PHOTOS: North Center penthouse with skyline views: $780Kon April 14, 2020 at 3:31 pm

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PHOTOS: North Center penthouse with skyline views: $780K

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Izzy — Petraits Rescueon April 14, 2020 at 3:32 pm

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Izzy — Petraits Rescue

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Chicago Bulls: Jim Boylen throwing a Hail Maryon April 14, 2020 at 10:00 am

Chicago Bulls (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

It sounds like the seat is getting hotter by the day for the Chicago Bulls head coach.

Chicago Bulls head coach Jim Boylen has to know his days in that role are likely numbered. He has had one of the most disastrous starts to his tenure than any other Bulls coach in recent memory. From a near players mutiny to his terse interactions with the Chicago media, to the spurious relationship with his key players, including Zach LaVine and Lauri Markkanen, the writing has been on the wall for a bit, and it appears Boylen is finally getting around to reading it.

After the Bulls hired new Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations, Arturan Karnisovas, the seat was obviously going to get hotter. Boylen was hired by John Paxson, who formerly held the same position, but has been relegated to the role of “senior advisor” and will not be around the team on a daily basis. In other words, it’s the front office equivalent of a “golden parachute.”

Karnisovas has no allegiance to Boylen. The only “ally” Boylen has left in the building isn’t likely to be in it much, if at all. So if you’re Jim Boylen, and you’re sitting at home assessing your chances of being retained, you probably don’t like your chances.

Although initially, at least publicly, Boylen seemed optimistic about his future, that outlook changed quickly. While his confidence seemed to waver intraday, the reality is that he has to be worried about his job.

So what do you do when you don’t have a stellar track record, and feel like you’re losing your grip on your job? Well, you throw a Hail Mary — and that’s just what Boylen is doing in his latest attempt to ingratiate himself with the new man in charge.

In a statement released by the Bulls, Boylen thanked Paxson and Gar Forman for their support and expressed appreciation for giving him an opportunity to lead the team. It was a nice gesture by Boylen and exactly what you’d expect.

But in the same statement, Boylen sounded like he was trying to cozy up to Karnisovas. We already know Boylen is hoping to get a sit down with Arturas before any decisions are made about his future, perhaps he is getting the sense that might not go well and is trying to grease the skids before the meeting.

To that end, Boylen made sure he made it clear how excited he is to have Arturas in Chicago. According to K.C. Johnson’s piece for NBCSports Chicago, Boylen said:

I want to welcome Arturas to the Chicago Bulls. He has a wealth of experience as a player and executive, and a strong reputation within the basketball community. I commend Jerry and Michael for bringing Arturas on board.

Sort of odd that he used this press release to smooch a little cheek. Certainly, if he wanted to get such a message to Arturas, there are other ways, right? Was it really necessary to suck up to y our new boss in a public statement?

Next: 3 Bulls’ coaching candidates with ties to Karnisovas

Well, again, desperate times call for desperate measures. And let’s face it — Jim Boylen is desperate.

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Chicago Bulls fire general manager Gar Formanon April 13, 2020 at 4:25 pm

The changes in the Chicago Bulls’ front office continue.

Just a few hours after the franchise made the hiring of Arturas Karnisovas as executive Vice President of Basketball Operations, they made the move to fire General Manager Gar Forman. Per multiple sources, the Bulls have made the decision to fire Forman from his general manager role after he spent 22 years in the front office.

#Bulls have fired Gar Forman, they announced.

— Cody Westerlund (@CodyWesterlund) April 13, 2020

The decision to fire Forman shouldn’t be a surprise with the front office overhaul under Karnisovas. But it’s a refreshing moment for Bulls fans as for the longest time, it was hard to see this day coming.

UPDATED: The Bulls have also announced that John Paxson will move to an advisor role and will not be around the team daily:

In a third press release sent today, the Bulls have also just made it official that former executive vice president of basketball operations John Paxson is moving into a senior advisory role. pic.twitter.com/NsZKaHq6ns

— Darnell Mayberry (@DarnellMayberry) April 13, 2020

In addition to firing Forman, the Bulls are expected to make a decision on head coach Jim Boylen either Monday or something early this week.

Chicago has already added JJ Polk as assistant general manager.

