Lightning strikes Sears Tower

[pimps1069]

chicago is a federal landmark for a reason pheonix step up moffakka dirty 630

[omahaboy18]

PHOENIX IS A GIANT OLD FOLKS HOME IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DESSERT

[MegaJamesj]

i love that location

[AloMt]

Cities are bad places during thunderstorms XD

[Achrskn]

That's awesome!

[DX1011985]

LOL watching this video your like "wait for it, wait for it...WOOOOW". LOL!!!!

[rcj]

chicago> pheonix.........if you love pheonix and all these other smaller cities, MOVE.....chicago will continue its growth with or without you......these 8 pages of comments are basically "pheonix this, pheonix that"...... chicago is competing for the 2016 olympics....where's pheonix, dallas ,etc.?

i agree with GunsNRosesbitches

[thedolginone22]

I moved from Chicago to Detroit a month ago. It's no where near as big but it's gotten really nice and I like it.

[maf016]

i tuner red thats HOT

[rocky85029]

i moved from chicago to phoenix

except for the weather phoenix sucks

[GunsNRosesbitches]

It just means Phoenix is growing rapidly and attracting more businesses...but it is far too early to say whether Phoenix will reach super status.

[GunsNRosesbitches]

I'm not saying Chicago is a better city to live in or that Phoenix will not surprass Chicago in pop...no, that's what I'm not saying. What I'm saying is that population isn't everything and that Phoenix will not become as powerful as Chicago...not in the near future. It's not even on Phoenix's horizon that it will become a global top tier city which Chicago already is.

[firemanstud1981]

90% of phoenixs growth has come AFTER 1950. So in a little over 50 years PHX has done more then any city in such a short time. PHX will top Shitcago in the near future. Give them some time it will get done.

[darnellbandy]

lightning is attracted to metal but thats amazing it go it like two times and the electricity didn't go out.

[GunsNRosesbitches]

No1 ever said about Phoenix becoming a global top tier city...that's not even on the horizon. And Phoenix won't grow forever.

[QTpear]

wgy in the heck r yall talkin bout phonix this is a video about chicago not no phonix

[GunsNRosesbitches]

Phoenix's growth according to you, is overrated because 1) Phx has a small business sector relative to its size, so it NEEDS to grow, 2) It isn't situated by a major source of transportation, it's right in the desert, 3)Just cause Phx is growing rapildy as a business city does NOT mean it will be at a level like New York, London, Tokyo, Hong Kong or Chicago (Chicago is up with those cities).

[GunsNRosesbitches]

Chicago has natural advantages that made it so powerful a city. Chicago is the world capital for the futures markets...and the futures market has been growing...and it will be important in the future economy thus this is in Chicago's favor. Chicago serves as a nexus between the European markets and the Asian markets sinc eits right in the middle.

[GunsNRosesbitches]

Chicago's population is NOT declining now...in fact it gas gained 11,000 since last year...we can conclude it is staying stable at the moment. The metro is growing at a steady rate...what decline, it's one of the top financial centers in the world.

[GunsNRosesbitches]

Despite ur negative comments, what you don't realize...since Chicago has lost ppl, how come the Loop is now bigger than it ever was before? Chicago is not declining. You have got to be seriously kidding me. Cities like Philadelphia, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Atlanta etc...are NOT even close to Chicago. NOT EVEN CLOSE

[CESARDGO55]

no stadistics please it's boring

[firemanstud1981]

Yea I see you dont like FACTS you just like to open your mouth with your OPINIONS. OPINIONS AND FACTS ARE DIFFERENT.

[firemanstud1981]

New Chicago Budget Gives City Some of the Nation's Highest Tax Rates Quote--"As of January 1, Chicagoans and those who do business in the city began paying some of the highest taxes and fees in the nation"

[firemanstud1981]

It's the third time in three months Daley has wielded the mid-year budget ax to chip away at a $217 million budget shortfall "reported Daley may have no choice but to raise property taxes by $30 million, the maximum allowed by the city's self-imposed property tax cap." Were are companies goin to go "gunsandroses?" Cities that are cheaper in taxes or more expensive? You live in a dream world were you think the cities name is everything. Its all about MONEY.

[GunsNRosesbitches]

Oh really? You know how expensive it is to rent an office in New York? How come Manhattan is running out of office space when it's so expensive per sq ft? What money? New York is still attracting shitloads of businesses? Chicago isn't far behind New York.

[firemanstud1981]

Metro Phoenix growth shows no signs of lagging quotes--Here's what each had to say.

