2nd and Final Day of the NATO Summit

  Today was the 2nd and last day of the NATO Summit.  I was home from work today along with many other Chicagolanders.  I had heard on the news that there was suppose to be a big protest this morning in front of Boeing.  Boeing has an office about a block from the Madison entrance to Union Station.  That's the entrance that I use every day.  There are other entrances in and out of Union Station but I prefer that entrance because it gets me directly into the train tunnel.  Last I heard was that the initial Boeing protesters were not very large in number but it was anticipated that they would pick up more people along the way.
 Over the weekend there were some police/protesters clashes.  Arrests were made including the arrests of 3 people that were thought to be involved in a terrorist plot.  From what I've seen on TV, it seems like police were handling things well and there was no repeat of the 1968 riots.  Tomorrow will bring a new day to Chicago and I will see the remnants that NATO has left behind.

Won't You Please Come to Chicago....

  About 10 years ago I watched a movie called "The 60s".  A part of the movie showed the 1968 Democratic Convention and the background song was "Chicago" by Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young.  Yesterday while I was walking to and from work, that song was playing in my head..."won't you please come to Chicago......we can change the world".  It's amazing how many people have come to Chicago to do just that.
  Like many businesses, my office decided to close for today and Monday.  Therefore unfortunately I have no photos to share, however I have been keeping up with the NATO happenings via the news.  I have a friend who also works in Chicago and her office was open today.  She said that Michigan Ave. had been closed due to protests.  I saw on the news that protesters swarmed the Michigan Avenue bridge.  The same bridge I walked down just yesterday.  Some of the protesters even ripped down a NATO banner that hung on the bridge.  The news commented about how even though many streets were filled with protesters, many Chicagoans had gotten "out of dodge". 

All Quiet on the Chicago Front

This morning the train was quiet with the usual commuters.  The sidewalks (at least where I was) were full of people walking to work.  I didn't see any protesters, I didn't hear any helicopters, I didn't notice any police cruising around.  It seemed like a normal Chicago morning....landscapers working hard on the Michigan Avenue planters and joggers taking advantage of the cool breezes on Wacker Drive.  Just a normal Chicago morning.  Hopefully tonight when I'm traveling home, it will be a normal Chicago evening.

NATO Decor

  This morning I took a couple of photos of NATO flags and banners.  Chicago is welcoming NATO with open arms (and lots of security).

NATO Preparations

  We've been hearing about NATO for the last few weeks.  We've been anticipating protests and making preparations.  Now the time has come.  NATO weekend is finally here and is Chicago ready?  Yesterday morning there were protests in front of the Obama campaign office in the Loop.  News stated there were about 125 protesters and 8 were arrested.  There are more protests expected today with the height of protests expected on Thursday and on into the weekend. 
  Here's a list of NATO preparations that I have heard:

-Those working in the Loop during this NATO time-period should not wear business suits or business attire so as not to be targeted by protesters.  It was recommended to "blend in" with the crowds.
-Metra.....Saturday, Sunday, and Monday there is to be no food or drinks on the trains.  Also no backpacks or bikes.  Expect random screenings and searches. 
-Certain trains running from the southside are expected to be cancelled.  Any trains that are running are expecting delays. 
-Note all expected street closures.  There are definite street closures around McCormick Place and Lake Shore Drive. 
-Highways could be closed to the public as NATO officials and delegates arrive and are shuttled into Chicago from various airports in the area.

I will keep my blog up to date with new NATO news.  This morning I could feel some tension in the air especially with the constant sound of helicopters overhead.  People tend to get uneasy knowing that they're being watched.  I also saw a large police van cruising the Mag Mile.  It was empty but had plenty of space for rowdy protesters or trouble-makers. 

Goodbye Marilyn

  The infamous Marilyn Monroe statue that overlooked Michigan Avenue has traveled on.  The controversial statue has been disassembled and will now be seen in Palm Springs, California.  Even though the statue received some negative reactions, I'm sure it will be missed by Chicagoans.  I got used to seeing it every morning, in good weather and bad.  Interesting that it's left just before the anticipated chaos of NATO.

Caught on Camera

  This evening I was on LaSalle walking towards the train station.  I approached a restaurant/bar called English which I have actually been interested in checking out.  English has a nice seating area on the sidewalk and always seems to be busy with an after-work crowd.  As I got closer, I realized that there was a 2 person camera crew filming in front of English.  I slowed, wondering if I would be able to continue on my way or if I would be forced to cross the street.  One of the camera crew waved me on and I passed by two women sitting at an outdoor table, talking loudly.  I glanced over and somehow placed the women to be part of the new reality show, Mob Wives Chicago.  I wasn't positive but they seemed to fit the part.  When I got home and googled the new show and viewed the photos of the 5 women involved, I confirmed that in fact, I had walked through the filming of Mob Wives.  According to online, the show is suppose to air in June.  With all the reality shows out now a days, I've wondered if I would ever bump into filming in progress.  This afternoon I did and I'll see in June if I'll get to see a nice view of the back of my head on camera.