"This happens sometimes."
The security line at Midway Airport was reportedly 1.2 miles long this morning.
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
November 2014
GB Gift Guide: Chicago Supporter
This Chicago flag soccer scarf will be great in the winter as well as at Fire and Red Stars games.
Gift Guide A-Go-Go
It's gift guide season! Chicago magazine, the Reader, RedEye, Sun-Times' Splash and Time Out all have theirs out. Here at GB we'll be posting items throughout the next couple weeks -- see all our gift guide recommendations in the archives.
Black Friday vs. Ferguson
Activists will be outside Water Tower Place today, protesting the Ferguson Decision in a spot that maximizes exposure.
The Wild Things are Here
Coyotes living in the city roam Chicago at night, building homes anywhere they can, including in the concrete near a Solider Field parking lot.
Take Art Outside
Avoid cabin fever by bundling up your out-of-town visitors and taking them for a walking tour of the city's outdoor art galleries.
Challengers Enter the Arena
Both Ald. Bob Fioretti and Cook County Commissioner Jesus "Chuy" Garcia officially filed to challenge Rahm Emanuel in the mayoral elections.
DIY Immigration Reform
President Obama came to Chicago Tuesday to make the case for his executive actions preventing the deportation undocumented immigrants with children born in the U.S.
Black Beer Friday
This Friday is your chance to pick up bottles of Goose Island's Bourbon County Stout, and Big Hugs, Half Acre's beloved coffee imperial stout, comes out Dec. 14. Expect lines for both.
Elephants in Distress
Thirty Times a Minute, a video installation by Colleen Plumb, intends to draw attention to the plight of elephants in captivity. Plumb is projecting it on buildings around the city; see the schedule for details.
No More Shows at Township
Township has parted ways with MP Shows in what sounds like fairly acrimonious fashion. Upcoming concerts have either been canceled or moved to Reggies and Livewire Lounge.
A Summer of Promise
Filmmaker Ifé Olatunji presents a snapshot of three young girls' experiences going to school at South Shore Fine Arts Academy, and their mothers' hopes for their future. [via]
"America, I tell the truth you can't say!"
Comedy website Splitsider explores the history and influence of "The Bernie Mac Show," which included elements of the Chicago comedy legend's life.
Immersion-Circulate for the Border
"It didn't take long for the apartment to smell like the inside of a Taco Bell sauna. I couldn't tell if that was a good thing." What happens when you sous-vide Taco Bell for 48 hours.
United States of X: Side Dish Edition
Illinoisians are more interested in hawaiian salad for Thanksgiving than residents of other states, according to a study of Google searches by the New York Times.
Rating the Ricketts
Rolling Stone counts the Ricketts Family among the worst owners in sports for often refusing to spend their own money on improving the Cubs and dabbling in politics.
Gobble Gobble Gridlock
Chicago's worst Thanksgiving traffic is between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Wednesday, while Saturday is the second worst day to drive, according to the Tribune.
Where to Drink
Punch magazine offers a guide to bars in Chicago. Probably won't be many surprises for locals, but it'd be handy this holiday season for recommendations for visiting friends and family.
She Was Misinformed
The NYTimes' Joyce Wadler was fooled by a satirical Daily Currant article claiming that Kanye West told fictional WGYN in Chicago that his butt is better than Kim Kardashian's. Ironically, Wadler's column is called "I Was Misinformed."
The Somebody Nobody Sent
Former congressman and judge Abner Mikva received the Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, from President Obama yesterday. He is the founder of the Mikva Challenge, a foundation encouraging civic engagement among students.
Ferguson Decision Protests in Chicago
Demonstrators protesting the grand jury decision not to indict Darren Wilson in the shooting death of Mike Brown in Ferguson, MO shut down Lake Shore Drive for an hour and marched to the Thompson Center before being prevented from heading up Michigan Avenue by police. Check the #chi2ferguson hashtag for the play-by-play.
