RIP Jim Nayder
Jim Nayder, host of NPR's "The Annoying Music Show" and "Magnificent Obsession" and former program director at WBEZ, has passed away. He was 59.
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
Thursday, April 25
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Monthly Archive
June 2013
Ride a Blue Bike
After much hoopla and delays, Divvy bikeshare launched today, with 700 bikes available for rent. The program has a ways to go before it serves the whole city, though.
Rappin' with Style
Complex Magazine highlights the resurgence of Chicago's hip-hop scene by featuring the city's most stylish rappers [right now]. While the list includes artists such as Chief Keef, Joey Purp, Mikkey Halsted and more, it won't be hard to guess who came in at number one.
"Hockey is a tough game."
That's the first line in an open letter to the Bruins from Blackhawks owner and Chairman Rocky Wirtz and team President and CEO John McDonough, published in today's Boston Globe.
Screw Loyalty
Jewel-Osco is phasing out its loyalty card in favor of "card free savings."
Check out this kind of weird video they created to introduce "new" features like fresh-cut fruit and fried chicken.
The Wrong Place, Period
Nineteen-year-old Keith Warfield talks about gun violence in his Englewood neighborhood as part of Huffington Post's national series.
"The View" on Your Phone, Etc.
Aereo, a gadget that lets you watch live broadcast TV online, will launch in Chicago in September.
It's Rally Time, then Parrothead Time
Don't forget, the Blackhawks parade and rally are this morning beginning at 10:30, and roads are blocked off all along the route, so some buses are re-routed and there are extra security measures. Oh, and there's a Jimmy Buffet concert at Northerly Island tonight, so traffic on Lake Shore Drive will be gummed up later, too. You might as well not go to work.
Way Beyond Breaking Bad
Mexico's Sinaloa cartel -- whose leader is Chicago's Public Enemy #1 -- produces as much as 80% of the crystal meth in the US.
Feels So Right, Finally
Doug Shorts has been trying to make it as an R&B singer for more than 50 years. Now, with the help of a local label and producer, he might finally make it.
Quazzo & Education Innovation
Deborah Quazzo is Emanuel's replacement on the CPS board for Penny Pritzker, who was confirmed as the new Secretary of Commerce this week. Whet Moser digs into what Quazzo's appointment means for the future of CPS.
Stanley Cup Discount
If you've got any Blackhawks gear, wear it to the Museum of Science & Industry this weekend and get buy one, get one free admission.
Trib's Own Reddit?
The Tribune's apps team built a site where you can up- and downvote articles from the Trib and RedEye in a fashion similar to Reddit or the late, lamented WindyCitizen, as part of a Global Editors Network hackathon this week.
Duckworth Reads the Riot Act
A business owner who has a lucrative VA disability rating based on a twisted ankle he received in a military school football game nearly 30 years ago got shamed in a hard way in Congress yesterday by double amputee, veteran and Illinois Rep. Tammy Duckworth.
Save Wrigley, One Way or the Other
What "save Wrigley Field" means depends on your perspective, apparently The Cubs sent out an email yesterday asking fans to sign a petition supporting the ballclub's restoration plans. Meanwhile, the grassroots group Save Wrigley Field is pushing for the opposite.
Wirtz on how the Hawks will Fare
Blackhawks owner Rocky Wirtz talks about how the Stanley Cup win will affect the team's prospects in the future. Interesting tidbit: the team isn't profitable and still won't be in the black this year despite the trophy.
Lincoln Park Zoo Adding a Hot Tub
Not for you -- for snow monkeys. The zoo's new Japanese Macaque exhibit will replace the penguin house, and should be complete by fall of next year.
Chicago's New Data Chief
Mayor Emanuel nominated Brenna Berman to be the new Department of Innovation and Technology commissioner and chief information officer. She has been acting commissioner since Brett Goldstein, the city's first chief data officer, stepped down to take a fellowship at UofC's Harris School of Public Policy.
Tech Support
Ed Domain, publisher of the Chicago/St. Louis tech blog Techli, was in a head-on collision with a cab driver who was texting a couple months ago, and is suffering from serious injuries that prevent him from working. His sister has organized a fundraiser to help pay for an electric wheelchair and cover other medical expenses. (Thanks, Kathryn!)
Pick Up Fresh Veggies After Work
The Logan Square Farmers Market's new Night Market launches tonight from 5 to 9pm in the Logan Square Blue Line plaza. It'll run on Wednesday nights through Sept. 4.
Ice Cream with Sprinkles on Top
Sprinkles Cupcakes is getting into the ice cream business starting this weekend, and to celebrate it's giving away free samples this Friday at noon. Supplies won't last long, so line up early.
Quick Summer Reading
University of Chicago Press has launched Chicago Shorts, a series of short stories in DRM-free ebook form, perfect for an afternoon at the beach. This one is just 99 cents; the rest are $2.99 apiece.
