Throwing Chairs in Stamford
Speaking of blowing up Chicago, Jerry Springer's television program of destruction may soon move to Connecticut, along with some other NBC programs.
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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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February 2009
Let's Blow Up Chicago
Apparently former UN Ambassador John Bolton thinks Obama would "learn a needed lesson" if Chicago was blown up by a nuclear bomb. Quite a lesson.
The Chicago Manual Of Cute
No less than Cute Overload calls out the blog of the U of C Press for omitting the rules of cuteness when talking about "the science of cute."
A Beethoven World Premier?
Yep, right here in Chicago Sunday night.
Another High-Profile Store Closing
Borders still hasn't made any progress subleasing its four troubled stores, but it is planning to close its Magnificent Mile location at the beginning of next year.
Something Sensible from CPS
Following the murders of three South Side students in one day, CPS may soon be paying attention to gang boundaries in its attendance areas and transportation routes. Perhaps Huberman's experience with the CTA will pay off after all...
The Wiseman Cometh
The Reader's film blog has news of some weekend appearances by the great documentary filmmaker Frederick Wiseman; he's making a speech at DePaul Friday night, and introducing a double feature of his films (including his 1997 film Public Housing about Chicago's own Ida B. Wells homes) Sunday evening.
Misery on the Roads
Chicago continued to rank third in the US for traffic congestion on INRIX's annual National Traffic Scorecard. Cook County has 26 of the worst 100 bottlenecks in the country. Throw in thousands of potholes, and we've got a whole lot of lousy driving.
Schaumburg Kisses Millions Goodbye
Apparently complaining about red-light cameras actually does something.
Music and Film Geeks Unite!
This week in Transmission, we give you the low down on an upcoming festival that's been missing from Chicago calendars all this time. It's the inaugural Chicago International Music and Film Festival which comes to town March 4-9.
The TV Generation
How many of these Chicagoland TV ads do you remember? [via]
Republishing Without Attribution
NBCChicago.com wrote a nice piece pointing to Chicago Public Radio's great "Hard Working" series about jobs and joblessness. Then, MSNBC republished NBCChicago's story -- but stripped out all links to the original series, effectively killing any utility the article had. CPR is crying foul.
Republic Windows & Doors is Now Serious Materials
Serious Materials' purchase of the Republic Windows factory has been approved. The agreement will allow at least some of the workers to retain their jobs, with a plan in place to bring others back as "production demand increases."
Chicago At The High Speed Rail Center
The New York Times via Pro Publica has a beautiful map of the proposed high speed rail corridors and the best part is that Chicago, as has been rumored, seems to be a central hub for the super fast trains. Check the map out here.
Battling for the Fifth
The NY Times takes a shot at understanding the race in the Illinois Fifth Congressional District.
The Real Pirates of Cook County
The Whydah, an 18th century-era slave and (later) pirate ship, has docked at the Field Museum beginning today until October 25.
Avast, Ye Landlubbers
The Chicago Maritime Festival will be weighing anchor at the Chicago History Museum Saturday. Details in Tailgate.
Scratching Out a Living
Looking for a way to get noticed among the thousands of applicants at a job fair? Well, you can always don a chicken suit like this guy.
Tribune Tower to Stay that Way ... for Now
Bankruptcy and the dismal real estate market have forced the Tribune Company to take the Tribune Tower off of the market.
Northwestern To Increase Tuition
It's getting harder to get a good Chicago-area education. At Northwestern University, tuition is on the rise.
A Shining Beacon
The owners of the Sears Tower are considering painting/cladding it in silver, to save energy and draw new attention to our tallest building. And possibly blinding people on sunny days.
Beer, Dog & Cracker Jack
The Sugar Syndicate created a quintessential Chicago birthday cake for one lucky Cubs fan. (I'd request a Sox version.)
Soup's On Tonight
Come to The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia, tonight between 5 and 8pm for a bowl of tasty soup lovingly cooked by the Drive-Thru staff (along with Columbia film prof Dan Rybicky and dietitian Bettina Tahsin, and fresh-baked bread from Hugh Amano) as part of the bar's weekly Soup and Bread event, which is a fundraiser for the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Donations encouraged.
Not Quite a Sister City
In Isreal's Negev Desert is the Tze'elim Military Base, and on that military base is the city of Chicago, "so named because its bullet-ridden fake walls apparently recall the punctured real walls of Al Capone's Chicago."
Tickets for Harrassment
You can bet that no photos are accompanying the 24 tickets this Orland Park man has received. Thirteen of them were from the same officer, written three at a time, for violations in locations as improbable as can be, on a car he no longer owns.