Now marching on Lake Shore Drive past McCormick Place #Chi2Ferguson #WeShutShitDown pic.twitter.com/HZYW2onMsk
— Rachael P (@plussone) November 25, 2014Chicago #shutitdown RT @bullhorngirl: Converging at the State of Illinois Building. #Chi2Ferguson pic.twitter.com/GBVrentGdm
— OBS_StL (@OBS_StL) November 25, 2014#! "@soit_goes: Panoramic of the #Chi2Ferguson stand off at Wacker & Wabash as we try to reach the Mag Mile. pic.twitter.com/A20PSoG7NB"
— maehkon (@maehkon) November 25, 2014Rush Owner Flagged
Former Chicago Rush owner David Staral Jr. was arrested for allegedly lying about his own assets when purchasing the team.
Stone Stories
DNAinfo's Sam Cholke investigates whether limestone blocks discovered near a bus stop in Kenwood belonged to a faux castle built in the area in the 1920s, which once housed the collection of Medieval armor and artifacts now on view at the Art Institute.
Do Good, Rock Out
Riot Fest is promising to give some three-day passes to anyone who volunteers for at least 25 hours at a nonprofit. Holiday pre-sale tickets go on sale Tuesday at 10am.
Ask an Also-Ran
2011 mayoral candidate and former City Clerk Miguel del Valle reflects on Jesus "Chuy" Garcia's chances in the upcoming elections, and the state of Latino and progressive issues, in a lengthy interview with the Chicago Reporter.
All of the Lights
Estimated crowds of over one million people packed Michigan Ave. Saturday for the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival and parade.
20 Years of Bloodshot
Chicagoist offers an oral history of Bloodshot Records, still rocking after 20 years. There's a great new compilation album out, too.
Chinatown Extortion Busts
Members of one of Chicago's Chinese gangs were arrested for extorting area restaurants. It's unclear whether there's any connection to the raids on Lao Sze Chuan and other restaurants owned by chef Tony Hu.
Saved from a Pancake
Two women and a dog were rescued from a collapsed apartment building in Washington Park that "pancaked" after a possible explosion.
Give Thanks for Good Airport Food
If you're flying somewhere this week, check out Midway's and O'Hare's best dining options.
Buy It Yourself at the DIY Trunk Show
The cold and the snow are true signs that winter is approaching. And with the start of winter comes the holidays and the beginning of the holiday craft show season. The DIY Trunk Show returns this year with more than 130 craft, art and handmade vendors, food sold by Wishbone, free beer donated by Lagunitas and Brooklyn Brewery, live music and several djs from CHIRP Radio. So grab your list and get a jump start on gift buying tomorrow at the Broadway Armory (5917 N. Broadway) from 10 am to 5 pm.
Less Room in the Middle
The number of Chicagoans living in middle-class neighborhoods is steadily declining, with more people living in affluent or poor areas instead, writes Whet Moser.
Santa Rides the Bus
This year, the CTA isn't just doing a Holiday Train (whose schedule was just announced) -- there's also a Holiday Bus, a reticulated model coated in Christmas decor, running Dec. 2-23 on various routes.
Progress Lost
Left-leaning news website Progress Illinois will cease publication at the end of the year.
The Jungle vs. Time Traveler's Wife vs. Boss vs. ...
Which is the Greatest Chicago book? The Reader has assembled a bracket to decide.
It's Not That Cold
Despite the record-setting cold in Chicago earlier this week, globally we're closer to setting a record for warmth in 2014.
Not So Accommodating
Today the Illinois Board of Admissions to the Bar will reconsider Kristin Pagano's request to breastfeed during the February 2015 Illinois bar examination, which was previously denied. [Illinois law states, "A mother may breastfeed her baby in any location, public or private, where the mother is otherwise authorized to be."]
Relighting the Patio
The Patio Theater is back in business after the current owners reached a lease and management deal with Eddie Carranza -- the oft-embattled owner of the Congress and Portage theaters. The first new event will be a holiday sketch comedy show on Dec. 4.
United States of X: 11 Nations Edition
The country is divided into 11 distinct "nations," according to Tufts professor Collin Woodard in his book, American Nations -- and Chicago is part of Yankeedom. An earlier book, The Nine Nations of North America by John Garreau, put us in The Foundry.
The Game is Over
The staff of 87.7 The Game found out -- while on the air -- that the Tribune Media (the broadcast half of the Tribune Company that split from print earlier this year) is pulling the plug on the channel at the end of the year. They found out from Robert Feder's column and Twitter. Listen in.
