Bond Drops Out Of IL-10
State Senator Michael Bond decides to run for reelection instead of compete for Mark Kirk's former IL-10 seat.
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. ✶
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Friday, October 24
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July 2009
Sox Grab Peavy At Deadline
Coming in under the wire: The White Sox have traded for sought-after pitcher Jake Peavy from the San Diego Padres in a last-second deal made just before the end of the MLB trading deadline. More in Tailgate.
My Money (Never Gonna Get It)
This weekend's Northalsted Market Days will not be without controversy. A Facebook-led boycott of the event has formed in protest of the $30-50 VIP access to Horseshoe Casino's entertainment stage, where Jody Watley, En Vogue and Cece Peniston are scheduled to perform. Non-VIPs will have "partially obstructed" views of the stage. General admission was also increased this year as well.
Walk in the Street
Walkers, bikers, strollers and the like enjoy free reign on a network of boulevards between Logan Square and Little Village tomorrow from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The route temporarily closes to motorized traffic in order to make room for Chicagoans to come together. The event, Open Streets, is free, and is modeled after Bogota's Ciclovia, where 1.5 million residents come out and enjoy their community.
Pining for the Fireside Bowl
Hey, Chicago music/bowling fans! Just a few hours left to order a special shirt titled "Bring Back the Fireside" at RIPT Apparel. [via]
Taking the Garden Out of Community Garden
The University of Chicago's Office of Civic Engagement has notified the 61st Street Community Garden that the garden must be vacated by October 30. The move is prompted by construction efforts related to the expansion of the controversial Milton Friedman Institute.
To Go Food
Fork and the Road, a "bike and dining adventure" series, got a nice write-up in the Trib today.
Looking Past the Loop
Beyond the Pedway is a weekly video interview of local businesses, produced by Tim Jahn.
Indylist Goes Big Time
Local independent business resource Indylist is going national. So after you've had some fun at the GB Get Together, head over to Moxie to celebrate with the staff.
GB on the Radio
Catch our political editor Ramsin Canon on Chicago Public Radio's "Eight Fort-Eight" this morning, discussing July's news on the Month in Review segment.
Some Help Massing Up
If you're heading to Critical Mass tonight but need an extra bike, at least one local bike store has an overnight Mass special.
Go West
Jerry Reinsdorf, who already owns the Bulls and White Sox, is a little bit closer to adding some puck-wielding Coyotes to his stable after the NHL's unanimous approval of his bid. Don't worry Hawks fans, he plans on keeping the team in Phoenix.
Rock Out
Windy City Rock points us to a nifty deal at Reverbnation.com where 1,000 songs are now available for free download, including tunes from several Chicago bands.
Aborted
Apparently, repeatedly demanding to see the president's birth certificate is expensive, and other birthers are no damn help at all.
Good Cop, Bad Cop?
Over at ChicagoNow, Chicagosphere creator Mike Doyle reports on two wildly divergent blogs, the decidedly pro-CPD Second City Cop and the highly-CPD-suspicous Chicago Copwatch.
"The honeymoon is being delayed"
Why? Well, the 10 person brawl at the wedding probably didn't help, but the trunk full of guns was the icing on the cake.
Nobody Watching
Illinois' mental health community homes have no regulatory oversight, leading to patient neglect and worse. the Chi-Town Daily News discovered. Some nursing homes aren't much better.
Dan Kelly, Coyote Hunter
Our own Dan Kelly wrote about urban coyotes for Chicago Journal, and now they've written about him. (Er, the Journal, not the coyotes.)
Wal-Mart Gets Applause
"We believe strongly that everyone should have access to affordable health insurance. Everyone." That line from a Wal-Mart executive at the National Council of La Raza convention here last weekend got big applause. And WBEZ is getting calls from Wal-Mart trying to stop the clapping.
A Pretty Terrible Website
The Illinois Recovery website has been rated the worst state stimulus website in the country, although it looks like the site will be changed shortly.
Yet Another Googlemap - Cycling Edition
CitySpokes maps out the city's bike paths, with a convenient trip planner to help you take advantage of them.
Not Getting the Message
A pro-immigration mural in Pilsen painted by local students has been defaced by someone who's clearly projecting.
The Dark Side of Photo Collecting
Big Happy Funhouse finds ephemera's seamy underbelly.
PayPal Alternative
Not a fan of PayPal or Google Checkout? Local startup mPayy might be your solution.
The Poet Trader Passes
Rest in peace, John Dickson. Some examples of his work.
A. Bird Tix
If you missed out on the lightning-fast sale of tickets to Andrew Bird's benefit show at Schubas in August, no fear -- you can bid on tickets (also benefiting Rock for Kids) on eBay right now (till Friday).
Articles of Faith
The Morning News showcases photos of storefront churches in Chicago by photographer Dave Jordano.
The "Milan of the Midwest"
Thanks to Michelle Obama, our residences are now in Italy.
Book Club: Miles from Nowhere Review
Nami Mun's debut novel, Miles from Nowhere, about a teenage runaway, is becoming wildly successful. In my opinion, that success is fully deserved. Find out more about the book in the full review on the Book Club page.
Glad His Schedule Was Open
Minutes before he was arrested last December, Rod Blagojevich was bumped from appearing on the Today Show in a one-on-one interview with Matt Lauer because far more important news had to be announced...Jay Leno's new television show (which premieres September 14, Rod!).
Now That's an, Um, Collectable
A Chicago-area company is producing a diamond ... from Michael Jackson's hair.
Meter Protest Wednesday
March on City Hall at 11:30am tomorrow if you'd like to see the City Council fix the parking meter privatization deal. UPDATE: Report on the protest.
