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Chicago Tribune
31-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Letters: No, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is not a loss for Chicago
The editorial 'Lucas museum amps up. The LA excitement could have been happening in Chicago.' (July 29) is a disappointing opinion from the editorial board of this fine paper. Nowhere in the editorial is it mentioned that George Lucas and his Chicago-native wife, as if that should make a difference, wanted the museum — 300,000 square feet on 11 acres in Los Angeles — to be built on the lakefront. I would hazard to guess that most Chicagoans will not miss a spaceship-designed cultural attraction housing paintings, comic book art, comic strips, comic book covers and a life-sized Naboo starfighter that takes up open lakefront space and blocks the view of the lake. And is the fact that we don't 'routinely' see Lucas, Guillermo del Toro, Doug Chiang and Queen Latifah strolling down Michigan Avenue supposed to be a negative? If the editorial board is suffering from a lack of star power, go work for the Los Angeles Times. Lucas calling his decadeslong endeavor 'a temple to the people's art' is laughable. It is a temple to his outsize ego. Drop the 'Lucas' moniker, and I will stand corrected. I also doubt that A. Montgomery Ward or Daniel Burnham would consider this a 'colossal missed opportunity.' Lastly, Chicago did not fail to understand what Lucas meant by 'narrative art.' Lucas failed to understand that Chicago's lakefront is not a theme park like Disneyland, which is more aptly suited for his namesake as the Tribune editorial indicates, the loss of the Lucas Museum is incalculable in terms of revenue, philanthropy, tourism, culture and prestige for the city. Thanks to the intransigence of the Friends of the Parks group, George Lucas threw up his hands and left. No matter what compromises Lucas and our farsighted mayor at the time, Rahm Emanuel, offered, there was no compromise from this group. Instead, there were costly, time-consuming lawsuits and roadblock after roadblock.. No understanding of the incredible value to our city and the joy it would bring to its residents. Lucas understood and respected the importance of our parks as a setting for the museum and also that visitors would be in that setting and free to enjoy it before and after museum visits. Clearly, this group is not a friend of the city, and we will never recoup the loss it caused.I couldn't disagree more with the editorial lamenting the loss of the Lucas Museum. The arrogant billionaire wasn't interested in other proposed sites. George Lucas wanted what he wanted — the most prized parcel. The editorial fails to mention that the lakefront was declared 'forever open, clear and free' more than 100 years ago for the benefit of citizens. Had businesses been allowed to build on the lakefront, it would resemble the dismal waterfronts of Boston and New York City, and by now, there wouldn't even have been space for the museum. Good riddance. Chicago dodged a bullet.I could not disagree more with the editorial on losing the Lucas Museum, and I commend those who opposed the monstrosity. Do we really want that on Chicago's beautiful lakefront? I'll take an open parking lot with a view any Weinshel's argument against reducing parking requirements along transit corridors misses the mark and clings to a 20th century urban planning mindset ('Cutting parking requirements while upzoning Broadway will create a crisis,' July 20). It is not utopian to imagine a Chicago where most people do not own cars. Many of us already live that reality. My spouse and I moved to Edgewater because we can live here without a car. We walk, bike and take transit because that is what a city should offer: the freedom to get around without being forced into car ownership. Cars are deceptively expensive. In 2024, AAA estimated the average cost to own and operate a car is $12,297 per year. That figure is likely even higher in Chicago. The cost to build off-street parking is also prohibitively high. According to Elevated Chicago, an underground spot costs $42,000 to build. That cost gets passed on to renters and buyers, whether they own a car. This city cannot be affordable if every household needs to own a car and every car needs its own house. Removing parking mandates is not 'urban planning malpractice' — it is smart policy. Requiring parking increases car ownership and traffic. Each car needs multiple parking spots throughout the day, fueling demand for wasteful surface lots that contribute to flooding and the heat island effect and make neighborhoods less walkable and bikeable. But eliminating parking minimums is just one step. We must invest in walking, biking and public transit to support both future and current residents. The $2.1 billion Red-Purple Line modernization is a great start. We also need protected bike lanes, camera-enforced bus-only lanes and fully funded transit. That is why Springfield must pass the transit reform and funding package already approved by the state Senate as soon as possible. Let's build a more affordable, healthier and sustainable city. More housing, more transit, more bikes and less parking are the future Chicago deserves. Cities all over the world from Paris to Tokyo have done this. Why can't Chicago?The opposition to sensible housing policy along