Shooting the Storm
Everyone had their cameras at the ready for the storm that rolled through Chicago this morning.
by Moe Martinez
by Romeo Banias
by Jeffery C. Johnson
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
June 2012
Talk About Film Tonight
Our film critic, Steve Prokopy, will lead a discussion of the film Kiki's Delivery Service tonight at the Gene Siskel Film Center, as part of the Hayao Miyazaki retrospective. (If you're looking for something more current, Steve reviewed Magic Mike, Ted, People Like Us, To Rome with Love and more this week.)
Boundaries That Aren't Blurred
Racially segregated neighborhoods on the Red Line, as illustrated by time-lapse video.
A More Natural Farming
Sky Full of Bacon is back on the farm, this time visiting with Wisconsin farmer, dairy nutritionist and author Gary Zimmer.
Sky Full of Bacon 19: Soil, Corn, Cows, and Cheese from Michael Gebert on Vimeo.
That's a Bit More than 15 Grams
While City Council was letting the guppies off with a ticket, the CPD and DEA were busting the big fish, seizing eight tons of marijuana on a semi trailer
No Chords and a Dream
The US Air Guitar Chicago Regional Championships are tonight at the Metro. Watch as National Champion Nordic Thunder defends his title -- and join us beforehand at the GingerMan Tavern for this month's GB Get-Together.
No Excuses
In a new program being piloted in Chicago and Washington D.C., Walgreens is now offering free HIV tests.
Time Your Metra Flight
Metra finally launched a train tracker. It's only available on Metra's website at the moment (bottom left), but hopefully smart phone apps will soon follow.
A Hack No More
Artist/cabbie/author Dmitry Samarov drove his taxi for the last time last weekend. He'll be spending the next few months writing the sequel to his book, Hack: Stories from a Chicago Cab.
Going Beyond the Photograph
Kyle Thompson creates ethereal, surreal portraits; he explains his process a bit in this Reddit thread. [via]
We Live in a (Slightly) Growing City
After several years of decline, the Census Bureau estimates that Chicago is once again growing in population. It's only by 8,800 people, but that's a big change from the previous average declines of 20,000 people a year.
Another Day, Another Crook
Former alderman Ambrosio Medrano and former Cook County Commissioner Joseph Mario Moreno were arrested today on corruption charges.
Slow & Steady Wins the Race
WBEZ does a roundup of some of the media outlets who had a hard time reporting on today's health care decision.
Walt Disney's House is for Sale
No, not Disneyland, his childhood home -- 2156 N. Tripp Ave. in Hermosa, built by Walt's father and in which Mickey Mouse's dad was born. The two-story house is listed for $179,000. [via]
Any Press is Not Good Press
Food critic Steve Dolinsky was spotted today at the newly opened g.e.b. taking pictures of his lunch. Word got to owner Graham Eliott Bowles, who ordered his staff to immediately stop serving Dolinsky. Eliott had his reasons; it was because Dolinsky had dissed Eliott's mentor Charlie Trotter over Twitter last fall. Dolinsky is baffled.
Who Needs a Flyover?
The Lakefront Trail gets pretty squeezed around Navy Pier, where cyclists, joggers, pedestrians and tourists on Segways all come together. But is a $45 million "flyover" the best solution? Steve Vance proposes a cheaper alternative on Grid Chicago.
The Spaces In Between
Placemaking Chicago is running a contest for projects that temporarily turn vacant lots in the city into something more productive.
The Art of the Underpass
The 49th Ward is seeking artists to paint murals on 20 underpasses under the CTA and Metra tracks in Rogers Park. [via]
Applications are due by July 16.
Jesse Jackson, Jr. is Tired & Hard to Find
Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. has been on medical leave for two weeks, but only announced it on Monday and nobody outside his inner circle is quite sure where he is. His wife, Ald. Sandi Jackson, isn't telling.
Beer Pong: Fancy Edition
Last year we mentioned a high end beer pong table created by two DePaul alum; they've rebranded the table the Chippewa Five, and have managed to place the table locally, as well in the offices of big tech companies like Facebook and Mozilla.
Blagojevich Bored
Blagojevich's former attorney told the Sun-Times that the ex-governor is "totally bored" and would rather be "teaching Shakespeare" than washing dishes.
Pot Bill Passes
City Council passed the ordinance making possession of 15g or less of marijuana a ticketable offense. Potheads can expect to pay $250 for the privilege of not taking a trip to the slammer.
Cabbies: Fare Hike or Strike
Chicago taxi drivers may strike Monday if they don't get a fare increase to help offset the increased cost of doing business due to upcoming new regulations. At least one alderman is backing them.
Chief Keef: The Voice of Chicago's Murder Spike?
SPIN's David Drake explains how the same social factors fueling the rise of much buzzed about local rap star (and recent Interscope signee) Chief Keef have also fueled the city's 38% spike in homicides this year. Previous GB coverage of Chief Keef and Chicago hip-hop here and here.
Full Stop for Pedestrians, Please
CDOT installed mid-street "Stop for Pedestrians" signs on Clark Street in Andersonville, and more are on the way across the city.
"Where are you from?"
Columbia College professor Teresa Puente shares her experiences being a Chicana in America and abroad.