Chicago Bulls fire general manager Gar Formanon April 13, 2020 at 4:25 pm Read More »

6 Most Exciting Sports Games You Can Play On Nintendo Switchon April 13, 2020 at 3:00 pm

Over the past couple weeks, we’ve covered some of the hottest sports games for the Xbox One and Playstation 4. But there’s still one major console that deserves the spotlight: the Nintendo Switch. One of the best things about the Switch, besides access to Nintendo-exclusive games, is that you’re able to use it on your TV or as a handheld device. This makes the Switch the only portable console out there, and hopefully, you were lucky enough to grab one before the quarantine, cause they’re completely sold out everywhere. That being said, we’re highlighting some of the best sports games to get your hands on if you’re a fan of the Nintendo Switch.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

First on our list is a Nintendo classic that everyone knows and loves: Mario Kart. While it might not be the most sporty game for the Nintendo Switch out there, there’s plenty of high-speed racing action to make it feel like one. With over 42 characters and 48 tracks to choose from in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, you’ll definitely get your racing fix while stuck at home.

Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games

Up next on our list of sports games for the Switch is Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games. This year’s edition of the game is set in Tokyo, the host site for the 2020 Summer Olympics (if they’re not canceled). Players can battle it out in over 30 different events as they fight to take home the gold. And, if that wasn’t enough, the game is currently on sale for $39.99 in the Nintendo Shop!

Mario Tennis Aces

One of the most popular sport games for the Nintendo Switch is up next in Mario Tennis Aces. In this game, Mario enters the world of tennis to give players endless hours of racket fun. Plus, with the extra function of motion controls on the Switch, players can use the “Zone Shot” and “Trick Shot” when in-game to gain an advantage.

Ring Fit Adventures

Think you have what it takes to defeat a bodybuilding dragon? You better hope so, cause that’s exactly where Ring Fit Adventures will take you. In this game, a lot of the gameplay is done using the Ring-Con and Leg Strap controllers, which track your movements as you play. By jogging in place and striking different yoga poses, your character will progress through the world on their quest to victory.

Fitness Boxing

The final sports game for the Nintendo Switch that you need to try is Fitness Boxing. This game was designed to get you up and moving, which is something we all need while stuck inside. In Fitness Boxing, the game will estimate your BMI and daily calories burned so you can track your progress. Who wouldn’t want to game and build a six-pack at the same time?

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Trivium’s Paolo Gregoletto On Living in Logan Square, Trivium’s New Album, Touring Plans & Moreon April 13, 2020 at 3:03 pm

Over the past 20 years, the Grammy-nominated band Trivium has quietly claimed its place at the forefront of heavy music in the 21st century. The Florida-based band is slated to have its ninth full-length album (What The Dead Men Say) released via long-time record label Roadrunner Records on April 24th. The music video for its first single “Catastrophist” scored over a half-million YouTube views within a month of uploading, while upcoming touring plans are in place for Trivium to hit the road in the Summer and Fall of 2020 alongside Megadeth and Lamb Of God.

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For those less familiar with Trivium, “Betrayer” off 2017’s The Sin & The Sentence received a GRAMMY Award nomination in the category of “Best Metal Performance. Several albums prior, 2005’s Ascendancy was “Album Of The Year” for KERRANG! — arguably the most influential metal-focused magazine in the world — beyond Metal Hammer placing it in the Top 15 of its “100 Greatest Metal Albums Of The 21st Century” list. Trivium has had six consecutive Top 25 debuts on the Billboard Top 200 and five straight Top 3 debuts on the Top Hard Rock Albums Chart. The group has notably performed alongside Metallica, Black Sabbath, and Iron Maiden, beyond amassing over a quarter of a billion streams worldwide.

While known as a “Florida-based band,” Trivium bassist Paolo Gregoletto has lived in Chicago for a few years. Assuming the earlier-mentioned touring with Megadeth and Lamb Of God goes forward, Gregoletto will get to sleep in his own bed on July 10th as Trivium will be performing at Chicago’s Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre. We had the pleasure of speaking with Gregoletto on March 25, 2020 — at the beginning of the Coronavirus pandemic and related quarantining — about Trivium’s new album, upcoming touring plans and more, as embedded below.

More on Trivium — which also includes singer/guitarist Matt Heafy, guitarist/vocalist Corey Beaulieu and drummer Alex Bent — can be found on their website.

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Trivium’s Paolo Gregoletto On Living in Logan Square, Trivium’s New Album, Touring Plans & Moreon April 13, 2020 at 3:03 pm Read More »

Where to Find Education Supplies in Chicago for Students Finishing Up the School Year at Homeon April 13, 2020 at 4:11 pm

Surprise—class is still in session! Are you trying to keep your kids (and yourself) engaged while they finish up the school year at home? Check out these 10 Chicago stores to find the tools you need for your new at-home classroom.

Becky & Me Toys

This Evanston toy store has all the tools you need to keep at-home learning fun and interesting. In addition to Social Distancing Fun Packs for every age, you can find products for science, music, and just about every other subject online!

