Chicago's Teachers on STRIKE (c) J.Pritikin

The entrance to Walter Payton H.S. Just 12 years old and constantly winning Awards for it's "Excellence" in so many departments.

Today's media and police setting up Picket Lines.

Directly across the street is Salazar Public School, built about 1900, and a special ed program for latin speaking children.

Hoping for a quick settlement that's fair with both sides making some concessions.

Chicago,September 10th,2012.

I reside overlooking 2 Chicago public schools. One from thr begining of the 2oth Century, The Salazar, a multy-lingo Special Spanish educating school and Walter Payton College Prep High School. Just 12 years old and already has the best Award winning standards.

As for the teachers, I understand why they are walking the picket line. However, like all public employed Union workers, there is the need for those contract workers who do not perform to strict code of standards can have their contracts terminated. At the same time, those who excel those standards as well as all qualified teachers must have their grievances addressed, and corrected as soon as possible.

Farm Boy on a Skateboard (c)J.Pritikin

This is Ben, he lives and works on a farm. He was practicing new movements near Oak Street Beach... and wound up breaking his skateboard. I made him an honorary member of the Interstellar Propeller Beany Revolution. If there is any consolation... he didn't break any bones.

2 Great Photographers and Friends LEE BALTERMAN & ISHIMOTO.

Ishimoto at a Chicago Street Fair... Photo by his friend and fellow Photographer (c) Lee Balterman
PLEASE CHECK ARCHIVES ON THIS SITE FOR OTHER LEE BALTERMAN POSTINGS...

Lee Balterman always talked well of his friend and fellow photographer Ishimoto. I was not aware until today that he had passed away the month before. He always sent Lee his new books, or signed prints. Both Balterman and Ishimoto have been represented for years at Chicago's S. Daiter Gallery. I am sure Lee was not aware of his friends death. A few months ago Lee gave me a box with a mix of used frames. A few weeks later, I broke a glass, and looked if there were any the same size in the box. I found a couple with prints still in the frames. When I took them out of the frames, I found a messages to Lee from Ishimoto, and both were signed, with one having a imprinted seal. I brought them back to Lee. Over the years Lee has given me many photographs , a great mix of his images and some of me, Today I realize that Lee had given me a print of Ishimoto... taken by Lee at a Chicago Street Fair. This morning I read about Ishimoto's death in Japan last month.

Here is a Link about Ishimoto's Death.

lalettredelaphotographie.com/entries/5602/mort-de-ishimotoyasuhiro

It would be great if Daiter Gallery have a 2 man SHOW ... Lee and Ishimoto.

Lee Balterman shoots Jerry Pritikin and Vice Versa

Lee stops for a thought and a pose.



Lee Balterman first digital image after over a million frames on film and slides. Photo Credit: Lee Balterman



Smile Pritikin! My image of Lee



Lee shots Jerry ...






Last Thanksgiving, I had diner with Lee Balterman. And it became the duel of the film or digital image. Lee Balterman who spent most of his 91 years behind a camera. With many years as a photographer for Time/ Life, Sports Illustrated and Forbes. I was able to get Lee to take my photo, using my Canon digital. With out question... Lee has taken well over a milllion frames on film or slides... and this was his first digital moment. Happy New Year...

Does it take one to know one? By (c) J. Pritikin

Sorry for the quality, I only had a photo copy, and I might take all day finding the original slide. I was on assignment for a Cover for a national Gay magazine-The Alternate in 1978. It was part of a survey that asked their readers "DOES IT TAKE ONE TO KNOW ONE?"

Their choice was either "Flash of the Mint and Tim Sullivan, of the Oilers. They were both 21 years old Rookies in San Francisco's Gay Community Softball League, the first gay sports league in the country. They brought their mothers to the games. One of these players happens to be gay, and the other straight. Let us know, you can do so by leaving a comment. If you are gay,then choose who you believe is gay, and vice versa if your straight. By the way,the cover never happened because the magazine's editor changed his mind.

IF THIS IS YOUR FIRST TIME ON MY SITE, TAKE A LOOK AT THE ARCHIVES... SOME ARE STORIES THAT HAPPENED DURING THE 1970s, AND MANY ARE FROM THE 1980'S UP UNTIL NOW IN CHICAGO. I HOPE YOU TAKE TIME TO BE PART OF THE SURVEY, and
if you have any questions, just ask
THANK YOU,
Jerry Pritikin

Keeping up with Zimmerman's Wall @ Oak Street Beach By Jerry Pritikin

The weather in Chicago has had it's ups and downs. The heat index has been at or near the 3 digit marker. So when it's good and not thick with humidity, I head for the beach. A painter, named Zimmerman has been commissioned by the City's Park District to paint the familiar wall that greets people coming from the Michigan Ave. underpass. It's like the Marilyn thing... either you like it, or you don't. In both cases I did like 'em. For now it's a work in progress, and catch it before it's completed into another instant Chicago landmark.

