History Made
For the first time in more than a hundred years, the White Sox and Cubs are in the playoffs together, after the Sox beat the Twins 1-0 in a division tie-breaker tonight.
Gapers Block has ceased publication.
Gapers Block published from April 22, 2003 to Jan. 1, 2016. The site will remain up in archive form. Please visit Third Coast Review, a new site by several GB alumni.
✶ Thank you for your readership and contributions. ✶
TODAY
Monday, November 24
Merge
Monthly Archive
September 2008
The Breast Cancer Gene
There is a genetic mutation that puts its carriers at much higher risk of
getting breast or ovarian cancer. Chicago filmmaker Joanna Rudnick tested positive for it at age 27. Her new documentary, "In the Family," debuts on PBS this week; WTTW will air it at 9pm on Wednesday, Oct. 1. Tune in.
Of Popsicles and Babesicles
Life's drama recorded on a bus shelter wall. [via]
Political Parties
Wondering where to watch the vice-presidential debates on Thursday? Time Out has a list of viewing parties for you.
Midway No Longer for Rent
In an effort to balance the city budget, Mayor Daley announced today that Midway Airport has been leased for $2.5 billion to an outside group who will operate the airport on a 99-year contract.
Yeah, I Drew a Pretty Good Square with One of Those Once
Wow. The senator from Illinois as rendered in Etch-a-Sketch... and more!
Got an MP3 Player, T-Shirt, Umbrella and a Balloon?
Improv Everywhere, the New York-based group of pranksters (you may remember their work from a This American Life episode several years ago), will be holding the first Chicago MP3 Experiment this Sunday in Lincoln Park.
Now That's Reporting
Apparently, the "Beanie Baby magnate" just bought the penthouse of the Chicago Spire. Keep in mind this is currently the lead story -- with graphic and all -- on the Trib's website.
Interview with an Imprisoned Cop
The Windy Citizen interviews Michael Mette, the Chicago police officer imprisoned in Iowa. Mayor Daley recently asked Iowa's governor for a pardon on Mette's behalf.
Just in Time
Michael Reese Hospital has filed for bankruptcy, which clears the way for Mayor Daley to nab the real estate for the proposed Olympic village should the city host the 2016 games.
No Cash, More Trash?
In an effort to cure the city's budget woes, Mayor Daley says the city may layoff 1,000 workers, possibly resulting in (among other things) reduced garbage collection.
Rezko Cutting A Deal?
One-time political inside man Tony Rezko has reportedly been seen making frequent trips to the federal courthouse. Is he spilling the beans in order to get a reduced sentence?
The Bean from Above
Google has updated its satellite map of the city, and now shows a completed Millennium Park and a view of the top of Cloud Gate. [via]
Hey! That's My Stop!
Want to show some love to your favorite El stop (and if you have favorite El stop that might be a sign of something altogether different)? The CTA unveils its new online gift shop with items featuring various city stations. And who doesn't need a train system shower curtain?
Pancakes, My Treat
Well, while Wrigleyville bar owners have agreed to stop alcohol sales after the seventh inning during the playoffs, Joe Fournier has an amusing take on Da Mayor's plan for good, clean fun in Lakeview.
Ebert Throws Down
Roger Ebert really did not like Senator John McCain's behavior at Friday night's presidential debate: "Before the debate, pundits were wondering if you might explode in a display of your famous temper. I think we saw that happen, all right, but it was an implosion. I have instructed my wife to exclude you from any future dinner parties."
Reader Parent Files for Bankruptcy
Creative Loafing, the parent company of the Chicago Reader and several other city newspapers, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in an attempt to restructure its debt. The Reader's Michael Miner reports on the conference call with this news.
Class Reunion
Second City hosted a surprise reunion of cast members from 1968 - 1972 last night (minus John Belushi, obviously).
His Swan Song
It's been called "Wrigley Field North" for the way that Cubs fans take over Miller Park when their team plays there. That sort of exhuberance cost one man his job. But then he works for the Brewers so you can see where that might be a problem.
Palin Spotted @ Old Town Ale House
A nude painting of vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin (or is it Second City alum Tina Fey?) now graces the wall at the Old Town Ale House.
Test the Trib
The Tribune's redesigned paper debuted today, and it's available for free at these locations. Tell us what you think of it in Fuel.
Postcards From History
The Florence and Laurence Spungen Family Foundation recently acquired a collection of over 250 postal documents from World War II, many of which were smuggled out of concentration camps. The collection will be exhibited in the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center in Skokie, which opens next year.
The Yellow Gray Lady
GB contributor Ted McClelland reflects on the decline of the Reader.
We're Number One...
In air pollution, that is. Also, guess where one of the worst polluters is? Lincoln Park. If you want to see the worst polluters near you, just check out this web application.
Crowdfunded Shirts
Cameesa has a lot in common with Threadless: it's based in Chicago, makes user-submitted designer t-shirts and all web2.0-y. The difference is, Cameesa's shirts only get printed if they're pre-sold above a certain threshold within 31 days.
Eating Around the World
This week's Drive-Thru feature takes us on a trip to eat the foods of Denmark and India through a Chicagoan's eyes.
And the Winners Are...
The Third Coast International Audio Festival has just announced the winners of its 8th Annual TCF/ Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Competition. Click here to listen to excerpts from the winning audio documentaries.
Is That Like Herding Cats?
The documentary Milking the Rhino makes its North American debut tonight at the Siskel Center, and runs through Tuesday. Stick around afterward to meet the Chicago-based filmmakers.
The Daily Achatz
Eater Chicago may not be bowing until next month, but the love for "Chicago's darling" Grant Achatz has been simmering for a while. Get a taste of "The Daily Achatz".
