Comics and Local Politics
Not that you need another reason to vote in Chicago's elections Tuesday, but Challengers Comics offers a 15% Civic Duty Discount to to anyone who can present a voter receipt.
Gapers Block has ceased publication.
Gapers Block published from April 22, 2003 to Jan. 1, 2016. The site will remain up in archive form. Please visit Third Coast Review, a new site by several GB alumni.
✶ Thank you for your readership and contributions. ✶
TODAY
Monday, May 6
Merge
Monthly Archive
January 2010
Art on the House
Just a reminder, the Art Institute is free (and full of events) throughout the month of February.
Goose Island's Green Line Pale Ale
Speaking of the Green Line, Goose Island is set to debut a new environmentally friendly "Green Line Pale Ale" tomorrow.
CPD Ups Its Social Media Game
The department unveiled a new public safety alert system today, designed to deliver urgent, location-specific email and text messages to registered subscribers. CPD says Nixle will help citizens "stay more safe and aware" while increasing community engagement.
The Greens Line
The CTA has approved the Mobile Garden," a flatbed train car topped with a garden. The project's next step is to get non-profit status and begin fundraising. (Previously.)
Meister Out Of Race
Jacob Meister has dropped out of the race for the Democratic senate nomination.
Eddie, Not So Fast
A slap on the wrist for 'Fast Eddie' wasn't enough for two out of three appeals court judges.
Endorse This
If you're looking for some help in deciding on who will get your vote in this Tuesday's election, here is some help from the Sun-Times, the Trib, Vote for Judges, Chicago Bar Association, the Independent Voters of Illinois, the Chicago Federation of Labor, Crain's, and finally, further coverage from the Reader and Windy City Times. Good luck.
Mobile App Battle Royale
The Gothamist network, MenuPages and BlackBook all released mobile apps recently, each putting Chicago-specific info at your fingertips. They all join Yelp, UrbanSpoon and Not For Tourists.
Boom Boom Lawsuit
Chicago's Phoenix Phenom and her producer are suing the Black Eyed Peas, accusing them of lifting their song "Boom Dynamite" for their massive hit "Boom Boom Pow." Compare the songs in Transmission.
Insecure Paperwork
An identity thief's dream is floating around out in Des Plaines, as loads of W2s, job applications and other sensitive documents blow down Touhy Avenue.
The Feds Like Ike
The Sun-Times reports that Ald. Ike Carothers is expected to plead guilty to bribery charges on Monday.
Less Notes / Thread Field
Threadless and Coudal Partners have joined forces (like Voltron) to create a special set of Field Notes. You can win a set of your own this weekend in their lil contest.
Success in the Cards
Lincoln Square's Tim's Baseball Card Shop will be featured in a Miller High Life commercial during the Super Bowl.
Re-Filtered
Drive-Thru contributor Christian reports that beloved Wicker Park coffeehouse Filter officially opened this morning in its new home, 1373 N. Milwaukee Ave. Stay tuned for more info in Drive-Thru.
It's Cold...Beer
We bring you part two of our homebrewing how-to in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
Our "Successful Fiasco"
A former mayor of Indianapolis turned Harvard professor looks at Chicago's parking meter privatization and says it's a good deal no matter what the public thinks. (Further comments here.)
Chicago Ponzi Webio
The latest chapter in the Chicago Sports Webio saga (remember that?): founder David Hernandez pleaded guilty to fraud yesterday.
Slave Sculpture to Return to Chicago State
As if Chicago State didn't have enough problems, State Representative Monique Davis and the institution have some explaining to do after a $25,000 sculpture owned by the school ended up in her office.
Tell Me Something Good
WBEZ traffic reporter Sarah Jindra and CLTV photographer Jordan Arseneau just launched INSPIREmeChicago.com, a site focusing on good news around the city.
Avoiding LiveTicketMasterNation
Time Out Chicago has a list of concert venues using alternatives to TicketMaster and LiveNation, so you can avoid paying out the nose post-merger. Most venues also sell direct through their walk-up box offices. Meanwhile, Jam Productions fears for its survival up against the new behemoth company.
Faster Trains
Illinois has been awarded $1.23 billion to improve train speed. The money is from the $8 billion earmark set aside for high speed in last year's stimulus package.
Window Peeping
Leo Rosen finds a contradiction between marketing and reality in an Albany Park store window.
Go Jump in Lake Michigan
The Lakeview Polar Bear Club is taking their annual dip in Lake Michigan Sat., Jan. 30. So, head on down to Oak Street Beach (then, um, sign a waiver [PDF]) and take the plunge. Funds raised from the event and after party at Galway Bay go towards needy families.
Can't Avoid The Cuts
Mayor Daley says CTA service cuts are unavoidable.
Chicago's Musical History in MP3
WFMU's Beware of the Blog shares a massive MP3 of music recorded in Chicago between 1908 and 1980, which was presented in Millennium Park last summer by historian Tim Samuelson and The Numero Group.
Born to Cover Art
The Reader profiles Kathryn Born (formerly part of the Bad at Sports podcast and briefly with ChicagoNow) and her new ventures, Chicago Art Map, Chicago Art Magazine and Chicago Art Collector
$366 Million of Traffic Management
The north-south leg of Wacker Drive will get an overhaul over the next three years, after which automotive and pedestrian traffic should move more efficiently. The state estimates 4,000 jobs will be created by the project.
Assaults Reported Near Francisco Brown Line Stop
Someone is following women from the Francisco Brown Line stop and attacking them, according to police and independent reports we've received here at Gapers Block. More details and descriptions of the suspects will be shared at Thursday night's Beat 1713 CAPS meeting, 7pm at the Korean American Senior Center, 5008 N. Kedzie Ave.
