Betting on Football
You could invest in Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffrey's future income if online marketplace Fantex is approved to trade on the Nasdaq.
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
Wednesday, November 19
Merge
Monthly Archive
November 2015
Sick & Tired of Bad Lunches
School food is notoriously bad, but it's gotten even worse under the management of food service giant Aramark. Students in a Roosevelt High School civics class are holding Aramark accountable with a new website.
In the Mirror
Chris Ware has once again drawn the cover of the New Yorker, but this time it's also animated, and is a collaboration with "The American Life." Ware explains a bit of where his own mind was in relation to the story at hand.
UofC Shooting Threat Suspect in Custody
A UIC student is under arrest as the suspected issuer of the mass shooting threat at University of Chicago that canceled classes today. The Tribune reports that the suspect made his threat in a comment on WorldStarHipHop on Sunday, prompting another site visitor to notify the FBI.
Move Your Car
Reminder: Winter parking restrictions go into effect Dec. 1 -- in other words, tonight at 3am. If you suddenly can't find your car tomorrow, check WasMyCarTowed.com.
The Healing Power of Pets
Dr. Rob Garofalo has helped hundreds of young AIDS patients at Lurie Children's Hospital -- but when he learned he was HIV positive himself, he fell into a deep depression. His dog Fred saved his life, and inspired him to launch the nonprofit Fred Says and start When Dogs Heal, a photographic project of patients and the pets that helped them.
GB Gift Guide: Unique CTA Maps
British map designer Maxwell Roberts created a Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired El map, as well as one with the train lines as circles and rays, both available as posters. [via]
Black Card Friday
On Black Friday, Cards Against Humanity closed its shop but put up a way to pay $5 for nothing. Over 12,000 people did just that, some multiple times, for a total of $71,145. The staff divvied up the money and spent it however they wanted, resulting in a wide array of purchases large and small, plus $22,735.37 in donations to various charities.
Upstairs Eats
Fooditor takes you inside Arbor, the top-notch locavore restaurant you've never heard of.
The U of C to Close Tomorrow in Response to Online Threat
The U of C is cancelling all classes and most other activities on campus tomorrow in response to "an online threat of gun violence" in the main quad.
GB Gift Guide: the Etsy Option
There are tons of Chicago-themed items on Etsy, made from local crafters. And the Etsy Local map shows events and shops where you can buy Etsy vendors' stuff in person.
The Road to Profitability
How many fares does a CTA bus need to pick up on each run in order to break even? Curious City does the math.
The D in ORD Stands for Delay
Nate Silver crunches the numbers on delays at the 30 largest airports in the country, and finds that O'Hare's delay record is probably dragging down its Yelp rating.
Further Thoughts on the Laquan McDonald Case
From Britt Julious, Mary Mitchell, Amara Enyia, Brandon Smith, John Kass, Neil Steinberg, Eric Zorn, Steve Bogira, Tio Hardiman, Shaun King, Greg Hinz, Mark Konkol, Phil Huckelberry, Dan Mihalopoulos, Steve Rhodes, the Sun-Times and Tribune editorial boards, and students at North Lawndale College Prep.
Free the Malcolm London
Among the protesters arrested last night was Malcolm London, a poet and activist who witnesses say was falsely accused of hitting a cop. Black aldermen are calling for his release, and the Chicago Community Bond Fund is accepting donations to help cover bail for London and the others who were arrested. UPDATE: Charges have been dropped against London. No word yet regarding the others arrested.
Art for Whose Sake?
The MCA invited local Mexican-American artists to collaborate with artists from Mexico for an upcoming exhibit. In the eyes of artist Ricardo Gamboa, the museum's approach misses the mark.
Another Video
Aldertrack broke news of another police shooting video being considered for release in the courts. Mike Fourcher talked with Fox News about it this morning.
40 is the New 40
Crain's announced its 2015 40 Under 40 list, and it may be their most diverse group yet.
United States of X: Thanksgiving Edition
FiveThirtyEight examined what America eats on Thanksgiving, aside from turkey. We're a roll and/or biscuit state.
