Hail Everywhere!
Here and here and here and here and here and here and here and surely here soon...
Gapers Block has ceased publication.
Gapers Block published from April 22, 2003 to Jan. 1, 2016. The site will remain up in archive form. Please visit Third Coast Review, a new site by several GB alumni.
✶ Thank you for your readership and contributions. ✶
TODAY
Merge
Monthly Archive
June 2011
Wright Lines
Check out this awesome personal stationery from architect Frank Lloyd Wright circa 1946.
Incendiary Artistry
Chicago artist Pei-San Ng's latest work involves matches -- perfect eye candy going into the Fourth of July holiday. [via]
Pass/Fail on a Whim
The Reader looks into how a CPS teacher could go from "excellent" to "do not hire" in a year.
Theater on the Lake This Weekend
The Chicago Park District's Theater on the Lake presents Dental Society Midwinter Meeting. This comedic drama focusing on members at a dentistry conference, will bring laughs, unlike your last visit to the dentist's office. Theater on the Lake is located on 2401 N. Lake Shore Drive. This show opens tonight and runs through the weekend.
It Feels Alright, Keeps Your Mind On The Page
SmallDates is a new Facebook-enabled "anti-dating, dating" service developed by Doejo.
The Trib's Book from Hell
The Chicago New Cooperative publisher's James O'Shea new book out, The Deal from Hell: How Moguls and Wall Street Plundered Great American Newspapers, gets reviewed and placed in local context by Michael Miner and Brian Hieggelke.
Dangerous Discussions with Paul Hornschemeier
Read the review, talk to the author: Book Club's Jay Orbesen reviews illustrator Paul Hornschemeier's latest, Life with Mr. Dangerous. Come see Paul and discuss his work tonight at The Book Cellar.
Sticker Shock
Bad news: your city sticker expires today. Good news: you get a 15 day grace period and have a few days still to purchase one online.
"You're playing with people's lives"
A look at the mixed income housing "experiment" that is Parkside of Old Town.
Robopocalypse Now
The Tribune appraises the damage done to Chicago real estate in Transformers: Dark of the Moon and includes a handy graphic to show you what got blowed up. [via]
Wrigleyville Block Party
'Tis the season for outdoor festivals, even the Cubs decided to get into the act. This weekend, July 1-3, the Wrigleyille Block Party will bring food, entertainment, and Cubs fans together. Set on the east side of Clark Street between Addison Street and Waveland Avenue, the fest is open from 11am-8pm.
Rahm Hits Facebook for a Town Hall
Mayor Emanuel will hold a town hall meeting on Facebook today at 1:30pm. Submit questions in advance here.
Ratso & Miss Mia Head Outdoors
If you find yourself in Millennium Park this afternoon, stop by the Chase Promenade for the summer's first outdoor taping of Chic-A-Go-Go. Details at the Facebook event page.
Thanks, Collies!
An NRDC report that ranks Illinois beach water quality also determined that hiring dogs to harass seagulls really does help prevent elevated bacteria levels.
Giant Killer
Cubs fans at Wrigley Field love throwing back opponents' home run balls, but yesterday's doubleheader featured a throw for the ages that nearly hit San Francisco's Miguel Tejada on the fly as he trotted around the bases. And yes, everyone's already made the obligatory "Rookie of the Year" reference. [via]
"Second to None" ...Except Aurora
Chicago's tourism bureau announced a new tourism slogan yesterday: Chicago: Second to None. Unfortunately, Aurora, Illinois' second largest city, has used the slogan "A City Second to None" in an unofficial capacity since 2005.
Mayor Showing Off?
Okay, so not only do I need to compete with all the fit runners taunting me on the Lakefront, but now the mayor is bragging about his fitness routine?!
Emanuel Offers Tough Decision to Unions
Mayor Rahm Emanuel has given City Hall labor unions a tough choice: Agree to $20 million in savings through work-rule changes or lay or lay off 625 union members. He made the proclamation while touting Walgreens' plans to add 600 jobs in Chicago over the next years. Of course, Walgreens employees don't have the same wages and benefits as the union members.
Handle Your Music
Artist Floyd A. Davis III repurposes vintage suitcases into the Gentleman's Boombox.
Blago's Brother Speaks
Chicago magazine has an exclusive interview with Robert Blagojevich regarding his trial and his brother's retrial.
The Chicago Skyline, Transformed
The third installment of the Transformers franchise hits theaters today. Filmed in part in Chicago, catch a glimpse at how these giant robots fair in our city. Find a theater near you, and earn a Foursquare badge if you're into that sort of thing.
Friends on the Internet
Oak Park Patch profiles Revolution McInness, a homeless man with bipolar disorder finding community through the Internet. (Previously.)
Steamed Secrets
Head into Wow Bao, say the secret password (accessible through their Facebook page), and a free bao.
Cirque du Soleil vs. Tristan & Isolde
Jonathan Gold compares Alinea and Noma, the best restaurant in North America versus the best restaurant in the world.
Get Takeout from Google
Google's Chicago-based Data Liberation Front just released a new product called Takeout that will eventually allow users to remove data from every Google application.
Like The Moth to a Stage
Everyone's got a story. The Moth Story SLAM is a series that gives tellers a stage in which to share theirs, with this month's theme being "fame." Seating is limited and stories begin at 8pm tonight at Martyrs'.
Anatomy of a Verdict
Watch WBEZ reporter Tony Arnold and producer Andrew Gill as they walk us through their experience of the verdict announcement from yesterday's Blago trial.
Yippie Treasure Trove
The FBI released more than 6,000 documents related to its investigation of the Yippies today, including many related to the group's activity at the 1968 Democratic National Convention. Meanwhile, BoingBoing notes graphic design similarities between a Yippie flier and Yahoo's logo.
Save Foodmiles at the Taste
If you need a compelling reason to go to the Taste (and really, who doesn't), Grub Street has a nifty map showing where vendors are coming from, all over the city. You'd save gas money just by going to Grant Park -- especially if you're into dessert.
Inferno of Pizza Comes to Logan
The western end of Logan Square's getting a new, spicy pizza place. Offering slices and BYOB, Dante's Pizzeria comes courtesy of Georg Simos (High Dive, The Rocking Horse) and a few people from Santullo's and Piece.
