November 2009

Forget Black Friday, Shop This Weekend
So many opportunities to do your holiday shopping hand-made/local/independent this weekend! Come say hi to Gapers Block at the DIY Trunk Show this Saturday; pick up cool student art at SAIC's annual holiday show; or peruse the Modern Vintage Holiday Market for neat vintage stuff.
Andrew Huff on Fri November 20 2009Offbeat/Misc. Events 

Logan Square Gets a Record Store
Logan Square denizens may be excited to know that they have a new neighborhood record store as of today. It's run by the folks behind Chicago Independent Distribution.
Erin Watson on Fri November 20 2009Business/Shopping 

More Bad News for Block 37
Joseph Freed & Associates will lose control of Block 37, despite the development's scheduled opening this month.
David Schalliol on Fri November 20 2009Business/Shopping 

Put a Headlight on That Bike
With days getting shorter, the evening commute is getting darker. The Active Transportation Alliance is giving away free bicycle headlights from 5pm to 7pm tonight at the Milwaukee/Damen/North intersection. The catch: You have to be on a bike to get a light.
Andrew Huff on Fri November 20 2009Transportation 

Parking Meters Are Good Business
Unsurprising news of the day: the city's privatized parking meters have been lucrative. And since rates go up Jan. 1, they're the gift that keeps on giving.
Andrew Huff on Fri November 20 2009Transportation 

Turkey Day Breakfast
All this focus on dinner eclipses the most important meal of the day, as we point out in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
Robyn Nisi on Fri November 20 2009Eating/Drinking 

Cheap Eats for the Children
Kids Eat For is a web site that features "Kids eat free" and other food specials for kids at nearby restaurants. Click here for deals in Chicago.
Jasmine Davila on Fri November 20 2009Eating/Drinking 

Ooooh! Senate Ethics Committee Puts a Note in Burris' File
Roland Burris was admonished by the Senate Ethics Committee for "providing incorrect, inconsistent, misleading or incomplete information to the public, the Senate and those conducting legitimate inquiries into [his] appointment to the Senate." Burris will continue to hold office through next year.
Robyn Nisi on Fri November 20 2009Politics/Activism 

Daley to Media: You Helped Drive Oprah Away
Coming to the end of a banner week in his career, Mayor Daley told a reporter at a United Negro College Fund benefit last night that the media is partly to blame for Oprah Winfrey's decision to end her show in 2011. "So you keep kicking people, people will leave, simple as that."
Robyn Nisi on Fri November 20 2009In the News 

Chicago: The New Barbecue Capital
Is Chicago BBQ better than Memphis? Michael Nagrant thinks so.
Andrew Huff on Fri November 20 2009Eating/Drinking 

What A Croc!
Chicago's own Indiana Jones, Universtiy of Chicago celebrity palentologist Paul Sereno, unveils five new species of ancient crocodiles that he unearthed in the Sahara over the past few years. The new findings include the PancakeCroc. We're guessing it didn't eat flapjacks.
Ken Green on Fri November 20 2009In the News 

Trash as Fashion
Did you acquire your newest fashion design at an event sponsored by the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County? Perhaps.
David Schalliol on Fri November 20 2009Arts/Architecture 

Too Moderate For Illinois?
The moderate State Rep. Beth Coulson is worried that she could be Scozzfavaed in the race for Mark Kirk's congressional seat.
Daniel Strauss on Thu November 19 2009Politics/Activism 

Oprah's Last Show
It seems Oprah, and her 453-local-employee-run Harpo Inc. studios are not fleeing the Windy City for L.A. as earlier speculated. Oprah is actually leaving her talk show altogether. The announcement will be officially made on her show (after 25 years on the air) Friday with the last show scheduled on Sept. 9, 2011.
John Lendman on Thu November 19 2009In the News 

OTL Celebrates Anniversary With Live Taping
OutsideTheLoopRadio.com, whose Chicago-interest audio magazine podcast and WLUW radio show is celebrating its third year on the air, is hosting a live taping Friday, Nov. 20 at Toons Bar and Grill. The event is free with some quite interesting guests stopping by.
John Lendman on Thu November 19 2009City Life/Cultural 

Happy 75th, Billy Goat Tavern!
After work snack alert: The Billy Goat Tavern celebrates its 75th anniversary today with 75-cent cheezborgers and beers. (If you followed us on Twitter, you'd have heard two days ago.)
Andrew Huff on Thu November 19 2009Eating/Drinking 

Bleeding Heart Beats in Oak Park
Just a reminder, this Sunday is Bleeding Heart Bakery's grand opening for their Oak Park location: free mini cupcakes, donut holes, and a birthday cake raffle. Keep up with the tasty goings-on here.
Rose Miller on Thu November 19 2009Eating/Drinking 

The Bean, No Hancock
Gowalla is an app on your iPhone that lets you share places you've been, and features lots of neat icons for landmarks. Chicago's one of its popular cities, so you'd think they'd a custom icon for the Hancock Building like they do for the Bean and Sears Tower.
Andrew Huff on Thu November 19 2009Technology 

Kombat Ready
Chicago-based illustrator and videogame artist Vincent Proce shares some concept art for Mortal Kombat characters done before he left Midway Games earlier this year [via]
Andrew Huff on Thu November 19 2009Arts/Architecture 

Because You Might Have Forgotten
You are beautiful. It's true.
Andrew Huff on Thu November 19 2009Arts/Architecture 

Rogers Park Robber Nabbed
Note to would-be muggers, maybe wearing a bright orange coat isn't the way to go. Also, don't "go nuts" and decide to "go on a spree."
Anne Holub on Thu November 19 2009In the News 

Meet Joe Laiacona
The Reader's cover story this week tells the most interesting Chicago political story (not involving a scandal) in recent history: an openly gay leather master running for state rep against the incumbent lesbian daughter of a clout-heavy alderman.
Andrew Huff on Thu November 19 2009Politics/Activism 

