500px of Chicago
We love flickr, but 500px has some pretty nice photos of Chicago, too.
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
September 2011
Digital Battle of the Bands
New local startup SoundOff.fm lets musicians upload snippets of songs for listeners to vote on either organically or through song-to-song battle.
Take Your Best Shot, of Nature
The Chicago Park District is holding "Nature in Chicago," a digital photography contest between Oct. 1 and Oct. 18. Show the city's natural beauty and win a prize!
Punk Figure Henry Rollins in Oak Park
Henry Rollins, the punk icon himself, will be signing his first book of photographs Occupants at the Oak Park Public Library on Oct. 18. The signing is free and begins at 7pm.
Type Local
Feel the need to be a typography locavore? In Chicago, you have a few to choose from: Ascender, T26, Okay Type, Blank is the New Black, Hazen Type, No Bodoni, Arlo and, interestingly, Cooper Black. Many more here. (Thanks, Grant & Su!)
Facets' Fright/Night School
Facets Cinematheque revs up its Facets Night School series this weekend. For the next five weekends you can see a cult film at midnight on Fridays & Saturdays, paired up with a lecture on the film's themes by a Facets employee, author, or scholar. Tonight's the kickoff film, and it's a special screening: Sisters of No Mercy, a film made by two Night School regular lecturers. See the series trailer here. Full details in Slowdown. See the full schedule at the Facets website.
Fright School 2011 @ FACETS! from The Underground Multiplex on Vimeo.
The Secret Day Job of an Air Guitar Legend
In Transmission, Niki Fritz interviews her coworker at Rotary International, Justin Howard -- otherwise known as Nordic Thunder.
Batten Down Your Helmet
Big waves this morning over Lake Shore Drive -- enough to knock a cyclist down.
#occupychicago Launches Live Video Feed
A live feed has been launched for #occupychicago, the solidarity protest movement for #occupywallstreet.
Forget Incubators, How About a Tech Farm?
A 51,000-square-foot center for tech startups is in the works, according to the Tribune. The venture capital-backed plan would allow startups to rent desks or suites -- so it might turn out to simply be a massive coworking space.
Five-Star Rating for Childhood Programs
Give your kid the five-star treatment, at school. The city will implement a five-star rating system for early childhood programs beginning in July 2012.
Back from the Grave, 15 Years Later
Sizzler, the steakhouse chain that is more likely to live in your childhood memories than in your usual restaurant list, is going to try to win your cash again by opening 18 restaurants in the region in as many months.
Goodbye, Our Curvy Friend
Clever Apes sends off the Tevatron with an episode dedicated to the world's most powerful proton-antiproton accelerator.
We're Getting a New Moon Rock
The moon rock embedded in the Tribune Tower has been removed so that NASA can replace it with a new one sometime soon.
Behind Walgreens' Makeover
Time Out looks at the process IDEO underwent in developing Walgreens' new store design.
Roy Leonard Selling Memorabilia
Roy Leonard, a WGN broadcasting icon, will be selling hundreds of books, CDs and memorabilia from his estate Saturday in Kenilworth.
In Honor of the Holiday
In celebration of the Jewish New Year,Rosh Hashanah, Chicago offers several places to find your kosher needs from food to wine.
It's the '90s!
Everything is Terrible strikes again.
IT'S THE 90S! from Everything Is Terrible! on Vimeo.
Bitter Pills, 30 Years Later
Joy Bergmann follows up her 2000 Reader article on the Tylenol murders with an update and Q&A with Scott Bartz, author of the new book The Tylenol Mafia.
Sorting Out the Commute
If you've been paying attention, you've noticed a bunch of contradictory rankings of how bad our traffic is. Whet Moser explains.
SHoP is Kickstarting the Year
There are two new developments in the Southside Hub of Production (SHoP): It's having its first open house from 4pm until late on October 1, and it just launched a Kickstarter campaign for physical improvements and programing.
DXO Messes Things Up
Technori profiles Daniel X. O'Neil, EveryBlock co-founder, past GB contributor and current executive director of the Smart Chicago Collabrative.
Mustachicago
We're the most mustache-friendly city in America, according to the American Mustache Institute, who should know.
Chicago's New Ad Network
The Chicago Independent Ad Network launched today, representing 15 of the city's news sites -- including Gapers Block.
You, Me, Them, Art and the L
Local film director Jack C. Newell is gathering information for a large public art project that would incorporate the Loop L tracks, and he wants your input.
Helping with Health 2.0
Local startup mHealthCoach won the Health 2.0's Walgreens Health Guide Challenge.
Murder, Matrimony & Magic Markers
Over in A/C, we've launched our "graphic journalism" feature series. The first story follows a Chicago woman through her marriage at the Cook County courthouse to her fiancé, an inmate at the county jail who will eventually be tried for first-degree murder.
Full-Size Lego Ford Explorer in Chicago
Exactly what it sounds like -- and it only took 2,500 hours.
Free Show Tonight: Broken Social Scene
Broken Social Scene will play a free show in the parking lot below the Heineken billboard at 1015 W. Addison, across from Wrigley Field, tonight at 8pm. [via]
Puppy's Staying with Friends
The Rovernight Network is an alternative to kennels for short overnight dog boarding: leave your pup at another network member's house for free.
21 Acres of Rosehill Cemetery to Become Park
Or in Rahm's words, a "mini-Morton Arboretum." There's also a whole bunch of financial hand-wringing involved, but the deal eliminates any possibility of the land being otherwise developed.
That's Me in the Corner
Deadspin wonders how infamous Cub fan Steve Bartman has managed to live in anonymity so successfully following his gaffe nearly eight years ago at the MLB playoffs.
A September to Remember
Depending on the next couple games, the Red Sox could unseat the 1969 Cubs for worst September collapse ever.
Pow-Pow-Power Wheels!
The folks at hackerspace Pumping Station: One have a dream: to make the Pow-Pow Power Racing Series even bigger and better than ever before. Help them out with their Kickstarter.
See what else we have curated on the Gapers Block Kickstarter page.
"Basketball Controversies" Controversies
The Reader's recent piece about basketball courts and crime is at 75 comments and counting.
Decoding the Traffic Report, Redux
Domu takes a crack at explaining Chicago's many traffic landmarks and terminology. You might also like our own guide to Chicago traffic reports, or traffic reporter Sarah Jindra's handy PDF (previously). Meanwhile, apparently road congestion is improving a little bit.
Noah Vaughn, Photographer
Artist and author Dmitry Samarov is busy, but he made time to profile regular Rearview contributor Noah Vaughn for Chicago magazine. The interview on which the article is based can be found on Dmitry's tumblr.
Miss Ketty, RIP
Ketty Teanga, matriarch of Chicago's Latin-American transgender community, died last week. She was featured in an A/C article about La Cueva in Little Village, and was profiled in the Reader a couple years ago.
