In the modern sterile United States, one does not usually have to worry about avoiding traps, snares, lions, tigers, bears, or other life-threatening dangers on a day-to-day basis. A lot is made about people taking quasi-dangerous vacations just for the thrill of the largely artificial adrenaline rush they obtain. In general, the fear factor is missing. The worst most of could do is suffer a severe paper cut. Not life-threatening, but sometimes deep enough so that some of that red stuff called "blood" surfaces. Today was different.

A very important warning appears on the sign below: "Caution Falling Ice." No joke, I nearly bit it several times today from shards, sheets, and daggers falling from heights of up to 56 stories. After getting a cup of coffee from Starbuck's on the way to work this morning, I stepped onto the sidewalk only to come within three feet of impalement by a falling ice spear. You do not understand how disappointed I would have been if I died walking out of a Starbuck's. That is not a legacy I want to leave this world with.

At lunch, it was much worse. The same building was shedding frozen bricks like a dog sheds hair, one after another after another. I actually stood on the street to avoid the sidewalk. I later saw enough remnants on the pavement to realize my strategy was futile. On the return from lunch, I noticed police finally cordoned off the sidewalk after determining the danger level to pedestrians was too high. So much icicle debris littered the walkway that it appeared as if a layer of thick diamonds had been scattered around the building. Later I learned that a police officer suffered a bonking and was taken to the hospital for treatment.

Who knew hardhats were a required winter fashion accessory in Chicago?