'Tis the Season... For Tax Prep
If you're a whiz with your W2s, the Center for Economic Progress has volunteer opportunities to help low-income families prepare their taxes. Last year, their volunteers did over 33,000 returns and brought back $52 million in refunds for families across Illinois.
Erin Watson on Thu November 19 2009Found on the Web 

Changing its Name to Goldley Park
BusinessWeek thinks Tinley Park is the best place in America to raise your kids. Last year they thought it was Mount Prospect, so I guess they just really like Chicago suburbs. (Thanks, Dee!)
Andrew Huff on Thu November 19 2009City Life/Cultural 

Old Chicago Theater, Illustrated
Gordon McAlpin does a beautiful job capturing the decaying beauty of Portage Park's Patio Theater in today's Multiplex. (See it bigger here.)
Andrew Huff on Thu November 19 2009Arts/Architecture 

Chicago Edition Debuts Friday
The Chicago edition of The New York Times, produced by the Chicago News Cooperative, debuts Friday.
Daniel Strauss on Thu November 19 2009In the News 

Teacher Absenteeism
Chicago Public Schools has a chronic truancy problem, but the students aren't the only ones who skip school. FOX Chicago's Mark Saxenmeyer analyzed CPS records from last year to find out how often teachers were absent from school -- and how often those absences fell on Mondays or Fridays -- and made the database available online. [via]
Andrew Huff on Thu November 19 2009Schools/Education 

You Better Watch Out
The CTA Holiday Train returns this weekend. Full schedule here; check out past Holiday Train photos on Flickr for some idea of what to look for. [via]
Jim Allenspach on Thu November 19 2009Transportation 

Questionable Automation
GB flickr pool contributor mick.chicago demonstrates why automated news aggregators still have a ways to go with this unfortunate placing of a St. Patrick's Day photograph of the Chicago River next to articles about the Michael Scott death.
David Schalliol on Thu November 19 2009Technology 

South Side Has the 2nd Highest Unemployment Rate
The South Side's unemployment rate is the second highest in the nation according to census data analyzed by the Chicago Reporter.
Andrew Huff on Wed November 18 2009Business/Shopping 

Tower of Books
Pop-ups aren't just for hip stores: The Chicago Public Library has opened a mini-branch in the Water Works building across from Water Tower Place -- perfect for registering for a library card.
Andrew Huff on Wed November 18 2009Resources 

Regenstein Graffiti
To celebrate the release of Crescat Graffiti: Vita Excolatur, a book of graffiti found in U of C's Regenstein Library, author/photographer Quinn Dombrowski has launched the RegRemix contest -- do something nifty with the graffiti in any medium by Dec. 20 to be entered. See here for full details. [via]
Andrew Huff on Wed November 18 2009Books/Authors 

"Rigoletto" on the Red Line?
If you're standing there waiting for a subway train and someone busts out with "E lucevan le stelle" from Tosca, this might be what's going on.
Ken Green on Wed November 18 2009City Life/Cultural 

Judge a Designer by His Book Covers
An excellent Q&A with University of Chicago Press senior designer Isaac Tobin. [via]
Andrew Huff on Wed November 18 2009Books/Authors 

Musing on Muses
Garrison Keillor reflects on art for The New York Times after a visit to The Art Institute: "I see no reason to paint flowers. You can buy fresh flowers. Still lifes are only an exercise. And abstract expressionism is for the lobbies of big insurance companies. The true calling of an artist is to paint women and the greatest challenge is the naked female form. That's what separates the true artists from the wallpaper-hangers."
Jasmine Davila on Wed November 18 2009Arts/Architecture 

TV's Hot News
Michigan Avenue magazine's semi-controversial photoshoot of some of Chicago's hottest TV news personalities in last month's issue is finally online. You can get a closer look at Packer Schopf Gallery starting this Friday.
Andrew Huff on Wed November 18 2009Radio/TV 

Riddle: How Does a Building Get Taller Without Getting Taller?
The Trump Tower hasn't gotten any taller, but it's just moved up in the rankings to the sixth tallest in the world thanks to a revision in the way the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat measures buildings.
David Schalliol on Wed November 18 2009Arts/Architecture 

Goons in Action
You may have noticed his Goons hanging out in a nearby alley or tunnel, but now the elusive Chicago street artist responsible for the highly recognizable creations has managed to bring them to life with a stop-motion video sponsored by Orbit.
Alissa Strother on Tue November 17 2009Arts/Architecture 

What's Orange and White and Unsettling All Over?
Local band The Lust Killers have an interesting gimmick to promote their Chicago shows.
John Lendman on Tue November 17 2009Found on the Web 

2 Conventions Leave Chicago
It seems Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (AKA McPier) is struggling to keep high revenue-generating conventions in Chicago, with the Society of Plastics Industry and the Chicago-based Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society moving their conventions to less costly locations. Dennis Byrne at Chicago Now has an idea of who's to blame. Meanwhile McPier, which manages conventions and trade shows at McCormick Place and Navy Pier, isn't doing so well themselves.
John Lendman on Tue November 17 2009Business/Shopping 

Windy City Times Gets App'd
It's been a tough week for LGBT media, just ask the now closed Washington Blade (or don't). But like all print media, it's time to evolve. Chicago's oldest LGBT weekly, Windy City Times just released a new iPhone app, providing local, national and world LGBT news and entertainment pieces to join its Facebook and Twitter social networks.
John Lendman on Tue November 17 2009Technology 

Amendment To Block Transfer To Thomson Fails
An amendment by Oklahoma Senator James Inhofe to block the transfer of detainees to the Thomson Correctional Center was shot down today in the Senate with a vote of 57-43.
Daniel Strauss on Tue November 17 2009Politics/Activism 

Local Playwright Makes Good
Chicago playwright Marisa Wegrzyn won the 2009 Wasserstein Prize for her new play, Hickordickory.
Andrew Huff on Tue November 17 2009Theatre/Dance 

Step It Up With Steph
Local fitness guru Stephanie Mansour of Step It Up with Steph thinks you can get in exercise anytime, anyplace. Like when you're waiting for the no. 22 Clark street bus.
Jasmine Davila on Tue November 17 2009Found on the Web 

Threadless on Your iPhone
Threadless and Griffin have teamed up to put the former's t-shirt designs onto the latter's iPhone 3G/S covers. The first two designs went on sale today -- and we've got one of each to give away! Details after the jump...

