United States of X: Dots Edition
The Census Dotmap puts a dot on the googlemap for every person counted by the 2010 US Census. Chicagoland, as you'd expect, is pretty well colored in.
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
December 2012
Southerners are Nice, but Northerners are in Charge
Researchers at UofC have found that attitudes about people based on their accent is determined at a young age.
Bronzeville's Coming Up
The gentrification of Bronzeville runs counter to the usual gentrification story -- in that the gentrifiers are black, and not all of them are moving in from other neighborhoods.
How the Mission from God Began
Vanity Fair has the engrossing story of how The Blues Brothers came to be.
CTA for Cheap Tonight
All CTA rides will be a penny starting at 10pm tonight until 4am, courtesy of MillerCoors.
Keep the Hangover at Bay
File this for tomorrow: Revive is the city's first "hydration clinic," ready to help you with that hangover. (We've got some good advice for you, too.)
Try Before You Buy In
Thinking about trying something new in the new year? A class via Dabble will let you dip your toe before diving in.
The River in Reverse
There's been talk of re-reversing the Chicago River in recent years, but humans may soon not have a say in the matter. According to the Army Corps of Engineers, if drought continues to lower Lake Michigan's water levels, the river may begin to flow back into the lake on its own. [via]
Obama Backs State Gay Marriage Bill
President Obama threw his support behind the "Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act," aimed at legalizing same-sex marriage in Illinois. The bill, which was introduced by Chicago's state Sen. Heather Stearns and Rep. Greg Harris, could be voted on as soon as next week.
Tribune in Bankruptcy No More
The Tribune Co. is emerging from Chapter 11 today, a little over four years after it entered.
History Pulled Through the Streets
Forgotten Chicago shares a feature on the remnants of Chicago's cable car system written by Greg Borzo, author of the new book Chicago Cable Cars.
The Winner is: Rahm Emanuel
Well, not just him. The Reader's second annual Political Achievement Awards skewer many more local pols.
Dining with Scrooge
Some jerk tried to subtract more than the tip from his bill at an Andersonville restaurant Christmas Day.
Fire Damage and Dereliction in the South and West
City-sponsored emergency demolitions make up the bulk of our second-to-last update to To be Demolished, including two fine North Lawndale buildings. A notable exception is a modified Old Town frame residence.
Police: Nope, 499.
While everyone else's count totals 500 (or more), the official CPD homicide count stands at 499.
RIP Terry Glover
Terry Glover, the managing editor of Ebony magazine, has passed away after a two-year battle with colon cancer.
Fighting with Brass
This weekend's Battle of the Saxes at the Green Mill will be a tribute to Von Freeman, the legendary jazz saxophonist who co-founded the annual battle. Freeman passed away earlier this year. Catch the show tonight, Saturday and New Year's Eve.
It All Averages Out
FoGB Dubi Kaufmann created a fun tool: Average, which blends flickr photos by tag or photoset.
Undergrad Underground Dining
College dorm food is generally not that great. Unless you happen to live near Robert Lipman. The UofC first-year runs a monthly underground restaurant in various secret locations -- including dorm communal kitchens.
Chicago Reaches 500 Homicides
The city passed the 500 murder mark on Wednesday, according to RedEye's Homicide Tracker. The Trib shares the story of the man who may have been number 500.
Broken News
The WGN Morning News mistaking a "Chicago Fire" set for a plane crash tops off this roundup of 2012's best local news bloopers.
Arts Scene Making a Comeback
Art Slant cites Chicago's eclectic and dynamic arts scene when championing our fair city: "Simply put, Chicago won big in 2012."
Yeah, We Might Buy Electric Cars
While a recent study demonstrates that most people in the U.S. don't know much about electric cars, Chicago residents are the second most likely to want one.
Straight Acting
The Straight and Narrow, a new comedy written by Jane Blackburn Hammer and GB's own Tyler Gillespie that "explores why people would attend a seminar/camp like this and the ways society conditions people to 'act straight,'" debuts at Stage 773 tonight.
Back from a Stroke
Sun-Times reporter Monifa Thomas tells her own story of suffering a stroke at age 30 and battling to return to work and a normal life.
5 Bears go to the Pro Bowl
Tim Jennings, Brandon Marshall, Henry Melton, Julius Peppers and Charles Tillman were selected for the Pro Bowl this year, all as starters. Marshall is the first Bears receiver to be picked since 2002.
Frank Calabrese Sr. Dead
Convicted mob hitman Frank Calabrese Sr. died on Christmas in a North Carolina prison.