Beany Power @ North Avenue Beach By (c) Jerry Pritikin

Another Beany Revelution starts... All photos (c) Jerry Pritikin


I was taking an afternoon stroll near North Avenue Beach, when a young man asked me where I bought my beany cap? I just happened to have a few in a shopping bag along with my camera. A young lady, celebrating her 17th Birthday bought one. The attached images were taken moments later. This group from Oak Park were having a good time in this summer of their teens. Ironically, I was in my teens when I began visiting Chicago's lake front at Oak St. and North Avenue Beach.

Cast the last stone...With Jerry Pritikin @ Chicago's Gorilla Tango Theater.

A near capacity crowd at Chicago's Gorilla Tango Theater.


Would you believe that the red eye's in this image are not my fault.



In the Gorilla Tango's Den.



Chicago: I prepared for my 7 minutes at the last minute... and I was greeted warmly, someone left the backdoor opened. There will be a Marijuana-rama-III in October.
I will be posting more about this soon, In the meanwhile... Inhale!

Marilyn Monroe finds a home in the Windy City. By (c) Jerry Pritikin

Marilyn Monroe is back in form! Located just north of the Michigan Ave. bridge and The Tribune Tower. In the few days that it's
been in that perfect location, it is a Chicago landmark. To do a study of this iconic memory, I guess you would have to come very early so people will not in the background of a picture. It's going to be here until next winter... and that should provide a
treasure trove of images, along with the Bean, Nathan Hale,Water Tower and Oak Street Beach this year. I was here when the Hola-Hoop and Frisbee made it's debut and was noted in Life Magazine. I was also here the day the Queen Elizabeth entourage
past in an open car in 1959. I was the only one who did not rush to the fense to see her. I could of had a field day if I was a crook. Everyone left their valuables on their beach blankets. I did get a glimpse. I believe she was here in town for the Opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway. There was a International Trade Show at Navy Pier. And the beat went on...

The Great wall of Zimmerman 2011

Oak Street Beach is getting a face lift at it's Oak St. underpass. And it's already becomming a Chicago Tradition. The artist is named Zimmerman, and it looks like a labor of love. He was interviewed by most of the local TV stations. I am glad to see something other then cracked or graffiti covered walls. Check it out in a couple of weeks, when Zimmerman hopes to be finished with it.

My 7 minutes POT Time Capsule- By Jerry Pritikin

Before the Senior Moments. I have thought about posting some of the stories left over from the 1960's and 70s and the POT connection. I used to read the Want Ads in newspapers for jobs that I didn't want. Today I prefer the WWW and CRAIGSLIST.com. In both circumstances my life changed because I was stoned on pot, and looking for jobs I did not want! I actually found a few gigs that way. The latter was looking for an Actor, and my reason for the POSTER.

Back in 1981, I was involved with the play 'Bleacher Bums' after seeing it on S.F.PBS/KQED. The next day I noticed an ad for actors for the S.F. production of the "BLEACHER BUMS". It was suppose to be a 6 week run that ran well over a year. I was hired for special promotions and PR. When the run ended, I continued doing Cubs an Bears tie-in promotions whenever they were in the Bay Area. I was tabbed by the media as the Bay Area's Resident Cubs Fan. From that, I evolved into the "Bleacher Preacher." I moved back to Chicago in the late 1980s. I spent most of the next 25 years roaming the cheap-seats of the Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field, and I became part of the fabled fans in the Bleachers.

Update:

A few weeks ago, after a long, long drought(no 420) and survived liked the message in the song "I'LL GET BY WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS". A month ago I happened to see an ad on CRAIGSLIST. A director was looking for marijuana stories for his Marijuana-Rama Show and I have a 30 year supply. I have made a commitment to do a 7 minute monologue at the EEK Theater. I plan to put it all together this week. Is this that stage that Shakespeare had in mind when he wrote about the"Idiot"that struts and frets upon the stage? Anyway, if you happen to be in Chicago... My first one night stand(on a stage). Follow the instructions on the leafy green poster, and buy some tickets. Maybe instead of getting some flowers tossed at me at the end of the 7 minutes... it might be samples.

I LOVE A GAY PARADE! (c) Jerry Pritikin 2011

American Style Gay Pride Parade Chicago-1998 (c) Jerry Pritikin
Halsted St. Fairy 2010 Chicago Pride Parade (c) Jerry Pritikin
Chicago Pride Parade 2009 (c) Jerry Pritikin
San Francisco Pride-Polk Street 1976 (c) Jerry Pritikin
Theatre of All Possibilities- Gay Rights S.F. 1977 (c) Jerry Pritikin

June PRIDE MONTH is busting OUT all-over in Gay Communities accross America and around the World! For me it began in the mid-1970s, in San Francisco and now here in Chicago. The early parades did not have coporate sponsors and had very few marching politicians. At first, the crowds were small, and with every passing year they grew larger and larger. Last year, one of the best things that I noticed was the large throngs of non-gay crowds taking part. Often with their young children waving RAINBOW FLAGS and wearing colorful beads.

