Finally, an Informative Back Tattoo
U of C-trained doctor Amy Lehman, who founded a floating medical clinic in Africa's Lake Tanganyika, showed off her large tattoo of the lake's geography for the Daily Beast.
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
May 2011
Put it on Your List
Not sure what's on your bucket list for this summer, but Refinery29 has some suggestions. Twenty-nine, in fact.
Alfresco Films Near You
Here are all this summer's Movies in the Park, on a convenient googlemap. The season kicks off June 14. [via]
View 2011 Movies in the Parks in a larger map
Karaoke Superstar
Right up front, ABC's new series Karaoke Battle USA asks "Are you an American Idol wannabe?" If you are, hurry and sign up for tomorrow's competition at the House of Blues and you might get your chance. (If you just want to watch, get your free tickets here.)
Food Therapy
Chicagoist reports on In Chef's Hands, a new charitable organization providing one-on-one culinary training to people with special needs.
Christmas in June
The Encyclopedia Show ends its season tomorrow night with a Christmas show. Yes, Christmas.
New School Religion in Lakeview
The Chicago News Cooperative examines the connection between the soon-to-open American Islamist College and controversial religious leader Fethulla Gülen.
Get the Maifest Down-low
Maifest takes over Lincoln Square on Thursday, and Center Square Journal is your destination for breaking beer bash news.
"Summer by Lake Michigan is our reward for surviving the winter."
New York Magazine offers "The Urbanist's Guide to Chicago."
North Ave. Beach Closed Early Monday
Eight people fell ill at North Avenue Beach on Monday, probably with heat stroke or related illnesses, prompting the CPD to close the beach.
Memorial Day Has Chicago Roots
The first commemoration of Memorial Day was in 1868 -- and was proclaimed by General John Logan, for whom Logan Square was named. You can thank him yourself by visiting his statue in Grant Park.
Unoriginal Outfitters Redux
Urban Outfitters responded to local jeweler tru.che's accusation (previously) that the company ripped off her "United World of Love" pendant design, aided in part by Regretsy's roundup of similar designs on Etsy. UPDATE: Further thoughts from Regretsy.
So Long, Corporate Campuses, We Hardly Knew Ye
A Crain's special report explores at the slow decline of corporate campuses.
The Resurrection Will Not Be Televised
Spoken word performer and Chicago native Gil Scott-Heron died today at age 62.
88 Years of Cubbies
Speaking of baseball, Ronny Woo-Woo may get all the press, but Gladys Nunley, aka Gladys the Cubs Fan, has been doing it for a lot longer.
Take Me Out to the Concert
America's favorite pastime gets the rock'n'roll treatment with The Baseball Project, a supergroup that includes REM's Peter Buck. They're playing at the Cubby Bear on Monday, paying homage in song to the sport's greatest heroes -- and the Cubs' 100+ years without a World Series win.
Escoffier on Next
Jeff Ruby channels the ghost of Auguste Escoffier for his review of Next's Escoffier-inspired menu.
The City's Data Opens Up
The City is opening the tap on data, moving beyond the FOIA info that has filled the City Data Portal for the past couple years. (Meanwhile, Michael Miner worries that FOIA is becoming passé among journalists.)
You Could Be In Pictures
Always entertaining punk rock marching band Mucca Pazza is calling on fans to be in its upcoming short film "Marching Banned" (previously). Get in on the fun this Sunday from 4-8pm downtown. RSVP info. on Facebook.
Don't Save $1.29
Buy the Hero Fire Extinguisher so you don't end up like this Chicago housewife. [via]
Love a Man in Uniform
Memorial Day Weekend may mean Fleet Week in New York, but it means International Mr. Leather in Chicago. Check out the full calendar here.
Everywhere to Eat, Nowhere to Go
You can find a lot of food trucks roaming around the city, but as this week's Drive-Thru feature shows, they aren't that convenient.
Characters Cut Up
Designer Olly Moss (previously) has created a collection of cut paper silhouettes of pop culture icons (mostly movie characters) for a show in LA. The 300-some pieces include a couple near and dear to Chicagoans.
Olly Moss Art Show @ Gallery 1988 from Threadless.com on Vimeo.
All images © Olly Moss; video by Craig Shimala (previously).
Functional Gourmet Art
Kevin Pang makes a case for Hot Doug's being the quintessential Chicago restaurant.
It's not DiGiorno
Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney was in town yesterday, and had his leftover pizza from Gino's East delivered to President Obama's campaign headquarters.
The Grid: Community Supported Art at Threewalls
The newest installment of the Grid takes a look at a novel approach Threewalls is using to connect artists and collectors.
Dear Opera...
The developers behind the Opera web browser are going to miss Oprah -- because of the great misdirected emails they get. (Don't worry, guys, she's just moving to cable.) [via]
Blago's Filibuster
Rod Blagojevich took the stand today and told his life story for two hours. Follow Susan Berger's live tweets for a blow-by-blow of his testimony
The Mayor, The Moth & More
Mayor Emanuel will be one of the guests on tonight's installment of Chicago Live! at the Chicago Theatre.
Free Fieri
Fanfound is giving away free tickets to the Guy Fieri Food Tour this Saturday at Horseshoe Casino in Hammond.
The Making of Emanuel
The Reader taks a look at the 20 months. that led up to Rahm Emanuel becoming mayor of Chicago.
Unoriginal Outfitters
Urban Outfitters ripped off local jeweler tru.che's "World of Love" pendant designs.
