Profiling Indie Book Stores
In Book Club, we kicked off today a new series of profiles of independent book stores around the city. First up is Uptown's Shake Rattle & Read.
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
February 2011
TIFs Work for Big Corporations
Columbia College students took a look at who received money from TIFs between 2000 and 2010, and found that nearly half ended up benefiting corporations rather than helping economically blighted areas. A searchable map of TIF projects is online here. And Chicago mag's Whet Moser puts into further context.
Wrigleyville's Newest Resident
Cubs fans shouldn't have too much trouble finding manager Mike Quade this summer: He plans to live two blocks from Wrigley Field and walk to work every day. [via]
The F*cking Mayor
@MayorEmanuel was none other than Dan Sinker, Columbia College professor, creator of the Chicago Mayoral Scorecard and founder of Punk Planet. He'll be on Eight Forty-Eight tomorrow to discuss the project.
The Last Doughboy, RIP
Frank Buckles, the last living member of the WWI American Expeditionary Forces in France, passed away Sunday at 110 years old. Local photographer and GB flickr pool contributor Brad Gillette photographed the veteran on his 109th birthday.
The Second (Worst) City, If You're Black
African Americans in Chicago earn 45 cents for every dollar white people make, making us the second-worst city racial income inequality in the United States.
Bikes Ahead
Speaking of bicycles, the newly released Bike 2015 Plan will be used to guide the City's plans to make Chicago more bike-friendly in the next four years. [via]
Get on the Cycle Track
The Chicago Department of Transportation is testing a new type of bike lane; you'll be heading down to Stony Island Avenue between 69th and 77th streets to try it out once it debuts... in 2014.
Now Batting...
The Cubs are looking for a new public address announcer. Think you've got what it takes? Apply here by March 7.
Her OWN So-So Results
Oprah's new OWN is drawing fewer viewers than Discovery Health, the channel it replaced, but the few original shows it's running are doing OK.
Inflate a Business
Tony "Lunchbreath" Ruth and Mike Serafin have created Blimpus, an inflatable custom toy. And they're launching it with a Kickstarter.
Chicago: "Finally Hip"
Food writer Raymond Sokolov apparently did a quick Google News search and cobbled together some ramblings on how Chicago is "finally hip" for Newsweek. (He seems to think Andrew Mason moved here from Pittsburgh expressly to start Groupon.)
Obit: Diane Izzo
Greg Kot's column on Chicago singer-songwriter Diane Izzo, who died on Friday at the age of 43. (Edit: Jim DeRogatis' tribute to Izzo was also published today.)
Saviours' Day Roundup
The Nation of Islam's annual Saviours' Day event in Rosemont was quite the looker this year, with talks about the role of UFOs in Islam and Minister Louis Farrakhan's prouncements that Middle Eastern style protests are coming to the US and that he and Gadhafi are still pals.
Sit Back, Relax, Pretend You're In Oak Park
Actor and comedian Thomas Lennon ("Reno 911!," "The State") has a handmade tribute to Oak Park's Lake Theatre in his living room.
Make the Oscars a Little Interesting
...with the Predictotron.
More Sugar than a Snickers
The oatmeal McDonald's is promoting as a healthy breakfast option is a bit more complicated than it seems.
@MayorEmanuel by the Numbers
Chicagoist breaks it down, curse by curse. Download the whole tweet archive in PDF form for posterity.
Office Supply Pointillism
Eric Daigh's portraits utilize an unusual medium: pushpins. A show of his work opens tonight at Hammer Gallery.
Record-Breaking Snow Still Possible
Last night's snow didn't quite break the 1896 record for most snowfall in February, but we still have a chance, with more snow expected over the next couple days.
Snap This Up
Alligator Records turns 40 this year, and to celebrate their 40th Anniversary Collection is just $5.99 on Amazon today.
Chicago's Next Saint
The Archdiocese of Chicago has begun the next phase of canonization for Father Augustus Tolton, the first black Catholic priest.
A Hard Drinking Town
The "The Chicago Code" drinking game, courtesy of the Beachwood Reporter.
Getting Indie Gaming Growing
A.V. Club Chicago talks with Erin Robinson about the city's growing indie game industry. We covered similar ground with her in December.
The Coming Plague
The University of Chicago researcher who died of the plague in 2009 was the first lab-acquired plague death in 50 years, and the first ever by a weakened form of the bacterium, according to a CDC report.
The GB Book Club Returns!
In person, that is. Join us as we read Joe Meno's The Great Perhaps and then discuss it with Meno himself at Sheffield's March 24.
Red All Over
The RedEye has left ChicagoNow and has its own digs again.
"It's like coming to Vegas for the first time"?
The Chicago Dental Society's 146th Midwinter Meeting is in progress, and apparently it's pretty exciting ... at least it is for dentists.
The Sweet Smell of Success
Money, the fragrance, comes in his and hers versions, both inspired by the scent of "fresh, crisp bills."
Help Out a Furry Pal
Love animals AND alcohol? Head to Proof tonight for their Mutts and Martinis event at 7pm, which benefits the Friends of Animal Care and Control. And if you want to continue your charitable bender, Gold Star will be hosting Sexy Black, a benefit for Virtually Home Chicago, on Saturday night.
Healthier than Our Own
Apparently, Sweden's Statoil gas stations now offer a "Chicago menu" of a (non-Chicago style) hot dog, a Coke and ...baby carrots? [via]
$25 on the 25th
Broadway in Chicago has a new discount ticket program! However, you have to jump through some hoops. According to the press release, "[The] deal is available through Facebook only for Broadway In Chicago Facebook fans and valid only on the 25th of each month. This Friday, February 25th, a select number of $25 tickets will be offered for Working: The Musical at the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place for various performances in March."
For All Youse High-Hatted Funnybook Readers
An interesting juxtaposition of old and new signs downtown.
From Ebay to Opera
The Reader shares the fascinating tale of a collection of letters bought on Ebay by monologist David Kodeski, now destined to become a contemporary opera.
