B News

Torcida: neuništiv!

2012-01-27T09:48:00.004-06:00

Gong Hei Fat Choi

2012-01-23T14:44:00.001-06:00

Bacci Sleeps With Fishes

2012-01-15T15:08:00.000-06:00

The Sunday funday bum nap.

Ward Re Map Public Hearing

2012-01-12T18:19:00.001-06:00

Progressive Baptist is the host for the public hearing that just began. The meeting is being run by Ald. Mell and the committee on rules. The map for a better chicago brings our ward all the way up to Madison on the north. This map is a gross mutation of the historical ward map. Here is a look at the three proposed maps that are on display at the meeting. There's two maps that are not represented that are also proposed.

If you have any video from the hearing please send it to bridgeportnews@gmail.com

WBEZ has a great interactive map Page

Do Not Break Out The Patio Furniture

2012-01-11T23:26:00.005-06:00

The first big snow storm is on the way meaning the plastic Ace Hardware chair, milk crate, and recliners may be in the street. However, this B staffer is a not a fan of this practice and hopes everyone does their job and former spots are open to all.

Baby Kotarac!

2012-01-10T21:48:00.000-06:00

All welcome a new addition to the B! News staff:

Lucas Joseph Kotarac

Born January 3rd, 2012 at 07:50 am

Weighing 7.77 lbs and 19.75 inches

Zebra's Grand Opening

2012-01-10T17:00:00.000-06:00

ZEBRA'S GOURMET HOT DOGS
3551 S. Halsted

Chicago Il

773 940-1426

Zebras is serving 1/4th pound Nathans dogs with a whole bunch of interesting toppings. Zebras offers hand cut fries or corn fritters with all of their dogs. Stop by and welcome them to the neighborhood.

Chef Receiving Rave Reviews

2012-01-10T16:18:00.002-06:00

Chef AJ on 35th St is rocking the popular Bridgeport lunch scene with his reasonably priced delicious assortment of sandwiches. Diners, myself included, recommend the pulled pork sandwich & the burger. Fellow Bridgeporters have also complimented the daily specials which challenge the basic beef/sausage/steak dynamic popular in these parts.

748 W 35th St

Chicago, IL 60616
Neighborhood: Bridgeport

(773) 523-4000
(no website)

Cobblestone Out Cobbler In!

2012-01-08T16:31:00.002-06:00

Word is a shoe repair is coming to 31st.

B! New Eats Coming to the 33

2012-01-07T12:36:00.001-06:00

Many have missed the old sneak eat on 33rd for a chicken or steak wrap.

B! Tech

2012-01-06T23:20:00.006-06:00

Anyone who lives in Armour Square and Bridgeport near The Cell know how frustrating it can be to use their wireless device...some companies are good, some not so. B News has learned that one wireless provider, AT&T, is installing what is called a Distributed Antennae System (DAS) in high traffic areas of the city and US Cellular Field is on that list. AT&T works together with CDOT to get DAS implemented with minimal costs and street closures. Part of the DAS was installed last autumn near The Cell and more will be completed throughout 2012.

B! Smash 'Em Up

2012-01-01T17:27:00.004-06:00

Bridgeport locals circa 1976 gather in Old Comiskey Park's parking lot to host the 1st (and last) annual Demolition Derby. The event was organized by the late Billy Lazaro to cap off an annual softball game held at Armour Park. The Derby would become known as the "10 Inning Spectacular & Shootout" Red Gang members from the predominantly Italian 26th Street side of Bridgeport battled it out against their Irish rivals from 33th Street with their junk automobiles.

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T11:43:00.000-06:00

The Sodfather Returns

2011-12-30T21:20:00.001-06:00

Chicago Reader Loves 31st Street Pies

2011-12-29T10:48:00.001-06:00

From today's reader.....Art Jackson could stuff his savory English-style royal pies with victims of the Demon Barber of 31st Street and I wouldn't care. That's because the buttery crusts have a flaky, shattery exterior that yields to a thin, delicate doughy chew. This long-awaited pie shop from the former Bijan's Bistro chef, his wife, Chelsea, and brother-in-law Morgan, kills all the cliches of this humble British grub, from the chicken balti, its surface dusted with black nigella seeds and its interior braised in light curry and wine, to the almost meaty kale and mushroom pie loaded with creamy, cheesy greens and assorted fungi. Apart from these exclusively butter-based crusts Jackson plans to incorporate duck, goose, and pork fat into crusts for occasional specials. Friday-night fish fries, chips (the British kind), house-made sodas, and desserts from Chelsea fill out the relatively limited menu, all supplied by the bakery's own city garden plots. And don't skip the Scotch egg, a miraculously fluffy hard-boiled yolk and tender white enrobed in a batter-fried pork sausage jacket. —Mike Sula » 964 W. 35th, 773-523-7437, thepleasanthouse.com.