Greg Vogel

How much more can the Valley possibly grow? According to Vogel, the answer is: "A lot."

[firemanstud1981]

Central Phoenix is example of success in the making quotes--"But there's a lot that is distinctly downtown Phoenix -- the Orpheum, Bank One Ballpark, the historic Hotel San Carlos -- the list is long and impressive.

[firemanstud1981]

continued--Take a look at our annual commercial real estate magazine in this week's paper. We called it "Destination Downtown" because we found signs everywhere that central Phoenix is turning into a vibrant, healthy city center ready to go head to head with the likes of Denver, Dallas and San Diego. This momentum must be maintained."

[firemanstud1981]

According to Pollack, there are 10 "factors" that make Greater Phoenix tick: climate, lifestyle, geographic location (close to the California coast, Mexico and Texas), a pro-growth attitude on the part of our government, a competitive tax structure, focused tax incentives, "common sense" leadership, a relatively low cost of living, a congressional delegation that focuses not just on national issues but Arizona's needs, and continued cooperation between business and government

[firemanstud1981]

"Non-manufacturing companies also preferred the Valley. Greyhound moved its headquarters to Phoenix in 1971 with its CEO stating that "Chicago is a good business city, but Phoenix offers us a substantial reduction in expenses. Our relocation surveys concluded that Phoenix was best, offering us a lower cost of living, reasonable land and labor costs and very affordable housing"

[firemanstud1981]

Also you need to look at the companies that are based in the surrounding cities of chicago that IS NOT chicago. Chicago makes no money off these companies being HQed in surrounding cities.

[GunsNRosesbitches]

You keep going on about how Chicago has its own problems such as crime, corruption, not enough jobs created, etc....but in the end of the day, downtown office market still attracts businesses around the world, and downtown is still getting larger. You keep going on about the negatives, when in the end of the day, Chicago is one of the most powerful cities in the world.

[firemanstud1981]

Chicago like I said still is powerful. FOR NOW. Like I said taxes are going through the roof. Have you actually seen all the new companies that are relocating to downtown phoenix for their HQ? Like I said phoenix is growing faster then Chicago and that is the bottom line.

[firemanstud1981]

There is a reason people are leaving cities like chicago detroit and philly. If you are too stupid to see that then I am sorry. Right now chicago can still say its powerful. FOR NOW. But with a declining population we will see how long it remains that way.

[firemanstud1981]

According to you companies do not think about money either. Thats great.I am sure that is true. A COMPANY IS NOT GOING TO PICK A AREA TO RELOCATE WHEN TAXES ARE THROUGH THE ROOF.

[firemanstud1981]

PHILLY DETROIT SHITCAGO CLEVELAND ARE FUCKING HAS BEENS. THEY ARE OLD AND OUT OF DATE SHITHOLES. Like I said we will see who is right in the coming years. Watch Las Vegas,Phoenix, Houston, Dallas suck the life out of philly chicago and what is left of detroit.

[firemanstud1981]

Here is another example dude. When Katrina hit were did the Vast majority of the companies relocate? HOUSTON and Phoenix got quite a few too.

[firemanstud1981]

Chicago downtown is growing like I said but at a slower rate then Dallas Phoenix and Las Vegas

[firemanstud1981]

America's 50 Hottest Cities for Business Relocation and Expansion Quote--"This year, the race for the top spot was almost too close to call between Atlanta, Ga., and Phoenix, Ariz. — but not quite.

When all the ballots were counted, Atlanta took the spotlight while Phoenix came in second. Last year, the two cities were in reverse order."

[firemanstud1981]

How Phoenix grows will play vital role in region's international image, success quote-- "Just about everyone who lives here knows the Valley is one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the country. What they may not know, however, is that how we grow will play a vital role in the region's international image and success." Pretty much everyone does know about growing phoenix but you.

[firemanstud1981]

Common sense continues to make Greater Phoenix hot Quotes-- Phoenix drew more than 300 new manufacturing companies to the area. A Motorola executive is widely quoted as saying, "Phoenix was preferred by engineers 25 to 1 as the best city to work in because of its affordability and sunshine."

[firemanstud1981]

I honestly do not know if you have never been to Phoenix,Vegas,Dallas, or Houston. But they are growing faster then ANYWERE in the country. That would be bad enough if Chicago and philly were maintaining there populations--BUT THEY ARE GOING DOWN WHAT DOES THAT TELL U????

[firemanstud1981]

I can say from first hand living 1 year in Phoenix and living here in Shitcago Phoenix is better. So if you like cities that are corrupt and were people are leaving, and the rivers smell like ass that full of dead fish then go to chicago!!!

