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.
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Monday, November 24
Now that Blago's gone, so will be the physical manifestations of his legacy. If it costs $15,000 to edit 38 highway signs, imagine how much it'll cost to replace the City of Chicago signs once the Emperor steps down...
In A/C, we've got a report on Tuesday's meeting to choose public art for the Belmont CTA station. Uninvolved by certainly related: the Chicago Public Art Group.
If you're looking for information about the history of Chicago's LGBT community, Chicago Gay History is the place to look. The site has published everything from all of the biographies in the Chicago Gay History Project to a range of detailed information about specific topics.
The Drive-Thru staff lists their favorite cooking shortcuts in this week's feature.
Here's something you might not have expected to see: a strongly-worded attack on the "railroading" of Rod Blagojevich.
The folks behind Fine Diving Chicago take found furniture and other objects and refurbish them, sometimes giving them a completely new life.
The Olympic bid moves further along with all of the Olympic federations signing off on the city's venues.
Before splitting with a lifetime supply of stolen office supplies this afternoon in Springfield, Rod Blagojevich pardoned past battery- and drug-related convictions of a janitor he met last fall at a homeless shelter, and also expunged a forgery and deception charge against a real estate developer.
Feel like the mail takes far too long to get where it's going these days (especially if that place is Chicago)? Just imagine if it only came five times a week.
If you have a small business or are thinking of opening one, the Jane Adams Hull House is offering 3 different programs in February that you maybe interested in attending. And because they care about you, the programs are free.
Tito Jackson will be in the Vocalo studios at noon tomorrow (Friday) -- talking about the Jackson Five and answering listener questions. Call 888-635-1112 or hit the website with questions.
GQ's Alan Richman profiles Schwa's Michael Carlson and gains new insight into the restaurant's abrupt closure and reopening.
The White Sox have invited President Obama to throw the first pitch of their season. Seeing as they're going up against the Royals it's bound to be a good start to a good game...at least to us Southsiders.
If the Gov is indeed ousted today, the Illinois Tollway will almost immediately shroud all those signs proclaiming Rod's awesomeness (like this one). Then they'll take them down.
Uptown Update, the highly popular blog that has become a thorn in the side of Ald. Helen Shiller, particularly over the fate of the Wilson Yard Project, has been brought into that case by the attorney for the yard's developer, Peter Holsten. The attorney is subpoening records from Google about the ownership of that blog and another (apparently defunct blog) called "What The Helen".
Governor Blagojevich is starting gave his remarks on the Illinois Senate floor. Here are highlights from the speech.
Sky Full of Bacon went to Food Network chef Sandra Lee for semi-homemade suggestions on how to reproduce some of Alinea's greatest hits for a fraction of the cost. Or did they?
Patti Smith shares some memories of her childhood in Logan Square and Humbolt Park.
Gov. Blagojevich plans to deliver a closing argument in the impeachment trial he's avoided all week; tune in to the coverage at about 11am to catch it.
The Reader wants to know -- vote now in their annual Best of Chicago ballot.
Newly-installed Chicago Public Schools chief (and former CTA chief) Ron Huberman was booed today by a crowd of parents, teachers and community officials upset about plans to close and reorganize 22 schools.
Dorval Carter will be the acting head of the CTA until a permanent successor to Ron Huberman is found.
Roland Burris told the audience at a Rainbow/PUSH luncheon earlier this week that "If there was no Martin Luther King Jr. and no Roland Burris, there would be no Barack Obama in the White House today."
Examiner.com has some fun at the expense of HGTV and "Best of" lists with the network's proclamation of the Gold Coast as Chicago's dreamiest neighborhood.
The economic downturn is creating problems for wetland mitigation developers and leading others to question the practice.
While it may be par for the course in Washington, D.C., a school closing because of "some ice" is a bit of a shock to President Obama who says the city apparently needs some "Chicago toughness."
The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning has released incredibly detailed graphs of traffic congestion in Chicagoland. Study up on your route to learn when not to hit particular problem areas.
The Straight Dope examines the details of U of C's nuclear claim to the first nuclear fission, and uncovers some faulty math instead.
Sam Munson's debut novel, The November Criminals, was written originally for the University of Chicago admissions office as a response to an essay question. Publishing rights for the book reportedly sold at auction for close to $100,000.
