On Lizzy Grant
Jessica Hopper explains just what the heck's going on with this Lana Del Rey business, with a little extra on her blog.
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
January 2012
SNL Cast to Have One Less Chicagoan
Naperville native and iO alum Paul Brittain, who joined the cast of Saturday Night Live in 2010, is leaving the show effective immediately.
A City Still Divided
Chicago remains one of the most segregated cities in America, a new study finds, but it also saw the second-largest decline in segregation between 2010 and 200.
We're Just Talking Red, Yellow & Blue
OK Go teamed up with "Sesame Street" to sing about the primary colors. They're also featured in an online color-mixing game.
Did Adbusters Bulldoze #OccupyChicago?
When Adbusters jumped on the NATO/G8 protest bandwagon last week, they did so without checking with #Occupy Chicago.
Commercial History
Chicago's Museum of Broadcast Communications recently relaunched an online exhibit on the history of television commercials, where you can look at thousands of ads from the 50's onward.
Newt's No Survivor
Newt Gingrich may want to be seen as rising up the the challenge of his rival, but he didn't check on whether Survivor was OK with him using "Eye of the Tiger" at campaign rallies, and now he's got a legal challenge on his hands.
If you liked my play on the lyrics up there, you'll love Samantha Abernathy's post on Chicagoist.
Know Your Meng
Former GB staffer John Lendman does a Q&A with Meng Yang of Know Your Flag in Inspire Magazine. [via]
The Corner of Michigan & Pearson
Forgotten Chicago delves into the history of the Bertram Goldberg-designed building that now contains Topshop.
A Map of Arts in the Schools
Ingenuity Incorporated and the Chicago Public Schools Office of Arts Education have teamed up to create ArtLook, a map showing arts programming at every public school in Chicago.
The Future of Navy Pier?
The Trib has a sneak peek of the proposed Navy Pier redesigns, complete with images. The catch? The interesting ideas are probably more expensive than the RFP's [pdf] $85 million budget.
Name That (Logan Theater) Bar
The soon-to-reopen (hopefully) Logan Theater will be newly outfitted with a bar, and they're asking for name suggestions on Facebook.
Organic Beats in Oak Park
Chicago hip hop artists Sev Seveer and Defcee launched Organic Beat Market, a youth-mentorship organization set on "breaking down stigmas around the culture by working with parents and teens directly." Two of the program's participants just released the organization's pilot project, The Promse EP.
JVO Joins the Dahl Network
Former Q101 DJ James VanOsdol has joined the Steve Dahl Network with a monthly podcast. Get a sample of what it'll be like with his interview with author Kevin Guilfoile.
"Dennehy," the Original "Shit Chicagoans Say"
AJ LaTrace at Chiboulevards assesses the Chicago entrants in the "Shit ____ Say" meme and finds them lacking. For his money, the best version was recorded in 2007 by Serengeti.
Dammit if he ain't right.
A Case of "Adjunxploitation"
In Mechanics, Megan Doherty chronicles adjunct instructors' fight to unionize at East-West University.
"He Bought It"
The full Ferris Bueller Super Bowl ad is now live; it's a commercial for the Honda CRV.
A Mission from God Revisited
Herve Attia visits filming locations from movies and shoots them as they are now. Here he's visited locations from The Blues Brothers, as documented by Blues Brothers Central.
As others have noted, Attia left out the scenes shot along Maxwell Street, which would have shown a drastic contrast between then and now. [via]
To be Demolished: 1340 W. George St.
The newest building featured in To be Demolished is a frame residence located at 1340 W. George St. The owner's address is identical to the owner's address for the first demolished building in the project, 3549 N. Reta Ave.
Another Urban Coyote Takes to the Ice
GB flickr pool contributor Andrew Smith got close a coyote in the Montrose marina.
Chicago as Meat
Alyson Thomas turns Chicago's wards into cuts of pork. Though soon to be outdated, 10 percent of the purchase price goes to the Greater Chicago Food Depository, so it's still a worthy purchase.
View Printers Row Online
Interested in the Tribune's new weekly book supplement, Printers Row? You can check out a free digital sneak peek here.
Wheels of Pre-Presidential Steel
Another former car of Barack Obama's is for sale on Ebay....for one million dollars. Obama leased the 2005 Chrysler 300 Series 300C (which currently sells used for around $25k) for a little under three years.
The Rahmfather
A mysterious portrait of Mayor Rahm Emanuel created as a movie poster of the Godfather appeared in the office of Tribune columnist John Kass. And he'd like to know who sent it to him. He even checked it for bugs, just in case.
Teeny Tiny Obamas
If your indoor plants are seeming a bit lonely, why not get them a set of wee Obamas to keep them company.
Will We See #OccupyNATOG8?
Adbusters has put a call for protest of the NATO and G8 summits in Chicago this spring. But how many people will show up?
A Guide to Gangland Chicago
The Chicago Crime Commission released a 300-page book on the city's gangs today that estimates the number of Chicagoland gang members at 60,000 and notes the use of social media by gangs to organize and communicate.
Miss Representation
Tonight at 5:30, Northwestern is hosting a free screening of the documentary Miss Representation. It premiered at Sundance last year, and looks at how mainstream media contribute to the under-representation of women in positions of power and influence in America
Gridiron Design
The Chicago Bears' logo is slightly reimagined as part of the Gridiron League, a collection of idealized NFL logos. And speaking of, Tailgate just got some sweet new team icons designed by Phineas X. Jones.
A Better Map?
If Google Maps isn't detailed enough for you, maybe OpenStreetMap's view of Chicago can help.
Pinball Wizardry
Google UX designer Marcin Wichary was in town recently, and took a tour of Stern Pinball, the last remaining manufacturer of pinball machines in the world. The company just released an AC/DC machine.
Gorilla Tangos All the Way Down
Gorilla Tango Theatre is just the most visible portion of a vast Gorilla Tango empire -- an empire that has money to help creative projects in need.
Drawing Cats for Sharks
As previously mentioned, local sketch comic Steve Gadlin is on ABC's "Shark Tank" tonight, trying to get investments in his site IWantToDrawACatForYou.com. Tune in at 7pm to see if he succeeds.
How Puzzling
IIT grad student Andrew Bayley built a jigsaw puzzle based on the new ward map. Unfortunately, you can't build the corners and sides first; all the pieces seem to be crooked.
