Join Steve at the Movies for a Double Feature!
Our film critic, Steve Prokopy, has a free screening of Spanish zombie films [REC] and [REC] 2 next Wednesday -- and you're invited! Details in A/C.
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
Merge
Monthly Archive
June 2010
A Loaf for All Seasons
Leah A. Zeldes of Dining Chicago argues that meatloaf really is a summer food, and passes off a simple, delicious-sounding recipe from Chef Alfredo Anaya does at Dine in the West Loop. [via]
Books Are For Squares
A Fox News Chicago report asks the burning question: Who needs libraries? Certainly not Chicagoans! Vehement book bloggers take issue.
Everything is Still Terrible
Everything is Terrible brings its second feature found footage film mashup, 2Everything2Terrible2: Tokyo Drift, to the Music Box tomorrow night. Get yer tickets now!
Get Healthy, Get Creative
Your health and creativity go hand in hand, i.e. it's hard to paint when you can't afford antibiotics, and anyone who romanticizes consumption probably never got an emergency room bill. The Artists' Health Insurance Resource Center is a directory of health care resources for artists, performers, freelancers and the self-employed -- and wouldn't you know it, Chicago's part of it too.
City Sticker Deadline Slips
Haven't gotten your city sticker yet? For once, you're not too late. Due to an adhesive issue, the City is extending the deadline for getting a 2010 sticker for your vehicle until July 15, and bumping the grace period to July 30.
Meta City Guide
A.V. Club Chicago reviews city guides to Chicago, and offers its own advice.
Carefully Crafted Code
The Software Craftsmanship Conference will be in Chicago this October; registration just opened.
Biography of a Gun
From Chicago magazine's archives: A story that traces the life of a gun that was fired at a 7-year-old girl in West Englewood. It's an excellent primer into how firearms end up in criminals' hands despite the efforts to prevent exactly that.
Kirk Comes Clean
Senate candidate Congressman Mark Kirk apologized Tuesday for the many "misstatements" and factual errors in his official bio, nearly a month after news of his exaggerated military record broke.
In Case You Forgot
There will be no July 3 fireworks this year. Yes, that means you'll have to trek through Sunday's crowd.
Candy, Gum, Chocolate, Coffee, Biscuits and Powdered Drinks
Suburban culinary megacompany Kraft Foods, Inc. is embarking on product and advertising realignment following its recent acquisition of Cadbury. The process provides some interesting insight into how multinational consumer product companies strategize global growth -- namely by selling sugary stuff to developing countries.
395 Yeas for the Hawks
The U.S. House of Representatives very officially congratulated the Blackhawks this afternoon after a vote of 395-5.
Goose-20? G-312?
Obama toasted with a Goose Island 312 in a photo op with British Prime Minister David Cameron at the G-20 summit.
Analyzing the Lollapalooza Investigation
Jim DeRogatis has written one heck of a post analyzing Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan's investigation of Lollapalooza's "radius clauses."
Rose and...Wade?
Add another name to the list of free agents thinking about joining the Bulls this Fall. The Chicago Tribune reports that Dwyane Wade (a Chicago native) may be planning a visit with the Bulls early in his free agency period, which begins this Thursday.
Latino Chicago Online
You know what, let's just make it Latino online press day. If you're looking for indie Latino news and events, check out my list after the jump.
600 Words
Adentro de Pilsen
Arte y Vida
Café Media
Contratiempo
Extra
Gozamos
Hispanically Speaking News
HispanicTips
Lawndale News
Pilsen Portal
Proyecto Latina
Radio Arte
The South Chicagoan
Am I missing some? Email me: by Andrew Huff — 06/29 — Resources
Whole Body
The Gold Coast branch of Whole Foods brings back their Yoga on the Rooftop summer series: every Tuesday at 6pm, professional yoga instructors will help you increase strength and flexibility from the rooftop of 1 W. Superior. BYOYM (bring your own yoga mat).
Do You Like Colombian Music?
The first-ever Colombian Music Festival kicks off Thursday and runs the whole month of July.
Illusionists in Illinois
Fascinated by feats of illusion, trickery, and sleight of hand? The Elmhurst Historical Museum explores Chicago's connection to the world of magic in "The Magical History Tour," running through September 12.
2 Cs Became Cubs & Sox
DesignCrave compares Major League Baseball teams' original logos to their current ones. The Sox logo may look familiar to fans, but the Cubs' original is really obscure. [via]
Saving Journalism by Helping Journalists
Speaking of typing, the Chicago Headline Club is hosting a fundraiser on Thursday for out of work journalists. The money will go towards the journalists' freelance reporting costs, equipment needs and skill development workshops.
Chicago: Sin in the Second QWERTY
Zoomar reprints an old ad touting a, presumably, naughty book about a pretty girl in Chicago. I'd touch-type that, bro.
Not too Busy to Wear Nice Clothes
Trunk Club is a clothing service for men with too much to do. (Or a hatred of clothes shopping.)
Nominate a Latina Star
Know a successful Latina? Nominate her for Café Media's Nueva Latina Star awards.
Burge Found Guilty
Big news out of the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse: former Chicago Police commander Jon Burge was found guilty of perjury and obstruction of justice in connection a number of allegations of torture from decades past.
Remembering Fred Anderson
We've got details in Transmission about the public wake for saxophonist and Velvet Lounge founder Fred Anderson, as well as a round-up of remembrances.
Theatre Grows in Albany Park
The Albany Park Theater Project does much more than just put on plays. Learn more about it in A/C.
Growing with Greenbacks
Some area residents are putting their money where there mouth is and investing in local organic farms in order to help sustain their own pantries.
Are You Armando Diaz Experienced?
The Armando Diaz Experience at the iO is long-form improvisation in which a monologist tells personal stories that provide the inspiration for the resulting scenes. The cast is often joined by guests from "MADtv," "Saturday Night Live," "Late Night with Conan O'Brien," The Second City and more.
Threadless on Tour
Threadless is going on tour with its Airstream trailer this summer, and the first stop is close by: their Ravenswood office. Come to Threadless HQ on Friday, July 2 for an open house and party; RSVP here.
A Very Different Architectural Boat Tour
Forgotten Chicago is hosting a boat tour of the Calumet River in August. Check out the US Steel South Works and other heavy industrial sites while sipping beer and wine!
A Deal for Late Risers
It's getting hard to keep track of all the daily deal sites; at least 3o'clockClub.com differentiates by time -- its deals change at 3pm, rather than midnight.
A Sporty Pride Parade
As promised, the Stanley Cup visited the Pride Parade yesterday. Fausto Fernos of Feast of Fun talked with Brent Sopel, the Hawk who made it happen, at the parade. More photos here, here and here.