Meter Rates Rise to Highest in Nation
Chicago's downtown parking meter rates will become the highest in the country when rates rise again on Jan. 1. The lowest rate in the city will rise to $2 per hour.
A Long Shot for Obama Library?
The Trib reported yesterday on the effort to bring Obama's presidential library to the site of the former Michael Reese Hospital in Bronzeville.
Demolition May Come Soon for Historic South Side Church
The Trib updates the status of St. James Catholic Church, an 1880s structure documented in GB's To be Demolished project whose protection in the city's demolition delay program is lapsing.
Peekaboo
Local punk-rock band The Peekaboos just released a new single off their upcoming LP Stay Positive, and it's available online for hungry ears everywhere.
Brick to the Future
Did you see the new LEGO Back to the Future set? It was introduced by Chicagoan Tim Courtney, who helps oversee LEGO's CUUSOO builder community.
Midway Back on the Market
Mayor Emanuel announced new plans to privatize Midway Airport -- with significant differences from Daley's plan, but still another example of the city selling itself off piece by piece.
Risking Life & Death for a Temp Job
WBEZ's Chip Mitchell and the Center for Public Integrity's Jim Morris tell the story of Carlos Centeno, a temporary worker who died after being burned on 80% of his body when the tank he was cleaning suddenly filled with near-boiling water and citric acid. It took more than an hour and a half to get him to a burn unit.
GB Gift Guide: Roller Derby
The Windy City Rollers have a great last-minute gift for your derby fan, if you act fast: discounted single-match and season tickets.
Should've Known Better
WBEZ's Justin Kaufmann and Richard Marx traded barbs over Twitter over the singer's cancelled appearance on yesterday's "The Afternoon Shift."
Tracing Segregation
What was the geographical distribution of minorities changed in Chicago and other cities before and after the Fair Housing Act of 1968? Pro Publica shows you.
Fugitive Found
One of the two inmates who escaped from the Metropolitan Correctional Center earlier this week was caught last night.
"Assuming Harry doesn't lose the hand completely, he will almost certainly have other serious complications."
A doctor weighs in on the injuries that would have been suffered by the burglars who square off with Macaulay Culkin's character in the Winnetka-based holiday romp Home Alone.
The Young Victims
While the deaths of 20 young children in Newtown, CT has caused a national debate over gun control, 270 children have been killed by guns in Chicago since 2007, notes Hoy's Jeff Kelly Lowenstein.
Shovelers- ASSEMBLE!
As Thundersnow threatens our noble city, Chicagoans can pledge to keep their sidewalks clear and find those in need of a shoveling savior on the Adopt a Sidewalk website.
Von Steuben Confidential
Parents of kids at Von Steuben High School aren't thrilled about the portrayal of the school on the latest season of "High School Confidential."
Kuma's Too
Chicago has finally willed it into existence: the second (and larger!) location of Kuma's Corner, Kuma's Too, will be opening at 666 W. Diversey in just a few months.
GB Gift Guide: Gorillas by Mail
They may not arrive in time for Christmas, but Jay Ryan's postcard set of gorillas on a jungle gym is surely one of the best late presents you could send someone.
Ghosts, Gouls & Goblins
Movies.com named the poster for The American Scream, designed by Johnny Sampson, the best film poster of 2012.
GB Gift Guide: Abominable Marshmallow
You can pick up this cute little guy starting right now at Rotofugi.
Betting on Parking Apps
Investors must have a hard time parking in Chicago. They've invested $2 million in ParkWhiz and $2.5 million in SpotHero in the past week.
Working Draft of School Closures
A draft document obtained by the Tribune shows that Mayor Emanuel and CPS have had an idea of which schools they want to close for quite some time.
Illegal Christmas Chocolate Alert
Over at WBEZ, Louisa Chu reminds us that German Kinder Uberraschung chocolate eggs are still illegal and heavily fined in the US, no matter what those pushers at Christkindlmarket might tell you. Achtung!
Build Your Own Breathalyzer
The Buzzed Buzzer is a party noisemaker that only makes noise if it detects alcohol on your breath. Make a few for your New Year's Eve party and take away the keys of anyone noisy enough not to drive!
Blue & White & Made Here
The first new locally built police SUVs have arrived in the CPD motor pool.
Six-Shooters Holstered Permanently
In the aftermath of the Sandy Hook massacre, the Bulls' Joakim Noah is ending his practice of pretending to shoot and holster pistols, Wild West style, after scoring.
GB Gift Guide: Serving up the Flag
This Chicago flag cutting board would look great in the kitchen or as a serving platter.
