Gapers Block : Merge : June 2003

Pedal for Peace
Bike along the lakeshore to raise money for bail, lawyers fees, and other costs associated with the legal defense of the more than 900 people arrested for anti-war protesting in Chicago. Saturday, July 12th, Promontory Point, 5491 S. Shore Dr. For more information, call 312-494-5840.
Amy on Mon June 30 2003 Offbeat/Misc. Events

UIC Campus Goes Wireless
UIC students will soon be on the cutting edge of technology: a plan is in the works to provide campus-wide wireless Internet access. Sections of campus are already active hotspots.
Andrew on Mon June 30 2003 Schools/Education

Chapungu
Right now, at both the Botanic Garden and the Garfield Park Conservatory, there are 90 sculptures from the Chapungu Sculpture Park in Zimbabwe, Africa, on display. Chapungu: Custom and Legend, a Culture in Stone runs through October 31, but the best time to see it would be now, when the parks are in full bloom and the weather isn't too hot.
Andrew on Mon June 30 2003 Outdoors/Environment

Apple Store Photos
For those of you who didn't brave the hordes of Mac fans at the Apple Store grand opening Friday night, Mike of Marusin.com has posted a gallery of photos, and so has j3s and Leigh. The interior is exactly what you'd expect from Apple: stylish and simple.
Andrew on Mon June 30 2003 Offbeat/Misc. Events

Porch cave-in
Sunday morning as I'm at Urban Bikes procuring some bike parts, a friend informs me of the "...accident at a party in the DePaul area", with a porch collapsing and 12 deaths, which triggers my other friend to immediately call our friends to see if it was a party that they had attended that night (Saturday). Fortunately for the people they and I knew, it wasn't. However, things like this are pretty horrific and it's sad news indeed. For those of you with porches and a tendency to party, BBQ or socially gather people on them, please be careful.
Naz on Mon June 30 2003 In the News

Solar Energy Homes in Chicago
We're already one of the most bike friendly cities, but did you know Chicago is working to be the 'Greenest City in America'? The Environmental Resources Trust (ERT), a national non-profit catalyst for renewable energy development, is launching a project to construct 100 Solar Homes in Chicago. The first ten homes will be built this fall, with all 100 to be completed by 2004.
Ellen on Sat June 28 2003 Outdoors/Environment

Poseidon! Benefit
Last winter's hit show at the Theatre Building and Bailiwick, Poseidon! An Upside-Down Musical, has been invited to the New York International Fringe Festival in August. To help pay for the trip the show's producers, Hell in a Handbag Productions, are holding a "New Year's in July" benefit Sunday, July 27th. The program includes a reception and silent auction at the High Risk Gallery, followed by a presentation of "Poseidon! Moments" at the Bailiwick. Visit Hell in a Handbag or call 312-409-4357 for tickets.
Kris on Sat June 28 2003 Offbeat/Misc. Events

TIP-TOEING TO HOUSING
The City of Chicago has ceased dragging its feet on a publicly-subsidized old-folks home on the corner of Roosevelt and St. Louis in the North Lawndale neighborhood on Chicago's West Side. The nearest retirment home is in the 3700 block of West Washington, in Garfield Park. This is just one of the many projects initiated by the Stalinist-sounding "Plan for Transformation," developed by the CHA in "tandem" with City Hall. Work on the Lake Park Crescent mixed income development in Kenwood has also moved along well in the last three months; and the movement of Cabrini Green families into "North Town Village," the developer's neighborhood on Halsted between Evergreen and Weed has been completed with 79 families successfully relocated. It's just a start, but a start.
Ramsin on Fri June 27 2003 Politics/Activism

Starbucks invades south side
According to this recent story in the Chicago Maroon, Starbucks may be "getting over its fear of the South Side of Chicago." The coffee retailer has plans to rent out a vacant Hyde Park storefront on 55th Street, and "last month the City approved the company's plan to build a $1.4 million freestanding store with parking on 71st Street and Stony Island Avenue." These two additions would increase the South Side presence of Starbucks to three stores.
Alice on Fri June 27 2003 Eating/Drinking

New feature, sort of
Just so you know, today's new Detour, Considering the Cross-town Classic, is written in a column-style, and we have comments turned on just for you folks who love to add your two cents. So bring it on.
Naz on Fri June 27 2003 Gapers

Dali Show
Hello, Dali! Well hellooo, Dali! (OK, that was lame, but the showing of Salvador Dali works at the Zygman Voss Gallery, 222 W. Superior, promises not to be. The show runs this Saturday thru July 31.)
Andrew on Fri June 27 2003 Arts/Architecture