Haven't Seen the Modern Wing Yet?
No more excuses-- The Art Institute will be free the whole month of February.
Furnishing Chicago Streets
If you've got a great new design on your mind for some temporary outdoor furniture, the Chicago chapter of Architecture for Humanity wants to hear from you. They're sponsoring a street furniture competition, with entries due by February 26th. Check out this PDF for further guidelines. (Via the Reader blog.)
Monets and Zebras See Increase in Attendance
Well, so to speak. Chicago museums and zoos caught a break in this year's sluggish economic downturn, seeing a 7 percent increase in attendance in 2009. The free-admission Lincoln Park Zoo; the Shedd Aquarium; and the Art Institute, who opened their new Modern Wing last summer, topped the list, with significant utilization of the attractions' free days. Here's the Local Tourist's free days list.
No Grant Park Fireworks this Year?
The Mayor's Office of Special Events announced today that the July 3 fireworks show has been canceled this year due to budget cutbacks. UPDATE: Instead, the City is planning three smaller July 4 fireworks shows for downtown and the North and South Sides -- the Trib has details.
Giannoulias Family Bank Under Fire
On the verge of the Illinois primary elections, Broadway Bank, owned by the family of state treasurer and senate candidate Alexi Giannoulias, is facing increased scrutiny from regulators. UPDATE: Chicago Current has a response from Giannoulias.
Localizing the Apple Story
If you're getting ready to tune in for Apple's big tablet announcement, Chicago-based Ars Technica has you covered with a liveblog from SF.
Man with Gun at Northwestern
A man with a gun has been spotted on Northwestern's downtown campus. Campus and Chicago police are searching the Rubloff Building. UPDATE: The lockdown has ended and all buildings on campus are open: an intensive search was conducted but no one matching the gunman's description was found.
HOF: Dawson Enters as an Expo
Former Cubs star Andre Dawson will enter the Baseball Hall of Fame in an Expos uniform, the Tribune reports.
A Different Kind of Mashup
Greg Kot sat down with Jam Productions cofounder Jerry Mickelson to discuss the recent decision that allows the merger of Live Nation and Ticketmaster.
Ready Your Grocery Cart!
The Chiditarod is now accepting team registrations and looking for volunteers for the fifth annual race on March 6. Do you have what it takes?
Just One or Two Reasons?
Despite some rumblings to the contrary, I think we all know why the Dave Matthews Band hasn't scheduled a Chicago tour date.
Bloggie Time
Chicago blogs I Hate My Developer and Young Chicagonista have been nominated for Weblog Awards, or "Bloggies." I Hate My Developer is in the "Best Kept Secret Weblog" category while Young Chicagonista is competing for "Best Teen Weblog." Voting is open until January 31, 2010 at http://2010.bloggies.com.
CTA Has Lots Of Cameras
With the 24 recently installed cameras at Green Line stations, the CTA now 1,657 cameras at 73 stations with more on the way!
Chicago Medical Volunteers Go To Haiti
Twenty volunteers from Rush Hospital are on their way to Haiti to help assist in the relief efforts.
Logan Square Lookout
Yesterday Apartment Therapy's House Tours section featured FofGB George and Sara Aye's beautiful Logan Square home. You might remember George shot amazing photos from Pitchfork in Transmission in years past, and the couple run the company Hubwear, among other projects.
Bloggers on Ice
Are you a blogger? Do you enjoy sliding around with metal blades on your feet? Then Blogger Industry Night is for you! Gapers Block is co-sponsoring the event with Explore Chicago, the Printers Ball and the Chicago Publishers Gallery. Join other Chicagoland bloggers on the ice at the Millennium Park Ice Rink from 7 to 11pm Feb. 5, and warm up in the Park Grill with complimentary apps and a cash bar. More info and RSVP on Facebook. (We're also co-sponsoring a Flickr meet-up on Feb. 6!)
Electric Cars of the Future, Today
Tesla Motors officially opened the doors on its Chicago dealership over the weekend.
Swiftboat Vets for Wal-Mart
Chicagoist's Kevin Robinson did some digging into ourcommunityourchoice.com, a site promoting bringing Wal-Mart to Chatham, and discovered it's not a grass-roots community organization at all: it's backed by the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce and Wal-Mart.
Oh Really, O'Reilly?
Not that anybody should be surprised by anything he says, but Bill O'Reilly's latest head-scratching proclamation (via Huffington Post) may have South Siders a little miffed.
Ford Brings 1200 Jobs to South Side -- with a Catch
The good news: Ford will add 1200 new jobs at its South Side factory as it ramps up production of its new Explorer SUV. The bad news: Most of those jobs will be at a much lower wage with fewer benefits than before.
Tomorrow's Other Big Speech
Obama's first State of the Union Address will have some major competition tomorrow: Steve Jobs will present what is assumed to be Apple's new tablet computer. Threadless co-founder Jacob DeHart has an interesting theory that the announcement may be even bigger than that.
Say NO to Smog in Chicago
Chicago is the only major city that wouldn't meet new standards for nitrogen oxide emissions under new anti-smog regulations proposed by the Obama Administration.
South Side Explorer
While Illinois unemployment continues to climb, 1,200 jobs will soon be added to Ford's Chicago Assembly plant, where production of Explorers will soon join the Taurus.
Oh, Shiz! Wicked Returns
The most successful Broadway in Chicago musical is returning for an 8-week limited engagement, beginning Dec. 1, 2010, reports the Tribune. (We would have announced sooner, but the release we received asked us to wait until morning.)