Chicago Has a Great Poster
John Massey and John Rieben designed a set of posters for the Container Corporation of America as part of its Chicago Cultural Communication Project in 1965, but they were never produced. Until now.
© John Massey
UPDATE: Chicago magazine's Whet Moser shares background on the Container Corporation's contributions to modern design.
Well, I Guess it Still Refreshes
Speaking of the Trib's business practices, its keyword based Google ads generated this recent gem in an article about potentially questionable chemical additives in foreign Coca-Cola formulations.
Trib Tries on a Paywall
Remember back in the early '00s, when the Tribune website required you to register to see stories? Well, they're going to try that again as the first phase of the planned paywall.
Third Time's a Charm
President Obama will make his third appearance as Grand Marshal of the August 11th Bud Billiken Parade.
See Louis CK
Comedian Louis CK is touring this fall, and has decided to sell tickets himself. He's playing in Chicago Nov. 9 and 16, and tickets are available now.
Pasticceria Natalina at Home
If you miss the authentic Italian pastries from Pasticceria Natalina, you're in luck: Nicolas and Natalie Zarzour are turning the shuttered bakery's website into a cookbook.
Fun Where Fun Goes to Die
UC's annual Scavenger Hunt gets a lengthy profile in this week's New Yorker.
Get in an Uber Cab
Private car service Uber recently added taxi service, and to mark the occasion it's paying for cab rides booked through the app till the end of Wednesday.
"I'm Not With Them"
Scott Whitehair, founder of Story Lab Chicago and producer and co-host of This Much Is True, also moonlights occasionally as Gay Rights Jesus, protesting the protesters.
Depends on Who You Ask
McDonald's has low customer satisfaction ratings but is a "highly respected" company.
Paying for the CTA
Abogo recently put together a breakdown of where your $2.25 fare goes, as well as an infographic explaining where the rest of the budget comes from.
Fear the Brow™
Chicago native and college basketball star Anthony Davis told CNBC: "I don't want anyone to try to grow a unibrow because of me and then try to make money off of it."
The Joys of Predictive Analytics
Are you a Mac user? Do you use Orbitz? If so, the Chicago-based company probably didn't steer you to the best deals.
Get Cooking on a Business Plan
Want to open a restaurant? The City has made it a little easier with the Restaurant Start-Up Program.
The Dot-Whatever Land Rush
McDonald's, Allstate, Abbott and other big Chicagoland companies are snagging custom TLDs; watch for http://www.imlovinit.mcd and http://yourein.goodhands on your browser in 2013.
The City of Kites via Chicago
The BBC features the new Indian film Patang, which was directed by Chicagoan Prashant Bhargava. It is currently screening in Chicago.
This Bright New Novel
The GB Book Club is hosting a book release party for Patrick Somerville's latest novel, This Bright River, Tuesday night at the Book Cellar. Join us for a a talk with Somerville and a chance to win a copy of the book!
What to Do in Lakeview
Lakeviewing.com is a new arts and entertainment blog showcasing all the fun and interesting things to do in Lakeview. It's a partnership between the Lakeview and Lakeview East chambers of commerce, Brown Line Media and Gapers Block. Check it out!
Challenging the "Latin Lover" Over Powder Puffs
The Smithsonian blog chronicles the 1920s film star Rodolfo Valentino's enemies, chief among whom was the Trib.
Flight Delayed? Surf (some of) the Web, Gratis.
Travelers will have free, albeit limited, wi-fi service at O'Hare and Midway Airports by the end of July.
Chicago's got a CityMap
CityMaps, which drops logos and business names onto the map for your shopping (or landmark-spotting) convenience, launched in Chicago today.
Record Attendance for Pride Parade
Speaking of the Pride Parade, the city's Office of Emergency Management and Communications estimated a record-breaking 850,000+ revelers turned out for yesterday's celebration.
Celebrate Pride from Inside
Gay Chicago TV is streaming today's Pride Parade live if you're interested.
Where to be Popular in Chicago
Facebook dug through two years of "check-in" data for 25 cities and determined the most popular places to announce your presence on facebook. In Chicago, it's Wrigley Field; in Oslo, Norway, it's a T.G.I. Friday's. Check out a graphic with the "social landmarks" from all 25 cities after the jump.
No More Candy or Pastry for You
Sarah's Pastries and Candy is closing both its Oak Street and Macy's locations at the end of July. [via]
"Savers of the Lost Ark"
Chicago Jewish News tells one part of the story of trying to save the former Anshe Kanesses Israel synagogue.
Southern Whites on the North Side
Newcity's David Witter provides a contemporary treatment of Uptown's Appalachian influences and history. For further reading, view Whet Moser's January post about the history of Appalachian migration to Chicago.
Well, it has been Hot Outside
GB flickr pool contributor Anne Fisher witnessed step three to bringing the temperature down.
What the Fork?
Attendees of the National Association of Latino Elected Officials will be eating their meals today with limited cutlery as they listen to President Obama give a speech; Secret Service mandated the removal of forks as a security precaution, but as NY Mag points out, POTUS has been around plenty of forkful situations for a while.
The Annals of Odd Promotional Tie-Ins
Purina One dog food teams up with Pitchfork(!?) for a "pets rock" photo gallery.
Stop 2 Might Take Some Doing
Sable is the first stop on GQ's cross-country Great American Bar Crawl.