Satchmo at Ravinia
Two high school reporters share their experience of interviewing Louis Armstrong at Ravinia in 1964 at Blank on Blank.
GB at 10: Knocking Down Buildings
More than 300 vacant buildings have been demolished so far this year, under the City's effort to curb violence and crime; some say it will hurt the city more in the long run by hampering economic recovery efforts. Last year, David Schalliol documented 100 buildings on the City demolition list, and followed it up this year with a look at an entire neighborhood being bulldozed for a new rail yard.
Hawks on Parade
The Blackhawks championship parade will begin at the United Center on Friday and end in Grant Park for a rally at 11am. The official parade route will be announced Thursday.
Ventra Coming Late Summer
The CTA and Pace's new Ventra payment system will launch in August, with full roll-out by September.
Kerry Wood, PI
Well, not really, but the former Cubs pitcher did find a body in Belmont Harbor on Monday.
Blackhawks by Phone
If you haven't found enough ways to celebrate the Hawks' win, you can now add free Blackhawks emoji to your iPhone.
The Stanley Cup Hangover
After the police drove revelers from the street in Wrigleyville last night, some of them smashed windows and caused mayhem further down Clark and Broadway. Ted McClelland wonders whether cops would have been as lenient if it were protestors instead of Blackhawks fans.
Saint James Catholic Church to be Demolished
The Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago will demolish the historic Saint James Catholic Church starting on Wednesday, despite pleas from the congregation to preserve the building.
Photographs of Photographers
The former Sun-Times photo staff, to be specific, commissioned by CNN and shot by one of their own, Brian Powers.
Media Burn Video Feature: Dennis and Bobby Hull in 1985
While you're still reveling in the 'hawks win, why not take a stroll down memory lane with Media Burn's digitized featurette on Dennis and Bobby Hull from 1985.
United States of X: Corporate Edition
Caterpillar reps for Illinois on The Corporate States of America map. [via]
The CHA's Future Plans
NPR took a look at the Chicago Housing Authority's next steps in its transformation of public housing, as laid out in the "Plan Forward," a 33-page "eprint for
the agency's current and future work."
Read the CHA's "Plan Forward" here:
The Prom King's Out
Seventeen-year-old lesbian Aleksandra "Ola" Wolan was named Prom King at Lane Tech's senior prom earlier this month. She also won the school's Spirit Award in October.
Pass the Cup
With that incredible Game 6 win, the Stanley Cup is back in Chicago! Keep your eye on its whereabouts via Twitter, and stay tuned for details on the Blackhawks' victory parade.
Clowes' Chicago
Ghost World author Dan Clowes grew up in Chicago; Chicago magazine asked him to illustrate the city as he remembers it, "circa 1978."
O'Gara & Wilson's Final Chapter
Chicago's oldest bookstore, O'Gara & Wilson in Hyde Park, is closing after 100 years.
Secretly Chicagoan
Local record label Numero Group has become part of the newly formed Secretly Label Group (which also owns the Secretly Canadian, Jagjaguwar and Dead Ocean labels) but will retain all of its employees and operation.
Bad Cops Still Get Pensions
Thirty-two Chicago police officers who have been fired or resigned to avoid firing since 2004 continue to collect pensions -- including Anthony Abbate, Jr. and many others who have been investigated for misconduct.
RIP Ron May
Ron May, tech reporter and publisher of the eponymous May Report, has passed away, as first reported by tech blog Technori.com on Twitter. May battled diabetes for years, and was hospitalized earlier this year in connection to his illness. He was 57.
Here's Ron trying to interview Harper Reed, then CTO of Threadless.
Ron May with Harper Reed of Skinny Corp & Threadless from The May Report on Vimeo.
Chet Haze is Full of BS
Tom Hanks' rapping son and endless source of entertainment graduated from Northwestern this past week with a Communications degree. The Hanks clan was spotted at Second City on Saturday night.
A Return to Guyville
Jessica Hopper compiles an oral history of the making of Liz Phair's Exile in Guyville album (which was released 20 years ago this month).
Porch Collapse: 10 Years Later
On the night of June 29, 2003, 13 people died and more than 50 were injured when a wooden porch collapsed during a house party in Lakeview. RedEye takes a look at the aftermath, 10 years after the tragedy.
Hey Der, Milwaukee
If you're old enough, you might remember former Loop DJ Jonathon Brandmeier performing jokey songs with his band, the Leisure Suits, back in the '80s and '90s. With Milwaukee's Summerfest starting this weekend, it seemed like a good time to share his song "Hey Der Milwaukee Polka," a true love letter to our neighbors to the north.
Twinkies Making a Comeback
The snack cake and its Hostess brethren returns to the shelves in mid-July after production shut down last fall due to bankruptcy.
