Videos

Naming my new characters, or James Bond was an ornithologistMargaret H. Laingon September 29, 2020 at 1:11 am

Margaret Serious

Naming my new characters, or James Bond was an ornithologist

Read More

Naming my new characters, or James Bond was an ornithologistMargaret H. Laingon September 29, 2020 at 1:11 am Read More »

Watch Berkowitz w/Judge O’Brien on how to stop shootings & homicides in Chicago & it’s suburbs: Tonight and tmw in Chicago on Cable Ch. 21; and on Web 24/7Jeff Berkowitzon September 29, 2020 at 1:15 am

Public Affairs with Jeff Berkowitz

Watch Berkowitz w/Judge O’Brien on how to stop shootings & homicides in Chicago & it’s suburbs: Tonight and tmw in Chicago on Cable Ch. 21; and on Web 24/7

Read More

Watch Berkowitz w/Judge O’Brien on how to stop shootings & homicides in Chicago & it’s suburbs: Tonight and tmw in Chicago on Cable Ch. 21; and on Web 24/7Jeff Berkowitzon September 29, 2020 at 1:15 am Read More »

Eartheater creates fey folk for lush and terrifying ritualsNoah Berlatskyon September 28, 2020 at 1:00 pm

As a genre designation, “folk music” can mean a wide variety of things, including early rural Americana, politicized revival strumming, and weird psychedelia. Alexandra Drewchin, who makes music as Eartheater, doesn’t really fit in any of those categories. Instead she approaches folk as chthonic, atavistic druid witchery, making gentle music for sacrificing goats–complete with buzzing electronic flourishes that crawl across the steaming flesh. To those familiar with Eartheater’s rituals, the new album Phoenix: Flames Are Dew Upon My Skin (PAN) won’t appear to break new sonic ground, though Drewchin shifts her focus a bit from electronic to acoustic sounds–for instance, she commissioned Spain’s Ensemble de Camara to provide chamber music backing. On songs such as “Goodbye Diamond,” “Diamond in the Bedrock,” and “Volcano,” she evokes geological imagery, revealing a new, more literal fascination with the “earth” in her name. Longtime collaborator Marilu Donovan of Brooklyn experimental duo Leya contributes lovely, ominous harp, and Drewchin’s voice swoops and dives with its usual chilling purity. While Eartheater isn’t entirely without precedent–the likes of Comus and Spires That in the Sunset Rise have also reveled in the dissonance of fey pagan lullabies–the odd lushness of her aesthetic and her consistent vision remain singular. It’s as if she’s channeling the music of a feral race of cyborg demigods waiting to be reborn. v

Read More

Eartheater creates fey folk for lush and terrifying ritualsNoah Berlatskyon September 28, 2020 at 1:00 pm Read More »

Exhalants transplant the sounds of New York and Chicago into their muscular Austin noise-rockLuca Cimarustion September 28, 2020 at 5:00 pm

On their self-titled debut full-length in 2018, Austin’s Exhalants sounded oddly like a Chicago band. Austin noise-rock has a very specific feel: whether we’re talking about the unhinged no wave of the Butthole Surfers, the loose-limbed pummeling of Cherubs, or the deadpan country-fried twang of Spray Paint, it always feels more slippery and acid-laced than similar music from other noise capitals. But Exhalants, with their aluminum-necked guitars and sturdy rhythms, came out of the gate with the wiry, relentless attack of Tar, the locked-in simplicity of Shellac, and moments of sad introspection a la Slint (surely an honorary Chicago band). On their new record, Atonement (Hex), the trio have swapped that classic midwestern vibe for an early-90s New York City feel. Exhalants sound bigger, meaner, more aggressive, and more muscular, and their newly streamlined structures, sludgy tones, and blown-out vocals give a huge tip of the hat to Helmet and Unsane. Noise-rock is strongest when it’s simplest and most direct, and Exhalants pull that off spectacularly. There’s no fluff, no fat, and no bullshit on Atonement–these songs are heavy, succinct, and crushing. No matter what city they were from, Exhalants would be one of the best noise-rock bands operating today. v

Read More

Exhalants transplant the sounds of New York and Chicago into their muscular Austin noise-rockLuca Cimarustion September 28, 2020 at 5:00 pm Read More »

The 5 Best Bed & Breakfast Spots in Chicago With Jacuzzi’s, Crackling Fires, & MoreAudrey Snyderon September 28, 2020 at 2:22 pm

For those traveling for work or to see family, it can be hard to make decisions about your accommodations. One corner of the hospitality industry that travelers may not always think of first is bed and breakfast— sure, there are home-sharing companies that have sprouted up in the last few years, but consider these luxurious, established properties right here where you can get a true bed & breakfast experience in Chicago.