Goodbye, Childhood
Forthcoming generations of Chicagoland kids will never experience the joy of Kiddieland, the Melrose Park amusement park that is being demolished today. Maybe they can find fun at the Costco that will replace it?
Is Chicago America's Heroin Capital?
According to a new report by Roosevelt University's Illinois Consortium on Drug Policy, there are more emergency room cases of heroin in and around Chicago than in any other major city. Other findings here.
Reel Live Vampire
Ex-GBer, now Reader and Wonkette writer Lauri Apple got some odd hate mail after writing about racism in Tennessee.
Supreme Court Strikes Down Chicago's Gun Ban
In a 5-4 decision upholding the challenge to Chicago's 30-year gun ban, Justice Samuel Alito wrote that the Second Amendment right to bear arms "applies equally to the federal government and the states." Meanwhile, 26 people across Chicago were shot this weekend. More from the Reader.
Gas Guzzlers Goodbye
You'll soon see many more odd taxis plying the city's streets now that Ford had discontinued the Crown Victoria. More Chrysler 300 limos, too -- the Lincoln Town Car is also gone.
Beware the Pizza Mafia
It seems that people didn't care much for Jeff Ruby's list of his 25 favorite Chicago pizzas.
This Champ Doesn't Win a Cup, He Pours One
Mike Phillips won the 2010 World Barista Championship in London on Friday. Sounds like the Stanley Cup should pay a visit to Intelligentsia.
Obama Does Racine
If you just so happen to be in the Wisconsin area next Wednesday you'll catch President Barack Obama.
Gather Round the Square
Two fun music-related events in Logan Square this Saturday: Summer Sessions on the Square and Strangelight's DIY Fair.
True Out at The Reader
Chicago Reader editor Alison True was fired this morning.
Local Notes
Coudal Partners' Field Notes just launched a "county fair" edition, which means you can pick up notebooks with a bunch of interesting facts about Illinois or some other random state.
Wal-Mart's Empty Promise
Local First Chicago says, "Wal-Mart will not bring jobs to Chicago."
Hot Diggity Dog
We visit a Chicago institution of encased meats in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
A Building Vision
Artist Tony Tasset's giant eye sculpture is now under construction in Pritzker Park at State and Jackson.
It'd Be a ChicagoCrime not to Apply
EveryBlock is hiring a community manager.
Does Anyone Know Where the Love of God Goes, When the Waves Turn the Minutes to Hours?
Just off the Milwaukee shoreline, divers rediscovered a 112-year-old wooden steamship perfectly preserved in Lake Michigan's icy waters. The L.R. Doty sank with all hands (and two cats) in 1898.
R.I.P., Fred Anderson
Jazz saxophonist Fred Anderson, owner of the Velvet Lounge and mentor to numerous jazz musicians, has passed away.
Tops of the City
The Reader's annual Best of Chicago issue is out. (I'd opt for the print edition over the ridiculously over-paginated online version.)
The "Absentee" . . .
. . . in "Absentee Ballot" doesn't stand for absence of ethics.
Pro-Walmart Demonstrators Need Fact Checkers
Two demonstrators photographed in a recent NYTimes article about Walmart's Chicago invasion claim "Benefits from Walmart better than AFDC." That should be no surprise, given Aid to Families with Dependent Children was retired in 1996.
That Darn Clause
Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan's office is looking into the "radius clauses" imposed by Lollapalooza upon its performers. These clauses prohibit bands from playing in Chicago for months before and after the musical festival takes place in August 2010.
City of Big Shoulders
According to a study by the makers of Combos Snacks, Chicago is the seventh manliest city in America. The ranking process involved "using manly criteria like the number of home improvement stores, steak houses, pickup trucks and motorcycles per capita."
Teaching Through Hip Hop
Joe Becker is a middle school teacher and hip hop artist trying to inspire his students to overcome adversity in their homes, neighborhoods and school.
KRACKA-BOOOOOOOOOOM!
Always awesome: From last night's storm, a triple lighting strike on the Hancock, Trump, and former Sears Tower.
Poster Gamer
Speaking of Kickstarter, local designer Justin David Russo's videogame posters were a major success. Hopefully they'll be available for purchase for those of us not lucky enough to get in on the funding.
Kickstart a Few Projects
Checking in at Kickstarter, there are some local projects looking for funding. Films Southern Comfort and Marathon, an animation project for the Blue Line tunnel, a website collecting stories of Chicago chefs' favorite farmers and more await your support.
I Ganked This Link Off Twitter
Speaking of cool things in the new Chicago magazine, they have a list of 40 words that Chicago and Chicagoans have contributed to the English language. So want people to know you're a true Chicagoan? Call them an asswipe or an egghead.
Not Everything Shrinks in a Recession
Chicago's population is a notable exception to the recession's downward figures.
Music After Work
You could do a lot worse on a Wednesday evening than stop by Millennium Park after work for Pink Martini at the Pritzker Pavilion. UPDATE: Most people probably did do a lot worse, what with the crazy storm and all.
Asian Carp in Found Beyond Electric Barriers
A 34" Bighead carp was found yesterday in Lake Calumet, making it the first such fish caught beyond the electric barriers.
Our Gonfalon Bubble
"Tinker to Evers to Chance." Baseball's Sad Lexicon in pictures.
"How to Govern Chicago"
From 1895: "Chicago needs a deliverer, a leader strong enough to raise the people to a higher plain of political morality. There are already too many reformers who are in the business because it is popular."
Trump It Up
The spire atop the Trump Tower will be turned on for the first time tonight around 8:29 pm.
Storm Windows
Last Friday's storm finally made the building at 22 W. Washington look interesting, Lynn Becker says.
Buy a Puppet, Help a Puppet Bike
Chicago's beloved mobile street entertainment known to one and all as Puppet Bike will offer up a little piece of itself on eBay starting next week. Owner/Creator Jason Trusty is "retiring" several older puppets and you can take them home, if you're the highest bidder.
Room for Rumpus
The Rumpus is an online culture magazine edited by author Stephen Elliott, a former Chicagoan who spent a year homeless.
Food Fights! At Noon Today
Join me and writers from the Trib, Time Out Chicago, Sky Full of Bacon and other bosses of the trade for today's Lunchbox liveblog chat at noon on Vocalo--we'll be talking about food truck legislation, the noshes that will be available at Lollapalooza and Taste of Chicago, and whatever else tickles our fancy.
Potter Palmer IV Tours His Great-Grandfather's Hotel
The Palmer House Hilton offers historic tours of the hotel. Crain's Shia Kampos took the tour with Potter Palmer IV to get his impressions.
Dress that Underpass
Chicago-based artists can submit a design for one of 12 CTA and Metra underpasses needing some beautification in the 49th Ward (Rogers Park). Applications (PDF) are due by July 16th.