GB Get-Together Tonight
The Wall Street mess and election craziness distracted us from promoting our own event this evening: the monthly GB Get-Together! We'll be at Clark Street Ale House from 8 to 11pm -- and yes, we'll make sure they have the debates on the TV. Come join us!
Free Bliss
This Saturday, Sivananda Yoga offers a free Intro To Yoga open house. Or, alternatively, Screenz in Lincoln Park is offering free gaming until Wednesday while they test out their new game room; call store for info.
Rock the Makeup Vote
Benefit Cosmetics and Sephora are holding a contest to find a Posie Gal to promote their Posie Tint product. One of the three national finalists is Cook County Commissioner Mike Quigley's Chief of Staff Kimberly Walz (Gal #1). Put the Chicago Machine to work and vote for her video to win.
Book Club: Chicago Shakespeare Theater Discount
Head on over to the Book Club page to find out how you can get a special discount on the Chicago Shakespeare Theater's latest production, available to GB readers only.
"Colonel McCormick, Get Ready to Roll Over"
The Reader's Michael Miner predicts that this will be the year the Tribune endorses its first Democratic candidate for President.
Bad Pun Alert: Emerald
A new, green Jewel that took five years to build is open.
Drooping Sox
Needing one win in Minneapolis to maintain a hold on first place in the AL Central, the White Sox came up short, losing to the Twins 7-6 in 10-innings Thursday night and getting swept in three games. The loss dropped them out of first place. More in Tailgate.
Things You Don't See Every Day
Mayor Daley in a floating chair. (Check out the magnetically levitating chaise lounge and other interesting stuff at Wired NextFest in Millennium Park for the next two weeks.
Chicago's Top 50 Chart
Time Out Chicago compiles the top 50 albums in Chicago's history. And yes, Chicago (the band) is represented.
Bunny To Go Belly Up?
The Telegraph has no good financial news for the house that Hef built. With a crap economy, internet porn sites, and paltry pay-per-view profits nipping at its tail, could Playboy go belly up? Gawker has a somewhat graphic graphic to explain.
Chicago Gathers a MoSS
Next weekend, the Museum of Sustainable Style opens for a four-day look at sustainable clothing, accessories and furniture.
Interview with Calexico
Over in Transmission we sit down with Calexico's Joey Burns and talk about world music, and the band's free concert tonight at Millennium Park.
The CTA is All Atwitter
If you use Twitter, you can now follow your favorite El line, buses or the CTA as a whole, and send updates to the group thanks to CTA Tweet, created ex-GB staffer Dan O'Neil, who also created the cellular CTA Alert System and works at Everyblock. More details on CTA Tattler.
More Crime, Fewer Cops?
As the city's crime rate goes up, the number of police officers is going down, according to the Fraternal Order of Police, who say that the city could be short 400 police officers by the end of the year.
Playoff Payoff?
Rev. James Meeks, he of the first-day-of-school boycott, hopes his latest protest march pays off with even more attention. He plans on ringing Wrigley Field during the Cubs' first playoff game to bring national attention to his fight for school funding reform.
Breaking Environmental Bad Habits
The Trib has a pretty interesting list of environment facts with a Chicago focus.
Daley: Let My People Go
Mayor Daley himself is going to bat for a Chicago cop who was arrested and sentenced to five years in Iowa for assaulting a man outside of a party in 2005. Daley wrote a letter to Iowa Governor Chet Culver seeking a pardon for Officer Michael Mette.
Obama's Chances Quantified
Harper's interviews Nate Silver, the Chicago writer and analyst who created the election projection site FiveThirtyEight.
A Novel Idea
Well this should make Ben Joravsky happy. Due to lack of support from the governor we all love to hate, Daley and friends have decided to shut down the central loop TIF only a year and a half after its original expiration date. So we can actually see where some of our money is going? Amazing.
Powerful Words
Local poet Jennifer Karmin is asking the public for collaboration on a four-thousand-word poem that she plans to perform on behalf of the American soldiers killed in Iraq. The anti-war street performance will be read on October 3 in front of the Vietnam War Memorial as part of the Chicago Calling Arts Festival.
Cheaters Never Win
Is Alphonso Soriano having an affair? The Cubs star has been seen quite a bit with a woman other than Mrs. Soriano. [via]
Will There Be Cocoa-Ed Dorms?
Something called the U.S. Chocolate Academy, created by the Barry Callebaut company, is coming to Chicago. It's the first one in the US.; the other is in Russia. Sweet.
Gunnery Building to be Demolished
Despite earlier hints that the Gunner's Mate School in North Chicago would be preserved, the Navy will go ahead with plans to demolish the building.
Check Your Mirrors
Stickers stating "Someone opened a door and killed my friend" have been popping up on parking meters and signposts around town, courtesy of Anti-Dooring.org.
This is Legal?
Jeanette Sliwinski, the Morton Grove woman who killed three local musicians in 2005 during a botched suicide attempt, will be freed October 2 after serving less than half of the eight year sentence she received.
He Ain't Heavy...
...he's the mayor's brother and Boss Daley is a bit miffed at GOP presidential candidate John McCain for linking brother Bill to the "corrupt Chicago Machine." But just to show that corruption goes both ways, the mayor reminded everyone of the "Keating Five".
A 'Smashing' Idea
The Tribune's Greg Kot reports that the Smashing Pumpkins will perform their first concert in the city proper since 2000 with a four-night series of shows at the Chicago Theater and the Auditorium Theater.
Lincoln Square Traffic Report
GB staffer Sandy reports that there's been a street cave-in on Lawrence just east of Western due to a water main break. Buses and traffic are being rerouted.
When Cubs Fans Attack
Maybe the 7th inning booze ban isn't such a bad idea, in light of the death of a Cubs fan at the hands of other Cubs fans. This isn't the first serious brawl this season, either.
