Taking the Red Light Camera Fight Downstate
Activists against red light cameras are headed to Springfield this week in support of a bill that would ban the devices in Illinois.
Gapers Block has ceased publication.
Gapers Block published from April 22, 2003 to Jan. 1, 2016. The site will remain up in archive form. Please visit Third Coast Review, a new site by several GB alumni.
✶ Thank you for your readership and contributions. ✶
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February 2010
The New Yorker On Mayor Daley
This week's New Yorker has an article on Mayor Daley by Evan Osnos. The article is behind a paywall but you can read a summary here.
The Jordan Bobcats
Michael Jordan is buying a controlling stake in the Charlotte Bobcats, according to Chicago Breaking Sports.
Who Knew Mango Splitters Are So Useless?
...and other kitchen gadgets we can live without in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
Features Wanted
Last year Gapers Block was among the recipients of a grant to fund original local reporting -- and we're open to submissions. Got a story idea? Review our pitch guidelines.
Chicago Tech Support
Is support for Chicagoland tech startups on the rise? Yes, Crain's says, through new funding sources including Excelerate, Lightbank and Scalewell.
Rogers Steps Down As WH Social Secretary
Chicago native Desiree Rogers will step down as the White House Social Secretary.
Ebert Speaks to Oprah
Roger Ebert will appear on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" next Tuesday -- and will be heard using his own voice thanks to remarkable new text-to-speech software.
The R Word
David Wilcox takes on "retarded" and its place in popular culture in this week's Reader.
Alley Speedbump Snags Victim
The rubber speedbumps the City has installed in some alleys apparently have a tendency to come apart -- in some cases putting metal spikes into tires and the bottoms of cars.
Rise of the Daleycepticons
Michael Bay says Transformers 3 will feature scenes in Chicago and Moscow. [via]
Another Subpoensed Chicago Official
Except this time it's...the mayor. That's right. Mayor Daley has been subpoenaed.
Live in Chicago? There's an App for That
Explore Chicago has just launched an online gallery of free and cheap Chicago-oriented smartphone apps (mostly geared to you iPhone users, though some work on Blackberry and the like). You can keep track of shows at Broadway in Chicago, menus on GrubHub, get the latest Bears rumors, or locate nearby LGBT businesses through the Gay Cities Guide.
Batman Returns to Chicago?
Film fan site Batman on Film says a source spotted producers scouting sites for the franchise's third installment around Chicago's Financial District. Meanwhile, filming blogs are cautiously generating a buzz.
March Bar Madness
The Fifty50 and CoachHouse are Chicago's entrants in Thrillist's "Bar Madness" contest to determine the best sports bar in America.
Being Bookish for a Cause
Open Books is having their very first Open Boxes Book Sale this weekend with more than 10,000 literary donations being sold for a dollar each for softbound, $2 for hardbound. Or, fill a tote bag to the top for $25. Festivities start Feb. 26 to help fund Open Books' literacy initiatives.
Is Logan Square Chicago's Artiest Neighborhood?
35th Ward Alderman Rey Colon would like to think so. Check out his entry about his commitment to art on Studio Chicago's blog.
Fighting Tooth Delay
The Chicago Dental Society conducted a survey of Gapers Block readers earlier this month (you may have noticed it in the ad slot on the front page) and found that 52 percent of respondents hadn't seen a dentist in the past two years. The poor economy may be to blame.
Show Your Colors at Art Institute's Flash Mob
Represent your school at the Art Institute of Chicago's flash mob. Just show up wearing your college or university's assigned color -- Columbia is yellow and Northwestern is blue, for example. All the colors of the rainbow, get it? It's tonight at 6pm on the front steps.
Catalyst Catalyzing School Discussions
Catalyst Chicago is 20 years old this year, and celebrated by launching Catalyst Caucus, a forum asking tough questions about the city's schools.
Metra Schedules ShortURLs
Paul McAleer finds it frustrating that Metra's train schedules are so hard to get to online, so he created a set of Bitly shortURLs for each one -- for your convenience as well as his.
Straight Outta tha Desert
In Transmission, we profile Tinariwen, a fantastic group from West Africa specializing in "desert guitar" mixed with '60s psychedelia playing at the Old Town School this weekend.
The Invisible Neighborhood
Straight Dope Chicago would like the true Ravenswood to stand up and be counted.
Times Looking Even Worse for the Spire
While the Mine the Gap competition plugs along, Shelbourne Development, the developer of the Chicago Spire, is in the news for all the wrong reasons again. This time the problem is they haven't paid their credit card bills. They also seem to have some troubles with their web security.