Twittering IL05
Wondering what the 5th Congressional District candidates are saying on Twitter (well, the ones who are on Twitter, anyway) and what others are tweeting about them? The Windy Citizen has rolled out a Race for the 5th Twitter Tracker.
Cops with Cameras
Red light runners aren't the only ones whose tickets come with photographic evidence anymore.
Do Ya Think I'm Vegan?
Hoping to dispel whatever myths and stereotypes are out there concerning vegans (think sensible shoes, biking everywhere and some article of clothing made of hemp), PETA is sponsoring a "Sexiest Vegetarian Next Door" contest and a Hyde Park resident is carrying the banner for Chicago. You can vote for her here.
How Are You Doing?
Journalist and Gapers Block contributor Laura Mayer wants to know how you are for her audio art project. Call 1-800-737-6045 to let her know. Audio clips are posted on the site regularly.
Runway Winner
There was a local winner at the Oscars on Sunday, in a way.
Joining the Ranks of the Laughing Babies
"I'm Mayor Richard M. Daley of the great City of Chicago. I welcome you to the youtube site." If you'd like to know more, here's the backstory.
Celebrate Shrove Tuesday with Donuts
Come celebrate the Polish tradition of Paczki Day with Illinois State Rep. John Fritchey at the Jefferson Park Blue Line Stop, 6:30-8:30am.
Karmic Echo
Echo Windows, the company in Iowa created by the former owners of Republic Windows & Doors, closed its doors today.
In a Store, Somewhere in Chicago
Customer: "No. Will this case protect my computer from damaging all my stuff?"
Me: "It is padded..."
Customer: "Good, because it's cheaper than the anti-virus software."
The Polish Film School
In A/C, Beatrice Smigasiewicz previews a retrospective of films by Andrzej Wajda currently playing at the Siskel Film Center.
Say It Ain't So, Joe
Former Sox thirdbaseman Joe Crede? On the Twins? THOSE Twins? C'mon, Joe, ANYBODY but the Twins. More in Tailgate.
Locks of Money
When the economy's down, be assured that someone always wants to buy your hair.
Shoveling Product
WBEZ web producer Andrew Gill interviews Flameshovel Records' James Kenler about life for an indie label after the end of Touch & Go's distribution arm.
Mega Development Aids New Supermarket Invasion
The mega development Lakeshore East is taking another step towards completion, with a Roundy's store in the works. Apparently, all they need now is "an Irish pub"...
The Odds on Oscar
U of C grad Nate Silver and his website FiveThirtyEight has all your Oscar picks here.
The Economist Looks at Illinois
This week's Economist soft-pedals our economic woes like this: "That Illinois is faring better than Michigan, Ohio and Indiana is small comfort."
Quinn Calls For Burris's Resignation
Gov. Quinn called for Senator Burris's resignation Friday, as every sensible politician should. But wait! There's more! He also called for a special election and in that case would appoint a sit-in senator but only one who would give up the seat after two years. All that sounds so...sensible. Does Quinn know this is Illinois?
The Fifth Forum
The Lake View Citizens' Council has organized a Fifth Congressional District Candidates Forum this Sunday for you to hear from the candidates running for Rahm Emanuel's former seat. Meanwhile, the Active Transportation Alliance is posting candidate positions on transportation. Inter-American School, 851 W. Waveland. 5 - 7 p.m. (doors open 4:30 p.m.).
Walking and Pushing
GB flickr pool member John Maloof caught this juxtaposition of rich and poor in Lincoln Park.
Are the U of C Hospitals Dumping Patients?
Following emergency room organizational changes, the U of C Hospitals have been accused of coming "dangerously close" to deflecting uninsured and otherwise cost-intensive patients to other hospitals by the American College of Emergency Physicians.
Where've You Been?
Where I've Been is a new site that allows you to track and share your travels on a variety of social networks. They're hosting a Facebook Developers Garage tonight if you're interested.
Raising the Net
Today's Layer Tennis match doesn't start till 2pm, but the first-ever qualifying match got underway at noon, and it's between two locals: Fuzzy Gerdes and Mig Reyes.
60 Years of Hyde Park in 15 Minutes
The Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2009. Earlier this week at HPKCC's anniversary kick-off event, James Withrow of Hyde Park Urbanist covered the last 60 years of Hyde Park in just 15 minutes. Read it here.
The French Word for Doughnut, but the American Word for Love
The excellence of beignets gets the spotlight in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
Serving the People of Chicago Since 1835
A brochure for the Chicago Board of Health, circa the early 1960s.
File Your Receipt in Your Phone
TextHog is a new service that allows you to keep track of receipts and other expenses by text or email.
Not Spreading Cheer
Most anyone would be upset if Santa was so drunk he fell on them.