Blago Veto A No-go
The Illinois Senate voted 55-0 to override Gov. Rod Blagojevich's veto of a state ban on campaign donations from supporters seeking to do business with the state.
7th Inning Dry Stretch
The City is asking Wrigleyville bars to stop serving after the 7th inning during Cubs playoff games to avoid mayhem in the streets. Share your opinion in Tailgate.
Mag-nificent Mile
Michigan Avenue Magazine launched over the weekend, featuring an interview with "hometown supermodel" Cindy Crawford (she's from Dekalb).
Open Sourcing Produce
Open Produce, a produce store opening in Hyde Park tomorrow, is modeled after the open source movement. As such, the owners will disclose price mark-ups, wages and other information typically kept out of the public sphere. Read about their travails testing for lead paint, visiting their wholesaler and other start-up business chaos on their blog.
Smart, Very Smart
The Chicago-based MacArthur Foundation will announce this year's Fellows (aka "Genius Grant" recipients) later today, but a few other sites beat them to the punch. The most local recipient is Will Allen, owner of Milwaukee's Growing Power.
3,800 Pounds of Carbon Dioxide a Year
Meet Ken Dunn, Chicago's greenest person.
Further Frank Lloyd Wright
...this time courtesy of Jason Fried: The Mike Wallace Interview.
New Trib Design
Crain's offers an early look at the Tribune redesign, which debuts next week. UPDATE: The Tribune has posted its own tour of the redesign, and is asking for your feedback.
World Famous Architect
Edward Lifson digs up a video of Frank Lloyd Wright on the game show "What's My Line?" in 1956. [via]
Creatively Unclear
Apparently Roger Ebert's creationism post was written by him, not a hacker -- but his intention in posting it remains unclear in his responses to comments regarding it. Perhaps Ebert is learning that satire doesn't translate online without context. UPDATE: Ebert finally did explain the article, and affirmed that it was satire.
The Trib's New 'Clothes'
The much-discussed Chicago Tribune print makeover is set to hit the stands next week. It's not as radical as the early prototype, but it's different nonetheless.
Enter, Stage Left
Chicago Magazine interviews nine veterans of the Chicago stage.
Chicago Gets a (Green) Thumbs-Up
We may be the most stressed-out city in the U.S., but at least the air we're breathing through our flared nostrils is fresher than most other places. A study has found Chicago to be the fourth most-sustainable city in the country.
Hideout Roundup
Missed out on the Hideout Block Party over the weekend? No worries! Get the scoop on what happened here...and here...and see some gore-iffic zombie pics here.
Now, It's Getting Personal
Not content to take shots at Barack Obama's level of experience, presidential opponent John McCain levels his political shotgun at the "Chicago Machine" in a new campaign commercial and pretty much doesn't miss anyone.
Hindu Universal Temple Open 115 Years Later
The Vivekananda Vedanta Society has realized its dream of opening its universal temple in Homer Glen.
Mapping the Connections
CloutWiki is a new site showing who knows who and who owes who in Chicago politics.
Automotive Arcana
If you like today's photo in Rearview, you should check out the rest of Scott Robbin's photos from the Hartung License Plate & Auto Museum in Glenview.
Not So All Beef
Turns out Vienna's "all beef" hot dogs haven't been quite 100 percent. Get in on the class action lawsuit.
And Possibly Trapped Sea Birds?
Has Roger Ebert's site been hacked or is he really trumpeting Creationism? I'm going with hacked. Yep.
Chinatown, My Chinatown
The Chinese-American Museum of Chicago was badly damaged in a fire Friday afternoon. No word yet on whether any exhibits were lost.
Resurrecting Pilgrim Baptist Church
Architecture fans take heart. Plans are afoot to rebuild Dankmar Adler and Louis Sullivan's Pilgrim Baptist Church, which caught fire in January 2006 (one of three Sullivans to burn to a crisp that year). The current estimate for repairs is $37 million. Donations are encouraged.
A Dive in the Times
Jimmy's Woodlawn Tap in Hyde Park is profiled in the fall travel section of the New York Times.
Attention, Writers
Windy City Story Slam, pet project of local writer Bill Hillmann, is looking for 5-10 minute story submissions for their next event on October 4. What makes this event extra special? October competitors will share the stage with special guest and world-famous author, Irvine Welsh (Trainspotting, Filth, Crime, etc.)
Girls Got Game
In Tailgate, our sports section, Ken Green interviews one of the producers of Girl/Gamer, a documentary examining the culture of women in video- and role-playing games.
Giggles All Around
Head over to the monument at the center of Logan Square (Logan and Kedzie) this Saturday at 5:45pm for an ode to laughter through a cell phone-coordinated laughter symphony to the tune of Beethoven's "Ode to Joy."
Don't Forget to Feed the Meter
Today is National Park(ing) Day, and the Trust for Public Land has taken over some spots on the 1800 block of Milwaukee Avenue to raise awareness for the proposed Bloomingdale Trail.
Food First, Seeing the Eternal Union of Todd and Lisa Second
This week's Drive-Thru feature explores some of the newest trends in delicious, memorable wedding reception eats.
This Billboard's Not for You
Anheuser-Busch and the owner of "the Budweiser building" across from Wrigley Field are suing each other over the iconic rooftop ad.
Game of the Century?
In case you haven't heard, the Cubs are on the verge of moving a step closer to removing that 100-year-old World Series albatross from around their necks. With a win today (and a Milwaukee loss), they clinch a spot in the playoffs. But manager Lou Pinella says hold off on the champagne.
Clearing The Air
Mayor Daley unveils a plan to drastically cut the city's greenhouse gas emissions by 2020. The plan includes expanding the number of green rooftops, increased recycling and car-pooling and promotion alternative fuels.
