Hip Hop Healing
Adam Levin and Troy Brundidge created Organic Beat Market to help troubled Oak Park teens work out their issues through hip hop.
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
Monday, November 17
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April 2012
Win a Print
Photographer David Tribby is giving away a signed print of his beautiful photo of a snow-covered City Methodist Church in Gary; details on how to enter here.
The Story of Baderbräu
Two local beer fans are working with Argus Brewery to resurrect the once-beloved Chicago craft Pilsener discontinued in 1997.
Judge Releases Jennifer Hudson's 911 Call
If you're morbidly curious, you can now listen to Jennifer Hudson's panicked 911 call from the night she found her mother and brother murdered in her home.
'Colorful' Chicago weather Creates Colorful Sky
We're used to unpredictable, fleeting weather changes in Chicago but this year, marked by the bizarrely mild winter, is throwing even the most composed among us for a loop. On Friday, the WGN weather center received several photos of a circmhorizontal arc in the sky, which can only occur when "the sun is high in the sky at 58º or higher above the horizon which at Chicago's latitude can only occur from about mid April to late August." It's a striking phenomenon, if a little alien in its spontaneous and shimmering glow. With so many weather records being set or broken lately, a little beauty is a welcome element.
New Stop for the Swift
The Oakton-Skokie stop on the Yellow Line opened for passengers at 4:45am this morning, and a surprising number of people were there to greet it. (Thanks, Kim!)
Somewhere Over the Rainbo
"Wicker Park in 1990 was in the earliest stages of gentrification, and it had features familiar to anyone who'd grown up in a crumbling Rust Belt town: Decay, limitation, the creativity demanded by making do." Zoe Zolbrod explains how the old Wicker Park made her fall in love with Chicago.
Better Late than Never
Scott McMurry's mom mailed him a postcard from the Shedd Aquarium while she visited Chicago in 1957. The postcard finally reached him in Decatur, GA last week, after first mysteriously arriving in South Daytona, FL. And now the Shedd is flying 71-year-old McMurry to Chicago for a visit.
Waiting to be Demolished
Several new buildings were posted in To be Demolished, including a Woodlawn rent subsidized apartment complex and a downtown parking garage.
The Grid: MUNUC at the Palmer House
The newest installment of our documentary series The Grid explores the 24th annual Model United Nations weekend hosted by the University of Chicago's chapter.
Manhattan in Chicago
An oldie but a goodie: back in 2006, Jason Kottke imagines what Manhattan would look like off the coast of Chicago and other cities, inspired by the classic Radical Cartography experiment.
Easier to Walk than Ride
Walk Score ranked Chicago's public transit system sixth in the country -- but we're still fourth for overall walkability (previously). [via]
Streaming Seventies R&B
Stony Island, a 1978 film that's seen a revival recently, is now streaming on Hulu. [via]
Have The Tim Of Your Life
What did you do to celebrate your 30th birthday? Tim Sarrantonio has us all beat: he's throwing a fundraiser at the Goose Island Wrigleyville brewpub to raise funds for some of his favorite local charities (including Reading With Pictures and ARISE Chicago). Full details at the event's Facebook page.
Ebert's Choice
After failing to Outguess Ebert, The Music Box agreed to let Roger screen the film of his choice. He's picked the 1994 cult classic Red Rock West, which will show at 7:40pm on May 1, with tickets at just $3.
Sailboats & the Sears Tower
Designer Bob Staake created this beautiful poster, which you can buy here.
CDOT Announces Spring Bridge Raising Schedule
Early warning: The first raising of the bridges over the Chicago River occur at 9:30am next Wednesday, May 2.
Kickstart the Band
In Transmission, a look at some local bands' ingenuity when it comes to crowd-funding their albums, among other projects. What works? Take a look.
Funny Hats & Fabulous Dresses
In A/C, Kelly Reaves highlights some of the amazing fashions on display at the annual SAIC spring fashion shows.
Snakes Monkeypox on a Plane
Fortunately not, but a Delta flight from Detroit was quarantined at Midway Thursday evening after concerns that a passenger with a rash might have contracted monkeypox while visiting Uganda. The CDC checked the woman out and gave the all-clear after two hours, so you're totally safe.
"Fear of the Expectations of the Body"
"If I only have the physical than these interactions must be representative of something inherent in me, something others see but I am unable to recognize or know." GB staffer Britt Julious writes about race and romance and more at This Recording.
I Love this F***in' Place!
Johnny Sampson has created a new one-page comic, Chicago: A Love Story, that's available as a poster.
© Johnny Sampson, all rights reserved.
Feeding the Dark Lord
In advance of (sadly sold out) Dark Lord Day this Saturday, the Tribune has a great profile of Three Floyds Brewery, including a hint that a Chicago brewpub might be in the works.
The Best Damned Film List of Them All
After going over potential picks a few weeks back, Ebert today released his once-a-decade 10 Greatest Films of All Time list for Sight & Sound magazine.
"See You in Chicago"
Choose Chicago teamed up Umphrey's McGee, Buddy Guy and Chicago (the band) to produce a new anthem for the city. The resulting track, "Chicago," is decidedly less than the sum of its parts.
In Transmission, GB staffers shared five songs Choose Chicago should use instead of the new anthem, and one to avoid.
The Seige of Humboldt Park
The Reader begins a five-part series on the West Side's thriving drug trade with a look at West Humboldt Park and decades of community activism to clean it up.
Be One with the Meetup
The RedEye introduces us to the Chicago Jedi Order, a group who aim to emulate the Jedi way.
