Next Stop Belmont, Brought to You By...
After considering it in 2005, 2008 and earlier this year, the CTA is offering the opportunity to buy naming rights for 11 train stations.
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
Wednesday, September 17
Merge
Monthly Archive
May 2012
Galloping Chicago Gourmet Tickets
Tickets for Chicago Gourmet, Sept. 28-29, went on sale today, and they're already selling out. Get yours fast!
Or Do You Say Maifest?
Lincoln Square's Mayfest kicks off tonight at 5pm, even though it feels more like Februaryfest today. Don't let the rain water down your beer.
Ink Stains Fake Fur
FoGB Phineas X. Jones shows a puppet how to screenprint on the latest episode of "The Jameson Talk Show" from the Noah Ginex Puppet Company.
Alderman Wants to Ban Pants on the Ground
Calling it "gangster-style clothing," 37th Ward Alderman Emma Mitts introduced a resolution denouncing saggy pants, sideways baseball caps and excessive jewelry at Chicago Public Schools. Saggy pants are already against CPS dress code, but the rule's enforcement has been lax in recent years.
The Case of the Missing Artwork Certificate
Rhona Hoffman Gallery is being sued by the owner of a Sol LeWitt piece because the gallery allegedly lost the piece's certificate of authenticity.
Get Your Wings
Remember Flugtag, Red Bull's crazy flying-thing competition from a couple years ago? It's back Sept. 8, and you have until June 29 to sign up with your team.
Blasts from the Cocktail Past at NoMI
If you miss Violet Hour cocktails such as the Blinker or Part & Parcel, you can get them again at NoMI Kitchen -- for a couple dollars more.
Lawsuit Filed Against Illinois' Civil Union Law
The ACLU of Illinois and Lambda Legal filed a lawsuit against the state of Illinois and Cook County Clerk David Orr yesterday on behalf of 25 same-sex couples, claiming the state's civil union law violates the Illinois Constitution's guarantee of equal protection and due process. Learn more about it here.
A Growing Family
One of the Shedd Aquarium's Pacific white-sided dolphins, Piquet, gave birth yesterday to a healthy, but not yet named calf. Fearing the birth over the NATO weekend closure, several staffers had moved into the aquarium for the summit's duration, but Piquet held out until Memorial Day
Redeveloping the Confluence
Details are now available for the three high-rise development proposed for Wolf Point on the Chicago River. Despite the recent announcement, the final tower wouldn't be complete until 2020.
Put a Bird on It
Andrew Bird has launched an Etsy shop -- and, strangely, premiered a new video there, too.
Innocence Un-Served
Despite a mission to make sure no wrongful conviction goes uninvestigated, the Medill Innocence Project has let drop the case of Willie T. Donald, who had the misfortune of being in process during the David Protess evidence-tampering scandal.
Tapping the Revolution
The tap room at Revolution Brewing's new Kedzie Avenue brewery officially opens today at 2pm.
Combatting the Gang Problem ...Again
Emanuel and McCarthy announced a new plan to attack the gang problem yesterday, including monitoring social media for gang coordination. What would you do?
Beating the Spread
Ted McClelland introduces you to Charles K. McNeil, the Chicago securities analyst who invented the point spread.
Help Make a TEDx
TEDxUChicago is asking you to help determine who will speak at the conference in 2013. Vote online; you've got until Monday, June 4.
Where to Get it High & Tight
Belmont Barbershop and Joe's Barbershop make Details' list of the best barbershops in America.
Chicago Shreds
No, it's not the air guitar championship show (though that's also fast-approaching): it's a chance to get your classified documents shredded for free and get educated on avoiding identity theft. And this year, you can also recycle old electronics.
The Fire that Shut Down the CTA
Roy's Furniture burned to the ground Tuesday night, just in time to royally screw up North Siders' commute home. Roy's plans to rebuild.
You Win Some, You Lose Some
DC and Louisiana are ahead of Illinois in terms of political corruption convictions per capita, but the US district of Chicago makes up 84 percent of the state's convictions.
Membership has its Privileges
London-based private club and hotel chain Soho House will be opening a Chicago outpost in 2014, along with Barcelona, Istanbul, Mumbai and Toronto.
Speed Eater
While passing through town, ChicagoNow challenged Kobayashi to an Al's Beef eat-off against several of their bloggers. I'd tell you who managed to eat five sandwiches in the time it took the rest to eat one, but I don't want to spoil the ending. [via]
Tuesday Night is Malort Night
Well, this Tuesday, anyway -- as in tonight. Nisei Lounge hosts the first-ever Malort Night, featuring malort cocktails, history and contests. You'll hate yourself if you miss it -- and your tongue will hate you if you don't.
A Pool for Pooches
If the dog beach isn't your thing, how about a pool party for your large or small dog?
"Chicago actors are more hard-nosed."
In an interview in Esquire, Bill Murray talked about Chicago actors, his improv mentor, Del Close, and the Cubs, among other things. [via]
Farmers Market in the South Loop
Grant Park still doesn't have a farmers market, but the Wheeler Mansion is stepping in to fill the void in the South Loop.
The Secret Startup
Chicagoan Eric Simons, founder ClassConnect.com, recently spent two months squatting in AOL's headquarters.
For the Glory of Ribs
Ribfest will be holding an amateur rib-eating competition next Thursday night at Black Rock Pub and Kitchen [PDF]. The winner advances to RibMania the next night to compete against the big guns of competitive eating. Have you got what it takes?
The Loop Gets Colorized
The Chicago Loop Alliance begins mounting Color Jam, a huge art installation by Jessica Stockholder that will cover State Street in geometric colored shapes, tonight from 7 to 9pm, Friday, June 1 from 9 to 10pm and Monday, June 4 from 8 to 9pm.
Mark Kirk (Kinda, Sorta) May Have Pulled a John Edwards
The senator's ex-wife Kimberly Vertolli has filed an FEC complaint alleging that the campaign intentionally hid over $140k in payments to Kirk's ex-girlfriend for public relations work.
Chicago Shrinks
The city may get slightly smaller soon, if 86 acres of reclaimed industrial land on the southeast side is unincorporated so it can become a landfill. The city is seeking new means to prevent the succession following a judgement approving the action. The city was unable to prove it had plans for the property and would be "unduly harmed" by the lost tax revenue.