Gay news is in the air... with New York on the verge of ratifying a gay marriage law. At the same time religious groups and many Republicans keep trying to deny gay citizens their equal rights. I have seen the progress made in Gay Rights first hand. It seemed to always be moving at a snail's pace. However looking back, we have come along way, and still have along way to go before we get Equal Rights as fellow Americans.

This is the time, to remember all those gay pioneers and non-gay friends, who marched and fought for our rights throughOUT our history here, there and everywhere.

SADIE IS A SAINT!

Back Row-Hank aka "The Tomato King",Neil,Toby Manheim,Elaine Zalusky,Allen

Front Row Jerry and Sadie

Hank and Sadie on their 47th Anniversary
Sadie and Hank in the Roaring 20's

Back in 1976, just a few days after my Mom's 76th Birthday(May 20th), she died. I came back to Chicago from San Francisco for her funeral. I remember meeting with the Rabbi at Weinstine's Funeral Home. Since he did not know her, he was asking our family and friends about her. When he spoke to me, I started to say SADIE WAS A SAINT... and then realized maybe that's not a proper thing to say to a Rabbi. So I used other just words to describe her. When it was time to start the service.... the Rabbi looked out at the large crowd on hand and said" I did not know this woman, but judging from all her family and friends... THIS WOMAN MUST OF BEEN A SAINT!"Looking back, she was. I never heard her say anything bad about anyone, and friends and family sought her out for words of wisdom. She had a quality to speak the plain truth. How lucky I was to have her as a mother, and so were those who knew her as a friend.

AND THE BEAT GOES ON IN THE WINNER'S CIRCLE OF CHICAGO'S 43RD WARD... By Jerry Pritikin

Picture #1, Arch Ward Tribune Sports Editor

Picture #2, Paddy Bauler Chicago Alderman of the 43 Ward (Gave me my first political job)

Picture #3, Michele Smith Victory Party 4/5/2011

Picture #4, Michele Smith addresses Maple Pointe Seniors during a debate

Picture #5, Michele Smith & Jerry Pritikin in the Maple Pointe Community Room


When it comes to politics, I often have supported losing candidates. However, in this year's Chicago elections, I batted a thousand for picking winners. It's always satisfying to vote for someone or a cause,rather than against a politician for their stance on issues. I made my first attempt getting involved in politics back in 1948 when I was 11 years old. I made the mistake of attaching a poster for the Progressive Party's Presidential Candidate, Henry Wallace, on my back, and walking too close to an open polling place on N. Troy Street. A Chicago Policeman felt the need to rip it off me, rather than tell me why it was illegal to have political signage that close to a polling place. In the 1950s I helped a friend's brother who was running for Republican Ward Committeeman in the 47th Ward. He invited me to a Republican Party fund raiser. The main speaker was my favorite Chicago Tribune Sports scribe, Arch Ward. He was best known for creating Major League Baseball's All-Star Games during Chicago's Century of Progress Fair in 1933. I used to read his "IN THE WAKE OF THE NEWS" column daily in the Tribune, and I especially enjoyed the "10 Years Ago Today" section. He told an amusing story at the fund raiser that I'll pass on to you now.

He told the large crowd that he had been a sports writer and editor for many years. That job had given him the opportunity to attend all kinds of sporting events. He boasted that he had witnessed big league and minor league ball games, as well as Pro-football and college games. He had reported on regular and championship boxing matches. He had travelled throughout the United States, to big cities and to rural America. He had spent time prior to and after those sporting events in all kinds of locker rooms. The one thing that he had noticed about both amateur and professional athletes is that "not all men are created equal!"

My next political recall was a few years later, when I lived at 1504 N. Dearborn Parkway. I was given a one day job by the legendary politician, Paddy Bauler, of the 43rd Ward. The cigar chewing Alderman worked out of his famous tavern on North Avenue and Sedgwick. He appointed me a Democratic poll watcher in the landmark high rise building at 1500 N. Lake Shore Drive. Some of the best known and wealthiest Chicagoans resided there, who had one thing in common. They were all Republicans. Since 1996, I have been back in the Gold Coast neighborhood. I live at the Maple Pointe Senior Apartments. Originally it was the 27th Ward, now called the 43rd Ward. I helped create the Maple Pointe Tenant's Association and served on it's board for many years. I bought my first computer in 1999, the same year that Vi Daley was elected Alderman of the 43rd Ward. Since that time, I have sent her requests for needed stop lights, to fix broken sidewalks and to stop frequent street flooding that makes it almost impossible to cross LaSalle Street after it rains. It took her 8 years to get the stop lights installed after many false promises. They conveniently showed up in time to coincide with her last election.