No Longer Just "Upstairs" vs "Downstairs"
The Trib reviews recent research on the disparities in compensation, working conditions and demographic characteristics for those who work in the front of the restaurant compared to those who work in the back.
Mapping Murder
RedEye's homicide map has relaunched, and as noted on Windy Citizen, the neighborhood graph is possibly the most informative.
Sox Don't Like Guillen Tweeting
So Ozzie can star on a reality show, but he can't be on Twitter? The White Sox' head coach launched his account yesterday, and today GM Kenny Williams gave it the head shake. UPDATE: Now Guillen announced he is going to keep the account but not discuss the Sox.
Twitterer in Chief
Who will take over as Obama's social networks manager? A.V. Club Chicago suggests some local options.
In Between Price Checks
Ever wonder what cashiers do when nobody's there buying groceries or whatever? Sarah Adams used her downtime at Binny's to sketch. (Until she quit, that is.)
No More Trekking to UPS & FedEx Depots
You can now redirect missed deliveries to any of 10 Walgreens locations around the city, thanks to a service called PickupZone. The first package is free, additional ones are $0.99.
To Boldly Go... to Chicago
Set phasers to stun! Rich of broadbarn.com provides 8mm footage of a Star Trek convention/original series cast reunion that took place at the Hilton, August 22-24, 1975.
BBQ for SYGC
It may still be winter, but BBQ is always a good idea. Get your grub on and help raise funds to aid the return of Scotland Yard Gospel Choir to the stage at Darkroom tomorrow night. Food by Man-B-Que. Live music and DJs galore. Details in Transmission.
Blago on Ethics
Rod Blagojevich will discuss political ethics at Northwestern on March 2.
The It List
Time Out Chicago's annual Essentials issue is out today.
From the Top of a Parking Garage
Chicago-based photographer Alan Thomas's Chicago Self-Park was recently featured in Design Observer alongside a review of The Architecture of Parking -- which reconnects with Chicago via Leven Betts's Filter Park Garage.
Carbide and Less Carbon Building
Can the Loop be de-carbonized? A local architecture firm has a plan.
Fighting Refinement
I hereby nominate the upcoming mixed martial arts show at the Chicago Theatre as the weirdest collision of venue and event in some time.
Mobilizing in March
Interested in developing software for cellphones? The Day of Mobile on March 6 may be for you.
White Sox' Dirty (and Clean) Laundry Aired
Ozzie Guillen, Kenny Williams and Jerry Reinsdorf have signed on for a reality TV series called "The Club" on the MLB Network. The show will follow the Sox from spring training into the regular season.
Giving it a One-Shot
In Book Club, we've just launched a new bi-weekly feature: One-Shots, profiles of Chicago-based comic book artists and writers. First up, Ezra Claytan Daniels.
President's Biffles
Obama keeps two best friends from Chicago around to share the good times. You know, like when he wins the Nobel Peace Prize.
Going, Going, Gone
Ryan Flynn took full advantage of living across the street from one of the last Cabrini Green high-rises by creating a stop-motion video of its demolition.
Oh No She Didn't
Following Kevin Smith's Southwest Airlines incident, Vanity Fair can't wait for Smith to duke it out with Chicago Sun-Times columnist Laura Washington who wrote that Smith is in denial about being "fat and in trouble."
Thinking About Pink
Kate Harding uses the CTA Pink Line to discuss the power and politics of the color pink.
Aqua Stands Out
Aqua is to be named the recipient of the Skyscraper Award, the "world's most renowned prize for high-rise architecture" according to the presenter, global building database Emporis.
Welcome To The Chicago-Based Family
There's some buzz about Footnoted.org, a financial news site that covers S.E.C. filings, which was acquired by Chicago-based Morningstar. Since its acquisition the site has begun hiring a few new reporters.
Freddy Returns...Again
FEARnet got behind the scenes of the Chicago set of A Nightmare on Elm Street. See the trailer on the official website.
Spreading Like a Plague
The Cubs are the newest ambassadors of our Tax Increment Financing system in Arizona, where they are proposing a TIF to fund the construction of their new spring training stadium.
Like Dating a Cartoon
Billy Corgan dishes to the Trib about rumors he's dating Jessica Simpson, pro wrestling and the in-progress Smashing Pumpkins album.
Designers, Have Some Time on Your Hands?
If so, Advocates for Urban Agriculture Chicago launched a design competition for a new logo.
