The shutter cocking level (huh huh . . . huh huh huh) was sticking on my camera, so I took it to Chicago Camera Specialist in the Loop. The repair shop is on the 10th floor of a Jeweler’s Row building on Wabash.

Those buildings are fucking cool. It’s like stepping into a time machine set to 1940. I half expected to come across a private eye’s office, with blinds on the windows. The repair shop was very small. The other “shops” on the floor were jewelry wholesalers, with trays of gems.

When the camera is fixed, I’d like to take photos of that floor, but I’m guessing the wholesalers won’t be cool with someone photographing their trays of gemstones.

Wood Goblin wrote: Thu Jan 26, 2023 10:10 am The shutter cocking level (huh huh . . . huh huh huh) was sticking on my camera, so I took it to Chicago Camera Specialist in the Loop. The repair shop is on the 10th floor of a Jeweler’s Row building on Wabash.

Those buildings are fucking cool. It’s like stepping into a time machine set to 1940. I half expected to come across a private eye’s office, with blinds on the windows. The repair shop was very small. The other “shops” on the floor were jewelry wholesalers, with trays of gems.

When the camera is fixed, I’d like to take photos of that floor, but I’m guessing the wholesalers won’t be cool with someone photographing their trays of gemstones.

This kind of thing makes me really happy when I find it. I love old tech, old buildings, old businesses. I may have to swing by this place next time I'm in Chicago just to have a look around.

Same here. I’m thinking that many of the buildings in that area are probably like that—their ground floors look to be, for sure.

Damn, it looks like a friggin' snowglobe outside right now. I didn't think it was supposed to snow.

At least I'm inside.

I’ve committed this month to rest and relaxation after last month’s layoff at work. I mostly read, watch birds, read some more, nap, and try not to hound myself about not doing anything creative or productive.

My significant other is a violinist and has been practicing a lot for upcoming performances. Today I awoke to the sound of her playing Beethoven’s “Sonata #5, in F Major, Op.#24”, and then working on “Baal Shem” by Bloch. It’s a fine way to wake up.

I’ve spent the rest of the day reading a book called Seeds Of Empire”, about the cotton industry’s role in the formation of the Republic/State of Texas, the influence of slavery and abolitionism, and the different political powers at play. It’s a fascinating and well-researched book.

Trying to soak this downtime up. It will all come to an end soon enough, and I’ll be back to the grind again.

I have spent the entire weekend consumed with news about the murder of Tyre Nichols at the hands of the police and EMTs. Can't even sleep. My usual online haunts had a wealth of support and love for the passing of Tom Verlaine, but nary a word about the passing of Tyre Nichols. What makes it that much more annoying is I've never cared for Mr. Verlaine's music. Like, really? That's what we're on about this weekend? No BLM shoutouts or calls to defund the police? Marquee Moon it is. Never understood the love for that record. Bought and sold it at least two times.

rsmurphy wrote: Mon Jan 30, 2023 3:10 am I have spent the entire weekend consumed with news about the murder of Tyre Nichols at the hands of the police and EMTs. Can't even sleep.

I doubt this is any kind of balm to you, but the only reason I haven't brought it up here is because I still haven't found the how. It's not been a lack of care, I just can't get to a direction of approach.

rsmurphy wrote: Mon Jan 30, 2023 3:10 am I have spent the entire weekend consumed with news about the murder of Tyre Nichols at the hands of the police and EMTs. Can't even sleep. My usual online haunts had a wealth of support and love for the passing of Tom Verlaine, but nary a word about the passing of Tyre Nichols. What makes it that much more annoying is I've never cared for Mr. Verlaine's music. Like, really? That's what we're on about this weekend? No BLM shoutouts or calls to defund the police? Marquee Moon it is. Never understood the love for that record. Bought and sold it at least two times.

I read this morning that Tyre Nichols’ mom asked people to pray for the police who murdered him and for their families as well.

It broke my heart all over again.

rsmurphy wrote: Mon Jan 30, 2023 3:10 am I have spent the entire weekend consumed with news about the murder of Tyre Nichols at the hands of the police and EMTs. Can't even sleep. My usual online haunts had a wealth of support and love for the passing of Tom Verlaine, but nary a word about the passing of Tyre Nichols. What makes it that much more annoying is I've never cared for Mr. Verlaine's music. Like, really? That's what we're on about this weekend? No BLM shoutouts or calls to defund the police? Marquee Moon it is. Never understood the love for that record. Bought and sold it at least two times.

I'm sorry, this sucks. I've been feeling so defeated over this latest police murder (that has been publicized anyway, who knows how many more happened in the last few weeks.) We had a conversation about it with our kids, my son kind of derailed his boy scouts meeting talking about it yesterday (which was a good thing.) This country is superfucked in a way that doesn't feel fixable.

BrendanK wrote: Mon Jan 30, 2023 1:03 pm

rsmurphy wrote: Mon Jan 30, 2023 3:10 am I have spent the entire weekend consumed with news about the murder of Tyre Nichols at the hands of the police and EMTs. Can't even sleep. My usual online haunts had a wealth of support and love for the passing of Tom Verlaine, but nary a word about the passing of Tyre Nichols. What makes it that much more annoying is I've never cared for Mr. Verlaine's music. Like, really? That's what we're on about this weekend? No BLM shoutouts or calls to defund the police? Marquee Moon it is. Never understood the love for that record. Bought and sold it at least two times.

I'm sorry, this sucks. I've been feeling so defeated over this latest police murder (that has been publicized anyway, who knows how many more happened in the last few weeks.) We had a conversation about it with our kids, my son kind of derailed his boy scouts meeting talking about it yesterday (which was a good thing.) This country is superfucked in a way that doesn't feel fixable.

Several years ago, this horrible tragedy would have been covered up and the police officers would still be on the streets.

Progress is being made, though not enough and not fast enough. Signs are there that fighting this shit is working, though. Keep fighting.