Take a (Nearly) Free Ride
All CTA train and bus fares become one measly penny from 10pm to 4am tomorrow. Celebrate that!
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Monthly Archive
December 2011
"Muslim Christmas"
Cab driver Yousef C. tells a touching tale of filling in as Santa for an injured passenger. [via]
Tour Revolution
Revolution Brewing has a virtual tour of their new facility available online. It's a bit on the CAD side, but a great feel for their new space.
Buckles in the Front Seat, Buckles in the Back Seat
Starting Sunday, passengers in the back seats of vehicles will be required to use seat belts, too. Taxis are exempt.
A Year of Traffic Tweets
WBEZ has a downloadable list of Chicago traffic maven Sarah Jindra's favorite tweets from the past year. Ah, the memories.
What Belongs in your Netflix Queue
Steve at the Movies sums up 2011 in film in his annual best and worst column over in A/C.
Go to Office Hours
Ohours gives you a chance to talk with experts in a variety of tech and business fields. It's a national site, but there are several local folks to meet with.
All Right, Just One
You didn't know until this moment that you needed a Space Jam cookie jar featuring Michael Jordan and Bugs Bunny. It's available at Jazze Junque.
You might consider sending to MJ as a wedding gift. If $197 is too much for you, there's another half off due to some chips. [via]
Blockbusters Alone Can't Save Hollywood
Roger Ebert lists the many reasons why movie revenues are falling.
Fitting Twist for Team's Logo
The street-wear shop, Leaders, carries crewneck sweaters featuring the city's favorite bull masked for either the blistering cold or an old-fashioned mugging. Its title suggests the latter.
2011 in Shopping
In what I insincerely promise to be one of the last 'Best of' lists, The Huffington Post picks the city's best brands, labels and boutiques for the year.
Sears Stores Spared in Illinois, For Now
The major retailer has released an initial list of 79 stores to close within the next year that excludes any mention of closings in the city and saves them from the same fate of the now, Willis Tower.
Hangings Have People Suspicious
Two suspects hanged themselves in the same week at the Area Two police station, leading their families and community leaders to call for an investigation.
Macabre Legal News
An appeals court found that a woman injured by the flying body parts of a man struck by a Metra train can sue his estate.
A Tribute to Bernie
In A/C, LaShawn Williams interviews Robert Small, the director of the upcoming Comedy Central documentary I Ain't Scared of You: A Tribute to Bernie Mac.
The Man Aisle?
Apparently more men are going grocery shopping. As a man who has always gone grocery shopping, it surprises me that this is news. [via]
Doing the Math
Mu Sigma, a privately held analytics and "decision sciences" firm whose CEO was named one of this year's Crain's 40 Under 40, landed $108 million in new funding.
Cardinal George: Stand Ground, Step Down or Retire?
Cardinal George issued a statement clarifying his comparison of the Chicago Gay Pride Parade and the Ku Klux Klan, but stopped short of apologizing. The LGBT community continues to call for his resignation -- meanwhile he's expected by the Vatican to offer to retire on his 75th birthday Jan. 16.
For posterity, here is Cardinal George's statement:
Statement from Francis Cardinal George, OMI
Archbishop of Chicago
December 27, 2011The Chicago Gay Pride Parade has been organized and attended for many years without interfering with the worship of God in a Catholic church. When the 2012 Parade organizers announced a time and route change this year, it was apparent that the Parade would interfere with divine worship in a Catholic parish on the new route. When the pastor's request for reconsideration of the plans was ignored, the organizers invited an obvious comparison to other groups who have historically attempted to stifle the religious freedom of the Catholic Church. One such organization is the Ku Klux Klan which, well into the 1940's, paraded through American cities not only to interfere with Catholic worship but also to demonstrate that Catholics stand outside of the American consensus. It is not a precedent anyone should want to emulate.
It is terribly wrong and sinful that gays and lesbians have been harassed and subjected to psychological and even physical harm. These tragedies can be addressed, however, without disturbing the organized and orderly public worship of God in a country that claims to be free. I am grateful that all parties concerned resolved this problem by moving the Parade's start time so as not to conflict with the celebration of Mass that Sunday.
Virgin Cocktail Connoisseur
From pink peppercorn and thyme soda to lemon and bitters with house-made tonic syrup, Chicago Magazine rounds up some local designated-driver specialties.
The Stop Online Creativity Act
ReadWriteWeb's Alicia Eler talks with Chicago artists about the effect SOPA would have on online artists.
Energy of the Future
If energyselfreliantstates.org's math is right, solar power will cost the same as grid electricity in Illinois in about 2023.
Ice Art
"Top Chef Texas" contestant Chef Richie Farina will be outside Moto demonstrating his ice carving skills today until about 4pm.
Evolving the Taste
Taste of Chicago will be a five-day festival focused solely on food in 2012 -- and will be held July 11-15, instead of late June to early July.
Whiteboard Words of Encouragement
Have you seen a woman holding a whiteboard on Michigan Avenue this month? She's Lauren Lawson, and she's hoping to inspire you.
It is Sew Time for New Year's Resolutions
Got a goal to learn something new and crafty in 2012? Well to help you procrastinate while at work plan ahead, here are some tips. Whether you are looking for a project-focused basic sewing class, or parent with a child a who wants to learn to sew, looking for something a little more advanced with small classes, or looking to learn something more adventurous, there is something to help you keep your resolution, and your sanity.
Need a New Hobby? Go Birding
We mentioned there's an unusual number of snowy owls in Chicago this year. Birdseye is an iPhone app that'll help track your sightings of it and other unusual bird species, and the Chicago Ornithological Society is a good place to learn about the best places to look. [via]
Battle of the Hoods
Curbed has been pitting neighborhoods against each other for its first ever Curbed Cup, and it's down to the final four. Vote now on Hyde Park vs. Uptown; West Lakeview and Lincoln Square face off soon.