Reststop to Ruin
The firm that leased seven oases on the Illinois Tollway may be foreclosed upon -- and turns out to have made big campaign contributions to Blago to sweeten the deal. [via]
Street Level Art
Is collecting street art preservation or theft? Just one of the questions raised by an article in New City.
Glasses Half Full
A Chicago man is accused of stealing more than $45,000 worth of eyeglasses from suburban Milwaukee stores. Why, and again, why? The complaint quotes the accused as saying he "really likes to be around glasses."
A New 'Leaf'
The crazy-popular Hopleaf finally gets the green-light on adding some much-needed space a sister restaurant next door. Now how long before THAT spot gets filled wall to wall? (via Edgewater Community Buzz)
Standing Room Only
Nick Kindelsperger of The Paupered Chef has been highlighting the best stand-up eating in Chicago for Serious Eats.
Taking the Trib to Task
The Tribune editorial board needs to get on the same page as its reporting, Ramsin Canon argues in his latest column in Mechanics.
A Cold Day Month in Hell Chicago
July was the coldest it's been in Chicago in 65 years, with an average temp of 68.9°. If you use (or rather didn't use) the AC, look for savings on your electric bills. [via]
Catching On
The NYT covers the anti-Olympics movement in Chicago.
Lolla by Touch
Headed to Lollapalooza? There's an iPhone app for that.
Chicago Ed Gets the Rose
Chicagoan Ed Swiderski won "The Bachelorette" last night. (Thanks, Dee!)
"Chicago Week" Deadline Approaching
Don't forget: Friday is the deadline for submissions for the Gapers Block and Wall Blank "Chicago Week" visual arts competition, so get those paint brushes, vectors and camera shutters going!
That Tweet Might Cost You
A Chicago woman is being sued by her apartment's management company after she tweeted negatively about them to her 20 followers. UPDATE: Horizon Realty responds to the Twitter backlash.
Blagojevich on Blagojevich
You can now pre-order The Governor, "a proclamation that one man will not be silenced, that his side of the story must be heard and that the fight for American liberties and freedom must sometimes occur within its own borders," by Rod Blagojevich. Coming out September 8.
Who's Innovating?
Just a couple more days for Chicago Innovation Awards nominations.
Taurus, With Hopes Rising
The latest version of the Ford Taurus has workers at a South Side auto plant keeping their fingers crossed that it becomes a hit. If it's a success with the public, it could mean more jobs at the Torrance Ave. factory.
Boys vs. Girls
Shades of Billie Jean King vs. Bobby Riggs: The Schaumburg Flyers minor league baseball team will take on the Chicago Bandits of the National Pro Fastpitch softball league at their own game tonight in the latest sports battle of the sexes. More in Tailgate.
Take an Intern, Leave an Intern
InternChicago launches later this year as a place for students to find internships, and businesses to find interns.
Something Fishy
Sky Full of Bacon shows you how fresh fish makes it to Chicago and your table.
Create Your Own Speakeasy Tour
Want to drink in some history? The Chicago Bar Project has a list of still-active bars that were once Prohibition era speakeasies.
You May Have the Queen's Fireplace
A British newspaper columnist believes a fireplace that kept Queen Elizabeth I warm in 1574 is hiding somewhere in Chicago. So if you have "a pretentious overmantel bearing the royal coat of arms," he'd like to talk with you.
We Have a Race
While Madigan insists she won't run, Alexi Giannoulias is officially gunning for Obama's former Senate seat.
Belmont Gets Heads
Carfree Chicago profiles artist David Csisko and gets a sneak peek at the public art he's creating for for the Belmont CTA stop.
Newest Environmental Threat: Dry Cleaners
The Trib reports hundreds of dry cleaner sites across the region remain contaminated with perchloroethylene, threatening ground water, soil and even surrounding air. Use their database to see if any sites are near you.
From the Department of Important Issues
Michelle Obama's fashion confidant Ikram Goldman was interviewed to get a handle on which designers Mrs. O. will be wearing in the future. Alexander McQueen, your moment's coming.
Un-Green Wieners
Man, the Wienermobile is having a bad week. First one crashes into a house in Wisconsin, now an environmental group is criticizing it for being bad for the environment (and violating a law against advertising vehicles in Hawaii).
Unbreakable?
In Mechanics, Ramsin Canon notes a couple instances in which Obama has proven breakable, despite being from Chicago.
The Laundromats of Fullerton
Well, the ones west of Western, anyway.
Cheap Culture
Empty Wallet is your resource for free and pay-what-you-want performances, art exhibits and cultural events around Chicago. [via]
I'd Buy One
Yesterday, while at a fundraiser at the Hyatt Regency, President Obama said, "I'm from Chicago. I don't break." Come on, all you designers out there, let's see that on Threadless and CafePress by lunchtime. UPDATE: Ask and ye shall receive.
Talkin' Fancy Bikes
In other sports news, John Greenfield of Vote with Your Feet recently interviewed Stephen Schier, co-owner of Lincoln Park's Dutch Bike Co. Chicago, about the shop, why he opened a store in Chicago and the future of European cycles in the U.S.
A Perfect Game
White Sox pitcher Mark Buehrle pitched a perfect game Thursday, with a little help from outfielder Dewayne Wise, who leaped up the center field wall to stop a home run. More details in Tailgate.
This is My Party Shirt
Local label Grape Juice Records needs your help in selecting the perfect shirt for a special occasion. The winning design will make its debut at Grape Juice's 5th Anniversary celebration in September, so get voting! [via]
The View From North & Clark
Local podcast North & Clark holds a microphone to Chicagoans who don't often make the media spotlight: grown-up graffiti kids, riot-surviving activists, anthropologists digging into the free-for-all emerald trade, and more. Produced by Casey Brazeal.