Wicker Park's Original Soundtrack
Feel old, maybe: Liz Phair's Exile in Guyville is 20; so are Urge Overkill's Saturation and Smashing Pumpkins' Siamese Dream. SPIN has an oral history of the making of the album.
A Lego Dorm
The University of Chicago is demolishing the Harry Weese-designed Pierce Tower this summer, but it will live on in Lego.
Longest Day, Shortest Shorts
Local NSFW t-shirt label Skim Milk's new men's summer shorts might remind you of the ones Jordan wore to beat the Heat.
Tour Englewood & Avondale by Bike
Two bike tours this weekend give you an intimate look at two very different neighborhoods: on Saturday, Ald. Toni Foulkes leads a tour of Englewood, while Forgotten Chicago takes a tour of Avondale on Sunday.
Pet Friendly Skies
Speaking of pets, United Airlines is opening a new "first class" version of its PetSafe kennel at O'Hare this weekend. [via]
King, Kanye, & Cole
Comedian and writer Deon Cole, along with Iliza Shlesinger and Michael Yo, recently participated on "Larry King Now's" pop culture panel to discuss current hot topics including emergency contraception, Japanese eyeball licking, and of course, new parents, Kanye West and Kim Kardashian. Although reports have confirmed "Baby Kimye's" actual name, Cole reveals his choice for the name of America's most famous infant.
Past GB interviews with Cole:
• 2010: One Sketch at a Time
• 2013: "Deon Cole's Black Box": Chicago Native Takes on Pop Culture In His New TBS Series
Get a Cat
June is Adopt a Shelter Cat Month, and this weekend is purrfect for adopting a new or gently used kitty, with multiple events at local shelters.
Public Health at Your Fingertips
Get an overall health profile of your neighborhood (birth/death rate, disease incidence, crime, etc.) through the Chicago Health Atlas, a newly launched online tool brought to you by the Smart Chicago Collaborative.
Android vs. iPhone: a City Divided
Chicago has a history of segregation -- and it apparently extends to smartphone types too, to a certain degree. MapBox teamed up with Gnip and map designer Eric Fischer (previously: 1, 2) to map 3 billion tweets by phone brand and other variables. Start in the Loop and zoom out.
It's also worth checking out the maps of locals and tourists and languages used. [via]
This Better not Jinx It
South suburban Blackhawks fan Russell Pederson has a tattoo of the Stanley Cup on his arm -- and got 2013 added to it after the Hawks tied up the championship series with the Bruins. [via]
Classic Films in a Classic House
The Patio Theater and Northwest Chicago Film Society are a great match, says Michael Phillips. Now if only the AC was working.
Uptown & the Hillbilly Highway
As SROs die out and talk of gentrification swirls, Whet Moser shares the story of the long-forgotten effort to establish Hank Williams Village, an Appalachian planned community in Uptown.
Google Moving to Fulton Market
Google will be moving into the former Fulton Market Cold Storage building, which was last in the news for the awesome video of it thawing out. Google-owned Motorola Mobility will stay in the Merchandise Mart.
Drinking to Their Health
Un86'd is a charity aimed at helping injured restaurant professionals pay for medical care after an accident (in- or outside work). You can contribute by buying special cocktails at Carriage House or La Sirena Clandestina this weekend.
Hard Core Females
Seriously Badass Women introduces you to some really impressive ladies, most of whom (so far) are from Chicago.
Charge Extra for 7th Hour?
Whitney Young High School is considering charging students $500 for a seventh period in an effort to make up a $1 million budget shortfall, after already cutting back on personnel. Meanwhile, the magnet school's math team recently won the state championship.
Shh, it's Chicago
Schadenfreude has a new show: "Shh-Cago," a guide to the city's lesser known gems.
Your Digital Photo Shoebox
PictureLife is a place to back up and organize all your photos from your phone, computer, etc. It was founded by Charles Foreman, who previously founded videogame design firm OMGPOP.
Base-Jumping Trump
Three people parachuted off Trump Tower around 12:30am last night, and unlike the last time, the police didn't catch them.
Say Hi to Bob
Myles Dannhausen profiles tap room and Lincoln Square hangout the Cardinal Lounge in Center Square Journal.
A Blackhawks Symphony
Still wired after that OT win the Blackhawks offered last night? Soothe yourself with a rendition of "Chelsea Dagger" played by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. (Nice shirt, Muti!)
Watching the Murder Rate
Media Matters' Eric Boehlert analyzes media coverage of Chicago's homicide rate, which continues to get national attention despite being down from last year.
"Anti-Time Lapse"
FoGB Coudal Partners just released a new "Night Sky" edition of their Field Notes notebooks, and recorded 6 hours and 21 minutes of night sky in rural Nevada. Just set this for full screen, sit back and watch the stars go by in real time.