Further Reflections on the Election
...from Whet Moser, Steve Rhodes and Curtis Black, and a map of where the mayoral candidates won, precinct by precinct.
Revolution Every Day
Maybe our own Slowdown calendar isn't activist enough. Fortunately, there's Chicago Radicalendar.
It's Bacon Time
Bacon nuts probably already know, but just in case: Baconfest Chicago tickets go on sale at noon Friday.
Our First Asian-American Alderman
When Ameya Pawar won the 47th Ward race, he made history. The Center Square Journal interviewed him in the midst of Tuesday's celebration, and the Sun-Times and Tribune give you a more in-depth look at the 30-year-old incoming alderman.
Daley's a Lettuce Guy
The Stew published the first post-election interview with Mayor Daley yesterday -- about his interest in food.
Walmart's Next Store to be in ... Presidential Towers?
Walmart is opening its first Chicago small grocery store in Presidential Towers under the name Neighborhood Market. They're hoping there's less backlash to this location than in Lakeview.
United States of X: Travel Edition
Illinois comes in 15th in the US (including the District of Columbia) in percentage of population with a current passport -- which, at 34.88 percent, drops us into the second tier on this map.
Land Grant
Deal site BloomSpot is holding a contest to win dinner for two to Alinea if you sign up for its email newsletter.
Taking Groupon Cloning to Another Level
In China, Groupon faces competition ...from Groupon.
Food Truck Food Court
The release party for Heather Shouse's book, Food Trucks: Dispatches and Recipes from the Best Kitchens on Wheels, April 19 will double as the first-ever Food Truck Summit in the parking lot of Goose Island Clybourn.
Watch Out for Stale Greens
Drivers of a certain age might have seen this goofy '70s instructional film.
An Attention-Getting Print
A phrase familiar to CTA passengers gets the letterpress treatment.
Drink Early and Often
With a new Mayor-elect in the wings, one ponders if the city can be unified by a crowdsourced alcoholic beverage. Chicagoans, the choice is yours. (h/t Joe)
Speeding to Victory or Spinning its Wheels?
In NewCity this week, occasional GB contributor John Greenfield examines the likelihood that the planned Chicago Velo Campus will be completed by 2013.
Reopening the Patio
Portage Park's Patio Theater will soon reopen after 10 years. In A/C, Gordon McAlpin interviews new manager Demetri Kouvalis about what it's taken to bring the theater back to life, and what to expect when it opens. McAlpin also incorporated the Patio into the current storyline in his webcomic, Multiplex, starting here.
iPhone Carrier Cage Match
Ars Technica performed extensive tests comparing Verizon and AT&T's iPhone performance in neighborhoods from Andersonville to Hyde Park.
Wednesday Morning Quarterbacking the Election
Chicagoist is hosting a live post-election chat with Andy Shaw, Esther J. Cepeda, Mario Smith, Ald. Ed Bus and their own Kevin Robinson today at 11am. Tune in and chime in with your own thoughts.
Well, That Was Fast
With 88% of precincts reporting, Rahm Emanuel is declared to be the next mayor of Chicago.
Political Programming Note
Our own Ramsin Canon will be on WBEZ tonight, and he will be a call-in guest on CAN-TV 21 tomorrow morning from 7 to 7:30am, discussing the election in both cases. Tune in!
Apropos of the Election
A list of Chicago's mayors. [via]
Wisconsin Protest Field Trip
And speaking of Wisconsin, Mechanics contributor Micah Uetricht just posted a report from the protests in Madison.
Politicians Gone Wild
Perhaps inspired by Wisconsin Democrat senators who fled to Illinois to block a vote taking away collective bargaining rights from unionized government workers, congresspeople from Indiana are heading to Illinois (or Kentucky) to avoid a similar vote. Meanwhile, Arizonaesque anti-immigrant legislation has been introduced in the Illinois General Assembly, as well as in Indiana.
Imitation is the Sincerest Form
A recent Chicago magazine cover design was ripped off by another city mag --- in Russia.
A Grand Old Flag
Roman Mars, who used to work at WBEZ, still loves the Chicago flag despite being in San Francisco. [via]
There Can Be Only One
@MayorEmanuel's journey looked like it was at an end, after an epic tale he told last night. More than a few people worried, but the account was back at full speed this morning.
Healthy Eating
Perhaps not so coincidentally, National Eating Disorder Awareness Week overlaps with Restaurant Week. Dr. Kathrleen Young has some suggestions on how to observe it.
Vote for the LOLs
In Mechanics, we've got a way to turn your favorite mayoral candidate into a macro.
Three Floyds Gets Strict
Beer fans, be warned: Dark Lord Day is for ticket-holders only this year.
Woman-Oriented Stag
Today is Lady Porn Day. What are you doing to celebrate?
Can a Charter School Block a Union?
While the protests in Madison continue, Chicago has its own labor fight in the works. The Chicago Math and Science Academy is arguing it is "private" and therefore exempt from an Illinois law granting public school employees the right to form unions for contract negotiations. The argument is seen as particularly controversial because the relevant Illinois charter school law defines charter schools as "public."
Fighting for the 50th
Ald. Bernie Stone faces four challenger on Election Day this year, and whoever wins will inherit a ward struggling to get its economic engine restarted. Read more in Mechanics.
Rahmbo Pride
Those voting for Rahm Emanuel tomorrow may want to wear Shrink Boutique's Rahmbo shirt to the polls.
United States of X: Daily Special Edition
Not a map, exactly, but The United Plates imagines each state as food. Illinois looks tasty.
Bike Crash Map
Urban planner Steve Vance mapped all the bike accidents in Chicago reported to IDOT from 2007 to 2009. More about his process and why he decided to do it. [via, via]
Endorse This
Looking for some guidance on who to choose tomorrow? Get a sample ballot and take a look at these opinions: Trib, Sun-Times, Independent Voters of Illinois (IVI-IPO), SEIU, Windy City Times, and the Chicago Defender. Polls are open from 6am-7pm.