The Pink Dress Run
The Chicago Thirstday Hash House Harriers' Pink Dress Run to raise money for Imerman Angels will be held this Thursday.
Not Your Mother's Cross Stitch
Or maybe it is. Either way, this one is a bit more sophisticated than the usual sampler.
A Resource for OCD Chicagoans
It's difficult to resist making a dumb joke about visiting the site again and again, but OCD Chicago is no doubt valuable to its community.
Our Precious Fluids
The Metropolitan Planning Council wants you to know how much your water is worth.
Tragedy Leads to Legal Precedent
Alisha Brennon, spouse of Christina Santiago, who died the stage collapse at the Indiana State Fair, has filed a wrongful death suit. The lawsuit will likely help set precedent for how same-sex marriages or civil unions are recognized in states that don't offer them.
Pregnant Women Smoking, Brain Surgeons, Anger, Face Makeup & (Lots of) Drugs
A documentary of the last Gathering of the Juggalos (in downstate Cave-in-Rock) is ready for your free viewing.
The Mean School Day is Slightly Longer
After six more schools started a longer day on Monday, a total of 13 schools have answered the Emanuel administration's call to add 90 minutes to their schedules. With, um, hundreds of schools to go, the administration's two month push probably can't be considered a resounding success...
Farewell to Ozzie
The Ozzie Guillen era of the White Sox ended last night. Guillen asked for more money and the Sox weren't willing to meet his demands and released him from his contract. A post that appeared briefly on Guillen's blog said he's heading to the Marlins.
Brews and Bitches Brew
Dig Miles Davis? Head to Maria's Packaged Goods & Community Bar in Bridgeport Tuesday through Thursday this week for a celebration of the jazz master and a commemoration of the 20th anniversary of his death. Each night a different guest DJ will be exploring a different era of Davis' sound.
Less Magnificent Mile
Michigan Avenue from Illinois Avenue to Oak Street will be among Streeterville streets under construction starting Wednesday. The Mag Mile will be torn up through mid-November -- but hopefully done before Thanksgiving and Black Friday.
AT-AT in the Loop
Seems like it arrived a little early; it won't be Hoth-like weather for three or four more months. [via]
Exploring Skinscrapers
Architecture firm Cartogram publishes Soiled, a print-and-digital zine. The latest issue, "Skinscrapers," explores "our bodies interact with the spaces around them and how the spaces we inhabit can become extensions of our bodies."
The Greatest Halloween Costume Ever Sold
Inspired by Morgan Spurlock's recent film, one Chicagoan is looking for 34 sponsors for his Halloween costume.
The Wilco Love
Wilco played an hour-long set on "The Late Show with David Letterman" last week, and it's now online. Meanwhile, Pitchfork gave The Whole Love a 6.9.
Find the Market Near You
Kind of late in the season, but the City launched a new farmers market map over the weekend, featuring both city-sponsored and independent markets. [via]
Serve the City
One Good Deed Chicago is a new way to find opportunities to help local non-profits in need. It was made possible by a grant from the national Cities of Service program.
A L of an Improvement
Some major renovations are in the works by the CTA, including updating the Red Line's Clark/Lake station, consolidating two stops at a new Washington/Wabash station, and more.
One Step Closer to an Electronic Library
As promised, now you can check out (some) Chicago Public Library books on your Kindle.
#occupywallstreet Breeds Chicago Protest Effort #occupychi
The social media-driven economic and class protest effort known by the Twitter hashtag #occupywallstreet has bred its own Chicago version under the similarly tagged #occupychi. Support for the so-called "99%-ers" has most recently drawn the attention of Keith Olbermann.
O'Hare Introduces Air-O-Ponic Gardens (Get It? Get it?)
Terrible puns aside, O'Hare is now home to the world's first airport aeroponic garden. The O'Hare Urban Garden -- 26 growing towers in Terminal 3, which boast more than 50 varieties of herbs and vegetables -- will provide produce for several restaurants at the airport.
Swirling Wind + Water = Awesome
GB flickr pool contributor SightSpecific photographed a waterspout over Lake Michigan this morning. Check it out below.
Young Fiction Conspiracy
the winning film in this year's 48 Hour Film Project deals with an unusual obsession. [via]
Another Groupon Exec Quits
The company's track record gets worse. COO Margo Georgiadis' resignation was recently announced; she is returning to her former employer, Google, after five short months at Groupon.
Guilty in the Eyes of the CHA
The Chicago Reporter's latest issue tackles the CHA's "one strike" policy, which evicts tenants after a single arrest -- sometimes even if there's no conviction.
Tribune Co.'s New Food Road Trip
Tribune Broadcasting is bringing a little of the Food Network to WGN with "America's Best Bites," a new show touring the country looking for tasty food. It debuts this Saturday at 5:30pm.
Mac and Cheese for Lunch?
The Southern Mac and Cheese truck's store at 60 E. Lake opens today. The line looks long, so bring a lunch. How meta!
Big, Grungy Prints
Photographer Debbie Carlos has some beautiful prints made with a large format plotter printer for sale on Etsy -- including one that might help you hold onto the last rays of summer. [via]
Chris Ware on the iPad
Chris Ware fans now have a reason to buy an iPad: his exclusive comic, Touch Sensitive, available only via the McSweeney's app.
Your Private Car is Here
Uber a private car service you set up via web or phone app, officially launched in Chicago yesterday. Now, for a minimum of $15, you can press a button and a black car will show up out front to pick you up.
The Onion Moving Editorial Staff to Chicago
The satirical newspaper is relocating its editorial, sales, and web staff from New York to River North, where its corporate headquarters is currently located.
His Most Important Story
The Reader's Michael Miner tells the truly great story of a column John Kass might have written but didn't. Safe to say it's not what you think.
Finding Your Speed
In case you missed MAS Context's newest issue launch: Speed is ready for viewing. The Chicago-based quarterly goes everywhere from the Town of Speedway, Indiana to the megalopolis of Mumbai, India.
Seminary Co-op Bookstore at 50
In Book Club, Megan Doherty dives deep into the Seminary Co-op Bookstore, covering its history, its place in a changing industry and the stories within its walls.
Trucking Slowly Through the Circle
The Circle Interchange (the what?) is the worst trucking bottleneck in the country, according to the American Transportation Research Institute. The 90-94 junction got on the list both northbound (#8) and south (#32).
The Buffet Rule in Chicago
The Reader's got some numbers on how many in the city would be affected by Obama's proposed tax on those making more than a million dollars.
Where the Hunger Is
The Greater Chicago Food Depository released a study mapping the city's hungry neighborhood by neighborhood. Riverdale had the highest rate of food insecurity at 40.8 percent, followed by Washington Park (34.0 percent), Englewood and North Lawndale (both at 31.2 percent), while Edison Park (7.4 percent), Forest Glen (7.8 percent) and Norwood Park (8.3 percent) had the lowest.
