Predicting Food Poisoning
The Chicago Department of Public Health is turning to big data to determine which restaurants are most at risk of health code violations.
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
September 2014
$182,000 to Fix Humboldt Park
The Park District estimates that Riot Fest will have to pay $182,000 to repair Humboldt Park, after rains the first night of the festival left the fields a muddy mess. Repairs will begin this week and are expected to take about a month.
Crime Seen
New York Magazine profiles Tribune overnight crime reporter Peter Nickeas and his mission to tell a more complete story of violence in the city.
Don't Forget Your Cape
Parts of the city will be turned into Metropolis for the filming of the new Batman vs. Superman movie starting in November.
Latest in Hot Doug's Closing News
The line for today's memorial lunch service began at 10:15pm last night. And Doug Sohn did an exit interview with the Tribune's Kevin Pang.
Doug Sohn gives Kevin Pang an 'exit interview,' days before the closing of Hot Doug's http://t.co/QVKBhNernu pic.twitter.com/Dppbk4hgIB
— Chicago Tribune (@chicagotribune) September 30, 2014Get Ready to Rumble
Chicago is America's best pro wrestling city, argues Ernest Wilkins. And that's before you even count CM Punk.
Uptalk vs. Da Superfans
Gawker is ranking America's Ugliest Accent, and Chicago's is up against the LA valley girls. This is probably one of those times when it's best not to vote for Chicago.
Riding Dirty
A top official at Chicago Carriage Cab, the city's largest cab company, was indicted for utilizing fake "clean" titles to use previously wrecked cars as taxis.
Giving BRT a Shot
Planned transportation improvements downtown include a bus rapid transit system in the Loop.
Go-to-School Shopping
A planned school fair would help parents compare neighborhood, charter and private school options.
Hot Ticket
Riverview Tavern is hosting a Sriracha prix fixe dinner where every course features the popular hot sauce paired with a beer from Revolution Brewing.
A Good Streak
The Cubs' continuing streak of 7,825 games with at least one hit is the longest in the major leagues.
Celebrate National Coffee Day Today
If CTA coffee maps (previously) aren't enough for you, DNAinfo made a map of nearly every place to get coffee in the city, including both chains and independents. Oddly, diners and White Castle (another fast food joint known for its coffee) were left off.
More Through ORD
Despite the radar problems, O'Hare just regained its title as the world's busiest airport -- in terms of operations -- for the first time since 2004.
Tough Traveling
Traffic at O'Hare and Midway is still messed up following the arson at an Aurora radar facility, and the FAA hopes to get the facility back up to full service by Oct. 13.
Nice Writing
The deadline for the Guild Literary Compex's annual Prose Awards for fiction and nonfiction is Oct. 1.
Manufactured Nostalgia
Whet Moser muses on the cultural warfare waged between Baby Boomers and Gen Xers.
Quietly Collecting Trash
Chicago has the only all-electric garbage truck in North America, and it's silently patrolling the alleys of the South and West sides.
Check the Status of Your Airport
Reacting quickly to this morning's shutdowns, Jeff Lunt created Is Chicago Flying? as a resource for people trying to fly in or out of town today. No doubt it'll come in handy in the future as well.
Goodbye, China
The University of Chicago announced that it's closing the Confucius Institute branch at the university, citing difficulties with negotiations and amid growing resistance to what's seen by some as a Chinese propaganda effort.
Arson Shuts Down ORD & MDW
The skies above Chicago were eerily quiet this morning after an intentional fire at an Aurora radar facility closed O'Hare and Midway to flights for several hours. Flights have resumed at a "reduced rate."
Not So Good Stuff
A Chicago law firm has filed a class action lawsuit against Templeton Rye, claiming the liquor company was duping customers into thinking their whiskey was made in Iowa instead of in an Indiana factory distillery.
Gigging for Dinner
Michael Gebert goes frog hunting in northwest Indiana with chef Iliana Regan for her restaurant Elizabeth, and then watches Regan put together the dish.
Goose Island Wrigleyville Closing
What is it with Goose Island and balky landlords? The Wrigleyville brewpub is closing Monday due to lease disputes.
Kickstarting a Generation
A seatless folding bike, a memoir by a former skinhead, a documentary about transgender Christians and the next season of "Steve Gadlin's Star Makers" are among the projects currently funding on GB's curated Kickstarter page.