Grab a Cab Together
Taxi Share Chicago is an Android app that helps you find a person to share a cab with you.
Shit Chicagoans Say, Take 2
Another "Shit Chicagoans Say" video was just released, just a little behind that other "Shit Chicagoans Say" video. If you're a North Sider, this one probably sounds more like it to you.
We had a "You might be a Chicagoan if..." thread in Fuel back in 2007; it's interesting to see how many of the bits from that thread showed up in both of these.
iPhone Camera-Enhancing Mattebox is App of the Day
What Gizmodo calls "the closest thing the iPhone has to manual focus" is the creation of local designer/programmer/photographer Ben Syverson -- and it's their App of the Day.
Your Daily Dose of D'awww
An orphaned baby sea otter named Cayucos, currently adjusting to life at the Shedd, made an adorable appearance on the "Today Show" this morning.
Back in the Day Bull Run Over Indiana
A flashback to the Jordan days is one way to shake off the Bulls' first home court loss to their speculated Indiana rivals.
Watch312 Launches
Watch312, a new online television network, debuts today. The launch party at The James Hotel will stream live on the site tonight at 5:15pm.
In All the Wrong Places
Looking for Glove is a new site by FoGB Dubi Kaufmann attempting to help lost gloves and mittens find their mates.
Bueller? Bueller? Back for the Super Bowl?
Bears aren't in it, which mutes much of my interest in the game, but the commercials still got a shot at tuning me in. I caught wind of this 10-second teaser, featuring the hometown '80s icon and all time favorite bad influence Ferris Bueller, who looks ready for some mid-life madness.
Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Bedbugs (But Were Afraid to Ask)
The Reader's cover story on bedbugs is terrifying for a number of reasons- one of which is that the species is on the rise in Chicago.
White Mamba for the Win?
The Bulls endured their first loss at home last night to the Indiana Pacers; one that may have been avoided had fan favorite, Brian Scalabrine delivered on a wide open three-point field goal.
No Love on Twitter for the CTA
Researchers at Purdue conducted a "sentiment analysis" of riders on Chicago's "L." They found no one really says anything positive, but negative comments spike during delays. (Tweet to @CTA if you're currently stuck on the "L" or want to say something nice for a change.)
Old Lake Shore Drive
Lake Shore Drive was a dirt path along the lake in 1905. It was already different story by the 1920s.
Can We Name it After David Lee Roth?
The Friends of the Bloomingdale Trail and the Trust for Public Land invite you to help design a future park at Milwaukee and Leavitt that will be an access point for the Bloomingdale Trail. The meeting is tonight at 6:30pm at Holstein Park, 2200 N. Oakley.
It Was Inevitable: Sh*t Chicagoans Say
The "Sh*t People Say" meme is spreading through the Internet faster than a cat with its tail on fire, and YouTuber LyonEsEnTodo brings it home with "Sh*t Chicagoans Say." What DO you say, Chicago? Tweet it to us @gapersblock.
Salivate the Date
If you haven't gotten a calendar yet, Windy City Pinup has a couple options for you: Babes & Bombshells and Chicago Outfit derby girls.
Political Puzzle Pieces
Andrew Bayley thought the new ward map looked like a jigsaw puzzle. So he made it into one. Ward Room's Ted McClelland talked with him about it.
Hull House Closing Friday
The Jane Addams Hull House Association, which last week announced that it would be forced to close by the end of March, will in fact be closing tomorrow.
The Roper Junction
The intersection of the Edens and the Kennedy will soon be known as the Gerald J. Roper Gateway, after the CEO of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce. But everyone will continue call it the Junction or Montrose.
The Daley Bicentennial Funpark
The City unveiled renderings yesterday for the proposed Daley Bicentennial Plaza to be built on the northernmost portion of Grant Park (between Lake Shore Drive and Millennium Park). The new park will include what looks to be a chaotic combination of a climbing wall, scooter parking, a ice skating "ribbon" and who knows what else. The renderings are on view in Block 37 through next Tuesday.
Groupon Busted for Selling Snake Oil
Literally. The Chicago-based company got flak in the U.K. for trying to sell a discount on a "'Wrinkle Killer Snake Serum" whose health claims were unsubstantiated. You don't say?
Give Ultimate Props
If you know someone who makes a difference in small ways and large, nominate them for placement in Facing History's upcoming Choosing to Participate exhibit.
A Kitten is Not a Football
The latest Chicagoan to heap scorn on: Percy Love, who kicked his kitten 15 feet into the air and signaled a fieldgoal, according to police.
Groupon Machine
Groupon is starting to roll out touchscreen kiosks around the city, which will feature regular deals as well as Groupon Now! offers for businesses in the machine's area. The kiosks will have a few other features (CTA tracker, news, 911), and we can expect to see around 100 pop up over the next three months.
Sweets and Savories & Sweet & Savory
Grub Street reports that Sweets and Savories has closed, along with its sister restaurant Bluette. In more positive news, Time Out coincidentally rounds up a few sweet and savory brunch options in this week's issue.
People Who Live in Glass Houses...
In other cartoon news, the Farnsworth House is being attacked by beavers.
Gluten-Free Good Time
Serious Eats Chicago adds a few more interesting gluten-free options in the city.
Spinach Eaters & Aquarium Drinkers
Wilco was in this past weekend's Popeye comic strip. And now you know that Popeye still has a comic strip.
"Call me dumb and stupid"
How far would Brian Urlacher go to keep playing football? On HBO's "Real Sports," he admits he's regularly taken the potentially dangerous painkiller Toradol, and says he would lie about having a concussion in order to stay in the game. [via]
Despite the risks, Urlacher is unrepentant. "First of all we love football. We want to be on the field as much as we can be. If we can be out there, it may be stupid, it may be dumb, call me dumb and stupid then because I want to be on the football field."
The City is a Jigsaw
Andrew Bayley, a graduate student at the Illinois Institute of Architecture has created a wooden jigsaw puzzle version of the new ward map. [via]
MCIC to Close
The Metropolitan Chicago Information Center will close by the end of the year due to downturn of funding from nonprofits.
The Opposite of Foodporn
At least one food cart in London has absolutely no idea what's on a Chicago-style hot dog. Warning: the evidence will shock you. [via]
What the Bull Market Will Bears
Matt McKenna is a Chicago sports fan who writes about American policy for McSweeney's from that perspective. His latest covers how the Bulls' first 10 games influence the S&P 500.
