Not an April Fools Joke
April means the return of Street Sweeping here in Chicago. Check the schedule and mark your calendar to avoid that $50 ticket!
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.
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March 2012
It Takes One to Win, Many Millions to Lose
If you were like me last night, the odds that you would win the $640m lottery were not in your favor. Three winning tickets were sold last night, one of them in downstate Red Bud. The other winning tickets were sold in Kansas and Maryland.
Quick-Charge
Though electric vehicle owners can charge for free at multiple-hour 'Level 2' stations, 26 quick-charge stations have been installed in the Chicagoland area, asking $21 for three 15 minute sessions. Full list of stations, fast and slow, can be found here.
Give This Man a Dollar
A panhandler with an excellent idea: set up next to the State Street preacher and add a little commentary.
The Rock Hard Abs of Government
Illinois Congressman Aaron Schock has been reimbursed over $150,000 from his campaign committee for expenses ranging from Greek vacations to P90X exercise videos, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington reports. [via]
Making Money the Hard Way
Would you drive a pedicab from Wrigley to 11th and Michigan in blazing summer heat? You might if there were $200 in it for you.
Nice Weekend for a New Pet?
Animal Care and Control, which has undergone some big changes in the last week, is holding an "Mega-match-athon" adoption event [pdf] this weekend at their facility (2741 South Western), 9am-9pm both days.
Help a Radio Station Out
Today is the last day of CHIRP Radio's annual donation drive. If you're a fan, consider chipping in.
Bulletproof McBain
Everything is Terrible! presents one of the worst action films ever made, Bulletproof starring Gary Busey, tonight at midnight at the Music Box. Be there, butt-horn!
Digging Up Gacy
The Cook County Sherriff's office hopes to excavate the yard of an apartment building where John Wayne Gacy once worked on the possibility that more of the serial killer's victims are buried there.
WGN off DirecTV?
On Sunday, DirecTV customers may find that they're no longer able to watch WGN and other Tribune television properties, as the contract between the companies expires Saturday with no resolution in sight.
Key & Peele Honored Saturday
The Chicago Improv Festival's awards benefit this Saturday honors Comedy Central's Key and Peele.
Necrophilia Might Become Illegal
The Illinois House voted 114-0 on Wednesday to make necrophilia a Class 2 Felony.
United States of X: Windy Edition
The Wind Map shows the wind patterns across the entire country. Some stunning portraits here. [via]
Get the Lolla List First
Seeing as how the cheap tickets sold out in seconds, you might want to see who's actually playing Lollapalooza this year before shelling out $230 for your three-day passes. If you sign up on Do312, you'll receive an email at midnight April 11 with the full lineup.
A City Rises from the Mist
Craig Shimala watched the fog roll in last Sunday from an excellent vantage point: the Hancock Observatory. [via]
Chicago Gets Glazed and Infused
Glazed and Infused, a new craft doughnut upstart, is about to open up shop near several CTA locations across the city, selling everything from old-fashioned staples to maple-bacon long johns. We have a preview in Drive-Thru.
CTA Releases Red Line Remodel Closure Dates
The CTA announced the dates for the next station closures in its ongoing renovation of the Red Line. Granville is first, on May 11.
Do the Crossword
First, download Sam Worley's puzzle (PDF). Then, grab the solution (also a PDF) and read his account of putting it together.
Streaming the Blues
Among the thousands of recordings by Alan Lomax recently made available for streaming online are several by/of Chicago bluesmen, including music by Big Bill Broonzy and Broonzy, Sonny Boy Williamson and Memphis Slim talking about racism, moving here from the South, double-jointedness and all sorts of other stuff.
Time for Falcon Cam Again!
Area falcon cams are back online: Check out the raptors at UIC, Evanston Public Library (one egg already!) and Midwest Generation up in Waukegan. Learn more on the Field Museum's website.
UIC Peregrine Falcon Cam
Selling Out Pays
Rod Blagojevich's former chief of staff John Harris received a ten day prison sentence for his role in the senate seat debacle that sent his old boss to jail for 14 years. Harris provided key testimony for the prosecution.
Down at the Convention Center, Yeah
Chicago has lured the annual Car Wash Show away from Las Vegas for 2014.
Hanging a Dog Doesn't Cure Dementia
In further poor pet ownership news, a man on the South Side was arrested for hanging his dog by its neck from a tree using a bicycle tire, claiming it was treatment to keep the dog from getting dementia. [via]
Bobby Rush Dons a Hoodie
Congressman Bobby Rush was removed from the House floor for wearing a hoodie while addressing the Trayvon Martin case. Acting Speaker Gregg Harper (R-MS) asked the sergeant-at-arms to enforce the House rule forbidding hats in the chamber.
A 175th Birthday Party You Won't Forget
Tickets are going fast for Forgotten Chicago's 175th Birthday Party this Saturday. The lineup now includes the first Midwest screening of a short film created by Vivian Maier in the early 1970s. (Thanks, Patrick!)
Kickstart the Jam(boree)
Q101 is off the air but it's not dead -- it lives on as an internet radio station. And now it's trying to keep the Q101 Jamboree alive with a Kickstarter campaign. $99 gets you a two-day pass to the festival, which is tentatively planned for Sept. 1-2 on a farm somewhere near the city.
Check out other Kickstarter campaigns on Gapers Block's curated page.
A Death at Montrose Dog Beach
Mondog, the Montrose Dog Beach community site, reports the death of one dog in the jaws of another, and its owner's apparent remorselessness about the killing. The owners of the deceased pet are trying to contact the killer dog's owner, who snuck off instead of taking responsibility.
He's Keeping His Pumpkins to Himself
Billy Corgan shared a lot of his conservative political opinions on Alex Jones' radio show at SXSW last week.
Thrice as Nice
Apparently, we keep doing something right. Already the first city to host the McDonald's All-American Games in back-to-back years, Chicago was confirmed yesterday for three in a row next year. See Tailgate for a primer on what you'll see tonight at the United Center.
Ubi Est EAMUS CATULI?
Two signs well known to Cubs fans, cheering on the Cubs in Latin and showing how many years since the team has won the division, pennant and World Series, are currently missing from their Sheffield perch. The Trib reports that the Eamus Catuli sign will return, but the numbers may not.
If the numbers return, they should be AC0366103. Here are the signs in 2011, photographed by Niklas Hellerstedt:
Party with Airbnb
Airbnb is holding a meetup in Chicago this Saturday at Doejo's former office (soon to be home to Bow Truss Coffee Roaster). Stop by and share books, bikes and beer.
