"I'm distinctly in the minority at the United Center."
GB's own Evan F. Moore admits it: he's a black hockey fan.
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
November 2012
GB Gift Guide: More Chicago Photographs
Buildings, birds, bridges, fire escapes and graffiti art: Tim Jarosz's photography showcases the gritty and the sublime.
Chicago Backfire
A South Side shooting location for "Chicago Fire" (complete with a staged plane crash) was accidentally turned into a breaking news story this morning.
Warriors of Christmas Past
Back for a third year, A Klingon Christmas Carol (previously) starts a month-long run at the Raven Theatre this Saturday, Dec. 1.
GB Gift Guide: Sears Tower Scratching Post
The perfect gift for the discerning Chicago cat, or for the Chicago cat owner who is fond of his furniture.
Wacker's Back
Upper and Lower Wacker Drive should completely reopen today in time for the evening rush hour, CDOT says.
Gift Guide: Crave Chicago's 2012 Holiday Party
Crave Chicago helps brings local women entrepreneurs and their great ideas to you and for this holiday season they are bringing it all together this Saturday from 10am to 3pm at their Holiday CRAVE-ings shopping party at Belle Plaine Studio, 2014 W. Belle Plaine Ave. Browse jewelry, clothing, handbags, gourmet food and more from local artists and business owners. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. PS: The Chocolate Shop will be pouring free samples of their chocolate wine. Yes, chocolate wine, and it's delicious.
State Congressman Accused of Fraud
Eighth District State Rep. La Shawn Ford was indicted Thursday on federal bank fraud charges in connection with a line of credit he took out with failed ShoreBank. Rep. Ford denied the charges, saying, "There is no bank fraud in my blood."
One Helluva Smoothie
If you're smuggling $7 million of pot inside frozen strawberries, and you tell police that your cargo is frozen fruit, they'll probably -- and understandably -- get suspicious if 1) your truck isn't refrigerated and 2) your destination is a residential driveway.
Purple's Millions Majesty
Northwestern is the ninth richest university in the country in terms of its endowment, TheStreet.com reports. (Thanks, Dee!)
Northwest Side Story
Thanks to a handful of local and national grants, two historic Humboldt Park murals depicting the neighborhood's Puerto Rican heritage will be restored by the original artists.
A Little Winter Music
If LiteFM's carols aren't your speed, maybe The Hudson Branch's free/pay-what-you-like albums of "winter music" could be your soundtrack to the season.
Saved from Tragedy
Chicago's murder rate made news this year, but it's not nearly as bad as in years past. And while hundreds have died this year, many more have been saved.
GB Gift Guide: Cooking Comic Prints
Comic book artist Sarah Becan -- who garnered national attention for her most recent graphic novel, Shuteye -- is offering some frame-worthy food-related prints from her webcomic Sauceome, including "How to Sear a Steak," "Sausages of the World" and (for the more adventurous eaters out there) "Pokemon Butcher Charts."
Working at the White House
David Lee Csicsko (responsible for the Belmont CTA mural) and several other Chicago artists worked together on this year's White House Christmas decorations.
Electric Trucks Coming to Town
Smith Electric Vehicles will open its third US plant in Chicago, thanks in part to a $15 million incentive from the City. Smith expects to hire 200 workers; the factory's location has not yet been determined.
GB Gift Guide: Mapped Glasses
The Uncommon Green offers highball glasses etched with city maps, including Chicagoland. (There's a matching carafe, but you might want to wait till they correct "Evansboro" to Evanston before you buy it.)
Chicago is Family Friendly
Chicago earned a 95 on Human Rights Campaign's new Municipal Equality Index, a measure of LGBT inclusion in municipal law, released earlier this week. Eleven cities received perfect scores of 100.
Buildings in Danger
Curbed Chicago has launched its Preservation Heat Map, a guide to some of the city's most endangered buildings.
Inside the Swastika House
DNAinfo visits the "swastika house," one of Englewood's neighborhood tourism spots.
United Sues Untied
Chicago-based United Airlines is suing Untied.com, a website where dissatisfied passengers can air their grievances.
GB Gift Guide: Scrappers Documentary Film
Scrappers, the Chicago-based documentary about scrap metal collectors, was released today for digital download via iTunes and Amazon. The film was one of Roger Ebert's top documentaries of 2010 and was co-directed by the folks behind our short film series, The Grid.
From Chicago to Evanston, in Only Eight Hours
On this day in 1895, Chicago hosted America's first automobile race. The course ran from Hyde Park to Evanston, and the winner -- one of two cars to complete the entire race -- clocked in at seven hours and 53 minutes.
C-c-c-catch the Wave
Nov. 22 was the 25th anniversary of the Max Headroom pirating incident broadcast hijackings on WGN and WTTW. Last year a reddit member claimed he knew who did it.
On WGN-TV:
On WTTW-TV:
Media coverage the next day:
A recent overview, with industry sources providing perspective:
"There's really no other."
Jet magazine interviews the only black comic book shop owner in America, Third Coast Comics' Terry Gant.
CPS Wants More Time to Decide School Closings
CPS is asking Springfield for more time to decide which Chicago schools to close. CPS's current deadline is Dec. 1, but proposed legislation would extend the deadline until March 31. The Dec. 1 deadline was chosen so that families would have time to apply for magnet or selective enrollment schools. Legislation to extend CPS's deadline passed unanimously in the House Executive Committee and the Senate Education Committee on Tuesday and now moves on to the the full House and Senate for voting.
GB Gift Guide: Recycled Wool Felt Accessories
FeltWerker is the brainchild of Denise Handwerker, a crafty lady who repurposes old wool sweaters and offers a stunning array of colorful, cozy scarves, fingerless gloves that are perfect for keyboarding during the long winter months, and eye-catching pins and handbags. FeltWerker can be purchased on Etsy, at a number of upcoming craft fairs in and around Chicago, and on Facebook, so you can keep current on where to see these creations in real life.
