Non-Nature Stories - Nature in Chicagoland

I occasionally write articles about historic places, politics, my family, axe tossing, families tossing axes at one other (just kidding), art, local Chicago luminaries or “characters” (as my South Side dad would always say), non-nature-oriented museums, and other topics. This section serves as a quick way to access these articles (in reverse-chronological order). Click on the links to read the articles:

Remembering Coffee (the story of one of our beloved guinea pigs, who passed away this week)

Fond Memories of My Childhood Tree House

Books Make Perfect Stocking Stuffers: Here Are 30+ Suggestions—Ranging From Chicago Area Nature and Cultural Spots to Music, Radio, History, and Fiction

The Loop Files Tells the Inside Story of a Groundbreaking Chicago Radio Station (A review of The Loop Files: An Oral History of the Most Outrageous Radio Station Ever and an interview with its author, Rick Kaempfer).

Celebrating the Artistic Excellence of my Beloved Friend David Fode (This story celebrates the artistic talent of my friend of 40 years, who passed away suddenly last year.)

Michael McDermott’s Memoir, Scars From Another Life, Tells the Story of His Addiction and Redemption

Meet Susanna Ernst, a Candidate for Alderperson of Chicago’s 45th Ward

Meet James Suh, a Candidate for Alderperson of Chicago’s 45th Ward

Remembering Lin Brehmer and the Time I Made Him Laugh

An Elegy for Chicago’s Walking Man

Remembering My Community of Saints on Día de los Muertos

Remembering David Fode (The story of my nearly 40-year-old friendship with my friend Dave, who passed away suddenly this summer. He was a wonderful stained glass artist, nature lover, and excellent husband and father.)

The Flight 93 National Memorial Commemorates Bravery and a Momentous Time in U.S. History

George’s Desk: A Story About My Dad on Father’s Day

“Good Night. I Love You, Liam. God Bless You. Have a Good Sleep.”

A Family Lies Dead in the Street…Thoughts and Prayers are Great, But the Ukrainian People and Others in Peril Around the World Need Our Financial and Other Support

A Painted Flag, Thoughts on the Invasion of Ukraine, and 9 Organizations That You Can Donate to in Support of the Ukrainian People

The Story of a Father and Son in 55 Questions (poem)

A Quick Look Back at January 6, 2021, and a Call for Unity and Vigilance

Saying Goodbye to Our Lady of Victory and Hoping to Save an Architecturally Significant Building

Has the Murder of Children in Chicagoland Become Normalized?

Why Did LaSean Stop to Help Me?: A Story of Kindness on the Highway and Thoughts of Helping Others on the Anniversary of 9/11

Visit to Lincoln Cemetery Reveals Rich African American Aviation History

Inauguration Day 2021: Thoughts on Former President Trump; Demagoguery and Cults of Personality; Chewing Glass; Men in Antler Hats Storming the U.S. Capitol; President Joe Biden; and Patriotism