Last Call at Cal's
After months of uncertainty, Cal's Bar, the South Loop dive that's been a favorite of bike messengers and punk bands, will be closing at the end of the month. The bar's last day is New Year's Eve; a free concert is scheduled.
OneDerBrew
If you've been interested in homebrewing but wary of the process, a Chicagoland brewer has developed OneDerBrew, a streamlined one-container system you can both ferment in and serve from.
GB Gift Guide: Co-op Sauce
Co-op Sauce has expanded its line to include more varieties of hot sauce, as well as barbecue sauce, salsa, pasta sauce and more.
Lend us Money for Coffee
Bow Truss Coffee Roasters is planning a new location near the Merchandise Mart, and is hoping to crowdfund a loan via local startup LendSquare.
A Museum Introspective
The Field Museum's new president and board are exploring how well it's meeting its mission, as it prepares to cut staff and limit research scope due to budget shortfalls.
Don and Dawn
WBEZ's Curious City delves even deeper to dissect the Chicago accent, complete with thorough audio breakdown.
Picking Up on the Classics
Want to learn 100 riffs in about 12 and a half minutes? Soundslice plus Alex Chadwick from Chicago Music Exchange show you how.
Cleaning out the Closet
Derek Brooks spent the last 15 months living in Chicago while working on the Obama campaign. When he got back home to Iowa, he cleaned out his closet and tried on 255 t-shirts.
That Famous Pout
Claire Zulkey offers tips on getting the perfect photo of your child on Santa's lap -- if your goal is to land in the Trib's "Scared of Santa" photo set.
GB Gift Guide: Gapers Block Stuff!
Just FYI, today's your last day to order GB's new "Don't Call it That" buttons -- or anything else from our store -- for delivery before Christmas.
Humanity's OK with Cards
Cards Against Humanity's pay-what-you-want holiday extension pack? Apparently they're not all horrible people, because they didn't lose money, and donated the profits to Wikimedia.
Tech Success
1871, the startup hub/incubator/coworking space, is doing what it promised: bringing attention and investment to Chicago's tech community.
GB Gift Guide: Playing Cards
A nice little stocking stuffer from Double Blind: Chicago playing cards, each with a different illustration. Also available in poster form.
Coming to America
Local photographer Jon Lowenstein's photographs of South Side immigrant families were the launching point for a new series about Latin American immigration featured today on the NY Times' photography blog.
Downtown Prison Break
Two suspected bank robbers escaped from the Metropolitan Correctional Center this morning. Jose Banks and Kenneth Conley apparently knocked cinder blocks out of their cell wall and used a makeshift rope to climb out.
Getting into the Crib
Every night, LGBT youth line up for a chance at one of 20 beds in the Night Ministry's shelter, The Crib.
Famous Names, Forgotten Residences
Ronald Reagan's one-time apartment may have a date with a wrecking ball, Clarence Darrow's house is just fine.
Kickstarting it Now
A flavored pasta of the month club, a new Rachel Barton Pine album, a microbrewery in Gary and more are currently funding on Gapers Block's Kickstarter page.
Sound Opinions Christmas Mix
The annual Christmas music mixtape from Sound Opinions is now available. Make sure you download it soon, because it'll only be up through the end of December.
GB Gift Guide: A Drive into the Gap
Kevin Guilfoile's short memoir A Drive into the Gap is perfect for baseball fans and fathers. Read an excerpt on ESPN.
To: Professor Jones -- Redux
The mystery of the package addressed to Indiana Jones that arrived at University of Chicago last week has been solved. It turned out to be a reproduction prop being shipped from Guam to Italy, which fell out of its package in Hawaii and was sent to the only visible address.
Therapy Dogs?
Yes, therapy dogs. A group of Chicagoland-raised golden retrievers made the trip to Newtown, Connecticut this weekend to comfort those affected by the shooting. The group started in 2008, following the NIU shooting, when a group of dog caretakers hoped to console the student body.
Let it Snow
There's a new book out about the Chicago parking phenomenon of "dibs." Not surprisingly, its author is hoping for a white Christmas.
GB Gift Guide: Lost Chicago(s)
Lovers of Chicago history and architecture would love David Garrard Lowe's classic book Lost Chicago -- and also John Paulett and Judy FloodstrandLost Chicago, which came out this fall.
The Hot Ticket
2013 Chicago Wingfest tickets went on sale this weekend -- get them fast if you want to go on Feb. 24.
The Struggle on the Bus
A new set of CTA bus ads by Council on American-Islamic Relationsaims to promote a more positive interpretation of "jihad," the Arabic word that means "struggling in the way of God," not just holy war.(Previously.)