Naked, Free Tuesday at the MCA
Take advantage of Free Tuesdays at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, 220 East Chicago Avenue. As a bonus, see Japanese artists Eiko & Koma as they perform their living installation, Naked from 1-8pm.
An Early Look at Chicago Gang Development
South Side Projections and the South Side Community Art Center are putting on a rare screening of the classic Chicago Vice Lord films The Corner (1962) and Lord Thing (1970) on Thursday. Check out the Cinefile review for attendance encouragement.
Slow Food from Brew City
Making a Milwaukee expat pine for more northern shores is as easy as mentioning the beloved Comet Cafe. Now, Comet's owners bring their locally sourced, from-scratch comfort food south in the form of Lakeview's Northdown Cafe and Taproom.
Nub Reactions
Local Reddit member April Hill (aka Opiebreath) was born with Amniotic Band Syndrome, which left her with a "nub" for a left hand and feet. She recently started a novelty account, Reaction_on_my_Nub, in which she responds to posts by drawing things on her nub. She was recently profiled on The Daily Dot.
Lura Lynn Ryan Dead
The wife of imprisoned former governor George Ryan died this morning at age 76 in Kankakee.
Patrick Fitzjailer
With Rod Blagojevich added to a list of convictions including George Ryan, Scooter Libby, Conrad Black, Daley's "Hired Truck Scandal" aides, and Jon Burge, it's becoming clear that you shouldn't mess around on U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald's turf. Here's the NY Times profile of Fitzgerald from 2008. (Previously on GB.)
Feds to Chicago Mag: No Bootlegging!
OK, not really. But the magazine did get a call from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms telling that due to licensing issues, they can't give away the beer they brewed with Pipeworks Brewery at their shindig tonight. However, there will still be free beer: startup brewery 5 Rabbit has stepped in with a keg.
To Your (Car) Door Service
Walgreens is piloting a "web pickup" service at many of its Chicago area stores. Basically, you place your order online and then they collect everything for you, although some locations will also offer curbside service.
Browne's New Comic Venture Blasts Off
Ryan Browne (creator of weekly webcomic God Hates Astronauts, contributor to comics put out by IDW and Image, and much more) launched his latest project today: Blast Furnace, an illustrated exercise in improv and DIY.
Breaking: Blago Guilty
Former governor Rod Blagojevich was found guilty of 17 of 20 counts of corruption. We wait for Rod's response.
Through Dad's Lens
Pulitzer Prize winning photojournalist and Chicago native Todd Heisler shares some 50 year old photographs his father took on the NY Times Lens blog.
Chet Haze Goes Live
Northwestern's finest rapper/rising sophomore Chet Haze dazzled the clubgoers at Enclave Friday night--and his famous mom and dad were there, too!
City Rewards Your Green Thumb with Some Green
Chicago residents that have created environmentally-friendly landscapes in their yards can see how they can earn up to 50 percent off their next local purchase of tress, native plants, compost bins, or rain barrels. See how this applies and download rebate forms for all products at the Department of Environment's website.
An Arbitrary Event
June 25 was Reddit Arbitrary Day. Chicago's redditor meetup was also a concert; here's a photo and audio essay by occasional GB contributor Fruzsina Eordogh.
Everybody Better Click It
Starting January 1, 2012, all Illinois car passengers, regardless of age or where they're seated in the car, have to buckle their seat-belts. Not a requirement just for drivers and front seat passengers anymore, you back seat drivers better get used to buckling up (except in buses, cabs, and emergency vehicles). Gov. Quinn signed the legislation into law today.
Free Concert, Cheap Tickets
Broadway in Chicago puts on a free sampling of current musicals in the Petrillo Music Shell at Taste of Chicago tonight at 6pm -- and is offering a discount on tickets to the shows featured.
RIP Nick Charles
Chicago-born CNN sportscaster Nick Charles passed away over the weekend after a long battle with bladder cancer. He was 64.
Wait Wait in Print
"Wait Wait, Don't Tell Me" made its print debut as a news quiz in the New York Times Sunday Review.
A Posthumous Award
William Butler Ogden, Chicago's first mayor, was inducted into the National Railroad Hall of Fame for his work making the city one of the nation's railroad centers.
Clergy Flout Church Position on Same Sex Marriage
Local Methodist pastors have joined more than 200 other Illinois Methodist clergy in a proclamation that they will perform marriages for same-sex partners in defiance of church rules.
Pride Redux
If you weren't able to attend (or remember) today's Pride parade, ABC 7 will be televising it starting at 11:35pm tonight.
Some People Have No Pride
The tires of several 51 floats for today's Pride Parade were slashed last night at a storage facility at 48th and Halsted.
Friday Night is for Screen Printers
Still looking for something to do tonight? Head to the Daily Planet Rock And Art Poster Party at 720 North Franklin: it's showcasing some of the city's best screen printing artists, their posters, and beer from Finch's Brewery. You've got four hours, go!
Pop-Up Park
Last week Joe Baldwin helped turn a Logan Square street into a temporary grassy park for a day.
Underground but Rising
In Book Club Rose Lannin interviews Nell Taylor, co-founder of the Chicago Underground Library, about the library's recent plight and plans for a new location. CUL is holding a benefit party at Beauty Bar tonight; our own Get-Together is around the corner. Go to both!
Simulating the Brown Line
A MetaFilter thread about the venerable Chicago-L.org led me to Railfan, a 2006 PS3 game simulating the Brown Line. You can find it used on Amazon and elsewhere, but it's not cheap.
True Hoop Dreams
The Bulls' first-round draft pick, Jimmy Butler, is a rags to riches story rarely seen in pro sports today..
Kids + Restaurants = Evil?
A candidate for the best kid-friendly restaurant award in The Reader's Best of Chicago issue is kicking up some dirt with its readers. Learn more over at Drive-Thru.
The Turkey is Compulsory
The menu at Just Turkey might remind you of a certain Monty Python skit, done with a healthier meat. Learn the backstory in Drive-Thru.
Putting the L in Lesbian
The L Stop is a new blog giving voice to Chicago's lesbian community. The DePaulia spoke with one of its cofounders.