Gas Up or Plug In
Gas prices hit a new record high in Chicago, and is the most expensive in the country. So news that I-GO has added all-electric vehicles to its car sharing service comes at a good time.
Slower than Dialup -- but Much Cooler
Scientists at Fermilab have successfully sent an encoded message via neutrino, the subatomic particle. Unfortunately, the method has a data speed of 0.1 bit per second. [via]
Hard Cover Crowdsourcing
Community TV Network's youth-run show, "Hard Cover," is raising money on IndieGoGo to build a new production studio.
Happy 126th, Mies van der Rohe
Google's doodle today is a depiction of IIT's Crown Hall, in honor of architect Mies van der Rohe's 126th birthday. The Mies van der Rohe Society is throwing a party tonight, with a focus on the architect's influence over hair stylist Vidal Sassoon.
McData Mining
At the end of this very technical post, Twitter data scientist Edwin Chen uses his tools and techniques to dig into the menu at McDonalds.
Congress Owner Responds to Complaints
Jim DeRogatis spoke with Congress Theater owner Erineo "Eddie" Carranza and his attorney about the Deleterious Impact/Public Nuisance hearing (previously) it's facing. They maintain the venue is no worse than others in the city.
Chicago from Above
Last summer, photographer April Maciborka flew over the city with her camera. [via]
Second Hand Apple
MacMall is opening this Saturday at 329 W Grand. Their first location outside of Southern California, they sell refurbished Apple products as well as accessories, support and repairs.
Help Make a Maker Faire
There's a Mini Maker Faire happening in Chicago in April, and they're still looking for participants -- as well as people to document it.
The Chicago Way with Patents
Apparently part of the "Midwest mentality" in Chicago's tech scene also includes patent trolling.
Stuck with the CPS
Yet another unexpected side effect of the housing bubble: fewer young families are able to move to the suburbs for better schools.
SUV as Battering Ram
A drunk man first dared the driver of a car to run him over Saturday night, then got in his SUV and repeatedly rammed the car before fleeing, police say.
Victorian Redone
Designslinger takes a closer look at Theophil Studios, one of the artist-reworked homes on Burton Place in Old Town. View additional images of the building and others by the artist in our gallery of photographs from a book about his work.
Chicago's Top 10 Lesbians
Fantastic Chicago-based Lesbian website The L Stop, (aka "the one stop for everything lesbian in Chicago") just published their list of the 10 Chicago Lesbians to Look Out For.
Oh Hai, Audience
Didn't get tickets to this weekend's sold-out screenings of The Room with Tommy Wiseau and Greg Sestero? There's a Sunday night show at 10:00 that's been added for one more chance to toss the football around, sing "You Are My Rose" and laugh at inappropriate moments. Hurry up and get your tickets!
Congress Theater in Hot Water
The Congress Theater is facing a Deleterious Impact/Public Nuisance Hearing after too many complaints about its poor condition.
The Old-fashioned, Futuristic Trolley
When the last trolley bus ran in 1973, it might have seemed like a step forward -- but in 2012, its all-electric system wouldn't be a bad step backward.
Naughty Celebrities Need Magazines, Too
Goodie Mags is a service that sends magazines to your loved ones in the hospital, nursing homes, even jails and prisons. You can also send magazines to your favorite incarcerated celebrities! The first celebrity recipient? According to Goodie Mags founder and CEO Miriam Bhimani, former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich.
C2E2 is Coming
The Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo is in a couple weeks, and today is the last day to have tickets mailed to you. Celebs including John Cusack, Anne Rice and John Barrowman are scheduled to attend.
Caution: Hot Coffee is Hot
McDonald's is facing two lawsuits over hot coffee spills, including a case involving a 4-year-old Chicagoland girl who received second-degree burns on her chest.
Julius Meinl isn't Starbucks
They may be called Julius Meinl North America, but they're just a three neighborhood coffeeshops, a smaller chain than Intelligentsia.
The Language of Protest
Collectors Weekly traces the modern history of protest posters and manifestos from Chicago 1968 up to today's Occupy movement.
Feeling Lucky?
Starting Sunday, you'll be able to buy Illinois Lottery tickets online -- we're the first state in the country to do it following new legislation.
Bring Back Storefront Aparments
Ald. Proco "Joe" Moreno wants to make it easier for business owners to live in the backs of their shops or other work spaces.
Consigned to VH1
The Wiener's Circle isn't the only local business with a reality show. VH1's "House of Consignment" follows the drama at eDrop-Off, a luxury eBay consignment company in Lincoln Park.
On the season premiere, eDrop-Off owner Corri McFadden and colleagues went through chef Karyn Calabrese's closets.
New Charges in NYE Rape Case
A third teen has been charged in connection with the rape of a young woman outside the Congress Theater New Year's Eve.
Is the Reasonable Cost of Living? The Fantastic Food Scene?
The majority of the Onion's editorial staff is reportedly opposing the newspaper's move from New York to Chicago.
Hotdog Reality: Reviewed
For those of you who missed (intentionally or not) the television debut of "The Wiener's Circle," Chicagoist tuned in and says it's actually pretty entertaining.
U of I President Resigns
University of Illinois president Michael Hogan, whose brief tenure had been marked by faculty complaints over his management style, resigned today. His last day is July 1.
Accuweather's Mea Culpa
Accuweather admits it was wrong when it predicted a winter so bad "people in Chicago are going to want to move." But Tom Skilling doesn't buy the explanation: Japanese tsunami debris.
A Poisonous Treat
Rogers Park pet owners should be on the lookout for pink squirrel poison pellets in places where dogs and cats can reach it. The pellets have more food content than rat poison, so other animals are more likely to think it's a treat.
"Before I die I want to _____"
The Chicago Urban Art Society and Good News Only have teamed up to install Chicago versions of New Orleans artist Candy Chang's "Before I Die..." wall in Edgewater, Pilsen, Wicker Park and Chinatown. They're looking for spots for two more.
"Before I Die..." encourages residents to fill in the blank in the sentence, "Before I die I want to ____" on a large expanse of chalkboard. Twenty-fifth Ward Alderman Danny Solis helped install the Pilsen wall, and was one of the first to write on it. He wrote, "to see Pilsen as the safest neighborhood in the city."
606 S. Wabash
According to legend, the "606" in Chicago's zip codes is an homage to the 606 Club, a speakeasy turned supper club with strippers favored by Richard J. Daley and other bigwigs. Judging by these matchbooks, it must have been a distracting place to do business.
Blago the Grey
Our recently incarcerated ex-governor will be grey soon, says his longtime barber. Prisons don't allow hair dye, and Rod has apparently been dying luxurious mane for quite some time.
Cover-up in Vanecko Case?