High schooler Jonathan Wong is selling views of the Obamas' Hyde Park home from his bedroom -- for $10 a look.
We're trying to figure out the likely candidates to succeed Ron Huberman once he moves out of the place he's supposed to be from his CTA job to his CPS one. If you've got any insider info tell us. We would be forever indebted.
Would you keep doing what you're doing at this very moment?
My first apartment in Chicago was in a four plus one. It was pretty awful.
Listen to'em here, if you're interested. [via]
The rumors have been confirmed. Ron Huberman will head the Chicago Public Schools. Reaction runs from congratulatory to pragmatic to critical.
Horse.com (which should probably know about these things) reports that the unique Noble Horse Stable might be closing its doors after 138 (yes, 138) years of operation. The facility, which in addition to providing downtown carriage rides also houses a horse-themed theater, is a victim of too much competition, says the owner.
...with Rod and Patti. WGN Radio has reportedly offered the media-crazy governor and his wife a radio show. The station's program director claims they're serious. Don Wade and Roma, you've been put on notice.
That's the Illinois state motto, as printed here by Emily Wick as part of her Fifty States and their Mottos project.
Mystery solved - Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich did his own hair for his appearance yesterday on "The View". [via]
Ever wanted to know how many people visit Chicago museums? Last year, the Shedd had the most, with 1,864,886 visitors, while the whole Museums in the Park group had 7.7 million patrons.
Today seems like a good day for Guess Where Chicago.
Don't forget: the deadline for submissions to the GB and Calumet Photographic photo show is tomorrow. Check out the details in A/C.
Preservation Chicago's annual Chicago 7 draws our attention to the house of photographer and preservation activist Richard Nickel, the mid-century Modern portion of the Michael Reese campus and the "Old-fashioned" wood windows that decorate many older Chicago buildings, among others.
Gawker reports that even Ed Koch doesn't want to talk to Blago.
The Mayor is reportedly considering CTA President Ron Huberman for Arne Duncan's old job at CPS.
We've been asking for poetry for Blagojevich to read at his next press conference over in Fuel. "Gov Blago Shakespeare" points us to his own fine collection.
You're going to need a lot of booze if you play along with Chicagoist's Blagojevich drinking game during his appearance on "Larry King Live" tonight.
Hartmarx Corporation,the company responsible for President Obama's suits, has filed for bankruptcy.
The Beachwood Reporter's Steve Rhodes is liveblogging the impeachment trial for NBC5.
In case you were wondering, she's not interested. But she thinks she could do the job.
Father Time Antiques specializes in vintage watches — some beautiful timepieces in there.
Newly launched RepSheet lists which elected officials serve you, and also shows you the latest news mentioning any of them.
Governor Crazy revealed this morning to Diane Sawyer on "Good Morning America" that he had contemplated asking Oprah Winfrey to take over President Obama's senate seat.
Every time a CTA bus driver gets caught running a red light the taxpayers pay for it.
If the Olympics come to town, the new tennis complex will be sited just north of the Bill Jarvis Migratory Bird Sanctuary in Lincoln Park. Guess who might be concerned about such placement?
Why read blogs online when you can read them in print? You can give it a shot starting Tuesday. More info on Chicago Public Radio.
Here's some inspiration for the sled-dog days of winter: a list of free days at all Chicago's museums.
A 14-year old boy was arrested for impersonating a police officer yesterday, after he'd already been out on patrol with another officer.
Jake Austen, local author and zinester (of Roctober fame), is contributing to the fantastic Dinosaur Gardens group blog. He's just posted MP3s of a promo cassette that was given away with the latest issue of Roctober; download 'em from the site and start truckin'!
If you weren't already freaked out by his cuckoo press conferences and radio appearances, or his upcoming appearance on The View, perhaps you'll decide that the final nail in Blago's professional coffin is his announcement that he's hired a PR firm that Drew Peterson uses.
Embattled Governor Blagojevich said in a press conference today that the impeachment is really a plot to raise our taxes. And on WLS this morning, he likened it to cowboy justice. Related: RodMustResign.com.
