Seven Shooting Deaths
The last 24 hours were particularly bad for violence in the city.
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
Saturday, October 25
Merge
Monthly Archive
May 2009
Valet Bike Parking Chased out of Millennium Park
The nifty bike valet at Millennium Park is in jeopardy of closing this summer due to chief underwriter Chase Bank's "refocusing on business matters."
Double Digits
Just not the good kind. Crain's reports that unemployment in Chicago was 10.6% in April.
We're Number One!
That is, for drug abuse in arrests. A White House Office of National Drug Control Policy report found 87% of arrested men tested positive for illegal drug use in Chicago.
And the Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round
In possibly weirdest news story of the day, a school bus driver was shot by police after a chase that included ramming cars.
Fake Waterboarding is Still Torture, Right?
Did you hear how Mancow had himself waterboarded and declared it was torture? Turns out it might not have been so torturous for him after all.
Air Guitar Hero
If the thought of entering the The World Air Sex Championships gives you pause, maybe the Chicago regionals for The 2009 US Air Guitar Championships is more your speed. Or stroke, as it were.
And You Thought Screaming Kids Were Bad
Good old Southwest Airlines, home of the cheap flights from Midway, now plans to sell tickets for family pets. Starting June 17, passengers can bring up to five pets on a flight in a carry-on case to fit under the seat. Yes, 5 pets. Good for pet lovers, doom for those trying to sleep off a hangover.
I'll Have What She's Having
If you thought air guitar was titillating, you're gonna get schooled. The World Air Sex Championships are going on tour, and coming to Chicago June 14 at Logan Square Auditorium. Yes, that means contestants get up on stage and do it (fully clothed) with the air. Want to show how you can rock the air's world? Contact chris@airsexworldchampionships.com.
Illinoisan Representz at Scripps
Even though she lost on "menhir," Aishwarya Eshwar Pastapur of downstate Chatham finished third in the finals of last night's Scripps National Spelling Bee.
Outlook Not So Good?
With newspaper publishers holding a not-so-secret secret meeting in the Chicago area today, Rupert Murdoch took to the airwaves with a rather dire prediction about the future of the Sun-Times.
You Know, for Kids
Time Out Chicago for kids, that is.
Oh, Drew, You Slay Me
Local cutup Drew Peterson doesn't let a little stint in jail kill his sense of humor, as he took a stab at comedy on the Mancow & Cassidy show on WLS-AM. Prison jokes are always a hit, especially when they're done... by a guy in prison.
I Hate You, Clown
March Against Clowns, a pub crawl, is happening this Saturday. Clown haters/beer lovers, this one's for you. UPDATE: Damn, looks like registration is closed. Maybe you could go dressed as a clown to torment them.
Update on Federal Indictment
US Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald announced an indictment against 29th Ward Ald. Ike Carothers this afternoon. Listen to the press conference here, download the indictment here (PDF), and keep an eye on our politics section, Mechanics, for further news and analysis.
Big Men On Campus?
U of C student Steve Saltarelli has founded Men in Power, the U of C's first and only men's advocacy student group. He first proposed the group in a piece for the Chicago Maroon back in March. The Trib has more.
Chicagoan Takes UK
Retired Chicago investment banker Louis Susman has been nominated as ambassador to Britain. A top fundraiser for Obama's presidential campaign and other Democratic campaigns, Susman is now poised for what's considered a pretty sweet appointment.
Far Freaking Out, Man
Want to give your place that perfect 60s or 70s countercultural ambience? Lead Pipe Posters has original prints (some with Chicago themes) of the black light, hippie-dippie, up-against-the-wall-pig, muggle-huffing ilk quite possibly still hanging up in your trippy uncle's basement. Guess there's nothing left to be said but...
The US by Comparison
Chicago artist Kathryn Rodrigues offers an A-to-Z size comparison of the United States to (almost) every other country over on Radical Cartography.
Corruption Charges, They Are a Comin'
According to Tribune reporter Jeff Coen (author of the wonderful book on the Family Secrets Trial), US Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald's office will be announcing corruption charges against an elected official today at 2 pm. (The Capitol Fax Blog is on it, too, of course). What kind of Fitzmas present will Fitzgerald be delivering to the public, brilliantly wrapped in indictment paper? We'll find out if it's something we wanted, or just another boring old sweater. Check in at Mechanics.
Elotes Under the Law
Today's Reader cover story takes a look at pushcart vendors' legal plight -- licensable in the parks, but not in the rest of the city.
One Last Spin: Off the Alley
The first in an occasional series revisiting Chicago music clubs of yore, over in Transmission, we talk to those who made the south suburban Homewood venue Off the Alley a second home.
Bakers Needed!
Got a good cupcake recipe? Then consider taking part in Chicago's first Iron Cupcake challenge, happening this Monday, June 1. Chicago Bites informs us that bakers are still needed for this event (apparently they already have plenty of judges), so if you can whip up something pretty fast in the kitchen, you should totally try out. See the links for details.
The Deep
Here's a quick reminder that the Chicago Spire is still just a big hole in the ground.
The Fortunate 100
Crain's recently released its list of the highest-paid area CEOs in 2008. Comparing compensation to shareholder return is particularly fruitful.
Brawling Politicians Going Slightly Mad
Karl Rove and James Carville will meet head-to-head at the Chicago Theatre tomorrow. In advance, the Trib interviewed Karl Rove, yielding the following assessment of Carville: "I like him. The man has superior judgment in the selection of spouses." He got in some disparagement of Latin American countries too...