Fixing the Odd Corner
The awkward intersection at Milwaukee, Wolcott and Wood will get a makeover in September, causing far fewer pedestrians to wander into traffic.
The Cyberstalking Burglar
It wasn't enough for Jicheng "Kevin" Liu to steal from people. He also cyberstalked and harassed anyone who called him out on it.
Amy's Still Single
The RedEye checked in with Amy Bergseth, the die-hard Cubs fan whose name is immortalized on a brick outside Wrigley that caught actor Jason Segel's eye.
Track Your Lousy Boyfriend
Should I break up with my boyfriend? is an iPhone app that answers that question, based on emotion tracker MercuryApp. Co-creator Sarah Gray is teaching a Dabble class on DIY breakups.
Rachel Dratch Comes To Second City
Rachel Dratch is stopping by Second City twice next week (Saturday the 28th and Monday the 30th) to promote her new book, A Girl Walks Into A Bar... There will be a live reading followed by audience Q&A and book signing after the performance. Tickets are free, but must be reserved online or by phone at 312-662-4562.
A House, Once of Worship
A Chicago Sojourn explores the phenomenon of churches converted into homes. (And does so at a new home itself, having converted from Blogspot to Wordpress.)
Talking about Bus Rapid Transit
Today at 12:15, the Chicago Architecture Foundation hosts a discussion of bus rapid transit as part of its Wednesday Lunch Talks series -- and this one is being streamed online in case you can't make it in person.
Our Five Star Mayor
How has Mayor Emanuel done on his campaign promises? Rate him yourself on Tabs On Rahm, a site by Chirag Patel and Matt Danzico, the guys behind the similar Tabs on Obama.
Discount & Do Good Simultaneously
Toodalu is a new service that gets you a discount at local restaurants, bars and a few shops -- with the added twist that every purchase also earns money for the charity of your choice.
Delicious Rings of Dough
Food & Wine named the Doughnut Vault one of the best doughnut shops in the country. Now everyone's going to want them.
Custom Webfonts for Sale
GB co-founder Naz Hamid and Scott Robbin today launched Shifticons, "the easiest and fastest way to create, mix and match custom icon web fonts."
NATO Awareness
Chicago Magazine has assembled a "NATO Weekend Survival Guide," going over closures, protest zones and where you can get involved.
Infrastructure Trust Wins Approval
City Council approved the Chicago Infrastructure Trust, Mayor Emanuel's plan to garner private funds for public works projects. Read Ramsin Canon's piece on the Trust, and his latest thoughts now that it's passed, in Mechanics.
10 Years of Local Tourism
The Local Tourist turns 10 years old June 3, and to celebrate it's offering a Passport to Chicago filled with deals and discounts on places around the city.
Music Makes the Meal
Graham Elliot's iPod and Grant Achatz's plans for a live cellist at Alinea earn mention in a NYTimes story about music in the restaurant. Garin Pirnia explored the topic for us in Drive-Thru awhile back.
Celebrate the Obscure & Wonderful
Atlas Obscura's Obscura Day is Saturday, and Chicago events include a tour of the Busy Beaver Button Museum, a visit to the Letter Writers Alliance, a Forgotten Chicago tour of Goose Island and Pulaski Park, an Art of Darkness scavenger hunt at the Art Institute, and a day of fun at the Boring Store.
Break into this Club
The Chicago chapter of The Open Organization of Lockpickers holds monthly meetings at Pumping Station: One; the next one is May 3.
"It Gets Better" from a Different Angle
The Illinois Safe Schools Alliance produced a video of local LGBT teens talking to their "40-year-old selves."
Coco is Coming
Conan O'Brien will tape four shows in Chicago June 11-14, during the Just for Laughs Festival. Learn how to get tickets here.
Celestial Sounds
Tomorrow night at 6:30pm at the MCA, Steve Krakow will conduct the Plastic Crimewave Vision Celestial Guitarkestra, in which as many guitarists (and players of other amped stringed instruments) will play a drone in the key of E. All you have to do to participate is bring your own gear.
Hollywood at Home
Silent Beauties has posted a 1909 short, "Mr. Flip" filmed at Chicago's Argyle-based Essanay Studios. Of note: it's the first known film to use the pie-in-the-face gag. [via]
West Town Tavern Toasts to Ten Years
West Town Tavern is turning 10 and to celebrate, they're offering $10 glasses of Turley wines every Tuesday in April and May. The celebration includes Monday nights too, with $10 glasses of Grand Cuvée champagne. Stop in and pair your spirits with some delicious food from Drew and Susan, fixtures in the Chicago culinary and nonprofit worlds. Eat, drink and feel good about it!
Trib Outsources TribLocal
The Tribune is replacing its TribLocal staff with Journatic, a Chicago-based "media content provider" that also publishes Blockshopper, which writes about real estate transactions without talking to the owners.
Ebert on PR; EbertFest this Week
Roger Ebert talks showbiz and public relations with PR Daily. In other news, EbertFest is this week down in Champaign; if you can't go, you can watch this year's selections online.
Facebook Didn't Remind You?
Today is the 10-year anniversary of the official release of Wilco's album Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. I feel old.
Sears and the Past Tense
Crain's strolls through Sears' past, present and future in a lengthy feature about the company "where America shopped."
7,000 Miles from Home
A South American white-crested elaenia was spotted in North Lawndale this weekend.
Wake Up Creative
The next Creative Mornings Chicago is this Friday, with guest speaker Mike McQuade. Tickets become available at 11am this morning.
