Daley Introduces "Talk Like Shakespeare Day"

Maybe we've been wrong. Maybe every time Mayor Daley rambles on in seemingly incoherent phrases of jumbled words, he's really speaking in iambic pentameter. Or sonnets! It wouldn't be the first time someone has suggested Daley is a poet.

Indeed, Mayor Daley has announced that in honor of William Shakespeare's 445th birthday, this Thursday will be "Talk Like Shakespeare Day" in Chicago. The Tribune had a little fun with potential lines from local politicians. In a press release, Mayor Daley said, "On his 445th birthday, Shakespeare still speaks to the people of Chicago through timeless words and works. On April 23, I encourage citizens to celebrate Shakespeare by vocal acclamation, through his words."

Chicago Shakespeare Theater Artistic Director Barbara Gaines said, "We're asking our artists and audiences to find a moment to bring Shakespeare into their daily discourse—even if it’s just asking a coworker to pass 'yonder stapler. This is someone who literally, single-handedly, introduced at least 2,000 words to the English language that we still use today. We wish him a very happy birthday."