Chicagoptimus Prime
Michael Bay is set to start filming Transformers 3 in Chicago starting July 4, though I think the photo accompanying this article is just wishful thinking, damn it.
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
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Monthly Archive
April 2010
Johnny Cupcakes at Bleeding Heart Tonight
Fans of pint-sized confections should hit Bleeding Heart Bakery tonight at 8pm (on your way to our Get-Together, of course) to meet Johnny Cupcakes on his tour across America.
A Guide to Local Chow
It's a gorgeous day outside, which means that seasonal produce will be coming back soon. Learn more about how to eat and buy locally in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
A Not So Good Morning
It turns out that putting anti-freeze in mom's coffee isn't as fun as it appears it might be in Heathers.
Thinking 'Bout Getting the Band Back Together
Hanson (yes, them) pay homage to The Blues Brothers in their latest video.
WBEZ Hires a New COO
Chicago Public Media (née Radio) has hired Alison Scholly, former vice president and general manager of Tribune Interactive, as chief operating officer.
Engraving Chicago
The publicity department for the Chicago Engraving Co. sure had beautiful letterhead. Their books were pretty nice, too.
United & Continental Merger Monday?
Crain's and other sources are saying United and Continental will announce plans to merge on Monday. Chicago would likely remain the headquarters.
Artists Break Out of the Paper
NewCity's Breakout Artists issue isn't just a feature this year -- it's also a gallery show at Art Chicago this weekend.
Raccoon Doom?
Raccoons the size of orangutans and German shepherds! Bending steel bars! Fashioning crude stone weapons and mastering fire! Wait, scratch that last one. But the rising number of foreclosed homes in the city give raccoons places to grow bigger, stronger, and feistier. Side note: After reading Ms. Ward's account, can I be forgiven for thinking of a certain story by Poe?
Meet Michael Darling, Newly of the MCA
As noted in A/C, the MCA recently announced that Michael Darling will be the museum's new chief curator. If you'd like to know more about Darling, here's an article from when he became the Seattle Art Museum's modern and contemporary curator in 2006.
"Welcome to America. Americans Kill Each Other."
Local artist, Ray CRO Noland (who captured Blagojevich on the run) sums up Mayor Daley's recent gun control sentiments.
A Good Reason to Eat Out Tonight
If you don't have dinner plans yet, make them: Tonight you're Dining Out for Life.
The Latest Food Truck News
The Reader's big story this week sums up the legislative situation for getting food trucks on the streets of Chicago. Meanwhile, Time Out reports that a new cupcake truck will be hitting the road this weekend.
The Row to Recovery
Recovery On Water and its forceful coach are kicking the crap out of breast cancer, one rower at a time. Learn more in Tailgate.
Illinois is Green on Gas
Illinois measures up well when it comes to gas consumption per capita. [via]
A Not So Routine Stop
Were U.S. Congressional candidate Ben Lowe and his friends pulled over by the Cicero Police Department for driving while appearing to be "Hispanic"?
Protest at Wrigley, Arizona Edition
Another protest is to take place today at Wrigley Field as the Cubs take on the Diamondbacks. This time, though, it's about Arizona's new immigration law and the D-Backs' alleged ties to the Republican Party. UPDATE: Chicagoist has photos of the protest.
I'm Gonna Make'em an Offer They'll Probably Refuse
Wal-Mart really, really wants to open more stores in Chicago. So badly, in fact, they've agreed to talk to local unions. The conversation should be an interesting one, given the company's insistence that wages won't be on the table -- and their well-known stance on workers organizing.
Tales of Early Computing
How I Met Your Motherboard is the latest project by Found Magazine co-founder Jason Bitner, collecting stories of people's first computers -- including, er, mine. Share your own tales in Fuel.
Tiny Home Showdown
Apartment Therapy's annual Small, Cool apartment contest is on, and there are several Chicago entries, particularly in the "tiny" category. Vote for a Chicagoan today!
Moonshine
In Transmission this week we interview The Blind Staggers — hard at work at bringing "outlaw country music" to the beer halls and barrooms of Chicago.
Iron Man 2 Giveaways
Excited about Iron Man 2? You might be interested in HollywoodChicago.com's 10 Days of Iron Man 2 contest, then. Lots of giveaways to be had!
The FDIC Hates Giannoulias?
Given the tense political environment, it's hard to believe it took so long for concerns to be publicly aired about political motivations regarding the collapse of Broadway Bank.
The First Time...
What was your first time like? Hear others tell their tale at CHIRP Radio's inaugural reading event, tonight at Uncommon Ground Devon. (There are a couple other readings tonight, too.)
Inside Bigness
Lee Bey takes a look inside the proposed bathrooms of Outer Planets, the Schaumberg complex that would have contained the world's tallest building.
Tattoos Now OK for Blood Donors
Illinois blood banks will now accept blood donations from people with tattoos.
Caps Lock = Important
From Chicago to Phoenix, yesterday's civil disobedience for immigration reform is drawing quite a bit of of national attention. How can we be sure it was a big deal? Well, the Huffington Post put a word in ALL CAPS in their article's title. They usually save that for celebrity NIPPLE SLIPS or when somebody famous LAYS THE SMACK DOWN on somebody else famous.
Sports Radio on the Web
Today's noon Lunchbox chat on Vocalo is all about sports. Eat at your desk and talk Bulls, Blackhawks and baseball with Marcus Gilmer of Chicagoist, Brad Zibung of The Heckler, "Eight Forty-Eight's" Cheryl Raye Stout and our own Brian Lauvray from Tailgate.
Sports Radio on the Web
Today's noon Lunchbox chat on Vocalo is all about sports. Eat at your desk and talk Bulls, Blackhawks and baseball with Marcus Gilmer of Chicagoist, Rob Zibung of The Heckler, "Eight Forty-Eight's" Cheryl Raye Stout and our own Brian Lauvray from Tailgate.
Deb Mell Pushes for Gay Marriage
State Rep. Deb Mell, daughter of Alderman Richard Mell, would like to not have to travel to Iowa to marry her fiancée, Christin Baker. She's introduced legislation to add Illinois to the list of states where same sex marriage is legal.