Quite a Humber-Dinger
White Sox pitcher Philip Humber threw a perfect game on Saturday, only the 21st ever. He spoke afterward with reporters in Chicago and Seattle, and is taping a segment for David Letterman tonight.
Nobel Prize Winners Running Amok this Week
UIC hosts a summit of Nobel Prize winners today through Wednesday; former presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton, as well as the Dalai Lama, will be among the attendees. Actor Sean Penn will be receiving a humanitarian award for divorcing Madonna his charity work in Haiti Wednesday night.
Our Market, in the Middle of the Street
Another year, another controversy strikes the Logan Square Farmers Market: there's a proposal to move the market from its current location, much to the surprise of the Logan Square Chamber of Commerce, who runs the market.
"Let's go hit on some models."
NY Mag spends an evening with NU's finest rapper (and celebrity kid) Chet Haze.
Keeping Horto in Urbs
Earth Day is Sunday, but Friends of the Parks are doing their annual cleanup on Saturday. Frances Archer shares some of the North Side's history of gardening.
Silently Skimming the River
The Chicago Electric Boat Co. is renting its fleet for pleasure cruises starting this spring, out of the base of Marina Towers.
Local Chicagoans Take On Their Fears
Social Guru Saya Hillman was recently interviewed by the LeapYear Project, a website designed to help people share their stories about fear and take a giant leap in 2012. The Chicagoan native, who is the creator of Mac 'n Cheese Productions, is helping 38 strangers conquer their fears of public performance and possibly humiliation. Over the past three months 20 non-dancers have learned to dance and 18 non-improvisers have learned to improv. The fruits of their sweat, tears and fear all culminate on April 28 for a show at Park West. Go and be inspired by local Chicagoans conquering their fears! As Hillman says, "What's the worst that can happen? You end up right where you are, but better for having tried."
Book Talk
Just announced as part of Printers Row Live are events featuring Pulitzer Prize winner Anna Quindlen and The Art of Fielding author Chad Harbach, on May 4 and May 7, respectively.
Run Through a Quick Tour
New City profiles Marlin Keesler, manager of the Chicago branch of City Running Tours.
A Rejection Letter Runs Through It
Letters of Note shares the rejection letter sent by late University of Chicago professor Norman Maclean to an editor at Alfred A. Knopf, who had rejected his best-selling book A River Runs Through It. [via]
Six Simultaneous Strikes
Reddit user larsonwhipsnade captured an incredible moment on Lake Michigan during a storm last year.
Flying the Unfriendly Website
Contract negotiations between United Airlines and the pilots union might get a little tense now that the union has launched TheUnfriendlySkies.org.
The History of the Portage Theater
The Commission on Chicago Landmarks is considering landmark status for the Portage Theater, which a controversial church wants to convert into a house of worship. In A/C, Dan Kelly delves deep into the theater's history and its role as a cinema and community center.
Reducing the City's Glow
The Illinois Coalition for Responsible Outdoor Lighting is trying to reduce the amount of light pollution produced in Chicagoland and other parts of the state. Dim Your Lights offers some easy ways to make nighttime a little darker.
Teach Your Neighbors
Learnapalooza is a free festival of workshops and seminars being held June 16 in Wicker Park, with another scheduled for Lakeview in July. They're currently accepting applications for folks interested in teaching.
No Metal Baby on the Way
That "You got me pregnant at the Megadeth/Motörhead show" Craigslist ad from last week turns out to be fake, as you may have suspected. [via]
Favorite Actor: Dennehy
Brian Dennehy recently appeared on The Interview Show, and was thoroughly unfiltered talking about his film work, The Iceman Cometh and more.
For Sale by Neighorhood
Local home prices rose in February. Chicago magazine totes up home prices and trends by neighborhood.
Antiques!
Looking for that perfect Ming Dynasty vase, or century-old earrings? The International Antiques Fair runs at Merchandise Mart April 27-30, with over 120 of the world's top dealers, along with speakers and other events.
Bill Lavicka, RIP
Bill Lavicka, the West Side preservationist who last year was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer, passed away this week.
The Rumor of Fact's Demise
The Trib's Rex Huppke eulogizes Facts, which apparently are no longer with us.
Chicago Teachers Ask Illinois for Support
CPS teachers are seeking state support to increase The Chicago Teachers Pension Fund (CTPF), which is currently underfunded by millions of dollars. Senate Bill 3628 would allow $270 million to flow into the CTPF but, after that, state contributions would fall to ten percent of what it provides to the Teachers Retirement Fund, which is for teachers outside of Chicago. If the bill were to pass the senate it would still need to find support in the Illinois House. Controversial spending by the Teachers Retirement System (TRS) of Illinois adds an element of question to the debate.
Parka the Hutt
Chicago magazine's Jeff Ruby commissioned a sculpture made out of parking meter receipts, and got a certain Star Wars villain.
Image courtesy of Chicagomag.com. More photos here.
"Hark! now I hear them"
I'll speak to it though Hell itself should gape and bid me hold my peace: Talk Like Shakespeare Day is next Monday, April 23. Enter the video contest and you could win $500.
New City Stickers Out
This year's revised city stickers were finally released yesterday, simply featuring the logos for the CPD, CFD and paramedics. (Previously.) City Clerk Mendoza says she's not decided whether the high school design contest will return next year. You can buy yours online on the City Clerk's website.
It's a Free Concert from Now On!
The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs announced its free summer concert lineup for the Pritzker Pavilion within Millennium Park. We have the complete listing in Transmission.