The State Wants You to Gamble Online
It looks like the U.S. Justice Department will allow states to sell lottery tickets online, and Illinois plans to get in on the action as soon as possible.
Wet & Wild 2011
This morning's rain made this year the second wettest on record, thanks mostly to the blizzard and an unusually stormy July. If we can muster another 1.75 inches, 2011 will be tops.
Start the New Year by Crossing the Finish
For those staying true to their healthy resolutions this year, the 27th Annual New Year's Day 5K Run/Walk is, figuratively, a good place to start.
And Thus a Thousand Sploshing Fetishes Were Born
Stop by the Chicago History Museum's lobby to see Pie Face, one of several games developed in our fair city (along with Mouse Trap, Operation, and Lite-Brite) by Marvin Glass & Associates.
Treasurer & Comptroller Stay Separate
State Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka and State Treasurer Dan Rutherford thinks their offices should be merged into one. House Speaker Michael Madigan doesn't agree.
Shop Til You Eat
Though a few days late for your holiday shopping pit-stops, Chicago Serious Eats put together a culinary survival guide for the Magnificent Mile and State Street shopping districts, as some of the best places to eat are "underground, way above ground, or slightly hidden behind storefronts."
Making Electronics Recycling a Little Likelier
Speaking of new laws, you must recycle electronics as of January 1. The Sun-Times tells you where to take them for recycling.
Get Supper to the Table
If you liked our coverage earlier this year about the in-progress documentary about Wisconsin supper clubs, perhaps you can kick in a few dollars to help get the project finished.
Human Rumaki
Here's a great last-minute holiday gift: a bacon-patterned neckwarmer, courtesy of writer/farmer/crafter Vera Videnovich.
Home-Brewed for the Holidays
If the gift you were really hoping for this year was learning to brew your own beer, you may be grateful that New Chicago Beer Company is promoting home-brew culture in Chicago. Thanks to them we know about Homebrewers Pride of the Southside and CHAOS (Chicago Homebrew Alchemists Of Sud). There is also the Chicago Beer Society, which has a wider focus. If you live in the burbs, there are nearby options for you as well.
Sears Closes Up Shops
Sears Holdings plans to close more than 100 Sears and KMart stores after dismal holiday sales. Makes you wonder if the tax rebate was to keep them in the state or keep them in business.
A Roadside Memorial for Killed Cattle
PETA has requested to erect a monument to 16 cattle who were killed in a gruesome truck accident on I-80 near suburban Hazel Crest. In their efforts, they cite a 2007 law allowing family members to request the installation of memorials for drunk driver victims. IDOT says it's not going to happen.
Fluffy the Bandit
Be careful drinking that new marshmallow vodka. Apparently it makes you break into houses.
Stereo too Loud? That's $750 for the City
A bevy of new fines and fee increases are scheduled for the new year. WBEZ provides some highlights.
Another Would-be Victim Strikes Back
Chicago has been unleashing formidable would-be victims, most recently including this former wrestler.
Mac Irvin, RIP
McGlother "Mac" Irvin, known as the "godfather" of basketball in Chicago, passed away this weekend. He was 74.
The Nutcrackerest
The Joffrey Ballet has won The Nutty, a national award I didn't even know existed for the best rendition of The Nutcracker. You can still catch a performance at the Auditorium Theatre at 2pm today and tomorrow.
Monday is a Holiday, Too
Just a reminder, more than a few businesses and government offices will be closed today, including City and state offices, post offices and Chicago Public Libraries.
Sharing a Love of Convenience Stores
Apparently there is a publication that is "The source for convenience store news online," and it recently featured a road trip story surveying convenience stores between Chicago and Phoenix, Arizona.
Newcity's Top 5
For the list-inclined: Newcity's annual Top 5 of Everything. Maybe the only time you'll find mentions of Sherwood Schwartz and watermelon mojitos in the same place.
Vending Machine Sandwich Scandal!
It turns out those sandwiches found in vending machines are just as disgusting as you thought they might be.
If it's not One Thing...
Julia Sweeney talks sex, SNL, the suburbs and storytelling on TheLocalTourist.
Gacy Victim Back from the Dead
Another presumed victim of John Wayne Gacy has been found alive (previously).
Wait, Wait, Don't Tivo Me!
"Wait, Wait ... Don't Tell Me" makes its television debut tonight at 7pm on BBC America. Steven K. Johnson has a review.
Mapmaking Made Easy
"These 50 Democrats are chumps compared with party colleagues in the state legislature. Those guys know how to chew gum, draw a map and stick a knife in rivals' backs at the same time." -James Warren on the city and state's redistricting machinations.
Santa's Plan B
Christmas toy delivery has been outsourced to FedEx, so Kris Claus has been looking for a job. Plan B hired him.
Zoo Lights: Not Too Late, Get Into the Holiday Spirit
Still looking for some holiday activities, go out tonight and enjoy the Zoo Lights at either of the city's zoos. Brookfield Zoo Lights runs from the 26th through the 31st. Regular admission fees apply with lights on from 4 to 9pm. Lincoln Park Zoo Lights runs nightly through January 1. Admission is free to the public and lights begin at 5pm until 9pm. Both are closed the holiday weekend Dec 24-25th. Don't forget to dress warm!
The Data's the Thing
A couple of data sets from the city's data portal made it onto the Atlantic's list of the best metro data releases of 2011.
Cardinal George: Pride Parade Leads to KKK
Cardinal George ignited a firestorm by saying in an interview on Fox News Chicago, "You don't want the gay liberation movement to morph into something like the Ku Klux Klan, demonstrating in the streets against Catholicism."
Bad Dad: Baby in Bondage
Andre Curry thought it would be funny to post a photo of his 22-month-old daughter with her, mouth, hands and feet bound with painter's tape on Facebook. The police were less than amused.