Digesting the Laquan McDonald Video
Protesters marched through the Loop and outside of the 17th District headquarters last night, while the Chicago Reporter explained how the police attempted to cover up Laquan McDonald's murder, and Daily Beast talked with detective Lorenzo Davis about three other murders allegedly covered up by the CPD and the Independent Police Review Authority.
Growing the Roof
Gotham Greens just opened the world's largest rooftop farm in Pullman, covering 75,000 square feet of the Method factory's room with greenhouses to supply pesticide-free greens and herbs to local groceries and restaurants.
Danny's is Saved
Danny's Tavern, the Bucktown institution that looked to be closing at the end of this month, is staying open after all, thanks to the outpouring of support from fans -- and several weeks of lease negotiations, no doubt.
GB Gift Guide: Body Jewelry
Anatomical Element makes anatomically correct jewelry that goes way beyond hearts. Lungs, ear bones, intestines and even the pancreas become beautiful pendants.
Get a Lyft to the Airport
The City has approved Lyft for pickups and drop-offs at Midway and O'Hare -- but not Uber yet. They only submitted their paperwork on Monday. Chicagoist has maps of where they'll pick you up. UPDATE: Whaddya know, Uber's paperwork was processed in record time, so you can use them at the airports tomorrow, too.
School Board Loses a Dissenting Voice
CPS students are 45 percent Latino, but there's only one Latino school board member, Jesse Ruiz -- and Mayor Emanuel is pushing him out. Ruiz is moving to the board of the Park District, and his replacement has yet to be named.
Funny Thing, the Holidays
Steve Albini explains why he and his wife haven't had a normal Christmas in 20 years. It's in large part because of 24-Hour Site for Sore Eyes, the Second City music and improv marathon going on right now, raising money for Letters for Santa and Onward Neighborhood House.
Kickstart Thanksgiving
A cool new bottle-opener, a sci-fi novel/recipe book, a documentary about stamp collectors and a game about killing Hitler are among the campaigns on the Gapers Block curated Kickstarter page.
Inside the Corncobs
Take a video tour of Marina City with the BBC and one of its residents, MAS Studio's Iker Gil.
Justice Served?
As the CPD braces for the release of the video in the Laquan McDonald case, the officer involved in the shooting will be charged with murder, according to anonymous sources. Meanwhile, Supt. McCarthy announced his intent to fire Dante Servin, the officer who was acquitted in the off-duty shooting death of Rekia Boyd (previously).
The Next South Side Movie
While the city begins to absorb Chi-Raq, news about Barbershop: The Next Cut, set to come out April 15, is starting to percolate.
You Used to Summon Me with Your Fancy Bells
The noted philanthropist John D. Rockefeller, who donated a 100-ton carillon to UChicago over 80 years ago, would be proud to hear the dulcet tones of Drake's "Hotline Bling" being played on it this past Friday.
Fundraising in the Elements
Hundreds braved the snow and cold to sleep on Cricket Hill as part of the Out in the Open Sleep Out fundraiser this weekend.
GB Gift Guide: Catch the Worm
RiotFest 2016 early bird tickets go on sale Tuesday at 11am on TicketFly. The festival will be Sept. 16-18 in Douglas Park.
Roll Out the Barrels
Chicago has the second largest craft beer industry in the nation, and it's only getting bigger. Metropolitan is the latest brewery to level up, soon to move to a new brewery in Avondale, while Half Acre continues to build out its Bowmanville space.
Rough Road
The Kennedy between the Circle Interchange and Edens junction was declared the worst traffic bottleneck in the country by the American Highway Users Alliance, with backups often stretching 12 miles. (Not sure about those names? Consult our guide to Chicago traffic.)
Not About the Money
Ever wonder what MacArther "genius grant" winners do with their $625,000 windfall? The NYTimes finds out.
Keeping Kids Safe
For years, Diane Latiker has memorialized children murdered in the city with a stone paver. There are now 574 stones. Latiker tries to give kids safe options through her organization Kids Off the Block.
Historic Snow
While we didn't get as much snow in the city as in the northern suburbs, but 11.2 inches at O'Hare was the largest November snowfall in 120 years.
Holiday Train Through a Winter Wonderland
Tomorrow is the first official run of this year's CTA Holiday Train -- which may be the only upside to all the snow we're expecting.