A new court filing alleges that police falsified reports in a death investigation involving a nephew of former Mayor Daley, including possibly an admission of guilt. The mother of the victim, who died after a fight outside a bar in 2004, is asking for a special prosecutor to reexamine the case.
I Believe I Can Leave this Closet
R. Kelly's Trapped in the Closet will be making a return on IFC. No date has been announced, but a teaser trailer was supplied.
Bleeding Heart Bleeding Out?
Trouble seems to be brewing between Bleeding Heart Bakery founders Michelle and Vinnie Garcia and their partners, Fifty/50 and Roots owners Greg Mohr and Scott Weiner. The Garcias want out of the relationship, saying it's killed the stores they own independently. Someone started a "Save Our Bakery" Facebook page, which then got taken down. Meanwhile, former BHB employees are dishing dirt on an anonymous blog.
Local School Councils Elections Coming Up
With the primaries over, the next election to focus on is local school councils for Chicago Public Schools March 23. CPS has created a map of LSCs to see whether anyone's running for yours, and CenterSquare Journal and Roscoe View Journal are devoting full coverage to elections in their neighborhoods.
Power Bracket
Chicago Current has launched a Sweet 16 of Clout; vote for the most influential in each bracket and see who advances.
Ebertfest 2012
For movie buffs interested in making the trip downstate, the films and guests of Ebertfest 2012 have been announced.
Helping Writers Write About Chicago
The Chicago Council on Global Affairs and Community Media Workshop launched ChicagoStories.org today as a resource for journalists coming to the city to cover the NATO summit.
Wait Till Next Year Already
Jonathan Eig thinks it's going to be a waste of a season for both the Cubs and the Sox.
The Siskel & Ebert Story, on an E-Reader
Enemies, A Love Story, an oral history by Josh Schollmeyer of the relationship between "At the Movies" hosts Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert that first appeared in the debut issue of The Chicagoan, is now available as an eBook. [via]
To be Demolished for Strikingly Different Reasons
The newest entries in To be Demolished are products of both sides of the housing market. The 1930 multi-unit building at 7819 S. Kingston Ave. is being demolished after foreclosure and neglect, while the relatively new single-family home at 1957 N. Orchard St. is being demolished for what will likely be a considerably grander residence.
The End of the Former Anshe Kanesses Israel Synagogue
Demolition has begun on the Shepherd's Temple Baptist Church building, 3411 W. Douglas Blvd. Before the building was a church, it was the Anshe Kanesses Israel Synagogue, the largest Jewish congregation outside of New York. A photograph of the demolition is after the break.
View additional threatened and demolished buildings in To be Demolished.
A Match Made on Treadmills
OK Go's latest adventure is OK Gopid, an online dating site that matches your profile with one carefully selected by one of the band's wacky contraptions.
To Vote... or Not
In Mechanics, Ramsin Canon explains why he's not voting today, and Monica Reida tells why she nearly didn't either.
Do the Bells Toll for You?
The University of Chicago is looking for a new carillon player for the Laura Spelman Rockefeller Memorial Carillon. Job requirements include being able to play the carillon for 30 minutes straight and "ability to climb 235 winding stairs to reach the playing cabin without medical risk required." Pay? $50 per performance. [via]
The listing, for posterity (click to enlarge):
And a sample of what you'd be getting into:
Burgers for Lunch Tomorrow
Tomorrow, March 21, M Burger turns 2, and to celebrate, it's giving away burgers -- any of its burgers -- with a purchase. Any purchase. Be ready for a line, and be aware that the secret milkshake flavors are the Grasshopper (mint, espresso, chocolate and cookies) and the Minty Leprechaun (mint, with crushed Andes mints on top.)
"Your presence is causing a scene."
Apparently at least one Chicago police officer thinks that first amendment rights are revokable at will, and arrested reporters from WGN and NBC 5 yesterday because he thought they were too close to Mt. Sinai Hospital as they taped reports on a 6-year-old girl who was shot and killed in Little Village last weekend.
Pinocchio is Alive and Well in Illinois
Given today is the Illinois primary, The Washington Post's Fact Checker reviewed one of Romney's Illinois radio ads attacking Santorum. The verdict? Two Pinocchios.
Watch "The Weiner's Circle" Tonight
Reality show network TruTV is airing a show about The Weiner's Circle, giving its notorious bad behavior (on both sides of the counter) more attention than it probably deserves. It debuts tonight at 9pm. Do312 and Chicagoist are teaming up for another viewing party at Liar's Club tonight; RSVP here.
The Dog in Repose
While Serious Eats Chicago was putting together a guide to Chicago-style hot dog variants, the Village Voice was wondering why it's so hard to get one done right in New York.
United States of X: Corruptibility Edition
You'll never guess where Illinois lands on a study of corruption risk (not corruption itself) in each state. [via]
Not Their Favorite Thing
Thirty OWN staffers will be losing their jobs as part of restructuring efforts in the wake of unexpectedly low ratings and upper management woes.
Pet Me, I'm Irish
Two Pitties in the City visited the Saint Patrick's parade this past Saturday, and recorded the experience from the dogs' point of view. It's totes adorbs.
Infinite Recursive Kickstarters
Entrepreneur Eric Moneypenny needs your help to buy New York based coundsourcing incubator Kickstarter. On March 19 a listing for Moneypenny to buy Kickstarter went live on Kickstarter. Moneypenny values the hot company at $19 billion. Backer rewards include a pizza party with Moneypenny at Kickstarter HQ. (Take a look at our curated page to see some local projects that actually have a chance in hell of succeeding.)
Questioning Innocence
The Medill Innocence Project did something unusual last week: it published evidence contradicting the claims of innocence of one of its subjects.
Reflecting on Chicago
Preston Kanak makes 3-Minute Shorts. His latest, Projecting Reflections, is a love letter to Chicago. [via]
Endorse This!
Here's some resources for tomorrow's elections (you're gonna vote, right?): find your voter status, sample ballot and polling place (which will be open from 6am-7pm), and take a look at endorsements by the Tribune (note that the Sun-Times ended endorsements earlier this year), the Independent Voters of Illinois [pdf], Vote for Judges, the Chicago Bar Association, Chicago Federation of Labor, Chicago Council of Lawyers, and Planned Parenthood Illinois.
Design Coil
Designer and former GB staffer Craighton Berman's Coil lamp has been added to the permanent collection at the Art Institute. It can be seen in the museum's exhibit Rethinking Typologies.
Wilson Upgrade
For those who deal with the wreck that is the Wilson red line stop -- good news! Quite a few of the upcoming improvements were discussed at the 46th Ward Town Hall meeting (purple line stop?). The Uptown Update has a summary.