Bigger "I-Go for Bikes" Coming
The City is requesting bids for a bike sharing program similar to the private Chicago B-cycle, aiming for 3,000 bikes downtown and in the neighborhoods by next summer.
Back to the Future of Hip Hop
Watch pre-fame Kanye West perform a spoken-word version of "All Falls Down" at a poetry slam.
Own a Pee-ce of History
The Empty Bottle finally redid its bathroom and floors recently, but it couldn't bear to consign those many years of graffiti, scuffs and stickers to the dump. So instead they've turned them into coasters and are auctioning them off in sets of four to benefit the American Liver Foundation. The online auction opens tonight and runs through Oct. 22; head to the Bottle tonight for a kickoff party from 6:30 to 8:30pm. [via]
Theaters of the Past
Want to see pictures of a few closed, forgotten and (sob) demolished cinemas and theaters?
23 get $56 Million
A Tribune-WGN investigation has discovered that changes to the state's pension code 20 years ago will net a handful of union leaders $56 million in retirement benefits. Former CFL president Dennis Gannon was rehired by the City for a single day in order to qualify him for the pension windfall.
So Much for Leading by Example
At least four Cook County Commissioners are currently refusing to take ten unpaid work days this year despite passing a budget requiring most other county employees to take the pay cut.
Ebert on Life, on Radio
Roger Ebert's latest memoir, Life Itself, is reviewed on "Fresh Air" today. He was also on "All Things Considered" last week, talking about the book and the cancer that robbed him of his (speaking) voice.
Chicago Mourns Lincoln
Among the Library of Congress' collection of Abraham Lincoln photos one of the president's funeral procession through Chicago in 1865. [via]
And here is an engraving of the scene as it appeared in the May 20, 1865 edition of Harper's Weekly.
Watching Wicker Park
Security cameras are coming to Wicker Park, the park, after one too many costly acts of vandalism. Ald. Moreno blames the damage on "disrespectful trust-fund babies who think it's cool to be homeless."
Christmas Tree Removal
The City is once again looking for a really big tree to remove from someone's yard and move downtown.
Outta that Car!
Tomorrow is the Active Trans Alliance's Car-Free Day--instead of driving, try taking mass transit, or walk/bike to your destination(s). I donated my last car to WTTW a few years ago, which was a relief for me and my beloved wheels--perhaps it's time to get rid of your jalopy?
1919: Chicago Boils Over
Clay Risen writes an in-depth review of Red Summer: The Summer of 1919 and the Awakening of Black America. (Thanks, Daniel!)
The Chicago History Runway
As part of its new exhibit, FashioNext: the Charles James Project, the Chicago History Museum is holding a fashion contest in collaboration with CS magazine. Voting just opened for the four finalists.
Vintage Firehouses
Mike Legeros photographed every 19th century firehouse he could find in the city. [via]
The Art of the Cut
In the first of his three-part "In the Cut" video series, Sun-Times film critic Jim Emerson meticulously dissects an action sequence from The Dark Knight that takes place on upper and lower Wacker Drive.
He also takes apart an action sequence from Salt and scenes from several classics set in San Francisco.
Lathrop Homes May Radically Change
The CHA has voted to proceed with plans to develop the riverfront Julia Lathrop Homes as a mixed-use community. Preservationists and residents alike have hoped it wouldn't come to that.
Goldberg: From Conceptualization to Inhabitation
The Art Institute's Bertrand Goldberg retrospective has been getting a lot of press, but don't forget to head to the other side of the cafe and visit the other Goldberg exhibit, Inside Marina City. The exhibit offers an important counterpart to the retrospective by focusing on how residents have made their homes inside the landmark structures.
What's Next, Groupon Field?
It's official: The Wrigley Building's been sold. The dudes behind Groupon are minority partners in the new ownership structure.
Dolinsky Back on the Web
Steve Dolinsky's new website launched today, a little over three months after he stopped writing for WBEZ.
CPS's Longer Day Gets a Website
CPS has launched a website for its longer school day proposal to collect ideas and feedback on the plan.
Pinkerton on Kehr
Dave Kehr, former Reader and Tribune movie critic and University of Chicago alum is interviewed in the Village Voice.
The Nonviolent Chicago
Incoming DePaul students are introduced to the city with a course called "Discovering Chicago," which covers various aspects of the city. This quarter, there's a new segment: "Discovering Nonviolent Chicago."
Entering the Pitch
Chicago tech blog Technori has launched a pitch series to showcase some of the city's newest startups. The first pitch is Sept. 27.
Smithsonian's Free Day Everywhere
Well not everywhere, but many of Chicagoland's museums are free this Saturday, Sept. 24, as part of Smithsonian magazine's Museum Day. Fill out this form to get two free tickets.
Here's a list of participating museums; search the full list here.
Chicago:
• Adler Planetarium
• Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian Culture
• Clarke House Museum
• DuSable Museum of African-American History
• Glessner House Museum
• Illinois State Museum Chicago Gallery
• Intuit: The Center for Intuitive & Outsider Art
• Loyola University Museum of Art
• Museum of Contemporary Art
• National Veterans Art Museum
• Smart Museum of Art
• Swedish American Museum
• The Art Institute of Chicago
Chicagoland:
• Barrington History Museum, Barrington
• Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio, Oak Park
• Graue Mill & Museum, Oakbrook
• Hinsdale History Museum, Hinsdale
• Joliet Area Historical Museum, Joliet
• Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art, Elmhurst
• Mitchell Museum of the American Indian
• West Chicago City Museum, West Chicago
• Willowbrook Wildlife Center, Glen Ellyn
• GHCS Museum of Gary History & Culture, Gary IN
Film Fest Time
The Chicago International Film Festival announced this year's schedule -- including the opening film, The Last Rites of Joe May starring Dennis Farina and set in Chicago. CIFF starts Oct. 6.
Movie Night @ Wrigley Field
While Wrigley Field won't be used for baseball in October, it will be used as a movie theater. The Cubs have decided to open their doors for a movie night Oct. 1, where they will be screening Ferris Bueller's Day Off to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the movie. Tickets are on sale now through Groupon or the Cubs box office: $10 for bleachers, $25 for lawn seats and $75 for VIP. If watching Ferris Bueller's Day Off at Wrigley isn't enough to get you there, maybe the thousands of people simultaneously singing "Danke Schoen" will lure you.
Name, Occupation, Quirk, Renter
Apartment site Domu's ads have met with amusement and derision -- and now you can be part of the fun. Apply to be a "Domulebrity" and you can become a part of the 2012 ad campaign. [via]
WHY? Say Goodbye
Chicago fans of WHY? may have dodged a bullet. The band has announced that it's cancelling the rest of its American dates due to an injury -- and their show at the MCA may still be in question.
Chewing Scraps, Spitting Energy
The Plant, which we've written about in Drive-Thru, won a $1.5 million grant from the state to install a renewable energy system that will allow the vertical farm and food business incubator to go off the grid completely.