57th Street Books

In addition to a well-stocked general interest section for adults, 57th Street Books boasts a large selection of children’s books and educational activities in their online shop.

Martha Mae: Art Supplies & Beautiful Things

Keep fostering creativity and problem-solving with arts and crafts— you can find just about every tool and material you need at Martha Mae‘s online store.

Photo Credit: Chicago Teachers Store Facebook

Chicago Teacher Store

If it’s traditional classroom supplies you’re looking for, Chicago Teacher Store has your back. From alphabet aids to grammar games, this online shop has everything you need to help your at-home learner flourish.

Photo Credit: Flatts & Sharpe Music Co. Facebook

Flatts & Sharpe Music Company

While they might be stuck playing solo for the time being, your resident young musician can still practice their instrument and learn new pieces! Flatts & Sharpe can keep the music going with curbside pick-up of music supplies.

Timeless Toys

From arts and crafts to mind games and puzzles, this well-rounded, online toy store can help mix up your home-schooling if you’re just about ready to throw the math flashcards out the window.

Women & Children First

An inclusive and community-focused feminist bookstore, Women & Children First provides staff picks, bestsellers, and a healthy selection of kid’s recommendations.

Sister-Arts Studio

This fiber arts spot not only takes yarn and accessory online orders, but also offers help over the phone with your questions on knitting or crochet patterns.

Bookends & Beginnings

This woman-owned, independent Evanston bookstore offers both audio and print books, as well as puzzles, games, and activities to keep kids’ brains occupied.

Building Blocks Toy Store

Building Blocks offers surprise “Joy Box” bundles for delivery or curbside pick-up, which are listed on their website by price and target age group.

At UrbanMatter, U Matter. And we think this matters.

Tell us what you think matters in your neighborhood and what we should write about next in the comments below!

Best CBD Oils, Gummies, and Pre-Rolls You Can Find at Chicago CBD Shopson April 13, 2020 at 8:25 pm

Considering the wide availability of CBD, you’re sure to wonder what it is and what it does. Alternatively, maybe you’ve tried it but are unaware of all the forms CBD can have. With a multitude of strains for various ailments, CBD has never been so available and so timely right here in Chicago.

For instance, if you’re looking to focus without the stress? There’s a strain for that. Maybe you’re looking to have more energy but not jittery? There’s a strain for that. In all honesty, CBD is like Oprah for your everyday aches, pains, and gripes. Imagine: as you eat a gummy, Oprah is exclaiming, “You get relief! And you get relief!”

As a general rule of thumb, you’ll want full-spectrum. This way, you can get the most of the cannabinoids available from the hemp plant. In other words, full-spectrum means more naturally occurring cannabinoids. Of course, consult the knowledgeable staff at any of these local shops (albeit virtually). They are more than happy to help you find a strain and product perfect for you, your needs, and lifestyle.

Consumables

Tinctures and Oils

Tincture vs. oil — same diff, right? Well, sort of. Technically speaking, tinctures and oils are slightly different. To tailor your CBD experience, be sure you know what you want CBD to do! For a more concentrated or potent option, you’ll want to try an oil (albeit these are more expensive in nature). Tinctures are also a great option for those who are new to the CBD world because they are less bitter in taste and less potent. Either way, you’re sure to find relief with these products.

Find tinctures and oils at HuxHemp in Chicago, where they offer a variety of full-spectrum CBD products between the hours of 11:00 am – 4:20 pm. Most notable for Frankie and their beyond-friendly staff, HuxHemp is a beloved option for CBD newbies and CBD devotees alike.

Gummies

Way better than Flintstone Gummies. Gummies are probably the tastiest of the options (and most whimsical!), CBD gummies range between 10mg – 30mg of CBD. Because gummies are processed through your digestive system, the effects will be in full force – but a touch delayed.

Check out Diamond Venom’s gummy selection for higher doses of CBD per gummy.

Capsules

Maybe you have a routine already and smoking doesn’t fit in it. Bottom line: you want to incorporate CBD into your schedule but are unsure how to do so. There’s an option for you, too! Capsules are an effortless way to augment your daily vitamins/medications. Capsules will have a more potent dose of CBD (25 mg, full-spectrum), so you’ll need less throughout the day. Capsules are a viable option for you if you don’t necessarily enjoy lighting up a roll during the day.

Botanic Alternatives has a wide range of capsules in different dosages. Botanic Alternatives offers pickups for Wednesdays – Sundays between 11 am – 5 pm. Delivery options are available as well and their staff is happy to chat on the phone for any questions prior to purchasing.