Won't You Be My Neighb-arrr!?
Mister Roger's Neighborhood may be going off the air, but his cousin Jolly Roger is back for today.
Get in on the Scene, Man
Whether you're a fan of poetry, readings, or a writer and performer yourself, you'll be glad to know that The Poetry Center of Chicago has a new online resource for local literary types. The Chicago Scene is a just launched online listing of poetry readings and events going on around town. Even better, you can promote your own events by shooting them an email.
Yar! Talk Like a Pirate Day is Here
Just like September 19ths of yore, today is International Talk Like a Pirate Day. What better way is there to annoy your boss, amuse your coworkers, and blow off steam on a Friday? None. You can celebrate like some Geologists at NIU and plunder some bandwidth, or like a teacher in Lisle and emphasize your "Rrrr"s all day long. Or have some grog and call it a day.
Mai Tais by Thanksgiving?
The Sun-Times has an update on Trader Vic's return to Chicago. The restaurant is scheduled to return in late November at Newberry Plaza (1030 N. State). In anticipation of the grand re-opening, they've put out the giant tiki head that used to sit in front of the original Chicago location, so you can't miss the new restaurant.
Important Buildings in Trouble
Landmarks Illinois has released its Chicagoland Watch List, an annual review of threatened buildings in Chicago. If you're so inclined, you can vote on which ones should be preserved at the Trib.
Cops Cooling Their Heels in Protest
The Associated Press reports that some Chicago police are taking it easy on criminals as a form of protest against Superintendent Jody Weis. No comment so far on Second City Cop, but keep your eye out.
On The Road Again
Check out all of the local events happening over the next few months in honor of the 50th anniversary of Jack Kerouac's iconic masterpiece, On the Road. Among them, a new exhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Photography and, of course, the book's original manuscript making a stop at the Columbia Book & Paper Center from October 3 through November 30.
Who's On Third?
Add another voice to the debate over a third airport for the Chicago area: the FAA chief who says another airport is needed in addition to the $15 billion expansion at O'Hare.
Not Manic For Organic?
Organic food may be all the rage these days, but according to the Chicago Reporter, the pesticide-free food is hard to come by in minority communities, for various reasons.
Don't Stop Believin'
Eddie Vedder, lifelong Cubs fan, sings "Someday We'll Go All the Way." Download it here. (Thanks, Chris!)
Stock Up on Cheese
Kraft will be joining the Dow Jones Industrial Average on Sept. 22, replacing AIG.
Hideout Block Party Rundown
Planning on hitting up the 12th Annual Hideout Block Party this weekend? Still on the fence? Over in Transmission, we've got our picks for a good time this weekend as you rock out and send off summer with a bang.
Six-Ring Domain
Have you visited Chicago2016.com, when you meant to go to Chicago2016.org? The former is owned by a Northwestern grad student, and features a "fair and balanced discussion" of Chicago's Olympic bid -- and the bid committee wants to use it for their own purposes. Both sides are now suing for control of the domain.
Wisconsin Waste Water
I'm sure none of us are excited about waste water running into the lake, but people in Wisconsin seem to like our waste water even less than we do.
Top Dog
GQ's food critic, Alan Richman, who has previously deemed Chicago "the best restaurant city in America," recently attempted his own version of a hot dog crawl to see how our dogs compare to those in NYC. [via]
R. Kelly Has a Few Teenaged Friends
...but none of them are "illegal." (Whew.)
Gourmet Discount
Thinking about going to Chicago Gourmet, the new high-end food and wine festival in Millennium Park next week? Use the code CG2008TEN when you buy your tickets and you'll get 10 percent off.
In a Crunch, Chicago Schools Need You!
We're all feeling the economic pinch, but Chicago schools are really feeling it. You can help fund educational projects through Donors Choose, where you can search by neighborhood, topic and grade level...and help buy kids a new microscope, workbooks or even an area rug to spruce up a dull reading corner.
Mariotti Not Switching Teams
Ex-Sun-Times sports columnist Jay Mariotti will not be joining the Tribune staff as rumors had reported -- thus avoiding having to share a room with some of the very people he villainized in the past. Mariotti commented on the situation to the Reader's Michael Miner.
Zell Of A Problem
The Chicago Cubs aren't the only employees of Sam Zell's with balls. The Chicago real-estate mogul who purchased the Tribune and the Cubs is being sued by several employees of the Los Angeles Times (which he also owns) who are seeking to remove him from the company's board of directors.
Look Closely
In its neverending quest to save lost souls around the globe, Google Maps offered up a new version of its mobile software today (available here) that includes Street View, walking directions and local business reviews. They also recently updated their standard maps to include some building numbers if you zoom in reeeally close.
Obama the Candidate, 2004
Chicago Public Radio has dug up an archival interview with Barack Obama from his 2004 campaign for Senate.
Out Of Bounds
A local high school football coach lost his job this week. No, not for producing a winless season. For robbing a bank. How many yards do you get penalized for that?
Following Achatz's Footsteps
In 2007, Carol Blymire decided she would try cooking every recipe in the French Laundry Cookbook and blog the experience. The project proved wildly popular, and now she's set her sites* on Grant Achatz's forthcoming cookbook. (You can preorder Alinea from Amazon for just $31.50.) Chicago MenuPages Blog interviews Blymire about Alinea at Home. *Pun intended.
Knit Map
With the temps dropping, I've been itching to start knitting again. If you find yourself with the urge, but no supplies, try calling on Knit Map to locate the LYS (local yarn store) nearest you. It's especially handy when you're stuck somewhere unfamiliar (suburbs) and you need some yarn distraction (awkward family gathering). There's even an iPhone version.