Typography in the City in a Book
Lidia Varesco Racoma has turned her blog, Typography in the City, into a book, focusing first on the West Loop.
(Not The) World's Best Cup of Coffee
The Tribune reports that (spoiler alert!) Dunkin' Donuts coffee is not the best cup of coffee in America.
GB Gift Guide: Chicago Photographs
Remind your favorite city-dweller exactly why they love this place. Photographer Will Byington's got some great pictures of Chicago that come unframed, framed, or wrapped on canvas.
"Their life sentence at your hands compels a life sentence for you."
Alex "Cowboy" Campbell was sentenced to life in prison for running a sex-trafficking operation. Campbell forced his women, who were illegal immigrants from eastern Europe, to get tattoos of his initials or even worse.
Early Warning: Letters to Santa
Second City's annual 24-hour marathon of comedy and music, is Dec. 18-19, and boy does the lineup look good. Bonus: you'll be able to stream it live.
GB Gift Guide: LEGO Bath Time
Berwyn Betty's Bath & Body Shop sells LEGO-inspired bath bombs and soaps.
GB Gift Guide: Classic Neighborhood Posters
Artist John Garrison has created a line of art deco-inspired neighborhood posters.
Kickstarting this Town
A brewpub, a suction-powered tablet stand, a reclaimed wood product line and a poster of ACME products are just a couple of projects currently funding on the GB curated Kickstarter page.
Competing with Broadway
How a little-known tax credit is getting Chicago first chance at Broadway-bound shows.
The Pulse of the CTA
Sumus shares video of its satellite tracking of transit systems around the world -- including CTA buses. [via]
Warning: mute your speakers or be subjected to awful midi music.
A Second Iconic Railroad Tower to be Demolished
With the demolition of Chicago's Lake Street Interlocking Station approaching, railfans are lamenting another area loss. GB flickr pool contributor Duanne Rapp was on hand for the last photograph of the suburban Deval Tower. Its impending demolition was noted back in 2007.
Party Animals
As Chicago's coyote population grows (previously), the dogs are getting bolder -- and possibly becoming sports fans.
These Boobies Definitely Do Not Rock
You've no doubt seen "Boobies Rock" breast cancer awareness t-shirts being sported and hawked around town. But think twice before buying them if you're serious about donating to legitimate cancer research organizations.
Your Manuscript is Returned
Chicago's Essanay Studios, once home to Charlie Chaplin, used a form letter to reject film scripts.
Candidates on Your Marks
The special election for Jesse Jackson, Jr.'s vacated congressional seat has been tentatively set for March 19, with a primary on Feb. 26 -- unless Gov. Quinn can convince lawmakers to let him move it to April 9 to coincide with local municipal elections. Already, the list of candidates is lengthening.
GB Gift Guide: A Beer Basket
Half Acre has teamed up with other like-minded companies to create a holiday gift basket filled with beer, coffee, hot sauce and other stuff.
Capital of the Midwest Alliance
If the United States dissolved and every state went to war with the rest, which would win? Illinois does well for awhile, with Chicago its capital, in one thorough answer. [via]
Date by "El" Line
Attention all single men off the Red and Brown Line! Skip the online dating and bar scenes this Wednesday and check out a MeSoFar dating event just for you. Sometimes the shortest distance between two people is an (almost) straight line.
Me So Far presents Red Line / Brown Line: Sometimes the shortest distance between two people is an (almost) straight line.
When: Wednesday, Nov. 28th 6:30pm - 9pm
Where: 58 E. Ontario, Sushi Taiyo's Private Upstairs Lounge
Price: $35
What else: We're raising money for Hurricane Sandy Relief Efforts. Also Gapers Block's Chicago Bucket List columnist Niki Fritz will be one of the presenters giving a four-minute PowerPoint on her life. ( And yes there will be embarrassingly childhood photos.)
ABOUT ME SO FAR
Me So Far (2010) is an experiential approach to dating based on the simple insight that attraction is more often gradual rather than instant. But in today's fast-paced, click-through world of dating, gradual connection isn't always easy. Me So Far's in-person, story-driven format allows people to show multiple sides of themselves and discover connections that usually take several dates - or even several years - to make. Me So Far is honored to have been featured in The New York Times, PRI's America Abroad, Time Out Chicago, and on WBEZ.
So, You Have a Sister
Vader's Little Princess, the sequel to Jeffrey Brown's popular Darth Vader and Son book, is now available for pre-order.
Tollway Tweets
Handy for the holiday season: you can now follow (separately) the four tollways on Twitter for real-time information on traffic, incidents, road work and lane closures. Follow @I_90_Tollway, @94_294_Tollway, @I_355_Tollway or @I_88_Tollway.
A Car with a Record
Remember that $600 car that racked up more than $100,000 in tickets? The Expired Meter follows up with more details on what exactly happened.
Watch Your Speed Here
The City has announced four locations where the new speed cameras will be tested from Dec. 3 to Jan. 3 before a broader roll-out.
Here are the approximate addresses of the cameras:
• 2223 W. Pershing Rd., next to McKinley Park
• 6541 N. Western Ave., next to Warren Park
• 6340 S. King Dr., near Dulles School of Excellence
• 1446 W. Division St., next to Near North Montessori School
View speed camera test sites in a larger map, or read the full press release.
Give Me All of the Twinkies That You Have
You may have heard about people stocking up on Hostess products in light of the company's liquidation, but few people have likely gone as far as Andrés DeLeón did.
To be Demolished by the River
The latest entry in GB's To be Demolished is a former railroad control tower located by Lake Street and the Chicago River.
JJJ's Replacements Begin Lining Up
Former House member and State Senator Debbie Halvorson, who lost to Jesse Jackson Jr. in the March primary election, announced that she plans to run for the seat he resigned last week. Among her potential fellow candidates are former Blago attorney Sam Adam, Jr., Todd Stroger, and pastor Corey Brooks.
