"No Resemblance Whatsoever"

The Chicago-based company, Ty Inc., that makes Beanie Babies has just released “Sweet Sasha” and “Marvelous Malia” dolls.

However, a company spokesperson, Tania Lundeen, claims that they are “just beautiful names” and bear no resemblance to the First Daughters.
"It would not be fair to say they are exact replications of these girls. They are not," claims Lundeen.

Public figures do have a right to control how their images are marketed, but Lundeen would not comment on any legal aspects of the Sasha and Malia dolls that were released this month.

The company also markets Britney, Paris, Hillary, Lindsay and Jenna dolls (no Barbara dolls, though).

Another interesting note: The 40-million-dollar penthouse occupying the 140th and 141st floors of the 150-story Chicago Spire was recently purchased by the owner of Ty, Inc.

Trump and Spire Update

Here is this morning's photo of the Trump Tower. It still has a way to go. Every time I think they've finished with the structure, they jack the cranes up and add some more. (The cranes were jacked up again just a couple of days ago.

As I was driving into Chicago from the south side the other day, one could see that the Trump Tower has really changed the skyline of the city. The building I work in (The Aon Center) is no longer the second tallest.

And here is a big round hole where the Chicago Spire will be. There are still 150 stories to be added to it.

But can you believe this? One third of the condos have already been sold.

So, you better hurry if you want to live here.

Spire Update

I've been providing updates on the Trump International Hotel and Tower which will top out at 92 stories.

Now, I can begin giving updates on the even taller Chicago Spire which will be 150 stories. They've started contstruction on the foundation and have alredy begun to sell the condos.

The penthouse which will be located on the 140th and 141st floor is still up for sale. If any of you have $40 million you'd like to plunk down, it's available.

Here's the construction on the foundation.

Isn't this exciting?

Here's what it'll look like when completed in 2011:

Living in the Slums

Whenever I can' think about anything to write about, I usually end up writing about
1. Cold weather
2. Tall Buildings

So, today, it's tall buildings. Again.

The Trump Tower is about 2/3 completed. Condos there will average $1,000 per square foot.

Construction on the 150-story Chicago Spire has begun. Condos there will go for $1,100 per square foot. (You do the math).

My little bitty apartment at Marina Towers goes for a fraction of that amount.

When Trump and Spire folks all move in, I'll be, like, the low-life in the neighborhood.

I don't care. I love my little bitty apartment.

Spire Update

Lookie here!

They've actually, really, and truly started construction on the 150-story Chicago Spire.

It will house 1,200 condos which were supposed to go on sale this month. However, the sales got pushed back 90 days. I don't know why.

I'm mad.

I was all ready to buy me a new condo. Right now, I live on the 49th floor in my building and I wanna "move on up" to the 149th floor.

It's actually going to happen. . .

As you can see, construction has begun on the new "Chicago Spire." When completed in 2010, it will stand 2,000 feet tall and have 150 stories. It'll be the tallest building in North America.

The condos go on sale in September. Instead of living on the 49th floor as I do now, I can live on the 149th floor.

Cool!

I've always been fascinated with skyscrapers, so this will provide me with at least three years of entertainment as it goes up. It doesn't take much. "Oooo. Shiny things...."

And it will dwarf Donald Trump's 94-story Trump Tower which is only ninety-four stories. What a wimp.

The Hoo-Hoo Building

Chicago's skyline and architecture is pretty impressive. It's the only city in the world to have more than one building with 100 stories or more (and we're getting a new 150 story building soon).

Even my apartment building, Marina Towers, is an architectural landmark, which is pretty cool.

But there's one building here that's pretty unique, mainly due to the notorious shape of the roof.

Just google "The Vagina Building" and you'll get pics of the Smurfit-Stone Building here in Chicago.

Yep, that's what we call it. I have no idea why.

At night, it's outlined in white lights which gives a diamond shape. Years ago, the "slit" down the middle was outlined in white lights as well, but they removed those about five years ago. It was just way too suggestive.

So yes, Chicago has the Sears Tower and the John Hancock Building. But next time you're in Chicago and driving along Lakeshore Drive, be sure to notice our other notorious building as well.
And try not to giggle.


Oh, by the way, Chicago is bidding to have 2016 Olympic Games here. And here's a pic of the new 150-story Chicago Spire that's going up near the Smurfit-Stone building, to be completed in 2010. (Batteries not included)

What are the city planners thinking?

It'll certainly put us on the map.