Free Memorial Day Tours
All of Margaret Hicks' Chicago Elevated tours are free this weekend, May 27-29. Claim your spot before the fill up!
From Nothing
Homeless artist and "PhD in Reality" Revolution MacInnes blogs and tweets about life on the streets and in shelters for himself and his friends.
Blind, Buxom Justice
The Chicago Law Bulletin broke a story (behind its paywall, unfortunately) of a lawyer who filed a motion to remove a large-breasted paralegal from the counsel's table because she might distract the jury. Jezebel has the text of the motion.
Urban Fox at Rest
GB flickr pool contributor Will Rice spied a fox relaxing under greenery in Bucktown.
Thinking Ahead to Halloween
Fantasy Costumes already has a Rahm Emanuel rubber mask, available for $39.99 online. Shop employees told the Trib the store's owner figured Emanuel would win the mayoral election and got a jump on designing the mask.
The Real Day of Reckoning
Taiwanese news site Next Media Animation shares its CGI'd thoughts on what the world might be like now that "The Oprah Winfrey Show" is off the air.
Oprah's Favorite Things Cost Nearly $24 Million
Jezebel has a year-by-year summary of the cost of Oprah's annual Favorite Things giveaways.
A Guide for the Guys
Man Up Chicago promise to give Chicagoland men (and women) a leg up on what's what.
The Neighborhood Writing Alliance Celebrates its 15th Anniversary
Sonny Fischer tells the story of the founding of the Neighborhood Writing Alliance, which is celebrating its 15th anniversary a week from today with a conversation between David Ritz and Aaron Cohen, as well as readings by members.
The Font Everyone Loves to Hate
Completely missed this this winter: "Why You Hate Comic Sans," a presentation by David Kadavy given at Ignite Chicago. [via]
Quite the Pile of Bricks
Lightning struck in Rogers Park this morning and took out some poor defenseless chimney bricks near Pratt and Greenview at the Lake Shore School. Luckily, no one appears to have been injured. Transmission contributor Dan Snedigar took some pictures of the debris.
LEED Gold Certified Destruction
If you've been wondering, as I have, which building gets torn in half toward the end of the Transfomers: Dark of the Moon trailer, it's 155 North Wacker, designed by Goettsch Partners.
Thanks to @mbimotmog, @brianboyer, @ArchiJake and @AndyMarfia for their help!
Black P Stones to El Rukns
If you enjoyed learning about Chicago's white gangs of yore, you should learn more about its black gangs, too. Natalie Moore and Lance William discuss their book The Almighty Black P Stone Nation: the Rise, Fall, and Resurgence of an American Street Gang tonight at 6pm at the Blackstone branch of the Chicago Public Library, 4904 S. Lake Park Ave.
Women with Guitars
That's what Guitareste covers. It's currently featuring an interview with Kristin Hersh.
U of C Students Protest Housekeeper Firings
A coalition of nine U of C student groups is working to stop a contract change that could lead to the firing of 56 U of C staff housekeepers. Their latest effort was a demonstration on Monday.
Art Pays Off
LeRoy Neiman, an Art Institute alumnus best known for his work for Playboy (and his trademark mustache), donated $5 million to his alma mater to help build a new student center at 37 S. Wabash.
Greenpeace Occupying Fisk Generating Station
Eight Greenpeace activists climbed up and encamped themselves on the controversial coal-fired Fisk Generating Station in Pilsen, demanding that Fisk and the nearby Crawford Generating Station be closed. [Thanks, Michael!]
Bush Nearly Beaned
A pop-foul ball -- and AJ Pierzynski -- nearly landed in President George W. Bush's lap at last night's White Sox-Rangers game.
VIDEO: Foul ball lands near President Bush: MyFoxORLANDO.com
Cutting Up Turf
Dick Simpson shares his thoughts on congressional redistricting in Mechanics; Chicago Journal focuses in on the further slicing of downtown.
Go Streaking this Saturday
But keep your clothes on. CityStreak is a treasure hunt game, not a naked dash.
Kumbuya, My Lord
Proving they're willing to willing to take a step in the wrong direction in more than just publishing, the folks behind The Printed Blog have launched Kumbuya, which rolls the Groupon concept back to when it was a spinoff of The Point.
Make it Big in 72 Hours
There's still time to make early registration for Windie City Shootout, a 72-hour film challenge.
Daley to Work at UC
See, people are getting good jobs in this economy! Former mayor Richard Daley will become a fellow at the Harris School of Public Policy at University of Chicago starting in July; his primary task is to use his sizeable Rolodex to coordinate ten guest lectures.
The Patio is Back
The Patio Theater will hold its grand reopening next Friday, June 3; read more about the theater's renovation and see photos in A/C.
CTAttoo
Beyond lending street cred, this tattoo helps its owner with pesky questions from tourists. (At least it's easier to reference than the last one we linked to.)
Be a Good Landlord
Rental search site domu has developed a handy guide to being a landlord in Chicago. On the flip side, the Illinois Tenants Union has renters' collective back.
Celebrating an Architectural Landmark
The Glessner House is celebrating its 125th anniversary in June and marking it with everything from a recreation of the groundbreaking ceremony to book reprintings.
Jockeying for Readers
New gay zine Chicago IRL has come up with a rather unique subscriber premium for its first issue.
