determining factors.
Apparently, the government looks at the number of single-parent households headed by mothers which is significantly greater in minority communities, and call out their production crews. And, yes, both the census and income tax forms easily give this information, especially the income tax forms. Who knew?
Ok, I just had another thought. What if the government’s production crew consists of imprisoned fathers building prisons that will house their own children? Isn’t that cruel? It’s not impossible, though.
I just had another thought. That’s why that school to prison pipeline is so effective. People have already studied the patterns, and have determined that prison is the best place for disturbed children instead of counseling, mentoring programs, and other resources that can help them stay out of prison. Why would they want to help these people when education and prison are big, booming businesses?
Anyway, I just wanted to share what I found out and give you something to think about. Please share this post with other parents, teachers, and other adults that genuinely care about the state of young people today.
What are your thoughts on this topic?
Shorty is Growing!!
July 31st, 2010 by Shorty
Shorty is receiving over 1,000 page views per month with over half of those being unique visitors. This is great even though there are not a lot of comments left by those who visit.
To my dear visitors, if you could leave a brief note or comment about the post you read, it would be appreciated. And, if you have benefited from any of the information that I have shared, that would be great, too. I need to let potential partners know that there is an audience that is appreciating the information I am sharing.
Also, I would like to eventually include news on the South Side, but I cannot do that alone. Dedicated journalists, bloggers, and videographers will be needed. This would be really great during upcoming political elections.
I have more plans for Shorty that cannot be implemented at this time due to time restrictions. They will come to fruition as I continue to grow. Please continue to support me as this happens. And don’t forget to leave comments!
You can follow me on Twitter @shortyindahouse
Like my South Side Shorty page on Facebook.
Did Your House Flood on July 24th?
July 27th, 2010 by Shorty
Complete a claim form from the Office of the Chicago City Clerk to attempt to recover all or part of the cost of repair.
Also, complete a flood damage assessment form because the city is trying to get flood assistance from the federal government. Instructions for completing the form is also on the site.
Complete both of those as soon as possible. Call the City Clerk’s office at 312.744.4103 if you have any questions.
Special Report: Stay Cool in Chicago’s Heat
July 20th, 2010 by ShortyCooling centers are available at schools, libraries, Chicago Park District facilities and city community service centers. Call 311 for additional information and assistance.
Cooling centers in Chicago:
Englewood Center
845 W. 69th St.
(312) 745-8285
Garfield Center
10 S. Kedzie Ave.
(312) 743-0213
King Center
4314 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
Chicago, IL 60653
(312) 747-2300
North Area Center
4740 N. Sheridan Rd.
(312) 744-2580
South Chicago Center
8759 S. Commercial Ave.
(312) 747-0331
Trina Davila Center
4357 W. Armitage Ave.
(312) 744-2014
Read here to learn more on how to stay cool in Chicago’s Heat. Don’t forget to call and check on seniors!
Special Report: Staples Has Folders and Pencils for 1¢ from July 11th – July 14th
July 10th, 2010 by Shorty
From Sunday, July 11th through Wednesday, July 14th, Staples has 2-pocket folders and 8-pack pencils for1¢. There is a 10 folder limit per household and a $5 minimum purchase. So, even if you and your family went in as a posse, everyone should have $5 to buy something small needed for the house. And act like you don’t know each other.
Check out the sale paper to see if there is anything else you need that is $5 or less.
Happy School Supply Shopping!
Happy Independence Day From Shorty!
July 4th, 2010 by Shorty
On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed, removing America from the control of Britain. Today, we are enjoying the freedoms of that separation.
Have a wonderfully blessed and safe Independence Day!
Happy Father’s Day from Shorty
June 20th, 2010 by Shorty
Shorty wants to wish all of the current fathers and soon-to-be fathers a very blessed and happy Father’s Day.
Happy Juneteeth from Shorty
June 19th, 2010 by Shorty
This year marks the 145th anniversary of Juneteeth, the oldest celebration of the ending of slavery. Visit Juneteeth.com to learn more about the history of the celebration.
Lue Williams is the Winner of Shorty’s Father’s Day Contest
June 15th, 2010 by Shorty
Lue Williams & Family
Lue Williams won with 10 votes over Tracy Robertson’s 6 votes. He and his wife, Tiffani Williams, will be dining at Park 52 with the $50 gift certificate.
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