How Chicago celebrates Independence Day

For at least the last month, this flag has been displayed inside the Macy's department Store (originally the Marshall Field's Flagship store) on State Street. It is by their account the largest indoor flag in America. And it's pretty incredible.
I'm headed to the beach to celebrate freedom today with a few new city friends. The weather will be perfect, albeit unseasonably cool by local standards.
I'll think about the fact that our freedom has never been free. I'll remember that many people have worked long and hard to enable this democracy to allow its citizens the rights to free speech, press, assembly and above all that "all men are created equal..." even if that equality takes some fighting.
I hope yours has some bbq or a parade or maybe just some good fireworks.

Still packin 40 hours into a 24 hr work week.

So - I actually started this week in Michigan, shooting video for an upcoming client website. We had the fortune of getting approval to shoot green-screen video of the talent used in a catalog photoshoot to give some life to the new website homepage.
Shooting video is actually one of the more exciting things we get to do - and the creatives love it because they really get to affect the brand and how we position it.
But alas - our schedule for Monday was chock-a-block full--- shooting 5 videos and two photo setups (one 30 miles out of town in the middle of nowhere). And I also attended three client meetings in the corporate office.
But hey - I can't really complain. It gets me out of the office.
Now, I'm officially on vacation until 8am July 21.
Amen to that.

30 pictures in 30 hours

Times Square trenches
Originally uploaded by j_b_copeland

I had a little more time to check out my New York City pictures from my recent trip, and posted a few to flickr. My favorites were pulled from my late-night walk up to Times Square to find hidden tags (stickers/graffiti/etc) that a million people a day walk right by-- and never see. i took more night photos than day photos, but then again - my camera takes very decent low-light photos. Check out the set by clicking on the adjacent picture.

The Embarrassment of Riches

Tonight, I plan to meet with an old fraternity brother of mine who is now a personal financial planner. This - this I am in need of. Not because I'm behind on bills or because I have a mountain of debt - but the contrary.
I have a 401k that I contribute to that I had COMPLETELY forgotten the value of. I looked online tonight and found that I had twice as much tied up in retirement investments than I thought.
Maybe this is a luxury to have, but to me, it breeds more stress. "What am I doing with those investments?" "Are they the right ones?" "Am I investing aggressively enough?"
How the hell am I 32 and only have one credit card to my name? Even with a decent cash flow, I still have some credit blemishes that keep me from getting the same AAdvantage Mastercard that I'd say 90% of my friends have.
And am I saving for a property of my own? Maybe - but I wouldn't be able buy the place I'm renting now if I had to put down a downpayment.
And what about contributing to things other than myself and my life? Very little there.
Time to go see Cary. I look forward to putting my finances in order.

Whew. All set. (I think)

So as of this morning, the paperwork has been sent & confirmed and the bank transfer is in place. We've got a place in the village center of Lagos, Portugal. Check out the google map below!




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30 hours in NYC

As is typical of my trips to New York, I have very little time to actually do anything - but I always end up staying right in the thick of things. So of course my attitude is, "do as much as you can in the hours you're there."
I tried.
Despite the 6 hour flight from Chicago (including an unexpected refuel & 'pause' in Harrisburg, PA), I still wanted to take a little time to shoot some night scenes. I got em. More to be loaded on flickr later.
I came to town to spend the day with Thom Filicia, doing a video shoot for the upcoming website refresh for my client. More about all that in another post. In the meantime - a juicy afternoon shot of ESB, just a block from my hotel on Broadway.

