Pencils & Markers at the Ready
This weekend, UofC's UChicomics club hosts a 48-Hour Graphic Novel Contest with special guests the Sun Brothers. There's still time to get involved. [via]
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
Saturday, May 18
Merge
Monthly Archive
April 2013
Everything Runs Through the 5th Floor
Curious about how the Boston Marathon bombing affected Chicago's emergency preparedness, reporter Howard Wolinsky contact the City. Instead of an interview with the people in charge, he was offered a video of the mayor.
Kanye & Kim do Children's a Solid
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West announced that they don't want baby gifts for their love child. Instead, they requested well-wishers make donations to Lurie Children's Hospital.
Carry the Bed with You
An Australian inventor gave the Night Ministries 40 of his backpack beds to distribute to homeless in Uptown.
Food Trucks Screwed Over at the Taste?
The City has invited food trucks to participate in Taste of Chicago this year by selling food to concert ticketholders. But is charging them a higher commission on sales than pop-up restaurants, Food Truck Freak reports.
Overly Suspicious of Packages
For the second day in a row, Michigan Avenue was shut down near the bridge due to "suspicious" items. Yesterday it was a bottle of Liquid Fire drain opener; granted, that stuff's sulfuric acid. This morning it's a stuffed animal taped to a post near the Wrigley Building.
Wage Gap Remains
According to CareerBuilder research, women still aren't paid at an equal rate to men, and are underrepresented at top jobs. Meanwhile, CareerBuilder's VP of HR offers some suggestions on how to interview better.
Fine, Fine Dining
Over in Drive-Thru, we visit Spiaggia, a nominee in the Outstanding Restaurant category for this year's James Beard Awards. The winners will be announced Monday in New York; other local nominees include Grace, Purple Pig and Girl and the Goat.
National Rock Cred
Rolling Stone's panel of experts picked Lincoln Hall, Empty Bottle and Schubas among the Best Clubs in America.
Still Stirring the Pot
Just when you thought the Rachel Shteir thing had finally blown over, the New York Observer gave her space to respond to the haters, filled with fresh things to dislike her for.
Book a Quick Bite
1871-bred startup TableSAVVY helps you land last-minute dinner reservations at a discount. It's partnering with Chicago magazine to allow readers to book straight from the reviews.
So Many Microbreweries
New microbreweries are opening in rapid succession here in Chicagoland. The Local Beet has compiled a list to help you keep track. [via]
La Biblioteca del Personas
Rachel Perveiler, a teacher at Finkl Academy, has created a library on the back porch of her Little Village apartment.
Taking Advantage
Raiteros, brokers who hire day laborers on behalf of clients, are working with temp agencies to deliver cheap labor -- often at below minimum wage.
Park Free on Sunday
Sundays will be free parking out in the neighborhoods once again thanks to a settlement between the City and Chicago Parking Meters LLC, announced today. On the other hand, metered parking hours will extend to 10pm -- or midnight in some areas -- to offset the move.
"Shoot first, think last"
Wyclef Jean's latest single, "Bang Bang Bang," is about Chicago's murder rate and culture of violence. In the first verse, he name-drops Sosa, which Vibe mistakes as a reference to Sammy instead of Chief Keef.
Chicago's Innovators
Crain's ranks Chicago businesses in terms of innovation with its new Eureka Index.
Gapers Block is 10 Years Old
On Monday, April 28, 2003, Gapers Block made its official debut. We're 10 years old! Over the next weeks, we'll highlight some of the best of what we've posted over the past decade.
Gapers Block was founded in 2003 by Andrew Huff and Naz Hamid. At that time, there were very few city blogs anywhere in the country, and Gapers Block was the first in Chicago. Gawker and Gothamist also launched in 2003; Chicagoist launched a year later.
What do you call the slow-down in traffic that occurs when an accident or something else happens on the side of the road? Other places call it rubbernecking or a "lookie-loo"; Chicagoans call it a gapers block or gapers delay. We chose Gapers Block as the name for the site because it was an "insider-y" term that only locals know, and it fit our mission is to get people to slow down and check out their city.
Our intention was to create a website that provided a place for Chicagoans to find worthwhile news, interesting online projects and cool events. At the time, the city's mainstream media -- and even the alternative media -- had terrible websites. The Tribune's site required you to log in, the Reader didn't publish articles from the paper online, and let's not even talk about the Sun-Times. Meanwhile, the existing events calendars, Metromix and the Reader's listings, were a nearly unusable compendium of everything, often mixing drink specials and weekly DJ nights in with more noteworthy events.
Naz and Andrew invited around 15 local bloggers whose writing they liked and who we thought might share our love for Chicago and our enthusiasm for sharing it with the world and our neighbors. Happily, about a dozen agreed. Gapers Block launched on April 25, 2003, and garnered national attention from the blogosphere.
The original site included Merge, Slowdown and Rearview, which continue to appear on the front page today. In addition, Fuel asked readers a question every couple of days; Detour, a place for longer feature articles three times a week; Glovebox, a weekly sampling of things we were into at the time; and Transmission -- which at the time was a weekly mp3 from a local musical act. Transmission and Glovebox went away early on. Detour spawned a couple of regularly occurring features, such as "Ask the Librarian," which eventually turned into Airbags (archives here), our collection of first week-daily, then daily and more than daily columns.
Eventually, we added the first topical sections, Transmission and Book Club (which was once an actual monthly in-person book club), followed by Drive-Thru, A/C, Tailgate and Mechanics. Airbags and Detour were both discontinued as more emphasis was placed on the topical sections; each of the last group was anchored by one of the Airbags columns. Most recently, Fuel ended when the site was redesigned in 2012.