Kung Fu Girls On The Rampage...!
This weekend Facets Cinematheque kicks off another session of Facets Night School, their series of midnight cult film screenings and discussions about the films' themes. For the kickoff screening, you get the Filipino action film Wonder Women. Facets has posted an interview with the film's presenter, Lew Ojeda, who makes the case for 1970s Filipino exploitation films.
451: Not Just for Burning Books
Among Ray Bradbury's tributes may be a 451 status code, recalling Fahrenheit 451 when a page is restricted due to legal reasons.
No Purple Line This Weekend, Take 2
The CTA will be at it again this weekend, shutting down the Purple Line so that bridges over Dempster and Grove streets can be replaced. (Thanks, Dee!)
Rahm's Resources for Restaurants
As part of his strategy to streamline business licensing and stimulate business development, Mayor Emanuel's launching a new Restaurant Start-Up Program.
Violence is Expensive
Chicago could save $5.3 billion a year by reducing violent crime, according to a new study by the Center for American Progress.
More Working Citizens
A new Brookings Institution report identifies Chicago as one of 10 US cities that account for 51% of all naturalized citizens. The report details that Chicago's population is 4% naturalized citizens and has a balance between high and low skilled labor characteristics.
No Legs at Taste
Though a Taste of Chicago staple since their introduction in 1981, Tim McGivern, the man behind the barbecued turkey leg, will be taking the year off due to surgery.
Artist's Café to Add Second Restaurant
The Fine Arts Building's Artist's Café is opening a second location just north of Roosevelt and Wabash. The new restaurant will have a replica of their famous sign and a slightly different menu to cater to "the kids."
RIP, Leroy Neiman
Leroy Neiman, an SAIC alumnus and professor whose art regularly appeared in Playboy and other magazines, passed away yesterday at 91.
Two Surprises at Fermilab
Apparently, Fermilab has had a bison farm since 1969. The team that oversees them got a surprise when the cows started birthing on May 30.
Where's Your Sign?
Get inspired by the Kickstarter campaign for Chicago long-time sign painter Ches Perry. He's painted signs by hand since the mid '60s, and shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, he wants to fund an instructional DVD to pass on his knowledge to a new generation. This, and other worthy local Kickstarter projects, can be found in our Gapers Block curated page of campaigns.
Free Sound Opinions
Attend a free live taping of Sound Opinions at Lincoln Hall if you're lucky enough to RSVP in time. Enjoy, not only the witty banter of Greg Kot and Jim DeRogatis, but also live performances from Japandroids and Ty Seagall on July 12. Update: That was fast! The event is now sold out!
Take GB Out to the Ball Game
Gapers Block is going to a White Sox game Sept. 13, and you can come too! Tickets are half-price.
Making Music All Day Long
The Make Music Festival started today before you probably did -- the first of more than 700 concerts was at 6am.
If Jon Bon Jovi Can Do It...
Panera just opened a pay-what-you-can cafe in Chicago -- their fourth, but the city's first. They're in good company.
June 20, 1984
The day on which the Bulls drafted Michael Jordan from the University of North Carolina.
Virtually Disconnected
Recently, a local activist posted an impassioned call to action recalling an incident at Lincoln Hall a few weeks ago. Her story is one of misunderstanding, judgment, fear and the lines that we all try so desperately to tow.
Agree with her or not, she represents the marginalization of our fair city and no matter how comfortable we may become in our isolated spaces created by the quiet segregation of the past several decades, we are all a part of the city at-large and perhaps the real point of her experience--and all those she represents--is that discrimination is a default reaction to so many of our interactions with strangers. We've all seen it, someone being accused of being a bigot and someone else defensively standing their open-minded ground. Chicago is better than its racist roots. But where does the real change begin? The Internet isn't small enough to hold everything we should be saying to each other.
Poetry: From Inane to Encouraging
The UofC Magazine is celebrating the 100th anniversary of Poetry magazine by publishing excerpts from a few letters to the magazine's founding editor, Harriet Monroe.
Find the Gumbo Truck
Big Fat Tuesday is a food truck run by a Katrina survivor, serving up Louisiana cooking almost exclusively on the South Side.
My Mother's Mother
Chicago writer Samantha Irby tells the heartbreaking story of how her mother became her daughter when she was 9.
What's Best
The Reader's annual Best of Chicago issue is online -- and our own Britt Julious got a nod for Best Local Writer Who Excels at Social Media.
Polish Artifacts to be Returned
Speaking of the Polish Museum of America, the FBI found about 150 of the museum's stolen artifacts. They're announcing the $5 million haul this afternoon. UPDATE: Here are some of the items.
Real Person Search
CenterSquare Journal profiles Julie Lynch, the "historical search engine" at Sulzer Library.
Have a Nice Cold ORD?
Following its registration of a bunch of area codes to possibly create Goose Island 312 clones in other cities, Anheuser-Busch has filed for trademarks on 42 airport codes, including ORD and MDW. [via]
Prepare for the Pride Parade
The Pride Parade is running a different route this Sunday, and that's not all that's new this year. There will also be a stronger crackdown on public alcohol consumption. You could always watch it live from home. (Time Out has some other makeover suggestions, too.)
