Use the Floss, Luke
TheForce.Net reports that Lucasfilm has licensed Chicago-based Sunstar Americas to produce Star Wars themed toothbrushes. This isn't the first time such a product existed -- they go way back.
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
August 2011
Superstars Require Super Accommodation
Lupe Fiasco's tour rider is like a seventh grader's culinary fantasy: PB&Js, chicken tenders, candy, soda, hamburgers with Sara Lee buns (way to keep it local!), Frosted Flakes, and several items of the "crème" persuasion (i.e. ice, whip and Krispy).
Veggie Up Your Fridge
We're giving away a CSA box of organic produce to the writer of the best haiku! Details in Drive-Thru.
Honoring 9/11 with a TED Talk
TEDxLakeshoreEast takes place on Sept. 11, and the speakers will "give talks unified by the theme of moments that shape our lives, society, and world around us." Tickets are now available.
Cheney's Advice to Rahm
Dick Cheney goes for a laugh with an anecdote about talking to then incoming chief of staff Rahm Emanuel in his new memoir, In My Time.
"Live Like Rahm"
A resident of the Green Street Lofts, where our mayor and his family lived until they were able to move back into their Ravenswood home, found an interesting angle for selling his condo.
Pinup Power
The pinup calendar Thought You Knew has launched a Kickstarter project to cover printing expenses. Now in its third year on the walls of bike shops and homes worldwide, TyK seeks to support a community of confident women who bike. Gapers Block's curated Kickstarter page features this project, along with other exciting local ventures.
Puts the "Mar" in Marilyn Monroe
VirtualTourist.com has rated that eyesore statue of Marilyn Monroe in Pioneer Square as the worst public art in the country.
Mechanics on the Radio
No, not Car Talk. Gapers Block's political editor, Ramsin Canon, will be among the guests on Eight Forty-Eight's Month in Review segment this morning at 9am; listen live here.
Illinois Among Priciest Pot in the Nation
I'm clearly overpaying for my weed. According to the Huffington Post via Chicagoist, Illinois' weed prices are among the highest in the nation, with the average cost in Chicago of "a high-quality eighth of marijuana" clocking in at "just under $60." There's even a nifty interactive map called Price of Weed that will calculate your area's weed prices based on crowd-sourced data submitted by anonymous buyers.
Groupon Execs Dropping Like Flies
Only after two months on the job, the head of PR for Groupon has left the company, reportedly due to a clash over a leaked internal memo that Yoga-loving CEO Andrew Mason wrote that responded to critics of the company and claims that Groupon had far less money than believed. The company's sales chief was replaced last week; their former COO quit in March.
Furnishly
If you have a piece of used furniture you'd like to part with, or if you're looking to furnish your new (holy moving season, Batman!) place, check out local used furniture site Furnishly. Their site is far more visually attractive and helpful than Craigslist and has just the details you care about. And if you're looking to sell, they've got some great posting tips on their blog.
Check Your Deed
The deeds to at least 30 homes in Chicagoland have been mysteriously transferred to the Moorish Science Temple of America, an obscure religious sect -- including the home of City Treasurer Stephanie Neely.
Moving Fast at MSI
The Museum of Science & Industry is running a Fast Forward video competition in connection with the exhibit by the same name. You've got until Sept. 7 to enter.
Words Aren't Cheap
Beginning next week, the Daily Herald will be the first area newspaper to begin charging for online content.
Parking Apps for Chicago
SpotHero won the Apps for Metro Chicago last weekend. Second place was another parking-oriented app, FasPark.
Chicago's Nordic Thunder Places 2nd in the World
Nordic Thunder, aka Justin Howard, came in second in the World Air Guitar Championships this weekend. Read our coverage of the US finals in Transmission.
HE.LP KICKSTA.RT GLI.TC/H
Last year, noise and tech and new media and those who love them came together in the form of the GLI.TC/H festival. For five days, the strange and wonderful ways data can be corrupted were celebrated with videos, art, coding and more. Although a success, the people behind GLI.TC/H need more than pops and errant flashes to bring it back to life. Head to their Kickstarter page to make it happen again.
RIP Honeyboy Edwards
The last of the Delta bluesmen, Dave "Honeyboy" Edwards, passed away early Monday morning at the age of 96. Howard Reich and Dave Hoekstra have remembrances.
RIP, Mikey C.
The Trib has a terribly depressing article (with an equally heartbreaking photograph) about a police horse that died yesterday afternoon at North Avenue Beach.
What's 2011's Best Blurb Book?
Chicago-based photographer Jason Reblando's Blurb book, New Deal Utopias, is in the running for the Blurb people's choice award in the documentary and fine art categories. Do you know other nominated Chicago photographers? Let us know via dcs at gapersblock.com.
Round Up the Usual Suspects
Or maybe not- turns out police lineups might not be worth all that much. Studies suggest almost one third of witness identifications are wrong. Scary numbers for cities eager to put criminals behind bars. Earlier work in Chicago helps lead the way.
Little House on the Quad
Students at Northwestern are building a 128-square-foot house on campus. Here's some background from the Sun-Times and the Northwestern press office.
The Bunny Returns to Dearborn
Maybe encouraged by buzz surrounding the upcoming show, Playboy Enterprises plans to open a stand alone Playboy Club, the first in decades, just blocks from the original.
Achatz and Gross
It's a rebroadcast, but tune in today at 2pm to Fresh Air on WBEZ for an interview with chef Grant Achatz of Next, the Aviary, the Office, and (of course) Alinea.
Flying Saucers Were the True Cause of The Great Chicago Fire
No, not really, but Matthew Buchholz's "Alternate Histories" Etsy shop has rather convincing prints of events that never really happened, such as the steam-powered, Colum-Bot from the 1892 Columbian Exposition.
Street-Level Phoenix
Street-Level Youth Media returns to Wicker Park after a fire destroyed their community center 3 years ago. The new 5,250-square-foot facility features state-of-the-art A/V labs, sound stage and gallery space. A grand opening benefit reception is slated for September 29th.