The Candidates on Transit
The CTA Tattler checked into the major mayoral candidates' positions on public transportation, and found Gery Chico strangely silent.
Talk Politics with Dumke
WindyCitizen's last Ask a Reporter Anything before the election features Mick Dumke. He'll answer questions about TIFs, privatization and other issues this evening -- get your questions in now.
Free Tour Friday
Chicago Detours is offering free Friday tours through March 16 if you "like" them on Facebook.
"Dear M. Night Shyamalan..."
Omer Mozaffar writes a letter to a well-known director, encouraging him to do better -- and publishes it in the Sun-Times.
One Day Only, Pressed at Boddie
Early Warning: Numero Group, Chicago's resident back catalog hounds, will be opening a pop-up store for Record Store Day April 16, and is producing a limited edition album on wax, CD and cassette. Keep your ear open for the location.
Earwax No More
Once shut down temporarily, now permanently: long-time Wicker Park food institution Earwax Cafe will be closing February 28.
Your Morning Detour: John Fischetti
Peruse the John Fischetti Manuscript Collection at Columbia College, and get to know a Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial cartoonist.
Skipping School Lunch
A healthier lunch is only good for kids if they eat it -- and apparently CPS students aren't. More food discussion in Drive-Thru.
Marginalia and Association Copies
The Caxton Club and The Newberry Library are convening a symposium in March about writing in books that should be far more interesting than it sounds.
Empires Could Have It Covered
Local band Empires are competing in a contest to be featured on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine. Help them out by voting for them here. [via]
One Senator, One Twin Bed
If you're a Democrat State Senator from Wisconsin who is hiding out in Illinois until Governor Scott Walker starts working with (and not against) his colleagues, why not spend it in Logan Square? One guy will put you up for free.
Independent Bookstores Rise Again!
After you're done pillaging Borders, check out this list of independent bookstores located near the closing Borders locations. As always, other ideas are in the Book Club.
Steampunk Tonight
In just two hours, the Abbey Pub will transform into an industrial, whimsical world of yesteryear through Clockwork Vaudeville: A Steampunk Circus Extravaganza.
Bad Week for Oprah
First; athlete Michael Vick abruptly cancels an appearance on her show, possibly fearing a James Frey-style beatdown for engaging in dogfighting; then a (pre-Stedman) boyfriend pops up to tell his tales of eating stuffed mashed potatoes with her (recipe, please!) and getting coldly dumped; and finally, a student at Winfrey's South African all-girls school was hospitalized after giving birth in secret (and possibly suffocating the baby to death).
Chicago's Youth and the Future of Food
Not every kid is sucked into the McDonald's vortex! We meet up with a local youth-centric food policy group in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
Feel the Heat
Heat Tracker purports to show you the hottest locales around the city at a given time, based on Foursquare check-ins. It was developed by Draftfcb Chicago.
Beyond the Labbits
Frank Kozik is at Rotofugi tonight, signing work and showing off his latest, Stoner Fort.
Learn About Lincoln
Have Presidents' Day off? The Chicago History Museum is free on Monday.
Raise a Mitzvah
Mitzfunder is a proposed Jewish-oriented fund-raising site along the lines of Kickstarter. Leah Jones explains how it'd work, and asks for your help getting it off the ground.
Pillage Borders
The sales at closing Borders stores begin Saturday; we've got your list in Book Club.
Raise a Toast
Chicago is the best beer city in America, according to Esquire.
Your Best Connection
Broadband Illinois lets you see which broadband Internet provider is the best in your neighborhood.
Laughs Again at Lakeshore
LA's Laugh Factory plans to open a Chicago outpost in the currently shuttered Lakeshore Theater.
Not So Stuffed Pizza
Giordano's filed for bankruptcy Thursday, but said it plans to keep its restaurants open.
T-Shirts & Code
Threadless gives a peek at how they developed the mobile version of their site. [via]
How UIC (Unofficially) Fields a Table Tennis Team
The Flame goes behind the scenes at the UIC Table Tennis Club.
Under the Bridge No Longer
Approved today, the Navy Pier Flyover seeks to eliminate the lakefront path's most notorious choke point.
Daley's Next Gig
Mayor Daley could get as much as $50,000 per speech after he leaves office. He's signed with the Harry Walker Agency, who also represent Phil Jackson, Roxana Saberi and The Second City for speaking engagements.
Know, or Else!
Chicago comedy troupe Funemployed has created a special PSA video for all those who don't know who (Grammy award winning band) Arcade Fire is. (h/t Sandor)
Trahm Legacy
Coming soon to a political theater near you?
Don't Tell the Revenuers
Speaking of criminals, Mike Sula talks with some folks making moonshine over at the Reader.
Dumb Criminals in the News
Three guys from the suburbs decided to trash the insides of some unlocked cars last night. Only problem was, the cars were on display in the Toyota booth at the Auto Show, surrounded by thousands of people, so of course they were caught.
La Cueva Hangs by a Sequin
La Cueva, a historic Latino LGBTQ bar in Little Village, struggles to stay open in the face of opposition from suspicious conservative neighbors. Learn more in A/C.
Good Deal All Around
Virgin America showed off its marketing savvy buy partnering with Groupon for today's launch of service between O'Hare and LA or San Fran. The deal sold out in less than an hour.
Vote at Lunch
If you're intent on voting early, today's your last chance to do so.
The CAT and the Bat
Back in 2003, Sammy Sosa's bat exploded during a game. Why? It was corked. The newest development in the story is that after Harry Carray's purchased the bat when it resurfaced in 2010, its management had the bat CAT scanned to see additional detail of the corking process.
Let's Go Uptown
Time Out focuses on Uptown this week, including Ald. Helen Shiller's legacy.
Some Jazz Records
Today's auction of legendary DJ Dick Buckley's record collection caught the eye of the Wall Street Journal; peruse the catalog online.
The Shrinking City
In the wake of the census population numbers, Lee Bey ponders urban density and the problem of Houston.