Trip The Bride Fantastic
Dancing with Brides is like "Dancing With The Stars" only for regular folks who aren't quite so addicted to spray tanning and glitter. Sorta. Brides Magazine's instructional dance workshop for couples comes to The Drake Hotel on Sunday, May 31. Not only can prospective brides and grooms learn some smooth first dance moves, they may also get a chance to win $10,000. Check Slowdown for details.
"I'm very much interested in replacing Obama"
If you'd like to hear the Rob Blagojevich/Senator Roland Burris conversation, WBEZ has you covered, colorful language and all.
"Housewives" Take On Chicago
If you think you could be one of "The Real Hot Messes Housewives of Chicago", the casting folks at Towers Productions would love to hear from you.
Paving the Streets with Gold Again
While the Chicago Defender is in the news for moving back to Bronzeville, archival materials from the paper are making news of their own by being donated to the Chicago Public Library.
Beachwood Labs
The Beachwood Reporter has its knives out with some great satire of the Blagojevich/Burris scandal. Witness The ChiPhone and Mystery Burris Theater.
Downtown Parking Meter Holiday?
Not really. Due to a rash of parking meter payboxes not working, Police have been instructed not to issue parking tickets in the loop today.
Funding The Unhuman
Chicagoist's Rob Christopher interviews two Indiana teens making their own horror film -- for $500. You can pitch in here.
No Gorilla at the Top
The proposed design for a redeveloped 35th Street Metra station looks a little like a Donkey Kong screen. [via]
Documenting the Building Down the Block
Have you ever noticed that the architecture website Emporis has neighborhood-based building lists? Because it focuses on major projects, a lot of lists are thin, but the site provides a decent amount of information about the buildings it does cover. Hyde Park and Lakeview are particularly full because of their decent number of high-rises.
Getting The Point
The Point, a new biannual journal "devoted to rigorous intellectual essays on contemporary life," celebrates the release of its first issue tomorrow night. Articles cover such topics as David Foster Wallace's legacy, Obama idealism and the counter-Enlightenment.
Schock Tapped
The American Prospect's Tim Fernholz profiles Illinois Congressman Aaron Schock in this month's issue.
It's Time to Read the Paper, Sonny
Recent research demonstrates that the median age of print media readers aged 1.7 years since 2004, but not every publication fared so well. For example, the Trib's median reader age rose 3.7 years during the same period.
Children Still Don't Want a Charlie-In-The-Box
What happens when a toy escapes the Island of Misfit Toys and can't make a go of it? They end up down and out in the City of Sad Toys, of course. The Windy City is creepily represented by a bevy of naked Barbies hanging by their hair.
Muddy Tickets
In A/C, we have a quick ticket contest for Mud People, Mary Arrchie Theatre Co.'s latest play about life in the Midwest.
Check's In the Mail
The Sun-Times reports that the FBI allegedly recorded Sen. Roland Burris promising ex-Gov. Blagojevich's brother a campaign contribution by mid-December. Burris never sent the check, his lawyers claim. UPDATE: Chicago Public Radio has the audio.
Prop 8 Protest
Wondering where to protest the California Supreme Court's decision to uphold Proposition 8?
Happy Birthday, Kid
As ChicagoNow celebrates its birth, Chicagoist is getting ready to turn five. Listen to a podcast about our friendly competitor's beginnings. (In case you're wondering, our 6th anniversary party will be held Labor Day Weekend, about six months after our actual birthday. Stay tuned.)
Chicago Now, Now
The new ChicagoNow.com site went live today, in very beta form. Peruse the latest here.
Auctioning the Ice House Cover
A rare stamp that disappeared in 1967 reappeared three years ago when a couple brought it to the Norwood Park shop Stamp King. The stamp, which is a 90-cent Abraham Lincoln stamp from 1869, is now on the auction block and could fetch $300,000.
A Day to Remember
After Memorial Day weekend, it's nice to see some veterans get the "thank you" they deserve. Recently, Honor Flight Chicago took several area World War II vets on a special trip to the memorial in Washington D.C.
Analog City
Apparently Chicagoans are a little slow on the uptake. The FCC has fielded more calls about the upcoming digital transition from our area than anywhere in the country.
Aqua Filling Up
Aqua, the much admired Studio Gang showpiece, has nearly
landed a hotel for 15 of its floors. If you don't have the cash to visit -- not to mention live there -- you can still experience the joy of belonging by regularly reading the Aqua Homeowners website.
Who Wants to Buy a House? Anyone? Anyone?
If you're in the market, the infamous Highland Park home featured in Ferris Bueller's Day Off is available at the bargain price of $2.3 million. [via]
Jay Bennett Dead
In Transmission, we're reporting on a developing story that former Wilco band member Jay Bennett is dead at age 45.
Is Rogers Park as Dangerous as People Say?
Straight Dope Chicago: "Short answer: no. Slightly more nuanced answer coming right up."
High-Flying Websites
The official websites for O'Hare and Midway airports so old-looking that someone decided to build new ones.
Extreme Makeover: CHA Edition
The Trib's Blair Kamin covers a startling transformation of the CHA's Dearborn Homes on South State Street from utilitarian eyesore to an idyllic college-like campus. Back in 2008, Carl Giometti gave another perspective in A/C.
Exploring People with Funsherpas
The funsherpa blog was launched last month with the mission of "Uncovering what interesting people are interested in." The most recent post is an interview with artist Jay Ryan, who also happens to be the designer of the GB 4th Anniversary Poster.
Old-time Summer Fun
Celebrate the opening of Chicago's beaches with these photos of vintage beachy activities from the Tribune archives.
