After The Rain

Found in a quiet corner of Forest Park. Actually, the ground wasn't very wet but I thought the whole thing was quite strange. Is the parks department so hard up for warning cones that they are swiping them from other city agencies? And why is there a line of cones in a little-used area, leading to nowhere and nothing? Inquiring minds want to know.                    

St. Louis' Confederate Monument

There is a lot of controversy in this country about monuments to the Confederate States of America, the Southern rebels during our civil war. It boiled up again after the horrifying murders of black church-goers by a white racist in Charleston, South Carolina. That state has flown the Confederate battle flag in front of its capitol building for decades. It is a symbol of racism to many. South Carolina recently decided to move it down the street to a history museum.

We have an elaborate Confederate monument in Forest Park. I dislike the sculpture, with its swaggering Rhett Butler type striding before two cowering women. Read the text for yourself. The inscription in the bottom picture sounds like it was written by a forerunner of the Tea Party. There is an interesting history of the monument here.

There has been some talk about whether to remove or relocate this. No decision. I doubt anything will happen.                           

Good Or Bad?

Absolutely no indication of what this place is other than what you see. Some kind of private club?  But there is a nightclub that's been around a long time right next door.

Never seen this before, not that I get by here that often. Found at Locust and 20th Streets.

Okay, it has a Facebook page. It describes itself as a dessert bar and lounge. Strange.                       

I Walk The Line

How do you know your feet should be on this spot? You take the test below. But is it good enough that it's on the honor system with no police watching you?

Saw this on Washington Avenue in the Grand Center district. You could wait there a long time since taxis don't cruise in St. Louis. We're not dense enough. You have to call one and the response can be spotty. Looks like we're about to get Uber X here after a long fight. I like the service and use it frequently in Chicago.                       

Right In The Middle

Kranzberg Arts Center, just south of the Fox Theatre. You never know what visual or performing arts you may find. My most memorable night there was when we heard Morton Subonick.                      

The Fabulous Fox

The Fox Theatre during an walk at dusk in the Grand Center arts and entertainment district. (Hey, Johnny Mathis is coming soon!)

The Fox is ming-bogglingly ornate inside, as illustrated in this set of photos I took on a tour for photographers some time ago.                   

Messages

Sports stadiums around the world are awash in advertising. It's annoying but unavoidable. This photo was taken during the playing of the national anthem. Looks like commerce is soundly defeating patriotism. At least Fredbird, the Cardinals idiot mascot, stands alone at attention.

The flag in the corner of the top picture is that of the City of St. Louis.                       

Hot Time In The Old Town

The family went to the Cardinals - Mets game last Friday night, just before we left for Chicago. It was 92F / 33C at game time with smothering humidity. Madeleine couldn't keep her hat on. Her hair was damp and matted underneath.

The Cardinals' excellent pitcher and catcher, Lance Lynn and Yadier Molina, warmed up in right field before the game. I wouldn't have thought it necessary.      

Chicago: On The Street In Chinatown

There was a street festival in Chicago's Chinatown last Sunday. I didn't quite get the occasion - too busy eating and taking pictures. Tsingtao beer was a sponsor. Maybe I should have bought one for the Buddhist monk who appeared to be buying a multi-colored rooster instead of an image of the Enlightened One.                      

Chicago: Chinatown

On Sunday the family took a culinary walking tour of Chicago's Chinatown with Chicago Food Planet. It was a three and a quarter hour journey through the regional cuisines of China. Click the first link for a description of the restaurants and sights. We thought it was a blast and I recommend it highly.

There also happened to be a street festival in the heart of the neighborhood, more about which tomorrow.                            

Chicago: Cloud Gate

You've probably seen pictures of this. If you've been to Chicago you have seen it in person. Popularly known as The Bean, it is a giant stainless steel sculpture in Millennium Park downtown.  I think it has become selfie headquarters of the city.

I've been at a legal conference all day followed by dinner with colleagues. Cuts into comment time. Home tonight.                         

Crown Fountain

Big day on the street in Chicago yesterday. This is a genuine Big Important City, which St. Louis is not.

Crown Fountain is one of the city's most photographed modern landmarks. The faces of thousands of Chicagoans are displayed on a giant LED screen on monumental blocks. Water streams down all sides. From time to time, the mouths spout a stream of water. Children delight in this place.                                       

Baby Shower

At a baby shower in Chicago yesterday for my son Andy and his wife, Claire. The little darling is due September 17 and will be named . . . hush, I'm sworn to secrecy. She already has her own URL, though.

Mom and dad had different reaction to the goodies but the best gift was saved for last.                             

This Way

A stretch of North Broadway above downtown. It's an old commercial area that now has lots of empty buildings. The paint store is long gone. However, the brick building in the second picture, vacant until recently, is now the factory of Bissinger's, St. Louis' chocolatier par excellence.

Up to Chicago this morning. There is a baby shower for granddaughter # 2 at the home of my son and his wife near Logan Square (officially due September 17). Then some actual business on Monday and Tuesday. The Canon is coming along, of course.                                         

Madeleine Gets A Wading Pool

And about time, too.  She and her parents, Emily and Brian, live in what the Brits call a semidetached house. It has a good sized back yard. Grandma (Mrs. C) decided this was just the thing for a hot summer day. The tyke was a bit apprehensive at first but soon became delighted with it.

In the bottom picture, Brian waves a bubble wand. M thought it was a hoot.

                                     

Color Study

Beach balls, not billiards. And since it's Thursday, why not throw in a bit of the Arch?                                  

Cut Loose

 

Letting go at Slide The City. I just like the color and motion.                                     

Summer In The City

You don't usually see people walking on Market Street dressed like this. But it's July, the town is boiling hot and any relief is welcome. My approach is usually to stay indoors in the AC, but, for the sake of photojournalism, I hit the street with a long lens. People enjoyed themselves.

The family in the third picture asked me to take their photo. I gave them my card and asked them to email me. Haven't heard so if they see this please get in touch.