You vs. Groupon
If you have an unused Groupon bought between November 2008 and December 2011, I've got a class action settlement for you to ponder joining.
The Case of the Hitchhiking Limpets
Dr. Janet Voight of the Field Museum discovered that Alvin, the famous deep sea submersible, had accidentally transported limpets from one spot 3,000 feet under the ocean to another 375 miles away. Oops.
Panhandling People v. The City of Chicago
In which Chicago panhandlers, frequently intimidated and threatened by police, seek First Amendment justice for being shooed out of their Michigan Avenue spots.
Your Fashion Destinaton
Speaking of airports, Pilot & Captain makes some very snazzy airport shirts, including one for ORD.
Cops are Pissed Post-NATO
The Fraternal Order of Police has filed several grievances against the City in connection to the NATO Summit -- the latest being that officers aren't receiving overtime pay for their extra service.
The Best 'Cue
Smoque made LocalEats.com's list of the top 20 barbecue restaurants in America; Lem's and Uncle John's got honorable mentions.
Blue Ribbon Type
A moment of typeface history: Pabst Oldstyle was based on the hand lettering Frederic Goudy created for the Pabst beer label. It was commissioned in 1902 by Schlesinger & Mayer, a Chicago department store that later became Carson Pirie Scott, for its exclusive use. You can download it now from MyFonts.
Free Theater this Sunday
Shattered Globe's Protégé Ensemble will perform Honest | Fair, an original play inspired by the "nunnery scene" in Shakespeare's Hamlet, for free at Stage 773 on Sunday. You'll want to reserve your spot ahead of time.
Ferro's Plans for the Reader and Sun-Times
Wrapports chairman Michael Ferro shared details about what he plans to do with the Reader, as well as how to make the Sun-Times the number one newspaper in the country.
Hit the Beach, Carefully
The beaches officially open today, if you're brave enough to get in the water. For one thing, it's still cold, but for another, the Park District won't stop you due to e.coli blooms anymore (they'll still close the beaches for sewage overflow).
The Caped Cartooner
A.V. Club interviews actor and comic book artist Chris Burnham, currently drawing Batman Incorporated.
Batman Tumbles in Chicago
Bat fans before this summer's release of The Dark Knight Rises, you can check out the movie's Batmobile (aka the Tumbler) and Bat pod motorcycle on tour today from 4-6pm at the Merchandise Mart and tomorrow at these Bat-times: 6-7am at NBC tower and 12-5pm at Navy Pier.
RIP Janet Carroll
Janet Carroll, Tom Cruise's mom in Risky Business, passed away Tuesday. She was 71. (Thanks, Marc.)
This Sausage is Kinda Chewy
The Object Design League created a set of meat balloons. Sadly, they're sold out.
Your Vote Counts
Chicago magazine's looking for votes in its Best of Chicago Readers' Choice Awards. (Voting's still open for the Reader's Best of Chicago, too.)
Help Them to the Car
Toyota is running a Facebook competition called 100 Cars for Good. There are a bunch of non-profit organizations in Illinois competing for your votes to win a car, including several in Chicago: the Japanese American Service Committee, La Casa Norte, Open Books and Streetwise.
"Pinstripe Patronage"
The City has paid more than $63 million in legal fees for police misconduct cases since 2003, the Chicago Reporter has discovered.
Dining a NATO Casualty
Perhaps not surprisingly, the "OMG stay away from downtown!" hysteria during the NATO Summit hurt downtown restaurants -- as well as some far from the action.
38 Hot Looks
Racked Chicago just released its first "Racked Indie 38" list of the hottest indie boutiques, modeled after sister site Eater's 38.
BYO BYOB App
The Chicago version was recently released, and it's pretty much what it sounds like -- an (iPhone only, as of now) app that allows you to hunt down BYOB-friendly joints by cuisine or neighborhood. [via]
31 Days for Oscar Lopez Rivera
From April 29 to May 29, activists and community members are participating in 31 Days for 31 Years, an exhibit commenting on the imprisonment of Puerto Rican political prisoner Oscar López Rivera.
A Wall in Mourning
The Lake Shore Drive viaduct at Grand Avenue, which has been home to Shepherd Fairey's "Obey" mural for the past year, was painted over this morning.
Nominate Under 40 Folks
Crain's Chicago Business' 40 Under 40 nominations are open. Who do you know who ought to be listed?
Thanks for Everything, Fitzgerald
US Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald announced today that he will step down at the end of June. He said he'll take the summer off to consider future career plans ...which sounds to the folks here in the office like he's headed to the private sector. The Trib runs down highlights from his 10 and a half years.
Sun-Times Reader Marriage Official
Michael Miner announces the happy couple, and Poynter has the marriage license memo (previously).
OWNing Up to Failure
The Oprah Winfrey Network is a year old and still struggling to attract viewers; Chicago magazine looks at what went wrong. Meanwhile, "Windy City Live," the show that replaced "The Oprah Winfrey Show" on ABC7, is doing pretty well.
Ruby on Rails on Rails
Hackatrain, the first-ever hackathon aboard a moving CTA train, will be happening June 16. Get on board.
Win with a Sticker
If you buy your vehicle city sticker online this year by July 15, you could win a prize.
The Pedi Cab and The Pub: A Windy City Lovestory
So you're as excited to be able to officially stick your winter coat in the coat-closet as the next guy but you want to do something different this summer, for pete's sake? Well, for a reasonable fee, you and your sun-loving, beer-fan friends can take to the streets and pedal your way around with -- that's right, not to -- the pub. Chicago Pedal Pub has made this summer dream a reality! Helmets not required.
Humor Me on This
Today in A/C, we debuted a new monthly podcast: Humor Me, featuring Nellie Huggins talking with folks from Chicago's comedy community. In its debut episode, Nellie chats with Kelsie Huff in the bathroom at ComedySportz.
The Original Channel Surfer
Eugene Polley, Lombard resident and inventor of the first remote control, the Zenith Flash-Matic, passed away Sunday at 96.
