Essays, Interviews, Observations, Pop Culture, Stories, and other Dodginess

Posts from the “Random snaps” Category

The Dodgy Instagram

Posted on October 28, 2014

While you’re waiting on the next essay, story, or interview, I thought I’d post some pics The Dodgy has taken recently. We have not done that in awhile and it’s also a reminder that there is an Instagram for The Dodgy.

 

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Half Acre Growler of Space IPA. Pure liquid heaven.

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My chair at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop bar, New Orleans.

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A couple walking in front of me on Bourbon Street. This New Orleans pics were taken during the last week of May.

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Spent a lot of time at The Spotted Cat (seen often in “Treme”). Drank Abita Restoration Pale Ale there and the bartender was from the Chicago area.

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Junkyard Dog in Gary, Indiana

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Wall Mural on Miller Pizza in the Miller Beach community of Gary, Indiana.

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The Shamrocks Motorcycle Club spotted in Chicago.

30 Minutes in Gary

Posted on July 24, 2013

Gary, Indiana, is right next to Chicago. It’s known for Michael Jackson and as one of the most burned up, blighted cities in the country. It’s held the title as the Murder Capitol of the U.S. in the past, and although its population has dwindled, I believe it still ranks right up there, as that figure is determined by murders per number of residents. So far this year there have been 31 murders in Gary. And it’s only about 23 miles from Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood, where most of the city’s murder and violence take place.

I drove through Gary this past Saturday afternoon, down its main street, Broadway. I had my camera with me and decided to take some pictures on and around Broadway. I took about 30 minutes and for these photos didn’t leave my Jeep. By no means am I a professional photographer, and I missed some great opportunities, including a large pit bull in the back of a pick-up next to me that, to keep it from lunging at other drivers, was connected to  a series of chains that resembled something from the Thunderdome in that Mad Max film. But here they are.

21st and Broadway

53rd and Broadway

Gary, Indiana alley

Garage near 6th and Broadway

Gary, Indiana photo

6th and Broadway. Gary Housing Authority.

Broadway in Gary, Indiana

Around 7th and Broadway

old cars in Gary, Indiana

Old cars in a lot around 51st and Broadway

Roy Boy's in Gary

The re-opening of the famous Roy Boy’s tattoo shop at 3844 Broadway

Abandoned building, Gary, Indiana

Area of 21st and Broadway – Abandoned Home

53rd and Broadway. Gary's 29th murder took place outside here where the manager of the place was shot in the head

53rd and Broadway. Earlier in July Gary’s 29th murder took place outside here where the manager of the place was shot in the head.

Gary, Indiana photo series

6th and Broadway. Folks chilling across the street from the GHA.

Are You In Love?

Posted on June 24, 2013

Are you in love? It’s not a question I expect to hear while kicking it around at a street festival. But it was asked of me by the girl applying a (temporary) Celtic cross tattoo on my forearm at Chicago’s Pride Fest. I was taken aback a bit and wanted to know why she asked. It turns out she was unfamiliar with the Celtic imagery and thought being in love was tied into it. And something else about “the vibe” I was giving. “Not right now,” I said. “But check back with me later. There are a lot of beautiful women here.” Are you in love? It reminded me of the time I attended a party on Chicago’s north side. There I was introduced…