City Pays its Bills
City Council passed a $7.3 billion budget, including $62.4 million in new revenue from increased fees on things like water, parking, cell phones, and cable television.
You're Cut Off
Raf Miastkowski picks the Chicago bars that would play home to "Game of Thrones" houses.
How Well Do You Know the City?
WTTW will debut "Where in Chicago? with Geoffrey Baer," a new quiz show about Chicago, at 7:30pm on Dec. 1.
RIP Mike Nichols
Writer/director/producer Mike Nichols passed away at age 83. Nichols got his start in entertainment while attending the University of Chicago, beginning with the Compass Players improv troupe where he met his longtime collaborator, Elaine May.
Too Sexy for 5th Graders?
After a DNAinfo reported on a new sex ed curriculum for CPS fifth graders at Andrew Jackson Language Academy that included info about female condoms and anal sex, parents and the Internet freaked out, causing CPS officials to do damage control and a parent to start a petition to have the material removed.
Vintage Vantages
Mental Floss shares classic photos of the city including views of the Great Chicago Fire, the World's Fair, and hog butchers.
Sketchy Details
The lineup of the Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival is out, including over 200 shows with local and national acts.
Beyond the Numbers
While the number of homicides is decreasing citywide, it's holding steady or increasing in some neighborhoods . Photographer Carlos Ortiz shows the impact of this violence on Chicagoans.
CHIRPing Everywhere
The online community radio station CHIRP (aka the Chicago Independent Radio Project) has been granted a broadcasting license permit from the FCC; the station will migrate to 107.1 FM next year.
The Ratings Game
CPS is changing how it rates schools once again, and some schools still haven't received their rating for this year.
Sharkey's in Charge
Carol Felsenthal interviews Jesse Sharkey, the new head of the Chicago Teachers Union.
Ask a Gang Member Anything
An alleged member of the Black Disciples gang decided to do a Reddit AMA on /r/Chicago.
United States of X: Thanksgiving Edition
Rick Bayless' pumpkin soup with ancho chiles and apple represents Illinois in the NYTimes' Thanksgiving recipes for each state.
Rideshare with More Confidence
Lyft and Sidecar both received the first city ridesharing licenses yesterday, certifying that the companies' drivers meet certain training and safety requirements. Uber is still working on their license.
Chicago's Catholic Past
With Blase Cupich set to take over as archbishop, Neil Steinberg looks back at Catholicism's history in Chicago, including its "discovery" by a priest in 1673 and the poisoning of a Cardinal's welcome feast by anarchists in 1915.
Throwing a Red Flag
Local lawmakers are asking the SEC to investigate donations to Mayor Emanuel from executives of financial firm who manage city pension funds.
Midway Crash
A small cargo plane that flew into the side of a house near Midway Airport missed the elderly couple inside by a couple of inches. The pilot was killed in the crash.
Picturing the City
University of Chicago hosts All Out in the Streets, a conference exploring the relationship between photography and the American city, this Thursday through Saturday. It's in connection with the Art Institute's exhibition, The City Lost and Found: Capturing New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, 1960-1980.
Bad Cop, Bad Cop
Police Supt. Garry McCarthy is pushing for a cop who has been suspended seven times and arrested four times to finally be kicked off the force.
Lunch Appointment with an Otter
The Shedd Aquarium is hosting a Google hangout at noon with Pup 681, the new baby otter.
The Art-Marketing Can Can
Anne Elizabeth Moore -- a cultural critic and SAIC instructor -- and students take down Red Bull's "Art of Can" in The Baffler.
Knock Three Times
Last night, Archbishop Blase Cupich began the three-day process of succeeding Cardinal George as head of the Chicago Archdiocese with a knock on the door at Holy Name Cathedral.
Hear Something? Say Something
Local legislators are collecting noise complaints about O'Hare Airport. Leave yours at oharenoise.org, at State Senator Kotowski's website or by calling 800-435-9569 or 224-585-9153.
On the Ballot
Potential candidates for mayor, alderman, and other city posts filed their petition signatures to get on the ballot for the Feb. 24 election.