The Vedder Chelios Wood Band
Eddie Vedder and Chris Chelios performed "The Weight" with Live Band Karaoke at Stanley's Kitchen on Sunday, while Kerry Wood watched. According to Live Band Karaoke's Facebook page, Vedder also sang some Who songs.
Our City, Ourselves
Humans of Chicago is "the photographic census of Chicago, one street portrait at a time." It's shot by Ed Harris.
A Thousand Firefly Cycles
Chicago-based artist David Rueter is traveling up to the Twin Cities to produce The Kuramoto Model (1,000 Fireflies). HuffPo Chicago interviewed him about the project, which "transforms" bicyclists into LED fireflies. Help make it happen on Kickstarter.
Living Off the Grid
Dave "Gone" Brault is squatting in the basement of the abandoned Damen Silos, in hopes of being able to someday teach people how to live in a post-apocalyptic society. [via]
Comedy isn't Pretty when it's Accurate
In his newest standup special Animal Furnace, comic and Chicago native Hannibal Buress talks about a 2009 interview he did in the Eastern Illinois University student newspaper in advance of a stand-up gig at the school, criticizing EIU for emphasizing that he was brought in to increase diversity on campus (and stating how much he was paid to appear). The newspaper is not amused.
Baderbrau is Back
Baderbrau, once called the best pilsner in North America, is flowing again in Chicago, starting Thursday. It will soon be available in Binny's across the city.
Presidential Recreation in the Secure Zone
President Obama took some time to throw around ye olde pigskin in Soldier NATO Field on Sunday evening.
Drawing the News, in Tablet Form
Symbolia is a planned "tablet magazine of illustrated journalism," currently accepting pitches for its first issue. Maybe they should team up with the Illustrated Press guys (previously).
RIP Eddie Blazonczyk, Sr.
Eddie Blazonczyk, Sr., founder of the Versatones and one of the country's foremost polka players, has passed away at the age of 70.
Here's a tribute to Blazonczyk, Sr. at Pulaski Polka Days last year.
And here's a polka version of "Bear Down, Chicago Bears" performed by the Versatones in 1986.
James E. Sierzega, the Versatones' trumpet player, died in February
"That didn't turn out so badly."
There is no shortage of love for Chris Ware on Gapers Block. So of course we have to share Fear No Art's interview with him.
Power v. People
A.V. Club Chicago interviews Dominic Pacyga, author of Chicago: A Biography, on Chicago's history of anti-protestor violence.
Less Musical than We Thought
Winnetka of all places is the Chicagoland town with the most musicians per thousand residents -- Chicago included. The big city comes in at just 79th.
More than 2000 Exonerated
The Center for Wrongful Convictions at Northwestern and the University of the Michigan Law School have set up a national registry of exonerations, which collected more than 2,000 cases of wrongful convictions over 23 years.
Indian Boundary Park Fieldhouse Burned
A fire badly damaged the historic fieldhouse at Indian Boundary Park on Sunday. The park's neighbors vowed to help the Park District rebuild.
Photos © the_mel, all rights reserved.
My Kind of Protest Town
Few photos from the NATO Summit and protests will be as iconic (and ironic) as this one by GB contributing photographer Steve Stearns.
Plenty of Vacancies
A Chicago Sojourn checks in to see what remains of Lincoln Avenue's Motel Row, which we've covered once or twice in the past.
Secure, Surveil and Stimulate?
U of C Law professor Bernard Harcourt notes that while NATO will finish today, its local legal and policy ramifications will not.
Watch NATO Live Online
This collection of live streaming video sources is a good place to start if you want to check out the NATO protests and events- without actually going outside. SUNDAY UPDATE: Two standouts for today's demonstration include the Occupie Chicago stream from inside the crowd and the WGN camera from above.
Welcome to the Neighborhood
The Chicago Greeter program just added "Instagreeter" service to Wrigleyvile and Boystown.
More Doughnuts Monday
Glazed and Infused, the new doughnut shop we previewed in Drive-Thru back in March, opens Monday.
Looking at Lichtenstein
Huffington Post has nothing but praise for the Roy Lichtenstein retrospective opening at the Art Institute -- a sprawling show featuring more than 160 pieces. The exhibition runs May 22-Sep 3.
The Old Ball Game
The Chicago Amateur Base Ball Annual and Inter-City Base Ball Association Year Book from 1905. [via]
Pork & Beer
Today is your last chance to get early bird pricing on tickets to the Slow Food Pig Roast at Goose Island Clybourne on June 10.
An Experiment in Writing & Design
We hope you join us tonight at The Coop for the release of 8x8, a set of posters featuring collaborations by 16 local writers and designers. RSVP on Facebook!
NATO May Block Your Call
Another potential reason to be annoyed that NATO is in town: jammed cellular service.
Wrigley Rebuild on Rickettsy Ground
Not surprisingly, Joe Ricketts' planned ad campaign against Obama (previously) pissed off Mayor Emanuel, putting the Rickettses' request for public funding of a Wrigley remodel on shaky footing. Joe Ricketts' Super PAC issued a statement that the campaign was just a proposal, and his kids spent yesterday doing damage control.
The Formation of Emanuel
Northwestern's alumni magazine has a long profile of Rahm Emanuel from childhood to first term as mayor -- along with a fun analysis of his rhetorical toolbox. [via]
Take Part in a Tomato Bomb
Gardening blogger MrBrownThumb (aka Ramon Gonzalez, who wrote about the City's water reclamation efforts in Mechanics) is collecting tomato seeds to send to a disabled gardener in Louisiana.
Chicago Shares
Shareable is spending a week sharing Chicago's contributions to sharing technology, including the Chicago DataDive event that happened recently.
Getting Around NATO
For those interested in braving the downtown area the next few days, the Tribune has a full transit guide featuring motorcade delays, parking restrictions, waterway delays, etc. (RedEye put together a CTA-specific guide a few days ago)
The Birds and the Bee
GB flickr pool contributor John Kerr captured a pretty amazing view of a chick being fed by its parent.
The Conservative Chicago Cubs
Joe Ricketts, the head of the family who owns the Cubs, is preparing a major campaign to "defeat Barack Hussein Obama." The NY Times reports that one option is a $10 million racialization of the presidential race by reinserting Rev. Jeremiah Wright and others to influence voters who "still aren't ready to hate this president."