Onward, to the Next "Recreation Frontier!"
The city is planning on building four $4 million boathouses on the Chicago River at Clark Park, Ping Tom Memorial Park, River Park and between Loomis and Fuller on Eleanor.
Another Honor for Chicago Architecture
Chicago architect Jeanne Gang is among the 22 2011 MacArthur "Genius Grant" recipients. She's best known for Aqua, but she's been involved in a bunch of other interesting projects too.
Aim for 500
That talent you thought was useless once you got too old for Chuck E. Cheese is relevant again: Chicago has a new Skeeball League.
"No coffee, no knick-knacks, just books."
In Book Club, Megan Doherty kicks of a three-part feature on the Seminary Co-op Bookstore with a look at its history as it turns 50.
Underhanded Handling of Under Tracks Parking
The CTA recently added the spots under the Blue Line tracks in Wicker Park to its list of paid monthly parking locations. Problem is, it barely spread the word before the tow trucks got to work.
United States of X: Caffeinated Edition
Chicagoans spend more money in coffee shops than any other city in America -- which probably says more about the cost of living here than our actual coffee consumption.
Blue Lights on Crime
The Urban Institute released a study today find that Chicago's "blue light camera" program helped reduce crime in one neighborhood but not in another. GB took a look at the blue light cameras in Mechanics back in February and found their effectiveness to be similarly inconclusive, and wondered if the cost justified the program.
Screaming Yellow TV
Ever wonder why it used to be "Son of Svengoolie"? The Museum of Classic Chicago Television has unearthed recordings of "Screaming Yellow TV," the predecessor to the current show and originator of the Svengoolie character. The show aired 1970-1973.
Getting Social
It's Social Media Week here in Chicago and 11 other cities around the world. Check out the schedule for events today through Friday.
One Term President?
The Tribune's Steve Chapman thinks President Obama's best move right now would be to not run for reelection.
Working Hard to Retain Some Advertisements
Today the Trib is among the papers revealing iCircular, a new advertising platform for newspaper apps developed by the AP.
Help a Pup or Kitteh Find Their New Home
Chicago Animal Care and Control is holding a 33-hour-long Adopt-a-thon next weekend at the Petsmart at 2655 N. Elston Ave. Not only should you attend if you're searching for a new pet, but they're also looking for volunteers to staff the event; email them for more information.
Thanks for the Advice
Apparently the Trib thinks we can't cut it in the new job market, so they've selected their favorite bank robbery getaway cars for us.
Who Can You Trust if You Can't Trust Another Anthroblogger?
A Chicago-based member of the vaunted "Anthroblogging" community (e.g. Effortless Anthropologie) is accused of running a personal shopping service as a scam, although she says she just dropped the ball.
Circus in the Parks
Starting this weekend and running through Oct. 23, The Midnight Circus will set up in parks around the city, performing under a big-top tent for just $15 a person.
Craft Beer in Chicago
Imbibe's current issue has an outstanding piece on the local beer scene, charting its too-occasional successes over the past few decades, through the recent boom and the industry's future. All in all, an almost definitive to-drink list for the beverage nerd.
Meet Your New Neighbor: Rosie O'Donnell
Rosie recently proclaimed her love for Chicago, and now she's buying a house in Lakeview.
Kal-El on Canal
If you're around Union Station today, keep your eye out for the Man of Steel. If you're not in the area, you can see some photos of the Superman shoot on that same site and Explore Chicago has a general list of filming locations.
Super Nanny Academy of Chicago
The Super Nanny Academy blossomed into a program after a Chicagoland pediatric therapy group and a nanny agency came together. The first-of-its-kind program helps train nannies to care for children with all different types of disabilities.
50 People, One Question
Galvea Kelly of Irish marketing agency NUA asked 50 people in Chicago what their favorite memory is.
Feed the Park Meter
Today is PARK(ing) Day, and once again Moss Design leads the Chicago contingent.
No Hikes or Service Cuts for Pace in 2012
Unlike CTA and Metra riders, users of Pace won't see price increases or service cuts for the 2012 year.
Bike or Phone: Pick One
City Council's proposing to extend the cell-phone ban to cyclists, under the logic that the "common-sense ordinance" should apply to drivers of any vehicle.
Sundance Film Festival Stops in Chicago
The Sundance Film Festival will be stopping in Chicago to hold a screening at the Music Box Theater. The Utah-based independent film festival will host its screening on Jan. 26.
"Six hours of Mancow a day is not enough but it's a start."
Mancow will be back on the radio in Chicago Oct. 3. He'll be on the air twice a day on tiny WJJG-AM.
12,000 Pounds of Chicago Chocolate
Chicago's World's Finest Chocolate created the world's biggest chocolate bar, which weighs 12,000lb. and is 3 feet high, 21 feet long. The purpose of the gigantic chocolate bar is to teach kids to think about eating smart.
The Video Love
Wilco is about to go on tour, and it's asking fans in each tour stop to supply film of their town to project behind the band during the concert. (They're playing here at the Civic Opera House Dec. 12, in case you're wondering how long you have.)
From Ambrosia to Yusay
The endearingly quaint Chicago Breweriana collects promotional products and ephemera from Chicago's bygone breweries.
News Junkie Artists of the World Unite
Tired of all those sordid headlines, news junkies? Local art performance group tackles the news of the day by wadding up all those newspapers into a gigantic ball, which they will be rolling up Milwaukee Avenue in the Wicker Park neighborhood from 5 to 7pm tomorrow. Part of their Out of Site series of "unexpected encounters of public performances."
Talented to the Point of Genius
A letter from a doting teacher provides details of the dramatic early years of Orson Welles.
The Radio Hour
The Hayloft Gang: The Story of the National Barn Dance is a new documentary about Chicago's key role in the development of country radio thanks to "The National Barn Dance on WLS-AM. The film premiers tonight on WTTW at 8pm.
Enter the Adobo
Adobofest 2011 is looking for a few more contestants for their annual adobo (that wonderful Filipino dish of meat marinated in vinegar and garlic) contest, which is taking place this Saturday in LaBagh Woods. If you aim to compete or just eat, get the details in Slowdown.
A Night with Tavi
Blogger David Shapiro, of Pitchfork Reviews Reviews fame, reported on Tavi Gevinson's Fashion Week party for The Awl.
Washing it Down in the Heartland
The WSJ features a Midwest beer tour that starts in Milwaukee and loops around to Chicago among its "Heartland Drive-Through Vacations."
Volunteer At The Old Town School
The Old Town School of Folk Music is holding one of its volunteer orientation sessions this Saturday, Sept. 17. For helping out at the school, volunteers can earn credit towards free classes or concert tickets. Full details at the school's volunteer page.
All Aboard the Groupon See-Saw!
According to a report in The New York Times, Groupon seems to have overcome its recent SEC problems and fears of market volatility, and appears back on track to move ahead with its IPO.
