Out from Behind the Bar
Ald. Rey Colon decided against volunteering as a "celebrity bartender" following his arrest for a DUI last week.
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
July 2014
Badge Behavior
CPD did nothing in response to dozens of citizen complaints filed against two cops who were eventually convicted of major crimes.
War on Weeds
A gardener growing native plants and wildflowers is filing a lawsuit against the city after she received a citation for violating Chicago's weed control ordinance.
Nothing to See Here
City Council gave the responsibility of campaign finance oversight to a city agency that didn't want the job.
A New Tribune
The Tribune is launching a new, more mobile-friendly website on Friday.
Chicago Tribune - NGUX Tour from Tribune Creative Services on Vimeo.
Gone Batty
Curious City put together a scrollable storybook all about Chicago's bats (there are more than you might think).
Blackberry Hot Dog!
The campaign for a hot dog emoji (previously) is victorious! But only on Blackberry.
The Quick Way Down
Actuary and parkour enthusiast Ethan Swanson filmed himself jumping off a Lincoln Park rooftop, onto another roof and then to a spiral staircase.
Here's Swanson's audition tape for "American Ninja Warrior," on which he competed in 2013.
Getting to the Bottom of Ventra
GB's own Jason Prechtel is suing the CTA for violating FOIA law by not providing documents related to the Ventra contracting process. Read his coverage of Ventra in Mechanics.
Shouldn't be Printed on Crackers
Dozens of people around the country bought fake Lollapalooza tickets online from a scam artist named "Donald Odell."
Supersized Liability
The National Labor Relations Board ruled McDonald's is a "joint employer," making it liable for unfair labor charges brought against franchisees around the country.
Taking it to the Next Level
Bit Bash is a free independent games festival created to spark interest in indie games locally and draw international attention to the growing scene.
Back in the Layers
Coudal Partners' Layer Tennis is returning season Aug. 8 for a fourth season, four years after the last one.
We'll Travel in Tubes
Chicago Magazine takes a look at the many visions of the future of transit in Chicago, including light rail, a bicycle superskyway, and expanded El lines, which Craig Berman once envisioned with a CTA Map for 2055.
Jane Byrne Commemorated
City Council voted to rename the small park surrounding the Water Tower downtown "Jane M. Byrne Plaza." (Previously.)
Epic Win
After nearly six and a half hours, the Cubs beat the Colorado Rockies in the team's longest game ever, taking so long that catcher John Baker stepped in as pitcher.
Straightening Boystown
Boystown is becoming less gay, as are other historically gay neighborhoods around the country, according to a new study. [via]
"This is us."
Fifth graders at Bradwell School of Excellence in South Shore write in the Tribune about how they view their neighborhood.
One Plate and Seat at a Time
Lookingglass' production of Cascabel, which features the acting styles of celebchef Rick Bayless, begins tonight; the ticket price is hefty, but the production comes with a multi-course meal curated by Bayless himself. The production runs through Aug. 24th.
Urban Cowboys
Alcala's Western Wear grew from a stall on Maxwell Street to a store in West Town with over 3,000 hats, 8,000 pairs of boots, and plenty of newly-popular Western plaid shirts.
Dollars & Pounds
The BGA investigates a city worker who was hired -- with no animal welfare experience and a hefty salary increase -- to help run the city's Animal Care & Control department. Shortly after starting his new job, he relinquished his own dog to the pound, and stranger still, the pup was immediately scooped up by PAWS. (Don't blame the dogs -- there are tons of great dogs available at CACC.)
Face Your Future
Catch a glimpse of your future self and find out how long you're expected to live on Face My Age, a site developed in part by a UIC professor that uses facial recognition software to show the effects of aging and gather data for research.
Rose is Ready
Derrick Rose will play for USA Basketball in his first public performance since injuring his knee last November, giving him a chance to showcase his skills since he only played in 10 regular-season games since April of 2012.
A Winning Baseball Club
Jackie Robinson West's baseball team won the title in Illinois this season and is on its way towards representing Chicago in the Little League World Series.
Must be Pothole-Proof
Design company Minimal and frame builder Garry Alderman teamed up to build the "ultimate bike for Chicago," the BLACKLINE.