Studs Over the Transom
What was it like working with Studs Turkel? [via]
University of Wyoming to Pal Around with Bill Ayers
A federal court has rejected the University of Wyoming's cancellation of Bill Ayres' talk at the university for "safety reasons." The administration's controversial cancellation of the speech was against the wishes of the school's Social Justice Research Center, who invited Ayres to campus.
Rahm Isn't Smiling
Judy Woodruff made a wisecrack in her introduction of White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel today at the Global Cities Forum. But most reports have Emanuel's response wrong.
Fresh Pressed
Peek inside local letterpress studio Starshaped Press, profiled by the paper-loving design blog Felt & Wire.
Palin the Flesh
The Admiral will be holding an x-rated Sarah Palin lookalike contest May 12 -- the same day the former governor of Alaska is making an appearance at the Rosemont Theatre.
Fun (and Not-so-Fun) Facts
If you enjoy statistics and data, this site is for you.
Bucktown Bat Attacker Caught... Maybe
In case you hadn't heard, here's an update on the infamous Bucktown baseball attack story from last weekend. The comments, as always, are particularly interesting.
joH'a' ghurmoH maH Hoch wa' *
The creators of A Klingon Christmas Carol want to bring the show to Chicago this year, and they need your help.
*That would be "God bless us, every one!"
Banking Roullette
Broadway Bank wasn't the only local bank to close last Friday. Lincoln Park Savings Bank was among the seven seized by the FDIC; it's now run by Northbrook Bank. Who might be next? Keep your eye on Midwest Bank.
Alinea Gains in World Esteem
Alinea is now the seventh best restaurant in the world, and best in North America, according to the annual World's 50 Best Restaurants list.
Don't Forget That Ticket
New service Parkzing will alert you if you get a ticket and remind you to pay it. [via]
Fashion Victim
Local fashion blogger Tavi Gevinson's website was shut down briefly by Blogger after she posted a semi-nude photo of a model on her birthday. (Happy 14th, btw, Tavi!)
Chicago is America
The One Chicago, One Nation film contest submission window closes this Friday, but you can start watching and commenting on the films submitted so far.
Supreme Court Holds Firm on Asian Carp Issue
The Supreme Court again refused to involve itself in the dispute over how to address the influx of asian carp. Here's how the news was handled elsewhere.
The New Face of Zero
A movie adaptation of The Zero, centered on 9/11's aftermath at Ground Zero, will now take place in Chicago, after the fictional destruction of Willis Tower.
On Cartoons and Freedom
In the wake of the South Park/Muhammad controversy, Tribune cartoonist Scott Stantis explains where he draws the lines (or doesn't) on drawing lines.
Also via Trib blog The Seeker, Ahmed Rehab and Hesham Hassaballa provide thoughtful responses to the turbulence between Comedy Central and Revolution Muslim.
The Dudes' Abodes
Apartment Therapy is looking for some guys who have a room in need of a do-over. Lucky for you, Chicago is one of their five selected metro areas (but sorry, ladies, this project is for boys only). Apply by May 24.
Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's Roger Ebert
Roger Ebert posted a screenplay he wrote in 1977, meant to star the Sex Pistols and be directed by Russ Meyer and produced by Malcolm McLaren.
The Inside View on Outsider Art
Art by untrained and unknown artists is celebrated behind the green doorway of Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art. It's this week's feature in A/C.
It's a Bee-yooo-tiful Day for a Wedding
Ever dreamed of getting married in Wrigley Field? Just enter the Home Run Inn, Lou Malnati's and Chicago Trolley & Double Decker Co.'s "Through Thick & Thin Photo Essay Contest" and start planning that red brick and ivy fairy tale.
Food Trucks or Fight
Time Out Chicago is throwing its weight behind legalizing food trucks in Chicago, with Street Food Now!, a portal to the magazine's coverage of the movement.
The Oprah of Gay Podcasting
GLBT podcast Feast of Fun gets a little mainstream attention.
Donnie Darko Could Not Be Reached for Comment
The Art Institute is installing jet engines on their third floor terrace, as part of an installation by artist Roger Hiorns. Mr. Hiorns really likes jet engines, apparently: he had one pulverized for a previous exhibition. UPDATE: According to TimeOut, the engines are filled with antidepressants. Yes, you read that right. What a downer.
Jay Ryan, Aaron Horkey, and Some Ancient Mammals
At noon, The Bird Machine will start selling stunning 25-screen prints of Jay Ryan and Aaron Horkey's recent collaboration. The poster's creation process is documented throughout this thread on gigposters.com.
Calling in the National Guard?
State reps John Fritchie and LaShawn Ford think violence in Chicago has gotten bad enough to call in the National Guard. Father Michael Pfleger, among others, thinks that could just make the violence worse.
Is It Me You're Looking For?
No, Lionel Richie, someone's just looking for a terracotta bust of you like the one from your "Hello" video. (It gets weirder.)
African Americans leaving Chicago
According to some recently crunched numbers on Chicago's demographics, from 2000 to 2008, Chicago's African American population dropped while the suburban African American population grew. The 2010 census data may show an even greater exodus.
Books by the Bike-load
Keep your eye out for The Book Bike this summer, wheeling books into places even the BookMobile couldn't reach.
Counting Sex Ads on Craigslist
Craigslist continues to get itself into hot water over sex oriented advertisements around the country. Here, the state's Attorney General's office is keeping a particularly close eye on the site, tabulating more than 200,000 Chicago sex ads in just over two years.
Looking for a Lakeview Condo?
Patti Blagojevich's just went on the market.
Rahm Israel Emanuel's Got Talent
Whether or not the feasibility of a potential Mayor Rahm has you scratching your noggin, the Tribune compiled a list of interesting facts about the former ballet dancer turned White House chief of staff.
Ladies of the Airwaves
Mary Schmich wants to know: Where are the women's voices on Chicago radio?
Chicago Water on the Bubble
Chicago needs to remember it's not the only city on the lake, and use its water rights more responsibly. [via]
Head of NIH @ Northwestern Tomorrow
Dr. Francis Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health, will be lecturing at the Thorne Auditorium at Northwestern tomorrow (375 E. Chicago) at 2pm to discuss the NIH and its role in scientific advancements. If you can't make the event, it will be webcasted live as well.
