It's a Bird, No, A Plane, No, Chicago's Picasso

From the Jan. 15, 2013, Yahoo! Contributors Network "Chicago's Leading Lady, the Picasso Statue in Daley Center" by Patricia Batson.

It's 50-feet high and weighs162 tons, definitely one big lady.  The late Chicago columnist Mike Royko referred to it as that "big, homely metal thing."  Chicagoans have a love-hate relationship with it.  And, it was never officially named, but generally called "The Chicago Picasso" or "Picasso Statue."

I remember when it was unveiled and the look of horror on some peoples' faces and puzzlement on others.  Kind of like how the Deltas reacted when they saw Flounder's face during pledge selection on "Animal House."  I didn't like it at all, but it has kind of grown on me over the years.

It was a gift from Picasso and unveiled in 1967 at 50 West Washington Street.  Ever since, it has been a focal point of rallies and even has a small fountain and eternal flame beside it.  The water in the fountain was dyed red in 2010 to celebrate the Black Hawks winning the Stanley Cup.  Come Halloween, it is usually a bright orange.

The flame honors World War I, World War II, Korean and Vietnam veterans.

It has been featured in several movies, including: "The Fugitive," "The Darn Knight" and "Blues Brothers."

What is it?  Most think it is a woman.  Others say it's a hound, eagle, aardvark and/or a baboon.

Sometimes it is seen wearing a half Cubs-half Sox hat when the two teams play.

Something to See in Chicago.  --RoadDog