Social Media Tourists
The Sunsation Tour, a meet'n'greet tour featuring a bunch of social media stars, hits House of Blues tonight. The crew includes Matthew Espinosa, whose tweet saying "Hi Chicago" trended nationally today.
So Many Openings
Japanese clothing retailer Uniqlo has plans to open next fall on the Mag Mile in the space formerly occupied by Filene's Basement; NYC-based Shake Shack, which will open this fall in the Gold Coast, will be adding a second location next year by Millennium Park.
Digital Currency for Carry-out
Lakeview restaurant Cassava doesn't just accept Bitcoin, it now houses a Bitcoin ATM.
Still Not the Murder Capital
Crain's is the latest to remind Chicagoans that the city is not and has not been the "murder capital of America," despite the violence the last couple years.
Busting the Outfit
Charges filed against a crew with suspected mafia ties show how the FBI tracked the group and eventually arrested them for crimes including home invasions, armed robberies, burglaries, arson, insurance fraud, and prostitution.
Bienvenidos Niños
The City is offering temporary shelter for up to 1,000 Central American children who entered the U.S. unaccompanied over the past few months.
George Lucas Announces Architects For Lakefront Museum
George Lucas selected two world-renowned architects, Chicago's Jeanne Gang and China's Ma Yansong, to design the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art on Northerly Island.
The Olden Days
MentalFloss shares photos of notable moments in Chicago's history, from the 1890s to the 1930s.
Let's Honor Jane Byrne
There is not a single thing named in former Mayor Jane Byrne's honor, WBEZ's Curious City reports, but efforts are afoot to change that.
Gem of Chicago or the Next Big Fiasco?
Mariano's is planning a new store for the former South Works place, and a developer is working on a gigabit fiberoptic network. But some worry that it's the 2016 Olympics all over again.
Go Inside the Pink Hotel
The Reader takes a tour of the Edgewater Beach Apartments at Sheridan and Bryn Mawr.
Good Times if You can Get It
CHA provides "supervouchers" to a lucky few low-income families so they can rent apartments in some of the priciest buildings in the city.
How to Spot a Diamond in the Rough
Antiques expert Toma Clark Haines shares some tips for finding good stuff at a flea market.
Guns and Butter
While the connection between health and housing issues and crime has been well documented, studies are taking a closer look at why their effects differ between neighboring communities.
A Lane of Their Own
Plans for the city's first barrier-protected bike lane place it along Clybourn Avenue in Old Town.
A Passing Chance
Pau Gasol's passing prowess could help the Bulls "bend defenses in ways we haven't seen for a decade," writes Ian Levy in Vice.
Divvying Up the City
Take a look at last year's Divvy ridership, mapped by distance and destination by data scientist Gabriel Gaster. [via]
Follow at a Safe Distance
Kevin Selagea was cycling through Skokie when a driver began tailgating him. Fortunately, it wasn't for long -- a police officer pulled the tailgater over and ticketed him. [via]
The Other Museum Campus
The DuSable Museum of African American History, Museum of Science and Industry, the University of Chicago's museums and others have joined forces to create the Museum Campus South.
The Bed Bug Defense
Residents of the Milshire Hotel SRO argue bed bug contamination is so bad that evicting them from the building would be a threat to the public health.
Cyclist Sting
Mechanics from area bike shops are posing as buyers to help police catch bicycle thieves.
So Many Fish Burgers
Fishermen caught more than 2.5 million pounds of Asian carp over the past four years, trying to keep the invasive species from taking over nearby waterways.
Inartful Dodgers
Walgreens is still considering moving its headquarters overseas to save money on taxes.
Rock Around the Clock
Jack White performed an epic three-hour-long set last night, his longest ever.
Kids and Their Cancer Cures
South Side teen Keven Stonewall worked on a colon cancer vaccine at Rush University during his senior year of high school.
A City of Other Neighborhoods
"It makes no difference that a crime has its roots in 'another neighborhood,' and to suggest otherwise is to embrace an attitude that thwarts progress against violent crime." Bill Savage on Chicago's violent crime denial.