Sailing Around the World in the Sky
A cloudy Chicago serves as an initial port of call for the Seymourpowell Aircruise design concept in this promotional video.
Even the Worm Now Wears a Top Hat
Tequila drinking gets more refined in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
Dandelion Parking Only
Damon Taylor found a "parking lot that's been reclaimed by the earth" near Kedzie and Devon avenues.
Unfortunate 500
Chris Ware's cover art for Fortune magazine's annual Fortune 500 issue was rejected for some reason. Can't figure out why.
Purple vs. Orange at Wrigley
Northwestern will play Illinois at Wrigley Field this fall, the first football game played in the stadium in 40 years.
How Does Your Urban Garden Grow?
GreenNet, Chicago's urban gardening network, hosts the Green & Growing Fair at the Garfield Park Conservatory this Saturday. Get pointers on how gardening in the city, purchase seeds and stretch that green thumb.
Beats & Buildings
Vocalo's Lee Bey sees some of Chicago architecture's best views in hip-hop videos.
They Thought We Wouldn't Notice
Chicago stands in for New York once again.
Want Some Help Looking to the Heavens?
Meet the Chicago Astronomers, who recently gathered at the Adler Planetarium with some fine telescopes.
Take Me Out to the Blogosphere
Wrigleyville tends to draw a vast blogger presence. But hey, what's one more URL to bookmark among die hard fans? Cubs Fan Report launched today as a collaborative of them all, as well as major news Cubs coverage.
Mmmm... Beer-ains...
The third annual Zombie Pub Crawl is this Saturday, at 2pm in Andersonville hosted by Lakview improve theater company, pH Productions. So, crawl, stumble and reanimate on down, even if you need tips on looking undead.
The Reader's Black Book
Yellow goes black for its spring books issue, examining African-American life and culture in the 50 years since Black Like Me was published.
CPS Down To Zero
The Chicago Public Schools will be left with zero "top-ranking" officials who have classroom experience after their chief education officer, Dr. Barbara Eason-Watkins, leaves to take over the schools in Michigan City, Indiana.
Waiting for the Train
Getting stuck waiting for a freight train to pass sucks. And it sucks a lot in Chicagoland: an independent audit found that Canadian National trains caused more than 1,400 delays of 10 minutes or longer in the last two months of 2009. CN's own audit reported just 14. They've got some explaining to do.
Find Yourself in the Cosmos
That's pretty cool: an Earth Day geocaching challenge whose treasures create a planetary model of the Solar System, with the Adler Planetarium as the Sun. [via]
Questionable Taste Levels
PETA is coming after McDonald's for its support of the poultry industry with a new ad that appears in today's Tribune -- featuring Bea Arthur and the phrase "roll over in her grave."
Wal-Mart Likened to Suicide
A.V. Club Chicago weighs whether Wal-Mart in the city is "a bad thing, or the worst thing."
Snakes! Snakes! SNAKES!
Bureau of Self-Promotion: I wrote an article for the Chicago Journal about the beautiful, bizarre, and frequently insane Ghanaian movie posters on sale at Primitive, a Fulton River District art gallery/store. More images can be found here.
Inception from Conception?
BLDGBLOG wonders if Christopher Nolan's Chicago childhood influenced his design aesthetic for the upcoming film Inception.
Bring Me a Martini, Will Ya Sweetheart?
Check out this United Air Lines ad from the good old male chauvinist pig days. Trapped on a plane with a bunch of drunks, all smoking cigars and pipes and stuffing themselves with steaks? Uh, I'll take the train.
Jelly-inea
Want the taste of Alinea at a fraction of the cost? Reproduce the menu with jelly beans. [via]
A Major Demolition, Some Plans and What Else?
Now that the city's 2016 Olympic bid is long in the tank, New City checks in on the bid's legacy.
Vegetarians Can Double Down
Don't eat meat, but still want in on the latest fast food abomination? A local young lady and her boyfriend help you out with their meatless version of the KFC sandwich.
Dive into the Candidates
The Illinois State Board of Elections launched its new website today, with some nice new features.
Black and Red and Blue All Over
Time Out Chicago goes XXX this week.
Muslim Youth in Action
Tomorrow is Illinois Muslim Action Day, and local Muslim youth are heading to Springfield in hopes of getting the attention of state politicians.
Kawaii Chicago Dog
Shawnimals' latest creation will have your mouth watering -- and since it's plush, it'll soak that slobber right up. (Ew.)
One McCaskey Leaves, Another Enters
Michael McCaskey is stepping down as chairman of the Bears after the 2010 season. His replacement? His younger brother, George.
Teaching Reading With Pictures
This Sunday at Northwestern University, comics creators, graphic novelists and education experts lead a one-day workshop on using comics to teach reading and increase literacy in the classroom. It's organized by new local nonprofit Reading With Pictures. Free for educators, librarians and comics professionals.
What to do with 60 Acres of Floorspace
Details of the redevelopment of the Old Main Post Office are starting to leak out, including the news that Philip Johnson/Alan Ritchie Architects has been hired. They are considering making the mammoth building even bigger.
Area Institutions
AREA Chicago's tenth issue focuses on institutions and infrastructure, and features a gallery of sketches of some of our neighborhood institutions.
Watch the Save Our State Rally
There's a demonstration happening in Springfield today, and Chicagoans can watch it stream live starting at 11am.
Start your Registrations
Registration for Chicago Startup Weekend is now open. Now to figure out what your startup is.
Chicago's Real McCoy
In A/C, LaShawn Williams interviews LisaRaye, South Side native and star of TV One's "LisaRaye: The Real McCoy," about her childhood in Chicago, her reality show and life after being the first lady of the Turks & Caicos Islands.
You Say "Tomato," I Say "Dynamite"
In the strangest "he said, she said" argument heard in a while, a couple is arguing over whether the homemade explosives traded for methamphetamine were dynamite or fireworks.
Food and Memories in Faber-Castell
Local comic book artist and hot dog aficionado Lucy Knisley gets interviewed in Book Club as part of the ongoing series One-Shots.