Broadway reveals an uncomfortable truth about how some view community membership. Opponents tout their credentials as longtime residents and neighborhood saviors. But I must ask: Does living here longer grant them veto power over decisions affecting thousands of current and future residents? These longtime residents deserve credit for their community investments, but I fail to see how seven-story buildings along a busy commercial corridor next to the city's highest-ridership 'L' line will ruin anything. The increasing demand to live in Edgewater and Uptown is testament to the success of these investments. Denying potential residents the ability to benefit from these successes hurts everyone — we're depriving ourselves of economic growth while denying housing to thousands who want to live in these amazing neighborhoods. These opponents are going against broad community support for more housing. Hiring lawyers to block development through technicalities isn't democracy — it's using procedural tricks to override community will. This is provincialism: putting narrow interests over the well-being of not just current residents, but also the entire city. Change is difficult, and protecting one's community from perceived threats feels natural. But upzoning Broadway isn't a threat — it's an opportunity and a long-overdue investment needed to keep our communities affordable and accessible. Who are we to deny others the right to live here simply because you got here first?'Has there ever been a matter of such consequence so hastily rushed through the Chicago City Council than the recent exemption of off-street parking requirements for new housing development? While Jake Sheridan's July 29 story noted that there was broad ideological support for the plan from bike activists and libertarians, conspicuously absent was the lived reality of those countless thousands of us living in Chicago's densest neighborhoods where street parking is already as scarce as hen's teeth. I ride the CTA, bike and walk far more than I drive, but I still own a car for those situations in which I have to transport people or things or go to places otherwise not readily accessible. This is also the situation of many of my neighbors. For the bike advocates who like to point to empty parking spaces in new housing developments, please note that this is not an indicator of how many cars are actually owned by the people living in those buildings. Rather, it shows that many of those tenants are avoiding the $150 or more rental fee for parking and instead competing for the increasingly limited number of street spaces. I have a slew of neighbors who can testify on this matter. As a block club leader, I am now in the midst of trying to negotiate a developer's plan to turn a large church-school complex into as many as 40 units of housing with only four off-street parking spaces. When the developer was asked if he would only rent to people without cars, he chuckled as if I must be joking. I wasn't. Worst are the bike/housing advocates who are pushing for the elimination of parking requirements. When I have asked a number of them at community forums whether they also own cars, they sheepishly acknowledge they do. Talk about the ultimate in 'do as I say and not as I do.' If this City Council is going to push these ever more drastic 'solutions' to Chicago's affordable housing woes, perhaps aldermen should be the first to sign the 'I'm giving up my car' pledge.I applaud the Tribune Editorial Board for its editorial asking Gov. JB Pritzker to veto the unnecessary Tier 2 pension bill ('Pritzker needs to veto this pension bill. Chicago can't afford it.,' July 29). The editorial leaves the impression that the compliance with the Internal Revenue Service Code still needs to be addressed. This matter was definitively addressed for the big state retirement systems in the most recent big budget bill that the governor did sign. Here is what the bill said: 'If, after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 104th General Assembly, any enforceable determination concludes that the benefits for a Tier 2 member or participant under Section 1-160 or 15-111 of the Illinois Pension Code do not provide the minimum retirement benefits required under Internal Revenue Service regulations or other provisions of federal law such that the wages of such member or participant would be subject to tax under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act, then moneys in the Tier 2 SSWB Reserve Fund may be used by the State Employees' Retirement System of Illinois, the Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois, or the State Universities Retirement System to pay the difference between benefits otherwise available and benefits that would constitute minimum retirement benefits under applicable federal law or regulation. This subsection shall constitute a continuing appropriation of all amounts necessary for such purposes.' What is needed is identical wording for the Chicago systems. Much less expensive than the current proposed you have a state congressional map as gerrymandered as ours is in Illinois, it takes a certain amount of audacity for Gov. JB Pritzker to then criticize Texas for gerrymandering. Talk about those in glass houses not throwing stones. What hypocrisy. Our map was drawn by now-convicted felon Michael Madigan as House speaker to benefit the Democrats.