[GunsNRosesbitches]

I don't understand why Phoenix is a threat to a city like Chicago. That's more than ridiculous...Phoenix is the 5th largest city in America, but not even top 10 most dominant cities in America. Population does NOT matter at this point. Los Angeles is larger than Chicago, but they are neck and neck when it comes to supremacy (media, office, industry...etc). Chicago is not in danger of losing its status as an alpha world city.

[GunsNRosesbitches]

And dude, I live in Philadelphia...we got more problems than Chicago, yet Philly is a special city and I love it, and proud to say Im from Philly. New cities that are growing, have zero culture.

[firemanstud1981]

Phoenix symphony, phoenix are museum, phoenix zoo, Arizona science museum. What do u mean culture?

[firemanstud1981]

I should have known you were from philly LOL. And really when you said population does not matter. How does being 6th in the nation feel now that the big PHX is number 5? LOL Peace out man

[GunsNRosesbitches]

Don't feel too bad about Phoenix taking 5th place rlly. I mean Phoenix isn't nearly as dominant as Philadelphia due to the fact that Philly still has a much larger metro, therefore a larger commuting base and thus a much larger market than Phoenix.

[GunsNRosesbitches]

Chicago isn't an ant compared to Phoenix or Houston in size...who cares about "imaginary" city boundaries. The true urban extent of Chicago goes beyond city limits. It's urbanized area covers 2,122 sq. miles while Phoenix's only covers 799 sq. miles, just a lil more than 1/3 of Chicago sprawl.

[firemanstud1981]

These are not imaginary boundaries. Chicago is 220 square miles. Phoenix is now as of last month 550 square miles. You are talking about the metro areas. These are independent cities.

[GunsNRosesbitches]

Metro areas are important...cause of large commuting base. I mean Boston has a larger business district than Phoenix because Boston has a much larger metro while the city pop is only 1/3 of Phoenixs.

[firemanstud1981]

listen dude if u like it this much you should move up here like my bro who is on chicago fire dept. I wish to be part of a city and a fire dept that offers a quality of life and is on the up and coming not on the way down. This city is full of corruption-clout,its dirty and cold a good part of the year,its not finacially stable as seen in the budget and now higher taxes and Im leaving. I suggest you move here if u like it.

[GunsNRosesbitches]

Every city has problems man. Even the greatest cities in the world have their own issues, did u see New York back then? It was still the greatest city on Earth, despite havin shitloads of problems from crime to finance. You keep thinking about negatives...Chicago offers so much compared to most cities around the world. Chicago has so much to brag about, and have their own ego.

[firemanstud1981]

So does phoenix and other cities. Listen myself and others are leaving cities like chicago and philly. WE CAN NOT ALL BE WRONG!! I am going for the fire dept but for the 3 year in a row Phoenix has led in the development of new jobs. If you can not find work in Chicago its understandable. In phoenix you have work come to you.

[firemanstud1981]

What does chicago have that others do not? I like warm and hot weather, I like going to games watching the suns and the diamondbacks I like hiking and mt biking on south mtn, I like going to upscale restuarants in downtown phoenix the same I can here.

[firemanstud1981]

Chicago and philly has made several attempts to try to get a TINY more land as they have watched Phoenix Houston Vegas become huge. Chicago tried annexing Norridge IL. Norridge said no way we dont need more problems and it was voted down.

[GunsNRosesbitches]

Uhm, population does NOT matter! Chicago is NOT one of the top 20 biggest cities in the world, but deff top 10 most important cities in the world.

[firemanstud1981]

No population DOES matter. The local economy runs on population as in the spending. The more population the more spending. New York always will be number 1. New York has ALL the TV and radio networks Chicago has Oprah. New York has NASDAQ NYSE Chicago has the chicago stock exchange which is laughble compared to New York. I am not doubting that TODAY chicago remains an important city and it will always be on the map.

[GunsNRosesbitches]

Lets see, Chicago has largest mercantile and futures exchange in the world, busiest freight and trucking center in US. 2nd largest industrial base in America, has a top 3 skyline in the world, one of the 9 alpha world cities. That says alot.

[firemanstud1981]

But the city has some issues it such as corruption that and lack of money that are weighing it down. Let give u an example. Chicago is 215 million in the whole for the upcoming budget. Mayor Daley has said the only way out is to raise taxes by A LOT on top of already high taxes. Do you think the company proposing the Chicago spire is gonna wanna build a building were taxes are going up and has such a huge budget gap?

