RIP Keo the Chimpanzee
Lincoln Park Zoo's Keo, the oldest chimpanzee in America, has passed away. He was 55. The zoo has set up a memorial page for him.
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
Sunday, April 28
Merge
Monthly Archive
September 2013
A Bitter Pill
The FBI is no longer leading an investigation into who killed seven people in Chicago and the suburbs 30 years ago by lacing Tylenol with cyanide.
Another Shutdown Countdown
Government services could be restricted and thousands of federal employees in Chicago may see their pay affected if Congress is unable to pass a spending bill today.
The Other Green Jobs
A budding industry of schools that teach how to cultivate and sell marijuana- legally- is taking root in Illinois following the legalization of pot for medicinal purposes.
Blue Line Crash
An apparently-empty Blue Line train collided head-on with another train stopped at the Harlem stop this morning, sending dozens of people to the hospital.
Skipper Out After a Two Season Tour
The Cubs fired manager Dale Sveum after the team finished this season in last place in its division.
Hard to Heat Up
The lead designer of the classic arcade game NBA Jam admitted it was rigged to make the Chicago Bulls play worse whenever they went up against the Detroit Pistons. [via]
Taste Back in Black
Taste of Chicago managed to make a profit this year, for the first time since 2007.
Pushing Liquor in Austin
Despite a moratorium on new liquor stores in the South Austin neighborhood, a convicted drug dealer was given special approval -- and TIF money -- to open a new one, the Tribune discovered. Twenty-ninth Ward Ald. Deborah Graham shepherded the arrangement, about six months after receiving a campaign donation from the owner. Smart Chicago's Dan O'Neil adds insight on the data side of the story.
Gangs Aren't Into Unity
This weekend's "national unity summit," intended to bring together gang members to discuss reducing violence, drew mostly anti-violence activists and victims' families.
Vintage Heaven
The Randolph Street Market returns to the West Loop this Saturday and Sunday. An amazing show featuring the best antique pickers selling their latest finds -- along with live bands, interesting food and a full bar.
First-Person in Syria
A man from Morton Grove traveled with two Syrian friends earlier this summer to see the civil war in Syria firsthand.
Offerman Speaks!
Nick Offerman's the man around town next week. He's at the Chicago Theatre Oct. 3, then talks about his book Paddle Your Own Canoe at the Music Box Oct. 4. He's also introducing a screening of Dead Man that night.
"I would like to be paid like a plumber."
Read Steve Albini's letter to Nirvana ahead of recording In Utero, which turned 20 years old this week. (It's apparently included in the super-deluxe edition of the re-release.)
24'x24' Black-and-Whites of America
The world's largest film camera is currently sitting at Two North Riverside Plaza, about halfway through its stay here before touring the country, taking monumental photographs of members of more than 50 distinct cultures across the country. Help it happen through the IndieGoGo campaign.
"There's a Da Bears movie?"
There is, reveals original superfan Robert Smigel in an interview with Grantland. He cowrote the script with Bob Odenkirk, but it's obvious it'll never be made. [via]
"This is what moves things forward."
When it was revealed that the @horse_ebooks Twitter account was a hoax performance art, Dan Sinker of @MayorEmanuel fame took it pretty hard. Luckily, someone has created @sinker_ebooks.
They Know We're All Watching
Jacqui Cheng reflects on her experience teaching 150 inner city kids about social media this summer, as part of Smart Chicago's Civic Innovation Summer -- and what it revealed about how kids use Facebook, Twitter, etc.
Monetizing "People Plazas"
The mayor announced plans to transform around 60 of the odd lots created by angled streets and other grid oddities into public plazas -- with money-making potential through ads and sponsorships.
Finding Hope
After Meagan Lane's cell phone was stolen while she was riding on the L, she found herself reconnecting with the people of the city.
More OT for NATO
An arbitrator ruled that the City must pay $1 million dollars more in overtime pay to police officers who were on duty during the NATO summit last year.
Arrested Taking Money
Three men paid to maintain ATMs allegedly stole $1.3 million dollars from them in the process.
Green Light for Red Light Suit
A 3-year-old lawsuit challenging the legality of Chicago's red light cameras will be heard by the Illinois Supreme Court.
Don't Forget Your Helmet
While it may be impossible to tell if biking is more dangerous than other ways of getting round the city, it gets less scary with experience and if you stick to bike lanes.
Volcano Girls Return
The frontwomen of Chicago grunge-era band Veruca Salt apparently settled their differences and will be heading back into the studio.
Faster Than the Speed of Light
Someone made a huge trade in Chicago's markets based on new information from the Federal Reserve two to three milliseconds after the agency made it public last week- and experts don't know how that's possible.
Generations Lost
From Syria to meth to baseball fans, Michael Miner, in a Safire-esque mood, asks just how many generations are we losing?
Stop Washing Your Face
Stop using cleansers containing "microbeads," anyway. The tiny beads are made of polyethylene plastic, and they're ending up in Lake Michigan, adding to the pollution and possibly entering the food chain. Thankfully, some companies are phasing microbeads out.
Please Move to the Next Checkout Lane
Jewel-Osco has removed the self-checkout lanes at some of its Chicagoland locations. The move is intended to reconnect staff with shoppers.
How You Like Them Apples?
Gene Yale of Skokie grows 178 varieties of apples in his yard (they're mostly dwarf trees) -- but he doesn't eat apples.
One Term Mayor for Life?
Compare and contrast: "one term mayor" booed at African-American event; nobody is stepping up to run against him in 2015.
History Right in Front of You
From the Couch Monument in Lincoln Park to a bust of Lincoln in Englewood, Peter Bella tells the story behind some interesting Chicago sights hiding in plain sight.
And Boom Goes the Dynamite
The CGI-fueled destruction of the city for the latest Transformers movie caused some real damage as Michael Bay and company blew up part of the Santa Fe Grain Elevators on the South Side.
Get the Lead Out
While upgrading the city's water system is necessary (we're still using hollow logs as pipes in some places), construction may cause a spike in the amount of lead in nearby homes' drinking water, according to EPA research.
This Old 'Hood is Pretty Good
This Old House lists Bronzeville as one of the best old house neighborhoods in the country for its classic, affordable stone homes and rich history. [via]
Escalation of Tragedy
Police say the men suspected of firing indiscriminately into Cornell Square Park and injuring 13 people last week were retaliating for a shooting earlier in the day where one of them was grazed in the leg by a bullet.
United States of X: Bigfoot Edition
There have been 3,133 reports of Sasquatch in the past 92 years, all over the country -- including a couple in Chicagoland.
Origin Story
Max Grinnell revists the "World's Busiest Corner" at State & Madison, where the street addresses of the grid begin.
Young Cutler
Jay Cutler's high school highlight tape shows the Bears QB was a pro at passing, catching, and even dunking at a young age. [via ]
More Chicago Tech Charts
Built In Chicago has released its annual list of the city's top 100 digital companies. Compare with Crain's list of the top 50 people in tech.
Chicago's Bang Bang Again
Chicago magazine takes a look at how other countries' media is reporting on Chicago's violence.
A Peek of Genius
A Mississippi newspaper has published the full list of this year's MacArthur Genius Grant recipients a few hours ahead of the requested press time (whoops!). Among them is Steppenwolf ensemble member and playwright Tarell McCraney.
Late Night Crime Seen
Al Jazeera rode along with video journalist Ken Herzlich as he worked the graveyard shift, capturing the sights of Chicago's late-night disasters and crime scenes.
Firm Plans for Hard Liquor
Explore Chicago's nascent microdistillery scene and the wide world of booze all this week as part of Craft Spirits Week.
All the School's a Stage
DePaul just opened its beautiful new theater school building, designed by Pelli Clarke Pelli.
The Food Fight Continues
A combination of fast food pricing, intense competition, and restrictive parking rules makes Chicago a tough place to own a food truck, Chicago Grid reports.
Multiple Victims, Mapped
The Tribune has put all 547 of 2013's multi-victim shootings on an explorable map.
Perfect for a Billboard
The Chicago Cubs revealed the 100th anniversary logo for Wrigley Field, selected from 1,200 entries submitted to the team as part of a contest.
Out of CPS Means Out of the City
The Reader's Steve Bogira talked with three sets of parents about why the state of CPS school options made them make the age-old move to the suburbs.
I Charleston Chicago
First, Al Capone danced the Charleston on top of a flagpole, and now a group of local dancers lindy hop their way through the city in a new video.
Have You Seen Him?
A digital drawing commissioned by ABC News "20/20" shows what Paul Fronczak may look like 49 years after he was stolen from a Chicago hospital as an infant.
Bridges Up & Out
The fall bridge lift schedule commences Wednesday; be ready for morning delays as sailors bring their boats in for storage. Meanwhile, the Grand Avenue Bridge is closed for the next two weeks for emergency repairs.
More Arrests in Back of Yards Shootings
Chicago Tribune reports two more people, including the suspected gunman, have been charged in last week's mass shooting in the Back of Yards neighborhood that left 13 wounded.
105 Years & Counting
The 105th anniversary of the "Merkle's Boner" play that led to the Cubs' last World Series win was yesterday. The umpire who called the play, Hank O'Day, is being inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Keith Olberman suggests this is the moment the Cubs' curse began.
Goose to Stay Put, Bayless to Expand
Goose Island is in talks with its landlord to keep the Clybourn brewpub open. Meanwhile, chef Rick Bayless is planning a new spot in Wicker Park, in the old Salud space.
Meager Gathering of the Juggalos
This year's Gathering of the Juggalos (previously) wasn't a money-maker for Insane Clown Posse, and they're having trouble paying their vendors.
D Rose Goes All In
In a new Adidas ad, Bulls star Derrick Rose sets his sights on giving Chicago "the ultimate thank you" when he returns to the court this season.
Black Market Monolith
The Sinaloa cartel -- run by Chicago's Public Enemy Number One -- is the source of 80 percent of all the drugs that pass through Chicago.
Copyright Mumbo Jumbo
A judge ruled that Washington, D.C.'s popular mumbo sauce is actually a Chicago concoction.
Back of the Yards Front and Center
Following last week's shooting at a basketball court that injured 13 people in the Back of the Yards neighborhood, the Tribune calls the area a "no man's land" for police and politicians.
Operation Rain Drop
Blackhawks forward Brandon Bollig takes to the ice and shoots for laughs in a response to the viral video of Patrick Kane's impressive stickhandling abilities.
Shop in the Name of Lunch
A picture of what reportedly is R. Kelly's grocery list has hit the internet.
School Budget Whiplash
After closing 50 "underutilized" schools in June due to budget limitations, Mayor Emanuel recently announced over $90 million in spending for school upgrades and construction.
Kansas Comet Files Suit
Former Bears running back Gale Sayers is suing the NFL for not doing enough to protect him from head trauma during his seven-year career.
A Glimpse of EXPO
From a child's legs dangling out of a sink to a bridge of golden arms, Chicagoist shares a few highlights of this weekend's EXPO Chicago art exhibition at Navy Pier.
06C to LSD
A small plane flying out of Schaumburg made an emergency landing on Lake Shore Drive Sunday. If only Meigs were still there...
Swing on By
Conan O'Brien revealed that Miley Cyrus' strange video for her song Wrecking Ball stole the concept from an ad for a Chicago-area appliance store. [via]
Watch It Grow
Cube Cities shows Chicago's history in less than two minutes with an animated timeline of the city's growth from 1862 until today. [via]
Going the Distance
The City estimates riders pedaled over a million miles on Divvy bikes since the program launched a couple months ago- far enough to pedal to the moon and back, twice.
Apple Picking Season
Another new iPhone, another scene on Michigan Ave. of people lining up to get it first.
All that Glitters
Officials halted the auction of celebrity memorabilia that Jesse Jackson, Jr. bought illegally using campaign funds, saying a Van Halen guitar and other items may actually be fakes.
Poverty on the Rise
Over 636,000 people, or one in four Chicagoans, lived below the federal poverty line last year.
Chicago Works for You
Today Smart Chicago launched a new website for residents to track service requests by ward.
Art for Everyman
Expo Chicago is this weekend at Navy Pier; it's the largest exhibition of fine art all year, so there's plenty to see even if you're not an art aficionado.
Didn't Get the Memo
The CHA recently dropped 47,000 people who were homeless or otherwise looking for housing from its waiting list after they failed to respond to a letter sent by the agency.
13 Shot in Cornell Square Park
Thirteen people were shot in an attack in Back of the Yards last night, including a 3-year-old boy.
The Money 'He' Doesn't Want Courts to Know About
A judge ordered pitch man Kevin Trudeau thrown in jail after finding out he was actually living lavishly while claiming he couldn't afford to pay a court-ordered fine.
Beanie Baby Billionaire Busted
Beanie Babies inventor Ty Warner was charged with felony tax evasion and agreed to pay a $53.5 million penalty.
Food and Liquor and Crime
A Northwestern University study found that anyone living near a liquor store or bar on the South or West side is 500 times more likely to be shot than their neighbors.
City of Big Shoulders Yields "Big Brother" Champ
Andy Herren, a 26-year-old professor of public speaking based in Chicago, won the grand prize of $500,000 on the long-running CBS reality series "Big Brother".
A Colossal Interview
The NEA's Art Works blog interviews Christopher Jobson of Colossal about his interests, work process and more.
Scene Builders
Newcity profiles the gallery operators, marketers, and other behind-the-scenes operators that support art in Chicago.
Don't Get My Bad Side, Bro
Illinois State Troopers will soon be carrying video-capturing Tasers when they make traffic stops.
Top of the Cop Charts
Chicago has the highest number of sworn police officers per 1,000 people of any major U.S. city (4.4), according to Department of Justice figures. [via]
Little House on the Prairie
Chicago Patterns documents an abandoned worker's cottage, the lone holdout between expressway and Palmisano Park in its corner of Bridgeport. (Check out more abandoned buildings in GB's To Be Demolished project.)
The Wrong Kind of "Old Fashioned"
The federal government filed a discrimination lawsuit against the Rosebud restaurant chain, which includes Rosebud on Rush and Carmines, saying it purposely fails or refuses to hire African Americans.
Perpetual Motion Machine
Chicago is the only one of America's ten largest cities without term limits of any kind, according to the Illinois Policy Institute.
City of Indie Gamers
Speaking of Cards Against Humanity, it's just one of the games Kotaku says is leading an indie gaming renaissance in Chicago.
Dickwolves are Not OK
After yet another controversy-spoiled Penny Arcade Expo, Cards Against Humanity cofounder Max Temkin explains what he and the company are going to do to combat discrimination and harassment at PAX in the future.
Sky Flying High
After years of struggling, the Chicago Sky are energized ahead of their first playoff bid ever this Friday against rival Indiana Fever.
Thai Town Has Him Now
Arun Sampathavivat, chef-owner of Arun's, is hoping to transform a few blocks of Pulaski Road north of Montrose into a new Thai ethnic neighborhood.
Planning Chicago's Digital Future
A new Technology Plan released by the City aims to make Chicago the Seoul, South Korea of North America by encouraging universal Internet access, entrepreneurship, and government transparency.
Murder Capital, U.S.A.
New crime statistics released by the F.B.I. reported 500 murders in Chicago in 2012, more than any other city in the country, including New York.
Kickstart, Flip & Pin
The documentary Sadermania, about a Chicago Hulk Hogan superfan who became best friends with his idol, is complete and ready to go, but music licensing and other legal fees are keeping it from distribution. Director Adam Gacka has turned to Kickstarter to make it over that last hump, and it's one of several new projects on GB's curated Kickstarter page. Take a look and lend a hand.
Chicago's Wine Knight
New short documentary Wine for the People profiles Humboldt Park-born Charles Stanfield, master sommelier, chevalier in France's Ordre des Coteaux de Champagne -- and Binny's wine expert. [via]
Get TJ's Delivered
Grocery delivery service Instacart is expanding into Chicago, partnering with Trader Joe's. The company promises delivery in as little as an hour, which unfortunately means service is limited to within quick driving distance of a TJ's for now, but they plan to add Whole Foods, Dominick's and Costco soon.
Drinking on the Trail
Friends of the Bloomingdale Trail is leading a pub crawl along the 606 this Saturday. Five stops, with a suggested donation of $25. Email info@bloomingdaletrail.org to RSVP. [via]
Beyond Deep Dish
Zagat released a very good-looking list of must-try dishes from some of the city's best restaurants.
Inside the Gun Vault
Over 80,000 guns are stored in the CPD's vault in the old Sears Roebuck catalog factory.
Cop Contact Unclear
Measuring the use of stop-and-frisk tactics by Chicago police is difficult because officers inconsistently record their interactions with people on the street, according to WBEZ.
CIFF Schedule's Out
The Chicago International Film Festival released its full schedule for this year's fest, Oct. 10-24.
Glossary of Chicago Eats
It may be too early for dinner, but this guide of Chicago dishes, from a Jim Shoe to a Maxwell Street Polish, is making me hungry.
S&P Considering a Downgrade
Standard & Poor's changed its outlook of Chicago's bond rating from "stable" to "negative," meaning the credit agency may decrease the city's A-plus rating unless it addresses its budgetary problems.
Live on the Set
Curbed has a map of the most recognizable filming locations in Chicago, of which there are many more.
Street Beef Heats Up Online
An investigation by Wired shows how trash talk on social media can quickly escalate to violence among young members of Chicago's rival gangs.
UNO Skirts Pension Obligations
The Chicago Teachers' Pension Fund completed a comprehensive independent review on Monday of the United Neighborhood Organization (UNO) charter school system's pension fund contributions, finding the charter operator had underreported employees to the fund and neglected to make pension contributions on behalf of 90 employees.
RIP Svengoolie (the First One)
Jerry G. Bishop, the original "Svengoolie," passed away Sunday. He was 77.
Here, Bishop passes the torch to Rick Koz as "Son of Svengoolie" debuts in 1979.
Because it's the Photo Op
Blackhawks fans may get their last opportunity to pose with the Stanley Cup tomorrow at Millennium Park; its tour ends when the hockey season begins in October.
On the Trail of Delta Tamales
Mike Sula found a place to get true Mississippi Delta hot tamales, which made their way to Chicago with the Great Migration and morphed into the paper-wrapped style common in hot dog stands.
A New East Side School
Just a couple months after closing 47 schools, Mayor Emanuel announced plans yesterday for a new elementary school in the East Side neighborhood -- on possibly tainted land -- to address overcrowding at Gallistel Elementary Language Academy.
It's the Clash of the Pie Tins
Registration is open for the ninth annual Bucktown Apple Pie Contest, which deserves full credit for that awesome pun. The contest is Oct. 20.
Bill's Out
Citing the "enormity" of running for office, Bill Daley dropped out of the governor's race Monday night.
A Peek into the Pit
Speaking of the mosh pits at Riot Fest, Hoy sent a photographer into the fracas to capture what exactly goes on in them- and get tips from some well-seasoned pit pros.
Pritzker's Billions
Jennifer Pritzker -- formerly Col. James Pritzker -- is the first transgender person on the Forbes 400 list of the country's richest people.
Own a Piece of the Legacy
A few fur coats and framed celebrity pictures that belonged to Jesse and Sandi Jackson will be auctioned off online tomorrow morning (no word on his $43,000 Rolex).
Ride-share for Free
Uber's ridesharing service, UberX, is free this coming weekend, if you use the coupon code #CHILOVESuberX. There's also a bunch of other free stuff attached.
Moshing's Pitfalls
At least six Riot Fest attendees went to the hospital over the weekend with mosh pit-related injuries. Read our Riot Fest coverage in Transmission.
Stay Off the Tracks for El's Sake
The CTA is reminding commuters to stay off the tracks following an increase in on-track fatalities and reported cases of people jumping down from platforms, often to retrieve their phones or other belongings.
Landlord of the Year
Eddie Carranza, embattled owner of the Congress and Portage theaters, has left tenants without heat or hot water after not paying gas bill the Portage theater complex. His response? "I don't know why it is such a big deal. The bigger deal is how I'm improving that shitty neighborhood."
Baconfest Expands Next Year
Think the nation's love affair with bacon is on the wane? Fear not, for Baconfest is doing three sessions next year, April 25 & 26 at the UIC Forum.
Department of Manhole Covers
After months of complaints about an open manhole near 58th and Blackstone, a sign went up explaining that "a few crappy pieces of wood hastily nailed together and light enough for any curious eight-year-old boy to move is sufficient to guarantee everyone's safety." We'll see if that spurs some action by the Department of Water Management.
Fake Coupon, Real Sandwich
A Subway restaurant actually honored the fake (and obviously controversial) "Subtember 11th" coupons featured in a recent Onion article. Even adding to the twisted irony is that the pre-tax total of the purchase was $9.11.
United States of X: High Speed Rail Edition
According to this map from the California Rail Map, travel from Chicago to New York would take about six hours by high speed rail, and about 12 hours to LA. [via]
Ventra Gotchas
Yesterday, Kevin O'Neil detailed the steps you need to take to activate your new Ventra card (carefully read the emails that the CTA is sending you!). More concerning is RedEye's report that Ventra readers can also read your ATM card, so don't be keeping your Ventra card in your wallet!
Quiet That Cough
Do you recall Smith Brothers cough drops? The brand is undergoing a resurgence, under the guidance of new CEO Steve Silk.
Chicago Front & Center on SNL
Former iO start Cecily Strong will co-anchor the Weekend Update desk with Seth Meyers on "Saturday Night Live" this season, and former Second City actor Michael Patrick O'Brien will move from the writers' pool to the cast.
The New Cuteness
The olinguito, a newly discovered species of small, teddy bear-like raccoon, is now on display at the Field Museum after sitting undiscovered in a drawer for decades.
How to Protest Australian
A group of Australians came to Chicago to try and stop McDonalds from building a restaurant in their small hometown that borders a national park.
A Wal-Mart Reaction
Ken "artistmac" Smith attended the opening of the Pullman Wal-Mart opening earlier this week, and noted what a difference six years makes in terms of attitudes toward the big-box store.
Chicago as a Litmus Test
Matt Maloney, co-founder of GrubHub, tells the WSJ why Chicago is a great place for startups.
Swing Set Disparities
WBEZ's Curious City found that parks and playgrounds serving children of color are generally farther away, less safe, and renovated less often.
Old-School Mythbusters
LIFE looks back at a meeting of the Anti-Superstition Society of Chicago on Friday the 13th, December 1941, where members did every unlucky thing they could think of, from breaking mirrors to laying in a coffin.
Coming Up Next
The Reader's fall arts preview provides an overview of the season's performances, openings, readings and more.
Who's Backing Lyft?
Ridesharing services like Sidecar and Lyft tout $1 million insurance policies that cover their drivers, but actually seeing a copy of the policy is practically impossible -- and participating in the services could put drivers' own insurance coverage at risk.
Public House Hosts a Gluten-Free Beer Dinner
Public House, River North's beer focused eatery, is hosting its first-ever Gluten Free Beer Dinner next Wednesday, Sept.18. The six‐course pairing menu from Chef David Blonsky & Chef Jeremy Tannehill was created to complement the hand-picked gluten-free beers. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased here!
Chicago Joe & Company
Two kittens survived a five-day journey from Chicago to Edmonton, Canada as stow aways on a train.
Drugs in the Water
A recent environmental study found that Lake Michigan water is contaminated with pharmaceuticals and other personal care products flushed into Chicago sewers. Diabetes treatments, caffeine and antibiotics were among the most commonly found chemicals.
Save Roeper the Aisle Seat
Richard Roeper was named Roger Ebert's replacement as lead film critic of the Sun-Times yesterday. According to Chaz Ebert, "Roger would have been thrilled."
United Launches Accidental Super Sale
United Airlines' online ticketing system was letting customers book free flights yesterday afternoon, due to an error on the part of some employee who is no doubt now fired. United says it hasn't decided yet whether to honor the free flights.
Move That Bus
Buses will now make a special stop at the new super Walmart in Pullman, after Mayor Emanuel and Ald. Beale criticized the CTA for not extending service to the store in time for its grand opening.
Wrigley Regulars
Al Yellon reflects on why he continues to go to every Cubs home game, even after decades of disappointment.
Get Low, Help Kids
At the Pitchfork Music Festival this summer, Low beautifully covered Rihanna's song "Stay." Now you can buy that track on iTunes, and the proceeds go to Chicago music education nonprofit, Rock for Kids.
Mass Matchmaker
Steve Harvey is aiming for a new world record by bringing 654 singles to Navy Pier for a blind date that will include an appearance by crooner Michael Bublé.
Guns Go off the Books
Local gun owners no longer need to register their weapons with the city after state law forced the City Council to end Chicago's registry. Guns still need to be registered with the State of Illinois, however.
Mell Gets a Last Laugh
Recently retired Ald. Dick Mell shared some classic Chicago political advice during his farewell speech: "Listen, when you're on the telephone, just remember the FBI is on the other line."
More Boots on the Ground
Rookie CPD officers are now patrolling 20 of the city's most dangerous neighborhoods on foot as part of a strategy that officials say has decreased the number of shootings by 45 percent and overall crime by 29 percent.
Fixed Income, Full Flavor
WBEZ's Monica Eng did a two-day trial of the SNAP Challenge and produced very delicious-looking results (a feat, compared to others' attempts). The Greater Chicago Food Depository is organizing a SNAP Challenge next week, if you're interested in experiencing a food budget of $5/day firsthand.
A Day in Chicago
Over Labor Day weekend, Brandon Nicklaus shot a gorgeous time-lapse video of the city from Lake Point Tower. [via]
Crawling Through Restaurants
The Wicker Park/Bucktown Chamber of Commerce is bringing back its Fall Dinner Crawl Oct. 1. Like last year, there are three routes to choose from, each featuring tasting portions of signature dishes from a dozen neighborhood restaurants. The Fork route is already sold out, and tickets are going fast for the Knife and Spoon routes. Get'em while they're hot!
Litterbugs Beware
A new ordinance passed by City Council increases fines up to $1,500 for throwing trash from car windows and gives police the ability to impound vehicles of drivers caught littering.
Bike Safety is Paramount
The Paramount Room at Kinzie and Milwaukee has set up a bike repair station to help passing commuters -- and encourage them to pop inside for a drink or bite.
"Lesbians rule!"
Chicago's dearly departed Cameron Esposito was on Craig Ferguson's "Late, Late Show" last week, as was Jay Leno. And beyond the approval of two veteran comedians, it was Leno's endorsement of her lifestyle that made her night.
I Can Haz Filmz?
Fueled by the Internet's inexplicable obsession with all things feline, the touring Cat Video Film Festival will make a stop in Chicago.
Albini State of Mind
Chicagoist talks with Steve Albini about the forthcoming Shellac album, remastering Nirvana's In Utero and more.
Discount Daaa-ble Check
The Bears Superfans are back in a new commercial with Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Another Safe Passage Safety Concern
If gang warfare on CPS "Safe Passage" routes wasn't bad enough, there are also registered sex offenders living on many of the routes.
Two Bronze Thumbs Up
Organizers in Roger Ebert's hometown of Champaign are raising money to build a life-size statue of the critic outside the Virginia Theatre, which hosted Ebertfest for the past 15 years. [via]
Patriotism in Practice
Volunteers are serving across the city as part of a national day of service commemorating the anniversary of 9/11, including a group of handymen that remodeled the kitchens of low-income apartments in Uptown.
Robert Feder is Back
Well, he never went away, but his media news is finally in a form other than a Facebook post once again.
Real Food for Real People
Chicagoist's Melissa Wiley gets a taste of Comfort Station's community-focused potlucks in Logan Square, where the only cost of a home-cooked meal is your company.
'Pink Slime' Back in Illinois Schools
According to USDA purchasing data obtained by Politico, Illinois schools are once again buying ammonia-treated 'pink slime' beef to serve in cafeterias, likely in an effort to save money.
Preserving Pullman
A study by the National Park Service found that the Pullman Historic District on the far South Side could become a national park because of its unique history.
Kickstart it All
Just added a few new campaigns to GB's curated Kickstarter page, including a bolt-shaped shot glass, a wireless flash for your iPhone and a new fashion line by Maria Pinto. And if that's not enough, the Second City Network has another Kickstarter for you.
Copyrights Were Meant to Fight
Chicago musician Clive Tanaka is suing Nicki Minaj for copyright infringement for allegedly lifting portions of his 2010 song "Neu Chicago" for her hit "Starships."
Listen to a side-by-side comparison created by Tanaka:
Taste of the Buggy Bits
Dennis Lee took a trip to Four Belly in Lakeview to partake of the silk worms, frog legs and other odd items on the menu.
Covering "Chiraq"
Al-Jazeera America's Christof Putzel said that although he reported from war zones he's never experienced the same "level of intensity on the streets" as he did covering gun violence in Chicago.
You and the Who's Who
Crain's Clout Calculator measures the degrees of separation between you and industry leaders in Chicago.
Find Love Next Exit
Entrepreneur Gordon Engle is looking for love with a billboard ad off the Stevenson Expressway with the caption, "I'm GORDON -- Let's have dinner!"
Mighty Tykes
Pictures of babies doing one-armed push-ups, karate kicks, and some impressive flexing are the uncanny product of an advertising campaign by local photographer Eric Sahrmann.
Crackdown on Sidewalk Biking
In an effort to reduce sidewalk collisions, a City Council committee advanced a proposal to raise fines for cyclists caught riding on sidewalks to $200.
The L Word & Jane Addams
Was Jane Addams a lesbian? Not an easy question to answer, finds Curious City.
[Insert Your Food Truck Name Here] is the Best New Food Truck
Want to start your own food truck? A free seminar Thursday at the Bucktown Public Library can help you figure out your next steps.
Redbox with Starch
Pressbox is a new laundry service that lets you drop clothes off in lockers around town, and then pick it up, clean and folded, later on.
The Doughnutty City
Doughnut Vault earned a spot in USA Today's list of the nation's best doughnut shops.
Rahm & Dave
Mayor Emanuel was on "The Late Show with David Letterman" last night, talking about violence in Chicago, being chief of staff, and his thoughts on Syria. If you missed it, here's the full video.
Get on the Music Train
The Station to Station tour stops at Union Station tonight -- featuring Mavis Staples, Theaster Gates' Black Monks of Mississippi, Thurston Moore, White Mystery and more. Get tickets now.
D.Wade's New Threads
Dwayne Wade likes ties -- enough that he's collaborating on a new line with local shop Tie Bar.
Wrongful Conviction Reversed
Carl Chatman, a homeless man who was wrongfully convicted of rape in 2002, is to be released as soon as today.
Fifty Shades of CTA
Not spotted on that Transit Readings blog we linked to last week: Fifty Shades of Grey. Looks like he just got to that one part.
Pizza & Malort: Delicacy or Travesty?
Did you hear that Dimo's Pizza has a pie made with Malort? Time Out's Amy Cavanaugh tried it, and it's not bad.
Koch Bros. Buy Molex
The Koch brothers apparently decided that rather than buy the Tribune's newspapers, they'd just go pick up Lisle-based Molex, an electronics company, for $7.2 billion -- which means they'll soon make a little bit of nearly every computer you use.
Derrick Rose Gets Some Light Practice
Rose is on a tour of Japan, China and the Phillipines for Adidas, and took some time out for shooting practice in Tokyo.
Here he is against three challengers from the crowd:
Versus a Japanese professional basketball player:
And of course, be cause it's Japan, versus a sumo wrestler:
Early Warnings of Section-8 Foreclosure
When privately owned subsidized housing goes into foreclosure, the owners often neglect the property -- and the CHA isn't informed. WBEZ and Chicago Reporter investigated and found a predictive trend between CHA inspection failures and foreclosure.
Politicians Behind the Politicians
Discovery's new documentary "The President's Gatekeepers" debuts this Wednesday, and features both Mayor Emanuel and Bill Daley.
Outfox the Cameras -- Maybe
The latest version of the Cobra iRadar iOS app has been updated with the locations of the 50 speed cameras around town.
Brightening Blighted Buildings
With some paint and an artistic touch, Chicago's boarded-up, vacant buildings turn into works of art.
Continuing Cost of Police Misconduct
City Council is set to approve $12.3 million dollars in settlements for two more victims of police torture, bringing the total cost of misdeeds under former CPD commander Jon Burge to nearly $85 million.
Trading Pinewood for Plastic
Some very cool 3D-printed cars were launched to their likely doom in a derby-style race at the recent IDSA Conference.
Paper Art
Pick up a copy of NewCity this week for a special art section designed and curated by artists Sarah Belknap, Joseph Belknap and Marissa Lee Benedict.
No More Aged Old Fashioneds?
Anthony Todd broke news yesterday about a possible crackdown on barrel-aged cocktails due to the technique's technical violation of several liquor and food safety laws.
A New Season for Art
Paul Klein previews the works of galleries across the city as they prepare for the fall season.
No Guns at the Dinner Table
City Council is considering an ordinance that would require all restaurants that serve alcohol to post signs saying guns are not allowed; the state's new concealed carry law already bans them in bars.
"The RULES are to be quiet in the car!"
A man claiming to be a member of the Board of Trade recently got into a fight with another passenger in a Metra quiet car after talking on his phone. Not sure how being a trader qualifies someone to "cut you in half."
NSFW audio, so put your headphones on.
Wait, Wait... New Logo!
"Wait, Wait... Don't Tell Me!" got a new logo, and it got the Under Consideration treatment.
Back to Mexico Without a Net
The latest issue of the Chicago Reporter focuses on what happens to illegal immigrants after they're deported.
Midway Stays Public
The Emanuel administration canceled privatization plans for Midway Airport after one of two bidders dropped out of the running. The Trib provides a history of the city's first major airport.
The Gopher Strikes Again?
A suspicious fire wiped out most of the golf carts at the Chick Evans Golf Course on the Northwest Side; investigators suspect foul play.
This Onion is Serious
The 25th Annual Onion City experimental film and video festival starts today at the Gene Siskel Film Center. [via]
Katsu Gets Top Spot in Zagat Survey
Rogers Park hole-in-the-wall sushi spot Katsu upset culinary titans like Next and Alinea to win "Top Food" in the 2014 Zagat Survey. [via]
Bridging the Subcutures
Resident Advisor takes a look back at what made Medusa's so culturally important. If you enjoyed that, you may also want to read Sheila Burt's oral history of the club from our archives.
Pop it in the Tape Deck
This Saturday is Cassette Store Day, and two local shops are participating: Bric-A-Brack Records in Logan Square and The Old School Records out in Forest Park -- plus, The Owl will host a launch party for its new Parliament Tapes cassette tape vending machine Saturday night.
In Rogers Park, Neighborhood Moves You
Moving snafus forced Aimee Levitt to spend a night in the alley behind her new Rogers Park apartment, giving her a front-row seat (on her own couch) of the area's late-night happenings.
Flop Down, Chicago Bears
Former Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher said the team had a "designated fall guy" who would fake injury to slow down fast-tempo opponents. [via]
Watch Out for Waves
The national weather service is warning people to stay out of the water at Chicago beaches today, saying waves and rip currents will be dangerously strong. [via]
Not Yet
Former GB staffer Sandor Weisz created a simple way to answer of one of the most annoying questions asked of parents-to-be: "Is the baby born yet?"
Nice Book, Stranger
The Transit Readings tumblr recommends books based on what people are spotted reading on the CTA.
Photogs Trot Down the Street
The students who were locked out of the old Trotter's restaurant by the eponymous retired chef last week have a new location and date for their photography show. The exhibition will open Saturday at the Artists Frame Service in Lincoln Park.
The Grumpiest Pledge Drive
Grumpy Cat will help fundraise for a new cat adoption center for the Tree House Humane Society in an upcoming video.
So It Begins
Republican gubernatorial candidates are introducing their running mates and political platforms now that they can officially circulate petitions to get on the ballot in 2014.
Preschoolers Missing Out
A study found that almost half of 3-year-olds and over a third of 4-year-olds missed over 15 days of CPS preschool, usually because they were sick.
Trib & Sun-Times Comment Monitors Take the Day Off
Regular readers of the Trib and Sun-Times are probably used to racist and abusive comments, but the proposed Englewood Whole Foods articles are generating an almost unbelievable level of bile with seemingly no editorial response. UPDATE: Both papers have shut down comments on the articles.
This Machine Makes Music
Music Hack Day is an international day of banging technology together to make music. Chicago's effort is Sept. 21-22 (overnight) at Blue 1647; register now.
RIP Ronald Coase
Nobel Prize-winning U of C economist Ronald H. Coase passed away Monday. At 102, he was the oldest living Nobel laureate, and helped create the field of law and economics.
Quitting Time for "Safe Passage" Workers
CBS 2 is reporting that some corners on "Safe Passage" routes are not covered by workers and some workers are already quitting. [via]
Whole Foods to Open in Englewood
Whole Foods is publicly stating what's been known by Englewood organizers for a few months: It will open a store at 63rd and Halsted ... by 2016. For what it's worth, while Whole Foods and the Sun-Times imply Englewood is like the neighborhood where the Detroit location opened, it isn't.
Noprah
The WGN Morning News team managed to hang up on Oprah yesterday morning, in the middle of the queen of all media telling them about her upcoming schedule. She was nice enough to call back and rub it in. [via]
Rerouting Transit
A proposal aimed at reforming local public transit amid ongoing scandals would merge the Metra, CTA, and Pace planning departments, potentially saving millions of dollars.
Beep Beep, Here Comes the Bus
Wondering why your bus stop started beeping? It's a feature, not a bug.
Reeling in Logan Square
After a year off, the Reeling Film Festival, Chicago's international LGBT film festival, is returning this fall, with most screenings happening at the Logan Theater.
Hanging Out in the Hermit Kingdom
Former Chicago Bull Dennis Rodman is back in North Korea, saying his visit is not a diplomatic mission, but rather a chance to hang out with ruler Kim Jong Un and "start a basketball league over there or something like that."
Hard Work Down the Toilet
Toilet Hackers is an international organization working to improve sanitation conditions in the developing world. There's a fundraiser this Thursday in Chicago; you can still show your support even if you can't make it.
Ask a Teacher
GB contributor Dave Stieber is answering questions about what it's like being a teacher in Chicago Public Schools on the Guardian's website today.
Famous Swimmer's Chicagoland Roots
As the school year kicks off, Lake Forest College celebrates alumnus Diana Nyad, whose historic swim from Cuba to Florida is an inspiration to current student athletes.
Reenacting Steeterville's Roots
Streeterville: The Play, which depicts the neighborhood's foundation by the controversial Cap Streeter, will be performed in its namesake area for the first time later this month.
Look at the Sky
The Chicago Sky clinched top seed in the WNBA playoffs this weekend, securing home court advantage in their first postseason in the team's history.
Watch Your Speed -- They Are
In case you missed the news on Friday, Mayor Emanuel announced locations for the next 50 speed cameras to be placed around the city. Here's a map.
RIP Frederik Pohl
Science-fiction author Frederik Pohl passed away this weekend in Palatine. He was 93. His most recent book, All the Lives He Led, was released in 2011, and he had been blogging right up until his death.
A Murder Confession Goes Viral?
A secret from today's edition of PostSecret alludes to a buried body at Wooded Island in Jackson Park.