World's Worst Kids
With the help of their attorney father, Steven and Kathryn Miner of Barrington unsuccessfully sued their mother Kimberly Garrity for "bad mothering" [PDF] following their parents' 1995 divorce. Did she shove hot sauce down their throat? No. Did she learn parenting tips from Joan Crawford? No, not exactly. The two (now adult-aged) children claimed that Garrity caused emotional distress by failing to include a cash gift with birthday cards, enforcing curfews, and changing her last name when she later remarried.
Hundreds of Cuts and 40 Colors Later
The Art Institute blog features a pretty amazing video of Alexis Petroff recreating a print from the museum's new TASS News Agency exhibition.
Look Where The Sun Don't Shine
Each year, the Sun-Times Charity Trust awards grants to Chicago organizations that support youth in education, art and civic engagement. This year, the Trust has set up the Sun Shine Project for the greater Chicago community to "shine a light" on worthy charities and select projects that deserve a grant. The nomination phase is happening right now!
Homebrewers Take Note
And aspiring homebrewers as well- Brew Camp, recently opened at Belle Plaine and Lincoln, offers frequent classes for beginners and high quality ingredients for everyone.
Marilyn Monroe Tagged
The somewhat controversial "Forever Marilyn" statue was tagged overnight in Pioneer Square, her right calf now includes the words "Pi$tola" and "Ariel" with a heart between them. Young vandals in love.
Another Rigorous Slideshow by the Trib
The Trib's slideshows aren't always top-notch quality, but none match this hilarious phone-it-in gallery of photographs of things that have the same names as recent hurricanes.
Comedy is Not Pretty (or Legal)
From the audience of the recent Del Close Marathon in NYC, a Las Vegas-based improviser named Eric D. Angell casually told a story of having sex with an "old, drunk girl" in a hotel room in Chicago several years ago that sounds a great deal like rape. See for yourself; it was all captured on video.
Designing Bike Friendly Streets
HowIAlmostDiedToday.com is among the projects created for Moving Design's Call to Action's Our Road, a multidisciplinary gallery exhibition and public engagement campaign on the advancement of bicycle safety showing in the Comfort Station on Logan Square this Sunday.
Another Step Towards Diversity in College Admissions
Elmhurst College is now asking prospective students if they consider themselves members of the GLBT community.
Top Chefs
Michael Nagrant runs down the most influential people in the restaurant industry in this week's NewCity.
The Effects of a Red Line Extension
In Mechanics, Christopher Gray takes a look at the impact on neighborhoods near the proposed Red Line extension on the South Side.
Solving Siting a Skatepark
It doesn't look like Mayor Daley's proposed 24-hour skatepark at 17th and Clark is going to happen, but the park district will be putting together a "citywide skate park master plan" to look at future park locations.
All Electric Driving
Nissan bumped up its timeline for introducing the all-electric Leaf in Chicago by a year. Now the cars will be available as early as October.
Coyote Festival to Return This September, Under New Management
As reported by Newcity, the annual Coyote Festival will return this September, returning to its former, uncurated form, under management of the Flat Iron Artists' Association (FIAA).
The Right Time to Write
In observance of today's date (8/26), the literacy and tutoring nonprofit 826CHI encourages you to spend 8 minutes and 26 seconds crafting a piece of writing before 8:26 pm today. Celebration of the right to write will ensue at the Boring Store (1331 N. Milwaukee) throughout the day.
Front Street Archive of Art Talk with Meg Duguid and Abraham Ritchie Up Now
The archive of artist Meg Duguid and critic Abraham Ritchie's appearance on lo-fi art and culture program Front Street was recently posted to the program's site. This writer shamelessly monopolized their time with chat feed questions. It's a two-parter, since the feed dropped shortly into the conversation. Part one is here, and the second part can be found here.
Jewball, Former Chicagoan Neal Pollack's Newest Latest, Scheduled for October Release
Former Chicago Reader reporter and now LA-bestselling author of Alternadad and the much-hyped satirical Neal Pollack Anthology of American Literature during the white-hot McSweeney's era, author Neal Pollack has a new book scheduled for release this October. Jewball, an experiment in Kindle-only release from Amazon.com, follows on the heels of a newly successful wave of e-reader-exclusive publishing, and promises belly laughs galore.
To Live and Die By the Standardized Menu
Over at Chicago magazine, Whet Moser charted key moments of his life in chain restaurants. Mine would surely include Perkins.
CHIRP Wins! CHIRP Wins! CHIRP Wins!
The conclusion of a fierce summer softball league involving a bevy of radio stations and publications produced a title-holder this evening: CHIRP beat WBEZ in a 7-4 match. Congrats to all of those who left their computer monitors to interact with real human beings, if only for a few hours...
Exit Art Co-Founder Ingberman Dies at 59
Jeanette Ingberman, co founder of the New York's influential Exit Art Gallery with artist Papo Colo, died yesterday at the age of 59 reports the New York Observer. Given Chicago's rich history of alternative practices, Exit Art has long been a valuable entry-level resource and oasis for up-and-comers from the city and around the world.
More Illinois Eavesdropping Court Time
The controversial eavesdropping law used to charge Chicago artist Chris Drew is in the news before his trial due to another case involving the secret audio recording of police officers. The woman in this case was promptly acquitted because of an exception in the law for cases wherein there is a "reasonable suspicion" that a crime may be committed.
Art & Food Inspire Each Other
Last week the Chicago Artists Coalition held an event at which four artists and four chefs collaborated to create food and art inspired by each other. We interviewed the artists and the chefs about the experience.
Welcome to Farmland World!
Chicago-based Design With Company's entry in the Animal Architecture Awards won runner up and the attention of BLDGBLOG.
Finding a Small Amount of Solace
Nearly 50 years ago, Chicagoan and Peace Corps Volunteer Larry Radley was among 30 people who died in a plane wreck in the Colombian jungle. His brother vowed to visit the site, but didn't realize how difficult that would be.
How Would You Like Transit Improved?
