Mr. Show's in Town
Energy BBDO's Creative Salon Series brings Naperville native Bob Odenkirk to the Wrigley Building tomorrow, Nov. 1 from 4 to 6pm to talk about his career and what he's up to next. RSVP on Facebook.
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
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Monthly Archive
October 2012
Is Your House Haunted?
Nestio's Don't Haunt Me, Bro will tell you. (Hull House is on their list of favorite haunted homes in America.)
Public (School) Health
Since 2011, 35 percent of Chicago's schools have failed at least one health inspection -- due to improper food storage, rodent droppings in the food, and in one case, a live snake caught in a glue trap. [via]
New Record for Riding the Entire L System in One Day
Two co-workers from the ad firm Starcom Worldwide recently broke the record for riding the entire L train system in one day. Grid Chicago has posted a suspenseful play-by-play account of their journey, which took 9 hours, 12 minutes, and 39 seconds.
A Promising Halloween
The Martin Prosperity Institute ranks the Chicago area as the best Halloween spot in the country. The factors? A relatively dense population, the highest number of candy stores per capita and a median income that allows for high candy "purchasing capacity."
"Smiley & West" Back on the Air in Chicago
...But not on WBEZ, which canceled the show amid controversy earlier this month. Tavis Smiley and Cornell West's program will instead be on WVON-AM and WCPT-AM, beginning next week.
Passersby Were Amazed by the Unusually Large Amounts of Blood
Just in time for Halloween, the Sun-Times provides tips on getting the most out of your fake blood.
A Tale of Two Airports
Plans continue for a Peotone airport despite Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr.'s continued absence. Meanwhile, the City is spending millions on practically empty Gary/Chicago International Airport. [via]
Get on CHF's Short List
If you're running a little short on funds but still want to get your fill of culture, the Chicago Humanities Festival has a deal for you: $25 gets you into five events, plus cocktails at one of them.
Haunted Houses
There's still time to get a scare in before it's officially Halloween. Time Out Chicago has the breakdown of the cities best "hauntings."
O Tannenbaum! O Tannenbaum!
ABC News says we just got our Christmas tree. Is it too early to be thinking about the holidays?
The L in O Scale
Terry Gaskin is building a model train version of the CTA in his basement. Hear him talk about it on the Model Railway Show podcast.
Carnitas Burrito & a 5 Vulture, Please
Chicago Chipotle shops will soon add 5 Rabbit beers to their adult beverage offerings.
Progress Without Preservation?
Rahm Emanuel penned an op-ed piece in today's Tribune showing his support for razing the former site of Prentice Women's Hospital for an NU research facility.
A New Coffin to Call Home
Just in time for Halloween, local B-movie guru and television personality Svengoolie is getting a brand-new coffin, complete with chicken-feet handles and 3D animated features.
Madge and Shaun
Shaun Sperling, the infamous "Vogue" Bar Mitzvah kid, was in the audience of yesterday's "Ellen" show and got a lot closer to his idol.
Cars, Bikes & Carriages
Mobile Phenomena is a book by Temporary Services detailing some of the many ways people convey themselves and their things through this world.
Get Dressed to Impress
The second annual November of Dressing Nicely starts Thursday. Are you ready?
Stay Flu-Free for Free
Need a flu shot? Here's a map of where to get a free one from the Department of Public Health.
Navy Pier Till Next Century
The Children's Museum signed a 90-year lease on its Navy Pier space, putting to an end plans for a new subterranean spot in Millennium Park.
Gruesome Ghouls and Grisly Ghosts
"Creature Features," WGN's old horror movie night, returns on Halloween night as a live webcast featuring an interview with the writer of the show's classic intro, Karen Verwolf.
The Beautiful City
Eric Hines created his short timelapse film, Cityscape Chicago, out of more than 30,000 still photographs shot between July and October 2012.
Cityscape Chicago from Eric Hines on Vimeo.
Sandy's Effects in Chicago
Hurricane Sandy's effects are being felt throughout the Great Lakes as high winds kick up waves as tall as 33 feet. A flood warning has been issued for the lake shore from 1am tonight through 4pm Wednesday. Meanwhile, more than 500 flights have already been canceled at Midway and O'Hare. Whet Moser passes along a couple ways to see Sandy's effects on local weather.
Build Prentice Before it's Demolished
Build Your Own Chicago has created a free Prentice Women's Hospital papercraft model in support of the Save Prentice movement.
Get Creative Friday Morning
There are still a few tickets left for the Creative Mornings talk Nov. 2, featuring IDEO designer Sara Frisk.
Crowdfunding-a-Go-Go
A documentary about a neighborhood hero, a no-spill cup designed by a teenager, and an amazing-looking video game are just some of the projects on the Gapers Block Kickstarter page right now. And over on Indiegogo, you might be interested in this comic book about bands or this touchscreen watch with a nonprofit mission.
Silicon Prairie Dirt
Crain's John Cahill takes a look back at Groupon a year post-IPO. Meanwhile, Greg Hinz sizes up Silicon Prairie 2.0.
How to Play Dress-up
Much like we did with Fantasy Costumes, former GB staffer Marla Seidell profiles Clothes Optional Vintage for its Halloween costume handiness.
Sic Transit Butter Obama
On Friday, a butter sculpture of President Obama toured the Loop in a glass-fronted refrigerator. It's now at the Chicago Cultural Center, part of an exhibition by art duo Industry of the Ordinary.
CPD Takes Off its CAPS
CAPS is unfunded in the 2013 City budget, the Reader reports. CAPS meetings will supposedly continue, but police superintendent Garry McCarthy says he wants each district commander to decide how the program is handled in their district.
