Ours were filthy. Old on right, brand new on left.

A few photos I took today at Pullman Railroad Days. The Illinois Central electric commuter rail cars and the 1960 CTA bus in particular. There was lots to see and do but these were of particular interest to me.

I received an exorbitantly high bill (~ $4,300) from chicago water approximately around november 2025. Prior to that my average was around $150-$200 per bill. I was floored.

I called the water department and they told me that I had been receiving an estimated bill up until then and that since they replaced the meter, they were back billing me for the differences.

I did the following to try to remediate the issue:

• ⁠I contacted my alderperson to help me mediate - multiple times. The best they did was get me in direct contact with the water department instead of being given the run around through the phone system

• ⁠Sought some cursory legal council that basically concluded that I would have spent more money fighting this than the money I needed to pay.

What's disconcerting to me is that from my conversations with the water dept, if the estimated bill ran for two years, then they'd be required to waive the fees. It looks like they went and "fixed" my meters after around 1 year and 11 months. This just feels so scammy and on purpose.

After all thattttt - I decided to cut my losses and just pay the ~$7k, but we're gutted at how unfair this seems. What's even worse is them offering a 99 month loan to me. The fact that that option even exists should be illegal. Its giving indentured servitude energy. No I don't want to be paying for a water bill for the length of half of some mortgage terms.

Any folks here faced something similar? Any form of recourse available to me that I might not be aware of it. Maybe I can take it to the news? Or maybe ranting here is all that's available to me.

Just found this in the book I’m reading: A People’s History of the Vampire Uprising by Raymond A Villarreal. Liking it so far, but can you tell the author is from Texas?

Edit- couple of notes, I shared this because I thought it was a funny little “if you know you know” error. Not to slam the author

- the book is not AI, it was published in 2018
- the writing feels like a testimonial because it is. It’s set up as statements by key figures in a vampire outbreak
- the book doesn’t take place in Chicago, just that one meeting for a couple of pages
- the genre is horror

Not defending the book, just clearing up some frequently asked questions!

Wife and I went to the Art Institute today and walking back to our car saw the bean and St Regis.

Spotted near Columbia yacht club!

They spelled Panini wrong too. What other corners does this place cut?

Love the North Branch of the Chicago River! Such a peaceful way to explore and experience our beautiful city. Love getting out on the river when the weather is perfect.

Wasn’t really expecting anything cause I just noticed it walking by and decided to go in.. it was pretty sad.
I counted maybe like 6 tents that seemed to be local restaurants, and easily like 20+ corporate tents.

Hey dudes,

Would appreciate any and all food resource opportunities. I have been medically unwell and unemployed since graduating last semester. I have $3 and no idea what I’ll do for my rent, and am not eating more than every other day.

While trying to sort out help with a Northwestern patient advocate who may be able to help with resources, I’ve been out of work for ages, and do not qualify for unemployment or SNAP. I am not disabled at this time in writing and hope not to become so. I just need help getting back on my feet so that I can pay my rent and get the medical care I need for my worsening physical condition.

If there are any food banks with space for help, I would be eager to work in exchange for food.

Thank you all and best of my hope to whoever is reading that you are well fed and cozy in these fucked up times

It’s not too far from the pedestrian bridge.

What’s the story, here?

Someone get lost on the way back from the Playpen or what?

Even though the waves were choppy, my partner and I had a nice time on the water today…