Nine Million Cigarettes Later
An enterprising Chicagoan realized the Kentucky sales tax on a pack of cigarettes is 30 cents, while the Chicago tax is $3.66 and the New York tax is $4.25. Unfortunately for him, taking advantage of that difference isn't legal.
Another Feather in Chicago's Cap
Have you been feeling on edge lately? It's not just you--Forbes ranks Chicago as the most stressful city in the nation.
Isn't It Ironic?
Braving the record rains over the weekend to say "I do" ended up paying off in the thousands for seven lucky couples. The jewelers running the promotion? Not so lucky.
Free to Be U of C
The University of Chicago magazine contemplates what it means to be "U of C," and whether that's a legitimate criticism of presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama.
Syncing Along
Local blogger Michael has a hobby: lip-syncing to pop tunes and posting them to YouTube. Check out "I Kissed a Girl" for a taste.
How Green Was My Notepad
If you're so green, you don't even use paper made from trees, than you're either carving grocery lists on stones, or you're using Ultra Green Film made right here in Chicago.
Arrgh! Kidrobot Is Coming
Fans of adult toys (no, not those kind) will be geeked to find out that Kidrobot is opening its first-ever Chicago-based pirate store here next month. The purveyor of vinyl art toys and apparel will open the store in Wicker Park from October 4 through December.
My Cousin, The Rabbi
The already-diverse Barack Obama family just keeps getting more diverse. Meet Michelle's rabbi cousin.
Science Chicago Launches Today
Science Chicago, "the world's largest science celebration," kicks off today and runs for the next year. Check out the website for events happening around the city.
Wrong Approach to Avoiding the Boot
A city worker was beaten with a stick and then shot in the back this morning after trying to put the Denver Boot on a vintage Buick. The car's owner will now have a whole lot more to worry about than unpaid parking tickets.
OTS Looks To Community for Musical History
The Old Town School of Folk Music is assembling a huge "Timeline of Music" that will encompass the varied flavors of music that its students study, know and love. The school's executive director Bau Graves posts an invitation on his blog for music lovers to contribute to what he wants to be "the most flamboyant and informative bulletin board in town."
Who Pays for the Free Ride?
While we spend plenty of time fretting about our public transportation system, the American Public Transportation Association reminds us we're not alone.
TAL Takes Home Emmys
Congratulations to everybody at This American Life: the TV version of the radio show won two Emmys at this weekend's Creative Arts Emmy Awards. The ceremony will be broadcast on Saturday, September 20 on E!
R. Kelly Speaks
BET airs "R. Kelly Speaks," his first televised interview since the ending of his trial for, well, you know. Tuesday, September 16 at 10pm ET/9pm CT. [via]
Eight (million) Apparently Not Enough
Senator Barack Obama raised $66 million last month, setting a new monthly record for presidential fundraising.
Landmark Under Water
As noted by the Reader's "Chicagoland" blog, Mies van der Rohe's famous Farnsworth House has fallen victim to the recent heavy rains. Donations are being accepted to help restore the landmark structure. If you can, contribute.
Burnham's The 'Face' of Chicago
The Tribune's "Skyline" blogs discusses the impact of Daniel Burnham, not only on the look and layout of the city but the 'burbs as well.
LOLEbert
Roger Ebert responds (third item down) to a reader who doesn't understand why the esteemed film critic didn't review the piss-poor Disaster Movie. [via]
Kids, Get Your Threads On
Threadless, a store/website of user-designed tees, will be opening a kids outlet in Wicker Park this fall.
Cooking with Sandra
We catch up with Food Network celebrity and cookbook author Sandra Lee in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
The School's the Thing
Noble School Charter Prep gets a spotlight from NPR this weekend for its successes and 100% graduation rate (which is more than New Trier's, ahem).
Lots of Rain Alright
That had to be some sort of record. There's flooding all over the place, including along the Chicago River.
David Foster Wallace Dies
Writer David Foster Wallace, author of Infinite Jest and Brief Interviews with Hideous Men, committed suicide Friday evening at his home in California. Wallace, 46, whose parents were professors at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Parkland College, was also a 1997 MacArthur Foundation Genius Grant recipient and a former faculty member at Illinois State University.
Image Is Everything
According to Chicago 2016 Commitee Chairman Patrick Ryan, the main goal of securing the Olympics is to change the city's image. Really? Are we still all Al Capone and Michael Jordan to the rest of the world?
Goodbye, Abby
Abby Ryan, one of the few traffic reporters ever to have a cult following, leaves the air today, a result of Shadow Traffic eliminating live traffic reports. Read her own brief goodbye on her MySpace page. You can still catch her final reports this evening on WBEZ.
Be the Change
Today and tomorrow, the Sustainable Living Roadshow is at UIC with a wide-ranging program of exhibits and workshops on how to live more green. It's free, from 10am to 7pm both days.
Middle of Nowhere, Chicago
There are few places as isolated as the Altgeld Gardens-Murray Homes CHA development, the Defender reports.
Armed and Fabulous!
The FBI is on the hunt for the "Cross-Dressing Bandit", who robbed a Park Ridge bank wearing a black and pink dress, pink sun hat and white gloves. For a dangerous felon, he manages to stay well-coordinated.
Where Do We Stand?
Somehow we ranked third in public-trans/walkability but only 16th in friendliness. See this and dozens of other rankings in Travel + Leisure's city survey.
Children's Museum in Even More Hot Water
As if the Grant Park controversy weren't enough, the Sun-Times discovered the Museum isn't using its parking refund from McPier to subsidize anyone's parking.
Ike Spikes Cubs
As if their recent up-and-down play weren't enough frustration for their fans, now comes word that Hurricane Ike has put the kibosh on the first two games of the Cubs-Astros series in Houston, which was to begin tomorrow. No word on Sunday's contest.