Commuter Drama
Local writer and editor Robert Burnham writes Tales from the Commute, slices of life on the Metra rails.
Pow! Crash! Google!
Google has new comics themes for iGoogle, including work by former and current Chicago cartoonists Dan Clowes, Jessica Abel, and Jeffrey Brown
Modification Mania
Chicago homeowners staring down foreclosure can access free help and perhaps on-site loan modifications at McCormick Place this weekend.
Looking for Cute Chicago Boys
If you're a Cute Chicago Boy, watch out! You might just end up on the interweb.
Sweeping Out the Homeless
As noted in Mechanics, the City is doing "sweeps" of homeless people living in the parks in Edgewater. Not everyone is pleased.
White's Weather System
In Transmission, we profile Jack White's new project The Dead Weather in preparation for the band's Chicago debut next week at the Vic.
Nice, Um, Rendering...
The Reader takes a closer look at why Zaha Hadid's Burnham Centennial Pavilion isn't ready yet.
Sex in the City and Suburbs
Chicago Magazine's Sex and Love issue includes some interesting statistics about us Chicagoans.
Local News from the Southwest Side
Pilsen residents, meet your local newsblog.
"I'm crazy about pictures"
Lee Balterman shot a lifetime of pictures in Chicago. A new retrospective showcases some of his best. [via]
From the Moon to Chicago
Former astronauts--and Louis Vuitton icons--Buzz Aldrin and Jim Lovell visit Northwestern tonight to discuss their journeys, while Aldrin signs copies of his new book, Magnificent Desolation: The Long Journey Home from the Moon. Or, you can also celebrate everything Apollo 11 at Adler Planetarium.
CTA Debate #5,971
While CTA President Richard Rodriquez canceled the weird company car benefit for CTA employees this week, he insists on keeping a car for himself and driving to work everyday. Local blogs are debating the intelligence of the move, with CTA Tattler defending Rodriquez's family time and Chicago Carless ripping him a new one.
Heavy Petting
As part of the Shedd Aquarium's re-opened marine mammal pavilion, visitors can now spend $200 to play with and pet a whale. Those who ante up get to wade into the Grainger Beluga Encounter Habitat, help trainers give behavioral instructions, and scratch some whale tongue.
Log Cabin in the Basement?
Decider's David Wolinsky takes a tour of R.Kelly's former abode, and finds surprises around every corner. Also, Space Jam.
"It was about trust."
The New York Times Magazine profile of Obama advisor Valerie Jarrett is up: "The executive didn't know that the 'feel' ran deeper than policy -- that it was about trust: if Valerie Jarrett told Barack Obama that something was the right thing to do, he would very likely do it."
Book Club: An Off Year Review
Local author and Funny Ha-Ha reading series host Claire Zulkey makes her novel debut with An Off Year, the story of a girl who's not sure that college is the right step for her. Find out more about this young adult read in the full review over on the Book Club page.
Tickets for Marijuana Possession
The Cook County Board voted yesterday to allow Cook County Sheriff's police to issue tickets for marijuana possession of less than 10 grams -- but only in unincorporated areas of Cook County, for now. And the cops still have the option of taking you to jail instead.
What Kind of Fiend are You?
An Ecofiend, perhaps?
Just Another Day on the Job
Ever wonder what it's like to work in one of Google's Chicago offices? Turns out, it's just as colorful and quirky as you might imagine.
Here Comes the Brides
Planning your gay/lesbian wedding? Bet you're wondering where to find a queer-friendly caterer, travel agent, and of course a venue for the ceremony. Wedding planner, Queerly Wed , recently launched by local writer Stacy Jill Jacobs, is here to help.
Elevating the Turf
Derek Erdman says, "There's something nice looking about gang graffiti, I think."
Veni, Vidi, Vichyssoise
VF Daily's Society & Style blog asked some of the country's top chefs to take on the recipes of the late, great Julia Child. Chicago's own Graham Elliot Bowles presents a terrine based on Child's vichyssoise.
Cremation, Anyone?
Fresh off the deepening scandal over the Burr Oak cemetary f-up, a Glenwood cemetery is being sued for double booking grave sites.
Home Field Security
F-16s buzzed the city at 1am last night, and helicopters are stirring up dust by landing on a baseball field in Lincoln Park. Guys, the Air & Water Show isn't for another couple weeks. UPDATE: Seems the choppers are practicing for an Obama visit.
Homegrown Stink
Surely a town named after onions can have more than one satirical news source? Hence The Daily Blank.
Help Write 2 Books
Well, not literally -- there are two Chicago book projects looking for funding on Kickstarter right now: a guide to Chicago greasy spoons and one about the Chicago rock scene in the '90s. Help out if you can.
A Cost of a Local President
As anyone in Hyde Park/Kenwood knows, the area around Obama's house is fairly well controlled. We now know it's protected to the tune of $2.2 million, but it's not entirely certain the city will be fully reimbursed for those expenses.
The Spire, the Athletic Club, Prentice Hospital and Helicopters
Streeterville is getting yet other chunk of controversy, this time from the proposed Children's Memorial helipad.
Looking Up at People Looking Down
Apparently you can see people in the Ledge outcroppings on the SearsWillis Tower from the Chicago Architecture Foundation's riverboat tours.
Still at Pitchfork in Our Minds
It may seem slow here on GB today, but there's an ongoing storm of posts in Transmission, wrapping up coverage of this weekend's Pitchfork Music Festival -- as well as elsewhere on the site. Click around and just try to keep up!