Over the years, nearly 300 people have been on official Gapers Block staff, and dozens more have contributed a story or two. The staff has always been volunteers -- bloggers, journalists, students, and people with boring day jobs (and some not so boring) looking for an outlet for their writing. (We're always open for new contributors.) Amazingly, a couple of the original writers are still with us -- Jim Allenspach, Ramsin Canon and Cinnamon Cooper.
Although GB launched on April 28, we started posting the week before, so that there'd be a backlog of posts when it debuted. The first post didn't include a link, and the second noted that the Berghoff had added seats in the bar for the first time in its then-100-year existence. The first new post on the 28th highlighted a "Made in Chicago" art exhibit at the City Gallery.
Stay tuned for more bits of GB history, and for details about further 10th anniversary celebrations. Thanks for reading!
RIP Jimmy Damon
Jimmy Damon, the famed Chicago saloon singer who inspired Bill Murray's lounge singer character on "Saturday Night Live," passed away Saturday on his 75th birthday.
A.V. Club Exodus
Today was the last day for several of the A.V. Club's veteran writers, including Nathan Rabin, Tasha Robinson and and Genevieve Koski. They're joining recently departed writers Keith Phipps and Scott Tobias to launch an as-of-yet unnamed new media company focusing on film.
Yo Mammy Don't Wear No Drawers
According to Jelly Roll Morton back in 1938, the Dozens turned dirty right here in Chicago (NSFW).
You probably shouldn't play this at work without headphones.
A Lovely Person
Melissa Fisher was chosen as one of People's "Real Beauties at Any Age," showcasing women in their 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s. Chicagoist talked with her about the experience.
Fielding Dreams
Leroy Franklin has coached the Simeon Wolverines to victory on the baseball diamond for decades, but one triumph has eluded him: the state championship. Could this be the year?
A Donation Wrapped in Foil
The Green City Market is currently running a fundraising drive, and Chipotle is helping out this Saturday: all proceeds from Chicago stores (up to $20,000) will be donated to the market.
Missing the Airwaves
Last fall, Martha Bayne wrote a deeply personal story about getting pregnant and the subsequent miscarriage. She was interviewed by Terry Gross of "Fresh Air," but it never aired. At the Rumpus, she reflects back on that experience with her friend Zoe Zolbrod.
Wells Street Bridge Closes Tonight
Don't forget, the second half of the Wells Street Bridge reconstruction project begins tonight at 10pm. The bridge and therefore Brown and Purple Line service will be closed until May 6; prepare for extra-crowded Red Line trains next week.
Decorating the Tree Lawn
GB flickr pool contributor Jonathan Lurie has been photographing Wilmette's post-flooding debris piles.
Don't Breathe In
The American Lung Association gives Cook County's air quality an F in its annual State of the Air assessment. Lake County also failed, but DuPage, Kane, McHenry and Will got Bs; Lake County in Indiana rated a C. But don't hold your breath for too long! Their data are from before the Crawford and Fisk coal-fired power plants were closed, which likely considerably improved the air quality. [via]
Getting Better
"Channel B," Megan Stielstra's story in The Rumpus about postpartum depression, will be featured in The Best American Essays 2013.
UNO Gets Cut Off
In light of recent revelations of insider deals at UNO, the state has cut off funding to the charter school operator.
Steppenwolf Still Howls
Chicago magazine talks with Martha Lavey about the state of Steppenwolf and the city's theatre scene.
Record of the Month Club
Once a month, Vinyl Me, Please sends you an LP plus other goodies, as well as a digital playlist put together by your own personal "music stylist."
Media Burn Video Feature: Blind Arvella Gray
Today marks the first of a series of featured videos from the Media Burn Independent Video Archive. This clip is a 1978 performance by Blind Arvella Gray at the Maxwell Street Market, originally from A Tribute to Chicago Blues. Watch more from the feature on Media Burn.
Bike Share Launches in June
The City will launch a bike share system, called Divvy, in June. It'll cost $75 for an annual membership or $7 for a 30-minute ride. It'll start with 75 locations in the Loop and River North; suggest locations for more on the bike share website.
Don't Test Us
Hundreds of CPS students walked out on standardized tests Wednesday to protest mandatory standardized testing as well as school closures.
Gangs, Guns & Civility
CNN.com's LZ Granderson argues that treating gangs like terrorists will solve Chicago's violence problem. The comments immediately devolve into a gun debate.
Traffic's not so Bad
Congestion on Chicago's roads improved quite a bit last year, according the research company INRIX's annual scorecard.
Designing an Icon
Among the items in Wright's recent modern design auction (previously) was the original blueprint for Mies van der Rohe's iconic Barcelona chair. It sold for $10,000. [via]
A Brief History of the Barcelona Chair & Mies Furniture at Auction from Daniel Kuruna on Vimeo.
Daley Donates War Chest to Charity
Former mayor Richard M. Daley is closing his campaign fund and donating $500,000 to charities, including $150,000 to After School Matters, which was founded by his wife Maggie.
Plunging for Lungs
There are plenty of charity stair-climbing events now, but the truly hardcore rappel down skyscrapers. The second annual Skyline Plunge "rappelling adventure" sends people down the side of theWit Hotel May 5 to benefit the Respiratory Health Association. There's still time to register.
The Penthouse Life
CBS's "Sunday Morning" show this week took viewers on a tour of an East Lakeview penthouse and the unfinished residential unit on the 89th floor of the Trump Tower, which has been for sale since May of last year for $32 million.
Mark Each Murder
The Sun-Times has launched Homicide Watch Chicago, "dedicated to the proposition that murder is never a run-of-the-mill story. Attention must be paid to each one, not merely a select and particularly tragic few." It's modeled off of Homicide Watch DC and is produced in partnership with Medill.
