(Photo: Good-bye, Wicked. Hello, my first-ever newspaper byline!)

Earlier this year, the longtime local weekly, Chicago Journal (a Wednesday Journal publication), asked if I’d be interested in contributing to the paper. I offered to write a column about life in downtown Chicago (natch). Beginning this week, I’m doing just that.

On Wednesday, the first of what will be an occasional byline on life in the middle of the middle of the country debuted in the pages of CJ.  That’s newsprint folks, so the dream to follow in the hallowed footsteps of my other hero, Mike Royko, (no offense to the heroic Feast of Fools team) gets an inch closer to reality.

I scribed about the changes Wicked wrought in the north Loop during–and after–its record-breaking run. The musical definitely changed Chitown’s Theater District, er, for good (I had to). To see what I mean, browse the online version of my article, “Wicked made Loop less lonely”. While you’re there, be sure to explore the rest of the Chicago Journal site for other non-major media takes on Windy City happenings.

You know, every byline I’ve ever been granted in Chicago has happened due to an invitation extended to me based on the strength of this blog, and CJ is no different. Far from smug, I continue to be grateful to my readers who find worth in my words. I appreciate every minute you spend pondering, agreeing with, being absolutely annoyed by, or simply enjoying (I hope mostly enjoying) what I write here.

When I wrote these words a few years ago, I meant them. I’ll be here as long as you are. Thanks for coming by.

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