Tech Culture Wars
PandoDaily's Trevor Gilbert diagnosed Chicago's tech scene as having a Midwest Mentality that holds it back. Naturally, that didn't sit well with some here in Chicago.
Welcome to WhiskyWeek
If you don't have a ticket to WhiskyFest this Friday, there are still plenty of whiskey events you can attend all this week -- including nightly tastings at Delilah's and other bars and our own screening of Capone's Whiskey at Mayne Stage on Thursday.
The Bionic Wrench Man
Crain's profiles Dan Brown, the inventor of the Bionic Wrench and other innovative hand tools.
Mysterious Found Sound
Bill Talsma's "Detritus: Radio Regurgitation" is an eerie piece made up of "discarded cassette tape collected over a three-year period from the streets of Chicago." [via]
5 Down, 2 to Go
We're on our way to a week's worth of weather records if this hot streak holds up through Tuesday.
Light at the Polls
Voter turnout is expected to be particularly light for tomorrow's Illinois primary.
Home Away from Home
Chicago based photographer Lisa Lindvay was one of four runners-up out of the 900+ submissions for the 2011 Aperture Portfolio Prize.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to Visit King College Prep
Tomorrow at 10am, NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar will appear with Gov. Pat Quinn at King College Prep, 4445 S. Drexel Blvd., to promote the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education initiative. Doors open at 9am.
Not So Rosie
The Rosie Show has officially been cancelled. The final episode will be aired at the end of the month.
Name that Train!
In an effort to make a few extra bucks, the CTA is seeking formal bids for corporate naming rights to a few major untapped assets including the CTA Bus Tracker, Train Tracker, the Holiday Train, New Year's Eve Penny Rides, and a program offering free rides on the first day of school to CPS students.
Green River
Chicagoist has a brief history on how the river-dying tradition was stumbled upon. Trivia: the first attempt used enough dye to keep the water green for a week.
Former Synagogue to be Demolished
Lee Bey reports that negotiations have failed to save 3411 W. Douglas Blvd. The former Anshe Kanesses Israel synagogue will be demolished as early as next week.
Trump Talks Trump Tower
The Donald visited his namesake tower this week and talked about the strength of the River North neighborhood and what's going on with all that empty retail space in his building. In other Trump Tower news, Derrick Rose is its newest resident.
Two Magnificent Miles
26th Street in Little Village generates more sales tax revenue for Chicago than any strip outside of The Magnificent Mile.
This American Life Retracts Apple Factory Story
On the day the new iPad comes out, This American Life is retracting the incredibly popular story about Foxconn's factories in China by monologist Mike Daisey (previously). Tonight's episode of the show will be an explanation of why the story is being retracted and how it occurred.
This American Life and WBEZ have also canceled the performance of Daisey's monologue, The Agony and the Ecstacy of Steve Jobs, scheduled for April 7 at the Chicago Theatre.
The following email was sent to fans of the show:
From: Ira Glass
Date: Fri, Mar 16, 2012 at 12:18 PM
Subject: Our recent Mike Daisey episode
To: XXXXXHi XXXXX,
I'm writing to tell you that tonight, This American Life and Marketplace will reveal that a story that we broadcast on This American Life this past January contained significant fabrications.
We're retracting that story because we can't vouch for its truth, and this weekend's episode of our show will detail the errors in the story, which was an excerpt of Mike Daisey's acclaimed one-man show, "The Agony and the Ecstasy of Steve Jobs." In it, Daisey tells how he visited a factory owned by Foxconn that manufactures iPhones and iPads in Shenzhen, China. He's performed the monologue in theaters around the country; it's currently at the Public Theater in New York.
When the original 39-minute excerpt was broadcast on This American Life, Marketplace China Correspondent Rob Schmitz wondered about its truth. He located and interviewed Daisey's Chinese interpreter Li Guifen (who goes by the name Cathy Lee professionally with westerners). She disputed much of what Daisey has been telling theater audiences since 2010 and much of what he said on the radio.
During fact checking before the broadcast of Daisey's story, I and This American Life producer Brian Reed asked Daisey for this interpreter's contact information, so we could confirm with her that Daisey actually witnessed what he claims. Daisey told us her real name was Anna, not Cathy as he says in his monologue, and he said that the cell phone number he had for her didn't work any more. He said he had no way to reach her.
At that point, we should've killed the story. But other things Daisey told us about Apple's operations in China checked out, and we saw no reason to doubt him. We didn't think that he was lying to us. That was a mistake.
Schmitz does a 20-minute story on our show this weekend about his findings, and we'll also broadcast an interview I did with Daisey. Marketplace will feature a shorter version of Schmitz's report earlier in the evening. You can read more details on our website, and listen to our show on WBEZ at 7 p.m. tonight, and noon tomorrow.
We've been planning a live presentation of Daisey's monologue on stage at the Chicago Theatre on April 7th, with me leading a Q&A afterwards. Maybe you've heard me advertising it on the air. That show will be cancelled and all tickets will be refunded.
I've never had to write an email like this. Like all our friends and colleagues in public radio, I and my co-workers at This American Life work hard every day to make sure that what you hear on WBEZ is factually correct. We will continue to do that, and hope you can forgive this.
Best,
Ira Glass© 1998-2012 Chicago Public Media. All rights reserved.
WBEZ / 848 East Grand Avenue / Chicago IL 60611-3509
The discrepancies in Daisey's story were uncovered in part by a report by Marketplace's Rob Schmitz.
Daisey has posted a statement on his own site, saying in part, "I stand by my work. My show is a theatrical piece whose goal is to create a human connection between our gorgeous devices and the brutal circumstances from which they emerge. It uses a combination of fact, memoir, and dramatic license to tell its story, and I believe it does so with integrity."
Below is the official press release from This American Life regarding the incident.
Sign Up to Bike the Drive
If the great weather has you thinking about summer activities already, Bike the Drive registration is currently open.
Camp Out in Cook County?
The Forest Preserve District of Cook County currently allows camping by youth groups, but it's considering letting others camp out, too. Weigh in by taking the survey.
"Didn't you hear my show about bullying?"
Ira Glass's voice had a brief, thrilling cameo in the opening minutes of "30 Rock" last night.
The Non-Party Alderman
Time Out profiles 47th Ward Alderman Ameya Pawar, who's still trying to stay clear of party politics a year after getting elected.
About that Festival...
In Mechanics, Joe Macaré delves into the Occupy Festival and its implications for the movement it's co-opted.
Crain's Reskins & Goes Outside
Crain's debuted a new look for ChicagoBusiness.com last night. It also put together a list of outdoor cafes that are already open right now.