All you have to to enter is send an email to contests@gapersblock.com with "Threadless" as the subject line and your name and mailing address in the body. We'll choose two winner as random at midnight tonight. Good luck!
UPDATE: Congrats to Nina and Kevin!

Say Cheese
The Wall Street Journal looks at the proliferation of outdoor surveillance cameras cropping up around the city and discusses the safety-vs.-privacy issues.
Ken Green on Tue November 17 2009In the News 

Bears Fans Out Of Bounds?
A Pittsburgh Steeler fan says he was poisoned and blinded while drinking at a bar near Soldier Field following a post-game altercation with Bears fans.
Ken Green on Tue November 17 2009In the News 

Remember Urbis Orbis?
If you do, you should check out the videos GB reader Anna sent us documenting the Wicker Park coffeehouse's last weeks and the interesting folks who worked and hung out there.
Andrew Huff on Tue November 17 2009History 

Bensenville Settles
The Village of Bensenville has reached a $16 settlement with the City of Chicago, clearing another obstruction to O'Hare's expansion. If you want to hear it from the horse's mouth, here's the village's press release [PDF].
David Schalliol on Mon November 16 2009Politics/Activism 

Goodbye Beautiful
As the city gets ready to tear down a Mies van der Rohe building on the IIT campus, former "Hello Beautiful" host Edward Lifson writes a letter to Blair Kamin at the Tribune.
Jim Allenspach on Mon November 16 2009Arts/Architecture 

Podcast With Chicago Current Founder
Chicagoist interviews Chicago Current founder Geoff Dougherty.
Daniel Strauss on Mon November 16 2009In the News 

Gen-X Recession
Remember how Generation X supposedly all slackers who hate their jobs? Yeah well, apparently the recession is is a good excuse to bring that stereotype back, with a twist.
Andrew Huff on Mon November 16 2009In the News 

Ever Wonder How a Turkey Pop-up Thermometer Works?
L. Stolpman shows you how over at Chicagoist.
Andrew Huff on Mon November 16 2009Weblogs 

Introducing the Black Youth Project
BlackYouthProject.com is a new site hoping to be both a resource and community for young blacks in Chicago and nationwide.
Andrew Huff on Mon November 16 2009Weblogs 

Hipster Slang -- from the Fifties
Careful of that Chicago lightning, longhairs, or you could end up in a Chicago overcoat.
Andrew Huff on Mon November 16 2009Found on the Web 

Dancing in State Street
Consider yourself invited to DanceNOWChicago's next guerrilla dance party. Time? 6:45 pm on Wednesday, November 18. Venue? The crosswalk between the southwest and southeast corners of State and Lake. The song? David Bowie and Mick Jagger's cover of "Dancing in the Streets". Visit DanceNOWChicago's blog for more details.
Jasmine Davila on Mon November 16 2009Offbeat/Misc. Events 

Burris For Moving Prisoners To Thomson
Senator Burris supports a transfer of prisoners from Gitmo to Thomson.
Daniel Strauss on Mon November 16 2009Politics/Activism 

Schakowsky Endorses Giannoulias
Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky has endorsed Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias in the race for Senator Burris's seat. This is a big endorsement for Giannoulias as it will likely win him affluent progressive voters in the Chicago area.
Daniel Strauss on Mon November 16 2009Politics/Activism 

Some Conservatives are for Thomson Transfer
And even Grover Norquist, among other prominent conservatives, are calling Mark Kirk's reasons against moving the Gitmo prisoners to Thomson "scaremongering."
Daniel Strauss on Mon November 16 2009Politics/Activism 

Graduate Student Strike at UIUC
Members of the Graduate Employees Organization at UIUC are on strike after contract negotiations broke down over tuition waivers.
David Schalliol on Mon November 16 2009Schools/Education 

Studs Under Surveillance?
Newly disclosed documents reveal that the FBI tracked Studs Terkel as a suspected communist for much of his life. His complete file is available in this (rather large) PDF.
Erin Watson on Mon November 16 2009Found on the Web 

The Shorts Don't Make It
The 1976 White Sox's shorts and collared shirts came in third place in UniWatch's Worst Uniform Ever competition.
Andrew Huff on Mon November 16 2009Weblogs 

CPS Board Prez Found Dead In Chicago River
Police have confirmed that Chicago Board of Education President Michael Scott was found in the Chicago River near the Merchandise Mart earlier today. Update: Early investigation has determined that Scott appears to have shot himself.
Shaz Rasul on Mon November 16 2009Schools/Education 

How Much for My Own Park?
Speaking of selling, Daley says pretty much any public asset, including our water system, is available for lease to the highest bidder.
David Schalliol on Mon November 16 2009Politics/Activism 

Selling Convenience
As Crain's says, "MillerCoors needs the quickie mart," and particularly so in Chicago.
David Schalliol on Mon November 16 2009Business/Shopping 

Chicago Cheer
The holidays are coming, and what better way to show your spirit for the season and the city with these charming Chicago Flag Snowflake cards from local paper good entrepreneurs 16 Sparrows.
Rose Miller on Sun November 15 2009Business/Shopping 