Proposed Mosque Draws Controversy on Muslim Holiday
On the first day of Eid al-Adha comes the news of controversy surrounding a proposed mosque at the site of the old Eisenhower Library building in the Harwood Heights neighborhood.
A Tale of the Undead
Zombie author Scott Kenemore's new book Zombie, Illinois transforms Chicago into a metropolis plagued with the undead. He incorporates the city's political structure and historical figures, including a zombie Al Capone.
From Rock the Cradle to Rock the Vote
Sixty students from the Chicago-area headed to Wisconsin today to take part in the Mikva Challenge, a non-partisan organization, "Elections in Action" program. The students will spend the weekend learning about and taking part in the presidential campaigns.
Ada for the Arts
Ada Street and Facets are teaming up to present Chicago-based documentaries alongside a five-course dinner and drinks. There are two evenings to choose from -- Documentary Shorts by Tom Palazzolo on Nov. 5, and Maxwell Street Blues on Nov. 12.
Bulls on Parade
Check out the Trib's Chicago Bulls preview. (Our own Donny Rodriguez has been previewing too, in Tailgate.)
Pooches on Parade
If you aren't into wearing a Halloween costume this weekend, a lot of dogs will be getting into their favorite (or tolerated) costumes and patrolling the city for your entertainment. You can find pet parades in Lincoln Square, Andersonville, Logan Square, the South Loop, Avondale, the Gold Coast, and even the Chicago Botanic Garden.
Trapped in the Cage
It doesn't come as much of a shock that R.Kelly put on a bizarre performance at the Arie Crown Theater last night, but it seems he may have gotten a little too comfortable with the crowd.
Bad Eggs
Some activists will patrol Chicago neighborhoods on Halloween in hopes of protecting trick-or-treaters from egg-throwers. The messy and cruel act has become a recent trend among kids and teens, who like to record and post videos of them pelting the innocent, costumed children with eggs.
The Blanding of Beer
"I have a problem with a craft beer like Goose Island being treated like a mass-produced brand," says a bar owner deep in Bloomberg Businessweek's great profile of AB InBev and its spendthrift CEO.
Seat Belts vs. Zombies
The Illinois Department of Transportation is trying a new kind of scare tactic: saying that a seat belt protects you from any unexpected scenario - including a zombie attack.
When Networks Stop Being Polite and Start Being Real Cold and Terrible
MTV has settled with Tonya Cooley, a "Real World/Road Rules Challenge" contestant (and "Real World: Chicago" alum) who sued the network last year for not intervening as two of Cooley's castmates sexually assaulted her on camera. MTV claims that Cooley "failed to avoid the injuries of which she complains."
Chicago Talk
WBEZ's Curious City investigates the Chicago accent and how it came to be. Submit your own speech sample.
Lil Reese Investigated for Beating
Lil Reese is being investigated by police again (previously), after a video of him beating a woman went viral (watch it on WorldStarHipHop if you must.) The rapper, whose real name is Tavares Taylor, owned up to the video on Twitter. UPDATE: Lil Reese has apologized for the assault.
Straight Dem Ticket?
President Obama stopped back into town yesterday to become the first sitting president to vote early in person.
Go Dough-nutty
Chicago's recent influx of trendy doughnut shops reflect a profitable business with few hours and lots of dough.
Introducing the Top Note Sessions
Next Friday, Consequence of Sound launches a new performance and interview series in the Top Note space on the top floor of the Metro. The first guest is The Hood Internet.
The City that Sees, Clicks & Fixes
Chicago's 311 system is now integrated with SeeClickFix; as of today, the City will be monitoring services requests made on that site as well as its own avenues. You can also track your 311 service request online.
It's a Birdastrophe
The famously bad indie film Birdemic gets a wide release tonight, but not as the filmmaker intended. The folks at Rifftrax (MST3K veterans) are doing a live simulcast mocking the movie.
Regal City North 14, 2600 N. Western Ave., Regal Webster Place 11, 1471 W. Webster Ave.; Showplace ICON, 150 W. Roosevelt Rd.; and Century 12/CinéArts, 1715 Maple Ave. in Evanston are hosting screenings. Prices vary; the screening is at 7pm at all locations.
Four Years Later
The Reader talks with five Chicagoans about how they're feeling about Obama as the nation returns to the polls.
The No. 2 City
The Wall Street Journal had a number of cellphones from an unnamed Chicago office tested for bacteria, and found "abnormally high numbers of coliforms," aka "fecal contamination." This news, paired with a study from last summer that turned up the disturbing statistic that 79% of men at Wrigley Field don't wash their hands, indicates that Chicago needs to work on the personal hygiene. Or at the very least, think twice about using someone else's iPhone.
The Jenny McCarthy Buzz Begins
Last week, the Sun-Times announced that Jenny McCarthy was coming on board as a print columnist and blogger for Splash magazine to give Chicagoans advice in her "Ask Jenny" column. Apparently, a few had something to say about it.
Bad Day for Ex-Sox
Former White Sox players Ozzie Guillen and Carlton Fisk were in the news yesterday -- Guillen for getting fired by the Marlins and Fisk for being found drunk and passed out in his truck in the middle of a corn field.
From the Billy Goat to Bilandic
How well do you know the city? Take Chicago magazine's quiz. (I got a 71%.)
Book Talk
If you missed Don Delillo's visit to the Harold Washington Library last week, Adam Daniels has recapped it at The Millions, and WBEZ has the full audio.
The Bi-Partisan Bedroom
Tracy Swartz talks to people about how to handle a mixed party relationship.