Help Woman Made
Woman Made Gallery turns 20 in 2012, and it's raising money through new charitable crowdsourcing platform Helpers Unite to help fund some major changes. [via]
Clip That Cap
Remember the cool camera lens cap holder we featured on our Kickstarter page? It's now available for sale from Photojojo.
People Issue
The Reader finds and interviews 29 Chicagoans from all odd corners of the city- improvisers and designers, MCs and architects- all in all, a local cross-section of passionate people who love what they do.
United States of X: Highway Tube Edition
Cameron Booth mapped the US highway system in the style of the London tube map. He'd already done just the Interstate system. [via]
Pang on Writing
Tribune food writer Kevin Pang has a new podcast, Typecast, interviewing authors and journalists about the art and process of writing.
What's the Company Like?
Glassdoor.com is an interesting peek into the pros and cons of businesses from an employee's perspective.
Sun-Times Gets New Owners
It's official: A Chicago-based investment group inked a deal to purchase the Sun-Times. In related news, you can buy a major newspaper for "more than $20 million."
This Project Carries Water
Project: Living Well is a startup crowdsourcing funds to produce a water bottle in a shape familiar in Latin America: the Calabash.
"Shove it in a Mug"
Laura Park is back in Saveur's Recipe Comix, this time with a tasty-looking apple dessert.
The New Process
The Verge features MNML's TikTok and LunaTik watches (previously) in its look at Kickstarter's role in the new product development cycle.
Journeyman Chicago
In time for holiday libations, the spirits of Southwest Michigan upstart Journeyman Distillery have found a retail home in Chicago. Their Bilberry Black Hearts Gin and W.R. White Whiskey is available at City Provisions, Perman Wine, The Noble Grape, and In Fine Spirits, who will be hosting a tasting tonight from 6 to 8.
Unique Holiday Gifts, Pt. 32
You can think outside the box and outside the season with Weird Chicago's gift certificates for either its ghostly, or gangster tours.
I Hope This Closet Has a Bathroom
R. Kelly has written 32 more chapters of his (already unbearable at 22 chapters) opus Trapped in the Closet, but is still trying to raise the money to shoot it. Fingers crossed.
Infographic: Stuck in Traffic
Local startup BodyShop Bids put together an infographic about holiday traffic in major cities.
Daley, Clark & the Christmas Clowns
Footage from a 1960s Chicago Christmas parade shows the city's 48th mayor Richard J. Daley, the legendary Dick Clark, and curiously enough, some creepy clowns in cars.
Hop on the Holiday CTA
The Red Line Project gives a glimpse of what it's like, riding the CTA, Christmas style.
Cop's Grabbed Crotch, Cause for Beating
A suspect was beaten after grabbing an officer's groin and refusing to let go.
Classy Christmas Concoctions
'Tis the season to make things merry by mixing up these holiday cocktails. (There's also our own series in Drive-Thru.)
Coffee and a Magazine
The City Newsstand is adding coffee to its offerings as a way to shore up the business as print continues its slow decline.
The Bouncer Has a Blog
Stephen Sowley, who mans the door at Bucktown bar Danny's, breaks down the unpleasantness of his job.
Mix Up Your Holiday Gathering
Office party or living room bash — you still need some good tunes. Refinery 29 blogs that DJ Matt Roan has your Christmas hip shakers all in one mix you can stream or download.
Maybe People Aren't so Terrible After All
Early this morning the Sun-Times posted about how Toys for Tots Chicago lost $25,000 to a suspected embezzlement. They've now announced that an anonymous donor's large gift and dozens of others made up the entire loss.
Not too Late to Shop
Two dozen Lincoln Park stores are rewarding you tomorrow for your last-minute holiday shopping.
Pitchfork Packs Its Bags
Not really coming as too much of a shock, given that their founder already set off east some time ago, Pitchfork will move its editorial offices to NYC in the near future. Sadly, that means Chicago will also lose singer/songwriter Elia Einhorn, of Scotland Yard Gospel Choir fame. (More.)
More Vivian Maier
Britain's Daily Mail has a gallery of photos from the new book Vivian Maier: Street Photographer. (Previously; more.)
Unique Holiday Gifts, Pt. 31
More a roundup of culinary options: here's The Local Beet's gift guide, some book suggestions from Grub Street, and Time Out's food and drink gift ideas.
Syphilis Is Back, Again
The syphilis rates in Chicago are like a yo-yo. They're down. They're up. And now? Well, Cook County is the county with the most syphilis cases in the country. The highest rates of infection can be found among people who live in Uptown, Lakeview, Austin, Edgewater, and Rogers Park. Know the symptoms and Get Tested Chicago.
Chicago is Great; Illinois Hates Us
Chicago was named the fourth most economically powerful city in the world by The Atlantic. Meanwhile, the idea that the rest of Illinois should separate from Chicago is still getting play. The Huffington Post Chicago sums up the dramatics nicely.
While we're on the topic of city cred, Chicago ranked 26th in the Mori Memorial Foundation's Global Power City Index this year, we're the fourth most walkable city in America (previously), and came in sixth in the Chicago Council of Global Affairs' 2010 Global Cities Index (previously). So we've got that going for us, which is nice.
The Critics' Picks
The Chicago Film Critics Association released its list of 2011 CFCA Award nominees yesterday
Over 300 Ways to Bring in 2012
Still making New Year's Eve plans? Check the Chicago Reader's extensive guide to the best eating, drinking, and concert-going the big night has to offer.
Time Out and Metromix also have guides, of course, and don't forget Transmission's own NYE concert guide.
2011's Architecture in Review
Blair Kamin reviews the best and worst architecture news of the year. [via]
Getting a Deal on Civil Disobedience
Whet Moser thinks Emanuel's proposed $1,000 fine for protesting the G8 summits next spring is a bargain.
Is Number 23 Available for Recon Work?
