Back in the Winter of '67...
...those were the snowiest days of my life. (Photos and testimony from 1967's city-stopping blizzard at Chicago Now.)
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
January 2011
Good Things *Do* Happen to Good People
Newbie Illinois congressman Joe Walsh, who was the only member of the GOP who refused health coverage offered by his new employer in protest against Obama's health care reform bill, got a nice little surprise from WalMart's political action committee: a $1,000 donation just for winning a close race against incumbent Melissa Bean.
"A Slap in the Face."
Meanwhile, in Mechanics, Samantha Winslow reports on the controversial firing of Rick Garcia at Equality Illinois
A More Civil Union
Today before a capacity crowd at the Chicago Cultural Center, Gov. Pat Quinn is signing legislation legalizing same-sex civil unions in Illinois. Watch it live on ABC7's website.
United States of X: Economy Edition
I wouldn't have pegged the Economist as being into Internet memes, but its commentary on last week's state of the union address includes a familiar-looking map and an old nickname for our great state. [via]
They're Out There
Clever Apes explores the history of UFO sightings, including the Northwestern professor who consulted on Close Encounters of the Third Kind.
A Blizzard of Talent
In addition to 18 inches of snow, Mother Nature is about to deal us an even tougher blow: Chet Haze's mixtape is "officially done."
The Red Line Project
A DePaul journalism class is focusing their reporting on stories of the Red Line.
Alfonso Soriano to Carlos Zambrano
In Tailgate, Jeff Brodsky predicts the Cubs' future from A to Z.
Does Chris Ware Put People to Sleep?
Find out by reading this Comics Journal interview with the famed Oak Park cartoonist.
No Need to Wonder About the Name
Former GB contributor Sandy Weisz has moved his puzzle blog, The Puzzler, away from the Red Eye and to Pzlr.org.
Vote Early, Vote Often
If you want to avoid the stampede on February 22, you can participate in early voting, which starts today at select locations (and ends February 17).
Smart Student Loan Shopping
Founder Sue Khim describes EduLender as "Lending Tree for student loans" -- it allows you to quickly compare your school loan options side by side and pick the one that's right for you.
United States of X: Collegiate Edition
Watch Chicagoland turn darker on this iteractive map of adults with college degrees.
Regenerating the City
Have ideas about how to make Chicago most sustainable? ChicagoREgen is a place to share them.
Red and Purple Lines Safe for Now
The CTA says it has no plans to close stops the Red or Purple lines.
The Case of the Missing Puck
Seven months after the Blackhawks won the 2010 Stanley Cup, no one has any idea what happened to the puck used to score the cup-winning goal. But that isn't stopping the CEO of Harry Caray's. He wants the trinket for his Navy Pier location and he's getting help in his quest from the Chicago FBI office.
One Less Bell to Answer, One Less First Lady to Dress
According to NYT coverage of the fashion industry's criticism of the red Alexander McQueen dress that Michelle Obama wore to the January 19 state dinner, the First Lady is reportedly no longer working with stylist Ikram Goldman.
Bill Murray Strikes Again
This time, while heckling a Packers fan at last Sunday's game.
Racing Across Twitter in a Convertable Benz
Len Kendall and John Morrison are Team E in Mercedes' Tweet Race. Follow their exploits under the hashtag #MBteamE, and join them for a rally next week before they head to Tampa, FL for the start of the race.
A Repository of Culture
Celebrate Black History Month in February with a trip to the Vivian Harsh Collection of Afro-American History & Literature at the Woodson Regional Library.
Another Food Fear
Some strains of the food-borne bacteria Lysteria have evolved to attack the heart, researchers at UIC College of Medicine have discovered.
Hey Book Geeks
Chip Kidd is speaking at Columbia later this spring!
Boats Ahoy
The maritime prelude to the Chicago Auto Show, Strictly Sail Chicago, is at Navy Pier all weekend.
United States of X: Beverage Edition
Yep, it's enough of a meme to start doing editions, like google maps a couple years ago. This time, Goose Island reps for Illinois on the United States of Beer, while Green River is ours on the United States of Soft Drinks.
Derrick Rose Gets Royal Treatment
Two weeks after he sent Bears fans into a spasm of defensiveness with a searing evisceration of quarterback Jay Cutler, ESPN columnist Rick Reilly returns with a soaring ode to Chicago's newest all-star, Bulls point guard Derrick Rose, a hometown boy who apparently is everything Cutler is not. Never let it be said that the 11-time National Sportswriter of the Year doesn't enjoy an overly simplistic fable.
Top Pints
RateBeer.com's list of the best brewers in the world includes some familiar local names: Three Floyds at #1, Goose Island at #10, Half Acre at #75 and Piece at #82.
Behind The Mask, On The Screen
The Gene Siskel Film Center starts an exciting new film series tonight: Behind The Mask, a series of psychological horror films. Tonight's kick-off film is Roman Polanski's Repulsion from 1965, and over the next couple of month you'll have a chance to see such classics as Hichcock's Psycho and The Birds, Clint Eastwood's directorial debut Play Misty For Me, and recent examples such as Caché and Open Water. See the schedule for a full rundown.
A New Beverage Horizon
Is it time to crack open a Walgreen's beer?
Mayoral Debate Tonight
FYI, the Fantastic Four of mayoral candidates--Braun, Chico, del Valle and Emanuel--will debate tonight at 7pm on WGN; you can also catch them duking it out on WTTW on February 14 and WLS on February 17.
Too Legit to Have to Forfeit
The Illinois Supreme Court just ruled that Rahm Emanuel can run for mayor. You just know that this song is playing at full blast in Emanuel HQ right now.
Moving the Books
Seminary Co-Op, the well-loved bookstore in Hyde Park, is preparing to move next year. Chicago Weekly took a look through the stacks.
It's a Bird, It's a Plane
Have you seen Chicago's newest superhero, The Blackhawk?
Calling All Men...
Sadly, it is no longer possible to order strip tease necktie that glows in the dark; the office at 215 N. Michigan Ave. no longer exists. [via]
I'm A Tumblr, You're A Tumblr
You can keep up with Crain's Chicago Business and Hyde Park's 57th Street Books on their brand new Tumblr blogs.
Shame and Awesomeness
Illinois is best at robbery according to one map, but it's also most average, according to another one.