Engage with Your Rights
The ACLU of Illinois is holding an interactive conference on civil liberties and human rights this Saturday, featuring "Daily Show" correspondent Aasif Mandvi; there's still time to register.
Warm Tidings
Yesterday was the second warmest Thanksgiving on record in Chicago. And of course today we're back to the usual chill.
Walmart's Black Mark on Black Friday
Labor groups and employees are protesting outside area Walmarts during Black Friday to highlight what they say is unfair treatment by the company.
Extra Special Delivery
The USPS will soon test out same-day delivery in Chicago and other major cities, after a test in San Francisco starting in December.
Winter is Coming
And Ryan Kapp has designed a very nice poster of it -- as well as one of fall and a set of the four seasons. [via]
It's Turkey Day
Happy Thanksgiving! Posting will be light today, as we'll all be off stuffing ourselves full of turkey, tofurkey and various other foods. Meanwhile, here's a Thanksgiving Day movie-watching flowchart, courtesy of Chicagoist's Steven Pate.
Local Stuff to Buy
The cavalcade of gift guides continues with Chicago magazine's all-local edition.
Return of the Toddler?
The Sun-Times reports that Todd Stroger is weighing a bid for resigning Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr.'s seat, which will be filled via a special election.
For Your Wall
Silkscreen artist Dan Grzeca's work is on sale at Fab.com for the next 24-ish hours. (You might also be interested in the poster he did for us a couple years ago.)
Classing Up the Crotch
Walgreens has opened a new upscale store, similar to its State Street flagship, in the former Noel State Bank building at North, Damen and Milwaukee in Wicker Park/Bucktown.
JJJr. to Resign?
According to Jesse Jackson, Jr.'s brother Jonathan, the congressman will announce his resignation today. UPDATE: Jackson has resigned.
To be Demolished: Defunct Businesses
Among the buildings recently added to GB's To be Demolished project are a bar that burned, an early 20th Century sign company and a former currency exchange.
Pass or Per Ride?
The CTA Tattler crunches the numbers to figure out which options are cheaper under the price increases for passes.
Putting Cycling on the Map
The Active Transportation Alliance is updating its Chicagoland Bike Map, and needs your help.
Volunteer or Donate to Help a Child Stay Warm this Winter
Looking for a way to "pay it forward" this holiday season? Give the gift of warmth to a child in need by supporting Dorger McCarthy Group's annual coat drive and holiday party for children whose families are currently living in homeless shelters. Coats and volunteers are needed for this annual event, which happens Dec. 8. Email Sara.mccarthy@cbexchange.com to sign up to volunteer.
Where Do You Live if You're Out and Old?
The LGBT community is aging right alongside everyone else, but finding housing has been a challenge. New developments in Boystown and elsewhere hope to change that.
Playing In Uncle Dick's Shadow
ChicagoSide's Ben Strauss talks with Don Butkus, Mount Carmel quarterback and nephew of Bears legend Dick Butkus.
Covering the Liberal Arts Beat
Chicago mechanical engineer and writer Sarah Pavis is guest-blogging on kottker.org this week.
"Bodyrolling for Your Life"
A first-person account of this past weekend's Trapped in the Closet singalong at the Music Box. Also, if you were at the Music Box, were you That Guy guy?
Green Garbage
Chicago will be the first city to start using electric garbage trucks -- the city has signed on for 20, to huge future savings in both cost and noise.
CTA Fares Are & Aren't Increasing
CTA fares will stay the same, but monthly and daily passes will get more expensive in the 2013 budget announced today. Single-ride tickets from O'Hare will also increase to $5, because hey, why not soak the tourists?
Get Your Riot On
RiotFest is doing an early bird presale of 2013 three-day passes -- get'em now, while they last!
A Depressing Day for Chicago-Based TV Shows
"Boss" has been cancelled, "Mob Doctor" is on deathwatch, and "Chicago Fire's" ratings aren't doing well.
For You From Boo
FoGB Laura Park has hidden little gifts from "Boo Radley" in tree holes around Humboldt Park.
E2 Back in Court
The owners of the ill-fated E2 nightclub are suing the city after their involuntary manslaughter convictions were overturned earlier this year.
Daughter of the Year
Though pregnant, Julie P. Franck donned a ski mask last month and robbed her own mother last month.
Trapped in the Great White Way
R. Kelly revealed in an interview yesterday that his 60,000 chapter-long opus Trapped in the Closet could possibly be turned into a Broadway show. Also, a new chapter airs this Friday on IFC.
Harold! 25 Years Later
This week marks 25 years since Mayor Harold Washington's death in office. The Sun-Times offers a timeline of his ascent to mayor.
Play Here for Free
The United Center sweetened its deal to lure the DePaul Blue Demons away from the Allstate Arena: 10 years free rent. DePaul is supposedly still leaning toward building an arena near McCormick Place.
The Twinkie Gets a Lifeline!
Hostess Brands, which claimed union demands were to blame for closing their operations (while requesting hefty "liquidation bonuses" for their execs) has suspended closing and is currently in talk with the Bakers Union.
50 Wards, 50 Businesses
Local First Chicago is profiling an independent business in every ward as part of its Unwrap Chicago initiative.
'Tis the Season to Shop
Time Out's annual holiday gift guide might give you a little jump on the Black Friday frenzy.
Ecofriendly Harbor Wins Award
The new 31st Street Harbor won the International Superyacht Society's won the Fabian Cousteau Blue Award for "stewardship of marine ecosystems."
Tony's Last Chicago Layover
Tony Bourdain's Chicago episode of "The Layover" airs tonight at 8pm on the Travel Channel. RedEye has a review, and the Sun-Times' Lori Rackl notes that Bourdain drives a vintage Cadillac in it, an unexpected echo of his anger with Travel Channel for cutting him into an ad for the car company without his permission.