Fund Your Startup
ScaleWell is offering a $1000 grant and downtown office space to entrepreneurs with awesome ideas.
Shagadelic
Hey, do you like colorful, cartoonishly illustrated visions of consumerism, with a heavy dash of 1960's and a hearty sprinkling of monsters? You do? Have you checked out Shag's new exhibit at Rotofugi?
Why Not Hyde Park?
Time Out Chicago takes a closer look at the similarities between Hyde Park and Evanston and why the former hasn't taken off the way the latter has.
Carping About the Locks
Is Chicago exaggerating the cost of closing the locks to keep Asian carp out of Lake Michigan?
Inspirational Bits & Pieces
Artist Sara Schnadt has started a blog collecting random detritus relating to her work in performance art, installations and technology.
A Token Message
Lifetokens are sort of like Webkinz for messages: real life tokens sent by snail mail, with a code to enter on a website for a multimedia message from a friend.
Don't Worry, Be Happy
...was a number one jam in 1988, which was the last time an American won gold at the Olympic Male Figure Skating competition. Big ups to Naperville's own Evan Lysacek (and Evanstonian Shani Davis, who recently won gold in speed skating).
Crime Doesn't Pay (but it Feeds)
A stolen bike investigation leads to the discovery of some great street food in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
I Guess "They" Don't Like Email Flood Attacks
Kevin Trudeau is up to a pile of shenanigans involving a Chicago court.
"A Directory of Human Needs for Chicagoans"
Mr. Scantastic has a very impressive collection of archaic Chicago ephemera, scanned for your viewing pleasure. For example, behold the grand Prudential Building--tallest edifice in the city! Or the mighty strange-looking Chicago's How to Do It Guide.
Hailing Cabs is sooo Last Year
Sick of waiting in the cold, only to be overcharged and/or harassed by a sketchy cab driver? Here are some tips to help you get where you're going quickly and safely.
A Colorful Past
Rob Cartwright, manager of The Blackstone, wasn't always so hoity-toity. His life is like a mullet -- business in the present and party in the past.
Chicago at SXSW 2010
If you're planning to attend SXSW in Austin next month, we've got you covered with this exhaustive list of Chicagoland acts playing the sprawling music festival.
Walgreens Takes Revenge
Walgreens is buying NYC pharmacy chain Duane Reade, avenging the death of Marshall Field's at the hands of Macy's... except that they're keeping the Duane Reede name. Dammit.
Live Like A Crook
Tony Rezko's old mansion is on the market.
Now Auditioning: Alderman
If you think you've got what it takes to be an alderman, consider applying for the job: Mayor Daley has posted a help wanted ad to fill the 1st and 29th Ward seats left open (for very different reasons) by Manny Flores and Ike Carothers. UPDATE: We've got a leak of the intake application in Mechanics!
This Old Neighborhood
North Mayfair is one of North America's best "old house" neighborhoods according to This Old House Magazine. [via]
Blogging Chicago Architecture
If Lee Bey's Chicago
has whet your appetite for more local architecture writing, you may want to check out Vince Michael's Time Tells and
Lynne Becker's ArchitectureChicago Plus.
Golden Boy
Congratulations are in order for Chicago native and now two-time gold medalist, Shani Davis.
Hanging in There
Despite being hit hard by the economic slump, the Art Institute is hanging on-- they're even able to offer free admission during February, as always. How? Hipsters, among other things.
Go to Church, Go to Jail
A Chicago man may go to jail because he allegedly took his 3-year-old daughter to church, in violation of a court order -- he's Catholic, his estranged wife is Jewish.
Going to the Auto Show?
Look out for worldcarshows.com's top five cars at the Chicago Auto Show.
Guv Duds
Hit the right consignment shop, and you too could get your hands on some fancy threads that once belonged to former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich.
Swatting Pixels
Coudal's Layer Tennis returns this Friday at 2pm. Plan your afternoon accordingly.
Down Payment on Drinks
Drinks Over Dearborn is trying to raise money to stay open with an interesting proposal; if you're likely to spend $100 on booze or mixology classes in the next few months, why not pay it in advance? [via]
Official Recognition for Capone
For the first time ever, the City is acknowledging the existence of Al Capone on an official sign, marking the historic location of The Metropole and The Lexington hotels, where Scarface was known to hang out.
Behind the Triumph of Chicago Snowplows
"[I]n Washington, they called it 'Snowpocalypse' ... in Chicago, they called it 'Tuesday.'"