B! Forget the Fiji

2011-12-27T17:32:00.002-06:00

Meteor Fuel is said to be hitting the local stores in the coming weeks.

Remap Discussion Continues

2011-12-26T18:39:00.002-06:00

The Chicago journal updates us on latest round of aldermanic brinksmanship concerning the remap proposal debate at City Hall.

Grilling The Bird

2011-12-26T17:50:00.006-06:00

What happens to all those birds the 11th ward gifts to their neighbors on the holidays? This tasty bird ended up spending a few hours on the grill of a Bport expat in Beverly for a big family Christmas dinner.......tasty!

Merry Christmas From the B! News (Jingle Bells!)

2011-12-21T19:47:00.000-06:00

Plugged Pulled on Pershing

2011-12-19T18:55:00.000-06:00

Cobblestones set to close in early January 2012.

Saint Xavier Wins It All

2011-12-18T11:45:00.002-06:00

Nice job by old 57 who was in the middle of everything. Unconfirmed reports also have him signing autographs at Punky's and Gio's this week with proceeds going to his cousin's charity "Beers not Bullets."

Grinch Ditches the Party

2011-12-17T17:55:00.004-06:00

Bettors wagering heavily on the whether the Bport Grinch "seeds" would attend the party.

Christmas Party A Success

2011-12-17T17:51:00.005-06:00

s
Bnews faithful gathered at Cork & Kerry for the annual Cristmas Party last night. Early reports indicate the party was a success although a few partygoers are still thought to be MIA.

B Sports! When In Rome

2011-12-14T15:39:00.005-06:00

A local boy is going for the national title this week and you can catch the game on CBS sports network this Saturday. Word is the title will help him pass his aunt's bobblehead doll as the family's most cherished prize.

Bnews Christmas Party

2011-12-13T20:42:00.000-06:00

Come join us for 2011 Bnews Christmas Party at Cork & Kerry Friday December 16 at 8 p.m. Expect good times with a 4 hour drink package that includes appetizers for a measly $34. Longtime pub quiz goers are encouraged to attend as we look to keep this yearly tradition going while our quizmaster takes a one year siesta.

Pulled Pork Stand

2011-12-13T20:37:00.002-06:00

With O'Malley's closing for the summer B readers only have to stroll a few blocks farther west to find a warm sandwich. Chef AJ's is now open next to the old Taco's Erendiera spot and serves up a nice selection of pork sandwiches alongside the standard neighborhood food stand fare. Give him a try!

35th Street Molotov Bomber Arrested

2011-12-09T20:57:00.001-06:00

Hurling a Molotov cocktail bomb through a window is not a common practice anymore. So when the Bnews heard that a rowdy from the west side of Halsted perpetrated this gasoline bomb attack we suspected the arsonist to be a Russian hating Lithuanian angry with Putin's imperial designs on his native soil only to find our suspect to be a disgruntled man named Sanchez.

B Waterways

2011-12-08T19:42:00.004-06:00

Prominent architect Jeanne Gang, who's Aqua building graces Chicago's skyline, has a new plan for Chicago's often troubled river that prominently features Bridgeport. Check out the plan and go purchase some land along the river while the prices are reasonable.

Remap Battle Underway

2011-12-08T19:28:00.002-06:00

Looks like Bridgeport is caught in a battle between Chicago's increasing Hispanic community and its declling African American community. Here's the latest on this political battle.

31st Exit Gets New Advertising

2011-12-06T23:50:00.002-06:00

The Peter Pan Bus to Horseshoe Casino and Cleft Palate ads have been removed from the Wentworth Avenue strip.

Local Enigma II

2011-12-05T16:39:00.001-06:00

B! News Social

But You Find Time For Lunch, Which Is Great, Edition

A rare interview with Bridgeport's most famous practitioner of neighborhood law. No word yet on where the good counselor lunches these days.

Happy Birthday JPD

2011-12-05T14:59:00.001-06:00

Commissioner John P. Daley

Wishing you another great year, and thanking you for your service to our community.

B! Holiday Spotted

2011-12-04T22:03:00.001-06:00

A holiday cup of Joe.

Bad Boy Returns To The Ring

2011-11-30T18:22:00.002-06:00

Longtime Bport pugilist Johnny "Bad Boy" Lewus made a victorious return to the ring this past weekend in an Elk Grove Village bout sponsored by Bobby Hitz. Lewus, whose past includes drug addiction battles and a run in with the fire hydrant on 26th street, won a unanimous decision. The B hopes Lewus can continue his success inside and outside the ring.

