One of the most ambitious environmental restoration efforts ever proposed for the Great Lakes appears imminent following the emergence from a House-Senate conference committee of legislation providing $475 million for a comprehensive Great Lakes restoration and protection initiative.

"Chicago is the standard by which all US city flags should be judged," said one commenter. The survey of 150 city flags by the North American Vexillological Association actually took place a couple of years ago. But it was news to me... I also learned what a vexillologist is.

Trust me, it's way more interesting than its very technical title betrays. And with Gov. Quinn checking Stroger's power in the Cook County board through his long-anticipated veto override bill signed today, it's as timely as ever.

A review of the debut EP from The Yearbooks, a Chicago-based power pop/indie pop band.

I think the title speaks for itself. Hopefully this can be an entertaining distraction for someone out there.