Teas

Two worlds collide to bring you a radical concoction: tea and CBD. In their own right, teas and CBD are naturally soothing. However, together, CBD tea is a match made in heaven. Game-changer. You’ll only increase your relaxation with the aroma, warmth, and soothing characteristics of CBD tea. Look for specific strains and combinations that are ideal for different times during the day!

Chicago Cannabis Company has a variety of teas that are modestly priced and available for shipping!

Smoking

CBD Pre-Roll or Flower

Smoking CBD flower has never been this easy – and effective! For nearly-immediate relief of anxiety or minor pains, smoking a CBD roll is a viable option. Be sure to have papers and a grinder ready if you only purchase flower. Otherwise, you can purchase pre-rolls for instant relief!

Chicago CBD and Hemp offers a variety of pre-rolls, flower, and papers for all of your CBD rolling and smoking needs.

Body

Bath Bombs

Imagine your at-home spa day. You draw a bath in your tub and light your candles for the ultimate relaxation experience. Elevate your senses and experience with a CBD bath bomb. With enticing scents and added bubbles, the CBD bath bombs are sure to relieve your aches, pains, and stresses.

CBD Kratom has so many CBD bath bombs that you’ll find yourself wanting a bath every day. All products are available for curbside pickup or shipping.

Lotions

Let’s say you’ve been washing your hands a lot with a variety of soaps, all of which have stripped your skin of its moisturized touch. CBD lotions and salves can replenish your hands with the added benefits of botanicals and CBD.

See Naturally Green CBD for their luxurious body butter. Also available for same-day shipping in Chicago.

Lip Balm

Looking for a natural and effective method to heal your cracked lips? Or maybe you would like to try a CBD product but aren’t exactly ready to incorporate a full-fledged regimen of such. CBD lip balm is an option that will give your lips the relief they need while also giving you a slight introduction to the benefits of hemp oil.

A88CBD offers a variety of CBD topicals — all available for shipping! A88CBD is deeply committed to making CBD products high quality and accessible, and right now, they’re offering 40-percent off your entire order.

Patches

If you’re looking to relieve your aches and pains in a targeted approach, you need to explore the wonderful world of CBD patches. Maybe you exerted yourself a little too hard on that run? Or perhaps you’re suffering from inflammation? CBD patches offer an isolated yet effective solution to some of your most stubborn and surprising aches and pains.

Foxtrot has a lot of timely and relatable patches available for purchase (and delivery!).

Home

Essential Oils

If you’re already on the diffuser track, maybe you’ll consider a CBD essential oil. Although this might not be the most direct way to address anxiety or aches, essential oils for diffusers are a mainstream way to add a more inviting and earthy vibe to your home. After all, your home is not just a home. It’s your favorite restaurant and bar, your trusty gym, and your office. Might as well synchronize its variety of purposes with a variety of scents!

A88CBD offers a lot of relaxing scents for essential oils!

CBD has never been this available, so why not take advantage while you’re quarantined?

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Chicago Ranked #1 Best City for St. Patrick’s Day Celebrationson April 13, 2020 at 9:14 pm

It’s really no surprise, Chicago goes hard for St. Paddy’s day. Like really hard. And that is why as of 2020, for the second year in a row, Chicago is ranked as the Best City for St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations, according to WalletHub Reports.

With over half of America planning to celebrate St. Patrick’s day every year, spending an average of $40, and consuming, in general, a whopping 13 million pints of Guinness, it’s safe to say that this holiday brings in some serious revenue. In fact, besides New Year’s and Mardi Gras, St. Paddy’s Day is the third most popular drinking day and an estimated $5.6 billion is expected to be made this year. Over 400k Chicagoans watch 40lbs of green dye fill Lake Michigan and a 152 percent increase of beer is sold on this day. So, it only makes sense that the third largest city would have some leeway in St. Patrick’s Day festivities.

Chicago is ranked 1st place for being the Best City for St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations, Philadelphia coming in 2nd place, and Madison, Wisconsin following in 3rd. Other noteworthy ranks for the Windy City include 1st place in St. Patrick’s Day Parties and Festivals per Capita, 1st place for Irish Pubs and Restaurants per Capita, and 1st for Most St. Patrick’s Day Parties and Festivals per Capita. We came in 3rd for Lowest Average Beer Price, with only Rockford and Milwaukee beating us out. Our very own suburban Naperville, IL, came in 6th for overall Best Cities for St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations. Naperville also has the Highest Percentage of Irish Population in the United States. Check WalletHub Reports to see even more statistics.