Mass Extinction
Leor Galil memorializes the DIY concert venue Animal Kingdom, and writes about the struggles facing any DIY space.
"Chicago has always been a target."
New warnings of terrorism threats mostly get tuned out, but there's been growing evidence that ISIS may be recruiting in Chicago.
A Quirky, True Community
Claire Zulkey writes a farewell love letter to her soon-to-be-former neighborhood of Edgewater.
Rauner & Round
Gubernatorial candidate Bruce Rauner talked with Crain's about his platform this week. Greg Hinz already sounds skeptical, but Beachwood Reporter's Steve Rhodes absolutely shreds him. You may also wish to read Carol Felsenthal's profile of Rauner in Chicago magazine.
Opposite of the Best Colleges List
Columbia College has the dubious honor of placing 11th on Washington Monthly's list of the worst colleges in America. Chicago-based DeVry University landed 13th and Shimer College was 16th.
How Long is the Line at Hot Doug's?
So long that yesterday they cut it off at 10:30am, when the restaurant opened, and still didn't close till well after the 4:30pm posted closing time. It's long enough that a couple planned and held an impromptu wedding while in line. So long that you can now identify types of queuers. So long that not even Doug will wait in it.
Hunters without Guns
The Adler Planetarium and Lincoln Park Zoo have launched Chicago Wildlife Watch, a project to crowdsource identifying animals in photos shot by motion-sensitive cameras. [via]
Get Ready for the Open House
Chicago Architecture Foundation's Open House Chicago is coming up Oct. 17 and 18, giving you an opportunity to explore some of the coolest buildings in the city. And hey, they're looking for volunteers.
Mapping Coffee in Transit
Thrillist released a coffeeshop El map today, listing the closest java to the CTA. It's a little different from the CTA coffee map created by the blog Corner of the Cafe earlier this year, and leaves out the Yellow Line entirely.
The Latest in Stunt Food: Ice Cream
Pavilion at the Langham Hotel knows the value of a ludicrous menu item, so they've introduced a $1,000 bowl of ice cream topped with gold leaf, cognac and a chocolate crown.
Mapping the Data
Plenario is a new open platform for working with civic data, developed by former Chicago CIO Brett Goldstein and Charlie Catlett at the University of Chicago Computation Institute's Urban Center for Computation and Data. WBEZ talked with Goldstein about the project's goals and uses.
LollapaDaley Doozey
Former Mayor Daley cut a sweetheart deal with Lollapalooza's organizers, and it's still paying off: Daley's TUR Partners is helping C3 Presents create a redevelopment plan for a downtown Austin park.
Go to a Museum This Weekend
Twelve Chicago museums and several in the suburbs are participating in Smithsonian's annual Museum Day Live this Saturday, Sept. 27. Register here for two free tickets to the museum of your choice.
Behold, the Crowler
DryHop Brewers will offer a filled-while-you-wait 32oz. can of beer to go starting Thursday. They're calling it a "crowler," and it's designed to stay fresh longer than traditional glass. San Diego's Mission Brewing was the first in the country to offer the quart can.
What You Didn't See
Underviewed, FoGB Felix Jung's latest project, directs your attention to videos with very few views on YouTube, probably partly because their creators never changed the default filenames.
Changing Plates
Eater asked Chicago chefs, restaurateurs, educators and, er, Billy Corgan how they would change the world through food.
Cook County Hospital's Future
Chicago Architecture Foundation is partnering with Cook County to discuss future uses of the old Cook County Hospital, beginning with an online poll and a discussion tonight. [via]
Leviathan of the Lake
Going to go out on a limb and say, no, there's no hippo in the Chicago River.
Judge for yourself:
Fading Majesty in Uptown
Curious City takes up the perennial question, what can be done with the Uptown Theater?
How Do You Do 20x2?
20x2 Chicago, the show in which 20 people get two minutes each to answer the same question, is back at Schubas on Oct. 25. The question this time is "How do you do?"
Seeds & Weeds on the 606
Martha Bayne writes about the Bloomingdale Trail and the battle between planned and unplanned nature.
Encased Meats on Film
Brothers Nick and Christopher Markos are making a documentary about the final weeks ofHot Doug's. Say hi if you're in line over the next (gulp) two weeks.