The Active Transportation Alliance just launched a new advocacy program called Riders for Better Transit as "a voice for riders who want to boost transit funding and encourage transit-related projects that will benefit your community." Fill out a a survey about your transportation desires for a chance to win a $100 gift card and to learn how to get involved.
Reading and Making
In other design and Art Institute news, Zoë Ryan, the museum's chair and curator of architecture and design, posted her essential reading list for product designers on Designers & Books.
See Urbanized with Gary Hustwit
Fans of Gary Hustwit's design documentaries will be excited to know that his newest film, Urbanized, will screen in Chicago on October 9.
Art Institute Names New President and Director
Yesterday, the Art Institute named Douglas Druick its new president and director [pdf] after 26 years at the institution. Druick has been interim president and director of the museum since James Cuno's June departure.
Fighting for Control of Lake Michigan
GB flickr pool contributor Undun was surprised to discover that hitting the "I'm Feeling Lucky" button in Picasa3 transformed his Chicago Air & Water Show photograph into a dogfight straight out of a WWII film.
Romenesko Semi-Retires
Jim Romenesko, the Evanston-based journalism blogger, is "semi-retiring" from the Poynter Institute and launching his own, eponymous website (and, sadly, closing the Obscure Store). Here's the point of view from Poynter.
Maria's Community Bar Celebrates Makeover Anniversary
Bridgeport favorite Maria's Packaged Goods and Community Bar announces a celebration of the one-year anniversary of its makeover on September 3 at both the bar and art space Co-Prosperity Sphere down the street.
MDW Fair To Return in October, Opens Call for Proposals
Chicago's breakaway-spirited MDW Fair will return this October to Bridgeport's Geolofts, and has announced that proposals for the sophomore installment are now being accepted.
Lynwood's 2008 Baggy Pants Ban Still Under Fire
With tickets being written for up to $750, you might have to sell your entire suspenders collection to pay.
A Sample Isn't Just a Sample
Local label Numero Group is blogging about their renewed troubles with a dark and twisted business deal with Kanye West and Jay-Z's Watch The Throne album.
Not so Windy in Comparison
Chicago is included on Bård Edlund's pretty but confusing Weather Wheel -- but unfortunately so is the popular misconception about why we're called the Windy City. [via]
Windy City Confidential
50 more "unusual" things to hit up in Chicago - not your standard guide book recs.
The Return of the Gaylords
After three decades out of the spotlight, the Gaylords street gang is in the headlines again with a bust.
Third City Syndrome
Art journalist Eric Wenzel, who is leaving Chicago, recently published an article about why artists keep leaving Chicago. Apparently, (and ironically?) it's because nobody stays in Chicago.
Ride the Mysterious Train
Imprint also recently took a look at the Green Hornet and other vintage Electroliner trains in Chicago. (Thanks again, Dee!)
More Common than Unicorns
Northwestern University research confirms: Bisexual men really exist. (Didn't realize this was unsettled territory.)
Getting on the List
On the List Chicago hooks you up with concert ticket giveaways. Or will, once it's built up critical mass; join to help make that happen sooner.
Battle Bugs
Colossal chronicles LA street artist Ludo's recent visit to Chicago.
Photo by Brock Brake.
The Ravinia Festival of Design
Imprint digs through 30 years of Ravinia program covers. (Thanks, Dee!)
OK Puppet
OK GO's remake of the Muppet Show Theme Song has hit the internerds, complete with (what else?) a wacky video.
United States of X: Worst Edition
Gawker is counting down the 50 states in order of "worstness." Illinois clocks in at #36.
You Choose
Most Chicago Public Schools start back on Sept. 7, but there are a ton of teachers who are lacking some sadly basic items for their classrooms. If you have a couple of extra bucks to share, you can be a Donors Choose hero and help. For example, Ms. J's kids need reeds for their instruments, Ms. S's kids need scissors and puzzles, and Mr. W's kids need composition notebooks.
Insect Eating for the Future
That's the slogan of Entom Foods, a company started by some UofC undergrads to get Americans eating more bugs.
Gettin' Cakey With It
Threadcakes, the super contest that pairs a love of Threadless shirts with cakes, is in the process of judging this year's submissions. Want to see them?
The Logan Square Kitchen is Fed Up
They've had 19 health inspections in two years and they're challenging their most recent fine. There's more information on their site than I can summarize here, but they make a pretty good case that they're being harassed by the Food Safety Division of the Chicago Health Department.
Rebuilding the Cubs
Grantland delves into what comes next for the Cubs. Hint: Pujols may not be involved.
Major ALS Breakthrough
Researchers at Northwestern and elsewhere have discovered a common cause behind all versions of ALS, aka Lou Gehrig's Disease. The study was published this weekend in Nature.
High Tech, Low Brow
Local artists Taylor Hokanson and Chris Reilly have reached their Kickstarter goal for their low-cost CNC machine, but the fundraiser's still going until 11 tonight, so check it out if you're into art made by robots.
Strange Finds
An employee at "a junk shop in a far North Side neighborhood" chronicles some of the more unusual objects that have passed through. Example: a VHS tape labeled simply, "Secrets." Oh yeah.
Fry in Chicago
"Stephen Fry in America," a 2008 BBC television series, has suddenly gone viral the last couple days. Here's a clip of Fry in Chicago.
[via]
Bringing Toto Home
We've seen some heartbreaking instances of missing dogs around the city lately. If you're a pet owner, microchipping can help locate your lost pet. There's also a few sites that can help advertise your search.
Corporate Division
David Greising wonders what's up with Chicagoland companies splitting themselves in two.
Groupon's Future White Tower?
Brad Keywell and Eric Lefkofsky are reportedly considering purchasing the Wrigley Building to house Groupon and the other companies they run. Meanwhile, the pre-IPO backlash against Groupon continues apace. UPDATE: WSJ reports there's no plan for Groupon to move into the Wrigley Building.
Carousels, Little Dippers and Lava Run Cars: What Ever Happened to the Kiddieland Rides?
WGN managed to track them down at their new homes.