Arrested for Anti-Development
GB's Party Line columnist Peter Zelchenko was arrested for allegedly going over his 3 minutes of talk time at a Planning Commission meeting; he was protesting the building of soccer fields for the Latin School. Ben Joravski describes the scene and its aftermath.
Root Root Root for the Cubbies
ESPN presents "No Love Lost," video interviews with Cubs fans aged 7 to 100 -- including Ronni Woo Woo and Billy Corgan.
Right On 'Cue
Chicago native Scott Johnson barbecues for a cause: to fight cancer. He donates his winnings in national competitions to a cancer research foundation. That's nice, but his reasons for getting into barbecuing might tick a few people off: he points to "the lack of quality barbecue cuisine in his native Chicago." Ahem...
Can't Tell Me Nothing...Except that I'm Under Arrest
Musician (and Chicago native) Kanye West was arrested today at Los Angeles International Airport for vandalism after assaulting a photographer.
Wilson Yard Neighbors Get Ready to Sue
Angry Uptown residents are uniting under the banner of Fix Wilson Yard, and a few days ago sent a letter to Mara Georges [PDF], Corporate Counsel for the City, announcing their intention to file a lawsuit over alleged misuse of the TIF site. CC'd on the letter: Target, originally announced as the anchor retail store but never formally committed. (And don't expect that movie theater, either.)
Aftermath Project Shows Untold War Stories
"War is Only Half the Story: The Aftermath Project," an exhibit featuring the work of award-winning photographers who capture untold stories about the aftermath of war, opens tonight at Roosevelt University's Gage Gallery. Sponsored by The Aftermath Project, it features work by artists Kathryn Cook, Andrew Stanbridge, Asim Rafiqui and Paula Luttringer. For more details see Slowdown.
No Metal Baseball Bats for Minors?
Alderman Fioretti is taking on the "metal bat cartel" by proposing a ban on the use of metal bats by those under 18. He says, "It's not a question of foie gras. That's what choice is. This is an issue of actual injury." Hm.
Chicago has the Craftiest Bastards
And you can prove it. The Washington City Paper (in D.C.) organizes a cool craft show called Crafty Bastards. This year they're running a contest to vote for the bastardiest crafter craftiest bastard. Norah Utley of Sheriff Peanut (and Berwyn) is in the contest. And in case you've never seen her cool-ass stuff in person, you can pop into this weekend's Renegade Craft Fair to say howdy.
Headbang the Casbah
The documentary Heavy Metal in Baghdad will be shown at the Metro tomorrow night, with a cocktail reception before and a Q&A after. It's free, but you have to be 21+ and RSVP to get in.
Chicago's Female Founding 'Fathers'
It wasn't just the Marshall Fields and the Potter Palmers who rebuilt Chicago after the Great Fire. WBEZ-FM reports on the women who helped raise the city from the ashes.
Biden His Time In Chicago
VP candidate Joe Biden hung out in Lincoln Park this week and told fundraisers how he plans to handle opponent Sarah Palin in their debates. Bottom line: no kid gloves.
You had me at 'Safety Tube'
In honor of National Preparedness Month, the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago is awarding Safety Tubes to the two commenters who can best explain when a safety tube (which contains water, light source, dust mask, and whistle) could have come in handy in a previous emergency, or when they might need one. Deadline for comments is 5pm Friday.
Now That's a Hole in the Ground
The Chicago Spire's progress has reached the surreal stage.
Putting the Porn in "Foodporn"
How soon do you think before the protests start over this provocative ad for Cabana Cachaça on the Near West Side?
Book Club: Dirty Sugar Cookies
This month we turn to lighter fare with the food memoir Dirty Sugar Cookies by Ayun Halliday. The book is an autobiographical account of a picky young eater turned brave food adventuress and comes complete with recipes you can try. You can read the introduction on the Book Club page now, then join us on October 13 when we'll discuss it in person at the Book Cellar. New members are always welcome to join the discussion.
OMGCHI
The City of Chicago will text you in the case of an emergency if you sign up for their new service NotifyChicago.
Turning Trash into Cash
This week is recycling week at GB, with two features exploring what is typically perceived as the underside of the economy. In A/C, we take a look at Scrappers, a documentary film featuring the lives of three local scrap metal collectors. Over in Detour, we visit with Barry "Can Man" Woodson, leader of a street crew of recyclers in Wrigleyville. After reading the articles, you may want to check out the Scrappers fundraiser on Friday.
How Much, to Whom?
Find out how much your neighbors have been donating to the presidential candidates this election on the Huffington Post's Fundrace2008 map.
An Amazing Race
Looking for something a little different for this weekend? Get some friends together and enter the High Trek Adventure Chicago -- part scavenger hunt, part trivia challenge, part bar crawl.
Who Guards the Guardians
Re: The Auditors keeps tabs on the big four auditing firms. Limited interest to non-accountants, but very interesting to those in the industry.
Election Time is Here
Count down to the November 4 elections with the 2008 Election Day Advent Calendar, a traditional advent calendar with daily political tidbits (instead of bleh pastoral winter scenes) to rev you up until the end of the election season. The calendar begins at October 6 and costs $15.
Steve Dahl on Twitter?
I enjoy Steve Dahl on the radio (or for those with lots of time, on a podcast), but I find his tweets are delightful too if you're short on time and want a few chuckles.
CPS Testing Crime Fighting with Text Messages
The new CPS/CPD project will let students send anonymous text messages to provide crime tips, but the real story is the ridiculous "CRIME" graffiti photo used in the article.
It's a Bird...It's a Plane...Full of Whales
Seven beluga whales and four Pacific white-sided dolphins from the Shedd Aquarium have been FedExed to the Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration in Connecticut in preparation for the upcoming nine-month renovation of the Oceanarium. I wonder what the shipping and handling on that delivery was.