When asked to describe Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich, Mayor Daley "puckered his lips and in a high-pitched, sing-song voice used the word 'cuckoo'". [via]
The City is cracking down on the "dibs" tradition, asking residents to remove junk or have it removed for them. The Expired Meter has a handy note you can print out and give to your neighbors if you'd like.
Local web firm Mightybytes spiced up its holiday party by creating an internal radio station that played in every room of its office. Here's how they did it. Bonus: listen to their very own groove-tastic playlist.
As Fix WIlson Yard forges ahead in its efforts to challenge the city's handling of the Wilson Yard TIF, The Huffington Post examines the history of the project, the positions of Uptown Alderman Helen Shiller and developer Holsten Chicago, and the tangled web of TIFs in Chicago.
In Transmission, we talk about the benefit show Kings of Leon is putting on tonight Saturday night at the House of Blues, and also interview their opening band The Jakes.
Andie Thomalla cooks with venison in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
Remember a couple years ago, when local poet J.J. Jameson was discovered to be an escaped murderer? There's a new documentary about him playing at the Siskel Film Center this Sunday. Steve at the Movies has a review.
The City received 1200 requests to remove shoes dangling from power lines last year.
Former S-T sports columnist Jay Mariotti says Roger Ebert "can kiss my ass." Even more amusing (and delusional): Mariotti goes on to say "AOL is positioned for a boom era when the economy cooperates."
The Ricketts family, led by local financier Tom Ricketts, have apparently placed the winning bid for ownership of the Cubs and Wrigley Field. A front-runner from the start, it looks like most hardcore fans will approve of the choice.
Playboy is moving its operation back to Chicago, where Hugh Hefner's empire was started.
Encyclopedia Britannica's new user-generated version of its online encyclopedia debuted today, but it's nothing like Wikipedia.
As of Sunday, Wicked will close in Chicago. The Trib shares remembrances of the show from the cast and crew going back to the beginning.
These new dolls from Beanie Babies maker Ty aren't based on Obama's daughters at all. No, not at all.
Looptopia, our two-time dusk-to-dawn cultural celebration, is being refashioned into a series of 5 mini-Looptopias each running from 4 to 11pm.
A federal judge has ruled that the Illinois state law that requires a moment of silence in public schools is unconstitutional as it "forces students at impressionable ages to contemplate religion."
Unfortunately, that one thing is cost. It's the most expensive transit system in America, according to a survey by Citizens Taking Action.
Patti Blagojevich has been fired from her $100,000/year job as a fundraiser for the Chicago Christian Industrial League.
According to its editor, Michael Cooke, The Sun-Times printed 520,000 more issues than usual for yesterday's inauguration. That beat the Chicago Tribune in extra copies by 45,000 papers.
Chicago real estate firm The John Buck Company may soon add Boston's Hancock Tower to its portfolio, which includes a good chunk of the Chicago region.
Our friends 37signals and Coudal Partners share office space -- and sometimes a brain. What Coudal Partners did with books and bands, 37signals is doing with films and websites.
Due to "slower than expected" ticket sales, the Chicago engagement of the musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang has been cancelled. NOW were will we get our flying car fix?
Ald. Sharon Dixon of the 24th Ward was arrested this morning for DUI, no proof of auto insurance (is a $100,000+ yearly salary not enough to cover premiums?) and obstructing of traffic by a motorist. Dixon's car was cut off by police cars and fire equipment that were on the scene of a fatal apartment fire in Rogers Park, so she got out and screamed at them to move out of her way.
The bike parking rooms and shelters planned for four CTA stations are now open. Combining bicycling and transit to get around is now even easier.
I recently had the delight of interviewing James Kennedy, author of The Order of Odd-Fish, and I got to ask him all the questions I was wondering while reading the book--where the story came from, how he feels about Harry Potter and the literary nature of the battle between good and evil. You can read the interview over on the Book Club page, and don't forget that you can see Kennedy himself tonight at the Book Cellar.
Crafter and graphic facilitator Brandy Agerbeck created an amazing graphic representation of the key concepts in President Obama's speech today.
The Obama inauguration poem gets critiqued by people who should know...the fans and members of The Poetry Foundation based here in Chicago. Judging from the comments section, not everyone was enthralled by the piece.