Tough Biz in Chatham
It's tough running a business at the 600 block of East 79th Street. RedEye's Tracy Swartz talked with some of the local owners.
Scalp by iPhone
Ticket Scalpr is an iOS app that lets you buy or sell tickets based on proximity. Chicago-based company just launched here after a successful test in San Francisco.
Chicago's Best for this Year
The Reader's Best of Chicago issue has begun to appear, announced via Twitter. It'll be fully online at 3pm; look for it on newsstands tomorrow.
Gapers Block is honored to be named Best Local Blog, and Transmission contributor Katie Hovland was named Best Photographer. Thanks to all who voted for us!
Modern R.Mutt
Chicago artist Tom Burtonwood is using a 3D printer to create replicas of Duchamp's Fountain, including a limited edition PEZ dispenser.
Blackhawks Swag
Young Regime, Windy City Beast and Tiggy-G have released a Blackhawks anthem worthy of the team: "Stanley Cup Swagger."
Oddballs are Funny
Hannibal Buress is among the headliners for Oddball Fest, Funny or Die's comedy tour that also features Dave Chappelle and Flight of the Conchords. It hits Tinley Park Aug. 31; tickets go on sale Friday.
Constructing Equality
Thirty-two percent of construction contracts for the Red Line South Reconstruction Project have been awarded to minority and woman-owned firms.
No More Plastic Bags?
City Council is considering whether to ban plastic bags, per an ordinance introduced by Ald. Joe Mareno.
Cheetah Gyms in Danger of Closing
Cheetah Gym is in danger of being closed by MB Financial after the chain's owner, Reza Toulabi, defaulted on business loans. The gyms abruptly closed and soon reopened in 2007 after a bizarre series of events involving its former owner and employees. (Toulabi's been in the news more recently.)
Start Harder
The folks behind the Starter League app design and code school have launched Starter School, a nine-month "grad school for people who want to learn how to build software and start companies."
The Illustrated Scanner
The Open Key is a tumblr of cartoons "loosely based on things overheard on the Chicago [police] scanner."
GB at 10: Walking the Streets
John Greenfield took a walk up Elston Avenue for NewCity. John walked several venerable streets for GB over the years, too.
• Halsted Street
• Archer Avenue
• Grand Avenue
• 63rd Street
• Kedzie Avenue
• Belmont Avenue
• 79th Street
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive.
How the City Feels
The Smart Chicago Collaborative just launched the Chicago Health Atlas, a resource for citywide health information and data.
Pride & Politics
Conservative blogger Kevin DuJan has accused a CPS teacher of being a stripper and sometimes porn star who's made racist comments about his students.
Nico Lang at the Daily Dot points out that DuJan is in a relationship with an ex-employee at Sidetrack who's suing the bar for discriminating against his conservative Christian beliefs. In 2010, Michael Volpe wrote for GB about infighting among the Chicago GOP community, in which Hillbuzz was involved.
Maxim's to Rise Again
Brendan Sodikoff, the mastermind behind Gilt Bar, Au Cheval, Bavette's and the Doughnut Vault, has purchased and will rehab and reopen Maxim's, the historic restaurant that was auctioned by the city.
Chief Keef's No Good, Very Bad Day
Right after appearing in court for his speeding arrest, Chief Keef was arrested again, this time on a month-old trespassing warrant. Plus, he was served with a paternity suit, his second.
Meet "The 606"
Branding consultants have decided that we should all call The Bloomingdale Trail "The 606." The name is a reference to the shared parts of our zip codes, and not, presumably, intended to reference Chicago's original "606," the legendary speakeasy turned "gentlemen's club."
Make Music Chicago this Friday
One day, 40 sites, 13 hours of nonstop music, 1,000 musicians — all free. Make Music Chicago returns for a third year of music from Hyde Park to Evanston with plenty of sites in between: Lincoln Park Zoo, River North cathedrals, and Loop office lobbies. Friday, June 21, 9am–midnight.
If you're a musician, play along in the Rise and Shine Orchestra, Broadway and Opera Sing-along, or Sousapalooza. Head to St. James Cathedral for the spectacular Grand Finale and a Harmonica Blowout with Joe Filisko. Read more, in Transmission.
Making the Second City First
Crain's got a variety of civic and cultural leaders to suggest ways Chicago could improve its standing with international tourists.
The Force is Strong in This Marriage
George Lucas and his longtime girlfriend Mellody Hobson are marrying June 29 at the Peninsula Hotel here in Chicago. Former New Jersey Sen. Bill Bradley will give the bride away.
Documenting Marginal Waters
In 1985, photographer Doug Ischar documented the gay scene at Belmont Harbor. [via]
Best of Instagrams
The Reader's Best Of Chicago issue comes out this week, and they're throwing a party at the Metro June 27. Meanwhile, they want your Instagrams.