Literally Problematic
Kevin Lynch of Proximity Chicago has a pet peeve: misuse and misspelling of "literally." Hence We Are Literally Exaggerating and We Litterally Can't Spell. (Thanks, Nicole!)
Return To Guyville
BlackBook spent a few hours with Liz Phair in her old stomping grounds of Wicker Park and Lincoln Park. [via]
What a Bunch of Wieners
Sammy's Taste of Chicago, a suburban Milwaukee hot dog stand, has renamed its Chicago style variety the "Packer Dog." Right back at you, buddy.
Creating Space
Chicago's Digital Kitchen created some very impressive columns for the latest Las Vegas casino, The Cosmopolitan. [via]
Duplicating Efforts
Michael Volpe, who's written a couple stories for GB, is in the Reader today after a story he broke last year about convicts remaining on the City payroll was re-reported by the Sun-Times.
Bulls Stay Platinum
Forbes ranks the Chicago Bulls third behind the Knicks and Lakers on its annual list of the most valuable NBA franchises. Purchased by Jerry Reinsdorf for $16 million in 1985, the Bulls are now worth $511 million. They had the league's second-highest operating income last season, $51 million. All these numbers are the same as last year. [via]
Ask One Where to Celebrate
Happy Concierge Day, Chicago.
Decibels + Beats per Minute
Wilco has left Nonesuch and started its own label, dBpm Records, with the help of ANTI-.
Know and Own...If You're Quick
New York fashion site (and first ever Tumblr store) Of A Kind was started at the end of last year by two U of C alums, and is already selling out its limited editions within 24 hours, or less. A piece by Chicago-based Cursive Design is still is in stock...for now.
The Humor is in the Details
You really just have to watch the video and read the story about a guy who tried to rob a Subway and then stole a cab in Des Plaines before crashing on Clark Street in Rogers Park just blocks from a police station. "You see so many things on Clark Street," said a witness. (h/t Damon)
Update: WGN's SkyCam9 got some extra footage of the "chase".
Pricey Pigs
We don't do a lot of coverage of Chicago Mercantile Exchange movements, but here's a reminder from the industry our city still rules: Asian demand helped drive hog futures up 31 percent this year to their highest price since 1996, 90.125 cents a pound.
Evanston Brings Back Brothels
...not exactly, but they are not going to use an ancient anti-prostitution law to crack down on problems stemming from NU students living off-campus. (Previously.)
These Things Happen in Threes
Geoff Dougherty, who was named the interim editor of the Reader after Kiki Yablon's departure in December, has left the paper. Yablon replaced longtime editor Alison True, who was fired last summer.
Start the Day Off Right
That's what 410,000 Chicago Public School students will be able to do now that Chicago Public Schools has agreed to offer free breakfasts in classrooms to students. As a former free-breakfast and -lunch kid, I can't say how surprised I am that this is a new thing.
Better Living Through Restringing
Chicago native Noel Ross, who invented the EZstringer, was featured in an episode of "Pitchmen" that aired Tuesday night on the Discovery Channel. Ross's invention, which restrings drawstrings, first caught show producer's attention last year at the International Housewares Show in Chicago.
Grubwithus: Never Dine Alone
Mashable profiles startup Grubwithus, a social-networky site about dining out with new people.
Save the Jarvis Stop
The CTA is considering permanently closing the Jarvis Red Line stop -- as well as two Purple Line stops in Evanston. Voice your concerns at a public meetings tonight and tomorrow.
Chico: End Residency Requirement
No, mayoral candidate Gery Chico wasn't referring to his competitor's plight. He's arguing that Chicago police and firefighters shouldn't be required to live within city limits.
Put it on the Credenza
Were money no object, I'd be tossing my mail onto one of these sleek credenzas by local designers LAPEL.
The Movie Crasher
A man described as "Owen Wilson without the crooked nose" is wanted for using counterfeit coupons at the Lake movie theater and several stores in Oak Park.
Behind the Scenes at Groupon
An anonymous employee of Groupon took questions on Reddit last week. [via]
Live! with Eric & Kelly
Tune in tomorrow morning to catch The Mix's Eric Ferguson guest host "Live! with Regis & Kelly," part of the show's "Men of Radio" co-host contest. (It happens to be his birthday, too.)
Tabloid Drama for Bulls' Boozer
Love the Chicago Bulls -- and shameless celebrity gossip? You'll want to check out Life & Style magazine's exclusive report on the new "Bachelor" contestant who says she had an affair with then-married Bulls star Carlos Boozer nearly two years ago. Conspiracy theorists positing a connection to the hand injury Boozer suffered "at home" last fall will want to note that the alleged affair supposedly happened in 2009. [UPDATE: Theorists respond.]
Show Your Pride/Know Your Enemy
Starting today, you can order Cubs specialty license plates for your car. You could already get Blackhawks plates; no word on when Bears, Sox or Fire plates will debut.
Group-Buyers' Remorse
Shoulda seen this coming: Dealigee is a secondary marketplace for discounts bought through sites like Groupon and LivingSocial.
Parfait, Little Coke, McChicken, Medium Coke, Salad, Large Coke
A McDonald's advertisement seen on a CTA bus has created a bunch of confusion.
City of Evanston to NU: No More Brothels, Thx Bros
In an effort to control the community problems stemming from Northwestern University students living off-campus, the City of Evanston is resurrecting a long-unenforced law that prohibits more than three unrelated people from living together. The ordinance, which will take effect July 1, was originally intended to shut down prostitution in the city. Somewhere, Chet Haze is writing a song.
365 Local Stories
The3six5 is launching a Chicago edition of its daily personal story series on ChicagoNow. They're looking for both contributors and editors.
John Marshall Jones is Our Guest
In A/C, LaShawn Williams interviews John Marshall Jones about his film The Guest at Central Park West., which screens at ICE next week.
The Young Mayoral Candidate
How would the Daley of 1983 run in the election of 2011? Let's go to the tape.
Get on the Bus
Ed Bus, alderman of the 53rd Ward, meets with former alderman Burt Natarus for advice on his run for mayor.
IL Supreme Court Puts Rahm Back on the Ballot
The Illinois Supreme Court is allowing Rahm Emanuel's name to remain on the mayoral election ballot while they consider his request for a hearing regarding yesterday's appellate court decision that would have removed him from the race.
Which Museums Are Free Today?
This site tells you.