My Mom Also Likes Chicago
Idakoos autogenerates t-shirts based on keywords. Their Chicago collection is mostly fine, but every so often there's one that's just... a little off. [via]
Don't forget, Gapers Block sells a couple Chicago t-shirts, too. ;)
Perversion in Chicago's Scouts
Forest Park Patch has filtered through the Boy Scouts' "Perversion Files" for reports on local sex abuse scandals, including the one in Chicago from back in 1977. The LA Times has a searchable database.
The Good Old Stuff
Craig's Lost Chicago is nothing like CraigsList; instead it's a trip down memory lane for locals.
Talk Back to the Commercial
Chicago startup AdYapper lets you give participating companies feedback on their online ads.
Neighborhood not Pawned Off
Mick Dumke has an update on his story (previously) about 18th Ward residents fighting against yet another pawn shop: the neighborhood won.
Best of the Worst
Sorry, that's not fair. Gadling Travel has compiled a list of the 10 Chicago suburbs that don't suck. Bonus: Olde Schaumburg Centre: America's Least Impressive Historic District?
Send a New Mom Dinner
New mothers often don't have time or are too tired to cook. Moment for Mom is there to help with that.
The Future of City Colleges
Crain's reports on whether Chicago City Colleges' transformation plan is taking it the right direction.
4880 North & South
On the excellent Calumet 412 tumblr, a mystery has been spotted: what connects 49th and Union with Ainslie and Marine Drive?
Here's a Google Streetview grab of approximately 4880 S. Union Ave. The I-beam fenceposts are gone, or at least hiding behind the wood fence, but that appears to be the same house, remodeled. Wonder how long the photo on the North Side has been there.
This post originally referred to Calumet 412 as a project of Forgotten Chicago. I've been notified that they're not related.
Fitzgerald Goes into Business
Former US District Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald is becoming a partner at corporate law firm Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom on Oct. 29.
Smaller Taste Still Falls Short
The smaller, shorter Taste of Chicago didn't turn a profit this year, and might not for quite some time.
Freestylin' vs. the Irish Jig
A Whitney Young High School student dared to challenge the dean of students to a dance battle. The dean shut him down with his own footwork.
Ready, Set, Crawl!
Connecting families across the city, the first annual "Strollers in the Front" 5K Walk & Run on Sunday, Oct. 28 welcomes walkers, runners and strollers alike. With a Kids Dash and a Halloween Finish Line Family festival, this family oriented race is the first of its kind to make its way to the city, so register your strollers now and be a part of crawling to the finish line!
X-Ray Away
The TSA is now denying you the momentary thrill of being seen sort-of naked by a security guard every time you get on a plane at O'Hare. They're being pulled from the nation's busier airports because they take too long -- radiation and blurry nudity notwithstanding. (The scanners will remain at Midway, though.)
Save the Date for Save the Date
Save the Date, co-written by Chicago(land)-based cartoonist Jefrey Brown and featuring his cartoons "drawn" by star Lizzy Caplan, Opens Dec. 14.
Ira Glass the Sex Magician
"This American Life's" Ira Glass explains how to make a balloon animal -- and how to get a guy to wear a condom "without being a total buzzkill," among other sex-related questions -- for Rookie.
Balloon Animals: A Video Tutorial by Ira Glass from Rookie on Vimeo.
Get on the Lakeviewing List
Our sibling site Lakeviewing.com, is giving away a pair of tickets to the Music Box or Laugh Factory every weekday for the next two weeks to someone signed up for its weekly newsletter.
Life's Deep-Dish Questions
Lou Malnati's deep dish was voted the most life-changing pizza in America by readers of Esquire's Eat Like a Man blog. Gino's East came in at #5.
Where the Cloud Atlases are Made
The Sun-Times takes you inside the Wachowski siblings' studio near Andersonville.
Quick Contest: See Black Prairie Tonight!
WBEZ and 312 Presents host a private concert with Black Prairie tonight for High Fidelity members -- and we've got two tickets to give away.
Email contests@gapersblock.com with your name, phone number and "Black Prairie" in the subject line by 4pm; we'll choose an entry at random. The station's doors open at 6pm on Navy Pier; see the map here. Show starts at 7pm. UPDATE: Congratulations to our winner, Darlene L.!
Walking the Art Block
Brave the weather tonight and you'll be rewarded with some beautiful art on the Bridgeport Art Walk. You can always warm up with a hot toddy at Maria's.
Caught Red-Handed
Yes, red-disgusting handed. Though not a new issue, some schools in Illinois, California and New Mexico are banning Flamin' Hot Cheetos specifically and completely. The Tribune considers whether or not the snack is addictive.
Ode the the Chief
Young Chicago Authors' Kevin Coval is releasing a book of poetry about Chief Keef. There's a release party for More Shit that Chief Keef Don't Like tonight.
Ill-Advised Costume Choices
I doubt it's for sale at Fantasy Costumes, but if you were so inclined, you could be Four Loco for Halloween.
A Tale of Two Students
The Reader's Steve Bogira introduces two freshmen whose paths to college were about as different as could be.
The Nerdist at Zanies
Nerdist host Chris Hardwick is coming to Zanies in Old Town and out in Rosemont for a couple standup shows in December. Get your tickets now.
The Early Bird Gets a Ballot
If you know you won't be in town for the all-important Nov. 6 election, you can take advantage of early voting beginning this Monday; locations are open 9am-5pm, Monday through Saturday through Nov. 3.
Kate Gosselin Kicked Out of the CouponCabin
Formerly Chicago-based CouponCabin fired reality star Kate Gosselin from her job blogging for the deal site.
Get Your City Sticker Anytime
Vehicle stickers may soon be available for purchase year-round from the City Clerk's Office, in a system similar to the state's license plate renewal process.