...and Speaking of Prisons in Illinois
The Discovery Channel will air a three-part reality series about the Cook County Jail starting this Thursday. Scariest line in show's description from Discovery's website: "Every day is a battle for control." Uff da.
Robyn Nisi on Sun November 15 2009Radio/TV 

Illinois Prison Could Hold Gitmo Detainees
The state's maximum security Thomson Correctional Center could be the new prison site for the Guantanamo Bay prisoners. Rumor is that it's at the top of the White House's list.
Daniel Strauss on Sat November 14 2009In the News 

Gutierrez Gives Quinn Thumbs Up
Yesterday Congressman Luis Gutierrez (D-Chicago) endorsed Governor Quinn citing Quinn's contributions to Latino and immigration issues. This should help Quinn with the hispanic vote in Illinois.
Daniel Strauss on Sat November 14 2009Politics/Activism 

A Dress to be Seen In
With 24,000 LEDs and 4,000 Swarovski crystals, it'd be hard not to be seen in CuteCircuit's Galaxy dress, commissioned by the Museum of Science and Industry for its current exhibition, Fast Forward: Inventing the Future.
Andrew Huff on Fri November 13 2009Technology 

Metra Fares To Increase
Effective February 1. the Associated Press reports one way fares will increase by six percent alongside a $2 ($5 to $7) increase for weekend fares and a $1 ($2 to $3) increase for buying tickets on the train.
Daniel Strauss on Fri November 13 2009In the News 

Free Fire Tickets
You have a chance to win the VIP treatment by entering the Chicago Fire's text-for-tickets contest going on now. A winner will be announced later today. Get details in Tailgate.
Ken Green on Fri November 13 2009Sports/Recreation 

Green and Gone
This Saturday (10am-noon), gather up your unwanted paper debris and head down to the parking lot in front of Jewel, Kmart, and Staples near Ashland and Division: WPB is teaming up with Secure EcoShred to tear up your printed materials for free. 3 box/bag limit, $5 box/bag after that.
Rose Miller on Fri November 13 2009Offbeat/Misc. Events 

Nourishing Neighborhoods
A nonprofit started by an award-winning chef is helping make fresh farmers market produce available in Chicago's low-income communities. Alan Lake has the story in Drive-Thru.
Andrew Huff on Fri November 13 2009Eating/Drinking 

Bill and Walter...Together Again
If you lived in Chicago in the late '70s and early '80s, the news that Bill Kurtis and Walter Jacobson are reuniting tonight to host the Ch. 2 news at 10 will surely get your attention. If you weren't here during that time, it's sorta like Loggins and Messina getting back together. What?...You don't get that reference either?
Ken Green on Fri November 13 2009Radio/TV 

Blago: Just Hold On A Few Months!
Governor Blagojevich is trying to delay his trial until September.
Daniel Strauss on Fri November 13 2009In the News 

There's Just so Many Buttons... So... So Many Buttons!
"Bunky's Pickle" has a nifty photo of three Chicago recording studios from a 1976 issue of the Billboard Recording Guide, all staffed, unsurprisingly, by total dudes.
Mr. Dan Kelly on Fri November 13 2009Music/Clubs 

Fort Hood Hits Home
The tragedy of the shooting at Fort Hood struck close to home today as the body of Army Pfc. Michael Pearson, one of three soldiers killed from the area, returned to his family in Bolingbrook.
Vince Jose Cancasci on Fri November 13 2009In the News 

Enough for 21 Boots
One car, 43 tickets.
Andrew Huff on Fri November 13 2009Transportation 

Clearing the Streets, Inc. Won't Work
Mayor Daley tried to answer calls for comprehensive snow removal through private bidding on side street clearance, but that didn't work. He promises overtime and some creative responses will get the job done.
David Schalliol on Fri November 13 2009Politics/Activism 

Take Our Survey!
Hey, fill out the Gapers Block 2009 Reader Survey and help us improve the site. As incentive, we're giving away a pair of tickets to see The Jesus Lizard at Metro on New Years Eve!
Andrew Huff on Fri November 13 2009Gapers 

A Place to Eat Socially
Culinary Culture is a new social network for "serious and aspiring foodies" launched today by Threadless cofounder Jakob DeHart and his wife, Mischa.
Andrew Huff on Thu November 12 2009Eating/Drinking 

Pop-up Poster Shop
Ork Posters is turning its studio into a temporary poster shop for the holidays -- details in A/C.
Andrew Huff on Thu November 12 2009Business/Shopping 

Eating Fresh & Local Even in Winter
Want to keep up the locavore lifestyle this winter? The Local Beet has your guide to winter eating.
Andrew Huff on Thu November 12 2009Eating/Drinking 

America's Next Top... Elf?
Santa and the John Hancock Observatory are having a mini casting call, of sorts, on Nov. 14 and 15. All you have to do is deck out your kids (11 and under) in their best elf outfit for a chance receive four VIP Radio Disney passes to meet Mitchel Musso during The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival.
John Lendman on Thu November 12 2009City Life/Cultural 

Where Your Kicks Will Have Been Gotten
We know Route 66 "officially" begins at Buckingham Fountain, but it's recently been decided that it ends at Santa Monica Pier... which is fudging, actually, though fans of the "Mother Road" aren't complaining.
Mr. Dan Kelly on Thu November 12 2009Transportation 

Move to a Neighborhood that Suits You
MoveSmart.org has launched its Neighborhood Finder, which helps you choose where to live in the city based on criteria such as population density, access to farmers markets and number of libraries.
Andrew Huff on Thu November 12 2009Resources 

Mo Money
In Transmission, we profile Chicago rock cellist Helen Money and her latest album In Tune.
Anne Holub on Thu November 12 2009Music/Clubs 

Riding in Tandem (but not Necessarily on One)
The annual Sadie Hawkins Ride is this Saturday, starting from the Blue Frog. Find a partner and go!
Andrew Huff on Thu November 12 2009Sports/Recreation 