Pneumonia Front, Indeed
The temperature display from the U of C's weather station provides a dramatic visualization of the "pneumonia front" this evening. The day's gradual curves fell off a cliff around 6:30pm, collapsing from approximately 80 degrees fahrenheit to approximately 47 degrees in less than an hour. A screenshot of the change is after the jump.
Myths Busted at the Museum of Science and Industry
An interactive exhibit based on the Discovery Channel's "MythBusters" opened at the Museum of Science and Industry today.
Picking a Chicago Side
ChicagoSide found its undecided baseball fan (previously). It's Sam Roos, a comedian formerly of Maine.
The Republican Primary Gets Weird
While the Illinois Republican primary might actually matter this election season, a presidential candidate debate in Chicago this week featured zero actual candidates. Meanwhile, there are accusations of fraud circling the Chicago GOP chairman election.
"Never Talking to You Again"
Greg Norton, bassist for Hüsker Dü, sat in with local cover act Hüsker Düdes this week and dished about Bob Mould's book about the seminal punk band.
Where to Drink
In step with the weekend's holiday, the Reader provides a guide to neighborhood bars, from gastropubs to 4am joints.
Armstrong's Park District Position
Former Bulls star and current agent of the reigning MVP, BJ Armstrong, has been appointed to the city's Park District Board. "One of Armstrong's duties will be to oversee a renovation project of 100 outdoor basketball courts around the city," the Tribune reports.
United States of X: Music Edition
Whet Moser finds Illinois right where it ought to be on the Geography of Music Preferences: in the middle.
Just One Word: Thorium
There are people who think the obscure element thorium could be the future of energy. The Thorium Energy Alliance, based up in Harvard, and is hosting an international conference on the subject here in May.
St. Scholastica to Close
St. Scholastica Academy, an all-girls' school founded by by the Benedictine Sisters in 1872, will close in June.
Remember When Taste of Chicago Concerts Were Free?
If you want a seat in the Petrillo Music Shell in Grant Park during Taste of Chicago this year, you may have to shell out $25 due to a new ordinance being introduced by Mayor Emanuel. The lawn is still free though!
Singles Event with a Twist
What do single cancer survivors have in common with millions of other singletons in the United States? They also braving the ocean of the dating world looking for some love, except they often have a way more interesting life stories to share. Check out MeSoFar's Me vs. Cancer event and hear the stories of 10 single cancer survivors and mix and mingle after the show. Added bonus, all proceeds benefit Imerman's Angles. The event is on April 7th at Den Theater. Buy your tickets here.
Lollapa-tax-a
City government got a nice boost today when the Park District announced that Lollapalooza will begin paying city and county amusement taxes and state liquor taxes for its annual weekend-long event. The downside? They'll likely pass the cost down to concertgoers through higher ticket prices.
Rod's Final Words
You can watch the former governor and soon-to-be prisoner's final address to the media at 5pm tonight online.
But it's Not a Diner, Drive-In or Dive
Guy Fieri from the Food Network was spotted filming at Hopleaf earlier today--be on the lookout.
Slim, Trim and Underpaid
Wanting to make itself attractive to a new buyer, The Reader will be laying off staffers and reducing salaries, as explained in a memo this week from publisher Alison Draper and CFO Tammy Bailey. UPDATE: No layoffs have been announced; the original linked story at Poynter has been corrected.
Where's That 800 Number?
Readers of a certain vintage might remember these classic TV ads for Encyclopaedia Brittanica that aired in the early '90s.
The kid in the commercial is Donavan Freberg, who's now a photographer in LA and has his own YouTube channel. He is the son of TV, animation, music and advertising legend Stan Freberg, who is still active in the industry 70 years after he got started; that's Stan doing the voiceover). The series was so well-known that Seattle's local TV show "Almost Live" did a great parody: Oliver Stone's World Book Encyclopedia. In fact, Brittanica even mocked itself:
Logan Theatre Lights Up
The Logan Theatre will hold a soft opening this Saturday, March 17, with admission, popcorn and soft drinks for just $1 apiece. Fight the crowds to catch screenings of The Wizard of Oz, Enter The Dragon, The Goonies and The Blues Brothers.
Studs at 100
In honor of what would have been is 100th birthday, the Studs Terkel Centenary Committee has put together several events throughout May and June to honor the city's great oral historian. Amongst the highlights: screenings of his innovative television drama "Studs' Place" that haven't been seen since 1951.
Do Red Light Cameras Even Help?
Maybe not, according to analysis of a CDOT safety study by UIC professor Rajiv Shah.
Shot by a Sky Ninja
Michael Kelly, aka "Sky Ninja" and "Chango Blanco," is a high-rise window washer who also has some amazing talent with a camera. [via]
Photos copyright Michael Kelly.
244 Years isn't a Bad Run
The Encyclopaedia Britannica has ceased the production of its printed volumes and is selling its remaining inventory. Of course, it's trumpeting the transition as a step into the future. Some reaction from the Trib, The NY Times, The Atlantic and the Financial Times.
Happy Pi(e) Day!
You can celebrate the wonders of 3.14159 with special offers on pie thanks to the efforts of the Illinois Science Council and a bunch of local bakeries and restaurants.
State Rep. Arrested on Bribery Charges, Primary in Trouble
Yesterday federal agents arrested North Side State Representative Derrick Smith and charged him with bribery. He allegedly accepted $7,000 to support a grant to a day care center. The other effect of the arrest is the upcoming primary is going to be a nightmare.
Birds, Guests and Free Admission
As part of their Road to Hollywood film festival, Turner Classic Movies (along with guests Ben Mankiewicz and Tippi Hedren) is bringing Alfred Hitchcock's 1963 classic The Birds to the Music Box on March 27 at 7:30pm. Also: it's free.
What Really Motivates Street Violence
In These Times' Joel Handley makes the case that our understanding of gangs is outdated, and the city could do a better job of dealing with street violence if it had a better model of its causes.
Fight for the Force
Glow Battle is a lightsaber battle that's touring the country; if you want to bring it to Chicago, go vote on their Facebook page.
Fin-ished
In what can only result in days of "No Soup for You" headlines, The State of Illinois is a vote away from banning all shark fin trade in the state. Between 26 and 73 million sharks are killed annually, and while most are consumed overseas, Illinois is one the the country's largest consumers.
What the Speed Cameras Might Look Like
Details of the speed camera revenue plan are starting to roll out of city hall, including that the cameras would be in operation by the end of the year.
March Chili Madness
The Ramova Grill is closing April 14, as its owners retire. You'll have only until then to enjoy one of the last old-school lunch counters -- and some of the best chili -- in the city.