Rock Around The Park
Not rain, not wind, not even a drummer's broken ankle will keep the show from going on tonight as everyone's invited to the launch of the always free Downtown Sound: New Music Mondays series. Music kicks off at 6:30pm with Eleventh Dream Day, followed by Bonnie "Prince" Billy featuring The Cairo Gang. More information on the whole series in Transmission.
Gaylords on Film
And speaking of the Gaylords, the entirety of Great American Youth a 2006 short documentary on the gang by Daniel Wojack, is online on YouTube.
Gangs of Chicago
There are a couple sites devoted to Chicago's oldest gangs: the Gaylords and Stone Greasers; for more recent gang lists, check out Chicagogangs.org.
Tell a Zebra by its Stripes
Computer scientists at UIC co-developed StripeSpotter, a system that helps researchers tell zebras apart in the wild.
Dabble in Dabble
Dabble launched today, offering Chicagoans the opportunity to take a class on something they've always been curious about -- and also to try their hand at teaching something they're passionate about.
From Bleaching Cream to Natural Hair & Beyond
Ebony has put its 65 years of archives online for free.
The Skyline Floats
Craig Shimala created "Floating Chicago," collection of mirrored skyline timelapse videos.
Taking the Long View
From permeable alleys to warm weather plants, Chicago is leading the way in municipal preparations for climate change.
Homophobes are Losers
After getting his second foul of tonight's playoff game against the Miami Heat, Bulls center Joakim Noah made Chicago proud and screamed "fuck you, faggot," to a heckling fan sitting behind him (video). The Bulls lost 96-85, and the Heat now has a 2-1 lead in the series. UPDATE: Noah has (sort of) apologized for his comments. UPDATE 2: And he's been fined $50,000.
Holy Turtle
The Rapture may not have happened on Saturday, but Chicagoland's rich tradition of finding the Virgin Mary where you'd least expect her carried on.
Chicago in Fog
You probably know how downtown Chicago looked at street level (or a little higher) in the fog this week, but folks flying into the city got a much more interesting view.
Not United
United Airlines got into some public relations hot water earlier this week when code numbers of flights that were part of the 9/11 tragedy were accidentally reinstated in their operating system.
Nicki Minaj Gets Schooled
Rapper Nicki Minaj played principle for a day at Collins Academy yesterday as part of the Get Schooled project.
Superstar Nicki Minaj Surprises Students as "Principal for the Day" at Collins Academy High School in Chicago from Get Schooled on Vimeo.
Bike Corral Coming
Wicker Park will be the first neighborhood to get dedicated on-street bicycle parking this summer.
Get Yer Cosplay On
Anime Central, the Midwest's largest anime, manga and Japanese pop culture convention, kicks off today at the Rosemont Convention Center, just off the Rosemont Blue Line stop.
RIP Macho Man Savage
Professional wrestler and Downers Grove native Randy "The Macho Man" Savage died in a car accident brought on by a heart attack he suffered while driving today in Florida. He was 58 years old.
Strip Malls & Archeological Sites
Out in the middle of Schaumburg's suburban sprawl, an Indian mound has somehow avoided destruction.
Our Downtown Jail
99% Invisible, a radio show about design, tackles the Metropolitan Correctional Center, that weird triangular prison in the South Loop.
Stick'em Up
This year's city stickers are on sale now, two weeks earlier than last year. (And presumably stickier, too.)
Interstate Infighting
The Chicago Council on Global Affairs' Richard C. Longworth reflects on the economic battles being waged between states right now, on the Urbanophile.
Gambling with the City's Finances
Governor Quinn, Mayor Emanuel and Senate President Cullerton are all now officially on record supporting opening a casino in Chicago.
I'll Buy That for a Dollar
Groupon is celebrating the launch of Groupon Now with a bunch of $1 deals around the city this Friday -- available, naturally, only through the new service.
Maier's Photography Moving Beyond the Streets
In Mother Jones, Alex Kotlowitz provides an update on the Vivian Maier discovery saga. (Previously.)
The Soxtown Revolution
Sun-Times columnist Joe Cowley continues to advance his vision of a Chicago that values the (usually) competitive White Sox over the "lovable loser" Cubs.
Alderman Maps
Speaking of duels, the Chicago News Cooperative and the Tribune both have interactive guides to the new City Council.
Summer Guide Week
This week the Reader and Time Out both offer suggestions for what to do if summer ever arrives.
Today's Moment of Dawwww...
The baby white-cheeked gibbon at Lincoln Park Zoo took his first steps to a poppy synthesizer soundtrack.
Who Will Take Care of Fluffy?
When the Rapture comes on May 21 (or anytime in the next 10 years), Eternal Earthbound Pets will take care of your left-behind pets for a simple, one-time fee of $135.
Good Kids Going Bad for Fun
Ok, so "it's not an epidemic," but arrests for thrill seeking teenage shoplifters are up 10% on the Magnificent Mile .
Live Your Best Lie
A Canadian man is being held at Cook County Jail for lying to police after fabricating an assault near United Center yesterday--he claimed that two men robbed him of his tickets for Oprah's final show taping. The real story? He didn't want to tell his wife he never had tickets in the first place.
'Nother Nano Watch
If you liked the idea behind the TikTok but not the execution, maybe the LOOP Nano is more your speed. (You might also be into the grapple, for your iPad.)
Sharing to Save
You may have noticed a new share widget on GB this week: local startup ShareApon gives you points toward coupons just for tweeting or "liking" stuff.
Local Kids Reaching for Space
Skinner West elementary school is Chicago's representative in NASA's Student Spaceflight Experiments Program, preparing to put an experiment on board the very last Space Shuttle flight.