A Garden Grows in Pilsen
The Field Museum helped community groups in Pilsen design and build a neighborhood park and monarch butterfly sanctuary as part of its Chicago Community Climate Action Toolkit.
Pilsen Documentary from The Field Museum on Vimeo.
High Standards
Though a new fire-safety ordinance was passed by the city in 2003, quite a few residential high-rises still fail to meet standards. City council recently extended the compliance deadline to 2015, but you can look up the status of your building here.
A Token of Appreciation
Protestors delivered a golden toilet to the CME's chairman, Terry Duffy, this morning in protest of the "corporate welfare" the organization received from the state.
Mark Where You've Been
Jamie Dihiansan designed Airstates to go on the side of an Airstream trailer, but it could just as easily go in your kitchen or office.
Sen. Kirk Back on His Phone
Illinois Sen. Mark Kirk, after suffering a stroke and undergoing surgery on Monday, is in good condition. He even asked for his Blackberry, according to the Sun-Times. His Twitter account, which appears to be at least partially authored by the Senator himself, has been inactive since the stroke.
Shit Lana Del Rey Says
Local comedy duo and NEDTalks creators Seth and Kellen skewer two memes at once in a self-described "desperate attempt to go viral."
To Your Door Service
A Willowbrook man called 911 and said that he "wanted to see an officer because he wanted to fight with them." The police obliged.
Gong Hei Fat Choi!
Happy [belated] Chinese New Year! Parade and activities will be held in Chinatown on the 29th of January. Activities begin around 11:30am, the parade steps off at 1pm.
Rules for Republicans?
Richard Adams of The Guardian asks: "Saul Alinsky: who is he and why does Newt Gingrich keep mentioning him?"
Downward Dog and Checking Account Balance
Athletic clothing brand lululemon is hosting a warehouse sale in Rosemont this weekend. Don't think yoga makes people too chill to fight over a cardboard box of $100 cotton pants.
Add Salsa to the Mix
Gozamos helpfully rounds up where to Salsa dance every night of the week in Chicago.
What You Say
The "Shit ___ Say" video meme train is finally pulling into Chicago. Add your suggestions for the video over on Reddit.
Jellyfish Looking for Bumblebee
Time Out Chicago tries to decode a mysterious flyer hung around town. (Does that say "Louie" under the bee?)
Life on the Street
The RedEye reports that, despite rises in a few neighborhoods, homicide rates were down 2% overall in 2011 from 2012. Check your specific area here.
Technology Follows Us Home
Eric Fisher, who created the cool map of locals vs. tourists on flickr a couple years ago, made a new map of Chicago showing people going home, via their tweets.
Via Twitter (of course), Fischer said, "[The map] is paths from one geotagged tweet to the next by the same person, routed along the most heavily geotagged path in between." In a comment on Flickr, he clarified, "Keep in mind this is trying to be a map of travel from locations to other locations, not of individual tweets. The individual tweets are just to guide the paths. I think what you are seeing here is mostly a lot of travel between O'Hare and the Loop, not a particular tendency to tweet while driving on that route. (Also, the Edens is hardly represented here at all. Those two big routes to the north and northwest are Clark Street and Milwaukee Avenue."
Sun-Times Endorses Nobody
The Sun-Times editorial board has decided to end the practice of endorsing candidates, citing the perception that editorial endorsements imply an institutional bias.
The +1's at iO
Catch the final performance of the +1's, an all-female variety show, at iO this Thursday, Jan. 26 at 10:30pm. This month's theme is "New Years Resolutions."
Tickets are available at ioimprov.com or by calling the box office at 773-880-0199.
One Possible Workforce Future
Crain's breaks down estimates of Illinois' employment characteristics in 2018 from a recent Georgetown Center on Education and the Workforce report.
Join SMALL and Participate in "The People's Macy's"
Speaking of workforce development, the Public Media Institute is launching the Small Manufacturing Alliance (SMALL), and they want you to join. SMALL will promote and support local companies and individuals who make stuff: bikes, clothing, food, media, whatever. The first public event will be the SMALL Showroom, which will feature member products in the Co-Prosperity Sphere throughout May.
Where the Gangs Were
Chicago's Gangland, a map from 1926. It's among many housed at the University of Chicago Library. [via]
Nailed It
A local man proved once again that it's possible to shoot a nailgun into one's own head and not realize it.
Burnett: Man of the People?
The Reader's Mick Dumke gets up close and personal with Alderman Walter Burnett, Jr. John Greenfield talked with Ald. Burnett about transportation for us last year.
See What's Been Plowed
The City's new Plow Tracker is great, but Derek Eder and Forest Gregg's ClearStreets takes it a step further and shows you where the plows have been, for a better idea of what progress has been made.
Tower Heist
Well, sort of -- last week in the southwest suburbs, a few scrap metal thieves managed to dismantle an entire building and cart off the steel. The article has no mention of security lasers or a slightly off-kilter demolitions expert, but we can hope.
Laughing Through the Snow
Tonight at Mayne Stage, Atomic Comics features some of the city's top standup talent. It doubles as a book drive for Zealous Good, and you could win a prize from GB in the raffle.
Out with the Old Map, In with the New
The Tribune apps team makes it easier to see what changes have been made to ward map by putting it side-by-side with the old one.
He's Not Cameron Frye's Dad
...but you can be driven around Chicago in a Ferrari by this guy for $300/hour.
CTA in NYC
Redditor northsider1983 overlaid the CTA on New York City, and vice versa. [via]
Here's a version with the MTA lines in white for comparison.
Flashback Footage from The Blizzard of 1979
WGN-TV footage from the city's fourth worst blizzard in history, that brought down nearly 19 inches of snow from Jan. 13 to Jan. 14, 1979.
Obama's Lovin' You Forever
We don't usually talk about him unless he's in town, but this is too good to pass up: Barack Obama sang the first line of Al Green's "Let's Stay Together" last night at a fundraiser at the Apollo Theater -- with Rev. Al Green in the audience.
"This place has got everything"
Demolition permits were issued on Wednesday for everyone's favorite mall chase location, Dixie Square Mall.
Here's footage of the iconic chase being filmed.
Read Between the Lines
After today's contentious City Council vote to redraw ward lines, you may have a new alderman starting in 2015. More in Mechanics.
Jane Addams Hull House is Closing Shop
After 123 years of providing social services to the city's underserved people and communities, the Jane Addams Hull House Association will close by the end of March and file for bankruptcy.