Humboldt Restored
The cleaning of Humboldt Park is now complete after Riot Fest turned a large part of it into a mud pit; the festival also announced plans to do charitable work in the neighborhood year-round.
Parking's Past
Parking garages built by the City in the 1950's were meant to solve Chicago's parking problems and put the cars they contained on display, writes Serhii Chrucky in Forgotten Chicago.
Convenient Greens
Farmer's Fridge's salad vending machines bring healthy options to office workers and people in low-income areas.
Best & Brightest
Chicago Magazine's selections for Chicagoans of the Year include the Jackie Robinson West Baseball Team, Latino activist Juan Andrade, Sister Rosemary Connelly, author Stuart Dybek, and nonprofit founder Amy Lehman.
Cold & Flu Season's Here
You need to stay healthy this winter. ChicagoFluShots.org shows where in the city you can get a flu shot, including a few spots where they're free.
May the Force Be with Him
The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art has found its first emperor Jedi master president: Don Bacigalupi, formerly of the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas.
No Return for Andersonville's Water Tower
Well, sort of. The iconic water tower of Andersonville will be replaced with a replica, as the original was too badly damaged last winter to be repaired. Instead, the old tank will be broken up into souvenirs by its owner, the Swedish American Museum.
Old Ways are the Best
The Reader's food issue digs into how old food-making methods are revolutionizing modern cuisine.
Remembering Jane Byrne
Commemorate the passing of Chicago's first female mayor with some classic photos from the Tribune's archives or a visit to places named after Jane Byrne.
Living on the Edge
One in three Chicago residents are living paycheck-to-paycheck, according to a survey by Springleaf Financial.
Tweetup Your Dukes
Brandon Marshall offered a Lions fan who was trashing talking him on Twitter $25,000 to step into the ring with him.
Movember Maintenance
If you're growing a mustache this month (or a beard for the winter), you should take care of it. The Windy City Beard Co. has your back.
Print Problems
Some placeholder text made it into the print edition of the Sun-Times, but it's actually kind of catchy.
"How do you tell the story of death without a body?"
The Daily Beast profiles the anonymous--and controversial--crime photographer Spot News, who documents murders in some of the city's most dangerous neighborhoods.
Rose's Glass Leg
The Bulls won last night, but lost Derrick Rose to a leg injury again. This time it's a pulled hamstring.
Half is Better than All
93.9 My FM (formerly known as WLIT) starts its all Christmas music, all the time format today. Meanwhile, WILV thinks it's figured out how not to drive your coworkers quite as crazy: It's playing holiday music only every other song.
Fast Forward the El
A video by the CTA gives an engineer's-eye view of the Red Line's entire route. [via]
A New Pension Problem
Executives of investment firms that manage Chicago's pension funds donated over $600,000 to support Rahm Emanuel's bid for mayor, possibly violating federal pay-to-play rules, according to the International Business Times. And Governor-Elect Bruce Rauner received $140,000 in campaign donations from the firms that manager state pension funds.
The Lakefront Strikes Back
Friends of the Parks is filing a lawsuit to keep the Lucas Museum from building on the lakefront.
Chicago Kids' Choice
Chance The Rapper was chosen by Chicago teens to receive the Outstanding Youth of the Year Award.
Cooking Alinea
Photographer Allen Hamberger finished cooking every recipe from the Alinea cookbook earlier this year (previously). Foodie produced a short documentary about his experiences, which included a visit to Alinea to get tips from Grant Achatz on a recipe.
Activists File Torture Claims with UN
Activists We Charge Genocide presented a report to the United Nations Committee Against Torture on alleged torture of suspects by the CPD.
Fighting for the Right to Go Topless
A Japanese woman is suing the City after she was fined for going topless at North Avenue Beach on Go Topless Day this summer. A judge charged her with public indecency last month so that she could challenge the city's ordinance in the name of equal gender rights.
Video is NSFW, obviously.
Catch a Predator
Hollaback Chicago is looking for help finding a man who sexually assaulted a woman who was asleep next to him on a Metra train last month.
Who's for Chuy?
Assuming he can get onto the ballot, will Chuy Garcia get support from the progressives? Can anybody stand up against Rahm?