Out With the Old, In With the Older
There are changes afoot on Mayor Daley's Chicago Board of Education, with current board president Rufus Williams about to tender his resignation and former board president Michael Scott set to return.
Doomsday is Now?
Developing Story: The CTA has pulled 90 articulated buses from this evening's rush hour commute after a structural crack was discovered. Right now, there's nothing some affected route information posted to the bus status page at the CTA's site. UPDATE: the Trib reports more than 200 buses will be affected immediately.
Ikram Speaks
Citybuzz.com tracked down Chicago's own Ikram Goldman at New York Fashion week for her thoughts on fall fashion.
Yipes, Yelp!
Review site Yelp.com is taking some heat for allegedly pitching businesses to pay them to suppress negative reviews. Local entrepreneur and martial arts teacher Pek Pongpaet has a story to tell of a slightly different phenomenon. [via]
Chicago Tea Party?
Look out, Lake Michigan! CNBC's Rick Santelli got some traders riled up today as he began calling for a Boston-style tea party in July...in Chicago. The reason? Protesting the newly-signed economic stimulus package.
Grading Congress
The Shriver Center has released their 2008 Poverty Scorecard, a report card that grades all 535 members of Congress on how they voted on anti-poverty legislation last year. Illinois' card is mostly positive, with over half getting A's or A+'s, but with one representative, Peter Roskam of the 6th, scoring an F.
Sweet and Wet
The origins of deep dish pizza may be shrouded in controversy, but the origins of Italian beef, are much clearer. The Straight Dope gives a taste of the sandwich's past, present and future.
OMG Obama Sushi
I'm speechless (mainly because I can't read Japanese). [via]
Boogie Down with The Uptown Sound
This week in Transmission, we have a little chat with JC Brooks, Kevin Marks and Ben Taylor of JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound about their upcoming album release, soul and how their music is a cross between Otis Redding and Fugazi.
Siskel Remembered
Tomorrow's the 10th anniversary of the death of Gene Siskel. Roger Ebert posts his memories of the man.
Like the CTA Needs More Problems...
Yesterday, 5,000 DePaul students' U-Passes were deactivated by mistake, leaving more than a few students a little less confident about the CTA.
Touch and Go Succumbs to Economy's Squeeze
In Transmission, we have the latest on the announcement by long-standing Chicago label Touch and Go that the company will be scaling back operations.
Unnecessary Show of Force?
Over the weekend, Chicago Cop Watch posted video of a police officer using force to remove an apparently drunk rider from a CTA bus, questioning the officer's use of force in an non-emergency situation. Today, the Tribune reports that the CPD is investigating the incident.
Burris Speaks
Senator Roland Burris is speaking at the City of Chicago Club today. The Sun-Times is liveblogging it, WGN has video and Chicago Public Radio is streaming it on iTunes.
Former Ald. Troutman Gets New Home
Arenda Troutman, the 27th alderman to be convicted since 1972, is heading to prison for four years. Check out the article for some choice Troutman quotes.
Wrestlemania
The Tribune featured portraits of local pro wrestlers yesterday. Want to catch them in action? Check out ChicagoProWrestling.com.
What's the Outrage?
He didn't get arrested for anything, and no one knows what he actually did, but Reverend Steve Wu has left his post at the Willow Creek megachurch, admitting "sexual impurities."
Winter Parking Ban: Not So Much
The lightning-quick towing of Chicago drivers who defy the overnight winter parking ban has been cut in half, thanks to the city's 2009 budget eliminating nearly all of the field vehicle investigators whose job it is to seek out and ticket illegally parked cars. Of course, this also means that the city's losing out on a lot of fast revenue over the winter months.
Digital Killed the Analog Star
While the deadline for the analog-to-digital conversion was moved to June 12 several weeks ago, many television stations are sticking to today's initial deadline. Chicago's TV remains unchanged, but several stations all over the state have joined the early switch.
Days Of Our Knives
Want to be on the next season of Top Chef? Helen Rosner of MenuPages has got the scoop for aspiring cheftestants in Chicago.
The Dating Game
Lust & Bust is a new site exploring the heights and lows of the dating scene. Share your own disaster stories (and good times, too).
New Stimulus Package Idea
Table Fifty-Two has been swamped with reservation requests since word leaked about the Obamas' Valentine's Day dinner there. As of Monday afternoon, Saturdays were booked through the end of March. I wonder if they'd have the same effect at any restaurant they visited...
News Business Model
Crain's asks, can entrepreneurs save journalism?
Boutiques in Even More Trouble
It's not much of a surprise, but boutiques are in trouble for a new reason: their suppliers are demanding cash up front for purchases.
Our Man In DC Likes Trains
Shorter Politico: Obama likes high speed rail.