Tween Blogger Owns Fashion Week
Thirteen-year-old Tavi Gevinson from Oak Park is making a name for herself in the fashion world through her blog, writing a column for Harpers Bazaar, shilling for Target, and making attention-getting appearances at runway shows. She even has her own backlash.
Prove It Wasn't Doom
Following up: The promoters for the Mos Def / MF Doom show last weekend are basically saying prove it wasn't Doom and we'll refund your money.
A George Polk Award Goes To Illinois Reporters
Belleville News-Democrat reporters George Pawlaczyk and Beth Hundsdorfer won the George Polk Award for Local Reporting for their investigative series on harsh conditions in a supermax prison.
Rumble for a Tumblr?
Pitchfork has gotten into the micro-blogging game at http://pitchfork.tumblr.com. This comes as a surprise to Tumblr user Tumbledore, who says the subdomain was stolen from him.
Hurry Hard, but Safely
Local tech firm Kodiak Technology Group is the unlikely mastermind behind an even more unlikely Olympic tie-in: curling-themed condoms.
Collect the Media
Editors of Chicago newspapers once merited trading cards. Sure, it was back in the 1880s, but still.
Online Community Before the Web
The first online bulletin board launched 32 years ago today. Its programmer-inventors founded it during the Chicago blizzard of 1978, paving the way for the snowed-in Twitter hordes of today.
Gold Coast Sprayed
Speaking of graffiti, a Gold Coast home undergoing a multimillion dollar renovation was hit by a couple graffiti artists Monday night. The artists, Mole and Nine, recently hit a building on Sheridan Road, too -- but that work's already coming down, along with the building.
Chicago Gang Tags Explained
Not sure which gang is tagging your neighborhood? This flickr group should help.
From 2.7% to 71.8%
We all know that the recent primary had low voter turnout, but that turnout was far from evenly distributed. The Chicago Reporter highlights some outlying polling sites and wards.
Doom, Doom-Doom Doom...
The mystery: Did rapper MF Doom send an impostor to perform with Mos Def at the Congress Saturday night? Fake Shore Drive thinks so, and provides video so you can decide for yourself. [via]
Locals on the Team
There are several local athletes [pdf] you can keep an eye out for when you tune in to the Vancouver winter games, including three from one suburban speedskating club.
Feel Free to Disagree...
Chicago music critic and "Sound Opinions" host Jim DeRogatis explains his picks for the worst rock movies. I stand by Heavy Metal Parking Lot.
The Other Bad Lieutenant
Steve Rhodes wonders how soon we'll be seeing the Republican candidate for lieutenant governor, Jason Plummer, drop out of the race amid questions about his past.
See a Doctor and Get Rid of It
Speaking of dirty sex, a bill just passed allowing Illinois doctors to prescribe treatment for the partners of people with STDs without examining them first.
Check the County's Checks
Did you know Cook County's check register is online and searchable? It's part of the Open County Initiative. (The Current noticed last week that not everything was immediately available as promised.)
More Adult Than Usual
An adult bookstore in Melrose Park apparently also has rooms set aside for group sex, according to a Fox News Chicago investigation. [via]
Chicago Dream Wedding
Have a great Chicago proposal story? Eligible engaged couples can enter to win a wedding through the Chicago History Museum.
New Logo for the MSI
The Museum of Science and Industry's logo is the latest transformation for the museum during its $205 million Science Rediscovered campaign. Here's the old logo for comparison.
Obama Connection Not Enough to Save Maria Pinto
Designer Maria Pinto, who rose to fame for clothing Michelle Obama and Oprah, is closing her West Loop boutique and filing for bankruptcy, citing "soft buying trends at the top end of the apparel market."
Got a Nice Neighbor?
The Chicago Association of Realtors is accepting nominations for its annual Good Neighbor Awards, by which it actually means properties or developments that have bettered the neighborhood. Nominations are due by Feb. 22.
Furry Love that Lasts Forever
Want to spend Valentine's Day with someone who will always be happy to see you? Chicago Animal Care and Control (2741 S. Western) is holding a special adoption event from noon to 6pm this Saturday and Sunday for you meet that special dog or cat. Refreshments, a souvenir photo for adopters and an on-site pet boutique will be on hand as well.
Gasp! That's the First Step Toward Heavy Petting!
Colonel Tribune points out this nostalgic assortment of people kissing. As the Colonel points out, #8 is especially hilarious.