Don't Get "Butt Cancer"
A billboard on the Ike from the Physicians' Committee for Responsible Medicine warns that hot dogs cause "butt cancer" -- in other words, processed meats are associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
A Quieter Far South Side
Yesterday the CPD announced it cancelled plans for its controversial South Side shooting range following "input from community organizations." The bald eagles might have something to do with it too.
A New Streeterville High Rise
A 670-foot skyscraper has been proposed for 435 North Park Drive in Streeterville. SOAR is also collecting information about the development, including additional renderings [pdf].
R.I.P. Chef Michael Altenberg
Michael Altenberg, chef and owner of Bistro Campagne, passed away unexpectedly over the weekend. Altenberg is credited with pioneering the farm-to-table movement in Chicago; he was 48 years old. A memorial is scheduled for Wednesday; details have not yet been announced.
Vote Early, Bowl Often
The Ward Room runs down some of the odder polling places around the city -- and includes sample Yelp reviews.
Muti Weighs in on Symphony Fistfight
Riccardo Muti, the CSO's music director was astounded by two patrons fighting at a performance: "Never could I imagine the concert hall would become a (wrestling) ring." No word about the subsequent fistfight in the parking lot.
Bookmark for Future Time-wasting
Open Culture collects interesting audio and video from 290 cultural icons, including Saul Bellow, Bill Murray, Shel Silverstein and Frank Lloyd Wright. [via]
Cupcake ATM
The first cupcake vending machine debuted at the original Sprinkles location in Beverly Hills, providing 24-hour access to, well, cupcakes. There should be one at the Chicago location by summer.
What if Scrooge Were Gay?
That's the question posed in Scrooge & Marley, an independent film re-imagining the classic Christmas Carol story. The creators are raising money via IndieGoGo.
Bust-Your-Own Myths
Mythbusters: The Explosive Exhibition will be at the Museum of Science and Industry from March 15 through Sep. 3, and looks like a lot of fun. Chicago Magazine has a look at one of the 14 interactive exhibits.
Fundraiser for Susan Stursberg @ Gold Star Bar
Help one of Chicago's most beloved bar owners: Susan Stursberg of Gold Star Bar (1735 W. Division) was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. A GiveForward campaign has been launched on her behalf to help with medical bills.
To be Demolished on the South and West Sides
Among the recently posted To be Demolished buildings are a brick beauty in North Lawndale and a shell of a bungalow in West Englewood
The Chicago Reader On The Market
Crain's Chicago Business has reported that the alt-weekly's owner has put it up for sale, and is soliciting a buyer. UPDATE: Michael Miner comments on the news.
Save the Portage Theater
The Chicago Tabernacle is trying to buy the Portage Theater and turn it into a church. Film fans have mounted a "Save the Portage" campaign.
Designing the Bloomingdale Trail
Blair Kamin reviews the Bloomingdale Trail and Park plans from a recent framework plan presentation.
Beatdown at the Downbeat
Thursday night's performance of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra had an unusual accompaniment: two concertgoers in a fistfight.
Help Out a Furry Ninja
A ChipIn account is accepting donations for Remmy the dog, whose owners are Shawn Smith (the genius behind Shawnimals) and his wife Jen. Remmy was attacked by two dogs in her Logan Square neighborhood this past week, and while she's recovering, it's to the tune of about $9k in veterinary bills.
Chirish All Year Round
Why head to Beverly except to hit up the South Side Irish Parade? The Chicagoist starts you off with five reasons.
Go Downtown for NATO
The head of the NATO event welcoming committee recently met with business owners to provide a new level of details about planning and clearly asked for people to head downtown during the NATO meeting.
How Can We Rethink Ownership?
MAS Context's new issue (and redesign) is live, and the theme is "ownership."
Reel Film
The Chicago Film Archive is liquidating multiples of many of their 16mm prints to make room for new collections. The sale runs today (1pm to 5pm) and tomorrow (11am to 1pm) but you're free to call ahead and reserve a Disney short or the entire series of "Roots."
Fighting for the 39th District
In Mechanics, Caroline O'Donovan profiles the campaign of Will Guzzardi, the latest challenger to the Chicago machine.
This Restaurant Looks Appetizing
The Chicago Architecture Foundation is going out to eat -- to examine how architecture and interior design influence our dining experience at restaurants with its new Appetite for Design series. Learn more in Drive-Thru.
Shining a Light on Chicago Hip Hop
InTransmission, read about (and listen to) up-and-coming hip hop artists that are defining a new Chicago music scene.
Drinking Here Today
To get you in the mood for the South Side Irish St. Patrick's Day Parade on Sunday, local band Slattery's Drunk Again recorded "The South Side Irish." (NSFW)
Dodgeball is a Bloody Business
Red Balls is a new indie film chronicling the (fictional) Chicago Underground Dodgeball League. It's premiering on March 24 and 30 at Stage 773.
Pitchfork Tickets On Sale
A quick reminder that Pitchfork Music Festival tickets go on sale today at noon. Head to Transmission to check out this year's initial lineup. Single-day tickets are $45 and three-day passes are $110. You might want to get a move on. Last year three-day passes sold out in less than 24 hours.
The City's Newest Public Pool
Everyone's favorite Chinatown park, Ping Tom Memorial Park, will be getting a new fieldhouse and pool as part of its massive expansion on the north side of 18th Street.
Train Trials
You might have noticed the disappearance of the new 5000 Series CTA cars -- they were pulled in December after a handful of dangerous defects were discovered on the undersides.
Beer Riddle Resolved
For those stumped by Half Acre's Cipher beer riddle from a few weeks back, they've posted the solution and winners on their blog.
Women are Makers
Makers is an online video series featuring short interviews with trailblazing women. Past and current Chicagoans interviewed so far include Tavi Gevinson, Billie Jean King and Hillary Rodham Clinton. [via]
Fight Jet Lag by Fasting
Need to combat jet lag? In 2009 Harvard researchers released an improved version of the Argonne Anti-Jet Lag Diet, which was developed by Charles Ehret at the Argonne National Laboratory in the '80s. [via]
Baring All with Bill & Dan
Join Northwestern University professor Bill Savage and writer Dan Savage tonight as they discuss the Chicago History Museum's Out in Chicago exhibit with co-curators Jill Austin and Jennifer Brier. "Curators Bare All" will cover what went into mounting the exhibit, which closes March 26. Get more details in Slowdown.
Quidditch in the Windy City?
While Chicago's bid for the Olympics may have failed, a local group is launching a campaign to bring the 2013 Quidditch World Cup to Chicago. To see Quidditch in action, check out the highlights from last year's championship.