Critical Mass Friday
Once again, it's the last Friday of the month, and Critical Mass will be going down at 5:30pm congregating at Daley Plaza. It'll be funny if they went down Michigan and passed the Apple Store...
Naz on Fri June 27 2003 Transportation

in-security deposit
Had trouble getting your security deposit back from your landlord? A new amendment to the Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance, supported by Ald. Bernard Stone (50th), might make it even more of a hassle. [Trib login: gapers/gapers]
Amy on Fri June 27 2003 Politics/Activism

Chris & Heather's Film Jamboree
When cartoonist Heather McAdams and her fella Chris Ligon (former owner of Record Roundup) moved to Delaware two years ago, they took their quirky music-and-film shows with them. But Friday they are back for a one-night stand of cartoons, stag films, bad-movie trailers, and music shorts, featuring live tunes from Robbie Fulks and Kelly Hogan. Yee-haw, y'all! Tonight at 9 at Fitzgerald's, 6615 Roosevelt, in sunny Berwyn.
Amy on Fri June 27 2003 Film

OK GO
This just in: OK GO will be performing at the Michigan Avenue Apple Store opening Friday night at 8 pm. I'm assuming it's going to be crazy with the geekiness so you might want to show up a little on the earlier side if you hope to see them.
on Thu June 26 2003 Music/Clubs

Pride Weekend
This Sunday's Chicago Pride Parade isn't the only pride-related event of the weekend. For the first time, the Northalsted Area Merchants Association, responsible for August's annual Northalsted Market Days, is sponsoring a street festival at Halsted and Waveland on Saturday. Saturday also features the Chicago Dyke March in Andersonville.
Kris on Thu June 26 2003 Offbeat/Misc. Events

Wicker Park Garden Walk
Feeling footloose and fancy free? Well then go for a garden walk. The Wicker Park Garden Club present a garden walk on Sunday, June 29, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Visit some of Wicker Park's finest gardens. Tickets are $5 per person and sold in the park. Ticket price includes booklet with map! For more information, visit their website.
on Thu June 26 2003 Offbeat/Misc. Events

*Sexy* Dance Performance
In case you aren't going to the Apple Store opening on Friday, you can always watch some folks dance. In a rare Chicago appearance, the Tom and Susana Evert Dance Theater will perform at the Adidam Chicago Center (located at 3301 W Fullerton) on Friday, June 27th at 8:00 p.m. According to the New York Times, "There is a natural and serene feeling to the flow, and the pieces seem to belong to some larger, organic whole...the duets... breathe quiet ecstasy and eroticism." So there. Doors open at 7:30 and the cost is $20.
on Thu June 26 2003 Theatre/Dance

Design Geek
You may be a geek, but are you a Design Geek? Our very own Paul McAleer ponders the usefulness of objects and the way they work. It's fresh and (somewhat) new. I wish he'd put up the old archives.
Naz on Thu June 26 2003 Arts/Architecture

Now Shooting
The city's Film Office lists current television and film productions, for those of you who want to show up in the background on TV or movies. If you'd rather just watch, you can also peruse a list of film festivals. (You could also take a look at the Illinois Film Office.)
Andrew on Thu June 26 2003 Film

Museums for Free
Would you like every day to be free day at the museum? You've got it, if you've got a library card: Chicago Public Library branches offer museum passes good for one week from check-out. Major museums are covered, and it's a cheap way to experience some of the coolest stuff in town.
on Thu June 26 2003 City Life/Cultural

Sodomy
"Sodomy is not a crime," so sayeth the United States Supreme Court. (Provided it is between consenting adults, of course.) And the Chicago Anti-Bashing Network, Equality Illinois and Chicago NOW will be gathering at 7 pm tonight at the corner of Roscoe and Halsted to throw a little celebration. I assume there will be many private celebrations going on later throughout the city.
[tribune login: gapers/gapers]
on Thu June 26 2003 Politics/Activism

Third Coast Festival
Have you heard reference on WBEZ to the Third Coast International Audio Festival? Wondered what it was? Well, it's an online festival of audio documentary works of all types, from field recordings to news features, presented by Chicago Public Radio and the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation. There's a competition component to it, and the submission deadline is coming up -- July 18, to be exact. So get that tape of your grandpa's war stories ready, clean up the sound on your live recording of Guatemalan field hands. It's time to shine.
Andrew on Thu June 26 2003 Found on the Web

Inspections
It's Saturday afternoon, you've got a bit of a hang-over, and a huge craving for greasy, hot fries and a sausage. You lurch to your neighborhood crap-food stand and instead of the lingering smell of old grease, you're greeted with a large orange sticker that has been put there by an inspector from the Department of Public Health. You groan and stop someplace else, which doesn't really satisfy, and you wonder through the meal: "What did they do? What did they do?" Well, thanks to Luke you know where to find out how badly your favorite place has sinned.
on Wed June 25 2003 Eating/Drinking