Daley to Tweet About Rahm for Mayor
@MayorDaley: "Check back later this afternoon for news regarding Rahm Emanuel." Stay tuned... UPDATE: Ooh! Da Mayor played us! Emanuel will be speaking at the Global Cities Forum next week.
There's Nothing We Can't Fix
...with a little creative editing, courtesy of street artist Nick Adam.
Beings Made Entirely of Water
If the recent meteor and Space Shuttle sightings have you dreaming about outer space, perhaps it's time to revisit The UFO guy.
Tour with the Devil
The Chicago Architecture Foundation's Devil in the White City tour this Thursday is 20 percent off with the promo code "facebook."
Early Warning: Bridges Up Tomorrow
The first draw bridge day along the Chicago River is tomorrow; expect delays on both the roads and the El lines that cross the river starting around 9:30am.
Live Free Verse or Die Trying
This is the weekend it all happens. This is the weekend the iambic pentameter falls into place. This weekend, my friends, is PoetryFest.
United States of Apple
On the map of Apple product concentration, we come in #6, with 2.1 million adults and eight stores.
Preserve or Perish
Landmarks Illinois released its annual list of most endangered historic places today, and Chicago's Uptown Theatre and Prentice Women's Hospital make the cut along with the St. Lawrence Complex and North Pullman. (Related: the Uptown just launched a Twitter feed this week.)
Road Trip Idea: Sock Monkey Museum
Just a quick jaunt down 90 to Rockford will lead you to the Sock Monkey Museum, chock full of more sock monkeys than you can imagine.
The Cubs Way of Life
When I saw the Cubs' new slogan, I couldn't resist. As a Sox fan, it was just too easy.
Mayor Rahm?
So now Rahm Emanuel says he does want to be mayor of Chicago. Jeez, Rahm, make up your mind.
Groupon Settles Lawsuit, Side Deal Unknown
Groupon recently settled its legal troubles for an undisclosed amount.
Introducing: The Turncoat
It takes a lot to turn a Cubs fan against his or her team. But for Rick Abplanalp, enough was enough. Now he roots for the Sox.
DeRogatis Leaves the Sun-Times
Jim DeRogatis is quitting the Sun-Times to blog on Vocalo.org and join the faculty at Columbia College.
Sitting On Your Ash
Reporting in from Milan, Craighton Berman brings us The Eyjafjallajokull Chair.
Watch for the Shuttle Early Tomorrow
If the weather is good, Chicago will be able to see the space shuttle Discovery on its reentry trajectory to Kennedy Space Center tomorrow morning. The shuttle should pass over Chicago sometime between 6:05 and 6:15am, traveling from northwest to southeast. (Thanks, Sandy!)
Push Something into the Sunlight, It's Bound to Get Burned
Time Out Chicago wrote about the only legal gourmet-style food truck in the city right now in last week's issue -- and the attention is getting All Fired Up hassled.
Eyjafjallajokull Attacks Music!
The Icelandic volcano has forced a variety of acts to cancel their appearances at Coachella, including Chicago's very own Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, who was touring in Europe.
Street Sweeper: Also Makes a Great Gift
Scare the neighbors into moving their cars. Make an imposing lawn sculpture. Create a giant float and protest the street sweeping schedule. If you buy your own, the possibilities are endless.
EbertFest Streams Live
Can't make it downstate for EbertFest this week? You can watch it live from the comfort of your computer.
No Sign of Pods or Triffids... Yet
The Field Museum now owns a piece of the Midwest Meteor and are gleefully testing the relatively uncontaminated specimen.
Chopping Down the Learning Tree
Educational supply store The Learning Tree is going out of business, and it's liquidating its store in Ravenswood. Stop by before April 25 to get some deals on everything including the shelves.
Sweep Away Street Sweeping Tickets
StopParkingTickets.com is a new $10/year service that alerts you by text or email the day before street cleaning comes to your block, so you can move your car in time.
Pro-Tip: Dogs Don't Like to be Scanned
Craig Clark is scanning his life, including his dog. [via]
Flashpoint Dances with DeNiro
Robert DeNiro's Tribeca Enterprises is now a 50 percent partner in Flashpoint Academy. The media arts school will now be known as Tribeca Flashpoint. Does this mean we'll see more of DeNiro in town? [via]
Privatizing the Pipes
The City is examining privatizing the water system, and lots of folks are none too pleased. If you're one of them, there's a meeting tonight you may want to attend.
Videogames Ain't Art?
Roger Ebert doesn't think videogames can be art. Disagree? Let him know.
"How do we pay for this?"
The Illinois Toll Highway Authority needs $2 billion to fix I-90, and it's not clear how it's going to pay for the improvements.
RSD10
Are your fingers dusty from crate diving on Saturday? Ours are! Read about our Transmission staff's celebration of Record Store Day 2010.
Go Cat Go
Eight months after he went missing in Albuquerque, tenacious tabby Charles turned up last week in Chicago.
An Epic Battle in Geekdom, Who Will Survive?
Chicago Comic Con (AKA Wizard World) has had quite a stake in Chicago's fanboy circles, but this week, Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (AKA C2E2) has made an impact as well. Meanwhile, check out C2E2 photos in Book Club to see what all the hype is about.
The Improv Festival and the Volcano
The Chicago Improv Festival kicks off tomorrow, with 70 acts on 12 stages across the city. While this typically brings in acts from all over the world, that pesky Eyjafjallajokull, er... Icelandic volcano, creating chaos throughout European airlines, is keeping many acts grounded.
New Vintage on Chicago
A fun and funky new vintage shop opened its doors today in West Town. Seek Vintage, on the hip strip of West Chicago Avenue that's home to Lush Wine, Beauty Bar, and Relax Lounge, might be your new go-to spot for analog radios and kitschy aprons. Opening festivities continue until 8pm tonight.
Pitching Across The Aisle
The Verban Memorial Society, a bipartisan group in D.C. dedicated to supporting the Cubs, has inducted White Sox fan President Obama into its ranks. "'I know it will be hard for him to accept this accolade,' Mr. Durbin said. 'It's like telling him he was elected to the board of directors of the Republican National Committee.' Conservative columnist George Will, a Verban stalwart, says the president ought to embrace his induction. 'Diversity,' he says. 'It's a great liberal value.'"