Moving Beyond the Pedway
Tim Jahn's "Beyond the Pedway" video interview series has moved to is being syndicated at Crain's Chicago Business' Enterprise City blog -- and kicks it off by talking with The Local Tourist. (Clarification: Beyond the Pedway will remain available on its own site.)
Never See "Loading..." Again
Google is launching a pilot program to bring 1 Gbps internet into the homes of a few thousand lucky users. That's about 250 times faster than the national average broadband speed. They will select communities based on nominations submitted by regular folks and local governments. Tell Google why your neighborhood is a good candidate for a chance to be an internet pioneer and stick it to the cable lobby at the same time.
At 42, Number 35 is Done
Frank Thomas, "arguably the greatest player in White Sox history" is set to announce his retirement. The team will retire his number and many consider him a first ballot Hall of Famer.
Defending Scott Lee Cohen
Evan Miller makes a case for the embattled "wife-abusing hooker-dating roid-raging pawnbroker who spent two million dollars of his own money to be the next lieutenant governor of Illinois." [via]
Indulge Your Ghoulish Side
Berwyn's Horrorbles is a mecca for horror flick collectibles. [via]
The Apple of My Eye
...and the subject of this week's Drive-thru feature.
Regarding the Other President from Illinois
Life as Lincoln, a fascinating documentary chronicling the lives of three Abraham Lincoln impersonators as they make the rounds of schools and libraries to talk about our nation's sixteenth president (who turns 201 today), premieres tonight at 8pm at the Siskel Film Center.
A Minor Oversight
Don't forget that you leave footprints in the snow when you flee the house you were just burglarizing.
Welcome to Your New Home, Dow Jones
The best-known name on Wall Street is a Chicagoan now that the CME is to have a 90% stake in Dow Jones Indexes.
How Would You Fill the Hole?
The Chicago Architectural Club's 2010 Chicago Prize Competition is called "Mine the Gap," and asks entrants to explain how they would fill the gaping hole left by the stalled Chicago Spire project. [via]
RIP Peter Venkman
I know, he's barely a Chicago guy anymore, since he's lived in the Hudson Valley for 30 years, but holy crow! Bill Murray confirmed a third Ghostbusters movie is happening -- and he's coming back as one of the ghosts.
Parking Meter Reprieve Passes; Photo Evidence Next?
Yesterday City Council passed Mayor Daley's proposal for a one-time five minute grace period on a parking ticket -- but only through April of next year. Meanwhile, one alderman is trying to make it so every parking ticket comes with photographic proof of the violation.
From Haiti to Chicago, and Back Again
The New York Times describes the struggle of Kenwood resident Jean-Paul Coffy as he cares for his parents in the aftermath of the Haiti earthquake. Coffy's Chicago friends are maintaining a blog following his travels.
Daley Wants More War Protests
Mayor Daley went off message at the 16th Annual Chicago Neighborhood Development Awards and lamented the fact that there aren't more anti-war protests on the streets of Chicago.
The Wrong Way to Get Girls to Study Science
IIT's student body is 73 percent male -- so what are you waiting for, girls? Get an engineering degree and get your man!
Jeudi Gras
Mardi gras is next Tuesday, but Thrillist is getting les bon temps rolling early with a party at Double Door tonight. You're invited, of course.
The Legacy of Sam Cooke
In Transmission, we take a look back on the brief life of Sam Cooke and his contributions to not only Chicago's musical history, but that of the Civil Rights Movement as well.
Landmarks Pass City Council
Chicago City Council conferred landmark status on the former houses of the Hansberrys, Richard Wright, Gwendolyn Brooks, along with the first location of the DuSable Museum of African American History and the George Cleveland Hall Branch Library.
Whoever Wins, Loses
Gail Collins of The New York Times compares Illinois to New York, asking whose political culture is the worst.
No More Foam?
Finance Committee Chairman Edward Burke drafted a citywide ban of Styrofoam today. If approved by City Council, Chicago Public Schools will have to find another way to serve lunch.
Advertise Here?
Oops, McDonald's already is. [via]
Earthquake Snark
If you're feeling sassy today, why not join the "I survived the Chicago Quake of 2010" Facebook group? Please spare us the wall posts about how we should get relief money, though. That's a bit much, don't you think?
Chicagoans Cover the New Yorker
Ivan Brunetti, Dan Clowes and Chris Ware did two of the covers for the New Yorker's 85th anniversary issue -- and contributed to a hidden image. Ware also wrote an article.
Hacking The Reader
Selections from Hack, the blog by artist and cab driver Dmitry Samarov, are now being offered through the Reader. For more information about Samarov and his work, visit his profile from the 2009 GB/Wall Blank Chicago Week.