Don't Forget: Bus Routes Rescheduled, Eliminated
The CTA's "Plan to Reduce Crowding" went into effect today, so if you ride the bus, you may want to check for schedule changes.
CTA Decrowding Plan - Route Service Changes & Reductions
Show-Stoppers on the Wall
Mitch O'Connell finds the most amazing art at thrift stores and garage sales. (Slightly NSFW.) [via]
Our Film Critics Weigh In
The Chicago Film Critics Association announced its nominations for 2012. The Master leads with 10 nominations, and Beasts of the Southern Wild follows with nine.
Chicago, Brought to You By...
What are the real costs of the advertising deals, privatization plans and outright sell-offs the City has made for public properties?
GB Gift Guide: Perk Up Someone Else's PB&J
I have a pear tree growing in my back yard but it hasn't inspired me to make my own jam like local jam purveyor, Pear Tree. Inspired by the pear tree growing out of their backyard, Pear Tree makes fresh, locally produced jam such as spiced cranberry vanilla, blueberry honey and apply cranberry. The jam voted "Best Local Jam" by Newcity is available for purchase at Green Grocer, the Logan Square farmers market and on their website.
Lost Tape Thoughts
Following the broadcast of Bozo's Circus: The Lost Tape, Robert Feder reflects on the many talents of Bob Bell. The episode will re-air on Dec. 25 at noon.
The Ghost of Titillations Present
If you've always thought that Charles Dickens needed more nudity, you're in luck: tonight at 7pm, Naked Girls Reading reads A Christmas Carol, as well as other holiday favorites, at the Everleigh Social Club. Spiked hot chocolate will be served; get your tickets here.
GB Gift Guide: iOS Accessories
More Real's Sharpie-topping pen-cap stylus and Lunatik's wide line of iOS products put a little Chicago-designed coolness in your favorite technophile's stocking.
Alvarez Fights Back on 60 Minutes Segment
After being embarrassed by a "60 Minutes" segment about Chicago's history of false confessions, Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez fired back, sending a letter to CBS News Chairman Jeff Fager calling the segment "one-sided and extremely misleading."
Letter from Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez to CBS's "60 Minutes"
Do Cabbies Work for the City?
A federal lawsuit will determine whether the Chicago's regulation of taxis means that cab drivers are city employees, and therefore entitled to minimum wage.
Cycling the Loop
The Loop gets its first protected bike lanes this afternoon, when CDOT officially opens the Dearborn Street bike lane.
The Last Journal
The Chicago Journal ceased publication this week, after its owners failed to find a buyer.
Delivering Holiday Cheer
Busy locals are taking advantage of Tree Santa, a Christmas tree delivery service.
GB Gift Guide: Cat Treats
Hey Pais comic creator Sara Bauer sells fun cat-related items on Etsy, including this "cat-charging station" sticker for your warm electronics.
You Never Forget 5
Forgotten Chicago recently turned five, and marked the occasion with a look back at its many tours and extensive research into the city's architecture.
The Double Standard on Fliers
Police plan to ticket whoever is promoting Chief Keef's debut album by taping posters to streetposts in Englewood -- just like they do with all the concert posters plastered around Wicker Park, Logan Square, Pilsen, Lakeview...
GB Gift Guide: Bold Buildings
Design Slinger Studio offers bold, beautiful linoleum prints of iconic Chicago architecture.
Wage Disparities: I'm Not Loving It
Bloomberg profiles Tyree Johnson, a Chicago man who has worked at McDonald's for 20 years and still makes the $8.25 hourly minimum wage. In contrast, McDonald's CEO Jim Skinner made $8.75 million last year.
No Beer for You
If you were hoping to get in on yesterday's release of Westvleteren XII, a highly regarded beer made by trappist monks in Belgium who are known for their brew, you're out of luck. Binny's Lincoln Park and Downers Grove locations, which were the only places in the Chicagoland area to sell the $85 limited edition six-pack, have sold out their stock.
Protection from Abuse & Deportation
Immigrant Connect tells the story of Carla, an immigrant from Ecuador who recently qualified for a U Visa, a special class of visa for victims of a crime.
To: Professor Jones
The University of Chicago received a mysterious package this week, addressed to Henry Walton Jones, Jr., containing a copy of Prof. Abner Ravenwood's journal.
Trotter's Auction Closes
Charlie Trotter got a little testy, unsurprisingly, at the auction of his eponymous restaurant, interrupting the auctioneer and kicking journalist Mark Caro out of the preview.
It Belongs in a Museum! U of C Receives Mystery Indiana Jones Package
Addressed to Henry Walton Jones, Jr., a package delivered to the University of Chicago contained a dusty, detailed replica of the journal from Raiders of the Lost Arc- and no one knows where it came from.