Sun-Times Photos on eBay
The Sun-Times Photo Archive is auctioning original photographs from the Sun-Times and Daily News on eBay. [indirectly via]
The Return of Cap'n Jazz
Cap'n Jazz, a seminal Chicagoland punk/emo band from the early '90s, reunited Friday night at the Joan of Arc show. Here's a bootleg of the four-song set.
A Thousand Bucks. Each.
According to the Civic Federation, Illinois will be $12.8 billion in the hole by 2011. A Crain's blogger puts that into perspective: one thousand dollars of debt for every man woman and child.
No Kicking Penguins
It's a meme -- and an edict -- that's traveling the globe, thanks to a Chicago blogger who scanned his autistic nephew's hand-drawn sign.
A&E is Obsessed with OCD Chicagoans
Seeing as 1 in 40 people are OCD, A&E shouldn't have any trouble casting for its second season of Obsessed. The documentary style program follows the treatment of patients battling the disorder and is currently seeking Chicago participants who "really need help and are seeking Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to assist them in regaining control of their lives". If you're interested in 12 weeks of free expert treatment, email the casting producer. Season One saw 18 of 22 participants successful with their treatment.
Learn About Lager
Looking for some different indoor fun as January slogs into February? Local brewery Half Acre Beer Company offers free tours every Saturday at 1pm. Contact info [at] halfacrebeer [dot] com to register.
Ode to a Haggis
Tonight is Burns Night, when Scots around the world (and particularly Scotland) enjoy scotch whisky and haggis in tribute to poet Robert Burns. Currently, your primary source for haggis in the States has been Stahly Quality Foods here in Chicago, but soon you may see true Scottish haggis here soon if the current ban is lifted. (Interested in celebrating Burns Night? Head to The Globe Pub tonight at 8pm.
Kids Behind Bars
WBEZ will spend the next six months exploring Illinois' juvenile prison system in a project called Inside and Out. Radio stories, supplemental media and a community discussion are featured on the project website.
Kirstie Alley Gets Nasty
Local blogger Jeff Ramone got a stronger reaction than he expected in a Twitter exchange with Kirstie Alley about Scientology and Haiti. [via]
Jury's Out for Obama
President Obama won't be reporting for jury duty today.
Not All Neighbors have the Same Socioeconomic Status...
The Sun-Times discovered a flaw in the new economics-based CPS admissions categories, due to their Census tract basis.
Unemployment Up To Eleven Percent
According to the Illinois Department of Employment Security, the unemployment rate in December rose to 11.1% within the state. (Via the Sun-Times)
Good Chicago Reading
Chicago: A Biography, a new history of Chicago by Dominic Pacyga, is given a positive review by Harvard economist Ed Glaeser at The New Republic's online literary review, The Book.
I Heart the Weather
The Trib profiles some Chicago "weather geeks," including the person behind the Midway weather readings.
Need To Catch Up On The 10th Or 14th Congressional District Races?
CNBC has a nice overview of the 10th and 14th Illinois Congressional District races including who the candidates are, the main issues under debate, and how each candidate is doing.
A Less Happy Bus Story
The Sept. 17 death of a disabled man was caught by the on-bus security camera; WBBM-780 has the video, if you're morbidly interested. [via]
Sticker Your Bus Stop
Here's some productive tagging for you: CTA Stop ID is crowdsourcing the placement of informational stickers or signs on all the CTA bus stops, to help people take better advantage of the SMS-based Bus Tracker service.
Producing in Hyde Park
Two U of C grads stick around the neighborhood to open up a produce market that goes the distance in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
GOP Solidarnosc
Lech Walesa, Polish Solidarity Movement leader, will be in Chicago next Friday to speak at a fundraising luncheon for Republican gubernatorial candidate Adam Andrzejewski.
A Familiar Look
A WBEZ report examines the CHA voucher program and finds that instead of provinding low-income tenants with more opportunities, it's actually creating more of the same.
What a Bunch of Squares
Seeing spots before your eyes? How about red cubes? The Art Institute's delightful Red Cube project is explored in today's Trib. The Institute is also making a request to help locate 186 cubes that are currently MIA, possibly due to a cubist movement.
Chicago Is Very 'Fortune'ate
Looking to land a gig with one of Fortune magazine's top 100 companies to work for? Forget moving. You can do that right here.
Chicago School Under Fire
John Cassidy interviewed eight Chicago School economists about the financial crisis for the New Yorker.
Remembering the Montrose Sinkhole
Two years ago today, the portion of of Montrose Avenue adjacent to the Brown Line station caved in after a massive water main break. Commemorate the event, if you wish, with a newly minted t-shirt.
Turn Down the Heat!
Following a new ruling by the Illinois Commerce Commission, Peoples Gas customers will be paying about $50 more a year for service.
Joe vs. The Volcano, Pt. 2?
Always-opinioned local blogger Mike Doyle takes on the CTA union (who are fighting against personnel cuts) and explains why they deserve no one's sympathy. How strong are his feelings? He posted them in text AND video form.
Are You Celebrity Sausage Material?
Half Acre Beer is celebrating the release of its Baumé chocolate stout in growler form by holding a contest to be a "celebrity sausage" at Hot Doug's next week.
Burn, Baby, Burn (But In A Good Way)
The Chicago Botanic Garden has an interesting video of how they manage prairies with a controlled burn (as they did in December along the Skokie River Corridor) and give you the how and the why.
Tweet Resists Libel Claim
The libel lawsuit against a woman who tweeted a complaint about her landlord, Horizon Group Management, has been dismissed with prejudice.
How About Calling It "0111 1011"?