OK, how about some news that's NOT about the goings-on in Washington, D.C.? WaMu is set to close 57 Chicago-area bank branches. On second thought, that probably does have a lot to do with Washington, D.C.
The US Senate has just confirmed CPS CEO Arne Duncan as the next Secretary of Education by unanimous consent.
Thinking about Restaurant Week reservations? The Local Tourist has made a handy Googlemap of the participating restaurants, so you know which are closest to you.
In Mechanics, we're liveblogging the inauguration festivities, from both Chicago and DC.
Speaking of photography, Chicago Public Radio is asking for photographs of whatever you're doing today to be included in a collection of Inauguration Day experiences.
As we mentioned back in December, GB and Calumet Photographic are inviting photographers of all experience levels to participate in a photo swap on Friday, February 6, and an accompanying show that will run from February 3-11. Details in A/C.
The House Theatre and Open Books are teaming up for a book drive, in honor of the House Theatre's new show Rose and the Rime. Donate your books to Open Books and you'll get a discount on tickets for the show. Details at the Open Books blog.
The hedge fund Davidson Kempner Capital Management LLC is replacing all but one member of the Sun-Times' board of directors. FYI, if you're looking for more information about the direction the board might take, the fund's website isn't particularly helpful.
Get out your decoder rings: the Sun-Times sets you straight on who's who in the Blagojevich scandal.
Starting around 6pm, over in Transmission, we'll have live updates from the Hideout's Big Shoulders Ball in D.C.'s Black Cat club tonight. Check back with us after the sun goes down and bask in the glow of some of Chicago's favorite musical talent.
Get a sneak peek at the Art Institute's new Modern Wing, designed by architect Renzo Piano.
Little Village may be getting some new "pocket parks" thanks to proposals by alternative design school Archeworks and Neighbor Space.
Tuesday's Winter Bike to Work Day encourages us to use our bicycle to get around town. To celebrate, Active Transportation Alliance serves free coffee and hot cocoa at Daley Plaza to bicycle riders from 6:30 to 9 a.m. After last week's sub-zero freeze, tomorrow may feel almost balmy.
In A/C, Carl Giometti talks with documentarian Geoffrey Baer about his latest work, "Chicago's Lakefront," which you can watch on WTTW's website.
In a story to thaw some of the hearts frozen in the wake of recent Illinois political news, a bill sponsored by a state rep and senator aims to crack down on puppy mills. They couldn't have trotted out a cuter mascot to make their point.
The Sun-Times gives us the backstory on why "ER" is set in Chicago.
Here are the details of the Inauguration events over the next two days; if you're looking to celebrate with a night on the town, you have options.
Over in Transmission, we got some time to interview Scott Masson of OFFICE and talked with him about the recent free release of their latest album, Mecca, and whether or not this is the end of the once skyrocketing Chicago band.
If you're looking to get involved with a volunteer project as part of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, you can find events in your area.
Most Insignificant News Item of the Day: After more than 100 years, the H.J. Heinz Company is removing the pickle from the logo on its ketchup bottle and replacing it with the more appropriate tomato. The Chicago connection? The pickle logo idea was hatched during the 1893 Chicago World's Fair.
According to The Economist, Illinois hasn't been good about lawfully punishing its corrupt governors:
Amazingly, in a state known for sleaze, Mr Blagojevich is the first governor of Illinois to be impeached. Only seven American governors have ever been so canned, though 1920s Oklahoma saw two deploy the National Guard in an effort to deter opponents.
Chicago Public Schools has announced the list of 16 schools that will be closed, relocated or consolidated at the end of this year.
The Parking Ticket Geek reports that although the sale of the city's parking meters was pushed through quickly, the actual lease deal is taking a lot longer. Don't expect the switch-over till around March.
GrubHub and Metromix staffers are competing Rock Band throwdown in the Tribune Tower at 3:30pm. While you can't go watch, you can follow along as they live-tweet: @GrubHub and @Metromix.
Chicago-based ticket-brokering site FirstDIBZ.com says got caught up in a Super Bowl ticket scam, in which "hackers" allegedly posted sales of tickets they didn't own.
Jill Jaracz goes on a hunt to find a replacement for her beloved Jay's Zestidos in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
About the only time the Southwest Side gets press is when there's a fire or a crime. The Southwest Observer aims to change that.