GB Gift Guide: Treat Yourself
Blue Sky Bakery, which supports job training for at-risk youth, is selling nice little sets of gift boxes full of their (very good) treats, along with coffee, candles and Rare Bird Preserves.
Characterize Your Professor
Northwestern Professor Ben Schmidt analyzed the gendered language in professor reviews on RateMyProfessor.com, and found, among other things, that female professors were less likely to be called funny than male professors, while more likely to be called caring or unprofessional. Men were more likely to be called arrogant and genius. [via]
GB Gift Guide: Very Cheesy
Pastoral offers a bunch of different gift packages, including "Best of the Midwest" and "Sweet Home Chicago."
Student are Activists
Students who have been protesting CPS budget cuts and school closures are part of a long tradition in Chicago.
When Cribs Were Kingdoms
Curbed has a nice online tour of the city's most gorgeous (and sadly, long-gone) mansions.
What We Lose Keeping Refugees Out
Cities like Chicago were built by migrants and refugees in wave after wave. The Chicago Reporter reports on how the most recent wave is reshaping the Southwest Side.
Chicago Eye on Paris
Photographer Jon Lowenstein happened to be in Paris during last week's terror attacks. He shared some of the photos he took over the next five days with Chicago magazine.
Closing the Book on a Legend
Shake Rattle & Read, the Uptown bookstore famous for its eclectic mix of music and books -- and for having access to Al Capone's old tunnels -- is closing next year, the store's 50th anniversary. Owner Ric Addy hinted at retirement in Tim Rolph's profile of the shop earlier this year.
"You get a car!"
It's been 10 years since everyone got a car. Oprah reflects on that incredible moment.
The moment lives on not only as a silly catchphrase, but as a very important internet meme.
Are Vowelss er Goe-wing Dahn
Chicagoans are losing their distinctive accent, along with much of the rest of the Great Lakes/Rust Belt region.
Start Giving Thanks Early, with Laughs
Letters to Santa, the Second City's annual 24-hour improv and music charity show, begins Monday, Nov. 23 at 6pm at Second City's e.t.c. Theater. If you're lucky enough to get through the door (tickets are $20 cash, limit two), you'll see performances by alumni including TJ Jagodowski, Kate James, Horatio Sanz and Fred Armison, and musical guests Jeff Tweedy, Kim and Kelley Deal with Carrie Bradley, AC Newman and Bonny Prince Billy, among many others. The show will be streamed live on the web, and there's also an online and in-person auction for such items as a living room concert by Jeff Tweedy, meetings with Cecily Strong and Aidy Bryant and two tickets to "SNL," and one-on-one startup advice from Groupon founder Andrew Mason.
Smoke'em if You Got'em
In 1954, you could smoke in the Sun-Times newsroom. Copy editor Dave Karno gets took full advantage.
When Tigers Fight Back
The founding member of Survivor, who wrote the '80s anthem "Eye of the Tiger," filed a suit for copyright violations in Illinois federal court today against politician Mike Huckabee for playing the song as he escorted county clerk Kim Davis from a brief jail stay following her refusal to issue same-sex marriage licenses.
Secret Sips Slip
Lost Lake has collected more than 100 drinks into a "whisper menu," available to anyone who asks for it, however inaudibly.
Reshaping How People Imagine the South Side
Theaster Gates gave a TED Talk earlier this year about how art and community centers can revitalize a neighborhood.
GB Gift Guide: Obscure Record of the Month Club
Numero Group's Project 12 is an audiophile's dream gift: a dozen limited edition vinyl LPs, organized under three themes and released throughout the year, available for $100 per theme or $250 for the year. [via]
Back on the Bus
In further transportation news, the Western and Ashland Express buses will return Dec. 21, the #31 31st Street and #11 Lincoln bus (from Leland to Fullerton) will return in the spring.
Ventra on Your Phone
The new Ventra app launches today on Android and iOS, letting you use your account on Metra in addition to CTA and Pace. Can't wait to hear what new insanity awaits.
Dump the Bag
Tired of ripping open trash bags to sort recyclables, Streets & San is putting its foot down: Come Jan. 1, recyclables must be loose, and any bags found in recycling bins will be processed as trash, no matter what's inside.