MTV's Underemployed Shoots This Spring
From writer Craig Wright (Dirty, Sexy Money, Lost, Six Feet Under), director Troy Miller (Parks And Recreation), and the channel that used to show music videos, comes, yet another scripted series, that is scheduled to shoot in the city this April.
Single Speed, Double Espresso
Grid Chicago got a sneak peek inside of coffee/bike shopHeritage Bicycles, opening on Jan. 28.
Sidewalk Law
Domu put out a series of articles, one of which is a comprehensive guide to snow removal on city sidewalks- where the legal responsibilities fall and Illinois law regarding liability in the event of an accident.
Pens, Check. Bookbag, Check. Books iPad?
IBooks 2, a digital textbook service from Apple, was unveiled today. The move, in collaboration with textbook market majority publishers Pearson PLC, McGraw-Hill and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, is likely to make Apple's iPad an education essential.
You've Got Chicago.com Mail
BuiltInChicago has sneak preview access to the @Chicago.com premium email address service. (Previously.)
Snagging a Fish
The latest installment of The Grid short film series introduces you to "snaggers," the people who fish along the city's coastline.
Riding the Wrong Waves
Rex Flodstrom was arrested yesterday for surfing at Oak Street Beach. For the record, surfing is only allowed at 57th Street, Montrose, Osterman and Rainbow beaches during the winter, and only at Montrose and Osterman during the summer.
Axelrod Staying in Town
After working for President Obama's reelection campaign, strategist David Axelrod will be taking his talents to Hyde Park to work for a new political institute at U of C beginning next year.
Starting at 1871
A new "center for digital entrepreneurs," 1871, was announced today. The 50,000-square-foot space will be located in the Merchandise Mart and is meant to foster the city's startup scene by offering affordable deskspace and other services.
After the Waves
A photo exhibition documenting life in Japan post-tsunami is on view at UofC's Rockefeller Chapel tonight at 7:30pm.
Hateful "Free Speech" Curtailed
After outcries about rampant racism and cases of impersonation in its comments, North Side news site Chicago News Report updated its TOS to include more specific commenting guidelines.
Doc 2012
Chicagoist suggests that the winter schedule at the University of Chicago's Doc Films might be one of their best ever. Hard to argue -- it's loaded with Bogart, Leone, Anderson(s), Naruse and a host of others.
Eat Up & Boogie Down with GB!
Gapers Block has two big events coming up in a couple weeks: First, join us at Club Lucky Feb. 4 for our first-ever BBQ Bowl barbecue competition. Then, on Feb. 12, get ready to boogie at our Valentines Dance-A-Thon!
Still Backing the Bid on Google
Chicago's failed Olympic bid still haunts the Internet on Google street view.
Durbin and Kirk Websites Down
The official websites for Senators Durbin and Kirk are down, likely under tremendous burden from the PIPA/SOPA traffic. Still, the Senators' phone lines are active, even if Kirk is letting calls go to voicemail.
Teen Beating Suspects Charged
A quick update on the teen beating caught on video: seven have been charged in the attack, and one of them is being charged as an adult. Bail was set at $100,000.
Teacher and Legal Advisor
Dennis Kass teaches history at a Little Village high school. But he's also a lawyer, and for the past four years, he's offered free legal advice to students and their families through the Chicago Law and Education Foundation.
$3.25 per Pull
The fuel surcharge on taxi service will be permanent if the City Counsel passes an ordinance that made it out of committee yesterday, but that doesn't mean cab drivers are making any more money. Drivers continue to protest the taxi industry overhaul proposed by Mayor Emanuel.
Sharkula won't Confirm Spiritual Guidance from Wesley Willis
Chicago's future last rapper standing and all around hustler Sharkula is the subject of a feature in Forbes.
Finally Off the Bus
Tracy Swartz rode all 139 CTA bus routes over the past two and a half years, and now she's done.
Pictures from Playboy's Streeterville Past
A small collection of family friendly photos from Playboy Enterprises Inc., that will be closing its Chicago headquarters and moving its employees to Los Angeles this April.
How to Spend a Sunday
Travel and Leisure Magazine has named Chicago's The Publican as one of the best brunch spots in the country.
On Chicago's Side, not MJ's
New sports blog ChicagoSide (previously) doesn't officially go live until April 1, but it's posted a couple teaser stories -- including one about Michael Jordan being a jerk.
Get Custom Duds
Bespokeable is a new local startup promising custom-tailored clothes via the interwebs.
I Write, I Network
Xrivo is a newish social network based in Chicago that's all about connecting writers and readers.
Kanye Back in the Day
Fake Shore Drive dug up a video of Kanye West performing with Phenom in 1996, long before he was a college dropout. [via]
Brutal Beating Caught on Video
Police are investigating an assault and robbery caught on tape of a teenage boy by seven other teens outside Ward Elementary in Bridgeport. The video was originally posted by one of the assailants, and is now mirrored elsewhere. [via]
Warning: This video is obviously violent and also includes strong language. Not safe for work. A backup copy can be found here.
UPDATE:
Via the Reddit thread linked in the [via] above, here's video of the victim escaping:
One of the suspects has allegedly been arrested. Meanwhile, a friend of the assailants has posted videos explaining that the beating occurred as retribution for a prior fight in which 20 guys beat up two of the assailants.
UPDATE 2:
Teenager Dave from WTFProduktionz is following the story and posting updates as well.
Don't Hug it Out, Yelp it Out
Two separate controversies are battling it out in the Yelp-a-verse: a sommelier so angry at a negative review of his wine-tasting courses that he created a fake blog for the rater that documented a (fabricated) criminal history and substance abuse problems (she's suing him); and a dog obedience trainer who reportedly choked and kicked a dog in his care in front of a number of local animal rescue groups at an adoption event this past weekend.
The Drinking Season
Baby, it's cold outside -- might as well warm up with a drink. Chicago magazine's February issue contains a drinker's guide to Chicago.
Exploring Ways to Love Chicago
For the next 35 days, ExploreChicago is sharing "175 Ways to Love Chicago." And if getting to know the city is your new year's resolution, ExploreChicago has your back with neighborhood tours.
City for Sale
The city of Chicago made $3.6 million in online auctions of surplus and unneeded goods in 2011, and plans to make even more this year. If you're on the prowl for a Crown Vic, dump trailer or a whole bunch of old toner, you can scope out current offerings yourself.