Photo Credit: Benedictine BB

3111 S Aberdeen St, Chicago IL 60608

Advertisement

This bed and breakfast in Chicago’s Bridgeport neighborhood sits on the same property as the Monastery of the Holy Cross, so you can be sure you’ll get plenty of peace and quiet during your stay.

Bed & Breakfast Chicago
Photo Credit: House 5863

5863 N Glenwood Ave, Chicago IL 60660

Advertisement

This spot on the north side describes itself as being an “urban, hip place to stay” with a “contemporary comfort” style. Each of its 5 private rooms also has its own private bath, but in all other ways, each room is unique.

Bed & Breakfast Chicago
Photo Credit: Harvey House

107 S Scoville Ave, Oak Park IL 60302

Advertisement

With many more traditional touches, this this bed and breakfast option is only 3 blocks from the train in Oak Park, which you can take straight into downtown Chicago for sight-seeing. Book the Garden Suite to enjoy a crackling fire as you relax in the jacuzzi, or book the Oak Park Suite to recline on a leather couch as you appreciate the antique stained-glass window.

Bed & Breakfast Chicago
Photo Credit: Bishop Hall

605 Iowa St, Oak Park IL 60302

Advertisement

This Georgian-style mansion in Oak Park promises a hot breakfast, elegance, and an intriguing proximity to many Frank Lloyd Wright homes. In the morning, you can put on a robe, drink coffee with your hot breakfast, and smell your fresh flowers.

The Trial of the Chicago 7

Advertisement

‘The Trial of the Chicago 7’ is Coming to Netflix in a few weeks.

Looking for something new and exciting on TV? Coming October 16th, it’s ‘The Trial of the Chicago 7’

View the Trial of the Chicago 7

Advertisement

108 N May St, Chicago IL 60607

Housed in what was previously the Free Methodist Publishing House, this bed and breakfast spot in the West Loop of Chicago has been remade into an urban loft offering 11 unique rooms for guests. Enjoy wood floors, modern showers, and contemporary touches during your stay here.

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: TripAdvisor

 
Read More

The 5 Best Bed & Breakfast Spots in Chicago With Jacuzzi’s, Crackling Fires, & MoreAudrey Snyderon September 28, 2020 at 2:22 pm Read More »

Most Expensive Home in Chicago Currently on the MarketAlicia Likenon September 28, 2020 at 2:54 pm

It’s hard to believe most of us have been stuck in quarantine since March. Our living rooms have turned into makeshift offices and our roommates are now co-workers. And while #WFH has been nice, it’s fun to imagine what life would be like with an unlimited budget for an expensive house. So if you happen to win the lottery or find out you’re a heir to an insane fortune in the next few months, maybe you’ll consider purchasing the most expensive home in Chicago. Hey, crazier things have happened. Here’s a quick rundown of 1932 N. Burling Street.

Most Expensive Home Chicago
Photo Credit: Redfin

You’ll need 45 million dollars!

That clocks in at around $195,200 every month for a 30-year mortgage. Petty cash, right? Redfin describes the most expensive house in Chicago as an “unprecedented urban estate; 25,000 square foot masterpiece on Lincoln Park’s finest street.” Built in 2010, it’s located on not one, not seven, but eight city lots. This expensive home was originally listed at 50 million dollars in 2016 but has been on the market for 1,389 days (almost 4 years!). 

Advertisement

Most Expensive Home Chicago
Photo Credit: Redfin

Looking for space? You got it.

With six bedrooms and eleven bathrooms, a media room, a game room, study, and library, you’ll have enough room in this expensive home for friends, family, in-laws, Lori Lightfoot, Barack and Michelle Obama, and anyone else really! You’ll also want to consider hiring a cleaning crew because scrubbing eleven toilets sounds terrible. 