Shop Where You Live
It's not quite the holiday shopping season yet, but Local First Chicago would love you to pledge to buy local this year.
Chicago Aims for a New Target
Target has announced its plans to open another store in Chicago in October 2013. The new store will be located on west Division and north Larrabee streets, on the old site of Cabrini-Green.
Is Racism a Sin?
That's the question posed to four progressive Christian leaders by Rev. Joan R. Harrell on RacismContradictsChristianity.com.
Letters in Your Inbox
Handiemail, a new service from Knoed Creative, writes out your email long-hand and mails it -- by USPS -- for just $9.95. You can request the reverse process for the same price.
A Nice Place to Stay
The Waldorf Astoria Chicago was voted the best hotel in America, and #12 in the world, in the 2012 Conde Nast Traveler's Readers' Choice Awards.
Trib Paywall Actually Becomes a Paywall Nov. 1
The Tribune will begin charging $14.99 a month of full online access starting Nov. 1. There will still be plenty of content freely accessible, though; here's a breakdown of plans.
A Prize in Pitcher Pollack
In an otherwise unremarkable book, Kevin Guilfoile found an unexpected souvenir from the Cubs' 1929 World Series.
Wright for the People
Frank Lloyd Wright designed some of Chicago's earliest attempts at subsidized housing.
Obama's Election Night Plans
After spending the day criss-crossing the country, President Obama will hold his election-night rally at McCormick Place Nov. 6.
Express Lanes on Ashland and Western
The Chicago Tribune reports on a plan to add dedicated express lanes for buses on Ashland and Western Avenue, which may be the closest we're going to get to a "circle line" for a while.
Romney Flag on Willis Tower?
Chicagoist reports that a rogue ironworker briefly hung a Mitt Romney flag on top of the Willis Tower antenna. Politics aside, the corresponding video will likely give you vertigo.
Put Down the Binoculars
Everyblockers in Edgewater debate what to do when you spot a peeping tom in the building next to you.
DePaul Takes Over Gordon Tech
DePaul has entered a "partnership" with Gordon Tech to oversee the Catholic high school.
Chief Keef Back to Juvie?
That video Chief Keef made with Pitchfork where he went to a gun range? It violated the terms of his probation, prosecutors say.
Black Magic on Devil's Night
Tuesday, Oct. 30 is the night that Anthony Moser and the Fat Tones Blues Band performs at Buddy Guy's Legends. Come in for a spell at 9:30pm for the show -- and as the "witching hour" approaches, get ready for Black Magic beginning at 11:30pm.
Boo-tiful Buttons
Busy Beaver's fourth annual Scary Boo-ton Contest is on now; submit your design by Oct. 26 for a chance to win, or just peruse the entries.
Mariotti Returns ChicagoSide
Quietly, reviled sportswriter Jay Mariotti has returned to Chicago sports as an occasional columnist for ChicagoSide. In his latest, he talks about why he still loves his job.
Beer and Politics
The Neo-Futurists are holding their second Neoccasion this Saturday evening. Attendees will get samples of local craft brews, as well as a sample of the current prime-time show at the theater, 44 Plays for 44 Presidents. For those who are a little light on funds there's a "Neoccasion Lite" brew tasting event happening Saturday afternoon. Full details on both events at the Neo-Futurists' website.
Cultural Plan: Then and Now
With the release of the 2012 Cultural Plan, Chicagoist found a copy of the 1986 version and compared them.
Share Where to Bike Share
The City has launched a website to collect suggestions as to where to place bike-sharing stations, and will also hold a series of public meetings to discuss the bike share service.
Terminal 5 Upgrades to 1st Class
O'Hare's international terminal will get a $26-million makeover that includes a major restaurant and amenities upgrade.
CHA on a Demolition Path
The CHA has approved plans that would lead to the demolition of 1,800 public housing units in Lathrop Homes, Altgeld Gardens and the Cabrini rowhouses. The plans now head to Washington for HUD approval.
Willis Goes Down
A commercial for the latest edition of SimCity features an example of the Sears Tower being struck by meteors. [via]
What We Used to Eat
Explore vintage menus from Chicago restaurants, clubs and railroads on New York Public Library's "What's on the menu?" project and Cool Culinaria. [via]
Apple and Oranges: Streetside
Streetwise has partnered with Neighbor Capital to start Neighbor Carts- a social business that funds fruit carts, providing both job opportunities and access to healthy food. [via]
When is Malört not Malört?
When it's custom distilled by Letherbee just for the Violet Hour. [via]
The Book Thief & Genocide
Paul Rusesabagina, activist and subject of the film Hotel Rwanda, does a Q&A with WBEZ's Jerome McDonnell about the Rwandan genocide and The Book Thief, this fall's One Book, One Chicago reading selection, tonight at the Harold Washington Library.
Eataly Coming to River North
New York's Eataly is coming to Chicago, finally filling in the long shuttered ESPN Zone space on Ohio Avenue near Michigan. It's expected to open in September 2013.
Our Cultural Blueprint
The final version of the city's 2012 Cultural Plan is now live. If you're looking for a quick read, here's the direct link to the pdf executive summary.
Or just read it here:
Final City of Chicago Cultural Plan 2012 - Executive Summary
Cheers to Chicago!
Six breweries in the Chicago area were awarded medals at the 2012 Great American Beer Festival in Denver this past weekend. Details in Drive-Thru.
The Variable Cost of Driving
CMAP has introduced a plan for congestion pricing on Chicago area tollways, in which the cost of driving on the tollway would vary based on vehicle type and time of day.
Picturing the Open House
Plenty of photos from this year's Open House Chicago are popping up in the GB flickr pool. We'd love to see yours too!
