Do you dare me to put this on the home page at Chicago Public Radio tomorrow? Great photo Anita.

Photo by Anita Lambert

When big snowstorms hit cities people react in different ways. If you’re from a city that’s not prepared for snow, everything might shut down. Cars might start sliding off the roads in droves. Power lines might collapse. You might feel OK using hyperbolic terms like “Snowpocalypse” or “Snowmageddon.”

In Chicago we scoff at such fear mongering. Sure, snow causes a lot of headaches like canceled flights, flooded basements and potholes here, but for the most part IT’S NO BIG DEAL. That’s right, #snobigdeal.
Enjoy these pictures of a normal winter snow storm in a major metropolitan area.

Whether you love him or hate him, Todd Stroger has a very recognizable name. And the Stroger name has been associated Cook County government for 30+ years. Most of that time belongs to Todd Stroger’s father, John, who was involved in Chicago politics since the late 60’s, starting his career as an 8th ward committeeman.

But last night marked the impending end of the Stroger dynasty as Cook County president. Todd Stroger wasn’t expected to win last night, and the voters responded to his administration by delivering a 4th place finish in the Democratic primary.

I sent a photographer over to document the Stroger election event. David Schalliol is a freelance photographer and editor at Gapers Block. And our Education desk Intern Jennifer Lacey collected some audio from Stroger supporters at the event. Together, we have a audio slideshow…

Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith answers questions at Halas Hall. He will return for another season. Someone should ask him, “has anyone ever told you that you sound just like Cleveland from the Family Guy?”

Photo by Cheryl Raye Stout

Cheryl Raye Stout took this picture as the media gets ready for the Physics lecture Bears press conference to announce the Bears coaching changes. Cheryl said Virginia McCaskey is there, but will not be speaking.

I was able to go back through the archives of the Associated Press to get a bunch of photos that bring back Chicago basketball memories. No, not memories that include last second NBA final victories, but more of the “remember this player” or “remember when this coach got fired” variety. Associated Press photography is really good at sports archives – they seem to take 30 pictures for each NBA game. So I had some music from my friend Wes Restless and I put it to “PICTURES OF BULLS.” I need a better title. Enjoy.

From our Flickr pool…

Sure, it might be tough to wrap, but you can get cash for it!

Photo by Ann Fisher (from our Flickr pool)

Last year, I meant to get out to the Chicago Bluegrass and Blues Festival… and then something came up.

This year I made the trip – and boy am I glad I did. It’s the Lollapallooza of bluegrass at the Congress Theater.

Set to remember: Bela Fleck and the Flecktones. Why? Siberian throat singers and the mad fiddle of fellow Homewood-Flossmoor (go Vikings!) grad Casey Driessen (he’s only gotten better since graduation ;)

This photo from our Flickr pool. We start off the holiday week in style…blurry style.

Photo by Mark Susina

The wildy famous blogger Ree Drummond, also known as the The Pioneer Woman – showed up at Old Orchard last night to sign her new cookbook.  My wife went to the event and was handed a number when she got there. The number? 176. That is one popular cookbook…