The Barbershop: Dennis Byrne, Proprietor
‘Zay N. Smith, graceful Sun-Times writer on Mirage tavern series, QT column, has died at 71’
today at 9:42 am
“His work as ‘Norty the Bartender’ with legendary reporter Pam Zekman in the investigation of everyday Chicago corruption cemented his place in newspaper history.”
Zay Smith
Zay Smith was a friend, but more importantly someone I deeply admired for his journalism skills and his goodness.
Here is a beautiful remembrance of Zay written by Chicago Sun-Times columnist Mark Brown. It is a wonderful summation of Zay’s life as a journalist and a father. Whenever my phone rang and I saw that Zay was calling I knew that I was in for a lengthy and satisfying conversation in which we’d discuss the news, and how could we resist, both being old school journalists? More than that, though, were his witticisms and reminiscences of our days at the Sun-Times, people we knew and the sad future of newspapers.
If you want a taste of Zay’s wit and wisdom, visit his QT (Quick Takes) blog. My conservative friends will argue with his viewpoint (not a friend of Trump’s), but to me the didn’t matter. He was a good man and a good friend that I’ll miss.
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Recent Comments
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Unlike today’s reporters he was honest and unbiased in his writings. RIP
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I didn’t know Zay personally, but I was a big fan of his crackling wit. Rest in peace, my literary… -
Heres a genius idea, MOVE THE FUCK OUT OF ILLINOIS.
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In reply to Ken Dietz:Darren Bailey is part of the new breed of militant Republicans. He is interested in weaponizing the bill of…
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In reply to Richard Davis:No, Richard, the issue is hypocrisy. Dennis knows his column relies on the post hoc, ergo propter hoc fallacy.…
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The Barbershop: Dennis Byrne, Proprietor
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