Dishwashers Flying off the Shelves
Illinois' cash-for-appliances program, which took effect at 8am today, might already be tapped.
Gator Party
Last year, the Woodlawn Wonder tweeted about spring heralding the return of gators to city sidewalks. This year, she's got pictures.
Delivery Extra
Chicagoist's Anthony Todd rants about food delivery fees.
Hey, Check Out These Chicks
The Kohl Children's Museum just north of the city got a surprise in its old-fashioned "Eggs to Chicks" exhibit: three chicks of a very rare variety.
Love Blooms at Lincoln Hall
Last night, Scott popped a very big question at the Cloud Cult show.
The Greatest of All Time?
Perhaps even more controversial than the 40 best songs list, Chicago magazine's 40 Greatest Chicago Restaurants Ever list has people abuzz. Sky Full of Bacon offers a couple corrections.
Happy Global Social Media Holiday
It's Foursquare Day -- connect with your fellow Mayors and badge-unlockers, and enjoy special deals at participating businesses when you check in.
Global Layers
Starting at 2pm today, Coudal's Layer Tennis will be played around the world in 10 layers -- and the second will be by Chicago's Mig Reyes.
Our Representatives at Work in Washington
Citizens Against Government Waste says that Illinois ranks 44th in federal pork per person. With a total of $191.6 million in projects, the state gets $14.84 for each of us.
Get Ready For That New Traincar Smell
The CTA is about to rollout its new fleet of L cars which sound pretty snazzy.
Garage Mahal Spruces Up MSI's Smart House
As if the Museum of Science and Industry's Smart House: Green + Wired Exhibit wasn't cool enough already, DIY Network's new show, Garage Mahal, will air an episode focusing on renovations they did to the home's garage. The episode airs on April 23 and May 7 at 8:30 CT.
Support Boys & Girls
This Saturday, come to the Little Village Boys & Girls Club's Sidewalk Sale -- your purchases help fund the oldest stand-alone Boys & Girls Club in the city. 2801 S. Ridgeway, 10am-2-pm. They are also accepting donations: call (773) 277-1800 for more info.
Fireball Run
A meteor blazed through the sky last night, sighted throughout much of the Midwest. Here's video of it soaring overhead in Iowa (arrives at about 0:27).
Home of the Reviled
This American Life last weekend told the story of Magnetar Capital, one of the worst of the hedge funds that capitalized on subprime mortgages. Interestingly, the home of Magnetar's CEO, Alec Litowitz, was featured in Chicago Home in 2008.
Record Store Day Approacheth
This Saturday, you might see a horde of bleary-eyed, band t-shirt wearing, anxious-looking folks hovering outside your neighborhood record shop. Don't worry, they just want to get their hands on awesome releases and special deals for Record Store Day.
Taste the Music
The musical lineup for Taste of Chicago has been announced. Highlights include Rob Thomas and Salt-n-Pepa.
Chicago Hates You
Fake Shore Drive's new limited edition t-shirts have a bad attitude.
Tom Waits Put It Best
"There's a big dark town/
It's a place I've found/
There's a world going on/
Underground"
Getting a Seat at the Booth
Ever wondered what it takes to get into the U of C's Booth School of Business? Wonder no more.
Country Man in the Mirror
Robbie Fulks' long-awaited Michael Jackson tribute album is in the wild (and your favorite mp3 superstore). It's called Happy; it'll make you happy. Hear it on Lala.
On his site, Robbie notes that CDs of Happy should arrive soon, and give the artist about $5 more per copy. While you're in the Robbie-Fulks-insurgent-country-spirit, stop by The Hideout on Mondays for Robbie's yearlong residency.
Drinking in the Park
It's theoretically illegal to have alcohol in the parks -- but Mayor Daley wants to make it easier to drink, if it'll increase city revenue.
The Way We Used to Travel
A great collection of vintage CTA photos. [via]
Fighting Over Loose Change
Michael Miner's post last week about Kachingle, a micropayment system he's enamored of, ruffled a few feathers -- most notably those of Frank Sennett, editor of Time Out Chicago. Miner responded to Sennett's criticisms today, and Sennett fired back.
Groupon: $1.2 Billion Company?
TechCrunch reports that Groupon has received investment that would value the company at $1.2 billion. Meanwhile, the clone army marches on.
Mission: Do Cartwheels
It's a pretty spring day. Do cartwheels. Report back.
Parking in the Parks
New electronic meters are starting to be installed in park district parking lots. The good news is, they're much cheaper than street parking.
Paper Soul
Carolyn M. Rodgers, poet and founder of Chicago-based Third World Press, America's oldest and largest African American-owned book publisher, has passed away at the age of 69.
A New Foreclosure Fear
As if hundreds of vacant houses weren't enough, now we have to deal with "orangutang-sized" raccoons.
Revelations from Oprah's Bio: Popcorn Smells Better than Gasoline
Gawker has published a few excerpts from Kitty Kelley's unauthorized biography of Oprah Winfrey, which went on sale yesterday.
More Tax Help
Center for Economic Progress provides free personalized tax services for individuals making less than $25,000 and families with income less than $50,000. Their centers are staffed with IRS-certified volunteers and are ready for the final sprint to the deadline.
A Marriage of Flavors
Chicagoans have a delicious way to depart from traditional department store wedding registries with newly-launched Foodie Registry, which features gift certificates for local restaurants like BOKA and one sixtyblue. Here's a short profile of the site on Crain's.
Frozen Yogurt Market Chilling
Frozen yogurt favorite Berry Chill has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, reportedly based on poor location choice. All locations will remain open for now.
Wedding Dresses You Can Wipe With
Getting married soon? If you make your dress out of toilet paper you might win $1,000 to buy one that's made out of real fabric. Need inspiration? Check out this article featuring 2005's Chicago-based TP wedding dress contest winner.
Beyond the Bleachers
With Wrigley Field and its surroundings in the news so much recently, perhaps it's worth remembering what the Sheffield Avenue rooftops looked like in 1987 compared to what they look like now.