Becoming a Chicagoan
The Huffington Post wants to know what the moment was when you knew you were a Chicagoan. Assuming, of course, that moment wasn't birth.
Vacation at Ravinia this Summer
Ravinia has announced its summer season, and I'm pretty stoked by their offerings [PDF]: Duran Duran (Aug 29), Natalie Merchant (July 10), Glen Campbell (Jun 28), Seal (July 22), the elements known as Earth, Wind and Fire (June 9), Iron and Wine (June 10), and Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers (June 24) are among the acts.
Waiting for God Particle
The hunt for the Higgs boson carries on at Fermilab, even though the Tevatron has been shut down.
Soda Pop Board Strikes Again
Ellen DeGeneres is the latest to be taken in by a fake vintage ad from the fictional Soda Pop Board of America, which was not headquartered in Chicago.
Delivering the Good
GrubHub turns eight today, and in honor of the anniversary it's rounding every order to the next dollar* and donating whatever the difference is to Feeding America until midnight tonight.
* So, for example, if your order comes to $15.49, that's still what you pay, but GrubHub will donate 51 cents to Feeding America.
Rahmfather Mystery Solved
The mastermind behind the portrait of the Rahmfather delivered to Tribune columnist John Kass has revealed himself — via a note in the mouth of a stuffed fish, no less.
Catholic Schools Avoid Steppenwolf Play With Gay Bullying Themes
Catholic schools that ordinarily patronize the Steppenwolf for Young Adults series are steering clear of FML: How Carson McCullers Saved My Life, an original piece by Sarah Gubbins that touches on issues of bullying gay students. Sex columnist Dan Savage of the It Gets Better Project is making a special appearance this Friday in a post-show discussion with his brother, Bill Savage. The play runs through March 18, with matinee performances available for school groups, and public performances Saturdays and Sundays.
Hungry Chicago Stalkers
Apparently, actor Josh Hutcherson, who will play "Peeta" in the upcoming Hunger Games movie, has two stalkers from the Chicago area. His Christmas dinner with his family in Kentucky was more interesting this year than he anticipated.
Home, India, Water
Wheezy Waiter went to India with Water.org last week. He promises more on March 22, but the teaser is fun already.
Pay for Deals
Groupon rolled out its VIP program in Chicago and five other cities this week. For $30 a year, you get first dibs on deals, access to closed deals and more.
Com Ed Offer to Save Money by Recycling Appliances
Got an old refrigerator, freezer or air conditioner you've been putting off getting rid of? Save money by recycling these items. Com Ed is offering a free pick up service to its customers and offering upwards to $50 per item (limit two). To get green for going green, schedule a pick up before May 31.
Lopawhat Obama?
On Tuesday's G-8 press briefings, if you didn't hear Obama's mis-step on the pronunciation of Lollapalooza in regards to his confidence in Chicago being able to handle the security concerns of the NATO summit, check it out at the 1:20 mark. Notice the chuckle from the press. Maybe someone should give him a ticket to the next one.
Loving Father, Secret Octopus
Speaking of Kickstarter, the team behind the indie videogame Octodad has released a trailer for the game's crowdfunded sequel, Octodad 2: Dadliest Catch.
Have A Ball (While Fetching Balls) for The Cubs
The Cubs are looking for 4 Ball Boys and Ball Girls for the upcoming season. Applications, which must include a short Youtube video featuring the candidate, are due Monday, March 12 at 11:59:59pm. Click here to apply.
Fund Some Fun Stuff
A game made out of reclaimed barn wood, a children's book about Chicago history and student compilation CD from Intonation Music Workshop are among the recent additions to the Gapers Block Kickstarter page.
Graphing Graffiti
Gothamist founder Jake Dobkin created GrafRank, a ranking of "important graffiti artists around the world using data drawn from the internet." Chicago is, of course, well represented.
Don't Say the "R Word"
March 7 is "End the R-Word Day," an effort to get people to pledge to stop using the word "retard" to describe people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Workers at local organization Clearbrook made a video recommending some other things you could call them.
A 40 Year Old Murder Case
The Reader published the second part of Steve Bogira's story of the unsolved murder of Joe Henson.
Rosie Heading to NYC
Now we know (allegedly) why Rosie O'Donnell put her house on the market: she's moving her show to New York. Meanwhile, she's found a buyer for the house.
Prioritizing Corporatization at Columbia College
Columbia gets more attention for the recent announcement that it will get rid of an independent Fiction Writing Department, and not renew the contract of longtime Chair Randy Albers. Inside Higher Ed points to a book that may have gotten this whole "prioritization" thing going.
A Movie about Bootleg Booze
Gapers Block is premiering a documentary about Templeton Rye (both the one at the liquor store and the stuff Al Capone smuggled up to Chicago during Prohibition) at Mayne Stage on March 22. Details in Drive-Thru.
Change Champ on Campus
Congratulations to the U of C's Ted Gonder, whose Moneythink organization is one of five winners in the White House's Champions of Change Challenge. [via]
Lipstick Killer Dead
William Heirens, the man who confessed to being the "Lipstick Killer" in the 1940s, died today at 83. Wikipedia has a surprisingly thorough history of Heirens and the Lipstick Killer case.
Drawing History
Franklin McMahon died Saturday- the Chicagoland artist who did around 9,000 sketches for the Sun-Times, Life, Look and many others, covering events from the Emmett Till lynching trail to the Obama/Cinton debates.
Blood, Brains & Beer
Tickets are already on sale for this year's Zombie Pub Crawl, rampaging through Andersonville April 28.
When We Can Kill You
In the wake of Chicago losing the G8 summit yesterday, you may have missed the speech US Attorney General Eric Holder gave at Northwestern Law School explaining when and why the US government can kill American citizens overseas in the name of terrorism prevention.
Attorney General Eric Holder Speaks at Northwestern University School of Law
Cubs Win! (Not Really)
A new trailer for the video game MLB 12: The Show imagines what Chicago would look like if the Cubs won the World Series.
Lulzsec Gets Pwned
Jeremy Hammond, a suspected member of hacker group Lulzsec and Anonymous was arrested in Bridgeport during an FBI raid today, apparently aided by the group's former leader. Read Chicago mag's profile of Hammond from 2007.
A New Sword for Lincoln's Tomb
Chicago foundry True Form Productions will be replacing the sword that was broken and stolen from Lincoln's Tomb in Springfield last fall.
What's Good in Chicago?
Chicagood is a new online magazine covering the good things happening around the city.