Uber Goes Beyond Black Cars
Uber is testing on-demand taxi service in Chicago, moving beyond private cars for the first time.
City Council Passes Speed Camera Ordinance
After much debate, the City Council passed the Child Safety Zone Ordinance, aka the speed camera ordinance, 33-14. The council also approved an expansion of the bike share program.
Even Aldermen Run Red Lights
WBEZ reports that several aldermen have gotten nabbed by red light cameras.
Get Your Records
Record Store Day is this Saturday, and we've got your guide to participating Chicagoland stores and labels in Transmission.
"Risking Their Lives to Attend School"
A student at Uptown's Uplift Community High School responds to charges that students at the school are responsible for increased violence in the neighborhood.
Justice in Montrose Dog Beach Attack
Remember the search for the owner of a pit bull who fatally attacked a toy breed mix dog at Montrose Dog Beach in late March? The owner who slipped away, refusing to give his name or take responsibility as onlookers followed, snapping a picture of him and his dog and posting it online for helping the dead dog's family get some justice? The pit's owner has now been identified as an off-duty policeman, of all things. He was ticketed for failing to report the incident, and has been relieved of his police powers while an investigation is conducted.
In Case Palin Wasn't Scary Enough...
The Bridgeport Art Center now has a giant, terrifying sculpture of her head (that doubles as a functional stove) in its new sculpture garden.
Honoring Chicago Icons
John Schmidt proposes a Chicago Walk of Fame -- statues of the city's historic figures immortalized in bronze on CTA Loop pillars.
The Fame Game
Derrick Rose is on the cover of the May issue of GQ, and the subject of a feature-length profile where the star guard discusses life in the public eye and his disdain for fame.
Down Ramps
The ramp, the wild onion that may have given Chicago its name, is being wiped out by demand from foodies.
"Oh."
It's not easy being named Michael Jordan in Chicago, as a new ESPN commercial demonstrates.
My dad's name is Sam, which is the same as a Hall of Fame linebacker. It's not such a big deal anymore, but people of older generations will still sometimes ask if he's related. It's a problem for a lot of regular people with famous names.
Digging into CDOT Accident Data
City Council will be considering the speed camera ordinance tomorrow, and CDOT has provided some ward-by-ward accident data for them to review. The Expired Meter got hold of the report and provides some analysis.
Gang Diversity in Rogers Park
The ethnic makeup of gangs in Rogers Park is as mixed as the neighborhood itself, a police audit finds.
Buzz About Helicopters
Blackhawk and Little Bird helicopters engaged in a military training exercise downtown darted through the streets with no lights on, stirring up a flurry of tweets and videos from confused Loop workers and residents.
Later in the evening, two MH-6 Little Birds flew along the Chicago River corridor as well. (Thanks John for the chopper ID!)
Draw Big
The Big Draw Chicago is planning a month of drawing related events this October -- and they're looking for event ideas.
Parking Deals Gone Bad
The City is getting sued over not one but two parking privatization deals, the Sun-Times reports. Whet Moser adds some additional perspective.
A Pulitzer for Schmich
Tribune columnist Mary Schmich won the Pulitzer Prize for commentary today. Here are the columns submitted with her entry.
Save on Saving Lives
Groupon and Spark Ventures have teamed up to offer an eight-day volunteer vacation in Zambia through the Groupon Grassroots program.
Bars: Anti-Douche Edition
In response to Complex Magazine's "25 Douchiest Bars in Chicago" list, Chicagoist has countered with a list of 26 non-douchey bars.
Coming Soon: The Vintage Garage
As AON moves out of the Uptown neighborhood this summer, the neighborhood is gaining another type of commerce. The company's staff parking structure on Broadway (near Argyle) will be utilized as a part-time vintage market from June-October, with vendors selling straight from their methods of transportation on the third Sunday of each month.
Was Selling Good for the Goose?
Chicagoist assesses the situation one year after Goose Island was bought by Anheuser-Busch InBev.
United States of X: TV Edition
Advertising Age looks at who is watching what where, using data from Experian Simmons and Patchwork Nation. You might be surprised at Cook County's favorite show.
Bone White Paper
Nancy McCabe has hand embossed on paper the skeletons of an elephant, a whale and an otter.
Commuting on Congress
The Tribune has a hopeful update on the Congress Parkway construction project/situation/nightmare/disaster (you pick). The trifecta of congestion-causing construction operations should be letting up over the next few months.
Online Dating IRL
The NYTimes covers new dating sites that bring the action into the real world, including Chicago-based Me So Far (previously).
Wirtz is Rolling Out the Barrels
Rocky Wirtz is no doubt happy that his Blackhawks are in the playoffs, but Crain's reports that he's really excited about the state-of-the-art distribution center he's building for Wirtz Beverage Illinois.
Heroes & Horrors
Hero: Lincoln Square resident Ron Psenka, who in bare feet chased a man who had sexually assaulted a woman in the alley behind his home. Horror: a 2-year-old girl died after being beaten, scratched and bitten, allegedly by the man who was babysitting her while her mother was at work.
Hot Boxing the Nation
Hot Box, two years later still Chicago's only mobile gallery space, is planning to tour the country this year, and they're raising funds on Kickstarter. (Check out other cool local Kickstarter projects on GB's curated page.)
Appetite for Destruction
Trib columnist Mary Schmich joined GB Managing Editor David Schalliol on one of his many trips around the city to photograph buildings facing demolition. You can see some of David's brilliant work here at To Be Demolished.
Steve's at the Movies
In Steve Prokopy's latest column, he takes a contrary stance on the documentary Bully, and previews the new horror film festival Chicago Fear Fest, which starts tonight.