Drink Well Here
Hopleaf, Local Option, Map Room and Sheffield's all made Draft magazine's America's 100 Best Beer Bars list. Nearby, there's also Firkin in Libertyville and Heurot in Muncie are also worth hitting.
Policing the Police
John Conroy reflects on the Jon Burge trial and sentencing.
Quinceanera
Marissa Garcia tells the story of becoming a woman the Latina way.
Residency, Access & Rahm
In Mechanics, Ramsin Canon delves deeply into the Rahm Emanuel residency decision and what it means for this election -- and future ones.
"Remove the tie, or you're fired."
What kind of tie will get you fired at Webb Chevrolet? A Packers tie.
Jarrett Payton Sounds Off on Cutler
Our newest contributor, former NFL running back Jarrett Payton, had a few thoughts to get off his chest tonight about Jay Cutler, Bears fans' new whipping boy.
Re-enter the Matrix?
The Wachowskis have been talking to Keanu Reeves about two more Matrix sequels -- or maybe not.
Frequent Dining Card
You can now get a subscription to The Local Tourist's popular Chef's Table dining events.
Rally for Rahm Tonight
Join supporters of Rahm Emanuel's campaign at 5pm at Dearborn and Washington.
The New Boss
Baby Teeth just released Boss, a five-song tribute to Mayor Daley. [via]
An Unwanted Dimension
Lots of filmgoers agree: 3D sucks. Roger Ebert learns why from an industry veteran.
Talk a Good Game
Speaking of Kickstarters, here's one for a conversation-starting game called "the question is."
No Rahm on the Ballot
2-1 Appellate Court decision says so, at least. Details to come, natch. The case will likely be appealed to the Illinois Supreme Court.
We've posted the 42-page ruling in Mechanics if you're so inclined.
Throat Singing
The A.V. Club's Marah Eakin talks with beatboxer Freddie Feldman about his Thumper TH100 throat microphone, which he's raising money to put into production.
Picturing Rockford
Minnesotan Alec Soth and Chicagoan Michael Catano headed to Rockford for a NYTimes project entitled "Portraits of a Job Starved City."
Target Pirie Scott
Target is opening another downtown location in 2012, this time in the historic Carson, Pirie, Scott and Company building on State Street.
It's a Family Affair
The wait is over: Oprah revealed this morning that she recently learned that she has a half-sister, who appeared on Oprah's show with her. Oprah's mother Vernita Lee, who lives in Wisconsin, gave up the woman for adoption as a child.
Mapping Mayoral Campaign Contributions
Chicago Mayoral Scorecard now includes a map showing where contributions to the four major mayoral campaigns came from.
Careful with that Recorder
Two Chicagoans face up to 15 years in prison for recording nonviolent interactions with Chicago police. The ACLU's second challenge to the Illinois Eavesdropping Act was dismissed earlier this month.
Probably Not Part of His Fantasy
Kanye West's music career may be doing well, but he's had to close one of his Fatburger franchises.
Light a Candle Instead, Guys
After the Bears' loss to Green Bay earlier tonight, some angry fans expressed themselves with lighters and Jay Cutler's jersey.
The Non-Musical Fortunes of Chicago Musicians
Pete Wentz has reopened Angels & Kings in the Hard Rock Hotel, while Kanye West's Orland Park Fatburger location has closed.
MObama is Not Google Maps
You get to meet the First Lady by surprise while visiting the White House. Are you really going to ask her where Ben's Chili Bowl is?
Bearmaggedon vs. the Apackalypse
We've got incisive football analysis, if that's what you're into, but more likely you just want to read about a giant fire-breathing bear cake and mouth off about the big game.
WISE Presidential Award-winners
The Women in Science and Engineering Mentoring Initiatives Center for Research on Women and Gender at UIC received a Presidential Award for excellence in science, mathematics and engineering mentoring.
Big Bird, is that You?
A Chicago Sojourn tours some of the city's folk art depictions of famous cartoon characters. [via]
2120 S. Michigan Ave.
In 1964, the Rolling Stones recorded a blues album for Chess Records. It never saw the light of day... until now. [via]
Oscar Talk
Our own Steve Prokopy will join ABC7's Janet Davies, Reader's JR Jones, Time Out's Ben Kenigsberg and the Tribune's Michael Phillips at the Gene Siskel Film Center next Tuesday, Jan. 25 at noon for a free panel discussion of this year's Oscar nominations. Good way to spend your lunch break.
Fun with Wikipedia
I'm not endorsing this in any way, but this edit to the Chicago entry is at least mildly funny on a day like today.
We're in Hell Right Now, Gentlemen
NPR's Carl Kasell reads the pregame pep talk from Any Given Sunday.
Mixed Messages
Well-edited graffiti spotted by photographer Michael Patrick Perry.
Doodles For Your Beer
DIY lifestyle mag ReadyMade recently gave props to (already beautiful) Pilsen bar Simone's for their accidental artistic venture: blank beer coasters. Patrons are enjoying the chance to draw their own designs and decorate it with a glass of their favorite bevvy.
Still in Vogue, Underground
In A/C, Rachel Rabbit White explores the world of Chicago's LGBTQ balls, where competition is fierce and self-expression is at the forefront.
Food Trucks with a Conscience
In this week's Drive-Thru feature we meet up with two chefs who want to make an impact in their community through food trucks.
UNCAPing Knowledge
Set aside some time this afternoon to pore through the Uncovering New Chicago Archives Project's stacks.
Walker, Nelson, Anderson, Thomas, Martin, Miller
Those are apparently the most common names in Chicagoland.
Welcome Back to Chicago, Obama Campaign
President Obama's reelection campaign office will officially open in Chicago by late March. The campaign will be the first one headquartered outside of the Washington, D.C. area at least since the 1960s.
Sharing Chicago with the World
It's been a good couple of weeks for documentary filmmaking in Chicago. Two local films made Roger Ebert's 10 best documentary films of 2010 list and The Interrupters is already making waves in advance of its Sundance premiere.
If You Loved Him in 'Full House,' Consider Staying Home
Hang on to your hats, surprisingly-blue-comedy lovers. Bob Saget's coming to The Venue at Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, IN this April.
Communications Connections Seem to Have Hampered Rush
U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush has been passed over for the ranking member position on the House Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology -- despite his seniority.