Rahm's First 100
Tuesday marks the first 100 days of Mayor Emanuel's first term. The Tribune, the Sun-Times and The Economist take stock. Offer your own assessment in Fuel.
Uptown Clean-Up
After 29 arrests in late July, "Operation Uptown Girl" has sent 11 to prison on narcotics charges. This follows "Operation Sugar Magnolia" in January as part of an effort to combat a rise in gang violence and drug sales in the area.
Breaking the Fast
The Lupe Fiasco Foundation is working with the Block By Block initiative to feed at least 100 people each day Aug. 15-31 in honor of Ramadan.
Making a Generation of Makers
For a few days this summer, a group of girls went to GADgET Camp to learn about manufacturing. The Girls Adventuring in Design Engineering and Technology Camp focuses on girls between the ages of 12 and 16 and is the only all-girls camp that is is funded by national organizationNuts, Bolts and Thingamajigs. Antigone Sharris, an engineering instructor at Triton College started the program. Can't wait to see what these girls make.
Spelling Isn't Our Strong Suit
Good news: The Cubs finally pulled the plug on Jim Hendry's tenure as general manager. Bad news: The Cubs can't spell "general manager" right.
O'Hare Gets Sweeter
Nope, not in the concessions department (sadly). But 23 bee hives have been installed along the east side of the airport, managed by Sweet Beginnings, to make use of unused open space. Sweet! (Pun!) [via]
Where is Chicago's Black Leadership?
Conservative political commentator Lenny McAllister talks with 2City News about the state of leadership in Chicago's African-American community today.
A Landmark Project
A blogger named Chris is visiting every landmark in Chicago by the end of this year.
Big Hurt Beer?
There is now a beer named after Frank Thomas. Big Hurt Beer, which Beeronaut determined is brewed by Minhas of Monroe, WI (aka Huber Brewing), should be on shelves later this month.
Ready for a Chase?
City Chase comes to Chicago next weekend, Aug. 27, pitting teams against each other in challenges ranging from karaoke to human pyramid building.
Knife, Fork & Pen
Related to the previous post: They Draw & Cook features several recipes illustrated by Chicagoans.
The Incredible Hulk of Flea Markets
Wheaton hosts an all-night flea market tomorrow, with a bevy of odd celebrities scheduled to be in attendance (Lou Ferrigno, the guy who played the "Soup Nazi" on Seinfeld, etc.).
Mapping Personal Landmarks
Kate O'Leary lovingly maps some of her personal Lincoln Square landmarks on They Draw & Travel.
Have a Question for Mayor Emanuel?
Chicago Public Media is hosting an event with many of the region's elected leaders to assess Mayor Emanuel's first 100 days in office, and they want you to submit questions.
Hell: Simply Heavenly
Hell's travel and tourism site recently got a spectacular redesign at the hands of local designer Chris Herron. [via]
Stage Collapse @ Pukkelpop Festival
A new tragedy: a stage at Belgium's Pukkelpop Festival collapsed earlier today, with fatalities and injuries reported. Onstage at the time was Chicago band Smith Westerns; they're safe.
West Side Health Care Mission
The Remote Area Medical Foundation is offering free dental, vision and medical care Friday through Sunday at Malcolm X College in collaboration with the CURE Network.
At What Cost Perfection?
$2.75 million, as it turns out. (It is a landmark.)
Photo by Wayne Gunn, from waaay back in the Gapers Block flickr pool.
A Park in Danger
The City has started proceedings to rezone Greenbaum Park in Humboldt Park RT-4 residential. Ald. Reboyras says it's so that it can become an "on-campus park" for Grand High School next door, but neighbors are skeptical.
Bus Rapid Transit: the Future of Commuting?
The Metropolitan Planning Council released a feasibility study on bus rapid transit in Chicago yesterday. The CTA proposed a bus rapid transit line for Jeffrey Boulevard earlier this summer.
Nathan Lane, Brian Dennehy to Lead in Iceman Cometh
And with a cast that good, how bleak can it be? Coming next April to the Goodman Theater.
Competition is Fierce
The Reader's cover story this week is about Chicago's gay ball scene; for another perspective, read our own feature from January.
Internalizing the Brand
According to research conducted at UofI, people defend their favorite brands because they perceive attacks on the brand as an attack on them, personally.
T-Shirts vs. Polos
The corporate cultures of Google and Motorola might not be a match made in heaven, the WSJ reports.
Look at Cook's Books
Chicago isn't the only local governmental entity with data to share. Look at Cook offers up information about Cook County's budget.
Grant Park Still a Mess From Lollapalooza
And with festival damage the worst it's ever been, it might not get better for another month.
Arranging One Photograph at a Time
In a world dominated by digital stitching, Justin Tortorice spends his time assembling photo collages of sporting events, the skyline and other scenes by hand.
Permeable Concrete
Filtercrete, part of concrete maker Ozinga Brothers' Green Building line, lets water flow through it at an amazing rate.
New One Book, One Chicago Selection
The Chicago Public Library has named Saul Bellow's The Adventures of Augie March as the 10th anniversary One Book, One Chicago selection. Find out more about the pick on the Book Club page.
Getting a Job Sewn Up
Alex Urbanec is looking for a job. So he did what anyone would do: he stitched a sign and put it in his window, where it caught the eye of Forbes blogger Susannah Breslin. [via]
"The frank should look delicious, iconic and heroic."
The 312 pulls out some of the most entertaining quotes from the Sara Lee/Oscar Meyer hot dog battle. (Previously.)
No More Street Sweeping Tickets
Sweep Around Us tells you when your street is scheduled for sweeping next, and can send you an email to remind you to move your car. It was created by FoGB Scott Robbin, who also built Was My Car Towed (previously).
Bears Wear
Football season is almost here: Strange Cargo has some fun new tees to help you bear down.
Environmental Justice for the Underclass
On Tuesday Gov. Quinn signed a law creating the Commission on Environmental Justice, intended to prevent poor communities from bearing the brunt of industrial pollution and other environmental risks.
The Latest Top Restaurant: Ruxbin
Meanwhile, Bon Appetit named Ruxbin the fifth best new restaurant of the year.