Neighborhood Pride on a Poster
StudioChris is making a series of silkscreened neighborhood posters reminiscent of old travel posters. The latest, Bucktown, is being released with a party at the Bucktown Pub on Sunday.
Love Hurts Sometimes
NewCity shares a story of painful love and sexuality. (If you like that, you might enjoy these stories of Chicago's fetish scene and BDSM among senior citizens from our archives.)
University of Chicago Hosts Comic Convention
On May 18-20 the University of Chicago will be hosting Comics: Philosophy and Practice, a three day examination of the past and future forms of the graphic novel. Speakers scheduled to appear include cartoonists Art Spiegelman, Robert Crumb, Joe Sacco, Phoebe Gloeckner, Charles Burns, Seth, Ivan Brunetti, Lynda Barry, Gary Panter, Ben Katchor, Alison Bechdel, Chris Ware, Carol Tyler, Aline Kominsky-Crumb and Justin Green. Registration is free and open to the public.
Pulled Herself Up By Her Jump Rings
Have you wondered what a $1 million business really looks like? If so, then check out local entrepreneur Rebeca Mojica, owner of Blue Buddha Boutique. She was profiled by U.S. News & World Report as one of five business owners who turned $1,000 into $1 million. That's a lot of little metal rings, folks.
The Occupation of Woodlawn Mental Health Center
Twenty-three people were arrested at an Occupy protest last night against the closure of Woodlawn Mental Health Center. Ramsin Canon reports in Mechanics.
20 Years Ago: The Great Loop Flood
On this day in 1992, much of the Loop and parts of River North flooded after workers repairing the Kinzie Street Bridge drove pylons into an old freight tunnel beneath the river.
Here are a few stories that should give you enough to keep you occupied for the next couple hours:
• WBBM's 20-year retrospective.
• Photos from the flood.
• Disaster Recovery Journal's special report.
• The Chicago Tunnel Company website.
• More about those tunnels.
• "Remembering the Loop Flood" on WBEZ in 2007, the 15th anniversary.
• The Army Corps of Engineers' perspective.
• "Soaked," an essay by Richard Powers in Granta.
Tonight at CIMMfest
CIMMfest has kicked off its fourth season, and tickets are flying off of the (internet) shelf. If you are planning on going to any of tonight's events, but don't have tickets yet, get them now!
Saving the Memo
Field Notes has a new "national crop edition" out, and simultaneously launched an archive of the memo books from which they took their inspiration.
Malcolm X College to be Recycled
Malcolm X College will be moving into a brand new building in 2015, and its current one will become home to the Chicago High School for the Arts as well as city arts organizations.
"Contact me if you want to be part of your child's life."
If you got busy in an Aragon bathroom during the Megadeth/Motörhead show in February, you've got a kid on the way. [via]
Murders Spike
Homicides are up 60 percent in the first quarter of 2012, compared to last year. Learn the stories behind the murders on RedEye's homicide map.
Get Spaced Out
Tonight is Yuri's Night, in honor of cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin's, the first man in space. The Chicago party (one of hundreds around the world) is at, fittingly enough, Orbit Room from 9pm to 1am.
Reserve Tee Time
Local startup Back9Booking allows golfers looking for a tee time to skip calling around and easily search and compare availability across 40 Chicagoland courses.
Art in Blue & Grey
The Terra has put together a website of Civil War art from the collections of several Chicago institutions. More about it in A/C.
Local Webbies
Local art and design blog Colossal, The Chicago Portfolio School, Pitchfork and The Onion (whose web team is local) are nominated in this year's Webby Awards.
Booking Dinner
Soup Next Door is a startup that handles ticketing for "unique food experiences" hosted by anyone from underground restaurants to budding chefs. There are only a couple listings for Chicago at the moment, but expect more soon.
Screening Tonight: Miss Representation
The Latin School hosts a screening of Miss Representation, a documentary about "how the media's misrepresentations of women have led to the under-representation of women in positions of power and influence," tonight at 6:30pm.
The screening takes place in the Wrigley Theatre at the Latin School's Upper School, 59 W. North Ave. It's free and open to the public, but space is limited. Contact info@latinschool.org, if you would like to attend. There are a couple more screenings coming up in the area, but they're all in the suburbs.
Two Lists of Restaurants to Try
Chicago magazine released its 2012 Best Restaurants list yesterday -- and LTH Forum added 19 more spots to its compendium of Great Neighborhood Restaurants.
Here's a convenient googlemap of all of LTH Forum's GNRs:
View LTHForum.com Great Neighborhood Restaurants in a larger map
Considering the Speed Cameras
A City Council committee met yesterday to consider the proposal to install speed cameras near schools and parks. The Expired Meter reports that many aldermen have gotten calls opposing the plan and Geoff Dougherty shares study data indicating the cameras are a poor means of curbing speeding. Meanwhile, the Active Transportation Alliance has come out in favor of speed cameras. UPDATE: The ordinance passed out of committee and will go before the full Council next week.
The NYTimes on the Closing of Trotter's
Chicago magazine's Jeff Ruby: "In the Mount Rushmore of Chicago, his face would probably be up there: Michael Jordan, Al Capone, Charlie Trotter, Mayor Daley -- and they'd all be scowling."
The City in Stop Motion
Chris Pritchard captures Chicago in different times of year and various times of day in his new stop motion short, Places in Time: Chicago.
Loku Around
Loku.com is a new service that created a "waterfall" of local news, restaurants, events, entertainment and deals.