Who Needs Truth in Advertising?
Gubernatorial candidate Bruce Rauner's latest attack ad against Gov. Quinn includes several made up headlines.
The Horrors of Home Ownership
Maybe your basement flooded once or twice this summer due to all the rain. But you probably didn't have to deal with maggots like Calumet Heights resident Lori Burns.
Knitters for the Win
An accountant who didn't file sales tax returns nearly put Edgewater's Sifu Design Studio out of business, but fans of the store saved it by donating on gofundme.
On the Road Again
A Facebook group is helping touring and local musicians find their gear after it's stolen in Chicago.
Fourth of July's Crime Spree
Elliot Ramos of the Wall Street Journal produced a map of every crime committed over the Fourth of July weekend this year, labeled white for crimes against property, red for crimes against people. [via]
Click to embiggen in a new window.
How's My Policing?
The Chicago Police Department is asking for feedback on officers' interactions with residents.
Arts Awards Chicago Style
The City's new "Fifth Star Awards" will acknowledge exemplary artists and arts institutions, although winners will be hand-picked by a city agency and members of an advisory council who were appointed by the Mayor.
Bailing Out the City
Climate change brings more heavy rainstorms to the city, and more sewage will find its way into waterways unless the city can dig enough tunnels and reservoirs to hold billions of gallons of water.
Riding the Punch Line
A local writer and improviser is raising money on Kickstarter to use ad space on the Red Line to tell jokes.
Jack White and the Chicago Cubs Experience
Someone looking very much like Jack White looked pretty miserable at the Cubs game Tuesday night.
Ride for Your Beer
The Active Transportation Alliance is running Bike to Brew this Saturday, a fun ride that ends with a party at Revolution Brewing. Sign up now.
"An Oasis of Creativity & Learning"
Street Level Youth Media provides a creative outlet for underprivileged kids as an alternative to gangs and violence.
Postal Workers Hate Staples
Postal Union members protested outside the Staples at Wabash and Washington over a deal that allows Staples to offer USPS services.
US Mail service protest at wabash and Randolph @gapersblock @ChicagoBreaking @Chicagoist pic.twitter.com/EaPL3GBf5M
— Mint T. Cat (@MintTCat) July 22, 2014The Bat Signal Returns to the Chicago Skyline
Although most of the filming is happening in Detroit, a major stunt in the new Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice film is being shot in Chicago in October.
Red Flags
Aldermen are calling on the city's top watchdog to investigate unexplained spikes in ticketing by red light cameras uncovered by a Chicago Tribune investigation.
Ferry Anniversary
100 years ago the Silver Spray ferry crashed into the Morgan Shoal and sank off the coast of Hyde Park.
Beats Blend Together
Common's new album "Nobody's Smiling" features rappers and styles of the North, West, and South Sides, and even features artists besides Common on the cover.
All Hands on Deck
Mayor Emanuel held a closed-door summit with local officials, clergy, activists, and law enforcement to discuss community-wide solutions to violence in the city.
Double the Funny
Second City will be doubling in size after acquiring a movie theater located in the Piper's Alley complex. Also, iO had its last performance in Wrigleyville ahead of a move to an expanded location in a former warehouse.
Sweatin' to the Present
Today may be the hottest of the summer. So stay hydrated and don't judge people for sweating.
Are You Ready for Some FootGolf?
FootGolf, a sport that combines soccer and, yes, golf, is now playable at Marquette and Columbus parks.
Billy No Longer a Cub?
The Cubs are suing the guys behind Billy Cub, the unofficial Cubs mascot most recently in the news for clocking a Barleycorn patron who was messing with him.
Protective Custody
A man suffering from schizophrenia gouged out one of his own eyes while detained in southern California for a parole violation, and attempted to gouge out the other after he was transferred to Cook County Jail. He's been outfitted with a hockey mask and mittens to prevent further self-harm while in custody.
Hot Singles
Chicago Singles Club isn't a dating site -- it's a label that puts out a 45 and a video interview with a local artist once a month.
The New Progressives
As CTU President Karen Lewis considers a bid for Mayor, the Sun-Times asks whether Chicago is facing a progressive movement like the one that took over politics in New York and other cities.