The Beauty of Strange Closets
Chicago blog Strange Closets takes a close look at the charming and beautiful all around us. Similar to Apartment Therapy, but 100% local, the blog features shopping, interior design, and architecture you'll love looking at.
Neither Can I
Jeff Ruby can't watch a Chicago movie without spotting what's wrong.
Film Project Opps
Registration is open for the 48 Hour Film Project, Fractured Lens Video Festival is looking for submissions. Get a move on!
Have a 3.0 GPA? Have a 3.333 Instead
The NYTimes notes that the U of C Law School's 186 point grading system has helped protect it against the grade inflation pressures felt at other schools.
What To Do in 312 (and 773)
Do312 is a new event listing site celebrating its launch tonight.
The Cup & Cubs in the Pride Parade
The Stanley Cup will make an appearance at this weekend's Gay Pride Parade -- as will Boystown neighbors the Cubs. The boys in blue will run a float for the first time ever, and Ernie Banks will be on it.
Jody Watley Comes Home
Singer Jody Watley talks in Transmission about her experiences growing up in Chicago, her upcoming album and her show at the Harold Washington Cultural Center this Friday.
Do Not Mess with Neko Case
"I will seriously pummel your f*cking face."
Lightbank: "They are studs"
SFGate profiles Chicago venture capital firm Lightbank and places it in a trend for startups outside of Silicon Valley.
Get Your Hot Dog from a Hood
Chicago Storytelling has a story about Felony Franks, the new hot dog stand on Western Avenue that employs ex-convicts to dish out its "misdemeanor wieners" through bullet-proof glass. Owner Jim Andrews is fighting the alderman to let his stand serve time.
Don't Mix the Grain with the Grape
The latest in highway sploshing. A load of grapes spilled on the Stevenson yesterday, and today a truck rolled over on the Edens, losing 1200 cases of Miller Lite. Last March it was honey. Yummy. UPDATE: Here are a couple of photographs of the destroyed truck.
Food Porn for Your Morn
Behind the scenes at Kith and Kin, and a recent grand tour at Alinea.
Celebrating Sullivan from an Era of Modernism
Blair Kamin draws our attention to Looking after Louis Sullivan, a new show at the Art Institute that highlights photography, drawings and fragments of the architect's work.
The Latest in Mold-A-Rama News
Rotofugi and Squibbles INK have been been hard at work on Roto-A-Matic, a Mold-A-Rama machine that's being refurbished to create custom artist molds. Meanwhile, the Mold-A-Rama in Lincoln Park Zoo changed from a yellow lion to a green gorilla this year.
Hidden Treasures
Venture to the West Side much? Maybe you should.
Tasting Chicago on Your iPhone
Before you head to the Taste of Chicago this year, you may want to download its pretty darned good official app [opens in iTunes].
Jammed! At Least They Didn't Give Us the Raspberries...
The northbound I-55 on-ramp to the Tri-State Tollway might be a bit sticky for a while after a truck hauling grapes rolled.
Walmart's Invasion Plans Made Semi-Public
Remember those reports about Walmart wanting to invade Chicago? Today it unveiled its plan to build dozens of stores over the next five years through what it's calling the "Chicago Community Investment Partnership." Here's the press release.
Bike Sharing Comes to Chicago
B-Cycle bike sharing service is launching in July with 100 bikes in six locations around the city. Like I-Go or Zipcar, you buy a membership and then get access to a bike when you need one for an hourly fee.
Telling Pilsen's Story
StoryCorps is recording stories in Pilsen until June 26. If you or family/friends live in the neighborhood, you can register to tell your tale now.
IPhone Attacks Chicago
In addition to the authors living in Chicago, Ars Technica's review of Apple's iOS 4 has another local connection: the cool iphone wallpaper featuring the skyline under attack.
Big Star Tacos, Metal Burgers at Lolla
Wondering what you'll eat at Lollapalooza? Big Star, Kuma's, Rockit and Hoosier Mama are among the options.
Who Will Win the "Oil Spill Cup"?
Rather than being a coup for the Sox, Cubs and BP, the BP Crosstown Cup has turned out to be a public relations nightmare.
No Winners Here
Lincoln Park's Wiener's Circle, described as "a microcosm of segregation in Chicago" and ranked 56th in journalist Catherine Price's highly subjective (nothing's unpleasant in France, really?) but admittedly entertaining 101 Places Not to See Before You Die. At least it beat out New Jersey's Grover Cleveland Service Area?
It Really was a Mission from God
The Vatican blessed The Blues Brothers last week, calling it a "Catholic classic." (Thanks, Phineas!)
Take the Party Cab to the Party
You've heard about the singing cabbie, but have you ridden in the Party Cab?
Feed Your Eyes
Chicago certainly is home to The Food of the Gods.
There Should Be a Nerd Museum. Wait, Aren't They All?
MuseumNerd tweeted his/her way through a plethora of Chicago museums this weekend. That's right: a whole PLETHORA. [via]
Hired Meter Maids Back in Action
Parking meter enforcement resumes today. The Parking Ticket Geek did a little math to show how even with just a few ticket-writers on patrol, it adds up to big bucks.
What a Weekend
Microbursts, power outages, butane explosions, Red Line fires -- good thing we had that week of disaster simulations to prepare for it all.
Red Line Fire
A fire in a Red Line tunnel had 19 passengers heading to hospitals yesterday. Scary stuff.
Fewer Low Notes in Chicago
Lynn Becker and the Trib's William Lee eulogize Aaron Dodd, who most knew best as the Michigan Avenue tuba player.
So Bad It's Good
Why do we love bad movies? Leor Galil and Ray Pride contemplate an answer in NewCity.
Wood-Maxey-Boyd Interior Finally Viewable
Chicago magazine has the first video tour and photographs of the recently cleaned interior of the historic Wood-Maxey-Boyd House, the lone survivor of two waves of construction and demolition on Lower Prairie Avenue.
Don't Panic
The CTA train that derailed today was apparently just a simulation (no wonder we didn't hear much about it). It's not the apocalypse; there have just been eight disaster simulations over the last five days.
Snow in June
If you've tried everything your local ice cream truck has to offer, you can move on to more exotic frozen fare--like xue hua bing, shaved ice from Taiwan now available at Cloud 9.
The Sweet Taste of Corruption
Phil Vettel considers other Chicago politics themed frozen treats, inspired by Bobtail Ice Cream's Blago's Blues flavor.
Not La Vida Loca, But Close
Tomorrow, join other green Chicagoans for La Vida Verde, a day filled with eco workshops, a beach cleanup, and even a dance party.
Know the Codes
The Chicago municipal codes, that is.
Back to Work, in the Kitchen
Inspiration Corporation's Cafe Too is a place where the homeless and unemployed learn a valuable trade while they start a new chapter in their lives. We take a closer look at the program in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
A Mission from Gahd
The Blues Brothers is 30 years old this week. The Empty Bottle is screening it on Sunday as part of its Rock & Roll Cinema series.