Put the Barf on My Credit Card, Please
New taxi rules -- which, as we reported in January when Mayor Emanual first proposed the reform regulations, were not without their share of controversy -- go into effect July 1. The good news is, all cabs must have credit card processing equipment and the fuel surcharge is going away. The bad news is, the flag pull rate goes up -- and there's a new $50 vomit clean-up fee.
Staying Up to Date, Tech-wise
Techweek's annual conference starts Friday; there's still time to register if you're interested.
Don't Hate the Player, Hate the Player's Fans
The Bears and Cubs faithful suffer the most in Complex's list of Chicago's "douchiest" sports fans.
Chicago's Slow to Plug In
Installation of electric vehicle charging stations in Chicago is months behind schedule, and the City is investigating "financial irregularities" with the contractor.
How We Interact
37signals is building a physical interface collection as inspiration for their digital interfaces. Maybe they'll inspire you, too.
Interface Inspiration from 37signals on Vimeo.
The "Treasure of Polonia" Turns 75
The Polish Museum of America turns 75 this year, and just mounted a new retrospective exhibit. It's looking for more support to stay open, though -- give a hand if you can.
Your Local Pooper Scooper
Ravenswood-based Poopbags.com sells biodegradable, compostable bags for cleaning up after your dog.
Cubs Wollop Sox
The Cubs spanked the Sox 12-3 last night, in one of the least attended Crosstown Classic games in recent memory.
Lisa, Framed in .GIFs
Upon learning the mastermind behind the Chicago .gif tumblr #SOYEAHDUH is Lisa Frame...
Rowing 'Round the Lake for Recovery
Jenn Gibbons, founder and coach of Recovery on Water, a rowing team for breast cancer survivors, is rowing solo around Lake Michigan to raise raise awareness of the role exercise plays in the fight against breast cancer. She left this weekend, and is already up in Kenosha, WI. Read our profile of Gibbons and ROW in Tailgate.
Wacker Drive: Stage 4
Today marks the beginning of the fourth and final stage of the Wacker Drive reconstruction project, which brings another handful of closures, detours and bus reroutes.
The Neighborhood Shirts
The Chicago Neighborhoods project is now complete still going going strong -- and now you can get a t-shirt of your 'hood (or your favorite).
Take Them Out to the Ball Game
Craig Robinson and Nick Offerman are back for the seventh inning stretch.
Weigh in on Red Line South Project
Tonight the CTA is holding the first of what will surely be quite a few public forums discussing the planned Dan Ryan reconstruction project, which will close the Red Line south of Chinatown for five months next year. There's another meeting on Thursday.
Body of Work
Pitchfork critic and UofC research writer Rob Mitchum just launched the Chronologies project, in which he'll listen to an artist's entire oevre in chronological order -- starting with Neil Young. [via]
Welcome to the Near North
Connect Near North is a new site covering, you guessed it, the Near North Side.
The Time of Death is Now
Thirty-four people were shot, five killed this weekend. The Tribune spent Saturday night in the trauma center at Stroger Hospital documenting the experience.
"We gotta believe it."
Scott Turow reflects on Chicago's second city syndrome and its urge to be considered world class.
Prepare for the Zombie Apocalypse ... or Any Other Disaster
Cook County is participating in a national pilot program to address regional emergency preparedness and is hosting events [pdf] to help you prepare everything from pet emergency kits to strategies for living off the grid.
LCD Soundsystem Shows Added
With demand for the documentary's tickets rivaling that of the concert it follows, the Music Box is now running three showings of the one-night-only LCD Soundsystem documentary Shut Up and Play the Hits. Tickets can be purchased in advance online.
I Got My Dog
Want to make sure everyone knows you got a real "Chicago dog" in Chicago? This tee on Fab.com proudly states the fact for all to see.
Peanut Gets Pissed at Packers Propaganda
A suburban teacher's math question claiming the Packers are "a much better team" than the Bears got a written response from Charles Tillman.
10 Years of Green Tech
The Center for Green Technology is celebrating its 10th anniversary this Saturday.
Color Less than Jammy
In NewCity, Jason Foumberg finds Jessica Stockholder's Color Jam installation to be unfortunately underwhelming and under-transforming.
Obama Lets Young Immigrants Stay
President Obama issued an executive order halting deportation and grant work permits illegal immigrants who arrived in the US before they were 16 and who have no criminal history, among other criteria.
The Chocolate Shake Gets Melted
Jack McBrayer and Triumph the Insult Comic Dog visit the Wiener's Circle.
Redacted No More
Last night's Redacted, a benefit at the Hideout for 826CHI that was sponsored by the A.V. Club, brought out the nation's best comics. Pics after the jump.
The lineup:
• Dan Telfer (who also hosted)
• Cameron Esposito
• Eddie Pepitone (whose documentary The Bitter Buddha opens tonight at the Siskel)
• Amy Schumer
• Kyle Kinane
• Pete Holmes
• Patton Oswalt
• Janeane Garafalo
• Brian Posehn
• Hannibal Buress (appearing Saturday at Chicago Theater)
• Aziz Ansari (performing two shows tonight at the Chicago Theater; tickets still available sold out)
In short, it was brilliant.
Aziz Ansari
Patton Oswalt
Amy Schumer
Emanuel Does a 420 on Pot Law
As in, he hasn't quite endorsed marijuana decriminalization, but has put his support behind an ordinance that calls for ticketing for possession of 15g or less, rather than a mandatory trip to the police station.