"Underground" dinner Sunday night

Clandestino: The dinner table
Originally uploaded by j_b_copeland

When I arrived in Chicago last summer, one of the first things I remembered reading about was the concept of last-minute, little-known, underground supper clubs that would be held on any given weekend to small groups of people who shared a passion for good food and interesting conversation. In fact, this article is what really tipped me off.
Fast forward almost a year later, and I finally took advantage of an invite into one of the more publicized groups. Chef Efrain Cuevas has been cooking all kinds of food for all kinds of people for about a year now, and with this menu for this weekend - I went for it. I'm glad I did. Not only was the meal stellar, but the setting was equally as unexpected and appealing.
We had dinner in the garden of Chef Efrain's good friend Willy - who's the owner and chef of Honky Tonk BBQ in the Pilsen neighborhood. Willy and his family live in the front house of what was once an old Nunnery (120 yrs ago) that was then sold to a Lithuanian family to become a half-way house of sorts for the people that lived there for some 40 or 50 years. The garden in the back served as our venue for an extraordinary meal. I met a few new folks and we listed to the music of Urban Djinn for a good 3 hours. Oh - and the fact that it was maybe 75 degrees outside was one of the best details for a Texan used to expecting 100-degree days in mid-June.
Clandestino's next dinner is already sold out (only 24 spaces per event) - but I'm going to try for the end of July.

Bermuda this weekend? Guess again.

Oh - I know. I know what you're thinking. You're probably getting pretty tired of the Chicago-love-fest that I seem to spew on a regular basis.
But take Friday afternoon for example. Granted, I took a work trip to Michigan earlier in the day. But I still had time to get back to Chicago, finish up work, and head home to jump on my bike for a ride up lakeshore drive.
And at the top, Hollywood Beach.
On this day, the beach was beckoning. But alas, I didn't have my suit on.


Chris and I fixed that on Saturday when he suggested a trip back to the beach. So we did! At least - until it started getting cloudy and the heavens opened up.
But still. I was able to hit the beach on a Saturday, by riding my bike from my house.
Not bad, I say.

One of the lucky ones

2001/1938
Originally uploaded by june1777

Tonight, on an otherwise unremarkable bus ride home, I listened to one of my favorite podcasts - "The Moth" out of NYC. (Learn more here) Each week, there's a new story from a writer, artist, actor or generally good storyteller.
But tonight's story is an exceptionally sad one-- the story of a guy who came out to his parents, and never heard from them again.


Hear it for yourself (00:11:07):

Under The Influence [of hope]



But as I head home, I count my many blessings... among them, caring supportive parents who love me regardless of who I love and how I do so. Maybe they're crazy, maybe I'm crazy. But unlike Jeffery Rudell, I'm lucky that I haven't spent the past 5 or 6 years wasting my time 'hoping' that they will love me like crazy. They've been doing it for 32 years now.
Yeah. I'm lucky.

Rents hit Chicago

Mom & Dad touch Cloud Gate for the first time
Originally uploaded by j_b_copeland

The folks were able to make it up to my neck of the woods last weekend - and I'm so glad they did. I took a bunch of pictures, but picked a set of my favorites - and I knew people wouldn't want to see 800 photos of buildings, street scenes and other boring stuff.
Visit this set of photos on Flickr - but you do have to be logged in to see them.

Red line to Crazytown. Next stop, Crazytown.

So I had my first scary/freaky/silly/laughable experience on the train home tonight. After a date with Tim (a new guy I met recently), I took the red line home from downtown. There's nothing special about the train at 8:30pm - it's on the end of rush hour but still too early for one to feel the need to be cautious.
I'm not 30 seconds into Aesop Rock's "none shall pass" on my iPhone when I hear a blood-curdling f-bomb drop from a guy 10 rows behind me. "Must have left something at home" I thought. But he didn't need to yell out loud. That might scare folks.
Oh - I'm such a newbie.
"GOD MUST HAVE A SPECIAL PLAN FOR ME. HE'S KILLED EVERYONE AROUND ME BUT HE'S LEFT ME. I DON'T KNOW WHAT FOR, BUT IT'S GONNA BE SOMETHING F%#$^ GREAT! F%~@! BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH *GOD* BLAH BLAH BLAH F-BOMB. BLAH BLAH BLAH."
It's weird to hear someone screaming at the top of their lungs on a subway car - because people don't speak - much less yell. It's even more weird to be witness to a dictionary definition of crazy ranting lunatic. You want to laugh, but it's not funny.


Needless to say - I realized for the first time that sometimes the train can't run fast enough.

Long day. I'm tired.