Blue-capped Ants Marching
Dave Matthews Band conspicuously omitted Chicago from this year's tour plans -- but only because they were holding out to announce they plan to perform at Wrigley this summer.
Get Your CTA Questions Answered
Not by the CTA itself, of course, but by the RedEye's CTA beat reporter, Tracy Swartz. She, Max Shron and Luke Joyner will be taking your questions on WindyCitizen starting at around 9am today.
Did You Feel the Earth Move?
Apparently, the far West Suburbs experienced a 4.33.8-magnitude earthquake this morning. That's the second one in about two years. No, we're probably not doomed.
Potentially Landmarking the Hansberry House
The Chicago City Council may vote today to confer landmark status to 6140 S. Rhodes Avenue. The house was owned by Carl Hansberry, a prominent progressive African American businessman and father of playwright Lorraine Hansberry. A court case related to his ownership of the building ultimately struck down one form of racially restrictive covenants.
Introducing the iBap
OhNo!Doom has the jeans to go with your new iPad.
Vizquel Goes to 11
The White Sox made the unusual move to un-retire hall-of-famer Luis Aparicio's #11 jersey so new shortstop Omar Vizquel could wear it. Vizquel asked Aparicio's permission to do it. Why? Because coach Ozzie Guillen wears #13, Vizquel's usual number, and isn't going to give it up.
Local Company Helps Preserve the Hollywood Sign
Well, sort of. Fox River Financial Resources agreed to sell the property it owns near the landmark Hollywood sign to the Trust for Public Land -- but only after it was unable to sell it to a commercial developer. To raise money for the purchase, the Trust will change the sign to read "Save the Peak" on Thursday.
A Valentine's Day Full of Hot, Spicy Oil
For the homemade egg rolls, silly! We've got the details in Drive-Thru.
Have We Learned No Lessons from Poltergeist?
A Bensenville cemetery whose graves date as far back as 1849 will be relocated to build a new runway at O'Hare. Here's hoping they, uh, get all of them out.
The Looooove Hotel
Want to make this Valentine's Day special? A.V. Club Chicago has a list of area themed lovers' hotels.
I've Unlocked the Celery Salt!
If you use the social mapping app Foursquare on your phone, you can now get exclusive Chicago-themed badges -- Chicago blues, Chicago-style hot dogs and Chicago film locations -- if you visit certain places.
9 Seconds of Fame
Did you catch Tim of Tim's Baseball Card Shop in that Super Bowl commercial? The store was hopping all weekend.
Squeezing Out Savings
A Fresh Squeeze, a guide to "healthy clean living" in Chicago, has launched the Squeeze Card, which gets you discounts on sustainable products and services. It's just $10 for the year.
Calumet Fisheries is a Classic
The James Beard Foundation named Calumet Fisheries as one of its 2010 American Classics. It joins Tufano's Vernon Park Tap and The Berghoff (pre-closure) as Chicago's only restaurants to earn the title.
38 for 1
Now that Scott Lee Cohen is out of the lieutenant governor race, WBEZ has provided a little background about the process to replace him.
Love is in the Air, Love is in the Food
We've got a round-up of some of the best Valentine's Day events and offers in Drive-Thru.
Chicago's Fastest Skater
As Chicago-born speed skater Shani Davis prepares for the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, his mother carefully guards his reputation.
The Play is the Thing to Do
Chicago theaters are seeing higher ticket sales -- which is a good thing, since philanthropic support and state funding have dropped.
Ethnic & Cultural Mix
Former GB contributor Ted McClelland gives the New York Times a guide to "funky" Rogers Park.
Reducing Brand Diversity
Crain's examines the relationship between Lake Forest packing product company Pactiv and Wal-Mart while exploring shelf space competition between brand name and private label products.
Scott Lee Cohen Possibly Will Dropped Out
Rich Miller reports that Scott Lee Cohen will possibly drop out of the race for lieutenant governor tonight. UPDATE: Cohen is out -- and chose to announce during the Super Bowl halftime.
Democrats Coming Together
Sen. Durbin will chair Alexi Giannoulias's senate campaign.
City Hall Stinks
Waterless urinals that were installed as part of a plan to make City Hall more "green" were removed when the stench of urine corroding the copper pipes made the second floor smell less than rosy. When this happened to five O'Hare urinals in 2005 it cost $20,000.
Lightsabers at Dawn
Can't beat Crain's headline for this one: George Lucas strikes back at Skywalker Outdoor over name.