DCA Theater Staff Decimated
The entire staff of the city-run DCA Theater is being laid off June 30, less than two months after the theater's summer schedule was announced.
Rule the Galaxy as Father and Son
Not sure what to get the dad in your life for Father's Day? You could do worse than Darth Vader & Son by Jeffrey Brown. John Wawrzaszek interviewed Brown in Book Club ahead of this weekend's Chicago Alternative Comics Expo, where he'll be drawing a minicomic live on Sunday.
Primp My Ride
If the sticker on the back window wasn't enough to let other car drivers know you graduated from U of C, the school's alumni association wants to know if you want personalized license plates.
The Sport of Smug
Former Sun-Times sports columnist/agitator Jay Mariotti, whose career took a nosedive after domestic abuse charges by an ex-girlfriend, traded heated emails with Deadspin's A.J. Daulerio.
Street Sweeping Alerts
For those tired of getting street sweeping tickets, it's worth checking out TktTxt, a free reminder service that notifies you by text or email about upcoming cleanings. It's currently operational for two wards, with more being added this week. (There's also SweepAround.Us.) [via]
"You're a virgin who can't drive."
Clueless was the inspiration for Alysse Dalessandro's prayer candle, part of THE MALL's current collection on Etsy.
Spoon Steps Down
In this week's Reader, Jake Austen profiles Fletcher Weatherspoon, a fixture on Chicago's African-American social club scene for more than 60 years.
High Noon, Starring the Portage Theater
Tomorrow, the Zoning Board of Appeals will meet to decide if the Portage Theater (previously covered by Gapers Block) will be converted into a church, consequently ending all film programming and inhibiting economic growth in the neighborhood. Supporters are encouraged to attend the meeting at 9 a.m., at City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle, in the City Council Chambers on the 2nd floor. Find more information here, here, and at Alderman John Arena's site.
Sweet Energy Efficiency
Head to Anthony's Italian Ice this Saturday and help them buy an energy efficient freezer. [via]
Lurrie Bell's Blues
AB Brasho saw Lurrie Bell at Blues Fest last week, and shared some thoughts on Bell and the power of music and mental illness.
Believing the Children are Our Future Investment
UC professor Luigi Zingales penned an op-ed in today's NYT that proposes that to lessen the student loan crisis, investors finance college expenses in exchange for a portion of the students' post-grad earnings.
Instructor Particularly Good at Protest Songs
Learn the how and why of songwriting from Billy Bragg.
More than Ron Swanson
HuffPo Chicago talks with Nick Offerman about his ties to Chicago, acting, woodworking and mustaches. He's performing at the Vic on Saturday as part of the Just For Laughs comedy festival.
Meet the New Abe Froman
Jen Bacher experiments with sausage-making in Drive-Thru's newest feature, and the results are Too Blue--but very successful.
Toyota Park's Broken Promise
The Chicago Fire's stadium in Bridgeview has crippled the suburb with debt, and homeowners have born the brunt while the town's political machine made out, the Tribune reports.
Changes at The Onion
The Chicago section of The Onion's A.V. Club will be closing up shop at the end of this month. National content will not change.
Chat with the CTO & CDO
Want to ask the chief technology and data officers of Chicago some questions? Ars Technica will hold a live chat with John Tolva and Brett Goldstein this Thursday, June 14, at 1pm.
"I will resume the body."
Nora Schweihs, daughter of Frank "The German" Schweihs and star of "Mob Wives Chicago," got her wish this week as her father's body was res-er, exhumed from St. Mary Cemetery in Evergreen Park, to confirm that it was in fact The German in the grave.
"Chicago is two cities."
So says Mary Schmich in her latest column, on the violent summer we've had so far.
Guys Dish Up for Charity
Are you a "real man"? Do you cook? Sign up for Real Men Cook this Father's Day -- or just head down and eat what the dads are cooking.
Colbert Talks Growing Power
Will Allen, MacArthur "genius grant" recipient and CEO of Growing Power urban farming nonprofit that's active in Chicago, was on "The Colbert Report" Tuesday night to talk about the organization and his new book, The Good Food Revolution. [via]
Remembering the Dream Team
No direct reflections from Jordan or Pippen, but this oral history of the '92 "Dream Team" US Olympic basketball team is a great read -- and it does include quotes from Tony Kukoc, who played for Croatia against his future teammates.
Groupon to Knock 35% Off the CTA
Groupon will be offering a deal on CTA three-day passes sometime this summer. The passes will be $9 instead of the usual $14, and will be limited to four per person.
Live Futures Trading Goes Smoothly
The CBOT trading pit was a little fuller than usual yesterday as traders prepared for an unusual "live" announcement of corn, soybean and wheat futures while trading was still in session.
Joe Walsh vs. Joe Walsh
Musician Joe Walsh won't be endorsing Tea Party congressman Joe Walsh to represent Illinois' 8th Congressional district in this year's election. He's backing Walsh's Democrat opponent, Tammy Duckworth, instead.
RIP Philip Corboy
Philip Corboy, the nationally known personal injury attorney whose name graces Loyola University's law school building, passed away today at 87.
A Bridge, in 48 Hours
The Purple Line was closed last weekend, allowing crews to replace a bridge in a mere two days. How? Well, there's a video!