David Sedaris Reads at Auditorium Theatre
Social satirist David Sedaris reads from his 2010 collection of animal-themed fables, Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk: A Modest Bestiary at the Auditorium Theatre Nov. 12. The event includes a book signing. Tickets are available from Ticketmaster.
We're (one of) the Best!
CBS Chicago's Most Valuable Blogger voting has concluded, and Gapers Block was named "editor's choice" in the Local Affairs category!
Meet Howard Tullman
Technori profiles Howard Tullman, web innovator, serial entrepreneur and founder of Tribeca Flashpoint Academy. Read more about him here.
Trib Hails East Garfield Park "Next Artist's Frontier"
Apparently Logan Square is over already, the real action's hiding out over in Garfield Park. Of course, we already knew that.
Old Alligator Boots
Che "Rhymefest" Smith, Kanye West and Jimmy Kimmel developed a raunchy puppet-filled variety show for Comedy Central a couple years ago, but it wasn't picked up. Some behind-the-scenes footage finally leaked today.
Chicago to Pioneer New Online Crime Data-Tracking Initiative
Starting today, Chicago will pioneer the release of data on crime for the city, including information dating back to 2001, over 4.6 million incidents.
Chicago-Based Artist Draws Fire For Performance at NY's New Museum
Chicago-based artist Dzine is drawing fire from online art-news magazine Artinfo.com's Judith H. Dobrzynski for furthering perceptions of New York's New Museum's too-cozy relationship with commercial interests. The artist's project, providing custom nail jobs while sitting in the museum's store window, is being presented as "in collaboration with Salon94 and The Standard Hotel." The museum drew fire in recent months for, as Dobrzynski describes it, allowing "trustee Dakis Joannou to sponsor an exhibition of his own works, curated by his artist-friend."
"UFOs are Real"
In other U of C news, the school's magazine profiles the UFOlogist (and alum) Stanton Friedman.
Debate on Live/Work Proposal by Pilsen Alderman Solis
A debate is underway, via WBEZ, over a new proposal by Alderman Danny Solis to formalize a live/work arrangement that would permit artists to inhabit their work spaces in the neighborhood's industrial district buildings.
Food You Can Print?
Cornell Creative Machines Lab has developed a 3-D food printer that will allow the creation of previously unheard of cuisine. And not just a hamburger with liquid layers of ketchup and mustard inside, either (though also that). Chicago's Moto Restaurant looks like it'll be one of the early adopters.
Help Build a Moving Park
Art on Track the mobile garden/art gallery on a CTA train, runs again this Saturday, and Joe Baldwin, the organizer, is looking for volunteers of both help and houseplants.
That's Right, "Jersey Shore Studies"
If you can't wait for the University of Chicago's Jersey Shore conference, this conference schedule with paper titles should help build some excitement. Paper titles vary widely, from "'You Dirty Little Hamster!': The Abject and the Monstrous Feminine in Jersey Shore" to "Situating the Situation: Psychogeography, Mimetic Desire, and the Resurgent Indo-European Trifunctional Paradigm in Seaside."
Using His Skull
Chicago based artist Joshua Harker landed on Wired Magazine's website when he decided to use Kickstarter as a sort of virtual gallery. His project has gotten off to a very good start.
Alley Pooper, Beware
A dude who decided to relieve himself in an Uptown alley on Saturday didn't realize that a security camera was watching his every move(ment). (Maybe kinda NSFW)
Smoke Gets in Your Eyes
The haze and odd smell in the air yesterday and today is thanks to smoke from wildfires all the way up in Minnesota. Paired with mold, it's not a great day to be outdoors for allergy sufferers and people with respiratory problems.
Lula Reopens Tonight, Sorta
Lula Cafe, which has been undergoing expansion, will reopen tonight at 6pm. However, their bar isn't open yet, so it'll just be the drinking basics (i.e. beer and wine) until the dust finally settles.
Your Christmas Here or There
The MSI's 70th annual Christmas Around the World exhibit is coming up, and they'd like your own Christmas photographs.
It Kinda Looks Like a Slot Machine
The head of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce thinks the Thompson Center should be turned into a casino.
Contagion's Killing It
Financially, that is. The Steven Soderbergh flick, shot in and around Chicago, has brought in more than $12.5 million in revenue for Illinois.
Burnt to a Crisp, and Not in a Good Way
Pasieka, a Polish bakery that's been serving the Avondale neighborhood since the Great Depression, burned down on Tuesday morning. The extra-alarm fire, which took 150 firefighters more than three hours to extinguish, is under investigation. GB flickr pool contributor Gabriel X. Michael has some photographs from the scene.
Living Underwater
One quarter of all mortgages in Chicagoland are underwater (i.e., owe more than the property is worth).
Kathy Griffin Presale for GB Readers
Kathy Griffin returns to the Chicago Theatre again Jan. 21 & 22. Tickets go on sale Friday, but you can use the password GAPERS to get tickets during the presale, which runs Wednesday at 10am until Thursday at 10pm.
Major Downtown Gym Closes, Perhaps Temporarily
Lakeshore Athletic Club, Chicago's craziest looking gym, is closed after its electricity was turned off for nonpayment. An announcement on its website indicates it'll reopen at an unknown date, but it's also well underwater on its mortgage, so we'll see how that goes.
Miss Wicker Park Returns
The Miss Wicker Park contest is once again turning the neighborhood into a beauty contest. Still time to enter.
The Ever-Changing Sky
Ian K. Millard's stenciled art print of the Chicago skyline, Solidarity in Chicago II, is cool enough on its own; the fact that each one's sky is unique puts it over the top. [via]
Sinker does a Twitter Takeover
Tune into the Huffington Post Books Twitter account today, as Dan Sinker takes over for the day as part of his promotion of The F***ing Epic Twitter Quest of @MayorEmanuel. He won't be @MayorEmanuel -- he'll be writing some other sort of narrative fiction.
Return of the Chicken Ban Quest, 18th Ward Version
The Chicago News Cooperative has Alderman Lona Lane back at her seemingly otherworldly need to ban the raising of live chickens, this time only seeking approval of the ban in her home ward.
Phil in the Blank
Speaking of cartoons, the Tribune's Phil Rosenthal followed in Roger Ebert's footsteps and won the New Yorker's cartoon caption contest.
Playboy Tries Retro Pricing
Playboy's October issue will cost just 60 cents, its cover price back in the '60s, and is styled after the look of the magazine back then as a tie-in with the new "The Playboy Club" TV series.
Doonesbury Offends the Tribune
The Tribune opted to run a replacement cartoon instead of Doonesbury this week, claiming that the comic, which quotes from a new biography of Sarah Palin, "does not meet our standards of fairness." The Trib's Geoff Brown explains.
Mapping History
History Pin places historic photos on a map; Chicago is full of shots. An app by the same name places the pics in Google Streetview. UPDATE: See also What Was There. (Thanks, Lynn!)