Nearly Beer O'Clock
Chicago Craft Beer Week kicks off today, with several events starting at 11am, and runs through the 27th. (Wait, isn't that more than a week? Well, it's hard to do math while drunk.)
Aloha, Chicago
One week from today The Old Town School of Folk Music hosts the first Festival of Aloha, a four-day event bringing together Pacific Island dance instructors and musicians. Attendees will have their pick of workshops during the day, and be able to attend evening concerts featuring Grammy-winning artist Daniel Ho, award-winning vocalist Darlene Ahuna and many more. If you can't make the festival, you're still invited to take part in an attempt for the Guinness record for the world's largest ukulele lesson! Full details at the festival's website.
Programming Beyond Prejudice
At a hack day last year, Melissa Pierce was told, "No room for noobs with boobs!" by a rude programmer. So she created Chicago Women Developers, a resource for woman-friendly coding classes and events.
For Your Tumblring Enjoyment, Pt. 2
When In Chicago was started the day before So.Yeah.Duh, but it's not quite as active. Still worth adding to your dashboard.
Happy Hundredth, Studs
Don't forget, the Newberry Library is celebrating Studs Terkel's 100th birthday tonight at 5:30pm. Take a listen to our interview with Studs from back in the GB archives.
"Friendly at the Confines": Soccer at Wrigley
We've seen hockey and football at Wrigley Field in recent years. Now it's soccer's turn. Roma will play Zaglebie Lubin on July 22; tickets go on sale May 24.
Europe Day in CPS in time for NATO in Chicago
Students in various CPS high schools have been preparing for the influx of European heads of state by learning national anthems, history and, for a lucky few, even taking a trip to the EU. Including young people in the summit activities brought out messages of understanding, tolerance and optimism. Important concepts for young students that hopefully won't be lost on the power-holders occupying McCormick Place next week.
Watching the Bailout
The new documentary Bailout makes its Chicago debut at the Music Box tonight. The cross-country exploration of the US financial crisis features several Chicagoans on cast and crew -- many of whom met as drinking buddies at the Old Town Ale House
I'll Have 19,000 Chicago Dogs, Please
McCormick Place's Director of Culinary Services dishes on the logistics of preparing food for approximately 20,000 NATO summiters.
Books on the Move
On May 7th and 10th, Open Books partnered with Chicago Public Schools and took their volunteer Reading Buddies and Booksmobile to several elementary schools to offer pop-up book fairs to eager young readers who had participated in the program all year and achieved their literacy goals. That these are students who don't often get to enjoy the gift of a new book only sweetened the deal and, as the photos show, enthusiasm never waned, rain or shine. Interested in becoming a Reading Buddy?
Kitchen Closed
Logan Square Kitchen, which fought many battles in getting kosher with city regulations, is closing at the end of June.
Stabbed in the Line of Duty
Four Guardian Angels were stabbed while trying to intervene in an iPhone robbery last night at the Clark and Division Red Line stop.
Ill-advised Body Art
Maybe getting a full back tattoo of Michael Jordan with a gimpy leg and a Dennis Rodman growing out of his armpit wasn't such a good idea.
Real Top Ramen
Even if you've burned out on Maruchan, it's worth giving the real thing a chance -- Chicagoist has put together a list of their top 5 Chicago ramen destinations.
The Grandeur of an 86-Component Dish
Alinea has a new dish, called "Lamb 86," that involves 86 ingredients in tiny portions. A new video gives a peek at how the cooks assemble it; it almost comes off as a parody of fussy modern cuisine. [via]
Snark Imitates Life
When the Onion published a faux story last week about an archaeologist named Brian Bauer who narrowly avoids deadly fate a Peruvian temple, no one apparently realized that there is a real-life Incan researcher and archaeologist named Brian Bauer; he's a faculty member at UIC.
A Long Wait for the Rose
Derrick Rose won't be back in the Bulls lineup for 8 to 12 months after surgery to repair his torn ACL.
Tearing Down & Building Up
The Atlantic Cities blog talked with our own David Schalliol and Milwaukee-based urban historian Michael Carriere about their documentation of urban decay and revitalization.
U of C Comics Webcast
If you missed the chance to RSVP for the University of Chicago Comics Convention, you can catch a live webcast of going-ons 6 to 7:30pm on May 18, 9am to 7:15pm on May 19, and 10:30am to noon on May 20. [via]
Chomsky Weighs In
What's a protest without Noam Chomsky? The veteran activist talks about the history of NATO and the protests in Chicago in a new video. [via]
So Long, Cameron
Comedian Cameron Esposito is, sadly, moving to LA in June. A.V. Club has her exit interview.
A Celebration of Studs
Tomorrow is the 100th anniversary of Studs Terkel's birth, and the American Public Media program The Story kicks off a four-day retrospective today with a collection of interviews that Studs did for WFMT.
Listen to Those Voices
Voices in Your Head, UofC's a capella choral group, placed fourth in the Varsity Vocals national finals with an impressive medley of "We Found Love," "Titanium" and "Little Lion Man."
Chicago's New Third Party
No, not the Greens. The 10th District Unity Party was formed by several Chicago Democrats in order to mount a challenge against indicted State Rep. Derrick Smith
Putt Putt Goose Goose
On May 20th in celebration of Chicago Craft Beer Week Goose Island and their merry band of Illinois Craft Brewers will conjure up a 9 hole minigolf course inside their Fulton's Barrel Warehouse. More info on how to enter a drawing to buy tickets to this zen event are on the Chicago Craft Beer Week website.
NATO Protestors Might Get an Earful
The Guardian reports that Chicago police will have a new weapon to combat NATO protesters: the long range acoustic device, or LRAD, which can emit a high-pitched "deterrent tone" that is painful and potentially harmful to human ears. (h/t Dee)
Getting Around NATO
The RedEye's Tracy Swartz has tips for how to get around the city on public transit while the NATO Summit and protestors are in town.
Jeremy Hammond Enters Plea
Jeremy Hammond, the local hacker accused of being a member of Lulzsec (previously), pleaded not guilty today. Meanwhile, there's a defense fund at FreeHammond.org.