The Girlfriends Say Good-Bye
Another big radio shakeup today: WGN is bidding adios to their resident girlfriends Kathy & Judy. Their last show is airing live now.
A Magic (Gallery of) Carpet Ride
In Transmission, we chat with Brian Zieske about Gallery of Carpet, the Chicago recording studio that lays down the tracks for up-and-coming artists like The Acadamy Is... and Snowsera.
PrezBot Orders Navy SEAL Strike on Pirates of the Caribbean
Disney is putting the finishing touches on Obama's animatronic figure for their Hall of the Presidents. Like W. and Clinton before him, the president provided a few choice words for the figure to speak.
I'll Miss the Station ID
WNUA, Chicago's pioneering "smooth jazz" station, goes off the air Friday morning at 9am, followed by a retrospective of the stations that have occupied 95.5 FM over the years. After that, the new Mega 95.5, a "Spanish hot adult contemporary" format, takes over. WNUA fans can still get their fix at yoursmoothjazz.com.
Start Swimming
Today's the official start of the 2009 beach season in Chicago, so take a look at the Chicago Park District's beaches page and start planning that Memorial Day picnic.
Affordable Family Homes Neither Affordable or for Families
The Sun-Times is working on an enlightening set of articles following nearly 200 units in University Village that were set aside for families who needed assistance to purchase a home. The paper finds 67% were sold to young, single buyers, including some who already owned multiple properties -- and that's just the beginning.
From the Rooftop to the Tabletop
The growing season is at hand, so Chicago magazine spends some time with micro gardeners.
"Did you guys see my house?"
Obama took some time off today to find out if his lawn has been properly maintained while he's in D.C.
But There's Protein in that Candy Bar!
These days, the state is looking pretty much everywhere to pick up some change. This time it's the reclassification of candy as a non-food item and other status modifications to grooming products.
Speaking of Gapers Blocks
Your downtown commute may get a little more interesting around 6:30 this evening thanks to the throngs of participants and spectators expected for the 28th annual J.P. Morgan Chase Corporate Challenge. Detours are being considered for 19 CTA bus routes that run in the general vicinity of Grant Park.
Away We Go Screening
Excited for the upcoming Dave Eggers/Vendela Vida film Away We Go? Visit the Book Club page to find out how you can go to a free screening next week.
No More Drunk Mailing?
The last 24-hour post office in the country is located near Harrison and Canal. But in June, the location will reduce their hours, closing at midnight. The Postal Service says they don't have enough customers to justify the expense of 24-hour service. Simply must mail that special letter at 3am? The location (and many others) still offer automated kiosks in the lobby at all hours.
Make it Stop. Please.
In today's vomit-inducing news, both Blagojeviches will be included in an upcoming season of "I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here." Sure, Rod is prohibited from leaving the state and joining his wife in the Costa Rican jungle. But that won't stop him from a "surprise" involvement. Yay?
A Deal to Knock Your "Sox" Off?
There's a buzz going around that the struggling White Sox may be close to a deal with San Diego for pitching ace Jake Peavy. Can the Sox pull off what the Cubs couldn't? Could this deal buy beleagured GM Kenny Williams some more time with the fans? Stay tuned...
The Foul-Mouthed Bandit?
The Chicago feds have rigged up a Web site alerting citizens about bank robbery suspects. The nicknames alone are worth a look.
To Market, To Market
Farmers' market season is upon us once again, and in this week's Reader you'll find their annual guide to the city's markets. The Reader's list is organized by the day of the market; over at the city's official market site, you can find markets organized by neighborhood.
Spaghetti Bowls and Circles
Chicago's Circle Interchange makes an appearance in part 2 of The Infrastructurist's collection of freeway interchanges (part one). Don't know the Circle? Read about it and other local road jargon here.
Spreading Flu with Candy
Every year, the National Confectioners Association's All Candy Expo taunts Chicagoans with its wares, but this year, it has an interesting addendum, a prominently located swine flu notice [pdf].
Behold! The New Whole Foods
No lesser personage than Emperor Daley was present for the opening of the new Whole Foods.
It's Bleep'n Golden!
Have you been seeking additional information about Blago Shampoo? This CNN report has all you need.
Software Tax Protest
ProtectILtech is a campaign to stop the software tax that was recently added to Senate Bill 750 (the tax increase bill) in Springfield. They're asking you to contact your legislators to protest the tax. Forms and more information are available on their site.
Be Vewy Vewy Quiet
In southern Illinois, the hunt is on... for wild asparagus.
It's Easy Being Green
Chicago is the first city to be honored by the National Building Museum for being green. Museum officials praised Mayor Daley, the city's efforts to retrofit municipal buildings for energy efficiency and the city's goals for reducing greenhouse emissions.
Put in a Drive-Thru Already!
For the second time in as many months a cab has crashed into the front doors of Petterino's restaurant at Dearborn and Randolph. Man, the food must be REALLY good there.
A Modern Triumph
Influential Artinfo gives its assessment of the Art Institute's new Modern Wing, designed by Renzo Piano. Their conclusion? It's a winner.
Kiddieland No More
After years of rumors to the effect, the iconic Kiddieland Amusement Park in Melrose Park (8400 W. North Ave) will be closing its doors after this season, barring some last-minute reprieve.
Get the Beef
Top SECRET! Head over to Drive-Thru to learn how your lunch today can cost a measly dollar!
The New Condo Market isn't Thriving
It looks like sales of all of those new condos are going just about as well as you thought. More than half of all developments had units cancelled or didn't sell one unit in the first quarter.
Chicago Loves Dogs
That's right. It's official: Chicago loves dogs. If you're a car owner, you'll be expressing that sentiment shortly.