The R Now Stands for "Renting"
R. Kelly posted a message on his Facebook wall in search of recommendations for a one-bedroom place in the Capitol Hill area of D.C. What, no interest in the closet size? Proximity to local high schools?
Biking the Grid
Grid Chicago is a new blog by frequent GB contributor John Greenfield and transportation planner Steven Vance, covering "sustainable transportation in Chicago and Illinois." They recently answered the question of what happens when a bike lane disappears.
Meet the Dreamliner
Now that Boeing is finally almost ready with its 787, ANA released its special livery and long-haul interior design for the first 787s to enter a carrier's fleet.
Rahm's Renters Leave
The couple who have been renting Mayor Emanuel's Ravenswood home began moving out today. The Halpins' lease runs out next Friday.
Ditka Meets Ari Gold
Mike Ditka will make a cameo appearance on the final episode of "Entourage." Jeremy Piven tweeted a photo of Da Coach from the set yesterday.
Be Odd, Die Rich
Photographer Todd Diederich, whose work covering the LGBT ball scene we've showcased in A/C, is profiled in this week's NewCity.
Whittier Sit-In Restarts, Police Arrive
The Whittier Parent Committee began their sit-in anew at the fieldhouse last night. Workers delivered debris containers to the site, and according to the Committee's Facebook page, police have arrived to arrest people who are blocking access. We have a reporter on the way; meanwhile, follow our coverage of Whittier in Mechanics.
The Things We Make
The A.V. Club's new series Cogs In The Machine will shed some light on what's being manufactured in Chicago. The first edition details the processing of material for fancy shoes and footballs by Horween Leather at the intersection of Ashland, Armitage and Elston.
"Nice Indian Kid from Chicago" Sings Jazz
Earlier this week, Chicago jazz vocalist Sachal Vasandani was interviewed on "All Things Considered" about his latest album, Hi-Fly, which came out Tuesday.
Hawks Have Your Back
They didn't win anything at last night's NHL awards show, but the Blackhawks can take solace in their star power. Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane finished 3rd and 4th, respectively, in jersey sales this season, trailing only Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin. Marian Hossa (16) and Patrick Sharp (19) also made the list.
Burke Keeps his Bodyguards
Ald. Ed Burke is refusing to give up his security detail of on-duty police officers, which dates back to the Council Wars of the 1980s, in spite of Police Chief McCarthy's request that they be released and put back into active duty. The commenters at Second City Cop think Burke's nuts if he thinks he still needs protection.
Battling on Many Fronts
While CPS reneges on its agreement with the Whittier Parent Committee, Ed Hammer says Mayor Emanuel has declared war on teachers.
A Whole Lot of Bests
The Reader's annual Best of Chicago issue is out -- and among the many (many) winners, Gapers Block was voted runner-up for "best local blog," behind Bad Sandwich Chronicles.
Flying Over Englewood
A new bridge is being built from 57th Place to 69th Street, but it's not for pedestrians or cars. It's for trains.
We (Don't) Luv U
A Southwest pilot's rant about having to work with a Chicago-based flight crew composed of "gays, grannies, and grandes" was accidentally transmitted over the air traffic control frequency in March. The pilot was temporarily suspended and required to take a diversity education class, which I hope was led by an overweight, older lesbian.
Stop at the Crosswalk
Gold Coast drivers, watch for pedestrians tonight; the CPD is planning a sting to enforce crosswalk rules. (It's illegal not to stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk, you know.)
Hockey Players as Kids
Our new favorite Tumblr blog. Because you know you want to see childhood photos of Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and the rest of the Blackhawks.
Assumptions Make Asses Out of You and Me
Especially when you're the only Cubs fans on the train to Wrigley.
The Battle for the Bathroom
For the transgender community, choosing which restroom to use in a public place can be both a political statement and a risk to one's safety. Joe Erbentraut explores the issue in A/C.
Good, Messy Summer Fun
School's out -- what's next? Chicago Parent has some fun ways for your kid to spend the summer that let them get hands-deep in grubs, paint, plants and more.
Tribune Apps Team Wins Knight News Challenge
The Tribune's News Apps Team won one of this year's Knight News Challenge grants for their PANDA Project. The recursive name stands for PANDA: A Newsroom Data Appliance."
NATO, the G-8 and Our Fair City
The Obama administration and Mayor Emanuel plan to host two distinct meetings of very powerful people in Chicago next year, an event that would require unprecedented security preparations.
Whittier Fieldhouse Tear-down Imminent
Reports are coming in via Twitter that a demolition has arrived at the Whittier Elementary School fieldhouse, which parents and community members fought to save last year. Earlier this week the CPS board decided to go back on its promise to allow the community to take over the fieldhouse. We've got a reporter heading down and will update as the story unfolds. UPDATE: The sit-in is back on. UPDATE 2: Full story in Mechanics.
Credit Where Credit's Due
Most Chicagoans may not think about fishing or the far Southeast side very much, but the connection of these two men to the area and our waterways, as chronicled by the Chicago News Coop, will compel you to do both.
Nice to Meet You
New print and online publication The Handshake hopes to evoke the New Journalism era of the 1960s with its mix of long-form interviews and short fiction.
Better Guarded Taste
When the Taste of Chicago opens Friday, expect a stronger police presence than in past years.
Guess What Won't be Featured in a Local Broker's Ads?
R.J. O'Brien & Associates unwittingly handled millions of dollars from an al-Qaida member.
Time for Tunney to Recuse?
Karl Klockars questions whether Ald. Tom Tunney is in violation of City Council ethics rules for not recusing himself from the food truck legislation, since he owns several restaurants and has catered events for the City.
Illness in the Spotlight
Crain's talks with Chicagoans who traded privacy for advocacy to raise awareness and funds for medical issues.
"Lost" & Found Cameras
The Disposable Memory Project releases disposable cameras into the wild with instructions to those who find them to snap a couple pictures and pass it on. Eventually, in theory, the cameras get returned and the photos are developed. One was released in Chicago last September. (A similar local project was part of WPBMakeBelieve last summer.)
Double Door Dog Show
Rich Seng, the guy behind last year's Miss Wicker Park pageant, is back with new beauties: the Chicago's Best Friend dog competition. The finals are at Double Door this Sunday.