[firemanstud1981]

And this shit could go on and on and on. I cant wait to see were cities like Houston, Phoenix, Dallas, San Jose are in the coming decade it takes time. And we will see were Shitcago is in the coming decade. They will be down with Detroit, Philly, Cleveland.

[GunsNRosesbitches]

Detroit, Philly, Cleveland are not even on the same level as Chicago. Chicago hasn't experienced enuff decline to lose superiority...it's still one of top 10 cities in the world when it comes to big money power. And its skyline grew and its still growing.

[firemanstud1981]

Downtown Phoenix - Reborn!

Downtown Phoenix Urban Renaissance - The blog that follows the re-birth of Downtown Phoenix. Commercial buildings, residential lofts and high-rises, cultural happenings, light rail development, ASU downtown, historic districts, the art scene, and the biomed complex. The excitement, creativity, and synergy of being an urban dweller, an urban pioneer, a Downtowner.

[firemanstud1981]

Downtown Phoenix campus construction updates

By Julie Newberg

Downtown Phoenix's scenery these days is as much a scene of construction cranes as it is skyscrapers defining the skyline.

But the pay-off will soon be evident.

As the city's core takes shape, key Arizona State University and City of Phoenix buildings and projects are coming to fruition.

[firemanstud1981]

from Azrepublic- High-rise boom straining supply of cranes The symbolism is especially powerful in downtown Phoenix, which hasn't seen this kind of growth in five decades, economist Elliott Pollack said.

"Downtown, for the first time since the 1950s, will be viable," he said. "In Phoenix, historically you have mid-rises, for which you didn't need (tall) cranes. Now, you have high-rise construction outside the Central Corridor

[CalmRage1]

we just had another storm last night but i couldn't capture anything spectacular unfortunately.

[readingfcfan001]

whooo it makes me want 2 emigrate 2 chicago... sports teams, sears tower, lightning... it must be a kl city 2 live in!

[firemanstud1981]

nothing could be further from the truth I live here. Downtown is cool but its a dirty city that is overpriced and overrated. Corruption continues to be a cancer in the city government,illegal immigrants,traffic gridlock,and on and on. To make it short you wanna move to Chicago? Thats funny cause Chicagos population continue to decline. People are moving out of Shitcago. Pick another city dude.

[SvveetTooth]

Chicago is alright every big city has the same problems.

[firemanstud1981]

Thats cool and yes I agree every big city does have its problems. Chicagos problems with corruption clout and mismanagment is not usual in a city though. The problems that plaque Chicago is why I myself am moving and so many others have too. There is no big annoucement that people are leaving Chicago it just gradually happens.

[Hiei2k7]

Actually, Chicago just re-crossed the 3 Million mark on it's way Upward. I think it was like 2006 was estimated or something.

[firemanstud1981]

While yes it is true there have been minor times that Chicago has increased its population there has been overwhelmingly a decline. Chicago in 1950 3,620,962 2 /Chicago in 2000 2,896,016 3 / Chicago in 2006 2006 2,873,321 3

[firemanstud1981]

So no Chicago did not just cross the 3 million mark. Aurora Joliet are the 2 big cities to watch in the region. Aurora continues to grow its not 2nd Joliet grew more then any city in IL.

[firemanstud1981]

Aurora is NOW 2nd it was a typo.

[firemanstud1981]

Chicagos corruption, taxes, mismanagment, is what is driving people out. When they do leave they go to healthy cities such as Houston Phoenix etc. These 2 cities will be putting Chicago in 4 and 5th place i population in time because of the people that move there, they have quality of living, and both Phoenix and Houston are more then 2 1/2 times larger then Chicago in land.

[GunsNRosesbitches]

Uh, population is not important. I mean, for god sake, Chicago has a massive skyline. Houston and Phoenix wouldn't be able to reach the superiority that Chicago has. Shit, you guys have one of the biggest central business districts in the world. Houston and Phoenix are dreaming if they ever reach the amount of business that Chicago has. Trust me, it ain't happening...at least not in the near future. No way Jose.

[GunsNRosesbitches]

Oh and by the way, ur skyline keeps on growing and keeps attracting businesses. Phoenix is like an ant to Chicago, Houston has more than Phoenix...but nonetheless, both ain't shit to Chicago. Chicago is a major international city, WAY MORE than PHx and Houston.

[firemanstud1981]

Phoenix has more development in their downtown then Chicago right now. Some things you need to keep in mind. Chicago is small compared to Phoenix and Houston in land. When you run out of room going "out" you begin building "up". Chicago is 220 square miles Phoenix is 550 square miles and Houston is over 600.