Be Careful Crossing the Street
Pedestrian deaths rose from 49 in 2007 to 56 in 2008. Prevention funding is also up, but it doesn't seem to be helping.
The Roof! The Roof! The Roof is Irrigated!
Just because you lack land in Chicago, doesn't mean you can't have a garden. Green Roof Growers have some great information on helping you get started.
Two-Facebook
Compare and contrast: The possibly overreaching changes to Facebook's terms of service, and the sweet simplicity of the current "25 things" meme.
They're Heeeeerre....
At the American Association for the Advancement of Science conference here in Chicago over the weekend, cosmologist Paul Davies of Arizona State University says that alien life, in one form or another, does indeed exist and may already be living here on Earth! (I thought that guy at 7-11 looked a little weird.)
The Return of Doomsday
Thanks to the economy, the now-annual CTA doomsday call may be even more dire than usual.
A Brainy Boogie
The AAAS, publisher of the prestigious journal Science, is holding its annual meeting in town this year. As a result, Chicago was host to one of the more unique mash-ups in recent history: science and interpretive dance. You can see the winning entries that were combined for the Chicago dance on the contest website.
There in Spirit
If you or someone you know can't make it to the auto show, or if you're like me and just want to check out how crowded it is before you head down to McCormick Place, the show's website has virtual tours, photos and a live webcam.
Leading Indicators: Prostitution on Craigslist
When it comes to "erotic services" posts in the Housing section of Craigslist, Chicago lags far behind Vegas, LA, NYC and SF. Maybe that's why Forbes thinks we're so miserable. [via]
Finding Your Flowers
Google for Gardeners is a customized search engine created by local blogger Mr. Brownthumb that tracks 500 gardening blogs, with more on the way.
"Creativity in short supply"
We know what some of you think about the Olympic bid, but most public critiques haven't spent much time on the architecture. Blair Kamin starts the discussion with a serious critique.
Compuware is Hiring, Rod
If it worked for Kwame Kilpatrick, the impeached former mayor of Detroit who was convicted of perjury, misconduct and assault, it can work for Rod: Kilpatrick was hired by a subsidiary of IT company Compuware within a week after being released from jail earlier this month, and will earn a six-figure salary for developing online government healthcare programs. Kilpatrick's new boss defended his new hire, saying "Look, we hired a very, very talented person with lots of charisma that has made some serious mistakes in judgment."
Radio, Live Transmission
This American Life will be recording all new live shows for audiences in Chicago and New York this April. Tickets, which have a tendency to disappear quickly for TAL events, go on sale tomorrow at 10am.
More Bus Trackers On The Way
More bus trackers are on the way, according to CTA Tattler. As things are now, about 75% of all the CTA bus routes will be on the bus tracker system by the end of March.
Burris' Story Changes Again
Apparently former Governor Rod Blagojevich's brother did hit Senator Roland Burris up for money, according to a third version of the story Burris has given about his senatorial appointment. Burris claims he did not donate any money to the former governor because he didn't want to been seen as trying to curry favor for the seat.
Permanent Discount
Here's an interesting Valentine's Day deal:
Angels and Kings, 710 N. Clark, is offering a free bottle of Champagne to anyone with a tattoo of someone's name. Offer's good while supplies last, starting at 8pm.
Obama Commemorative Plates
You can show just how much you love our home-town president with some temporary Obama license plates (they're only valid for two months) from, of all places, the Illinois Library Association.
Black History Book a Day
Writer Jeff Kelly Lowenstein is posting a black history book a day throughout February.
Olympic Bid Leaves Out the CTA
Jon Hilkevitch reports that Chicago's Olympic bid book doesn't include an overhaul of the CTA -- only shuttle service between train stops. You can review the whole bid book by downloading it here. Let us know what you think of the Olympic bid in Fuel.
Pax Packing His Bags?
Has Bulls GM John Paxson had enough? Maybe it's the team's 23-30 record. Maybe it was the booing he received at the team's recent tribute to Johnny "Red" Kerr. Either way, Pax is reportedly stepping down as the team's general manager.
Not Just Any Old Pinups
What happens when you get a dozen fabulous female cyclists together in Chicago, introduce some introspection and give one of them a camera? The Thought You Knew Us Pinup Calendar, of course. Twelve Chicago cyclists, ranging from road warriors to bike messengers to everyday saddle lovers got together to explore public perception of women cyclists and to raise money for the Chicago Women's Health Center which keeps many of them on the road. Learn more, including where you can get your own here.
With Friends Like These...
This week's Reader feature investigates the financial troubles threatening the eviction of Loren Billings, the 89-year-old widow who lives in and runs the Museum of Holography.