This Tour is Money
The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago contains a little-known Money Museum, which features some rare numismatic items.
Meet Reggie Brown
That Obama impersonator who got yanked from the stage at last weekend's Republican Leadership Conference? He's Reggie Brown, and he's from Chicago.
He has also appeared on John Stossel's Fox News show in recent weeks.
Fight Back
If the recent mob attacks downtown have you a little worried about your safety, the RedEye has your back. Tracy Swartz will be hosting a free self-defense seminar with the Guardian Angels Wednesday in Pioneer Court; RSVP on Facebook to participate.
He Was Merely Administering Health
Stewart Gibbs, a health care administrator living in River West, was arrested late Sunday night after police discovered him in his apartment; Gibbs was drunk, naked, and covered in his dog's blood after trying to remove a cyst from the animal's ear with a butcher knife. The animal will recover. Gibbs was charged with felony animal cruelty.
Another Criminal Plot Gone Awry
Federal agents are accusing a Chicago man of making and planting a bomb in Evanston in order to report it to the police -- and then collect a reward.
Gridiron Deal Hammered Out Here
Chicago is the setting for the meeting of NFL team owners to decide whether we'll be ready for some football this fall.
Cubs Unveil 'It Gets Better' Video
Announced a few weeks ago, the Cubs' contribution to the "It Gets Better" project debuted today, starring second baseman Darwin Barney, outfielder Marlon Byrd, pitcher Ryan Dempster, manager Mike Quade, first base coach Bob Dernier and co-owner Laura Ricketts. (h/t SB Nation)
Say Cheese and Burgers and Hot Chocolate
Editor of local food website The Feast/Eat Carly Fisher's Class Photo series talks to the staff of Kuma's (most recently), The Girl and the Goat, Moto, and more. All interviews include a high school-style group picture.
Chicago, Well Typeset
Albin Holmqvist created typographic logotypes for 40 destinations around the world for EF International Language Centers; his design for Chicago is lovely. [via]
Recalculating Our Destination
The Wall Street Journal checks in on the Adler Planetarium's massive star show update; supercomputers are crunching data nonstop in advance of the planned July 8 debut.
Soundtrack Advice
Startup MyZeus promises to give movie recommendations based on your music preferences, and let you share recommendations with friends.
United States of X: Nickname Edition
"Miami of Canada" is apparently the most popular nickname on Twitter for Chicago. Thanks, Mr. Burns.
The High Cost of Being Wrong
An investigation by Better Government Association and the Center on Wrongful Convictions found that wrongful convictions of 85 men and women in Illinois has cost taxpayers more than $214 million, and imprisoned innocent people for 926 years. Meanwhile, the real perpetrators committed nearly 100 felonies. Read the report, and hear reporter John Conroy discuss it on "Eight Forty-eight" this morning.
Good Truck, Heel
There's one food truck roaming the streets that doesn't need to worry about whether Ald. Tunney ties up legislation: Fido to Go serves up "canine cookies" and dog-friendly ice cream.
My Other Car is a Bicycle
A new specialty license plate reminding drivers to share the road with bicycles has been approved, and will be printed as soon as the state gets 1,500 pre-orders. The Illinois League of Bicyclists currently counts 1,185 reservations. [via]
Someone Might Get Upset
Crain's reports that Illinois health insurance companies are raking in massive profits while dramatically increasing fees. For example, while Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Illinois' profits have doubled since 2009, last year it increased its employer group plan prices 20% and is set to raise them 3% to 10% in the fall.
Chicago Has The Best Political Mom Bloggers
It's no doubt that Chicagoans love politics. So it shouldn't be a surprise that the top two political mom bloggers in the country live right here. Circle of Moms, a social networking site for moms of all types, held a contest to see who were the favorite mom bloggers. First place went to occasional GB contributor Veronica Arreola of Viva La Feminista. A very close second place went to rocker-mom Gina Crosley-Corcoran of The Feminist Breeder.
Don't Eff with Bozo, Kid
A police officer in a clown costume shot and killed a teenager who tried to rob him at gunpoint last night as the officer was leaving a fundraiser for a day-care business on the South Side.
Watch a Little Dennehy
It's a nice afternoon -- get outside! Or if you're still stuck at your desk for awhile, plug in your headphones for Serengeti's classic "Dennehy."
Colbert GraduNation
Northwestern alumnus Stephen Colbert delivered the commencement speech at his alma mater today; the Tribune has video.
Exploring Chicago's Niches
Our own Dan Kelly has launched a new site, The Steppes of Chicago, exploring lesser-known bits of the city's history and architecture.
Ads as they Happen
The Tribune will soon be adding "real-time" social media-enabled ads to its sites, courtesy of Chicago-based NowSpots.
Good Old Boys
This American Life delved into the old boys network on a recent show, including the unique way Chicago elects its judges.
The Battle for Whittier Begins Again
The Whittier School community is once again gearing up for a fight, as the new CPS board decided to go back on the agreement reached last year to renovate the outbuilding that had become an ad hoc library and community center.
Hey! I Can See My Office Under Robot Attack from Here!
Cinemablend has footage of Michigan Avenue being trashed in Transformers 3, set to a strangely emo soundtrack.
Numero Group is No Match for iTunes
Numero Group opted out of iTunes Match this week; Chris Foresman has more at Ars Technica. [via]
Film Talk
Our own Steve Prokopy will lead a discussion of the documentary Just Like Us with director and comedian Ahmed Ahmed, at the Landmark Century Cinema tonight. Read Steve's review of the film (along with Green Lantern and several others) today in A/C.
Chicago's Landscape as Collage
Artist Lincoln Schatz overlaps and stitches together aerial footage of Chicagoland to create a video portrait called 1000 foot Chicago.
Sweet and Savory Strawberry Scene
Strawberries are in season -- take advantage of it with these recipes from Guy Meikle from Nana and Jeff Donahue from Next and the Aviary. Here's a place to start if you want to pick your own.
"Nice Rack" vs. "Over 6 Foot"
Time Out Chicago asked men and women to write their dating criteria on Post-its as part of the mag's dating issue.
Cable Companies Converge On Chicago
Looking to fulfill your lifelong dream of meeting Lou Dobbs? He and other cable leaders are in Chicago this week for the 2011 Cable Show.