One of Oprah Winfrey's exes claims in a tell-all book that they smoked crack together. The fact that he told his story exclusively to the Enquirer should probably not surprise you. The Chicago Celebrity Examiner says, so what?
Sound Transit is a website that lets you plan an audio trip around the world. The clip collection includes hundreds of interesting sounds including a couple from nearby Berwyn (search: Illinois). Here's hoping folks keep adding to the collection.
Another Chicago product is heading to DC this week. Goose Island will soon feature in the district's public houses.
Loyalty is all fine an good, as long as it doesn't involve your state rep defending your cartoon character of a governor because he is her brother-in-law. It seems Deb Mell didn't understand the details of what she was voting for as the lone dissenter in Blago's House impeachment vote. Clout heavy pastry chef: 0, the district that elected her: on the bench.
Hey good morning Chicagoans! Did you know that for today, the outside is poison!? TGIF, am I right!?
The venerable One Good Meal has new digs over at Drive-Thru, and she's making soup this week.
A lovesick security guard planned a startling attack on a hospital employee in order to get her shaken, then discarded his disguise and returned to comfort her. It also got the attention of the cops.
Roland Burris is Illinois's newest senator.
It's definitely a concern right now, as I watch a huge icicle grow outside my window. Ask.MetaFilter asks where is best to walk to avoid injury from falling ice.
Republic Windows and Doors won't be reopening, but a green building materials company from California is in negotiations for the factory. The firm's current factories are non-union, however, so there may still be problems if the deal goes through.
Obamaniacs should pick up a copy of this week's Reader: there's a special section devoted to our president-elect, including their 1995 profile of the young politician.
It was like something out of a movie--literally. A kid in Hammond, Indiana got a mouthful of pain Tuesday night when he was dared to lick a streetlight pole, and his tongue stuck to it. Said a police officer at the scene, "You'd think everybody in the country had seen A Christmas Story by now."
Rachel Maddow gives a nice mention to the Windy City Times' coverage of Obama's changed opinion (a nice way of saying flip-flop) towards gay marriage during an interview with Gene Robinson, the first openly gay Episcopalian bishop, about Rick Warren's appearance at Obama's inauguration (both will be giving invocations).
Steve Johnson gets more of the backstory about the "lost" Obama episode of "Check, Please!", which airs tomorrow night.
Chicago, meet the Neighborhood Electric Vehicle. You may be driving one soon.
The Chicago Crime Scenes Project seeks to document the locations of the city's infamous crimes. [via]
With all the snow we've gotten over the past week, people are once again getting creative with their parking spot placeholders.
CTA ridership is breaking records this year. According to a press release:
The CTA today announced that 2008 combined bus and rail ridership increased by 26.8 million rides, a gain of 5.4 percent over 2007 ridership, for a total of 526.4 million rides. It is the highest ridership level since 1992 and the highest single year ridership gain in 34 years.
Southbound Metra riders, be warned, your trip home will be slow. An Amtrak train derailed near Union Station this afternoon, cutting off three Metra lines.
The University of Chicago is the top volunteer producer for 2009 in the small school category for the Peace Corps. The University of Washington and George Washington University are at the top of the large and medium school lists respectively.
Need a little extra help? Chicago Anytime Assistants can give a hand by picking up laundry, waiting for the cable guy, do a little shopping, whatever. As a special to GB readers, they're offering your first hour of service for free -- just mention you saw it on Gapers Block.*
*Of course, it goes without saying, don't abuse this deal. Offer may be canceled at any time, without notice. GB is not responsible, yadda yadda, etc., etc.
The City invites you to ExploreChicago on its newly relaunched tourism site.
After 10 years on Saturday Night Live, comedian Tim Meadows rolls back into the city where he got his start and, after films and sitcoms, returns to live comedy.
Chicago is the 20th fattest city in America, according to Men's Health magazine. Just ahead at no. 19 is perpetual Chicago frenemy New York.
The police stopped a Metra train in Lisle, searching car to car for a reported guy with a gun -- who turned out to be a Secret Service agent on his way to work. Q101's Sherman and Tingle talked live with a station colleague who happened to be on the train.
"Blagojevich," a rap by the Chi-Town Kids. [via]
Dentist James L. Orrington may like you to work for him if you will submit to Scientology, among other problematic practices.