Car 553
That's the name of the last private rail car in America, running on Metra's UP-North line.
Two-Wheelers Get the Shaft
Yet another unexpected fall-out of the parking meter privatization: meter receipts are no longer motorcycle- and scooter-friendly after LAZ cut costs by switching away from sticker-backed paper.
Daley Plaza to DC: Walking for Health Care
Dr. Ogan Gurel, an uninsured physician, left Daley Plaza June 27 on a walking journey to Washington, D.C., highlighting the struggle of patients and physicians to fix our health care system. He's due in D.C. on July 26; you can track his journey on Facebook and follow him on Twitter.
How's that for a Perquisite?
The CTA has been providing "company cars" to 68 employees, including 38 managers, and has decided to cut the program by the end of the year to save money. Sounds like a good idea.
So Long, Wooden Newsstands!
Don't freak out if your favorite downtown newsstand evaporated overnight. It'll be replaced within a month by a fancy, new design by JCDecaux S.A.
Wiener(mobile) in a Jam
The famous Oscar Mayer Wienermobile crashed into a house this weekend in Racine after making a wrong turn and trying to turn around in someone's driveway.
We Do It A Lot
Apparently Chicago is the seventh most sexually active city in the country -- but we're the fifth most sexually satisfied. Aww, yeah.
Chicago's Retail Gets Another Vote of Confidence
First the NYT gave struggling clothing store Jake the business, now the Wall Street Journal is lamenting the days when Evanston wasn't full of chain stores and had some personality (but gives a nice report about the state of retail in Andersonville).
No, BlogHer is NOT This Weekend
But from all the buzz, you'd think it is. Never too early to prep, folks; even though the main BlogHer Conference is sold out (there is a waitlist), BlogHer Business (happening this Thursday) still has space.
RIP Thax, Alive and Well
Thax Douglas, Chicago poet and indie music icon, has died, according to his Facebook page. Correction Thax just posted this morning that's he's not, in fact, dead. More in Transmsision.
Milwaukee Getting a Little Closer
Speaking of railroad infrastructure, Wisconsin just ordered two high(er)-speed trains that will run on the Hiawatha route between Milwaukee and Chicago. They have a top speed of 110mph, but tracks will need to be modified to reach the capacity. The current limit of the line is 79mph.
Print Out and Win!
Just in time for the Pitchfork Music Festival, it's the latest edition of Hipster Bingo!
In Business
If you run a small business, you might want to give yourself a long lunch and visit the City Treasurer's Small Business Expo today. It's free, and runs till 3:30.
Sears Tower: The Final Word?
As our Fuel question demonstrates, when it comes to the Sears/Willis Tower name change, people either lament the loss of another piece of "Chicago" or you think it's much ado about nothing. Tribune architecture critic Blair Kamin falls on the side of the former and tries to put the whole thing in perspective.
Finish Him!!!
Midway Games, the company behind the Mortal Kombat video games, is closing its Chicago HQ and firing 60 employees. Fatality. Brutality.
Curious if Your School has Clout at U of I?
The Trib lets you search a database to see if students from your high school have the political backing to get into the U of I. If that doesn't excite you, you can also look by legislator.
DIY Yogurt
An at-home science project yields delicious conclusions in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
Basketball-headed Zombies
No idea this existed: Michael Jordan: Chaos in the Windy City, a 1994 game for the Super Nintendo. [via]
Rotisserie TV
A new sit-com on FX will be set in suburban Chicago -- and revolve around a fantasy football league? [via]
Create Closer to Creation
Create has taken one step closer to reducing freight train delays in Chicago. In the end, perhaps items won't be taken off of trains on one side of Chicago and then put trucks to be taken to another train on the other side ... just to save time.
Boot Blitz
So you know that $300 million budget shortfall? In true Chicago style, the city has opted to make up part of the funds with more aggressive car ticketing and booting. Motorists with two unpaid tickets older than one year have been punished, with 183,293 seizure notices and 3,493 boots thus far.
The Chicago Way, Far Away?
As if the city didn't have enough problems with gangs and violence, now we're being accused of outsourcing our gang activity to Iowa.
Jake Takes a Hit
As FoGB Annie said, "I've never seen the NYT take a Chicago retailer down like this."
New Reader
It's been a looong time coming, but the Reader's website is finally (mostly) redesigned.
Weekend Forecast: Pitchfork
In Transmission, we let you know which sets not to be caught standing in line for the Porta-Johns during this weekend's Pitchfork Music Festival. And, hey, if you're out at the fest, make sure to come by the Gapers Block table in the CHIRP Record Fair tent and say Howdy.
School Reform?
Historically, the South was the area with the highest test score differential between white and black students. Guess who is on the list now.
Hiding in Plain Sight
My favorite webcomic, former GB film critic Gordon McAlpin's Multiplex, today features a stunning rendering of Andersonville's Calo Theater façade (now a Brown Elephant store).
Hyde Park Hogwarts
The folks over at ApplyWise think the University of Chicago's Hyde Park campus, with its gargoyles, Gothic facades, and house system, provides the best Harry Potter experience. [via]
Drinkable Art
When you put 19,000 bottles of Gatorade next to each other on a basketball court, they look just like Michael Jordon.
Kirk Makes It Official
Republican Mark Kirk will announce his candidacy for the senate on Monday.
The Caged Tomato, Unleashed
Ever wonder who designed the Hot Doug's logo? It was Caged Tomato, Bake and Destroy interviewed her recently about her influences, baked goods and more.
Rock Over London, Tower Over Chicago
Via Christopher J. in the Fuel thread, behold Wesley Willis Tower. Awesome.