Food Stamps for Pets
OK, food stamps aren't involved, but a variety of organizations in the Chicago area and elsewhere are providing assistance to families who are having a hard time buying food for their pets.
David Schalliol on Thu November 12 2009Politics/Activism 

CTA Doomsday Staved Off
The CTA and Pace will freeze rates for two years under a deal brokered by Gov. Quinn -- but service cuts still loom.
Andrew Huff on Wed November 11 2009Transportation 

The City's Best, This Year
NewCity's Best of Chicago is live. My favorite: Best accomplishment not yet carved on Burris' tombstone: Knew When to Quit
Andrew Huff on Wed November 11 2009Print/Magazines 

We Made the List!
The CTA doesn't have a monopoly on doomsday scenarios. Illinois is one of ten states the Pew Center for the States reports as headed towards financial disaster.
Vince Jose Cancasci on Wed November 11 2009Politics/Activism 

Lupe Fiasco on Eight Forty Eight
Check out this podcast of Chicago superstar Lupe Fiasco's interview on Chicago Public Radio about the The People Speak, a new documentary spinoff of sorts from The People's History of the United States by Howard Zinn. An excerpt preview of the film will show at 8 tonight along with live readings by Fiasco and others at Northwestern University's Leverone Auditorium.
Kelly Reaves on Wed November 11 2009Radio/TV 

Art is Everywhere All the Time (Today)
Today only, Chicago is hosting a 24-hour decentralized somewhat guerilla-type art event. Dozens of artists, some internationally known, are either showing art pieces or performing them around the city. Get the details in A/C.
Kelly Reaves on Wed November 11 2009Arts/Architecture 

Stencils as Art
Ever wanted to learn how to make stencils? Christian Scheuer gives you some tips in A/C.
Andrew Huff on Wed November 11 2009Arts/Architecture 

What He's Learned
Esquire magazine talked to Rolling Meadows' Bryan Anderson, an Iraq War veteran, for their Veterans' Day "What I've Learned" column.
Jasmine Davila on Wed November 11 2009Found on the Web 

Snuggling Up with Skilling
Are you a fan of WGN's top meteorologist? Maybe you'd be interested in a custom "Snuggle Up with Skilling" Snuggie.
Andrew Huff on Wed November 11 2009Stuff 

A-Ha!™
Apparently, Mutual of Omaha and Oprah are no longer sparring over the use of the phrase "a-ha."
David Schalliol on Wed November 11 2009Business/Shopping 

Teenage Foodclub
Twenty-five students from a middle school in Gresham were arrested for reckless conduct last week after starting a food fight.
Robyn Nisi on Wed November 11 2009Found on the Web 

A Haul Not Quite Worth its Weight in Gold
A criminal crew got creative on the North Side Monday night by attempting to break into a jewelry store via the beauty shop next door . They didn't make it into the jewelers, but they made off with some beauty products, prompting some pretty funny one-liners at the end of the article.
David Schalliol on Wed November 11 2009In the News 

Sonotheque Sold
If you were wondering why Chicago's Sonotheque club has no show dates after 11/15, well here's your answer -- the venue's been sold, according to Time Out. Will it become another of the new owner's Beauty Bar outposts? Only time will tell.
Anne Holub on Tue November 10 2009Music/Clubs 

Burris To Be Succeeded By Republican?
Politico lists Illinois as one of the ten Democratic senate strongholds that could lose a seat to the Republicans in 2010.
Daniel Strauss on Tue November 10 2009Politics/Activism 

Buehrle Wins Golden Glove
White Sox Pitcher Mark Buehrle won the American League Rawlings Gloden Glove award.
Daniel Strauss on Tue November 10 2009Sports/Recreation 

Get Out of Jail Free
The first of 1,000 Illinois prisoners to be released early as part of a cost-cutting measure are springing free. Only 62 are to be released today, getting out of their sentences up to a year early.
Amy Lillard on Tue November 10 2009In the News 

Change Your Password
Mark Swimmer would like to remind you that your default phone system password is not secure.
David Schalliol on Tue November 10 2009Business/Shopping 

Tweeting in Chicago
Tweet Home Chicago is a site intended to help you find other Chicagoans worth following on Twitter.
Andrew Huff on Tue November 10 2009Technology 

A Drawing a Day in November
Not content to just participate in NaNoWriMo, FoGB Phineas Jones of Octophant is doing NaNoDrawMo. Ex-Chicagoan Mike Rohde is too, but in his trademark SketchNotes style.
Andrew Huff on Tue November 10 2009Arts/Architecture 

Kickstart the Cookbook
There are just five days left to donate to help make the beautiful Soup and Bread Cookbook happen. If you were (and/or are) a fan of this delicious and fun project at the Hideout last winter, help them out by making a donation to offset the printing costs.
Anne Holub on Tue November 10 2009Eating/Drinking 

Worth Their Weight in Comic Gold?
Second City reunion tickets going for $1800? That's no joke.
Vince Jose Cancasci on Tue November 10 2009City Life/Cultural 

State Street Boutiques?
One day State Street could have a whole lot more small boutiques on it.
Daniel Strauss on Tue November 10 2009Arts/Architecture 

CTA Has Ideas For Budget Gap
The CTA has lots of ideas about how to fill the budget gap, but nobody knows which one will actually work.
Daniel Strauss on Tue November 10 2009In the News 

Hey, That's Mine!
Alderman Eugene Schulter wants Chicagoans to have preferential seating at Millennium Park, but Mayor Daley wants everyone to remember suburban "business leaders" paid for the park too.
David Schalliol on Tue November 10 2009Politics/Activism 

Fresh Paint
Check out some of the new paintings coming out of SAIC's MFA program in A/C.
Kelly Reaves on Mon November 9 2009Arts/Architecture 