The Pastor's Walk
The "rooftop pastor" Corey Brooks is back from his walk across the country to raise money for Project Hood. He only raised $500,000 of his hoped-for $15 million, but says he's not giving up on that goal.
Monitoring the Meter Deal
In the latest chapter of the parking meter drama, Mayor Emanuel has ordered that Chicago Parking Meters LLC be independently audited to make sure it's living up to its side of the bargain.
Jackson Recovering Well?
Gawker reports that Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. was spotted at two bars in Washington D.C. with different women last week. Jackson was released last month following a long stay at the Mayo Clinic for bipolar disorder treatment, and he has not yet returned to work.
Dantrell Davis, 20 Years Later
The Reader's Mick Dumke has begun a five-part series looking back on the murder of Dantrell Davis, whose death helped bring about the end of housing projects in Chicago: part one, part two, part three, part four, part five.
1,000 Hurts No More
A Georgia woman who received a vintage belt exercise machine from the band Shellac as part of a promotion for their 1994 album Shellac at Action Park is selling the item on Ebay after 17 years of good use.
"Smiley & West" Off WBEZ
WBEZ canceled "Smiley and West," the controversial talk show featuring Tavis Smiley and Cornell West, at the end of September. Chicago Media Action is leading an online protest to bring the show back.
Brizard to Byrd-Bennett
Get to know CPS's new chief, Barbara Byrd-Bennett, through the Sun-Times', Tribune's, and Catalyst's assessment. The Sun-Times offers advice to Mayor Emanuel, while Greg Hinz has the backstory on Brizard's departure.
Girls Can Code
WBEZ reports on Chicago Tech Academy, a charter school bridging the gender gap on technical skills by teaching girls to code.
"Let's save the Union. Together."
Wanna see what the 1864 Lincoln/Johnson re-election campaign looks like with an Obama/Biden branding? Freaky.
To Get a Little, You Gotta Give a Little
Oprah is reviving her "My Favorite Things" project for the OWN Network--reportedly, a group of military families are this year's recipients.
Threatened, Saved, Lost
A building in our To be Demolished project, 2141 N. Fremont St., looked like it was going to be saved from the wrecking ball, but its demolition hold was re-released last week.
Coyote Country?
Chicagoland's coyote problem is continuing to grow, with a current population of around 2,000. They are able to sustain themselves mainly on rodents, but coyotes will also also eat cats or small dogs if the opportunity presents itself.
Everything Old is New Again
It's not news, but the noncompete clause that kept Logan Square's La Boulangerie from selling individual croissants so close to their neighbor New Wave Coffee is heating up an Everyblock thread today.
Tru Blooms in the Fall
Tru Blooms, a locally sourced perfume, launches its first fragrances on Monday, Oct. 15.
Chicago: In Space!
"In" space, "from" space, whatever. NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day from yesterday is a satellite snapshot with Chicago in the center.
Color Me Purple
The Chicago Children's Theatre brings the beloved book Harold and the Purple Crayon to life on the stage of its new home at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts Oct. 11 to Nov. 4. The play will then move to the Beverly Arts Center Nov. 7-11 and finally to the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts Nov. 14-18.
Dabble in a Side Tour
SideTour, a deal site offering unusual activities, officially launches in Chicago on Monday. A couple of events have already happened, and the reviews seem positive. Meanwhile, Chicago-based Dabble just relaunched its indie class-finder site, now with nationwide reach.
A Techie's Paradise
Chicago was recently ranked the seventh best city in America for tech start-ups by the National Venture Capital Association. Also on the list are San Francisco, Boston, New York, LA, Washington D.C., San Diego, Austin, Boulder/Denver and Seattle.
A Word from the Bird
In honor of Chicago Ideas Week, the city turned to Twitter to ask users their opinion about the best way to get guns off of the streets. They received over 300,000 responses, varying from stricter parenting to looser gun control.
A Closer Look at Ryan's Hometown
If last night's debate got you thinking about VP hopeful Paul Ryan, you should make a plan to see As Goes Janesville, which profiles how his hometown struggled with the 2008 closing of a General Motors factory that employed most of the town for almost 100 years. The documentary will be screened tomorrow afternoon as part of the Chicago International Film Fest.
Perfect Imperfections
GLI.TC/H , the festival of glitch art, music and technology, will be back in Chicago for a third round Dec. 6-9. Here's a review of the 2010 edition.
GLI.T/CH 2112 BUMPER from Kevin Carey on Vimeo.
"Race to Diversity"
Steve Bogira penned a satirical plan for Mayor Emanuel to pay a neighborhood $10,000 to diversify itself.
Brizard Steps Down as CPS CEO
Jean-Claude Brizard is leaving the Chicago Public Schools following a brief, controversial stint as CEO.
Weekend Closure of Noyes Street Station
Noyes Street Station, one of the northernmost stops on the CTA Purple Line, will be closed for repairs this weekend. Commuters traveling to or from Evanston will not be able to access the station between 10pm on Friday until 4am on Monday.
Dealing Gangnam Style
Chicago-based deal-a-day site YouSwoop has a special on "Gangnam Style" Halloween costume jackets and bow-ties. Get yours in time for the party.
Lighting Up the Silver Screen
The Chicago International Film Festival kicks off tonight with the world premiere of Stand Up Guys. It's sold out, but tickets are still available for most other screenings -- or try to get into the free surprise film on Monday.
2012 Chicago International Film Festival Trailer from Cinema Chicago on Vimeo.
Help Out Your Furry Buddies
The Logan Square Dog Park could earn a much-needed $500k donation if you take a minute to vote in a nationwide contest sponsored by Purina.