One Vehicle at the Auto Show You Definitely Won't Purchase
The Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center is showing a different kind of vehicle at this year's auto show: the Clandestine Extended Range Vehicle.
Burlesque Fest is Taking Off
The Windy City Burlesque Festival returns March 17-19, and tickets are on sale now.
Aldermania in the Reader
Ben Joravsky takes a hard look at some of the more interesting aldermanic races around town.
From Hemingway to Hogan to Hefner
Art Shay shares memories and photos of his many mentors over at Chicagoist.
Achatz Redux
Not to be outdone, the New York Times has a profile of Grant Achatz today, too.
On Shooting Chicago's Boxers
In Tailgate, Jim Reedy interviews Jason Reblando about his photography documenting the city's amateur boxing clubs. See the photos up close at Harold Washington College through Friday. UPDATE: If you miss the show this week, Jason says it also will be at the Canale Art Lounge April 1.
Rockit the Vote
Seems a little late for this election, but Chicago Votes and Rock the Vote host an afterparty for tonight's mayoral debate at Rockit Bar & Grill
Slide into Dating
Me So Far, an experimental new dating platform, gets its first test run at Feb. 27 826CHI. A group of 12 "talkers" will create slide presentations about themselves ahead of time, and show them at the event to 65 "listeners." Afterward, everyone gets a chance to mingle and get to know each other. Want to help test it out? Register online.
Cameras in the Courtroom
A hearing related to the Drew Peterson case will be the first ever in Illinois to be broadcast live. Tune in at 1pm today on CLTV or the Tribune website here.
Sights & Sounds of Urban Nature
Ryan Hodgson-Rigsbee pairs photos and music to create the webzine Urban Nature. Plug in your headphones and enjoy.
Composition: Achatz
Past, present and future blend together in Chris Borelli's profile of Grant Achatz.
Pick Up Your Dibs
Streets & San will start disposing of old chairs, cardboard boxes, plastic penguins and whatever else you leave in your parking space on Friday.
How to Lose 200,000 People
The official 2010 Census numbers demonstrate that Chicago's population declined 200,000 people between 2000 and 2010. The African American population declined 17%, Latin Americans gained a little over 3% and non-Hispanic whites slightly declined.
Who is @MayorEmanuel? Stakes Raised
Rahm Emanuel told Roe Conn that he'll donate $5,000 to charity if the author of @MayorEmanuel reveals his or her identity.
The Secret is Out
As of this writing, This American Life's site is just barely reachable, thanks to the nearly one million people who've visited to read Coca-Cola's secret formula since it was mentioned on last weekend's episode. [via]
Message to Carl Kasell: Lawyer Up
An email received today from the Emanuel campaign announced that anyone who orders this swag package and donates $5 or more today to Rahm will be entered into a drawing to have the candidate himself record a greeting on their voicemail.
Mayor T-Shirt Forever
Have you spotted Nick Adams' Mayor Daley Forever signs around town? Now you can get the t-shirt.
Promoting Knowledge Through Danger
Above the Sun, a new short film by Coudal Partners.
Proudbarrassed
Speaking of nickd, his Shitty Portmanteaux is as awesome as jeggings.
Talk About UX
FoGB Nick "nickd" Disabato discusses his book, Cadence & Slang, at tonight's UX Book Club meeting. Details in Slowdown.
Political Theater
Mayoral Tutorial is a political performance piece with a purpose: to educate you on who the candidates are and what they stand for. The show runs through Feb. 19 at Center Portion.
Your Guide to Local Media
The Community Media Workshop's Chicago media guide, Getting On Air, Online & Into Print, is now available online.
Haters Gonna Hate...Wild Boar
Award-winning restaurant Longman & Eagle has made lemons into lemonade, printing a negative review from Yelp onto a fancy postcard.
Swine & Wine
Looking for something a bit more exclusive than BaconFest? Perhaps Cochon 555 is up your alley. Eater has some details about the March 20 Chicago celebration of pork and wine.
GiveForward Gets Life Support
GiveForward, a startup that helps people raise money for out-of-pocket medical expenses, raised $500k in venture capital.
Blackstone's Fed-Funded Makeover
Why was the Blackstone Hotel's $116-million renovation financed in part by a federal development program intended to aid low-income communities? Bloomberg Markets magazine finds out.
Not-Owen Wilson Caught
Follow-up: Remember the guy who looked like "Owen Wilson without the crooked nose" who scammed a bunch of Oak Park businesses? He's been caught, and the description holds true.
A Musical Hurricane
Do312 interviewed Kill Hannah's Mat Devine about his role in Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark.
Study the Cameras
Two never-released studies reinforce the notion that the Chicago Police Department's camera system is only effective in certain situations and can't be properly studied; one researcher recommends an improved approach. Shane Shifflett reports -- and provides interactive maps -- in Mechanics.
Civic Federation: Privatize the City
The Civic Federation doesn't think we've been privatizing the right things here in Chicago. They're advising the next mayor to save money by privatizing services such as trash pickup and the water system.
Sharpie Your iPad
That's the idea with Don Lehman's new More/Real stylus caps, currently raising funds on Kickstarter.
Local Grammy Winners
Last night at the Grammys, Mavis Staples won Best Americana Album for You Are Not Alone, while the CSO took home two trophies and several other local blues and jazz performers won as well.
Movies Are Love
See one for free (before February 28) at the Brew & View by filling out this survey.
17 Syllables of Chicago
Jen Masengarb writes haikus about urban living. (Thanks, John!)
Raven Hearts & Underpants Twins
Flinchy is a new t-shirt company launched by Jay Ryan, Diana Sudyka and Tom Stack. I think this one is my favorite.
Weis: Meeting with Gangsters Worked
Police chief Jody Weis said this weekend that his controversial decision to meet with West Side gang leaders last August led to a drop in crime, particularly murders. There is some skepticism.