The Latest in Achatz/Kokonas News
NYTimes weighs in on Next and Aviary; Eater interviews Nick Kokonas. UPDATE: Grant Achatz revealed the next four Next menus to TOC's Heather Shouse.
Bringing Recreation and Order to the South Loop
The construction of the new Jones College Prep building opens up possibilities for the old building site, including installing a park and straightening out the awkward Harrison/State intersection.
Face to Face via Facebook
Chicagoland resident ArLynn Leiber Presser is trying to meet all of her 325 Facebook friends face to face this year. The catch is, they're scattered around the globe. A local documentary filmmaker is going along for the ride.
Next Stop, Deterioration
Nearly nine months after an investigation showed significant dry rot on recently renovated Brown Line platforms, nothing appears to have been done to address the issue. Residents are rallying the troops on EveryBlock. (Thanks, Shylo!)
Tomorrow's Cars Today
BMW brought its i3 and i8 electric concept cars to Chicago to film a commercial this week.
Audio Infamy
Shut Up Little Man is a documentary about audio recordings of two drunk roommates in San Francisco that became a cult obsession in the 1990s. The film includes artwork by and interviews with Dan Clowes and Ivan Brunetti, among others.
Unfortunately, it's not playing in Chicago anytime soon, but it'll be available on video on demand Aug. 25.
Historic Sports Fandom
"My t-shirt? It's for the Duffy Florals. You've probably never heard of them." It's rare that sports fans get to play the hipster superiority card, but Peoples Garment Co. helps make it happen. (Duffy Floral, the team's sponsor, still exists, incidentally.)
Chicago from Space
Astronaut Ron Garan is up on the International Space Station right now, and took a couple pictures of Chicago last night. (Thanks, Sarah!)
Mayor Chats with BGA Wednesday
On Wednesday, Aug. 17 from 12:15 to 1pm, Mayor Emanuel will do a live Q&A session online with the Better Government Association's Andy Shaw. Submit questions via Facebook or Twitter.
Regular Shipments of Cool Stuff
Lost Crates ships you a box of interesting things once a month, based on your personality type.
School for Scandal
The Illinois General Assembly Legislative Scholarships have been abused quite a bit over the years -- the latest being Rep. Dan Burke's award of a scholarship to a former secretary's daughter who may not have met the requirements of the program. Gov. Quinn has been trying to get the scholarships eliminated.
Way Beyond Sugared Cereal
Want to have dessert for breakfast? A.V. Club explores your most decadent options.
Watch Where You Walk
The city's crosswalks aren't safe: that's where most pedestrians are when they're hit by vehicles, according to IDOT research. The map tells the tale.
Weiner Wars Escalate
I'm really happy for you, Sara Lee and Kraft Foods, and I'ma let you finish, but Vienna Beef makes some of the best hot dogs of all time!
Stamp of Affection
One of the world's largest collections of rubber stamps, maintained by the owners of Stamp Francisco, was once in Ukrainian Village; it's now located in Gurnee.
The Latest on TIFs
TIF districts are spread across the city, but not evenly. The Chicago News Cooperative visualized the spread of the city's TIF districts and looked at how the funds were spent. Meanwhile, the Reader's Ben Joravsky examined Mayor Emanuel's willingness to push for a TIF that would put a grocery store across from another one in Greektown, and the CME's refusal to finalize a $7 million TIF deal started last year.
RIP Christiana Santiago
One of the victims of the grandstand collapse at the Indiana State Fair was Christiana Santiago, manager of programming at Howard Brown Health Center's Lesbian Community Care Project.
Google is Buying Motorola Mobility
Libertyville based Motorola Mobility, the split handset division of Motorola, is being acquired by Google for about $12.5 billion, mostly in an effort to gain patents in order to compete with rival Apples iPhone. Google plans to run Motorola Mobility as a separate company and plans to keep its Android platform open.
And the Storm Rolls In
Flickr user cshimala set up his camera to video record three phases of the August 13 storm.
Taxi Cab Recommendations
Chicago Cab Fare reviews restaurants recommended by the city's many ethnic taxi drivers. The author is profiled in the ChuffPo today.
Grave Robber Busted
No, he wasn't digging up corpses, but a suburban man was caught stealing more than 400 graveside vases from area cemeteries and trying to sell them to a scrap dealer on the South Side.
Trash on a Grid
Mayor Emanuel announced plans to switch the city's trash pickup to a grid system. Over in Mechanics, Jeff Smith explains why this makes a whole load more sense over the ward map-based system.
Urbanity on Film
Urbanized, the latest documentary by Helvetica and Objectified filmmaker Gary Hustwit, is screening at the Music Box on Oct. 9. Tickets will go very fast. [via]
From IPO to Chapter 11?
They haven't had their IPO yet, but Bnet's Jim Edwards has decided Groupon should just declare bankruptcy now.
Killing Potholes Before They Kill You
CDOT is testing four automated "Pothole Killer" machines capable of filling the average pothole in less than 60 seconds. Watch it in action.
Find Sounds
Found Sound: Chicago puts music and audio art performances in unexpected places around West Town/Ukrainian Village this Saturday.
Chicago's Martha Stewart of Biking
Frequent GB contributor John Greenfield interviews Dottie Brackett, author of bike blog Let's Go Ride a Bike! in NewCity this week.
Doing Shakespeare on 63rd & Woodlawn
The Reader profiles David Mailey, one of the many African-Americans living with schizophrenia.
Food Truck Friday in Grant Park
Mobile Cuisine Magazine, the folks who've been organizing a food truck corral in the Clybourn shopping district on Tuesdays, is launching a new series on Fridays in Grant Park. At least two trucks will be at the inaugural event today at Columbus and Balbo starting at 5pm.
Legally Cruising in the Stevenson Shoulder
A new commuter bus initiative will allow express buses to utilize the Stevenson's shoulder when traffic is moving slower than 35mph.
Rubber Duckies, You're the 30,000
The annual Rubber Ducky Derby for Special Olympics poured into the Chicago River today; WBEZ has photos.