Walking Out for Higher Wages
Some fast food workers are staging a walkout today, led by Workers Organizing Committee of Chicago, to call for a $15 minimum wage and the right to unionize. Watch for picket lines in front of various Loop fast food joints.
City of T-Shirts
Akron's The Social Dept. has some great t-shirts about Chicago and Illinois -- and some of them are on sale on Fab right now.
Bliss Lose the Lingerie, Keep Fighting
Rachel Shteir's latest article is a look at the Chicago Bliss, a team in the Legends -- formerly Lingerie -- Football League, for ChicagoSide. The Bliss lost their first game last week; meanwhile The Force is 2-0 and off to its usual domination in the Women's Football Alliance.
The Fighting Futures Traders
During the Civil War, 156 members of the Chicago Board of Trade served as an artillery battery for the Union from 1862 to 1865. The battery was well decorated and only lost 19 men, nine to disease. There's a whole book about them. [via]
A Time Machine with Style
A DeLorean traveling down I-90 yesterday was a subject of several photos (taken at the same time) posted to Reddit.
Who Needs Critics?
WBEZ's Jim DeRogatis hosts "We Don't Need No Stinkin' Critics," a discussion of the role and status of criticism in the modern media landscape, at the Mayne Stage tonight at 7pm, with an esteemed panel of critics and editors including GB's own LaShawn Williams. DeRo gives a peek at his own perspective in a blog post today.
Internet Sales Tax Looks Likely
Sen. Dick Durbin's Marketplace Fairness Act, requiring online retailers to collect sales tax, will be voted on later this week.
"Can Chicago not take criticism?"
Rachel Shteir responds to criticisms of her controversial NYTimes book review in a Q&A with Chicago mag's Carol Felsenthal; she's anything but apologetic. Meanwhile, Bill Savage touches on why the article has everyone so riled up.
Nilak, Kimalu, Aniuk or Anana
The Shedd Aquarium has narrowed names down to four for its latest baby beluga whale. Vote on your favorite via WGN and you could win $1,000.
Well Acquainted with the Authorities
Shermain Miles has been arrested 396 times since 1978. That puts her ahead of Darryl Marlow (previously), who's continuing to add to the 253 arrests he'd racked up by September 2010. (He's still going, though.)
"O, speak again, bright angel!"
But soft! What light through yonder window breaks? It is Talk Like Shakespeare Day, and Chicago Shakespeare Theater is the sun.
8. Help All the Kiddies
From the Chicago Film Archives, a pretty little ditty from 1942: "Obey Your Air Raid Warden."
Print Your Head
The 3D Printer Experience, a new store open today in the Loop, lets you scan and print your own head, among other interesting objects.
Insider Trade Work at UNO
The United Neighborhoods Organization has paid the company of an outgoing board member more than $1.8 million in school construction contracts, the Sun-Times reports. It's far from the first time UNO's been caught up in a scandal related to schools or clout.
A Friendly Slice
The staff of the Chicago Tribune sent pizza to the writing staff of Boston Globe for their remarkable coverage of the Marathon disaster. You can send them food, too.
Where Chicago's Women Writers Are
In response to the question posed in Rachel Shteir's off-putting book review of "Where are the women writers?" in Chicago, Claire Zulkey started a list.
A Libertarian Trib?
The NYTimes gives an update on the Koch Brothers' plans to potentially buy the Tribune newspapers previously).
Altered Music
The Reader's Ben Sachs talks with composer John Corigliano about his concert tomorrow night at the Harris Theater and composing the soundtrack to cult classic Altered States.
Energizing Englewood with Transit
The CTA's Red Line South Project, which gets under way May 19, will close three stations in Englewood for several months, but there are other projects that aim to bring more transportation options to the neighborhood and hopefully boost the local economy.
The Mike Tyson Maneuver
A man bit off half the ear of his friend, who happens to be his girlfriend's roommate, during an argument. And from the looks of his mugshot, he enjoyed it.
Lost in Chicago
If you're looking for a good chuckle, turn to Rachel Shteir's out of touch review essay in the NY Times Sunday Book Review. In the essay she insists that Cook County is "known" as "Crook County," implies that "many of" the 6,000 buildings demolished from 1957 to 1960 were designed by Louis Sullivan, and claims the murder rate is the "second-highest" in the country. And that's just to start... Or maybe you'd like to read her 2010 essay, subtitled "Rahm Emanuel won't be Chicago's next mayor, because the city won't elect a Jew."
More Walkable Greektown
Peoria Street turns into a pedestrian bridge over I-290; here's a plan to make it pedestrian-friendly for another block, north to Harrison.
Your Finest Gacy News Source
Michael Miner profiles JohnWayneGacyNews.com, a blog run by former Reader editor Alison True that doggedly chronicles the hunt for additional Gacy victims.
Better Weather Spots
Sure, it's snowing. Ignore that and focus on the days coming when we can hang out on patios and rooftop decks.
Fast Buses on Ashland
The CTA has chosen Ashland Avenue for its next bus rapid transit experiment. The first phase will run between Cortland Avenue and 31st Street.
Go Have Fund
A children's book about an anvil, a hydroponic planter and a documentary about undocumented immigrants are some of the current projects on GB's curated Kickstarter page.
"Don't Mess this Up!"
Record Store Day is this Saturday, and we've got a guide to who's participating. Meanwhile, Kelly Hogan wants to make sure you know how lucky you are there are still cool record stores.
Save the Puppies
Shelter puppies often suffer from more health issues than other dogs. The Lucida Puppy Fund aims to help defray the costs of keeping them healthy.
Where do We Put this Sh*t?
As the rains wreaked havoc on our drainage system, Whet Moser wrote a history of Chicago's struggle to figure out where to put water and sewage.