WWAD?
Former Illinois Senator Adlai Stevenson III would run as an independent if he were in Governor Quinn's shoes.
Tribune Cuts Sylvia & Other Comics
The Tribune is dropping several comic strips from the paper next week -- including Sylvia by Chicago cartoonist Nicole Hollander. (Thanks, Tom!)
Bid on the "Bang Gang"
Probably nobody ever called them that, but a t-shirt featuring the Bulls' Luc Longley, Bill Wennington and Will Perdue is for sale on eBay. [via]
Illustrators Incorporated
The Illustration Corporation is not only Chicago's first illustration agency, it's also a place to check out some pretty cool drawings.
Cohen on "Chicago Tonight"
In case you missed it last night, here's Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor Scott Lee Cohen and his ex-wife's appearance on "Chicago Tonight" answering questions about his domestic battery charge and other allegations. Steve Rhodes has some thoughts on the scandal.
Picturing Transit, Before and After
Recent U of C grads Max Shron and Luke Joyner mapped and analyzed CTA travel times given the existing system and the proposed service cuts. Particularly interesting is that while most neighborhoods see slight reductions in service, some neighborhoods see significant changes, particularly late at night.
Back to School
Facets is kicking off another series of Night School screenings tomorrow at midnight with the Indonesian film Lady Terminator. Each Saturday night in February and March will have a different film screening, preceded by a lecture on the film by a Facets employee. A full schedule of films is available at the Facets Website.
Snowmen are for Amateurs
Want to escape the city this weekend? The US National Snow Sculpting Competition in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin awaits you.
It Gets Worse
Man this really isn't a good day for Scott Lee Cohen...or Democratic voters...
Turns out Scott Lee Cohen "allegedly abused steroids."
Register for Bike the Drive
Your annual opportunity to pedal down LSD is on May 30 this year, and registration is now open.
Double Trouble For Blago
Blago was re-indicted today on corruption charges. The move is meant to stop Blago from delaying the U.S. Supreme Court's upcoming ruling on his case.
TAL in Graphic, iPhone Form
This American Infographic is a collection of graphic representations of data from episodes of "This American Life." A good companion to the new TAL iPhone app launched this week.
Walking Dead Breach Chicago Suburb
The zombie flick A Chance in Hell is set in 1944 Germany, but is currently being filmed in 2010 Elgin. Braaiinnns and Nazis and staggering undead hordes, oh my!
Scott Lee Cohen Everybody
Pawnbroker, shrewd media operator, defendant in a domestic battery case involving a knife and the throat of a convicted prostitute and now...the Democratic candidate for Illinois' Lieutenant Governor. UPDATE: The gov has something to say about the issue.
The Woman Behind the Playboy Centerfold Database
We've mentioned the database of Playboy centerfolds maintained by a sysadmin at U of C before. The Reader's feature story this week is a full profile of that sysadmin and her special relationship with the magazine and its founder.
Homeowners Still Need Help
In light of the news that Chicago suffered record home foreclosures in the final quarter of 2009, the city and the Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago will hold six Fix Your Mortgage events this year.
Hynes Concedes
Dan Hynes has conceded the governor's race, making current Governor Pat Quinn the democratic nominee.
The Groupon Challenge
Think you can live off Groupon for a year? If you succeed, you could win $100,000.
Sun-Times a Charity Case
This Friday, Feb. 5, the Sun-Times will be donating 10 cents from every paper sold to the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women campaign.
Yet Another East Chicago Mayor Indicted
It's hard to believe that yet another East Chicago mayor has run afoul of the law, but George Pabey may have done just that. This time the indictment involves city employees working on his Miller Beach house.
Who Says it's Worthless?
Newcity has a new review of a show at DePaul that features reject art. The art will be sold from its collection to purchase more desired pieces, but visitors can still cast their vote on what they think is good, bad or just plain ugly.
The Falling Apart of Fall Out Boy
Unless this is some word-of-mouth, Tweet-of-type publicity stunt, local Wilmette band Fall Out Boy is contemplating a permanent hiatus, as evident in bassist Pete Wentz's blog. While their fans share inspiring stories, pop blogs are skeptical.
First-hand Fashions, Second-hand Materials
Swap-O-Rama-Rama, a DIY fashion workshop/ resource, is returning to Chicago in March and seeking submissions for their competitive re:MAKE Fashion Show. For volunteers and beginners, there are regular meeting and events (the next on Feb. 4).