Documenting the Urban Forest
The Morton Arboretum's Edith Makra is heading up the first regional tree Census since she last did one in 1993.
The World of of Africa on Film
The African Diaspora Film Festival kicks off tonight at Facets Cinematheque, 1517 W. Fullerton.
What the Fudge News
David Rutter pens This Week in WTF for the Beachwood Reporter (he started last week).
Tomorrow is June 19th
How are you celebrating Juneteenth tomorrow?
Free Concert Alert
Head down to Millennium Park this evening for Beethoven's Mass in C major.
Buying Art to Make Art
Local photographer Daniel Shea is holding a print sale in order to fund the second half of
Plume, "a photographic exploration of Southeast Ohio and its unusually dense concentration of coal-fired power plants." If you're interested in full exhibition prints, those are available too.
Street Art in Context
With the recent visit by Banksy in support of his movie, the business side of street art has been on display. Fortunately, we still have some stellar free stuff.
America's Deadliest
Chicago is a violent town, as the nightly news reminds us. But did you know that if the South and West sides were separate cities, they'd be the murder capitals of America?
"You get a star! You get a star! Everybody gets a star!"
Oprah Winfrey will be getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2011.
I've Got a Sandwich & It's Effin' Golden
The cafeteria in the Dirksen Federal Building offered a special today: "The Innocent, aka Blago." Too bad we already had lunch.
Twenties on the Half Shell
Big Dog Eat Child knows that even mutant ninja turtles don't stay teenagers forever.
Danger: You are Near a Coal-Fired Power Plant
The Rainforest Action Network and local artists are working with community groups in Little Village and Pilsen to alert residents about the dangers of area coal-fired power plants. This volley: warning street signs.
Karate Kid Too?
Local filmmaker Floyd Webb wrote up an interesting and thoughtful pair of blog posts about his early martial arts days in Chicago and elsewhere, and the "Mr. Miyagi" in his life. Also, look forward to his upcoming Flicks of Fury martial arts film series at ICE Theaters down in Chatham.
Star Bright
IT training program i.c.stars gets some attention from tech publisher O'Reilly.
Fewer Brazilians
Groupon is considering a version "for dudes."
The Bluegrass Connection
Chicago's a city built on the blues, for sure, but what do you know of our thriving bluegrass scene? Educate yourself in Transmission.
Something Caught My Eye
Emo Philips tells BoingBoing about the case of an Italian comedian who's ripped off jokes from countless other, more famous comedians.
Nudity in Loop Gallery
If you haven't come across this week's Chicago Reader cover, it's an impromptu performance indeed by performing artist Joseph Ravens.
Welcoming a "little bit of mayhem"
Transformers 3 is estimated to bring $20 million, 200 jobs and ten CPS internships to the city when it films here from July 10 until August 19.
Battlepug! ...and Other Comic Coolness
Meet Mike Norton in this week's One-Shots.
Brady Thinks He Could Beat Obama
Bill Brady thinks he could beat Obama if the president were running for Illinois governor right now.
Soccer is Poetry
We've got soccer on the brain in Tailgate right now -- especially a local program that teaches both teamwork and communication skills through a combination of soccer and poetry.
WindyCitizen Founder Wins Knight News Challenge
Brad Flora, founder of WindyCitizen, is one of this year's Knight News Challenge winners. He received $250,000 to develop his Twitter-connected "real-time ads" into a full-fledged ad platform, NowSpots.
Fries With That
Don Thompson, COO of Oak Brook-based McDonald's, talks to the Trib about his tenure at the company, and why a French McDonald's commercial featuring a gay teenage boy and his father won't be airing in the US any time soon.
Walmart Wants to Invade
Notice all those ads on buses and billboards asking you to bug your alderman about the Walmart? It's in support of plans to open dozens across the city.
Historic Argyle
West Argyle Street is now on the National Register of Historic Places in recognition as an entry point for generations of Asian immigrants.
The Angled R
Roosevelt University's recent rebranding got some attention at logo blog Brand New.
The Minds Behind the Velvet Rope
Lauren Rivera, a professor at Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management, looked into how nightclub bouncers determine who's cool enough to get in and who stays outside.
MetaLouPiniellica
Cubs manager Lou Piniella's post-game rant on Friday gets the remix treatment.. [via]
Hero May Face Termination
A Chicago Public School social worker donated his kidney to an almost perfect stranger, but could lose his job for violating district residency requirement.
Need Room for a Pool and a Deck?
Maybe you know someone in city hall who can help you out with removing that pesky garage.
Lord Stanley on the Loose
The Stanley Cup has been taking a break from the party in Chicago to party in LA, but when it returns you can keep tabs on its random appearances via Twitter at WheresTheCup.
It's Like the Lollapalooza of Learning
Learnapalooza spreads its tendrils of free classes across the city this Saturday. Mexican cooking, self hypnosis, independent publishing, and butchery will all be covered amidst the event's 70 workshops. You can RSVP here.
I'm Doing Everything I Can... and Stop Calling Me Shirley.
Taking a page from the movie Airplane!, an American Airlines flight attendant stepped in for the first officer on the flight after he fall ill and assisted in landing the plane normally.
Ebert Wins a Webby
Roger Ebert was named Person of the Year at this year's Webby Awards.
Oprah Aspirations?
You're in luck: The media titan is looking for a budding talk show host for her new cable network, OWN.
Golden Beer in Red, Black & White Labels
Remember how Goose Island wanted help naming their latest beer? The winner is... Hefe-Hawks-Win. Try it for yourself at the RedEye/Metromix Tweet-up tomorrow.
Springfield Tire Fire, Here We Come!
Speaking of where Chicago ends, a 12-acre illegal dump site in Markham has yielded more than 25,000 tires. Maybe the state should burn the tires as a green fuel...
Where Chicago Ends
Photographer Serhii Chrucky explores the edges of the city.
Making Your Appointment
ZocDoc just launched in Chicago, with the aim of being sort of an OpenTable for doctor and dentist appointments.
Chicago Is Kind of a Sketchy Town
The Chicago skyline in Etch a Sketch format.
To and From Chicago
Forbes maps movement to and away from Chicago, showing which counties gained or lost people.
The CBOE Goes Public
NYTimes' Andrew Sorkin wondered before the market opened if the CBOE's IPO today was priced too high. So far, investors are saying, "Nope."
Buildings Sans Faces
Ever notice some older buildings look like they're missing something? It's because of those darn cars.
GLAAD Launches Chicago Leadership Council
GLAAD is launching a Chicago leadership council to help monitor issues and support local advocacy efforts.