Shop Locally from Your Pocket
WeDeliver's Locally app lets you browse items from nearby stores that will deliver to your door.
Get a Slice
The Local Tourist's Ultimate Pizza Guide is about as comprehensive a listing of pizza places in the city and suburbs as you can find.
How Do You Do College?
In "Freshman Year Sucks--and That's OK," University of Chicago junior Eleanor Hyun explains how expectations and the "immense pressure in TV and movies to have college be the best social experience of one's life" made her first year on campus a difficult one.
Get Ready for Full Contact Karaoke
Think you can sing? How about while dodging marshmallows? With Full Contact Karaoke you'll face that and more, in the name of fundraising for the Windy City Rollers, at Schubas Dec. 2.
Up Close City Creatures
Frequent Rearview contributor Bill Guerriero authored a piece for Center for Humans and Nature drawing from his striking "City Creatures" photographic series.
Nearing the Trail's End
The Cal-Sag Trail, a 26-mile multi-use path along the banks of the Calumet River (which GB's Sheila Burt reported on in 2010), is finally nearing completion.
Kickstart This Stuff
A picture frame for your Instagrams, split-section cast-iron pans, a documentary on modern burlesque and a movie app for kids are among the campaigns currently funding on GB's curated Kickstarter page.
Batman v. Superman v. Unseasonably Cold Weather
It's not exactly the best time for the cast and crew of superhero flick Batman v. Superman to be filming exterior footage, but that's fall in Chicago for you! Several streets in Uptown are already closed, and will be until Friday. Let's hope those super and bat suits are well insulated.
Culinary Stars
Grace and Alinea were awarded three-star ratings in the 2015 Michelin Guide, while Sixteen, 42 grams and L2O took home two stars.
Sensor in the City
Sensors strapped to streetlights monitoring things like temperature, light, and carbon monoxide are debuting in Hyde Park this month. (previously)
Welcome Home
WGN brought an old-school promo video featuring Lou Rawls up-to-date by adding some modern-day footage of potholes, Steve Bartman, and ex-governor Blagojevich.
Laugh, Don't Cry
Bears fans are using humor to cope with Sunday's brutal loss to the Packers, including a new Wikipedia page, plenty of memes, and a new take on the Simpsons "monorail" song.
Investing in the Market Instead of Schools
A Tribune investigative series details how CPS borrowed $1 billion in bond loans to theoretically save money, but the risky investments might actually cost tens of millions.
"It's like NYC off steroids."
I mostly ignore Quora, but the thread asking "What is it like to live in Chicago?" gets some pretty interesting responses.
House of Jarretts
Two recent profiles of Obama senior advisor (and former CTA chair) Valerie Jarrett in Politico and The New Republic show the extent to which she holds sway over the White House...for better or worse.
Trestman's Monorail
The Score columnist Tim Baffoe re-wrote the monorail bit from "The Simpsons" to cover Marc Trestman's management of the Bears.
City of Big Beats
Create & Explore paired beat maker ESTA with photographer Michael Salisbury to create video a homage to the sights and sounds of the city.
Create & Explore 001 - Michael Salisbury X ESTA from Create & Explore on Vimeo.
State of the House
Britt Julious takes a look at what house music is like these days in the birthplace of the genre.
A Sinking Anniversary
Steve Kahn looks back at the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald in Lake Superior on November 10, 1975.
Chicago Innocence Project Tarnished
Alstory Simon is now free, after Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez vacated charges against him in a 1982 murder case. Simon was convicted after confessing to investigators with the Chicago Innocence Project, but it was later determined that his conviction was coerced. It's another black eye for Northwestern and former professor David Protess; the organization's predecessor, the Medill Innocence Project, was shut down amid allegations of falsification and coercion.
Mayor Emanuel by the Numbers
Crain's shares some hard data about how the local economy, city finances, crime, and education have fared during Mayor Emanuel's first term.
Holiday Bullshit Returns
Cards Against Humanity unleashed its 10 Days or Whatever of Kwanzaa, a present for yourself (or others, I guess) of 10 things in the mail in December for $15. If you're into it, get it now before it's too late.