Treating Himself
Comedian and actor Aziz Ansari, who put an unsuccessful call out to his Twitter followers while at O'Hare this past weekend to bring him a torta from the airport Frontera at his gate in exchange for tickets to his next Chicago show (he made a mad dash to the restaurant instead), has a special love for Chicago's food. Tom Haverfood would be proud.
Cutler's PR Offensive
PR Daily's Michael Sebastian examines what Jay Cutler could do to improve his public image.
New York in Chicago
Brooklyn-born, Chicago-based DJ Joseph Vourteque tries to explain which parts of the city match up with New York's boroughs. Apparently there's nothing like the South Side.
GB Gift Guide: Dining & Drinking at a Discount
The 2013 À La Card Chicago and Drink Deck restaurant and bar discount packs are now available -- always a good stocking stuffer for foodies.
GB Gift Guide: Illinois Artisans
Today through Friday at the Thompson Center, the Illinois Artisans holds a holiday art spree. Stop by between 10am and 3:30pm each day to check out the art, watch demos and maybe pick up a gift.
GB Gift Guide: "Wait, Wait... Don't Tell Me!"
If someone on your gift list listens to WBEZ's news quiz "Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!", consider buying them tickets to the live taping, where they can hear all of Carl Kassel's saucy quips that don't make it to broadcast. Thursdays at 7:30pm at the Chase Bank Auditorium, $24.75.
Shopping Locally
If Gapers Block's gift guide doesn't offer enough local options for you, maybe the Sun-Times and Reader's lists will help.
Concealed Carry Law Tossed
The 7th US Circuit Court of Appeals struck down Illinois' concealed carry law as unconstitutional yesterday, potentially paving the way for another attempt to pass legislation allowing it. Illinois is the last state in the union where concealed carry of any sort is illegal.
After We Die
Is the afterlife a pale shadow of life or one of complete fulfillment? Depends on who you ask, UofC researchers found.
Regulating the Drunken Mob
After a TBOX reveler was stabbed with a broken beer bottle and another was pushed through a window at Chicago Comics, Ald. Tom Tunney says he'll introduce an ordinance to regulate pub crawls
GB Gift Guide: Handmade Accessories
Miss Alison's got the coolest selection of handmade bags to stash your cash (and pencils and phone and toiletries).
Hostess' Last Stand
When asked if they'd be interested in the last shipment of Twinkies, Jewel Osco bought 100% of it, and is sending most of them to Chicago.
The Great Fire in the Sky
If it wasn't Mrs. O'Leary's cow, might it have been ...a comet? A discredited theory proposes that remnants of Biela's Comet were the cause of the Great Chicago Fire and the Peshtigo Fire in Wisconsin in 1871. (Thanks, Ron!)
The Patio Wants Your Indie Film
After a beautiful restoration and a successful campaign to upgrade to digital, the Patio Theatre is now positioning itself as a venue for independent film premieres and film festivals.
GB Gift Guide: Postage Stamp Pendants
You know how currency from other countries always looks so much cooler? The same's true of their stamps -- and I Heart Gemma makes international postage stamp pendants for your favorite travel enthusiast.
Maria Ridulph Murder Chapter Closes
Jack McCullough, a 73-year-old former policeman from Washington state once known as John Tessier, was sentenced to life in prison for the 1957 murder of Maria Ridulph.
RIP, Susan Stursberg
Susan Stursberg, co-owner of the Gold Star Bar on Division in Wicker Park, passed away yesterday after a battle with pancreatic cancer (previously). She was 45.
Helping the Other Side of the World
Chicago sports photographer Bill Smith and his wife founded A New Day Cambodia to help the children of families that live on trash heaps in the Asian country.
CTA Tracker in Your Browser
ETA Chicago is a new web app that tells you what the closest CTA options are for your current address (assuming it can be pinpointed) and when the next bus or train on that line will arrive.
GB Gift Guide: Purposeful Pampering
Bright Endeavors is a nonprofit that helps adolescent parents gain work experience and career help through making eco-friendly bath products and candles; from its North Lawndale-based apiary, beeline sells honey and honey-infused bath products that are created by a staff of formerly incarcerated workers who do everything from harvesting honey to delivering orders. If you're looking for eats, the staff at Sweet Miss Givings makes very tasty goods while providing job training for disabled people; Inspiration Kitchens, which provides job training to low-income/formerly homeless people, is now selling packaged sauces and jams (ooh, Vidalia Bacon Marmalade!) from their Garfield Park location (and their restaurants are delish -- get a gift certificate!).