You Cantu that on Television
Chef Homaro Cantu's rumor mill is rumbling. There's the one about him taking over Charlie Trotter's old restaurant space, which has a built in TV studio. Meanwhile, he posted on Facebook that he has another TV show in the works, titled "CookiNG Under Pressure" -- then deleted it. Perhaps his claim of signing a multi-season deal was a little premature?
Asian Carp DNA in the Chicago River
Asian carp DNA showed up in samples taken from the North Shore Channel and the Chicago River this summer. Scientists don't know if the DNA indicates the presence of carp or not, but the findings will trigger a more extensive search of the North Shore Channel and a six mile stretch of the Chicago River later this month.
A Quiet Island in the Stream of Traffic
The Chicago Journal explores an "urban island" on the near South Side, cut off from the rest of the city by the Stevenson and Dan Ryan to the north and south, the Red Line and Amtrak tracks to the east and west.
Debating on Television
Just in time for debate season, Art Shay shares photos and recollections of the Kennedy-Nixon debates -- the first ever televised -- held at WBBM-TV studios in 1960.
From Jane Addams to Oscare Wilde
The Legacy Walk, a series of plaques from The Legacy Project that honors heroes from the LGBT community, will be unveiled on Halsted Street in Boystown today, National Coming Out Day. Download a PDF walking map.
The Smith Problem
State Rep. Derrick Smith put the Illinois Democratic Party in a really awkward place. Ben Joravsky tries to explain how it happened.
$38k for Dinner?
Proving that even NFL players occasionally need to be embarrassed, the Bears' rookies got a dose of humility by getting pranked with a fake $38,000 dinner bill. I still want to know how much it would cost to for the entire team to chow down at Smith and Wollensky.
Mother-in-laws & Big Babies
Chef and artist Eric May takes Time Out on a tour of unique South Side foods.
The Still Lifes of Laura Letinsky
Chicago fine-art photographer (and UChicago professor) Laura Letinsky talked to the New York Times about her art and her commercial work.
Lupe Lets it Out
Lupe Fiasco talks with the Sun-Times about his latest album, Chicago's violence and his issues with the record industry.
Hope You Got the Bread for This
Chicago Mag names the city's 50 best sandwiches, with the BLT from Old Oak Tap topping the list.
Video Gambling Legal in Illinois
With an estimated 280 machines live across the state as of yesterday, video gambling is legal at bars, restaurants, truck stops and fraternal organizations. And just when I thought I'd never find a way to fund state improvements while playing poker by myself at a truck stop.
Tables Turned
Ira Glass is today's "Ask Me Anything" host on Reddit. Also Table 52's chef Art Smith is answering questions on a separate page.
Steve Harvey: Mentoring Into Manhood
Comedian Steve Harvey, whose new daytime talk show is taped here, is giving young men (Chicago residents only) who live in female-headed households a chance to be part of the "Steve Harvey Mentoring Weekend," an interactive camp Nov. 16-18 designed to teach the "principles of manhood, leadership and community empowerment." The application deadline is Friday, Oct. 12 at 5pm.
Stretched Truths from a Burly Youth
Designer Aaron Draplin is swinging through Chicago for "Tall Tales from a Large Man" at Bow Truss Oct. 25. Tickets include beer and a snazzy poster.
Church to be Demolished for Walgreens
The newest entry in our To be Demolished series is 834 W. Armitage Ave., the former Greater Little Rock The Lord's Church. Walgreens is currently planning to build a new store on the site.
Testing for Lead
Whet Moser explores the correlation between student test results and lead exposure. Chicago has one of the highest rates of lead poisoning in the country; here's how to help prevent it.
Tragedy on the Northwest Side
A retired police officer shot and killed one of his own sons who was staying with him, mistaking him for an intruder.
Meet M. Diddy
Martha Stewart will be at the North Avenue Home Depot this Thursday for a decorating workshop. Good luck getting in.
More or Less Winners
Grand Rapids, MI's ArtPrize art festival selected "More or Less," an installation by Chicago artists Anthony Lewellen, Brian Steckel, Chris Silva and David Cuesta, as one of its 2012 top winners.
"One that loved not wisely, but too well."
To open the 18th season of The Shakespeare Project of Chicago, The Tragedy of Othello, The Moor of Venice will be showing for free, October 24th-26th at various venues.
Cab Companies Order a Lawsuit for Uber
Taxi companies are suing Uber, claiming the private car ordering service violates city regulations about how many cabs are on the road.
Don't Forget: Register to Vote
Today is your last day to register to vote in the November elections. Get on that.
Black on the Inside
The African American Cultural Center Gallery of UIC's upcoming exhibition, "Black/Inside: A History of Captivity & Confinement in the U.S.," posits that "mass incarceration has replaced segregation as a form of social control for black people." The exhibit opens Oct. 23 and runs until Nov. 21.
Walking Along the River
The City unveiled concepts for an extensive Riverwalk revitalization, featuring such things as "the Jetty," "the Cove" and "River Theater."
Thanks, Bike Messengers!
Today is the fifth annual Messenger Appreciation Day. Don't forget to celebrate. (Thanks, Dubi!)
Wooden Moderne
Design studio Uusi has created some beautiful wooden forest and farm animal sculptures, available individually or in sets.
Designing a Chicago Transit App
Although its Kickstarter campaign failed, Greater Good Studio is developing its Designing Chicago transit navigation app anyway -- and they're looking for help from you.
"Stay angry."
NewCity profiles Joe Walsh, the Tea Party congressman who wears his anger on his sleeve.