The Other Summer Lineup
The Northwest Chicago Film Society has announced its April 25 - August 29 schedule, including films by Hitchcock, Ozu, Lumet, Kazan and many more. Admission is $5 at the Portage Theater, every Wednesday at 7:30pm. [via]
Two Chicago Favorites Opening for Judah Friedlander at Mayne Stage
Judah Friedlander is doing a one-night only show at Mayne Stage tonight, and it was just announced that two of my and Chicago's favorites, Candy Lawrence and Dan Telfer will be hosting and opening, respectively. The folks at Mayne Stage could not have chosen better opening acts. Tickets are still on sale for this show, but they will definitely sell out. You can get them here.
Deflated Text
The inflated/deflated projects places handwritten messages on the unlikely medium of party balloons. They're available for sale on Etsy. [via]
Dennehy & Lane Cometh
Kris Vire, GB founding writer and current Time Out theater editor, interviews Brian Dennehy and Nathan Lane about their upcoming staging of The Iceman Cometh at the Goodman.
Trib's Blizzard Coverage was the Best
The Tribune won the award for Deadline Reporting from the Society of Professional Journalists for its coverage of the 2011 Blizzard.
Lolla's Lineup is Out
In case you weren't up at midnight for the big announcement, the official Lollapalooza lineup was released last night, and it's identical to the one leaked on Monday.
The Simpsons are Oregonians
Sorry, Illinoisians holding out hope that the Simpsons' Springfield was our own. Matt Groening revealed to Smithsonian that the cartoon town is named after (if not based on) the Springfield in Oregon.
Food Trucks Face Tickets
Food truck fans may have trouble finding their favorite snacks, thanks to an apparent police crackdown.
The House that Ferris Built
The family of late filmmaker John Hughes has put his (gorgeous) Lake Forest mansion on the market for $5.89 million; based on pictures, the place reminds me of where Gary and Wyatt lived.
Siri's Creator is a Chicagoan
After selling Siri to Apple, founder Dag Kittlaus moved back to Chicago, and talked about the city's tech future at Technori Pitch.
No Tweeting at the Jennifer Hudson Family Murder Trial
As jury selection nears completion, the judge presiding over the trial of William Balfour, accused of murdering Jennifer Hudson's mother, brother and nephew, is requiring journalists to list both work and personal social media accounts on their credentials application in order to maintain media decorum. At least one reporter seems to think this is an outrage.
Daley on the Stand
Former Mayor Daley has agreed to testify in a lawsuit against the City concerning the Jon Burge torture case.
Building Brick by Brick
LEGO has a site, Cuusoo, where you can propose a special set and if 10,000 people vote for it, it'll get made. Currently there are two projects to create Marina Towers and a much more detailed Sears Tower than the current version.
Lagunitas 2013
Chicago-born owner of Lagunitas brewery, Tony Magee, is opening up a second 250 barrel brewhouse here in his hometown. Production will be in full swing in late 2013.
Editor Andrew Huff pulled together more info on Storify:
The New East Side?
Crain's asks, is the "New Eastside" a real neighborhood? (As opposed to the original East Side, which has been a neighborhood for a very long time.)
Are You Ready for the Summer?
Despite plentiful website problems, the Chicago Park District saw record registration for summer camp on Monday.
Getting to Know the Regulars
Eater knows that the best way to learn the history of a place is to talk with the regulars. The new series leads off with Hopleaf.
The Crosstown Classic Debate
Chicagoside mounts a Cubs vs. Sox debate between artist Tony Fitzpatrick and Northwestern English professor Bill Savage to tonight at 7pm at the Haymarket Pub, at which the site's undecided fan will pick his team.
Made of Lake Michigan
Past GB Book Club author Patrick Somerville writes about his relationship with Lake Michigan (and water in general) in Good.
Put Your Bird on the CHIRP Record Fair
This weekend's CHIRP Record Fair has a few tables available for record hawkers, crafters, and doodad sellers to set up shop; contact them if you're interested.
Get Hacking for Science!
The Adler Planetarium is hosting a Science Hack Day, 24 hours of serious creative geekery, May 12-13. Register here to join in the fun.
Glutenless Goodness
Tonight, Ravenswood's Fountainhead cracks into some gluten free drafts and ciders. Last Monday's event, "It Might Get Wild," featured an evening of wild and sour beers.
A Titanic Connection
Palatine resident Christine LeBrun is related to a Titanic victim, a Haitian-born engineer who was possibly the only black passenger on the ship when it sank.
Push This Version Forward
Version Fest is moving to Bridgeport for its 12th edition this May, and it's been raising money via Kickstarter to help make it happen. The campaign ends Tuesday at 1pm, and is only a little over halfway there. Give a hand if you can.
The Greek Parade Crisis
The annual Greek Independence Day Parade in Greektown on April 22 may be smaller than usual after a year of organizational turmoil.
Take the Man Out of Gerrymandering
Think that City Council did a shoddy job of redistricting wards earlier this year? Then do it yourself: researchers at UIC devised an interactive game to redistrict the city's wards, challenging users to create equally diverse boundaries. Harder than you think?
Chicago Gets on the Ice
Chicagoans have gotten back into playing hockey, the NYTimes reports. And not just inside -- a pretty active outdoor league has sprouted up, too, not to mention plenty of pickup games.
What is a "Supermarket"?
Mari Gallagher's work on food deserts requires figuring out what really constitutes a grocery store.