Parking Peril
Thieves target cars parked in Lincoln Park and Humboldt Park for more smash-and-grab robberies than other neighborhoods, police statistics show.
Find a Free Spot
Meter Beaters is an iOS app that shows meter-free parking spaces in the city, primarily North Side and downtown. [via]
Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Spreads to Chicago
Thousands of protestors marched in front of the Israeli consulate Sunday in protest of the invasion of the Gaza Strip by Israeli military forces. Meanwhile, someone put threatening anti-Jewish flyers on cars in the Pulaski Park neighborhood.
Sympathy for Sidewalk Cyclists
While it's illegal for anyone over 12 to bike on the sidewalk, inconsistent laws across the state and the country might explain why some people think it's acceptable behavior.
Probably Seeking Attention
A handwriting analyst shares what graffiti says about the taggers who left them.
The Wire
A City employee disarmed security systems overnight at a facility where 4,000 pounds of copper wire worth $21,800 was stolen, according to the inspector general.
Seeing Red
A Tribune investigation of 4 million tickets issued by red light cameras found some cameras recorded violations in "wild and inexplicable spikes," and a class action lawsuit is demanding the City pay back tens of millions of dollars.
Election Blues
The Reader's Ben Joravsky mourns Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle's decision not to run for mayor.
Soccer King of Chicago
The Chicago Fire's Mike Magee takes the day off like Ferris Bueller in a new video promoting the team.
Working Creatively
Life and Limb is a podcast by designer Chuck Anderson, interviewing creative people in many disciplines -- including Chicago-based photographers, DJs, tattoo artists and t-shirt company executives. The latest episode features Pitchfork's Brandon Stosuy, talking about the site and the founding of the music festival, among other things.
Bad Beaches
Curbed analyzed NRDC data and Yelp reviews to determine the most polluted beaches in the city. Meanwhile, dog poop may be contributing to the problem.
Not for Popcorn
A local trading firm purchased a microwave tower in Belgium, most likely so it can make faster trades on international markets.
Check was in the Mail
Communities in the Chicago area still recovering from severe storms and flooding that swept the area in April of 2013 will receive over $31 million in federal aid.
Cullertons Give Up Their Seat
Ald. Tim Cullerton is not running for re-election, ending an era in which someone from his family was a member of City Council for 111 of the last 143 years.
Your Name Pier
The group in charge of Navy Pier sold naming rights to its entranceway for $20 million to the Polk Bros. Foundation.
Modern Train Robbery
Two men boarded the Orange Line in broad daylight and held up commuters at gunpoint, robbing them of their wallets, phones and jewelry.
Cryptocurrency Conference
The North American Bitcoin Conference is in Chicago this weekend, and there's a free class for beginners that includes free bitcoins for attendees to get a feel for the cryptocurrency. [via]
Thumb's-Eye View
A poignant companion piece to the Ebert documentary Life Itself was posted today at the A.V. Club: Ignatiy Vishnevetsky's recollections on co-hosting Roger Ebert Presents: At The Movies in 2011, which include his thoughts on why the program did not survive.
"Rosa Parks, Move"
A Rogers Park man was charged with a hate crime after allegedly spitting on and slapping Circuit Court Judge Arnette Hubbard, a 79-year-old civil rights pioneer, because she was smoking too close to him, allegedly calling her "Rosa Parks" during the altercation.
Gone Phishing
Chicagoans whose identities are stolen are also among the biggest victims of having their data used for online purchases as well.
Tracking TIFs
A new TIF Viewer introduced by Cook County Clerk David Orr shows how much money has been collected for the notoriously opaque financing districts (once it works -- it seems to be down right now).
Sweet Release
A press release promoting an accessory to help women pee while standing up is Jim DeRogatis' new favorite piece of Lollapalooza-targeted marketing.
Road Love
A video of Chicago comedian Blake Grigsby yelling compliments at strangers while driving through the city has over 500,000 views on YouTube.
A Family We Picked
Chicago has the most active sister city program in the country, connecting residents and immigrants here with 28 different cities abroad.