All's Fair in Love and War
Here's a dinner conversation topic for you and yours this weekend: tomorrow marks the eightieth anniversary of the Saint Valentine's Day Massacre, when seven members of George "Bugs" Moran's gang were shot down in a garage at 2122 North Clark (which is now a small park) by associates of Al Capone, several of whom were dressed as Chicago police (how interesting).
Cooking with Twitter
In this week's Drive-Thru feature, we discover that Twitter can be used for purposes other than broadcasting opinions about your cat.
Still Listening to Chris Brown?
The Trib's Mark Caro raises questions for Chicago radio stations, particularly Clear Channel's KISS FM, regarding whether or not they should play Chris Brown songs following the singer's domestic violence arrest.
Bad Economy Wins!
Chicago-based video game developer Midway Games filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection today after a nearly five-year battle with their finances. The Mortal Kombat creator recently laid off 25% of their local workforce in an unsuccessful attempt to stay afloat.
Things My Beard Can Lift
Eamon Daly takes the mustache for charity meme a step further: he will endeavor to lift successively heavier objects using only his beard, all to raise money for the Off the Street Club. His first lift, of 7lbs., occurs Friday -- see photos of practice lifts here.
Looking for Love?
Nerds at Heart is throwing a Love Fest at Holiday Club tonight from 7 to 10pm. You never know, you might land a Valentine's date out of it.
Lincoln bLogs
Chicago Public Radio's blog is celebrating Abraham Lincoln's 200th birthday with a day of posts about the president.
Passive Homes
Can you imagine not having a furnace this winter? This guy didn't, and he got along just fine.
Shot Through the Heart with The Godfathers
Our Transmission feature this week is a trans-Atlantic interview with Peter Coyne, lead singer of The Godfathers. They'll be making a rare appearance at the Metro this weekend to celebrate everyone's favorite gangster-laden holiday.
Greet the Quadrupling Rates
It's taken a while, but the new parking rates will start to take effect tomorrow.
Six More Chicago Wal-Marts?
That's the plan, although we'll see what City Council has to say about it...
Yes Ikram
The New York Times takes a look at the involvement and influence of Chicago boutique owner Ikram Goldman's in the sartorial choices of First Lady Michelle Obama.
Sun-Times Editor Resigns, eh?
S-T Editor Michael Cooke is resigning to take a new job at the Toronto Star, whose publisher John Cruickshank is also an S-T alum.
"Peoples Gas Sucks So Hard"
Beachwood Reporter offers an account of just how dysfunctional a utility can be.
Polk Street CTA Entrance Reopens
The Polk Street entrance to the Harrison Red Line stop opened this week for the first time in 41 years.
The Curious Case of Abraham Lincoln
Well, not the late president himself, but his bust which sits at 69th and Walcott on the South Side and has undergone some interesting changes. Update: Here are two other shots of Abe.
The Economy (St)inks
As the economy continues to take a nosedive, even tattoo parlors are beginning to fill the pinch.
Back On Track
The Chicago Defender reports on one of Chicago's original dance shows, Soul Train, getting a long-overdue salute from one of the city's newest dance shows, Chic-A-Go-Go.
Chicago's Oldest Woman Dies
Chicagoan Virginia Call, whose family claimed she was 115 and records indicate was about 111, has died. She was also Chicago's oldest registered voter, supporting Barack Obama after a 20-year registration lapse.
Book Club: The Book of Ralph
This month the GB Book Club will read John McNally's The Book of Ralph, a coming of age story about a mismatched pair of fifth graders, one wreaking havoc through the streets of Chicago and the other taking it all in while constantly questioning their friendship. You can read the introduction over on the Book Club page now, then join us on March 16 at the Book Cellar to discuss it in person. New members are always welcome to join us.
Ticket Amnesty Ends Saturday
The city's ticket amnesty program, which gets you reduced or waived fees on certain outstanding parking and red-light tickets, ends on Saturday. Check the Department of Revenue site for a full list of eligible tickets, as well as an option of paying online. (tip from The Expired Meter)
Our Cut of the Pie
Yesterday, Daley presented his wish list for the Chicago region from the economic stimulus package, including $50 million for O'Hare, $40 million for street construction and an unspecified sum for education and other purposes.
Lincoln at 200
In celebration of Abe's 200th on Thursday, The Newberry Library and the Chicago History Museum have launched Lincoln at 200, a pair of online exhibitions about our 16th president, featuring hundreds of nineteenth century photos, maps, manuscripts, letters, cartoons and broadsheets. The site offers a tool for zooming in close, allowing close inspection without getting yelled at by a museum security guard.