There's a debate raging on the campus of the University of Chicago. No, not "evolution vs. creation" or anything like that. It's what to call their new cafe/mini-mart. (BTW, the suggestion above is binary for "7-11", but that might be legally stepping on toes.)
Men Anpil Chay Pa Lou
...which translates to "Many Hands Make the Load Lighter." It's a new t-shirt from Threadless, and 100 percent of its proceeds will be donated to the American Red Cross, up to $100,000.
Madigan's House Rules
Speaker of the House Michael Madigan's "day job" is as a property tax lawyer. The Trib finds that his two gigs often intersect.
The Height of Exclusivity
Are you of above average height? There's a club for you.
Crafty Cards FTW
For those creatively inclined Valentine's Day lovers, Andersonville and Lakeview card and frame shops Foursided and Twosided want to see your best handmade Valentine's cards. Winner gets $50 gift certificate. Deadline 2/7. Details and rules.
One Million Dollars
A former Chicago police officer was convicted of fraud for trying to deposit a counterfeit $1 million check.
The Sounds from Underground
Everyone has a story. In Transmission this week, we offer a multimedia profile of three musicians you might have encountered while waiting for your train.
High Schoolers Challenge School Review Policies
All but three of Adlai E Stevenson High School's first semester staffers quit the school's newspaper over charges of censorship.
Chicago Keeps Helping Haiti
If you have to choose between fun and donating to Haiti, you may be able to do both. We posted earlier about restaurants donating to relief. Helping in the Wake of the Quake was organized mostly through Twitter to donate to Heartland Alliance. And Crain's Chicago Business has another round-up of local businesses donating when you shop with them.
Goodbye Kerasotes, Mostly
The Chicago-based Kerasotes movie theater chain is selling all but three of its locations to AMC. One that it's not letting go of: the new Showcase ICON in the South Loop.
Are We Really That (Bleeping) Angry, Idol?
Looks like Chicago had a low showing of talent on yesterday's "American Idol" auditions -- only 13 made the cut. While showcasing our wild and foul-mouthed side, "Idol" has Chicago Breaking News wondering how some Windy City contestants were filmed in front of palm trees and the Amway Center in Orlando.
City on the Make
Time Out Chicago's annual cheap issue is out this week, and MyOpenBar's Chicago editor pitches in with a list of budget drink deals.
Helping Haiti Here
Crain's Chicago Business lists 10 local ways you can aid the relief effort for Haiti. [via]
While the Body's Still Warm
Conan fans might not appreciate it, but local actor and comedian Bill Stoneking is throwing his hat in the ring to fill the vacancy behind the desk on "The Tonight Show."
Here's Mud in Your Face
Don't wear your nice clothes if you go to the Viaduct Theatre this Saturday to catch the latest bouts by the Chicago Mud Queens.
JFK, King, Counterfeiting and the Social Service
Abraham Bolden, the first African-American White House Secret Service agent, lives on the South Side and has quite a history to share.
Thinking About Cities
This weekend, dozens of folks interested in the intersection of government and the web will be meeting at City Camp. Tickets are still available if you'd like to be one of them.
And You Thought Nipple Biting Was Bad
The John Kass was obviously intrigued by recent nipple biting, so he raised the bar.
Still No Superstation
Chicago Current confirms what you'd already forgotten about: The CTA superstation underneath Block 37 is still mothballed, and there are no plans to revive it.
Sweet Relief
This Saturday, several of Chicago's beloved bakeries and celebrated sweet shops will join forces for a charity bake sale, hosted by Medici on 57th. All proceeds will be donated to Doctors Without Borders and Oxfam for their ongoing relief efforts in Haiti.
Tips for CHA's Next Ad Campaign
Megan Cottrell debunks seven myths about public housing.
Mapping MLK
A day late, but interesting nonetheless: MLK BLVD is a flickr pool and blog examining the many streets named after the man. Here are posts about Chicago's Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. [via]
From the Top
Margaret Hicks wants to show you Chicago, elevated: her Pedway Tour takes you through over 40 city blocks connecting some of the city's defining buildings. [via]
Haiti Hits Home
The heartbreaking tragedy in Haiti has claimed at least two victims with local roots. Andrew Grene, a Chicago native who studied at both Northwestern and the University of Chicago, was the top aide to the head of the UN's mission in the Caribbean country. He was confirmed as one of the casualties this morning. (Previously.)
Become a Hotel Detective Videographer
The Wit is taking applications for an interesting internship: its 2010 video team, to shoot webisodes and cover red carpet stuff at the hotel. [via]
Middle Ages in East Irving
WindyCitizen blogger FruzsE points out some medieval graffiti.
Shapely New Publication
The Center Square Ledger, "your definitive neighborhood guide to North Center, Lincoln Square and Ravenswood Manor," launches today. Read more about it in Mechanics.
Supreme Court to Michigan Regarding Asian Carp:
"The motion of Michigan for preliminary injunction is denied." That's all they said. Others, of course, are saying more.
This Too Shall Pass
Chicago ex-pat OK Go's Damian explains why the band's awesome videos on YouTube can't be embedded. (Short answer: it's the label's fault.) On the other hand, there's always Vimeo.
8 Arms to Hug You
FoGB Phineas Jones has your cephalopod-based valentine ready.
Not Helping the Helpless
Urban policy magazine City Journal takes a look at "Why decades of community organizing haven't stemmed the city's youth violence."
Marketing Blitz
Take a deep breath Bears fans. The Colts are beating us in more ways than one.
But Will it Scale?
Got an interesting idea for a tech start-up? Scale Well wants to give you $1000 and some co-working space to help get you traction.
Photos to Make Your Heart Skip a Beat
A high-flying lass dances, balances, and jumps rope from the heights of a Chicago building in 1955.