Nerds Helping Non-Profits Overnight
Are you a non-profit looking for a better website, or a developer, designer, or project manager (or master copywriter or QA genius) with a desire to help non-profits get present a great online face to the world? Check out The Nerdery's Overnight Website Challenge -- August 20-21, the web development shop is organizing a great opportunity for non-profits and nerds of all stripes alike. Non-profits register by June 30, volunteers by July 15.
A Common Controversy
Chicago rapper and actor Common was invited to participate in a White House poetry event -- which became one of the points of debate between Jon Stewart and Bill O'Reilly.
Co-operative Creativity
In A/C, Kelly Reaves profiles Co-op Image, a nonprofit teaching kids to do everything from blow glass to make their own hot sauce.
Does It Come in 25-Gallon Jugs?
The Lincoln Park Costco will soon be selling gas. No smoking near the pallets.
Night of a Million Screams
FoGB Meghan Murphy Gill is posting play-by-play coverage of Oprah's United Center finale over at EW.
Designing for the Mags
Chicago magazine is looking for a web designer. Downside: you also have to work on Napervillemag.com.
Our Poor River
The Chicago River makes National Geographic's list of the America's top 10 most endangered rivers.
Uncompromising Cocktails
Apparently one of the Bulls went to Aviary after the game last night -- and asked for a vodka and seltzer. The bar denied the request, and the baller left.
Oh Come on, Emanuel
In what will surely be a familiar refrain, if not a tired cliché, soon, both John Greenfield and the Neo-Futurists made a play on the carrol "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" with regards to our incoming mayor.
(Thanks, Gretchen!)
Gapers Block in the Flesh
If you've ever wanted to meet GB staffers in person, this Thursday offers two opportunities. Transmission Editor Anne Holub is part of a panel discussion of music journalism at DePaul -- while other GB writers and readers are heading at the Art Institute's Modern Wing for our monthly Get-Together. Hope to see you there!
Unlucky 13 for Mail Carriers
Chicago ranks 13th in the number of mailmen and -women bitten by dogs in 2010, according to the USPS.
"Chicago bLOOPrint"
Another great Chicago-themed poster; maybe the Yellow Line was left out because it doesn't go downtown? [via]
Post-Oprahtive Depression
You may find yourself feeling sad and despondent after the last "The Oprah Winfrey Show" episode airs May 25 (it's taping today. Don't worry, psychologists say it's a natural part of the grieving process.
The City in Ink
Vassi Slavova adds another worthy entrant into the Chicago neighborhood map poster collection.
From Cops to Bunnies
"The Chicago Code" may be canceled, but NBC has given the green light to "The Playboy Club," set in 1960s Chicago. Get a sneak peek.
Playing at the Unicode Center
Two current trends come together: Twitter sparklines and the Bulls. [via]
Mamas, Don't Feed Your Babies Soda
For the record, this vintage ad from the "Soda Pop Board of America," based here in Chicago, is completely fake.
As handily annotated above, the ad features obviously satirical copy ("fitting in" is a purported health claim), a Coca-Cola bottle with a backwards logo, and a fake address (there's a Hart Street, but it runs north-south, for just a block). And then there's the name -- Soda Pop Board? While very wholesome, almost nobody calls sweetened carbonated beverages "soda pop," least of all the industry itself. It was created as a spoof for the sadly defunct The City Desk which published nothing but fictional news. But hey, don't tell that to this guy.
Mope-rah
Depressed? Sad? Think there's no point in planning for the future now that your standing 9am and 11pm weekday appointment of watching Channel 7 is over? You've got Empty Oprah Syndrome, my friend.
Service to the City
The incoming chief technology officer for Chicago, FoGB John Tolva, said goodbye to IBM on Friday and today talks about where he's headed in his new role.
Through the Eyes of a Child
Finish up Rahm's first day on the job by heading to Jane Addams-Hull House Museum tonight (6-8pm) for the opening of Visions for Chicago, a book composed of public art done by local high school students in response to the question "What is your vision for Chicago?"
Ask a Guitarist
Chicago-based online guitar shop Fret12 lets you ask a wide range of guitarists questions, which they respond to by video.
"Horses" isn't Cutting It
The Field Museum's attendance is down 50% compared to 2006. Crain's says "evolve or die."
Another Month at the Museum
That's right, the Museum of Science and Industry is looking for a new month-long resident.
Envying Chicago from Canada
A Toronto Sun columnist took our new mayor's inauguration as a sign to compare the two cities. His verdict? Chicago is in good shape.
CFD Holds the Line
Fire Department staffing levels have remained steady for more than a decade despite a marked decrease in fires, the Chicago News Cooperative reports. Some wonder if reductions are in order to help cut the city's budget.
Hometown Hero
In honor of the Bulls' continued rampage through the playoffs, YouTube user SouthSideCrusade set some Derrick Rose highlight reel moments to local rapper Arrogant's song "Hometown."
[via]
The Era of Emanuel Begins
Head down to Millennium Park at 10:30am this morning for the swearing-in ceremony for Mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel, treasurer Stephanie Neely, and City Clerk-elect Susana Mendoza. You can watch it online here. You can then take the party over to City Hall, where Emanuel hosts an open house between 2-4pm.
Food Travel on the Brain
With travel season approaching, we've got edible reasons for you to get out of town and even the country -- details in Drive-Thru.