Ride then Ride
The Active Transportation Alliance is pleased to report that Metra will be expanding its Bikes on Metra program.
Celebrity Fan Dumb-off
Roger Ebert's Twitter followers are less stupid than Oprah's.
"evanston rats!!!!!!"
A certain facebook page with the apparent purpose of talking smack about Evanston high schoolers is now "a police matter." The comments [NSFW] are particularly interesting because they include a post from NBC 5 reporter Natalie Martinez requesting interview subjects.
A Hundred Strangers
Photographer Treasure just started a new project: 100 Strangers. Her first subject may be surprisingly familiar if you're a Cubs fan.
Chicago's Got Talent (We Hope)
The Chicago Theatre will be hosting auditions for the next season of reality/variety show "America's Got Talent" on April 27th and 28th. If you're interested in seeing what our fine city has to offer, for better or for worse, free tickets are currently available.
Protesting Wrigley -- for Pay
About 60 protesters were outside Wrigley Field yesterday, supposedly upset about the proposed Toyota sign. Turns out they were paid for their time. No wonder they didn't seem very upset.
Comparing Hot Properties
Former Chicagoan Nate Silver recently wrote about the most livable neighborhoods in New York, his new home. On his blog, he explains his methodology and compares NYC housing costs with Chicago.
Get Crafty
Crafters, if you're looking to up your (business) game, CraftyCon may be for you. It's being held here in Chicago this October.
Microscopic Art
Nicole Gallery in River North opens an exhibition of Willard Wigan's incredible micro-sculptures today. He'll be at the gallery on Saturday from 11am to 1pm. [via]
Get a New T-Sh✶rt
Local artist and designer Greg Dressel recently, um, designed a new Chicago themed t-shirt which you can buy right now in a variety of colors. Of course, if you're feeling the Chicago fabric love, don't forget GB's very own t-shirts.
Garden Growing with the Season
The Chicago Botanic Garden has launched a 10 year, $250 million plan to build new facilities and increase its endowment. Among other improvements, you can look forward to bike path extensions and a children's campus.
A Call to Close the Great Lakes
In Mechanics, author Edward McClelland makes a case for closing the Great Lakes for business.
Brick by Brick
Speaking of Mr. Wright, Matija Grguric of Croatia built this amazing Lego version of Fallingwater, much more realistic than the set available from Lego. With approximately 15,000 bricks compared to the 811 in the Lego set, it's layers of awesome.
Foodie the Website
Foodie the App is now available to those of us without iPhones: the web version of the discount deal app is live and fully functional.
Write It on a Postcard
Sound engineer Jeremy Lemos is on tour with Pavement, and is blogging about it for the Reader.
The Outfit Lives On
Never believe them when they tell you the Mob is dead.
10 Things Rex Huppke Learned at the Chicago Tweet-Up
"2) Telling Internet people that you work for a newspaper feels a bit like telling them you're a Civil War reenactor." The rest of Rex's list is here. [via]
Oprah Doesn't Do Stairs
Kitty Kelly's upcoming biography of Oprah doesn't paint a pretty picture.
Oh, the Agony
The Beachwood Reporter just launched a new Cubs blog: Agony & Ivy, a sober look at this team in "year one."
Get in the Van
Follow along with the making of independent film Sin Bin on this behind the scenes blog.
Canadian Club
It's not just sparkling water here in Chicago.
Extend Your Taxes (Like a Boss)
Speaking of taxes, Rockstar CPA will once again help folks file their income tax extensions for free. Look for them at Alliance Bakery from 10am to 10pm April 14 and at Small Bar on Division from noon to midnight on the 15th.
Downtown Prison Reportedly Unpleasant
Harry Weese ensured that the Metropolitan Correctional Center was visually striking, but now it's found its way into a book for being less than ideal on the inside. If you're itching for other tales of life inside the prison, you can read this detailed 2007 review from the fiancée of an inmate. If you'd like to toss your hat into the ring, you can always review it ... on Yelp.
Tax Tacos
Whether you're celebrating or trying to forget, make tacos a part of your April 15th. Taco Del Mar (3955 N. Broadway) is giving one away: head to the website to print out your coupon.
Birthday Brow Wax
Men born in April to the end of the year, you're in luck: Halo [for Men] offers select free spa extras on your birthday (such as as shampoo or brow wax) with the purchase of another salon or spa service.
Back to the ER/Chicago Hope/Due South/Early Edition Glory Days
If you like to scene spot TV shows for local locations, things are looking up! The Sun-Times reports that there're six pilots for TV Shows that are currently being filmed in town.
Chicago May Still Find a Place in the Supreme Court
While the Supreme Court may be losing a Chicagoan, at least two of the contenders for his replacement have Chicago connections. Merrick B. Garland is from the region, and Diane P. Wood is currently a judge on Chicago's United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.
Oprah Announces What's Next
It seems that Oprah decided what to do once she retires her current show and does something new. Meet the new host of "Oprah's Next Chapter," which will be on The Oprah Winfrey Network.
Tastes Like a Winner
Tony Mantuano, Terzo Piano chef and Top Chef Masters contestant, dominated the second season's debut challenges. Judge the dishes yourself at Terzo Piano through the end of the month.
Park Appreciation
The Infrastructurist gives Millennium Park props as one of the Best New Urban Parks in the U.S. Now get out there and enjoy it! [via]
Don't Let the Crocs Get You
"These Crocs ads on the El platforms are really awful and creepy. Unless someone does this to them. Then, comedy gold."
Frank Lloyd Wright's Crazy Vision of the American City
Chicago architectural icon had a dream: an America covered with "little villages" all connected by super highways as an alternative to "megacities." It, uh... it didn't go over well.
Trib Makes a Deal
The Tribune Company has reached a settlement with its creditors that may allow it to emerge from bankruptcy. (Here's the Tribune's story on the deal.)
Justice Stevens to Retire
Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens, a Chicago native, announced today that he will retire this summer.
Just Columbia's Type
Want your document to look like it was part of Columbia College's old marketing campaign? Set it in Sansarah.
A Berry Good Spring
We have some ways to take advantage of the strawberry surplus in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
The Power of Groupon
Groupon has become such a force to be reckoned that Inc. Magazine has a how-to article explaining how businesses can take advantage of it.