Cassette from My Ex: Live at Hideout Tonight
Come hear stories of mixtapes from past loves at the Hideout tonight, as contributors to Cassette from My Ex read from the book and illustrator Arthur Jones presents a hilarious loss-of-virginity tale in Post-It Note form.
Andrew Huff on Mon November 9 2009Books/Authors 

Locally Produced Web Tools
37signals is far from the only developer putting together useful web-based tools in Chicago. ThinkLink produces Thinklinkr, a collaborative outliner, and Mocklinkr for clickable design mockups.
Andrew Huff on Mon November 9 2009Technology 

Hunnert or Tao-zin?
How do Chicagoans describe street addresses? Is Armitage "two-thousand" north or "20 hundred"? Straight Dope tries to figure it out.
Andrew Huff on Mon November 9 2009City Life/Cultural 

An Odyssey in Business
If you've enjoyed the Audissey podcast tour of Chicago or recommended it to a tourist in your life, check out their entry in the Forbes Boost Your Business contest.
Erin Watson on Mon November 9 2009City Life/Cultural 

Chicago Current Launches
Chicago Current, the new public affairs site (and print magazine) created out of the ashes of Chi-Town Daily News, is now live.
Andrew Huff on Mon November 9 2009Weblogs 

Introducing the Dog Show
We've got a new regular feature in Drive-Thru starting today: The Dog Show, an exploration of the city's hundreds of hot dog stands. First up, Superdawg.
Andrew Huff on Mon November 9 2009Gapers 

Searching For C.T.
Local musician and co-editor of THE2NDHAND C.T. Ballentine left his McKinley Park apartment on Friday afternoon and has not been heard from since. If you're able to help locate him, his friends have set up a Facebook group for the search. UPDATE: Looks like C.T. has been found.
Erin Watson on Mon November 9 2009People/Sightings 

Lost Chaplin Movie Found
Speaking of eBay... a man in Essex, England bought an old film canister on eBay that turned out to contain a long-lost Charlie Chaplin film, Zepped, produced by Chicago's Essanay Studios in 1916. He and a friend are researching the film and twittering their progress.
Andrew Huff on Mon November 9 2009Film 

If it's Tuesday, it Must be eBay
The eBay Mobile Boutique will be at the Wrigley Building, 400 N. Michigan Ave., on Tuesday and Wednesday, Nov. 10-11, from 11am to 6pm. Folks'll be on hand to help you search, shop and ship for the holidays.
Andrew Huff on Mon November 9 2009Business/Shopping 

We Love You, Please Change
Time Out's feature story this week is all about Chicago places and things they love except for one little thing. Tell us what you you love but would change about the city in Fuel.
Andrew Huff on Sun November 8 2009Print/Magazines 

Chicago History: Park by Park
You can learn some amazing trivia about the city by just reading the brief descriptions of city parks. For example, Gompers Park was named after Samuel Gompers, president of the American Federation of Labor, who got his start in Labor as president of a local cigar makers' union.
Cinnamon Cooper on Sun November 8 2009History 

Save Evil Squirrel
And get half off comics at the same time.
Alissa Strother on Sat November 7 2009Business/Shopping 

People Power: CEDP, Howard Zinn on the Southside
The Campaign to End the Death Penalty's annual conference is taking place this weekend at the University of Chicago. Tickets to the Keynote Address by Howard Zinn on "The Power of the People" are available to non-conference goers, details in Slowdown.
Shaz Rasul on Sat November 7 2009Politics/Activism 

Run On Dunkin For Less
Starting Monday, Chicago locations of Dunkin' Donuts will offer a new 99-cent menu. Keep an eye out for Dunkin' employees handing out $2 gift cards on your morning commute.
Erin Watson on Fri November 6 2009Eating/Drinking 

More Then and Now
Inspired by our recent post about vintage photos of Chicago, Berg with Fries went out and reshot most of the images from the same spot for a little then-and-now action. (Thanks, Amanda!)
Andrew Huff on Fri November 6 2009Photography 

Make Your Own Hard Cider
It's not, er, hard, as the Paupered Chef demonstrates.
Andrew Huff on Fri November 6 2009Eating/Drinking 

Hey-hey! Hey, Where Did Jack Go?
Whither the Jack Brickhouse bust that sat between the Michigan Avenue Bridge and Tribune Tower? Not to fear, per Steve Johnson, Jack's out for repairs.
Mr. Dan Kelly on Fri November 6 2009Arts/Architecture 

Chicago's Pretty Toxic
Thought not the most toxic city in America, according to Forbes. That honor belongs to Atlanta. (We're tied for third with Houston, behind Detroit.) [via]
Andrew Huff on Fri November 6 2009City Life/Cultural 

Hey, I Can See Your House from Here
Photographer Michael Wolf took pictures in the "central downtown area" (we just call it the Loop, New Yorkers) with a telephoto lens, sneaking peeks into the offices and apartments of individuals who either can't afford blinds or don't bother to use them. Yeah, that's not weird.
Mr. Dan Kelly on Fri November 6 2009Arts/Architecture 

Save Chicago's Free Concerts
With the City slashing programming in an effort to balance the budget, Pitchfork has preemptively created a petition to save our free music festivals from the chopping block. Add your name here
Andrew Huff on Fri November 6 2009Music/Clubs 

Muppet Month at Film Center
The Gene Siskel Film Center, after having great success last year with a Jim Henson/Muppets retrospective, is kicking off a second month-long retrospective this weekend. You can see The Muppets Take Manhattan, a collection of rare TV appearances by the Muppets, or a compilation of musical moments from "The Muppet Show." See the Film Center Website for a complete schedule of screenings.
Jim Allenspach on Fri November 6 2009Film 

