This is Where I Live, Segment 4; Half Acre Beer Company

Half Acre Beer Company are relative newcomers to the small Chicago craft beer scene but they definitely bring a lot to the table. They are a tight knit crew focused on brewing small batch specialty beers and bringing diverse flavors to the beer drinkers palate. The staff is passionate and knowledgeable about their beer and they are quick to share their wisdom with their fellow beer lovers. Half Acre offers up a selection of 5 beers; three mainstay varieties available year round and two that are considered limited availability special brews.

They are located at 4257 North Lincoln in the Northcenter neighborhood. They have a retail section of the store that sells beer by the growler or the bomber. You can sample the beer in store before making your purchase and you might even run into one of the guys responsible for crafting your favorite local beer. Drop by and enjoy the flavors as well as an awesome brewery experience in the heart of Chicago.

The guys over at Outsiders Almanac did a great interview with Gabriel, the owner of Half Acre.

Check out Half Acre's website here and their blog here.

See the rest of the photos here.

Sunrise over Horner Park

I was on my way to work in early september when I saw this sunrise over Horner Park. I had to wait a while for the jogger to make her way around the track and come into frame. I was pretty late for work but thought it was well worth it.

Check the Technic

Even though they are big, easy to scratch, and almost always dusty, I love records. Especially when played by a competent DJ on a pair of 1200's. I took this with the 105mm and a remote fired flash.

The House is Happy

I took this photo in a southwest suburb one day when I was wandering around in a cornfield. I smiled back at the house and then took its photo. We were both happy.

2 Bucks in A Forest Preserve

I took this photo early one morning in a forest preserve on the southwest side. Fall is mating season for white-tailed deer so I was hoping they would duke it out. No such luck. They calmly ate some grass and then strode off into the brush.

Batteries!!

I took this photo at last years Artropolis. Which is held annually at the Merchandise Mart. It is an awesome event jam packed with tons and tons of really great art. If you have not gone it is worth every penny. I spent all 3 days there last year and I still didn't get to see everything.

This piece is called "Dead Star" and was done by Michel de Broin. I really like this piece of work and he has some other really interesting pieces on his site. One of my personal favorites is superficial.

Check him out and make sure you swing by Artropolis this year. It is not to be missed.

This is Where I Live: Segment 3, Truc Lam Buddhist Temple

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The Truc Lam Buddhist Temple is located on the corner of Ashland and Wilson in a beautifully restored building. The Temple serves as a gathering place for the tight knit vietnamese community who come here to meditate, reflect, and observe deep rooted traditions. They practice a form of Buddhism called Trúc Lâm school that was founded by King Trần Nhân Tông. Every Sunday they offer a service that starts at 10 am and runs close to 2 hours. Prior to service the basement is a bustling hubbub filled with children practicing their blocks, kicks, and punches over the sounds of the women cooking up a delicious feast for the free afternoon lunch. Upstairs you can find the men discussing topics amongst themselves in vietnamese while seated at the long tables on the main floor. By 10 am most of the adults migrate to the top floor to partake in the chanting and meditation lead by the resident monk.

The Abbot (the head monk of the temple), the venerable Thich Hanh Tuan, usually leads the service. He was out of town, however, so the Reverend Thich Thong Chanh took over the duties. He is originally from Vietnam and has been in the states for a few years. He is a full fledged monk and has been training since he was a child.

They have an open door policy to new initiates as well as the curious so feel free to drop by as everyone at the temple is very friendly and welcoming.

See the rest of the series here.