The Titans of the Gyro
Leave it to the NYTimes to remind us that the "Titans of the Gyro" are all Chicago-based!
Sears For One More Day
Today is the last day the Sears Tower will officially be known as, well, the Sears Tower. Tomorrow it become the (ugh) Willis Tower. We're toasting with a highball in its honor. Let us know what you think in Fuel.
Book Club: La Perdida by Jessica Abel
August brings us to Jessica Abel's graphic novel La Perdida, the story of a young woman whose innocence and willingness to trust others lands her in trouble while she's trying to find something to connect her to her roots in Mexico. Read the intro on the Book Club page now, then join us on Monday, August 10, at the Book Cellar to discuss it in person. New members are always welcome.
Getting a Seemingly Incorrect CTA Expiration Notice?
If so, you may not be alone. Approximately 3,500 Chicago Card Plus members had incorrect expiration dates listed online and need to contact the CTA for a replacement.
Surprise Caller, Line 1
Ex-Smashing Pumpkins bassist D'Arcy called into Q101 on a whim last week to chat about Davy Jones, her current life on a horse farm in Michigan, how much she misses Chicago and a few other gems that you really have to hear to believe.
FSU: Friends Stand United?
A member of the FSU street gang alleged to use violence to exert control over the hardcore punk scene was arrested on Monday. The federal charges were filed in Chicago, and said to be the result of a complaint made by a popular Chicago area recording artist. The FSU name stands for "F*** S*** Up," and "Friends Stand United" ...crickets.
Oh, Really?
Today's breakthrough study based on research on Chicago commuters, among those in three other cities, is that exercising while commuting is linked with better fitness.
Sox Fan in Chief
Chicago eyes will be on President Obama as he throws out the first pitch at tonight's All Star Game -- to see if he shows up repping his favorite team.
Ivy Green, Pinstripe Blue
Think you're the ultimate Cubs fan? Not until you paint your home with Valspar's limited edition paints.
The Green Hornet Rises
Remember that sighting of a film crew shooting what was believed to be a teaser for Seth Rogan's Green Hornet? We've got the scoop on the production and when you can expect to see it on a computer screen near you.
At Last, Locally Produced Frangos
One reason to return to Macy's: Frango mints are once again being produced in Chicago. The start of production will be announced today by Macy's and South Side candy company Cupid Candies.
It's Down to the Cash
After considerable controversy and legal challenges to the Chicago Children's Museum's proposed move to Grant Park, the plan may stall because of finances. Of course, the Museum says otherwise.
Tragedy in Rogers Park
A Rogers Park family faces eviction from a Section 8 housing complex after the matriarch passes away. UPDATE: A vigil is planned for Tuesday night in support of the Bledsoe family.
The One that Talks Like Doolittle
The Pixies will be touring through Chicago this autumn playing Doolittle in its entirety, plus some B-sides, in honor of the classic album's 20th anniversary. [via]
Court Programs Short-changed
If you've gone to court for a ticket recently, you probably had to pay a $135 court fee. Part of that fee is supposed to pay for various court-run programs, but it's currently not making it there -- instead it's going into the County's general fund.
Money's Best Places
This year's CNN Money's Best Places to Live rankings are out, and Illinois small towns only garnered 3 of the top 100 spots. Batavia, Buffalo Grove, and downstate Glen Carbon made the list, but none broke the top 50.
Watch Us Wait
How long is the line at Hot Doug's? What's the wait like at Kuma's? Are the lines crazy at Costco? Decider decided to help you find out without having to be there -- follow @WaitWatcher and get updates from people in line at popular places.
Mechanics on the Radio (No, not "Car Talk")
Ramsin Canon, editor of Gapers Block's Mechanics section, joins Josh Kalven of Progress Illinois every Wednesday morning at 8am on journalist and comedian Ray Hanania's Radio Chicagoland talk show on WJJG-AM. Tune in!
Stick 'Em Up
The Sun-Times reminds us that the deadline for purchasing your city sticker is this Wednesday. After that, you face a $40 late fee and a $120 ticket. For information on where to get your sticker, see the City Clerk's Website.
Major Looting Bust on the West Side
Late Sunday night on the West Side, approximately 35 police cruisers were called to a Family Dollar store. While there are no other media reports at this point, police officers stated "about 20 people looted" the store, and bystanders were discussing people going "in and out five times." All visible doors were open, and a window was broken in the front. Here's one photograph from the scene.
A Twitter Soap Opera
As if your life wasn't enough of a soap opera, you can now follow a real one on Twitter: "Chicago to Coronado" chronicles the love triangle between a former Chicago ad agency CEO and two Navy SEALs on Coronado Island, California.
Vote for Local Favorites Nationally
It's the time of the year for the Veggie Awards survey -- vote for locals such as the Chicago Diner,
Bleeding Heart Bakery and
Chicago Soy Dairy.
Not the Luck of the Irish
Thieves stole over $9000 overnight from the Irish American Heritage Center (4626 N. Knox), in the midst of the 24th Annual Irish American Heritage Festival.
The Classics, Twitterized
As noted in Book Club awhile back, two local college students have landed an unusual book deal: Twitterature, out this fall from Penguin Classics, will translate classic literature into 20 tweets or less. That's 2,800 characters -- or about the length of the left-hand column on GB. Of course, for some, even that's too long.
Cooking With John Kass
Although it's not hard to catch him smoking in front of the Tribune Tower or having a burger at Billy Goat, 100 lucky Tribune print subscribers will schmooze and make beer-can chicken with legendary columnist John Kass Aug. 1 at the Cantigny Golf Club in Wheaton.