I realize that work takes up most of my life but sometimes you have long days. Good days, but chock-full. So here I am on the L at almost 11pm. But I'm not alone. So thats cool.
Sent from my iPhone

Lunch on the river

So me and a couple if my account folks had a going away lunch for our senior AE who is moving to LA. It was great weather and the view, as you can see, also didnt suck. :) That's my office on the right in dark gray.



Sent from my iPhone

My neighborhood - coming to a theater near you in 2009.

Public Enemies on Surf Street
Originally uploaded by Diversey Harbor

So - after less than a year, I see my first movie being shot here in Chicago... this one is actually filming a block away from me. Michael Mann's "Public Enemies" has taken over a few locations in Chicago. It's a new biopic about John Dillinger set to show on the big screen next year. Considering this is the same director that brought us the Oscar-nominated "Collateral" and "Insider", along with other movies like Heat, Ali, the Aviator and more. Stars in this one include Johnny Depp, Christian Bale, Channing Tatum and Giovanni Ribisi. I hope this lives up to the hype.


Since I live a block away from the real location that John Dillinger was shot (right next to the Biograph Theater), they are including that location in the movie--- and they've completely re-made Lincoln street--- including faux brick walls-- a lot of faux neon signage and the Qdoba has been turned into the "National Food Store". Fun times. This shot is from another location about a half-mile from me.

"Give Back" Day - Arc & Leo Burnett

So today, our entire agency packed up and bussed down to the southside of Chicago, so that we could give a little bit back to the community. In this case, it was Maria High School-- sponsored by the Sisters of St. Casimir, whose mission is to teach and evangelize, care for the sick, the aging, and share Christ’s special love for the poor.
Since it first opened its doors in 1911, Maria has educated over 15,000 young women. These women have gone on to make a difference in their families, neighborhoods, churches, and world.
On this day in 2008, we repainted all of the school's classrooms and main hallways. In 8 hours.
The day started early (7:45am downtown) but we finished early too-- and headed back to the office for a little happy hour. Ok - a big one. Seriously - advertising is full of alcoholics. But it was still a great day to get out of the office and get some real work done. I've selected a few choice pictures below.

Working with an executive creative director...

So - sometimes ECDs have an interesting perspective on the creative process. I can't say that I work with this exact personality, but sometimes I think that it's not too far off from some guys who will remain nameless. Plus - when it comes to "storytelling" this can be especially true.

Josh - the solo album

So Chris helped me get a few new snaps last week. I figured I'd post one, partly because it doesn't suck and partly because it reminds me of some cheesy album cover art. But primarily because I haven't seen anyone in the fam in a while and I'm sure they wonder if I've grown a third eye or something. (I have - I just photoshopped it out)


Spring has sprung, memorial day may be right around the corner, but I'm still wearing pullovers and jackets. I've also updated my living room to replace the overwhelming white bookshelves that held clutter stuff and now holds more important things. I'd call it some spring cleaning. Pre- and post- pictures below.

An ACU weekend reunion

The weekend gang
Originally uploaded by j_b_copeland

Heather & Charles flew in from NYC, Kristen flew in from Houston, and we all hung out for a few days!

It's been almost three years since we were all together, and it was even easier now that I live in Chicago. We hit Pizzeria Due (Uno's #2 spot) for some deep dish. Then it was Saturday brunch at my place before we took the train out the to burbs to see Royal and have some Portillo's hot dogs. Good stuff. Too bad RJ was on the upward slope of a cold - but he still had a good attitude about it.

It's great when friends come in to town and visit (hint hint).

Hilarious video just posted by Scot... The "Shapes Song" as interpreted by Tyson

To Spain, and coastal Portugal!

Lagos beach, Portugal
Originally uploaded by science girl

So Althoff & I just found an incredible deal on airfare--- and we pulled the trigger on the trip abroad. We'll fly to Madrid on July 6 where we'll either train/fly/drive to Lagos, Portugal... for 10 days of sun, salt and sea air. Oh - and maybe a quick day trip to Seville. Woo hoo!