The Art of the Game
Sixty Inches from Center profiles Jeffrey Daniels, a Chicago artist whose work is often inspired by gameplay.
3 Stars for Cop and a Half!?
Roger Ebert's Worst Reviews, a weblog with some strong opinions of its own. [via]
Flying Food on "Conan"
Stop whatever you're doing and watch Conan O'Brien jump a 10-foot fiberglass bratwurst over the State Street bridge.
"Conan" is taping at the Chicago Theatre all this week, and will supposedly jump the bridge with a different Chicago item every day.
Chicago's Chimera
The Chicago Beast by Creaturopolis is an amalgam of all the city's sports mascots, rolled into one minotaur-ish thing and a fire-breathing baby bear wearing tubesocks. [via]
Design in the Back of a Truck
Tonight after work, get off at the new Morgan Green Line stop and hit the Guerrilla Truck Show, the annual indie furniture and design show along Fulton Market.
This Is (Midwest) Living
Hyde Park, Roscoe Village/North Center and Logan Square get shouted out as three of the city's must-see (and shop, and eat) neighborhoods.
Speaking of Faltering...
Chicago may be losing ground, but Mayor Emanuel's trying to shore up the city with the help of a non-profit board that'll seek private investors for public works projects.
Photos of the Eastland Disaster
On July 24, 1915, 844 people died when the SS Eastland capsized in the Chicago River. The Tribune has a gallery of photos of the tragedy and some of its victims. Lookingglass Theatre is currently staging Eastland, a new musical about it, through July 29.
Losing Ground, Disc by Disc
Ebert discusses the implications of the Hollywood Reporter's prediction that in 2012, revenue from streaming films will surpass that of DVD sales.
Posner: US Patent Law is Dysfunctional
UofC professor Judge Richard Posner stepped into some controversial territory last week when he threw out a patent dispute between Apple and Motorola Mobility, and said in passing on his blog that the patent system is dysfunctional.
Read Posner's decision in Case: 1:11-cv-08540, Apple Inc. & NEXT Software Inc. vs. Motorola Inc. & Motorola Mobility, Inc., below.
The Faltering Second City
Chicago's renaissance in the 1990s and early 2000s has slid considerably in recent years. The Urbanophile, Aaron Renn, breaks down some of the reasons in City Journal.
Beware the Rabbit in the Shrubbery
Out in Galewood, kids know how to have a good time -- by staging a backyard production of Monty Python and the Holy Grail, for instance. [via]
Photo by Bryan Bedell. The show was staged by EDGE Youth Theater.
Running the Table at Hot Doug's
The crew from Serious Eats Chicago invaded Hot Doug's on Saturday and ate everything on the menu. Everything.
Hot Dog Architecture
FoGB Phineas X. Jones has created a poster that will soon hang in half the hot dog stands in town -- unless you buy them all first.
A Bradbury Museum?
A museum dedicated to Ray Bradbury may be in the works for his home town of Waukegan.
CTU Strike Authorization Vote Succeeds
The Chicago Teachers Union garnered votes for strike authorization from more than 75 percent of its membership, the Sun-Times reports. Ramsin explains what that means in Mechanics.
Recording Young Poets
Agape Media Productions is raising funds to produce a CD of youth poetry. Give a hand.
No Purple Line This Weekend
The Purple Line is closed starting tonight at 8:30pm so a new bridge can be installed at Greenleaf Street in Evanston. Shuttle bus service will be available at Howard. (Thanks, Dee!)
Get into the Work Cycle
Bike to Work Week is next week, and there's still a little time left to sign up for the Bike Commuter's Challenge.
Happy Centennial, Universal
As if the Studio Ghibli festival wasn't enough, today, tickets go on sale for part one of the Siskel Film Center's Universal Pictures: Celebrating 100 Years. Featured screenings: The Birds, Jaws, Dracula and five more. Part two is slated for December.
A New Downtown Farmers Market
So wait, the Downtown Farmstand is closing, but it's being replaced by an indoor farmers market? That's not so bad after all.
Shermer Then & Now
Brian Orndorf took a tour of locations from several John Hughes movies, including The Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Uncle Buck and Sixteen Candles. [via]
RIP Richard Crowe
The hunter becomes prey. Richard Crowe, one of Chicago's top paranormal experts, has passed away at 64.
Aztec Eagle Bayless
Rick Bayless is now a member of the Order of the Aztec Eagle, the highest honor in Mexico awarded to foreigners, for "his important work in the promotion and dissemination of cultural expressions of our country." [via]
Delivering a Competition
This August, bike messengers from around the world will be descending upon Chicago for the Cycle Messenger World Championships. Think you've got what it takes? Registration is open.
No Education for Inmates
GB staffer Megan Doherty reports on dwindling education opportunities in Illinois prisons for WBEZ.
Dig Under The Couch Cushions
If you can scrape together $32 million, the 14,260-square foot penthouse at Trump Tower -- the western hemisphere's highest residence, and the most expensive property in Chicago -- is all yours.
Fresh Fruit: Coming Soon to a Curb Near You
Even though the term "food desert" has been the subject of some debate lately, the City Council's decision to allow mobile produce trucks has got to be good for folks who don't have easy access to grocery stores -- or who just want a really, really ripe peach.