Unaccompanied Minors
The Archdiocese of Chicago is seeking federal approval to temporarily house children who entered the country illegally without an adult.
40+ & Awesome
Open Books founder Stacy Ratner and Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rodkin Rotering are among this year's 40 Women To Watch Over 40 list.
Emanuel's Opposition
CTU chief Karen Lewis has formed an exploratory committee to consider a run for Mayor against Rahm next year. Meanwhile, Toni Preckwinkle is officially out (despite a poll saying she'd easily win), and Amara Enyia, former alderman Robert Shaw and William J. Kelley are already running.
One More City Sticker Reprieve
After yet more glitches caused delays for people who waited till the last minute to get their city sticker yesterday, those people now have until today to purchase them.
Bye Bye Boozer
The Bulls used the amnesty provision on forward Carlos Boozer's contract, sending him to whichever team wins a blind bidding process.
Very Hospitable
Lurie Children's Hospital and Northwestern Memorial Hospital received high marks in U.S. News & World Report's national hospital rankings. [via]
Mistakes, I've Made a Few
So often we come to regret our greatest contributions to society. Like Nathan Rabin regrets coming up with "manic pixie dream girl" back in 2007.
The Beef is Here
The Tribune's Kevin Pang takes a deep dive into the jus, peppers, and meat that make up the best Italian Beef in Chicago.
Clearing Out the Gutter Punks
Wicker Park's population of homeless "rail riders" seems to be smaller this summer, which some residents are attributing to increased police pressure.
Green with Anticipation
Maggie Daley Park, The 606, and the Chicago Riverwalk expansion are among the most-hyped parks being built right now.
Not Just Austin
Daniel Kay Hertz slices and dices demographic statistics to figure out where Chicago's black middle class lives.
Madigan Fights Student Loan Scammers
Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan announced yesterday two lawsuits filed against debt-settlement firms, alleging the companies had intentionally scammed people trying to reduce their student loans.
Leave Frank Out of It
I agree with Deadspin, this really is one of the worst ledes on a story about Chicago's violence so far -- though some of theirs are pretty bad, too.
Lena Dunham Tickets on Sale Today
The "Girls" creator and actress will be speaking Oct. 6th at Northwestern as part of the Chicago Humanities Festival. Tickets on sale now for CHF members (and noon for non-members); the $35 ticket includes a signed copy of her new book and a job at a really cool coffee shop.
Airing Dirty Blue Laundry
The City will make (redacted) complaints against cops available to the public.
A Monster Movie We Can All Get Behind
A 5-year-old boy named Maddex filmed his own version of "Godzilla" downtown, with over a hundred extras and even Mayor Emanuel coming out for the effort organized by the Make-A-Wish project.
Bulls' New Big Man
While Carmelo Anthony is staying in New York, forward Pau Gasol is coming to Chicago from the Lakers. Chad Ruter fills you in on that and the Bulls' other moves in Tailgate.
Patio for Sale
The Patio Theater is now for sale for $3 million. Former GB contributor Gordon McAlpin reported on the classic film house's reopening in 2011.
A Decade Downtown
Seen as an economic boon, an emblem of political corruption, and a uniter of a divided city, Millennium Park opened 10 years ago this week.
Serious Opposition
Mayor Emanuel received less voter support than both Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and CTU President Karen Lewis in a poll of residents' potential mayoral picks.
Pain in Perspective
While Chicago has been among the top three U.S. cities with the most murders since 1985, its murder rate on a per-person basis is nowhere near the highest.
Subcultural Black America
For Vice, Britt Julious discusses GHE20 GOTHIK, hood futurism and the state of African-American subcultures.
Sometimes the Bull Gets You
No gorings occurred at the Great Bull Run over the weekend, but there were some injuries. The Sun-Times's Jessica Koscielniak provides a first person account with plenty of photos and video.
"Blood in the Streets"
The RedEye's Ernest Wilkins, writer and policy advocate at The Center for Popular Democracy Josie Duffy, Ebony.com senior editor Jamilah Lemieux, and author Kiese Laymon participated in a roundtable on Chicago's violence at Gawker.