Chicago's Music Underground
Tonight at the MCA, Greg Kot and Jim DiRogatis discuss Chicago's role as an "incubator" for underground music in the 1980s with Chris Connelly and Frankie Knuckles.
Catapult Launches
Catapult Chicago is a new coworking space for tech startups -- which is becoming common enough to be a trend.
Beware Exploding Toilets
Students at the University of Chicago use social media to raise awareness about certain unsanitary living conditions — including exploding toilets — in one of the oldest dorms on campus.
One does not Simply Walk into MJ's House
Crain's tells you how to get in for a look at Michael Jordan's mansion, for sale for $29 million. Short answer: you probably won't, and you couldn't tell anybody about it if you did.
G8 No Longer Coming
The White House announced today that the G8 Summit will be held at Camp David instead of in Chicago. NATO is still on.
Longer Yellows Mean Safer Reds
A bill being considered by the state senate would lengthen yellow lights by one second at intersections with red light cameras, which studies show would reduce the number of red light violations. Interestingly, IDOT is opposing the bill.
Security Blanket
In light of the NYPD's recently revealed spying efforts on Muslims, Chicago Police Supt. Garry McCarthy promised that the department "does not and will not conduct blanket surveillance and profiling of any community in the city of Chicago."
Pulaski Day Throwdown
This video totally was not filmed on Pulaski Day, but Kidd Russell pays homage to the city and its quirky holiday; even if the music is cheesy, the sentiment is not.
Pick Food & Wine's Best
Lots of Chicagoans in Food & Wine's "Best New Chef: Great Lakes" nominations. Vote for your favorite.
Shut it Down
After decades of protesting, Little Village and Pilsen residents celebrate a recent deal to shut down two coal-fired power plants, owned by Midwest Generation. Pollution from the plants has been blamed for illness, asthma attacks and even death in the community over the years.
A New Look at a New Deal Project
Local photographer Jason Reblando's "New Deal Utopias" project is featured on the NYTime's Lens blog today.
You're a Grand Old Flag
The Urbanophile gives major props to Chicago's flag and its many manifestations in city culture.
Ladies of the Outfit
Mark Brown has details on some of the women in the Chicago cast of "Mob Wives," including the daughter of enforcer Frank "The German" Schweihs.
Wait, We Have a Castle?
Chicago's Only Castle is a documentary about the Givins' Irish Castle, now home to the Beverly Unitarian Church. It's screening at the History Museum this Sunday.
Happy Casimir Pulaski Day
Schools, county and city offices and the libraries are closed today; apparently we're just lucky we TadeuszKościuszko is hard to pronounce.
Birthday, Interrupted
A celebration of Chicago's 175th birthday with Rahm Emanuel at the Chicago History Museum was interrupted by a group protesting the closure and consolidation of city mental health clinics.
Happy 175th, Chicago
Chicago celebrates its demisemiseptcentennial (or dodransbicentennial) today. Neil Steinberg lists 175 years of inventions and innovations born in Chicago.
Good Beer is Here
Three Floyds topped RateBeer's list of the Best Brewers in the World this year, with Founders and Bells taking second and third. Goose Island came in 35th and Half Acre was 66th.
NATO/G8 will be Pricey
The NATO and G8 summits could cost the City as much as $65 million according to Stand Up Chicago. Steve Rhodes digs further into that number.
Collectable Prints
Veronica Corzo-Duchardt documents her grandfather's collections on the Neche Collection, and has made prints based on some of them; this one is my favorite. [via]
Credibility Gap
Gap recently started selling Threadless-designed t-shirts on their website. The Reader makes a case for and against the move -- is Threadless losing its credibility?
Buying Only Black
Maggie Anderson, founder of the Empowerment Experiment, spent a year shopping only at black-owned businesses. The result was a book, Our Black Year, which came out last month.
Moving On Up to Tier 4
The Sun-Times has a handy map to see if your neighborhood changed CPS socioeconomic tiers.
Mike Madigan Tries Humor
Illinois Speaker of the House Michael Madigan is feeling the heat a little this election season, so he's rolling out the big guns: campaign flyers poking fun at Rod Blagojevich.
All's Not Well on the Blogosphere Front
The Reader reports some drama in the realms of the hip-hop web culture involving Fake Shore Drive and a keyboard crusader tweeting and blogging under the name Real Shore Drive.
Bulls to Win Title, Wink Wink
President Obama backed the Bulls once more in an interview with ESPN last night. During the podcast, he alluded to his possible re-election and included that sometime during his presidency, "it will happen." Considering the possibility that he's not re-elected, this could be the year. Right?
Battle of the Birds
A local photographer recently captured a lakefront duel between a snowy old and a Peregrine Falcon- a noisy, but surprisingly even few minutes of combat.
Happy Birth Incorporation Day
There's a lot of buzz going around about the city's "birthday" this Sunday, including a daunting list provided by the Sun Times filled with ways to celebrate it. However, because March 4th marks city's incorporation rather than the day it was founded, it's arguable that Sunday better resembles the day it got its first job.
A World of Classical Music in March
In our monthly classical music column, Pulling Strings, you can check out upcoming affordable concerts from composers around the world, performed around Chicago from grand concert halls to the Adler Planetarium. Read about it all in Transmission.
$1.7 Billion to Fix the Grid
Bill Clinton joined Mayor Emanuel to announce a $1.7 billion "Infrastructure Trust" to fund projects like upgrading the city's energy infrastructure. Meanwhile, James Warren writes in The Atlantic about Emanuel's growth strategy for Chicago.
A Curious Update
Robert Duffer writes an update on the "curious case" of Columbia not renewing the contract of Fiction Writing Department Chair Randy Albers.
Rate Food to Give Food
FoodGenero.us is a quick rating site from the folks behind Food Genius; like or dislike dishes and your votes add up to donated meals to Feeding America.
Strange Taste in Toys
Searah Deysach, owner of Early to Bed, shares some of the strangest sex toys she comes across on her blog. (NSFW, obviously.)
CSA Joining Time
It's time once again to figure out from whom to get your weekly box of veggies (or maybe meat!). Luckily, The Local Beet published its 2012 CSA Guide this week.
Radio Mostly Tunes Out Davy Jones
Robert Feder notes that radio coverage of Davy Jones's death shows just how impoverished the medium has become in the age of pre-programmed broadcasts. By the way, if you're in mourning, Tribune-owned Antenna TV will be running a "Monkees" marathon starting at 4pm Saturday.
Guerilla Girls Take Over A+D Gallery
A retrospective of the Guerilla Girls, the legendary group of anonymous feminists fighting sexism in the art world, opens tonight in Columbia's A+D Gallery. There's also a free Q&A with members of the group at 6pm; details in Slowdown.