GB Gift Guide: A Glass of Chicago
Incorporate your love of beverages and local geography through these etched glass mugs, carafes, tumblers and wine glasses (and more!) from Uncommon Green.
Not Letting the Terrorists Win
City Council passed a (symbolic) resolution establishing Chicago as a "sanctuary city" for Syrian refugees -- rebuking Gov. Rauner's (equally symbolic) declaration that Illinois was off-limits.
More Plates, More Problems
If you received one of the 100,000+ traffic tickets that were issued from malfunctioning red-light cameras, you can check this nifty Trib database to see if the camera that captured your plate is known for having issues.
Fill a Bag for the Less Fortunate
If you commute out of Union Station, be sure to grab a Chicago Food Bank donation bag to fill up and drop off on Thursday.
GB Gift Guide: Urban Vinyl
Among Rotofugi's collection of collectible toys are Cubs-themed Munnys and a billboard for your shelf.
RIP Bill Siebel
Bill Siebel, head of the Siebel Institute of Technology, a brewing and cicerone training school, passed away Nov. 8 of esophageal cancer. He was 69.
They're Coming to America
In spite of Gov. Rauner's assertion that Illinois will no longer accept Syrian refugees, a family of five is arriving in Chicago today with the assistance of Exodus World Service.
Pick a Pepper
Scrumptious Pantry is a local company that focuses on heirloom fruits and vegetables. Founder Lee Greene is on a mission to bring back the Beaver Dam pepper.
Tone Deaf
"We Gotta Do Better," a song penned for the Spike Lee movie Chiraq is getting criticism for its lyric "we're the only race that shoots and kills themselves" (among others). Have a listen for yourselves.
Protecting Your Way to Really Fly
In the wake of the Paris terror attacks, Metra has beefed up security on trains and platforms.
Skating in Skinny Jeans
There will be a ice skating rink in Wicker Park this winter. It'll be installed Dec. 5, and skating will be free whenever it's cold enough for the ice to properly freeze.
Living with the Heat
WBEZ today launched Heat of the Moment, a new site about how we are living with the effects of climate change, in partnership with The Takeaway. The first story ties together Chicago and New Orleans.
Rent (out of ) Control
Recall hearing earlier this year that median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Chicago was $1,920? That seemed pretty high -- and Daniel Kay Hertz explains why it's totally inaccurate.
GB Gift Guide: Neighborhood Posters
Joe Mills is working his way through the city, making silkscreened posters of neighborhoods, from Edgewater to Hyde Park & Kenwood.
Nobody's Really Upset
Parker Molloy outlines how the media manufactures outrage -- and what you can do to short-circuit it.
On the Rails
Ryan J. Bolger takes a A Ride In The City. [via]
Chicago also makes a very brief appearance in Tom Harman video of an Amtrak ride from NYC to San Francisco. [via]
We're Through
Time Out proffers seven relationship deal-breakers specifically for Chicagoans -- and mercifully none involve ketchup or deep dish.
Molding History
Learn all about Mold-A-Rama's history -- and future -- in Curious City's latest story.
No Longer a Safe Haven
Gov. Rauner announced that Illinois would temporarily stop accepting Syrian refugees, citing the attacks in Paris.
Give Thanks for the Stories
Story Corps, WBEZ and CPS are teaming up for The Great Thanksgiving Listen, an effort to get thousands of students to collect oral histories using the Story Corps mobile app. Of course, there's nothing stopping you from participating, too.
GB Gift Guide: Coloring Books
Local illustrator Peter Deligdisch created Color Me Crazy, a highly detailed adult coloring book sure to keep you occupied for awhile.
Goodbye, Get Out
Legislative Inspector General Faisal Khan, whose funding to be the city's watchdog was cut earlier this year, spoke with Politico about his last day in office this past Friday, when a FBI van showed up unannounced and hauled away office computers and files. "I could never have envisioned a city like Chicago being so devoid of ethical morals and values when it came to our elected officials," he said.
Reconsidering Kells
In an interview for his forthcoming album The Buffet, New York Mag asks the question: After his well-documented legal woes, Is it OK to Listen to R. Kelly?