The Moon, Up Close
The Field Museum once displayed a roughly 18-foot scale replica of the moon. Wonder if they still have it. [via]
MJ's Terrible Game
Michael Jordan: Chaos in the Windy City was a Super NES videogame released by EA in 1994, to very poor reviews. If you have a couple hours to kill, you can watch a guy play the whole thing on YouTube in, appropriately enough, 23 parts. Or download the ROM and play it yourself.
This Old Tape: Chicago's Red Light District
Rush Street was once Chicago's red light district. Here's some footage of Rush in 1966, and a little more background from Chicago magazine.
Celebrate MLK Day
You have several options for events honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. today, including performances at the DuSable Museum, the CSO, Chicago History Museum and the Black Ensemble Theatre. OccupyChi also has an event planned, a followup to their Sunday rally.
South Side Irish Parade Is Back
The Sun-Times broke news this weekend that the South Side Irish St. Patrick's Day Parade would be returning after three years' absence. But not everyone is thrilled, and many are skeptical that the organizers will be able to keep public drinking away from the parade.
A Touching Tribute
At the close of last night's "Saturday Night Live," castmember Vanessa Bayer wore a shirt printed with a picture of Mike Enriquez, a veteran Chicago improviser who died last week following a battle with cancer.
Transit Twofer
If getting rid of your car was your New Year's Resolution, the Center for Neighborhood Technology has an offer to sweeten that deal: if you sign up for a Chicago Card Plus/I-GO card before February 29th, you'll get a discount on the I-GO application fee and a $50 credit towards CTA fare.
Inappropriately Dressed for the Weather
The Marilyn Monroe statue in Pioneer Square looks even more ridiculous in the snow. [via]
Facebook Town Hall
Mayor Rahm Emanuel will hold another Facebook town hall meeting on January 23. Emanuel's previous virtual town hall was the first of its kind from a sitting mayor. Chicagoans can submit education-related questions online here.
Richard Threlkeld Dies
The former ABC correspondent, who graduated from Medill and was raised in Barrington, died this morning in New York after his car collided with a propane tanker. He was 74.
Photography + Sociology = Sociolography
Our managing editor, David Schalliol, is on a roll. His To be Demolished project is grabbing attention, and he has an acclaimed photo exhibit up in Milwaukee right now. He's talked about the latter with Salon and on Huffington Post.
Milk Stout
If the headline didn't mean anything to you, neither will this: Left Hand Brewery is rolling out their most popular beer in nitrogen-charged bottles that will hit Chicago next week. Milk Stout nitro will be the first of its kind produced by an American craft brewery and aims to give the beer a mouthfeel closer to that of a draft pour. See link for details on tastings and launch parties.
"When to take my name off the door"
Brazilian designer Lobo created a short animation of a classic speech by Chicago ad legend Leo Burnett. [via]
The City in Fabric
Spoonflower.com is a place where designers can create their own design and have it printed onto their choice of fabric. They're currently running a contest to have folks vote for their favorite city insIpired designs. Lots of Paris and Amsterdam, but there are a few Chicago-inspired designs, and even one of Berwyn.
Zagat Books a Gift Card
The Zagat Smartbox is an "experiential gift card" that gets you a three-course dinner for two at one of 46 area restaurants for $99 -- which, depending on where you dine, might not be such a great deal after all.
Riding Along the River
As part of Grid Chicago's "stealth" bike route series, John Greenfield recently rode the North Branch Path, and discovered all sorts of interesting stuff.
13 Tables of 13 in Room 13
LIFE magazine chronicled a Friday the 13th party held by Chicago's Anti-Superstition Society in 1940. Wait, what's today? [via]
"Chicago is such a part of me"
The Trib's Chris Borrelli put together an oral history of Fred Armisen's time in Chicago.
Chicago's Nightlife, ca. 1947
The Bismark, Chez Paree, the Pump Room and the Edgewater Beach Hotel were among the stars of Chicago's nightlife in 1947.
[via]
City Ethics Message Board
The City's Ethics Reform Task Force launched an online forum Wednesday that allows the public to make recommendations for strengthening city ethics rules. Of the few posts already up on the forum, all anonymous, there seem to be a few common suggestions for aldermanic ethics rules: term limits, more open meetings and a ban on lawmakers working for city contractors once they leave office.
Tumble and Tweet for TNK
Get set times and last-minute updates for this weekend's Tomorrow Never Knows Festival (which really starts tonight). See details across all venues at Schubas and Lincoln Hall's Tumblr and @tnk_2012. They've got the set breakdowns for shows tonight, including the comedy sets at Hideout. Check out our Transmission section for previews of shows we're keen on, and keep an eye out for show reviews all weekend long.
Protectors of the Internet
The MPAA essentially declared Ars Technica the enemy for its stance against SOPA, calling it a "tech blog with a long history of challenging efforts to curb content theft" -- or put another way, a site with a long history of not supporting badly written laws that will destroy the Internet.
Split with Express Scripts a Bitter Pill for Walgreens
Breakups are never easy, but Walgreens seems particularly upset about cutting ties with Express Scripts, formerly one of the drugstore chain's biggest customers. Walgreens is taking to Twitter with its grievances, saying, "It's time to take a stand against @ExpressScripts. Tell them people want a choice by tweeting hashtag #ILoveWalgreens" in a (sponsored) tweet.
Beer Train Express Leaving From Unions Station
Tickets for the Chicago Beer Festival happening March 31st at Union Station have gone on sale. The first batch of breweries in attendance are Hamburger Mary's, 5 Rabbit, Argus, Three Floyds, Half Acre, Lagunitas, Duvel St. Fullien, Crispin, Sierra Nevada, Stone, Sea Dog, Shipyard and, Pyramid.
Enough to Make Your Head Spin
Just happened upon some footage that features some of the best bboys, or breakdancers, in the city, battling it out at the Alternatives Youth Center back in November.
A Year in Theater
2012 promises to be a great year for theater in Chicago, with new hits Book of Mormon, American Idiot and Bring it On: The Musical, as well as classic revivals of South Pacific, Mamma Mia and Cats. All of which is to say nothing of huge non-musical offerings.
Twinkies Shelf Life Shortening
Twinkies, which were invented in Chicago, face an unsure future as Hostess Brands enters bankruptcy. A former executive with Continental Baking Co., the original Twinkie maker, shares why the iconic treat was better back in the day.