Dude, Where's My Car?
FoGB Scott Robbin created a great app from City of Chicago open data that I hope I never have to use. Was My Car Towed works online, or from your smartphone browser.
Rent-a-Spot
Got an extra parking space? SpotHero is a new startup that'll help you rent it out -- or help you find one to rent if you need one.
Killer Rabbits, Kung Fu Action
A stellar week for fans of cult movies! First off, tonight marks the kick-off for the Neo-Futurists' annual "film fest" series It Came From the Neo-Futurarium, where bad movie scripts are re-enacted live on stage. (The kick-off film: the giant killer rabbit opus Night of the Lepus.) And this weekend, Facets Cinematheque kicks off another Facets Night School series of midnight screenings with the outtasite Black Dynamite. Can you dig it?
We Be Slammin'
Chicagoist, Time Out, A.V. Club and GB will be duking it out onstage in the third (not at all) annual Alt Media Slam, part of Schadenfreude's Just for Laughs show at Beat Kitchen tonight. Don't miss it!
Here's a sample of what you might see:
That Tipplin' Town
Chicago's a pretty good wine town, according to the WSJ's Lettie Teague. In fact, she says it's "the second-most important wine city in the country right now."
Our Criminals are on Drugs
A whopping 83 percent of men arrested in Cook County last year tested positive for at least one illegal drug. UPDATE: The Reader's Steve Bogira points out those stats are kind of old.
Back Again For More
Good job, Chicago. We did so well hosting the McDonald's All-American Games in March that they're coming back to the United Center next year. We'll be the first city to host the nation's premier high school basketball all-star games in consecutive years.
See, it's Really not My Fault!
WBEZ's Kate Dries was surprised when handed a bus delay slip from her bus driver Wednesday morning, so she looked into the practice.
The Cycle of Violence
Sun-Times reporter Kim Janssen was covering the memorial for one teen murder victim when someone started shooting, nearly claiming another victim. UPDATE: Police shot and killed a man with a gun in the vicinity of this incident; he turned out to be a friend of the murdered teen.
Nasty is the New Beautiful
Art fans may want to check out Art Slant's new interview with local talent, Rachel Niffenegger. Chicago Magazine named her Chicago's best emerging artist in 2010 and New City named her one of "Chicago's Next Generation of Image Makers" in 2010, this after naming her the "Best Painter Under 25" in 2009. She currently has a two person show with Paul Nudd up at Western Exhibitions.
Ferris Bueller's Last Day Off
This video seems a bit more likely scenario Mssrs. Bueller and Frye 25 or so years later than that "sequel" script that's been floating around.. [via]
Meanwhile, in The Atlantic, Alan Siegel thinks we should all just get over Ferris.
A Letter of Interest
An unemployed single mother in Hobart, Indiana is selling a handwritten note she received from President Obama last fall for $11k.
Faulk the Police
Travis Balkin has designed a t-shirt for "for people who enjoy both The Sound and the Fury and N.W.A."
Expanding Eastward
Design With Company imagines an imminent future in which Chicago decides to build on George Streeter's vision and push the borders of the city eastward into the lake -- this time on "patties of land out of trash."
Lowe = Peterson?
Rob Lowe has reportedly signed on to play Drew Peterson in an upcoming Lifetime movie. Kaley Cuoco from "The Big Bang Theory" will play missing fourth wife Stacy Peterson.
Brick Buildings
Speaking of LEGO, you could build one of the cool little Chicago skyscraper kits, or you could emulate Adam Reed Tucker's amazing feats of plastic architecture, which Reed helped inspire.
I Want to Live in a LEGO World
Brickworld is a conference and expo about the world of LEGO. It starts today and runs through the 19th, and yes, it's open to the public. Only downside is finding a ride to Wheeling.
Gender Clash in Comics
Ladydrawers, a student group at SAIC that sprung from Anne Elizabeth Moore's class by the same name, has been sending out postcards highlighting gender issues in the comics industry to various people in said industry. More here.
Even so, You STILL Don't Want to Know How It's Made
One Pork Taco turned up a postcard of Adolph Luetgert's sausage factory. Mr. Luetgert killed his wife way back in the 19th century, and rumors persisted that he'd turned her into sausage. He didn't, but the real story is just as yucky.
National Support for the Preservation of Prentice
Bertrand Goldberg's Prentice Women's Hospital has been included in the National Trust for Historic Preservation's 11 Most Endangered Places list, which was released this morning. The local arm of the Trust, Preservation Chicago, Landmarks Illinois and the Illinois chapter of the American Institute of Architects are holding a rally to protect the building from demolition at 11am [pdf].
Smile for the Camera
A $650,000 federal Homeland Security grant is going towards the installation of new cameras surrounding three key Loop buildings.
Protest Stops Traffic
Michigan Avenue is currently blocked by a Chicago Teachers Union/Stand Up Chicago protest. Former GB staffer/current CTU organizer Kenzo Shibata is tweeting it live. (Thanks for the correction, Ryan!)
Corner Bakery & Cinnabon Now Siblings
Arby's wasn't the only restaurant chain sold yesterday; the same private equity firm bought Corner Bakery. Roark Capital Group also owns Cinnabon, Auntie Annes' pretzels and Schlotzky's Deli.
Hwang Dang Doodle
Three Chicago theaters are staging plays by playwright David Henry Hwang this year. The Goodman Theatre will premiere his latest work, Chinglish, while the Silk Road Theatre Project and Halcyon Theatre will be staging earlier works. [via]
Street Change is Gonna Come
Honorary Sam Cooke Way will be unveiled in Bronzeville this weekend. Read our feature on Cooke's Chicago legacy. [via]
Taschen Pops Up in the Art Institute
Taschen has set up a "pop-up store" Art Institute's main museum shop; presumably the selection leans more toward art books rather than the publisher's sexier stuff.
Building Moment by Moment a Comic Valentine
WFMU's Beware of the Blog tells the rambling tale of the rise and fall of Chicago-born comedian Shecky Greene.
Cubs Set for Wrigleyville Block Party
The Cubs have reached a compromise with local officials to hold "block parties" on three big weekends this summer -- starting this weekend as the New York Yankees come to town. They won't block off Sheffield Avenue after all.