Marathon Winner Wanjiru Dead at 24
Kenyan Sammy Wanjiru, who won the 2009 and 2010 Chicago Marathon, died after a fall from a balcony at his home.
Brew-lanthropy
Bouncing back from last year's fire, Blackstone Bicycle Works is the first recipient of Seattle's Best Coffee new Brew-lanthropy Award. Blackstone won a break room makeover, a filmed documentary, $5000, and a year's supply of coffee and hot chocolate, for the kids who don't want to stunt their growth.
Metra Crash Nearly Wrecks Stock Market
The stock market wobbled briefly today after a Metra train struck a dump truck this morning, over fears that it was a terrorist attack.
One Pizza with a Side of Civil Disobedience, Please
The WSJ reports the CEO of now bankrupt Giordano's had to be threatened with sheriff action before he and his family members would vacate the company's headquarters yesterday.
Meet the Robot Librarians
Speaking of the U of C's new Mansueto Library, its Grand Reading Room is opening to U of C students faculty and staff on Monday. So if you know someone affiliated with the school, maybe you should give them a call.
Beat the Heat
Can Derrick Rose and the Bulls get past LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and the Heat? The NBA Eastern Conference Finals tips off Sunday night at the United Center and we've got nine thoughts to get you started.
Living on the Streets
In Mechanics, Devin Katayama reports on the plight of older homeless youth in Chicago.
Reworking Mounds of Trash
Urbanautica's newest feature is on Chicago photographer Peter Hoffmann's "Post-Landfill Landscapes."
Harry, Drawn
Lucy Knisley has been drawing posters of each of the Harry Potter books in abridged summary (ahoy, spoilers abound). She just completed The Half-Blood Prince, with only one left to go. Eventually you'll be able to buy them all.
Austen City Limits
Check out this Reglar Wiglar interview with local music/television/zine impresario Jake Austen about Chic-a-Go-Go, the Goblins, and Roctober--which is approaching its 20th anniversary. Okay, now I feel old.
Daley Over the Years
If you want to get a fascinating look at the (soon to end) Daley Mayoral Dynasty, WTTW's new documentary, "Like Father Like Son," will be airing several times through Monday.
D-Rose & Other Hot Sauces
Chitown Clothing has cool shirts and hoodies for all your favorite local teams, but you're probably going to want to take a look at their Bulls designs right about now.
Muzik In Yr Computerz
Lunchtime just got a lot more rocking since White Mystery is going to play live at the Threadless HQ today. Lucky for you, you can catch the whole thing from your cube on Ustream starting at noon.
Celebrity Pup
Remember the two dogs who were rescued after falling through an iced-over Lake Michigan back in February after their owner abandoned them? One of the doggy duo, a 2-year-old pit bull terrier mix named Honey, is now available for adoption.
Steve Albini Produced This Plate of Pasta
He has a food blog in which he names a female fennel bulb "Latifa" and says things like, "How did people make soup before stick blenders? They are the absolute stone cold nuts."
Midwest Style Thriftiness
While far from comprehensive, the descriptions of thrift stores written by the stylish men of The MidwestStyle is a great basic overview of some of the better thrift stores in Chicago. They shop and write about other places, too.
Felony Franks Wants More Time in Court
The owner of Felony Franks, the ex-convict employing hot dog joint that made headlines when it opened in 2009, is suing the city because it hasn't granted him a sign license.
The Robot Librarians
Wired thinks University of Chicago's new Mansueto Library is pretty cool -- especially the robot cranes that fetch the books.
Chicago Gets GOOPy
Gwyneth Paltrow recently visited an old boyfriend here in Chicago; here's her guide to where to go.
NBC5's Daryl Hawks Dead
NBC Channel 5's Daryl Hawks was found dead in his Atlanta hotel room today; the 38-year-old sportscaster was there to cover the Bulls' NBA playoff game.
Nostalgia for a Place and Time
John Chuckman collects photos of Chicago, and South Shore in particular.
Rick Uchwat RIP
Rick Uchwat, owner of Zanies comedy club, died last night at 64 after a long battle with lung cancer.
Alley Entrepreneurs
The Expired Meter looks into the thriving black market for guest parking passes in Wrigleyville.
EPA: Make the Chicago River Swimmable
The EPA has ordered the state to get the Chicago River, the Little Calumet River and the Cal-Sag and North Shore channels cleaned up enough to be safe for swimming. Dunno about you, but I'm still not swimming in Bubbly Creek.
Most Illinest BYO-Boys
The Reader's Miles Raymer profiles the BYOBandits, two 20-something dudes into drinking heavily and pigging out at BYO restaurants.
Cops Accused of Rape: Update
Followup: Two police officers have now been officially charged with sexual assaulting a drunk woman they took home from the Wrigleyville bar area and played strip poker with.
Better than the Code (Well, Maybe...)
So "The Chicago Code" is canceled, but filming in Chicago is looking up, including new studio space and a bevy of productions.
Oprah > Derrick Rose
The Bulls are one win away from the Eastern Conference Finals, but there could be a scheduling problem: The United Center is unavailable Monday night so Oprah's crew can set up for Tuesday's taping of her final show.
Mysterious Ways
There's a whole lot to read on Jesus-Is-Savior.com, whose author grew up in Chicago and writes about the city frequently. (Sensitive readers be warned.)
Be Careful Out There!
GB flickr pool contributor John Iwanski got a nasty reminder about staying alert while walking down the street.
Flat Rainbow! Up in the Sky!