Local Enigma

2011-11-29T21:45:00.006-06:00

Conrad O Dunker could have been a character on Seinfeld. He's a mystery to many of the neighborhood's residents spotted rarely and when spotted often dressed in strange garb. His office windows are shrouded by wild greens and sun spotted blinds. Rarely is any type of human interaction occuring on his corner. Yet, his business has anchored the corner of 31rst and Princeton for decades and stories of his legal work have been told by neighborhood elders. This being said it came as no surprise to us to find Mr. Dunker's office undergoing a window replacement project under the cover of darkness. Of course it would be in the dark that he would undertake such a project. With the greens parted and his cover temporarily lifted the Bnews was able to discover another part of the Dunker mystery: his love of furbies.

B! Holiday Party

2011-11-26T10:39:00.003-06:00

When: December 16 at 8 p.m.
Where: Cork and Kerry Armour Square
Why: Good times

B! Holiday Welcome Back

2011-11-26T10:37:00.002-06:00

These young cats came back to the hood for the holidays.

B! Turkey Bowl

2011-11-24T11:56:00.002-06:00

Kudos to the brave playing touch football at Armour Square. Three separate age group games but old timers get field with out the old garbage can touchdown markers.

B! Grandstand Open To Rivalry

2011-11-21T23:39:00.002-06:00

Nice little history on Grandstand with early roots in Chicago Ridge.

B! Safety on Streets

2011-11-20T21:49:00.004-06:00

The missing stop sign on 30th Princeton has not caused any chaos, but you never know what can happen when our neighbors from the Pacific get behind the wheel.

B! State of the Sox

2011-11-16T21:33:00.002-06:00

It appears that good old 56 will be leaving us and we believe he will be pitching in the National League.
At least two of Danks, Floyd, and Quentin will be traded.
Kenny Williams thinks DeAza is good enough to lead off. We agree if it were a McGuane pony league team.
Expect more activity in a few weeks at the Major League Baseball Winter Meetings.

B! Holiday Shopping

2011-11-16T21:24:00.002-06:00

The new store on 35th and Wells also will be selling gear for every Chicago sports team, and hopes to be opening before Christmas.

B! Street Candy

2011-11-14T13:27:00.001-06:00

The cotton candy man has been cleaning up working the after school circuit in the neighborhood, word is he may be a plant from various dentist in the neighborhood.

B! Arrest Has Been Made

2011-11-11T12:08:00.002-06:00

Kudos to the 9th district and detectives for swift arrest.

League MVP Finally Honored

2011-11-11T12:06:00.001-06:00

Twenty years later the league most dominant player is finally awarded with stolen trophy. No word on missing soccer ball from 1994.

Boring Theortical Party Debuts Red Ale

2011-11-10T11:20:00.001-06:00

The CHAIRMAN Imperial Red Ale 9.8%abv

11.11.11

Lumpen Magazine has been spreading lefty propaganda for over two decades now, and to celebrate EDMAR is releasing a limited edition "Red" Ale via Half Acre this Friday night. B News was privileged enough to get a bottle or two ahead of the release, and we have to say the beer is really great. It's uncharacteristically smooth for a red ale with such high alcohol content. The CHAIRMAN is sure to inspire the masses to rise up and talk politely about their theories. This beer is a sleeper much like Great Lakes Christmas Ale which is known for sneaking up on people, and taking them to strange places of merriment. The CHAIRMAN will surely do the same at Maria's Packaged Goods & Community Bar while supplies last.

B Fashion

2011-11-09T21:01:00.002-06:00

B readers may want to follow in the fashion footsteps of these 2 famous politicos and ladykillers by purchasing a Ushanka for what many predict to be a chilly winter.

Ald Balcer Speaks at City Club

2011-11-07T22:03:00.002-06:00

The 11th ward alderman diplomatically handled a tough question from the crowd questioning whether he preferred Shinnicks or Shallers?

BP Amaco Boycott

2011-11-06T09:56:00.005-06:00

The following ad posted on CTA buses should lead all Whitesox fans to boycott the gasoline chain.

"The perfect day at wrigley field, a cool breeze off the lake, warm sun in your face and a walkoff homer to beat the sox"
-Kenny M

Red Line Rehab

2011-11-03T21:20:00.001-05:00

B! News Transportation
'Bout Time Edition

The Governor and Mayor were in the neighborhood today to announce a $1 billion reconstruction of the Red Line, with the rehab of the line between 18th and 95th Streets taking up most of the funding in the announcement.

The announcement is welcome relief for commuters in Bridgeport who have had to struggle with the slow crawl from Chinatown to the Sox-35th Street stop. Curious to see the announcement had plenty of elected officials, but not any who call Bridgeport home.

B! Open for Business

2011-11-01T12:58:00.001-05:00

Return of the double sausage causes traffic jam on Union Avenue.

Local Men BBQ to Keep Bridgeport Safe

2011-10-31T19:59:00.004-05:00

Grab some Italian sausage and join these grill guys to help keep gangbangers off our streets.