Fighting Pollution by Twos
Several aldermen are about to float an ordinance that would require Midwest Generation to update or close its Fisk and Crawford coal-fired power plants. It's not the first time the two plants have been in the spotlight over environmental concerns.
Michelle Obama's Facelift
Not only does the First Lady have some new neighbors, but she also seems to have an entirely new upper body.
We Can Have Happy Hour Underground
Stay dry while getting sloshed with a pub crawl via Chicago's subterranean Pedway. [Bonus: A map of the system for your designated navigator. Plus, GB's '04 Detour through the tunnels.]
Riding All the Buses
The Red Eye's Tracy Swartz is on a mission to ride every CTA bus line in the city. She just hit 50.
Medical Marijuana Legal in Illinois
Technically, Illinois already has a medical marijuana law. But until another law passes, you still can't smoke.
Beer Tumblers
Glassblower Nick Paul opens up the necks of beer and soda bottles and sells them as neat recycled glassware. [via]
Sleep(walk)ing around River North
Ever watch the Amazing Race and think you could do it -- if it weren't for the jetlag? Take part in the River North Sleep Around Challenge, and you won't even need to leave the 312 area code. The Challenge Starts at the Holiday Inn Mart Plaza and ends up at Martini Park. Along the way, there are stops at seven hotels that will provide challenges and refreshments. Lots of prizes will be offered. Tickets available from the River North Business Association.
Red Sox Beat Cubs
Not on the field (yet, anyway) -- in ticket price. The Cubs are the most expensive in the National League, and behind only Boston for most expensive in baseball.
Storage by Mail
When it's just too much hassle to get to a storage facility, Plainfield's Storage by the Box has an interesting solution: mail it there.
Extra Time for Matisse
Apparently the AIC got sick of kicking the hordes of tourists out of the new Matisse exhibit on Friday nights so they've decided to keep the museum open until 8 on Fridays while it's up. Might make for a nice little date after work.
Nudists Get a Moment in the Sun
Chicago Fun Club is a newish nudist social group in town. Karl Klockers attended a recent meeting for Time Out.
Chicago Puppy Love
One Tail at a Time rescues unwanted dogs and finds them new, loving homes. The organization runs without a shelter, relying on crackerjack foster dog-parents to care for animals until they're adopted. Last week they raised $1,000 in just days to offset medical expenses for a rescued dog named Pinecone. Check out their fundraiser this weekend or apply to foster a pup.
MSI's New Cube
The Museum of Science and Industry's new logo garnered a thorough review on Brand New.
The Lonely Spotlight
In Transmission we explore Chicago's open mic scene and our writer puts himself in the hot seat.
Bring Me the Head of Jimmy Corrigan
Chris Ware's smartest kid on earth will provide you with hours of plush and depressing fun. Place him on your couch or bed and taunt his decapitated helplessness. Whee!
Seeking Evidence for a Ubiquitous Quote
Susan Augustine of the The Art Institute's Ryerson and Burnham Libraries recently determined the veracity of an often used (but typically unattributed) Henri Matisse quote. The in-house translation of the now authenticated quote is, "It has always bothered me that I don't paint like everyone else."
Does Sex Sell Conservative Ideals?
A Chicago GOP website currently features a photo of a topless woman, illustrating a post about Democratic "job creation" through women getting memoirs based on their affairs. (NSFW, obviously.) More details on WindyCitizen.
Mammoth Talent
Meet Velizar Simeonovski, the artist behind all the cool extinct fauna drawings for the Field Museum's Mammoths and Mastodons and other exhibits.
85 Tours in 365 days
Chicago Architecture Foundation's Jennifer Lucente has tasked herself with a challenge: participate in all of the CAF's 85 tours over the course of one year. Best part? You can join her (or at least watch from the social media sidelines).
Volunteer the Drive
You can still save a couple bucks on Bike the Drive if you sign up by Monday. Or if you'd like to get more involved, they're looking for some volunteers.
Have You Seen This Dinosaur?
Midlothian residents Gary and Cathy Crawford are missing a velociraptor, and they'd like it back.
Getting Healthy, Panel by Panel
Local comic book artist Sarah Becan chronicles getting healthier in a sort of sequential weight loss diary. Good for anyone who likes beer and delicious food but is trying to slim down, and/or enjoys sweet, autobiographical, journal-style comics.
Protecting Dignitaries on the Southwest Side
...Not from it. Heat Armor bullet-proofs -- and, increasingly, IED-proofs -- vehicles for clients around the world from a compound not far from Midway.
Styx to Koko Taylor to Screaching Weasel
Chicago magazine's Jeff Ruby has opinions about the 40 best albums by Chicago artists. Correct him if where he's wrong.
Drink Like Your Life No Longer Depends On It
That's right, the Zombie Pub Crawl is back. Sign-up opens this Saturday for the April 24 invasion of Andersonville.
An Excerpt from Life, then The Wagon
"For most of the day, I avoided the crime scene of the murdered Macedonian man."
5040 Greenwood Sold
The Obamas' have some new neighbors moving in next door. The Kenwood mansion sold for a paltry $1.4 million.
Economist Bull Talk
In Tailgate, Brian Lauvray talks with sports economist David Berri about the Bulls' season and basketball in general.
Track Those Expenses
Apparently Chicago is a hotbed for mobile web expense trackers. Joining TextHog in that market is ProOnGo, which lets you auto-fill your expense reports.
More on the Lakeshore Theater Closing
A.V. Club Chicago gets the inside word on the closing of the Lakeshore Theater this weekend.
Windowshopping for Art
It's a case of making lemonade out of the lemons of vacant storefronts. The New York Times recognizes Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood and Evanston as leading the way using that space for art displays.
Behind Enemy Lines
This license plate has probably started many a fight in Wisconsin.
Behind the Comic Con
In Book Club, we've got an interview with Lance Fensterman, vice president of pop culture at Reed Exhibitions, about his love of comics and this weekend's Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo.
Ever Feel Like You're Being... Watched?
Chicago is, apparently, one of the most closely watched cities in the world. Estimates put the number of cameras watching us at about 10,000. So, relax. You're not paranoid after all.