Christmas is Terrible
Found video artist collective Everything is Terrible! is touring the county with a Holiday Special, culminating with a show at Lincoln Hall Dec. 21. They describe it as "a millennium's worth of VHS memories of misplaced sentimentalities, fist fights over toys for tots, erotic Santas, Nazi elves, and an endless parade of singing kids." Why would you not go?
Up from Englewood
The Sun-Times profiles Rhianna Gunn-Wright, who grew up in Englewood and is one of this year's Rhodes Scholars.
"Thanks in Advance"
Gov. Pat Quinn launched a new website explaining the importance of pension reform. It features a quick video and an oddly childlike aesthetic.
Red Bull's Not for Kids?
Ald. George Cardenas wants to ban caffeinated energy drinks for people under 21 years old after reports that the drinks have been tied to more than a dozen teen deaths.
The New Chicago Machine
Behind the scenes here in Chicago, a team of hackers led by former Threadless CTO Harper Reed were ensuring President Obama got reelected. Ars Technica and the Atlantic have excellent profiles of how it all worked, while Crain's talked with Reed to find out what's next. (The technology behind the Romney campaign didn't fare nearly as well.)
The Englewood Four Go Back to Court
The "Englewood Four," who spent 12-17 years in jail after being wrongfully convicted of the 1994 rape and murder of Nina Glover, have filed a federal lawsuit claiming that Cook County prosecutors and police framed them for the crime. Harold Richardson, Michael Saunders, Terrill Swift and Vincent Thames were exonerated earlier this year.
50 Shades for the Holidays?
Not one but two productions parodying Fifty Shades of Grey are running in the next couple weeks. Baby Wants Candy stages Fifty Shades! The Musical tonight and Saturday at the Apollo Theatre and Nov. 23-24 at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts. Meanwhile, SPANK! The Fifty Shades Parody opens Nov. 28 at the Royal George Theatre.
Rudolph the Red Line Reindeer
The CTA has released the schedule for this year's Holiday Train. First run is next Friday, Nov. 23, on the Brown Line.
Go to the Trunk Shows
The DIY Trunk Show kicks off at 10am this Saturday at the Broadway Armory; come say hi to Gapers Block at our booth! And right up the street at Broadway and Granville, the Vintage Garage Holiday Trunk Show gives you another reason to visit Edgewater.
Sowing the Seeds of Lunch
Chicago Public Schools just received a $100,000 grant that will help connect its cafeterias with locally grown produce -- in some cases, it'll even be grown on school grounds.
Go Southeast, Young Man
The Urbanophile argues that Chicago should take better advantage of Northwest Indiana.
Half a Head
If you've spotted the top half of a Buddha head emerging from the ground, you're not completely insane- it's part of a Chicago-wide art project called Ten Thousand Ripples. [via]
Ding Dong, The Twinkie's Dead?
A showdown between Hostess Brands Inc. and striking workers at the company's Schiller Park plant may mean the death of Twinkies, HoHos, Honey Buns and other iconic American treats. Update: They're now the Hostess with the Leastess.
Bah Humbug, Scottie Pippen
He can dunk -- but can he act? Scottie Pippen will have a small part (one night only, alas) in the Goodman Theatre's "A Christmas Carol," courtesy of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Changes on the Island
John Hall, who founded Goose Island, is leaving the CEO position. He's being replaced by a Anheuser-Busch veteran who will grow the Goose Island brand "the right way." Hall will be a founding member of the Anheuser-Busch Craft Advisory Board. (Cynics might note that the word "beer" does not appear in the board's name.)
Sears Re-Brand Central
Crain's columnist Joe Cahill thinks a name change would help reverse fortunes at Sears, so he asked readers to offer suggestions.
The Meter Deal Stays
The parking meter deal can't be nullified because the city is benefiting from it, a judge ruled in a lawsuit. Despite Mayor Emanuel's bluster about the deal, City attorneys sided with Chicago Parking Meters LLC in the case.
Holovaty Launches Soundslice
Adrian Holovaty just launched his new venture since leaving EveryBlock, the company he founded: SoundSlice, which syncs guitar tabs up with video to help guitarists learn new songs more effectively.
Michigan onto Lake Shore Reopens
Speaking of good traffic news, the northbound entrance ramp from Michigan Avenue onto Lake Shore Drive will reopen in time for the evening rush tonight.
Wacker Drive Nearly Revived
Wacker Drive between Jackson and Adams will reopen for traffic today at 2pm, and Jackson will reopen between Franklin and Canal. The whole Revive Wacker Drive project is expected to finish by the end of the month.
Lawsuit Filed in Prentice Preservation Battle
In about half an hour, a Circuit Court will hear a lawsuit by preservationists challenging the process by which Goldberg's Prentice Women's Hospital was denied landmark status. In short, they argue that the Commission on Chicago Landmarks violated and overstepped its legal authority. Read the complaint after the jump. UPDATE: The judge temporality halted any demolition plans until both sides of the conflict can be heard.
Nothing But Luvvie
When you've got a name like Luvvie, you just have to see the world as a place full of love. And for Chicagoan, activist, writer, Red Pump Project creator and humorist Luvvie Ajayi, her world is most recently full of love from Women's Media Center where she received their Social Media Award. Hopefully for Luvvie, the love doesn't stop.
The Renaissance Society to Appoint New Executive Director
The Renaissance Society at the University of Chicago announced today that Susanne Ghez will step down as Executive Director in June 2013 after leading the institution for 39 years. She will be replaced by Solveig Øvstebø, who currently runs the Bergen Kunsthall in Norway.
Hate Speech on the Back of the Bus
Ten CTA buses are carrying controversial ads calling on American's to "Support Copts. Defeat Jihad." The ads are from the American Freedom Defense Initiative, an organization labeled a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center, and appear in New York, DC and elsewhere.
United States of X: Election Edition
America is not red states and blue states, just purple ones. A new map showing voting patterns in the 2012 presidential election with greater granularity than ever before demonstrates just how true that is.
Here's a closeup view of Chicagoland.
Best Neighbor Ever
The infamous empty lot next to the Obama's Kenwood home is on the real estate market for $900k.