David Bowie Will Be
The exhibition David Bowie Is opens today at the MCA. Early reviews say it's tremendous. You should probably go.
Malkovich, Malkovich, Malkovich
John Malkovich imitates the subjects of 35 iconic photographs, including Marilyn Monroe, Albert Einstein, and Muhammad Ali, for a new project by photographer Sandro Miller.
Goodbye, Finkl
The Finkl & Sons steel factory campus in Lincoln Park will be demolished within the next six to 12 months.
Marathon Eating
Chef Graham Elliot will be hosting a cooking demonstration showcasing healthy meals for runners in honor of the upcoming Chicago Marathon. Take home recipes and sample food at Mariano's in the West Loop on Sept 24.
RIP Sheldon Patinkin
Improv pioneer Sheldon Patinkin, who was a mentor to many comedians and a member of the group that spawned The Second City, died Sunday.
Our Kind of Mess
Despite rating the city as one of the worst when it comes to crime and taxes, two-thirds of residents would stay in the Chicagoland area even if money was no object.
Join the Pity Party
Puddles, "the Sad Clown with the Golden Voice" who beautifully covered Lorde's "Royals," is coming to the Mayne Stage for two shows Oct. 15.
Names on the Wall
NewCity's annual Art 50 list drops the names you should know in the local art scene.
Show Me the Way to the Next Microbrewery
We just announced the latest Gapers Block Microbrewery Crawl, visiting Lagunitas, Goose Island, BreakRoom and Begyle on Oct. 11. Tickets are on sale now!
New Archbishop Announced
In case you missed it in the news Friday or at church on Sunday, Pope Francis named Bishop Blase Cupich, the current bishop of Spokane, WA, to be the next archbishop of Chicago, succeeding the ailing Cardinal George.
The Auctioned Life
A wide range of items from Ray Bradbury's estate are now up for auction, including pieces from his art collection and the cups and balls magic trick he said inspired him to be a writer.
The Common Man
Chicago Magazine profiles Common and his efforts to give back to his community by highlighting up-and-coming artists and providing jobs for young people.
The Fall of the McSpoon
In the late '70s, the McDonald's coffee spoon became a victim of the war on drugs, resulting in its replacement, the coffee paddle.[via]
Bring Out Your Specimens
Scientists at the Field Museum will be identifying rocks, feathers, and other natural mysteries brought in by the public, although they ask that you leave the roadkill at home.
The Green Rush
With the legal marijuana industry expected to reach over $2.6 billion by the end of the year, budding pot entrepreneurs are in town looking for investors.
Stashed in the Bushes
Daley Center Findings catalogs items found hidden in the planters outside the Daley Center. [via]
Whose Bones are These?
Someone in Minnesota sent two sets of human bones to the Japanese Embassy in Chicago.
Nobama College Prep
Mayor Emanuel has decided not to name a selective enrollment high school after President Obama after all.
Dangerous Perceptions
A majority of Americans think Chicago is unsafe, according to a YouGov poll which found more Americans think the city is unsafe than any other city in the U.S.
A Toast to 'Da Bars'
With thriving neighborhood bars, local distilleries, and a cutting-edge cocktail scene, GQ calls Chicago the Greatest Drinking City in America.
Passing the PAC test
Ben Joravsky has a few tips for anyone considering running for alderman on how to avoid the ire of Mayor Emanuel and the (officially unaffiliated) Chicago Forward political action committee.
Open Hen House
Check out the chicks and chickens in backyards across the city during the 5th Annual Windy City Coop Tour. [via]
Old Technology Makes Way for New
Lane Tech High School shut down its architecture program, even as it cuts the ribbon on a new robotics lab and maker space.
Pick Up a Flyer
Eric May reflects on his days as a raver kid in the '90s, and shares a bunch of vintage flyers. [via]
Orange is the New Talkback
"Orange is the New Black" staff writer Nick Jones will be at Stage Left Theater doing a Q&A after this Friday's performance of his play, The Coward.
Probably not Crawling Division
So you know that Chicago Christmas Crawl? It's probably not happening, at least not with any resemblance to Twelve Bars of Christmas. Ald. Moreno tells RedEye he's going to try to put the kibosh on the organizer's original plans.
Evanston's the Place to Be
24/7WallSt made a list of "America's 50 Best Cities to Live" (sic) and put Evanston at #5.