Chicag
Will the O go?
David Schalliol on Fri November 6 2009Radio/TV 

Author Event & 2010 Book List
Have you been reading Travel Writing by Peter Ferry along with the Gapers Block Book Club this past month? The November meeting is coming up on Monday, and it will be a special event as author Peter Ferry joins us for our discussion. Get the details in Slowdown. Plus, find out what the Book Club will be reading next year -- the 2010 book list is revealed!
Alice Maggio on Fri November 6 2009Books/Authors 

Wall of Death
Imagine a wall with the name of every person from your neighborhood who had died for decades. Imagine having to walk past it everytime you went to the grocery store. Now imagine how you'd feel if the Chicago Housing Authority's Plan for Transformation would result in the wall being torn down.
Cinnamon Cooper on Thu November 5 2009City Life/Cultural 

Burris Makes Lawyers Happy
Our good junior senator owes nearly $650,000 in legal fees in a six-month period.
Daniel Strauss on Thu November 5 2009Politics/Activism 

The Glue (Guns) of the Music Industry
In Transmission, we have a chat with a few local music industry interns who give us the low down (and sometimes dirty) truth about their jobs with some of our favorite Chicago labels.
Anne Holub on Thu November 5 2009Music/Clubs 

Gapers Block, 11 Others Receive Community News Matters Grants
Gapers Block is one of 12 recipients of Community News Matters grants from the Chicago Community Trust and Knight Foundation. We're receiving $35,000 to expand our original local reporting, with a priority on stories about underserved communities and issues that affect them. More details in A/C.
Andrew Huff on Thu November 5 2009Gapers 

Beware of Falling Ice
It will smash into your house, and you will be confused.
David Schalliol on Thu November 5 2009Stuff 

The Politics of Altgeld
After Daley equated a new school for Altgeld Gardens to a gang victory, funding a new charter school in the area may be the best way out of a sticky political situation; big emphasis on "political."
Vince Jose Cancasci on Thu November 5 2009Politics/Activism 

Old School Tree
For the first time in decades the Christmas tree in Daley plaza will be a single spruce. This year's was found in the wilds of Palos Heights.
Vince Jose Cancasci on Thu November 5 2009Found on the Web 

Here's Hoping You're Not One of the Few
If you owe the state $1,000 or more in unpaid taxes, you'll find yourself on this list.
David Schalliol on Thu November 5 2009Politics/Activism 

Wave Your Craft Geek Flag High
Or just throw it on the couch. With pillows like these from local crafter Beth Cummings of Diffraction Fiber, you can lie on your city pride. These pillows are made from 100% recycled plastic bottles so they're extra great. So are some of these other ones she'll be selling at the DIY Trunk Show on November 21st.
Cinnamon Cooper on Wed November 4 2009Business/Shopping 

Last Stop, Illinois
Sufjan Stevens' Illinois may have reached the top spot on Paste Magazine's list of the decade's best albums, but it also marked the end of his planned 50-state project, which he now says he may have taken "too seriously." Incidentally, Chicago's own Wilco snagged second place on the official list and #1 among readers with Yankee Hotel Foxtrot.
Alissa Strother on Wed November 4 2009Music/Clubs 

Vote GB for Best of Chicago
Voting for NewCity's Best of Chicago survey closes at midnight -- and Gapers Block is up for "best local general-interest blog." Help us vote it up.
Andrew Huff on Wed November 4 2009Print/Magazines 

Seeking an Endorsement From "The Moose Lady"
Apparently, Republican Senate hopeful Rep. Mark Kirk is wooing an endorsement from former Gov. Sarah Palin. Crain's Greg Hinz thinks this is "awfully dumb." And, it seems, Kirk's Democratic challenger, Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias couldn't agree more.
John Lendman on Wed November 4 2009Politics/Activism 

Second Oldest LGBT Film Festival Kicks Off
Reeling's 28th annual Lesbian and Gay International Film Festival starts Thursday Nov. 5. Check out some of this year's highlights in A/C.
John Lendman on Wed November 4 2009Film 

Still Not for Tourists in 2010
The 2010 edition of the Not For Tourists guide to Chicago is out, but you can download PDFs of the various sections for $1.50 each.
Andrew Huff on Wed November 4 2009City Life/Cultural 

Hungry?
Check out this website devoted to pictures of Chicago-style food. It won't help your situation, but it sure is beautiful.
Kelly Reaves on Wed November 4 2009Eating/Drinking 

Which Came First, the Sum or the Formula?
Is mathematics ultimately invented or discovered? And for that matter, does that make God the ultimate mathematician? Tonight at 5pm, Dr. Mario Livio will lead a free lecture at Columbia College exploring a question that's plagued mathematicians, scientists and philosophers for centuries, based on his new book, Is God a Mathematician?
John Lendman on Wed November 4 2009Books/Authors 

Celebrate Designing Obama Tonight
The book Designing Obama overshot its Kickstarter funding goal of $65,000 by more than $15,000 -- and the Post Family is celebrating with a launch party tonight at 7pm.
Andrew Huff on Wed November 4 2009Books/Authors 

Wilco's Loft Space
Ever wonder what Wilco's practice loft looks like? LoftLife Magazine gives you a peek. [via]
Andrew Huff on Wed November 4 2009Music/Clubs 

872, Represent?
The new area code 872 goes live on Saturday, so don't forget you'll need to dial an area code for any Chicago number -- even if it's in the same area code as your phone.
David Schalliol on Wed November 4 2009Technology 

My Kind of Greeting Card, Chicago Is
A. Favorite immortalizes Sinatra's favorite skyline on a greeting card.
Andrew Huff on Wed November 4 2009Stuff 

"You Will Like Des Plaines"
Revitalize Des Plaines! will be of great assistance if you're interested in our northwestern neighbor's politics, history and, in one case, amazing sheet music.
David Schalliol on Wed November 4 2009Weblogs 