Trib Redesign is Live
ChicagoTribune.com's big redesign went live last night. (Previously.) Watch for the expanded print edition to land on doorsteps tomorrow.
Buy the Chicago Board of Trade Building
Word has it that the CME Group put the iconic Chicago Board of Trade Building on the market.
Beauty & Braaaaains
If you haven't checked out Kristie Shanley's photos of the Zombie March Chicago in A/C, you're missing out. If you have, you might be interested in seeing more.
Photogenic Chicago
Jonathan Michael Johnson shoots some beautiful urban scenes here and in other cities.
R.I.P., Mr. Fabulous
Trumpeter Alan Rubin, who you probably best remember as the Chez Paul maître d' in The Blues Brothers, has passed away.
Edgewater Park or Apartments?
Efforts are moving forward to tear down the shuttered Edgewater Medical Center and turn the land into a park. Skidmore, Owings & Merrill will lead a discussion of the plan June 27. Meanwhile, a developer is trying to push for an apartment complex on the site.
But They've Got Bats
Mayor Emanuel announced plans to put 150 more police on the streets in response to the "mob action" attacks. Meanwhile, Major League Baseball has warned teams to be careful when visiting Chicago.
23 is 32
Devin Hester was ranked the 32nd best player in the NFL by the players themselves. Fellow Bears Brian Urlacher ranked 49th and Lance Briggs was 92nd. Hester's high ranking has stirred up controversy among pundits and fans.
Are You a Very Important Neighbor?
EveryBlock is holding a contest looking for "very important neighbors"; be helpful on the site, earn thanks and you could win $1,000 toward neighborhood projects.
Helping Out the Little Guy
Grub Street reports that the Grasstoots Collaborative is holding a bake sale in front of the Mercantile Exchange (20 South Wacker) today to benefit the CME Group, the parent company of the Merc who is threatening to leave the state unless Gov. Quinn gives them some special tax considerations.
Free, the Fishies
General admission at the Shedd Aquarium is free this week -- and it's staying open until 8pm, so you could feasibly head over after work.
Chicagoans on Cycle Tracks
In Tailgate, John Greenfield reports on cyclists' and neighbors' reactions to the new Kinzie Street cycle track.
The Loss of Another South Side Icon?
Lee Bey reports that a South Side auditorium building known as The Forum may soon be demolished, but there is a vague hope for the building in a demolition delay.
Free Libya
On Saturday, amid the zombies and blues fans, a group of Libyan Americans demonstrated on Michigan Avenue across from the Congress Hotel. It was just one of many protests here since the revolution in Libya began in February.
Puppies on Sundog
Speaking of pet events, the Anti-Cruelty Society will be receiving another 40-plus dogs from busted puppy mill operations this Sunday. If you've been looking for some companionship, here's a good opportunity.
Change Champion
Daniel X. O'Neil, EveryBlock's "people person" and a former GB staffer, is at the White House today, being honored as a Champion for Change for his work with open data on CityPayments.org.
Not About the Game
Dave Eggers writes about not watching the game not in Wrigley over at the new Grantland (which, despite its familiar-looking masthead, is not a Crain's publication.)
Walk for the Animals
The Red Door Animal Shelter sponsors its annual Gimme Shelter! benefit walk for homeless animals this Sunday from 10am-noon at at Indian Boundary Park, 2500 W. Lunt. Food, entertainment, and a pet psychic are part of the fun.
Laughing in the Lyons Den
The Reader this week offers an oral history of the comedy open mic at Lyons Den, where countless standup comics honed their craft.
Deep Dish Strange
John Apostolou, president of Giordano's (which is currently in bankruptcy proceedings), is accusing the government of committing "bank fraud, securities fraud and tax fraud" in its handling of the pizza chain case. Apostolou was forcibly removed from the chain's headquarters last month.
Critic Ousted After "Glee Live" Gaffe
Paige Wiser, the television critic at the Chicago Sun-Times for 17 years, left the paper after getting caught writing a fake review of "Glee Live." Wiser apparently fled the show early after one of her own kids fell off a chair and another puked in a cotton candy bag.
Many Fripperies
A Redditor's coworker found an old quiz in her desk drawer titled "So You Think You Know Chicago"; how many can you guess? (The answers.)
Bloomingdale Trail Takes a Step Forward
Finally some movement on the Bloomingdale Trail project; the City announced Wednesday that preliminary design work is now under way, and Albany Whipple Park, which would become the start of the Trail, opened last week.
For Bike Lovers
Do the smart thing and register your bike tomorrow with the Chicago Police Department at Smith Park, 2526 W. Grand, from 11am-1pm. Free helmets and locks will be given away to adults who register their bike while supplies last. Kids get free helmets, too.
Got the Zombie Blues
Hilarity will surely ensue when attendees of the Zombie March and Blues Fest run into each other Saturday.
McJobs
The month of May saw 54,000 jobs created in the United States. According to Mother Jones, up to 30,000 of them were created by Chicago-based McDonald's. I wonder if they'll have summer recession McSpecials for the people they didn't hire?
PBR Buyout Canned
Remember a couple years ago some guys tried to crowdsource the purchase of Pabst Brewing Company? They got slapped with a cease-and-desist order by the SEC, some months after shutting down the attempt. [via]
Чикаго
Russian Chicago magazine is just the tip of the iceberg of Russian language media in Chicago. FoGB Phil Tadros is this month's coverboy.
Skip the Scalpers
Got One, Need One is an iPhone app that helps you find tickets or get rid of extras day-of without the need of middlemen. That is, if you can find other people using the app.
Super 8, Super Early
Steve at the Movies shares a heads up: If you're not interested in waiting till 12:01am tonight to see Super 8, the Navy Pier IMAX is screening the film today, a day ahead of the official release, as part of a "Twitter preview."
The Art of Interconnectivity
Time to Sign Off interviewed artist and CAR co-founder Sara Schnadt about her work.
The Good Kind of Flash Mob
Improv Everywhere is in town for the Just For Laughs Comedy Festival, and invites you to participate in the MP3 Experiment in Millennium Park June 12.
