Parking Tickets

Jeremy Smith knows the price of parking in Chicago. By his estimate, he's shelled out about $3,500 to clear up parking violations the past two years living in Lakeview. "Some are definitely my fault, but it's also the nature of the system," said Smith, 25, who has spent the funds clearing up tickets, tows and other parking perils. "The signs are confusing, there are multiple restrictions on a street, they put up street cleaning restrictions late. When you don't know how it all works, they are going to get the best of you. " His pain is felt by many Chicagoans who rely on their cars to get around.

Jeremy Smith knows the price of parking in Chicago. By his estimate, he's shelled out about $3,500 to clear up parking violations the past two years living in Lakeview. "Some are definitely my fault, but it's also the nature of the system," said Smith, 25, who has spent the funds clearing up tickets, tows and other parking perils. "The signs are confusing, there are multiple restrictions on a street, they put up street cleaning restrictions late. When you don't know how it all works, they are going to get the best of you. " His pain is felt by many Chicagoans who rely on their cars to get around.

Chicagoans are really good at complaining about three things: the weather, sports and parking. Currently, I have no gripes about the first two, but the third, that one is a doozy. To make up for the rats in my kitchen and the crime rate, my new neighborhood has the luxury of free street parking - that is, if you can find a spot. By the time my lease expires, I'm sure I will have spent several days worth of my life driving around Rogers Park in search of parking. There are a few secrets (the lot at the end of my street that is free overnight)

Chicagoans are really good at complaining about three things: the weather, sports and parking. Currently, I have no gripes about the first two, but the third, that one is a doozy. To make up for the rats in my kitchen and the crime rate, my new neighborhood has the luxury of free street parking - that is, if you can find a spot. By the time my lease expires, I'm sure I will have spent several days worth of my life driving around Rogers Park in search of parking. There are a few secrets (the lot at the end of my street that is free overnight)

It's no secret that the CTA is strapped for cash, but it appears the agency's employees are too. About 1,300 CTA employees, who account for 13 percent of the CTA's workforce, owe money to the city, according to data released last month by the city. The tab? About $460,000. It's been a year since Mayor Emanuel cracked down on city employee debt, which typically is made up of unpaid parking tickets and fines. The mayor told city department heads to make their employees pay their debt in full, get onto a payment plan or risk facing disciplinary action.

I'd like to toast the Second City for snatching sixth place on Forbes magazine's list of most miserable cities in the U.S. Up one spot from No. 7 since last year. Congrats, everyone! Nice work! Gotta give it up for Chicago! We're miserable? So what!? Hell, say it loud and say it proud! Can someone get me a bottle of 312 up in here, 'cause I am so gonna drink to that! OK fine, so our spring lasts about five minutes and our winters go on for about 15 months, plunging us into temperatures so cold they make you wanna cry - like real,...

Between texting, Yelping, tweeting, Instagraming and coming up with a good line for a Facebook check-in (don't judge), distracted dining has become the new norm and, let me tell you, I am all for it. But it looks like one restaurant owner is trying to change our dining etiquette. According to a recent CNN story, a restaurant in L.A. is offering customers a 5 percent discount to check their phones at the door to be more in the moment with their meal, and with each other. Huh. Back to the basics?

First and foremost, the people of Boston are in our thoughts and prayers for their courage during the events of the past couple of weeks. When any tragedy strikes, the bottom dwellers of society usually are the ones whose voices are heard the loudest. Here are eight types I've encountered. Colin the Comedian Overheard: "Sounds like the marathon was a blast this year. " I'll out myself first. When I read there was a blast heard near the finish line, I posted a snarky tweet about how marathoners couldn't hear it over the...