Moving On Up
The Harriet F. Rees House, built at 2110 S. Prairie in 1888, has been hoisted up to be moved a block north to 2017 S. Prairie to make room for the new DePaul basketball stadium and hotel complex at McCormick Place.
Storing an Icon
The Distance profiles The Icon Group, a company charged with the job of pack, move, store and install priceless works of art.
Election Judge Robocaller IDed
The voice on the robocalls to election judges telling them to report for additional training was identified as 19th Ward Republican committeeman and Water Reclamation Board candidate Jim Parrilli, but that leaves plenty of questions yet to answer.
Drink to Remember, or Forget
A red-hued Chicago Fizz is an ideal cocktail for celebrating Republicans and self-medicating Democrats, according to David Leonhardt.
Some Art You Can Sit On
The SOFA Chicago expo of sculptural objects and functional art and design returns to Navy Pier this weekend.
Hall of Innovators
A pantheon of data scientists, CEOs, and founders were the latest inductees to UIC's Chicago Area Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame.
For Those Who Like It Hot
Serious Eats' Nick Kindelsperger ranked more than two dozen hot giardinieras to figure out which is the best to top your Italian beef.
Graffitti Along the Tracks
Graffiti removal requests to 311 are the densest along the Blue, Pink and Orange Lines of the CTA, tracing diagonals through the Northwest and Southwest sides.
Sins of the Fathers
The Chicago Archdiocese released thousands of files relating to cases of 36 priests accused of sexual abuse of minors, along with analysis of the data [PDF] connected to the cases.
Know Any Young -- Really Young -- Chefs?
Fox's "Masterchef Junior" is holding open calls for its recently announced third season. Contestants aged 8-13 can cook something up at Hyatt Chicago Magnificent Mile on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 9 am to 5 pm. (Chicago's 10-year-old Nasir was one of the first to go home in Season 2, but 13-year-old Levi from Highland Park is still in it.)
Off-road Season
Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro can take the party anywhere he wants to go with his new pimped-out all-terrain vehicle.
The Google Mafia
While Google is building a massive headquarters in the West Loop, the tech giant's local branch began in a one-bedroom apartment back in 2000.
Join the Scrum
If last weekend's New Zealand vs. USA rugby game got you inspired to learn more about the sport, the Chicago Area Rugby Football Union's a club directory of both city and suburban teams is a good place to start.
Zombies in the Water
Zombies and other ghouls are floating around Lake Michigan after high waves sunk part of a haunted house barge floating near Navy Pier.
Otterly Important
Sure the elections just happened, but Chicago is in the international news for the rescued otter now living at the Shedd Aquarium.
Pure Chicago Cityporn
Once again, photographer Eric Hines shows that the city is beautiful in time lapse.
Cityscape Chicago II from Eric Hines on Vimeo.
See a Meme Up Close
You know those photos of John Malkovich re-creating historic images (previously)? Catherine Edelman Gallery opens an exhibition of a selection of those photos, taken by photographer Sandro Miller, this Friday night. The show will be at the gallery through Jan. 31.
Better Call Saul for Tickets
Comedian Bob Odenkirk, co-creator of "Mr. Show" and now probably better known as Saul Goodman on "Breaking Bad," celebrates the release of his new book, A Load of Hooey, with shows at UP Comedy Club tonight and tomorrow. Doors open at 7:15pm, show's at 8 Tickets are $45 and include a copy of the book. 21+
"He really is a Democrat"
Now that Rauner is governor-elect, the Reader's Ben Joravsky returns his attention to Mayor Emanuel
Holiday Spirits Are Stirring
The City of Chicago has selected its official tree for Daley Plaza and Christkindlesmarkt is being built downtown.
Quinn Concedes
The governor just held a press conference to announce that despite ongoing vote counts, he has lost his re-election to Bruce Rauner.
South Side Food Star
Stephanie Hart of Brown Sugar Bakery is competing on Food Network's new show, "Holiday Baking Championship." Michael Gebert interviewed her in the Reader.
Documenting Electoral Dysfunction
Voters who encountered long lines, broken machines, or other problems on election day can share their experiences and hopefully help improve the next election.