Our Local Influencers
Match.com CEO and OKCupid founder Sam Yagan, New Life Covenant Church pastor Wilfredo De Jesús, Obama senior advisor Valerie Jarrett and, of course, Michelle and Barack Obama are among TIME's 100 most influential people in the world this year.
Padded History
Anne Elizabeth Moore and Laura Szumowski of the Ladydrawers explain the strange legal history of feminine hygiene.
Long Read on Trash Collection
The City's new garbage collection map greatly simplifies Streets & San's job and eliminates a vestige of Machine politics going back a hundred years.
The River's Going the Other Way
City engineers opened the locks on the Chicago River today -- in other words "re-reversing" its flow -- to help alleviate flooding in Albany Park and other neighborhoods along the river.
MJ's Poison Pizza?
Michael Jordan's infamous "flu game" in the 1997 NBA Finals was actually a case of food poisoning by Utah Jazz fans, MJ's former trainer claims.
Emergency Cookie Delivery
Got the munchies? Insomnia Cookies delivers cookies, brownies and ice cream until 3am -- provided you live near DePaul in Lincoln Park. The national chain caters to college students.
Does UofC Glow?
Did the birth of nuclear energy leave the University of Chicago radioactive? No, but that's just the beginning of the story.
Rubbing His Nose in It
The Trib's editorial board coined a new word in relation to the Emanuel administration's refusal to hand documents over to City Hall's inspector general: Rahmshaming.
Water Everywhere
Chicagoist is doing a good job of rounding up photos of flooding, sewer geysers and the like thanks to all this rain.
Eating on Paper
Not only is the last print issue of Time Out Chicago their Eat Out Awards issue, but the Reader's food issue is out on newsstands, too.
Renters, You Have Rights
It's coming up on May 1, one of the busiest moving times of the year, so it's worth noting that Chicago's tenant rights laws are pretty strong, and the Chicago Tenants' Union is here to help. You can also call the City's renters rights hotline at 312/742-RENT.
City of Chicago Residential Landlord & Tenant Ordinance Summary by Gapers Block
Mayor Emanuel of Hollywood
Not many people around here are talking about the next mayoral election, but Hollywood is already fundraising for Rahm. Lynn Sweet has a list of donors.
Congress Theater May Be Shuttered by City
Citing unresolved building violations, the city is moving to immediately close Logan Square's Congress Theater. A hearing is scheduled for tomorrow morning in Cook County Circuit Court.
United States of X: Mobile Money Edition
Ever get a dollar bill from the Where's George project? A German theoretical physicist has mapped where the dollars go, showing Chicago's pull within the region.
The Internet is Essential
Chicago will be a test city for a new digital literacy campaign that brings cheap internet and computers into low-income neighborhoods. It's a partnership with non-profit Connect2Compete and Comcast.
Poverty & the Train
Inspired by the New Yorker's map of median income along subway lines, Moacir P. de Sá Pereira made one for the CTA, and did a little digging into why the Sedgewick stop is so complex when looked at through this lens. [via]
First, Do No Harm
The FBI raided Sacred Heart Hospital and arrested CEO Edward Novak and five others on charges that the hospital performed unnecessary procedures on patients, such as tracheotomies, to collect higher Medicare payments.
A Tasty Haul
A 17-year-old burglar allegedly decided to take a break from robbing an ice cream shop to sample some of the merchandise.
Lake Shore Drive to Lower Wacker to...
Zane Davis made a time-lapse video of driving around town this weekend -- and explained how he did it on Calumet Photo's blog.
Watch Your Step
The Chicago Stumbler is a new blog by DePaul students, inspired by one in San Diego, that documents some of the city's worst sidewalks.
Stick to Handbags
Note to self: Don't list pet alligator for sale on Craigslist, unless you want the cops to show up. Crocs are OK, though.
Time Out Still Eating Out
Time Out's 2013 Eat Out Awards have been announced, with Fat Rice winning best new restaurant and Scofflaw winning best new bar.
Leaping Barrels in the 'Hood
Robert Bacon is at it again -- this time he's made a Donkey Kong-style map of Chicago's neighborhoods.
Sacrifice to the Baseball Gods?
A decapitated goat carcass was found bound to a tree on Indian Boundary Golf Course yesterday; speculation is that the head was the one that showed up at Wrigley last week, although it's apparently the third apparently sacrificed goat found in area forest preserves in the past year.
The Raw Voices of Cabrini
Media Burn has digitized and published more than 60 hours of raw video footage filmed in and around Cabrini Green from 1995 to 1999 as part of Ronit Bezalel and Antonio Ferrera's Voices of Cabrini.
We Were All Dorks Once
The Awkward Phase, a blog of stories of youthful awkwardness written by GB staffer Tyler Gillespie and Claire Meyer, was a runner-up in Chronicle Books' Great Tumblr Book Search. It's open to submissions.
A Gay Hotel in Boystown?
Owners of The Out NYC, a "straight friendly" gay hotel in New York, want to build a 10-story hotel on North Halsted. Neighborhood reaction was mixed at a community meeting last week.
Get Kids Out on the Field
Three South Side baseball diamonds will be refurbished this month, in hopes of inspiring children to follow in Jackie Robinson's footsteps.
Inspiration to Walk
Ina Pinkney tells a touching story about meeting Maria Tallchief, who was her inspiration to overcome childhood polio.
Thinking of Boston
The Tribune has an eye-witness report from a Chicago runner in the Boston Marathon, who had finished and was watching runners near the finish line. Expect more of a police presence around Metra stations and other key locations around Chicago tonight. Our thoughts go to Boston and those affected by the bombings.
Bike with Your iPhone
Steve Vance has updated his Chicago Bike Map app into a full Chicago Bike Guide chock full of new features.