Kim Jong-un, the son of recently departed North Korean leader Kim Jong-il, was obsessed with Michael Jordan during his teen years: the future dictator loved to wear Air Jordans and spent hours "doing meticulous pencil drawings" of the legendary athlete while attending a Swiss boarding school. Jong-un reportedly also had pictures of himself with former Bulls player Toni Kukoc (and Kobe Bryant) hanging in his dorm room.
Bid on a Bit of the Bakery
"Punk rock pastry" purveyor Bleeding Heart Bakery recently announced that the Roscoe Village location is moving down Belmont to a new spot beside Schubas, but they can't quite take everything with them. Bid high on eBay and you can be the owner of the shop's 16-foot neon sign (local pickup only).
Throw a Punch Party
Do you dig stage combat? Want to get involved? Then Fight Jam is for you. The next event is tomorrow, Dec. 20, partnered with Asylum Stunts.
Troop-Supporting
The Governor recently highlighted two ways to help out veterans this holiday season. One, by donating your frequent flier miles to Hero Miles, which buys tickets for wounded veterans and their families. Two, by purchasing "Veteran's Cash" scratch-off tickets, the proceeds of which goes towards helping vets find jobs.
Unique Holiday Gifts, Pt. 30
Give the gift of esoteric sports. Aloft Loft offers gift certificates for its trapeze classes, registration for Windy City Fencing's 2012 classes is now open, and the Chicago Swordplay Guild's next class session starts in mid-January.
Foodstuffs of Fictional Old
Happy lunch time. A local graphic designer is eating his way through "A Game of Thrones."
"A Festive New Holiday Look"
The Sears Wish Book for the 1975 Christmas Season. Even more here.
Possibly my favorite from the '75 wish book:
Dentist to Pimps Wants to Work Again
Remember the dentist in Marina City who was laundering money for pimps? He's out of prison and looking to get back to filling cavities.
Please Cure this Bieber Fever
All last week Evanston Township High School repeatedly played Justin Bieber's song "Baby" over the building's loudspeakers during passing periods until students coughed up enough donations to fund the construction of a student art space and hangout.
Exploring Underground
Redditor Raidicus shares the story of exploring the tunnels beneath his North Shore high school. (If this piqued your interest, you might want to check out the urban exploration Meetup group.)
Unique Holiday Gifts, Pt. 29
Johnny Sampson makes all sorts of interesting stuff, including rubber dog poop, sexy Skeletor prints and Svengoolie t-shirts.
The Loop is Q101
Just for the weekend. Starting at 5pm tonight, 97.9 FM will be an alternative '90s station (or as close to one as a classic rock station can be, so expect lots of Nirvana and Pearl Jam), with a tribute to the late, lamented Q101 (which technically still exists) at 9pm Saturday.
SpotHero is the Victor
Congrats to SpotHero, the winner of the the Apps for Metro Chicago competition.
Food for the Holidays
Looking for culinary gift? Ms. Mint's Holiday Bazaar has you covered, today and tomorrow, with a couple dozen food and beverage related artisans all in one place.
Ebert's Best of 2011
The critic's annual, if reluctant, top 10 list, clocking in at 20 films. With a few familiar titles (Drive, Hugo, Shame), a good chunk of the list won't be familiar to most (or at least he hopes).
Unique Holiday Gifts, Pt. 28
Robie House, in LEGO. (Or the Farnsworth House or Sears Tower, for that matter.)
Daley's Next Deals
Big news from former Mayor Daley: He's joined the board of directors for Coca-Cola, and he's founded an investment and advisory firm called Tur Partners with his son Patrick.
Unique Holiday Gifts, Pt. 27
KOKOROKOKO, a vintage shop at 1112 N. Ashland Ave., carries several Bulls, Bears, and Blackhawks sweatshirts and tees including this 1985 Bears Super Bowl XX Sweater for $32.
Unique Holiday Cards
You should probably have started on these already, but just in case, here are a few cool Chicago-Themed holiday cards.
• Chicago Holiday by st&
• Two pizza themed cards
• The Letter Betty has Chicago flag cards for Christmas, Hanukkah or neither
• Starshaped Press has this sweet Hannukah card
• Steel Petal Press offers a mix and match option
Annoying Audio Incentive
Student's at Evanston Township High School raised funds for local cafe by blasting Justin Bieber's repetitive tune, Baby, between class periods, forcing classmates to fork over the dough to get it off the intercom.
Meet Isham Randolph
Chris McAvoy has been doing research on Isham Randolph, the civil engineer behind the Chicago Sanitary & Ship Canal, in order to rewrite his Wikipedia entry. Among his findings: Randolph's son was Batman, and this sales pitch to manufacturers to build factories along the canal.
Every Holiday Cartoon Comes to Life
Two Tinley Park kids filled a backyard ice-skating rink from a fire hydrant. Police fined them a few hundred dollars but said they're free to keep the water.
Emanuel's PAC
The Reader's Steve Bogira takes a look at campaign finance and political action committees in Chicago, and notes that the CME, which won its tax break from the state this week, tipped its local representatives handsomely.
Have a Coke and a Smile, Richie
The former mayor just added *another* job title to his resume: board member of the Coca-Cola company.
Bands You'll Remember
A couple Chicago acts show up in A.V. Club's Year in Band Names, including The Tragic Loss of Veronica Lake and dot dot dot.
Tweedy's Temps
The Wilco frontman may be better at delivering the weather report than the rock and roll.
I-GO Solar
I-GO car sharing service is going solar with solar-powered recharging stations for its fleet of electric cars, and just announced that it's adding one at the Kimball stop on the Brown Line.
Bits of Naughty Parts
In 1989, Lisa Anne Auerbach found torn up pieces of porno magazines in an O'Hare parking garage. They're now works of art. [via]
Scottie Sues To Save Face
Scottie Pippen is suing several media outlets for libel, in a suit that claims the outlets produced content stating that the former Bulls star had "lost it all."
Unique Holiday Gifts, Pt. 25
Zerobird has a nice selection of Chicago-themed items, including pillows screen-printed with images of the L.