So Good it's Criminal
After two years of battling Ald. Fioretti, Felony Franks finally got a permit to put up a sign.
Groupon: Why Here?
TheNextWeb asked Chicago's tech community why they think Groupon grew up here rather than Silicon Valley.
Chicago's New Influence on L.A. Art
James Cuno, who recently left the directorship of the Art Institute, is already making waves with a new approach to acquisitions at the Getty Museum.
Letterpress to Impress
This Illinois letterpress print on Etsy is pretty cool, but 1canoe2's Chicago snowglobe is a little closer to home.
IPhone Owner Chases Down a Criminal
Corrie Besse definitely deserves a high-five after chasing down the thief who stole her iPhone on the train -- and has since pleaded guilty to pushing a 68-year-old woman down the stairs to her death in another CTA iPhone robbery back in April.
Sky Blue Bike
Wilcoworld interviews Todd Simeone of Tenspeed Hero, who designed a Wilco-themed bike for the band to raffle on its preorder page for The Whole Love. [via]
Duelling Cons
Rosemont is ground zero for geekdom this weekend: Wizard World's Chicago Comic Con and the Flashback Weekend horror convention are just a Blue Line ride away.
Dollars for Donuts on the CTA
CTA chief Forrest Claypool said there won't be a fare increase this year, but maybe in 2012. Perhaps the 10 new Dunkin' Donuts approved for CTA stations are helping keep fares down.
Moo & Oink on Butcher Block
Moo & Oink, the 150-year-old meat butcher and grocery, faces liquidation if it can't find a buyer.
The Repainted Lady of Hermitage
Mayor Emanuel's Ravenswood home has been getting a makeover in preparation for its owners' return.
The Romance of the Leaning Tower of Niles
Minnesota-based photographer Beth Dow is interested in the creation of false ruins in the United States. Of course, the Leaning Tower of Niles makes an appearance. Here are some other photographs of the tower.
Huge Check, Please!
Alinea and Charlie Trotter's placed fourth and fifth on a list of the most expensive restaurants in the country, and Tru, Les Nomades and Everest joined them in the top 10. [via]
Man vs. Mansueto
University of Chicago fourth year Mitchell Kohles challenged the automated storage and retrieval system at the U of C's newest library, the Joe and Rika Mansueto Library, to a race. How did Mitchell do? Let's go to the tape, err, YouTube video.
Metering Nothing
The last 72 electronic parking meters were installed earlier this summer in nearly deserted parts of the near South Side, to the tune of at least $430,000. The Expired Meter spot-checked three of the meters at random and found that literally nobody had used them in five weeks.
GETITOFFMEGETITOFFMEGETITOFFME!
While standing outside the Federal Building, ABC reporter Jason Knowles got a good look at one of our future insect overlords.
Coffee Wars: Battlefield Chicago
Starbucks and Caribou both plan significant expansions in Chicago, and the first volley is from Starbucks: It's opening a store at 8 N. Michigan Ave., directly next to an existing Caribou.
Bloggers in Residence
ChicagoMag.com is launching a writer in residence program, beginning with Alex Kotlowitz this Friday.
Make Some New Friends
Best Buddies is an organization that helps intellectually and developmentally disabled people find one-on-one friendships. Though it's mostly aimed at high school, the Citizen Buddied and e-Buddies programs make it easy for adults to get involved. You can learn more at a benefit mixer at Rockit tonight.
Daley on Defense?
A judge ruled that former mayor Richard M. Daley may be sued in connection with the Jon Burge police torture case.
Candy and Restaurants Nearly Devoured by the G8
Two major trade shows have changed their annual show dates in order to accommodate next May's G8 summit and its security demands.
Field Museum Honors 9/11
On Sept. 2, the Field Museum will debut Ground Zero: 360°, an exhibit that immerses museumgoers in the events of 9/11 from the perspective of a police commander and a photojournalist. The exhibit runs through the end of the year.
Odd Future Gets Shellacked
Steve Albini and Odd Future shared an airport shuttle in Barcelona. It did not go well. Chicagoist's Jon Graef puts it in perspective. UPDATE: Odd Future responds.
Daley Goes Golfing on eBay
One of Ray Noland's stencil cutouts from this year's Pitchfork Festival is up on eBay right now. Get it while it's cheap! [via]
Planning Your Weekend
The Weekend Map puts Chicago Meetup.com meet-ups on a color-coded map for your convenience.
Cleaning Up After the Circus Leaves Town
Thanks in part to the rain, Lollapalooza left Grant Park a wreck. The cost of last year's cleanup topped $200,000, and this year is expected to cost even more.
Ad Hoc Public Art Walk
The Blob Monster and other interesting art pieces hide all over the West Loop West Town, waiting for you to discover it. [via] (Thanks for the neighborhood correction, Gabriel!)
TribTab Coming
The Tribune Co. is developing a tablet computer to offer to subscribers to its newspapers, including the LA Times and Chicago Tribune. [via]
Haggle with Friends
VC firm Lightbank has invested in oBaz, a new "social haggling site" where you post what you want and they haggle a discount.
Back to School: More Expensive, Longer Days
CPS head Jean-Claude Brizard has proposed a 2.4 percent property tax hike to help cover the school budget, as well as a longer school day; not surprisingly, not everyone's excited. Brizard was on WBEZ last night answering callers' questions about the tax and everything else.
Toxic H2O
It's not just lead in our water, apparently. High levels of hexavalent chromium, a particularly nasty carcinogenic, were found in the city's drinking water.
Not Necessarily a Good Record to Break
Monday's trading volume at the CBOE was record breaking. Unfortunately, the record dated to Friday, and both were major down days for the market.
Be a Pedestrian
The Chicago Pedestrian Plan picked up its pace this summer with a bunch of meetings, the next of which will be at Truman College. If you can't make it, fill out an online "comment card."
Blackhawks Field Hockey Uniform?
What would the Blackhawks' jerseys look like if they played soccer instead of hockey? A redditor has an idea.