U of C Hospitals Closes More Clinics
The administration of the U of C Hospitals seems all too eager to drag its name farther through the mud, this time by making plans to close its Women's Health Center in addition to its April closing of the Walter G. Zoller Memorial Dental Clinic. Both clinics primarily served the poor.
Fashion Campus Police
Was this U of C student's column about the springtime sartorial choices of his fellow Maroons sexist and misogynistic? That may depend on which version you've read.
Passing the Buck in Bridgeport
Last week, Gabriel Villa was finishing his legal mural when it was painted over by a Streets and Sanitation crew. Chicago Public Radio has the scoop about what happened and who's being blamed. [Thanks, Justin!]
The Mystery in the Cemetery
GazeboNews has an interesting, if depressing, article about an elderly couple who committed suicide in Fort Sheridan Cemetery last Thursday.
Newest Terrorist Threat: Stealing Flowers
"The man stuffed 17 yellow, purple and turquoise pansies into a navy blue suitcase"
and was promptly arrested.
Get Patti Out of Here
Both the Tribune and the Sun-Times report that NBC has approached Patti Blagojevich to take the slot offered her ex-gov husband Rod in the reality show "I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!" The deal should be finalized this week, as filming of the show starts June 1st.
Andersonville Pizza Best in the Land
GQ Magazine has spoken, and according to Alan Richman, the best place for pizza in the nation resides in Andersonville. The Mortadella pie at Great Lake won top honors.
Reading Material for Aldermen
The Chicago Reader's politics blog rounds up recent parking meter news, and provides links to the parking meter contract here and
here.
Big Changes for Vehicle Stickers
In the seemingly endless barrage of transportation news is a another change to the way the city handles cars. Among other changes, the main city vehicle sticker will be combined with resident permits and will include a license plate number.
Build Your Own Fallingwater
Or Guggenheim or, if the site's splash page is any indication, the Sears Tower, with LEGO's new Architecture line, which soon include several sets of Frank Lloyd Wright-designed buildings.
Atlantis Resurfaces in the Olympic Bid Book
A gem in an otherwise sort of boring collection of proposed facilities, the proposed aquatics complex in the Chicago 2016 bid book looks beautiful, and allays worries of some monstrosity floating off the coastline. [via]
Drew: I'm (cough) Innocent.
Drew Peterson has pleaded not guilty to murdering his third wife during his arraignment this morning. As if we expected him to do anything different.
Drawing the News
Even if you're not that interested in the topic, these "sketchnotes" by Mike Rohde at the Society of News Designers meeting this weekend are pretty darn cool.
While You Were Sleeping
One of O'Hare's runways was shortened by 4,000 feet in just one 8 hour shift last week, as part of a project to cut down on planes cutting across each other's paths at the airport.
Orienting the Masses
Chicago Critical Mass aficionados likely already know about the collection of route maps on the CCM site, but Andrew Bedno recently created another directory that includes selected flyers from early as 1998, set up gallery style.
Bringing the Funny, 140 Characters at a Time
Is Twitter the new improv class? The Trib's @RexHuppke talks one-liners with a couple of Chicago's funniest tweeps.
Another Parking Fee to Complain About
While our esteemed Aldermen figure out how much they messed up the parking meters, Daley wants to charge $1 an hour for lakefront parking.
Putting a Ring On It
Chicagoan and former "Bachelorette" Jen Schefft got married Friday night. Zzzzzz.
Unicorns And Rifles
Apparently Chicago gangs in the 1970s and 1980s had their own business cards.
Parking Meter Fiasco, Redux
We already know the parking meter privatization deal was a bad one -- but three months later we're still finding out just how bad. And in the meantime, Ald. Ed Burke canceled planned hearings on the meter deal. Great.
The Third Largest Whole Foods
The new Whole Foods Lincoln Park opens next week -- but we've got a sneak peek in Drive-Thru. If you want more, there's a preview party Monday.
Where the Pretty Girls Are
I can get behind this sentiment.
Moving from the Bench to the Boards
Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer will take to the stage appearing as the Ghost from Hamlet as part of a Shakespeare and the Law conference in Hyde Park.
Why is Chicago so Corrupt?
Cecil Adams considers this question for The Straight Dope Chicago. Meanwhile, R. Kelly's defense team is joining Team Blago.
Ironically Yours
Is Chicago the most ironic city ever? Steve Rhodes of The Beachwood Reporter shares his thoughts on the matter.
More than Capone's Old Haunt
The Uptown Chicago History blog highlights the grandeur and class that once pervaded in that neighborhood.
A Sweet Deal on the West Side
A deserted Sears parking lot on the West Side has become a training ground for Chicago's next generation of entrepreneurs. Their stock in trade: honey-producing beehives.
For That 'Just Indicted' Look...
Your job may not be &*@#!*&# golden, but your hair can be. It's "Blago" shampoo and conditioner. Only your hairdresser and bagman will know for sure.
Paragraph Events
Pilcrow Lit Fest kicks off Sunday with a reading at the Whistler and a cocktail party at Matilda's. So what if it's a school night?
Hollywood Loves Illinois
Illinois film production had another banner year in 2008 despite the recession, chalking up its second-most profitable year on record. With movies like this summer's "Public Enemies," and TV series like "The Beast," the industry spent $141 million and created 5,392 jobs during filming. The Illinois Film Office projects another healthy year in 2009, but didn't give any specifics.
Goala Was Taken
The RTA has launched Goroo, a new travel planning site where you can work out how to get from one place to another on Metra, CTA and roads.