Best Pizza Places in Chicago
Photo Credit: Uno Instagram

View the Best Pizza Restaurants in Chicago, Ranked

Are you trying to find the best pizza places in Chicago to visit? View our list of the top 50 pizza restaurants in the city.

Advertisement

View the Best Pizza Places in Chicago

It’s all in the details!

Absolutely no expense was spared in crafting the most expensive home in Chicago. Redfin points out that the home is, “grand in every way, but not overwhelming, the design is perfect for large scale entertaining as well as intimate everyday living.” That includes a sprawling spiral staircase, stunning chandeliers, vaulted cathedral ceilings, skylights, a sauna/steam room, heated floors, and intricate details at every turn. 

Advertisement

Most Expensive Home Chicago
Photo Credit: Redfin

Sweet solitude in the big city!

If you love privacy and tranquility, this may be the perfect expensive house for you. Manicured grounds with multiple fountains, a reflecting pool, and hand-forged antique garden pavilion will have you questioning if you’re still in Chicago. 

Advertisement

Alright UrbanMatter readers, should we pool our money and buy this property? Drop a comment below and let us know you’re in! 

Advertisement

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

Advertisement

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

Featured Image Credit: Redfin

Advertisement

 

Read More

Most Expensive Home in Chicago Currently on the MarketAlicia Likenon September 28, 2020 at 2:54 pm Read More »

Chicago Bears: Starting to believe in playoff chances for 2020Vincent Pariseon September 28, 2020 at 10:00 am

ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 27: Russell Gage #83 of the Atlanta Falcons is hit hard by Buster Skrine #24 and Eddie Jackson #39 of the Chicago Bears during the second quarter of an NFL game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 27, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 27: Russell Gage #83 of the Atlanta Falcons is hit hard by Buster Skrine #24 and Eddie Jackson #39 of the Chicago Bears during the second quarter of an NFL game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 27, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

The Chicago Bears are undefeated after three weeks, so what are their playoff chances?

The Chicago Bears didn’t do it in a pretty fashion by any means, but they are undefeated after three weeks. They are 3-0 with three close wins that came down to the final minutes. A few plays going differently could easily have them at 0-3 but they have been on the right side of things every week so far. People can criticize them all they want for the way they are winning but they are winning nonetheless. Now, we can start to wonder if this team has a chance at the playoffs.

They made a big change in the middle of yesterday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons. Mitchell Trubisky was pretty bad in the first few quarters so Matt Nagy decided to put in Nick Foles. That seems to have changed everything for the Chicago Bears offense. They came all the way back to defeat the Falcons by a final score of 30-26.

If Foles is able to play like that for a good amount of the season, they will absolutely be a playoff team. If they do get into the playoffs, we have seen what he can do when it comes down to crunch time. This is going to be a big topic amongst the media going into week four.

In 2020, they are going to try out having seven teams from each conference so you have to like their chances now. You would think that a team around 8-8 or 9-7 will get in so getting five or six wins out of the next 13 games should get them in.

We might be getting ahead of ourselves despite the fact that the team is 3-0. It is fun to see them where they are but there is a long way to go. We can believe in their chances but they have to get a lot better. The Indianapolis Colts are next on the schedule so the Bears are hoping they can take care of them at home.

Related Story: Bears fans should learn about Kyle Trask

If they can go into week five’s big matchup with Tom Brady‘s Tampa Bay Buccaneers undefeated, that would certainly be a lot of fun to watch. One thing they still need to do is make sure that their defense continues to get back to what we know they can do. All Nick Foles (or Mitchell Trubisky) needs to do is be average and score some points for their defense to be effective. So far, this weird season has been a winning one and we need it to continue.

Load Comments

Read More

Chicago Bears: Starting to believe in playoff chances for 2020Vincent Pariseon September 28, 2020 at 10:00 am Read More »

Chicago Bears: Why Nick Foles should be the starter going forwardUsayd Koshulon September 28, 2020 at 11:00 am

Chicago Bears (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Chicago Bears (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

Why should Nick Foles be the starting quarterback for the Chicago Bears going forward?

If you watched the Chicago Bears on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons, it was once again, a tale of two halves. During the first half, with quarterback Mitchell Trubisky leading the way, the Bears looked demoralized while the offense looked stale. However, as soon as Nick Foles came in, Chicago would score 20 unanswered points and win their third straight game.