School's Back In Session
After the great success of their first session, Facets Multimedia kicks off a second season of Facets Night School, a series of midnight screenings paired with a discussion of the film. The second season begins tonight with Eisenstein's Ivan the Terrible, Part 1 and continues through September 19, with a roster of great titles including Riki Oh: The Story of Ricky, Viva Las Vegas, Harold and Maude and The Fifth Element. See the Facets Website for a full schedule.
Chicago is in the Soul
Does living in Chicago make you a Chicagoan? Jeff Ruby thought so but now he's not so sure.
Is Mark Kirk Still Interested in the Senate?
It's not clear. He's telling Roll Call he's still in but Chris Cilizza at The Washington Post is reporting otherwise.
Emmett Till's Original Casket Damaged
Among the losses -- albeit restorable -- in the recent Burr Oak Cemetery scandal is Emmett Till's original casket, which was found in a storage room with possums living in it.
2016 Olympic Proposed Sport: The Dodge
Lori Healey, president of the Chicago 2016 bid committee, performed some interesting acrobatics herself at a recent press conference, according to the Trib's David Greising. [via]
Campaign Against the Parking Meter Deal
Yes, everyone's still pissed about the parking meter deal. And a group called Chicago ANSWER is doing something about it -- circulating a petition this Saturday to have the deal scrapped. [via]
Mixed Opinions on Mixed-Sex Dorms
As coed dorms--or gender neutral housing--become a reality at U of C next semester, some wonder if it's such a great idea.
What Makes Your Place Great?
There's just a few short weeks left for you to nominate your favorite places in Chicago for MPC's Placemaking contest. We wrote about this great project when it started, but now's your chance to share your favorites.
Facing Controversy
Over at ChicagoNow, contributor Joe The Cop tackles a touchy and controversial subject: Why police officers occasionally shoot people in the back.
The Final Layer
This year's Layer Tennis season comes to a close today at 2pm with a championship match between designers Shaun Inman and Gregory Hubacek. (Neither is from Chicago, but that's OK -- the stadium is.)
Small Steps
If you're an all-or-nothing type when it comes to eating healthier, we have some tips on how to break the mold by incorporating a few new, smart foods into your diet in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
Burn That Mutha Down
Sunday's the 30th anniversary of Disco Demolition Night. This week's Reader has a great sampling of photos from the night (and is sponsoring an exhibition of more on Sunday), while Time Out Chicago has a more nuanced take on the event.
In the Market for a Second Home in Chicago?
If so, you're not alone ... even if the strip mall vacancy rate is nearly 11%.
Burris Looks to Drop Out
Sen. Roland Burris is holding a press conference at 2pm tomorrow, where he's expected to announce that he won't be seeking reelection for his Senate seat.
We're #2! We're #2!
The Architects' Journal ranks Chris Ware's Chicago second in its list of Top 10 comic book cities. Go vote in their poll -- we're currently tied with a few other inked metropolises. (Thanks, Twitterer and fellow comic book aficionado DovBee!)
On Ramp: GB on ChicagoNow
We're launching a new Gapers Block blog today -- one that's not here on the site. It's called On Ramp, and it's part of the Tribune's new ChicagoNow project. It's a very different thing from GB proper, but in the same spirit: Each weekday we'll give you a run-down of the best and most interesting news, blog posts, photos and more from around the region, all on a specific theme -- Arts & Literature, Food, Music, Politics and Sports -- as well as a couple related events coming in the week ahead. Check it out and let us know what you think!
GB Book Club July Meeting
The Gapers Block Book Club is meeting this Monday, July 13, to talk about Every Crooked Pot by Renee Rosen. Every Crooked Pot is a sweet coming-of-age story about Nina Goldman, a young woman who was born with a disfiguring birthmark over one eye. She tries just about anything to fit in while growing up before finally finding self-acceptance. You can read the discussion questions on the blog, and find complete details about the meeting in Slowdown.
Rock the Written Word
Face it, there's only so much time you should spend this summer watching roadies switch out cables. Next time you're heading out to a show, take along one of these fine books about music recommended by Transmission staff.
"You make him wanna..."
The A.V. Club was kind enough to make an inventory of all the things R. Kelly wants, as detailed in his new mix-tape, The Demo Tape. It's hard to pick a favorite because they're all kind of awesome.
A Razor Blade, Plus...
The Parking Ticket Geek suggests some ways you can remove last year's city sticker from your windshield.
Local Youth Writes Book
If the prospect of meeting Cory Doctorow isn't exciting enough for you, how about meeting everyone's favorite media critic (and BBQ fan) Nathan Rabin? The head writer for the AV Club will be at the Barnes & Noble at Webster Place tonight at 7:30pm to discuss his new book The Big Rewind.
Rural Assistance
The NY Times did an analysis of the transportation stimulus money and determined urban centers receive far less than their share of the GDP. As of July 2, Chicago has received 2.57% of the overall funds while contributing 3.68% to the country's GDP.
Short Stories in Your Hand
Punk Planet founder Dan Sinker is launching Cell Stories soon, and is looking for submissions. Learn more in this week's Hot Type.
Derby on the Roll
Windy City Rollers' regular season may be over, but the All Stars travel team is just getting started. We've got the schedule in Tailgate.
Heartbreak Hotel
Some Midlothian residents are not thrilled by the prospect of a "couples only" hotel going up in their village.
Some Final Michael Jackson News
The call for the King of Pop to be buried in Gary is mounting, while Chicagolands top Michael Jackson impersonator is in mourning.