GB Gift Guide: Tin Duck
North Center boutique Tin Duck features the creations of local artists and artisans -- a constantly rotating selection of handmade finery... jewelry, art, clothing, ceramics, bath and body products, stationary, accessories... you really never know what you'll find.
Choose to Help
Right now there are 591 projects on DonorsChoose for needy classrooms in Chicago schools. Give a hand if you can.
Public Transit Meltdown?
A new study commissioned by the Illinois Chamber of Commerce suggests that unless Chicago's public transit systems invest $2 billion a year for the next decade, things could really start falling apart.
GB Gift Guide: Slightly Insulting Chicago Neighborhood Prints
No neighborhood is safe from these guys, but they wouldn't be funny if they weren't a little true. Plus they don't seem to leave anyone out.
"The False Confession Capital"
That's what defense attorneys call Chicago, according to a 60 Minutes segment" investigating the reasons the city has twice as many documented cases of false confession than any other.
Snow Dusting a New Record?
There's snow in the forecast for today, but if the flurries don't fall Chicago will set a record for the longest time between measurable snowfalls.
TBOX gets Bloody
A man stabbed another man in the neck with a broken beer bottle at Wrigleyville's Red Ivy during this year's TBOX bar crawl. The security who helped the victim said he was bleeding so much it "like Friday the 13th."
Cataloging Critical Mass
Massup.us now hosts more than two years worth of Critical Mass GPS ride plots, including an an interactive compilation of the rides. If you want to see routes earlier than that, you can still see route flyers going back to 1998.
Try a Charter School, Even if it's Terrible
A CPS-promoted school fair featuring "some of Chicago's great public school options, including charter schools," advertised almost no traditional schools -- but still found space for dozens of charter schools with the district's lowest ranking.
RIP, Reinhold Weege
Reinhold Weege, the Chicago-born creator of "Night Court" and producer of "Barney Miller," died Dec. 1 at 63.
GB Gift Guide: Rub BBQ Classes
Got an aspiring pit master on your list? Rub BBQ offers barbecue 101 cooking classes covering everything from picking the meat to smoking procedures to side preparation -- and attendees chow down at the end of class.
Sculpture to a "Cult Leader" in Lincoln Park?
The Peace Garden in Lincoln Park, at the Buena Avenue underpass, contains an unexpected sculpture dedicated to Daisaku Ikeda, leader of the controversial Japanese religious group Soka Gakkai.
Aloha to Kona
Beer from Hawaii's Kona Brewing Company, the state's largest, will be available in Chicago as of January. Their Longboard Island lager, Big Wave golden ale, Fire Rock pale ale, and seasonal selections will be at Binny's and taps around town. [via]
Come Along to "Playboy's Penthouse"
Light lunchtime viewing: the debut episode of "Playboy's Penthouse," a television show hosted by Hugh Hefner and featuring guests Lenny Bruce, Nat "King" Cole, Cy Colman, Ella Fitzgerald and Rona Laffe. It was filmed Oct. 24, 1959 in Chicago.
GB Gift Guide: Santa Sacks
Safari Cup, an independent African coffee roaster and cafe, offers "Santa Sacks" stuffed with coffee, tea, cocoa and chocolate. Festive, fair trade and totally delicious.
GB Gift Guide: Chitown Clothing
In addition to their sports team shirts, Chitown Clothing pays tribute to some other cultural things that make Chicago great: Malort, the El, the skyline, and Home Alone.
The Mustache Ride is Closed
As promised President Obama's campaign adviser David Axelrod shaved his mustache today, after raising more than $1 million for epilepsy research.
Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Save the SROs
Activists are advocating against the City's efforts to close single room occupancy hotels, which are often the only housing option for low-income residents.
CTA in a Day
Tracking software charted CTA bus and train movement over one day last month. It's awesome. [via]
Hanukkah Events
Chicago Quirk has put together a Hanukkah 2012 celebration guide complete with Jewish history, musicals and Star of David cupcakes.
GB Gift Guide: Pop Up Book Fair
Stop by the Chicago Writer's House Project's Pop Up Book Fair at The Empty Bottle on Sunday, Dec. 9 from 2pm to 7pm and get that bibliophile on your list some good reads from local publishers, like Switchback books, Other Voices and Curbside Splendor.