Mike Wallace, RIP
The famed CBS journalist passed away last night at the age of 93. Wallace's career had many Chicago connections, having worked in local media (WMAQ, Chicago Sun) in his beginnings. Wallace also took a hit in the jaw on camera during the 1968 Democratic National Convention. His 1957 interview with Frank Lloyd Wright was also particularly compelling.
Spring is Here, and So Should You
Whether you just arrived from somewhere else or you've been here your whole life, Chicago is ripe for discovery and adventure in the spring. Don't be afraid to be a local tourist; take that Ferris wheel ride at Navy Pier and have that sunset Champagne at the Signature Room...but don't forget to explore the road less traveled too. Check out these touristy but oh-so-fun springtime activities and then, after you rested and recharged, put on your walking shoes and enjoy a few of the less obvious treats that our city has to offer. Now get out there and enjoy!!!
Spring Donating
To make the most of spring cleaning, try donating your old stuff instead of dragging it to the curb. Huffington Post has a list of which organizations will take your books/clothes/furniture, and who will benefit from the donation.
Remembering Ricky Bradley
Todd Diederich (previously on GB) reports on the murder of Ricky Bradley in K-Town for Vice. More on his blog.
Pillows at the Ready
Saturday at 2pm, be in Pioneer Court for International Pillow Fight Day. More on Facebook.
Obsessed for 20 Years
WBEZ's "Magnificent Obsession: True Stories of Recovery," hosted by Jim Nayder (better known for "The Annoying Music Show"), celebrates 20 years this weekend. Robert Feder talks with Nayder about the show. Tune in at 5:30am Sunday.
No Longer Running Express
The Chicago Express hockey team, which played at the Sears Centre out in Hoffman Estates, has folded after not making it to the playoffs in its first season.
The Day the Generals Won
Speaking of hoops, A.V. Club recalls the day another great Chicago basketball team, the Harlem Globetrotters (what, you didn't know?) were beat by the ultimate heels, the Washington Generals.
Chicago Hoops Against the Nation
This December, basketball fans will have a new local event to watch: the Chicago Elite Basketball Winter Classic, which will pit some of the country's best high school teams against the best locally, including Simeon, Whitney Young and De La Salle.
Death of Print Brings Sales to Life
Apparently all Encyclopaedia Britannica had to do to sell more print editions was to announce they're done printing it.
Getting Wilder all the Time
Wendy McClure's book The Wilder Life is now out in paperback -- and is accompanied by Don't Trade the Baby for a Horse, an ebook of "Other Ways to Make Your Life a Little More Laura Ingalls Wilder."
Blue Carts for All
The City will expand the Blue Cart recycling program citywide in 2013, Mayor Emanuel announced yesterday.
Chicago State Shoots Itself in the Foot ... Again
Chicago State's new media policy is so overreaching that faculty may not even be able to speak to reporters about their research.
Join EveryBlock, Help Schools
During April, for every new person who joins EveryBlock, the site will be donating a dollar to classroom fundraiser site DonorsChoose.
Bulk up Your Reading List
It's Spring Books Week in the Reader. Can't guarantee any of it will be available at tonight's Book Swap, but you never know.
Token of Affection
Hanger 3 has a CTA token necklace on sale on Fab.com for $31.50, 13 percent off retail. Or you could buy one from GB contributor Rose Lannin for even less.
Seven to Save
This year's "Chicago Seven" endangered buildings list, put out annually by Preservation Chicago, is a bit longer than seven. Three hospitals, several historic homes, and a cluster of old movie theaters are named to be saved and reused.
"Chicago is a Real City; Manhattan is like Epcot Center"
Tina Fey is a big fan of Chicago, but warns that "a dude might bite your nose off."
Chicago vs. Chicago
Craig Robinson and Nick Offerman start the crosstown classic a little early this year.
Give it the Old Jazz
Did you know the term "jazz" originated in baseball? The word migrated from sports to music in Chicago with Bert Kelly.
Shoes on a Wire
The Atlantic explores the phenomenon of shoes thrown over telephone wires via comments on a Rogers Park Everyblock thread.
More Chicago Reality TV Coming
The Style Network is bringing another reality show to Chicago. "Chicagolicious" will be the local version of hit show "Jerseylicious," and follows the drama at AJÉS Salon in the West Loop.
Meanwhile, "Mob Wives Chicago" is ruffling feathers in the Italian-American community, and even getting restaurants they film at in trouble -- when they're allowed in at all.
Cubs Home Opener's Today
The Tribune Co. and DirecTV hugged it out, so you'll be able to watch the Cubs home opener on WGN today -- but if you are coming in from the suburbs, out of town for the game, the CTA Tattler has some recommendations for your Red Line ride to the stadium.
Rhyming Against the Missionary Complex
Kenwood Academy senior Rachel Smith's poem for Louder Than a Bomb didn't win that contest, but it's reaching a lot further than she expected.
Where to Work
Centro, Tasty Catering and Performics top Crain's list of the best places to work in Chicagoland.
More Bad News for GRPN
Groupon's shooting star is crashing to earth, it seems, at least as far as Wall Street is concerned. Investors have filed a lawsuit, claiming the company made misleading statements in its IPO, and the SEC is investigating its accounting practices. Meanwhile, Chicago magazine offers up some Groupons we'll never see.
Hollywood Before Hollywood
The Tribune looks at Chicago's brief film boom of the early 20th century -- back when Charlie Chaplin called Essanay Studios on Argyle home, and before he decided Chicago was "too damn cold." Yeah, well.
When the Zombies Come...
You'll be ready thanks to Map of the Dead, a zombie apocalypse survival map created by design studio Doejo.