Have a Coke, But Maybe Feel Bad While You Do It
Starting next year, municipal buildings in Chicago and San Antonio will be the first in the county to get vending machines with calorie counters- as well as signage that will remind you to take the calorie counter seriously, eat healthy, and may even venture into previously unexplored areas of vending-machine induced guilt.
Houses with History
Chris Ware designed posters for the Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest. [via]
United States of X: Pussy Edition
Joe Dawson Jr. imagines Illinois as a cat as part of his latest "pet project," Pussies on Parade.
Where the Wild Things Are
Curbed created a map of the best places in Chicago to come face to face with mother nature.
Chicago Theater Gets Weird, Grandma
For 10 years the Barrel of Monkeys theater ensemble has been working with Chicago Public Schools kids to help them write plays and produce them for the stage. And to celebrate the anniversary, they challenged other local theater groups to try their hand at this task. Plenty of theaters are taking up the challenge, from House Theatre to Steppenwolf, and this special series of shows called Chicago's Weird, Grandma opens tonight! Full details at the Barrel of Monkeys website.
Model Car of the Future
Among the items in Wright's upcoming Important Design auction is a gorgeous model of the the 1961 Ford Gyron concept car.
Ford Gyron from Wright on Vimeo.
NATO Fixes the Parks
There was apparently a little money left over from hosting the NATO Summit, so the City is giving it to the Park District to improve neighborhood parks.
A Bigger, Safer, Faster Marathon
One runner suffered cardiac arrest, but otherwise fewer Chicago Marathon runners ended up in the hospital this year. And with a record 37,455 finishers, the Marathon ran out of medals for finishers. Ethiopian Tsegaye Kebede won, setting a new course record.
More Tickets for Sticker Scofflaws
Ticketing for a lack of a current city sticker is up 58 percent this year so far, The Expired Meter reports.
Does Chicago Need Protected Bike Lanes?
A cyclist was killed this morning in Old Town when, attempting to avoid being doored, he swerved into traffic and was run over by a semi. WBEZ's got a map of dooring incidents, and the Active Transportation Alliance has a petition you can sign if you'd like to see protected bike lanes in the Loop.
Kicking it New School
A season of storytelling and potlucks, nice wooden toys and an international sculpture show are among the projects currently featured on Gapers Block's curated Kickstarter page.
Led Zeppelin 2 - The Lawsuit Experience
Christopher Klein, one of the founding members of the popular cover band Led Zeppelin 2 - The Live Experience, is suing his former bandmates, accusing them of misappropriating funds and other misdeeds.
"I live in mortal fear of Chicago winters."
Read a 1985 letter from Barack Obama to a friend back in New York.
More Football at Wrigley?
The Ricketts won approval of changes to Wrigley Field that will add three rows of seats behind home plate and make a portion of the left field wall removable -- which would allow college football games to play in both directions.
Study Shows Mentoring Reduces Crime
A new social science research study conducted by the University of Chicago Crime Lab, in conjunction with Chicago Public Schools and local non-profits, determined that youth mentoring programs have the potential to significantly decrease violent crimes involving young people.
The New Dino in Town
Paul Sereno, paleontologist and professor at U of C, has discovered a new species of dinosaur through fossils that were originally excavated from southern Africa in the 1960s. The Pegomastax africanus ("thick jaw from Africa") is a small, fanged herbivore that resembles a bird.
Run Like 'L'
In honor of the 35th anniversary of the Chicago Marathon this Sunday, Nike and the CTA have teamed up to create high-performance Dri-FIT t-shirts.
Money for News Matters
The Robert R. McCormick Foundation gave $3.8 million in grants to organizations encouraging news literacy among young people, with most of the money going to two dozen local organizations.
Get Right for November 6
This coming Tuesday is the deadline to register to vote or to change your registration address.
Lakeview Residents Don't Care for Panera Cares
CBS Chicago reports that some Lakeview residents are complaining that the pay-what-you-can Panera Cares on Diversey is bringing an "unwanted element" into the neighborhood -- aka homeless people. As Chicagoist notes, it's not the first time Lakeview residents and businesses have tried to exclude people.
I am the Windows Technical Provider
A scammer called Ars Technica's Nate Anderson claiming that his (nonexistent) Windows computer was infested with viruses. Anderson decided to play along.
Brew Camp Shut Down
Home brewing supply shop Brew Camp is temporarily closed by the city due to issues with licensing. They expect to reopen soon. UPDATE: The shop will reopen soon at a new Ravenswood location.
Pawning Off a Vacant Lot
The Reader this week tells the story of 18th ward residents' fight against yet another pawn shop in their neighborhood.
Teachers Contract Passes, Teachers Grow Closer
The Chicago Teachers Union officially ratified the new contract with CPS, closing the chapter on the strike. WBEZ reports that teachers feel closer to one another thanks to the whole ordeal.
Find Your Way on the Pedway
Will Vaughn has created a very thorough map of all the pedways in the Loop. (They're a bit out of date, but you might also enjoy our pedway tour: part one, part two.)
Check Out the Zombies
The Dana Hotel & Spa is doing a "Zombie Takeover" Oct. 26-31, with special parties, "zombie apocalypse survival kits" in the rooms, zombie brunch, a flashmob and more.
Is Chicago the Most Racist City in America?
Gawker makes a stop in Chicago as part of its investigative series to determine the country's most racist city.
A Sleek New Wilson Stop
The CTA enveiled plans for its renovation of the Wilson Red Line station. There's a community meeting scheduled for Oct. 11 for public input.
Kind of Like a Restaurant, Right?
City Council passed an ordinance today that establishes 23 locations on the North Side where food trucks can legally park while selling their wares.