A New Hope for Block 37?
Despite Block 37's problems, the development announced 13 new leases, including a few Chicago companies like Bleeding Heart Bakery, the Comic Vault and local designers.
David Schalliol on Wed November 4 2009Business/Shopping 

A New Kind of Cubby Pride
With the Cubs' change of ownership, they have become the first professional sports team with an openly gay owner.
Erin Watson on Tue November 3 2009Sports/Recreation 

Sausage Pizza, Every Day for a Month: The Outcome
LTHForum's ronnie_suburban lost his bet that a coworker couldn't survive for a month eating nothing but sausage pizza. The Trib has a writeup, DiningChicago has a list of local pizzerias the victor sampled.
Andrew Huff on Tue November 3 2009Eating/Drinking 

Kids n' Compost
Elementary school students in Oak Park, Naperville and Villa Park are learning early about making "zero impact" on their environment. They're recycling, composting food scraps after lunch and sending far less trash to area landfills.
Anne Holub on Tue November 3 2009Outdoors/Environment 

Recycling is a Dirty Job
The West Chicago branch of Sims Recycling Solutions is featured on tonight's episode of "Dirty Jobs" on Discovery Channel. UPDATE: Chicagoist points out that Ghost Lab visits The Metro tonight, right after "Dirty Jobs."
Andrew Huff on Tue November 3 2009Radio/TV 

ChicagoBreakingStuff.com
The Trib launched ChicagoBreakingSports.com on Sunday, pushing Tribune property sports content out throughout the day like they do on ChicagoBreakingNews.com. Which got me wondering: what other "breaking" domains do they own?
Andrew Huff on Tue November 3 2009Sports/Recreation 

Bride Tricked, Turns Halloween Wedding into Treat
When Chicagoland bride-to-be Teanne Harris's fiancé left her days before their Halloween-themed wedding and reception, it was too late to cancel the arrangements -- so she and her mom moved it to the Des Plaines retirement home across the street. [via]
Andrew Huff on Tue November 3 2009In the News 

A Banana for Tickets
No joke! If you bring a banana to the Chicago Theatre box office today starting at 11:30am, you get a free pair of tickets to the 11/18 dress rehearsal of Cirque du Soleil's Banana Shpeel show. Hold your fruit! Those tickets are all gone.
Anne Holub on Tue November 3 2009Theatre/Dance 

Cameras That Help Drivers
Don't believe the traffic reporters or myriad online maps? Well then see for yourself. TrafficLand has expanded to Chicago.
Vince Jose Cancasci on Tue November 3 2009Found on the Web 

Migrating Bird Rescue
It's migration season for thousands of birds, and Chicago is both a major stopping point and a major hazard. The Chicago Bird Collision Monitors offer tips on how to help rescue birds that are stunned or injured after a collision with a building.
Andrew Huff on Tue November 3 2009Outdoors/Environment 

A New Phase for the Trib?
If you pick up a copy of the Trib next week and notice something different, there's a good chance it's because the paper will be testing whether or not it needs the Associated Press.
David Schalliol on Tue November 3 2009In the News 

Obama, Your Weather Man
Wondering what Chicago's President™ would be wearing to match this week's weather? Obama-Weather.com has your answer.
Andrew Huff on Mon November 2 2009Found on the Web 

Your Friendly Neighborhood SpiderDan Skyscraperman
About 28 years ago a fellow by the name of Dan Goodwin scaled both the John Hancock Center and the Sears Tower and a few other famous skyscrapers. Now he's back with a book. Look out! There goes the Spider Dan!
Mr. Dan Kelly on Mon November 2 2009Books/Authors 

Daley on the Radio
Eight Forty-Eight's Alison Cuddy interviewed Mayor Daley on jobs, TIFs, schools and more. His responses ranged from optimistic to delusional -- listen for yourself.
Andrew Huff on Mon November 2 2009Radio/TV 

Your Own Personal MST3K Moment
If you think karaoke isn't embarrassing enough, you might be interested in Movieoke, which -- you guessed it -- allows you to act out scenes from movies. Chicago Movieoke is at the Whistler tonight at 8pm, with additional dates later in the month.
Andrew Huff on Mon November 2 2009Film 

Retelling Tales of Tsavos
Man-eating Tsavo lions at the Field Museum? Great story, but exaggerated, says a new study.
Amy Lillard on Mon November 2 2009City Life/Cultural 

Monster Skin
Sarah Perez's Longo Monster costume came in third for "Scariest Costume" at the 13th Annual North Halsted Halloween Parade this weekend. She tells Boing Boing about how her creation came about.
Jasmine Davila on Mon November 2 2009Found on the Web 

CPS Shakespeareans on NBC Nightly News
During tonight's 5:30pm broadcast, NBC Nightly News will profile CPS Shakespeare, Chicago Shakespeare Theater's annual program where students and faculty from local public high schools perform one of Willy's plays--this year's production was A Midsummer Night's Dream.
Robyn Nisi on Mon November 2 2009City Life/Cultural 

Better Rewards, Better Kids?
Playboy makes a cameo appearance in what I think is a spec work ad for FAO Schwarz. [via]
Andrew Huff on Mon November 2 2009Found on the Web 

How Would You Fund the CTA?
The Trib asked its readers how they'd fund the CTA and came up with some pretty great answers.
David Schalliol on Mon November 2 2009Politics/Activism 

Crain's 40 Under 40 -- Now with 100% More GB!
Crain's Chicago Business just announced its annual 40 Under 40 list, and our very own Andrew Huff was selected as one of the luminaries. Congratulations, Andrew!
David Schalliol on Sun November 1 2009Business/Shopping 

Ebertfest Passes on Sale Today
Roger Ebert's Film Festival isn't until next April, but passes for the festival go on sale today. If you want to attend you should probably buy your passes soon, because they sell out quickly.
Jim Allenspach on Sun November 1 2009Film