Chicago Loopster » homepost

Most Memorable Chicago Crimes

Joanna Carver — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 19:07:15 +0000

Crime victims: Know your rights

Carly Syms — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 19:03:52 +0000

Ceasefire helps save lives

David Kashi — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 19:01:20 +0000

Recent shootings in Chicago has prompted many to worry. However, Ceasefire Chicago seems to be playing a big role in preventing violence. Ceasefire uses public health models to stop violence in its tracks. They try to cool down situations and mediate between parties that have differences and who may want to retaliate for whatever the reason may be.

Crime by the numbers

Rachel MacDonald — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 19:00:42 +0000

Crimes – Map

According to the 2011 Chicago Murder Analysis issued by the Chicago Police Department, the number of murder victims has decreased significantly over the years from the year 1991. However, the number of murder crime complaints has increased year-to-date by 40 percent.

The Chicago Police Deparment issues a weekly report detailing the number and percentage of crime complaints for the week, month and year. As of July 2, 2012 to July 8, 2012, there has been a 50 percent increase for the same week period compared to 2011.

In the last month alone, there has beeen a 58 percent increase noted by the police from 2011 to 2012. Other crimes that seem to be on the rise in the past seven days are crimincal sexual assualt, 3 percent, and robbery, 1 percent.

Chicago Police Department

The unceasing crime in Chicago has begun social movements, from organizations such as Ceasefire to documentaries like “The Interrupters”. By spreading awareness of the issue, the hope is that more people will step up to help stop crime and injury to one another.

View the trailer for “The Interrupters” below:

To read more on the statistics on crime, visit:

CPD Statistical Reports

City of Chicago Data Portal: Crimes 2001-present

CPD Weekly Crime Report

Ceasefire

The Interrupters

Transportation ETA

Rachel MacDonald — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 16:11:09 +0000

Chicago transportation is a touchy subject. In order to travel up to ten miles in a car, an inhabitant of the city may as well be taking a sixty mile road trip in another state. So when it comes to commuting or even exploring the eclectic city, a very important subject that should be broached is transportation. How far is it to Navy Pier from here? How should I get there? When should I leave? What is my estimated time of arrival, or ETA?

[/media-credit] Northern view at a purple line stop in Evanston

I mapped out a simple 5 mile route from Belmont and Sheffield in Lakeview, Chicago to Navy Pier, located in the downtown loop. Walking 5 miles is a daunting task, especially in the summer heat, but it may be less stressful than dodging cars while biking or being cramped on a bus or train. Shown below is a flow chart of the typical amount of time it takes to move 5 miles in the city of Chicago.

Rachel MacDonald/Chicago Loopster

Click on these links to view Google Maps and the CTA tracker, both useful sources in navigating the city.

Google Map of Route

CTA Tracker

Sailing Away

Rachel MacDonald — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 16:09:55 +0000

[/media-credit] Belmont Harbor, facing north. Photo taken by Rachel MacDonald.

At the end of Belmont Avenue lies Belmont Harbor. Secluded by the tempestous weather of Lake Michigan by break walls and surrounding greenery, the harbor is home to hundreds of sail boats. Each mast glistens in the sunlight and the sound of rythmic tapping of lines hitting poles can be heard as the boats sway back and forth in the harbor. A lip of land outstretches the opening of the harbor, keeping the waters inside calm.

Belmont Harbor is a perfect location for those living in Lincoln Park of Lakview to dock their vessels. However, for those living in the city without a boat, another option is available- sailing lessons.

[/media-credit] Photo of Chicago Yacht Club sailing school, taken by Kenneth Tanaka in November 2006.

Four different sessions are offered through Chicago Yacht Club for beginner and intermediate learners. Although it is halfway through the summer already- how times flies!- there are two sessions still available.

Chicago is a loud and busy city, and many times the expansive Lake Michigan that lies to the east is often ignored. Yet, there are many opportunities for tourists and residents alike to learn how to sail.

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey, the world’s leading questionnaire tool.

Visit the sites below to learn more information and prices on sailing:

Sailing School Prices

Chicago Yacht Club

Navigating summer cocktails

Joanna Carver — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 16:09:40 +0000

Sometimes a glass of water just isn’t enough to shake off that heat wave.

Joanna Carver/Chicago Loopster

Chicago’s comedy scene summer 2012

David Kashi — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 15:55:07 +0000

This summer if you are looking to tap into to get into comedy Chicago is the place to be.
There are many comedy venues in Chicago. Whether its standup or improv Chicago offers a variety of places to start out or perfect the craft.
Below are some places you can go to preform any standup material

View Comedy Open Mics in a larger map

Lollapalooza 2012

David Kashi — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 15:55:06 +0000

Lollapalooza 2012 will be coming to Chicago from August 3-6. This year the headliner is the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Chicago can expect an influx of people from all over the country.
There are many bands that will be preforming throughout that August weekend and bands will be playing simultaneously in other areas of Grant Park.
Below you can see a map of the location of stages where the bands will preform.

Lallapalooza official website

Broadway in the park

Rachel MacDonald — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 14:59:40 +0000

On August 6, 2012, Broadway In Chicago is presenting a sampling of Broadway at Pritzker Pavilion in Millenium Park. The free concert is celebrating the centennial anniversary of the Nederlander Organization, one of the largest and most experienced owners and operators of live theatre.