See About Cherry
Chicago native Stephen Elliott (author of the The Adderall Diaries and founder of The Rumpus) will be at the Music Box this Friday for the premiere of his first film, About Cherry. There will be a book signing in the lobby at 8:30pm and the movie starts at 9:20pm with a Q&A afterward.
Engaging the Invasion
In the face of the still lingering Asian carp threat, the EPA is launching a $8 million initiative to study, reduce and prevent invasive species in the Great Lakes.
Transmitting Transit
The Logan Square arts group Transit has published a handy map of the neighborhood's arts sites, including the possibility to win some fine prizes.
Pot Like Christmas Trees
Dude, sorry to have to tell you, man, but the cops found your forest of marijuana down in Trumbull Park. They spotted it by helicopter, man.
Wayward Sons, Indeed
The Onion's A.V. Club wrapped up its cover series in their little round room with their most bizarre performance to date: GWAR covering Kansas' "Carry On Wayward Son."
100 Years of Architectural Study
The Burnham Plan Centennial has come and gone, but the Art Institute's Burnham Library of Architecture is just now reaching that point. To celebrate, the museum is exhibiting selections from its last 25 years of acquisitions.
Live-Tweeting Among the Millions
The Sun-Times' columnists -- Mark Brown, Roger Ebert, Steve Huntley, Carol Marin, Mary Mitchell, Richard Roeper and Neil Steinberg -- live-tweeting the debates tonight. (A couple of them have already started, actually.) Should be at least a little more focused than the #Debate hashtag stream [via]
Cameras, Start Clicking
Another sign of fall: the Reader's looking for submissions for its annual photo issue.
Meat Free on Milwaukee
The Social Foodie got a sneak peek at the new Chicago Diner location in Logan Square.
No Swim Test to Help U of C Students Fight Freshman 15
The University of Chicago announced it will do away with its swimming test requirement for incoming students. For nearly 60 years U of C has enforced the rule that students who cannot prove they can successfully swim 100 yards must enroll in a swimming course.
"It was a smoky bar."
Eater continues its "the Regulars" series with an oral history of the Rainbo Room
Keep On Coachin'
In a Bull's offseason riddled with bad news, something hopeful: following rumors that he wound and rumors that he wouldn't, fan-favorite Tom Thibodeau has agreed to a four-year extension to keep him coaching the Bulls through the 2016-17 season.
America's Best Burger?
Is Au Cheval's cheeseburger the best in the country? Bon Appetit thinks it might be. Chicagoist is less sure.
AAA Goes Pink
In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, stranded motorists in the Chicago area who utilize AAA will be rescued by pink tow trucks for the remainder of 2012.
Building Night Life in Woodlawn
Flickr user WayOutWardell has collected extensive area photographs, including these Woodlawn images. By the way, his name is a reference to the jazz musician Wardell Gray, who spent a lot of time in Chicago. [Thanks, Jolyon!]
Chicago "Genius Grants" Announced
The 2012 MacArthur Fellows have been announced and include a Northwestern University professor and the founder of the Chicago and New York based International Contemporary Ensemble.
Chicago Records 400 Homicides
Though temperatures have dropped recently, homicides have escalated. Violence that occurred in the city this weekend marked the 400th homicide this year.
Commuting & Grocery Shopping: Two Peas in a Pod
Online grocery service Peapod will expand its virtual retail locations to nine CTA and eight Metra stations across Chicagoland. Customers can use a free app to select and pay for their items and schedule home deliveries.
Contest: Oktoberfest Pub Crawl Tickets
CitySwarm is running an Oktoberfest Pub Crawl this Thursday, with three stops for big German beers. We've got a pair of tickets to give away!
Just email your name and phone number to contests@gapersblock.com with the subject line "Prost!" We'll draw one entry at random from those received by noon Tuesday, Oct. 2. Must be 21 or older to enter; one entry per person. UPDATE: We've got a winner! Congratulations to Dan W. There's a consolation prize for those who didn't win, though: enter the code GAPERS and get $10 off your ticket!
Blue Demons Go Court Hunting
DePaul is considering a new home court for its men's basketball team. Even Rahm is in support of moving the games from Allstate Arena in Rosemont so the Blue Demons can play within the city's limits.
Wide Open for Business
Crain's reports that Chicago's suburban office parks are the most vacant in the country, with enough available space to fill the 110-story Willis Tower almost eight times over.
Drink Local
Craft Spirits Week begins tonight, and fills the week with events featuring independent distilleries from Chicagoland and nearby.
Charity Whiskers
Guys, put your upper lip to good use and participate in Mustaches for Kids. Tuesday is shaving day; hit the Map Room tomorrow night for the kickoff. Too soon? You can always wait till Movember.
Designing for Change
The Firebelly Foundation and EPIC were cited in HOW magazine as organizations "making waves in the design world when it comes to inspiring designers to influence change."
Tweeting the Guns Away
If you'e got an idea about how to get illegal guns off the streets, and can sum it up in 140 characters or less, the city's listening (if it has the hashtag #whatifchicago). The best suggestions will debated October 11 with police Superintendent Garry McCarthy at a Chicago Ideas Week panel.
The Grid: Envision Arts Studio
The newest installment of our documentary series, The Grid, gets to know Envision Arts Studio, a branch of the social service agency Envision Unlimited that provides Chicagoans with intellectual and developmental disabilities a disciplined studio practice in a community setting.
Aeroplanes Over the City
Whet Moser came across what may be the first aerial footage of Chicago -- shot in 1926.
Someone's Resume Just Got an Impressive Boost
A former aide for downstate-based US Rep John Shimkus was briefly arrested on assault charges this past weekend after actress Lindsay Lohan accused him of taking cellphone pictures without her consent in a New York hotel room. Police later found Lohan's story to be without merit.