Gabe/Coward, Your Are Evicted
From suburban St. Charles, the ongoing tale of a seriously crazy landlord. Puts most of our old landlord horror stories Fuel thread to shame. [via]
Up a Creek
If your idea of summer sauce is Knob Creek, get ready for disappointment. The Deerfield-based distributor says massive demand for the nine-year-aged American whiskey could mean limited supplies until the next batch is ready in November.
Kirk Looks To Be In
It's unclear who's going to run on the Democratic side but Rep. Mark Kirk (R -Ill.) is intent on fighting for President Obama's former senate seat, Josh Kraushaar reports. Kirk already has the money for it with $1 million stocked away in his campaign war chest.
The Writing on the Stall
A staffer at the University of Chicago recently decided to document a different sort of creative writing going on at Regenstein Library, with highly entertaining and, at times, insightful results. [via]
The Wrong Neighborhood
Greektown's home values have dropped by 50 percent in the past year, making it one of the fastest-falling neighborhoods according to Forbes. (Thanks, Dee!)
Look Down from a Safe Distance
Crain's has a set of ultrahigh-res Gigapan views of various city attractions -- including the new "Ledge" window boxes on the Sears Tower. Chicagoist took a visit, too.
Madigan Sticks To Being A.G.
The Washington Post's Chris Cilizza reports that state Attorney General Lisa Madigan will run for reelection of her current post, not the senate or governorship. For more political coverage, check out Mechanics.
Old Time in the Hot Town Tonight
Old Time Chicago is a new site hoping to become a valuable resource for fans of old time music in the Chicago area. Site owner Paul Lucas has put out the call for submissions: events, music reviews, links, musician contact info, whatever. More info at the Old Town School's Website.
Going on a Taste Bender
So the fireworks may not have been violence free, but at least one man didn't allege he had $250 stolen from him by the police there ... and then recant.
Solid Gold
While the Chicago 2016 Olympics campaign revs up, a South Side coalition is pushing for a new CTA line for the games and after. The Gold Line would connect the Metra and the CTA, and serve key Olympic venues.
Olympic Fever
As the final cut nears in October, the Chicago 2016 Olympic bid team is working it. The team is using a new promotional video featuring our Chicagoan commander in chief talking up the city. The bid team is also planning a ward-by-ward promotional push in the next months to shore up city support.
CTA Tweet Gets Better
The CTA Tattler is working to improve CTA Tweet, its Twitter-based alert system.
The Unprinted Blog
The Printed Blog has ceased publication. Brandon Copple of Crain's talks to founder Josh Karp about the project and his advice to entrepreneurs.
Boing Boing Meet-up
Boing Boing co-founder Cory Doctorow's book Little Brother has been adapted into a play by Griffin Theatre, and Doctorow will be at this Thursday's performance. If you're unable to make the show, there's a meet-up at Jack's/404 Wine Bar beforehand.
Guava, Passionfruit, or Jerk Cupcakes?
Photos from last night's Iron Cupcake event. Also, Chicago Bites reports that the cupcake baking challenge is now a monthly event. Woo hoo!
A Little Bit Greener
The CTA just got a little bit greener with the addition of five hybrid articulated busses, bringing the hybrid fleet total to approximately 200. I hope they turn out better than the last publicized articulated busses...
Still The Second City...For Now
So New York City-based news-gossipy website Gawker recently launched a contest of sorts to find America's best news city. NYC nailed the top spot in their informal poll (what a - yawn - surprise), but Chicago tied for second thanks to a characteristic "vote early and often" push by local weblog the Windy Citizen.
TV Imitates Art
Bravo TV is casting for a new reality show a la "Project Runway," and you're invited to try out -- assuming you're a contemporary artist with the skills to produce great art in a limited time. The as-yet unnamed show auditions in Chicago on July 16, so get your portfolio ready.
Call for Artists: "Chicago Week" from GB and Wall Blank
Gapers Block is teaming up with Rockford-based arts purveyor Wall Blank to host a visual arts competition. Four winners will be featured on GB and have prints offered for sale on Wall Blank during "Chicago Week" in August 2009. Get the details in A/C.
Don't Have the Money for an Original Plan of Chicago?
The Great Books Foundation is publishing a Centennial reprinting of the Plan of Chicago. If you want more details, here's their press release.
Art Imitates Life Imitates Art
Paper Girl (aka Tennessee Mary Fons) creates a mashup of art and life and lets you in on the process on her blog.
Violence-Free Fireworks?
The city's official fireworks started a bit earlier than planned, and were allegedly free of the violence that accompanied last year's show -- but eye witness reports and details on several blogs indicate otherwise.
FREEBIRD!!!
Speaking of destroying music, the Trib gives the Chicago backstory to the concert yell.
Wilco (The Media Coverage)
Wilco gets a write-up and Jeff Tweedy answers the tough questions in today's NYT.
The Day the Disco Died
The New York Times goes back 30 years to July 12, 1979, "Disco Demolition Night," at Comiskey Park.
Help Out the Home Team
The Chicago Force women's football team is headed to the playoffs -- but they need your help to get there. The team's travel budget is just about tapped, so they're asking for donations to help get the whole team to the conference championships in Kansas City July 11, and then hopefully the championship in Austin after that.
Permanent Hoot
Poet Todd Heldt has one of the more interesting Chicago-related tattoos I've seen. [via]
When Weather.com isn't Good Enough
When the weather forecast is too vague, institutions from the city to universities are calling on private meteorologists to take some of the uncertainty out of the day.
Obamabot!
Barack Obama has joined the refreshed Hall of Presidents at Disneyworld. (He looks a little doughy.) More background here. [via]
Behold the Power of Deodorant
Whether you're just freshening up after a morning at the gym or defending your taxi against assailants, deodorant has you covered.