The Price of Success
Cubs fans can expect to pay more to see the boys in blue next year, as ticket prices are going up an average of 10 percent -- and season ticketholders won't be able to add seats to their plans nor upgrade from partial to full season.
ThanksBangBangiving
Bang Bang Pie Shop is now taking orders for Thanksgiving pies for pick-up Nov. 24-25. (Thanks, Matthew!)
Better Bunny Business
Black Chicago Woman talks with Lo McGregor, the Evergreen Park-based author of the Little Pampu and the Chocolate Bunnies children's book series.
A Chicagoful Magazine
Chicagoly is a new lifestyle magazine from publisher 22nd Century Media. Read the first issue online.
Can Smash
Half Acre had a palette of discontinued beer cans sitting around, so they did the only logical thing before throwing it in the recycling.
(Terracotta) Soldiers at the Field
Next March, 10 of the terracotta warriors created by the first emperor of China will be on display at the Field Museum. [via]
GB Gift Guide: Music to Drink To
Bloodshot Records turns 21 in December, and they're celebrating with a six-pack of 7-inch singles featuring drinking songs by the label's bands. Pre-order here.
Sanctuary in Little Village
Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission, long known for its anti-deportation activism, is providing sanctuary for Miguel Sanchez Olguin, an undocumented immigrant from Kansas City who faces deportation. The church recently won a visa for a Mexican woman who was the victim of domestic violence.
Like Uber, but for Dogs
Wag is an app that allows you find professional dog walkers in your neighborhood. It recently launched in Chicago.
The Tragedians of the City
All Chicago's a stage. In honor of the Bard's 400th birthday, Shakespeare 400 Chicago will bring theater companies from around the world to local stages to perform. More than 100 productions are planned. *
Skating for Inclusion
The Women's Flat Track Derby Association just changed its discrimination policy to allow all transgender, intersex and gender-nonconforming individuals to play roller derby. The Chicago Outfit's newest member, Craze, tells her story of how derby helped her feel at home as a trans woman.
United States of X: M4F Edition
Vox shares analysis of 10,000 CraigsList missed connections, and finds that Mondays, Wednesdays and Sunday mornings see the most posts in Chicago, among other trends.
GB Gift Guide: You Are Beautiful
What better way to tell someone you love them than with a You Are Beautiful sign, shirt or other item? And artist Matthew Hoffman has many other designs and phrases if you're looking for other words.
A Look at Hidden Union Station
Incredibly, 70 percent of Union Station is off limits to visitors. The redevelopment plan announced earlier this year would return to use many of those formerly public spaces -- and Crain's has a look at what would be revealed.
Google Aids Local Special Ed Classrooms
Google's charitable foundation fully funded every special education-related campaign in Cook County on Donors Choose, a platform for teachers to request donations for specific projects. There are plenty more Chicago classrooms looking for support.
It's Jojo Baby!
Filmmaker Greg Reigh made a short documentary about one of the city's most colorful characters.
Prefab Passion
Curbed profiles architect Jeffrey Sommers of Square Root Architecture + Design, who is trying to make prefabricated modular homes a modern success.
Too Windy for the Skyway
The Skyway was closed to traffic this morning due to high winds and blowing debris. It may or may not reopen for the evening rush, depending on conditions.
Find an Event
Next Wednesday, Nov. 18, is GIS Day. There are a few local events, including one hosted by Cook County ...on Nov. 17.
Comcast Doesn't Care?
Father Michael Pfleger posted on Facebook Wednesday that a Comcast technician would not be coming to fix St. Sabina's internet service because the neighborhood is too violent. After hundreds of comments and media coverage, Pfleger posted that Comcast changed their mind, but wondered whether they'd do the same for a less connected neighbor.
A Flouring Business
Plate profiles Megan and David Miller, owners of Baker Miller, whose second location opens Saturday in Ravenswood Manor.
Get Them to the Greek
On the opposite end of the spectrum from Chi-Raq, the first trailer for My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 is out. The film premieres March 25, 2016.
Remembering Meghan
In the Reader, Leor Galil explores the legacy of Meghan Galbraith and her band, 8 Inch Betsy. The Mean Days, the band's final album, comes out on Friday.