The Post Family and One Design have opened a coworking space called COOP, appropriately enough. If a full-on office is too much, though, you might also be interested in Jelly.
For February, we'll take a look at the book that inspired a renewed interest in fly-fishing, written by a University of Chicago professor who made his fiction debut in his 70's. You can read the introduction to A River Runs Through It on the Book Club page now, then join us on February 9 when we'll discuss it in person at the Book Cellar. New members are always welcome to join.
The family of a teenager who was shot by an off-duty Chicago cop has been awarded $2.25M by the city in a wrongful death case. The head-scratcher? The kid was shot while he was breaking into the cop's home.
You know that Olympic Village Daley wants to build? It'll be done with TIF dollars, Crain's reports. Ben Joravsky breaks it all down.
UC alum Ana Marie Cox (aka Wonkette) has joined Air America radio as a national correspondent.
Be careful if a stranger asks you to help him move his television at 6:30 in the morning.
Ald. Toni Preckwinkle will be running against Cook County Board President Todd Stroger for his position. She plans on putting her campaign into full gear after the inauguration.
If you can make it to Rosemont next Tuesday, you can watch the inauguration live on a movie screen, courtesy of MSNBC. HollywoodChicago has the details. UPDATE: It'll be showing at Landmark Century Center, too.
Poor Little Rich Girls aims to help young women in the city live a chic but budget-friendly lifestyle.
Perhaps it's one of those Jerry-Lewis-is-big-in-France deals, but for some reason the CTA Bus Tracker is popular in Norway, receiving 15,000-plus hit from that country, more than any other country outside of the U.S. *Incidentally, the headline translates to "Was that a 22 or a 36?", a pretty popular phrase among CTA users.
And you thought it was the relentless winter weather, skyrocketing cost-of-living and hit-or-miss public transportation that was putting you on edge here in Chicago. Nope. Turns out we're the third most caffeinated city in America. Step away from the Coca-Cola...
The Tribune is launching a tabloid "commuter" edition of its regular paper on Friday, simultaneously acknowledging that the Sun-Times's shape is easier to read on the train and giving its own Red Eye some competition.
In 1996, Mariana Cook photographed couples across the country. Among them were Michelle and Barack Obama, whose interview yields gems like Michelle's "There is a strong possibility that Barack will pursue a political career, although it's unclear."
Beginning tomorrow, enjoy (?) $2 shots of the Chicago-based, widely considered vile Jeppson's Malort at Stadium West.
EveryBlock has introduced a feature that allows you to see neighborhood trends right down to individual blocks. Still no pothole data, though -- not that they're not trying.
Looks like Burris is going to be a Senator after all.
Brace yourselves! We're in for some serious winter weather starting later tonight and extending throughout the day tomorrow. There's a blizzard watch, the more serious blizzard warning, some winter weather advisories, wind chill advisories and all sorts of hoopajoop.
In conjunction with the Aztec World exhibit at the Field Museum several area restaurants will be offering Aztec inspired food and drink. Taste of the Aztec World starts a week-long run this Sunday.
MiniMtg is a simple conference call collaborative note-taking service, developed by Brent Sordyl.
What's in a name? A lot of you're trying to run a successful Loop hair salon and you have the misfortune if your business has the same name as one of the most despised men in the world. But switch a few letters around and you're on the cutting edge again. (Previously.)
Last fall, local artist Kathleen Judge curated this extraordinary exhibit of a city made (mostly) of cardboard at the Viaduct. The exhibit closed in December, but you still have a chance to check it out. Starting Thursday, the exhibit runs--complete with sound effects--at the Chicago Tourism Center. Details in Slowdown, or check out the Exquisite City site.
Being imprisoned isn't hampering Conrad Black's ability to blog. See for yourself, and admire the lack of prison references in his bio.
The Expired Meter finds no evidence of rate increase two weeks into the leasing of the city's parking meters. Meanwhile, the Trib reports that there will be fewer coin meters on the streets in the near future.
Saturday was Improv Everywhere's No Pants Day on trains around the world. Chicago's entry got some press; photos from the event are here.
Over the weekend, two synagogues and one Jewish school suffered
broken windows and anti-Israel messages.