"I guess I don't like the 'politics' part of politics."
Chicago magazine interviews statistician of the hour Nate Silver.
Legislation Wish List
Mayor Emanuel says legalizing gay marriage is his #3 priority in Springfield legislation, behind pension reform and a casino, and he plans to be "very involved" in the fight to pass it.
Local Food Trucks Sign on for Lawsuit Against City
The libertarian Institute for Justice, an anti-regulation voice in the Chicago food truck battle, and owners from Schnitzel King and Cupcakes for Courage filed a lawsuit against the city today. Read the Institute for Justice's press release or watch their video (below) for their pitch.
Major Security Breach on Chicago Board of Elections Website
Local computer forensics company Forensicon discovered a security breach on ChicagoElections.com that allowed basic personal information of 1.7 million voters -- and much more detail for 1,200 job applicants -- to be accessed online.
Controversial Judge (Finally) Resigns
Cook County judge Susan McDunn, whose 20-year career took a major turn when she recently claimed to be the target of "secret" legal cases that were "ruining her life," voluntarily resigned last week. McDunn received complaints for misconduct in handling adoptions by gay couples in the late 90s.
Sears & Inventor at Loggerheads
Chicagoan Dan Brown, inventor of the Bionic Wrench (previously), is suing Sears for copying his tool design and having it made in China.
Waffleizing a Book
Will it waffle? Past GB contributor Daniel Shumski asked that question on his blog, Wafflizer. That blog will soon be a book.
Is CeaseFire Curing Violence?
The Sun-Times reports that CeaseFire, now known as Cure Violence, has had "no significant success stories" in the three months since being given $1 million by the City to help curb gang violence.
Gapers Block has covered CeaseFire extensively over the years, both positively and more skeptically. Most recently, Jason Prechtel questioned the decision by Vice magazine to run a documentary about CeaseFire as part of a marketing campaign for a revenge-themed video game; Vice has since removed the documentary from the marketing campaign site.
CTA Union Talks Stall
Negotiations between the CTA and two of its unions have stalled, and CTA President Forrest Claypool is threatening layoffs as part of his 2013 budget.
Michelin's Stars Come Out Early
Well, so much for waiting. The list of restaurants receiving stars in the 2013 Michelin Guide was due to be announced tomorrow, but after some chefs began tweeting their wins today, the full list was released to the Tribune.
Where You Should Be Working
Abt, Hyatt and Baird & Warner are the top three on the Trib's Top Chicago Workplaces 2012 survey.
JJJr. Leaves Mayo
Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. has left the Mayo Clinic as rumors swirl that he'll resign as part of a deal regarding the federal investigation into possible misuse of campaign funds. Meanwhile, the WSJ reports that the investigation has expanded to include Ald. Sandi Jackson, his wife and campaign manager.
Talking Turkey
Order your holiday bird from a tasty local place: Publican Quality Meats, Paulina Meat Market, Gunthorp Farms turkeys (Green Grocer), TJ's Free Range Poultry, Mint Creek Farm, and Caveny Farm. Slow Food Chicago also has a nice list of resources.
Obama's First Cat-binet Member
Steve Gadlin of I Want To Draw A Cat For You" fame has created a petition to be the White House's official cat portraiture artist. Naturally, I support this.
Open, Civic Discourse
WBEZ's Torey Malatia published an op-ed defending his decision to drop the "Smiley & West" program from the station's lineup (previously: 1, 2), calling it "advocacy journalism," and far from the aim of public media. [via]
Instant Internet Fame
Table XI introduces you to their senior designer, Daniel Strabley, who happens to be the guy behind InstantCosby -- and reveals his coworker Jon Fernandez's creation, InstantArnold.
To be Demolished: Oddity Division
Among the buildings recently added to GB's To be Demolished project are a heliport, a meat packing building and a building whose owner seems to have been embroiled in a fast food feud.
RIP, Steve Starr
Celebrity photographer Steve Starr passed away yesterday after collapsing outside the Drake Hotel.
Where the Wild Things Went
Chicago has its share of odd public works, but well known are John Kearney's metal animal sculptures. This weekend, his work in Lakeview was removed by their owner after he sold the property on which they sat. Residents will now have to get used to a world without their favorite large chrome giraffe to welcome them home.
Photo by Michael Lehet.
Empty Classroom Seats
The Tribune launched a series on truancy in Chicago Public Schools this weekend. The full story is behind the subscriber firewall, but there's a summary of the findings here.
It's Chocolate Week in Chicago
Maybe technically it always is Chocolate Week everywhere, but this time it's more organized for Chicago. Huffington Post Chicago has the latest.
Business is H E Double Hockey Sticks
The NHL lockout hasn't just disappointed hockey fans. It's hurt businesses that rely on Blackhawks fans.
RIP, Olivia Neubauer
Olivia Neubaer, a teacher who was still working when she turned 100 earlier this year, passed away this weekend.
Festival Fatigue
You're not imagining things, there are more neighborhood festivals than ever -- and organizers are looking for new ways to fight for their sliver of attention.
Easy (Online) Listening
Today, Rick O'Dell, former smooth jazz guru of 87.7 and 95.5, is launching SmoothJazzChicago.net, a free 24/7 streaming digital station dedicated to the genre.
Tasty Kickstarters
An "adult ice cream lounge," an innovative video game and a gourmet restaurant are among the projects currently funding on the Gapers Block's Kickstarter page.
Make Axelrod Shave
David Axelrod said he'd shave his mustache if Romney won. That didn't happen, but the 'stache could still come off if $1 million is raised for epilepsy research.
Morrissey Reschedules Chicago Date
Last month, Morrissey postponed a handful of dates for his current North American tour, including a stop at the Chicago Theatre on Oct. 27. That show has officially been rescheduled for Jan. 26 at the same place.