Back in the Kitchen
Anxious to get a taste of what "Top Chef" alum Dale Levitski may be cooking up at his new restaurant? Well, Relax and eat up every Thursday (if you can get a reservation). [via]
Hips And Salsa
With the weather expected to take a dip this weekend, what better way to heat up than with salsa. No, not this kind, this kind. The International Salsa Congress is expected to draw the top dancers in the city and beyond. And they'll have lessons as well, so it might be a useful Valentine's Day destination.
Ramirez to Joel to John
Elton John and Billy Joel will be playing Wrigley Field this summer, with ticket prices ranging from $55 to $175. Maybe they'll make a stop at Piano Man, too.
50 Ways to Leave Your Lover
MenuPages Chicago blog offers four restaurants at which to dump your significant other. (Share your best/worst/craziest break-up story in Fuel right now.)
Deadly Serious Question
You have to wonder, how often is the hitman you try to hire not a cop?
Massive Changes at the U of C Hospitals
Chicago BioMedicine (which includes the The University of Chicago Medical Center) announced a major reorganization with 450 layoffs -- 5% of its workforce.
Behind Stockton and Memphis
Chicago is America's third most miserable city, according to this throwaway Forbes.com story. Go ahead, be outraged.
Maroon Four
University of Chicago ensemble-in-residence Pacifica Quartet picked up the Grammy for "Best Chamber Performance of 2008." They are the second U of C group to win this award, the first being last year's winners, eighth blackbird.
Bleeding Heart Busted
The popular Bleeding Heart Bakery on Belmont Ave. was shuttered this week by the Chicago Dept. of Health for code violations. Eep. UPDATE: The bakery put out a statement about the closure.
Shaping Hyde Park
Hyde Park Urbanist remembers Realtor and activist Winston Kennedy, who it credits as one of the people who helped shape the current neighborhood.
"The case against Chicago"
Ta-Nehisi Coates of The Atlantic considers the case some of his readers try to bring against Chicago (one word: winter) but seems to come out for it. Or for the South Side, anyway: "I'm kinda in love with the South Side. It's like Harlem's smarter, but less jiggy, little sister. Fine as all hell. You just gotta see past those glasses. And them damn overalls."
Rattlers, Bluebirds & Parakeets
The Chicago Academy of Sciences is cataloging its collection of indigenous animals.
"Writing Their Way Home"
In A/C, Lora Gordon profiles the Arab American Action Network's after-school creative writing program.
Oil and Water Mix
65,000 gallons of waste oil spilled near the Caterpillar plant southwest of the city, contaminating the Des Plaines River.
Undocumented, Unlucky
Help is difficult to find for illegal immigrants in need of health care, unemployment or other services. And the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's deportation policies mean asking for help from the wrong person might send them back to a country they no longer know.
Walter Gropius and Michael Reese
Following Preservation Chicago's inclusion of the Michael Reese hospital in its most recent Chicago 7, Blair Kamin writes about new evidence that Bauhaus founder Walter Gropius played a bigger role in the design of Reese than previously thought. If you're unfamiliar with the look of the hospital's modern buildings, here are additional photographs.
"The President's Mayor"
The Wall Street Journal's Collin Levy interviews Daley.
Never Good News At/From Tribune Co.
Tribune Co. is set to cut even more jobs. One wonders how many jobs they've got left...
Cub World Cam
This will probably be more interesting in a few months, but hey, I like seeing what's going on outside Wrigley anyway. [Thanks, Gabe!]
Movers, Shakers and Baby Makers
Chicagonista is a new online journal for hip parents.
Everyone is Splitting Up
The bill, that is. Separate checks are apparently on the rise as people feel the economic pinch in their wallets.
"I Like All Chicago Comics"
The Comedy and Everything Else crew gives props to our local comedy scene in their latest episode, as Chicago-born funny men Jimmy Pardo and Jimmy Dore reminisce about their early days of doing stand-up around the city.
Drunken Goat News
No, not about Cubs fans. Serious Eats has an interview with Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard about her upcoming restaurant, The Drunken Goat. She mentions she's on Twitter, and MenuPages Chicago cleverly tracked down her account.
Oprah's Sun-Times?
Phil Rosenthal wonders, what if Oprah Winfrey bought the Sun-Times?
What a Long, Strange Tofu Trip it's Been
Yu Kizawa discovers a new, wacky Japanese tofu at Mitsuwa and her life is changed forever in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
The Unemployment Blues
Now we KNOW the economy is in a nose dive: Even Blue Man Group isn't immune to layoffs. They've also cut back on PVC pipes and marshmallows (OK, not really sure about those last two).
Despite Steady Attendance, Museums are Hurting
The recent news of steady 2008 attendance is only half the story. Many museums are laying off staff and restricting visiting hours.