Chicago Mag's Top Singles
Take your pick: an executive chef, a short film advocate, a Cubs pitcher and a WBEZ reporter are among Chicago magazine's picks this year.
A Misguided HIV Clinic
The FDA is seeking to ban a doctor specializing in HIV research from doing future work due to false data, lack of protection for study participants, forged documents, and missing experimental drugs.
Good Luck, Potential Public Housing Residents!
The Chicago Housing Authority opened its Family Housing Wait List yesterday in order to fill 40,000 units. The rub: it's already received 60,000 applicants, and there's still nearly a month for people to apply. In comparison, 232,000 people applied for 40,000 Section 8 slots in 2008.
Design Sneak Attack
The 6th annual Guerrilla Truck Show happens tomorrow night in the Fulton Market District, in tandem with NeoCon at the Merchandise Mart. Check out new works by some of the city's most innovative designers, displayed in the back of rental trucks.
Where to Co-Work
With the number of freelancers increasing thanks to the Great Recession, more coworking spaces are popping up to give them somewhere other than coffee shops to work in. Check out COOP, OfficePort, Ravenswood Coworking, Writers Workspace, UBBOS, TechNexus and Jelly Chicago.
Free Wi-Fi Coming to Starbucks
Following McDonald's lead (or that of many neighborhood coffee shops, if you prefer), Starbucks will offer free unlimited Wi-Fi to customers throughout the city (and pretty much everywhere in the country) starting July 1.
Just Swinging Bi
Writer Rachel Rabbit White takes us on a tour of Chicago's only all-bisexual swingers club in A/C today.
Museum of Broadcast Communications Revived
The Museum of Broadcast Communications is finally restarting construction after receiving a $6 million grant from the state. Barring any new delays, the museum will be ready to open next year.
Natasha's Day Adds to $250k
Natasha's Day is expected to have raised thousands of dollars on top of the $250,000 previously raised to benefit Natasha McShane, one of the two women attacked with a baseball bat seven weeks ago. McShane is showing signs of improvement but has a long rehabilitation ahead of her. Learn how to help at HelpNatasha.net.
Feeling Lonely and Artless? Pick Up the Phone
You may not be able to call the time lady any more, but you can always call the audio tour of the MCA at 312.635.2274 if you're interested in some surprise art information. A bonus: Typing "9" isn't as creepy as seeing Gillian Wearing's work in person. If you'd like a more traditional MCA audio experience, you could always check out previous structured audio tours.
Knitters Go Along with What Others Say
The jury pool for Blagojevich's trial includes a knitter, a couple ex-Marines and an avid runner -- and their professions and interests are fuel for some odd conjecture about their predispositions.
Taking Stock of the Daley Years
As the election season grows closer, Crain's assesses Daley's performance as mayor since 1989. Be sure to check out the charts and graphs to get a fuller picture.
It's Bike to Work Week
The weather may not cooperate, but the Active Transportation Alliance has tips and resources for your two-wheeled trip to and from work.
Soul Food Restaurateur Edna Stewart Passes Away
Edna Stewart, owner of the legendary Edna's Restaurant on the West Side, passed away on Friday. For background about Stewart, her restaurant and her role in the civil rights movement, check out this interview from the Southern Foodways Alliance Oral History Project.
Women Wanna Race
Local biker, blogger, and super-cool chick Julie thinks USA Cycling should enforce standards that make it possible for women to have access and ability to race like their male counterparts. Hopefully the local associations get a lot of requests and start requiring parity.
No Shiitake?
Let's get into mushrooms, courtesy of this week's Drive-Thru feature.
Another Merge
Merge intends to be "a free party for passionate people in the creative industry" -- aka advertising, for the most part. If that's you, the next one is July 7.
Fine Dining
Grub Street Chicago's put together a list of Chicago's most expensive dishes. At the top of their list - TRU's Caviar Staircase, a tasting course of sturgeon caviars that costs a cool $280.
BP Protest Goes On Without Bridge
The BP Bridge in Millennium Park was closed -- supposedly because of the Blackhawks parade several blocks away -- but the oil spill protesters held their flash mob anyway.
Making the Home Team's Big Night
While the city was celebrating the Blackhawks win, taxi drivers weren't always in the best of spirits.
Your World Cup Primer
In other sports news, the 2010 World Cup started today with a match between Mexico and South Africa. We've got all you need to know to jump on the soccer bandwagon in Tailgate.
Your Secret Place
The Metropolitan Planning Council is once again holding its Placemaking Chicago What Makes Your Place Great? contest, this year in partnership with the Chicago Architecture Foundation. Share your favorite "undiscovered" public space and you could win!
Blackhawks Parade from Your Office
Can't make it to the Blackhawks parade today? Catch live coverage on CBS 2, NBC 5, ABC 7, WGN and Fox, and follow along on Twitter .
Twitter: The Criterion Collection
Local Twitter folks Mike Minnick and Dave Gorum help answer the question, "What if Twitter came to life -- again?" (Here's the first one.)
ViewMastering Chicago
The Wurlington Brothers Press, makers of those cool Chicago landmark paper models, also has a set of ViewMaster reels showing iconic sights of Chicago -- motels of Lincoln Avenue, hot dog stands and the remnants of Route 66 in the city.
Home Sweet (Evicted) Home
Condo foreclosures dominate Rogers Park. The problem goes beyond the neighborhood: the number of bank repossessions in nation's housing market increased by 44 percent in May.
Crosstown Traffic
Whether or not you're going to the Blackhawks parade this morning, if you're going downtown, be aware that a number of bus routes will run detours from 10am until 1pm.
"I want people to know we exist."
Now that Berwyn's Mayor Robert J. Lovero has been in office for a year, here's your opportunity to read what he thinks about.
Ira Glass: So Wrong
Though not really a Chicagoan anymore, we still have a soft spot for Ira Glass. He talks with Slate about being wrong with regards to This American Life.
Sit Still, Blagojevich
Today U.S. District Judge Zagel asked Blagojevich to restrain his gestures while in the courtroom. I wonder if the same goes for his hair.
Bluesy State of Mind
In Transmission, we take a little time to consider the state of blues in Chicago. (Don't forget, the free Chicago Blues Festival starts tomorrow and runs through Sunday.)
Fix a Flat to the Rescue
The Bike Lane, a new bike shop in Logan Square, offers a handy service: if you get a flat tire between Addison and Chicago, Kedzie and Halsted, call the shop and they'll send someone out to fix it for you.
A Special Tee
RIPT Apparel, which just celebrated its first birthday, has a t-shirt sure to be a hit with Blackhawks fans today.
Blaghawks!
My Brain is Made of Things Made of Gold combines to two biggest stories in Chicago right now into one iconic image.
Defending the Stedman
Comedian Dennis O'Toole breaks down why Oprah's boyfriend thinks Chicago doesn't appreciate her.