An Out of the Ordinary Potluck
We dish with Chicago Cooking Chicks in this week's Drive-Thru feature.
What They're Making
The City released a database of all current employees' salaries; Ramsin slices and dices it for you in Mechanics.
Notre Dame, Not Our Women
Roxanne Martino was forced to resign from the Notre Dame University board of trustees over donations to Emily's List and the Chicago Foundation for Women.
Protecting Bicyclists in the Street
The city's first major separated bike lane, a cycle track, is under construction in the Fulton River District, and the Chicago Journal has images.
Green Scrappers
Want to compost but have a place to keep the bin? Or just grossed out by worms? Contact Compost Office, who will pick up your scraps and add them to the pile.
Making a Vow for V-Day 2012
Seems awfully early to be teasing a film due out Valentine's Day next year, but The Vow, starring Channing Tatum and Rachel McAdams, looks to be set in Chicago.
The synopsis reads, "A newlywed couple recovers from a car accident that puts the wife in a coma. Waking up with severe memory loss, her husband endeavors to win her heart again."
You can already "like" it on Facebook.
Structurally Sound Libraries
Thanks to this winter's blizzard destroying its old home, the Chicago Underground Library has gone mobile, popping up in various spots around town. Check out the latest this Saturday at North Branch Projects, when "Structurally Sound" opens for business.
Ipsento Reopens
Bucktown coffee drinkers, your world is back on its axis: Ipsento reopened this morning after The Man shut them down for six long days.
Mobbing the Beach Since 1898
Whet Moser puts the recent "flash mobs" in perspective with a history of Chicago's beach violence.
Nobody Nobody Sent, No More
As the new human resources commissioner assumes her duties, some aldermen long for the days of rampant patronage.
Get Marshmallow
This weekend experimental music fans in Chicago have a reason to get a little giddy. The Neon Marshmallow Festival will bring more than 20 musicians to the Hideout (oops) Empty Bottle for three days of mind-stimulating sonic waves. Not sure what to check out? Read our full preview in Transmission.
"Warning - Avoid Chicago As A Vacation Destination"
That's the opportunistic message of the Illinois State Rifle Association; they claim the city's gun laws "leave good citizens defenseless against brutal "flash mobs."
The Landscape Out There
The Cultural Landscape Foundation catalogs historic designed landscapes throughout the country in their What's Out There database. This weekend, you can check out what's out there throughout Chicagoland with their series of free guided tours around parks, ponds, gardens, boulevards, and all sorts of other sites.
Another Indoor Mall Demolished
The first enclosed mall in the Chicago area is transitioning into an outdoor mall -- and leaving its 18,000 person bomb shelter behind.
Pasties & G(eek)-Strings
The brains behind Boobs & Goombas: A Super Mario Burlesque are teasing the titillation out of all manner of geekery. Now playing at Gorilla Tango Theater are Gleeks & Freaks, which uncovers "Glee," and Fellowship of the Boobs, which strips bare a variety of fantasy realms. A burlesque take on Star Trek is coming this fall.
Contemporary Trachtenwear
Not a phrase you often see in America, but it fits Erika Neumayer's German-inspired fashion perfectly.
A Lunchtime Conversation with David Simon and Wendell Pierce
The keynote speech at the U of C's symposium on the arts and the city is a conversation between David Simon and Wendell Pierce of "The Wire" and "Treme" fame. Watch the conversation live on facebook now.
Uptown Moves Up
The Red Line Project tackled gentrification in Uptown -- and generated the sort of controversy you'd expect in the comments.
Get a Taste
The Taste of Chicago isn't for a couple more weeks, but you can get a preview today, as a dozen or so Taste vendors set up in Daley Plaza from 11am to 2pm.
New Trib Online & at Home
The Tribune will debut a redesigned edition of the paper for home delivery June 15. Meanwhile, the website is getting a revamp as well; here's a prototype. (I'm a little skeptical that it'll have that few ads -- and look that much like a Wordpress theme.)
Hot Dog! A Lawsuit
Vienna Beef is suing Red Hot Chicago, a rival that happens to be owned by the grandson of one of Vienna's founders.
The Context of Conflict
Local design journal MAS Context's new issue, Conflict, is now live, as is its redesigned website.
Buildings on Paper
Letterhead used to be much more elaborate -- as evidenced by a sampling of Chicago companies in the Biggert Collection of Architectural Vignettes on Commercial Stationery.
Cutting up the City's Credit Cards
Mayor Emanuel has ordered city agencies to cease using the government credit card after investigations by the BGA and Fox News Chicago found several departments, including the Park District, CTA and CHA, abusing the privilege.
The Whorls of the City
Designer Gerard Huerta created a number of iconic band logos, but his rendition of Nick Fasciano's Chicago logo in a fingerprint is pretty inspired.
Details are Sketchy
GB alum Craighton Berman has been sketching for Core77 for awhile, but they just gave him his own channel devoted to "sketchnotes," visualizing information in a combination of drawings and text. His first big project was covering the IIT Institute of Design Strategy Conference last month.
Old School
Archaeology students (and DePaul University Associate Professor Jane Eva Baxter) unearth the remains of an 1840s schoolhouse in the Edgebrook neighborhood.
Freedom of Information Denied
The Reader's Mick Dumke is suing the City over denied FOIA requests; Micah Uetricht talks to him about it in Mechanics.
Chicago Live Music
The Live Music Archive is a treasure trove of recorded concerts. In Transmission, we've sorted through and listed all the Chicago venues and festivals in the archive for your downloading convenience.
Food Truck Tuesdays
If you too are skeptical of the food truck hype, you may want to head to the corner of North and Halsted on tomorrow night Food Truck Tuesdays. At least four trucks will be there every Tuesday in June.
Intergalactic Miracles
It's that time again: time for the Gathering of the Juggalos infomercial. Tickets for the Cave-In-Rock, Illinois, er, event August 11-14 are on sale now.
Mugging by Mob
The mobs of teens shoplifting on Michigan Avenue seem to be branching out into assault.
Brush Up on Your Assyrian
The Oriental Institute at the U of C has finished a 90 year undertaking: the creation of a 28,000 word Assyrian dictionary.