Here’s the deal, there’s a lot of different reasons Foles should start. His 20 point comeback and three touchdowns are just scratching the surface of reasons why he should remain the starter as the Bears get ready to host the Indianapolis Colts in week four.

When the camera pointed to the Bears sideline, Foles was seen talking to his teammates, being vocal, continuing to inspire them, letting them know that despite the fact that the Bears were down, the game wasn’t over until the fourth quarter ended.

Consistency has also been an issue for the Bears offense to start the season. As mentioned above, the offense once again played like a different unit when Trubisky and Foles were playing. Additionally, from the moment he stepped onto the field, Foles wasted no time slinging the ball and being aggressive, something that’s central to head coach Matt Nagy’s offense.

It’s also worth noting that Foles taking the field seemed to spark the defense as well. After he stepped on the field, the whole unit, led by Khalil Mack and Akiem Hicks, seemed to play like they were motivated to win the game.

So what’s the lesson to be learned from all this? Yes, the Bears are better on offense with Foles at the helm, however, looking at the way that the players responded, both on offense and defense, it’s clear that they seem to be standing behind Foles more than ever.

The stars align in Foles’ direction too. Look at the Bears next three games: Indianapolis Colts, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Carolina Panthers. With Foles starting, those are very winnable games. With Trubisky, what you’re dealing with is simple: You’re hoping that Trubisky is good enough to not lose the game.

If Nagy and the Bears are serious about making a deep run into the playoffs this year, the safe thing to do is start Foles. Many point to his fourth-quarter explosion as the main reason why. However, Foles being vocal, the defense being ignited by him taking over, and Nagy being able to execute his offense at a high level are all reasons he should continue to remain the starter.

Next: Chicago Bears: Get familiar with Florida QB Kyle Trask

The Trubisky era seems like it’s fully over. The Bears saw what Foles was capable of. Foles knows what he’s capable of doing when he’s playing at a high level, along with the rest of the offense. The players are going to rally behind Foles because that’s who the better quarterback was on Sunday afternoon.

Load Comments

Read More

Chicago Bears: Why Nick Foles should be the starter going forwardUsayd Koshulon September 28, 2020 at 11:00 am Read More »

Chicago Bears: 3 under-the-radar replacements for Tarik CohenRyan Heckmanon September 28, 2020 at 12:00 pm

Chicago Bears (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
Chicago Bears (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
Next1 of 4Prev post
Use your (arrows) to browse
Chicago Bears, Tarik Cohen

Chicago Bears (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

The Chicago Bears will have to go the rest of the way without running back Tarik Cohen.

What an emotional rollercoaster of a season so far. The Chicago Bears have given their fans just about every feeling in the book through just three weeks of the season, and this past Sunday was arguably the most emotional game yet.

The game against the Falcons had everything. Starting quarterback Mitchell Trubisky made some nice throws and one heck of a long run at one point, but after a costly interception, Matt Nagy decided to opt for Nick Foles instead.

The Bears were down multiple scores in the second half when Foles came into the game, and all he proceeded to do was throw for 188 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Bears to another miraculous victory.

Lost in the victory may have been the season for running back Tarik Cohen, though. On a punt return in which he signaled for a fair catch, Cohen was run into and his leg was folded up. The team’s worst fears look to be exactly what has happened, after all.

Cohen’s season could be done with what looked to be either a broken ankle or torn ACL. At first glance, it looked as though his ankle was broken. But, upon rewatching the play, it was pretty clear he grabbed his knee afterwards and the injury was likely to be an ACL.

With the Bears’ starting punt returner and gadget back out, they will have to fill the void somehow. They could decide to bring up Artavis Pierce from the practice squad and also use Cordarrelle Patterson in some creative ways, but Cohen’s loss still remains a tough one to bear.

With Cohen out, Chicago could look at options outside their own organizations. These three guys make a lot of sense.

Next: No. 1

Next1 of 4Prev post
Use your (arrows) to browse
Load Comments

Read More

Chicago Bears: 3 under-the-radar replacements for Tarik CohenRyan Heckmanon September 28, 2020 at 12:00 pm Read More »