The Taste of Chicago Cancels Saturday Event
Much to our dismay, the Taste of Chicago has cancelled their event for the entirety of Saturday due to inclement weather, including the sure-to-be-phenomenal concert at 4pm, featuring Chicago favorite Jeff Tweedy and legendary Lucinda Williams.
The Way We Move
You can see how Chicagoans make their way to work on a map put together by the Sun-Times.
News Like Flash Gordon
A 1976 Chicago Daily News article predicted a future where electronic newspapers would be delivered to homes through cable television.
Games in the Gallery
The Video Game Art Gallery will bring the artwork of well-known and obscure video games into the physical world.
Giving Equality
LGBT groups and individuals are challenging the FDA's ban on blood donations from gay men.
No Bike Lane
A cyclist somehow found their way on to the Kennedy during rush hour Thursday evening, though there are no reports on whether they were riding a Divvy or not.
Another Angle on Englewood
GB Managing Editor David Schalliol writes about his attempts to show multiple sides of the Englewood neighborhood depicted in "The Area" through his photography and film.
For the Wright Price
Wright Auctions' annual Mass Modern auction is this Saturday, featuring designer pieces ranging from the reasonable to the spendy to the merely trendy.
Getting Medieval
Damara Kaminecki makes beautiful woodcut prints, including one of a hot dog on its death bed.
Losing Some, Gaining Some
Mayor Emanuel and others are backing efforts to stem the loss of SROs to developers like FLATS Chicago. Meanwhile, a City program is turning sketchy condo conversions back into rental apartments.
Hashtag Solutions
Activists and residents are sharing ideas of how to curb violence in Chicago by posting to Twitter with #FixingChicago.
Glittering the Deal
After a New York strip club offered Carmelo Anthony free lap dances for life if he returned to the Knicks, Chicago's Admiral Club promised a life-sized portrait of him would be displayed there forever, and three dancers would get tattoos of his name.
Short Success Story
Author Ben Hoffman won the Tribune's 2014 Nelson Algren Short Story Award for his story "This Will All Be Over Soon."
Using Her Words
Blogger and filmmaker Jennifer Peepas found a global audience through her Captain Awkward blog, with fans writing in for advice and forming meet-up groups around the world.
So You Don't Have To
The Trib's Kevin Pang has compiled a dining guide for out-of-towners looking for recommendations.
United States of X: LEGO Edition
Illinois is represented by a weird Prohibition-era "lemonade" stand in Jeff Friesen's 50 States of LEGO. [via]
Getting the Shot on the South Side
Photographer Jon Lowenstein's work was recently featured on Instagram.
Customer Disservice
The owner of Johnny's Ice House banned an amateur player "for life" after he complained about management's response to a recent robbery.
RIP Karen Gerod
The former owner of the West Town establishment Swim Cafe, which closed late last year, has lost her battle with cancer.
Coming Soon to the Skyline
Chinese developer Wanda Group announced plans for a new 1,150-foot-tall skyscraper on Wacker Drive that would be the third tallest skyscraper in the city.
Boldly Going Where No One Goes
Urban explorers find their way into abandoned churches, theaters, and other buildings to capture images of their decay, often before they're demolished for good.
Squeezing Milwaukee
When construction on Milwaukee Ave. crept out into the street, drivers, cyclists, the City, and reporters at Streetsblog were forced to sort the whole mess out.
Uber Expansion
Uber plans on growing its presence in Chicago, promising over 400 new jobs so long as Gov. Quinn kills or changes proposed ride-share regulations.
Accidentally Imprisoned
A man visiting his son in Cook County Jail was trapped in the visitor's room for around 30 hours.
They're Watching Us
MAS Context's latest issue is about surveillance. While much of the issue deals with nefarious uses of surveillance, former Chicago CTO John Tolva wanted to present the positive side of civic data collection.
Irony, Thy Name Is
Bill Hillmann, co-author of Fiesta: How To Survive The Bulls Of Pamplona, who was gored by a bull in this year's event. Hillmann is also author of The Old Neighborhood, published by Curbside Splendor this spring.
The Benefits of Longevity
Eater talks with Tony Durpetti, owner of Gene & Georgetti, the oldest steakhouse in Chicago. Meanwhile, the Distance profiles Hala Kahiki, Chicagoland's oldest tiki lounge.