Rippling, Splashing and Cascading
A University of Chicago group is taking discussion of education beyond of the classroom and wants you to participate. Ripple is a free conference seeking to bring together those interested in education with Chicago education experts, from Tim Knowles of the Urban Education Institute to Bill Ayers. You can register online, if you're so inclined.
This American Life In Top 10
This American Life's episode on the financial crisis, The Giant Pool of Money, was selected as one of the 10 best works of American journalism of the last decade by NYU's journalism school.
Steak and SUVs
In too good to be true automotive news, Hummer supporters will supposedly converge on Da Coach's steakhouse for meat and a press conference in hopes that doing so will save their trucks.
Stick Around. Say Hello.
The Hello Project invites you to say "Hello" to the world on a 3x3 Post-It note and join the mosaic. It's the brain spawn of area creatives Joseph Delhommer and Kristen Caston.
No Pressure, Knox College
Galesburg, Ill.'s Knox College is known for snagging pretty impressive Commencement speakers, such as Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, Madeleine Albright, Stephen Colbert, and last year, Patrick J. Fitgerald. So, this June's graduation should be interesting.
Bakery Hop
Forget bar and pub: Chicago Bites' cupcake crawl is where it's at. [via]
Kiss Her Goodbye
The 2010 season will be Chicago White Sox organist Nancy Faust's last.
Night at the Museum
A special After Hours tour of the new Matisse exhibit will have DJ's, cocktails and performances take over the Art Institute on Friday, April 9 from 9 to midnight. Then there's the intergalactastic "Superhero" themed Adler After Dark the following Thursday, April 15 at the Adler Planetarium at 6pm.
Chicago on Tape
WindyCitizen has started a video channel to collect the best Chicago-related videos in one place.
Sex Trafficking in Chicago
In Mechanics, Danny Fenster tells the story of Maria, a young woman pushed into prostitution by her boyfriend, and one organization that's trying to help women like her.
Date Roulette
New locally developed dating site WinkVid lets you speed-date via your computer's camera.
Blago Fired Again
Rod Blagojevich was fired from "Celebrity Apprentice" yesterday.
Take Control of WBEZ.org
The good folks at Chicago Public Radio are currently redesigning their website, and they want your feedback. Getting involved is more fun than you might expect due to redesign tools including a discussion forum and a visual design editor.
Turning Coffee into Wine
While Intelligentsia may not be quitting the roasting business, its founder does want you to think of coffee the way you think of wine.
Chicago White Sox, Otherwise Known As Father-Daughter Bonding
Here's a heartwarming essay by Dave Revsine on how baseball and particularly White Sox fandom helps him bond with his daughter.
Final Four Drinks
Whether you're a fan of Butler, Michigan State, Duke or West Virginia, there's a bar in Chicago for you. Here's where to drink among friends this weekend.
Bar and Notary Public
Lake Effect News profiles Ollie Latiker, owner of Ollie's Lounge in Edgewater.
Valuable Bent Plywood
Two Eames experts are auctioning their considerable collection at the Wright auction house here in Chicago next week. Check out the catalog.
Partially Concealing the Proposed Wrigley Sign
The Department of Zoning has modified plans to erect a 38-foot-tall sign at Wrigley Field. The changes will make it less visible from the street and better integrate it into the park. While the modifications won't ensure the sign will be approved, what's certain is that the sign can't be ready for opening day.
Eating with Your Eyes
Food with a view in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
Free to a Good Home
Who wouldn't want a box of tiny elephants?
Talking Content
The Web Content conference is in Chicago this June if you're into that sort of thing.
Lakeshore Theater Closing
Not an April Fool's joke, sadly: The AV Club reports that the Lakeshore Theater will be closing its doors for good after the Jim Jeffries shows on April 9 and 10.
Honoring Blagojevich with Your Art
Now that Blago doesn't get a portrait in the State House, Chicago magazine wants you to make one.
Getting the Falafel Rolling
The upscale food truck trend is heating up across the country, and now chicagofoodtrucks.com is gathering opinions and support for an ordinance that would open the city to the mobile eateries. Time Out Chicago launches its own Street Food Now campaign this month.
Not so Secret Plans
Time Out Chicago went all-out with its April Fools issue.
Great Places to Sit Outdoors
In Fuel, we're sharing our favorite beer gardens, patios and other outdoor seating areas for enjoying this wonderful weather. GB staffer Jasmine Davila is helpfully mapping them for your future reference at icanhaz.com/chicagoalfresco.
April Cools (from Here)
You're not imagining things: today is the hottest April 1 on record. The warmth doesn't last, alas -- Friday will stay warm, but the weekend looks to be rainy and cooler, moving back into normal spring temperatures.
Fool Me Once or Twice
Chicagoist has a round-up of Chicagoland sites with April Fools Day pranks.
Columbia Broadcasting Company
Columbia College's TV department is filming a sitcom. Check out the trailer for details on how to be part of the live studio audience.
Intelligensia is Out of Beans
We have the breaking news over at Drive-Thru. Also, a new CSA arrives on the scene.
Tomorrow, We Walk
Bike to Work Week is a great success in Chicago, and so the Active Transportation Alliance is taking it a step further with Walk to Work Day tomorrow, April 2. Good thing the weather is cooperating.
But Has He Declared a Major Yet?
In a combination of unprecedented talent and life imitating Mr. Show, 10-year-old Jaylin Fleming is already being courted by college recruiters for his basketball prowess.
Aldermanic Art
The 50 Aldermen/50 Artists Project closes this Friday, but if you haven't seen it, fear not: the Reader has a gallery of all 50 portraits. Plus a quiz.
Learning the Biz
In Transmission we explore Columbia College Chicago's Arts, Entertainment, & Media Management Program or AEMMP and the students' own label.
Watch the Cook County Census
The Tribune has created a detailed map of Cook County's US Census participation, and will be updating it daily as new data comes in. How's your ward looking?
Watch Robots Destroy Chicago
In March, Michael Bay announced that Transformers 3 will be partially filmed in Chicago. Now Collecticon is reporting that the film will be shooting on the Magnificent Mile, among other locations.