Furries on Parade
WBEZ's Jason Marck and Eilee Heikenen-Weiss went to Midwest FurFest. Here's their report.
And here's the The Fur Suit Parade!
City's Got a Brand New Bull
Veteran shooting guard Richard "Rip" Hamilton is the newest addition to the Bulls roster, which will likely keep Brewer on the bench and Bogans on the chopping block.
Representing & Representing
Chicago magazine's special report on politicians currying favor with former and current gang leaders is a must-read.
Windy City on Your Wall
Know Your Flag's latest poster explores the myths and theories surrounding the origins of the nickname "Windy City."
Belly Hopefully not a Flop
You might have spotted Bellyflop iPad terminals at certain shops around town, but the customer loyalty program made its official debut today, under a new name: just Belly.
Aggressive Panhandling to the Extreme
A man who beat up a woman who wouldn't give him a cigarette in 2008 was arrested in Uptown after threatening to kill a man who wouldn't give him change.
Unique Holiday Gifts, Pt. 24
In A/C we feature The Lost Panoramas, a new photography book chronicling the reversal of the Chicago River and its consequences. You can order a signed copy from the publisher for $35.
Santa in the Subway
Never thought about it before: the CTA Holiday Train goes through the subway, not just up on the elevated tracks. CTO John Tolva caught Santa arriving in the Blue Line tunnel this weekend; he'll be jingling down the Red Line tracks today and this weekend.
Jimmy Fallon at JUF's Big Event
Jimmy Fallon was in Chicago over the weekend as the host of the Jewish United Fund's annual fundraising event kickoff.
U.S. Mint Cuts $1 Coins
Though we were all very fond of noticing that various vending, parking or CTA machines accepted or gave presidential dollar coins as change, Biden has declared, "Nobody wants them." Though this $50 million cut from the federal budget will end the series on James Garfield, Biden contends, "As it will shock you all, the call for Chester A. Arthur coins is not there."
A Tag for Your Unique Holiday Gift
Need a gift tag for your Secret Santa exchange? Print a sheet of this cute "cozy turtle" tag from Laura Park on the color printer and affix as needed. It's her gift to you!
Suburban Lawns on Ice
Two young hockey enthusiasts in Tinley Park got in some hot water for using a fire hydrant to fill their backyard ice rink.
Scary Straw Men?
The Bears are Scarecrow in Bleacher Report's imagining of NFL teams as Batman characters. Hope that doesn't give too much away.
Not So Freaky Economics
Freakonomics, the best-selling book (and now multimedia empire) by UofC economist Steven D. Levitt and journalist Stephen J. Dubner, isn't all it's cracked up to be. [via]
City Sticker for Heroes
The designer of next year's city sticker has a pretty great story of his own.
Invasion of the Snowy Owls
Snowy owls are on the hunt in Chicago in record numbers, drawn by the city's plentiful rats and seagulls.
Intelligent Design
A new website catered to "major design cities," Shared-Practice.com is a social networking site that helps you keep track of design events, resources, and the people behind them.
R. Kelly is on a Boat
The New King of R n' B wants to take you to his floating "Hotel" and sail the Bahamas with you.
Seafarers can join The Pied Piper of R n' B in a stepping class to learn "The Love Signals," experience cuisine prepared under the watchful eye of Mr. "Sex in the Kitchen," and compete the "12 Play" basketball tournament. This will be R. Kelly's first concert cruise so all bets are off. Judging by Aziz Ansari's response of a past Kells performance all shipmates will have a "Wonderful" time. More info is on the Love Letter Cruise website.
Playboy to Head West
The magazine will be shutting down operations and moving to Los Angeles by the middle of next year.
Chads Before Bros
Gawker declared "Chad" to be the new term for the stereotype heretofore known as a "bro." Yet another example of New Yorkers thinking they came up with something Chicagoans have been doing for years. (Wait till they find out about Trixies.)
Help Determine Union Station's Future
Union Station may soon receive an overhaul, and there's a meeting this Thursday to review the new master plan. You might also want to check out DowntownAirport.com, a proposal to turn the station into a hub for regional bullet trains.
Handicapped Parking Isn't Free According to LAZ
LAZ Parking sent the City a $13.5 million bill for lost revenue due to people using disabled parking placards or plates to park for free at meters.
"Where the 1 Percent Lives"
Chicagoland boasts two of the richest zip codes in the country. You probably won't be surprised at which ones: Kenilworth at #3, Lake Forest at #13 and Winnetka at #14. (Thanks, Dee!)
Questioning CeaseFire
CeaseFire's visibility increased this year with the release of The Interrupters, but is it effective? Michael Moreci reports in Mechanics.
Welcoming New Americans
As part of his goal to make Chicago the most "immigrant friendly city in the world," Emmanuel established the Office of New Americans. WBEZ spoke with the office's head, Adolfo Hernandez, about how he'll meet that goal.
Unique Holiday Gifts, Pt. 23
For the dog lovers, Dolan Geiman has created silhouettes of several breeds out of reclaimed wood and other found materials.
I Hope He Has a Fainting Couch on Hand
The television show hosted by former Chicagoan Nate Berkus, whose interior design career rose to fame on the wings of the Oprah empire, has just been cancelled.
If You Scoop It, Scarf It
An internal UIC study found that the amount of leftover cafeteria food on plates after each meal the school served collectively produced enough food to feed 200 people each day.
Unique Holiday Gifts, Pt. 22
Maybe your loved one would like a CTA map t-shirt -- or perhaps just one of the Loop.
Road Hazards are Everywhere
Don't forget that vehicle peril can come from above, particularly if there are birds around.
Yule (Need to Look Elsewhere for Those) Logs
Citing, among other things, an "inability to operationally meet the seasonal needs of our customers," Rolf's Patisserie is closed. Effective immediately. (Maybe it's because, thanks to last year's food poisoning outbreak, the at-a-glance Google details are, um, less than appetizing.)