The Last of the WACs
For Veteran's Day, the Tribune visits with the Chicago chapter of the Women's Army Corps Veterans' Association. There's an exhibition about WAC, WOW, WAVES and other WWII women's service organizations at the Pritzker Military Library right now.
Illinois Pension Reform by Jan 9?
Crain's reports that Governor Pat Quinn wants the state to fix their pension problems by January 9.
A Lost Veterans Memorial
Poet and activist Jennifer Karmin do a final street performance of her piece 4000 Words 4000 Dead today from noon to 1pm, beginning in front of the Vietnam War Memorial at Wabash and Wacker and ending in front of the U.S. Army Career Center at Harrison and State.
There's (Finally) a (Web) App For That
Need to ride your bike to a L station, then transfer from the CTA to Metra, then grab a Pace bus? The Regional Transit Authority's got a web app a for you. Based on the RTA's website, your route options come complete with weather forecasts, turn-by-turn directions, and attractions near your destination. It'll even calculate your carbon footprint for you.
When Hip-Hop and Gang Violence Collide
Chicago's high level of gang violence is nothing new, but its increasingly popular "trap" rap scene, featuring juvenile rappers that rhyme about guns, "bitches" and drugs, is adding more fuel to the already out of control fire. Many wonder who is responsible for the epidemic, the misguided teens or their parents? Chicago blogger Alexander Fruchter explores this troubling trend in an editorial for Ruby Hornet.
More Cook Co. Tax Increases
Cook County has approved a $2.95 billion budget that will increase taxes on guns, cigarettes, large out-of-country purchases, slot machines and video gambling terminals. The taxes, which includes a $1-per-pack increase, will go into effect next year.
"Chicago Fire" gets Full Season on NBC
NBC has decided to continue its new drama "Chicago Fire" for a full season. Much of the TV show has been shot on the city's West Side at the up-and-coming film studio Cinespace.
Honoring Herbie Johnson
The Chicago Fire Department honored 32-year veteran Capt. Herbie Johnson, who died fighting a Gage Park fire last week, with a full funeral parade yesterday. The Sun-Times has minute-by-minute Storify coverage.
Groupon's Discounting Continues
Groupon's stock continued to drop as the company reported a net loss in the third quarter. The company laid off 80 people yesterday. Meanwhile, GrubHub is prepping for an IPO next year.
Mercury Rising, Then Falling
Though it's going to be 70 degrees tomorrow, it'll be 36 on Tuesday. Dig out your winter coat -- or better yet, donate it to Heartland Alliance's Refugee Health program. Through November, the Old Town School of Folk Music will be collecting gently used hats, coats, gloves and scarves in any and all sizes. Then hurry up and treat yourself to a new jacket before it gets cold and stays cold.
Harsh Punishment for a Bad Joke
Andre Curry, the man who used painter's tape to bind his 22-month-old daughter for a joke photo he posted on Facebook, was convicted yesterday of aggravated domestic battery and aggravated battery, and faces up to seven years in prison.
Presidential Change in Chicago
The City of Chicago is likely to benefit greatly from Obama's second term in office. According to Mayor Rahm Emanuel, the president has promised to invest in the education and infrastructure of his hometown.
538 Burritos
We heard about Nate Silver's Burrito Bracket blog back in 2007, but his newfound celebrity as an election predictor has brought that long-defunct site back to everyone's attention.
Plants & Animals & Birds, Oh My!
Where in Chicago is the greatest biodiversity? Curious City finds out.
We Made This
Created By Us is a new video series by Chicago's Yum Yum Studios that profiles people who make things here in the city. [via]
Reliving Election Night
If you forgot to pick up a newspaper on Wednesday morning, the Reader has you covered with a souvenir cover and stories from election night around the city.
Also, Simon Edelman shot a great video from a unique perspective at the Obama election night party.
The City's Best
The 20th anniversary edition of NewCity's Best of Chicago issue hits newsstands and the web today.
Building Bait & Switch?
The Architect's Newspaper reports on the controversy over the still unsettled future of Lathrop Homes.
Celebrity Spice
Old Town's Spice House teamed up with celebchef Alton Brown to create three custom spice blends.
Reporting Poll Problems
If there were irregularities (or downright violations) at your polling place, WBEZ wants to hear about it.
Plea Deal for JJJr?
The Sun-Times' Michael Sneed reports that Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. is "in the midst of plea discussions with the feds probing his alleged misuse of campaign funds."
Painted Boobs Cause Controversy
Logan Square's Real Tenochtitlan was forced to cover up the bare breasts in a painting hanging in the restaurant after a patron complained about "obsenity." Eater spoke to an employee, "Yes, it's art, but to some persons they are a kind of pornography and that's what they understand."
The View from the Other Side of the Bench
Cook County judge Cynthia Brim appeared in court this morning regarding her arrest in March after assaulting a deputy. Brim handily won retention to the bench in yesterday's polls.
The Pin Drops on U.S. Cellular
U.S. Cellular is selling its Midwest customers and spectrum -- including here in its home town -- to Sprint, pending FCC approval. The company will lay off workers in Chicagoland as a result of the deal. Its name will stay on the ballpark formerly known as Comiskey.
What a Difference an Administration Makes
A picture from the infamous Obama Election Day Basketball Game shows how the President and former state treasurer and senate candidate Alexi Giannoulias have changed since their last meeting at the hoops.
Beautiful Phone Protection
Chicago-based iPhone case maker Uncommon has teamed up with You Are Beautiful for a special line of cases.
Chicago Through a Lens
Chicago Uncommon Pictures showcases some of the city's best features through its beautiful images. The photos are categorized by the subject and the neighborhood in which they were taken, giving the viewer a fairly accurate virtual tour of Chicagoland.
Democracy, With a Side of Pancakes
A Philly-based photographer takes a look at polling places in Chicago.
Bib Gourmands Announced
Ceres' Table, Au Cheval, and Opart Thai are among this year's Michelin Bib Gourmand winners. The newest Chicago edition of the Michelin Guide comes out next week.