Singing cop sentenced to jail
Sheriff's officer William Jarding was sentenced to the maximum 16 months in prison for stealing ammunition after he was caught on tape by the FBI singing a duet about the crime with decorated Chicago police officer Joseph Miedzianowski in 1998, whom the FBI was investigating. See the damning song lyrics in this Associated Press report.
Alice on Wed June 25 2003 In the News

DuSable Park
Jean Baptiste Point DuSable is credited as the founder of Chicago, being the first non-native settler to the area. As such, the city is planning a park in his honor, not far from where his cabin once stood. Beyond that, not much is clear, the New York Times reports.
Andrew on Wed June 25 2003 History

Young Feminist Book Club
Are you a young feminist who likes to read? Then venture to Women & Children First on the third Monday of every month for the Young Feminist Book Club. The group votes on which titles will be read and focuses mostly on non-fiction. The next book is Written on the Body by Jeanette Winterson. She also wrote Sexing the Cherry and Passion, so you can guess that this is a quite sexy, yet gender-ambiguous novel. If you purchase the book at the store, you get a 10% discount.
Books have been picked through next January and will be available on the calendar portion of this site. Or, you can get more information by calling 773/769-9299.
on Wed June 25 2003 Books/Authors

Cortroom Brawl
Apparently Chicagoans aren't just assaulting visiting team coaches anymore: an attempted robbery defendant suddenly attacked his attorney during a bond hearing, punching him repeatedly in the face and sending him into seizures. Two bailiffs, the other attorney and even the judge helped to subdue the guy, who now faces aggravated battery charges as well. The defense attorney was released from the hospital this morning.
Andrew on Wed June 25 2003 In the News

Preserving Meadow Lake
Designed in cooperation with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Lakes Study, the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, IL is undertaking a project this summer to improve the health of Meadow Lake. According to a story in the Daily Herald, "The lake, on the arboretum's east side near the main entrance, suffers from erosion and sediment caused by the fluctuating water table. Its high phosphorous levels make it uninhabitable for many fish." The solution is carefully digging a 3-foot-wide slurry wall to enclose the lake. This project is also part of the arboretum's $43 million expansion and renovation, expected to be completed in 2005.
Alice on Wed June 25 2003 Outdoors/Environment

The Bears, presented by...
When Soldier Field re-opens this fall, it will retain the name Soldier Field. However, a different kind of naming right has been sold: the Bears will, for the next twelve years, be known as "Bears football presented by Bank One." It's the first "presenting partnership" in the NFL. [Trib. login: gapers/gapers]
Jes on Wed June 25 2003 Sports/Recreation

The Furtive Gaze
"The Furtive Gaze," an exhibition of candid, covert photos taken by Merry Alpern and Chris Verene runs through July 12 at the Museum of Contemporary Photography at Columbia College.
Shylo on Wed June 25 2003 Arts/Architecture

Hookahs around town
According to the Tribune, hookahs are the next big thing; the communal water pipes intended for tobacco use are appearing all over town. The Trib raises several issues, including if they are being used to entice college students to smoke, and whether they are covering up smoke from other herbs. I can't help but wonder with all the other stuff going on in the world, why I should care. [Trib. login: gapers/gapers]
Jes on Tue June 24 2003 City Life/Cultural

Pistil Magazine
Check your local newsstands for new Pistil Magazine, a Chicago-based quarterly focusing on "today’s groundbreaking talent, we uncover the relevant voices that inspire and change our world." We, uh, just missed their launch last weekend, but the mag has hit the streets. Check it out.
Andrew on Tue June 24 2003 Print/Magazines

Crime Stats by Location
So our fair city has the highest murder rate in the country, and Daley's going to do something about it. In the meantime, if you want to see how bad it really is, check out the Trib's crime database. [Trib. login: gapers/gapers]
Brian on Tue June 24 2003 Resources

Fine Art Fair
Ready for a mini-road trip? Visit the Cantigny Sculpture and Fine Art Fest, June 28 - 29. The fest will take place at 1 S. 151 Winfield Road, in Wheaton, from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
on Tue June 24 2003 Offbeat/Misc. Events

Mayan Influenced Art Exhibit
Artist Georgia Charuhas will exhibit her work, through June 28, at the C.G. Jung Institute, located at 1567 Maple Avenue, in Evanston. Ms. Charuhas' work explores the symbols and mysteries of ancient Mayan civiliation.
on Tue June 24 2003 Arts/Architecture

Pride Reading
Author Sheila Seclearr will discuss her book "A Tree on Turtle Island" at Women and Children First Bookstore. The reading will take place on June 26 at 7:30 p.m. at 5233 N Clark.
on Tue June 24 2003 Books/Authors

Ozone Day
Today's the first Ozone Action Day of 2003! Don't pump gas or mow your lawn or do much of anything at all.
Amy on Tue June 24 2003 In the News