Get Yer Dibs In
If you see folks taking dibs on parking spots after it snows, or even if you have proof of pre-dibs, share it with Chicago Dibs.
Watch the Plows
The Plow Tracker is now live, showing where the City's 183 snow plows are in roughly real time.
Here's a "behind the scenes" look at Streets & San's snow HQ, with a bunch of snow stats from Commissioner Tom Byrne.
Documenting Burr Oak Cemetery
Beyond the Divide is an upcoming documentary examiningthe Burr Oak Cemetery scandal; you can help get it made through an IndieGoGo campaign.
60 Seconds to None
Chicago's new tourism slogan, "Chicago, second to none," will make its television debut soon.
Pit Bull Pride
Chicagoist profiles Chicago SociaBulls, a walking club and community for owners of pit bulls and other "bully breed" dogs founded by the blog Two Pitties in the City.
Your Love Song {Here}
Submit your favorite love song at Chilights.com by Feb. 10 and you might win a place for it in this year's V-Day playlist on State Street's Lightscape, a choreographed song and light show in the Loop. The winner will also receive a romantic getaway package at theWit. Contestants may also tweet songs to #LIGHTSCAPE or text "Lightscape" to 33938.
Welcome to Downtown, Wherever You Are!
GB flickr pool contributor Katherine Hodges noticed that the new Walgreen's seems to have a pretty liberal definition of "downtown living."
Preparing for the Worst
As Chicago braces for what might be as much as 6 inches of snow Thursday, don't forget to avoid parking on 2-inch snow routes. Once the snow starts falling, you might also want to watch the real-time plow tracker on Chicago Shovels to see when your street will be cleared.
WPB Gets a New Site
The Wicker Park-Bucktown Chamber of Commerce has relaunched its website, with event listings and a special deal section.
What're You, Cheap?
Then this week's Time Out is for you. (On the other end of the spectrum, Julia Kramer talks with Grant Achatz about Next's tribute to elBulli, which will cost $473 per person all told.)
Digital Beef
After watching Ben Joravsky shoot back at Frank Sennett and Dan Sinker over his Bulls game live-tweeting, Ernest Wilkins thinks Chicago's online media need to start a fight. He makes some good points, but I can't take that dandy clotheshorse seriously.
Tuning In
I know, terrestrial radio is so old. But in case you're still stuck to the dial, Radio-Locator.com can help you find stations that come in loud and clear wherever you are -- as well as tell you which ones broadcast online.
Taxi Drivers Talk Back on Proposed Regulation
Author and cabbie Dmitry Samarov weighs in on Mayor Emanuel's proposed new taxi ordinance. Chicago Dispatcher has even more dissent.
Lose Something?
Newly launched Found In Town is a new service designed to help track down things like phones lost in the back of a cab.
DIY Ward Maps
Have a lot of free time or want something to do during this weekend? WBEZ has a guide to help people create their own ward maps. Data and links to required programs are listed, but assembly is required.
See The World's Fair in Technicolor
Whet Moser dug up some amazing color footage of the 1934 Century of Progress.
Sim Chicago
As Redditor DrapedInVelvet said, "And I thought I had too much free time."
Click to see the full version:
The Least Self-Aware Comment of the Week?
Yesterday CBOE Holdings Inc. CEO Bill Brodsky criticized the state's dire financial situation after his company recently received an estimated $6 million in new state tax cuts.
President Obama to be at UIC
President Barack Obama is confirmed to appear at the UIC Forum tomorrow, the latest addition to his scheduled fundraisers in the city.
$45 Million Mess
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security looked at Project Shield, Cook County's security measure which outfitted squad cars with cameras able to send live feed, amongst other things. Though installation began in 2005, the recent investigation found that everything that could go wrong, well, did.
Five to Midnight
The time on the symbolic Doomsday Clock, which tracks how close the world is to global disaster, has been adjusted. The time was moved from six minutes to five due to "ongoing threats from nuclear proliferation, climate change and the need to find sustainable and safe sources of energy." The Clock is maintained by the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists at the University of Chicago.
New Section: To Be Demolished
Gapers Block is pleased to announce a new section supported by The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation: To Be Demolished. Over the course of 2012 I will be producing a photographic portrait of 100 of the hundreds of buildings threatened with demolition in the city of Chicago. This week launches with five modest and monumental buildings from the "demolition hold" list. More information about the project is on the "background" page.
$135/Mile is Uber Expensive
Uber customers in Chicago and elsewhere got a bit of a shock if they used the private car service on New Year's Eve: "surge pricing" that drove the cost of a ride up as much as 6.25 times the regular price. Not surprisingly, the reaction was uber negative.
Learning the Trade
Want to teach yourself how to be an architect -- or at least how to design like one? Black Spectacles can help.
By Car, Bus or Train, a Great Deal
Now until Feb. 29, you can get a year's membership to I-GO car share for just $15 -- and receive a $50 CTA fare credit when you sign up for a Chicago Card Plus I-Go.
Courtward Bound for Bad Gag
A 21-year-old father who posted photos to Facebook of his daughter bound and gagged back in December was indicted yesterday.
ObamaSenatorLuv@AOL.com?
NYT reporter Jodi Kantor's book The Obamas, which goes on sale tomorrow, reveals a lot of interesting clashes within the White House, such as tensions between Mrs. O. with Rahm Emanuel and former press secretary Robert Gibbs, and that Barack used an AOL email address as recently as his Senate days.
Confounding Fathers
The year is 2012, and six of the Founding Fathers have been kidnapped through time to be props in the presidential election. Follow the antics of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton and James Madison in the new transmedia series, "I Made America."
More than Comiskey & Schaller's Pump
It's about time you explored Bridgeport (assuming you don't live there).
Not Your Neighborhood Walgreens
The new Walgreens flagship store opened at 6:30am this morning at 151 N. State St. It's decidedly upscale compared to your typical pharmacy, replete with sushi counter, fine wine and microbrews, and even luxury cosmetics.
Be Careful When Picking Your Seat
This past Saturday at Edzo's Burger Shop a group of people tested the rule that you should only reserve a table after you've ordered. For the outcome of that experiment, please see Ed's version of what happened, corroborated by Grub Street Chicago. And of course, this led to the inevitable one-star Yelp review.