Missing CTA Map? Blame a DePaul Student
DePaul officials are searching dorm rooms for stolen CTA train maps after the DePaulia published an article about the "rite of passage." You can buy the maps for $36 directly from the CTA. [via]
Balfour is not Englewood's Fault
William Balfour was found guilty of killing Jennifer Hudson's mother, brother and nephew on Friday; Natalie Moore writes in Ebony that Englewood is not to blame.
Your Cell Service in Chicago Sucks
...Unless you're on Verizon, RootMetrics finds. Both download and upload speeds for the other major carriers were all pretty poor.
Dogs at the Wheel Still OK
Driving with a dog in your lap seems at least as distracting as being on the phone, but Illinois legislators disagreed, voting down a bill that would have made a ticketable offense.
Movies in the Parks
The Chicago Park District has announced the 2012 Movies in the Parks lineup, and it's a sizable offering -- 176 films across 128 parks.
2012 Chicago Park District "Movies in the Parks" Schedule
Santaland Diaries: Realish?
The Mike Daisey fiasco is reverberating through "This American Life": now some are wondering whether David Sedaris' work is fact or fiction. (This is really in question?)
Where the Protests Are
The NATO Summit isn't till the weekend, but the action starts today. NATOprotest.org has a list of all the week's activities.
City in a Garden
A new show produced by J.J. Abrams is at least partly set in Chicago. That is, after 15 years without electricity (or something). Wrigley Field needs some landscaping. Here's the trailer.
Meet the 2 Percenters
Minority contract fraud has a new trick: pass-through companies known as "2 percenters" for the cut they take for their services.
Mother's Day Tragedy
Four women celebrating Mother's Day together died in a car accident late Saturday night.
Outsider Art Garage Sale
Intuit is throwing Collect-O-Rama, a "de-accession sale for collectors, hoarders and eccentrics," this Saturday from 10am to 4pm at the Pulaski Park Fieldhouse.
Put That on My Mama
Chance the Rapper released "Hey Ma," a tribute to his mother, just in time for Mother's Day. What'd you do for your mom?
You can download his latest album, #10 Day, for free.
Ars Seven Point Zero
News site Ars Technica has been completely redesigned. If you're familiar with the old one column layout, you'll find this primer very useful.
Chicago Going Forward
CDOT released its "Chicago Forward Action Agenda" today, which maps out a vision for the city's transportation needs over the next two years. Grid Chicago talked with CDOT Commissioner Gabe Klein about the plan.
Resistance is Brutal
New City gets engrossed in Billy Corgan's wrestling league, Resistance Pro Wrestling. There's a bout tonight.
NATO Diplomats: Ignore the Guides
Patrick Reardon recommends you see the "real" Chicago instead, by driving down Western Avenue or wandering Avondale or Woodlawn.
We're Screwed Over on Parking Meters
By the Expired Meter's back-of-the-envelope calculations, Chicago will pay back all of the $1.16 billion it received in the parking meter privatization deal over the course of the lease. Emanuel's refusal to send a check for the latest bill is only a drop in the bucket.
The End of the Brand
After months of controversy, the orange-rated Brand Brewing Company complex is currently being demolished.
Patrick Kane, the Blackouthawk
The Blackhawks' Patrick Kane got drunk in Madison last weekend. Very, very drunk.
Someone's Getting Rich Quick
The Verge peeks behind the curtain of "internet marketing," and talks with The Salty Droid, a local blog that focuses on this seedy underworld.
Stay Outta Bridgeport, Hipsters
Apparently not everyone in Bridgeport is so excited that Version Fest is bringing so much attention to the neighborhood this month.
Instagram + Pinterest = ?
What do you get when you mash up the latest pair of social networks to go viral? Pinstagram, developed by local startup Tapisto.
Depression in Pictures
The Trib explores teen depression through a graphic novelization of one kid's experiences. (See it as it was in print here).
Desert Schmesert
Sam Kass, the Chicagoan who's a double-threat at the White House -- assistant chef and senior policy advisor on healthy food initiatives -- dishes about food deserts.
Columbia's Carter Departs
Columbia College's president, Warrick Carter, announced that he will retire in August 2013. As Chicago Journal notes, Carter led the school's aggressive real estate purchasing campaign. He made headlines earlier this year for telling a student to shut up during a Q&A.
Street Art
Local artist Jane Sloss recently completed a series of 24 watercolor paintings -- one for each mile of Western Avenue. They're now collected at the Beverly Arts Center in her show At the Heart of the City. [via]
ScavHunt All the Things!
Watch out for roving bands of crazed college students: the list for the annual UofC Scavenger Hunt has been released.
Among the 351 items on this year's list are a rainbow cupcake, a game of Name That Tune on the Quad this Friday, an AOL floppy disk, Blue Cheese Man Group, and a flawless pair of ice dice. Get moving.
Our Burlesque Heritage
Burlesque performers like Michelle L'Amour have made the artform more respectable, but burlesque and striptease had their origins in the "hoochie coochie" belly dance routine on display at the Columbian Exposition.
Have a Raily Good Time
National Train Day is this Saturday, May 12, and there are plenty of events planned.
Mapping the Murals
The Mural Locator has only a fraction of Chicago's murals listed. Give them a hand, won't you?
Children's Book Drive to Benefit Tsunami Victims
Chappell Elementary is holding a kids' book drive for Japanese children affected by last year's tsunami. The school, a world language magnet, is starting a Japanese studies program next year -- and the principal's been selected to participate in an educator exchange program sponsored by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Chicago.
Picking Up the Grid
The week of June 11, the 46th, 47th, 48th, 49th and 50th wards and most of the 40th and 44th will move to a grid system for trash pickup.
They All Look the Same to Me
Some downtown office workers were reportedly advised to "look like protesters" to avoid being "targeted by protesters" during next week's NATO summit.
"Both Offensive and Defensive"
Looks like the Chicago Reader's about to get brought into the Sun-Times family fold (tabloid vs. broadsheet pun intended).
Camp Groupon has no Tents
Instead, Camp Groupon July 6-8 includes two nights in a downtown hotel, and a whole bunch of activities organized in six interest tracks, all for just $749.