Today's Most Inappropriate Headline Award Goes to
... the Trib for its coverage of Chrysler closing 789 dealerships, 44 of which are in Illinois: "No-haggle end for hundreds of Chrysler dealers."
Fitter, Happier, More Productive
In honor of the 6th Annual Chicago Moves Day, the Mayor's Fitness Council and the Chicago Park District have put together a few events for tomorrow that are meant to encourage healthier, more active lifestyles. The day starts bright and early with a 5K and continues with free workouts at Daley Plaza from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Gov. Quinn Still Wants To Raise Your Taxes
Governor Quinn is sticking to his proposal to raise the tax rate from 3 to 4.5 percent. He wants it to be a permanent increase. According to the Associated Press "Quinn did suggest he's willing to bend on tax relief." How considerate.
Meanwhile, at Vocalo.org...
...you could be selling something on their on-air flea market.
What Does $20 Buy for WBEZ?
A lot, apparently.
Oh Noes
The latest issue of KeepGoing focuses on calamities, real and existential.
Run for the Buck
If you're into philanthropy, running, and winning Lollapalooza tickets I've got just the activity for you. On May 30, participate in the Buckingham Foundation 5K Fun Run and help raise money to restore Buckingham Fountain. All racers have a chance to win two 3-day passes to Lollapalooza.
A.Okay Officially Closing
Well-loved vinyl toy, clothing and sneaker boutique and art gallery A.Okay Official will be open for the last time this Saturday. Come by for DJs, refreshments, and a blowout sale.
Book Swap & Drive
Just a reminder from your friendly GB Book Club Editor that today we will have our first Book Swap & Drive with Open Books! Come see us at Black Rock and swap your books with others or donate your extras to help fund Open Books's literary initiatives. You can find the specifics in Slowdown.
Catching the Waves at Rainbow Beach
Wax up your board! The Park District is considering opening five beaches for surfing this summer.
The Power of Low Power
In Transmission this week we talk with Jennifer Lizak of CHIRP about the Chicago Independent Radio Project's recent trip to D.C. to lobby for low power FM stations.
2016 Ways to Sink the GOP
While it's all but assumed that Mayor Daley has ulterior motives for wanting the 2016 Games, FiveThirtyEight's Nate Silver wonders if President Obama might have something up his sleeve as well.
A Sacred Space
The NY Times gives a thoroughly positive review of Renzo Piano's Modern Wing of the Art Institute and gives us an additional sneak peek of the building.
Eating Local Food Locally
The Sun-Times' recent article about CSAs is pretty good, but its photo illustration offers a bold alternative to out of control condos.
Wilson Yard Suit Tossed
A judge threw out an Uptown residents group's lawsuit against the Wilson Yard project, saying it was filed seven and a half years too late. Uptown Update has posted a copy of the suit, and FixWilsonYard will be meeting to discuss next steps this Saturday.
School's Out Forever
Like some bizarre dream sequence, Alice Cooper and President Obama will be appearing on stage together... for Arizona State University's graduation ceremony.
They Should Make a T-Shirt!
Besides providing crazy-cool t-shirts, Chicago's Threadless evidently also provides a killer place to work. TravelChannel.com named Threadless an "extreme workplace," citing their 25,000-square-foot warehouse and production space where employees play Wii, bring it in intense ping-pong championships, and even rock out on an indoor skate ramp. Chicago photo blogger Joe M500 is interviewed about his recent photographic journey of the warehouse (and confirms its coolness) here.
Type Nesting
Dubi Kaufmann asks: Do birds have a favorite font? So far, it seems they particularly like Rs and As.
Teeing Off
Beachwood Reporter points us to an interesting article in Casino City Times on Arlington Heights-based Incredible Technologies, makers of Golden Tee and other popular bar games.
I'm Not Sure I Like Your Attitude, Officer
After six years without an officer evaluation rating system, the city will institute a new system next year that takes attitude, problem-solving and communication into account, among other elements. As one might expect, the Fraternal Order of Police isn't happy with the change.
Craigslist "Erotic Services" to Close
If you're a fan of the "erotic services" section of Craigslist, you have until May 15 to enjoy it. The site will be shutting the section down that day and creating a new, human-monitored "adult" section at some point in the future, according to an agreement reached with several state attorneys including Illinois' Lisa Madigan.
Wilco (The Leak)
Wilco's upcoming new album (to be known as "Wilco (The Album)" when it's officially released June 30) leaked yesterday. Shouldn't be too hard to find if you know where to look. UPDATE: Wilco has responded to the leak by streaming the album on their website. [via]
A Supreme Court Justice Out Of Chicago?
President Obama could name University of Chicago law professor Diane Wood to the Supreme Court.
Buh Bye, Bisphenol A?.
The City Council may very well ban the use of Bisphenol A in baby bottles today. Update: The ban passed 48-0, and Daley reportedly will sign.
Kanye Vision
Want to see the web through Kanye's signature sunglasses?
Superior Indeed
The Steppenwolf's Superior Donuts could be the second Tracy Letts production to hit Broadway in three years.
CTA Bus Tracker System To Be Fully Installed Soon
On May 18th the CTA Bus Tracker project will be complete!
Chicago Bars Earn Love
It's not just our restaurants getting the high-class recognition. Chicago represents in the newly released Food and Wine Cocktails 2009 guide. Of the 100 top bars named in the U.S., Chicago has five, including C-House, The Drawing Room, Green Mill, Nacional 27, and the Violet Hour.
A Local Women's Health Hero
GB's own Jenni Prokopy is one of 20 2009 Women's Health Heroes. Congrats!
