Legendary Chicago

The bar at Buddy Guy’s Legends

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel speaking at the Council on Foundation’s Conference

Doodles about New Orleans Mayor Landrieu speaking about stopping the “Culture of Violence”

Historic Hilton Chicago Hotel

The Congress Hotel with the Sears Tower at dusk

Downtown Chicago at dusk

Ok, I am on cholesterol medication, but how can I be at a place like Buddy Guy’s Legends and avoid eating food with cholesterol, especially when my fav-or-ite foods in the world are hot wings and BBQ ribs!

Of course, I couldn’t avoid coming here. I am attending the Council on Foundations Annual Conference, Buddy Guy’s is directly behind the Conference Hotel — the historic Hilton Chicago — and there is a networking event here this evening. Mind you, it doesn’t start for an hour but I won’t mention that.

The Conference has been great. Getting lots of good ideas on how to maximize philanthropic impact. Yesterday, we heard from the Mayors of Chicago, Philadelphia and New Orleans about their perspectives on violence, with Mayor Landrieu saying it’s not just a gun culture, but a “culture of violence” that we must combat to make our city streets safe. Today, I heard about the power of radio. I never really thought about it, but radio is a cheap, accessible medium for conveying thoughts, ideas and stories.

Chicago is cold, but beautiful as always. Ribs have arrived and I must sign off lest I get BBQ sauce on my cellphone…don’t tell my doctor or my wife. Especially my wife!

Bon appetit!