CTA Map Tattoo on a Foot
I'm trying to envision the look on the face of a lost tourist as the owner of this tattoo of the CTA train map gives him directions by taking off her shoe. (Thanks, James!)
Empty Homes Get Out the Vote
Foreclosed homes made for convenient billboards for the primaries, Chicago Muckrakers discovered.
You Have No One to Blame But Yourself
If you didn't vote yesterday, that is. Voter turnout in Chicago and the state in general was "embarrassingly low."
Never Going to Live this Down...
A Rockford police car and the handcuffed man who was driving it were reunited with the Rockford Police Department after the car was stopped at a Chicago intersection.
WGN's Dean Richards is an A-Hole
Well, that's what Mel Gibson thinks.
Metal Haven Will Soon Spend its Seasons in the Abyss
Alas, the one and only Metal Haven will soon close its doors. The Reader promises more details on Tuesday.
The Philosophical Bill Murray
A.V. Club Chicago explores the zen, nihilism and other philosophies exemplified by Bill Murray's film roles.
Daley Loves Portland?
Think Chicago's taxes are high? They're better than Portland, Oregon's -- and the mayor sees it as a competitive advantage. (Link goes to Google News to avoid WSJ's paywall.)
Listen/Read Primaries Coverage Tonight
From 7 to 10pm tonight, Chicago Public Radio will be running a group liveblog commenting on the primary election results in addition to its on-air coverage. GB's Andrew Huff and Ramsin Canon will be on at 7-8pm and 9-10pm, respectively, and plenty of other Chicago personalities and pundits -- as well as the candidates -- will be popping in. Tune in!
Can't Copyright What's Free
The CPD is now sending out safety alerts, CAPS meeting info and other announcements by text and email using Nixle.com. But what's Nixle doing claiming copyright over public information?
It's Not Gonna Take a Nation of Snowflakes to Hold Us Back (from Voting)
Snow, schmow! Voting for today's elections runs from 6am to 7pm. You can find your polling place, registration status and a lot more resources here.
Reprinting Audubon
Joel Oppenheimer is at it again -- this time creating a full set of full-size Audubon prints with the New York Historical Society.
Hob Nob for a Job
Looking for work -- or looking for someone to work for you? Jobnob Chicago is holding a job networking event for start-ups Feb. 24.
Burris Needs Money
Illinois's current junior senator, Roland Burris, owes over $600,000 in legal fees according to filings released today.
Print Ye Ballot Before Ye Vote
The Trib has an interesting interactive primary ballot builder feature in their "Election Center" right now. Before you head out to vote tomorrow (and you can find out where your polling location is, too) check it out. You can print, email, or share your ballot selections online.
How the City Expanded
Dennis McLendon of Chicago Cartographics mapped historical population growth for Chicago, decade by decade. [via]
Beallhaus
Early 20th Century graphic designer Lester Beall--educated and employed in Chicago for many years--was a trailblazer who created an immediately recognizable look for his work that incorporated modernist notions imported from the Bauhaus and other art movements. Here's a site devoted to the man and his ideas.
Better Than Chocolate
Valentine's Day approaches: show your love with heart-shaped pizza, available at a surprising (surprisingly awesome) number of locations.
Costa's Not Open for Business
Alvin Shubert, GB flickr pool contributor (and today's Rearview photographer), looked out his window last night to see Greektown restaurant Costa's in flames. Another contributor, Michelle Wotkun, headed down to get a closer view.
Inside Columbia's Media Production Center
Columbia's Media Production Center is now open for classes, so Chicago Journal stopped in on Lighting 1, the first class held in the space.
More Words and Pictures
Fifteen illustrators, including Chicagoan Laura Park, draw out a scene from their favorite books. [via]
Drawings Every Hour on the Hour
It's Hourly Comic Day, and more than a few Chicago artists are following John Campbell's (Pictures for Sad Children) lead and sequentially documenting each hour of wakefulness.
Get Your Shoes Ready
Registration for the 2010 Chicago Marathon is now open.
Eat and Shop Here
The Eat Shop Guide to Chicago came out recently; it's yet another guidebook to cool stuff in the city.
If Unmarried, Accessorize with an Air of Desperation
If you wear a wedding dress or tuxedo to the Field Museum on February 13, admission is free and you'll be eligible to win prizes. I'd say "Insert Miss Havisham joke here," but Sue already did.
Tax Help from the City
Now that tax season is well under way, don't forget that the city offers some tax assistance if you are single and earn less than $20,000 a year or if you earn less than $45,000 a year as a family.