Multiple Transmissions
Busy day already over in Transmission, our music section: a review of Biggest Mouth: Campus Clash (a college music competition, if you missed it earlier), Rhymefest's new video for "Chicago" and a chance to win tickets to DJ C and Mashit's "Bouncement" show this Friday!
Hawks Flying High
In case you were wondering what that big roar was last night, that was a city collectively cheering for the Blackhawks who downed the Vancouver Canucks to advance to the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 1995. The young guns were led by Patrick Kane's hat trick. Now... bring on the Red Wings (maybe). Get more Hawk talk in Tailgate.
Spreading Worker Dissent
Workers at the Des Plaines factory of Hartmarx, the 122-year-old company that made Obama's inaugural tuxedo, are following the lead of Republic Windows and Doors by voting to stage a sit-in if Wells Fargo liquidates their company.
Never Mind That Tax Cut
Cook County Board President Todd Stroger vetoed the 1 percent tax cut passed by the board last week.
Saberi Released
Jailed journalist Roxana Saberi has been released by the Iranian government, after her sentence was reduced on appeal.
Scavenging on the Radio
WBEZ's The Annoying Music Show got mixed up with the U of C's annual Scavenger Hunt this weekend when teams submitted songs for broadcast. Though Team Ragnarok won the challenge, Mendicant Cingulata came in first in the hunt.
To the Shores of Tripoli Chicago
Don't be alarmed by the increased number of men in uniform or helicopters overhead: it's just the first-ever Marine Week, running today through the 17th.
Are You a Broke Hipster?
Then there's a site for you.
KFC-Gate Explained
Ad Age has a nice summary of the events behind Oprah's well-intentioned gift of a free plate of KFC chicken to viewers last week that erupted in a full-scale PR fiasco for the restaurant.
Without Bounds or Limits
The Art Institute's Ryerson & Burnham Archives has launched a website about the Burnham Plan of Chicago for its centennial, including a set of lantern slides of images from the plan.
Obviously, It Was Where They Kept the Teleportation Tube
Katherine of Chicago wonders what the bizarre ceiling thing is at the Washburne Trade School at 31st and Kedzie.
A City Guide Relaunched
I didn't realize MSN still had their City Guides, but they apparently just relaunched their Chicago edition.
Uh, Yeah, Official Business
Zodak Yonan, an aide to 44th Ward Alderman Thomas Tunney, figured out a way to avoid paying for parking meters, although he probably won't be doing it anymore.
Second to None
Chicago earns four of the top spots on Travel + Leisure's recently released list of the "50 Best New U.S. Restaurants" with L2O, Urbanbelly, Perennial and The Publican. Peoria hot spot June also made the cut thanks to the unique "post-modern molecular gastronomy" of its Alinea-trained chef and owner, Josh Adams.
Rainbo and Metropolis
Author Aleksandar Hemon tells the Wall Street Journal about a handful of places around Chicago that are meaningful to him, in connection with the release of his short story collection Love and Obstacles.
Ay Mama!
WGN's Ana Belaval shares some thoughts on motherhood for Mother's Day: "The girl doesn't call me Mami or Mama. She knows who I am, she just doesn't call me anything. Well, sometimes she calls me Daddy."
That's...A Lot Of Swine Flu
The AP is reporting 421 cases of Swine Flu in the state and 187 in Chicago alone.
Alan Keyes is Making Bail
The paths of Barack Obama and Alan Keyes cross once again, as Keyes is arrested protesting Obama's upcoming appearance at Notre Dame.
Durbin Wants High Speed Rail Chicago-St.Louis
Senator Durbin is lobbying with Missouri Sen. Claire McCaskill to get a high speed rail line from Chicago to St. Louis.
The Push to Reopen Altgeld Gardens Library
The Altgeld Gardens public housing complex has been without its public library for two months, with few answers on reopening. In Mechanics, Chris Gray reports on plans to try to force some action from the CHA and CPL.
Who's Failing the Kids? "We all are"
Rev. Michael Pfleger's upside-down flag and the 36 children killed in Chicago this year are increasingly getting national attention.
Crazy Chicken
So you heard about how Oprah unleashed a tsunami on KFC earlier this week, right? Well, El Pollo Loco is accepting KFC coupons for a free dinner on Mother's Day. And in case you haven't had it? Their chicken is crazy good.
Savings in 140 or Less
CouponTweet, a site by former GB officemates PerkSpot, went into public beta yesterday, allowing you to search for coupon codes and special offers in the Twitter stream.
The Mean Streets of Riverside
Riverside police pulled seven rounds out of a house. Why is it news? The house is next door to that of Cook County Commissioner Tony Peraica, and the police think he was the target.
Distill This
We take a look at Ravenswood-based Koval Distillery in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
Peterson Arrested
Drew Peterson has been arrested by state police for former wife Kathleen Savio's 2004 death.
Depart-ment Departs
After six years of helping to create a thoroughly connected craft community in Chicago, Depart-ment is calling it quits. The organizers explain how they regret the decision to disband the show, but considering the extreme time and cost that goes into organizing the show, it's not surprising even though it is sad. Thankfully a few of the organizers are helping to keep the movement alive with Coterie Chicago. Their first show is at this year's Pitchfork Music Festival.
Fighting for Film Fair Use
In A/C, Lindsay Muscato writes about filmmakers' struggle to gain the right to quote from other films in the name of fair use.
Salary Shutout
Looking to buy in the city? If you don't make at least $73,000, you're probably screwed. Oh, and rents are up too. This and other pleasant news form the Center for Housing Policy.
What Does Organic Really Mean?