Miss Illinois Represent
Tinley Park native and current River North resident Stacie Juris was the second runner-up at Miss USA last night. The crown went to Erin Brady of Connecticut. Juris is currently studying fashion business at Columbia College Chicago.
Bacon on Your iPod
Video podcast and foodblog Sky Full of Bacon now has an accompanying audio podcast: Airwaves Full of Bacon.
RIP Bernie Sahlins
Bernard Sahlins, cofounder of The Second City, passed away Sunday; he was 90. Here's an excerpt from his memoir, Days and Nights at the Second City.
Sahlins delivered the commencement address at Columbia College in 2006, beginning his speech with, "Art is not a matter of life and death. It's much more important than that. We come, we go; art endures."
Is the Emanuel Era Over?
Mark Guarino makes the case in Salon that Mayor Emanuel has lost control of Chicago.
Monster Magnet
There's a 15-ton electromagnet on its way from New York to Chicago (OK, Long Island to Fermilab out in Batavia). You can follow the Muon g-2's progress online.
Kanye's Face Returns
New father Kanye West will be projecting new images on the sides of buildings all over the city tonight, among them Uptown's Bridgeview Bank, and both the Field and DuSable Museums.
Not Such a Strong Idea
Lakeview-based Cubby Tees created a "Chicago Stronger" shirt to show support of the Blackhawks during the Stanley Cup finals against the Boston Bruins. The shirt has been pulled after the company received what they're calling a "Twitter-lynching." The shirt is a play on the "Boston Strong" slogan created after the Boston Marathon bombings.
The Art of Nails
Britt Julious talks with artist Helen Maurene Cooper about nail art and the culture surrounding it.
Orientalism on Stage, Redux
After expressing outrage at comments made by director Mary Zimmerman about racism in The Jungle Book (previously), Silk Road Rising Artistic Director Jamil Khoury sat down with Zimmerman to talk about her comments.
Libraries are Fab
So fab, in fact, that they're creating a free Fab Lab, due to open on July 8. In this case the "fab" stands for "fabrication" and will consist of a 3D printer, laser cutter, vinyl cutter, a milling machine and a variety of design software at the Harold Washington Library. Access will be free and open to the public. So renew that library card and get ready to make some fab things, Chicago.
Racist, Homophobic Prank Alleged at UofC
A postman claims he was the subject of a racist and homophobic prank at the hands of a UofC fraternity. A university spokesperson says the school is investigating.
Temperature is Relative
Sure, it's been a cool summer. But that's nothing compared with 21,000 years ago.
Kickstarting a Fraud Case
Meanwhile, elsewhere on Kickstarter, a supposedly LA-based campaign for Kobe beef jerky raised suspicions with its too-good-to-be-true pricing. It was soon discovered to be an apparent fraud perpetrated by someone based in Chicago. It's since been suspended.
This is to Kickstart You
Elephant-shaped coat hooks designed by eighth-graders, a magnetic bottle opener, a children's book about thunder and lightning and a carnival-themed art installation are among the projects on Gapers Block's curated Kickstarter page.
Free Sunday Parking Starts Early for Some
The meter machines in the 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 11th, 12th, 14th, 15th, 20th, 22nd, 23rd and 25th wards will be switched to the new free Sundays -- and pay till 10pm every other day -- configuration starting this weekend. The rest will switch over on July 1, assuming the change isn't repealed sooner.
Free Coffee & Doughnuts Friday
Glazed and Infused and Bow Truss are giving away each other's coffee and doughnuts this Friday to celebrate the latter's coffee now being brewed in the former's locations.
Play with Python, Kids
MIT is teaching high school students to code as part of the Chicago Summer of Learning.
Bridgeport's Slithering Residents
Bridgeport is teeming with snakes, apparently -- which may be more of a rodent issue, since that's their main meal. (Don't worry, it's mostly harmless garter snakes, of which Chicago has its own subspecies.)
Food Truck Lesgislation Rolling Along
While nothing will be decided for 30 days, a Circuit Court judge heard arguments this morning by food truck advocates and attorneys who are pushing for the end of regulations that prohibit food trucks from parking within 200 feet of established restaurants and required trucks to use of a GPS tracking device.
Before a Long, Long Time Ago...
The not-quite-finished 5-25-77 tells the story of a high school wannabe filmmaker in north suburban Wadsworth, who gets an opportunity to preview Star Wars and then tries to convince all his friends to make it to the premiere. It's debuting at the Toronto International Film Festival; help get it made. [via]
Free Fire Game
If you're not doing anything today, jump in the car and head down to Toyota Park and watch the Fire take on the Columbus Crew. Both parking and admission are free; the game was postponed from last night.
