By Jay’s Aviation & Plane Spotting

“Winds were gusty and strong all day both Thursday and Friday (out of the south-southwest at 20-25 steady with gusts to over 30 on Friday) and it took every bit of skill and concentration in me to get these, as steady as they are, as I do not film with a tripod. Filmed 3/13/14 & 3/14/14 with a Sony HX200V camera,” Jay’s Aviation says.
“Includes Air India, Lufthansa, All Nippon Airlines, Hainan Airlines, Iberia, Air France Cargo, American Airlines, United Airlines, numerous regional carriers, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Alaska Airlines, AeroMexico, US Airways, Virgin America, Cargolux, Lufthansa Cargo, Qatar Cargo, Qatar Airways, FedEx Cargo, Austrian, TACA, Royal Jordanian Airlines.”
Click through for descriptions of Jay’s highlights.

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Posted on March 17, 2014

By Helene Smith

Cut rate in Wicker Park.
(ENLARGE FOR PROPER VIEWING)

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Posted on March 14, 2014

Plus: The Orgasm Reuben

“Mimicry is an art from in processed foods, and the makers of Oreo cookies have outdone themselves with their latest attempt to jazz up their icon: the Cookie Dough Oreo,” the New York Times reports.
“The fun in dissecting this marvel of food engineering begins right on the front of the package, which sports pictures of real-looking cookie dough and chocolate chips, though neither is found inside.
“Instead, this newest version of the Oreo draws on a mix of extra sugar, precision chemistry and a marketing maneuver that industry insiders call ‘permission’ to evoke the mere impression of cookie dough.”
Permission not granted; we want the real thing.

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Posted on March 13, 2014

By Helene Smith

And rocked.
(ENLARGE FOR PROPER VIEWING)

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Posted on March 7, 2014

Plus: Idaho Was Here & We Had Wood

1. Unsatisfrying.
“Just on the heels of kids’ nutrition and obesity making headlines, Burger King is including Satisfries in kids meals,” Ad Age reports.
“The meals will now include Satisfries automatically, along with apple slices, choice of cheeseburger, hamburger, four-piece chicken nuggets or six-piece chicken nuggets and a choice of drink.”
The best part, though, is what Burger King executives are serving up.

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Posted on March 4, 2014

By Helene Smith

Wash and wear.
(ENLARGE FOR PROPER VIEWING)

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Posted on February 28, 2014

By The Forest Preserves of Cook County

After a cold and snowy winter, the Forest Preserves of Cook County are the perfect cure for cabin fever. In addition to daily programs at the Forest Preserves’ six Nature Centers; the spring season also includes a number of special events taking place in locations throughout the county. All events are family-friendly and free.
New this year, the Forest Preserves is offering a free Nature Express bus from Forest Preserve headquarters in River Forest (536 N. Harlem Ave.) to select programs in the preserves. Space on the bus is free, but must be reserved in advance by visiting www.fpdcc.com/natureexpress or calling 708-771-1189. Forest Preserve headquarters are easily accessible by the Green Line, CTA Harlem Bus #90 or PACE Bus #307 or #305. The Nature Express is funded by the Forest Preserve Foundation.

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Posted on February 26, 2014

The Quotable Comedic Buddhist

A tribute to his ouevre as actor, writer and director.
1. The North American Stethoscopy Institute.

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Posted on February 25, 2014

By J.J. Tindall

Rainbow Bridge
“I’ve never seen an ugly bridge.” – Marilyn Monroe
I’m fixing to bike my rainbow,
a pedestrian bridge across the Eisenhower Expressway,
a rainbow of concrete, asphalt and steel.
A man-made miracle – my favorite kind! –

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Posted on February 24, 2014

By Helene Smith

At night.
(ENLARGE)

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Posted on February 21, 2014