OrganicNation.TV is "an exploration of the American sustainable food landscape focusing on the people, places and products that are shaping a new green economy and lifestyle." Produced by Fresh Cut Media's Dorothee Royal-Hedinger, the video tour hits the road May 10.
A Real Downer
Something to think about during that ride up to your downtown office: There's a chance that elevator you're in hasn't been inspected in, oh, about eight years.
Assaulting the Gunnery
Blair Kamin isn't really a preservationist, but it's still interesting to see an architecture critic argue for the demolition of a Mies van der Rohe designed building, regardless of its diminutive nature. Of course, as he demonstrates in the article, not everyone agrees with him.
GLBT NIMBY
Living with Pride is a halfway house for GLBT addicts restart their lives after getting sober -- and it's caused a controversy in its quiet North Center neighborhood.
KFC KGF FUBAR
In case you were wondering, "The combination of free food and Oprah is a tsunami."
Memorializing Richard J. Daley's Nemesis
Following the news of Leon Despres' death, pretty much every media outlet in town has a memorial. Here's a quick rundown including the Trib, Crain's, the Sun-Times, WBEZ's blog and, of course, the Hyde Park Herald.
A Yay for a Daley
Greg Hinz reads between the lines and finds that Mayor Daley has had enough of Stroger.
CNN on CPS
"Anderson Cooper 360" will be exploring the dramatic rise in the number of CPS student deaths on CNN tonight (Wednesday) at 9pm. The show also re-airs at midnight.
Be a "Trainiac"
Saturday, May 9, is National Train Day. Celebrate with a visit to Union Station, which will feature exhibits and entertainment from 10am to 3pm.
Bee Sting
Chinese nationals were arrested here and in Seattle on suspicion of running an international honey smuggling ring.
The World is a Game
Chicag0 is the Chicago offshoot of SF0 (which originally started here, actually), a massive "collaborative production game" played online and off. They just completed a game last weekend; learn more and join before the next one's announced.
A Virtual Birthday Fundraiser
The Local Tourist's Theresa Carter's birthday is Friday, and she's using the occasion to attempt to raise $20,000 for pediatric cancer research with Endure to Cure. Later this summer she'll be climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro for the cause as well.
RIP Leon Despres
Chicago Public Radio reports that former alderman and activist Leon Despres has passed away at the age of 101.
Historic Tube Steaks
"Hot Doug" Sohn and culinary historian Bruce Kraig will be discussing the history of the hot dog at Kendall College tonight; details in Drive-Thru and Slowdown.
el-two-oh
The NY Times included Laurent Gras's Chicago restaurant L2O [Caution: audio on website] in its "Outstanding Newcomers" series, which profiles exemplary restaurants that opened since the beginning of 2008. If you're feeling hungry, there's always more food discussion in Drive Thru.
Find the Farmers
Want to pick up some local produce but aren't sure where to go? Local Beat's Farmer's Market Locator helps find you the closest one to you.
Book Club: Passing Discussion Questions
The discussion questions for Nella Larsen's Passing are now up on the Book Club page. Join us next Monday, May 11, when we'll discuss the book in person at the Book Cellar at 7:30pm. New members are always welcome.
See Any Squirrels Lately ... or Not?
Regardless, Project Squirrel wants to know. Ideally, you'd submit at least one report a quarter, but they'll take what they can get.
So Cheap They're Free
Over in Transmission, we're still giving away tickets to Wednesday night's show at the Double Door: Dex Romweber, The Detroit Cobras, and Blackbelts. Poof! And now they're gone.
Back Below 10%
The Cook County Board voted against President Stroger's wishes to repeal the 1-percent sales tax hike it put into effect last year. The repeal means Chicago's sales tax will drop below 10 percent again, starting January 1, 2010.
If You're Dreaming About Wisconsin
Write about your favorite Wisconsin experience and win a free two-night cabin stay in Minocqua, Wisc. for up to six people. The owners of two woodsy cabins are running the contest, and every entrant gets 10 percent off a future stay. Video/photos also welcome, unless it's your tale of skinny dipping gone awry. Details here.
Further Parking Meter Ammunition
With so many broken parking meters out there, it's important to know that you can't be fined for parking in a spot with a broken meter. Just in case, take an extra step and print out a few of these flyers explaining the law to whoever's handing out tickets these days.
I Am Trying to Sue Your Ass
Former Wilco bandmember Jay Bennett is suing frontman Jeff Tweedy for upwards of $50k in unpaid royalties and other proceeds earned during his seven years with Wilco. The lawsuit may be due to some pressing financial needs on Bennett's part, as he needs a hip replacement.
It Came from the Library!
From the deepest depths of the University of Chicago Library's digital stacks came... The Biology of B-Movie Monsters! [via]
Thank You for Letting Me Be Myself -- Again
The 15-year-old who started a CPD poo-storm earlier this year when he successfully impersonated a cop is in hot water a second time -- he was arrested Friday for stealing a car from a South Side dealership after pretending to be an interested buyer.
Digital Library Loan
Did you know you can download audiobooks and videos from the Chicago Public Library's website? All you need is a library card and some software.
Dig Those Tights
There's a big excavation project going on on Belmont -- right in the middle of the new American Apparel store's floor.
H1N1 Flu Questions Answered
In case you still have some questions about the disease formerly known as swine flu, CAN TV is doing a live call-in this afternoon at 3:30 on channel 21. Your questions will be answered by Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Terry Mason.
Studying Iraq from Chicago
The Field Museum and Oriental Institute have some interesting visitors from the National Museum of Iraq. The Iraqis are taking the opportunity to
brush up on contemporary archeology and conservation techniques they were unable to study at home during the Hussein regime ... and apparently during the ongoing war.