Selling an Invasive Species
Asian carp, the potential bane of the Great Lakes, will soon be marketed as "silverfin" at grocery stores.
If You See Someone Shoot Something, Say Something
New CTA safety postings are urging riders to report "excessive photography/ filming," equating it to "unattended packages" or "noxious smells or smoke." This, understandably disturbs photographer and activist blogger Carlos Miller, and here's why.
The Most Eligible Fish in the Sea
Every year, Chicago Mag puts out an eligible Chicago singles issue. And this year's is coming up: Applicants must be over 21, single, accomplished, photogenic and somewhat interesting. Supposedly you can nominate yourself, if you're so inclined.
Dream Theatre
Pilsen's Dream Theatre Company breaks down walls and gives women good roles. A profile of the company is this week's feature in A/C.
DIY Beer
Want to learn how to set up a home brewery? This week's Drive-Thru feature will help you (get drunk).
Today in WTF News
An off-duty officer suffered a "severe bite to the nipple" during an altercation with an unruly diner outside Gibson's last night.
Welcome to Historic East Village
It may sometimes get confused as part of Wicker Park or Ukrainian Village, but the neighborhood of East Village is now on the National Register of Historic Places.
Here It's Called a SAHsage Tree
The African Sausage Tree (Kigelia africana) at the Lincoln Park Conservatory is bearing 20-pound fruits. Fun fact: the fresh "sausage" is poisonous, causes mouth blisters, and acts as a laxative. No sampling.
State Street to be Targeted
Target is considering putting a store in the Carson Pirie Scott Building on State Street.
Hope Springs Eternal
A report from this year's Cubs convention.
Going Gaga
GB flickr pool contributor only-connect took some pretty excellent photographs of Lady Gaga during her recent sold out show at the Rosemont.
How To: Dead Tree Media
Fry cook on Venus digs up a gem from 1937: "From Trees to Tribunes," an industrial film about how trees from the Tribune's vast Canadian wilderness become the newsprint rolling through the presses.
Pump Up the Volume
The Chicago Independent Radio Project will be open for business starting at noon today.
Eating for Haiti
Restaurants and bars around the city are teaming up to make it easy for you to help relief efforts in Haiti simply by eating out (which also happens to help the local economy.) Grub Street Chicago has a list of restaurants doing their part, and in Drive-Thru, you'll find a list of restaurants collaborating with the Heartland Alliance in a fundraiser, as well as details about Monday night's concert and bake sale at the Hideout.
Frederick Douglass on Haiti
In 1893, Frederick Douglass delivered a speech about the United States' relationship with Haiti here in Chicago.
808s and Hot Chicken
Thanks to Malik Yusef, a South Side Harold's Chicken Shack location now contains an official platinum record.
Talking about Writing
Chicago Tribune Books editor Amy Guth, Heather Momyer, Make Magazine co-founder Mike Zapata and fiction editor Tom Mundt and our own Ramsin Canon will be reading at Cafe Wha Who?, 228 W. Chicago Ave., tonight at 8pm.
A New Library in the Gardens
In a bit of good news, the Altgeld Gardens public housing complex will finally get a new public library branch in a nearby elementary school, more than a year after burst pipes closed its old one.
FLW in the UAE
All that talk about the Burj Khalifa being influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright's The Illinois? Blair Kamin calls shenanigans.
Stabilizing the Neighborhoods
Chicago received $98 million from HUD -- more than any other city except LA -- as part of its Neighborhood Stabilization Program, intended to help communities affected by the mortgage crisis.
Who's Getting the Subsidies?
The subsidizing housing world has been aflutter in the last few days due to investments to prop up a mixed-income development at Cabrini Green and an extraordinary salary at the CDA.
Celebrity Food
I know when I want a steak, nothing is better than a Michael Jordan signature steak. They go great with my Mike Ditka wine.
How's That for an Increase?
The U of C's applications for undergraduate study jumped 42% from last year.
He Was the Nazz
Nikola Tesla was a brilliant Serbo-American scientist and inventor whose alternating current equipment powered the electric lights of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. According to the thumbnail portrait in the Wall Street Journal, he also recorded the seminal albums The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars and Lodger.
Fitness for Zombie Warfare
ZombieFit is a parkour-based "functional fitness" program designed to have you ready for when the dead shall rise again. It's taught in St. Charles, which is far enough out of the city to give you a fighting chance for survival. [via]
Be Active Indoors
Getting stir crazy already? Time Out notes that factory tours are a good indoor activity to get you out of the house without leaving you cold.
From Out of the Toothy Mouths of Dinosaur Babes
Sue the T-rex reminds us that Chicago was, essentially, founded by a Haitian. Please help out.
Get Involved -- Volunteer
The devastation in Haiti has lots of people thinking about volunteerism. The recently formed International Volunteer Network of Chicago is holding a kickoff networking event Feb. 3; put it on your calendar!
Uniting the City Through Film
One Chicago, One Nation is a new initiative aiming to "unite people of all cultures, faiths and social backgrounds to build communities for the common good" through digital storytelling, community conversations and more. To start, it's holding an online film contest worth $50,000.
The Schaumburg Needle
The world's tallest building was nearly in Schaumburg. No, really.
Shooting from the Hip
Tribune photographer Scott Strazzante's blog is a mix work for the paper and personal shots. Definitely worth checking out.
One Tick Back
The Bulletin of Atomic Scientists moved the Doomsday Clock back one minute, to 6 till midnight.
Pothole Count Down
CDOT says they've filled 12,000 fewer potholes so far this winter compared to last year. With the weather warming up, however, that gap seems likely to narrow.