Keep Them Unsafe Inside
The death of a teenager led to the discovery of three more maltreated teens and more than 200 animals in an 1,100-square-foot Berwyn apartment.
Chicago's Beep Baseball Team
Chicago magazine takes a look at the Comets -- the city's beep baseball team. It's a sport played by the blind using a beeping softball, with players ten times as tough as any in MLB.
Are You Really Visiting Your Favorite Website?
In other Internet news, suburban-based Vasco Data Security's Dutch subsidiary DigiNotar is at the center of a hacking scandal that potentially threatens global Internet security.
Trib Commenters Get Out of Hand ... Again
If you had any doubts that race and class are still issues in Chicago, this recent Chicago Tribune comment thread should pretty well eliminate them.
Internet Sales Tax Collection Fails
Illinois passed a law this spring that forced local businesses to collect tax on Internet sales. So far, it hasn't done much to increase tax revenue.
Tweeting the Towers
Whet Moser imagines what 9/11 would have been like if today's social media existed back then.
Let Me Hear You Say "Anh!"
Kanye West grunts a lot on Watch the Throne. Here's a supercut of all of them. [via]
Would the Sears Tower Survive?
The Sears (now Willis) Tower would have withstood a 9/11-style attack -- or it might have buckled quickly, according to structural engineers. It would all depend on where a plane hit.
Take Down the Bacon
The Chicago Bacon Takedown is next Sunday, Sept. 18, and there are still a couple slots left in the competition. Cinnamon Cooper and I took second place last year -- could it be you this year?
Fighting for the Dogs
The Puppy Mill Project is, you might have guessed, trying to end the practice of "puppy mill" commercial dog breeding. They're protesting outside alleged mill store Puppies R Us on Saturday. [via]
Newcity Fall Art Preview Picks
Newcity has released its list of picks for a Fall Art Preview, providing a little discernment from the tidal wave of art worth seeing in coming months.
Dating Through Stories
After a trial run this spring, dating event Me So Far is back Sept. 30 at 826CHI to bring together interesting people.
How Big is a 3.6 Million Acre Fire?
The Atlantic totals up Texas' unprecedented wildfires this season and superimposes the total area on the country's ten largest cities. So much for Chicago.
25 Years of Mexican-American Art
The National Museum of Mexican Art celebrates its 25th anniversary today. Gozamos previews the Dia de Muertos exhibit that debuts this evening.
Celebrating An Unfinished Body
Chicago photographer Matthew Avignone earned second runner up in the student category of the Photography Book Now competition for his An Unfinished Body project.
Yesteryear's Racial Tensions, Part II
The second half of Steve Bogira's must-read article "The Price of Intolerance" is in this week's Reader. Here's the first half.
Art on Track Returns for Fourth Edition
Art on Track, Chicago's much-lauded CTA train art event, returns next week for its fourth edition. Artists from Chicago will repurpose the train cars as temporary gallery spaces, open for public view as the train circles the Loop, "making stops at Adams/Wabash, Washington/Wells, Quincy/Wells, and Randolph/Wabash." Enter at Adams and Wabash. $10, tickets available online. Sept. 17, 5-10pm.
Some Celebrity Validation for a Rainy Morning
Apparently, Miley Cyrus loves Chicago, so she totally wants to hang out.
Merchandise Mart Announces Merger of Art Chicago and Next Fairs
Staci Boris, the newly-appointed Director of the ailing Art Chicago, this morning announced that the fair will be combined with Next, previously a separate sister fair showcase of emerging art. The combined fairs, presented as Next Art Chicago, has its own new website.
Local Ag Wins!
Yesterday, Chicago's City Council passed a well-supported urban agriculture ordinance. The Mayor's proposed ordinance expanded limits on community garden plot size to 25,000 square feet, allow limited produce sales in residentially zoned areas, relax rules on fencing and parking for large commercial urban farms, and allow aquaponics outdoors in hoop houses.
New Developments in Chicago Casino Bill Debate
New developments via CNC's New York Times section outlines advances in state legislators' position on a bill for a proposed Chicago-owned casino. House sponsor Representative Lou Lang (Democrat, Skokie) states that further delays by Governor Quinn will spur a presentation of the bill as is, barring any outline of "his concerns 'in short order.'"
Taboo Tabou Launches Burlesque Series
Sex toy boutique Taboo Tabou has announced the first in a monthly burlesque performance series starting this Tuesday with a showcase featuring Scarlett Deville and the Deville-ettes, Titty Perkins and Ruby Dee. The action starts at the Belmont store location at 8pm. $5 suggested donation.
Interrupting for Peace
The Interrupters has gotten a lot of amazing reactions, but one recent event stands out: The UN will screen the film to its delegates as part of the International Day of Peace events.
Keep Making Apps
The Apps for Metro Chicago competition is still on, and in fact the Metropolitan Planning Council is sponsoring a new challenge for "placemaking" apps. There's a hackathon at Google Chicago this Saturday, if you're interested in diving in.
Chicago's Commute 3rd Least Painful
We have either the worst traffic congestion in the country or the third worst, but either way, it apparently doesn't bother us much.
But Which Hot Dog is the Best?
Sarah Lee and suburban Kraft foods have called a truce in their epic hot dog court battle, so we'll never know who makes the best hot dog in the land.
Where the Bunnies Are
We've linked to it before, but with all the Playboy Club hub-bub, it seems like a good time to point out the Ex Playboy Bunnies Website, an online community for Bunnies new and old.
The Old Boys' Club
As a new Playboy Club prepares to open, Time Out takes a look back at the original model.
This Old House -- or That One
The City is preparing to celebrate the 175th birthday of the "oldest house in Chicago," the Henry B. Clarke House -- but the true oldest house may be clear across town, in Norwood Park. It was built four years earlier, and unlike the Clarke House has stayed in one place the whole time.
Old Style (Kinda) Hearts the Cubs
It looks like Old Style is staying with Wrigley Field after all ... at least until the 2013 season, that is.
A Car Museum Closer than Volo
Larry Klairmont is opening a new car museum in Chicago on Sept. 25 with more than 350 cars. The Sun-Times has an extensive slideshow.
Cook County Pot Possession Rules Now More Enforceable
Possession of more than 10 grams can now get you in real trouble, reports the Sun-Times. No, seriously: you might even get a ticket.
Gli.tc/h Fest Chicago Preparations Underway
Fans of systems art, take heed: annual tech-art festival Gli.tc/h is still taking submissions for its return to Chicago this year with "Gli.tc/h 20111" (yes, the extra "1" is intentional). Deadline for submissions is Sept. 27. There's also a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for the event, as well as a Facebook page and website packed with lots of fun, glitchy interfaces for fans and hacker-types alike.
Rahm on the Parking Meters
The Reader pieces together a timeline of his statements about the meter-lease deal, showing a bit less consistency than most of us would probably like.