Extreme Voting
Some voters who went to polling places with same-day registration waited for over eight hours to cast their ballots.
The South Side is Wet
Midway Airport recorded its wettest year on record this year, with nearly two months to go.
Big Hurt's in Berwyn
Frank Thomas' Big Hurt Brewhouse is now open in Berwyn, although the mediocre Big Hurt Beer isn't brewed there.
Stool Capital of the World
A production of Red White & Blaine, the historic musical depicted in the film Waiting for Guffman, is set to debut Nov. 15 at iO.
Rauner Wins, Quinn Doesn't Lose Yet
Bruce Rauner appears to have won the election for Illinois governor, but Pat Quinn refused to concede, noting that it was too close to call with so many precincts and early votes left to tally.
GB Gift Guide: For the Hot Dog Lover in Your Life
You can still buy shirts and whatnot from the now-shuttered Hot Doug's, while enjoying Lake Effect's Super Bier Kolsch collaboration with the epic Superdawg (who also sells fun gear).
Unidentified Marketing Object
A mysterious fireball spotted in the night was actually skydivers who jumped at night with flares attached to them for a Red Bull marketing stunt.
Bad Political Machines
Dozens of election judges quit or failed to appear at the polls after receiving misleading information from robocalls and phone calls, according to officials.
A Deal on Vino
Groupon has launched a line of private-label wines featuring the company's cat mascot. [via]
Disco Demolisher Returns
Shock jock Steve Dahl is back on the air, taking over the mic on weekday afternoons on WLS-AM 890.
Cleaning Crime Scenes
When violence or accidents cause blood to be spilled in public places, firefighters are called in for a "washdown," using copious amounts of water to wash it all away.
Late Voting in Rogers Park
Voters in southeastern Rogers Park can vote until 8pm tonight because their polling place, the Leona's on Sheridan Road, didn't open for voting this morning. Police and firemen had to break into the restaurant to let election judges set up.
Do It for Democracy
Don't forget to vote today, even if you won't get one of those "I Voted" stickers for the effort.
Seven Years Before O'Leary's Cow
NYTimes' Disunion blog writes about a Confederate plot to burn Chicago on election day in 1864, during the Civil War.
Leftover Apps
Zero Percent is a new app that helps restaurants and other businesses donate surplus food to food banks more easily.
Lucas Museum Design Revealed
Designs for the planned Lucas Museum of Narrative Art have been made public. I guess the big metal halo will go well with the spaceship in Soldier Field.
Marathoner Under Investigation
Chicago Marathon champion Rita Jeptoo tested positive for a banned substance in a doping test she took before winning the marathon.
How to Lose Friends & Influence Policy
Politico looks at the impact of Mayor Emanuel's political style on his reelection and career prospects.
Chicago's Situation Room
The Reader's Mick Dumke and Ben Joravsky will be offering their own election night coverage live at the Hideout, which will also be on cable and streaming on CAN TV.
RIP Chicago Spire
The dream of the Chicago Spire is finally dead after its developers failed to meet a court-ordered deadline to bring the project out of bankruptcy.
Endorse This!
If you want to get feedback on who to vote for tomorrow, here's some help: Independent Voters of Illinois, Vote for Judges, the Chicago Bar Association, the Chicago Council of Lawyers, the Chicago Federation of Labor [PDF], the Chicago Citizen, and the Daily Herald. Happy voting! Polls are open from 6am to 7pm.
Welcome to O Block
The Sun-Times profiles "O Block," an area around the Parkway Gardens housing development, where Michelle Obama lived as a child. Nineteen people were shot on the block between June 2011 and June 2014.
Torn Up Lakefront
Friday's rough weather and high waves on the lake left sections of the Lakefront Path a mess, with huge chunks of asphalt moved and piled up. Repairs are expected to begin today.
Goodbye, Hungry Brain
The Hungry Brain is closing its doors in mid-December after nearly 18 years in business. Stay tuned for closing party news (and get to Club Foot soon, too.)
These are just like the others: Hot Doug's, Club Foot, Hungry Brain. It's been an amazing 17 + 3/4 yrs. We have you to thank. We'll miss you
— Hungry Brain (@HungryBrainChi) November 3, 2014