Fountain Science
A popular video of rocket scientist Destin Sandlin adoring the fountain at Water Tower Place and its glassy waters gained the attention of its designer, who called him to geek out about "laminar flow," which makes water appear solid.
Weirdo TV
Comedian Steve Gadlin is raising money on Kickstarter to bring his late-night variety show "for weirdos" to cable TV in Chicago.
Cost of Criminalization
Drug possession is the most common reason people are held in Cook County Jail, but 1 in 3 of these cases are dismissed, costing taxpayers millions of dollars without offering treatment, according to the Chicago Reporter.
Walk the Skyline
Acrobat Nik Wallenda wants to walk across the Chicago River on a tightrope suspended 50 stories up, at night and without a net, in November.
Loop Enthusiasts
NASCAR's popularity seems to be growing locally, with more than 60,000 people turning up to watch the Chase for the Sprint Cup race at Chicagoland Speedway.
Drink to Chicago
GQ called us America's greatest place to drink, while Food & Wine put six Chicago bars in the Midwest bracket of its new People's Best New Bars poll.
The Segregated South Shore
"I don't feel like Chicago is more segregated than any other city," says Aaron Griffin in the Illustrated Press' latest journo-comic," I just think the South Side is more segregated than any other city."
This Year's Geniuses
The 2014 MacArthur Foundation "genius" grant recipients include Tara Zahra, a history professor and author at University of Chicago; Mark Hersam, a Northwestern materials scientist studying the properties of nanomaterials; and Tami Bond, an environmental engineer at University of Illinois studying the global effects of black carbon emissions.
"The African-American Burge"
That's how the lawyer tracking the offenses of Commander Glenn Evans describes the officer recently charged with excessive force after allegedly sticking his gun in the mouth of a suspect.
Travelers' Choice
TripAdvisor ranked the Art Institute as the best museum in the world, based on reviews posted to the site over the past year. [via]
TBOX & TBOX West?
The massive and controversial Twelve Bars of Christmas bar crawl will be Dec. 13 this year, and tickets are on sale now. Meanwhile, the former social media manager for TBOX is launching Chicago Christmas Crawl for the same day, over in Wicker Park.
Take That, Hoosiers
More parking tickets are left on cars with Indiana license plates than any other out-of-state vehicles.
Not Drinking with Friends
Your sober friend may not be drinking, but that doesn't mean he or she isn't having fun. Jeff Ruby provides tips on not making it awkward.
The Fault in Our Friendship
The Dissolve's Nathan Rabin writes in Salon about how his jealousy over The Fault in Our Stars author John Green's success ruined their friendship. See both of them Friday at Funny Ha-Ha.
Soul Searching
Washington Post reporter Lonnae O'Neal Parker returned to the South Side of her youth to see whether it had become as violent as it seems in the headlines.
Fallon's Coming Back
Jimmy Fallon will bring "The Tonight Show" to Chicago soon, after CPS students were able to read more than 2.7 million books as part of the Rahm's Readers Summer Learning Challenge.
Print Your Car
The first 3D-printed car was built and driven at the International Manufacturing Technology Show at McCormick Place this weekend.
Hopefully not the Last Chris Ware
Graphic novelist Chris Ware debuted a new comic in The Guardian this weekend. Called "The Last Saturday," it follows the story of six people from the fictional summer vacation town of Sandy Port, Michigan.
Indie Office Chairs
Furniture company Herman Miller is using Chicago-based design platform Unbranded Designs to find furniture fitting the mobile offices of the future.
Old-School Moves
Witness hits "that would take the humps off a dromedary camel" with the Chicago Film Archives' videos of wrestling matches from the 1950's.
Support Your Local Presidential Library
Proposals submitted by UIC and U of C are among the four semi-finalists named today for the future site of the Obama Presidential Library; the other sites are Columbia University and the University of Hawaii. Barack and Michelle will select the winner early next year.
Greening the Rails
An unused rail line in Englewood may be turned into an elevated park similar to The 606 on the North Side. See also "The Area," Gapers Block's award-winning short documentary about the Englewood neighborhood of the same name that's being demolished to make room for a new rail yard.
No Homework
One CPS school is banning homework for kindergartners, first-graders and second-graders so they can read for fun and spend more time with their families.