B! Monday Night Raw

2011-10-31T11:43:00.002-05:00

Tonight in a historic Halloween grudge match Smiles and "The Hammer" Valentine take on the Megapowers led by "Macho Man" Narducci and Hollywood Hogan of Mitchell's Tap.

Neighbors hold rally after woman found murdered

2011-10-25T15:26:00.000-05:00

Neighbors hold rally after woman found murdered

Good News For Local Canoers

2011-10-12T22:00:00.003-05:00

A friend and Bridgeport neighbor has his sights set on addressing local water issues. Let's get those waterways clean!

Where's Jerry?

2011-10-12T16:01:00.003-05:00

In the wake of yesterday’s outrageous admission by White Sox General Manager Kenny Williams that he considered hiring Paul Konerko to be the team's player/manager many Sox fans, including this blog, are questioning the competency of the team’s leadership.
Yesterday’s statement, combined with the disappointing hiring of Robin Venture earlier in the week and a terrible 2011 season on the field have left us all looking for a reason to continue supporting a team destined to irrelevance in the near term. Historically, it’s been Sox Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf whose been the man to turn the tide when the team is at it lowest point.
The powerful White Sox owner is known as a steady hand at the helm of the team. Forward looking, shrewd and patient it’s been Reinsdorf who’s set the White Sox up to become an annual contender in the Central Division. His conservative financial management over the team’s early years had allowed the Sox to grow as a whole organization from bottom to top and allowed them the payroll flexibility to add key players during high times.
Unfortunately, Reinsdorf’s influence seems to have been ceded to GM Kenny Williams in recent years. Under William’s leadership the Sox seem to have lost their way financially, burdened by the heavy long term contracts doled out to older players. Meanwhile, the team’s farm system is in a state of disarray with its former directors charged with federal crimes and the cupboard barren of major league prospects.
It seems unthinkable that this situation would occur under the leadership of a man powerful enough to a have a baseball commissioner removed and stadium built at taxpayers expense, and begs us to ask what has become of Jerry Reinsdorf?

BooYow At The Roxy

2011-10-10T13:14:00.003-05:00

The boys put on fancy slacks and hit the town to celebrate a six post month.

South Side Shocker

2011-10-06T18:20:00.002-05:00

Early reaction to the Ventura hire by Bnews readers:

-WTF
-Why
-Cheap ass owner
-What's next Frank Thomas as hitting coach
-Too bad Ivan Calderon is dead he could have been the hitting coach
-Dan Pasqua must have been busy
-Out of leftfield
-Some highschool teams have a better coaching staff

Parking Standoff Engulfing Bridgeport

2011-10-06T15:53:00.001-05:00

Recent actions by employees of the Dept. of Revenue have Bridgeport car owners seething mad and rightly so. This week alone we’ve heard stories of heated altercations occurring with ticket writers from Wells St. to Union Ave. One reader became so incensed that he threatened to rattle the ribs of a revenue employee who wrongly charged him with an infraction. In another incident a well known Bport hoopster informed a ticket writer that he would be slugged if he attempted to place the despised orange envelope on his windshield.

Just this morning the Bnews witnessed 6 cars receiving tickets on a block in which no street cleaning signs were featured. When the ticket writer was informed of this she told us to “mind our own business” and that there was a “sign down the block” The nearest sign was 1.5 blocks away. All told we counted 44 cars ticketed this morning in a nine block stretch of the neighborhood.

Hopefully, the Dept of Revenue gets wind of these rouge employees before this situation ends up landing someone in the hospital/jail.

2011-10-06T07:37:00.003-05:00

This blurb from wwtd.com sums it up pretty well...except for the last part. I like my family.

Fuck. This blows. I know there will be some douchy nerds out there too cool to admit how great Apple is, but they can go fuck themselves. Apple products are better then every other similar product by a million miles. Apple is awesome. I feel like someone in my family just died, except this is way worse because my family isn’t all that great.

RIP Steve

Presidential Politics At Turtles

2011-10-04T17:08:00.002-05:00

“I’ll give you 5-1 odds Obama doesn’t win the 11th ward next election”----overheard at Turtles this weekend.

If you happen to run into a guy offering you a line like this give us a call. While Pres. Obama is certainly going to struggle with his re-election previous election results tell us there is no precedent for a Democrat to lose the 11th ward let alone one who is the currently the sitting President of the United States. Let’s take a look at the numbers from both sides of this debate.

Presidential detractors will tell you Pres. Obama was not the favorite candidate of local Dem voters last election. Considered too liberal by many to represent a ward that is moderately Democratic and consistently elects the legendary blue-dog Lipinski family to represent them in Congress, Obama lost decisively to Hillary Clinton in the 2008 democratic primary 54% to 41%. Taken in concert with local demographics detractors see what looks like an opportunity for an upset. That could have been possible if Pres. Obama was challenged in another tough primary election but in a general election the numbers just don’t add up.