Playing in the City
Tour company StrayBoots is introducing a new mobile-based tour called "Chicago: The Game" on Aug. 11. They're giving away free tickets all this week.
Pictures Remain as Memories Fade
Frances Archer introduces photographer Allan Zirlin, whose collection of photography and vintage ephemera can be found here.
Gatecrashing the Party
Everyone wanted to go to Lollapalooza this weekend -- including more than a few who didn't have tickets.
Doggy Day-Trip
Newly launched Nature Dog takes dog-sitting a step further, offering your pooch "adventures" at the beach and in area forest preserves.
Edenic Fall from Grace
Edenic Soy & Tofu had some pretty serious health code violations on a recent FDA inspection. [via]
The Youth of Chicagoland
The Tribune mapped US Census data on children under 5, and color coded it by ethnicity.
Chicago Reunited
Tony and Janina Wasilewski, a Polish couple whose deportation troubles were subject of a documentary last year, will be reunited today.
Lolla Through the Instagram Lens
Lollagram pores through Instagram uploads for shots of Lollapalooza.
40 Preservation Successes of the Last 40 Years
Landmarks Illinois has had a busy forty years working to protect the state's historic buildings. Here are forty highlights [pdf]. Among the local successes are the Clarke House, The Chicago Theatre and the Historic Bungalow Initiative.
Losing the Orange Glow
The sodium vapor streetlights that bathe the city in orange are being replaced with new, more energy efficient lights that also have a more natural color.
Photo by Kai Schreiber
Chicago in Miniature
Gorgeous tilt-shift timelapse video by WGN-TV of the city going about its business.
The Friendly Skies Delayed
According to data compiled by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, 32 of the most frequently delayed flights in the past year departed from or arrived at O'Hare. Newark has the most of any airport with 40 flights.
Ripped Off This Way
Chicago Musician Rebecca Francescatti is suing Lady Gaga for copyright infringement, claiming the song "Judas" Gaga's latest album is based on her song "Juda." Play them side by side on TMZ.com.
Leaded Glass of Water
High levels of lead were found in seven of 38 homes tested by the EPA this year, the Tribune reports. Read some of the backstory on how the paper found out.
Fuzzed Out Guitars
If you don't mind awful feedback, you can watch Santah perform live at Threadless HQ right now (noon to 1ish) on UStream. UPDATE: Already off the air.
I'll Take "College Radio" for $400, Alex
This video clip isn't much more than evidence, but it's fun hearing WHPK and its A.L.L. Sports Hour mentioned during a Jeopardy! episode.
The Next Best Thing to Thailand
Want to see what Next is up to these days? Take a look at pictures of their most recent menu over at Drive-Thru.
Saints & Sinners, Poetry & Titillation
Like your poetry on the lascivious side? Chicago Poetry Brothel sets up shop in Thalia Hall down in Pilsen Saturday night. "Poetry whores, burlesque dancers, pianists and assorted vaudevillians perform for your pleasure.
Photograph the Bustling 'Burbs
We know a few of our readers live in the suburbs; if that's you, the Center for Neighborhood Technology's new photo contest looking for shots of transit oriented development in Chicagoland.
Lolla-food-ooza
...or something. Grub Street breaks down the food options at Lollapalooza, while Food Genius crunches some data.
Before Michael Jackson was King
The Renaissance Society's upcoming benefit auction includes this amazing portfolio of Michael Jackson photographs from Todd Gray's Before He Was King.
Thinking in Black & White
Do you go? The Lakeview Go Club meets every Tuesday night at Intelligentsia on Broadway; there are a couple other Go clubs in the area.
Tickets to TED
TEDxMidwest isn't until October, but tickets are hard to come by. You'll have to apply for yours.
Green Roof Repair
The Children's Museum may not be moving in, but the Daley Bicentennial Plaza in Grant Park is still getting ripped up.
A Fine Neo-Manueline Tower
Design Slinger takes a closer look at the Neo-Manueline Century Building.
The Bill for Burke's Bodyguards
The security detail Ald. Ed Burke's still holding onto decades after the Council Wars ended cost the City $600,000 a year, according to a Fox News/Better Government Association report.
ASCII Art
The Archeospiritist Study and Consortion Initiative, Illinois (ASCII, get it?) have an exhibition tonight; attend and you might go home with some free multimedia art.
Pros & Cons of Collective Bargaining
At the Bughouse Square Debates last weekend, former GB staffers Richard Lorenc and Kenzo Shibata debated each other on the question, "Should public employees have collective bargaining rights?" We've got video in Mechanics.
From Transportation to Relaxation
The Bloomingdale Trail was mentioned in a roundup of train track rehab projects around the country. There's a walking tour of the trail tonight at 6:30pm tonight if you're interested.
No More Overnight Aid for the Homeless
The City is ending its overnight emergency services for the homeless as a result of a halving of state funding for the program. The Beachwood Reporter has a letter you can sign and send.
Lee Hartung, RIP
Lee Hartung, proprietor of the fascinating Hartung License Plate & Auto Museum in Glenview (previously), has passed away, leaving the fate of his sprawling collection in question.
"Nothing like a good ol' Chicago coincidence."
After School Matters, the nonprofit founded by Maggie Daley, received a $6.5 million grant four days before Mayor Daley left office.
Fixing TIFs: the View from the South
Curtis Black shares some South Side neighborhoods' perspectives on TIF reform.
When Whiskers or Rex Goes South on the West Side
Chicago Animal ER, a new 24/7/365 animal emergency hospital, has opened up in the Medical District neighborhood.
"It's Foodie Fascism"
Kevin Pang flies in the face of Chicago prevailing wisdom and defends the practice of putting ketchup on a hot dog.
The Jammed Fingers of History
We're in the thick of the season for most leagues, so now is as good a time as any to link to the Chicago 16 Inch Softball Hall of Fame.
Obama Takes Over the Red Line Station
President Obama will be in town later today for an early birthday party/fundraiser at the Aragon Ballroom. As a result, you won't be able to enter or exit at the Red Line Lawrence stop between 5:30 and 9:45pm.