"Punishments for Exercising Constitutional Rights"
Chicago writer Emily Zanotti posits in The Federalist that the City's proposed tax on bullets is misguided and unlikely to raise much money.
"We Gotta Do Better"
Spike Lee released the first single, "WGDB," from the Chi-Raq soundtrack. Performed by Kevon Carter, it's possibly more controversial than the trailer.
Meanwhile, TouchVision talks with Chi-Raq actor Jay Washington about the controversy surrounding the film.
What's in the Budget?
Aldertrack just released a Cook County 2016 budget overview [PDF] for those interested in what's going on over there.
GB Gift Guide: Moribund Bears Ornament
For the Bears fan who isn't too picky about the current roster, Hallmark has a Jared Allen ornament for your tree.
Post-Assault Plan of Action
After finding errors in the police report of her rape, U of C alumna Michele Beaulieu created a decision matrix for college rape survivors to decide what course of action they want to take.
A Magical Podcast
Cards Against Humanity's Max Temkin really thinks you should be listening to the podcast Hello from the Magic Tavern. Just maybe not while driving.
Every Morning
Mike Davis recorded a timelapse video of each sunrise from Oct. 1 to Oct. 30, from 4:30am to 8:30am. [via]
See Grant Park from Above
The new owner of the Aon Center is planning to add an observation deck. Chicago Architecture Blog shows you what the view might be like.
Homeless with a Roof
Homelessness doesn't always mean living on the street, the RedEye reports. And with the City dictating what homeless people can and cannot have in shelters, many opt for other accommodations.
Oh How the Mighty Have Fallen
Today, for $9.99 on Groupon, you can buy a clip-on man bun. More than a week after Halloween.
Something Special for You
Cards Against Humanity launched its Eight Sensible Gifts for Hannukkah today. It's the last time they're doing it, so get while the getting's good.
Here We See a Pattern
A database of police misconduct complaints went live today, allowing journalists and the public to research bad cops and connections between them over time. WBEZ tells the story of the fight to make this public. One of the first discoveries from the data is that while blacks are more likely to file misconduct complaints, those filed by whites are more likely to be upheld.
Covering the Uncovered
City Bureau, a new journalism organization with a mission to cover the South and West sides, launched its website today.
Forging a Career
Curious City finds out why there are 20 blacksmiths on the City payroll. (Peruse the full payroll on the data portal.)
The Campaign Gets Close
Ohio Gov. John Kasich made a campaign stop at the Billy Goat yesterday. Meanwhile, Donald Trump got booed for mentioning Chicago at a rally in Springfield -- at which he also jumped on the Starbucks red cup controversy bandwagon.
Heavenly Cooking Under Pressure
A nun from Humboldt Park won a Thanksgiving-themed episode of "Chopped" on Food Network last night.
Finding Beauty at the Davis
Renovations have begun on Lincoln Square's Davis Theater, and they're already revealing unknown hidden splendor.
CPS + Ventra = Winning Combo
A man was caught selling stolen Ventra farecards intended for homeless CPS students, the BGA reports. It's part of an overall pattern of lax control of Ventra cards by the school district, whose budget for CTA fares has more than doubled in the past five years.
Funding Chicago Tech
We keep hearing that Chicago's tech scene is suffering from a talent drain and lack of venture capital. The first half of that argument is questionable, and the second half is also weak -- and getting weaker.
The Death of a 9-Year-Old
Lots of people on Facebook are sharing a Tribune story about four gang members admitting they killed a 9-year-old because they thought he was snitching. You'd be forgiven if you thought it was current events, and also if you found this incredibly depressing.
Cycling Out
Rapid Transit Cycle Shop is closing soon, a victim of the economy and the inability to negotiate a new lease.
Kickstart a Film
Two very different video projects -- a documentary about women and online harassment and season 2 of "Cooking with Drag Queens" -- are days away from their deadlines and featured on GB's curated Kickstarter page. And a third, a documentary about paid family leave, is just getting started.
Growing Good Students
Schurz High School is building a food science lab and urban farm, and they're looking for help to build an LED grow light system.
Kirk on the Ropes?
Politico calls Sen. Mark Kirk "the most endangered Republican in the country" in next year's election.