Email on Wrongful Convictions
A judge has ruled that former Medill professor David Protess and students in the Center for Wrongful Convictions program must turn over emails relating to one of the cases they worked on.
Colin Quinn to Visit The Second City
Colin Quinn, stand-up comedian and writer best known for Saturday Night Live and MTV's Remote Control, will visit the Second City training Center (Donny's Skybox) on Thursday, September 8th at 1 pm. Quinn will share his experiences in comedy, followed by an exclusive Q&A with students of The Second City Training Center. Quinn is in Chicago promoting his one-man show Colin Quinn, Long Story Short, directed by Jerry Seinfeld. Tickets and show information are available here.
A Peek at the "Boss"
An extended trailer fornew Starz' new show, "Boss," is now out. Kelsey Grammer stars as the powerful mayor of Chicago, hiding a different kind of secret than usual.
If You Boombox It They Will Dance
The Decentralized Dance Party, which sounds a little like Critical Mass meets rave, plans to come to Chicago in December, but only if there are enough people committed to making it happen.
The Style Rookie Launches Rookie
Teen fashion blogger Tavi Gevinson has launched Rookie, an online magazine aimed at teen girls. Inspired by the defunct Sassy, Gevinson originally teamed with famed editor Jane Pratt on the project, but parted ways over issues of ownership. NYMag talked with her about it.
Newcity's Imaginary Chicago Monuments
Citing the "citywide debate ignited over the value of our public art" ignited by the controversial Marilyn Monroe statue on Michigan Avenue, for this week's issue of Newcity, Art Editor Jason Foumberg brilliantly asked 26 "Chicago-based artists to create an ideal public artwork." The resulting imaginary monuments are viewable at Newcity's website.
Hard Luck for Hard Luck Josephine's
Chicago's soul food is disappearing as blacks move out of the city.
Boston Federal Appeals Court OKs Recording Police Officers
A recent ruling [pdf] out of the US Court of Appeals for the First Circuit in Boston supports the capacity of individuals to record police officers, a potentially interesting development in light of the Chris Drew case.
Tonight's Gonna be a Good Night
Last night's @MayorEmanuel book release party featured a surprise guest: Jeff Tweedy, covering Black Eyed Peas songs. Time Out was among the several who caught it on video. Our own Jasmine Davila has more video.
Jeff Tweedy recites "My Humps" from Jasmine D on Vimeo.
Visualist Guide to Fall Gallery Openings
Trying to sort out what galleries to check out for the big fall city-wide season opener of this Friday? The recently-launched Visualist art event site has compiled a guide. You can also join their Facebook page for additional updates.
Resistance Movement to 2012 Chicago G8 Summit Forms
A small but growing resistance movement has begun to form in response to the G8 Summit scheduled to take place in Chicago May 15-22, 2012. Organizers have recently launched a Facebook page with extensive information on the meeting. A Wikipedia entry with additional information is also available.
Phyllis' Musical Inn After-Openings Art Dance Party
Looking for the cool after party this Friday night? Weary art-goers will find refuge from the drudgery of making the citywide gallery circuit at the Fourth Annual After-Openings Dance Party at Phyllis' Musical Inn. Hosted by artists and local art world mainstays John Phillips and Nevin Tomlinson, the action starts at 9:30pm and rolls on until 2am.
Kal-El Moves to Town
Man of Steel is reportedly moving production to Chicago from suburban Plano for fourteen days of shooting in the Loop. Be on the lookout for the Big Blue Boy Scout missing his red trunks around South Wells starting Wednesday.
@MayorEmanuel Redux
Tonight at the Hideout, Dan Sinker celebrates the release of his book The F***ing Epic Twitter Quest of @MayorEmanuel. The event is sold out, but you'll have another opportunity to hear him read from the book -- and be questioned by Carol Marin -- next Tuesday at the MCA.
The Obscure Store is Closed
As previously mentioned, blogger Jim Romenesko is shutting down The Obscure Store, a seminal "odd news" blog, next week after 13 years. Here's his farewell post.
House Porn
Chicago Home & Garden has published a book, Chicago Interiors, that's sure to make you jealous of some of your neighbors' kickass apartments. (In other words, it's Apartment Therapy in coffeetable book form!)
Groupon Off the Market?
In the latest twist in Groupon's IPO saga, WSJ reports the company has canceled its investor roadshow and is reevaluating its IPO date "on a week by week basis" due to the market's volatility.
Chicagoan in the US Open
Chicago-born Donald Young made it to the top 16 in the US Open this weekend. He's playing the fourth-ranked player in the world, Andy Murray, today for a chance at the quarter-finals. But he almost didn't get this far. (Thanks, Aaron!)
A Killer Car Movie
"Late one night, a mysterious car is brought into the Chicago police impound garage after a deadly traffic accident. The on-call mechanics soon discover the car has a mind of its own." Schlocky horror film Super Hybrid was recently released on DVD. Geeks of Doom has a bunch of clips.
Eat Local: It's a Challenge
This year's Locavore Challenge from the Green City Market starts Thursday, Sept. 8. Are you up for the challenge?
Help Choose the 2012 Bike Winter Sticker
Bike Winter, Chicago's advocate for year-round cycling, is selecting its 2012 sticker. To help choose, take a look at previous stickers and then take the survey.
Kids Say the Darndest Things
Oak Park area high school student and fashion blogger Tavi Gevinson was profiled by New York Magazine.
One Amazing Father
The Sun-Times profiles LeVan Williams, a bachelor raising six adopted children by himself.
Get a Student Discount
National Louis University is offering a graduate-level class class for 57 percent off on Groupon today, to try to reach people considering a career in education.
Genetic Link to PTSD Found
With a sampling of NIU students examined before and after the 2008 on-campus shooting, researchers might be able to take something positive away from the tragedy.
Local Beer Awareness: Argus Brewery
Chicago Beer Geeks tour a too easy to miss Chicago craft brewer. They've only been around since 2009, but their current HQ was built in 1906 as a stable for Schlitz delivery horses, which is nothing if not several kinds of beer awesome.
White Men Floating Along Wacker Drive
GB flickr pool contributor MewDeep uploaded a somewhat creepy 1965 Life magazine photograph of balloon men over the Chicago River.
Hyde Park's Op Shop Expands into S.H.o.P.
Op Shop honcho Laura Shaeffer recently announced the expansion of her art-as-community-building project into S.H.o.P., the Southside Hub of Production. Made possible by a one-year lease at the First Unitarian Church of Chicago's Fenn House, a detailed call for involvement is up at CAR. The space is open Saturdays 10am-6pm until the grand opening on Oct. 1. More information is available at the S.H.o.P. website.
Impounded Car Makes a Break for It
A South Side man recently got a red light ticket in suburban Willowbrook for a car that was supposedly in an impound lot for months. When he checked at the lot, he was informed that the car had been destroyed, despite the fact that he was paying off fines on a payment plan.