Over the course of the last 3 presidential general elections Democratic candidates have dominated their GOP rivals in the 11th ward. Obama won 71% of the vote to McCain’s 27% in 2008. In 2004 Sen. John Kerry defeated President Bush by a comfortable 70% to 29%. In the disputed 2000 election that left the nation politically polarized Vice President Al Gore clobbered then Gov. George Bush 76% to 20%. These numbers tell us that the 11th ward has consistently supported the Democratic candidate in presidential elections.

What is also striking is the consistency of the turnout numbers. In 2008, 17,177 voters cast a ballot, in 2004 17,176 votes were cast and in 2000, 17,433 votes were cast. With such consistency in turnout and with the number of registered democratic primary voters ranging at about 10,000 last election you’ll be hard pressed to find any way Pres. Obama doesn’t come through with a victory in the 11th ward.

The question really should be will Pres. Obama break 60% in the ward and if he doesn’t is he toast? With the economy in the gutter, unemployment too high and a general sense of disillusionment hanging over the country Pres. Obama is in trouble. The left is disappointed in his movement toward the political center and the right, far right and farther right are just plain intractable. The President inherited a country with gigantic problems and is steering a course toward recovery that will not happen overnight. Unfortunately, most Yankees are not blessed with the foresight and patience of our rivals from the Far East who think in years rather than days. Instead, political discussion for both parties is a battle for 10 second news clips with very little of substance actually being accomplished.

Locally, what is surprising is that by moving to the political center Pres. Obama is actually more in tune with 11th ward democrats than he was during his last campaign and early period in office. He’s applied critical thought to the nation’s problems and a workmanlike approach to implementing solutions that will help the country recover stronger than it entered this period of decline. This election will be a “titanic struggle” if the GOP does select a worthy candidate to square off with Pres. Obama but there is evidence in the past that the Democrat can prevail in a tough contest. In 1992, a young Gov. Clinton from Arkansas was able to defeat the sitting Republican Pres. George H.W. Bush to win the U.S. Presidency. In that election Gov. Clinton won the 11th ward 60.1% to 24.9% with Ross Perot picking up
14%.

While there is no certainty about who will be the next president it’s a good bet to take the 5-1 odds that Pres. Obama wins the 11th ward if you happen to see that guy from Turtles.

Out with the Old

2011-10-04T15:09:00.001-05:00

Halsted failed BBQ experiment is next door to a brand new Deli. From the looks over the brown paper (no permits in sight) it's a clean looking joint ala vitos, Bari, and Grazianos.

First Good Move For 2012

2011-09-30T16:58:00.003-05:00

The contract includes three guaranteed years (including his first two years of arbitration) and club options from 2015-2017. He’ll make $1 million next season, $2.75 million in 2013 and $3.75 million in 2014. Meanwhile, the team options include $6 million for 2015, $8 million for 2016 an $8.75 million for 2017.

Fixing the Pale Hose

2011-09-29T16:56:00.003-05:00

With the season coming to an end and the winter meetings two months away the B will toss out an idea on how to fix the White Sox. The trading of Peavy, Rios or Dunn will not happen, but the Sox may have some options. First, the payroll is close to 104 million without resigning Buehrle, and going to arbitration with Danks and Quentin.

B proposed moves:

Mark Buehrle welcome to the Cardinals. He is everything you need in a starter, but in the playoffs he is a number three and we can’t afford him because of the other 3 albatross contracts.

Carlos Quentin is traded for prospects opening up right field for Viciedo.

Jon Danks needs to be resigned to a deal of 3 years in 30 to 34 million range.

Trade the AJ Pierzynski to a team he would waive his no trade clause for. First, A.J. is getting older. Second, although not entirely at fault the turnstile that is first base is getting annoying. Third, Tyler Flowers hits for more power, costs less and neither guys really does anything special when it comes to walks and on base percentage. Why spend 6 million on a catcher who fields average, hits for no power and never walks?

Decline Jason Frasor’s 3.75 million option for upcoming year. Thank Kenny for trading Edwin Jackson to wrong team and not getting Colby Rasmus. On that stance besides Contreras have we ever made a god trade deadline deal in last 10 years?

Trade Matt Thornton to the highest bidder. Thornton is set to make at least 12 million over the last two years and looks to be on the down arc of his career. A player like Thornton can possible bag us a quality 3B (maybe Scott Rolen from Cincy w/ one year on deal left on his contract) or a quality LF who hits for power.

Trade Gordon Beckham when he still has some value and sign Brandon Phillips.

Last season the B suggested getting Victor Martinez and trading for Aramis Ramirez.