Orthodox Bishop, Unorthodox Conduct
Bishop Matthias, head of the Midwest diocese for the Orthodox Church in America, will step down due to a sexual misconduct scandal.
These Wacky Streets
Streetsblog Chicago has created an "Irreverent Guide" to Chicago planning highlights and lowlights to go along with the Complete Streets Chicago plan released last week.
A Costly Drug Habit
Prosecutors have been trying to shut down the heroin highway, and it's been costing millions.
Tweeting Around Town
Students at MIT and Northwestern studied the movements of 180,000 people in Chicago and other cities based on 37 million geotagged tweets.
Swoopes Swoops In
WNBA star Sheryl Swoopes has been named head coach of Loyola's women's basketball team.
Wrigley's Future
The Cubs and the City announced a "framework" for Wrigley renovations, which includes more night games, a giant video scoreboard and more.
Hot and Fresh from Le Kitchen
R. Kelly teamed up with Phoenix at this weekend's Coachella fest for a mashup of their hit "1901" with Kells' "I'm a Flirt" and the infamous "Ignition (Remix)", which was briefly proposed to be the next national anthem.
The Reinvention of Vivian Maier
On Tuesday, April 16, the Chicago History Museum hosts The Reinvention of Vivian Maier, an exploration of the evolving story surrounding the prolific late photographer. Investigative Artist Pamela Bannos will examine the prominent role technology and social media has played in the emergence of Maier's work and shifting accounts of her biography, which has led to the public's mounting interest in "Viral Vivian."
This talk is based on Bannos' project, Vivian Maier's Fractured Archive, which began after she appeared in two WTTW programs and was then granted access to 20,000 Vivian Maier images. Those unedited images revealed that there are more ways of seeing the woman and her work than have been packaged and published so far.
Maier's work was discovered in 2007 when a storage locker with her prints, undeveloped film, and negatives was auctioned. After her prints were posted online, Maier began to garner critical praise for her snapshots of everyday faces on the street. In this cultural moment, amidst the growing romanticism with street photography and the immediacy of the internet, Maier catapulted into popularity, which has created a unique phenomenon - and plethora of fictional stories.
Bannos, an artist and Distinguished Senior Lecturer in the Department of Art Theory & Practice at Northwestern University, has appeared on Chicago public programs Searching for Vivian Maier and The Meteoric Rise of Vivian Maier during the course of her research. Her project, Vivian Maier's Fractured Archive investigates the evolving story and work, and online rise to fame, of Maier.
The Reinvention of Vivian Maier will begin on April 16, 2013 at the Chicago History Museum with a reception at 6 PM and the program at 7 PM.
RIP Maria Tallchief
Prima ballerina Maria Tallchief, who was instrumental in the development of Chicago's dance scene, has passed away. She was 88.
In Praise of Danny's
It's been a very long time since GB held a Get-Together there, but Britt Julious writes about exactly what we love about Danny's Tavern.
Updating Mies' IBM Building
IBM Plaza, now known as 330 North Wabash, has a new hotel that is getting a makeover by Mies van der Rohe's nephew, who helped design the building in the late 1960s.
L'Amour Sur La Soixante-Six
As nice as CTA bus shelters may be, only clueless lovers would think making out while waiting for a westbound 66 was anything like Paris.
Living in History
Several shuttered city firehouses are for sale, along with some other interesting places.
As Seen on TV
Advertising creative director Jonathan Finerty was bored with his old portfolio site so he created All-In-One Adman, and the testimonials started rolling in.
Robinson at Wrigley
Jackie Robinson, whose life is depicted in 42, out this weekend, made his major league debut at Wrigley Field in 1947. A snippet of film shot by a fan shows him out on the field and signing autographs. [via]
Hate Hate Hate
OK, one more Roger Ebert story. This one's from author and screenwriter Alan Zweibel, telling the story in the New Yorker of running into Ebert years after the critic gave a particularly scathing review to his film North. UPDATE: Wait, this morning Deadspin posted about Ebert's sports writing early in his career.
Designing a More Pedestrian City
The Atlantic Cities digs into the new Complete Streets Chicago design guidelines from CDOT and finds pedestrians front of mind.
Still Too Much
The City offered to cut more than $100,000 off Jennifer Fitzgerald's bill for a car abandoned in an O'Hare parking lot by her ex-boyfriend (previously), but she's unable to pay -- in part because she also owes more than $2,000 in fines on another car.
Who's Left at TOC
Scott Smith shares the list of the 11 people still working at Time Out Chicago post-sale and closure of its print version (previously).
The Persistence of Bookstores
Independent bookstores survived the big box retailers and are thriving; now they're getting ready to face the rise of e-books.
One Cup of Coffee, Then I'll Go
The coffee shop at the Ohio House motel will close at the end of the month, to most likely be replaced by a chain.
How to be Creepy?
Intuit is holding a workshop this weekend on how to draw like Henry Darger, the outsider artist known for his obsessive images of little girls fighting epic battles.
Eliminating A "Six Point" Intersection
The city is proceeding [pdf] with the proposed realignment of the Elston, Damon and Fullerton intersection to improve safety and traffic flow. Visit Alderman Waguespack's website for details he posted last year [pdf].
Hipsters Meet Oldsters for Bingo
This WSJ story has it all: Smashing Pumpkins, Bill Kurtis, bingo... Apparently Monday nights are celebrity bingo night at Madame Zuzu's, Billy Corgan's Ravinia tea shop.
Places to Hang Out Outside
Chicagoist shares some of their favorite places to enjoy the outdoors in the city. This'll be more useful when it's possible to enjoy the outdoors in the city.