Privatizing the CTA
In the Reader, Robert Loerzel takes a look at the era when Chicago's public transit services were in private hands. Do you think Chicago should privatize the CTA? Share your thoughts in Fuel.
I Love a Parade!
If you're into cheering for major sporting victories, head downtown Friday morning for the official Blackhawks celebration parade. The jubilation kicks off at 10:30am at Wacker and Washington.
Literary Tops
New City's annual Lit 50 issue hit the stands this week in advance of the Printers Row Lit Fest this weekend.
Vintage Googlemapping
Time Out Chicago helps you go vintage shopping in this week's issue; online, they've mapped all the shops they mentioned in the mag.
Get Your Soccer On!
Speaking of sporting competitions, WBEZ is getting in the World Cup mood with viewing parties and a bracket competition open to most everyone. Check out GB's coverage over in Tailgate.
"Hawks. Cup. Speechless."
That about sums it up. Congrats, Blackhawks! You done Chicago proud.
Bernie Mac Day
The Bernie Mac Foundation and the White Sox are remembering the comedian with a memorial outing on June 10 at U.S. Cellular Field.
It's a Boy (Zebra)!
There's a new Grévy's zebra colt at the Lincoln Park Zoo, the first born since 2001. More really cute pictures and videos here.
Start It Up
Got an idea for a startup? Take it to Startup Weekend June 25-27 and you might see it launch.
Your Own State Dinner
Rick Bayless will soon be offering the menu from his recent state dinner at the White House at Topolobompo; check out photos of the courses here. Start calling for reservations.
Be There: The Jabberwocky
How often do you get the chance to see some serious shadow puppetry? Thursday night at 8:30pm, The Jabberwocky will be performed at 3 Bros Auto Repair, 3722 W. Belmont Ave. BYOC (bring your own chair)!
Oiling Up the BP Pedestrian Bridge
A silent protest against the BP oil spill is being planned for this Friday in Millennium Park. Details in Facebook.
Good Grades Get Good Music
Kanye West, Common and Lupe Fiasco performed last night for students at three Chicago Public Schools that improved their grades, behavior and attendance this year.
Still No Food Trucks
The City's much-awaited food truck ordinance is delayed yet again, but don't despair, 32nd Ward alderman Scott Waguespack says it's "the right plan." We think the right plan would have us buying tacos from a food truck right now.
Flowers Galore
Who says the El has to be ugly? Albany Park blogger Fruzsina Eordogh found an organic garden of poppies, Orange Day Lillies, and Morning Glories growing between the Francisco and Kedzie stops.
Truly, it was an Age of Awesome Mustachery
From the New York Public Library's A. G. Spalding baseball photo collection, a picture of some baseball-playing Chicago gents from the good old, OLD days. More Chicago baseball memories can be found here.
A Home for Every Bird
Tweet Home Chicago, the City's birdhouse design and building competition, took place this past weekend, and you'll be seeing some of the finalists displayed around the city soon. In the meantime, you can read about one Lincoln Square resident and finalist's Prairie-style birdhouse, and check out pics at flickr.
Get to Know Blago
The Tribune has created an interactive special section that maps out the timeline of the Blagojevich case thus far.
How Might the Dots be Connected?
Following Jamie Kalven, Curtis Black of NewsTips asks some sensitive questions about the relationship between new media models and the foundations that support them. We should mention that GB's feature funding opportunities are supported by The Chicago Community Trust and The Knight Foundation.
Tell Us a Story
Like telling stories? Like listening to them? In A/C, learn more about the city's storytelling scene and the many opportunities you have to tell your own.
Not a Story You Hear Every Day
Solo Cup is closing three plants, but Chicago's not taking the hit this time. Instead, it's moving those operations here.
Candy Coming Soon
The AV Club has a round-up of notable candy and snack food from the 2010 Sweets & Snacks Expo (formerly the All Candy Expo), which happened in May at McCormick Place.
Science!
The Museum of Science and Industry is offering free admission through Friday. Time to check out Science Storms and then complete your collection of Mold-A-Rama's!
Adding to the Trasit Apps Pile
Another transit app for your consideration: ChiTransit. (by Andrew Huff — 06/08 — Transportation
Ferris Bueller Reenactiment Contest Redux
Due to the overwhelming popularity of the Ferris Bueller reenactment contest we told you about last week, ExploreChicago is running a second contest, this time on Facebook.
Kirk's Many Misrememberings
Congressman and senatorial candidate Mark Kirk is building his reputation -- though not for what he probably what he'd prefer. MSNBC's "Rachel Maddow Show" pulled together clips of some of his less-than-true statements last night.
Goobye Cabrini
With the systematic closure of the Cabrini Green housing projects come sad tales of eviction -- like this one, from longtime resident Dirrthea Smith.
The Whole Wine World
Bottlenotes is back with its Around the World in 80 Sips wine tasting event at the MCA this Friday, June 11. And they've got a deal for GB readers: Use the code GAPERSBLOCK and get $10 off tickets!
More Blago Blogging
As the Blagojevich trial gets underway, the Reader's Michael Miner recommends adding Blagojustice to your Blagoroll.
Chicago Sports Nation
SBNation just launched a Chicago channel collecting their local sports coverage, with Bleed Cubby Blue's Al Yellon in charge.
Obamalullabye
Coffee wasn't being served at the President's commencement address at a Michigan high school last night.
The Red Menace of Tourism
A follow-up on this post: photos by locals vs. tourists, mapped on the city grid. More cities here.
Cameras Cause Crashers?
The red light cameras installed around the city might actually be increasing accidents rather than preventing them, one study claims.
"Take Me to the Next Phase"
Marvin Isley, bassist of The Isley Brothers, died Sunday in a hospice near his Chicago home.
You Care, Right?
Chicago Cares is still looking for volunteers for this Saturday's annual Serve-a-Thon.
Eat Like Achatz
Gridskipper's Star Map this month is Grant Achatz's tour of his favorite Chicago eateries. He lauds The Bristol and The Drawing Room as some of his go-to restaurants.
Lucky Number Seven
If you missed the Blackhawks' win last night, you can at least watch those seven goals over and over again for a few hours (including that hit on Pronger). Now that's a highlight reel.
Streetwise Revised
The latest issue of Streetwise hits town this Wednesday, June 9, with a fresh redesign and a new website to go with it, courtesy of grad students at Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism.
Kirk's Apology: Doubleplusungood
Apparently Republican Senate candidate Mark Kirk's excuse that he "misremembered" his military service wouldn't fly with an English professor at Prairie State College.
Which Race to Choose?
Unlike the US Census, the Department of Education's survey of students' race or ethnicity doesn't include an option for Latino/Hispanic (or Arab, for that matter), forcing Mexican-Americans and others to choose between White or American Indian or some other inaccurate option.