Keep Animals Warm When it's Cold
With tonight's weather turning painfully cold, the Anti-Cruelty Society has some nice tips for caring for your pet in cold temperatures. And if you see an animal left outside or roaming about town, call 311 to report it.
The Highway 50 Division
If you're not a football fan, you may not know the long history of the Chicago-Green Bay rivalry.
The Phantom of the Cinema
Two UIC doctors and an artist are creating a prosthesis for Roger Ebert, whose face bears the scars of his battle with cancer. Mr. Ebert explains the process with usual candor and perspective and, of course, relates it to the world of film.
Praises for Richard Nickel and Adler & Sullivan
Dwell recently interviewed Ward Miller, co-author of The Complete Architecture of Adler & Sullivan about Richard Nickel's photographs and Adler & Sullivan's work.
Fresh Brewed
Time Out focuses on coffee culture this week, including a meticulous breakdown of beans, brewing methods and prices at 33 indie shops and chains.
#1 in Traffic Jams
Traffic congestion is now worse here than in Los Angeles.
Deal-A-Day Site of the Day
DealRod aggregates deal-a-day offers, which isn't in itself unique; the difference is human beings filter and (theoretically) pick the best ones.
Blue Chicago
A postcard-perfect picture of Chicago, by Andy Marfia.
Being Belarus Free Theatre
The Goodman, Northwestern and the League of Chicago Theatres have hatched a plan to arrange asylum for the politically oppressed Belarus Free Theatre, who're bringing their play, Being Harold Pinter, to Chicago next month.
Don that Helmet! Ride that Bike!
Don't forget: today is Winter Bike to Work Day!
BEST DEBATE EVAR!
The A.V. Club asks which is worse, epic hyperbole or "meh."?
Upping the Ante
If the Bears win this Sunday, Obama is going to the Super Bowl.
Mommy and Daddy Must Be So Proud
A student at Oak Park River Forest High School could face expulsion for creating a list of the 50 "most attractive" girls at his school (complete with pics, comments on their perceived sexual promiscuity, and numerical rankings) and posting it to Facebook; he then passed out copies of his fine research at school and began yelling "Women are trying to take over the world!" and "Women are the future, unless we stop them now" in front of a cheering group of students.
Into Fish
There's a fishtank in the GB offices, and in it is an African cichlid. If I'd known about the Greater Chicago Cichlid Association sooner, I might have been able to keep it from killing all the others.
Cultureless Affairs
Lois Weisberg, head of the Department of Cultural Affairs since Harold Washington was mayor, is resigning Feb. 1. In her announcement, she slammed plans to privatize the city's summer festivals.
Printing in Space
Looking for a place to print? Spudnik Press is creating Space Race, a new open studio for printmakers new and old. They've got a couple fundraising events in the next few weeks.
Noteworthy Passings
In addition to Ric Hess, Sargent Shriver, founder of the Peace Corps, died yesterday, and South Side environmental activist Hazel M. Johnson passed away over the weekend.
Frequent Flyer Miles for the Internet
You may have spotted a little icon down in our footer: Frequent Browser is a rewards program that gives you points for, well, browsing the web.
Let this Meat Divide and Unite Us
The NY Times visits the Brat Stop, the Kenosha restaurant that attracts the love of both Bears and Packers fans.
It Looks Like There'll be Another Costco in Town
City Council approved $2.5 million in tax breaks for the newest proposed Costco location. If all goes as planned, the new store will sit in the massive open area that's been slowly created by Medical District demolitions.
Sheffield's' Ric Hess Dies
Ric Hess, the owner of Lakeview's Sheffield's bar/restaurant, passed away Monday night from a heart attack. He was 48.
Second to Zuck
Considering Groupon's meteoric rise, it's not surprising to see Andrew Mason sit at number two on Under30CEO's list of the most influential CEOs under 30 years old.
The New Publishing
Technori profiles Corey Blake, CEO of comics startup Writers of the Roundtable.
Candidates on the Issues
If you're running for office, everyone wants to know your position on their favorite topic. Here are a couple recent surveys:
• on schools
• on "green growth"
• on taxi-related issues
Phil Donahue, Old Soldier
Oprah, ivoryonics, Rosa Chang, and other unique thoughts on a flier found posted in Pioneer Court.
No More Cardboard
File this for your next move: Redi-Box rents reusable, stackable plastic boxes to hold your stuff, and picks them up when you're done moving.
60 Inches of Urban Art
Sixty Inches from Center is a new arts publication and, sometime in the future, a collective art project.
Scratch'n'Save
Chicago-based Bare Deal is a novel twist on the deal site: take the weekly offer and they mail you a scratch-off card with a discount of up to 100 percent.
To The Blogger Go Few Spoils
Crain's Chicago Business talks to some Chicago-area bloggers about why they've quit.
"Dear Mayor..."
Chicago's youth send letters to our next mayor.
Fighting the Devil
The thing about demonic possession is, there's usually a "natural, organic explanation," says Chicago's official exorcist.
Ebert's Affiliation
Roger Ebert recently started tweeting about items on Amazon, using an affiliate code (disclosure: GB uses an affiliate code on Amazon links, too.) Some of his followers were upset, and marketing news site Clickz interviewed him about it.
In Enemy Territory
If you're a Packers fan, Will's Northwoods Inn may be the only safe place in the city next weekend.
Another Glimpse of a Past Chicago
If you like the shot from today's Rearview photographer, nofauxchicago, you may want to check out his set of Chicago photographs dating back to the 1970s.
Schulter Retiring
Gene Schulter, 47th Ward alderman since 1975, has announced his retirement.
Chicago's King
The Defender offers a look at Martin Luther King Jr.'s time in Chicago.
Not Registered to Vote? I'm Looking at YOU!
You didn't do anything wrong, but you can correct this heinous, deplorable oversight by registering to vote with the Board of Elections; you have until January 25 if you want to get your vote in for the February 22 General Municipal Election.
Building Blocks
The Sears Tower in Minecraft. [via]
Your Opportunity to Reset the Network
MAS Studio and the Chicago Architectural Club are organizing a new international architectural competition sponsored by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture to "reactivate the Boulevard System of Chicago and rethink its potential role in the city."
Let Mom Play Online Yenta
If you're Jewish and single, you may have complicated feelings about TheJMom.com, a new dating site that lets Jewish mothers connect their adult children.
Eat This Before You Die
Not to be outdone, Eater has created The Eater Doomsday Map -- one place to eat in each state "before the Apocalypse."