Ricketts got the Goat
Someone dropped off a a goat's head in a box, addressed to Cubs owner Tom Ricketts, at Wrigley Field yesterday afternoon. No word yet on whether it was meant as a creepy curse-breaker or more of a Godfather-style message regarding ongoing renovation negotiations.
2.2 Pounds of Space Rock
The Field Museum has received 234 pieces of the Chelyabinsk meteorite, which landed in Russia in February. The donation was from a meteorite collector, and is now on display.
City Stickers When You Want Them
City Council approved year-round city vehicle sticker sales, which means you'll be able to get yours anytime you like (starting mid-May) on the City Clerk's website.
Yet Another Proposal for the Old Main Post Office
The owner of the iconic Old Main Post Office has released another proposal for the area. This plan in a little more modest than the last.
Money for the Bus
Chicago is one of four cities to receive funds from the Rockefeller Foundation to develop bus rapid transit.
Singh on the Restaurant Biz
Alpana Singh shares what she's learned about restaurants in her time as host of "Check, Please!" -- and after.
Bridge on the River
The second half of the Wells Street Bridge replacement project doesn't start until April 26; which gives you plenty of time to watch this time-lapse video of the bridge leaf being floated down the river.
Chicken and Beer
The forthcoming Honey Butter Fried Chicken is joining forces with Half Acre for a newly added second evening of food and drink and OMG. Get your tickets before they disappear! UPDATE: Sold out.
Go Make Stuff
There's going to be a Mini Maker Faire at Schurtz High School on May 21. Apply by April 26 to be a part of it.
Ranking the Mayors' Control
Mayor Emanuel may have an even stronger rubber stamp City Council than Daley, but Michael Bilandic wielded even more control back in 1977. That didn't stop Jane Byrne from running against him, though.
Speeding by on Streetview
Hyperlapse is a new bit of code by Teehan+Lax Labs that lets you create Google Streetview time lapse videos. A few examples: Marina Towers, Wacker Drive, the Kennedy into downtown and Wrigley Field.
2nd District, Your New Congresswoman
Robin Kelly won the election for the 2nd congressional district vacated by Jesse Jackson, Jr. Unlike her predecessor -- and her main opponent, Republican ex-con Paul McKinley -- Kelly is scandal-free. So far.
I Barely Read That
Michelle L'Amour, owner of the ass that goes pow and proprietrix of the Everleigh Social Club, Naked Girls Reading and more, has decreed that July 5 shall be International Read Naked Day. Prepare accordingly.
God by the Highway
A Chicago Sojourn takes you inside St. John Cantius, Holy Trinity, St. Stanislaus Kostka and St. Mary of the Angels, the four massive churches visible from the Kennedy Expressway.
Ink & Squeegies
The Handshake has a long interview between screenprinters Steve Walters and Jason Frederick about their craft, favorite clients and the state of art in the poster industry.
To Catch a Thief
Bandit Tracker is a website dedicated to capturing bank robbers in the Chicagoland area -- guys like the "Mummy Bandit," who was captured after robbing a TCF Bank in Lincoln Park.
Da Coach's Sausage
Vienna Beef is now selling Ditka brand sausage in "hot polish" and "chicken with tomato and mozzarella" varieties. [via]
Find Things to Kick
Campaigns for a bike GPS tracker, a new lightweight 4"x5" camera, a landing spot for the tamalespaceship and more can be found on GB's Kickstarter page. And World Business Chicago is helping community projects launch on Kickstarter with its own curated page, so expect even more soon.
How was Your Flight?
The annual Airline Quality Rating from Purdue University and Wichita State University ranked United last in customer satisfaction, although in general air travel in general has been better lately.
Paying out the Nose for Parking
Under a new scheme approved by City Council yesterday, motorists parking in garages could pay as much as $10 in taxes, up from $5 now.
Goodbye, Caribou
Most Chicago-area Caribou Coffee locations will close this Sunday at noon, with some later reopening as Peet's Coffee. According to the Tribune, most of the shops in the city will remain open. UPDATE: Crain's reports that the shops at 2453 N. Clark St. and 500 W. Madison St. are scheduled to close this weekend.
Time Out Turns Over
Time Out Chicago officially became a Time Out Group property today, ending local ownership of the seven-year-old magazine. Former president and editor-in-chief Frank Sennett posted a photo of the staff at the time of its last print issue, on newsstands now.
Breakthroughs in Medical Museum Technology
A new satellite branch of the National Museum of Health and Medicine will open in the Loop in 2015. DNAinfo has a sneak peek. Meanwhile, you can visit the Museum of Surgical Science right now.
Great Food in Many Guises
Chicago magazine's Best New Restaurants list is out, and it ranges from high-end dining to kosher barbecue.
Hear a Good Story
Tonight at Haymarket Brewery, The Moth StorySLAM tackles the topic of luck. Stop by and see who wins -- then get tickets to the GrandSLAM Championship on April 24, where the past year's winners duke it out to see who's the best storyteller.
Cornhole Everywhere
It's almost warm out, which means soon certain parts of the city will soon echo with the sounds of bean bags hitting plywood.
Next Stop: California
Chicago becomes sort of the central node in XKCD's map of all the "subways" of North America.
Secret Squirrel Space
The Chicago Academy of Sciences, which runs the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, stores a vast collection of animal specimens in an unassuming building in Ravenswood.
Keeping it in the Family
A 64-year-old woman was arrested for allegedly hiring her grandson to kill her husband because she was "sick" of him.
Ebert's Funeral This Morning
Funeral services for Roger Ebert are this morning at Holy Name Cathedral at 10am. If you can't make it, reading his final movie review might be a good way to remember him. (Westboro Baptist Church released a statement saying they'll be there to protest.)