Blizzard Revisions
The National Weather Service was doing some thinking, and they decided that last week's blizzard wasn't as bad as everyone thought, and also that "1979 was messed up." So they revised the '79 and '11 snow totals and last week's blizzard dropped to fourth worst. But then they talked with some local meteorologists, who all basically said, "No way, and in fact you counted wrong." So a couple hours later, this year's blizzard was third again and everyone was happy.
Any Publicity is Good Publicity?
Groupon may have caught a lot of flak for its Super Bowl commercials, but it reaped major spikes in web traffic. Whether those extra visits translate into new customers is another question altogether.
John Hughes' Chicago in Art
1988 Gallery in LA is currently running a exhibition called "The Road To Shermer: A Tribute to John Hughes." [via]
Just Don't Call Him the Comptometer Kid
50 years ago, the legacy of the homegrown Comptometer ended in Chicago. Developed by Dorr Eugene Felt using a macaroni box in 1885, the Comptometer became the first commercially-successful key-driven adding machine. Relics of its reign still exist: the original prototype at the Smithsonian, the main factory building at the 1700 N. block of Paulina (now lofts), and this nose-poke threatening ad from 1942.
Stood Up Again
Unfortunately, UK Swedish singer Robyn has canceled her Chicago performance tonight at the Riv due to illness. Jam Productions has brief details, and recommends holding on to your ticket for a future make-up performance. Tonight's cancellation comes after a week of axed Midwest concert dates by the singer.
Don't Like Kids?
Big Dog Eat Child has a your anthem.
Art Continues After 40
Chicago Art Magazine has begun a series featuring 40 artists over the age of 40 in an effort to "break the mold of ageism" in the arts. The first article looks at artist-run spaces.
Sarah Jindra with Your Traffic
Claire Zulkey interviews traffic reporter Sarah Jindra about the blizzard, shortcuts and her side project, INSPIREme Chicago.
37smileys
37signals has launched an interesting presentation of its customer support ratings. More here.
Out in the Cold
The blizzard and subsequent cold have been frustrating for everyone, but Chicago's wildlife, it can be a matter of life and death.
Ladies Who Sometimes Brunch and Often Bike
If you're a lady who likes to bike, and want to meet up with like-minded women, check out Let's Go Ride a Bike.
Introducing The Grid and Market Fisheries
Today GB is kicking off its new short film series, The Grid. Look for the documentaries throughout the site as well as in their own multimedia feature section. The first feature is a look at Market Fisheries, a South Side store that has been owned and operated by the Brody Family since 1957.
Cupcakes for a Cause
In this week's Drive-Thru feature, we visit a bakery that churns out sweet treats and even sweeter charity...just in time for your Valentine's Day treat shopping.
Seeking Peace in the Suburbs
In A/C, Ted McClelland explores Vivekananda Vedanta Society, a suburban Hindu mission with roots in Chicago's Columbian Exposition.
Auto Show Time
The 2011 Chicago Auto Show opens to the public today. We've got a taste of what you'll encounter in Tailgate.
Groupon Cock-Blocks Sex Shop
So Groupon rejected an application from local female-friendly sex shop Early to Bed. Then they called them to offer a new program, and rejected them again for being an adult business. At least we won't be seeing any g-spot related commercials from Groupon any time soon.
A Higher Power of Protection
GB flickr pool contributor noordpunt happened upon what is quite possibly the best dibs placeholder.
Mark of the Trade
Long-gone Nedwick Books is the sole entrant in this collection of book trade labels -- though there are many more here. [via]
Ready, Set, Date
Time Out's annual singles issue is out; commence to browsing.
Bookshelves Get Technical
Shelfluv fills a virtual bookshelf with recommendations as you search; click through and buy what you find on Amazon.
Best Existential Brooding
Frank Thomas makes an appearance in the Baseball Card Hall of Fame.
Buick Skylark Owners: Get on the Bus
Fictional (yet incredibly real) mayoral candidate Ed Bus held a press conference earlier today. If you weren't able to make it, he talked one-on-one with Edward McClelland of NBC's Ward Room beforehand.
Grocery Carts, Start Your Engines
More than 60 teams have already registered for this year's Chiditarod, happening March 5.
A Sweet Encased Treat
You have just a couple more days to get Hot Doug's latest special, a cherry-apple pork sausage (with a touch of cinnamon) topped with Sir William pear mustard and a crumbled Vosges bacon chocolate bar. he encased meat emporium closes Sunday and doesn't reopen until March 2.
The Dirt on Becoming Chicago's Dirtiest Car
Prove you own Chicago's dirtiest car, and it will be transformed into the cleanest. Send a photo and description to Dr. Beasley's by the contest's deadline of Feb. 25.
To Toddle No More
The last Chicago Toddle House--a former chain of eat-in/take-out restaurants and a precursor to modern fast food eateries--will soon be razed. The location has been closed for eight years, and locals complain that the site is an eyesore.
Awards Season
And not just for films. Time Out's Eat Out Awards are open for voting, and LTH Forum is taking nominations for its latest Great Neighborhood Restaurants awards.
The City's Blacklist
The Better Government Association has posted the City's Do Not Hire list, showing who is banned for life and who isn't. Some think the list doesn't go far enough.
Learning from North Lawndale
The blog Learning from North Lawndale hasn't been updated since October, but it still has some interesting background on the neighborhood.
An Enchanted Evening with Mr. Schue
Calling all Gleeks! Glee's own Mr. Schuester, Matthew Morrison, will headline "One Enchanted Decade," a fundraiser for the Goodman Theatre's education and community engagement programs, on May 21.
Ed Bus Press Conference
Alderman Ed Bus of the 53rd Ward and candidate for mayor, is holding a press conference at City Hall Thursday morning at 10:30am. You're invited to ask him questions.
Button Up for Blizzards
Busy Beaver has a button for you, Snowmageddon survivors.
Print Goes Digital
ReadOz is a local startup that lets you read print media, such as the Red Eye or TribLocal, online in the original print format.