Don't Worry About the Black Market for Fireworks
Now that it's, um, Fourth of July eve, it's time for the media to roll out research about what's legal and illegal around town.
Chicago Stars in Another Movie
Last Spring, Johnny Depp and the film crew of Public Enemies took the city back in time. And, once again, Chicago -- mobsters, machine guns and all -- stole the show in familiar places.
Ten Minutes of Radio Terror
WildClaw Theatre, the local theater company that focuses on horror productions, invites authors to submit ten-minute radio scripts to Deathscribe 2009, their second annual festival of short radio plays. The submission deadline is the end of July. Details at the WildClaw Website. (via)
Big Lizard in My Backyard
Uh, I don't want to panic anyone or anything, but... um... there's a big old monitor lizard running around Libertyville right now. No, really. Well, we can't say the Dead Milkmen didn't warn us.
Park Smarter
BestParking.com is a handy site that lets users compare daily and monthly parking rates based on neighborhood, address, cross street, or attraction. Previously only available in New York, Boston, Philadelphia and D.C., the site recently added Chicago to their system.
An Afternoon Diversion
Stuck at the office? Play a little Bike Salute Memory, based on Dubi Kaufmann's Bike Salute site.
Buildings Made of Glass
Design Slinger showcases the classic Chicago Window, as well as the artist homes of Burton Place.
Cooler by the Lake
Are early summers in Chicago getting chillier? The Straight Dope runs the numbers.
R.I.P., Mladen Sekulovich
Karl Malden, born in Chicago and raised in Gary, has passed away. So long, Lt. Stone.
Official ACME Supersonic Rocket-Powered Coyote Article
Bureau of Self-Promotion: I wrote an article about coyotes in Chicago and an undeveloped parcel of land at 16th and Clark a few have chosen to make their home. Part two next week.
News That's a Little...Heavy
A new study shows Illinois kids are in a Top 10 list that no one's bragging about. One in three Illinois children is overweight or obese, and Illinois ranks 10th in the country for percentage of children ages 10-17 who are too heavy.
Easy Come, Easy Go
The Blackhawks pick up a top scorer from Detroit while the Bulls lose one...to Detroit. They say you can't tell the players without a scorecard but Tailgate is here to help with the arrival of Marian Hossa and the depature of Ben Gordon.
Headline Ambiguity
Crain's recent headline, "Midway sale to Warner Bros. approved by court," made me a little worried about the state of the airline industry ... until I clicked on the link.
Bursting the Bubble Benefitted Big Burgs
"The housing bubble caused a migration bubble and it has burst." In non-sound byte language: Depressed housing prices in California and Florida mean fewer people are moving out there. Consequently, established cities are making population gains. We gained 21,000 people last year.
Goofy Pays Off
CityPayments.org is "a database of all vendors, contracts, and payments that have been posted by the municipal government of the City of Chicago to the Vendor, Contract, and Payment Search lookup tool maintained by the Department of Procurement Services." It was created by Dan O'Neil of EveryBlock and Harper Reed of Threadless. Best part? You can flag things as "goofy."
Hold da Mustard
July is National Hot Dog Month -- and why wouldn't it be especially significant in the Windy City? Nothing screams "National Pastime" quite like tube-stuffed, processed chicken, beef and/or pork trimmings. So, go out and celebrate.
"My Dutch Grandpa"
Local actor Lesley Bevan tells NPR's "The Story" about the Dutch man who adopted her as his "American granddaughter" while she was studying abroad 20 years ago, who managed to find her again just recently.
"Did you beat up anybody famous?"
Remember that 1968 riot police reunion? Well, it happened, and here's a little summary of it.
The Ledge Beckons
The new "Ledge" finally opens tomorrow at the Sears Tower, and will allow visitors to stand in an enclosed glass box and look down 1,353 feet. Depending on who you are, that means either the heights of euphoria or stomach-churning dismay.
Hitching a Ride
Does Chicago pay too much to move bodies to the morgue? Ald. Edward M. Burke says yep, and wants to hold hearings about the contractor, which the city pays $915 to transport each body. In good old Dayton, OH, the company's hometown, it's a measly $75 per body.
Poetry With An Attitude
The Examiner takes a look at one of the granddaddies of the Chicago open mike poetry scene, the raucus Monday night poetry night at Weeds. Featuring (as host Gregorio Gomez puts it) "some of the best, some of the worse and some of the most indifferent poetry in Chicago."
Every Student's Nightmare
The thought of year-round school is enough to make any elementary school student pound his or her head on their locker in anguish. So if you hear repeated banging coming from the vicinity of Herzl Elementary School in North Lawndale, you'll know why.
EveryBlock for Any Block
EveryBlock's Knight grant ran out yesterday, and on that momentous occasion, they released the source code for the platform, allowing anyone to produce a similar site for their town. Read my profile of the company and their future plans in Chicago magazine.
A New Way To Motivate The Cubs
A Cubs fan in Buffalo Grove will be going on a hunger strike until the Cubs get a five-game winning streak -- or until the season ends, whichever comes first.
A More Walkable Campus
The U of C's Main Quad will be undergoing a dramatic transformation this summer, including converting its streets into pedestrian thoroughfares. A map is also available through the Facilities Services site.
Why Can't You Stand by Your Illinoisan Woman?
Hillary has company: Jenny Sanford, the gutsy, admirable wife of philandering South Carolina governor Mark Sanford, is a Winnetka native whose great-grandfather founded the Skil Corporation, which created the electric portable saw; she also has family ties to law firmWinston and Strawn, which has Chicago roots.