Monday Buddy Monday
Medical marijuana goes on sale today in Illinois. Here's a map of dispensaries; the closest to Chicago is Pharmacannis in Evanston.
Guns Come Here
The Trace visualizes the flow of guns into Illinois from neighboring states. (Previously.)
Kick-Drum-Starter
William F. Ludwig III, whose family founded the Chicago-born (but no longer local) drum company, has launched a Kickstarter campaign to get a full production run of WFL III Drums out the door.
Life Imitates Art Imitating Life
The iconic Art Institute scene from "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" was recreated by fans (in costume) for your nostalgic viewing pleasure.
Give'em the Boot
If you're the type of person who gets excited about Christkindlmarket boot mugs, this is the sort of news you'll get excited about. The market opens Nov. 20 and runs through Christmas Eve.
Ladies Who Lush
Drinking Woman, a new blog by former GB staffer Meghan Murphy-Gill and Molly Heyward, covers all aspects of beer and other beverages from a woman's perspective. Its first story is an interview with Metropolitan Brewing's Tracy Hurst.
Don't Go Chasing Unicorns
David Heinemeier Hansson, cofounder of Basecamp -- which just launched a brand new version -- writes about why the San Francisco VC dance may not be best for everyone.
The Best from the Best
NewCity's Best of Chicago for 2015 is online and in print -- and its listings were suggested by people featured in the paper's "50" lists.
Yes, Even You
You are beautiful everyone is a personalizable message to send a friend or loved one, inspired by Matthew Hoffman's iconic stickers. (Unfortunately, it doesn't work with Firefox.)
Chartered Failure
UNO is on the verge of bankruptcy, endangering the the network of charter schools it runs.
Turn Your Car into a Bus
Uber is rolling out UberPool, a fee-based carpooling service, in Chicago in the coming weeks. That'll come in handy once rideshares are allowed at the airports.
Trib Going Metered
PoliticoMedia reports that the Tribune is switching its papers to metered digital subscription, much like Crain's and the NYTimes.
Black Bottle Friday
This year's Bourbon County Stout is being released on Black Friday, Nov. 27, and Binny's just released its procedures for getting some. Be prepared to wait longer than for a big-screen TV at Best Buy. (Meanwhile, a few lucky fans will be picking up their rare bottles on Nov. 13.) [via]
Dive into the Collection
Chicago Collections is a new consortium of libraries, museums, schools and institutions dedicated to preserving and sharing Chicagoland's history and culture. Explore the archives online.
Kane Cleared
The Blackhawks' Patrick Kane won't face charges in the case of alleged rape that's dragged on this summer, through one bizarre twist after another -- and brought out the worst in his fans.
Our own Mad Hatter
Benjamin B. Green-Field was known as "Chicago's Mad Hatter," using all manner of materials for his creations, from feathers to silver cutlery. He passed away in 1988. You can buy one of his amazing hats, modeled after a beehive, for $895.
Blind Ambition
TouchVision profiles Chef Laura Martinez, who has been blind since she was 3 years old. She opened her own restaurant, La Diosa, in Lincoln Park earlier this year.
Tyshawn & So Many More
As police question suspects in the murder of 9-year-old Tyshawn Lee, the Tribune makes it clear he is far from alone, putting on a map 965 victims under the age of 17 killed since 2011.
Animal Advocates Seek Better Management of City Pound
Citing mismanagement and unnecessarily high euthanasia rates, a group of animal rescue advocates are pleading with Mayor Emanuel to put more effort into appointing the next director of the city's Animal Care and Control department. The previous director retired last week; her replacement has a history of disciplinary actions and surrendered his own dog at ACC after being transferred there from another city department, despite having no experience in animal welfare and rescue.
Worst in the League
The Fire are going through a terrible slump right as pro soccer is taking off in the US. Crain's looks at how the team is attempting to make new fans while losing games.
From Dawn till Well After Dusk
Dennis Lee documents 18 of the nearly 24 hours of constant work happening at the Roots Pizza-West Town Bakery-Homestead on the Roof restaurant complex.
Lost in the Cloud
Local podcast Guy Friends is a poster child for the DMCA-related problems at SoundCloud.