Feeding Odd Obsessions
Chicagoist looks at how Odd Obsession Movies manages to thrive while video rental chains like Blockbuster were killed by Redbox and video streaming. (From the GB archives, here's a profile of Odd Obsession from 2004, when it was new.)
Ghosts in the Computer
The Chicago's Extinct Businesses Facebook page keeps the memory of long-shuttered local businesses alive. [via]
Dirty Schools Getting Dirtier
Despite complaints from principals about poor sanitation in schools, nearly 480 janitors will soon be laid off by Aramark, CPS's cleaning contractor.
Your New VentraPhone
Folks with Android phones running the 4.4 KitKat version of the OS can use the phone's near field communication capability to get on the CTA. [via]
Bob's in the Race
Current 2nd Ward Ald. Bob Fioretti announced this weekend that he's running for mayor.
River North's Tech Renaissance
Businessweek traces River North's evolution from a rough industrial area to a booming neighborhood full of technology companies.
Swapping Numbers for Good
Smart Chicago Collaborative is bringing together local people and organizations who use data for public good to document their impact and find ways they can work together.
Lost Hope
Proposals to bring the Obama Presidential Library to the former sites of either the U.S. Steel South Works or Michael Reese Hospital are no longer being considered.
Welcome Home
Chicago ranked as the top destination for people to relocate to in a study of moving company United Van Lines' customers.
One Two-Paper Town
The Tribune and Sun-Times are codependent thanks to a printing and distribution deal, but could a closer partnership be in the works?
Are You "Havin a Good Day"?
DNAinfo tries to identify the mysterious tagger behind the message "Keep Havin a Good Day" that's been popping up all over town.
Fall Planning
Just because summer is over doesn't mean there's nothing to do. The Reader provides a fall culture overview in this week's issue.
The Middle of it All
While people on the coasts may think Chicago is in the middle of nowhere, Freakonomics explores why it's actually in the middle of everywhere.
Yet the Parakeets Stay
Ducks and other bird species may stop migrating to Chicago -- or go extinct altogether -- if global warming continues at its current pace, according to the National Audubon Society.
Stop for Pedestrians, Dammit
A study by the Active Transportation Alliance finds that only about 18 percent of drivers stop for pedestrians in marked crosswalks.
Prank it Your Way
After Burger King mistakenly listed the phone number of a local man as the contact for one of its branches, he pranked anyone who called trying to get a hold of BK.
A Good Use of Pennies
A mosaic made of $65,000 in coins set a Guinness World Record after debuting at the International Manufacturing Technology Show.
I'm Brunching It
McDonald's has applied for a trademark on the word "McBrunch," presumably with the intention of using it. No word on whether Burger King's applied for "BK Elevensies" yet. [via]
No Cigarettes in Horto
The Park District has banned smoking in public parks, beaches and harbors. The ban goes into effect immediately and includes e-cigs, but won't be strictly enforced right away -- so Riot Fest attendees needn't worry too much.
K4 for the People
Activists and teachers are calling for Chicago to follow New York City's lead in offering universal kindergarten for 4-year-olds.
Ink from the City of Wind
TimeOut collected pictures of some of the best and worst Chicago-inspired tattoos.
Droning On
While photographers have captured some compelling images by flying drones above the skyline, it's still unclear whether they're breaking the law in the process.
School's High Marks
Newsweek ranked Northside College Prep as the third best high school in the country. [via]
Lapsing the City
Watch the sun rise at North Ave. beach and the clouds roll over the skyline in a timelapse video of photographer Joel Schat's ideal day in Chicago.
Protecting the Pollinators
The short documentary The Pollinators covers the role of native plants in keeping pollinating insects alive.
WWW Ewwww
With all this rain and flooding, you can check if raw sewage is, in fact, currently being spilled into the Chicago River with just a click. Check istheresewageinthechicagoriver.com for all the icky, clickable reality, based on data from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago.
Let the Kids Play
For 30 years, Jim Jozwiak has taught music to kids at schools with no band program.
Interrupt Cancer
Ameena Matthews, one of the central figures in The Interrupters documentary, is battling Multiple Myeloma, a form of leukemia. A GoFundMe campaign has been started to help her raise money for a bone marrow transplant.