Still Separate
The Reader has launched a new series focusing on segregation in CPS schools, nearly 30 years after the desegregation plan went into effect and four years after it was thrown out.
Helping the West Side
The Stewards Market is a social enterprise in Humboldt Park started by a former minor-league baseball player and commodities trader.
Within Your Reach, Again
This is better than Game 1 of the Stanley Cup: legendary rock band The Replacements, who broke up in 1991 after an appearance at the Taste of Chicago, will be headlining September's Riot Fest in Humboldt Park.
Free Tix for Lonely Island This Friday
The Lonely Island, a comedy/musical troupe, will be at Metro at 5pm Friday for a special event. They'll preview their new record, The Wack Album, do a Q&A, and sign copies of the new record. We have two pair of free tickets for Gapers Block readers.
To win them, send an email to contests@gapersblock.com by 10am Friday. Put "Lonely Island" in the subject line and be sure to include your name and mobile number. Who's the Lonely Island? It's a "star-studded comedy trio" says Metro, including SNL alumnus Andy Samberg and writers Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone. UPDATE: We have a winner! Congrats to Kacey!
Addressing Violence in a Circle
The Sox and Bulls teamed up with Youth Guidance for an anti-violence campaign based on conversations team representatives are having with teenage boys.
Cavern Beneath the Loop
Crain's got a visit to the CTA's Block 37 superstation, construction of which was shut down in 2008.
Potholes, Pigeons & Pregnancy Tests
What do the aldermen do? WBEZ's Curious City finds out it's a lot more than just rubber-stamping the mayor's initiatives.
The Opposite of Apartment Finder
Dennis Rodkin talks with Mike Cerny, founder of DoNotRent.com, a site where users share details on awful apartments.
Awarded & Arrested Same Night
Soon after being honored with a "Tomorrow's Leader" award from the local Meeting Professionals International chapter, Jill Kaplan and her companion, Leo Perez, were arrested on drug charges.
A Series of Bad Dates
Solo in the 2nd City cofounder Carly Oishi is pretty sure she's the worst dater in the state, and has the TV show appearance to prove it.
Steve Dahl, Rock'n'Roll Star
Steve Dahl is infamous for his radio antics, Disco Demolition Night and more, and now has a successful podcast network. But did you know he was also a Billboard-charting recording artist?
In 1979, Dahl recorded "Do You Think I'm Disco?," a parody of Rod' Stewart's "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy," that peaked at 58 on the Billboard 100 charts in 1979. He went on to record several other songs with his band, Teenage Radiation. Here's a sampling:
"Do You Think I'm Disco?" - 1979
"Ayatollah" - 1979
"Skylab" - 1979
"Crew Cut Hero" - 1981
"Another Kid in the Crawl" -1981
"Falklands" - 1982
Dahl also recorded two albums of original, non-parody songs in the '90s as Steve Dahl & the Dahlfins.
20 Lovely People
Chicago magazine's most eligible singles list is out. Sharpen your résumé and meet them June 21.
2,152 Consecutive Blackhawks Games
Tonight, Bob Gertenrich will make it 2,153. Look for him in Section 333, Row 1, Seat 18.
"Awesome Truth and Awesomeness"
Kanye West talks to the NYTimes about his new album, Yeezus, and a whole lot more.
Orientalism on Stage
Silk Road Rising Artistic Director Jamil Khoury was taken aback and outraged by an interview with Director Mary Zimmerman in which she asserts that Rudyard Kipling's racism in The Jungle Book and the Disney film are "in the eye of the beholder, you know?" Zimmerman's adaptation of The Jungle Book opens June 21 at the Goodman. UPDATE: Zimmerman responds.
Divvy Delayed
Friday's planned launch of the Divvy bikeshare service is being delayed by two weeks for more equipment testing.
Chicago: Less Bang Bang
Chicago's murder rate is down 34% compared to last year -- and compared to Prohibition when Capone and the Outfit ruled the streets.
Kind Words by Mail
Want to show your support for CPS students whose schools are closing? You can send a free postcard to one offering support and encouragement.
WBEZ Closes Down Blogs
The station has let its network of blog writers go -- among them Claire Zulkey, John Schmidt and theater critics Jonathan Abarbanel and Kelly Kleiman.
Indie by Design
The annual Guerrilla Truck Show takes over Fulton Market tonight. Check out the latest from both established and up-and-coming furniture and industrial designers, showcasing in the backs of cargo trucks.
Rockin' Silhouettes
Records Redone cuts vinyl records into various shapes -- including Illinois, Cubs, Sox, the skyline and more. [via]
Fighting for the Lerner Theatre
Efforts are under way to save the Leo Lerner Theatre in the former Hull House Association center in Uptown, which was sold in foreclosure after the organization filed for bankruptcy and closed. The building is slated to be converted into condos; a petition on change.org seeks to get aldermen to stop that.