Who Says There's No Money in Journalism?
Former Tribune editor Anne-Marie Lipinski, who resigned from the newspaper in July, has accepted a position with the University of Chicago as the Vice President for Civic Engagement starting October 1.
Where We're Missing Our Connections
Very Small Array has produced maps based on Craigslist Missed Connections, showing the most likely place to "miss" someone in general and by sexual preference as well as age, hair color and other breakdowns.
Free Tickets to The Duchess
Want to see The Duchess, Keira Knightly's latest period piece? Head to HollywoodChicago.com and get your name in for a preview screening Sept. 24.
Maxwell Street 'Flea'ing Again
Once again, Chicago's historic "Maxwell Street" is on the move, this time relocating from Canal Street to Desplaines Street. Even if you don't need tube socks, you should probably go see it. Something says this latest move might be its last.
Coffee War Brewing
As The Mighty Starbucks Empire begins a withdrawal of sorts, closing 600 outlets including 18 in Chicago, stalwart Dunkin' Donuts is moving in to fill the gap with plans for four drive-thrus in locations previously earmaked for Starbucks.
United We Halt
Trading was halted for shares of United Airlines (UAL), which were as low as $0.01 today, due to false bankruptcy rumors. The scare was caused by the Florida Sun Sentinel publishing a six-year-old Trib article with the current date.
Like YouTube for Non-Profits
DoGooderTV doesn't have hot coeds behaving badly, but it does feature some pretty good videos.
CTA Cuts Back
Fortunately, today's CTA cuts hit administrative staff and not service. But that doesn't mean we won't see that later this year or next.
More Than Leasing the Skyway and Garages
If you've ever wanted a crash course in our part of the world's tendency to lease public property to private interests, the Trib has you covered.
River North Landmark District Proposed, Delayed
Last week's discussion of a preliminary landmark designation for a section of River North was on the schedule then off again due to intervention from Alderman Brendan Reilly. The action will now go down during the Landmark Commission's October meeting.
Physicists Learn to Improvise
CERN hired IO's Charna Halpern to teach its physicists how to loosen up and better explain what they do. Which will come in handy as they assure the world that their Large Hadron Collider won't create a black hole that will kill us all.
Rate Your Political Blog
Looking for a blog on Illinois (and national) politics? This list from MidwestBusiness.com is a good place to start.
Scrabble for Your Cheatin' Heart
Finally, you can cheat your way to success at Scrabble, and it's allowed. And it benefits children. 826 Chicago (the writing/tutoring nonprofit affiliated with Dave Eggers and the entire hipster universe) is hosting a benefit in October called Scrabble for Cheaters. The funds you raise allow you to buy "cheats." Like, for $400 you can reject your opponent's word for no reason. (If only everything worked that way... oh wait.) Details and sign-up at the 826 web site.
Organize This!
In her GOP convention speech, Sarah Palin gave a little slap in the face to community organizers. A Chicago community organizer (not Obama) slaps back.
"They Better Be Good"
The Reader has a great excerpt from a book by Tim Reid and Tom Dreesen about their experiences as the first black-and-white stand-up team.
Tag Team Baking
If you're setting your Tivo for the weekend, don't neglect to catch the Chicago chef Michelle Garcia of Bleeding Heart Bakery compete in the Food Network Challenge: Tag Team Cakes on Sunday at 8pm. The chefs didn't know who they'd be paired with for the competition, but if this snapshot of the final product is any indicator, I say it was a productive (and likely, delicious) pairing.
"Second Hand Bandit" Potentially Identified
Authorities claim the person responsible for 21 bank robberies is a South Side designer. It appears this is his myspace page.
RoPa Awards, the Blogger Equivalent of the Razzies
Rogers Park has a vibrant blogger community -- which clearly has some infighting going on. At the risk of fanning the flames, here are the anonymously delivered the RoPa Awards, for the "Five Dumbest Rogers Park Moronic Idiot Blog Posts of 2008." (In everyone's defense, the year's not over yet.)
Apparently We're Pretty OK for Allergies
Chicago is the 86th worst city for allergies ... not that people with allergies will feel any better knowing that.
Ch-ch-ch-changes Coming to the Tribune
The Sun-Times reports more information on the impending redesign of the Chicago Tribune. Possible changes include fewer sections and less news. On the flip side, officially naming it the "Trib" apparently won't be happening.
Summer in a Jar
You don't need to struggle to chow down the last of the season's produce. This week's Drive-Thru feature is all about what you can do to enjoy fresh vegetables and fruits far into winter...from a jar.
This School Will Be Queer
High schoolers who are homosexual, bi-sexual, or questioning their sexuality may soon have a school of their own. The Greater Lawndale Little Village School for Social Justice has submitted a proposal to the Chicago Public Schools for a Social Justice High School-Pride Campus to open in 2010. A community hearing will be held at the Center on Halsted on September 18, and CPS will make their decision by the end of October.
Even Brie Hurts When Thrown
And you thought metal shows were tough. Apparently it can get down and dirty on the lawn at Ravinia during a Donna Summer show. Especially if you pull some lo-fi moves with your blanket and chairs.
Michelle O. to cook with Paula D.
Michelle Obama will be a guest at "Paula's Party" on the Food Network. Besides sharing details about life on the campaign trail, Michelle will learn how to make host Paula Deen's Fried Shrimp and Creole French Fries. Put on your eating pants and tune in on Saturday, September 20 at 7:00 pm ET/CT.
Oprah in Talks with Peacock
Well, "Peacock Network," anyway. E!'s Kristin Dos Santos reports that Oprah is thisclose to appearing as herself on NBC's 30 Rock this fall.