Two Parks, Miles Apart
The Reader's Steve Bogira takes a look at two of the city's most homogeneous neighborhoods, Edison Park and Washington Park, as a means of examining how little progress has been made in combating racial segregation. He discussed the story on Eight Forty-Eight this morning.
Bad Weather Breeds Bad Dog Owners
A good Samaritan found two dogs at Howard Street Beach yesterday that had fallen through the ice. The dogs' owner, after being tracked down, admitted that he had dumped them near the (freezing) lake because he didn't want them anymore. Do you? Contact the Bark Bark Club for details on how to adopt.
Another Vanished Neighborhood
In 1971, Lou Fourcher, father of Center Square Journal founder Mike Fourcher, shot some great photos of the neighborhood that once existed where UIC and the medical campus are now.
Forget Looking Beneath the Floorboards
Are more John Wayne Gacy victims buried at an apartment complex near O'Hare? This exhaustive article implies just that.
Death to High Prices
Conan O'Brien aired two new Groupon commercials on last night's show.
"The Chicago Executive"
If United is really hurt for business, they might consider bringing back this men-only "club in the sky" from the 1950s -- though a women-only version would most definitely be in order as well.
Gentlemen, Get Groomed For Your Valentine
The James and John Allan's invite Chicago's menfolk to partake in "mini services" (trims, nail buffs, mini massages, shoe shines) Friday through Sunday from 4p until 7p. In addition to free business center services, complimentary morsels and cocktails will be served by David Burke's Primehouse and SVEDKA. Contact John Allan's directly for reservations.
Love Will Tear Us Apart
Our own Steve at the Movies will reunite with Tommy Wiseau, film auteur and creator of the 2003 cult classic The Room, on the stage of the Music Box Theatre this Friday and Saturday night at 10pm. Steve says, "The only thing better/worse than The Room this close to Valentine's Day is seeing it in a crowded theater." Tickets are going fast.
Achoos Protect You
People with certain allergies may be protected from a common form of brain cancer, UIC researchers report.
Uh, Who's Living in the White Sections?
Here's a Department of Development and Planning map showing how neatly Chicago stored its ethnics in 1950. Note how the Swedes are encircling the Irish in the lower-right quadrant. Was it something we said?
Meter Deal: Unethical?
City clerk and mayoral candidate Miguel del Valle believes the parking meter deal violated the city's ethics ordinance, and has asked the attorney general's office to investigate.
It's Not Brigadoon
Lee Bey solves the case of the missing neighborhood over at WBEZ.
Of Graft, Cheese, and Sport Peppers
Lexicographer Mark Peters discusses the meaning of the words "Chicago Style."
Your Own Deal
Urban Offer takes a different tack from the many group deal sites popping up: make an offer for how much you're willing to pay for a service (currently limited to salons and body care businesses, it seems) and see which business takes you up on it.
Lolla Leaks
Greg Kot has some gossip on who's going to headline this year's Lollapalooza music festival (August 5-7, 2011), and it's all bros. Word is that Eminem, Muse and Foo Fighters will likely be top on the bill.
Valentines for Expats
"Somebody in Chicago loves you." Another one misses you. (Or maybe one of these flags would be better.)
U of C Player, Roaring 20s Edition
Nice to know that style, sex appeal, and the University of Chicago have always gone hand in hand.
No Music at Taste of Chicago?
Mayor Daley has proposed a way to keep Taste of Chicago free without incurring losses on the festival: do away with the music programming.
Pregnant Lady Pose
Can yoga help you get pregnant?
Book Club Blogroll
The Book Club's compiled a list of notable, local literary blogs -- go check it out, and say something if you feel they've left someone out.
Mmm, Bacon
BaconFest has announced its lineup of exhibiting restaurants and chefs. Tickets go on sale soon.
The City has Eyes
There are 10,000 cameras watching us in every day in Chicago, and the ACLU of Illinois would like the City to stop adding more. Download the report here [PDF].
"Princess-on-Catfish Coitus"?
Chris Ware outdoes himself with a unsettling poster for the serenely surreal film Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives, winner of the Palme d'Or at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival.
Freeze at the North Pole
Recently Soon to be laid off Fox meteorologist Amy Freeze is competing to go to North Pole; vote by Feb. 15 and she might make a smooth transition from TV to blog. [via]
United States of X: Microbrew Edition
GOOD puts better brews on their United States of Good Beer. (Previously: 1, 2) [via]
Revenge Served Cold
You think stealing someone's dibs spot is risky? Try stealing their shovel.
Groupon's Ad Campaign: Now a Third Off!
Bowing to pressure, Groupon has pulled its Tibet ad from television, although it still appears on the SaveTheMoney website -- and you can still donate to The Tibet Fund.
Coding Chicago
"The Chicago Code" debuts on Fox tonight. Previews abound: Chicago mag, Chicagoist, Reader, Sun-Times, Time-Out, Tribune and Windy Citizen. Oh, and right here.
Chicago's Unstirred Melting Pot
Here's a "Community Settlement Map for 1950 (bigger) from the Department of Development and Planning under Mayor Richard J. Daley. The color delineations can be hard to differentiate sometimes, but it's an interesting snapshot of the city 60 years ago. Compare it to the map for 1900.
May the Dibs Flag Proudly Wave
If you're a fan of "dibs," this is the t-shirt for you.
Danke Schoen
If you have an Internet connection and a functioning cerebral cortex, you've seen plenty of amusingly overthought Ferris Bueller diversions in your day. Here's one more: The baseball nerds claim to have figured out what Cubs game Ferris and the gang attended on their fateful day off. [via]
Wacker Drive Demolished by Robots
The streets on both sides of the river get torn up in the new trailer for Transformers: Dark Side of the Moon.
Ask a City Hall Reporter Anything
Chicago New Coop's City Hall reporter, Dan Mihalopoulos, is will be answering questions about his job and the upcoming election over on WindyCitizen. It's the first in a series leading up to the election.
Getting Older in Chicago
The ratio of Chicago residents over 65 to everyone else will climb from 1 to 9 to 1 to 6 over the next 20 years. Crain's looks at the effects of the demographic shift.