LAZ Parking Finally Admits Mistakes
LAZ Parking officials have come to the oh-so-surprising conclusion that it wasn't ready to acquire the city's 36,000 parking meters in February.
Chicago Now, Soon
The Tribune Company is launching a new blog community site later this summer called ChicagoNow.com. No publicly accessible pages yet, but here's a glimpse via a marketing video dug up by a WindyCitizen user.
From the Trib to "off the grid"
Former Chicago Tribune reporter Emily Achenbaum discusses the decision she and her husband-to-be made "to pursue a pared-down life."
Awkward Messages
Sometimes it matters which advertisements are next to each other.
Sin in the Second City and Elsewhere
Gathering stats on STDs, murders, and similar data, KSU geographers performed a study titled "The Spatial Distribution of the Seven Deadly Sins within Nevada," then created maps showing "hotspots" of Wrath, Lust, etc. across the nation. Sounds like a bunch of hooey, but it looks cool. Chicago's way up on greed but surprisingly not prone to envy.
Olympic Support, The Chicago Way?
A report in several media outlets (including USA Today) says that the head of the CPS is pressuring principals to support the city's 2016 Olympic bid. The CPS chief, of course, denies it.
Kiss Chlamydia Goodbye!
A nationwide effort to educate young people about chlamydia (and encourage testing) kicks off today at Columbia College, featuring a music performance by local band Lip Tease and the launch of a new site, getSTDtested. The event is at Columbia College's Film Row Cinema, 1104 S. Wabash, 8th floor, from 7 to 9pm.
Where The Past Is Present
Alex Kotlowitz explains why Chicago is Fast Company's U.S. City of the Year: "The real Chicago isn't so easy to keep up with. It's constantly reinventing itself. Jumpy. Agitated. Impatient. It's as if the place is trembling. Move aside. Don't linger. And if you're going to dawdle, get out of the way. But what any Chicagoan will also tell you is that the past is very much present. It doesn't go away. It shouldn't. In fact, that's Chicago's lure and its beauty: its ability to take what was and figure out what could be."
Springfield is Atwitter
The Illinois Policy Institute has created Tweet Illinois, a service that allows you to track what your twittering state legislators are talking about. More details in Mechanics.
Financier Thinking About Buying The Sun-Times
James Tyree, CEO of Mesirow Financial Inc. is thinking about buying the Chicago Sun-Times. Tyree has subscribed to the Sun-Times for years and currently reads it online.
Local Deep-fried Dough
Want a donut that's a step above the Dunkin' variety? Donut Database has you covered.
We Oughta Be in Pictures
Chicago is the fifth most photographed city on flickr, according to Life.com's survey.
Chicago's Top Twitterer?
Despite claims to the contrary, the Trib asserts the top Twitterer in Chicago is MisterNoodle.
Media's Future
The Chicago Media Future Conference picks up the thread dropped by this winter's Chicago Journalism Town Hall, discussing where the media is headed and how it'll be paid for. Mark your calendar for June 13.
FOIA Information
Anyone can file a Freedom of Information Act request for public documents -- that doesn't meant the requests will be honored, though. The Tribune launched an ongoing series on FOIA today, and shows you how to file your own.
Kennedy For Illinois Senator?
Christopher Kennedy of that Kennedy family is thinking about running for Roland Burris's senate seat. Other names mulling over a senate run include Congressman Mark Kirk on the right and Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky on the left.
C-O-M-E-D Spells Relief?
Beginning in June, Chicago-area households can expect a "significant" decrease in their ComEd electric bills, reports Crain's.
Miso Hungry
An exploration of the soup follows in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
The Owl of Illinois
A lovely illustration of our great state. Part of Frank Chimero's States series. [via]
Injured Pride
Poor journalist/film critic Ray Pride was beaten up a month ago after a Greek film festival, by nationalists who thought he was an "anarchist infiltrator." He provides the details on his blog and elsewhere. The more squeamish may want to avoid the photos Pride took of his bloodied post-attack clothing.
Wrap the Cord
GB past contributor Craig Berman's fantastic Coil lamp is now available for purchase.
Paley Talks the Blues
Time Out's Hank Sartin talks to Nina Paley about her film Sita Sings the Blues, which is reviewed in this week's Steve at the Movies.
Your Lost Shaker of Salt is at Nacional 27
With all the swine flu talk, you may not be feeling all Cinco de Mayo this year. Just in case you're looking for a good margarita though, USA Today claims Nacional 27's is one of the ten best in the country.
Rod and Stencil
Rod Blagojevich is showing up in a lot of alleys lately -- on the wall, as street art. (He was even in Rearview yesterday.)
103 Stories, Straight Down
Taking a cue from all those people with their heads pressed against the windows, the Sear Tower Skydeck will open a new feature in June: glass enclosures that stick out from the building, giving visitors a look straight down.
United in Preservation?
Oak Park's Unity Temple is on the National Trust for Historic Preservation's list of America's 11 most endangered historic places -- yet didn't make Landmark Illinois' list announced earlier this week. Interesting. (It's not on Preservation Chicago's list either, but then it's not in Chicago.)
16 Cases of Swine Flu In Chicago
Chi-Town Daily News Staff Writer Alex Parker reports that there are 16 cases of Swine Flu in Chicago and 41 in the state according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Trib Program Resisted by 55 Reporters and Editors
The Chicago Tribune recently stopped a program that "solicited subscribers' opinions on stories before they were published" after concerns were raised by reporters and editors. If you want the story from the Trib, here you go.