The Kind of Clouds You Don't Mind
One thousand helium-filled mylar balloons are currently floating around IIT's Crown Hall. They're Andy Warhol's Silver Clouds, and you should go see them before they float away on August 1.
Lock Your Bike to a Fish!
Have you ever dreamed of locking your bike to a 21st century German? Dream no more, as this could potentially become a reality when Chicago implements its newest public art project. The project would offer local artists the opportunity to create artistic bike racks to be placed around the city, so keep your eyes out for bike racks that look like Germans or dogs or even fish.
The Fury's Fierce Win
This past Saturday, the near-undefeated Fury took home the Ivy King Cup, the highest achievement for local competitors in Windy City Rollers, Chicago's female roller derby league. They showed no mercy taking down underdogs the Double Crossers, ending the game with a score of 130-71.
Beware the Mosquitoes
The first Illinois mosquitoes infected with the West Nile virus were found on June 3, but don't run for the hills just yet -- they were found in Gallatin County, in southern Illinois. And with only five human cases of the West Nile virus reported in Illinois last year, there's no need to close yourself up in a plastic bubble; bug spray will do just fine.
(Maybe a) Recovery on the Horizon
Crain's explores the effects of the slow withdrawal of stimulus funds from Chicago's economy -- and what it will mean for regional growth.
Tweeting from the Blago Courtroom
The Blagojeviches and their publicist have all taken their defense to Twitter recently, tweeting Rod's innocence from within the courtroom and beyond. Follow Rod, Patti and Glenn Selig.
The City Sounds Loud
According to info sent to us by hearing loss non-profit Hear the World, Chicago is damn hard on our ears. See their decibel readings after the jump.
Decibel Levels in Chicago
Hunt Club: 91.3
Wrigley Field: 84.7
Grand Red Line subway stop: 97.3
Navy Pier: 70.7
Buckingham Fountain: 74
Millennium Park (@ The Bean): 72.7
Magnificent Mile (Chicago and Michigan): 86.3
....With Ambulance Approaching: 107.3
For comparison, a normal conversation rates about a 60.
The Urinator Terminator
Moshe Tamssot is sick of folks from the nearby United Center and bars using his alley as a urinal. So he decided to get even.
Recycle Your Paper
The City likely doesn't have the budget to expand the blue cart recycling program -- but you can recycle paper at 24 locations around the city for the next two weeks.
Clearly, it's Candy Time
In honor of National Candy Month, ABC News picked Sarah's Pastries and Candies as one of the top candy stores in the country.
Whoomp, There's the Prez
Did Barack Obama appear in a music video for "Whoomp! There it Is" by Tag Team? Probably not.
Rogers Park Gets a Farmers Market
Rogers Park's Glenwood Sunday Farmers Market debuts today, featuring all certified organic or transitioning vendors.
No Need to Get Fünke
Blue Man Group will be holding open auditions on June 16. It's not necessary to blue yourself.
Lost and Found
If you've misplaced your kinkajou, one was just found down in Pilsen.
Happy, Happy Tumblers
After word spread about the Jesse White Tumblers' missing drums, donations to the group poured in, including from the Chicago Cubs Charities and the Ricketts family -- leading to a happy ending.
You Don't Value Oprah Enough, Chicago!
Oprah Winfrey's longtime (and often silent) boyfriend Stedman Graham told Fox Chicago News that the city takes the talk show host for granted, and that "a prophet has no honor in its own town."
New Bike Maps
The Active Transportation Alliance has teamed up with the Tawani Foundation and Pritzker Military Library(!?) to produce an updated Chicagoland bike map. As a result, there's now a map of area military sites.
This is Spinal Tap Weekend
Not only is there a burlesque tribute to Spinal Tap this weekend, but Empty Bottle is screening the classic rock flick Sunday night.
Wallet Returned 69 Years Later
Robert Bell lost his wallet in Chicago in 1941. He just got it back.
Mmm, Donuts...
Oh hey, it's National Do(ugh)nut Day. You know what that means? Free ones at Dunkin Donuts and Krispy Kreme.
Smiling on the Way to Trial
Does Blagojevich ever turn down a photo opp? No. Even in the face of a home court advantage.
Buster & Metrack Get You There
As mentioned in the recent Fuel thread, Buster is one of the best CTA bus tracker apps out there -- and if you ride Metra, you'll be interested to hear about Metrack, its sister rail schedule app.
Kids Growing Strong
Learn more about an organic farming initiative that gets high school students away from the TV and into the fields in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
Spider Babies At Midnight
Facets Cinematheque kicks off another round of their midnight cult film screenings, Facets Night School, this weekend with Jack Hill's 1964 film Spider Baby. In upcoming weeks you can see Larry Cohen's The Stuff, the women-in-prison classic Reform School Girls, and the strange strange Crispin Glover film Rubin and Ed. A full schedule with ticket links is available at the Facets site.
"NHL around here, there's not much interest"
The Trib points to race and athletic opportunities when it comes to disparate support of the Blackhawks and other ice skating in the city.
Can You Spell This?
Three Illinois students (Arlington Heights, Peotone and Charleston represent!) have made it into the semifinalists of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, which concludes tonight at 7pm on ABC7.
Metropolis Complete
Long assumed to be lost forever then discovered in Argentina in 2008, a restored complete 153-minute cut of Metropolis starts a run at the Music Box on Friday. Roger Ebert writes about the film's significance. (Read our own Steve at the Movies' thoughts here.)
Unsanitized for Your Protection
City water officials say cleaning the Chicago River would make it more dangerous, because more people would be tempted to swim, and therefore more would drown.
Scavenging the City
The State Theatre is running the Chi-Town Hunt-Down, a digitally-enhanced scavenger hunt through the Loop, on June 19. Advance tickets are available here.
Nine and Counting
Chicago-based artist Krista Wortendyke just launched a blog chronicling her efforts to photograph the sites of every homicide that takes place in Chicago this summer. Since Memorial Day, she has already posted details and Google Maps shots of nine murder scenes, and with over three more months to go until she finishes her project, her records are, unfortunately, likely to continue to grow.
A Brand New Plate
Designers take a crack at re-imagining some ho-hum license plates, including that of Illinois. (via)
Chicago's Grain Silos
Chicago wasn't just the nation's butcher. It was once also its stacker of wheat.
Elmhurst Being Naughty?
Either Elmhurst is some sort of internet search hub or its residents are extremely bored and horny.
Foursquare Ferris
Get a little creative with your best Ferris Beuller movie reenactment ideas, and you could win a couple of tickets to fly friends into town to have a great "day off." Explore Chicago is sponsoring this Ferris Foursquare mission today and tomorrow. Leave your ideas on this Foursquare Facebook wall post to enter.
