Were you one of the lucky ones to be off Wednesday for this beautiful weather? Or did you have to head off to work, or school, or some other torture like that?

Richard Starkey was born 68 years ago this Monday in Liverpool, England. Today, that little boy, who would later change his name to Ringo Starr, celebrated his birthday in Chicago.

There aren't any musicians or instruments, but you can still play the part of maestro at Ravinia.

In 1897, the world's largest Tiffany Glass Dome was installed in what is now the Chicago Cultural Center. It was met with rave reviews and Chicago was suddenly part of the international art scene.

Living to age 50 these days isn't really all that unusual-- unless you happen to be a chimpanzee.

A group of students who had perfect attendance get a chance to win a car.

A Barrington family enjoys their backyard wiffle ball field and shares it with friends.

Two baby trumpeter swans are the newest residents at Lincoln Park Zoo.

Many golfers claim they play the most difficult sport. Hitting a tiny ball to a small hole that's 400 yards away is not easy.

Mix together water, yeast, malt and hops. Bring it to a boil, and then let it age for awhile, you have beer. That's what a convention in Chicago is all about. ABC7's Frank Mathie went to the West Side to check out the beer expo.

Contestants in downtown Chicago built Lego structures to win a job..

Two local girls did the Chicagoland area proud last week at the 81st Annual Scripps National Spelling Bee.

The Mt. Prospect Historical Society will restore a 1896 building to its original schoolhouse look.

The National Restaurant Association Show is taking place from May 17 to 20 at McCormick Place in Chicago. The convention showcases food from around the world, its preparation and presentation. And, according to ABC7's Frank Mathie, something new has been added.

Those lucky enough to ride in Cheikh "Bamba" Dione's cab certainly remember the experience.

A three-story house now stands outside the Museum of Science and Industry. But it's not just any home. It's a Smart Home.

The century old Blackstone Hotel at Balbo and Michigan is once again open for business.

A Griffith, Ind., company does things up big. Real big.

Several giant six-legged creatures and mammoth dragonflies are crawling around Morton Arboretum. The new exhibit opens Friday.

Have you ever heard of a Blanding's turtle? They used to flourish in Midwest marshes and wetlands, but are now in danger of extinction in Northern Illinois.

Louis Comfort Tiffany was his name and back in the late 1800's and early 1900's he created some of the world's most beautiful stained glass art. Here in Chicago his most spectacular work is a large stained glass dome in the city's cultural center. The dome is currently undergoing a renovation and ABC7's Frank Mathie has the story.

Now a year old, ABC7's Frank Mathie visits five red wolf pups at Lincoln Park Zoo.

When Prohibition ended 75 years ago, a train from Milwaukee brought Schlitz beer to town. Today, the company announces a new taste.

From the tiny acorn rises the mighty oak tree. And, in Merrillville, Indiana the word "mighty" is no exaggeration.

On Wednesday, Crown Point, Indiana was in the depths of Depp-mania. Johnny Depp is making a movie about 1930's gangster John Dillinger and it's being shot right where it all happened 74 years ago.

If Chicagoans could vote on the worst pothole year ever, the winner would certainly be the winter of 2008. Flat tires, damaged frames and lost hubcaps. There has been absolutely nothing beautiful about it --except for a North Side woman who finds beauty in the strangest places.

More than 150 years ago Holy Family Parish opened on the West Side. A few years later, a massive organ with golden angels debuted. But those angels fell into disrepair- until now.

The sport of fencing took over at the Stevens Convention Center in Rosemont.

The most famous dog in America spent the day in Chicago.

The spring flower show at Garfield Park Conservatory is beautiful, but the real action is behind the scenes.