Tech in the City
Chicago.TechScene.us is the latest site attempting to cover ...well, you can probably guess.
Codifying Wiggle Room
Daley seems to be attempting to diffuse the parking meter bomb by allowing drivers to contest one ticket a year that's issued within five minutes of a meter expiring.
The Name Roughly Translates as "Rich Uncle Pennybags"
The most expensive property currently on the Chicagoland real estate market is the $28 million dollar La Grand Reve mansion in Winnetka. You could throw a helluva party there, though it might take a while to reach the front door when your guests arrive.
Doom O' Clock
The minute hand of the Doomsday Clock will be moved tomorrow morning at 9:00 AM Central time. Watch it on-line at TurnBackTheClock.org. [via]
Never Say Neverland
Construction of a Michael Jackson entertainment complex is expected to begin this year in the Jackson family hometown of Gary, Indiana.
Linking Tattoos, Intimate Piercings and Deviant Behavior
Apparently, "The more body art you have, the more likely you are to be involved in deviance." At least, that's what a recent study briefly profiled by the Tribune's Steve Johnson says.
A Look Into Giving Back
TimeOut takes a look at the good (a great place to hook up), the bad (the tougher gigs) and the ugly side (the horror stories) of volunteering in Chicago. And just in case you wanted to know what it's like to be a volunteer Planned Parenthood escort: "I've been told I'm going to hell more times than I can count."
Hamming It Up
The Greater Chicago Food Depository recently received 44,000 pounds of various pork products. Want to give them some eggs to go with all that bacon?
Chengdu to Chicago, Fashionably
Windy City Times talks to Chicago resident and Project Runway contestant Ping Wu about knitting, Tim Gunn, and designing for frigid climes.
History's Gland Panic
The Reader's Cliff Doerksen has tracked down a handful of newspaper clippings regarding a very peculiar crime wave in 1920s Chicago.
State of the State, Live-blogged
WBEZ will be live-blogging the State of the State address at noon today, with several guest commentators (including me).
Rock Out with Us at Metro 1/22
Gapers Block is hosting another show at the Metro next Friday, Jan. 22! We welcome Pet Lions, Post Honeymoon, White Mystery and Dirty Diamonds -- and it's free before 9pm, $6 after with our flier. More details in Transmission!
North Side Neighborhood News
More of the city's neighborhoods get hyperlocal online newspapers of their own, as Center Square Ledger began coverage of North Center, Lincoln Square and Ravenswood Manor this week.
G is for Golden
Tim Steil's Chicago A to Z.
CTA, Past and Future
If you're still in search of a 2010 calendar for your wall, the CTA has a free one for download. It's chock-full of pictures from throughout the CTA's history, plus lots of glorious Helvetica.
70 Year Old Murder Case Reopened
Chicago police are taking another look at the 1939 murder of lawyer Edward J. O'Hare in advance of a new book about Al Capone that's due out this spring.
Will it Waffle?
Fruit slinger and occasional Drive-Thru contributor Daniel Shumski takes an often-ignored kitchen appliance to new heights with his new cooking blog, Waffleizer.
Selling it at Sears
Last week, Sears announced that it would launch an "online marketplace" that would allow third parties, including rivals, to sell products on its website. Turns out it's not the only new web strategy Sears has up its sleeve.
Mustard Girl Tells All!
North suburban resident Jennifer Connor, the girl in Mustard Girl, shared the birth of her mustard company on The Story yesterday. There's also a pretty good story about cowbells in there too.
No Emanuel Administration
Rahm Emanuel has no intention to run for mayor against Daley, Lynn Sweet reports. (Previously.)
CPD Dog-Shooting Trend?
An off-duty police officer shot a neighbor's dog yesterday. Seems like dog shootings have been in the news a lot lately. Is this a regular occurrance or a case of echoing coverage?
"No one is getting anything that they want"
Speaking of Wal-Mart, the City Council Finance Committee is delaying legislation that could affect the wages the company pays.
Our Junior Senator
Senator Burris' tenure may not be something you wish to dwell on, but he does represent our state in the 111th US Congress. We're a year in and the WBEZ blog has a progress report.
Singular or Plural?
Suburban apparel company American Needle (and its loud website) is involved in a big time lawsuit with the NFL that could determine whether or not the NFL is a single entity or 32 entities.
Finally Baffled
Thomas Frank's magazine, The Baffler, has finally published its first resurrection issue. Alongside the new print, the magazine's website has also been streamlined. Check it out here.
Hairpin Building Turnaround
The six-point intersection of Milwaukee, Kimball and Diversey is getting an economic boost in the form of a mixed-use redevelopment plan for one of its flatiron buildings.
Early Voting Opens, Trib Launches Voting Helper
Today is the first day of early voting in the Illinois primary. The Tribune's Election Center has plenty of resources to help you vote, including a handy ballot builder to act as a cheat sheet at the polls Feb. 2.
More Vocal at Vocalo
Chicago Public Radio added three more voices to its collection at blogs.Vocalo.org: Lee Bey, Steve Dolinsky and Amy Krouse Rosenthal.
The Case for Handguns
The Supreme Court will hear a lawsuit against the City of Chicago next month which will determine whether local governments can legally ban ownership of handguns. Chicago Mag recently discussed the case and profiled the plaintiffs, who may not be what you'd expect.
Rod Blagojevich has a Cold
Rod Blagojevich talked at length to Esquire's Scott Raab, variously comparing himself to Galileo, Mordecai in the legend of Purim, and Robin Hood -- and claiming he's blacker than Obama. (He's already apologized for that. Further thoughts in Mechanics.)