Math Is Hard
Metra's estimating an $800,000 loss due to NATO. This, atop the hit local restaurants took during the summit, isn't looking good for the city's prediction that the two-day summit would generate $128 million in income.
Follow Pastor Brooks from Home
You can follow rooftop Pastor Corey Brooks' new cross-country walk "to end violence" on the project's website, as well as in more immediate words and photographs.
Previewing the Red Line South Closure
Two Sun-Times reporters decided to test the CTA's planned shuttle route for next summer's Red Line South renovation to see how the commute time compared.
Doughnuts Beyond Breakfast
Phil Vettel at the Tribune does a round-up of Chicago's blossoming doughnut scene, looking at a few of the new craft pastry operations -- Do-Rite, Doughnut Vault, and Glazed and Infused.
Chicago Kickstarter Roundup
Evil fortune cookies, an effort to save the Patio Theater (previously), Showgirls, the Musical, an oral history of Chicago hip hop, and a tool to keep your bike wheel straight while you lock up are among the currently funding projects on Gapers Block's Kickstarter page. There're many more here.
Southwest Wasteland
Crain's shows which wards have the highest number of vacant homes. Compare that with the economic hardship map we linked to earlier this week.
Chicago's Other Presidential Candidate
Jill Stein, a Massachusetts physician who was born in Chicago, has clinched the Green Party presidential nomination.
"What is a TIF?"
Most people have no idea how tax increment financing works, so the City made a video trying to explain it. Ben Joravsky has a lot of fun ripping it apart.
Wrigleyville Hotel Project Escapes Foreclosure
The controversial and beleaguered hotel-retail-residential project in Wrigleyville has gotten a(nother) financial reprieve.
Goodbye Children's Memorial
ChicagoNow blogger Mary Tyler Mom penned a touching farewell to Children's Memorial Hospital, which closes this weekend. Saturday is Move Day, which you should probably learn about if you're heading to Lincoln Park that day.
Starting between 5 and 6am, up to 200 critically ill patients will be moved via ambulance to the new Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital, which will require the closure of Fullerton from Lincoln Avenue to Lake Shore Drive for 10 to 18 hours.
Wrigley Building Landmarked
The Wrigley Building is now an official Chicago landmark. For some reason, the building owners are going to celebrate by pointing blue lights at it for the next few months.
Here's Your Line
The Chicago train line poster from Lineposters is on sale at Fab.com today. You can get other colors on Etsy. [via]
No More Farmstand in the Loop
As neighborhood farmers markets begin their season, the Downtown Farmstand, overseen by the Department of Cultural Affairs, is shutting down at the end of June.
Groupon Selling Taste Tickets
A change to Taste of Chicago's free open seating policy for concerts and chef events: this year, the City has chosen Groupon as the exclusive ticket retailer for both, concert tickets going for $25 apiece, and Celebrity Chef du Jour tickets for $40. Advance sales start 10am Friday, on the Taste's website.
Rahm Defends Red Line Closure
If "Forrest Claypool made me do it" is a defense, that is. The Mayor speaks up at a press conference about the decision to close the southern portion of Red Line for five months in 2013.
A $63,000 No-Call, No-Show
Charlie Trotter's been sued for failing to show up for a private dinner. The former Microsoft executive who won the dinner at a charity auction 11 years ago also won the judgement against Trotter -- but lost sight of the bigger picture, which was that the dinner was for, you know, charity.
"It Doesn't Have To Be This Way."
Some Chicago-based authorities on healthy, sustainable food -- including Jim Slama, Rick Bayless, and Will Allen -- are among a group of heavy hitters who're pretty upset with Congress.
Breaking Down the News
The Daily Breakdown is a new blog from WBEZ's Global desk the Medill School of Journalism in partnership with WBEZ, bringing you one international story to read per day.
The Same Old Theater on the Lake
The Reader's Deanna Isaacs looks into how many of the big plans in store for the Theater on the Lake in 2006 have come to fruition. The answer is most of them -- but the one that hasn't is a doozie.
Put on Your Sunscreen
Chicagoan William E. McElligott drove a milk truck for 30 years. Now, at age 66, the side of his face that was closer to the window looks 20 years older than the other side, an extreme example of unilateral dermatoheliosis -- aka photoaging.
Photo credit: The New England Journal of Medicine / Dr. Jennifer R.S. Gordon, Northwestern University
A Little Black Spot on the Sun Today
If you can get a good vantage point at around 5pm, you should have a pretty good view of the Transit of Venus, when the planet passes between us and the sun. The Adler Planetarium is hosting a viewing party.
These Boots Were Made For Driving
Clear your schedules Friday, when the Bootmobile rolls into Chicago.
Times are Tough, but not All Over
The richest and poorest neighborhoods are basically where you'd expect: the Near North and Southwest Side, according to new hardship data.
An Alternative to the Traffic Jam
Starting tonight, summer Tuesdays mean a return of the free Rush Hour Concert series at St. James Cathedral. Instead of the crush of traffic, enjoy 30 minutes of soothing sounds from fine classical musicians before you head off for the night. Details, and more classical concert info. in Transmission.
How We Design
The Chicago Design Museum is now open, with exhibitions featuring Debbie Millman, Ed Fella, hand-painted signage and more. Its official opening reception is June 11.