Picture The Hideout
Chicago music venue The Hideout wants your pictures of late nights and lazy afternoons spent at the venue to celebrate its 15th anniversary. Not only do these not have to be of the professional, band-on-stage type (they're eager for casual snapshots), they're also planning on putting the photos up for sale, and you get the bulk of the sale price!
Picking Sides in the Lolla Stage Clash
Lollapalooza's scheduling always makes for some tough choices; fortunately the Transmission staff is here to help you make up your mind. We're posting our annual "Stage Clash" previews one day at a time: here's Friday and Saturday, stay tuned for Sunday's rundown tomorrow. And whether you're going to Lolla or not, you might find our party guide useful.
Not so Cheap Rent
Apartment rental site domu.com surveyed its listings and came up with graphs of the average asking price of apartments in the 15 most popular neighborhoods. Perhaps not surprisingly, River North and Gold Coast turn out to be pretty bad deals.
That Type of Truck
There's a truck full of moveable type touring the country, and it'll be heading our way mid-September for the Renegade Craft Fair.
Chicago Architecture's Global Reach Grows (Again)
Chicago architects Perkins+Will Smith+Gill won a competition to design the world's first kilometer high building in Saudi Arabia, and it looks like it might actually get built.
Educate Yourself, Poor Grad Student
A big downer of the to-be-signed debt relief bill means that starting in 2012, graduate and professional students will no longer have subsidized Stafford loans, making the cost of affording school even more difficult. Tune in to 101.1FM around 7:20am tomorrow to learn more about this from Tim Opgenorth, Director of Financial Aid at UIC.
The Skyscraper Church
Speaking of churches, ever wondered about that church on top of a skyscraper in the Loop? It's Chicago Temple, and there are free tours on the weekends -- or your could go on Chicago Detours' version and get an experience that ends with Champagne on the pastor's balcony.
A Sober South Side Irish Parade?
Beverly residents met last night to discuss whether to bring back the South Side Irish Parade for St. Patrick's Day next year. Organizers said if it comes back, there may be a "zero tolerance policy" against alcohol to avoid a repeat of the 54 arrests and public drunkenness that led to the parade's cancellation this year. Share your thoughts on the matter in Fuel.
Meet Todd's People
Photographer Todd Diederich has a knack for going places most people don't. Vice magazine is asking him to do it for them once a week; his first piece features Pam, a woman with a wig and a knife.
Old St. Pat's Expands
Old Saint Patrick's Church is adding an elevator and a cloister -- the first-ever additions to the 155-year-old church.
Planet Paige Spinning Again
Paige Wiser, the former Sun-Times columnist who was fired after getting caught reviewing a show she left early, is now writing on a blog of her own. [via]
Lunchtime Rock Block
ChicagoVerse United has a bunch of videos of Company of Thieves performing live around town.
Custom Fitting
When you shop for jeans do you find the following options available? $60 jeans that are poorly made, wear quickly, and need tailoring to fit properly? $150+ jeans that are better made, wear well, and still need tailoring to fit properly? You're not alone. But for a $60 donation to a Kickstarter you'll get a pair of custom-fit jeans made right here in Chicago. Try getting that at The Gap. [via]
America's Top Flush
The Field Museum's first floor bathrooms are in the running for Cintas' America's Best Restroom Awards. [via]
Got Beef?
Surprisingly, I've never come across ItalianBeef.com before. Unsurprisingly, it's a site obsessively cataloging its namesake delicacy in Chicago.
Anti-Gay Group Unintentionally Invalidates Itself
The suburban anti-gay organization Americans for Truth about Homosexuality just lost its tax-exempt status for not filling out critical federal forms for three years. Read more about the organization and its 2010 anti-gay conference in Mechanics.
312 Moves East
Production of Goose Island's 312 Urban Wheat Ale is being outsourced to upstate New York. Goose Island CEO John Hall says it'll allow the brewer to devote more attention to Matilda and other smaller beers; it might also be the first step in Anheuser-Busch's area code diversification plan.
Obstructed View Tickets are Free
Just how loud was the Paul McCartney show at Wrigley last night? GB reader Peter Groves shot this video from his office a couple blocks away. Sir Paul plays again tonight; hang out outside if you don't have a ticket.
Lolla's Tax Deal
Lollapalooza doesn't pay amusement taxes for its big show on public property, and for once it's not just Jim DeRogatis talking about it. UPDATE: Mayor Emanuel says the City will review Lolla's tax exemption deal.
Less Trash Pickup, More Vermin in Our Future?
The City is considering reducing trash pickup from once a week to every 10 days as a cost-cutting measure. Methinks the reduction in sanitation staff would be offset by the increase in pest control staff.
Growing Trend: Guerrilla Gardening
The housing boom led to a bunch of knockdowns -- and the crash left many of those lots empty. Robyn Nisi explores what happens when community gardens spring up on what is technically private property.
From the Jail to the Pound
Non-violent Cook County jail inmates have been chosen to work after-hours at Chicago's Animal Care and Control cleaning up kennels, a program that helps save the City money and gives the inmates useful services to perform.
Garfield Park Conservatory Damage Firsthand
Plenty of photos of the hail damage at the Garfield Park Conservatory have been circulating, but this video shot by an employee appears to be footage from inside the greenhouses before cleanup even started.
By coincidence, the employee, Matthew Barrett, did a video interview with The Handshake magazine discussing the 100-plus-year-old facility shortly before the storm. The Conservatory is still taking donations to help pay for the repairs.
Snoop's for the Kids
Snoop Dogg was in town over the weekend to help launch the new Chicago branch of his youth football league
The Interrupters Speak Up
Alex Kotlowitz talks to the Chicago News Cooperative about his role in the new documentary The Interrupters, which was screened for friends and family at the Chatham I.C.E. theaters this weekend. The film makes its official Chicago debut at the Siskel Center Aug. 12.
Q101's Replacement Launches
Details of the new FM News 101.1 are emerging now that it launched Sunday, and apparently they'd like our opinions about it.