Your Guide to Turn-of-the-Century Vice
Incredibly detailed maps of Chicago's Levee District, which thrived on the near South Side from 1895-1923, on Mario Gomes' fascinating in its own right My Al Capone Museum. [via]
GB Gift Guide: Tyrannosaurus Rex
Sure, Heifer International's a great cause, but admit it: wouldn't you secretly rather give someone a dinosaur? Adopt a Tyrannosaurus Rex through the Field Museum -- your favorite dinosaur buff will get a stuffed T-Rex, complete with care instructions, a carrier crate and adoption certificate, as well as access to behind-the-scenes events at the museum.
GB Gift Guide: VIP Tickets for Baconfest
If you love someone who loves bacon, this is the ultimate holiday gift: VIP tickets to April 20th's Baconfest at the UIC Forum, which go on sale this Monday at 9am. Your $200 ticket gets you a special hour-long early admission to the event, which is the equivalent of being in an amusement park with no lines -- and lots of pork. (FYI, $100 regular admission tickets go on sale in February.)
Greeting Cards for a Good Cause
Logan Square's Church of the Advent is selling absolutely stunning Chicago-themed greeting cards (starting at $3/each) handmade by its congregation. They're also wrapping gifts for the next two Sundays (10am-2pm) in the lobby of the Logan Congress Theater. Proceeds from both benefit their work in the community, most notably weekly lunch and clothing donation programs for the homeless.
Smooth Transit for CTA's 2013 Budget
Fare increases, management reforms and a new union contract mean the CTA's doomsdays are all behind us, says Forrest Claypool.
Musical Chairs at City Hall
Mayor Emanuel is renovating City Hall and consolidating department offices, which means a lot of shuffling of desks.
Pick Up Chicago's Style
Thursday night, Young Chicago Authors presents the Chicago Annual of Style, a fundraiser featuring music, spoken word, art made while you wait and more, at the Metro.
Ordinary Architecture Observer
Ultra Local Geography is a beautifully illustrated blog about mundane architecture of the city. It's of a piece with the also excellent A Chicago Sojourn.
We Come not to Bury Facts
Rex Huppke's satirical obituary for facts, written in response to Florida Rep. Allen West's assertion that as many as 81 congressmen were Communists, made TIME's list of the 10 best opinion pieces of 2012.
Tegan & Sara & Cubby Bear
Tegan & Sara perform a free Q87.7 "No Dough Show" with Blondfire at the Cubby Bear in Wrigleyville Dec. 19.
Gift Guide: How to Give the Gift of 2013's Best Dressed Guy
Trunk Club, the Chicago exclusive men's outfitters, is opening its doors at 325 W. Ohio from 6pm to 9pm tomorrow night and 10am to 3pm Saturday for its annual holiday shopping event. Browse their selection of clothing from higher-end men's casual wear, including Eton, J. Brand, Gant, D.S. Dundee, Oak Street Bootmakers and Jack Spade. Truck Club provides one-on-one consultation and delivers ready to wear outfits in your own trunk (hence the name). Food will be provided by 25 Degrees as well as access to a full bar. If there's a man in your life lacking in the clothing department or who would rather spend his days in a torn t-shirt and pleated pants than go shopping, this might be the best gift you can give.
Very Long Roadtrips
College athletic conference realignment is all the rage these days -- and now Chicago State is on the move. The Cougars will join Idaho, Seattle and others in the Western Athletic Conference next season.
GB Gift Guide: Chicago Detours
Chicago Detours, run by Amanda Scotese, is one of the best tour companies in town. Scotese offers tours to parts of Chicago you may never have seen -- even if you've lived here your whole life. Buy a gift card for your friends and family and see "Inside the Loop Interior Architectural Tour" or the "Good Times Historic Bar Tour."
Meet the Chicagoans
Anne Ford's series for the Reader now has a video counterpart: TheChicagoans.tv.
Santa Visits Pink Line Today Only
The CTA Tattler reports that the Holiday Train is making its only trip on the Pink Line today, starting at 2:45pm. Make your plans quickly, Pink Line passengers!
Smart Bar Gets a Little Smarter
Smart Bar, dubbed by many as Chicago's best night club, recently announced its resident DJs for 2013, all of whom will perform at the venue frequently throughout the coming year. The roster includes Frankie Knuckles, Derrick Carter, Orchard Lounge, Justin Long, Kate Simko, Michael Serafini, Nate Manic, John Simmons, The Black Madonna and Sassmouth.
GB Gift Guide: Pet Portraits
For a one-of-a-kind gift for a pet lover, visit Hills and Hollows on Etsy to special order one of Kristen Romaniszak's hand-painted pet portraits. A word to the wise: order soon if you want it by the holidays!
Design Help Within Reach
Applications for the Firebelly Grant for Good are due by Friday, which means there's still time to get design help for your favorite local nonprofit.