However, we went with Adam Dunn and Brent Morel. The way to win the AL Central has been a solid infield defense, at least 200 home runs and 720 runs. The White Sox won the two division titles with a combination of Crede, Uribe and Iguchi (53 homers), Uribe /Crede, Cabrera, and Alexi (46 homers) and last year we had 35 (9 of which came in last 10 days).

B likes a combination of Alexi Ramirez, Brandon Phillips and Scott Rolen. Now all we need is a left hand hitting left fielder. Throw some bucks at either Ric Ankiel, David DeJesus or Coco Crisp.

B Approved Next Manager

2011-09-27T00:36:00.004-05:00

The B has listed the five candidates they will support to take the helm.

1. Dave Martinez
2. David Gus Bell
3. Tony LaRussa
4. Joe McEwing
5. Sandy Alomar Jr.

The smart money says Sox stay in house and cheap with Bell. LaRussa stays in Saint Louis when Albert resigns. However, the B would prefer a combination of Davey Martinez and Alomar Jr. as bench coach to take over on 35th. The B would also like McEwing on the staff of whoever is named coach along with Coop as pitching coach.

Bnews Bike Trip To Milwaukee A Success

2011-09-26T16:55:00.005-05:00

The Bnews is happy to report all the participants to the B-ride have returned home safely from their journey. The riders battled rain, a 10mph headwind and some rugged unpaved trails in their 90 mile trek to Milwaukee. The 11hr ride included an early wipe out by Capps, some beautiful views in the wealthy north shore suburbs and the company of some friendly bikers. Lefty Ferro and Chitown Cowboy did an excellent job of leading the peloton throughout the journey and ensuring arrival before darkness set in Milwaukee. The riders celebrated their biking feat in the Water St. saloons of Milwaukee.

Bike Trip To Milwaukee

2011-09-26T16:52:00.005-05:00

Bike Trip To Milwaukee

2011-09-26T16:52:00.001-05:00

The final chapter of the trip involved a struggle to meet Amtrak's ridiculous bike policy guidlines. A crescent wrench and some allen keys helped us squeeze our bikes into some snug boxes just in time to catch the train full of Packers fans back to Chicago. Menawhile Capp's used the downtime to work on finding a date for the Sunday night NFL game

First stop highland park

2011-09-26T16:38:00.001-05:00

Bathroom break in women's restroom

2011-09-26T16:38:00.000-05:00

Flat tire also known as smoke break

2011-09-26T16:36:00.000-05:00

Kenosha man joins the conversation

2011-09-26T16:35:00.000-05:00

Kenosha man likes Mila Kunis & the Whitesox

2011-09-26T16:33:00.000-05:00

Woodchip Setback

2011-09-26T16:32:00.000-05:00

Capps's calls for momentum!

Outskirts of Milwaukee

2011-09-26T16:30:00.000-05:00

The End Of An Era?

2011-09-26T13:24:00.001-05:00

B has learned that the doors have come off the favorite late night hangout of the staff and many readers, if true will the annual Halloween send off be in the works is yet to be determined.

Bridgeport to Milwaukee 2011

2011-09-24T09:23:00.002-05:00

B! News Social
Long Ride Edition

The fearless crew is riding through the North Shore at this hour. We wish them well and remind them that a certain Republican Senator spent last week trying to eliminate all federal funding for bike and pedestrian trails.

Sox Season = Lemon

2011-09-18T08:34:00.001-05:00

Larry Merchant Honorary Bridgeporter

2011-09-18T08:31:00.001-05:00

Larry Merchant has always been known as a cool fella in these parts so yesterday's exchange with Floyd Mayweather should come as no surprise

Olympic Games @ Armour Tomorrow

2011-09-16T17:31:00.001-05:00

Here is the link for all the free fun across from the cell.

Viewing Party @ NANA

2011-09-16T10:31:00.000-05:00

Monday, September 26

The Solis Family and Chef Guy Meikle host a viewing party to air the premiere
“Getting Fresh” episode of the Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” featuring Food Network star Guy Fieri and the Nana team!

The free party includes coverage on a jumbo screens with sound, complimentary canapés, the release of the fall cocktail menu, and featured wines and spirits from our partner-vendor Winebow.
Click here for more information.

8-10 p.m.
RSVP required (click here to RSVP)
Complimentary canapés and cash bar from 8-10 p.m.
The regular menus will be on offer from 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

Real Estate Update

2011-09-13T20:52:00.003-05:00

For those readers in the market for a local dwelling place Chicago Magazine's October Issue has these numbers: (July 1, 2010 to July 1, 2011)
Avg sale price of Detached Housing:
Armour Square: $342,450 (avg days on market: 5)
Bridgeport: $294,372 (avg days on market: 93)
Avg sale price Townhouse, Condo:
Armour Square: $249,950 N/A
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Local Happenings

2011-09-13T19:28:00.004-05:00

Some of our smart neighbors at IIT debate whether the Sears Tower would have held up better that the WTC if hit by a plane in the style of 9/11.