Indecent Proposals
Local hotel housekeepers are speaking out about being propositioned or assaulted by guests and the lack of support from management, joining LA in solidarity with housekeepers in New York following two high profile assaults.
Keeping Soul Local
The Chicago music community has been wondering what label nouveau soul group JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound would sign to. The big reveal today was that the gang decided to go with local label Bloodshot Records with a debut album due out this fall. Congrats all around!
Get in the Pool
Photographer Missy Weimer visited as many of the city's public pools as she could last summer. An exhibition of her photos opens tonight.
The Dark Side of the City
In A/C, Andrew Daglas profiles a team of Flashpoint Academy alumni making an independent film.
Ipsento Closed Temporarily
Bad news for Bucktown coffee drinkers: Local favorite Ipsento (2035 N. Western) closed suddenly yesterday after an Illinois Department of Revenue official showed up to revoke its business license because of unpaid taxes. Store owners said today they're "working hard" to right the ship and reopen soon.
Here's the explanation they posted on their Facebook page:
Ipsento is temporarily closed. In 2010, we mistakenly overlooked the filing and paying of nine months of sales tax. We have been current with this years sales tax. However, to date, we have been unable to pay the lump some [sic] we fell behind. For this reason, the state revoked our business license yesterday. We are working hard to get the license back...and have been told by our tax expert lawyers that this shouldn't be a problem. We originally thought we could turn this around right away. But that's not how the Department of Revenue works. Our hope is to re-open next Monday afternoon. We'll keep you informed as we find out more. We REALLY appreciate how supportive you all have been!
Accident on Metra, Smoke on CTA
Two Metra trains collided at Union Station this morning, injuring 12. A passenger on one of the trains shared live updates on Reddit. Meanwhile, a "blue flash and boom" possibly caused by a blown fuse, filled the Red Line tunnel with smoke and sent riders into a panic.
March Against Sexual Harrassment
SlutWalk Chicago is tomorrow; Rachel Rabbit White talks with the organizers in Time Out.
Gearing Up
Try Force Productions has recreated the video game Gears of War 3 in real life, and they're now raising funds on Kickstarter for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.
Breaking Chicago's Nose
Open Culture turns up an interesting interview between Studs Terkel and Nelson Algren about Algren's move to Paterson, NJ, and why he didn't miss Chicago after he left. [Via]
Art Between Two Buildings
Dorchester Projects explores the history of art collaboration in two buildings at Dorchester and 69th.
Working for the Feds
CrowdSpring added an unusual logo project today: the U.S. Department of the Interior.
Groupon Going Public
Groupon has filed for an initial public offering to raise $750 million. Meanwhile, CEO Andrew Mason revealed plans for a travel deal site with Expedia during his talk at the D9: All Things Digital conference.
Atomic Time Capsule
At 4pm today, the University of Chicago will open a time capsule placed in the Research Institute Building's cornerstone in 1950. You can watch it live online.
GB Curates Kickstarter
We at Gapers Block are big fans of Kickstarter, as you may have noticed. So much so that we've set up a curated page filled with local projects we think sound cool. Threadless, Pitchfork and a bunch of other non-local organizations have pages, too.
A Step Up from a Staycation
Daycations wants to help you take a short trip to another part of the city.
Radio Arte in Danger of Falling Silent
WRTE-FM, Radio Arte, may be shuttered by its parent, the National Museum of Mexican Art, as it seeks to get out of the radio business.
Food Trucks Remain on Trend
The Tribune surveys the current food truck scene as Ald. Waguespack reintroduced legislation to allow vendors to prepare food on their trucks.
Obama's CTO is Awesome
It might be the worst kept secret in Chicago's tech scene of late: Harper Reed is the CTO of the Obama 2012 campaign.
Own the Nation's Tallest Building
The investors who own the Willis Tower are thinking about putting it on the market.
Not a Small Affair
Governor Quinn and Mayor Emanuel will preside over the civil union ceremonies of 30 same-sex couples today at 10am at Millennium Park.
Green Bag Ads
The Plastic Bag Solution aims to kill two birds with one stone: provide stores and restaurants with an ecological alternative to plastic bags, and give advertisers another surface upon which to print their message.
Newsprint on the Silver Screen
Vince Vaughn flips through an issue of Chicago Journal in The Dilemma. [via]
Lightbank Invests in OpenChime
Chicago-based VC firm Lightbank has invested in OpenChime, a startup that helps people and businesses field quotes for professional services. (Previously.)
His Legoness, Michael Jordan
Tauntr recreated the five greatest NBA finals moments with Lego, including Michael Jordan's last shot in game six of the 1998 finals against the Jazz.
And here's the source footage:
Get Your Kicks
Theresa Carter of The Local Tourist and Jim Goodrich of With a Voice Like This are doing a Route 66 tour to raise money for pediatric cancer research, and the kickoff party this Friday Saturday.
Chicago to Philosophy in 13 Steps
According to the webcomic xkcd, "if you take any article, click on the first link in the article text not in parentheses or italics, and then repeat, you will eventually end up at "Philosophy." Chicago is only 13 steps away. (We're 14.)
Sticker Time
In other city services news, today is the first day to pick up new city stickers for your car. Buy yours online.
Illinois Begins Same-Sex Civil Unions
Today marks the first day of same-sex civil unions in Illinois, with many eagerly getting licenses. Catalyst Ranch is sponsoring a midnight group ceremony for six couples. Congratulations!
Meters & Mayors their Specialty
Mayor Daley is joining Katten Muchin Rosenman, the law firm that negotiated the parking meter deal and the Skyway privatization.
Blagouache
Here are a few, uh, choice courtroom sketches of our former governor and his, apparently, tiny, creepy hands.
WTF on the Radio
Comedian Marc Maron's popular WTF podcast is coming to WBEZ Sunday nights at 8pm starting June 5.
With this Ring, I Thee Civilly Unionize
City Hall is bracing for the first day of civil unions for both same-sex and heterosexual couples in Illinois. The Cook County Clerk of Courts opens at 7:30am this morning, and the first couples in line will be showered with gifts. UPDATE: Janean Wackins and Lakeesha Harris were first in line this morning.
To Chicago or Fargo?
Chicago makes a humorous appearance as a foil in a syndicated columnist's somewhat confusing article about where area youth should move.