Vice for Virtue
Today through Saturday, if you bring a new, unwrapped toy to The Admiral, you'll get a free lapdance. If you'd prefer your contributions SFW, you could donate to Bloodshot Records' Holiday Stuffed Animal Drive Tuesday at the Hideout's Holiday Sale.
Unique Holiday Gifts, Pt. 21
Give the gift of live music this year (maybe even to yourself) with the first ever FOB (Friends of the Bottle) year-long passes to the Empty Bottle. For $150 you can get into most shows (any under $10) for all of 2012 with a FOB Pass. Upgrade to the FOB GOLD Pass for $500, and get into each and every show. Buyers also get special perks including no line waiting, a t-shirt, discounts on food and drink, and more.
Which Way to Griddle Women?
Hilarious blogger and GB staffer Jasmine Davila came up with names for restaurants she'd like to open. Table for one, please...
Do It Yourself Beautiful
The folks behind You Are Beautiful are looking for original YAB artworks for a January show in San Francisco. If you'd like to contribute, you can drop your piece off at The Post Family studio this Thursday.
Logan Square to Fight Alderman Over Zoning for McDonald's Renovation
Concerned residents, pedestrians and public safety advocates will be attending a hearing at City Hall tomorrow at 10am to protest an ordinance that Logan Square alderman Rey Colon is proposing that would allow a removal of a "Pedestrian Street" designation in order for a McDonald's (located at 2707 North Milwaukee) to undergo renovation.
Save on Bills by Watching the Bills
Bear with me -- Energy Impact Illinois has put together a web series following Big Bill and Little Bill (both played by Second City actors) who share a variety of tips and tricks to help homeowners make their homes more energy efficient for the upcoming winter.
Brazil "AND" Romancing the Stone
Can't decide which is your favorite film of all time? Show your appreciation for both your favorites with Two Film T-Shirts.
Two Film T-Shirts! from Blewt! Productions on Vimeo.
The Tiniest Baby Grows Up
Madeline Mann and Rumaisa Rahman were two of the smallest babies ever born. Doctors were concerned the girls might had developmental problems, but so far they're doing just fine.
Local Frocks
Looking for a holiday party dress? Check out these from local designers/retailers Anna Hovet, Eskell, and Frei Designs.
Be Your Own Crossing Guard
Some intersections around town now have orange flags for pedestrians to wave while crossing the street. It's part of a CDOT campaign for pedestrian safety.
Unique Holiday Gifts, Pt. 20
If you have a chunk of change to spend, on yourself, or someone on your "Nice" list, why not get them everything local label Numero Group has to offer. For a rare treat, Numero's entire catalog (on either vinyl or CD) can be yours if you have the shelf space, and the cabbage with just one click of the mouse. A sample of what you'll receive includes Light On the South Side, the Syl Johnson Complete Mythology, and The Boddie Recording Company box sets but it really doesn't stop there. [Also, watch the label's website (and Facebook) for more deals as Christmas approaches.]
Carl Sandburg's Birthplace Home is in Trouble
The Carl Sandburg Historic Site may not reopen in the spring thanks to worsening state finances.
Dunderstruck
If you're a fan of "The Office" (or just love paper), the Dunder Mifflin Paper Truck will be in town next week on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Follow the truck on Twitter at @DMPaperTruck for exact times and locations.
Unique Holiday Gifts, Pt. 19
Shameless plug: The Gapers Block shop has a number of very nice gifts for men and women. Particularly if they like t-shirts.
Building Harper Court
Wonder what's the latest with all that construction going on down in Hyde Park? So do we. Here's a peek.
Watching the Lobby
ChicagoLobbyists.org charts the biggest lobbyists in the city. It's part of the Apps for Metro Chicago competition, on which you can still vote through Dec. 12.
Around the World
Whet Moser explains how Marshall Field, a PR man and a Civil War veteran created a turn-of-the-century travelogue.
Opera on Screen
The Reader considers the Siskel Center's current opera series- how the two arts interact and whether a film presentation can do the live experience justice. Series schedule here.
Representing the Hood
Presenting The Chicago Neighborhoods, because "we can agree that a neighborhood with a logo is better than a neighborhood without." [via]
Eig Plays Ball
Jonathan Eig plans to launch a new sports blog, ChicagoSide, in time for baseball's opening day. He talks to Feder about it.
The AV Club Sings Popular Hits
Inspired by the huge popularity of the cover of "Tubthumping" recorded by They Might Be Giants at their office space, The AV Club joined the band at the Vic in September to perform a couple numbers live: "A Horse With No Name" (with many AV Clubbers on acoustic guitar) and a reprise of "Tubthumping."
A Foreclosure That May Not be a Typical "Deal"
The 21,000-square-foot Schweppe mansion is back on the market for $12 million after a foreclosure.
Running the Numbers on Closing Police Districts
The Chicago Justice Project examines the crime rates in the police districts scheduled for closing. [via]
Big Hugs from Half Acre
The rascals at Half Acre Brewing have announced the details for their December 18th release of their yearly Dark Matter coffee enriched imperial stout Big Hugs.
On Dec. 18 the Half Acre brewery located at 4257 N. Lincoln will be open from 11am until 6pm. Big Hugs will be sold at $12 per 22oz bottle or $21 for a half gallon growler fill. Half Acre would like you to know that if you come dressed as a cat you will get a prize.
If your torso can't wait for liquid hugs until the 18th, there will be a Big Hugs release party on the 16th atThe Blind Robin at 853 N. Western.
Have a Rockin' New Year's Eve
If you're at a loss for plans for New Year's, now's a great time to make up your mind. In Transmission, we break down over 30 notable music venues and other spots with live music (and often a free champagne toast at midnight). You even still have time to brush up on your own singing skills.
Be a Benevolent Benefactor
Benevolent is a new Evanston-based crowdfunding site with a twist: it's oriented toward individuals in need, who are "validated" by a nonprofit. The campaign goals are usually low, so even small pledges make a big difference.