Taste of Crafty Chicago
Taste of Chicago includes something more this year besides turkey legs and concerts: Made in Chicago Market, a showcase of local fashion and accessory designers and boutiques. The festival and the market open today.
Putting Roger's Life on Film
GB film critic Steve Prokopy interviewed Chaz Ebert and Steve James about the Roger Ebert documentary Life Itself, currently playing at the Landmark Century Centre. Read Steve's review of the film in A/C.
Quest to be the Best
Local bartender Katie Smaluk left the North Side for Middle Earth to be a contestant on ABC's fantasy-themed reality show, "The Quest."
There's More Crime in the Dark
Crime goes up when all the streetlights on a block go out, according to a study commissioned by the City.
Remembering Marquette
A fading limestone monument alongside Damen Avenue commemorates the site where Father Jacques Marquette camped in 1674.
Cultural Crossroads
Curious City looks at Chicago's role as a transportation hub for Amish people living throughout the Midwest.
Suggested Minimum
A panel convened by Mayor Emanuel recommended raising the minimum wage to $13 an hour by 2018.
Cutting on the Flag
Olympic Store Fixtures sells restaurant-grade appliances, furniture, and Chicago flag cutting board. [via]
Music & Money
Alex White of White Mystery talked with Marketplace about how rock stars manage their money.
So Sad You Have to Laugh
Laugh all you want about the air in Chicago being 75 percent bullets, but 82 people shot over the holiday weekend is no joke. Superintendent McCarthy lay blame on lax gun laws, and Mayor Emanuel said the police need help from the community.
Another Museum for the Lakeshore
Developer Dan McCaffery's bid for the Obama Library and Museum would make it the anchor of a redevelopment of the 589-acre U.S. Steel South Works site on the South Side.
Back into the Woods
Mitch O'Connell revisits the final night of the Woods, the last grindhouse movie theater in the Loop.
No Holiday from Violence
Over 60 people were shot and nine were killed over the 4th of July weekend.
Report Cards for First Schools
ExceleRate Illinois rates early childhood education programs like preschools, Head Start programs, and child care centers. [via]
Parking Fail
Hundreds of people who paid for parking using the ParkChicago app were ticketed despite having time left on their meters.
Building Businesses
Crain's highlights Chicago's best entrepreneurs of 2014, including the people behind Shred415, Joke's & Notes Comedy Club, and PoopBags.
Chicago's 2014 All Stars
The Cubs' Starlin Castro is an All-Star this year -- as is Jeff Samardzija, but he was just traded to the A's, so he'll participate in the festivities but won't play. The White Sox's Alexei Ramirez and Jose Abreu made it too. Chris Sale and Anthony Rizzo still need your final votes.
Free Jeff Tweedy!
Sound Opinions is recording a live show at Lincoln Hall with Jeff Tweedy and his band on July 17. Tickets are free, but you need to RSVP at the Eventbrite page starting at 9am today.
Fireworks or Gunshots?
The Second City Network has a helpful guide to identifying whether that loud noise was gunfire or firecrackers.
Holding Court in the Alley
Over at Alley Connaisseur, Raf Miastkowski writes about the grand tradition of alley basketball.
Mid-Century Racing Stripes
A Chicago Sojourn examines the Mid-Century architectural design trend of adding stripes to buildings.
Great City, Nice Hotels
Chicago is the fifth best city in North America in this year's Travel+Leisure World's Best list. The Langham Chicago was named sixth best hotel in the world, as well as first among US large city hotels.
What Medical Hardship?
Lawyers for former mayor Richard Daley claim he's too sick to testify in the City's lawsuit against owners of the Park Grill restaurant. But just last week John Daley told reporters his brother was in "excellent health."
There is Such a Thing as Free Lunch
Chicago Public Schools is taking advantage of the new federal Community Eligibility Option to give free meals to all students next school year.
Englewood Asana
I Grow Chicago executive director and Englewood resident Tameka Lawson is teaching yoga as a means of reducing violence in her neighborhood.