Kaufman's Reborn
Grub Street has a great interview with Bette Dworkin, owner of Kaufman's Deli in Skokie, which just reopened after renovations following a fire last year.
Free Doughnuts Friday
Glazed & Infused (previously) celebrates the long-delayed opening of their Lincoln Park shop, 939 W. Armitage Ave., this Friday, and you get the presents: free doughnuts.
Rub and a Rub
Speaking of massage parlors, Center Square Journal reports that a chain of North Side spas offer a little something extra with your rubdown.
GB Gift Guide: Cards Against Humanity
Cards Against Humanity is an addictively fun game invented right here in Chicago -- and they've just released a 30-card holiday pack for which you can pay what you want.
Powers of Ten: Behind the Zoom
Powers of Ten, the 1977 film that uses Chicago as a marker to demonstrate the scale of the universe (previously discussed on GB), is discussed on Slate in interesting detail. Among the questions answered: WHY was Chicago picked for the center of the film?
LPHS LGBT ASAP
With some help from The Civil Rights Agenda and DePaul grad students, Lincoln Park High School's about to launch a mentorship program for lesbian and gay students.
Unhappy Ending
A dissatisfied customer at a Chinatown massage parlor took an employee hostage when he realized his massage wouldn't come with any extra, um, perks.
Feed Others While You Eat
The Greater Chicago Food Depository has created Eat Out Check In, a program that lets you donate food every time you check into a restaurant on Foursquare or Facebook. [via]
GB Gift Guide: The U of C Book Sale
The U of C Press is holding its annual book sale. Titles are steeply reduced, so you can pick up brand new books like The Encyclopedia of Chicago and The Chicago River for more than 60% off. Check out the full guide for the sale prices (PDF).
That's the Way the Calendar Crumbles
Apparently we're not the only ones who can't get enough of local comic book illustrator Sarah Becan. Saveur magazine asked her to illustrate their 2012 Cookie Advent Calendar.
Gacy Gets Tested
The Cook County Sheriff's office figured out a way to submit samples from John Wayne Gacy and other murderers to the FBI's DNA database -- by listing the executed men as homicides. The samples will be checked against the database to see if potential new victims turn up.
Pictures Tell the Story
Symbolia, a new iPad magazine of comics journalism, launched today. You can snag a free preview PDF before subscribing.
Old News
A locker on "Storage Wars: Texas" contained a copy of the classic Chicago Tribune election miscall "Dewey Defeats Truman," all the more valuable for the Tribune's attempt to burn all distributed copies the next day.
Daley Nephew Charged
Richard "RJ" Vanecko, former Mayor Daley's nephew, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in the 2004 death of David Koschman.
GB Gift Guide: First Slice Meal Subscription
First Slice Pie Cafe, the brainchild of chef Mary Ellen Diaz, combines charitable giving with deliciousness. Sign up for a subscription for three meals a week, and you'll not only get mouthwatering, delicious meals that you don't have to shop for, cook, or clean up after, you'll also be helping to feed the same fantastic meals to people who would otherwise go hungry. An individual subscription costs $40.33 a week, and a family subscription goes for $78.36 per week. Purchase a subscription for a friend or for yourself! Your taste buds will be glad you did, and so will your conscience.
Caution: This Vehicle Makes Wide Right Turns
Daniel X O'Neil has photographed more than 130 different signs warning motorists of a truck's wide right turns.
GB Gift Guide: Abe Froman, Sausage King of Chicago
Who doesn't want a t-shirt with a reference to Ferris Bueller? I still think Doug Sohn from Hot Doug's is the sausage king, but ThinkGeek doesn't have a t-shirt with his face on it... yet.
For the Love of Skin
The annual No-Pants Subway Ride will be January 13; check here for info on the Chicago event.
Fast Building, Fast Food
A Logan Square resident has been chronicling the (alarmingly fast) construction of a neighborhood McDonald's.
The Ripper in the White City?
Was H.H. Holmes, the Chicago serial killer immortalized in The Devil in the White City, also London's Jack the Ripper? Handwriting analysis commissioned by Holmes' great-great-great-grandson suggests he may have been. (We took a tour of places from Holmes' era in 2006.)
Crain's 40 Under 40 Announced
Crain's Chicago Business announced its 2012 40 Under 40 list, which includes such notables as Obama campaign CTO Harper Reed, Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship Executive Director Christine Poorman, Greatest Good managing partner Amee Kamdar, and Robbin & Co. founder (and GB officemate) Scott Robbin.
Special Election April 9
The special election for Jesse Jackson, Jr.'s 2nd Congressional District seat will be held April 9.