The Night Watchman Endangers a NATO Protest
The City threatened to pull the permit for a May 18 NATO protest by National Nurses United, after musician Tom Morello was added to the rally. The protest may continue if it's moved to the Petrillo Band Shell instead of Daley Plaza; Morello, who was born in Libertyville, said "Mayor Emanuel is afraid of me, afraid of nurses and afraid of the truth."
CPD Ignoring Police Misconduct?
A Chicago Reporter investigation discovered some startling stats: more than a third of police misconduct cases involved officers with multiple complaints, and just 1 percent of the police force was responsible for more than 25 percent of payouts in misconduct cases. Read more in the current issue of the Reporter.
"I think same sex couples should be able to get married."
President Obama affirmed today that he supports same-sex marriage, after years of wobbling back and forth on the issue. The Guardian made a great infographic of what rights each state affords gay, lesbian and transgender residents.
Window Watching
Michigan Avenue Magazine and Oak Street Design are looking for fashion-forward types to weigh in on their favorite downtown window displays for their third annual PROJECT windows contest.
An Online Revolt in Academia
Naomi Schaefer Riley, a blogger for the Chronicle of Higher Education, was fired this week after she accused the first dissertation topics of NU's Black Studies doctoral program of being "left-wing victimization claptrap."
Ask Albini Anything
Steve Albini went onto Reddit last night for an "Ask Me Anything" Q&A. If you don't want to wade through all the comments, check out this convenient table.
United States of X: Influence Edition
CommonCensus aims to map the true cultural boundaries of America in terms of "sphere of influence." Interesting to see the boundaries of Chicago's influence. (There's also a sports map.)
Talk with the CTO & CDO
John Tolva and Brett Goldstein, the CTO and CDO of Chicago, will be doing a live chat on Ars Technica today at 1pm, discussing the data portal and how it's helping change how the city is run. UPDATE: Due to technical difficulties (Ars just launched a redesign), the chat has been canceled.
Keeping Carp Out of Lake Michigan ...Eventually
Today you learned that there is an Asian Carp Director, and that he and the Army Corps of Engineers are speeding up the process on their report to Congress about how to keep Asian carp out of the Great Lakes. The report will now be delivered in 2013, instead of 2015.
Chicago's Power Ranking
There are lots of rankings of cities' global influence, and Chicago is always near the top. A new study from the McKinsey Global Institute takes all the other ones and totals them up for an aggregate rating. Chicago still looks good.
RIP Chris Drew & the Eavesdropping Law He Fought
Activist artist Christopher Drew passed away on Monday after a battle with lung cancer. His last post on his blog April 1 questioned what was next after the state legislature failed to change the eavesdropping law that he'd protested for years, ultimately leading to his arrest in 2009. The felony charge against him was thrown out in March, but unfortunately, he didn't live to see the Seventh U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago declared the law unconstitutional yesterday. He'll be missed.
Hejda, A-Ville Daily
The A-Ville Daily, which chronicled the comings and goings of Andersonville, has shut down.
Lip Syncin' for the Kids
Keenan Cahill's latest video is an original track recorded to help raise funds for the new Lurie Children's Hospital, which opens next month. You can donate on the Race for the Kids 5k website.
Summer of Beer
Two promising events hosted by the Chicago Beer Society: Big Brew Day on May 12 -- a day of brewing and BBQing, and the Blues & Brews Cruise on July 7, an evening of craft beer and live music off Navy Pier.
Q101 Rises Again... Sort Of
Q101 never went away online, and now it's back on the radio: WJJG-AM 1530 began simulcasting the online station yesterday. Meanwhile, WKQX-FM, Q101's old station, has returned to the airwaves as Q87.7, way down at the bottom of the dial.
What Goes Up Must Come Down
Marilyn has had her final days in Chicago and is being shipped to Palm Springs where she will stand until June 2013. Sorry Marilyn, maybe the Windy City was just too windy for that dress. Interesting dismantle to say the least.
"Rappin' 'bout my own life"
RedEye profiles Chief Keef, a 16-year-old rapper whose song "I Don't Like" was remixed by Kanye West (download it from Fake Shore Drive).
Chicago Foods Abroad
Robyn Nisi and Laura Sant check out deep dish in San Francisco and hot dogs in New York in Drive-Thru.
Decide What's Best
The Reader's annual Best of Chicago is open for voting through May 25, and this year they also want your photos via Instagram.
Explore Old Maps
Old Maps Online shows you where various historical maps from several collections land on a Google map. Here's Chicagoland.
It'd Be Faster to Ride a Horse than the Red Line
Chicago Mag's got a cool photo retrospective of CTA cars.
Not In My Backyard
44th Ward Alderman Tom Tunney's not too happy with the mayor's proposal to renovate and revitalize Wrigley Field.
Demolishing One Building for Another
Among recent additions to To be Demolished are a modern industrial building that will make way for a mixed-use development and a North Side house marketed as a teardown.
Midway Privatization Plans Return
Are plans to privatize Midway back on? Looks like it might be, despite Emanuel campaigning against it.
Chicago's Freight Nightmare
"When it comes to rail traffic, Chicago is America's speed bump." NYTimes reports on Chicago's rail freight problem, and the federal-state program aiming to fix it.
Clout & Ethics at City Club
Jay Doherty, president of the City Club of Chicago, is under investigation for allegedly using the club to help clients of his lobbying firm, Chicago magazine reports.
Hitting the Snackpot
The Snackpot, a locally produced foodblog about snacks, launched today. Celebrate with them at Schubas on Thursday.
AARPizza
The A.V. Club ditches fancy dough and trendy toppings for old-fashioned, looking at Chicago's handful of 50-plus-year-old pizzerias.
Haagen-Dazs: Good News and Bad
The good news: tomorrow's Free Cone Day -- just walk into a Haagen-Dazs shop between 4 and 8pm, and get a free ice cream cone. The bad news: the only participating city location is at O'Hare.
Too Frequent Fliers
American Airlines used to sell a ticket for unlimited travel for life. As it got expensive, the company shut it down -- and started investigating some of its most active users.
The Toxins in Our Bodies
A new Tribune investigative series looks at toxic products in our homes and the campaigns tobacco and chemical manufacturers waged to get them there. First up is flame retardants; more coming all week.