[GunsNRosesbitches]

Yeah cuz Phoenix's downtown is so small that 10 apartment buildings is a significant addition. Chicago has like hundreds of towers...that new huge buildings wouldn't really make a difference.

[firemanstud1981]

5800 units are being added to phoenix this year in residential downtown buildings. I dont think you know what you are talking about--no disrespect.

[firemanstud1981]

Like I said we will see who is right. Keep this in mind. Look at Detroit Philly they too were "on top" huge cities. Phoenix, Las Vegas, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio are the up and comings.

[firemanstud1981]

Also to put thing in perspective Chicagos John Hancock building was sold 2 years ago for 385 million to Goldman Sachs & Co.'s. Phoenix is building "cityscape" for over 1 BILLION dollars. That is just ONE project out of many many many.

[GunsNRosesbitches]

Lol Chicago is booming too. You know how many new supertalls the city is building. 3 buildings over 1,000 ft are in construction. There are only two 1,000 ft buildings anywhere west of the Mississippi (one in LA. 1 in Houston). Chicago has 4 already, plus 3 underconstruction. You realize Chicago builds mega projects?

[firemanstud1981]

Again do u know why Chicago builds up? Because they can not build out. Chicago has lost some dominance. It does not and will not happen overnight. Its happens gradually. You continue with the skyline as if that is the only thing that makes a city. Phoenix has a awesome skyline that getting bigger every year. Does it compare to chicago? No But who cares.

[GunsNRosesbitches]

Chicago builds up because, one...the city has a skycraper history, two....when large demands of business needed...in America, up is the only way to go. Noticing that Chicago's skyline completely obliterates any city America except its own rival, New York...means that Chicago is center of huge amounts of business. It has nothing to do with density. Chicago has similar density as Philadelphia, but 10x larger skyline.

[firemanstud1981]

UMM yes it does. When you run out of room with land you build UP because you have no were else to build.

[GunsNRosesbitches]

Uhm Chicago isn't even that dense. And for it's size, it has an enormous skyline that rivals New York and Hong Kong (which are bigger and more than twice as dense).

[firemanstud1981]

So I guess if you look at it from how much land a city covers Chicago is like a ant to Phoenix. Also population does matter it matters a lot.

[firemanstud1981]

Let me put it to this way? Why is it do YOU think cities build skylines like Shitcago? They build them when they run out of room to build "out". If a skyline is your most important thing you look for then Please come up here to shitcago. I have been to both PHX and live in Chicago though. I am telling you PHX is having more in their downtown then chicago.

[firemanstud1981]

No way jose???? 1965 Chicago was number 2 in population but were warned a little city called LA was climbing their way up. Which city is bigger today?

[whites90]

why do the spires turn red when the lightning strikes. also what's that wierd noice when the thunder comes in.

[undergroundhousecom]

They appeared red probably because of the digital camera's color (hue/saturation) adjustment due to the bright lightning. The noise is from a nearby train blowing its horn.

[aldworth6303]

Actually, you can see the pinkish color in person. Not just on camera.

[midaran]

we dont have as many storms as we used to, global warming i guess.

[girlnamedbless]

I live here and I still can't get enough of this. :)

[CubsFan2812]

NOOOOO!!! My favorite skyscraper! I hate to see my city like this!

[particularindividual]

I think it was the camera adjusting to the brightness, but it does look pretty cool.

[undergroundhousecom]

Yeah, that's what I think too.

[skateboardergerjan]

why are that spires blue ant after that strike red ?? insaaaaaane:D

[zonezonezone123456]

nice, same thing happened with the Empire state Building her in new York

[trusthebus]

the spires turned red but if you pause during the strike, the lightning strikes the tower 3 times.

[trusthebus]

the lightning struck four times total

[thebiff16]

Jesus Christ!!!!!!!!!!!

[BlueEyes1224]

WOW that was freaky!! TOTALLY AWESOME DUDDEEEEEE!!! Yeah the spires DID turn red!! WOOOAAA!!!

[Cchrisbud813]

I've recently been to Chicago; back in late March '07. Nice shot of lightning!

[MrKidneySton3d]

oh my god you're right the spires do turn red. they look like they got heated up really hot...red hot. pretty good shot.

[Atomic101Heli]

i see to its weird

[ProfessorIgor]

oh yeah, it gets hit all the time.. no biggie, but a really nice capture !!

[repub21]

I it just me or did the spires seem to turn red right after the strike?

[lordhawksmoor]

i saw that too

[philipthe1st]

i miss this city