Call in Case of Cold
Emergency rooms are seeing a spike in the number of children needing treatment for respiratory illnesses, possibly due to the spread of a virus with no known treatment.
Golden Age Trains
Passengers will be able to ride from Chicago to Madison on restored rail cars meant to recreate the golden age of train travel.
Bacon, Poutine, Mac'n'Cheese... now Ramen.
Ramenfest is coming to Urban Belly on Nov. 8. Tickets are on sale now. [via]
You Killed the Bricks
A Swedish LEGO enthusiast built a recreation of the Ferris Bueller's Day Off scene in which Cameron sends his dad's Ferrari through the window.
There was also another Ferris Bueller scene and one from The Blues Brothers in the annual competition.
Top Hardware
Ted Allen reflects on Clark-Devon Hardware as a quintessential neighborhood hardware store, where the service is brusque but you always find what you need. [via]
Overnight in the Cultural Center
The World Music Festival begins Friday, and it's starting off with a 24-hour open house at the Cultural Center.
The Future of Street Food
Despite years of legal limbo, the largely immigrant food cart vendors still aren't technically legal. In These Times takes a look at their current plight and what's being done to change it.
What Wizardry is This?
NewCity's annual art issue features Harry Potter-inspired work by local artist Puppies Puppies.
Service Without a Smile
Dan Peacock wrote a recent Yelp review about the offensive and sexist service him and his girlfriend received at Andersonville's Hamburger Mary's. The review has been placed in the "Not Recommended" reviews section, with other reviews saying Hamburger Mary's has less than stellar service and food.
Bazaar History
While the Megamall in Logan Square is mostly empty and in disrepair today, it once housed a vibrant indoor flea market that was a hub of food, shopping, and street art.
Charting the Skyline
While Crain's wonders whether there's a boom of office building construction in the Loop, the Tribune shows how building activity rose and fell from the 1850's until today.
Life Without Curbs
A "shared street" on Argyle in Uptown will bring the sidewalk and street to the same level, providing more space for cyclists and pedestrians.
Covering Violence
Crime coverage in Chicago may actually be too good reflects Kari Lydersen, while Justin Glawe shows what it was like for two Sun-Times journalists as they covered the violent Fourth of July weekend.
How the Nuggets are Made
The McDonald's corporate social media team got schooled after telling @HowThingsWork not to "spread bad information" -- by sharing an animated gif from the company's own video.
Final Bows
Chicago's theater community lost three of their own last week. Sati Word passed away on Sept. 3, and actors Molly Glynn and Bernie Yvon died Sept. 6, Glynn after being hit by a falling tree while caught out cycling during Friday's storm, Yvon in a car accident in Munster.
Finding Vivian Maier's Heirs
A year after Gapers Block reported on the ownership issues surrounding Vivian Maier's photographs, a lawsuit has been filed by a photographer turned attorney on behalf of a French relative.
Bleeding Cubbie Blue
A woman fell four stories while trying to jump from one rooftop deck to another during Friday's Cubs game. Amazingly, she only broke her hip.
Waste Nothing
A salvage operation based on the South Side helps give new life to the bricks, timbers, and materials of Chicago's past.
Candid Club Shots
American Photo remembers photographer Michael Abramson and the unique moments he captured in South Side ballrooms, stripclubs, and blues clubs in the '70's, which are now on display at Columbia College Chicago.
Hot Dog Rookie
Bears receiver Alshon Jeffery got his first taste of a Chicago-style hot dog at the Wiener Circle.
☐ I Agree
U of C law professor Omri Ben-Shahar talks with NPR about why we sign but don't read terms of service agreements. [via]
Church Debris Kills Woman
A piece of stonework fell from the Second Presbyterian Church in the South Loop and killed a young mother of two as she walked by with her boyfriend.
Behind Boundaries
A man suspected of being a bank robber dubbed the "No Boundaries Bandit" by the FBI is facing charges for holding up a bank on the Southwest Side and 13 others.
They're Literally Everywhere
With the cast of Parks and Recreation in town filming episodes for the show's final season, Chris Pratt attempted to throw out the first pitch at Wrigley.
Hacking for Good
From cracking open ATMs to find vulnerabilities to making mounds of public data digestible, civic-minded hackers use technological know-how to help their community.