I know putting an end to wild bat petting will cramp your style, but you should stop for now; a rabid bat was discovered in Lincoln Square.
Saturday Night Live, which has already given us their frank opinion on the Rod Blagojevich scandal, went for both Roland Burris and Blago, hair and all, in their opening sketch last night.
Check their Website for details. That could actually be a very cool book club.
Josh Micah Marshall reports that it looks like Burris is going to be seated but may not stay for the full two years thanks to Blagojevich's impeachment. Blagojevich could be out by February and then the new governor (possibly Pat Quinn?) would appoint a new senator.
Five people were shot outside Dunbar High School after a basketball game Friday night.
Tired of earbuds? Maybe necksets are for you. The "bizarre" headphone alternatives are made by suburban S1 Audio.
The governor was out jogging while the vote was happening. The lone "no" vote came from a Southwest Side congressman; Elga Jeffries voted "present." Burris may have talked to Blago's staff before his appointment, contradicting previous statements. And the Illinois Supreme Court said nothing further needs to be done to validate Burris as the senate appointee. UPDATE: Blagojevich delivered a statement in response to the impeachment vote.
Via Crain's, the Illinois House voted to impeach Blagojevich 114-1. I don't know how much clearer you can get than that.
There's a movement afoot to get Cubs management to let one regular, non-celebrity fan sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" during the seventh inning stretch once a season. (Is that too much to ask?) Sign the petition here.
Remember when the Marina City Condo Association decided to ban photos of the iconic buildings without their permission? That was just the beginning of the crazy -- and it's gotten worse over the years, Chicago Journal reports. Dig deeper at the watchdog/online newspaper Marina City Online.
The Trib appears to be responding to some complaints about its redesign and is heading in a refined direction.
The Reader profiles Michael "Frosti" Zernow, one of Chicago's parkour stars.
Eight Forty-Eight interviews Jim Jacobs, Chicagoan and co-author of Grease, about the real-life events that birthed the musical.
A childhood treat gets remade with adult eyes in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
House Speaker Michael Madigan said the Illinois House will likely impeach Gov. Blagojevich by the end of the week. Meanwhile, Blago's lawyers asked for the entire Chicago US attorney's office off his case.
Bike the Drive will be May 24 this year -- and registration opened today. Register before Jan. 25 and they'll knock $7 off the fee.
What word do you use to describe Chicago winters? Odette Yustman says "It was literally like Disneyland for me."
If you haven't explored Google Book Search, you owe it to yourself to find the time. Lynn Becker has an excellent starting point for you. [via]
The boys in City Hall sure love their downtown businesses. In a classic example of loop-lust the city-wide meters were sold off to a private company while a proposal to increase parking fees in downtown lots and garages was quietly shelved after objection from "business groups." Well this time it may cost them; to the tune of $153 million.
Some honorary street signs for 'Jim Hendry Way,' honoring the Cubs general manager, were put up in Park Ridge recently, but city officials were not informed of the plan. Apparently nobody can figure out why the signs were posted, and the only explanation that IDOT gives is that the order came "from the governor's office." Uh oh...
Advice for photographing in downtown Chicago, from "architecture of density" photographer Michael Wolf.
Apparently Robert Jordan and Jackie Bange have a little dance that they do.
Shepard Fairey's iconic, ubiquitous "Hope" portrait of President-elect Barack Obama has been acquired by the National Portrait gallery. The work should be on display by Inauguration Day. Can't make it to D.C? Check out Go Tell Mama! if you haven't already done so.
Chicago Public Schools spent nearly $70k on 30 cappuccino/espresso machines, 22 of which remained unopened five months after the purchase. This purchase and other actions are covered in a report issued by the CPS Office of the Inspector General. [via]
Moleskine released a "city notebook" for Chicago last year, with maps and other useful info printed right onto its hipster-friendly pages. There's also a blog to go with it.
Daley reversed his position on limited plowing and resumed full-blown plowing and de-icing throughout the city. He must have been reading Fuel.
You can now check out the questions we'll use during our discussion of A Raisin in the Sun over on the Book Club page. Join us next Monday at the Book Cellar to take part in the discussion - new members are always welcome.
