5 Classic Movies That Were Filmed in Chicagoon April 15, 2020 at 5:14 pm

From horrors to comedies, there have been so many popular movies based and filmed in the city of Chicago. Here are the top 5 most popular!

The Breakfast Club

This iconic ’80s movie starring Judd Nelson, Molly Ringwald, Ally Sheedy, Anthony Michael Hall, and Emilio Estevez is known in most households. Director John Hughes set the scene in his fictitious Chicago Suburb of Shermer. While ‘Shermer’ remains a figment of Hughes’ imagination, The Breakfast Club was filmed in Des Plaines, a suburb located just 20 miles northwest of Chicago. The gymnasium where the film’s five high school students met in Saturday detention was actually Maine North High School, located at 9511 Harrison Street in Des Plaines. Oddly enough, the set of the troublemakers now acts as a district headquarters for the Illinois State Police.

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

Once again, director John Hughes brings us back to the infamous Shermer, Illinois, to live vicariously through Matthew Broderick as Ferris, a highschool teen who decides to fake being sick to have a day in the city. Inspired by the very real Shermer Road in Northbrook Illinois, Hughes draws from even more personal experience, having Ferris attend Glenbrook North High School, where John Hughes attended years before. More noteworthy landscape and architectural cameos include Ferris’s dad’s office on West Wacker Drive overlooking the Chicago River, the Tribune Towers, the Willis Tower, the Chicago Board of Trade, Wrigley Field, and the Art Institute of Chicago. A true teenage tourist!

Home Alone & Home Alone 2

A comedy of mischief, starring Kevin (Macaulay Culkin), who seems to get left behind on every family vacation. Kevin finds himself in trouble when two bandits, Marv and Harry (Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern), decide to rob the Mcallister’s home. The home that is actually located north of Chicago, at 671 Lincoln Avenue in Winnetka. As Kevin’s plan to get these criminals out of his neighborhood, he makes a quick stop to see Santa, which was filmed at Station Park. Other notable landmarks include the filming of the interior of Grace Episcopal Church in Oak Park, the exterior of Trinity United Methodist Church in Wilmette, and O’Hare International Airport (the airport from which the family departed….and arrived…in “Paris”). Tricky!

The Blues Brothers

In 1980, the iconic comedy-musical directed by the Chicago-born John Landis was released. The Chicago native John Belushi aka “Jake Blues,” spent some time in the Joliet Correctional Center, more commonly known as “Statesville.” After brothers Jake Blues and Elwood (Dan Aykroyd) are reunited, they decide to get their old band back together. The notorious “Bluesmobile” was picked up by Elwood at a Mount Prospect City police auction. Cruising around in the famous “Bluesmobile” passing several Chicago Landmarks along the way. With the giant horn roped to the roof, the slick ride passes North Main Street, Wauconda which is now home to Slyce Pizza Company. Next time you’re heading over the East 95th Street Bridge over the Calumet River, know you are passing over the exact bridge the Blues Brothers went over!

The Dark Knight

Batman has returned after disappearing into the night! Several landmarks in Gotham City were notorious Chicago buildings. The opening robbery of the Gotham National Bank was actually a Chicago Post Office on 404 West Harrison Street. The Joker makes his getaway into the city on West Van Buren Street. The many meetups between Bruce Wayne and Lucius Fox (Morgan Freeman) take place in the Convention Hall of the West Building, McCormick Place. You know you have hit the city when you see the popular Chicago McCormick Place!

Featured Image Credit: The Breakfast Club

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These Chicago Online Shops Have Everything You Need to Survive Quarantineon April 15, 2020 at 7:06 pm

Tired of being cooped up at home? That makes most of us. Luckily, you can find lots of ways to pass the time with the help of these Chicago businesses’ online shops.

May I Have This Dance

People say to “dance like no one’s watching,” and now might be the time to take that advice literally. In addition to free basic instructional dance videos, this dance studio has a larger library of videos available through their private portal.

Seguin Gardens & Gifts

Caring for plants is a great way to stay busy and keep your spirits up! This online shop has supplies for indoor gardening, too, if you don’t have access to a yard.