A rare phenomenon was spotted over Tinley Park last week, leading to some pretty awesome photos.
Insta-Deals
Groupon just launched a new way to get in on deals nearby — Groupon Now. It lets you search online (at a computer or via your smartphone) for deals near your address or zipcode (currently only in Chicago). Once you buy the deal, you'll only have a narrow window of hours that day (displayed on the deal before purchase) in which to use it. Want to find a place with a dining bargain near the art museum, or a deal on a guided tour to distract, er, entertain the in-laws? This might be a great on-the-go solution for the last-minute planner.
Lolla's 20th MP3versary
Lollapalooza is giving away a free 20-song sampler via iTunes as part of its continuing 20th anniversary celebration.
One Business Helping Another
Boystown restaurant Ping Pong is closed after a kitchen fire last week. Nearby Scarlet, which was closed by a fire itself in 2009, is holding a fundraiser for Ping Pong's employees tonight; $10 of your $15 drink wristband goes to them.[via]
In the Air, Over the Hill
Photographer and designer Paul Octavious returned to his favorite hill (previously) to film the Kids & Kites Festival last weekend. (Thanks, Christopher!)
The City at Night
Night views from Chicago's tallest buildings make a striking appearance in Dominic Boudreault's latest time-lapse video.
Timelapse - The City Limits from Dominic on Vimeo.
Losing a Little Magic
A forgotten piece of Chicago history -- a Lincoln Square property that once housed police horses, was owned by Al Capone and served as a boarding house for traveling magicians and storage space for nearby Magic Inc. -- may face demolition.
A Mission to Film Missionary Kids
Over at Denizen, Laura Polk interviews Julie Englander, a journalist and filmmaker working on a documentary about the children of missionaries and their experiences upon returning to their "home" countries. You can help back the film on Kickstarter.
Mapping Chicago Craft Beer Week
Wondering if your favorite watering hole is included in Chicago Craft Beer Week? There's a map for that.
Illinois Got Beef
The Illinois entry in the 50 and 50 Project may call to mind a certain local hot dog purveyor.
No More Fucksaws
The controversial human sexuality class at Northwestern (previously) will not be returning to the curriculum in the fall, the university announced yesterday. At least one Wildcat hopes the school changes its mind.
Give That Banana Man a Job!
Street artist Left Handed Wave pasted up a piece on The Alley at Clark & Belmont. Rather than call Graffiti Blasters, The Alley is offering the artist a job, if they can find him.
Save Gas, Drink Local
John Greenfield has some suggestions of bars near the CTA to get buzzed. You might also check out Centerstage's venerable Virtual El guides.
Adonis to Zazerac
Sepia's bartender Logan Lavachek came across her grandmother's "Bar Aid," a cocktail recipe gadget from the '60s. She's working her way through its recipes and updating the ingredients; you can follow along on her blog, or sample her experiments at the bar. [via]
Get Your Mojo Reelin'
A.V. Club Chicago previews an exhibition of hand-painted movie posters from Ghana at the Cultural Center. Several films from the Ghanan-Nigerian "Nollywood" scene will screen in August.
Schock Value
Downstate Republican Congressman (and fitness nut) Aaron Schock went shirtless for this month's issue of Men's Health as part of their Fit for Life Summer Challenge. This is not the first time that Schock's abs have been given media coverage.
Police on Parade in 1896
Chicago magazine's Whet Moser finds Chicago's earliest appearance on film -- even earlier than Thomas Edison's films.
Hyde Park Meets Jersey Shore
A U of C student is looking for startup funding to hold an academic conference this fall on "Jersey Shore," so if you're looking for some real discourse on Guidos, Juiceheads, and "GTL as a practice of the self and way of life," this is the event for you.
Reviewed So You Don't Have To
Did you miss a show this weekend? We've got reviews of Of Montreal, Yelle and the Felice Brothers in Transmission.
Shawnimals Shares Social Media Tips
Shawn Smith of Shawnimals fame is the featured interview this week on the Constant Contact "Office Hours" podcast. In it, Shawn shares his experiences with reaching out to his customers with a range of social media — a task made harder when lacking a brick and mortar storefront.
Daley & Duff
Newly released FBI files on James "Jack" Duff, Jr. also include another name: Richard M. Daley. Maybe someone visiting the open house could ask him about that.
13 isn't a Lucky Number
A disproportionate number of homeowners on the far South and West sides are filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the Chicago Reporter finds.
Meet the Street
Sixty Inches from Center interviews Brooks Golden, one of the artists featured in the Chicago Street Artist Show exhibition and book debuting at the Chicago Urban Art Society this Friday.
Meet the Mayor
Mayor Daley is holding a public open house today; stop by the fifth floor of City Hall from 1 to 4pm for a chance to shake the man's hand.
Clicking for Tickets
After their wildly successful Groupons for North Coast Music Festival passes (last summer as well as this past April), it was just a matter of time until the community-sourced deals site broke even more new ground with live show ticketing. To be launched in time for users to snag tickets for summer music festivals, GrouponLive will be a new live event collaboration between Groupon and Live Nation.
Odd Dish
Dishtip is meant to be a guide to the best food in a city, but some of the results are a little odd. Is the salad bar at Fogo de Chao really the second best dish in Chicago? And since when does Lou Malnatti's serve New York-style pizza? [via]
Scavenging the World
The University of Chicago Scavenger Hunt (previously) successfully broke the world record for largest scavenger hunt.