How We Voted
Nearly a million Chicagoans came out to vote in the election yesterday, and 84 percent of them voted for President Obama, according to unofficial results from the Chicago Board of Elections.
As you can see below, 2nd Congressional District residents voted for Jesse Jackson, Jr. by nearly the same high margin.
Chicago Unofficial Summary Report - General Election Nov. 6, 2012
$600 Car, $100,000+ in Tickets
In 2009, Jennifer Fitzgerald's ex-boyfriend abandoned his run-down old car in United's employee lot at O'Hare, where he worked. Unfortunately, the car's title was in Fitzgerald's name, so she got stuck with more than $100,000 in tickets the car racked up since then.
Obama Victorious, McCormick Place Boomed
By now, you surely know the very big news, and while McCormick Place is no Grant Park, people sure seemed to have fun there last night.
Last Night a DJ Saved My Life
Steve Downes, a DJ for WDRV-FM "The Drive," is also the voice of Master Chief in the Halo video game series.
Diversifying Documentaries
Kartemquin Films and Community Film Workshop Chicago launch Diverse Voices in Docs, "a professional development and mentorship program for emerging documentary filmmakers of color," with an event this Thursday.
Another Bowl of Chili at the Ramova
Save the date for Jan. 24, when Chicagoist will be hosting a star-studded soup kitchen in the "Ramova Room" at Benton House in Bridgeport.
Go To Jim's 6 Blocks
Clearly more to the story behind the graffiti on the latest building in our To Be Demolished series.
Debbie Carlos: One of Etsy's Coolest Artists
Complex magazine named local photographer Debbie Carlos one of the 25 Coolest Artists on Etsy. They say she has "some of the most stunning photography" on the popular arts and crafts website.
Country First, Baby Second
A Dolton woman in labor made a pit stop to vote while on the way to the hospital this morning.
No Loose Tails
I was kind of expecting the Magnetie magnetic reversible necktie to be some sort of next gen clip-on. Instead, it's a neat solution to a common problem. The inventors are currently crowdfunding on Indiegogo.
Don't Instagram Your Ballot
As it turns out, snapping a quick photo of your ballot is illegal in many states, including Illinois.
OK:
Not OK:
UPDATE: Actually, the rules are a little fuzzy. As Gizmodo points out, there's nothing in Illinois law explicitly forbidding photographing your own ballot. However, it is illegal to photograph other citizens voting. Here's "10 ILCS 5/29-9," the section of election code that might be at issue:
Sec. 29-9. Unlawful observation of voting. Except as permitted by this Code, any person who knowingly marks his ballot or casts his vote on a voting machine or voting device so that it can be observed by another person, and any person who knowingly observes another person lawfully marking a ballot or lawfully casting his vote on a voting machine or voting device, shall be guilty of a Class 4 felony.
Crain's Chicago Business got hold of Steve Sandvoss, an election specialist with the Illinois State Board of Elections, who said that section 5/29-9 "could be interpreted to prohibit a voter from photographing his or her ballot and then posting the photograph. Whether or not facts exists establishing such a violation would be up to a prosecutor's office."
Mr. Sandvoss also noted that "there is no per se prohibition on bringing a cellphone or camera into the polling place." But, "if the election judges determine that using either one is disruptive of the voting process, or is otherwise a violation of one or more election laws, they are empowered in my opinion to instruct the person to refrain from using it."
So there you have it. Possibly illegal, definitely not something to make a big deal out of doing while you're in the polling place. And don't even think about photographing someone else's ballot.
UPDATE 2: Ken Menzel, deputy general counsel for the Illinois State Board of Elections, was much less ambiguous when he discussed the issue with the Tribune. Illinois election code prohibits voting in a way that can be observed by others, and posting photos of completed ballots on social media obviously violates that code. The law was meant to discourage vote-buying ("Having a picture of the ballot is an important cog in vote-buying schemes. The buyers want to know they got what they paid for," Menzel told the Tribune) and makes it a Class 4 felony with a one- to three-year prison sentence and a maximum $25,000 fine.
Cutler Picks Mitt
In case you're still undecided this morning, here's one last endorsement: Jay Cutler is voting for Mitt Romney.
No ChicagoElections.com for You
The Chicago Elections website is down right now; however, you can find your polling location elsewhere in the interim.
Point-Counterpoint on Elected School Boards
Center Square Journal's Mike Fourcher wrote a column giving reasons why voting yes on the referendum on elected school boards is a bad idea. GB's own Ramsin Canon argues that it's a good one.
Wisconsin for the Win
Illinoisians have become heavily involved in Obama for America efforts, and since the president's home state is solidly behind him, volunteers have concentrated on neighboring swing states. The most recent increase in OFA volunteers is likely due to the campaign's promise to provide volunteers with tickets to his Election Night Party at McCormick Place tomorrow evening.
Your Voting Resources
Now that you know where your polling place is and who's endorsed who, here are some handy resources for to have in your pocket tomorrow.
ChicagoBallot.com is a web app that acts as a palm card on your smartphone, listing your choices for national, state and local votes.
The Chicago Tribune Ballot Builder serves a similar purpose, although it doesn't show judge evaluation data; ChicagoBallot does.
MobileJudges.com is just for the judge retention portion of the ballot. It's built with data from Vote For Judges, which collects judge evaluations from the Illinois Bar Association, Chicago Bar Association, Chicago Council of Lawyers and the Chicago Tribune.
The Chicago Bar Association has its own mobile guide as well.
Svengoolie's Real Brush with Death
Rich Koz, aka "Svengoolie," suffered a heart attack on Saturday, WCIU-TV announced today. The announcement said Koz's condition is improving, so here's hoping that he'll be trying out that new coffin real soon.
"It's got cop tires, cop suspension, cop shocks."
If you're into slot cars and The Blues Brothers, you might be interested in this 1974 Dodge Monaco kit.
Endorse This!