Illinois is a Deep Dish
Another map boiling the US down to a single trait (previously), only this time by foods.
MLK Today
Area schools are finding ways to keep Martin Luther King, Jr.'s message relevant to today's kids.
Cold Outside, Meaty Inside
The season of crock pot roast beef has returned! Details in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
Gun Pointed at State Congressman
State Representative Edward Acevedo -- who also happens to be a police officer -- had a gun pointed at him in Heart of Chicago this weekend.
Happy Birthday, CHIRP!
CHIRP, the Chicago Independent Radio Project, went live on the Internet a year ago today. They're celebrating at The Whistler tonight at 9:30pm, among other festivities.
That's Entertainment
Hilarious GB staffer Jasmine Davila is liveblogging the Golden Globes ceremony if you're looking to snark on Ricky Gervais' terrible opening monologue.
Hoping for Callbacks
Simple Auditions brings the simplicity of tech job boards to the theatre world.
Donkey Kong Nerds and Music Nerds Unite Today
Donkey Kong aficionado Steve Wiebe, who achieved fame with his controversial documentary King of Kong, will be on hand at Logan Hardware today at 2pm to commemorate the reopening of the record store (at 2410 W Fullerton) and to give a tutorial on how you can get more points on the classic video game.
Low-Cost Pet Vaccinations Tomorrow
If your cat or dog is missing a needed vaccine, head down to Chicago Animal Care and Control Saturday for their Low Cost Vaccine Clinic. From 9am-noon at the shelter, 2741 S. Western, your beloved pet can get a DA2PPL and FVRCP vaccine for $7; the rabies vaccine is $15. While you're there, adopt another pet! They've got loving animals waiting to hang with you and yours.
Getting the Freak Out
The Freakonomics blog written by UofC economics professor Steven Levitt and journalist Stephen J. Dubner will soon be leaving NYTimes.com to become its own entity. Watch for it at Freakonomics.com sometime in February.
How to Reach Black Boys
Catalyst Chicago has launched a resource center on the subject.
The King Speech
Judith Jamison will be delivering the keynote address at the U of C's annual Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration this afternoon at 3:30pm. You can watch the webcast live here. [via]
Sliding Glass
Don't worry, nobody dumped broken windows into Lake Michigan. It's just winter.
Take My Compost, Please!
Erlene Howard's burgeoning green business helps those who can't compost for themselves. For under $11 a week, she'll take northsiders' compostables and put them to good use (not a landfill).
Might Groupon Go Public?
That's the news swirling right now. But is it a good idea?
Questionable Deal of the Week
In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Willis Tower Skydeck is offering anyone named "Martin" (first, middle or last name) free admission on Monday. [via]
Cancel the Revolution
Wait, you mean it was all a PR stunt? Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany said last month the conference might listen to public opinion and change its silly new football division names -- "Legends" and "Leaders" -- but that appears to have come to nothing.
A Week Standing Up
Speaking of comedy, Emerson Dameron does a seven-day marathon of stand-up and lives to tell about it in A/C.
Math is Hard
Terrified by alarming/alarmist media coverage of Illinois' new tax increases? The Tax Foundation, a non-partisan, non-profit research organization, advises skepticism about some of the numbers reported. Not that we're not all still screwed, of course.
Book Buying
A new monthly feature in Book Club profiles local literary purveyors of titles new, used, and varied, starting with Andersonville's Transistor.
For the Love of Tacos ...and Comedy
RE:COM, a new magazine about comedy, celebrates the release of its second issue with a party at Logan Square's Crown Tap Room this Sunday. Come for the stand-up comedy, stay for the free taco bar.
Psychedelic Film
Trip out while watching The Spirit Molecule, a documentary about the hallucinogenic compound DMT, at the Portage tonight. Details in Slowdown.
Breathe a Little Easier
The federal government and NIPSCO reached an agreement to clean up our easterly winds. Of course, we have our own coal-fired power plants too...
Complicated Feelings
Time Out's "Love/Hate Chicago" issue is out.
Homeless Through Childhood: Chicago HOPES
Over in Mechanics we feature Chicago HOPES, an organization that works to provide education and services for homeless children. Head over to learn about the organization's mission and accomplishments, and a little something about what it means to be a homeless child in our city.
On the Ropes
Ever wonder what it's be like to a pro wrestler's girlfriend?
Home Abandoned Home
It was bad enough when homeowners were walking away from homes, letting them slip into foreclosure. But now banks are walking away, too.
Valued Employees
County Treasurer Maria Pappas' cleaning lady and chauffeur have somewhat different official titles on the payroll, it seems.
High School Hoops on the Rebound
John Lucas, a former minor league basketball star, has helped vault his alma mater to the top of its division. Etheria Modacure tells his story in Tailgate.
Metering Out Justice
That guy who got a parking ticket while being filmed paying for parking? His ticket has been dismissed.
The People Behind Them
The Reader takes a look at the men and women running the mayoral candidates' campaigns.
"I just don't like Slater."
A patron at Mullets Sports Bar & Restaurant in Homer Glen got into some trouble after he broke a framed picture of A. C. Slater. A. C. Slater was the mullet-wearing wrestler on the television series "Saved By The Bell."
The Mating Dance of the CoEd
LikeALittle is a college-oriented anonymous "flirting facilitator." Peek at what passes for passes at Columbia, DePaul, Loyola, Northwestern, Roosevelt, UofC, UIC and others.
Sennett on Mason
Consider his feature last month a first draft: Time Out's editor, Frank Sennett, will write a whole book on Groupon and Andrew Mason.
Saying "Goodbye" to Dickie
Brian Dickie, Chicago Opera Theater's longstanding general director, will step down from the position he's held since 1999. A search is underway for a replacement in 2012.
Auctioning Off Happiness
The formidable record collection of jazz DJ Dick Buckley will be auctioned off by Leslie Hindman Auctioneers on Feb. 17. [via]
Sleight of Hand
Since we've posted about both "best things" and cards today, how about the Chicago Opener, the "world's best card trick?"
So Look Out for Those Beauties, Oh Yeah
I want to ride my bicycle/I want to ride my bike. Bike Fancy presents photos of people "looking good on bikes." What more do you need?
Collect'em All
Robert Young (aka Marcus Welby) is the latest and last in If Charlier Parker Was A Gunslinger's series of Hollywood tobacco cards.
