By UIC

As the number and technology of humans has grown, their impact on the natural world now equals or exceeds those of natural processes, according to scientists.
Many researchers formally name this period of human-dominance of natural systems as the Anthropocene era, but there is a heated debate over whether this naming should take place and when the period began.
In a co-authored paper published online in the journal Anthropocene, University of Illinois at Chicago paleontologist Roy Plotnick argues that the fossil record of mammals will provide a clear signal of the Anthropocene.

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Posted on December 19, 2019

By Bojangles’ and Love’s Travel Stops

More travelers throughout the Southeast and South Central regions of the U.S. can now enjoy the one-of-a-kind flavor of Bojangles’, the famous chicken and biscuits restaurant known for real deal Southern flavor. The national franchise development agreement includes 40 new Bojangles’ restaurants inside Love’s Travel Stops across four new states for the iconic brand.
The locations will be managed by a dedicated Bojangles’-trained Love’s team to ensure that Bojangles’ fans receive the familiar high-quality menu items they know and love. Through this new partnership, Bojangles’ will expand its footprint into four new states including Illinois, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Mississippi.

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Posted on December 18, 2019

Stuff These!

Last call! Get your orders in.
1. Chicago Photo Booth.

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Posted on December 15, 2019

Stuff These!

New shop just opened by our photo/craft guru Helene Smith.
A sampling of the wares:
1. Tower Bridge Shot Glass.
(ENLARGE)

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Posted on December 12, 2019

Stuff These!

Fine-crafted from the workbench of former Cub Factor columnist Marty Gangler. Order yours here. Choose from normal, laced or taped!
(ENLARGE)

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Posted on December 11, 2019

Stuff These!

A sample of goodies you can buy from Beachwood Photo Booth conductor Helene Smith. Click on the headlines to purchase a photo; click here for more Chicago photos and here for more Cubs/Wrigley photos.
1. The Band Plays On.
(ENLARGE)

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Posted on December 10, 2019

By J.J. Tindall

The first in a new, occasional series.
Despite our reputation as a conservative meme for murder and mayhem, tourism in Chicago is thriving. In 2018, the city welcomed 57.7 million visitors, up 2.4 million from 2017. Hotel occupancy rose 4.4 per cent to 11.8 million rooms, and a reader’s poll in the October Conde Nast Traveler named Chicago the “Best Big City” for tourists.
And architecture boat tours are consistently cited as among the most popular attractions here for visitors. The company I have led tours for since 2012 (I started giving tours downtown in 1986), Shoreline Sightseeing, and specifically the Architecture River Cruise, has, for the last two years, been named TripAdvisor’s “Most Popular Tour in the U.S. & 2nd Most Popular in the World after the Vatican.” When you come to Chicago, an architecture tour is de rigeur, like deep dish pizza, hot dogs and live blues.
But I believe if we are going to capitalize on and sustain this popularity, we need to do some serious myth-busting, or, at the very least, identify even with affection which popular stories are downright untrue or lacking credible documentary evidence. Call me a Spoil Sport if you will, but I think the truth is more interesting than the legend(s).

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Posted on December 9, 2019

By McDonald’s

Brand fans, rejoice!
Just in time for the holidays, McDonald’s® is launching Golden Arches Unlimited, an online shop full of merchandise specifically designed for the McDonald’s lover.
For the first time, U.S. customers can access fun and functional items year-round that aren’t available anywhere else.
The lineup includes a rotating seasonal selection, starting with our winter collection which includes a warm beanie, festive ornaments and fun holiday sweater.

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Posted on December 5, 2019

By Tim Willette

“This is my rifle! There are many other ones like it, but this one is mine! And it’s in my pants!”
*
“This is my rifle! There are many other ones like it, but this one is mine!”
“Hey, isn’t that my rifle?”
“Huh, I don’t really know. They all look the same to me.”

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Posted on November 29, 2019

By Monash University

Football fanatics now have an excuse to enjoy their meals in front of TV during Thanksgiving games instead of being pulled into formal, sit-down family dinners.
For decades, those meals were promoted as a one-size-fits-all solution to complex problems like childhood obesity, family breakdown and even depression.
But in a new study, Monash University researchers knocked back that old view and found that enjoying dinner time in front of the TV or in the car between activities can actually benefit families.

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Posted on November 25, 2019