The Best Summer Blockbusters
The Dissolve counts down the 50 best summer blockbusters of all time. Here's 50-31, 30-11 and the top 10.
Tattoos & Baby Doll Birdhouses
Boing Boing's Gweek podcast this week talks with local artist Mitch O'Connell, including a bit about long-closed movie theaters in Chicago.
Stand by Your Bike
The Curbee bicycle footrest was just installed at Milwaukee and Ogden to help cyclists waiting at red lights.
Big Jerk
A cyclist who was told by a drunken guy outside of Wicker Park's Big Star that "the world would be a better place without her" (among other very unprintable things) because she asked him to not loiter in the bike lane posted her tale to Craigslist.
Gov. Ryan is a Free Man
No longer on probation and permitted to travel, former Gov. George Ryan reflects on the deaths of the Willis children and his wife, the prison system, and continuing his work to end the death penalty.
Body Pride
A float from this year's Pride Parade sponsored by Chicago Liposuction is facing criticism for messages seen as body-shaming, including: "Say NO to man boobs!"
Shrinking Middle Class
The wealth gap in Chicago is widening faster than anywhere in the state or in the U.S. generally, with the top 5 percent taking home over 25% of income paid to Chicagoans.
Shot in the Storm
The Sun-Times' Homicide Watch shares a harrowing, sorrowful first-person account from one of the paper's a freelance photojournalist of the death of a young man shot during Monday night's storm,.
To Catch a Bike Thief
A cyclist stopped a thief from stealing a bike wheel in Logan Square last night, and shared his photo on TheChainlink -- where the community ID'ed him, found his Facebook page and discovered a pattern of bike theft.
Judging the Arts
Studies of the arts in Chicago found a greater concentration of writers and architects than anywhere else in the U.S., although the levels of public funding and diversity among professional artists are relatively low.
"The Breast Bikini"
The TaTa Top adds a little titillation to your next trip to the beach. Assuming you're white, anyway; no word on whether the next batch will include other skin tones.
Sweet, Salty, Sour, Spicy
Chicago is seeing a boom in neverias, Mexican ice cream shops that serve much more than just ice cream.
Fiscal Responsibility
Here's one you don't hear every day: a politician, Rep. Tammy Duckworth, is giving back $113,918.54 in unspent funds from her congressional office allowance.
Let'em Cross
The police and CDOT began a series of crosswalk stings yesterday, ticketing drivers who cut off pedestrians in marked crosswalks.
Wear Your Money
Wristbands giving concertgoers access to Lollapalooza will also be linked to their credit cards so they can be scanned to pay for concessions at the festival.
Wicked Good Sports
Fans at Fenway Park gave Chicago Cubs pitcher Jake Arrieta a standing ovation after he almost threw a no-hitter against the Boston Red Sox.
It's Smellier by the Lake
The Park District issued a swim ban at all Lake Michigan beaches after flood prevention systems released sewage into the lake Monday night.
Cubs' Sunday Funday
The Cubs took their first Sunday off in 82 years thanks to community concerns about traffic caused by the Pride Parade and a baseball game taking place on the same day.
Not in Their Backyard
An art installment critical of gentrification in Logan Square was pulled from the Milwaukee Avenue Arts Festival after the landlord of the building where it was to be displayed objected to its content.
Triple Strike!
Frequent Rearview contributor Craig Shimala captured lightning simultaneously striking the Sears, Trump and Hancock towers during last night's storm.
Back in 2010, Shimala caught a triple strike on video.
Dark & Stormy
170,000 people were without power and passengers on their way to O'Hare abandoned their cars to walk alongside the expressway Tuesday morning after a storm with hurricane-like winds caused flooding and damaged power lines.
Kickstart a Revolution
An anti-spill cup, an iOS-real world game, a physical theatre festival and a line of Lovecraft action figures are among the campaigns on GB's Kickstarter page.
City Sticker Saving Grace
If you didn't get your new city sticker in time, you now have a little more time. The city clerk extended the deadline to buy a sticker until July 7, and the grace period for not having a sticker until July 15.
"Magnificent and Popular"
Logan Square bar Analogue finally has a sign. Wonder if people will get bent out of shape about it.