Bring Cal's Home ...Again
The neon sign for Cal's Liquors is up for sale on CraigsList -- for $1000 more than it was listed for at Architectural Artifacts in 2013.
Right Down the Middle
Sox pitcher Jeff Samardzija took home the honors for worst called ball this season from Fangraphs.
Rock the Roister
The Roister, the upcoming casual restaurant from Grant Achatz, Nick Kokonas and Andrew Brochu, is putting together its music playlist, and they're asking for your help. If they pick your song and you were first to suggest it, you'll get a free drink. (Hopefully this is a sign it's opening soon.)
Symphonic Home Invasion
Speaking of seasonal traditions, the CSO will perform live accompaniment three screenings of Home Alone in December. The film is 25 years old this year (and may actually be a slasher film in disguise). Tickets are going fast.
It's Nearly Glögg Season
The Swedish-American Museum is hosting a Glögg tasting party and competition on Nov. 20 -- and if you think your recipe is up to snuff, you can apply to compete.
People of Chicago
Photographer Mike Gugliuzza took pictures of people from every community area in the city. The project took two months and helped him get to know neighborhoods he'd never been to.
RIP Danny's
Danny's Tavern, a stalwart of Bucktown's nightlife, is closing by the end of November, another victim of gentrification. The bar hold many memories for Gapers Block as one of the first places the staff hung out together. I think we should do it one last time.
"This is an Emergency"
The first trailer for Spike Lee's Chi-Raq is out, giving a good sense of how Chicago's violence provides setting to the Greek play Lysistrata. It hits theaters on Dec. 4.
CHI-RAQ Trailer from 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks on Vimeo.
Lincoln Towing Takes Heat
After a Lincoln Towing driver taunted and berated a long line of concertgoers whose cars were towed while at a concert at the Aragon -- and then assaulted and tried to run over a cyclist who tried to talk some sense into him -- Ald. Ameya Pawar is threatening to force the long-problematic company out of Uptown. (Previously.)
Judges Receive Death Threats
Five Cook County judges received letters saying they're on a "kill list." Ten years ago, Judge Joan Lefkow's mother and husband were murdered in her Andersonville home.
Your Local Mushroom
Researchers at the Chicago Botanic Garden discovered a local species of chantarelle, Cantharellus chicagoensis last year.
Football Game of Thrones
Northwestern will honor Game of Thrones author and Northwestern alumnus George R.R. Martin at this Saturday's game against Penn State. Tickets are still available; let's hope it goes better for him than for King Joffrey at the Purple Wedding.
1st World Media Problems
How annoying is it that Channel 7 and other TV stations post stories from other parts of the country on social media as if they're local? Very.
Flip that Place
Four zip codes in Chicago and one in Berwyn are among the top 10 best in the country for house-flipping. Crain's Dennis Rodkin was on "The Morning Shift" yesterday to explain why.
NaNoWriMo Together
Are you participating in National Novel Writing Month? Open Books is hosting weekly write-in sessions to give authors some camaraderie.
Hiding Miró
The public sculpture Miró's Chicago, already sort of hard to spot in its Washington Street plaza, is being further hidden behind a new CTA bus rapid transit station.
Matthew Hoffman is Beautiful
The RedEye profiles Matthew Hoffman, the artist behind the stickers and public art.
Deep Dish in the Desert
Following in the footsteps of Portillo's and countless Chicago snowbirds, Lou Malnati's is expanding to Arizona.
Sleep Under the Stars to Fight Homelessness
On Nov. 20, people will get in their tents and sleeping bags on Cricket Hill in Lincoln Park for Sleep Out Chicago, a charity event to raise awareness and funds for local shelters and homeless services.
No Tourist Photos this Winter
Wrigley Field's marquee is coming down for the first time in a decade while the stadium undergoes renovation this winter. The Cubs promise it'll be back by opening day. (In related news, street closures around Wrigley got even worse today.)
Time Travel
Last week Whet Moser went back in time to create a collection of newspaper infographics from the 1900s.
When Sinatra Came to Gary
On Nov. 1, 1945, Frank Sinatra performed a concert in Gary to try to end a walk-out by white students at a racially integrated high school.