Let It Snow, Leopards
Snow Leopards Sabu and Sarani follow in suit with the season as Brookfield Zoo's latest additions.
Sara Lee Moving to Chicago
Granted, it's less the corn dogs and pie end of Sara Lee, and more the officey-headquarters one, but still a big job-creating win.
Shades of Grey
The Reader's Sam Worley takes a look at the sex offender registry and whether everyone on it deserves the same treatment.
Unique Holiday Gifts, Pt. 17
À la Card Chicago is 52 gifts in one -- each a $10 discount at a local restaurant.
Warhol's Empire Screening On Skyline
The skyline gets a taste of the Big Apple this Friday, as the Art Institute of Chicago will be screening Andy Warhol's 1964 film Empire on the side of the Aon Center. The black-and-white piece consists of an eight-hour shot of the Empire State Building.
Santas On Two Wheels
When Santa's not in a sleigh, he's totally a bike winter fan. Don your fuzziest of red hats or your elfiest of shoes and head out to the Santa Rampage bike ride on 12/17 starting at the Twisted Spoke downtown. Only fully-dressed Santas, elves, or dreidels are allowed (homemade costumes are completely fine). Details in Slowdown.
Rahm Wants Less PR
Mayor Emanuel is considering cuts to the City's communications department, according to the Chicago News Coop.
Checking In at Dinner
Time Out Chicago's annual 100 Best Things We Ate & Drank issue is out, and this year it comes with a Foursquare badge (more).
Mapping School CPS Closings
WBEZ mapped and analyzed 10 years of school closing patterns, finding that closed schools tend to be in African American neighborhoods on the South and West Sides -- and are often replaced with selective enrollment or lottery schools.
DIY CTA Display
The CTA has provided developers, and those with "some computer savvy," the tools to create their own CTA arrival screens. Great for businesses who want to create a waiting area inside their warm establishments, or others who just want to shelter public transit users in a storm.
Come to the GB Holiday Party!
Our holiday party will probably be much more fun than your company's. Join us at the Black Rock on Thursday, Dec. 15, 7-10pm for complementary cocktails (from locally made FEW Spirits and others) and plenty of good cheer. RSVP on Facebook.
Watch Where You Park
Parking tickets are up 30 percent this year compared to last. Booting is down 2 percent, though.
Simon's Suffers Register Theft
Longtime Andersonville tavern, Simon's, had a theft from its basement over the weekend of an antique cash register that's as old as the bar itself (nearly 77 years). If you have any leads, they'd be very interested to recover it. [Update: Simon's has additional information describing the register, should you see it at your local pawn shop or flea market.]
Bring A Can
A few music events are doubling as holiday canned food drives this year. If you're heading to the Metro any time this month, bring some canned goods to the Metro Store to help out the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Alternately, if you go to the Bloodshot Records Holiday Whiskey Extravaganza on 12/17 at the Cobra Lounge, bring food to aid the Casa Catalina Basic Human Needs Center.
The Greater Chicago Food Depository doesn't want your old ramen noodles. Items most needed include: peanut butter, beans, canned fruit, canned vegetables, cereal, chili, tuna and pasta.
Peopling Logan Square
Speaking of Logan Square blogs, Peopling Places covers the neighborhood from an urban planning perspective.
City-Sponsored Microloans
The City of Chicago has began to back microloans -- small sums of money lent for business initiatives that would have trouble being financed by regular banks. The idea has helped millions in third world countries over the past few decades, andEmanuel hopes to help over 250 with the $1 million currently allocated.
Unique Holiday Gifts, Pt. 16
First Slice is a unique organization that combines charitable giving with a delicious way to save time on grocery shopping and cooking. For $33 a week for an individual, or $75 a week for a family, you can purchase three home-cooked meals. All you have to do is reheat and presto -- delicious, nutritious, locally sourced dinners for you and yours. That includes side dishes, entrees, and their legendary pie for dessert. Profits are used to serve the same amazing high-quality meals to the hungry, so you'll feel doubly good.
There's Architecture in Everything
The Hancock Tower, Sears Tower, Marina City, the Farnsworth House and others are among the "covers" in this imaginative video by Luis Urculo. [via]
Covers/Luis Urculo from Luis Urculo on Vimeo.
Pay to Read
The Sun-Times and its suburban sister publications will start using a metered method allowing 20 free views every month before readers will have to pay. The paywall goes into effect on Thursday.
Unique Holiday Gifts, Pt. 15
The Area Code Project produces posters and "phone socks" for a variety of area codes, including 312, 773, 847 and 630.
Public Art Indoors
Curbed has created a map of indoor public art (or nearly indoor, in the case of some of the CTA works.)
Vote for the Best City Apps
The Apps for Metro Chicago Grand Challenge, the final phase of the year-long program, opens for voting at 4pm today. Vote for your favorite apps by Dec. 12.
Greater Than the Rest
Greater Than sports drink won BevNet's 2011 Best Sports or Hydration Beverage.
10 Years of Letters to Santa
The 10th annual Letters to Santa 24-hour improv and music marathon begins tomorrow night, Dec. 6 at 6pm at Second City ETC. and runs through 6pm Thursday. Your $20 admission gets you access to all 24 hours, whether you stick around or not, and all the proceeds go directly to needy families on Christmas Day. Plan to get there early; lineup details on Facebook.
Best of the Funniest
The A.V. Club sifts through the 40-dozen comedy events happening in town on any given week and picks their four favorite on-going shows.
Next Year's No Pants Ride
Early heads-up: Improv Everywhere announced that the NYC No Pants Subway Ride will be Jan. 8. Keep an eye on this Facebook group for details on the Chicago ride.
USPS Closing Chicago Processor
The USPS plans to close 252 mail processing centers, including its Irving Park processing and distribution center near O'Hare Airport and eight others in Illinois. The Trib claims that the closures will mostly affect minority workers. (No word yet whether any of the endangered post offices will close.)