NFL gets new threads
After replacing Reebok as the official supplier of uniforms, Nike and the NFL unveiled a new line of jerseys and gear for each team this week. Check out the Bears' new duds.
Creative Silence
In A/C, a profile of the Open Studio Project, an unconventional art therapy program based in Evanston with only one rule -- keep your mouth shut.
"You never want a serious crisis to go to waste."
Rolling Stone's Rick Perlstein thinks Rahm has a problem with democracy.
Go Green Cheaply
Do you look at your yard and think about putting in trees or plants and then get overwhelmed by the price? Do you like the idea of having a compost bin or rain barrel, but not the idea of buying what you need? Let the city of Chicago reimburse you for half of your cost.
Domestic Violence Help
While listening to GB Editor-in-Chief Andrew Huff on Monday's 3@3 on "The Afternoon Shift" with Jason Marck and Rummanna Hussain, domestic violence resources came up in general. If you, or someone you know, is in Chicago and needs help in a potential or current domestic violence situation, please have them contact the Chicago Metropolitan Battered Women's Network or call 877-863-6338. Help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in English and en Español.
Chicago Still Ranks Globally
Chicago comes in seventh on the 2012 Global Cities Index from AT Kearney and the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, falling one spot down from 2010. Read the report here (PDF).
The Historic West Loop
The City has nominated the West Loop and LaSalle Street corridor to be added to the National Register of Historic Places as a historic district, which would allow the City to receive federal money toward preservation.
An Off the Cuff Option
Need some new cufflinks? These CTA Loop map ones from Mano y Metal might fit the bill -- or maybe this zoomed out pair.
Fighting Crime! With Chess!
Or at least fighting recidivism. Illinois sheriff Tom Dart is bringing chess boards and pieces to Cook County Jail in hopes of teaching patience and decision-making.
A Ballad for Bartman
Rapper Serengeti (of "Dennehy" fame) is back with a new song, just in time for the Cubs' opening day on Thursday: "Don't Blame Steve."
(Thanks, Patrick!)
Chicago's 25 Douchiest Bars
Craving the worst of the worst of Chicago's thriving nightlife? The good people at Complex Magazine have compiled 25 of the Windy City's worst bars/clubs. Presumably, they did that so, hopefully, you won't have to. I used the City Life/Cultural tag, but, yeah, "Cultural."
Google Goes Beyond the Doodle
Paintings and sculptures from the Art Institute are among more than 32,000 pieces viewable on Google's new Art Project, which launches today. Streetview cameras were used to photograph many of the artworks in the gallery setting, providing a virtual visit to more than 100 museums worldwide.
Giving Comics Journalism a Serious Go
Darryl Holliday and E.N. Rodriguez produced two illustrated stories for Gapers Block in A/C: Chess Records and Wedlock: Love and Marriage at the Cook County Jail. They call it "comics journalism." Now they're raising funds on Kickstarter to produce a whole book's worth.
Don't Leave That New iPad at Home
If you're itching to stylishly transport that new iPad or maybe an iPhone or MacBook Air or Pro, check out the lovely "Biblio" handmade covers offered via Kickstarter by FoGB George Aye (he's shot some inspired photos at Pitchfork over the years for Transmission) and David Hull. The sweetness is in the video on the campaign page (also after the jump). See other GB-curated Kickstarter campaigns.
A Poem for You
In honor of National Poetry Month, here is A Poem From Us, yet another awesome project from former GB staffer Felix Jung.
The Landmark Portage Theater?
The City is set to consider the Portage Theater for landmark status, which would prevent the Chicago Tabernacle from turning the movie house into a church if they were to buy it.
The Girl and the Goat and the Camera Crew
You can see a day in the life of Stephanie Izard over at Hulu.
I Got Clips I Do Adore
Kanye West is being sued over a sample on his 2006 mixtape Freshman Adjustment.
Skating for a Bruising
Guys, have you wished that you too could play roller derby? Now you can, with the Chicago Bruise Brothers. Practice is on Wednesdays ...in Lombard!?
Behind the Blago Administration
As former Blagojevich chief of staff John Harris does his 10 days of prison time, details about the chaos he had to manage emerge.
Why the Billy Goat Still Matters
The A.V. Club looks at the classic establishment's past, and tries to figure out where it fits into the present.
Alinea's Tops with the Jet Set
Alinea is the best restaurant in the world, according to Elite Travel magazine -- which is distributed primarily on private jets, so I guess they would know. [via]
Documenting "Mr. White Sox"
A documentary about White Sox legend Minnie Minoso is looking for funding on Kickstarter beginning today; the Reader's Ted Cox has more background. (See more local projects on our Kickstarter page.)
Chicago's Grid in Watercolor
The map of Chicago looks even better in watercolor.
You might also dig this map.
8-Bit Chicago
One of Google's April Fool's pranks this year was to release an 8-bit "Quest" version of Google Maps, which supposedly runs on the Nintendo Entertainment System. But while it may be a prank, it results in some pretty amazing low-res views of Chicago.
Chicago, Legend of Zelda style:
A view of the buildings across from Google's Chicago offices:
Marina Towers:
The Hancock:
The Bean and skyline:
Buckingham Fountain:
Wrigley Field:
The Field Museum:
A surprisingly colorful Sears Tower:
The Water Tower:
"The only four-letter F-word I use now is 'FOIA."
The Mayor's Office played an April Fool's joke on Facebook yesterday, claiming Mayor Emanuel had filed several FOIA requests "to learn more about himself."