Watching the Red Line
Crowd-sourced website CTA Station Watch ramped up recently in order to help document all of the work now underway on the north end of the CTA's Red Line improvement project. Check out photos and posts from various stations slated for work this summer, or contribute tidbits of your own.
Balls on Parade
They don't sound nearly as fun as cows, but 100 oversized, custom-painted golf balls will nonetheless be dotting the Mag Mile this fall, in honor of the Ryder Cup being played in Medinah this year.
Hand in That .45
...Or whatever it is you have. On June 23, the City is holding gun turn-ins at 23 locations around town. Anyone bringing in a gun will receive a $100 gift card, no questions asked.
Hacking a Virtual Chicago
"Watch Dogs," a new video game from Ubisoft debuting at E3 this week, is set in a very, very detailed Chicago that's controlled by a powerful hacker -- who you get to play. Here's a teaser site.
Curtis Mayfield Kept on Pushing
Chicagoist takes a look at the musical evolution of Curtis Mayfield on what would have been his 70th birthday. (In a similar vein: Sam Cooke and the Civil Rights Movement.)
Planes, Trains, Automobiles and a House
So you don't have the money for John Hughes' house, but maybe you can purchase Steve Martin's house from Planes, Trains and Automobiles ... for $1.8 million.
The Courteous Transit Authority
Illustrator Aaron Krause has a friendly PSA for all you bus riders. Hopefully the CTA will be hanging these soon.
Bike Into the Wind
Do you identify with any of these letters: LGBT? Do you like to bike? Then you may very well be interested in the Windy City Cycling Club (WCCC). Whether you're into a short and leisurely ride, or you're looking for folks into longer and more competitive rides, this may be a great way to make friends, find a date, or just fulfill that New Year's resolution you made months and months ago.
More Demolished than Standing
Our To be Demolished project is now more than half finished with a new set of published buildings, including derelict and not-so-derelict residences, alike.
People Get Ready, There's No Train A-Comin'
The CTA will be shutting down the Red Line south of Chinatown/Cermak for five months next spring, so as to replace the tracks along the Dan Ryan portion of the line. Shuttle buses will take commuters over to the Green Line during the closure. Full details about the project are on the CTA's website.
50 for Food
Lakeview Pantry's 50-year-old executive director will be hoofing it 50 miles -- from Kenosha to Chicago -- to raise money for the nonprofit organization. Every dollar donated buys 10 pounds of food, so skipping that one iced latte would make a 45.2-pound difference to someone in need.
Where to Hold Your Event
Eventup, a startup resource for finding event spaces, launched in Chicago today. Local VC Lightbank just invested $1.8 million in the company.
Boy Genius, PhD now Also MD
Sho Yano, who in 2003 got a full ride to UofC's Pritzker School of Medicine and in 2009 received his PhD in molecular biology at 18, just became an MD at 21.
Taking Reckless Endangerment to a Whole New Level
Word to the wise: if you get pulled over for not having your toddler in a car seat, probably not the best idea to ask your toddler to hold your gun for you.
Departed Actress Had Chicago Roots
Actress Kathryn Joosten, known for her roles on "Desperate Housewives" and "West Wing," died yesterday at age 72 from lung cancer. Joosten began acting in community theater in suburban Lake Forest, and took classes at Steppenwolf; she was also name-checked in A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius for working as a housekeeper for Dave Eggers' family.
You can Sell it in Illinois, Just not in Chicago
Although the city's farmers markets are kicking into full gear, don't expect to see your neighbor's awesome rhubarb crisp or your co-worker's garlic scape pesto for sale. At least, not if you live in Cook County.
Meet Jackie Taylor
Ex-GB staffer Marla Seidell tells the story of Jackie Taylor, who grew up in Cabrini-Green and went on to found the Black Ensemble Theater.
Aragon Lineups, '68-'98
If you've ever been curious about every show at the Aragon Ballroom from the '60s thru the '90s, boy are you going to be glad you're reading this! And even if you haven't been, it's a fun list to browse.
Today's Urgent Ticket Purchase
The sixth annual Chicago Festiv-Ale, a beer bash benefiting the Chicago chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, isn't until September, but tickets went on sale at noon today and they won't last long.
RIP, Felony Franks
Felony Franks, the West Side hot dog stand employing ex-cons that battled for years to get approval for its sign, closed for good Wednesday.
Getting in the Green Lane
Remember the Kinzie Street protected bike lane? Yesterday, it was the site that national nonprofit Bikes Belong Foundation chose to announce their new Green Lane Project: a two-year initiative to create dedicated, inviting bike lanes throughout Chicago and four other cities.
Visit Chicago, On Sale
Fab.com has a deal on faux-vintage travel posters from Anderson Design Group. There are several for Chicago, including this one of the Michigan Avenue bridge.
Joyeux Anniversaire!
Lakeview's La Creperie continues their 40th birthday celebration with 1972-era prices (as expensive as $3.50! C'est cher!) on their menu today from 11:30am-6pm.
Howard Brown's Controversial CEO
Time Out's Novid Parsi tells the tale of Jamal Edwards' tumultuous rise to power at the Howard Brown Health Center.
Are You Curious?
WBEZ just launched a new collaborative initiative: Curious City. Get involved by submitting a question or voting on those already posted.
