Dre Day 2010

Dre Day was The Chronic. It was moved to the Darkroom this year and Psalm One and The Jordan Years were added to the lineup as well as some live art by Jose Garibaldi and Mike Bianco. Big shouts to Trew, Intel, Pickel,  Big Once, Maker, and Kool Hersh. Oh yeah and a slew of Chicago's illest MC's (Ill-Legit, Wes Restless, Psalm one, Phillip Morris, Ang13, Adad, Wondur, Vitamin D, and Shadow Master MC) shared the stage with The Jordan Years for some nice Dre covers and an end of set cipher that was live as hell. If you missed this you really missed out. Definitely one of the livest and most fun parties I've been to all winter.

Click here to see the rest of the photos. If you were in attendance you can download your photo directly off the link.

This is Where I Live, Segment 6; Waxman Candles

Waxman candles is located on 3044 North Lincoln Ave. This is their second location, the first being the original store in Lawrence, Kansas. "Waxman" is the owner of the store and he has been creating candles for over 30 years. They specialize in handmade scented candles of various styles and sizes.

There are many different types of candles made at Waxman. Some are simply poured into molds and allowed to harden while others require multiple layers of wax dipping and hand manipulation. The candlemaking process itself is an interesting blend of science and art involving the use of formulas and precise measurements as well as artistic techniques. Each candle starts with a scent and color and is then mixed with hot wax. From there it is poured into a mold and allowed to harden with the wick in the middle. At this point the basic candles are taken out of the mold and are ready for sale. Some of the more custom-made candles require multiple dips in hot colored wax and then careful and precise carving with an exacto knife. Taper candles are formed on a metal cylindrical grid that require multiple dips in a wax vat. After each round of dipping, the wax covered metal cylinders are hung on chains to dry. These cycles of dipping and drying allow the candles to slowly accumulate new layers and give them their trademark "taper" look.  Eventually when they are finished they can be sold as is or they can be reheated and hand plied into a variety of shapes including spirals and twists.

Candlemaking is a very interesting process requiring a broad base of knowledge and experience in the behavior and manipulation of wax. The good people at Waxman  have mastered this craft and create highly unique scent blends and beautiful candles. Whether you are looking for a simple votive or something more complex like a cinnamon bun shaped candle, Waxman is the place to go.

I'd like to thank Jonny, the head candle maker, for the access to the shop and for showing me how to make all the different candles.

Click here to see more photos.

This is Where I Live, Segment 5; Lakeview Polar Bear Club Celebration of Shrinkage

The LPBC Celebration of Shrinkage took place this year at Oak Street Beach on January 30th at 12pm. By 11 am a warmly dressed crowd of brave souls and interested onlookers had gathered on the beach. The signup tables were overwhelmed with throngs of excited participants ready to face the frigid water. Before doing so they had to sign a waiver acknowledging that they could face grievous physical harm or even death. Just in case of any injuries there were ambulances on hand as well as two chicago police officers in cold weather wetsuits patrolling the swim area.

The LPBC had cleared the ice from a section of the lake using a chainsaw and a shovel in order to create the swimming area. The swimmers gathered near the shore patiently waiting for 12 o'clock to strike. Most were already in their swimwear leaving legs, arms, fingers and toes exposed to the elements. The ice broke and one participant prematurely slid into the cold water. Everybody else quickly followed. Waves of swimmers dashed into the freezing water screaming and shouting. They ran to the edge of the swim area, quickly ducked their head beneath the surface and then turned around and sprinted back even faster. The looks on the swimmers faces embodied a weird mix of joyous triumph and teeth chattering shock. After they exited the water they quickly exchanged wet clothes for dry and some even engaged in jumping jacks in an effort to warm themselves up.

LBPC is a nonprofit that organizes this event in order to benefit families in need. You can visit their  website to learn more about making donations.

You can see the rest of the photos here.

This is Where I Live, Segment 4; Half Acre Beer Company

Half Acre Beer Company are relative newcomers to the small Chicago craft beer scene but they definitely bring a lot to the table. They are a tight knit crew focused on brewing small batch specialty beers and bringing diverse flavors to the beer drinkers palate. The staff is passionate and knowledgeable about their beer and they are quick to share their wisdom with their fellow beer lovers. Half Acre offers up a selection of 5 beers; three mainstay varieties available year round and two that are considered limited availability special brews.

They are located at 4257 North Lincoln in the Northcenter neighborhood. They have a retail section of the store that sells beer by the growler or the bomber. You can sample the beer in store before making your purchase and you might even run into one of the guys responsible for crafting your favorite local beer. Drop by and enjoy the flavors as well as an awesome brewery experience in the heart of Chicago.

The guys over at Outsiders Almanac did a great interview with Gabriel, the owner of Half Acre.

Check out Half Acre's website here and their blog here.

See the rest of the photos here.

Sunrise over Horner Park

I was on my way to work in early september when I saw this sunrise over Horner Park. I had to wait a while for the jogger to make her way around the track and come into frame. I was pretty late for work but thought it was well worth it.

Check the Technic

Even though they are big, easy to scratch, and almost always dusty, I love records. Especially when played by a competent DJ on a pair of 1200's. I took this with the 105mm and a remote fired flash.

The House is Happy

I took this photo in a southwest suburb one day when I was wandering around in a cornfield. I smiled back at the house and then took its photo. We were both happy.