Remember the Arts
There's a petition going around to remind the next mayor that the arts industry is important, too.
PR Wizardry
Local PR guy Mitch Delaplane believes he's drafted "The Most Amazing Press Release Ever Written."
State Income Tax Rises 66% -- or 2 Percentage Points
Which sounds egregious, until you realize it went from 3 percent to 5 percent, which still leaves us middle of the pack. What's more noteworthy is increase from 4.8 percent to 7 percent for businesses, which could mean businesses move or lay off employees. Wisconsin's governor is already rubbing it in.
Stream the Folk
FolkStreams is a collection of documentary films new and old, such as a great Studs Terkel piece about Halsted Street and the Popovich Brothers of South Chicago.
More Than An MC
Los Angeles native and Northwestern student Chet Haze is a rapper who also happens to be the son of actor Tom Hanks. [via]
That Name Sounds Familiar
Gulpon is a new deal-a-day site promising "up to 90% off" beverages of all sorts.
Aging Beauty
Laura Browning finds herself attracted to fading murals.
A Little Shameless
Miss the premier of "Shameless," Showtime's Chicago-based retread of a BBC show, on Sunday? Here's a taste.
One Way to React to Getting Fired
Noah Vaughn recently discovered a novel expression of post-job discontent. (Without giving too much away, I should mention the linked photograph contains some NSFW language.)
Chicago's Detroit to New York
Steppenwolf Theatre's well-received play Detroit is heading to Broadway this fall.
Already Thrown Away Once
The Thrashcan is a collapsible trash can made of reclaimed tire rubber, designed by Chicago-based Normal Studios.
Three Kisses from Kid Sister
Cheer up your commute with a new free mixtape download from Kid Sister, Kiss Kiss Kiss.
The City's Oldest Business
The jewelry store C.D. Peacock was founded the same year Chicago was incorporated. You may be familiar with the ornate doors to its State Street store.
TikTok Doesn't Stop
TikTok and LunaTik, the iPod nano watch kits we linked to awhile back, won the Kickstarter award for "Most... Everything?" after raising nearly $1million.
"A Party Game for Horrible People"
Cards Against Humanity is a question game similar to Apples to Apples designed by Max Tempkin. It's free to download, but if you fund its Kickstarter, you get a deluxe edition. UPDATE: Max writes to note that six other people were involved in the game's design.
Chime In
Startup OpenChime lets users field quotes for things like home repairs. They're holding a Twitter contest for the best idea for beautifying Chicago; the winning idea gets $1,000.
Keep from Freezing in Style
Just because it's cold out doesn't mean there's no fashion to be found. Chicago Streetstyle Scene finds some great examples for you.
We Ain't So Literate
Chicago ranks 28th on a new list of the most literate cities in America.
Decelerating Particles
In other suburban science news, Fermilab received the (not entirely unexpected) news that the federal government is cutting off funding for its Tevatron collider.
Simple Circuits and a Magnet
The Vulnerability Assessment Team at the Argonne National Laboratory is up to creative white hat hacking.
Turn of the 20th Century Architecture
Architecture Theory delves deeply into Frank Lloyd Wright's Quadruple Block Plan.
Get Weighed by Special K
Would a (confidence-boosting) scale help you keep those healthy resolutions? Stop by Union Station on your way home Tuesday between 3 and 6pm for a complimentary box of Special K Red Berries and an opportunity to learn more about weight loss benefits. It's all a part of their nationwide "What will you gain when you lose?" tour. RSVP on Facebook.
Laugh Early, Laugh Often
If nothing else, this mayoral election has been ripe for comedy.
Mayor Spice Trader?
Whether you support her bid for mayor of the city or not, you might enjoy Carol Moseley Braun's Ambassador Organics line of teas, coffee and spices.
No Pants CTA 2011 Recap
Did you miss the No Pants CTA Ride yesterday? Appropriately named YouTube user phampants recorded the annual event in this video, while Ross Guthrie documented it in photos.
Your Ad Here, There & Everywhere
As the City mulls selling ads on bridge houses, Chicago News Coop's James Warren wonders where else we could place ads.
How to Start Up
If you've been thinking about starting a business, lawyer Coco Soodek's Profit & Laws blog might help you decide what type of business to form. And her new book, Birth to Buyout, gives you pointers on every step of the life cycle of your business.
Keep Your Filthy Paws Out of My Silky Drawers
The Lake Villa District Library has banned men from attending its exhibit on the history of women's undergarments. UPDATE: come on in, pervy dudes!
At Least the Ladies Will Still Be Public
Playboy magazine has once again become a privately owned company after owner Hugh Hefner did some financial wrangling to avoid rival Penthouse from taking over existing shares.
Narrow Road Ahead
Lawrence Avenue between Ashland and Western will be narrowed to three lanes (one in each direction and a shared left turn lane) in a trial to reduce the size of the city's streets.
Get'im, Scooby!
Heroes of the week: Augustin Zamora and his dog, Scooby.
Good Taste Gone Bad
Local artist Mitch O'Connell has two major showcases for his artwork in January: the new show at Las Manos Galley that opens Friday (details in Slowdown) and B-Fest 2011. In preparation for the latter, Mitch has posted artwork he's done for the festival since 1995 on his blog (part 1, part 2, part 3).
Meet Chicago's "Most Durable Corporate Dynasty"
You know, the Smiths.
CTA Train Tracker Rolls Out Of The Station
The CTA released their beta test of the Train Tracker, giving train riders the same opportunity to compulsively check their smartphones that bus riders currently enjoy.
Bare Legs Everywhere
If you're out and about on CTA Sunday, don't be surprised if you see hundreds of pantsless people.
A Super (Pro)Bowl Shuffle
Late Night with Jimmy Fallon remixes the Shufflin' Crew's 1985 hit for the January 30 Pro Bowl.
Oprah's Hopes & Dreams
Alan Sepinwall reports: "'What were your dreams when you were a kid? What did you aspire to be? And it seems like you won every lottery in the country. What were your hopes, and what were your dreams?' Oprah smiled broadly at this and said, 'God, that's such a wonderful question. Nobody has ever asked me that. That's a lovely question. I have to think about it.' So she thought about it for a moment. And then she began to talk, and talk, and talk, and talk... for the next 18 minutes and 15 seconds."