Cheese That Isn't Yours
Stolen nacho cheese was at the center of a recent scuffle at a West Side 7-Eleven.
Honoring Mothers Since 1909
Yesterday may have been Mother's Day, but that doesn't mean we can't learn about its Chicago history today, right?
Envisioning CPS Improvements
Interim CPS chief Terry Mazany shared his vision for improving the city's schools today. Catalyst collects some thoughts.
Daley the Pitchman
A new Walter E. Smithe commercial pays tribute to the outgoing mayor. It features TV anchors, Bears players, actors, even former President George W. Bush -- and, oddly, Mayor Daley himself.
Help Save An Evil Squirrel
Rogers Park comic book and gift store Evil Squirrel Comics is facing some tough financial times these days. Come out for Free Comic Book Day tomorrow, and also help keep them stay open by making some purchases. You'll get 30% off (cash or credit) plus you can buy back issues for $1/lb. all weekend. More on Facebook, including a heartfelt video plea (after the jump).
Evil Squirrel Comics is located at 6928 N. Glenwood Ave. just steps south of the Morse Red Line stop (west side of the train tracks).
Run Till Dawn
Chicag0 runs a game of Journey to the End of the Night Saturday night, starting in Welles Park. More than a thousand people are signed up to play, but how many know what they're doing? FoGB Felix Jung asked one of the organizers to explain.
Today in T-shirts
The official "Derrick Rose MVP" T-shirts have hit the market, but it's hard to beat Nike's new "Hair-itage" collection of hirstute baseball players, including '80s vintage Andre Dawson and Ozzie Guillen.
Conceptual Self-Portraiture
This Saturday, University of Chicago's Rockefeller Chapel plays host to The Gift Project Chicago.
So Long, State Line
Dominion Resources recently announced it will be shutting down the much-photographed (and polluting) State Line Generating Plant.
Hack Lolla
Lollapalooza has opened its API to anyone interested in creating cool apps -- and you can win VIP tickets to the festival or a vacation for two if yours is judged the coolest. Looks like it's time to dust off Lolla.me.
Summer Snacking
The weather may make it seem like summer will never come, but this year's Taste of Chicago food vendors have been announced.
I am a Wildcat (And So Can You)
Northwestern grad Stephen Colbert will receive an honorary degree from the school during commencement June 17. Think of it as a delayed two-for-one special.
Cycling Pin-ups
Thought You Knew is looking for new men and women for next year's pinup calendars. Could it be you?
Daley's Last Days
As the end of Richard M. Daley's reign nears, many are assessing his career. Read the thoughts of Ramsin Canon in Mechanics and John Kass in the Trib.
Sexo y Violencia
Still not sure of your Cinco de Mayo plans? Lucha VaVoom brings its unique mix of burlesque and Mexican wrestling to the Park West tonight. Tickets are still on sale.
Commute on Two Wheels
It's time once again to sign up for the Bike Commuter Challenge from the Active Transportation Alliance.
Doors Open on the Right at Beef Wellington
A new, sadly unofficial sign greeted CTA riders at the Wellington stop this morning.
[via]
Point Blank Reporting
Time Out devotes this week's cover story to handguns, now that they're legal in the city.
Putting UChicagottabad on the Map
Tomorrow night is University of Chicago's annual Scavenger Hunt; this year's list [PDF] of tasks includes " a glass of red from Osama Zin Laden vineyard" and " Origami Bin Laden." Those crazy kids.
A Savory Drink
Following the success of its Key Ingredient series, he Reader has added a new column, "Cocktail Challenge," to its arsenal. Each week a bartender takes on a new ingredient; first up is garlic mustard, a culinarily friendly invasive weed, taken on by Sable's Mike Ryan.
Thanks, Florida!
Yesterday Illinois was awarded nearly $200 million in federal high-speed railroad construction funds rejected by Florida's Republican governor. The bonus will go to the Chicago to St. Louis high-speed rail initiative.
Connecting the Scene
If you're part of the hip hop community and need something for your next project, Chicago Hip Hop Connects has your hookup.
Early Warning: Hyperlinking Together
We're doing something a little different with our May Get-Together: We're cohosting a meetup with the Art Institute and Explore Chicago in the Modern Wing! Join us Thursday, May 19 at 5pm at Caffe Moderne for drinks and a tour of the exhibition Hyperlinks: Architecture & Design. RSVP on Facebook so we know how many to expect.
The Motor Club Building
Speaking of architecture, the Chicago Motor Club Building is up for landmark status tomorrow. Forgotten Chicago has a great look at the design and history of the building.
Neighborhood Architecture
Ultra Local Geography catalogs the lesser-known marvels of architecture in Chicago. For instance, did you know the Chicago Daily News built three model homes in the '20s? [via]
Claw to Claw in NYC
Chicago boasts two contenders in Tasting Table's New York Lobster Roll Rumble later this summer, with seafood stalwart Shaw's Crab House and extremely new GT Fish & Oyster.
Bicycle Thief Busted by Blood
Just how cheap has DNA testing become? Cheap enough to lead to an arrest for bicycle theft.
Bin Laden's Remains?
Filter had an unusual lunch special earlier this week, spotted by Josh Andrews.
I suppose it falls along the lines of eating the souls of one's enemies.
A Bicycle Built for Two
Two people, one bike, and a possible third wheel(?) make their way down the street in this short, kind of amazing clip taken in Logan Square.