39 Kinds of Work
Check out a different, beautifully lettered definition of work on this labor-centric day in the form of Impractical Labor's "39 Kinds of Work" pamphlet. Sold through local online store Half Letter Press.
Free Nuggets at Chick-fil-A Today
The Chick-fil-A at 30 E. Chicago Ave. is offering unlimited free refills on orders of 12-piece nuggets from 3pm to 5pm today. There are, of course, a couple catches, not least of which being your health will suffer.
Brick By Transparent Brick
Trump International Hotel and Tower got the Lego treatment curtsey of Sean Kenney and about 65,000 Lego pieces. Since the tower itself is a glass and steel structure, the "reflected" skyline was built on the inside of the 10-foot sculpture to better simulate the glassiness. On display at the Chicago Lego store. Sean's Tribune Tower is awesome too.
Spend Labor Day Learning About the City That Works
Head to the the Chicago History Museum tomorrow, open from 9:30am-4:30pm. Exhibits include Out in Chicago (150 years of LGBT history), Lincoln's Chicago, Unexpected Chicago, and more.
Blow Your Mind with Exponents!
"Powers of Ten," a 1977 Eames film made for IBM, centers on a lakeshore picnic and zooms out 1,000,000 light years. Pretty crazy stuff.
Other People's Pixels Founders Profiled
Popular among visual artists in Chicago to the point of near-ubiquity, site design template Other People's Pixels has proven the ease-of-implementation go-to for artists and small to mid-size arts orgs. The Trib profiles Brian Kirkbride and Jenny Kendler, the husband and wife team founders behind OPP, and provides a glimpse into upcoming side projects including The Visualist, a new "online database of local artists and venues."
Groupon Exec Andrew Mason May Have Stumbled Into SEC PR Rules Quagmire, IPO Delay Possible
New trouble for hometown giant Groupon, this time self-inflicted. According to a report in The New York Times, Groupon chief executive Andrew Mason may have broken SEC rules preventing a company from attempting to "condition the market by hyping its stock" by issuing an internal memo recently. In it, he defends against media reports about the company's numbers, a balance sheet that will no doubt be adversely affected if Groupon's IPO is put on hold.
Get Those Tasks Done
TaskRabbit, a crowd-sourced errand service similar to Zipments (previously) and Zaarly, is coming to Chicago soon. (You could always go the personal assistant route.)
Vote for Chicago to Become "America's Most Natural City"
Safeway's sponsoring a contest and awarding the winning city $20,000 for its parks and recreation dept. Vote on Facebook through Sep 16.
Inspirational Weekend Reading
Drop the latest issue of the Library of Inspiration into your Instapaper.
You Ought to be in Pictures
Here is how to be an extra in the many TV and film productions going on right now. (Thanks, Dee!)
Letting Go of the Machete
"SNL" veteran Julia Sweeney is part of the lineup at Paper Machete this Saturday at 3pm.
Next on Your iPad
Next Restaurant will be releasing a cookbook based on its inaugural Paris 1906 menu -- and it will only be available for the iPad.
Yesteryear's Racial Tensions
This week's Reader cover story begins a tale of racial intolerance in 1970s Back of the Yards. The story continues next week.
SOLVE Murderer Sentenced
Kirk Tobolski, the man who stabbed street artist Brendan "SOLVE" Scanlon to death in 2008 was sentenced to 12 years in prison yesterday.
Theatre on the Fringes
Looking for something edgy this Labor Day weekend? The Chicago Fringe Festival started last night and runs through the 11th, with more than three dozen performances of experimental theatrical works this weekend alone.
Labor Day at the Pump
Gas prices in Chicago are the highest in the country, which may curtail Labor Day weekend travel.
Jettison Magazine Celebrates New Issue with Longman & Eagle Block Party
Chicago's smart young slip of an art magazine, Jettison Quarterly, celebrates its Fall 2011 issue with a block party and "outdoor pig roast and dance party" this Sunday.
While it's great to see these fledglings get their wings in the air, even more exciting is the prospect that they'll go beyond articles on area scene establishment figures like Scott Reeder and Tricia Van Eck, both covered in this issue. While certainly worthy subjects, they're seen plenty of ink, and pose an odd fit for a young publication that should be discovering rather than rehashing. In the meantime, join the party outside of Logan's Square's much-loved Longman and Eagle from 4-10pm. Music provided by Windy City Soul Club DJ's.
North Coast Best Bets
Headed to the North Coast Music Festival this weekend? We've got recommendations for you in Transmission.
Cool Design Hand Luke
Check out the portfolio of Luke Williams, which IdN chose as its portfolio of the month in August.
Attention Customers
Monkey-Rope Press has a series of letterpress posters featuring familiar CTA public service announcements. [via]
Jeff Award Nominees Announced
The Goodman and Timeline Theater tie for most nominations with 17. Winners to be announced Nov. 7 at Drury Lane Oakbrook.
Sox as Black as His Soul
"I've loved baseball ever since Arnold Rothstein fixed the World Series in 1919," says Hyman Roth in The Godfather: Part II. Michael Rottman analyzes what that quip about the Black Sox scandal says about the character at The Morning News.
Backing Beal
If you were intrigued by the Reader's feature on outsider artist-musician William Earl Beal (previously), you'll want to read about Urban Eyez's efforts to put together a band for Beal -- and attend the concert Sept. 15 at Town Hall Pub.
Idea in Movie
Toynbee tiles have been spotted around Chicago since the early Oughts. A new documentary attempts to explain the mystery of these weird messages in the street.
Resurrect Dead: The Mystery of the Toynbee Tiles will screen at Facets Cinematheque in late September.
Ford & Zipcar Go to School -- and a Contest
Ford and Zipcar announced a partnership yesterday that brings the hourly car rental service to Chicago colleges. Ford is pitching in a discount on Focus and Escape rentals, and the first 100,000 new Zipcar members will get their annual membership for $20 instead of the usual $30. I was asked to offer some ideas of places to go (click the CHI tab) -- and they've offered up a contest for Gapers Block's readers.
Zipcar is offering a free Zipcar membership for one year, and Ford is offering $250 worth of driving time. To enter, send an email to contests-at-gapersblock.com with the subject line "Zip it" by 5pm today -- make sure to include your full name in the body of the email. Good luck! UPDATE: We have a winner! Congrats, Margaret!
Disclosure: I was paid for my time on the video.
Make No Small Plans
The Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau made a new commercial a couple years ago featuring Chicagoans (some famous) reciting a quote from Daniel Burnham.
Little-known fact: "no small plans" was one of the names Naz and I considered considered when we founded this site, before settling on Gapers Block.
New Redevelopment Project Kicking Off in Woodlawn
Yesterday HUD announced that it's funding a $30 million redevelopment in Woodlawn as part of the national Choice Neighborhoods Initiative. The bulk of the funds will go to the Grove Parc development, although other funds will go to CeaseFire and other programs.