Activate Globally
If you're interested in making a difference in the world, hitting the Global Activism Expo this weekend isn't a bad place to start getting involved.
March Murders by the Numbers
Last March, Chicago saw 52 murders. This year there were only 15. RedEye shares some analysis.
The Next Cheers
Lottie's Pub in Bucktown will star in several episodes of "Chicago Fire" next season.
Your Lunchtime Diversion
Bill F*cking Murray, a video essay by Nelson Carvajal. [via]
VIDEO ESSAY: Bill Fucking Murray from Nelson Carvajal on Vimeo.
Get Some Rock in Road
It's Potholepalooza for CDOT this weekend, and tickets are free! Just call/type in a report on your neighborhood pothole(s) to 311, SeeClickFix and you're in. (It's worth reading the press release on this, for all the music-related puns.)
Remembering Roger
As we continue to mourn the passing of Roger Ebert, read the Sun-Times' in-depth coverage, from the cover to the statement from Chaz Ebert. The Tribune also has a package, including a poignant editorial cartoon and remembrances by Michael Phillips and Mark Caro. Many, many more stories and links in yesterday's Merge post.
A Good Saloon is Hard to Find
Peter Balla laments the death of "saloon life" in ChicagoNow. Mark Anderson covered similar ground regarding tap rooms for GB back in 2003.
More Blue Jays Fans
Chicago is now only the fifth largest city in North America, having been edged out by Toronto. We've got 2.71 million people to their 2.79 million. (Thanks, Dee!)
Pictures of Rocks
There are 149 pieces of stone and brick from various places around the world stuck into the sides of the Tribune Tower. The Chicago Architecture Blog photographed each one.
RIP Roger Ebert
Just a day after announcing a "leave of presence" to fight another bout of cancer, Sun-Times film critic Roger Ebert has passed away. Here are obituaries by Neil Steinberg and Rick Kogan.
Read his 2010 interview with Esquire about surviving cancer, his own thoughts on death in Salon, his recollection of O'Rourke's bar in Granta, some of his choice quotes from over the years, Carol Felsenthal's Roger Ebert: A Life in the Movies, and perhaps pick up Enemies: A Love Story, the oral history of "Siskel and Ebert."
Watch the first episode of "Opening Soon... At A Theater Near You," Siskel and Ebert's original show on WTTW -- and of course, the classic '80s out-takes from "At the Movies":
Chicagoist shares more videos of "Roger being Roger."
There's also the 1991 Playboy interview with Siskel and Ebert (link is SFW). And take time to read 40 hilariously mean Ebert reviews -- and his tender post about his 20th anniversary with Chaz.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel issued a statement honoring Ebert. Lauren Chooljian's "Year 25" project for WBEZ today features Ebert and an excerpt from his memoir, Life Itself.
Roger and Chaz Ebert did a TED Talk in 2011 about the computerized version of Roger's voice, reconstructed out of audio from his TV appearances and other recordings.
In Drive-Thru: Ebert on Food.
On Twitter:
"The movies won't be the same without Roger." --President Obama
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) April 4, 2013
Goodbye Roger Ebert, we had fun. The balcony is closed.
— Steve Martin (@SteveMartinToGo) April 4, 2013
Dammit! @ebertchicago died. My review: An iconic game-changer, Roger brought film criticism AND movie-loving to the mainstream. 2 Thumbs up.
— KevinSmith (@ThatKevinSmith) April 4, 2013
More remembrances from Twitter at Chicagoist, WBEZ and WSJ.com. Slate rounds up tweets from directors and actors.
Roger Moore shares a tale of getting Ebert to come to the premiere of Roger & Me at Sundance. And here's Time Out's profile of Roger and Chaz from 2008. Shia Kapos talks about what his loss means to Chicago in Crain's.
The Onion: Roger Ebert Hails Human Existence As 'A Triumph'
More obituaries and remembrances: Gene Seymour on CNN; The New York Times; the New Yorker; Kenneth Turan at the LA Times; Jim DeRogatis at WBEZ; Maureen Ryan at Huffington Post; Michael Phillips and Mark Caro in the Tribune; Randy Masters, Ebert's one-time sparring partner on Intelligent Design; Roger Simon at Politico; Scott Tobias and othersat AV Club; Robert Feder at Time Out Chicago; Ben Sachs at the Reader; Scott Smith;
Monica Eng tells about her unique relationship with Ebert.
Photo by Mike McHugh
Hyper-realism in the Loop
British artist Nathan Walsh paints photorealistic images of Chicago, New York and elsewhere.
Sagal & Kasell on the Silver Screen
If you can't make it to the Chase Bank Auditorium for a Thursday night taping of "Wait Wait ...Don't Tell Me!", maybe seeing it live on the big screen May 2 would be an acceptable alternative.
Trailer for the Wait, Wait...Don't Tell Me's live cinecast. May 2nd. from Wait, Wait...Don't Tell Me! on Vimeo.
Gaming the Tour
Keep this in your back pocket for when you've got to give out-of-towners a tour of the city: Stray Boots "gamifies" tours on your phone. The company just launched an Android app to go with the iOS version.
Birth of a Cellular Nation
The Verge talks with Marty Cooper, the man who invented the cellphone at Motorola in 1973.
Sleep on the Street
One of the odder places you can stay in the city via AirBnB: a birght green VW camper van parked on the street in Lincoln Park. Just $75 a night! [via]
Remodeling the Spaghetti Bowl
IDOT has plans to reconfigure the Circle Interchange to be more efficient, but neighborhood residents are furious over designs that would bring ramps within feet of their homes.