If you want to get feedback on who to vote for tomorrow, here's some help: the Tribune, Independent Voters of Illinois, Vote for Judges, the Chicago Bar Association, the Chicago Council of Lawyers (pdf), the Chicago Federation of Labor, the Chicago Citizen, and the Daily Herald. Happy voting! Polls are open from 6am-7pm.
Find Your Polling Place
In preparation for tomorrow, make sure you know where to head -- some precincts and polling locations have changed since the last election.
Lincoln through Obama
Take a look at Tribune front pages from every election since 1860 -- including the famous "Dewey Defeats Truman."
Drive Less, Get More
The Active Transportation Alliance launched Drive Less, Live More today, a rewards program encouraging Chicagoans to use public transportation, cycling, walking, carpools and other greener methods of travel in order to reduce traffic congestion.
Studying Inner City Youth
The NY Times reports on the Northwestern Juvenile Project through the eyes of one of its field interviewers.
Love Letters from Sydney
Designer Joe Mills currently lives in Australia, so he's staying close to his home town by depicting it in art. Check out his typographic version of the Chicago skyline, Chicago food map and ode to summer in Chicago.
Kirk Conquers the Sears Tower
Sen. Mark Kirk participated in the SkyRise Chicago stair climb on Sunday, which benefited the Rehab Institute of Chicago, where he continues to recover from his stroke.
After climbing 37 stories with the aid of a brace on his left leg, Sen. Kirk gave an interview to NBC5's Mary Ann Ahern.
Another Multi-College Dorm on the South Side
The NY Times profiles La Casa, the Resurrection Project's new multi-college dorm in Pilsen. Apparently, neither the writer nor the expert in the story know about University Center in the South Loop.
Made Just for You
CustomMade.com is a marketplace for furniture, art and other custom-made and commissioned work. Plenty of the posted projects were either made or reside here.
Refining Wolf Point
In other architecture news, plans have been refined for the Wolf Point towers unveiled last May. Notable revisions include a restaurant and a broader river walk.
Cubs' Spring Training Facility Negotiations Halted
ASU and the Cubs have officially ended negotiations regarding sharing a new spring training stadium in Mesa, Arizona. A Cubs spokesperson's snide comment may explain the negotiation's tone: "We invited ASU to play in a rent-free stadium. Unfortunately, this was not enough to meet the university's needs."
Meeting in the Living City
The Great Lakes Bioneers Chicago are holding a conference today through Sunday at UIC. Even if you can't make it for the whole thing, you might be up for an after work talk by Richard Heinberg of the Post Carbon Institute.
What To Do On A Date
On MetaFilter yesterday, a kind soul posted a long list of descriptions of and links to instructional films made by Coronet, a once mighty film-producing studio in Glenview.
Cyborg to Climb 103 Stories
Zac Vawter will be climbing the Sears Tower Sunday in the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago's SkyRise Chicago stair climb challenge -- on a bionic leg.
Filipino American Film in Chicago
The Chicago Filipino American Film Festival opens tonight at the Portage Theater, and will be screening films all weekend.
44 Films For 44 Plays For 44 Presidents
As part of their current show 44 Plays for 44 Presidents the Neo-Futurists present 44 Films for 44 Presidents, a collection of short films about each president. (The stage show continues in Chicago through mid-November, and can be seen in other productions across the country; see the play's site for locations.)
"We've got too many buildings and too few children."
So said CPS CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett yesterday, as she announced plans to close as many as 120 schools. CPS released guidelines as to how closures will be determined; send feedback here.
Quaxelrod Quakes in Anticipation
Dan Sinker: "This election cycle, there's only one metric I care about: DoesAxelrodStillHaveHisMustache.com." Mayor Emanuel: "!"
A Blue Velvet Cake for Your Sorrows
From the destruction, a beacon of hope: Oprah's Favorite Things list has been released.
Prentice to be Demolished
This afternoon the Commission on Chicago Landmarks voted 8-1 to deny landmark status to Goldberg's Prentice Women's Hospital. Paradoxically, the unusually rapid vote followed the board's unanimous decision that the building met landmarking criteria. Northwestern will demolish the building at an unspecified date.
Save Prentice or No?
The Landmarks Commission meeting to discuss the fate of Prentice Women's Hospital is still going on -- watch Twitter for realtime play-by-play. Here's a good overview of the years-long battle over the building. UPDATE: The Commission voted 9-0 for preliminary landmark status. The meeting continues.
Trapped in the Music Box
R.Kelly fans, take note: The Music Box is hosting a midnight sing-a-long Trapped in the Closet on Nov. 16 and 17. Get your tickets ASAP.
Pencils & Lead
Are Chicago Public School students' low test scores a result of lead poisoning? Megan Cottrell investigates in this week's Reader.
Hailo Launches, Uber Fights
London-based Hailo today officially joins Uber and other services that help you find a taxi in Chicago. Meanwhile, Uber is fighting legislation that could kill its car service business.
Your Custom Palm Card
If you have a smartphone, ChicagoBallot.com helps you figure out who you're voting for in advance and provides a convenient reminder when you get to the polls -- especially for those easy-to-forget bottom of the ballot names and issues.
It's a Great Exhibit, Charlie Brown
The Museum of Science & Industry's new Charlie Brown and the Great Exhibit is now open, featuring all sorts of Peanuts memorabilia, including Charles Schulz's original drawings.
Billboard Swap?
Mayor Emanuel wants billboard companies to tear down five traditional billboards in the city in exchange for permission to build digital billboards on City property all over the city -- including, potentially, within neighborhoods where no billboards currently exist.
Dent: Blame Ditka Post '85
Richard Dent lays the blame at coach Mike Ditka's feet for the Bears failure to follow up Super Bowl XX with even more championships.
Landmarks Commission to Determine Prentice's Fate
Now that Mayor Emanuel has come out against the preservation of Prentice Women's Hospital, the Commission on Chicago Landmarks is hearing the case for the hospital during today's noon meeting in room 201-A at City Hall.