ChicagoMag Gets Whet
The Reader's online editor, Whet Moser, is moving to Chicagomag.com Jan. 31. He'll be blogging and developing online-only content for the magazine.
Mark Your Calendars
Or rather, don't. 37signals is encouraging you to make Jan. 19 Boycott a Meeting Day.
LGBT Press in Chicago
Former GB staffer John Lendman surveys the LGBT news landscape in Chicago, and likes what he's seeing.
Vote, Donna Touch
Local dancer Donna Touch is in the lead for Viva Las Vegas' Rockabilly Weekender burlesque competition -- but she'll need your vote to stay there.
Oo-oo, Ah-ah, Gibbon a New Mama
Vast quantities of dawwwww were manufactured yesterday when a white-cheeked gibbon was born at Lincoln Park Zoo.
Surprising Words
Chicago Surprise, a new Tumblr from the Tribune's Election Center team, collects candidates' responses to the survey question, "Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us."
Fewer CAPS Meetings
The CPD is cutting back on CAPS meetings as it puts more officers on the street instead of in administrative duties. Meetings will now by bi-monthly or quarterly, depending on the beat.
Ebert Steps in the N-Word
Roger Ebert got quite a bit of heat for a controversial tweet about the removal of a certain word from Huck Finn. He later apologized.
Plaster Beauty
The Hardscrabbler takes us on a tour of Decorators Supply in Bridgeport.
Krafty
Northfield-based Kraft Foods has been smarting due to its Starbucks and Cadbury troubles, so it's opted for a feel-good story by hiring the Columbus, Ohio homeless man with the "golden voice."
She Can Blind Them With Science
The deadline for "Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day" is this Friday. Taking place February 24th at the U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory, the event aims to "spark girls' curiosity about engineering and science, and showcase career opportunities." Application forms are available online [PDF] -- act now!
Resolutionaries Take Note
While you're working hard at not being a dick on the bus, also don't be a gym jerk! Tips courtesy of WCIU and Cheetah Gym.
2010's Food in Review
If you haven't been reading Mike Gebert and Michael Nagrant's ongoing conversation about the year in Chicago's food scene, you've got a lot of great reading to catch up on.
SketchFest Hits Town
Looking for some laughs? The Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival kicks off tonight and runs through the 16th.
Meters Scaring Customers?
You're not the only one upset about those increased parking meter rates.
The Reader at 40
The Reader was founded in 1971. To honor its 40th anniversary, the paper embarked this week on a, gulp, 40 part series looking back at each year.
2 New Chicago Chiefs of Staff in White House
President Obama announced today that William Daley will be his new chief of staff. Not surprisingly, this has met with criticism. Meanwhile, Michelle Obama has chosen Chicago attorney Tina Tchen as her chief of staff.
Help the Wheels Go 'Round & 'Round
A.V. Club's Marah Eakin explains how not to be a dick to and on the bus.
Vivian Maier: Another Angle
Chicagoist speaks with Jeff Goldstein, another of the collectors championing Vivian Maier's work.
Expand Transit
The Chicago Rapid Transit Coalition aims to "argue and advocate for the expansion of subways, elevated lines and light rail throughout Chicagoland." They've got a few ideas to propose. (We have one of our own.)
The Real Story of Vivian Maier
The discovery of street photographer Vivian Maier has gotten mounds of press, but is the story all it seems?
Hot Breakfast at Union Station
McDonald's will be handing out free bowls of their new fruit and oatmeal at Union Station this morning from 7am till 10am.
"Serving the Population it's Supposed to Serve"
After TimeOut Chicago reported that the Art Institute will change its free hours in the coming months, it heard back from the museum's director of public affairs, from which the following article was generated.
"You Wonder Why There Aren't More Civil Revolts"
While discussing the recent parking meter fare increase with an NBC5 reporter, a man feeding a fare payment box downtown looked over to see a Traffic Management Authority clerk ticketing his car on camera.
No Pets, No Smoking
The Kingsbury Plaza apartment complex began transitioning to non-smoking on Jan. 1 -- as in, no smoking even in your own apartment, under penalty of fines. The 15 percent of current residents who smoke have a year to either quit or get out.
Watch for Watch the Throne
Kanye West has announced that his album collaboration with Jay-Z, Watch the Throne, will be out "in the next week." Meanwhile, Josh Groban covered Kanye's best tweets on Jimmy Kimmel last night.
Can God Make a Rock so Heavy Even Superman Can't Lift It?
In a massive geeksplosion of epic levels, Professor James Kakalios of the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Minnesota will promote his new book the Amazing Story of Quantum Mechanics at Chicago Comics this Friday. Kakalios is also known for his book The Physics of Superheroes.
UA 727 Flying, then Driving to its New Home
GB flickr pool contributor cmraseye posted some photographs of the Museum of Science and Industry's 727 en route to the museum in 1992. Here's a news clip from the day for video of the landing and some additional background.
Northwestern Psych Prof Thinks about W.'s Brain
Dan McAdams will appear this evening on WTTW's "Chicago Tonight." A Northwestern professor specializing in narratives and life stories, McAdams recently published George W. Bush and the Redemptive Dream: A Psychological Portrait, a book focusing on the former president's personality.
Out of Place Together
Lee Bey takes a look at the historic New Regal Theater and Haven of Rest Church on the South Side.
Rump Shaker
A Winnetka woman was able to get a SWAT team to surround her husband's workplace for three hours yesterday after she received an accidental "butt-dialed" cell phone call from him that led her to believe he was being held captive. He was actually listening to rap music while talking to a coworker.
Carol Calls It In
When Chicago mayoral candidate Carol Moseley Braun was unable to attend an LGBT event in person, she did what anybody in her position would do: she called the event organizer, who held his phone up to a microphone so the attendees could (sorta) hear her speak to the gathering. [via]
Bad Economy = Busy Library
Art Daily reports that last year, the Chicago Public Library circulated 8.8 million items and provided 2.8 million free computer sessions. A less cheery statistic: librarians reported that 60 percent of their time with patrons involved helping them look for jobs on library computers.
Caring for Elderly Inmates
The Reader's cover story this week examines how the state is spending a massive amount of money on healthcare for elderly prisoners. Reporter Jessica Pupovac was on "Eight Forty-eight" this morning to discuss the story.
A Guide to Devon Avenue
Chicago magazine helps you explore the center of the city's South Asian community.