Wild Prairie Vinyl & Vintage

If you’re searching for the best online boutiques that offer a large vinyl catalog, we recommend browsing Wild Prairie. The record store also sells vintage clothing and accessories on their Etsy shop.

Cowboys and Astronauts

If you’re looking for apparel, accessories, and other lifestyle goods, check out Cowboys and Astronauts. There’s a variety of products that might make you feel a little more like a human adult during your office Zoom meeting.

Paperish Mess

Part-stationery-store-part-gift-shop Paperish Mess is full of self-care products, games, accessories and more to help keep you occupied.

StoryStudio Chicago

StoryStudio now offers creative writing classes online. Browse their website and take your pick of multi-week or single session classes— whatever keeps your creative juices flowing!

Starship Salon

You may not be able to get the haircut you need right now, but you can maintain your mane as best you can with haircare products from this online shop.

Facets

Do most video streaming services never have what you’re looking for? Try Facets, a nonprofit which connects people with thought-provoking films. You can buy a membership to rent DVDs, buy films from Facets’ website, and purchase tickets to their Virtual Cinema screenings.

Begyle Brewing Co.

Sure, you might be running low on toilet paper— but thanks to Begyle Brewing, you won’t run low on beer. You can order your favorite brews and pick them up the same day.

Guitar Works LTD

You finally have time to learn that instrument you keep saying you’re going to learn! Guitar Works has the gear you need, available for curbside pickup or shipping.

Crawford Supply

Who’s to say that the best time for home improvement isn’t when you’re stuck at home? Crawford Supply may be the best online boutique that is full of goodies for your bathroom and kitchen.

Becky and Me Toys

This toy store has games, activities, and cuddly friends to keep kids of all ages from using the B word (“bored”).

Indigo & Violet Studio

This studio is continuing to host craft workshops online. They deal in a variety of different media, and cater to beginners and advanced crafters alike.

AlleyCat Comics

If you’re needing reading material of the more graphic variety, you can order comics online from this Andersonville shop.

Brick Loot

Looking to building something? Check out the online shop that specializes in building stuff! You can find a ton of toy brick building kits and parts for all ages on their website.

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9 Most Iconic Buildings & Architecture in Downtown Chicagoon April 15, 2020 at 8:54 pm

The city of Chicago is known for its amazing pizza, great sports, and Lollapalooza, to name a few. But there’s no way you can forget the beautiful architecture dotting our skyline. Here are 10 famous Chicago buildings and the history behind them.

Willis Tower*

*It’s still the Sears Tower.

The Willis Tower has been a tourist attraction since 1973. Taking 2,000 workers and three years to build, this building in Chicago gives you a gorgeous look over all of Chicago. The infamous retail chain Sears decided to make an offer on the building’s name, which it was dubbed until 2009, when insurance company, Willis Group Holdings, decided to lease the name. Now another name change remains to be seen since Aon bought out Willis last year.

Cloud Gate (aka The Bean)

Cloud Gate, otherwise known as ‘The Bean,’ is another fantastic tourist attraction in the city of Chicago. This stainless steel sculpture is 66 feet long and 33 feet high. When you walk underneath The Bean, you are surrounded by 168 mirrors that were welded together to give it its shape. Being right along Michigan Avenue in Millennium Park, it’s always a great photo opportunity!

Holy Name Cathedral

Opening in 1847, Holy Name Cathedral is one of the largest Roman Catholic dioceses in the United States. In 2009, there was a fire in the attic of the church but luckily firefighters were able to put it out fast without any damage to the exterior art. This famous Chicago building features beautiful architectural and structural art that portrays the history of the city.

Tribune Tower

Located on the Magnificent Mile, Tribune Tower was home to the Chicago Tribune, Tribune Media, and Tribune Publishing. The original Tribune Tower was built in 1868 but was destroyed in the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. In 2018, work began on converting the entire building into apartments, which is expected to be complete by late 2020.