Next Stop: BRT
This year's Burnham Prize challenges you to develop innovative designs for Bus Rapid Transit stations in Chicago. [via]
It Works
William H. Macy may be an unemployed drunk on "Shameless," but in 1976 he found a job through the Chicagoland Job Mart. [via]
Big Hurt's Liquid Diet
No, Frank Thomas isn't going on an all-Big Hurt Beer diet -- he's juicing (the veggies and fruit kind, not steroids) to lose weight. But speaking of beer, he's rolled out a low-calorie version of BHB.
Catching up with Cleetus
I talked with Cleetus Friedman shortly after he closed City Provisions, his locavore deli. Now Guys Drinking Beer talk to him about landing at Fountainhead and becoming a finalist for "Check, Please!" host.
Non-Repro Blue & Black Ink
Chris Ware is now on Tumblr, sharing bits and pieces and unfinished pages. Awesome.
You Have Dinner Plans
Gapers Block's Drive-Thru writers are among the soup makers at Soup & Bread this evening. The theme is "Chicago vs. Chicago," and we've got a couple of boozy doozies for you. Stop by the Hideout between 5:30 and 8pm for a bowl or two.
Winner Takes ...Time Slot?
"This American Life" and "Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!" face off in the Final Four of Southern California Public Radio's NPR Radio Bracket Madness. Either way, WBEZ makes out.
Who Wants in on Charters?
How many students are waiting to get into charter schools? The quoted number is 19,000, but nobody knows, exactly.
Proposal by the Book
Chances are the way you proposed to your beloved was not as cool as the way Jason Methner did it. He put it in a children's book.
Ebert Takes a "Leave of Presence"
Film critic Roger Ebert is taking a step back from his day job reviewing and blogging for the Sun-Times and syndication, and revealed that his recent hip fracture is a recurrence of cancer. He plans to continue writing, though, both for the Sun-Times and on his own RogerEbert.com, which will relaunch with a new design April 9.
The City is Blue Tonight
The skyline will be lit blue tonight in honor of World Autism Awareness Day.
Make'em Laugh
Chicago Grid talks with iO's Charna Halpern about the improv school and theater's big move into a new space, and delves into the broad spectrum of comedy offerings in the city.
Props to Nightwood's Vincent
Nightwood's James Vincent is among Food & Wine's Best New Chefs of 2013. He shares his thanks on the restaurant's blog.
Chicago Critics Launch Film Fest
The Chicago Film Critics Association announced the first-ever Chicago Critics Film Festival, which will run April 12-14. Steve Prokopy shares more details on Ain't It Cool.
Pricey Paper
A print copy of the Tribune rose from $1 to $1.50 on the newsstand yesterday. The Sunday paper remains $1.99
Kirk Supports Gay Marriage
Senator Mark Kirk released a statement in favor of same-sex marriage today, making him only the second Republican senator to do so.
More to Eat, More to Drink
Two Wicker Park favorites are planning expansions. Big Star is moving its take-out window to a neighboring building, with more patio seating in between, and Emporium Arcade Bar is leveling up into an additional storefront.
2nd Trash Chute Death
An 80-year-old resident of a Gold Coast condo tower was found dead Monday, apparently after falling down the trash chute. Last year, a 16-year-old with Down syndrome and autism fell to his death in the same chute.
RIP Jack Pardee
Jack Pardee, a Texas college football star who went on to coach the Bears from 1975 to 1977, passed away after a battle with prostate cancer. He was 76.
Chicago Introduces the Beatles
Did you know that former Chicago label Vee-Jay Records released the first U.S. Beatles record?
Whose Idea Was This?
Deadspin and the rest of the internet had some fun at the expense of Comcast SportsNet's White Sox intro video that played before today's home opener.
Pawn it Off
Have an interesting item you'd be willing to part with? Reality show "Hardcore Pawn Chicago" is looking for people with "unusual, valuable or weird" items to sell. Call 312-720-8015 or email livehardpawnhard@gmail.com. [via]
Spoken Words
For National Poetry Month, the Poetry Foundation wants you to read poems out loud -- and add them to their Record-A-Poem group on Soundcloud.
Out of a Taxi, Into All Media
Dmitry Samarov has hung up his hack's license and is putting the finishing touches on his second book -- and just released some original music. Time Out finds out what else he's been up to.
The Neighborhood is not "Me"
Britt Julious writes about how neighborhood stereotypes help to limit our knowledge of the city as a whole.
Check out the Library
The Galewood-Montclare branch of the Chicago Public Library is in danger of closing due to a lack of activity, so neighborhood residents are taking action -- by checking out everything in the library. Stop by at 5pm to help out.
Prepare Your Résumé
Digital ad agency Centro is the best place to work in Chicago, according to Crain's annual list of the top 20.
Fear & Loathing in Miami Beach
The Awl's Stuart Ross convinced his girlfriend to see Spring Breakers with him up in Evanston. It didn't go well.
A Map of Chicago's Lakefront Currents
Phil Thompson of Cape Horn Illustration spent about a year drawing a vintage-looking map of Chicago's lakefront, "I spent about a year drawing it in my spare time," he says, "and combined an interest in history, the city, and of course, vintage Old World-style maps." Absolutely beautiful -- and available as a print.
Here's just a sample of the detail:
Everything in One Particular Order
Starting at 9am this morning and running until Memorial Day weekend, WXRT will be playing its entire music library from A to Z by song title. Personally, I'm excited to hear it sounding like the old ad slogan again.
Emanuel to Close Overperforming Universities
Mayor Emanuel announced this morning that he will immediately be closing all campuses of the University of Chicago (ranked #4 by US News and World Report) and Northwestern University (#12) in a gesture of fairness towards the devastating closures of CPS schools announced last week. "If I'm screwing over one group, it's only right to screw over all of them," he said in a breaking press conference at City Hall. Several charter universities are looking into buying NU and U of C's now-empty campuses.