"You're the ring to my Smeagol"
Jason Segel took fan Chelsea Gill and her twin sister to the Chicago Film Critic Awards this weekend after she recorded a song asking him out for a drink. [via]
Helping Prostitutes Get Their Wings
WINGS, a Cook County Court program aimed at rehabilitating prostitutes, is barely a year old, but already it's having an effect. In Mechanics, Sarah Ostman shares the story of the first woman to go through the program.
Text the Train Tracker
The CTA added SMS service to its Train Tracker -- starting today you can text "ctatrain" and the station code (here's a list) to 41411 and it'll text you back an estimate of when the next train will arrive.
Drugstore Makeover
Starting tomorrow, shoppers, pedestrians and die-hard drugstore fans can check out the new "flagship" Walgreens at 200 N. State. Features include manicures, fresh sushi, smoothies, a barista and a humidor.
I'm Sure He'll Get Another Job Really Soon
Bill Daley has resigned as White House Chief of Staff, after a year on the job. Daley had planned to leave at the end of Obama's current term.
ORD Poster
Designer and architect Jerome Daksiewicz has produced a series of posters featuring the runway layouts of several major airports, including O'Hare. [via]
United States of X: Odd Nickname Edition
Hey, who are you calling "Sucker," you map of "nicknames of the states" from 1884?
It's especially odd considering the map was produced by a hog ring manufacturer based in Decatur. Maybe "Sucker" was a nice thing in 1884.
Mo' Mummy
The Field Museum will soon display (for a limited time) 20 mummies from its collection--several of which haven't been displayed since the Columbian Exhibition.
Chicago: Cable Car Capital
Once upon a time, Chicago had the largest cable car system in the world. Dig deeper here.
Your Lobbyist Representative
In Illinois, it's totally legal for a government official to simultaneously work as a lobbyist -- even when the issue they're lobbying for is being considered by a committee they sit on.
Fighting Back
To show support for the suburban woman who was brutally assaulted and raped on New Year's Eve in Logan Square, Rape Victims Advocates have organized a community meeting tonight at 5:30pm [PDF]. Meet at the Congress Theater, 2135 N. Milwaukee; the group will then walk to the area where the woman was found.
The Cardinal Apologizes
Cardinal George finally apologized on Friday for his comparison of the gay pride parade to the KKK (previously: 1, 2). The planned LGBTQ protest Sunday was canceled, but some still marched.
Here's Cardinal George's apology statement, for posterity:
Statement from Francis Cardinal George, OMI
Archbishop of Chicago
January 6, 2012During a recent TV interview, speaking about this year's Gay Pride Parade, I used an analogy that is inflammatory.
I am personally distressed that what I said has been taken to mean that I believe all gays and lesbians are like members of the Klan. I do not believe that; it is obviously not true. Many people have friends and family members who are gay or lesbian, as have I. We love them; they are part of our lives, part of who we are. I am deeply sorry for the hurt that my remarks have brought to the hearts of gays and lesbians and their families.
I can only say that my remarks were motivated by fear for the Church's liberty. This is a larger topic that cannot be explored in this expression of personal sorrow and sympathy for those who were wounded by what I said.
Francis Cardinal George, OMI
Old Town School, New Building
The Old Town School of Folk Music officially opens its new building at 4545 N. Lincoln Ave. this morning at 10:30am. The brand new facility features dance studios, classrooms, a new performance space, and artwork in the lobby courtesy of R. Crumb. If you can't make the opening ceremony, you'll have plenty of chances to check the new space out, as the school's got a big list of performances, classes, workshops and guided tours happening there.
Sort of Celebrity Sightings
What's the expiration date of celebrity status? The Tribune features a collection of photos that, while including some Chicago greats, goes into a debatable realm of relevance in terms of the people that still pass for famous.
Why No Pants Isn't Enough
A.V. Club Chicago explains why the annual No Pants Subway Ride is past its prime- it's over-planned, over-populated and over-publicized. With most of the surprise bled out of flash mobs, how can they stay fresh?
Home-Grown Talent in The New York Times
Rashid Johnson, an esteemed photographer and graduate of both Columbia College Chicago and the School of the Art Institute, was featured in The New York Times' Art & Design section. The piece titled Fusing Identity: Dollops of Humor and Shea Butter, also includes information about his Message to Our Folks exhibit, which will be at the Museum of Contemporary Art in April.
D.Rose vs. D.Howard
Derrick Rose and the Bulls take on Dwight Howard and the Magic at 7pm tonight in Orlando, in pursuit of their sixth straight win.
Better Seats for the Buds Below the Belt
The University of Illinois at Chicago is conducting a study examining the correlation between bike seats and male impotence.
A Beatle on the Big Screen
Paul McCartney fans can catch an intimate glimpse of the icon, on-screen at the Gene Siskel Film Center, in the 8pm premier of The Love We Make. Read Steve Prokopy's review in A/C.
Wacker Reconstruction Rolls On
The next phase of the "Revive Wacker Drive" project commences Monday, Jan. 9. Wacker will be closed from Monroe almost all the way to Jackson until sometime this summer, but Madison will reopen.
You Wanna (Thoughtful 2-minute) Piece of Me?
On a lighter public radio note, "This American Life" and "On The Media" have settled their blood feud, and in doing so nearly ignited a massive cerebral radio brawl.
WBEZ Changes Up Daytime Lineup
WBEZ announced yesterday that Alison Cuddy, host of "Eight Forty-Eight," will step out of that role and become an arts and culture reporter; Tony Sarabia takes over in the interim. Meanwhile, former "Eight Forty-Eight" host and current director of content development Steve Edwards will soon get a new afternoon show of his own. [via]
Hey Girl, You Might Not Want to Google His Name
Aaron Kraus has created a Tumblr (NSFW) with an intersection of the phrase "Hey Girl" from Ryan Gosling memes, Rick Santorum's positions women's rights and pictures of Rick Santorum. Submissions to the blog are being accepted (Still NSFW).
I Want to Pitch a Shark for You
Local comedian Steve Gadlin will be on "Shark Tank" Jan. 27, seeking investment in IWantToDrawACatForYou.com, his cat-drawing service, which has produced over 1400 custom cat drawings since it launched two years ago.
Renegade Handmade Down
Renegade Handmade, the shop run by the folks behind the Renegade Craft Show, is closing soon, a victim of the now-national fair's success.
Treecycle
Don't just leave it in an alleyway! You can recycle your Christmas tree starting this Saturday (through January 20) at these locations.
