About Chicago's Loop

The news anchors at our local station, WGN-channel 9, have been together for years!

You may wonder what they do during those long commercial breaks. Well, as your source for everything inane, I'm here to answer that question. Here are anchors Robert Jordan, and Jackie Bange with a routine that has clearly developed over many years.

You can feel that they're very comfortable with each other, and in complete sync with one-another. Well, almost, complete sync. And yes, it's safe for viewing at the office.

Saturday's are a long day for me. I start my day by waking up and heading to the First United Methodist Church's kitchen in downtown Chicago. I help organize and prepare food and cloths for a homeless ministry a mile away.

All of the prospecting and showing of homes means little if we are not giving back. It's my way of giving back and recharging my batterries all at the same time. It's a good life.

I know, in today's environment, it is hard to believe, but yes, indeed there will be a Virgin in Chicago.

Recently, Virgin Hotels announced their expansion to Chicago. This follows a recent expansion of Virgin Airlines flying to and from Chicago O'Hare International. So, it definitely seems that there is going to be a lot more Virgin activity in the Chicago market for 2012 and 2013. Plans for more Virgin activity in Chicago were accompanied by the announcement of a partnership with John Buck. Currently, the announcement revolves around an east-Loop property which was previously distressed and will be converted to a hotel.

Not sure what the name of the venture will be? Possibly Buck'n'Virgin, VirginBuck, etc.

Nonetheless, change is coming and ideally it is a measure of the improving business climate in Chicago.

Michael Hobbs, PahRoo Appraisal & Consultancy

We stayed downtown Saturday night, for a wedding. Some of the views from our hotel room at the Hard Rock Hotel, Michigan and Wacker.