The words “fun and informative” to label this blog served as the basis for the previous post that was read by whom I believe to be a first-time visitor to “Random Somersaults.” She responded by describing it as “what fun to meander through ideas and streams of consciousness.” These regular ramblings … I mean, “streams of consciousness” … provide a perspective on thoughts, ideas, and topics. I enjoy engaging with people, professionally and personally, in a way that provides a glimpse into how they interpret and process information. Understanding how, and why, someone processes information is the basis for effective communication. The priority of leaders communicating well is a subject getting much attention in today’s changing work climate where employees, and what is important to them, is critical for the success of an organization. More so than ever, it is important to mold our perceptions by understanding something through multiple perspectives. This provides the segue to this blog’s topic, the great city of Chicago! There is so much to love about the city that this post is likely the first of many to shine the spotlight on all Chicago has to offer.
Perhaps your perception of Chicago may be altered, or reconfirmed, through my perspective of having called it my home for the last two and a half years. I first visited the city decades ago and recall being slightly “underwhelmed.” But, every time I returned over the years, I liked it better. Now that I have resided here and explored it at great depth, I’ve fallen in love with the “Second City.” It is hopeless for the occasional visitor to try to keep up with Chicago-she outgrows his prophecies faster than he can make them. She is always a novelty; for she is never the Chicago you saw when you passed through the last time.” ― Mark Twain, Life On The Mississippi (1883)
It is good to know that The Second City comedy enterprise (the one that produced the likes of Alan Alda, Gilda Radner, John Candy, John Belushi, Eugene Levy, Bill Murray, Tina Fey, Mike Myers, Steve Carell among many others) remains strong and vibrant, even if it took a private equity firm from New York to keep it alive.
Chicago is known for its great summers. I may be biased, but I don’t think there is a better summer climate than Buffalo.
A couple months after relocating to Chicago and while still on contract with my former company, I traveled to the Super Bowl. While enjoying dinner with my former colleagues, they sensed my over-the-top excitement for Chicago which prompted this question from one of them, “okay, what don’t you like about it?” So, before rolling through much of what makes Chicago so spectacular, allow me to point out some of Chicago’s flaws that, rightfully or wrongfully, may cloud your perception of the city. A neighbor who works in the suburbs recently shared that many of his fellow employees are scared to come downtown because of crime. My wife and I sense there may be some friends and family also not wishing to visit for the same reason. Their apprehension is likely based on a perception largely shaped by news stories. We live in the city and, for the most part, feel safe. That doesn’t mean we don’t take extra precaution and are mindful of our surroundings when walking through the streets, riding the L or a taking a bus, and we always limit the time we sit in a parked car.
By no means do I intend to minimize the concern for the fact crime in on the rise in Chicago and is a problem that needs to be among the highest priorities of civic leaders. Sadly, not unlike other cities, the bulk of the violent crime occurs in certain neglected neighborhoods. Yet, much of the focus recently is on crime in downtown that can have a negative impact on the tourism industry. Because of its large population, the raw numbers can seem “scary.” Allow me to provide some perspective. If one examines the data on violent crime on per capita basis, Chicago ranks far down the list at 20th! Not far down the list at all is Chicago’s ranking for rats. The city, for the seventh straight year, holds the distinction as the “rattiest city” in the U.S. At least, I’m not in Portland, Maine (a wonderful place, by the way) that climbed 26 spots in the most recent study and cracked the Top 50 for the first time. From a personal perspective, rats aren’t all that bothersome. In fact, my wife who has a huge phobia of mice and how they scurry around, doesn’t seem to mind these larger rodents. Our observation is that the rats kind of saunter along with no great sense of urgency. Speaking of sauntering with no sense of urgency, a major pet peeve of mine are Chicago’s pedestrian crosswalks! Perhaps it’s the pace of the Midwest, but you can tell a resident from a tourist because those who live here tend not to speed up to clear the crosswalk. Frustratingly, this can result in a car needing to wait through another red light! Well, that’s enough about the cons. Living in such a major city provides great stimulation ranging from something as simple as hearing several different languages during my morning walk with the dog, to the endless daily offerings of events and concerts to the many comedy clubs, restaurants, museums, and theaters. I also add that this being my first time living outside the Eastern Time Zone, I believe that Central Time is a big upgrade for television viewing. This is especially true as a sports fan who rarely must stay up too late to catch the end of a game. Now, on to some of the best things, in no particular order, about Chicago, Illinois! Chicago’s neighborhoods have always been the city’s greatest strength.” — Jane Byrne, Chicago’s first woman mayor Neighborhoods. To get a true sense