There is no doubt that our Southside haven is quite unique and Hyde Park keeps attracting more and more attention lately thanks to the upcoming election and one of our better known locals: OBAMA.

A recent article in the Washington Post  discusses HP's diversity, a place filled with intellectuals, politicians, citizens, you know, those Joe Plumbers, a vast group of ethnically and racially diverse individuals living together at all levels of wealth. I love Hyde Park and it’s hard to imagine living anywhere else, yet I am chagrined by the absence of a few key characteristics of this neighborhood in this, and other articles.

First things first- Sure Billy Ayers once worked at the UofC and the neighborhood is stuffed with Nobel winners and public intellectuals but HOW could on overlook Hugh Hefner?! This bunny lover was born and raised right here in Hyde Park. Clearly we have more to be proud of than just presidential candidates.
Second- what about the wildlife? What about the Parakeets?? Those former pets that were carelessly released and now hang around the neighborhood. We have sub-tropical birds living above the Mason Dixon line right in our own back yard! And then there are the obese squirrels that may or may not have a history of human-attacks and yet both species manage to live seemingly peacefully with the rest of the population. If our wildlife isn't something that makes Hyde Park noteworthy I don’t know what is.
Third- I would bet that Hyde Park has the largest concentration of unicyclists in the nation, no the world, aside from profession circuses. Now this is a bold claim, I realize, but one-wheeled contraptions are quite the norm and you don't just have to be in the Circus club to enjoy one, believe me.

Now these are just a few that were left out, along with the fact that Hyde Park exists basically as an isolated bubble of safety within the greater Southside, with those who somehow manage wander in keeping you on your toes late at night. Not to mention that fact it includes the tallest building in Chicago south of 13th street, (supposedly) one of the highest concentrations of coffee shops in a designated area and one of the highest paid security forces in America (again for Mr. O) yet still a relatively high crime rate.

So if you're going to make claims about how unique Hyde Park is make sure you have all the facts because Obama lives here not just for some, but for all of the reasons.