Tato Skins Chips Commercial from 1986

And who could forget this one---- I remember when Tato Skins came out, I was amazed at how a chip could actually bake the "potato skin" into one side. Little did I know, that this miracle of science was actually marketing trickery. Oh those crafty Keebler elves... Keep me guessing for another 40 years!!

40 years ago today...

...Leo Burnett and Kellogg's created its relationship for the Keebler line of products. With the help of Ernie the Elf, Leo and Keebler have launched hundreds of ads for many many cookies, crackers and other yummy items. What better way to celebrate the day than with a commercial for one of my favorite Keebler products from back in the day (1985)--- Soft Batch cookies. Cheers.

Looking forward to a Sunny Spring Chicago day...

Chicago Skyline at Sunset from New Buffalo Beach Michigan - 45 miles
Originally uploaded by kyterryls shots

I knew when I moved to Chicago that I'd probably be in for a harsher winter; that I'd likely see some snow and possibly even a white Christmas. Midwesterners are hearty people.


But aside from the bitter cold of a -20 degree February day, there's also the issue of general warmth. The kind that you REALLY take for granted in Texas. The kind of warmth that one feels walking down the street on a bright spring day, without a care in the world. Well, it's April 15 and I can recall only 1 day this year that came close to that day. Why? It’s been 178 days since the temperature in Chicago has reached 70 degrees. Really think about that. That's roughly 5 MONTHS. 5 months of jacket weather. 5 months of sweaters. 5 months of pants. 5 months of having the heater on at home. Only 3 other times in recorded weather history has it ever been this cool, this long.


Granted, you might say I should quit my cryin'. That I'll get to have a crazy-awesome mild summer where everyday will feel like a holiday. And that's true. But it's about time it stopped snowing. (even if it did snow last Saturday)

Dorothy

Dorothy
Originally uploaded by j_b_copeland

Part of my Lazy Sunday

GOLD N ANGEL

GOLD N ANGEL
Originally uploaded by j_b_copeland

Part of my Lazy Sunday

Building block

Building block
Originally uploaded by j_b_copeland

Part of my Lazy Sunday

Lazy Sunday with a new camera

So, originally it was supposed to snow all day today. But after a few big wet flakes last night, it all cleared up and we ended up having an excellently clear day... it might have been 40 degrees, but it was sunny. And that sun does warm things up. [Memorial Day can't get here soon enough]


I read through the instruction manual for my new Canon EOS Rebel XTi. And Chris suffered through being a guinea pig while I snapped shots from different ISOs and F-stops and shutter speeds and whatnot. I'm learning a few things but it will take a while.


Still - this camera makes anything look incredible. With zero skills and some decent lighting, I think I ended up with a few decent shots. They will suck even less once there's leaves on the trees. What do you think?

crazytown. spring edition.

So - today I witnessed Chicago wake up from its winter slumber, and boy did it. The mercury hit 64 degrees - the warmest it has been in 4 months. And the city came alive. The skies were blue. The grass turned green (seriously - in one day). Sidewalk cafes sprouted up everywhere. So did the tulips out front my apartment. People wore t-shirts without jackets. Some guys even went shirtless for their run on the lakeshore.


Me? I took a 4 hour bike ride along the lake to 47th st south. 22 miles of excellent weather, smooth concrete and occasional stops for water. Some pics from my adventure south are shown above. At 47th street, you can see how far south of town you really get.

I walk, I'm green.

So - checking out the map, it turns out that I live in a pretty 'walkable' part of Chicago. In fact, I have a higher "Walk Score" than the White House does! Haha!


I'd agree; and if you're hunting for a new place in a new neighborhood, this website is a good one to check out so that you can also see what's near you.

Their loss was my gain

Though the Cubs choked in the 10th inning (that's right - it was a 5 hour game), they had pulled themselves out of a rut in the bottom of the Ninth. So it was exciting, right up until the last out.

And despite one rain delay, the weather didn't drive away the opening day crowd. It was chaotic, there were a bunch of boozers, but me and Sarah had a great time and the seats were great.

EAMUS CATULI !