How to talk right in Chicago

August 20, 2003 | from an e-mail

[Non-Sequitur]

There is no better Hot Dog than a Chicago "Vienna Beef" Dog with the works.

And what did 'the works' consist of? If you include ketchup then you're not a Chicagoan, you're some kind of foreigner.

[Non-Sequitur]

And let us not forget the deep, dark secret of Chicago. We're responsible for dumping Gary Coleman on an unsuspecting world. He was raised up near Zion and got his start in showbusiness in a Harris Bank commerical. Now he's running for governor of California. Home town kid makes good, I guess.

[Non-Sequitur]

Another great Chicago term - clout. As in influence, usually political. "I called my brudder-n-law who works down at Da Hall and he clouted me inta a job sweepin' out da buses at da CTA barn."

True story. Back in the late-50's or very early 60's a young black man came to Daley with a letter from a political sponsor. The letter said that the young man had just completed college in North Carolina, was a bright and exceptionally hard-working individual, and could the mayor use such a person in his administration. Duh Mare's advice was to get involved in the elections, hustle the vote, work the precincts, and maybe there would be a job in it for him. Nothing fancy, tollbooth taker, bus driver, something like that. It's said that the young man, named Jesse Jackson, never forgave Daley for that.

[DrNo]

Who else remembers this GEM?

Can't open it; what is it?

[mhking]

How about 'Hardrock and Cocoa and Joe' on Garfield Goose and Friends?

"Space Angel" and "Clutch Cargo" and "Suzy Snowflake"? "Family Classics" with Frazier Thomas in that library with the wingbacked leather chair and the hardcover book with the title of the movie embossed on it? Bill Jackson & Cartoon Town (long before Gigglesnort Hotel). Ray Rayner with higher ratings in Chicago than "The Today Show." The Lee Philip Show. Bowery Boys movies on Saturday mornings.

"Let's play two!" "It's going back! Back! Back! Hey! Hey!"
"Hey, hey, holy mackeral! No doubt about it! The Cubs are on their way..."
"Here come the Hawks -- the mighty Black Hawks!"

John Coleman's weather, predicting "thowers and thorms" in the spring and 18" to 24" of snow in the winter. Lake Effect. "Cooler near the lake." Going to O'Hare just to watch the planes take off and land (and eat at the restaurant there). No turnpikes, TOLLWAYS. Harold's Chicken Shack with the Chickenmobile.

[mhking]

He was raised up near Zion and got his start in showbusiness in a Harris Bank commerical.

That's scary. I remember those ads. Coleman in glasses and an oversized, overstuffed Harris Bank lion.

[mhking]

And what did 'the works' consist of?

Bright green relish, celery salt, tomatoes, pickles, onions, mustard and (if you were REALLY adventurous) sport peppers.

[mhking]

Another great Chicago term - clout.

Always, always, clout. Mike Royko's "Boss" tells the story better'n no other.

[Non-Sequitur]

Don't forget Rich Koz on Channel 32.

[mhking]

The old WLS with John "Records" Landecker, Fred Winston, Steve King, Bob Sirott, Tommy Edwards and Larry Lujack ("SuperJock" himself). "Animal Stories with your charming and delightful ol' Uncle Lar, and Lil' Snot-nosed Tommy"

The magnificent voice of Ken Nordine on WBEZ. (Most other's only remember the Levi's commercials - we had him for EVERYTHING)

Steve Dahl and the Disco Demolition riot at Comiskey, where the White Sox had to forfeit the game.

Jane Pauley before she was an insufferable boor for NBC on Channel 5. Bill Kurtis and Walter Jacobsen on Channel 2. Gene Siskel. Gino's East. The Biograph Theater (where Dillinger was shot). Pizzaria Uno & Pizzaria Due (I liked Uno's better). Lou Malnotti's. Carson's Ribs. "End of the line! 63rd & Stoney!" Brookfield Zoo. Santa's Village. Adventureland. The Chicago Amphitheatre.

[mhking]

Was just telling my kids about Creature Features a few days ago.

[Momma Lou]

The term "bubbler" is used in the New England States. It's a water fountain. The term "pop" is used for soda around here "Pittsburgh, Pa"

[mhking]

The original Svengoolie (Jerry G. Bishop) from "Screaming Yellow Theater".

[Non-Sequitur]

How could you forget Dick Biondi?

[mhking]

How could you forget Dick Biondi?

Damn. When you're right, you're right.

[Charles Henrickson]

Barney Pip, Art Roberts, et al.

[stylin19a]

Exactly...Julia C. Lathrop Housing Projects...lived there in the 60's. All concrete and steel. No building taller than 4 floors. Had "group houses", which we commonly call townhouses today. We used to be able to burn our garbage which supplied the heat and power to the projects. The amount of rent you paid was based on your salary. Once you hit a certain salary point, you had to move out.
The best part...it was about a 10-15 minute walk to Riverview.

Unfortunately, my early political indocrtination came from here. My grandfather was the Rat precinct (In Chicago it's pronounced "precint") captain for the projects.

The "R" word was never allowed to be spoken in the houst ( R for republicans). It was always "those people". It's taken years to undo that damage.

[Charles Henrickson]

Chickenman: Benton Harbor. "He's everywhere! He's everywhere!"

Done by Dick Orkin. On Jerry G. Bishop's radio show.

[al_c]

Hey, they stole that from us New Yorkers! :-)

No way ... that's a southern thing.

"Jeetjet?"

"Nope"

"Yontoo?"

"Aight."

[Charles Henrickson]

Clark Weber: