Frankie Knuckles RIP
The "Godfather of House Music" died Monday evening from diabetes-related complications. He was 59 years old. More »
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
Monday, November 17
Merge
Monthly Archive
March 2014
Extreme Makeover: Schools Edition
CPS is now accepting suggestions of what to do with all those empty school buildings.
Replay Pioneers
The Cubs were the first team to use new, expanded instant replay powers in Major League Baseball during a regular season game against the Pirates on Monday, challenging a call that Jeff Samardzija was out on first base; the out was confirmed.
Alinea Tops Again
Alinea is the best restaurant in the world for the third year in a row, according to luxury magazine Elite Traveler.
Zagat Names Chicago's "30 Under 30" Chefs
Zagat released its 30 Under 30, a list of "gastronomic game changers," which includes a butcher, a baker, but alas, no candlestick maker.
Mobile Homes
As new construction near McCormick Place and across the city moves forward, the Harriet F. Rees House and other historic buildings threatened by development may be completely uprooted and moved to new locations.
United States of X: Opening Day Edition
Based on an all-or-nothing analysis of Facebook likes by county, the White Sox own Cook, Will, Kankakee and Lake County in Indiana, and the Cubs own the rest of the region.
The Mexican Cookbook Library
Eater got a peek inside chef Rick Bayless' personal library above Topolobampo & Frontera Grill.
Charity for Nonbelievers
Giving nonreligious people ways to give back like those offered by religious institutions is a major goal of the Foundation Beyond Belief convention coming to Chicago.
Hawks Take Another Hit
With the end of the regular season less than two weeks away, Jonathan Toews was injured during the Blackhawks 4-1 loss to the Penguins.
Beverly's Chicago Mix
WBEZ's Curious City reports on how Beverly became racially integrated -- and stayed that way.
Selfridge's Returns
Season 2 of the PBS Masterpiece series "Mr. Selfridge" debuted Sunday night. GB's Nancy Bishop wrote last fall about the Chicago connections in the show and the story.
Packing'em In
Seems a little late to be worried about the loss of the Meatpacking District, what with Randolph Street and half of Fulton Market taken over by high-end restaurants, but two new hotel projects really have residents and businesses concerned about the area's namesake being pushed out.
Where's the Late Crown?
It may not surprise you to learn that 911 calls are answered about three times slower in parts of the South Side than those on the North Side, according to a Sun-Times analysis.
Sun Times' 25 Facts
In response to Buzzfeeds list of "50 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Chicago," the Sun-Times Blog retaliated with a list of "25 Things You Actually, Probably Didn't Know About Chicago."
Asleep at the Wheel
"We've all dozed off driving a train [or a car]," said Robert Kelly, president of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 308, in defense of the CTA driver who crashed a Blue Line train into the escalator at O'Hare earlier this week. The driver worked 69 hours last week in on-call shifts with no set schedule, Kelly said.
Litigating Tragedy
A Chicago-based law firm will be representing family members of the passengers of the missing Malaysia Airlines flight in a lawsuit against Boeing and the airlines, alleging the plane crashed because of a mechanical failure.
Hold the Lime
If a bartender tells you to take those tequila shots without any citrus, it's probably because local bars are coping with the skyrocketing cost of limes caused by a shortage in Mexico.
The Freedom Trilogy
Film critic Matt Fagerholm proposes a set of three films that gives a picture of Civil War America that is "greater than the sum of its parts."
United States of X: Corny Edition
Popcorn represents Illinois on Hargreaves & Levin's map of the US in corn. [via]
An Outsider in City Hall
Lacking connections and forced to apply for her job the old fashioned way, Chicago Magazine calls the 7th ward's Natashia Holmes "the Unlikeliest Alderman in Chicago."
Time to Kick It
A minimalist pour-over coffeemaker, a contemporary Korean restaurant and sockless shoe liners are among the projects currently on GB's Kickstarter page.
Spring Cleanup
Public service reminder: Street sweeping starts April 1, and the City is planning to do an aggressive job to start. Use SweepAround.Us to get reminders of when to move your car.
Reversing Hate
God Hates Hate is "simple visual response to the root of all things negative in the world," created by Bud Rodecker and Nick Adam and featuring designers from Chicago and beyond.
Making Us Chicago
Polygon profiles videogame designer John Block and The Men Who Wear Many Hats about the game based on the city's violence that they're developing with kids from Chicago All Stars and Young Chicago Authors.
Watchdogs of Chicago
Although there's plenty of action and interesting play features shown in the trailer for the new videogame Watch Dogs, Chicago is the true star. (Thanks, @twpolk!)
Racing Hams
Large likenesses of broadcasters Ken "Hawk" Harrelson, Steve Stone, Ed Farmer and Darrin Jackson will race against each other during White Sox games this season.
A Woman with Drive
Molly Cantrell-Kraig, founder of the Women With Drive Foundation, is one of the CNN 10: Visionary Women.
Rahm and the City
No one wants to live in the suburbs anymore, according to Mayor Emanuel. What do you think?
Lego My Intern
Northwestern student Leah Bowman made a LEGO version of her resume in hopes of landing an internship this summer -- and ended up with a viral hit. [via]
Homes Alone
For years, GB's David Schalliol has snapped portraits of "isolated buildings" standing alone on once-crowded city blocks. Chicago magazine highlighted the series, and Gizmodo's commenters pointed out similar buildings in other cities.
Zoom In On Everyday Life
The video series City on the Make takes an artistic look at ordinary moments in popular places across Chicago.
City on the Make - episode 9 from BOTTLE ROCKET MEDIA on Vimeo.
Poetry Magazine is a Finalist in National Magazine Awards
Poetry magazine, published by Chicago's very own Poetry Foundation, is up for two National Magazine Awards 2014.
Drilling Down
On the heels of yesterday's shooting at the suburban home of the manager of rapper Chief Keef, Gawker takes a look at drill music and its effect on the city's music, politics and culture.
The Home of House
Chicago house DJ/producer Lil' Louis interviewed over 180 different artists for a feature-length documentary about the history of house music, "The House That Chicago Built," due out later this year.
Urban Orienteering
Scientist Seth Kadish checked the orientation of all the streets in 10 US counties to see whether they adhere to the compass. Cook County is pretty close to dead on, angled streets aside. [via]
Lots of Dick (Allen) Pics
The White Sox will be connecting with fans via Snapchat this season -- follow "whitesox." (Hopefully this is the only dick pic they send anyone.)
Tag, You're Fit
If the typical workout routine fills you with dread, maybe Chicago Recess is your speed. Play kids' games like kick the can and keep away in Lincoln Park on Saturday mornings.
Leave Your Resume at Home
The casting call for the 30th season of The Real World is coming to Chicago this weekend.
The Players, United
The National Labor Relations Board ruled Northwestern University football players are employees of the school, and as such are entitled to a union election.
Iron Women
DNAInfo's Howard Ludwig profiles radio DJ Kelly Leahy, whose show Hello Metal brings Hello Kitty and heavy metal together.
Another Vision of the City
The Andersonville-based Wachowskis will film part of their upcoming Netflix series "Sense8" in Chicago.
Smashing Expectations
Billy Corgan announced that two new Smashing Pumpkins albums will come out this year. Hopefully they're better than the eight-hour unlistenable live set he did last month. [via]
Plastic Bags on Notice
Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced his support for a city-wide San Francisco-style environmental crackdown that would ban Chicago retailers from providing plastic bags for customers to carry merchandise in.
The City that Works and Works
There's no telling who you might meet when the International Carwash Association comes to town to celebrate the profession's 100th anniversary.
Geeks, Get Together
The inaugural Chi-Fi geek convention is this Saturday. No matter what geekdom you practice, you're welcome there.
Stock Up On Anecdotes
Buzzfeed thinks you probably don't know these 50 things about Chicago, including spray paint was invented here in 1949, Western Avenue is the longest continuous street in the world, and the first automobile race in the U.S. was held here in 1895.
United States of X: Porn Edition
Chicagoans like sexy POV massages from ebony lesbians in college, according to research from PornHub. [via]
Meet the Lacquerheads
Local nail polish blogger Scrangie Mariano talks about her obsession in a NYTimes piece on polish collectors.
Oil & Water Don't Mix
The BP refinery in Whiting accidentally let a little tar sand oil out into Lake Michigan, but don't worry, the EPA says the water's fine.
Want to See a Trainwreck?
The first negligence lawsuits have been filed by two passengers in Monday's CTA Blue Line derailment, and as a fun bonus, video of the crash has emerged.
Hard Restart
Three low-performing elementary schools are on CPS' list of "turnaround" schools for next year; if approved, their management will be turned over to the Academy for Urban School Learning and teachers will need to re-apply for their jobs.
You Can Go Home Again
Politico's Roger Simon, who's teaching at UofC's Institute of Politics this spring, recalls the lessons he learned in Chicago politics growing up on the South Side.
The Vitamin Vault Locked It In
Comedian Todd Barry's First Annual Best Walgreens Award goes to the chain's Wicker Park location.
Cost of Competence
While many saw Chicago's red light cameras as an attempt by the City to make money, revenue from them continues to decrease as less and less people are caught by their flashing lights.
Foresworn
Four Loko as we knew it will be no more, as Chicago-based Phusion Projects agreed to cease production of caffeinated alcoholic beverages under pressure from government officials. They're still making Four Loko products, and in fact just released a new flavor. (Previously.)
Tune in to Chicago
Funny people with Chicago roots are continuing their takeover of the TV and film industries, including Hannibal Buress, who is set to tape his own Comedy Central special here.
Coming to a City Near You
The City put together a movie trailer for Chicago, complete with a gravelly-voiced narrator and an exploding wok sound effect that would make Michael Bay proud.
Don't You Believe It
According to University of Chicago researchers, Americans believe all sorts of medical conspiracy theories, even once they've been debunked. Hey Kristen Cavallari, maybe you should read this.
Let's Play Too Late
While Jackie Robinson broke baseball's color barrier in 1947, the Cubs waited until 1953 to get with the times -- and it may have been the reason for the team's long decline, writes the Reader's Steve Bogira.
Don't You Forget About Me
The day that the iconic North shore teen drama "The Breakfast Club" took place celebrates its thirtieth anniversary today.
30 years. pic.twitter.com/jmIpAl0RJ5
— Molly Ringwald (@MollyRingwald) March 24, 2014Cutting Back in the Fine Print
After shutting down half of its mental health clinics two years ago, the City is dedicating remaining resources to uninsured people, apparently leaving those who signed up for health benefits under the Affordable Care Act to find care somewhere else.
It These Streets Could Talk
The Chicago Literary Map app lets readers discover stories posted by writers to locations throughout the city.
First and 26th
The Onion and AV Club are launching the first annual 26th Annual Comedy Festival in June. Three-day passes go on sale tomorrow, and single day tickets go on sale Friday, March 28.
Ending the Sister Act
Local aldermen want to end Chicago's sister city relationship with Moscow in response to Vladimir Putin's seizure and annexation of Crimea from Ukraine.
What's the Hang Up?
A study observing Chicagoans behind the wheel found one in five of them was using an electronic device, violating the state's ban on talking or texting while driving more frequently than anyplace in Illinois.
Join the Web
Google is hosting a series of Get Your Business Online workshops around the city for small businesses that don't currently have a web presence.
Truth in Research
A U of C study on how to detect when someone is lying could help TSA agents detect suspicious travelers in the future (and you can participate, too).
Disco Demolition Documentation
Diane Alexander White brought her camera to Comiskey Park on July 12, 1979 for Disco Demolition Night, and captured the crowd on film. (Thanks, Dee!)
Taking Care of Friends
Two of the victims of the drunk-driving incident at SXSW were had Chicago ties; Jamie West died, and Evan West is in intensive care. Friends are fundraising to help Evan recover.
Over 30 Hurt in Blue Line Derailment at ORD
A train car entering the Blue Line O'Hare station at a speed observed to be faster than normal derailed and hit a platform at about 3am this morning, causing the car to rest on the stairs that lead into the airport. Over 30 were sent to nearby hospitals; six of them have fair-to-serious injuries. CTA is running bus shuttles between O'Hare and the Rosemont stop to accommodate passengers.
No Permission Slip
Some parents of students at a Bucktown elementary school are upset CPS officials questioned their children without their permission, asking the kids about their teacher's behavior during the recent boycott of the ISAT state tests.
You Must Be Lost
Just a guy out for a casual drive on his Segway, on the street, having a nice chat on his cell phone while heading towards Lake Shore Drive.
Breaking the Silence
Federal investigators are bringing new charges against a man who allegedly killed an off-duty Chicago cop back in 2008 and intimidated all the witnesses into not testifying against him.
House Rules
The House Ethics Committee is investigating Rep. Luis Gutierrez, taking a look at annual payments of $50,000 made over 10 years to a contractor with connections to the congressman's former chief of staff.
Save the Water Tower!
Andersonville's iconic but structurally challenged water tower has been removed, but Groupon has launched a Grassroots campaign to restore it.
Extreme Makeover: Blue Line Edition
The CTA's overhaul of the Blue Line starts this weekend, interrupting service between the Logan Square and Western Avenue stops from 10pm Friday until 4am Monday.
How Much for a Million Dollars?
In Chicago, about 6,173 square feet of home. Business Insider puts national home prices in perspective.
Prairie Style Cocktails
On Fridays in April, the Robie House in Hyde Park will hold after hours cocktail parties. Tickets are $35 apiece -- only $30 if you're a member of the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust.
Design Stars
NewCity's annual Design 50 names the leading lights in architecture, fashion, graphics, product design and beyond.
Flyover No More
As further evidence of Chicago's growing popularity as a place to start or locate a business, the city was home to more corporate facility investment projects than any other U.S. city in 2013.
Eatin' Good in the Neighborhood
Food LTH Forum has released its list of this year's Great Neighborhood Restaurants and Resources, among them Lincoln Square's Rainbow Thai Cuisine and Roscoe Village's Bad Wolf Coffee.
The Moulin Vert
Grab a corner table and dig on the history of Chicago's storied hangout of gangsters and beatniks, the Green Mill, through these oral histories collected by the Reader.
United States of X: Hollywood Disaster Edition
Chicago has been destroyed a number of times by Hollywood, according to a disaster movie map from the Concourse. (Thanks, Dee!)
A Globetrotter's Guide
Crain's shares some of the lessons learned by jet-setting business types who fly out of O'Hare as they travel around the world.
1 Tournament We Don't Want to Win
Speaking of brackets, Deadspin put Chicagoans -- that's right, all of us -- on its bitchiest, most defensive fans in America bracket, up against Crossfit Enthusiasts.
Vacant Lots for $1?
Chicago wants to offer city-owned vacant lots to homeowners and nonprofits in Englewood for $1. It's been done in Gary, and Chicago is hoping this would put some of over 5,000 current vacant lots to use.
Paste Up Comedian
Huffington Post takes a look at the funny reflections of everyday life posted around Chicago and New York by street artist Don't Fret.
When Westboro Came to Town
Yesterday's death of former Westboro Baptist Church leader Fred Phelps brought to mind the protest-happy group's past trips to Chicago, most recently visits to University of Chicago, UIC and downtown, and to several synagogues.
Black and Blues
While the Blackhawks dominated the Blues 4-0, star Patrick Kane left the game with a left knee injury that could leave him on the bench for the next three weeks.
You Get a Buzz, and You Get a Buzz
Starbucks announced it will begin selling alcohol in evenings at certain stores, as well as a blend of chai tea endorsed by Oprah herself.
Pledge Your Support
WBEZ's "The Afternoon Shift" and Chicago-based "Wait, Wait... Don't Tell Me!" are head-to-head in a public radio March Madness bracket. Only one can make it to the next round; choose wisely.
Bleed Cubbie Blue
Twelve die-hard Cubs fans can get a free tattoo commemorating the 100th anniversary of Wrigley Field, courtesy of the Central Lakeview Merchants Association. (They're also offering free laser tattoo removal for up to 12 Sox fans.)
Masters of Puppets
Planned for next year, the Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival aims to bring performances by the world's top puppet artists to venues across the city.
Our Heroes
We're so proud of the Gapers Block contributors who are Lisagor Awards finalists, including Jason Prechtel for his story about past issues with Ventra's parent company, and the team behind The Grid video series for their short documentary, "The Area."
Large Sums for Stumblers
NBC Chicago reports the City spent almost $6 million between 2008 and 2013 on lawsuits from people who tripped and injured themselves on city sidewalks.
RIP Vernita Gray
Vernita Gray, a longtime LGBT rights advocate and one of the first to marry under Illinois' same sex marriage law, has passed away. She was 65.
Candidate Call
The Primary Election results are in, and among the big winners is gubernatorial candidate Bruce Rauner, while convicted felon and former alderman Isaac Carothers will not pass go in his pursuit of a seat on the Cook County Board.
Once Again Seeking Refuge
Elvira Arellano, the undocumented immigrant who took refuge in a local church, igniting a fierce debate over deportation of parents of American-born children, is seeking refugee status in the US after allegedly receiving kidnapping threats for her human rights activism in Mexico.
For the Win
Orr Academy High School's Tyquone Greer hit a game-winning 3-point shot nine days after he was shot in the leg while attending a neighborhood party on the West Side.
It's Soup Weather
Join us tonight at 5:30pm for Soup & Bread at the Hideout, where members of the Drive-Thru section will be dishing up two of the soups being offered -- just donate if you can and grab a bowl.
Get a Ride to 814
Author, artist and former cabbie Dmitry Samarov recently rediscovered his driver code map, from 641 (north of Howard in Rogers Park) to 935 (Hegewisch), that the ride terminals in taxis use.
Get Well Soon, Joe!
Metro owner, Joe Shanahan, was recently diagnosed with throat and tongue cancer. Joe says his treatment won't affect upcoming shows, thanks to his spectacular team, but we're still hoping for his full and speedy recovery!
Bad Business, Man
Suburban-based Sears Holdings and McDonald's are on Consumerist's 2014 Worst Company in America bracket.
Actually Ride the Length of the Lakefront Trail
Construction of the much-needed Navy Pier Flyover will start next week. While the lakefront trail is supposed to remain open throughout construction, check out the detours and closures page for updates.
Rusty Machine
As of 2pm Tuesday, only six percent of voters made it to the polls for the primary elections.
Their Big Break
Eminem, Skrillex, Kings of Leon and Arctic Monkeys are among the headliners for this year's Lollapalooza, according to the Tribune.
Rolling Out the Red Carpet for Business
For better or worse, Chicago is tops at convincing businesses to move here, according to Site Selection magazine. (Thanks, Dee!)
Get Drunk Fast
Too lazy to go to the liquor store? QwikerLiquor now delivers wine and booze from local shops to your door. [via]
Battle of the Beard
Plenty of Chicago chefs and restaurants are among the finalists for the James Beard Awards, including Spiaggia for Outstanding Restaurant and The Violet Hour for Outstanding Bar Program. More details in Drive-Thru.
Civic Duty Time
There's still time to get to your local polling place for today's Primary Election- polls are open until 7 p.m. tonight.
Flagging Foodies
Posted in the kitchen of a "prominent Chicago restaurant," a memo on how to spot a food critic discovered by Tribune writer Kevin Pang warned servers to be especially careful with diners eating alone.
Play it Again, Mac
Soundslice, Adrian Holovaty and PJ Macklin's app for learning tabs, now includes a sheet music player that syncs notation with real audio recordings. Way cool.
The Start Up Kids
A nationwide contest will try to bring the "next big thing" to Chicago by providing young entrepreneurs with free office space and connecting them with potential investors and mentors for a year.
On Each Other's Team
Lorde, who's in town for a show at the Aragon tonight, live-tweeted the Bulls game last night ...sort of.
i am at a bulls game this is so intense how does everyone in this room not have a stress ulcer
— Lorde (@lordemusic) March 18, 2014i am such an outsider to the world of sport but i feel very proud of all playing
— Lorde (@lordemusic) March 18, 2014the cheerleaders are doing synchronized movements to small pieces of drum-based instrumental music
— Lorde (@lordemusic) March 18, 2014the cheerleaders are doing synchronized movements to small pieces of drum-based instrumental music
— Lorde (@lordemusic) March 18, 2014they just filmed me (surprise) and my keyboardist spontaneously kissed my drummer while the cameras were on us (surprise x2)
— Lorde (@lordemusic) March 18, 2014LORDE AT TE BULLS GAME @lordemusic pic.twitter.com/AZepH9H3LQ
— ✿Ness✿ (@RoyalsLorde) March 18, 2014Andersonville Loses an Icon
The iconic water tower atop Andersonville's Swedish American Museum is being removed due to dangerous damage sustained during the unusually bad winter. The museum is closed until it's removed; it's unknown if it will be replaced.
A Natural Remedy for Fraud
A judge sentenced pitchman Kevin Trudeau to 10 years in prison for criminal contempt, citing among other charges his refusal to pay court-ordered fines while living lavishly off money he earned with a fraudulent diet book.
A Dash of History
The Foodseum would be a permanent space for visitors to taste, touch, and smell exhibits about edibles of the past and present.
On Reluctant Vegetarianism
Chicago author, Joe Meno, writes about "surrendering" to a vegetarian lifestyle in this month's Chicago magazine.
Probably Not Bat Meat
The AnchorVan, the "world's first combination news/food truck," is serving up free chicken downtown to promote Anchorman 2.
Against All Odds
A man who says he was conceived at the Des Plaines Oasis after his parents went to a Phil Collins concert protested the freeway-spanning stop's permanent closure by chaining himself to the door.
Good Snowmaritan
After nearly 35 years of plowing his neighborhood's sidewalks on his own, South Side resident Albin Hoffman is calling it quits.
Avoid Lake Shore Drive
Yesterday's standoff on Lake Shore Drive led to chaos on the streets as motorists found ways to get off the road. A fire at Hollywood and Kenmore this morning closed the Hollywood entrance to the Drive during rush hour.
Prepare for the Dark Lord
Fans of beer deepest black: tickets for Dark Lord Day go on sale today at noon. Three Floyds' annual celebration is April 26.
You Are Creative
The next Creative Mornings talk features designer and You Are Beautiful creator Matthew Hoffman. Registration opens today at 11am for the March 21 event.
Green-shirted Men Fighting on the Street
Crime in Wrigleyville + Boystown compiled the fury unleashed by St. Patrick's Day revelers on Wrigleyville over the weekend.
The Greening of the River
Chicago photographer and GB flickr group contributor Peter Tsai made a 30 second time-lapse video of the river's emerald transformation.
Endorse This!
If you're looking at your sample ballot for Tuesday's election and want to figure out who's getting your vote, here are some endorsements to get the ball rolling: the Tribune, the IVI-IPO, Vote for Judges, the League of Women Voters [pdf], and the Illinois AFL-CIO [pdf], Chicago Federation of Labor [pdf]. The polls open at 6am and close at 7pm.
To Mr. Wreck It Rahm
At the Louder Than a Bomb Youth Poetry Slam at Metro last weekend, Team Englewood Spoken Word took it to Mayor Emanuel for wrecking their neighborhood.
Better Policies for Rideshares?
Facing pressure from legislators, Uber and Lyft have announced "enhanced" insurance policies for their non-taxi drivers.
Cavallari is Anti-Vaccine
Kristen Cavallari (and presumably husband Jay Cutler) doesn't believe in vaccinating children, she revealed in a Fox Business interview, despite overwhelming evidence that they're safe and the thorough debunking of the study linking vaccines and autism. (She's cool with marijuana, though.)
Ventra Summer
Holdouts be warned, the CTA is finally forcing your hand. Ventra will be the only payment option starting July 1.
The Internet Interviews
Interviewly takes Reddit AMAs and turns them into more traditionally formatted interviews. Chicagoans getting the treatment so far include John Cusack, Bill Murray, Audrey Niffenegger, Gary Sinise and of course, President Barack Obama.
"Straight Outta...Chicago"
Tomorrow, from 11am to 4pm, Cinespace Chicago Film Studios is holding an open casting call for the upcoming feature film Straight Outta Compton, a biopic on the hit '90s rap group N.W.A. Casting directors are looking for African American males, late teens to late 20s, for the roles of Dr. Dre, Ice Cube and group founder, the late Eazy-E. For more information, call 773-521-8000.
Deep Dish in the Big Apple!?
You remember all the New Yorkers bitching about how deep dish isn't really pizza? Well, one of the hottest restaurants in Manhattan right now is Emmett's, a Chicago-style pizzeria, where waits stretch to three hours. (Though it might not be that great.)
Get Ready, Wrigleyville
At least some of the Wrigley Field renovations will begin this year, Ald. Tom Tunney told neighborhood residents this week.
A New/Old View of the City
A garage sale find revealed a beautiful 1940s-era film about Chicago produced by the Board of Education, narrated by sportscaster Johnny Neblett.
Salty from Our Tears
So, how much road salt ends up in Lake Michigan? Curious City tries to figure it out.
Rats Begone
Ald. Bob Fioretti (2nd) wants to sterilize female rats to reduce Chicago's rodent population. The plan is based on a reportedly successful rat sterilization pilot program New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority launched last year.
Making Space for Makers
The Southside Hackerspace Chicago is running an IndieGoGo campaign to finish building out its Bridgeport/Pilsen area studio.
Let's Get Studs
In May, the University of Chicago hosts Let's Get Working, a three-day festival celebrating the legacy of Studs Terkel.
Shutter Closes on Calumet
Calumet Photo abruptly closed all its US stores today and filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. A post of Facebook says they're "exploring opportunities to reopen select locations to keep serving our customers." Update: their U.S. Facebook account is now closed.
Green Water
The river will be dyed green earlier than usual, at 9:30am, this Saturday to make it easier to get the St. Patrick's Day Parade started on time. Whet Moser reveals why the tradition started in the first place.
Over the Top
So long a sideshow, the Chicago League of Lady Arm Wrestlers gets featured event attention in the Reader.
Welcome to Chi-Pitts
The "Chi-Pitts" megalopolis is the second largest of the US mega-regions, with economic output equal to Brazil.
Dogs Missing in Burglary Found
The two French bulldogs that were missing after a home burglary in Avondale yesterday were found in Humboldt Park and reunited with their owners earlier this evening.
Crossing the Border
Chicagoist's Chuck Sudo says 18th Street Brewery in Gary gives beer lovers another reason to go to Indiana besides Three Floyds.
Permanent Subs
As neighborhood schools shrink, some schools are making do with skeleton crews, leaving some students with substitute teachers for core classes for months.
Funny Five
Time Out profiles five of the latest Chicago-trained comedians now writing laughs for TV.
Gourmet Year-Round
Food fest Chicago Gourmet has launched Beyond Gourmet, a quarterly dinner series intended to give foodies opportunities to mingle with chefs, mixologists and industry folks throughout the year.
The Spire Rises Again
The troubled Chicago Spire (previously) may be back on again after the developers cut a deal to resolve debt issues.
6½ Feet
This latest snow made it official: This has been the third snowiest winter on record. The tally at O'Hare now stands at 79.1 inches; we'll need another 3.2 inches to tie the winter of '77-'78 at 82.3.
Every Picture Tells A Kwento
The Field Museum gathered 10,000 artifacts from the Philippines between 1907 and 1910. Now the Museum is inviting Filipino-Americans around the web to be "co-curators" and help identify these objects through the site 10,000 Kwentos.
Taxi Drivers Resort to Blackmail?
In an editorial last week, taxi newspaper Chicago Dispatcher threatened to out five aldermen if City Council doesn't pass regulations against ridesharing services. It reads as potentially satirical, but LGBT advocates are understandably outraged.
United States of X: Meaty Edition
If Illinois (and the rest of the states) could only eat one meat, what would it be? Slate attempts an answer. [via]
The Weight of White
Trib writer Matthew Walberg calculated he's shoveled about 25 tons of snow this winter. If you've got a driveway, you might have come close.
Careful with that Carp
WBEZ's Curious City looks into which Lake Michigan fish are safe to eat, and in what quantity.
Gender, Stereotyping & Occupational Hiring
Two Chicago area business school professors helped coordinate a new study that demonstrates some of the ways women are discriminated against in scientific careers.
"Nobody's interested in your texts."
Our hometown president appeared on "Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis" to promote Healthcare.gov.
Design, Cut & Print
Inventables CEO Zach Kaplan launched a new app this morning at the SXSW Interactive Festival. Easel is a free app that makes designing stuff to produce with a desktop 3D printer or milling machine quicker and easier.
Follow These Folks
Thrillist posted a list of 50 Chicago Twitter Feeds that Matter -- but the list is pretty light on ladies. Scott Smith (a member of Thrillist's list) provides this corrective.
President of Sick Burns
Barack Obama traded barbs with Zach Galifianakis on his Between Two Ferns web series to promote signing up for health insurance.
Feed the Meter by Phone
The City will test paying meters via a smartphone app later this year, Mayor Emanuel announced Monday. It'll be tested in downtown areas first before being rolled out elsewhere.
Theaster Gates Gives Stephen Colbert a Contact High
Theaster Gates has been getting a lot of attention lately, but little of it compares to his recent appearance on the Colbert Report.
There's no Greying in Baseball
Paul Konerko celebrated his 38th birthday last week. He's part of a shrinking group in baseball: players born in the 1970s.
Pull the Plug
I know it was cold, but the ComEd bill for the GB office went way up in January. And it's going to get higher.
White Bread for Health
Before it was considered junk food, Wonder Bread was a health innovation. Loaves will soon be back on Chicago store shelves.
Galaxy's Best Dad
Fans of Jeffrey Brown's books about Darth Vader as a dad to Luke and Leia might be interested in the statuette versions.
The Freedom Wall
It's a common question among Brown Line riders: what's that huge black banner with all the names, and why is there one missing?
So Long, Western Avenue Bridge
Over the weekend, a demolition crew removed the Bloomingdale Trail's Western Avenue bridge so that it can be replaced with the Ashland Avenue bridge in a few weeks. Check out additional photographs on Twitter.
But He's not Mitt Romney
The 1% isn't elite enough for Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Rauner. "Oh, I'm probably .01 percent," he said in an interview with the Sun-Times. Rauner has put $6 million of his own vast fortune into his campaign.
Brown's Chicken Killer Wins Case
One of the men convicted in the Brown's Chicken Massacre case just won a civil rights lawsuit against the state. James Degorski was awarded $451,000 in compensation for a beating he received from a Cook County Sheriff's deputy as he entered prison to serve his life sentence.
A Family Band of Thieves
A suburban Chicago family is accused of shoplifting more than $4.2 million dollars worth of goods from stores around the country and selling them on eBay.
Bishop's Saga
Steve Rhodes takes a closer look at the story of Arthur Bishop, who resigned from his new post as head of DCFS after a WBEZ and the Sun-Times investigation found he pleaded guilty to stealing from clients at a social service agency 20 years ago.
A Decade of Dancing Puppets
The cute and vaguely creepy Puppet Bike is celebrating ten years of bringing improvised performances of tiny puppets to Michigan Avenue and the city at large.
Pastry Invaders
While Chicago is in the middle of a homegrown doughnut boom, the competition is heating up as Stan's Donuts comes to town from LA, the "Doughnut Capitol of America."
Pothole Accounting
CDOT is auditing streets recently paved by contractors to see if they've been more prone to potholes this winter. (Don't forget to report potholes to help get'em fixed.)
Lenten Eating
Former GB contributor JP Pfafflin is on a constant search for the best Friday fish frys.
Bueller?
Less than a third of CPS schools have enough parent applicants to fill the seats on their local school councils.
Why Pennytown is Avalon Park
Ever wonder how Chicago neighborhoods got their names? Some are obvious, others less so. Mental Floss has answers for all of them.
Live Lit Mag
Story Club Magazine is a weekly peek inside the live lit scene in Chicago. The first issue is up now.
Daylight Zulu Time
Don't forget to set your clocks forward for Daylight Savings Time this weekend. And did you know that the military has its own time zone system? Chicago is on Sierra Time.
Yuck Yak
An app allowing users to anonymously message people nearby is taking bullying and gossiping to another level at a Lincoln Park school, where officials are asking parents to delete Yik Yak from students' phones.
Keys to Chicago
CNN's interview with GB alum Britt Julious on must-know Chicago facts touches on jibaritos, the names of places, and gym shoes.
Frosty History
CBS takes a look back at the worst winters of all time in Chicago (other than this one).
Killer Queen Kickoff
The surviving members of Queen, with Adam Lambert as their frontman, will start their first tour in years with a performance at the United Center.
False History
A photo shared by CNN of Chicago's "early days along Lake Street," which made the rounds here and on social media, was actually a still from the '30's film "In Old Chicago."
No Return for Hester
Explosive return man Devin Hester will not be re-signed by the Bears for next season.
Eff this Weather
Annie of the Offbeat Drummer has a better winter hat than you, but maybe you could find someone to make it for you for next year.
Hot Chefs, Big Food
Mike Sula explores the phenomenon of top-rated chefs collaborating up with manufacturers of frozen dinners, fast food and breakfast snacks.
Not That Again
Martin Sorrell, CEO of global ad agency WPP Group, suggests that Chicago should bid for the 2024 Olympics. Can we all agree that this is still a bad idea?
Thumbs Down for Debt
Moody's downgraded bonds from the City of Chicago once again for having a level of unfunded pension debt higher than "any rated U.S. local government."
The Way We Move
A mesmerizing animation gives a satellite's-eye view of where Chicagoans travel throughout the day.
Stadium Man
The Chicago Park District and Mayor Emanuel are considering adding 5,000 seats to Soldier Field to support a potential Super Bowl bid and make room for other revenue-generating events.
Home as Hotspot
Comcast wants the wireless routers in your house to also provide a free public wi-fi signal for your neighbors.
False Start
Organizers of the Chicago Marathon pushed registration back two weeks, hoping to avoid the headaches of last year where the website crashed once people began signing up.
Our Lives on TV
CNN's "Chicagoland" documentary miniseries premieres tomorrow with a behind-the-scenes look at Mayor Emanuel's education efforts and conflicts with the teachers union.
Divvying To/From
Shaun Jacobsen took Divvy's challenge to play with its data and created Divvy Spokes, which shows which neighborhoods people use the service to get to.
Green Ice
Unless the river is still fully frozen, you can bet the City will dye it green for St. Patrick's Day.
Save These Buildings
Preservation Chicago announced its annual list of the most endangered buildings in the city. The list includes the Fisk and Crawford power plants in West Side, which were closed following years of pollution but were once engineering marvels.
A Win is a Win
Voters chose Chicago as the best city in the U.S. through a March Madness-style tournament bracket posted by the Atlantic. Sure it's unscientific, arbitrary linkbait, but after this winter we'll take the win.
Dirty Shirts? There's an App
Too busy to take care of laundry? For a fee, Dryv will pick up and drop off your laundry and dry cleaning. The service area is east of Western and from 290 up to Irving Park, so if you're south, west or far north, you're out of luck for now. [via]
Conference Time
A couple upcoming conferences you might be interested in:
• Ideas Are Worthless, on tech startups, April 24
• Out of Chicago, on photography, June 28
• Story, on creativity and storytelling, Oct. 2-3
Chicago's Baby Book
Breaking out the photo albums is a classic birthday pastime, and you can celebrate Chicago's 177th with a look back at how the city grew from a trading post to a bustling metropolis.
Wait, Wait, Don't Go
Carl Kasell, veteran broadcaster and the official judge and scorekeeper for NPR's "Wait, Wait... Don't Tell Me," is retiring this spring.
Ventra Problem, Vancouver Solution?
Like Ventra, Vancouver's new Cubic-built Compass Card will cost more than many low-income riders and social service agencies can afford. Unlike Ventra, Vancouver agreed to sell discounted-ride packs to agencies last September.
Our Polarizing Mayor
The Sun-Times debuted its new Early & Often politics section yesterday with an interview with an "unapologetic" Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
Happy Birthday, Chicago
Celebrate the city's 177th anniversary -- and Mardi Gras, and paczki day -- today at a party in Daley Plaza from 11am to 7pm. There will be food trucks, free cheesecake from Eli's, paczki from Delightful Pastries and Mardi Gras music.
Stock Your Closets
A dozen Wicker Park boutiques are getting together for a warehouse sale this weekend at the Chop Shop. [via]
Bid on a Bit of Dominick's
If you're nostalgic for the departed grocery chain -- or if you're opening a store of your own -- you could bid on items from the Edgewater location, from ice scoops to a Frialator to a whole coffee shop.
ISAT Boycott Intensifies
While two Chicago schools have opted out of the ISATs, the Illinois Board of Education is reminding schools that teachers who boycott the test may face disciplinary action -- and warning parents that they have no legal right to opt their kids out.
Political Frenemies
Chicago's two most powerful politicians formed an uncommon alliance to oppose former alderman (and convicted felon) Isaac Carothers' candidacy for a seat on the county board, writes Mick Dumke.
Chicago Motors On
Chicago is not going to be the next Detroit, despite budget and pension issues that still need to be addressed, according to an analysis by Standard & Poor's.
Kids These Days
Most 17-year-olds will be able to vote in the upcoming primary elections on March 18, thanks to a new law.
Hometown Hero Hype
While the "Second City Saint," WWE wrestler CM Punk, allegedly walked away from the sport of professional wrestling, speculation is swirling over whether he will return to the ring when Monday Night Raw comes to his hometown of Chicago.
Supermarket Sweep on the Streets
Costume-clad teams with shopping carts in tow careened through the streets of the Northwest Side for this year's Chiditarod, an annual food and fundraiser for the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
Vote Early, but Not Often
Early voting for the March 18 primary elections begins today and runs through March 15.
Wear Chiberia Apparel Under Your Six Coats
A Chiberia t-shirt has been created to commemorate the harsh Chicago winter that won't quit. The shirts run for $25 and sales will be donated to help those who hurt the most this winter: the homeless.
Ban Discrimination Instead
Loyola has a policy banning same-sex marriages from being performed on its campus. The school paper published an editorial by the president of one of the university's LGBT organizations calling for the school to eliminate the ban. You can too by signing this petition on Change.org.
Still Funemployed for Now
Video podcast Funemployed is wrapping up its third and final season. Tune in on Mondays for new episodes.
The Life Aquatic with Jimmy Fallon
The talk show host, along with Mayor Emanuel, took the Polar Plunge for the Special Olympics this morning in Lake Michigan. He looked a little cold afterwards.
Repeat After Me: "This is appalling"
This undercover video of a professional development training session for CPS teachers truly boggles the mind.