CNET
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CNET
This Star Wars Galactic Map Clears Up Confusion About a Galaxy Far, Far Away
Have you ever wondered about the distance between Tatooine and Naboo? How about Obi-Wan Kenobi's racked-up mileage during the Clone Wars? The good news is that the force is with you: All of your questions are answered by the new Star Wars Galactic Map. The map divvies up the Star Wars galaxy into important regions. Movie fans might be familiar with the core worlds (where Coruscant is) and the outer rim (where you can find Tatooine) but the deep core, colony worlds, inner rim, expansion region and unknown regions are also included from almost all of the Star Wars movies and shows (which you can stream now on Disney Plus). You can also see who controls what parts of the galaxy, as Bothan- and Hutt-controlled planetary belts are clearly marked on the maps. It's nice to know these things, so you can avoid ending up in one of their wretched hives of scum and villainy. While this galactic map existed prior to its current iteration, a blog post by writer Jason Fry mentions that it was taken down for a massive overhaul. "The plan is to keep updating this page with periodic revisions to the map and appendix," the post reads. "I also hope to unveil redesigned regional maps with sector borders and continue the sector mapping project with the Inner Rim, Colonies, Core and Deep Core." As it continues being updated, hopefully it'll also add in worlds to come in upcoming Star Wars movies and series like The Mandalorian & Grogu (coming in 2026) and Star Wars: Starfighter (coming in 2027). The blog post also includes an alphabetized list of planets that you can spot on the map, which might make it easier to find what you're looking for. There are more than 1,000 celestial bodies to keep an eye on, so it might take you a minute to pick out a planet if you aren't sure which sector it's located in. This resource was created as a companion piece for the Star Wars Timelines book, which contains other key information about the Star Wars universe including chronological charts for the most important events, characters and storylines in the galaxy.
Geek Feed
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Feed
Andor: Why the First Planet Attacked is Naboo
When it comes to Star Wars shows, Andor was pretty sparing when it came to references, but while it wasn't outright mentioned, some fans did speculate that the planet that Luthen and Kleya were on when they bomb the bridge was Naboo a.k.a. the central planet of conflict in The Phantom Menace. What's interesting is, the planet has been confirmed by writer Tom Bissell who says that it was integral that Luthen attack that planet first when he wants to make a statement to the Emperor. In a recent interview with Backstory Magazine, Bissell explains: 'We know that we were going to have their first act of terrorism, Kleya and Luthen together, and I argued it should be on Naboo, because that is The Emperor's home planet, and if Luthen was going to make his first public statement, I think he is going to stick his thumb into the eye of the guy that he hates more than anymore. So, when Tony heard my reasoning, he was like, 'I like that. Let's do that.'' When the episode first came out, fans had pointed out that the bridge was the giveaway that the planet was Naboo because it's also the same bridge that's used for Padme's funeral at the end of Revenge of the Sith . For now, fans are still reeling from the ending of Andor and lamenting how 'there won't be another Star Wars project like this,' but seeing all the positive buzz that the series got, maybe there could be room for some more mature-themed projects in the world of Star Wars down the line. I do admit, it's going to be hard to jump into The Mandalorian and Grogu knowing how solid the themes of Andor were. Catch the complete Andor now streaming on Disney+.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Natalie Portman dreams of Star wars comeback as a Jedi
The Hollywood actor has an idea for how her character could make a comeback to the Star Wars universe. Natalie Portman has an idea for how she can make a Star Wars comeback. (Getty Images) What did you miss? Natalie Portman would like Padme Amidala to make a comeback in the Star Wars universe as a Jedi. The Oscar-winning actor rose to fame playing the teenage queen of the planet Naboo in the Phantom Menace when she was just 16. Appearing on The One Show on Tuesday, 6 May, Portman was asked if she ever imagined bringing her Star Wars character back to life, and how she envisaged her now. And Portman expressed a strong desire to return to the Star Wars universe wielding a lightsaber. What, how, and why? Natalie Portman as Padme in Star Wars The Phantom Menace. (Alamy) Portman was on the One Show sofa to talk to hosts Alex Jones and Clara Amfo about her role in new Guy Ritchie adventure film Fountain of Youth. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement But Amfo asked her: "Natalie, we'd be remiss not to mention, Star Wars. It's the 20th anniversary of Revenge of the Sith. It's back in cinemas now spoiler alert, sorry, everybody, Padme, you know, she died, but I'm so sorry. But if there was a way for her to come back, what way would you like her to come back, if possible, would you do?" Portman replied: "With a lightsaber. I think she'd have to be a Jedi. If somehow she were brought back from the dead. That would be exciting." The star claimed she'd had a 'boring' childhood. (Getty Images) Former child star Portman revealed she had loved starring in new adventure movie Fountain of Youth as her own childhood had been so boring. Portman said: "I have the opposite thing of like, I had no adventure growing up. We were going to the library. I never did all of these sports and vacations and things that people did, we were like, 'Let's go to the local museum. Let's stay home and read a book.' I had no fear-based growing up that I had to veer from. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement "I'm the opposite. I want a lot of adventure because I grew up with a very calm household." Read more: Natalie Portman What else happened on The One Show? Natalie Portman looked a bit uncomfortable hearing live reviews of her films on The One Show. (BBC Screengrab) Jones and Amfo introduced their guests for the evening by asking them all to name their favourite Natalie Portman movie - leaving the Hollywood star looking somewhat embarrassed. Comedian Romesh Ranganathan gushed: "Well, listen, I loved your work in the Thor movies. I thought it was exceptional. I'm a big fan. This is the thing, is those films that, you know, on the face of it are comic book movies, but I thought you brought a depth to your character. I thought the work you did in it was like, it elevated, the film, so thank you very much." ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Actor and comedian Tom Davis said: "I'm a bit more art house, I think Black Swan. It's a beautiful movie, an incredible piece of work." And Doctor Who star Millie Gibson added: "Okay, well, mine was Black Swan, but can I throw another one in there - I love Leon: The Professional, that's my favourite." Natalie Portman won an Oscar for her performance in Black Swan. (Searchlight Pictures) Portman said: "Thank you. This is very embarrassing. Live reviews!" But added: "I appreciate that, thank you." Ranganathan then joked: "Natalie, what's your favourite thing that I've done?" Portman struggled: "Ummm," before adding quickly: "The podcast, the podcast, it's great!" The One Show airs on BBC One at 7pm on weekdays. Fountain Of Youth is released on Apple TV Plus on Friday, 23 May.
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Naboo secures $21M for its concierge-style corporate event booking platform
If you've ever tried to book a venue for a company event, you'll know how onerous a task it can be. You have to contact multiple vendors, wait for quotes, evaluate them, see if you can get a good deal, and then get all that approved. So it makes sense that depending on the size of the group, companies may take the shortcut to Airbnb or or work with an agency. French startup Naboo is trying to bring more visibility into this fragmented market with an Airbnb-esque marketplace for corporate retreats that, in addition to accommodation, bundles in other services like catering, activities and transport. The company also offers a SaaS component that serves as a platform for all MICE events (short for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions, these are large-scale gatherings of people). The platform essentially lets its big corporate clients define their procurement policies, create approbation workflows, manage invoices and payments, and more. Having an all-in-one marketplace likely helps the company sell its platform to big corporate clients. Publicly traded companies are constantly looking for platforms that centralize all spendings around a specific category so they can set budgets and see if they're overspending. The strategy seems to be working: Naboo says its booking volumes quadrupled to €60 million in 2024 from €15 million a year earlier. Now, this is a marketplace, so most of that booking value is being captured by its accommodation and catering partners, but the company told TechCrunch it has an average take-rate of 17% — it takes a 10%-12% cut from providers and another 5%-6% from clients. Naboo generated revenue of around €10 million in 2024. The company said 10% of French public companies listed on the CAC40 index have used its platform, and it has 10 contracts that generate more than €1 million in booking volume per year. Some of its clients include Google, Société Générale, Veolia, Arkema, Thales and Qonto. The startup recently raised a €20 million (around $21 million) Series A round led by Notion Capital. Notably, the Series A round comes just 11 months after its seed round. With the new money, the startup wants to automate some of the manual tasks that are currently handled by its project managers. It has 140 people on its roster, including 20 freelancers. The company also intends to expand to other countries, starting with the U.K., where the product is already live. The country already represents 10% of Naboo's revenue, and apparently things are going well. Sign in to access your portfolio