The Museum of Science & Industry is offering free general admission through the end of January. [via] UPDATE: Actually, apparently the coal mine is closed for maintenance. You do still have to pay for special exhibits such as the U-boat. (Thanks, Carlotta!)
Michael Simmons releases his iPhone-ified CTA Bus Tracker. If you're looking for a more native looking app, this is it. Just point your iPhone here.
Ta-Nehisi Coates writes about "the radical normalcy of Michelle Obama."
Chicago crowdsourcing startup crowdSPRING won Wired's Small Biz Program contest.
Roland Burris is attempting to take "his" senate seat this morning, while Senate leaders insist they won't let him in. The Swamp is liveblogging the confrontation. UPDATE: Burris' credentials have been rejected.
Power to the southbound tracks on the CTA's Blue Line downtown has been shut off after a woman was struck and badly injured by a subway train at 8:15 this morning. Blue Line customers are being advised to use alternate service into the Loop.
Following a federal appeals court decision, it looks like 330 more red light cameras are on our way.
If you're having trouble coming up with a resolution to share with us in Fuel, Go To 2040 has some suggestions.
As new condo buildings continue to rise in the South Loop, "the neighborhood now accounts for more than half the unsold units expected to hit the downtown market" in 2009. Whether these buildings will sit mostly empty in hopes of future growth spurred by a successful Olympics bid or drop dramatically in price remains to be seen.
The Tribune's looking for the best blog in Chicago. If you know of "established bloggers who post great content often and are known in their community" (ahem) fill out their online form.
The Cubs are close to a deal with Milton Bradley. No, not this one. This one. Although the latter has been known to be "trouble." Get it, Trouble?
A fugitive leader of Chicago's Latin Kings gang was captured in Mexico.
In A/C, Lindsay Muscato interviews Josh Elder, author of graphic novels including Mail Order Ninja.
Prosecutors in the corruption case against Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich just got three more months to present evidence and get an indictment.
Barack Obama and Roland Burris are both leaving Chicago and headed for D.C. One may be back a lot sooner than the other.
Kuma's Corner's January special is particularly topical: the "#@(*&%^ Blagojevich" consists of a 10 oz. hamburger patty, thick sliced bologna and yellow mustard between two grilled cheese sandwiches (made with American cheese and wonder bread), and a large dollar sign written in mustard.
Street artist Saro is looking for photographs of Joseph Zeman from which to create a tribute. Zeman was struck and killed by a van in the December of 2007.
The participants for this year's Chicago Restaurant Week have been announced; start making your reservations for Feb. 20-27 now.
After several attempts, the Trump Tower's mandated spire was installed on Saturday. Watch video highlights of the more-than-four-hour spectacle.
Ex-Sun-Times sports columnist Jay Mariotti makes his debut on AOL Sports Monday. The S-T's Kyle Koster shares some thoughts here.
B-Fest 2009, the annual 24-hour-long film fest on Northwestern University's campus, is coming up in less than four weeks, and the word just went out that tickets will be on sale tomorrow. More info has been posted at the B-Fest site.
New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson has withdrawn his name as Secretary of Commerce in Obama's cabinet after it was revealed that he was involved with a business that is under federal investigation.
If you had a Christmas tree this holiday season, you can start the year off green by recycling it at one of 23 locations throughout the city today through January 16. The city will chip the trees and turn them into mulch.
New City lists off its top five of everything.
If "get in shape" was on your list, the Chicago Park District can help: for two weeks starting today, all Park District fitness centers are free. [via]
If you couldn't make it there's a detailed review and some videos of the Winter Classic over at the Beachwood Reporter.
With all of the talk about the Chicago school's problems regarding the recent financial crisis, Raghuram Rajan wants people to know the U of C was also leading the warnings.
Rahm Emanuel will officially resign from his house seat today. Crain's has a look at the 11 candidates (all Democrats) who have already registered with the Federal Election Commission for this special election, which must take place in the next 115 days.
Did you know that Grease was based on Chicago's Taft High School in the late '50s?
If Chicago's weather in 2008 seemed a little unusual, you weren't wrong.
Over in Transmission, we get personal with Naked Raygun as they gear up for a couple of shows at the House of Blues this weekend.
CTA raised their rates, parking meters are more expensive, and someone has already been shot. I would stay home today if I were you.
