The Entire South Side is NOT the Englewood Community
February 2nd, 2010 by ShortyI like Explore Chicago. In fact, it’s one of my resources for things to do around Chicago. While researching information about the Englewood community, I ran across some information that pushed a wrong button.
“Other noteworthy community anchors in Englewood include the renovated 1927-vintage New Regal Theater, a new police station, branch library and the AIA award-winning Gary Comer Youth Center.”
While the Chicago news media would have viewers thinking that the Englewood community spans from 35th Street to 95th Street (North to South) and from King Drive to Damen (East to West). That is NOT right. While I do not know the actual boundaries of Englewood (orange), I know that those boundaries are wrong.
I also know that the New Regal Theater sits at 1645 East 79th Street in the South Shore Community (yellow). And the Gary Comer Youth Center is located at 7200 S. Ingleside in Avalon Park (blue-green). Check out the map below.
So, to my buddies at Explore Chicago. While I commend you for attempting to boost the Englewood community, at least report accurate information. Your audience will appreciate it.
On a sarcastic note:
If it were true that Englewood did have The Regal, library and Gary Youth Center along with the new Kennedy King College, and the powers-that-be were serious about the growth of the community and its residents, would there really be a need for the new police station? I’m just saying.
Credits: This map was retrieved from Wikipedia via Google.
Will Policiticians Be Available after Today?
February 2nd, 2010 by ShortyI am certain I am not the only Chicago resident bombarded with phone calls from politicians and supporters regarding the primary elections. (Y’all have 30 more minutes to make it to the polls.)
All I want to know is: Will these same politicians that have been calling me these past few weeks be available to answer my calls or even meet with me after today - whether they win or not?
There’s only one way to find out. I’m going to see how long it takes me to get on their schedules just to chat about what they are really going to do.
As a side note, if I didn’t think there was a possibility I could have won, I would have written my name in many of those categories. I know that probably sounds vain, but I really do feel I am more qualified than some of the candidates running and have very little knowledge about politics.
Shorty’s Views: Bill O’Reilly on Haiti & The South Side of Chicago
January 28th, 2010 by Shorty
Bill O’Reilly compared Haiti to the South Side of Chicago. While people have opinions all across the board, I only one question for Mr. O’Reilly: HOW?
Actually, I had several questions which were emailed to him earlier this evening, but I need to know HOW the two compare before I join the bandwagon of noisemakers.
As soon as I hear from Mr. O’Reilly, I’ll let you know. In the meantime, what are your thoughts on his comparison of Haiti and the South Side of Chicago?
Shorty’s Views: Christian Community Health Center
January 27th, 2010 by ShortyChristian Community Health Center (CCHC) is one of the best kept secrets in Chicago. Their mission is “to provide high quality primary healthcare and related services to the community regardless of the ability to pay.” They have three health centers in Chicago, South Holland and Calumet City. They also provide social services as well as supportive services for women in prostitution and women and children who are victims of domestic violence.
I have been a patient with and without insurance, and can honestly say that I have been treated with respect and courtesy by everyone I encountered. And my waiting times to see my providers were the same. Long. This is because they don’t turn away walk-in patients.
The providers were great. Explanation was given as checkups were performed. They make sure you understand what is going on with your body by answering all questions in easy to understand terms. Dr. White is da’ bomb!
Best of all, they have income-based fees so if you are uninsured, you can get a checkup with a $20 co-pay per visit. You do have to pay for your own medication which can also be purchased at a low price from American Pharmacy which is located inside the health center.
One last thing, they offer lots of health workshops and programs. The only not-so-cool thing is – they don’t get the word out to the community effectively. So, you either have to do a drive-by reading or call the center to find out about events.
Visit http://www.cchc-online.org/ to check out all of their services and locations.
Question from Shorty: Political Endorsements
January 25th, 2010 by ShortyI have a confession: I am not political savvy. Before our presidential election, I only voted because it was a requirement as an American citizen.
This year, however, I decided to educate myself by attending political forums and listening to candidates. Also, I am conducting more research on candidates instead of listening to all of the media sources.
I do have a question, though. If a shady elected official endorses a candidate in the election, how credible is that endorsement really? Can someone enlighten me?
Shorty’s Views: Heating Bills Are Going Up
January 22nd, 2010 by ShortyAccording to an article in Crain’s Chicago Business, heating bills are going up. The Illinois Commerce Commission approved a rate increase of nearly $70 million for Peoples Gas; therefore, customers will be paying at least $48 more per year on their bills.
While $48 may not seem like a lot of money because it comes out to about $4 per month, Chicago residents are already being pimped by our great city and state. Everything is increasing except employment rates and paychecks, and citizens with little or no cashflow are expected to make up for the imbalance. That is so unfair.
And, with billions of customers paying over $100 per month, I cannot see Peoples Gas hurting too much, especially in these challenging economic times. Even if times were not challenging, they would still be ahead financially.
I just wanted to put my 2 cents in.
Shorty’s Views: I Can’t Keep Silent
January 22nd, 2010 by ShortyI said that I was NOT going to provide my opinion on this site, and I’ going to try to keep my personal thoughts to a minimum, but there are just some things I cannot be silent about.
Disclaimer: All thoughts and views on this site are mine, and I will stand behind everything I say. Your thoughts and views are welcome. Good discussion is always good for the heart.