Gaga for Googie
NewCity explores a vanishing architectural style. More examples of Googie on flickr.
Made Off with the Local Money
The full extent of Bernard Madoff's ponzi scheme still isn't known, but there are more than two dozen victims in Chicagoland alone, the Tribune reports. Here's the official list of all victims.
Get Your Carts Ready
The 2009 Chiditerod grocery cart race is now accepting team applications. Race is March 7.
WLUW, Live from the Gold Coast
Avant/Chicago reports that WLUW will be moving its studio to Loyola's downtown student center later this spring. The move means upgraded equipment and a digital archive. The tower is staying in Rogers Park at the same wattage, though, so don't expect to hear the station any better in the Loop.
Hyde Park Herald Goes Digital
After years of only presenting newspaper scans online, the Hyde Park Herald is slowly digitizing and sharing its publications -- back to 1888.
Sox Catching a Bounce from Obama
The White Sox are selling a whole lot of hats thanks to the Fan in Chief.
Holsten Subpoenas Two Uptown Orgs
Holsten, the firm currently developing Uptown's embattled Wilson Yard project, has expanded its subpoenas to include two neighborhood organizations: Buena Park Neighbors and the Uptown Neighborhood Council, according to the Chicago Journal. (The real estate firm has already targeted two area blogs.)
Bon Mots on TicketMaster & TicketsNow Deal
"Ticket brokers calling your business arrangement shady is like the mob saying your methods of payment collection are a little severe."
Only Tourists & Wedding Parties from Now On
The City has discontinued its free trolley service due to budget cutbacks. Navy Pier will continue to run its own trolleys to and from the Grand Red Line stop, but otherwise the only trolleys you'll be seeing from now on will be full of drunk wedding attendees.
More Good Design at O'Hare
InterContinental's new O'Hare hotel is part of a wave of high-end design sites replacing no-frills airport hotels. It has amenities like an art gallery with in-house curator in adddition to an overall contemporary design.
SoKo No More
Many have been affected by the economy, and independent boutique Soko Fashion is no exception. Stop by for 40% off their entire inventory until the store's closing at the end of the month.
Vallas Making a Comeback
If the Tribune's sales tax counter hasn't been a constant reminder that the Cook County Board elections are next year, maybe the return of Paul Vallas will. Carol Marin reports that the ex-CPS chief plans to return to the area at the end to run for county president as a Republican.
Bourdain's Chicago Photo Journal
The Chicago episode of Anthony Bourdain's television show No Reservations aired on Monday, and ever since I've been in withdrawl. But never fear! The Chicago photo journal is up on the show's site. [Vegetarians note: After the jump, there are serious photos of sausages.] Update: And note the episode's Google map of dining locations along with video of missing scenes/locations (Ramova Grill, a tour of the Tom Tom Tamales Factory) here.
Speaking of Buzzworthy
The Tribune has relaunched its "Chicago's Best Blogs" project as a standalone website, collecting recent posts from dozens of blogs (including GB) on a variety of topics. Definitely worth a perusal.
Activity on the 26-year-old Tylenol Killings Case
Authorities have executed search warrants on James Lewis, who served time for extortion in the 1980s killings.
Are You Buzz-Worthy?
The folks from Butterfinger Buzz, a new caffeinated version of the candy bar, want to give you $100. You just need to get a buzz cut on February 12 and have the company's logo spray-painted on your head. The first 25 who do it will get a $100 giftcard. (You'll also be eligible for more prizes.) Hosts promise the orange color will wash out in time for Valentine's Day. Check Slowdown for more details.
Twitter + Festival = ?
Something called a Twestival rears its head next week, and you're all invited. It's a charity event to benefit charity: water, whose aim is to provide fresh drinking water worldwide. Details about Chicago's event here.
A Political War of Adwords
In Mechanics, Ramsin Canon notes that 5th Congressional District candidates have begun buying each other's names in Google's Adwords system, allowing them to pop up in searches for competitors. Over on the Windy Citizen, Brad Flora digs up the likely political operative behind the strategy.
RIP Eddie Schwartz
Eddie Schwartz, a longtime DJ on WGN's overnight shift, has passed away.
The Secrets of Canvassers
The Trib asked a group of canvassers from organizations like Greenpeace to a men's suit company about their jobs, the people they interact with and their futures.
Holy Name Up in Flames
Fire broke out this morning in the attic of Holy Name Cathedral.
Book Club: A River Runs Through It Questions
Next week we'll meet to discuss Norman Maclean's A River Runs Through It, and I'm looking forward to seeing how everyone feels about the differences between the movie and the book. Check out all of the discussion questions on the Book Club page now and join us with your thoughts on February 9 at the Book Cellar.