Get Sketched Out
Sketchfest, the self-proclaimed world's largest sketch comedy festival kicks off tonight and runs through the 15th. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll hopefully not find a naked man in the front row.
So Much for Shit
As his resolution for 2012, Mayor Emanuel is giving up his cherished set of four-letter words, admitting, "I'd like to do something about my potty mouth." Whether or not he can be the same Rahm is up for debate, with one aide commenting, "It's gonna be like Samson losing his hair."
Bathroom Reading
Past GB Book Club author Dave Eggers' work is now available in shower curtain form. [via]
The Chess Party
In A/C, meet some of the people who play checkers and chess at "the world's first folding chess table."
Watching the Clock
The Bulletin of Atomic Scientists hosts its third annual Doomsday Clock Symposium next Monday, Jan. 9, after which they'll adjust the clock if deemed necessary. It is currently at six minutes to midnight.
Skaydi, Freya or... Trixie?
The Lincoln Park Zoo has a new owl (it's a snowy owl; what's with those this year?) and have left its name up to a Facebook poll. A.V. Club Chicago wasn't inspired by the choices, so it took to Twitter to elicit some more.
120 E. Pearson St.
In the first of three articles on architect Bertrand Goldberg's homes in Chicago, Forgotten Chicago reminds us that the Mag Mile wasn't always all giant stores and highrises.
Chicago in Polar Panorama
Streetview Stereographic turns Google maps into an extreme fisheye lens. This lends itself to some really interesting views of Chicago. [via]
Weekday Art
Through Feb 10, weekday admission to the Art Institute is free for all Illinois residents.
Creating Distance
Nick Disabato, who was one of the first success stories on Kickstarter with his book Cadence & Slang, just launched a new Kickstarter campaign for Distance, "a new quarterly publication featuring long-form essays about design and technology." (Find other projects we think are worth your attention on GB's Kickstarter page.)
Title First, Idea Later
Rogue Lumen produces FilmWave, a series of shorts based on titles submitted by on their website. The latest is "Comic Sans is for babies."
"Wide Eyed & Dizzy, Walkin'"
Nico Segal and Vic Mensa of Kids These Days take a slow tour around town in their video for "Clear Eyes," shot earlier this year. Nice use of tilt-shift and faux stop-animation.
Social Media Helps the Homeless
AnnMarie Walsh was homeless until her Twitter account brought her fame and good fortune.
Instructional T-Shirt
Harebrained has a t-shirt explaining the symbology of the Chicago, and looks good doing it. [via]
Having a Good Time All the Time
...could win you a historic bar tour of the city for you and your friends! Chicago Detours has the details.
Vinnie Goes West
Potato chip maker CJ Vitner Co. has been purchased by California's Snak King, leaving Chicago without a locally owned chip company. Jay's was sold to Snyder's of Hanover in 2007.
Don't Drink & Drive-Thru
If you're so drunk you fall asleep in the drive-thru at the Rock 'n' Roll McDonald's, a Big Mac isn't going to help you.
One Step Closer to Looking Like Michelle
Jason Wu, who designed the First Lady's inaugural gown, is launching a special collection for Target in February.
Chicago's Social Media Successes?
Crain's today shares a list of local companies "doing social media right." Scott Smith thinks the list is a little misleading.
Free Weights
From today through Jan. 9, residents are invited to use any of the Chicago Park District's 71 fitness centers for free. For 2012, they've also add more flexible membership options, and there's a complimentary Nike cinch bag for anyone who extends their free week into a three-month or annual plan.
Collecting the Glamour
Potter & Potter Auctions specializes in a very particular item: magic. Their next auction, offering the estate of close-up magician and master of cards Larry Jennings, is Jan. 28.
Angelo Out
The Bears fired GM Jerry Angelo today, after the team finished the season 8-8. Coach Lovie Smith is sticking around at least through next season.
Now That Winter is Here...
Last winter Google engineer Brian "Fitz" Fitzpatrick shared his advice on how to survive winter in Chicago. It's always good advice.
More Holes than Street
Chicago's Department of Transportation filled more than 600,000 potholes in streets, highways and alleys in 2011. That's a new record.
Chicago Shovels at the Ready
The City has launched Chicago Shovels, a portal for snow-related information -- including a real-time plow tracker during storms -- to make sure another blizzard doesn't blindside us. You might also want to check out 2inch.es, an interactive map of 2-inch snow routes and overnight parking restrictions, and its sister site, WasMyCarTowed.com.
Wait Wait ...Don't XKCD Me
Webcomic xkcd imagines the headlines should "Wait, Wait ...Don't Tell Me" host Peter Sagal ever does anything newsworthy in 2012. Sagal, for his part, has vowed to use the comic as a to-do list.
United States of X: Really Good Map Edition
Imus Geographics produces a map that Slate calls "the best paper map of the United States you'll ever see." [via]
So Much for E-Bullying
A law passed by Illinois congress in August takes effect today, allowing school officials to suspend/expel/discipline students for threats they make against other students or staff online, whether it be a blog, Facebook, Twitter, etc.
Chief Techno Officer
The City's chief technology officer, John Tolva, joins DJ C and Jesse Kriss in launching Beat Research Chicago, a new evening of "experimental party music" at Villain's this Wednesday.
Cobbling Together Work
A UIC student tells Mashable how she picks up odd jobs to make ends meet while going to school.
B-Fest Tickets On Sale
Good news, B movie fans! B-Fest 2012, the 24-hour B movie film festival put on by Northwestern University, happens in less than four weeks, and tickets are going on sale this morning. See the B-Fest Website for full details and a link to purchase your tickets.
See here and here for previous coverage of B-Fest on Gapers Block.
Calling Out for a Mugging
A new trend in restaurant delivery: scrutinizing mobile phone orders. The CPD recently warned restaurants to avoid mobile phone orders after a string of delivery robberies in Chinatown and Hyde Park.
Chicago's First Babies of 2012
Adrian Karol Kois and Lamaya West, both born at midnight Sunday night.
Parking Meters to Increase Again
On Monday, street parking rates will increase again. Parking will cost $5.75 an hour in the Loop, $3.50 in other business districts and $1.75 in neighborhoods.
End of a Culinary Era
Charlie Trotter's will be closing in August. The legendary chef plans to travel, earn a master's degree, and open another restaurant in the future.