Meanwhile, the Italian food loving critic for the Chicago Bad-Times has apparently been shown the door. Bruno's reviews are often spotted hanging on the walls of some of our finer local dining joints. Hopefully Bruno finds a more worthy home.

B Early Vote for Hall

2011-09-08T19:36:00.000-05:00

Play-by-play announcers Pat Hughes, Hawk Harrelson and Ed Farmer, and color analysts Steve Stone and the late Ron Santo are among the 75 candidates for the 2012 Ford C. Frick Award, given for excellence in baseball broadcasting.

Fans can cast votes at the Hall of Fame’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/baseballhall through Sept. 30. Results from the fan voting will be announced on Oct. 5. The Hall of Fame staff will determine seven candidates to comprise the final ballot, along with the three nominated by fan votes, for the 2012 Frick Award. The winner will be announced Dec. 6 at baseball’s winter meetings.

Copyright © 2011, Chicago Tribune

B Adventure: Official Date Set

2011-09-08T17:08:00.003-05:00

B Adventure Squad

Bnews readers are well known for their sense of adventure so the following challenge should produce enjoyment for all involved. B cyclists are set to bike from Bport to Milwaukee (90 miles). We'll leave Bport Saturday morning September 24th. We'll be staying overnight in Milwaukee and then returning the next day via Metra train (bike friendly). We're looking at about $50 for lodging and about $20 for the train ride back. All are invited to attend. Contact the Bnews if you're interested.

Advertising Wars

2011-09-07T15:53:00.002-05:00

Sarpino's has pulled ahead of Lalo's Towing in filling the curbs with debris.

B Sports Trivia Insider

2011-09-07T15:49:00.002-05:00

What role did this new Bears grandfather play in The Godfather?

Bad News Down South

2011-09-05T22:38:00.001-05:00

A favorite to many had some fire damage this past weekend.

Fantasy Draft Weekend

2011-09-05T12:13:00.001-05:00

Speculation out of D.C. has Bnews Social Editor T.K. drafting the 49ers Jim Harbaugh as his QB with his first pick.

Vivo Works the Phone

2011-09-05T11:51:00.003-05:00

B tech editor using the old Sony headset to secure funds.

New Site For Garage Sale Market

2011-09-04T20:04:00.003-05:00

A new site has been passing out flyers around the hood talking of sales and cheap tacos.

We do like the contact number for the home office of 312-841-PORT (7678).

Hawk Should Take A Walk

2011-08-31T16:07:00.003-05:00

“Just sit back, relax, and strap it down” as the Bnews makes the unpopular case for the dismissal of Hawk Harrelson at this season’s end. The “good guys,” as you know, are struggling through another exasperating season that is likely “ovah” unless they “cinch it up and hunker down” in their upcoming series with the Tigers. This unlikely “stretch” would probably save Kenny’s neck, line Ozzie’s bank account with “crooked numbers” and allow our loyalist owner to extend the reign of Hawk and “Stone Pony” in the booth.

Unfortunately, the situation with Hawk has become unbearable. Sox fans have had to “suck it up” and deal with another season of vague catchphrases and outdated anecdotes by the Hawk. Like “bad guys” in a jail cell, Sox fans have been forced to endure Hawk’s emotional up’s and down’s while he divulges very little baseball information in return. Hawk’s recent lackluster run in the “catbird seat” includes constant updates about a Tigers team playing 3 states away and whom the Sox still trail by 5 games.

We can hear the sighs already. “Mercy” who will replace Hawk? There are no “ducks on the pond.” The “double barreled” activity of Big Frank and Blackjack is just as bad as Hawk! We agree that none of these guys should be “on the bump tomorrow” and that hiring a local would be “the right size but wrong shape.” Instead we suggest that “our guys” “get on back there” and hire a top flight baseball announcer to pair with “Stone Pony."

Sadly, it’s time for Chairman Reinsdorf to “pull the string” on the Hawk and force him to “grab some bench.” “Thank you very much” Hawk for your service.

The Strength of the Wolf is in the Pack!

2011-08-23T11:11:00.001-05:00

Friday, August 26
Fornelli '51 Alumni Lounge
1019 S. May Street

The party will begin at 5:00 p.m. with food and a shuttle bus to and from the game. Tickets are $25 and include food, drink, your admission to the game, and a donation to Saint Ignatius College Prep. There will be parking available in the lot behind Holy Family. Log on to www.ignatiusalumni.org, click on "Event Registration" and register today!

The event is being chaired by Brian and Jessie Walsh '01, who invite more alums to join them. CLICK HERE to read the full press release.