No Pants CTA Ride
On Sunday, about 200 people met at the Granville Red Line stop and rode the train downtown as part of the international No Pants Subway Ride Day. Here's video (1, 2) and photos from the event.
Ghost Signs
Nicole Donohoe takes photos of Chicago's "ghost signs" -- faded painted advertisements on the sides of buildings. [via]
Ripped from the Headlines: Brenda Starr?
Brenda Starr, the cartoon penned by the Trib's Mary Schmich, is currently running a storyline that appears to be based on the suicide of school board president Michael Scott; start here for the set-up. [via]
Another Problem with Stalled Construction Projects
Waterview Tower has been sitting unfinished since 2008, and that presents a problem:
its construction crane. Oh, and if you were wondering, its website is still under construction too.
Walmart FAIL in Chicago
Results of a UIC study reveal that the 2006 opening of a Walmart in Austin had a detrimental effect on job creation and economic development in the West Side neighborhood, causing nearly 100 nearby businesses to close after its opening and losing almost as many jobs as the new store provided.
The Heat is On
Is your rental apartment unreasonably cold, despite your complaints? Here's information on what heat-related services your landlord is obligated to provide to you under the Chicago Municipal Code, and what you can do to assert your rights.
The Curious Case of the Netflix Movie Map
The NYTimes mapped Netflix rentals by neighborhood 10 cities across the country, including Chicago [in the second square down].
Tomorrow Never Knows
In Transmission, we previewed the upcoming slice of sunshine that is Schubas' annual winter jam: the Tomorrow Never Knows Festival. It gets started this coming Wednesday at both Schubas and Lincoln Hall.
The King is Dead, Long Live the King
Today is/would be Elvis' 75th birthday, and Chicagoist has a nice look back as well as video from his 1972 concert at Chicago Stadium. You might also be interested in this feature from the GB archives profiling Mark Hussman, one of the city's top Elvis impersonators.
State Comptroller Candidate Caught Stealing ...Video
"If you're going to steal, at least steal the joke," says Schadenfreude's Stephen Schmidt, after Jim Dodge used part of one of the comedy troupe's Judy Baar Topinka skits without permission in a campaign ad slamming his Republican opponents for state comptroller.
Shovel Ready
If you'd like to tell your neighbors where they can stick their snow shovels (i.e. on their sidewalks), do it the polite way with these handy snow shoveling reminder flyers (and thank yous) by Active Trans.
Ask Blago
Windy Citizen's Brad Flora is meeting with ex-Governor Rod Blagojevich this afternoon. He's soliciting questions you'd like to see Blago answer. UPDATE: Here's an account of the encounter.
You Can Vote Early
Early voting begins Monday for the February 2nd primary. Voting centers are open to cast an early ballot through the 28th. According to Crain's, "All statewide offices starting with governor are on the ballot. So is President Barack Obama's old Senate seat."
Tylenol Murders Back in the News
The prime suspects in the 1982 Tylenol Murders, in which cyanide-laced Tylenol killed seven people in the Chicago area, may be forced to provide DNA samples to investigators.
You Damn Dirty Apps
Doejo's Texthog was featured last night on CNBC's special "Planet of the Apps: A Handheld Revolution" about smartphone apps. The episode runs again Sunday, Jan. 10 at 11pm.
Critical Classical
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra's principle flute, Mathieu Dufour, has raised some eyebrows with his critique of the Los Angeles Philharmonic in the Sun-Times.
What's in Store for the Dill Pickle?
Learn more about the new Logan Square Co-op in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
Shooting the Interviewers
Ray Pride points to the video director Jason Reitman made documenting all the interviews he did on the Up In the Air press tour. Watch for local critics including Pride, Roger Ebert and our own Steve Prokopy.
Maybe One is Yours
Photographer Merrick Brown says, "Last winter in Chicago I photographed lost gloves, hats, etc." See all 528 here.
Stimulating Cook County
Wonder where Cook County's share of the economic stimulus money has been allocated? Pro Publica has a breakdown. [via]
Not Lesser
After a half-year hiatus, Is Greater Than returns to the web.
Another Stab at the Songs of the Decade
You can listen to streaming mix tapes of Jim DeRogatis's and Greg Kot's songs of the oughts on the Sound Opinion's website.
Neither Eat nor Drink
Roger Ebert eloquently describes not being able to eat or drink anymore, as well as the conversations that occur around a dinner table. (Share what flavors you'd miss most in Fuel.)
Laugh at This
Sketchfest kicks off tonight, and Michelle Peterson has an interview with founder Brian Posen in A/C.
Keeping Tabs on the Neighborhood
A.V. Club Chicago looks into the state of microlocal blogs -- including one focused on the fashion of the fictional Illinois town in "Roseanne."
Ignoring the Asian Carp is Small Plan
Henry Henderson invokes Chicago's "secular patron saint" in condemning Illinois' response to the Supreme Court case trying to prevent Asian carp from reaching Lake Michigan.
B-Fest 2010 Tickets Available
If you've been waiting for your ticket to B-Fest, Northwestern's annual 24-hour B-movie film fest, they're now available for purchase online. More information, including the tentative line-up of films, at the B-Fest Website.
More than 61% of Winter Remaining
But that's the percentage the city has left in its snow removal budget...
Warblings and CHIRPs
Want to beta test the new station coming from the Chicago Independent Radio Project (CHIRP)?
Still Time to Move
You've got a few more days to work on your fitness free of charge, thanks to the Chicago Park District.
Bad Girls Casting Call
Oxygen Network's "The Bad Girls Club," a reality show exploiting, er... documenting party girls is holding a casting call Jan. 16 in our fair city.