Glacier Envy
So apparently the Tribune wants to start up a photographic, chest-thumping competition between Illinois residents and those who live in Montana. Isn't that like getting involved in a land war in Asia?
Vinyl Lives On
Logan Square got two new record stores this week: Saki, run by Carrot Top Records, and Bucket o' Blood, a "science fiction, fantasy, horror bookstore and vinyl store."
Robo-Teacher
Chicago Public Schools is apparently on the search for math and reading computer software that could help teach students each day, sans teacher supervision.
Your Very Own Guide to the 57th Street Art Fair
If you're going to the 57th Street Art Fair this weekend, you can plan your visit with the Hyde Park Herald's annual fair issue.
Groupon's Rivals Move In
Groupon may be the juggernaut, but rivals are nipping at its heels. Seattle-based Tippr just bought ChiTown Deals in an effort to boost its local presence. Meanwhile, New York's LivingSocial is ramping up its Chicago offerings, and local upstart CrowdClick launches next week.
The Seemingly Unticketable Car
How does a car avoid getting tickets despite repeatedly being parked by a yellow curb in Boystown all day? Hillbuzz, Second City Cop and The Expired Meter are on the case.
The Three-Ring Blagojevich Trial
More Blago! The folks at the Christian Science Monitor provide an interesting, if not succinct, look at the Rod Blagojevich trial. They ask if Blago will try to turn the justice system into a circus. If anyone has been paying attention, the answer is a clear one.
Plenty More Games Where He's Going
On the eve of his court battle to fight federal corruption charges, former governor Rod Blagojevich went for a jog in his Ravenswood neighborhood and big-timed a kickball league.
Smoking in the Old Boys Room
Colonel McCormick might want to have a talk with Colonel Tribune. Apparently CEO Randy Michaels used McCormick's old office for a poker tournament last year.
Miscellaneous Museums of Chicago, Part One
Did you know that there's a Bronzeville Children's Museum, and that it's in ... Calumet Heights?
That's the Size of Northern Illinois
The BP oil plume if it were in Chicago.
Trapped on the Market
R. Kelly's former home pops up for sale again next week for $3.89 million. If all you've ever wanted is Kelly's Looney Tunes bar, good news: it's available a la carte on Craigslist.
Your First Amendment Tweets Rewarded
The McCormick Foundation started a contest today to promote the McCormick Freedom Project: Find a story on GB or our online counterparts that relates to one of our First Amendment rights, and tweet a link to it along with the hashtag #1amend. It'll enter you in a contest to win an iPad!
Local Fashion
This is how Chicago Looks.
Gronk!
The Field Museum comes in at number seven on the America's Best and Top Ten site's list of the Best Dinosaur Museums in the USA. I suspect Sue will demand a recount.
A Culture of Misconduct
CPS security guards might be worsening the tension in the halls rather than keeping the peace.
A StreetView to a Kill?
Did Google StreetView cameras capture the shooting of a child on the South Side? Hard to tell from the image whether it's a real gun or a toy, but the buzz around it has caused Google to remove the image. UPDATE: It's been brought to our attention that the image surfaced a year ago. On the Internet, everything old is new again!
AZ Business Boycott Doesn't Include Cameras
The Cook County Board voted to boycott Arizona businesses in response the state's new immigration law -- but not before signing a contract with Scottsdale-based American Traffic Solutions for 20 more red light cameras.
Turning Pages from Afar
Local startup Readeo helps parents (or others) read with their children wherever they are, online.
Neo-Futurists' Film Fest Announced
The most wonderful time of the year is when the Neo-Futurists announce the lineup of their annual "film fest," which are weekly staged readings of bad film scripts performed live by a different group of actors each night. The AV Club has this year's lineup, which includes Supergirl, Billy Jack, My Little Pony: The Movie and an ambitious-sounding combination of Roger Corman's Viking women and the Sea Serpent and the Peter Weiss play Marat/Sade. Clear your Thursday evenings in July, because this is one film fest you won't want to miss.
The EPA Wants You to Swim in the Chicago River
Given that "most of its murky flow still is treated sewage," it may take some time before you can break out the water wings. UPDATE: Mayor Daley's response "Go swim in the Potomac!"
Groupon Raids Crain's
Brandon Copple, managing editor of Crain's Chicago Business, is leaving to work for Groupon. Interesting timing, in light of the magazine's front page story and video profile of the service last week.
My Hat is Off to You, Sir
That's, um, a very specific site you have there.
Chicagohenge! Where the Demons Dwell!/Where the Banshees Live and They Do Live Well!
Maybe not, but Bonnie McGrath wants to know what the hey those two big stones are doing in Grant Park. Any ideas? Later: Updated link!
A City of Kitties
Our contact at Chicago Animal Care and Control (2741 S. Western) tells me that they have an abnormally high number of cats (of all ages) right now and are hoping you (yes, you) will come adopt one soon. Adoption hours end at 7pm nightly.
Out in the Race
Is Congressman Mark Kirk gay? One gay activist says yes, and tells how he found out. [via]
Has Anybody Seen 20 Drums Laying Around?
The Jesse White Tumbling Team showed up to their storage facility before an event to find their equipment missing.
Poster Artists Speak Type Their Minds
If you've ever wanted to know more about your favorite show posters, tune in Wednesday at 1pm at the Rock for Kids' website to pose questions to some awesome rock poster artists. The nonprofit's new online interview series launches this week with Jay Ryan of the Bird Machine and continues Friday and next week. More in Slowdown.
Your Friendly Neighborhood Socialist
In Mechanics, Micah Uetricht profiles Chicago author, socialist and LGBT activist Sherry Wolf.
Fountains of Blood for the Blackhawks
The fountain at Daley Plaza has been dyed red in honor of the Blackhawks -- either that or GWAR is back in town. Oh, wait.
New Look, New Blogs at Vocalo
The Vocalo blogs have redesigned, coinciding with Jim DeRogatis, Achy Obejas and Anne Elizabeth Moore coming on board.
Chicagoan Among the Missing in Israel
Fatima Mohammadi, a Chicago woman on the aid flotilla headed to Gaza, is missing following the Israeli raid on the ships.
Make Your Free Film Plans Now
Even though the Chicago Outdoor Film Festival has been canceled, you can still enjoy a free movie in a park near you thanks to the city's Movies in the Park program. Check out the schedule now [pdf]. UPDATE: Chicagoist notes a googlemap mashup of all the Movies in the Park locations.
Natural Light Effects
Our own Dan Kelly found himself in the shadow of the Aon Building this morning.
Great Work, City Council!
Hyde Park Urbanist commemorates the unlikely occasion of it being a year since an alderman has been indicted.
I Know You Were Concerned
The Baltimore Sun is excited to report that Bo had a great time in Chicago. In case you're interested in more information on the Obamas' trip, here's a summary.