RIP Tura Satana
Tura Satana, who lived on the West Side with her family after they were released from a WWII internment camp, passed away this weekend. Watch her best known film, Faster Pussycat! Kill! Kill!, for free on Google Video. [via]
49% Off Their Next Ad Agency
Groupon caught a whole lot of flack for its Super Bowl commercials playing philanthropy (for deforestation, saving the whales and the plight of Tibet) for laughs in connection to group deals. The company launched a subsite to make donations to those causes, but at least on Sunday, neither the ads nor Groupon's main site include a link to it. UPDATE: Groupon CEO Andrew Mason responds to the criticism.
Chicago's First President
The Hyde Park apartment Ronald Reagan spent a year in as a child may be at risk for demolition. (he was apparently fond of the place.) Meanwhile, Nancy Reagan's Chicago-area roots were highlighted in a documentary that aired on WTTW last night.
Sox Bies? Sox Bres? Sox Bi[t]es?
Someone scrawled something on the Wrigley Field Harry Caray statue, but there's some ambiguity about what it actually says.
The Refrigerator Broke Down
A less happy tale from the '85 Bears: How 'The Fridge' lost his way.
United States of X: Beer & Football Edition
Two maps relevant to today's big event: The United States of Football and beer consumption in the U.S.
Parking Rules Back in Action
The warm and fuzzy feeling of parking wherever you can has ended now that the snow is (somewhat) under control; enforcement begins tomorrow at 9am in the central business district (the area bounded by Roosevelt, Halsted, Oak, and Lake Shore Drive), and everywhere else in the city by 9am on Tuesday.
CTA: #1 in Our Hearts, #3 in Ridership
GOOD has released this infographic that compares the country's five largest transit systems. Where does the CTA rank?
Airlines Roll Eyes Over O'Hare Expansion
Crain's reports that American and United Airlines think plans for an O'Hare expansion amount to a "bridge to nowhere."
Thank You, Jim McMahon
Speaking of the Super Bowl, GQ this week reminds us all of the one Super Bowl Week that wasn't a bore. [via]
How to Super Bowl for Hipsters
The NPR folks behind "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me!" are working on a new podcast called "How to Do Everything." In this pilot piece, they give tips on how to fake knowing anything about football during the Super Bowl this Sunday.
RIP Joyce Sloane
Joyce Sloane, longtime den mother of The Second City, passed away last night. Memorial service info here.
Legal Support
Those planning to take advantage of the new civil union legislation that goes into effect on June 1 might want to check out the Civil Union Tracker that "aims to ensure that same-sex and different-sex couples are treated fairly under Illinois law."
Dig In; Dibs Out
Chair Free Chicago, the anti-dibs campaign, is organizing a parking space shovel-out in Bridgeport this afternoon from 1 to 3pm.
Oh, Just Park Wherever
Parking enforcement has been (unofficially, temporarily) suspended due to the havoc the blizzard wreaked on the city's streets. The City also gave tacit approval of dibs -- for now.
In the Shadows of Refineries
The Reader takes a toxic tour of Northwest Indiana.
In 2009, we ran a story on a toxic tour a little closer to home -- in Little Village.
Hacking Through the Blizzard
Dmitry Samarov tells his own blizzard story from behind the wheel of a cab.
Butterflies Behind Glass
Mies van der Rohe's Farnsworth House becomes a home for butterflies in a new exhibit at Rome's Museum of Contemporary Art. [via]
Live Your Best Life, Pay Your Highest Mortgage
You can live in celebrity decorator/Oprah entourage member Nate Berkus' old place in the Gold Coast for $2.65 million.
LSD Closed
...for Bike the Drive, that is, May 29. Your last chance for discounted registration is Feb. 6.
More Health Troubles for Muti
The CSO's Riccardo Muti fainted at yesterday's rehearsal and was taken to the hospital. Last night's performance was held without him, and tonight's will be led by Mitsuko Uchida and Leonard Slatkin.
Un-Pack-ing Our Love of the Steelers
In this week's Drive-Thru feature, we plan for what we'll be making this Sunday--the fine, fine foods of Pittsburgh.
Innovating the News
Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism and McCormick School of Engineering announced today the creation of the Knight News Innovation Lab, funded by a four-year, $4.2-million grant from the Knight Foundation.
Opt Out of Yellow Pages by Opting In
Leave it to the phone book industry to create a Yellow Pages Opt-Out site where you have seem to have to decide which books you do want in order to not get the rest.
Bilandic's Downfall: Beyond the Mythology
Mayor Bilandic's defeat wasn't solely due to the Blizzard of '79 -- the plow blade was already falling thanks to 9 inches of snow already on the ground the week before, and a series of other PR blunders.
Lawn Chairs, Etc.
Tumblr of the moment: Chicago Dibs.
Blackhawks Fans Brave Blizzards?
Another time-lapse video of the blizzard, this time from the Blackhawks. Worth watching for the mystery of why there were plows clearing the parking lots next to the United Center pretty much non-stop. (Thanks, Dominick!)
RIP Judy Niedermaier
Judy Niedermaier, noted furniture and window display designer, passed away Monday.
Who is @MayorEmanuel?
Mark Caro delves into the phenomenon of @MayorEmanuel on Twitter. Still no idea who writes it, unfortunately. (Previously.)
Guns are not the Only Weapons
A former guest lecturer at the University of Chicago Law School tells the story of getting on the wrong side of Mayor Daley on the gun issue.
Tire Smoke & Exhaust Fumes
Indoor drag races? Yes, in the early 1960s right here in Chicago. [via]
Redefining Political Science
Senator Mark Kirk has changed his mind on his previous support of climate change legislation, citing Al Gore's "personal and political collapse" as his reason.
What a Tool
Growing Pangs made a mission to construct a unique snow sculpture in the Viagra Triangle last night.
United States of X: Parks Edition
Chicago ranks poorly on this map of parkland per person, but at least we have New York and Miami for company.
