By Ubisoft

Set in Chicago, where a central network of computers connects everyone and everything, Watch_Dogs explores the impact of technology within our society. Using the city as your weapon, you will embark on a personal mission to inflict your own brand of justice.
Chicago’s overarching network is known as the Central Operating System (ctOS), and it controls almost all of the city’s technology and information – including key data on all of the city’s residents.
You play as Aiden Pearce, a brilliant hacker and former thug, whose criminal past led to a violent family tragedy. While seeking justice for those events, you’ll monitor and hack those around you by manipulating the ctOS from the palm of your hand. You’ll access omnipresent security cameras, download personal information to locate a target, control traffic lights and public transportation to stop the enemy . . . and more.

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Posted on April 3, 2014

By The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association

Urging its residents to be car care aware and perform the service necessary to ensure their vehicles are operating in a safe, efficient and clean manner, Governor Pat Quinn has declared April as Car Care Month in Illinois.
“We want to thank Gov. Quinn for officially declaring April as Car Care Month in Illinois,” said Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council.
“Car Care Month provides a unique opportunity for the auto care industry and government to educate car owners on the importance of proper vehicle care. Motor vehicle safety continues to be a major focus for state legislatures and regulatory agencies across the country, so we commend Governor Quinn for making this important proclamation.”

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Posted on April 1, 2014

Another Beachwood Special Report

“Westfield is pleased to debut a never-before-seen video sneak peek of the New International Terminal 5 (T5) at Chicago O’Hare International Airport. The massive $26 million transformation by Westfield features more than 18 new premier dining and luxury retail shops – including 11 local Chicago brands – cutting-edge design, and world-class amenities.
“The New T5 showcases local airport firsts like modern Italian eatery Tocco, artisanal market Goddess & Grocer, and (5) concepts by Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, including Hub 51, Big Bowl, and Wow Bao; a new 10,000 SF European-style duty-free shop, a first of its kind in North America which all departing passengers pass through after clearing the new TSA checkpoint; and luxury boutiques like Salvatore Ferragamo and a luxury watch shop.”

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But that’s not all. The Beachwood has learned that Terminal 5 will also include these special features:

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Posted on March 31, 2014

By Helene Smith

Urban oasis.
(ENLARGE FOR PROPER VIEWING)

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Posted on March 28, 2014

By J.J. Tindall

FINGERPRINTS OF A DAYDREAM
I passed the ghosts
Of last year’s tulips
Turning back south
At the hospital power plant,
Walking an errand for supplies –
For survival –
Through the soft, fresh snow.

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Posted on March 26, 2014

And They May Be Right

“A new study from the University of Chicago says that nearly half of all Americans believe medical conspiracy theories,” RT reports.
“Researchers polled a bunch of people about whether or not they believed in six popular theories. 49% agreed with at least one. All the theories involve the US government doing terrible things to essentially kill people. Some in the MSM used the study to say people are nuts; The Resident thinks it says something else.”

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Posted on March 25, 2014

Plus: Wicked Food Witches & Protruding Potbelly’s

“A photo of the ‘Wicked Witch of the West’ appeared on the screen,” Jeff Gelski reports for Food Business News.
“‘That would be you,’ David Freeman said in a Westin Chicago River North hotel ballroom full of food scientists and food product developers.
“The food industry may follow a product development path to rid itself of this villain image, Mr. Freeman said March 20 at the Institute of Food Technologists’ Wellness 14. An article he wrote appeared last summer in The Atlantic and argued that solving the obesity issue will require food industry professionals to develop healthier products.”

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Posted on March 24, 2014

By Helene Smith

It’s a lie.
(ENLARGE FOR PROPER VIEWING)

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Posted on March 21, 2014

Gizmos And Gadgets

The annual International Home + Housewares Show wrapped up on Tuesday in Chicago. Let’s pretend we were there.
1. Gizmos And Gadgets.
“The IHHA is the world’s biggest marketplace where 2,000 exhibitors descend upon Chicago’s McCormick Center to showcase the latest product innovations in home-systems and housewares,” WISH-TV reports.
“The show, not open to the public, attracts U.S. and international media and over 20,000 buyers from 100 countries.”

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Posted on March 19, 2014

Goodbye To A Beacon

“A long-standing northern Illinois concession area built atop Interstate 90 has closed, but not before travelers and spectators made a final trip to visit the Des Plaines Oasis,” AP reports.
“The rest stop along the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway first opened in 1959 and was initially a destination point for people taking road trips to the suburbs. It’s being razed to make way for a $2 billion road-widening project. Its final day of operation was Sunday; workers shut its doors for good at 8 p.m.”
Des Plaines Oasis, you will be missed.
1. Ain’t No Oasis Like It . . .

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Posted on March 18, 2014