Welcome to Chiraq
The latest episode of VICE magazine's show on HBO focused on violence in Chicago, using the term "Chiraq" that's been dropped in local hip hop for a couple years. Chicagoist finds it questionable -- which would not be the first time VICE did something questionable regarding Chicago violence.
A Daley in Springfield?
Bill Daley, Obama's former chief of staff and brother of Richard M., is considering running for governor.
Tapped Before PRISM
Dan Sinker and Jeff Guntzel share recollections of when Punk Planet's office phone was tapped in 1999 when Guntzel was reporting from Iraq.
Roll Call Gets Repetitive
Highcrest Middle School in Wilmette may soon find itself in the Guinness Book of World Records for having the most sets of twins in a single grade. Two dozen sets are about to finish fifth grade. (Thanks, Dee!)
The Talk of the Town
This week in 1926, the first issue of The Chicagoan magazine was published. UofC has a full archive of The Chicagoan online.
Kryptonians vs. Chicago
Apparently it's not just Transformers who like to trash Chicago. The city takes a beating in Man of Steel, too.
Not Quite Hogwarts
Admit it, you wish there was an adult version: Magic Inc. in Lincoln Square is now enrolling for its summer magic camp for kids ages 7-15.
Funny Media Folk
Tuesday night the Laugh Factory hosts Chicago's Funniest Media Personality, a stand-up comedy competition featuring media folk from print, broadcast and online -- including Pat Capone, Scott Miller, Bob Sirott, Tracy Swartz and Ernest Wilkins. Each will do a five-minute set, and the audience will vote for their favorites. The top vote-getter wins a donation to the charity of their choice, in addition to bragging rights.
Designs on Block 37
Block 37 is courting a couple of businesses that could finally breathe some life into the mall; meanwhile, the Chicago Design Museum's current exhibition gives you a reason to wander through.
Ernest Hemingway's Ghost Wants to "Hijack" You
The Ernest Hemingway Foundation launched a new branding campaign that will pepper your Facebook page with posts as if you were spending an outrageous day with Hemingway.
Music Taste: Neko's Newest
Formerly Chicago-based artist Neko Case has a new album coming out, and just released a teaser video by Chicago-based filmmaker Xan Aranda
Buzz Down to the Lake Shore Drive
As if you needed more reasons to either avoid downtown or head there, Coffee Fest is at Navy Pier this weekend. It's a coffee snob's dream.
The Gateway on the Median
The Chicago Loop Alliance debuted a new temporary park on the State Street median between Lake Street and Wacker Drive. Called The Gateway, it's a new spot for eating lunch al fresco and otherwise hanging out.
Photo by Jasmine Davila
Photo by Nancy Bishop
Photo by Jasmine Davila
Photo by Jasmine Davila
Chicago 13 Years Ago
In 2000, more than 200 photographers documented the city in more than 500,000 photos. Chicago in the Year 2000 is now housed at UIC. (Thanks, Max!)
Explore Beyond Printers Row
If you're headed to Printers Row Lit Fest this weekend, keep your eye out for a trolley at the corner of Plymouth and Polk, which will take you on tours of the South Loop and near South Side. Tours depart every hour from noon to 5pm both Saturday and Sunday.
#RamonWOW Makes it His Business
Ramon DeLeon, who rose from delivery driver to franchise owner in his 28 years with Dominos Pizza, announced this week that he's moving on to focus on his customer engagement consultancy, which grew out of his masterful use of Twitter.
Whatever Happened to Brandon Baltzley?
Sarah Nardi profiles chef Brandon Baltzley in the Reader this week. Baltzley flamed out of Chicago's dining scene two years ago, has a memoir out now, and will soon open a small restaurant and boarding house in Michigan City.
Busking as a Business
Curious City asked how much panhandlers and street musicians how much they made in a day.
Maifest Resteverwurtung
With all the rain last weekend, Lincoln Square's Maifest ended up with a lot of uncooked food left over, so they're selling it off. Swing by DANK Haus Friday afternoon if you want a 5lb. case of brats for cheap.
Dan Savage Speaks Out
Author, advise columnist and Chicago native Dan Savage is doing two shows June 20 at Lincoln Hall in support of his new book, American Savage. The early show is nearly sold out, and the late show goes on sale Friday at noon. Tickets include a copy of the book via Unabridged Bookstore.
On the Foodie Trail
This Saturday, Bon Appetit magazine is hosting a Grub Crawl: for $149, get exclusive access and food at restaurants on Randolph Street or in Logan Square on one of two routes. Still a few tickets left, but hurry up.
Arts in Edgewater & Uptown
The Pivot Arts Festival kicks off today and runs through June 22. Check out the schedule here.
United States of X: Dialect Edition
A student at NC State University analyzed US dialect data and found some pretty interesting things -- such as that Chicago is "the city" to a pretty good sized region.
Up, Up & Away
Yesterday 566 Sears employees gathered at company HQ dressed as Superman to set a new World Record. Yes, there was a previous world record for that: 437.
A Groupon in Memorium
Groupon has launched a "deal" of a donation to fund the construction of more bike lanes in honor of deceased employee Bobby Cann, the cyclist killed last week on Clybourn.
Savage Unloved
Personal finance columnist Terry Savage has left the Sun-Times after a long-time advertiser pulled out and the paper asked her to find a replacement; you can still read her online.
Turn Around Slowly
The Academy for Urban School Leadership, a charter school operator, has been picked to turn around six schools, despite 10 out of 12 "turnaround" schools it currently manages not meeting CPS standards. Curtis Black dives into the reasons and politics behind the decision.
Cronyism or Shrewd Human Resources Move?
Rep. Luis Gutierrez has employed his former chief of staff, now a registered lobbyist, as a contractor to work with his official staff, USA Today reports.
Gacy-Related Building for Sale
Want to know if John Wayne Gacy buried victims in the yard and walls of the apartment building his mother lived in? (Previously) Buy it for $599k and go to town.
Urbs in Horto Amplius
ParkScore measures not just green space but also where parks ought to be. Here's Chicago, which rates 16th out of 50.
No 3-Day Next Year
Susan G Komen for the Cure is canceling next year's 3-Day in Chicago and six other cities due to falling participation. This year's walk is Aug. 9-11
RIP Piano C. Red
Bluesman Piano C. Red, who played with BB King, Muddy Waters and others, passed away at 79. He drove a cab by day before being paralyzed in a robbery attempt in 2006.
The Green of the Ivy, the Cork of the Bat
This might make you feel old: Sammy Sosa's corked bat incident was 10 years ago.
Improving the Lakefront Trail
Today the Active Transportation Alliance released its co-authored report [pdf] of user perceptions of the lakefront trail. In a surprise to no one, trail users are most frustrated by the sections between Fullerton and Division and over the river. How's that Navy Pier flyover coming along?
History in Wide Screen
Chicago mag shares historic panoramic photos of Chicago from the Library of Congress' collection.
Get Archived!
Sixty Inches From Center, the Chicago Public Library and Chicago Public Media are joining forces to document local artists for the library's Chicago Artists' Archive -- maybe even you!
Putting that Knife & Fork to Good Use
Enjoy this photograph of Patrick Stewart enjoying some Chicago-style pizza.
A Freshly Dead Mall
Evergreen Plaza, one of the oldest malls in Chicagoland, closed last week. Katherine Hodges visited for one last collection of photos -- including one of a unique work of art.
Everyone Gets Bored of the Food
The Trib's Wailin Wong profiles Fooda, a startup that brings more food options to office dwellers. Maybe even yours.
Prof Says You're Not That Pretty
Claire Zulkey interviews UofC Prof. Nicholas Epley, author of the recent study that found we think we're better looking than we are.
Photojournalism via Instagram
Laid off Sun-Times photojournalist Rob Hart was "replaced with a reporter with an iPhone, so he is documenting his new life with an iPhone, but with the eye of a photojournalist trained in storytelling." Add it to your tumblr feed.
Know the Business
37signals founder Jason Fried has a new little project: helping business owners stay connected with their company.
Milking the Weed Ordinance
A gardener who's won two awards from the city for her native plant garden received a $600 ticket for letting milkweed (which isn't actually a weed) grow; she's now fighting the weed-control ordinance [PDF] for being overly broad.
Diss in the Form of a Slideshow
Here's another "Chicago sucks" article to get pissed off about, this time from Business Insider.
The Grid: Botanicas de la Villita
"Botanicas de la Villita," the newest installment in our documentary film series The Grid, spends some time among the folk remedies and spiritual practices in two Little Village botanicas.
Nails as Art
Artist Breanne Trammell brings her Nails Across America trailer to the DePaul Art Museum at around 2pm today. Stop by and get involved in some nail performance art.
Nails Across America (for grant applications) from breanne trammell on Vimeo.
The Big Store
The awesome design blog Colossal just launched a shop, filled with lots of cool stuff, many from local designers.
Bestiality in the Pound!?
A man was arrested after being caught having sex with a pit bull in a cage at the Chicago Animal Care and Control Facility on the Lower West Side.
Driver Charged in Cyclist's Death
Ryne San Hamel, the driver who killed cyclist Bobby Cann last week, has been charged with reckless homicide and DUI; bail is set at $100,000. San Hamel is a partner in drink deal website AllYouCanDrink.com.
Make Some Media Connections
It's not too late to register for Making Media Connections, the Community Media Workshop's annual media relations and education conference, which runs from 9am to 7pm this Tuesday.