The Hometown Un-Discount
Remember that "hometown discount" Allstate was giving to Illinois residents? Yeah, those days are over. The company's increasing insurance rates by 3 to 5 percent later this month.
Oh, the Humanity
Sunday was the 75th anniversary of the Hindenburg tragedy; what you may not know is that the most famous recording of the incident is WLS radio reporter Herb Morrisson.
Matthew Leone's Alleged Attacker Found Not Guilty
Justin Pivec was found not guilty on Friday of beating Matthew Leone, bassist for Madina Lake, in 2010. Multiple benefits were held to help Leone pay for his medical bills.
That Doggie Bag Won't Be Necessary
The City Council's set to vote on a new ordinance that would collapse the separate "dog-friendly restaurant" license into the regular retail food license.
The Heartland Institute Tries Alienation as a Tactic
Yesterday the right-wing Heartland Institute launched a new anti-climate science campaign with a billboard on the Eisenhower. It included a photograph of the "Unabomber" with the words "I still believe in Global Warming. Do you?" The organization planned to add Charles Manson and Fidel Castro with a similar message but promptly cancelled the advertisement after acknowledging that "our billboard angered and disappointed many of Heartland's friends and supporters." Still they "do not apologize for running the ad."
NATO Closings Announced
The Secret Service announced the parking, walking and driving restrictions that will be rolled out starting May 13 in anticipation of the May 20-21 conference at McCormick Place.
Game 3 Alternative
If things are going sour at the half, consider turning off the television and looping this video of high school Derrick Rose dancing instead. [via]
Why Guard the Mart?
The BGA wonders why there's a policeman assigned to patrol the Merchandise Mart while the CPD is understaffed and dealing with rising crime rates.
Cycle Your Commute
The Active Transportation Alliance's Bike Commuter Challenge is coming up next month, and you can sign up now as a team leader or participant for your office. Over 500 companies throughout Chicagoland took the challenge last year. Even a partial commute counts towards participating, so you can give it a try by riding your bike to the CTA or Metra, too.
A Chip too Far
Chicago Parking Meters LLC is asking for yet another $14 million in "lost" compensation, putting the total at $28 million. This time, though, the City is fighting back.
Getting the Lightning Right
Nick Ulivieri has great success photographing storms, and a key to it is his ability to capture lightning. Here he shares tips on how you can do it, too.
Here's one of his shots from last night's storm:
© 2012 Nick Ulivieri, used by permission.
Adam Yauch of Beastie Boys Dies After Battling Cancer
Adam "MCA" Yauch has passed away after a battle with cancer. Yauch was diagnosed in 2009 after discovering a tumor in his salivary gland. He sat out Beastie Boys induction into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in April while undergoing treatment. He is survived by his wife and daughter. Adam Yauch was 47.
Here are a few videos from the Beasties' visits to Chicago, featuring both MCA's lyrical prowess and musical skills:
NATO's Fact Check Fail
Chicago is hosting the NATO summit this month, and to educate world leaders on the rich culture of the city, a video was released on YouTube. The video featured sweeping shots of the Bean and McCormick place, and such egregious errors as naming Chicago the capital of Illinois, and claiming Barack Obama grew up here. The video is now listed as "private" on YouTube.
MANIFEST: Columbia College's South Loop Extravaganza
Today Columbia College presents Manifest, its annual celebration of student work now in its 11th year. The event kicks off with what they are calling the Great Convergence, a spectacle that is to include a collaborative effort from many of the college's performing and fine arts disciplines. The festivities turn the South Loop into an sprawling outdoor extravaganza. Manifest begins at noon at 1001 S. Wabash Ave.
"It was a dark and stormy night." Now You Go.
The Collabowriters is a collaborative "crowdsourced novel" project by artist Willy Chyr -- yep, the same guy whose art is on a Beck's bottle.
Careful Crossing These Roads
Of the 20 most dangerous intersections in Chicagoland, only four are within Chicago city limits. But those four... watch out.
Even More Local Artists on the National Food Scene
Saveur's Recipe Comix has been loving on Chicago artists lately. Chris Eliopoulos stayed Midwestern with a recipe for fried smelts; Sarah Becan went continental with les galettes completes.
The Gift that Kept on Giving
Hyde Park's Big Girl Makeup Bar and Spa has a fun connection to Oprah; the company's owner was one of the recipients of the legendary car giveaway episode in 2004, and rather than keep the prize, she sold it and used the proceeds to fund her business.
Reviews for Those Who Might Need Help
JJ's List is a site where people with disabilities review businesses and services, created by JJ Hanley, producer of Refrigerator Mothers, a documentary by Kartemquin Films.
Weekend Getaway
If Michael Jordan's mansion is out of your price range, but you still want some Chicago-celebrity real estate, Al Capone's weekend retreat is on the auction block.
Cosplay, Pageantry & Fire Alarms
In A/C, Tim Rolph takes you inside Anime Central, an annual subculture convention that draws more than 24,000 people to Rosemont every spring.
Local Makes Beck's Art Bottle
Chicago artist Willy Chyr's work is featured on the latest edition of Beck's Beer art bottle series, which is being sold in the US for the first time starting May 7.
Ride with Lights at Night
Steven Vance's Get Lit campaign wants to encourage more cyclists to use lights when riding at night. Vance is running a contest to garner more donations to help fund its June light distribution event -- donate by May 31 and be entered to win a set of Monkeylectric spoke lights.
Happy B-Day, Pete Seeger
Chicago Guy describes the ultimate Chicago sleepover -- Studs Terkel hosting Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger.
Kickstarting a Cabbie's Book
Author/artist/cab driver Dmitry Samarov is Kickstarting the sequel to his book Hack: Stories from a Chicago Cab. We love Dmitry around here, so of course it went on our curated Kickstarter page
Stop Hogging All Your Talents
Better Boys Foundation, a North Lawndale community organization that provides kids with after-school and summer programming, is looking for -- among other things -- knitting instructors, bike mechanics, gardeners, dance teachers and playground monitors. (Thanks, The Needle Shop!)
Buy it at a Discount?