The Best St. Patrick’s Day Bar Parties in Chicago

Looking for ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? We know the best bar parties to attend.

View the Best St. Patrick’s Day Parties in Chicago

Originating from religious significance — known as the day Christianity was introduced to Ireland by Saint Patrick — St. Patrick’s Day has shifted to boozy times, festivals, parades, and a whole lot of greenery. Though it was originally a Christian feast day, commonly Lenten drinking and eating restrictions were halted on Paddy’s Day, boosting the heavy drinking tradition that holds now.

So, let the lit times roll. But with boozy celebration comes high rate car accidents, so please drink responsibly. Lyft and Uber are always a click away, but you can find parking easily when you use Chicago Parking Map. Check out our Ultimate St. Patrick’s Day Guide for all the boozy brunches, deals, parties, and festivals happening in Chicago.

At UrbanMatter, U Matter. And we think this matters.

Tell us what you think matters in your neighborhood and what we should write about next in the comments below!

Best Food Delivery Services in Chicago, Rankedon April 13, 2020 at 9:14 pm

Winter is here and we all know what that means. DELIVERY.

No need to brave the bitter cold for a burrito when you could spend that time instead, cuddling under a snug blanket and watching Netflix, waiting for that burrito to be delivered directly to you. Now, with that being said, the actual process of choosing which delivery app can be quite the chore.

Lucky for you, we did all the leg work.

Here’s UrbanMatter’s ranking of the 5 best food delivery services in Chicago.

Caviar

If you’re looking for reliable food delivery services in Chicago, Caviar should be your go-to option for high-end dishes. While, yes, the app does offer your standard pizza and fried rice options, where the service truly shines is in its upscale, usually un-order-able choices. Expensive though it may be, restaurants like Mott St., Duck Duck Goat, and Honey Butter Fried Chicken all use Caviar as their only delivery option.

Pros: Amazing food.

Cons: Often expensive.

Seamless

Seamless is a slightly fancier version of their parent company GrubHub. In essence, the two apps are the exact same thing, except that Seamless advertises only in New York, which personally offends me, so it’s getting docked.

Pros: It’s Grubhub, essentially.

Cons: Thinks that NYC is better than us, which is rude.

GrubHub

A Chicago company through and through, GrubHub is a tried-and-true food delivery service. With plenty of options from around the city (and a pretty good pricing system), GrubHub is like the Toyota Camry of ordering in – easy, reliable, and will do in a pinch.

The biggest complaint users seem to have with the service? Inaccurate ETAs. When you say my food is getting here in 30 minutes, I expect it here in 30 minutes.

Pros: Long restaurant list, decent delivery charge.

Cons: Faulty delivery times, troubles with customer service.

The Best Places to Get Dessert in Chicago, Hands-Down

Garrett's Popcorn — Photo Credit: Garret Popcorn Shops Facebook

Are you looking to get dessert in the city with friends or family? These are the best dessert places to try.

The Best Dessert Places in Chicago

Uber Eats

Need a pizza and need it now? One of the best food delivery services in Chicago to use is Uber Eats. Though the app charges a whopping $5 delivery fee on most pickups, Uber’s food service is far and away the fastest in the bunch. Plus, a decent selection of restaurants (and a wider radius than most of their competitors) doesn’t hurt too bad either.

Pros: Fast, in-app tipping available.

Cons: Usually expensive.

DoorDash

Okay, okay – hear me out. I know that DoorDash has its problems and is by no means a perfect food delivery service. But with little-to-no limitations on which restaurants users can order food from, it definitely comes out on top. Where other apps will restrict your food delivery order to a particular radius, DoorDash puts you (and your taste buds) in the virtual driver’s seat. Plus, with no minimum order price on many of its locations, you can actually pay for what you want.

Pros: Can pretty much order from anywhere in the city, offers plenty of cheap options.

Cons: Varied delivery times, complaints with customer service.

At UrbanMatter, U Matter. And we think this matters.

Tell us what you think matters in your neighborhood and what we should write about next in the comments below!

Featured Image Credit: DoorDash Instagram

PHOTOS: North Center penthouse with skyline views: $780K

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It sounds like the seat is getting hotter by the day for the Chicago Bulls head coach.

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Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games

Mario Tennis Aces

Ring Fit Adventures

Fitness Boxing

Consumables

Tinctures and Oils

Gummies

Capsules

Teas

Smoking

CBD Pre-Roll or Flower

Body

Bath Bombs

Lotions

Lip Balm

Patches

Home

Essential Oils

The Best St. Patrick’s Day Bar Parties in Chicago

The Best Places to Get Dessert in Chicago, Hands-Down