Established 1857
New City spends some time at Iwan Ries, the oldest family-owned tobacconist in the country.
Grassroots YouTube Fact Checking
Robert C. Sullivan High School in Rogers Park created a video discounting Rahm Emanuel's claims that the top-rated CPS high schools were all charter schools. They also promote del Valle in the video, so it is hard to tell how much help they had pulling it together. But for a negative campaign piece, it is pretty nice.
Shovels at Ready
Need help digging out? Ask for help.
The Blizzard in Amateur Video
Pat Vaughn shows how the blizzard looked in Beverly, while Steve Stearns provides a North Side view. Meanwhile, Matt Downe did a series of reports from around town. Far more on YouTube, of course.
SNOW-SHREDA-MAGEDDON
Jake Zalutsky gave the blizzard a bear hug with his board last night. Insane? Awesome? Or both? [via spigumus]
Bad Snow, Bad Drugs, Bad Headline
Who is to blame? "A bad trip occurs when the euphoria of an LSD trip changes into something more sinister and frightening."
United States of X: Bedroom Edition
Since we're all stuck in our homes today, we'll have plenty of time to turn Chicago a brighter shade of purple on this Kinky States of America map.
Brighter News for LSD Strandees
Motorists whose vehicles got stuck on Lake Shore Drive last night won't be charged for towing, the City says. If you were one of them, call 311 to find out where your car is.
Thundersnow and Lightning!
You heard it, but in case you didn't see it, now you can. UPDATE: Turns out that photo's been on the web for at least two years. Sorry to share a fake; thanks to Marc for the heads up.
The Blizzard in Pictures
The Tribune and Sun-Times have some amazing photos of the storm, and there are many more on Flickr: snowpocalypse2011, snomg, Chicago blizzard, thundersnow and of course, Lake Shore Drive. Oh, and don't forget Twitpic.
A Blizzard in the Stores
Might the blizzard help stimulate the economy? It certainly helped clear the shelves at local groceries and hardware stores. (At minimum, that should make up for everything being closed Wednesday.)
Vive le Gunn
Tim "Make It Work" Gunn stopped by Vive la Femme on Tuesday. Store owner Stephanie Sack said the "adorable" Mr. Gunn had heard great things about her boutique that specializes in larger sizes of very stylish clothing. Tim is in town to do a makeover show for Oprah.
At the End of the Storm is a Golden Sky
Not that this will help you today, but Punxsutawney Phil did see his shadow this morning, which predcits an early spring.
Storm Central
The Sun-Times has a peek inside the National Weather Service's Chicagoland station as the blizzard arrived.
What to Expect
The Tribune gives you a sense of what to expect regarding transportation, utilities and hospitals today.
Taking a Stance on Dibs
At this time of hard shoveling, mayoral candidates weigh in on parking space dibs to the Trib's John Kass.
Thundersnow Strikes!
Speaking of thundersnow, GB flickr pool contributors Therese Flanagan and Clint McMahon were both treated to the phenomenon while filming the blizzard. In Therese's video, the lightening strikes when there's about 36 seconds remaining in the video, while Clint's happens with about 8 seconds remaining.
Thundersnow is No Joke
If you heard thunder and saw some lightning tonight, here's why.
Texting the Bus
If you have to use mass transit and your phone doesn't have web capability, I have a fix for you so that you don't have to go outside until it's time.
Wrigley Field Takes a Hit
Looks like the blizzard has knocked loose a Wrigley Field roof panel.
Snow, Surreal and Serene
A local artist captures the otherworldly drifts off Loyola Beach.
Epic Swarm
If you have foursquare on your phone, don't forget to check into the Snowpocalypse 2011: Chicago Edition.
Win Nine Times
Chicagoist interviews the creator of the Ferris Bueller's Day Off board game.
Snowbound Reading
The University of Chicago Press' free ebook for February is Who Wrote the Book of Love? by Lee Siegel.
White Russians in a Whiteout
If you're willing to brave the blizzard, Lincoln Hall rewards you tonight with a free screening of The Big Lebowski and Kingpin as part of its "The 3 Penny Was Here" film series. White Russians are $3, naturally.
A City of Ideas
Groupon co-founder Brad Keywell is planning Chicago Ideas Week for this October. Fast Company talked to him about what it'll entail.
Cubs in Hibernation
All clear for now, but you might want to check CubWorld's Clark & Addison webcam later to see if the Wrigley Field marquee is buried in a mountain of snow.
Blizzard News Center
The Tribune has set up a Blizzard 2011 resource page on ChicagoWeatherCenter.com, with links to radar, traffic info, school closures and even a map for reporting problems.
Batten Down the Hatches, Frozen Novelties Ahead
A new take on the upcoming snowstorm. (Thanks, AnswerDave!)
Snow Tow Zone
You know those signs that say "No Parking When Snow is Over 2 Inches"? Well, don't ignore them today: the City has put that rule into effect in advance of the blizzard.
Hotels Looking to Make Your Snow Day Cushy
Whether you're a grounded visitor or you're just looking to ride out the blizzard in style, Kimpton's four Chicago hotels have you covered with a $99 "Stranded in the City" rate though this Friday.
Very Datable
You may recognize some of the names on Today's Chicago Woman's Top 50 Singles list.
Snow Much More
If the SNOMG!s and the apocalypse-style banter from the local weather reports have you shaking your head and wishing there was a more even-handed source for weather, then perhaps The Chicago Forecaster is what you're waiting for.
The F*cking Mayoral Election on Twitter
@MayorEmanuel isn't alone on Twitter, you know. @MayorMiguel, @MayorCarol and @MayorChico are ready for your attention.
More from the 1967 Blizzard
While we wait for the snow to pile up, let's listen to radio reports in the aftermath of the legendary Chicago Blizzard of 1967.
Tagging Brand Name Goods in China
Leo Burnett partnered with Heidelberger Druckmaschinen to create a new software and marking system to ensure goods sold in China aren't counterfeit.