Groupon's Biggest Deal Ever, Frank Sennett's book about the company and its mercurial founder, Andrew Mason, is now available for pre-order. It'll be out in hardcover June 5.
Coal Fired Power Plants Closing Early
As of September, Chicago won't be the only major U.S. city with coal fired power plants, because Midwest Generation is closing Fisk and Crawford ahead of schedule.
Nothing's Gonna Stop Me Now
For no apparent reason, the Chicago-set '80s sitcom "Perfect Strangers" has been turned into a a very weird online videogame.
An Act of Rebellion
Chicagoist talks with Karen Hawkins, founder of the recently launched Rebellious Magazine.
Welcome to 1871
1871, the new tech startup coworking space and entrepreneurship hub in the Merchandise Mart, opened its doors today.
A Ninja with a Cause
Shawnimals' newest ninja doll pays homage to Remmy, the dog of owners Shawn and Jen, who is recovering from injuries stemming from a brutal dog attack earlier this spring. A quarter of the proceeds will be donated to the Logan Square Dog Park.
Remembering Ingrid Bergstrom
Grub Street expands on the obituary for Ingrid Bergstrom, matriarch of a long-gone gathering place for Chicago's Scandinavian community.
Cosign from Kanye
Local rapper Chief Keef is now sharing headline and blurb space with a hometown hero and one of the world's biggest stars, as his track "I Don't Like" has been remixed by Kanye West.
Follow Those Trucks
Despite the ordinance to let food trucks cook on board still being stalled in City Council (looking at you, Ald. Tunney), Chicago has 50-some trucks on the streets. Time Out Chicago has created a convenient guide to them all.
3 Floyds Hates Resellers
Three Floyds would like to see the aftermarket for bottles of Dark Lord disappear, and is making a plea for people to stop buying.
Pink is for Pills
A map of Chicago drug possession charges overlaid on the CTA rail system, which manages to be fascinating, terrifying and depressing all at once.
A Gain on Paper
The Sun-Times Media Group is officially bigger than the Trib, if you count combined circulation for both papers' various daily papers. Michael Miner encourages you to check those numbers again.
"As 'Local' As Possible"
City Farm gets shouted out in a National Geographic feature on urban farming.
"It's time to meet the challenge."
For basketball fans in need of some encouragement as the playoffs go forward, Scottie Pippen has written an open letter to the 2011-2012 Bulls.
Not the First Time I've Danced in a Walgreens
Ellen DeGeneres wants you to be at the Walgreens at Clark and Catalpa today at 4:30pm for a filming opportunity for her show.
Dark Knight Chalkmarks
There's a viral campaign for Dark Night Rises going on nationwide; take a picture of Batman graffiti at spots around the city and you'll get a special trailer -- the one that was just released yesterday. [via]
Here are the addresses:
The Art Institute, 111 S. Michigan Ave.
The Pritzker Pavilion, 201 E. Randolph St.
The Congress Plaza Hotel, 520 S. Michigan Ave.
The Tribune Building, 435 N. Michigan Ave.
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St.
Union Station, 225 S. Canal St.
General Parking, 29 N. Lower Wacker Dr.
The Sears Tower, 233 S. Wacker Dr.
Wrigley Field, 1060 W. Addison St.
Belmont CTA Station, 949 W. Belmont Ave.
Mayor Rahm talks Food Trucks and Education tonight on Facebook
The Mayor's going digital tonight for the third time in a Facebook town hall meeting. Topics up for discussion include food trucks and education reform amongst other questions submitted earlier on askchicago.org. The hour-long event starts at 6 pm at Facebook.com/chicagomayorsoffice.
This Version of Bridgeport
In its 12th year, Version has morphed into a monthlong celebration of Bridgeport, "Community of the Future." The festival kicks off with a party tonight at Maria's Packaged Goods, and continues with events every day through the 31st.
Punk Rock Pastry Club
The Bleeding Heart Bakery, most recently open in West Town, is gearing up to welcome customers into their Lakeview spot, just down the street from the original Roscoe Village location. To celebrate, they're offering a deal on membership for a limited time. For $100, members get a handful of perks, including a discount on a monthly "Box of Curiosities" designed by Michelle and filled with handmade sweets and savories. Supporting local, sustainable practices never tasted so good.
School Segregation Persists
Whet Moser delves deeper into the report that Chicago area schools are the second-most segregated in the country.
"It was the perfect storm for Derrick Rose to rupture his ACL."
Dr. J. Martin Leland, assistant professor of surgery at the University of Chicago Medicine, talks about how anterior cruciate ligaments, or ACLs, are torn, repaired, and what may have happened when Derrick Rose's ACL was injured.
"Come on Down the Central Lakeview"
Inspired by the new Chicago anthem, every neighborhood in the city is getting its own awkward theme song! The Central Lakeview Merchants Association gets it started.
Jim's Original vs. Express Grill
Serious Eats Chicago compares the two side-by-side on every menu item they share, and comes away with a clear winner.
Clybourne Park Gets Tony Nods
The Pulitzer-winning play about race and class changes in a Chicago neighborhood was nominated for four Tony awards.
Get Some "Rahm Jeans"?
Apparently Obama and Romney should be shopping with Mayor Emanuel to get away from their "mom jeans" reputation.
Recognition for Historic Public Housing Development
Yesterday the 1930s Chicago public housing development Julia C. Lathrop Homes was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
How Could You Miss Her?
"We wanted to give [people] an opportunity to see her, if they haven't already." So says Jenee Castellanos, associate curator of The Sculpture Foundation, which is removing its gigantic Marilyn Monroe statue from Pioneer Court so she can show her underwear to some other town. De-installation begins May 7. (Previously, and your thoughts.)
Cool Place by the Tracks
Apartment Therapy offers a peek inside one of the gorgeous apartments in the Substation Lofts North in Edgewater.
Sexist Tweets: Unfunny Anytime
Sun-Times sportswriter Joe Cowley deleted his Twitter account after being called out for sexist tweets by another reporter. Marcus Gilmer tracked down a spot to see the offending tweets and many others.
Meet the City's Newest Harbor
The Public Building Commission posted a pretty comprehensive photograph set of the brand new 31st Street Harbor.