They Say No News Is Good News
For those seeking to turn a blind eye to doom and gloom stories, the Tribune brings readers the Happy News page, modestly covering the found-dreams-and-little-miracles beat. For a trip back to reality, click here.
Smoked Out in 2010
Hookah lounges fall victim to tight no-smoking ordinances enacted in some Chicagoland municipalities.
City of Big Shoulders, Biggest Losers?
A Chicago mother and son made their debut last night on NBC's reality show "The Biggest Loser."
Faking the Plunge
Need to pretend you've taken the Polar Bear Plunge for some reason? Here's your guide to how it feels.
Fine Art Master Con
A Northbrook man pleaded guilty to selling fake Lichtensteins and Picassos on eBay.
Midway Privatization Deal Moving Forward Again
A few months after the collapse of talks to privatize Midway, the city is preparing to restart negotiations with interested groups.
Nearer, My Don Draper, to Thee
Design Sponge interviews SIU and UIUC grad Adam Rowe about his work as an art assistant for the production crew of the AMC drama "Mad Men."
Send Our Hood Internet Home!
According to their latest Twitter posts, The Hood Internet (or possibly just DJ STV SLV) are caught up in a security lockdown at the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport. Update: They're out!
Free E-Book: Tim & Tom
University of Chicago Press is offering the e-book version of Tim & Tom, a memoir by comedian duo Tim "Venus Flytrap" Reid and Tom Dreeson, for free on its website. (Via Chicago Subtext, which is now written by Transmission contributor Jason Behrends.)
Make Your Pitch
Pitchfork Media is looking for undergraduate editorial interns here in Chicago. Hopefully, this will involve more than just getting coffee. Music nuts have until this Friday to apply.
The More Things Change...
Disgruntled fans hoping for wholesale changes on the Bears after a disappointing season are probably only a little happy this morning with reports that offensive coordinator Ron Turner (as well as a couple of other coaches) are on their way out the door at Halas Hall. Head coach Lovie Smith, however, appears to safe from the ax for now. Details in Tailgate.
Chief of Staff to Mayor?
Might former congressman, current White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel make a bid for mayor of Chicago in 2011?
Riding the Rails
Ever wonder what it'd be like to travel the entire CTA train system in one day, from terminus to terminus? Wonder no more.
Chicago's Neighborhood Economies Slow to Rise
Business is still slow in Chicago's satellite commerce centers, like Devon Avenue, and forecasts call for a slow rise in 2010.
Free to Learn
Staying on budget should never mean missing out on Chicago's magnificent museums. Thankfully, The Local Tourist has compiled a handy list to help you get the most cultural bang while saving your bucks in 2010.
A Job that Counts
If you're interested in temporary work, the 2010 US Census is looking for applicants to be census takers starting this spring. An informational session and qualifying exam will be held tonight and tomorrow at 7pm at the Wicker Park Fieldhouse, 1425 North Damen.
One City, One Seed
One Seed Chicago takes a page from One Book, One Chicago and puts it in the garden: each year a plant or vegetable is chosen and free seeds are distributed throughout the city for planting by individuals and groups.
Transporting Pollution
Last month, Chicago Reporter published an article estimating that Chicagoans living within half a mile of the Cicero Intermodal Facility and other area railyards have a cancer risk as much as 10 times higher than people living 4 miles away. CSX Corporation, operator of the Cicero railyard, has now responded.
GB Loves Threadless
Our calendar editor, Rose Lannin, models two of Threadless' latest t-shirts.
Bare Legs on CTA
Want to ride the train without your pants on this Sunday?
Chicago's School of Economic Revolt
Last year, Judge Richard Posner, one of the U of C's most famous professors, came out as a Keynesian -- basically the opposite of the storied Chicago School of economics. The New Yorker looks at the aftermath and the rise of Keynesian economics in this week's issue.
Blago Pays the Mortgage
Former governor Rod Blagojevich will be a contestant on the next season of the NBC show "The Celebrity Apprentice." He will join other luminaries such as comedian Sinbad and Poison's Bret Michaels. The show will debut March 14.
365 People, 365 Perspectives
On January 1, while you were nursing that hangover, Len Kendall and Daniel Honigman launched The3six5.com, a site sharing a brief article reflecting on the date it's published, every day of 2010.
2010 from 1972
Dan Sinker bought the 1972 book 2010: Living in the Future from a public library 25 years ago. The moment has finally arrived to find out how different the world is.
"A giant sandcastle in the sky"
Blair Kamin marks today's opening of the SOM-designed Burj Dubai with a glowing review of the building and its interior. UPDATE: If you are keeping track, the tower has been renamed Burj Khalifa.
Poetic Infighting
Trustees at Poetry are squabbling over how to spend Ruth Lilly's gargantuan 2002 gift.
With an Ax Raised High
A man in Park Ridge yearns for the fulfilling life of Blagg the Axman but instead only does battle in convenience stores.
One Day Only: Quimby's Becomes Svymby's
Hey, Chicago hipster old-timers (and young-timers): Steven Svymbersky, founder of Quimby's, is visiting from Amsterdam and hanging out at the store (1854 W. North Ave.) today from 1 to 5 p.m. He'd love to see all his old friends, so stop by!
01-02-2010
Lynn Sweet points out that today is a palindrome! The date is the same backwards and forwards.
Eating Our Way Down Memory Lane
Our fearless and refined staffers share their best eats of 2009 in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
Happy New Year, Law-Abiding Citizen!
While you're celebrating (or getting over last night's celebrating), why not peruse the 300 new laws that go into effect today in Illinois, among them a ban on texting while driving and requiring that flags flown outside of government buildings be American-made.