I first met Michele Smith when she was running against Vi Daley in 2007. I liked the way she represented all the residents and businesses in our Ward. She forced a run off, and lost by only a few hundred votes that year. She then ran for the Democratic Ward Committeeman and won, beating out several contenders. When Alderman Vi Daley announced she was not seeking another term in late 2010, I jumped on Michele Smith's bandwagon.

Michele visited our building on many occasions. We had a candidate's debate and she was included with 3 others vying for Vi Daley's job. One was Tom Egan. It seemed he had a lot of support from the wealthier residents in the Ward and from big business. However during the campaign he was found to say one thing for one group, and another thing to others to gain their support. He was endorsed by the Chicago Chamber of Commerce, The Chicago Tribune and both Police and Firemen Unions. Michele had the endorsement of the Sun-Times, college and senior citizen groups, and she had the support of several former Independent Aldermen from our Ward. I was proud to appear in several of Michele's campaign brochures and wore one of her campaign buttons 7 days a week. She had a great staff, and they kept us informed of all the latest news.

I was the designated poll watcher for Michele, located at the polling place within the Chicago Historical Museum. That precinct included the 1500 N. Lake Shore Drive building and various historic brownstone buildings and mansions, as well as luxury high rise buildings in the Ward. I arrived before 6 a.m. and spent the next 14 hours there. Voting was light. I went home at 8 p.m. to feed my cat, put on my propeller beany baseball cap and took the Red-Line subway to the Victory Party at Grand Central Tavern on Wrightwood Street. I had a good feeling, because the el train was arriving at the Clark / Dearborn Red-Line stop when I did, and the #11 bus at Fullerton station was waiting for me when I got there too. The bus dropped me off right in front of the Grand Central. A large crowd made up of many of Michele supporters gave cheers each and every time the latest results came. When the counting stopped... Michele had won by just under 300 votes. It was not a landslide... however she did it without the help of Mayor Elect Rahm Emanuel! Michele Smith and other winners, along with Emanuel will be sworn into office on May 16th.

FLOWER POWER ON WEST OAK STREET By Jerry Pritikin

I love Chicago in the Spring time. Walking around the near north-side during this season has been a favorite pastime of mine for over 50 years. Oak Street remains one of my special destinations via Oak Street Beach, Rush Street or Michigan Avenue. Over the years it has hosted the Gold Coast Art Fair, had the now closed popular Esquire Theater and was home to some of the City's best one-of-a-kind shops. Time has changed the landscape. Oak Street is now home to upscale coffee stops, designer clothing stores, internationally-known jewelry houses and multi-million dollar condominiums.


My first apartment was on the 1500 block of N. Dearborn Parkway back in the late 1950s. Many of my friends lived on some of the nearby fashionable streets (Ritchie Court, Astor St. and E.Lake Shore Drive). They had apartments in old mansions, high rises or coach houses. Now I am living on Maple Street west of LaSalle Street. My 13th floor apartment has floor to ceiling bay windows that look south down Wells Street and due west. Over the 15 years that I have lived here I have seen the skyline change dramatically. At least a dozen new high rises have altered my view. From this vantage point the brown line "el" looks like a toy train. Those big windows turn my living room into a skybox overlooking the Walter Payton Preparatory High School's softball field.

Today was bright so I strolled over to nearby Washington Square, aka Bug-House Square, opposite the historic Newberry Library, to enjoy the sun. Other people were also out - walking their dogs or pushing baby strollers. Even the homeless people sitting on benches with their worldly processions tied together in plastic bags seemed to be enjoying the day. The big cascading water fountain has yet to be turned on and the floral garden, not yet planted, was naked with not a single flower in sight. Only a few of the park's trees had noticeable buds on them.


There was still a chill in the air so I stayed only a short time in the park. On my way home I stopped at the new flower shop at 106 West Oak Street. Yellow flower petals on the sidewalk welcomed me into the store where I was greeted cheerfully by Christine Noelle and Amy. These friendly young ladies are true artisans. Their unique floral studio is a welcome addition for this end of West Oak Street. It is housed on the ground floor of a 6 story vintage red brick building. Large plate glass windows brighten the interior and the classic high ceiling adds to the ambiance. I recall going to a beatnik party in that building in the late 1950s (bongo drums, chianti wine and students from the Art Institute). A few years ago I had a photo exhibit in what is now a fine antique store next to The Floral Studio.



To find out more about The Floral Studio, visit the web-site www.christinenoelledesign.com or better yet, visit the shop in person.