The Pre-Season Prep Bowl Kick-off Classic Committee with the cooperation of Soldier Field and the Chicago Park District will present this football extravaganza on Friday, August 26 at Soldier Field. This year’s contests will include Chicago Catholic League White Conference runner up, Saint Ignatius will meet Chicago Public League state qualifier Whitney Young in the final contest of the day at 8:00 p.m. Contact Pat McGovern in the Athletics Department at (312) 432-8421 to purchase tickets to the game.

We hope to see you there!
Go Wolfpack!

Polo Nut Trucking Through Another Decade

2011-08-23T11:07:00.000-05:00

Tribune Piece about Daves evolution and changing culinary face of our neighborhood.

Check it out, and then go over there for the "Eggs Benedicto XVI"

B Architecture

2011-08-21T14:05:00.005-05:00

A recent IIT grad has some plans for the Bport riverfront that include the fabulous idea of a kayak launch. It's great too see graduates of the local college putting their ideas to work on projects in the community.

Feisty Joins Team Industry

2011-08-18T23:18:00.002-05:00

The Nature Boy of Nightlife and 3 Time BNews Man of the Year is honorary bartender this evening at good old Butches. Readers are encouraged to stop by and order the flaming volcano which is also served at Won Kow.

Fire Kenny Williams

2011-08-18T16:22:00.004-05:00

B Sports Editorial

A recent spate of good play has the Whitesox contending again for the Central Division title so it may come as a surprise that this column will advocate the dismissal of longtime GM Kenny Williams at this point of upswing in the team’s fortunes.

Last night’s performance encapsulated the problem with Kenny Williams’s construction of this squad. Facing the struggling sinkerballer Fausto Carmona the Sox exhibited a characteristic lack of patience at the plate. Hacking at everything and anything the Sox managed just 3 fly balls to 16 ground balls and only 4 hits of which 2 belonged to the centerfielder DeAza. Offensive ineptitude has become the norm with Greg Walker as Whitesox hitting coach.

The fact that Walker still collects a paycheck from the team should be the ultimate indictment against Williams’ tenure as GM. Aside from the veteran Paul Konerko, not one single Whitesox player has shown any significant improvement as a hitter under Walker’s tutelage. Meanwhile a significant group of the team’s hitters have severely regressed while the team’s younger players like Beckham and Morel continue to struggle. Overall, Walker doesn’t seem able to prepare and implement a plan for the Sox hitters against opposing pitchers, many whom we face on numerous occasions during the season with little success.

That DeAza has been acting as the catalyst on offense is another indictment of Kenny Williams’ tenure as GM. Williams has consistently been reluctant to allow younger players to step into important roles with the team when veteran players fail to produce.

Instead we trot out a line-up with veterans who struggle on a daily basis. As GM, Kenny is responsible for putting the best 25 guys on the field no matter what the manager’s preference may be. While it’s understandable that players like Rios and Dunn would be given a period of time to establish themselves based on their respective resumes it makes no sense that guys like Vizquel and Pierre were playing so often when better options existed at the minor league level. The emergence of De Aza has successfully challenged Rios to play better and made the team stronger. If De Aza would have arrived earlier who’s to say Pierre would not have turned the corner sooner or that De Aza’s at-bats in his stead would not have significantly improved the squad.

This same situation applies to Adam Dunn. There is no question that the Dunn’s contract will be an albatross around this team’s neck going forward. However, in the midst of a pennant race, with your main competition in the division struggling, there is no reason to continue losing important at bats when you have Dayan Viciedo pounding the ball at AAA. Dunn has had enough time to overcome his slow start. He has shown no sign that he will be turning the corner anytime soon. Viciedo should be on the big squad at least handling DH duties against left handers. This situation is more imperative now that A.J. is hurt.

That Kenny has failed to address these problems is a sign that he may be managing for his own neck rather than the team’s fortunes this season. In sticking with Rios and Dunn for so long Kenny is hoping to justify the substantial amount of money he has invested in these fading stars. In doing so he’s jeopardizing the team’s slim chances at a Central Division title this season and failing in his job as GM of the Whitesox.

Geese Poisoned At Local Parks

2011-08-17T19:35:00.003-05:00

Local news is reporting a rash of geese poisoning at McGuane & McKinley parks this week. We've heard of people nabbing plastic geese in the neighborhood but this type of activity is certainly not funny nor acceptable and could land someone in the slammer.

31rst Street Bus Discussion

2011-08-17T19:27:00.002-05:00

Local transit enthusiasts are meeting this week for a discussion on the possible revitalization of the 31rst street bus route. Topics on the agenda include the possibility of forming a cooperative to handle the route. Join them tomorrow.

Scenes From The Gospa

2011-08-15T19:35:00.002-05:00