Industrial Music is Coming
The Reader's music blog informs us that tickets for the Chicago stop on Throbbing Gristle's US tour are now on sale through Ticketweb. Interested fans should obviously buy tickets now, because tickets to see the long-running industrial band will definitely go fast.
Snowed In
Chicago's expected to get a couple inches of lake effect snow tonight. Be glad we're on this side of the lake, though: northwest Indiana is predicted to get up to 18 inches.
Vibrator! Stat!
Never expected to see a sex toy delivery service to get front-page treatment on the Trib's website, complete with (mostly SFW) video.
Might as Well Pay It
The Expired Meter reports that budget cuts have led to a huge backlog on traffic and parking ticket court hearings. If you're not up for the hassle, you can pay your ticket online.
Art Institute Free for February
Just a reminder, the Art Institute of Chicago will be free of charge and the Edvard Munch exhibition, which opens 2/14, will be half price.
Should Be a Swingin' Time
The first annual Chicago Polyamory Conference will be held in Rolling Meadows at the end of March.
"Eastbound & Down" Screening and Contest
As if one contest wasn't enough, we also have 10 VIP tickets to give away to a screening of HBO's new series "Eastbound & Down" tomorrow night. Details in Tailgate.
Contest with No Reservations
As mentioned yesterday, we're running a contest in Drive-Thru -- if you caught last night's episode of "No Reservations," answer our trivia question for a chance to win!
Bean Vandalized
A couple of morons decided that Millennium Park's Cloud Gate sculpture wasn't complete, so they etched their names into it. It's art, not Gino's East, people.
Malia & Sasha Dolls Retired
Yep, those new dolls from Ty that were coincidentally named after the two kids in the First Family were taken out of circulation after the company received complains about their using the Obama daughters' names. Of course, it could have been just another coincidence that the complaint came just as they were retiring the dolls....
A Pharmaceutical Lost and Found
The City of Chicago is pleased to announce its new Commission to Waste More than $1 Million was successful.
Tammy D. to D.C.
Lynn Sweet reports that Tammy Duckworth is expected to be named an assistant secretary in the Department of Veterans Affairs on Tuesday morning.
Cool Forgotten Luggage
Speaking of the CTA, the Damen Brown Line stop recently reopened, featuring some very cool new public sculptures. (That leaves just Paulina and Wellington still closed, incidentally.)
CTA Pays Well if You're in Charge
Top CTA managers did pretty well last year income wise; nonunion executives got 6 percent salary raises before 2009. Ron Huberman says it was necessary to keep the high caliber of talent. Hmmm, so how much does it cost to get executives that get the trains to come on time?
Part of a Healthy Breakfast
Or maybe not, in the case of this gargantuan Frosted Mini-Wheats cluster found in a Chicagoan's cereal box.
Got Lupus? Get Empowered!
Attend a free seminar this Saturday, sponsored by the Lupus Foundation of America - Illinois Chapter, with speakers on the latest research, exercise options and healthy behaviors. (Disclosure: I will be one of the presenters.) Get more info and registration details in Slowdown.
Objectified Your Love
Gary Hustwit, director of the excellent Helvetica documentary, is bringing his latest film, Objectified, to Chicago for a special screening April 28, sponsored by AIGA, IDSA and Coudal Partners. Tickets go on sale at noon today.
It Must Have Been Love a Publicity Stunt, but it's Over Now
In an effort to show the world that she's not completely insane (or that she's just as attention-starved), the woman who Drew Peterson claimed was his newest fiancee went on CBS News' "The Early Show" this morning to claim that their brief "engagement" was a stunt that Drew cooked up in order to stay in the public eye.
Anthony Bourdain X-Treme Prize Giveaway
Celebchef Anthony Bourdain will be spotlighting the foods of Chicago on his show "No Reservations"; the episode premieres tonight at 9pm on the Travel Channel. We will be liveblogging and giving away an awesome prize during the show, so stop by Drive-Thru later tonight for details on how to win.
Musician John Glick and Friends Remembered
In 2005, a suicidal driver smashed her Mustang into an idling car full of three Chicago indie rock musicians -- killing them all. In memory of those musicians (John Glick, Doug Meis and Michael Dahlquist), several Chicago bands are performing at this year's John Glick Benefit Show to raise money for independent art and music in the city.
What Would You Like to See at the MFI?
The U of C chapter of SDS has issued a request for alternative proposals for the university's Milton Friedman Institute for Research in Economics. The group got the idea from an earlier Chicago project, 3 Acres on the Lake.
Reason Number 1,304,127 to Proofread
The CTA's Red Line disruption of service alert hinted at a particularly unsettling kind of delay.