Perpendicular Lines
Those "America's Next Top Model" auditions are at the Congress Hotel -- which has been under a strike for the last five years. UNITE HERE! let us know it's planning an extra special protest against the crossing of the picket line. Head on down at 10am to watch the fun. UPDATE: The auditions have been moved to the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place.
Wanna Be On Top (Model)?
The newest cycle of America's Next Top Model is just getting started and they're already scoping out the locals for the next season. ANTM is holding an open call for Chicago beauties this Saturday. To see what sort of stunning creatures the scouts will be looking for, check out this season's contestants.
Laughter In The Rain
If the rain and gloomy skies has gotten you down today, here's something to give you a much-needed chuckle: Todd Stroger says that patronage is over.
Chi-lympic Haters Have a Mascot
Phelps may be for Chicago's Olympic bid, but some are not so hot on the prospect.
HOBO FEST! In Pullman!
At first I thought I was going to have to go all the way to Iowa next August to get my fix of Hobo culture and stew. Not true -- it appears that Pullman is having "Hobo Fest" this weekend on Saturday and Sunday. They want to make the largest batch of mulligan ever made in Chicago -- and you can be there to taste it.
Everybody Wasn't Kung-Fu Fighting
Shameless self-promotion: I interviewed rock and roll wrestler Bob Calhoun (aka Count Dante) about his new book Beer, Blood, and Cornmeal: Seven Years of Incredibly Strange Wrestling and did a little write-up for the Reader. Bob will be reading from BB&C at Quimby's tomorrow night.
The Mash Debuts
The Tribune's school newspaper experiment, The Mash, debuts today in Chicago Public Schools. Read it online. (Previously.)
The Hug Explained
Jesse Jackson, Jr. talks about all the Illinois politicians hugging at the DNC.
Stop and Smell the Flowers
Des Plaines residents don't care much for silk flowers. The only thing that's made them more upset? Casinos.
Urban Explorers Beware
East Chicago's former U.S. Smelter and Lead Refinery is the newest entry on the Superfund National Priorities List.
Score One for the Home Team
Sports blog East Coast Bias took a trip to Wrigley Field this past weekend and (surprise!) they kinda liked it.
The Beckoning of the Lovely
On August 8, dozens of people joined author Amy Krause Rosenthal in Millennium Park to do... something. This is what they did. (You can do it, too.)
Taking Stock of Louis Sullivan
Chicago architecture fan Lee Bay takes at look at the recently unwrapped Louis Sullivan-created Chicago Stock Exchange arch on his blog, as well offers as some great random people shots at Buckingham Fountain.
Barry Bonds Signs to Chicago Tee-Ball Team?
Sad what passes for funny these days. Leave it to the Onion.
In Barack's Backyard
You better not pout, you better not cry, you better not ask about his seven houses and here's why: John McCain is coming to town. (With apologies to Santa.)
UR Chicago Closing
According to now former Editor-in-Chief Ari Bendersky, UR Chicago is being put on "indefinite hiatus" due to "the current state of the economy." The magazine's website will continue on, though.
Book Club: Native Son Discussion Questions
Head on over to the Book Club page where you can now look over the questions we'll use to discuss Richard Wright's Native Son. We'll meet at the Book Cellar on Monday, September 8, to discuss it in person. Whether you've been participating for months or this will be your first time, we welcome everyone who wants to join us.
Coming Soon: The SRO Car
We've mentioned it previously on GB, and here's another reminder/warning: to help ease overcrowding, seatless train cars will start showing up on rush hour El trains starting in late October or early November.
Vietnam Memorial at UIC this Thursday
The Moving Wall, a replica of the Vietnam War Memorial, will be making a stop at UIC beginning this Thursday and will be open around the clock until Monday at the corner of Harrison and Halsted.
Michael Phelps Wins the Gold Medal for Media Overexposure
Just to remind you, our favorite ravenous Olympian will be in town today to appear at Oprah's season opener and to also appear at a webcast discussion at 5:15pm about bringing the games to Chicago in 2016.
A Different Kind of Craftsman
In what's probably the most bizarre local fashion news story of late, Sears is releasing a line of clothing based on the Army's First Infantry Division uniforms.
Lettuce Entertain You ...Differently
Restaurant empire Lettuce Entertain You is branching out beyond food with a two-hour internet radio show featuring Mike North, who left WSCR in June. The show debuts Monday, Sept. 8, from 9 to 11am on WildfireRestaurant.com, and will be available as a podcast on iTunes and North's website later in the day.
Stitch-a-President
Whether you're a fan of Obama, McCain, or a Hillary booster, you can embroider your vote with free redwork patterns from Black Threads, a blog about African American quilting. [via]
Saying Goodbye to Summer
The Trib has a photo and audio slideshow looking at summer block parties around the city.
Moving the Bar
Drunken Service Announcement: The Chicago Bar Project has had some trouble with their hosting company, and are now at ChiBarProject.com.
Red Rubber Ball
Kurt Perschke's RedBall project is coming to town. Fans of The Prisoner be at ease.
Livin' in Beverly Hills (& Morgan Park)
I love finding blogs about Chicago's less in-the-news neighborhoods: check out beverlymorganpark.net.
NYC's Version of Car-Free Saturdays
There's some disappointment with the Sundays Parkways plan for car-free streets in October. John Greenfield traveled to NY to experience their version of 'ciclovia' and offers some tips on why New York's worked where Chicago stumbled.
By the Time I Get to Northfield
The boycott of the first day of Chicago Public Schools will go as planned today, with hundreds of city students attempting to enroll at tony New Trier High School.
150 Olympians, Oprah and You
We've all missed out on getting seat tickets for Oprah's 10am Wednesday taping in Millennium Park, but show up at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion that morning and get a shot at lawn seats.
The Trib Does Gustav
Follow Hurricane Gustav news from the Tribune here and on Twitter.