Civic Opera House

Seating 3,563, the Civic Opera House has been around since 1927. Being seen as built like a large chair, this unique structure is also home to a 45 story office building and two 22 story wings.

875 N Michigan Ave (Formerly known as the John Hancock Center)

This 100-story, 1,128-foot building on the Magnificent Mile district was changed to 875 North Michigan Avenue in February of 2018. The building is the 13th tallest building in the United States and 33rd in the world.

Aqua Tower

This 82-story apartment complex is a sight to see. With its unique design and structure, famous Chicago building also includes five levels of parking underground. This towering piece of art in the center of Chicago has earned many awards for design excellence.

Marina City

Designed by architect Bertrand Goldberg, this multi-use building sits right next to the Chicago River. It’s so large that it occupies almost an entire city block on State Street.

Ogilvie Transportation Center

The hub of the Metra lines, Ogilvie Transportation Center, was built in 1911 and was rebuilt from 1984-1987. With eleven lines running all throughout the outer suburbs of Chicago, Metra estimates it has over 281,100 passengers on any given weekday and 93,200 on a weekend.

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Hamburger Mary’s Drag Queen Drive-Thru Service Is Everything We Need Right Nowon April 15, 2020 at 10:27 pm

As most of Chicago continues to sit in quarantine, many restaurants have been forced to close their dining rooms to their loyal customers, fulfilling orders for delivery and take out only. However, one restaurant in Andersonville is putting a new twist on take-out service. Fans of Hamburger Mary’s delicious grub can enjoy Drag Queen Drive-Thru service from Thursday – Sunday.

This revered establishment is one of the many local businesses that have been financially hit by COVID-19. But in an attempt to remain open, even as services are limited, employees continue to bring joy to their loyal customers by fulfilling their carryout order while dressed up in drag!

Photo Credit: Hamburger Mary’s Chicago Facebook

Prior to the epidemic, Hamburger Mary’s was not known for their takeout or delivery services but much like every other business, they had to adapt to remain open. Customers that order takeout can expect to receive their order in their car and leave with a smile. Why? Hamburger Mary’s employs drag queens, dressed in colorful wigs, dresses, heels, and makeup.

Hamburger Mary’s Facebook page details when drag queen drive-thru is available. Even quarantined fans unable to leave their home can continue to enjoy the charisma of the establishment thanks to regularly uploaded videos.

Located on Clark Street just North of Foster Avenue, Hamburger Mary’s is a community staple known for its delicious gourmet burgers, cocktails, and house-brewed beers. However, the colorful service and entertainment are what truly make this place special. On an average night, waiters and waitresses are dressed in full drag and stage performances are to be expected. Separate dining rooms allow customers to choose their own adventure. This restaurant is usually booked with many events like trivia, bingo, and cabaret shows. Hamburger Mary’s is also known for hosting fundraisers that give back to local Chicagoland charities and organizations.

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Need a Job? These 10 Companies Are Hiring in Chicago Right Nowon April 15, 2020 at 10:41 pm

If you find yourself out of work due to the coronavirus, have hope! There are still plenty of jobs available. Here are 10 companies that are hiring in Chicago.

Amazon

As everyone is rushing to shop online rather than stores, it should come as no surprise that the online retailer is hiring. The company plans to hire more than 100,000 people in both full-time and part-time positions, with no resume or previous work experience required. The company is increasing hourly pay by $2/hour.

Instacart

Insacart is hiring shoppers to start immediately. You get paid weekly and you can work when you want. No car is required for all the positions, as they are also hiring for in-store shoppers to fill the “shop only” roles.

Digby’s Detective & Security Agency Inc.

Digby’s is hiring people over the age of 21 to join their team as a security officer. You will have to have a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as any relevant security training certificates to apply.

Target

Target is hiring for multiple positions and at multiple locations around the Chicagoland area. Openings include nearly every position from store manager to cashier.

Allied Universal Security

Allied University Security is looking for security professionals to work at the McCormick Place Convention Center, which has been transformed into a medical facility to deal with COVID-10 patients. Pay ranges from $20-$25 an hour and you can be hired within 24 hours of applying.