of Chicago, you need to venture out of downtown. I’m not aware of any city quite like this as Chicago has such a neighborhood feel. In all, there are 77 distinct neighborhoods that will grow by one with the completion of “The 78.” Whenever we host out-of-town guests, we make it a point to give them the experience of enjoying the city’s vastness through jaunts to many of the neighborhoods. A fair amount of provincialism exists with locals exuding great pride for their section of the city. There may be no better proof than seeing the divide of the city over its two baseball teams. Recently, my wife and I had lunch on the north side. Interestingly, the TVs had the Cubs game on among other sporting events but not the White Sox game that was taking place at the same time. On our way home, we stopped for a drink at one of our favorite nearby watering holes in the “South Loop.” I noticed the Sox game was being shown but not the team from Wrigleyville. I shared my observation with a nearby patron donning a Cubs hat (not sure why he would be wearing that in the near south side, hahaha!). He eloquently, and diplomatically, explained his view of the White Sox, “I’m happy when they win but I don’t lose any sleep when they don’t.” Architecture. I always thought the cities where I spent most of my life – Buffalo and Cleveland (the closest major city for someone living in Canton, Ohio) had amazing architecture. But, the architecture of Chicago, the birthplace of the skyscraper, is absolutely spectacular on a completely other level! As a resident, the one “tourist” activity that I enjoy is taking an architectural boat tour. If you visit, be sure to make this a priority. I also recommend doing so every time you come since the tours differ and you always learn something unique. I constantly marvel at the buildings throughout the city. I force myself to look up as I walk the sidewalks. Too often, the street level storefronts mask the beauty above them. There is so much rich history behind most of the buildings. I take note of the inscriptions in the building’s façade in order to go home and search for information on the history of the building. A big shout out goes to @barrybutler9, a professional landscape photographer, whose imagery posted to his Instagram and Twitter captures the beauty of this city. Click through this gallery for a sampling of his great work. Or better yet, start following him. Dog Friendly. I had no idea when I moved here that Chicago was so dog friendly. Forbes ranked Chicago at No. 9 in its 2022 list of most dog-friendly cities. I can honestly say that more people know my dog’s name than mine! Recently, when eating at a restaurant around the corner, I had a woman come up to me and excitedly ask, “you’re Renny’s dad, right?” Many stores permit you to bring your dog inside while shopping and there is no shortage of dog-friendly patios in the city. Our dog, Renny, knows the best ones in town and pulls hard on the leash when he senses we are are getting a couple blocks away from one of them. For the record, his favorite is Kasey’s in Printer’s Row because they give the biggest dog bones and their staff shower him with lots of love. Kasey’s is Chicago’s second oldest tavern and Renny Fierle's personal favorite! I would be remiss not to take a quick moment to chastise those irresponsible owners who neglect to pick up after their dogs, a bigger problem than it should be! Fortunately, I live in an area where most of us are quite dutiful when it comes to using poop bags and discarding them in one of the garbage receptacles conveniently located on nearly every street corner.
Lakefront Trail, Parks, and Beaches. Chicago’s distinct design includes parkland that separates the lake from the buildings. The terrific lakefront trail, an 18-mile paved path, is perfect for biking and walking. Walkscore placed Chicago fourth on both its list of best biking cities and best walking cities. Personally, I enjoy taking long walks along the lake and then work my way home through the city. When riding a bike, I suggest going south on the Lakefront Trail. It tends to be less crowded and then riding back north you get to see breathtaking views of the skyline that most visitors, and a great number of locals, don’t ever see. Making Chicago’s summers so fun are the more than 20 beaches that dot the 28 miles of Lake Michigan’s shoreline in the city. Parks, large and small, are a big part of the fabric of the city as 98 percent of Chicagoans live within a 10-minute walk to a park. Its park system ranks No. 6 among U.S. cities in a study completed by Trust for Public Land. From my perspective, Chicago is without question one of the greatest cities in the world! Stay tuned to future posts when I roll out more terrific qualities the city possesses.
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WHY "RANDOM SOMERSAULTS?""Random Somersaults"
features storytelling based on themes spurred by personal and professional experiences and thoughts that represent a broad range of topics with a few random, yet relevant, detours. It is a terrific way to get to know Pete Fierle as you gain insight into how he processes information through this less formal and creative style of writing. The blog has been described as “fun and informative” and “what fun to meander through ideas and streams of consciousness.” AuthorPete Fierle has a love for all mediums but a special affinity for the written word (that flows from a keyboard or fountain pen) as a powerful platform for storytelling. ARCHIVEBe sure to check out the archives and roll through past posts for a variety of topics and stories.
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