Anthony Rizzo is officially a New York Yankee

Treat him well, New York.

With these tweets from the Cubs and Yankees, it’s a done deal.

There was no doubt the Cubs were going to be sellers at the trade deadline, but they didn’t wait until the deadline to make a seismic move, trading franchise cornerstone Anthony Rizzo to the New York Yankees for a pair of prospects.

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Anthony Rizzo leaves Wrigley Field for the last time

Anthony and Emily Rizzo leave Wrigley Field with the dog Kevin after being traded to New York. July 29, 2021.

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Anthony Rizzo and his family – a last walk around Wrigley Field

A collective cry is in order as Anthony Rizzo has been traded.

Anthony Rizzo leaving Wrigley Field for the last time:

Anthony Rizzo with pup Kevin walk through Wrigley Field that last time. July 29, 2021
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Cubs Reportedly Set to Trade Anthony Rizzo to Yankees (receiving outfielder Kevin Alcantara and pitcher Alexander Vizcaino)

One of the most beloved players in the history of the Chicago Cubs is likely on the move, as multiple reports have indicated that first baseman Anthony Rizzo is close to being traded to the New York Yankees.

According to YES Network’s Jack Curry, the Yankees are “moving closer” to acquiring Rizzo:

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Amazon Studio’s Paper Girls filming in Chicago’s Southport Corridor Tuesday, August 3, 2021

Paper Girls will be filming on Chicago’s Southport Corridor north of Waveland this upcoming week.

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The history, and now dismantling of Southport Lanes

Southport Lanes was built by the Schlitz brewery in 1922 as one of the hundreds of “tied houses” in the Midwest

Southport Lanes is officially closed, and the auction of items has ended. Signs have begun to be taken down and for the first time in decades, you are able to see the old facade.

Leo’s Southport Lanes in the 1960’s and 1970’s

Excerpts from the Chicago Bar project from several years ago:

Southport Lanes was built by the Schlitz brewery in 1922 as one of the hundreds of “tied houses” in the Midwest (only Schlitz beer could be served). Once Schlitz sold the bar, the menu offered fornication to help fund the transitional purchase to its new owners in addition to its nobler alcohol distribution efforts. Because prostitution was, and still is, illegal in Chicago, the owner had to subtly advertise the delights to be found upstairs. He did this by having M.K. Siegner paint murals on the walls depicting nymphs frolicking in negligees. 

Southport Lanes – 1990’s

Because prostitution was, and still is, illegal in Chicago, the owner had to subtly advertise the delights to be found upstairs. He did this by having M.K. Siegner paint murals on the walls depicting nymphs frolicking in negligees. These murals can still be seen today, both in the front room and above the bowling pins. Additional murals of these nymphs, sans clothing, could be found along the staircase and in the second floor bedrooms but those have since been painted over. 

Southport Lanes – July, 2021

In 1991, the bar was purchased and renovated by the same owners that later brought us the Daily Bar & Grill, and such now-defunct dillies as Corner Pocket (now Victory Liquors), Hudson Club, and Lucky Strike (now Seven Ten, which also offers bowling and billiards).

Ownership of Southport Lanes has since transitioned to the Spare Time empire, who also owns Seven Ten, Firehouse, Riverview Tavern, Robey Pizza Company, and Popkin Tavern (Richmond, Virginia). Fortunately, the new owners did not mess with the formula that made the original, “Leo’s Southport Lanes,” an excellent tavern. Leo’s was run by Leo and Ella Beitz dating back to 1960, who took over from Leo’s parents who ran it since 1946.

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1118 W. Patterson Avenue ready to rise by Wrigley Field

Building permits are good to go for 1118 W. Patterson Avenue

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Southport Moms Get Tangled up, Create Mom King

On the ground reporting: The Chicago Genius Herald’s eyewitness report of the Stroller Mom’s tangled in the Southport Corridor.

“Over the past few years, the Southport Corridor in Lakeview has become a haven for local affluent families. With amenities like an Anthropologie, Lush cosmetics and a Jeni’s Fine Ice Creams all within a stone’s throw of each other, it’s safe to say this block is nothing short of a rich mom’s paradise. And its reputation as a monied mommy Mecca was further bolstered this weekend, when several Southport moms got tangled up and created a Mom King.

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Chicago Party Aunt heading to Netflix, premiering September 17, 2021. “If life gives you lemons, turn that shit into Mike’s Hard Lemonade.”

Chicago Party Aunt getting her own show on Netflix: “Holy shit! Netflix just bought the rights to my life! Anybody have a password I can borrow?”

Our favorite Twitter account, Chicago Party Aunt has just announced that Netflix will be launching a new animated show based on her! Congrats to all involved and we can’t wait to watch every last minute of this!

Chicago Party Aunt – our favorite Twitter account is heading to Netflix

From Variety Magazine:

Netflix has ordered the adult animated series “Chicago Party Aunt,” inspired by Chris Witaske’s Twitter account of the same name.

Netflix has ordered 16 episodes of the half-hour series, with the first eight slated to drop on Sept. 17. Lauren Ash will lead the voice cast in the role of Diane Dunbrowski, AKA The Chicago Party Aunt, as she stays true to her mantra “If life gives you lemons, turn that shit into Mike’s Hard Lemonade.”

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This is what is coming to 3714 N. Southport Avenue

Construction is continuing at 3714 N Southport Avenue in Lake View.

“Filed under owner Charles Stewart, the development will yield one commercial unit at ground level, with three residential units above. Parking will include three outdoor spaces in the rear of the building. The new structure is set to replace a two-story masonry building with one additional level of below-grade retail.

Possible design for 3714 N Southport Avenue

Possible design for 3714 N Southport Avenue. Rendering via 42floorsPossible storefront design for 3714 N Southport Avenue

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Lollapalooza 2021 – how to navigate though Covid-19 requirements

Full COVID-19 vaccination or negative COVID-19 test results will be required to attend Lollapalooza 2021.

Lollapalooza is in Grant Park July 29 to Aug. 1. The site covers from Michigan Avenue east to DuSable Lake Shore Drive, and from Monroe Street south through the sports fields. Main entrance is at Michigan and Ida B Wells Drive, plus a north entrance at Columbus and Monroe. Gates open 11 a.m., bands play noon through 10 p.m. daily. According to Lollapalooza, busiest entry times are 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

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Who would like to buy Blue Bayou?

“Rare opportunity to acquire a single-tenant retail building in the Southport Corridor.”

Want to own a piece of history? The business has been shuttered since 2013, efforts to re-lease the space failed – and it’s now in foreclosure.

Now, the Blue Bayou building is currently for sale, and the listing can be found here.

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