Obesity is Coming for Us
If you watch the animated map on this page, you can see the wave of obesity rising and making its way toward Illinois.
Dueling Cadavers
The Museum of Science & Industry will host the US debut of the third edition of Body Worlds exhibit. "Body Worlds & The Cycle of Life" opens March 18. Meanwhile, the International Museum of Surgical Science is currently hosting a rival show, "Our Body: The Universe Within."
Family Money
The Northern Trust launched a new wealth management practice for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender households.
Crazy Love
A Northwest side woman has been charged with disorderly conduct after calling police to (falsely) claim that her boyfriend, who was trying to break up with her, was attacking her. The real reason why she called? She was hoping to scare her now-ex into marrying her (I don't get it, either).
Da Vest
Just in time for the playoffs (tickets go on sale at 10am), you can now get Ditka's famous Bears sweatervest.
Chinatown May Receive Political Protection
The Illinois House made a move to consolidate Chinatown political districts in a preview of the redistricting wrangling that will occur after detailed U.S. Census data are released.
Cameron Frye Slept Here
It doesn't come with the cool car, but you can (still) own the Highland Park home made famous by Ferris Bueller's Day Off.
I Don't Need Your Stinkin' Health Care Coverage
The newly elected Joe Walsh of the 8th Illinois congressional district has the distinction of being the only member of the GOP to refuse federal health benefits in protest of last year's health care reform bill.
Multi-Colored Maroon
While we're on the subject of stylish students, the U of C has its own in Rafael Menis, the "Tie-Dye Guy."
Jindra's-Eye View of Traffic
If you're a little short on details for the new car and pedestrian routes around the latest Wacker Drive construction in the Loop, then this helpful video by WBEZ traffic reporter Sarah Jindra is for you.
Junior Designer
Meet Sky Cubacub, a freshman at SAIC with a penchant for unconventional materials and a good amount of fashion experience already behind her.
Chicago's Shifting Culture
The Chicago News Coop digs into US Census data to see how the face of Chicago is changing.
Born to Eat Brains
Mitch O'Connell designed some new zombie themed temporary tattoos.
Stump Speaks
Chicagoist has a two-part interview with Patrick Stump, former frontman of Fall Out Boy, about life after the band, what he's up to now and his deep connection to Chicago.
Yelp It's Not
ShamelessRestaurants.com is a forum for "the inside scoop by restaurant employees" The Chicago section must be read to be believed.
High Holy Days and Heavy Metal
David Draiman, frontman of Disturbed, talks with the Jerusalem Post about growing up Jewish in Chicago, among other things. [via]
Scalia on Pizza
Justice Antonin Scalia doesn't think Chicago-style deep dish pizza is really pizza, and said as much in an interview with California Lawyer magazine: "It's very good, but ... call it tomato pie or something. ... I'm a traditionalist, what can I tell you?" [via]
Win Cash for Novel Online Marketing Ideas
The city's Treasurer's Office and Constant Contact are sponsoring a 2011 Small Business Online Marketing Contest, which offers cash prizes and free Constant Contact accounts for small businesses who have innovative email and social media campaigns.
Ebert's New Crew
AP's Christy Lemire and Reader and MUBI contributor Ignatiy Vishnevetsky will be joining the venerable film critic for the January 21 premiere of his new show.
Too Early to Celebrate
If the City approves the single bid to privatize our summer festivals, we may get some really great lineups and well-run events, but at a potentially steep cost, Jim DeRogatis reports.
2 Blue Stripes, 4 Red Gears
Another variation on the Chicago flag from a print shop in Sarasota, Florida, of all places. [via]
Another Proposed Rail Line in Peril
Yet another proposed Chicago-to-Wherever passenger railroad line may not get built. This time, it's the connection to Iowa City.
The End of Free Art
The Art Institute maybe be free right now, but the museum's longstanding Target Free Thursday Evenings will end May 26. Though it will be free on the first and second Wednesday of the month.
Blanketing the Skies
Found by chance, a photo of several thousand model WWII warplanes hung from the ceiling in Union Station in 1942.
Free Art Winter
Today through Feb. 4, general admission to the Art Institute is free on weekdays.
Taxi Fuel Surcharge Takes Effect
As I reported last week, taxis will begin adding a $1 fuel surcharge (up from 50 cents) to fares starting at midnight tonight.
Last of the Great American Cities
Kara VanderBijil prefers Chicago to Los Angeles. Despite the cold.
Pitchfork as a Bar Chart
Year in Review plots Pitchfork's 2010 reviews along the x axis.
Descent into Fog
John Schroeder shot the fog from above as he arrived home from the holidays.
The City Green
Re-nest, Apartment Therapy's green home blog, put out a green guide to Chicago last week.
Maroon Beats Crimson
The University of Chicago beat out Harvard and Yale in online brand presence. On the other hand, UofC is only number two -- University of Wisconsin is tops.
Feder Returns to the Web
Robert Feder's new blog at Time Out Chicago debuted this weekend with commentary on Oprah's new network and WTMX's Kathy Hart's divorce.
Every Year We Count Again
Chicago may have had the lowest murder rate since 1965 last year, but this year's count started ticking right away.
Chicago Murder Rate Lowest Since 1965
Though it was a deadly year in Chicago, the total number of homicides was 435, the lowest since 1965 when the total was 395. The 2010 total represents a drop of more than 54% from the all time high set in 1992 with 943 homicides.
Comparing Aldermanic Hopefuls Online
There are 349 candidates for alderman in this election, with varying levels of web savvy. AldermanicWebsites helps sort through them all. Unsurprisingly, a certain star makes a lot of appearances.
BZZZZZZ
Margaret Vinci Heldt created the beehive hairdo on Michigan Avenue just over 50 years ago and will be celebrated throughout the year.
Johnny Be Ill?
Chuck Berry, 84, collapsed over his keyboards at the Congress Theater last night. After EMTs showed up he said he was feeling fine, but didn't complete his set. No word yet on his current condition.
What to Do With the Tannenbaum
You can recycle your live Christmas tree into much-needed mulch at any of 23 Chicago Park District sites through January 17.
She OWNs You
Oprah Winfrey's new cable channel debuts today.
Danny Davis Exits Mayoral Race
The West Side state rep is now supporting Carol Moseley Braun, the lone African-American candidate in February's election.