$9.99
CRO's latest political street art features a familiar pizza baron.
Photo by Gabriel X. Michael.
The Uptown Standoff Ends
CPD and ATF officers arrested three suspects after a standoff in Uptown that suspended CTA Red and Purple Line service north of Belmont for more than six hours Monday night.
The High Cost of Driving
Congratulations Chicago, you've been paying over three dollars a gallon for gas for a full year now, with the highest area average in May of $4.469, according to AAA.
Film for Life
Stock up on all the foreign, independent, rare, and out-of-print films you can carry at Facets Cinémathèque's holiday warehouse sale this weekend. When your nephew asked for Skyrim for Christmas, what he really meant was the Marx Brothers' 1946 film Night in Casablanca, right? Right.
Poor (Criminal) Life Choices
This mugger didn't know that the guy he pulled out of a car was a mixed martial arts expert and Ultimate Fighting Champion, but he soon found out.
Midwest (Film) is Best
The Midwest Independent Film Festival's Best of the Midwest Awards are Tuesday night. Nominees include FoGB Steve Delahoyde, Big Dog Eat Child and many more.
Virtually Paint Your New Plane
Thanks to the power of the Internet, you too can paint your own Boeing Dreamliner for (delayed) delivery.
Vote for Chicago's Heroes
It's time to vote for next year's city stickers. The theme this year is "Chicago's Heroes."
The Latest 40 Under 40
The 2011 Crain's Chicago Business 40 Under 40 class has been announced. The list includes some literally and figuratively related inductees: brothers Jerrod and RJ Melman, GrubHub's two co-founders and the three co-founders of Akira.
Occupying the Super Motel
Rev. Corey Brooks has been living in a tent on top of an abandoned motel across from his church for the past 12 days. Last night, Occupy Chicago protestors joined him.
The Gift That Keeps On Annoying
Do you like bad music? Sure, who doesn't? GB's own James Allenspach is posting 25 Days of Bad Music on his blog. He started Dec. 1, so you've already got five albums waiting for you.
Protecting Films by Ripping Them
Kartemquin Films argues for an exemption from the Digital Millennium Copyright Act for documentary filmmakers, stating that films like The Interrupters couldn't be made without one.
It's Tough All Over
Time Out staffs from around the world compare notes on how the recession is affecting their city.
An Ocean of Rice
There are 30,000 piles of rice in SAIC's Sullivan North Gallery, courtesy of artist Wolfgang Laib.
It's Time To Fall Down a Bunch
Millennium Park's ice skating rink is now open for the season, so get out there any try to stay vertical. While you're at it, did you know that it's free if you bring your own skates?
Unique Holiday Gifts, Pt. 13
The only time you'll get something with "Hot Doug's" on it, without waiting in the occasionally epic line outside the encased meats emporium, is when you buy one of these cute Hot Doug's shirts or hoodies online. There are no better words than "no line," my friend.
Santa Snark
Did you know there's no such thing as Santa Claus? WGN's Robin Robertson broke it down for her colleagues earlier this week on-air earlier this week; after some viewers called in complaints, she then apologized.
How Important is an Email Address to You?
More specifically, would you be willing to pay $1,750 to lease YOURNAME@Chicago.com for 10 years? Josh Metnick thinks you might be.
Unique Holiday Gifts, Pt. 12
Photographer Paul Octavious created a bookbow for Swiss Miss' new store. (You can also buy other prints from him directly.)
H.O.V.A., Party of Two
Jay-Z and Beyonce were spotted at Andersonville's Vincent last night having a drink while waiting for their table at Great Lake.
A Thorny Puzzle
The Art Institute has created a Escape from Thorne Mansion, a game in which you explore the Thorne Miniature Rooms in search of clues. [via]
From Kanye West to Matthew West
Chicago musicians are well represented in this year's Grammy nominations.
Towed or Stolen? Maybe Both.
Three tow-truck drivers have been arrested and more are being sought by police after an investigation found multiple cases of drivers stealing cars, often selling them for scrap.
Wide Open Spaces
The city has 500 more acres of public open space than it did in 1998 -- but there's more to be done.
Return of the Velvet Lounge?
Owners of a pizzeria plan to reopen the Velvet Lounge, which closed in 2010 after the death of longtime owner Fred Anderson. A website for the club says it will reopen in January.
Record City
A bit of tinkering with the Guinness Book of World Records search engine will let you see all records currently held by Chicago and its residents.
Dusting Off the Dusties DJ
WBEZ takes the release of Numero Group's Eccentric Soul: The Nickel & Penny Labels as an opportunity to examine the legacy of radio DJ Richard Pegue.
Treat Yo Self
Escape to a World of Chocolate tonight; the event benefits the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, and will serve you right.
Maneuvering Through Marijuana Laws' Moires
The Reader's Joravsky and Dumke dig into the politics of pot.
Kick It South Side
A documentary about the South Side is just one of the many Chicago-based projects we've curated on the GB Kickstarter page -- but it's one that's just shy of its goal with only a couple days left.
Classical Hits Without A Hint of Nutcracker
If the flip of the calendar to December has you dreaming anything but toy dolls that come to life and fight rats (seriously), there are plenty of other classical concerts around Chicago to check out. We break down a few notable performances worth catching in our monthly "Pulling Strings" column in Transmission.
Unique Holiday Gifts, Pt. 10
Poster Plus carries a limited number of CTA 'L' Map shower curtains and other gifts for Chicago-centric decorators, and transit travelers, alike.
Make Way for Millennials
Time Out Chicago discovers that while things might not be so hot, members of the Millennial generation have got what it takes to prevail.
Sun-Times For Sale. Maybe.
The Sun-Times is not for sale, according to Sun-Times News Group's chairman, but that doesn't mean someone's not trying to buy it.