Riot for Health, Get Art
This fall, help the Chicago Women's Health Center move: you'll support health care, education, and counseling for people of all backgrounds and get bonus prints, minicomics, or uterus-sporting flags from illustrator Laura Szumowski.
Parental Support
Neighborhood Parents Network aims to be a social network and resource for Chicago parents.
Duerson's Battered Brain
Former Bears safety Dave Duerson was confirmed to have brain disease caused by severe trauma, according to the autopsy analysis he requested in his suicide note earlier this year. The Miami New Times has an excellent profile of Duerson. [via]
Saving Homes One Mediation at a Time
Cook County's home foreclosure mediation program has kept 216 homeowners in their homes since it was created last year.
"I guess it's pretty serious."
The question isn't "What are we going to do?" The question is "What aren't we going to do?" To make Ferris Bueller Day a reality, that is. [via]
What're You Eating?
The top recommendations for Chicago dishes on foodporn site Foodspotting are pretty solid recommendations.
Obey Commercial Street Art
Shepard Fairey installed a commissioned mural on the Lake Shore Drive underpass on Grand Avenue this weekend -- and then found a few other spots around town to do some pasting up.
Orange Belongs on Fruit, Not Windowshields
If you live in the 1st ward, could you use a phone reminder for the next street sweeping in your neighborhood?
Farmers Market Opposition on Hold?
From this afternoon's City Hall hearing on the permit status brouhaha for the Logan Square Farmers Market: Alderman Rey Colon just withdrew his application for opposing the market's permit, but whether the Logan Square Chamber of Commerce will be allowed to run the Market this summer has not yet been decided.
Ask the BGA
Windy Citizen is hosting another "ask me anything" thread today, this time with the Better Government Association's investigative team.
D-Rose MVP
Derrick Rose was named MVP last night. For the record, we called this one back in January.
Chicago Gas Prices at All-Time High
AAA's Daily Fuel Gauge Report puts average Chicago unleaded gas prices at $4.387, the highest they've ever been. For comparison, the average price was $3.112 a year ago.
Celebrating a New Mayor
The mayoral inauguration is coming up in two weeks. The optimistically named Chicago Together pulls together details of celebrations and info on the planned day of service May 14.
Strike While the Ire is Hot
Logan Square alderman Rey Colon will be at City Hall today to try to shut down the popular farmers market in the neighborhood--over a political feud. Find out more over at Drive-Thru.
That's not a Knife; THIS is a Knife!
The Daily Mail has quite a photo illustration of what we have to look forward to this summer when teenage unemployment rates may be at record highs.
A Haze of Pride
NU student, rapper and celebrity spawn Chet Hanks Haze took a moment today to give us "the most epic twitpic of all time" after tweeting a series of really deep thoughts on Bin Laden's death.
Eggers in Grantland
Chicagoland native Dave Eggers is one of the all-star cast of editors and writers for Grantland.com, a new sports and culture website from ESPN that debuts in June.
Ex-Bear Had Brain Damage
Dave Duerson was right. He did have "moderately advanced" brain damage related to blows to the head, according to researchers who studied the former Bears safety's brain after he committed suicide in February.
The Indian Languages
At the turn of the last century, the Linguistic Survey of India recorded 179 languages and 544 dialects from around the Indian subcontinent and Burma. The Digital South Asia Library at the University of Chicago recently digitized two dozen of the phonographs and posted them online.
Starting from Scratch
The Tribune scrapped and re-did its front page in three hours last night in response to the news of bin Laden's death. Here's how they did it. (They'll be selling today's paper tomorrow, too, as a souvenir.)
And the Flowers and the Trees
Brian Houck, Director of Horticulture at Lincoln Park Zoo, just joined Twitter
The Linkiest Month of May
Long-time Transmission contributor of all music awesome and experimental, Chris Sienko, is guest-editing Coudal's Fresh Signals blog all May. Get ready to have your socks rocked off, design geeks.
Support a Letterpress Launchpad
Community printshop Spudnik Press wants to expand opportunities for local artists with three letterpresses and an offset press, and they need your help. Their Kickstarter campaign offers some awesome incentives: Lilli Carré prints, Old Town School of Folk Music harmonica classes, custom silkscreen posters and more.
Trainspotting
Photographer Nick Ulivieri's condo balcony hangs out over the neighboring BNSF railroad tracks. He's made the most of it.
TL;DR? Here's the Gist
GISTRr is a people-driven site providing 200-word overviews of articles, blog posts, webpages, etc. for folks who don't have time to read the long version.
Some Red and Black Earns Red Velvet
Wear your Bulls gear and head into Sprinkles Cupcakes on Tuesday, May 3rd for a free cupcake! Fans sporting some swag get a red velvet treat that's sure to inspire some team spirit. The offer is good at the 50 E. Walton St. store from 9am-8pm tomorrow.
Know Your Alderman
City Council changed significantly this election cycle. The Reader has a guide to help you learn the new names and faces.
A Third Miracle for Pope John Paul II?
A Chicago woman credits late Pope John Paul II for restoring sight in one of her son's eyes. If the event is deemed a miracle, it could be the event that justifies his sainthood.
New Top Cop from Jersey
Mayor-elect Emanuel has hired Newark, NJ police director Garry McCarthy as police superintendent.
How About Orange? or Dusk? or Dawn?
Evanston-based graphic and fabric designer Jessica Jones makes her new fabric line named Outside Oslo available for sale this month thanks The Needle Shop. They worked together to make this happen. I look forward to seeing what local makes create from these great prints.