New Chappelle Show
Comedian Dave Chappelle is set to host Common's inaugural Aahh! Festival, joining a pretty impressive lineup including Lupe Fiasco, De La Soul, and MC Lyte.
Bike Vigilantes
Cyclists tired of bike thefts are taking matters into their own hands, searching for hot rides online and in markets, and setting up sting operations with police.
Club Foot Gets The Boot
Per an announcement on their Facebook page, Club Foot will be closing in November of this year, due to a "massive rent increase."
Fight for $15 Continues
Fast food workers in Chicago and across the country are going on strike again today, calling for a minimum wage of $15 an hour and the right to form a union.
Mystery on Film
The Daily Mail shares the story of how Chicago photographer Jeff Phillips uncovered the lives of Harry Grossmann and Edna Lehr, whose vacation slides he found in a thrift shop. An exhibition of the photos and story just closed at Intuit. (Thanks, Dee!) Meanwhile, the Reader tells of another photographic mystery.
Sky Go to the Finals
The Chicago Sky beat Indianapolis to advance to the WNBA Finals. Tickets to their home games against the Phoenix Mercury go on sale today at 10am.
Competing for Your Morning
Peet's Coffee is opening 16 new locations in Chicago this fall. Meanwhile, Filter is closing for 10 days starting Friday so that Latino store brand Café Bustelo can do a pop-up shop.
Social Drinkers
Two competing craft breweries, Ale Syndicate and Arcade Brewery, share the same brewing facility in Logan Square.
Smoke Those Outside City Limits
While officials aren't enthusiastic about a proposal to ban smoking in all the city's parks, the idea isn't off the table.
Bueller? Anyone?
Only 12 students are enrolled for school at Walter H. Dyett High School in Washington Park; the school is scheduled to be closed at the end of the year.
Cover My House in What!?
The new esurance billboard at Washington and Canal offers an, uh, interesting suggestion.
So, uh, who's seen the new esurance ad at Canal/Washington? pic.twitter.com/SFXJFh7sBR
— Sharlene King (@typodactyl) September 3, 2014UPDATE: Looks like it's already been fixed.
@typodactyl @madamradams Valet park guys nearby said it was at Canal & Randolph for awhile but got changed this morning. Cc: @AndreaHanis
— Becky Yerak (@beckyyerak) September 3, 2014The Hard Work of Helping
Politicians lined up to congratulate Jackie Robinson West on their Little League World Series trip. But none of them were there when one of the players was revealed to be homeless. Scott Smith examines why.
United States of X: Bell Pepper Edition
Illinois no doubt has Chicago to thank for green bell peppers and Italian sausage being among the most distinctive ingredients by state, according to data from Food Genius.
Round Trip
Where To?, Dmitry Samarov's followup to Hack, his first memoir about driving a cab, is now out, and he's got a book release party at the Whistler Thursday night. He's also started a short video series in collaboration with John McNaughton.
Ain't Nothing but a Wedding Thing
Snoop Dogg crashed a Hindu wedding while he was in town to perform at North Coast Music Festival.
Tragedy in Context
The number of murders between January and August fell to its lowest point in over 50 years, although there are a higher number of gunshot victims in the city.
Answers that Matter
"Questions That Matter" showcases the struggles and triumphs of people in poverty. [via]
Slashing the Shooshers
The number of librarians in over 600 public schools in Chicago is down to 254.
A Night with the Museum Guy
George Lucas will speak as part of Chicago Ideas Week; maybe he'll shed some more light on what will be inside his planned Museum of Narrative Art.
Teens Design new CPS Logo
Chicago Public Schools debuted a new logo designed by two high school students last month. Designers really don't like it.
Developers in the Park
Polymathic and Catalyze Chicago host Software <3 Hardware: A Makers' Field Day Sept. 7 in Humboldt Park, filled with fun techie games and challenges. Get $15 off tickets by using the code "gapersblock" on checkout.
Summer from Above
Photographer Gray Malin visited Chicago this summer, and took some great aerial photos of the Bean and Oak Street Beach. [via]
Get Yourself Treated
Aziz Ansari is doing a secret "pop-up" show somewhere in Chicago on Wednesday. Tickets are $35 and assigned by lottery.
Get to School Free
Tomorrow is the first day of school for CPS students. The CTA and Sun-Times have partnered to provide free rides on trains and buses to the students and accompanying parents Tuesday morning.