Coudal Anew, plus Huff reads
Revamped and looking good, Coudal reboots fresh. We like the new logo. They have also launched a new feature called Reading which features none other than our Editor-in-Chief, Andrew Huff.
Naz on Mon June 23 2003 Found on the Web

Chicago Force
The Chicago Force trounced the Corvallis Pride in the first round of playoffs for the Independent Women's Football League. They'll be playing the Sirens in Sacramento on June 28th in the second round. If they win they'll be travelling to New York to play on July 12th. So, if you want to see these ladies tear it up in person, you'll have to go to the coasts, or wait till next season.
on Mon June 23 2003 Sports/Recreation

Volo
Volvo (now owned by Ford Motor Company) decided recently to use their muscle to try to squeeze Volo Auto Museum, located on Old Volo Road in Volo, Illinois, into giving up the url they bought in 1997. Volvo registered their url in 2000. Volvo filed a domain name dispute with the World Internet Property Organization stating that Volo was attracting Volvo's customers who couldn't spell. Volo (which actually had a link to Volvo on their website for those customers) countered, got public support, so Volvo execs came to Illinois to visit the Grams family in the hopes of a quiet settlement. The Grams decided the settlement didn't suit them, so they continued with their counter-suit. And, the WIPO ruled in Volo's favor. Yay! for the little guys.
on Mon June 23 2003 Business/Shopping

G5 Peek
Because it's Applemania week here in Chicago, we present you with this lone image for those of you: a first peek at the Apple G5. Update: they just changed their site, but the G5 is now launched.
Naz on Mon June 23 2003 Business/Shopping

Sustainable Chicago
June 26 marks the launch of Sustainable Chicago, the local network of the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies: a group of locally-owned independent businesses, farms, and non-profit organizations. The event is at Garfield Park Conservatory at 6pm, and will feature an organic food reception (cooked by some of Chicago's top chefs), a talk by BALLE co-founder Judy Wicks, and a panel of local speakers. The cost is $20. For more information contact Sustain at 312-951-8999 ext.106 or email Jim at sustainusa.org.
Jes on Mon June 23 2003 Outdoors/Environment

Pabst
PBR! According to the New York Times, Pabst consumption is up 134 percent in Chicago.
Andrew on Mon June 23 2003 Eating/Drinking

Terra Museum to Close
After years of legal infighting, the board of the Terra Museum of American Art voted to close the museum in late October 2004. Many of the 700 works in the collection, assembled by the late Daniel Terra, will be moved to the Art Institute of Chicago. Now the board must decide what to do with the North Michigan building, yet another point of legal contention. Read more in the Chicago Sun-Times.
Alice on Mon June 23 2003 Arts/Architecture

Pot Trafficing Lawyer
"Your Honor, may I be blunt?" A lawyer was arrested over the weekend when tried to visit his clients in a high security prison with two bags of marijuana taped to his inner thighs. The dope caught the interest of the drug-sniffing police dog, who made a beeline for his crotch...make up your own punchline.
Andrew on Mon June 23 2003 In the News

African Diaspora Film Festival
Facets Cinematheque has brought the African Diaspora Film Festival to Chicago for the first time after being shown for the last decade in New York City. An engaging array of films with interesting titles, the Chicago Reader has the lowdown as well as recommended viewing. Runs June 20 - 26.
Naz on Mon June 23 2003 Film

The bird will outlive us all.
Cookie, a Major Mitchell cockatoo at Brookfield Zoo, celebrated his 70th birthday today, and his birthday celebration this morning kicked off the zoo's Bird Weekend. Cookie is the last surviving original zoo resident, part of the intial collection of animals when the zoo first opened its gates in 1934. Although the average life expectancy of a cockatoo is between 50-60 years old, they can live to be as old as a hundred. Read more about it, and check out the zoo website for more Bird Weekend activities.
Alice on Fri June 20 2003 Outdoors/Environment

Cross-town Classic
The annual Windy City Cross-town Classic is underway. Watch the Cubs and White Sox battle it out to see who has bragging rights for the next year. (So far, it looks like the Southsiders will.)
Andrew on Fri June 20 2003 Sports/Recreation

Dolan Geiman: Art for sale
Just got back from lunch with Jes at the new Earwax (still good, and service is even better, a little more upscale) and right outside Polvo artist Dolan Geiman is selling some of his silkscreened artwork, silkscreened t-shirts, skirts and blouses for girls. Jes picked up some choice products and I picked up two 11x16 silkscreen on wood pieces, here and here for $10. Amazingly good prices (a damn steal!), amazingly good art. So rush on over to Earwax quick, he may not be there much longer though they may head on down to Maxwell St. I also suspect he did this piece (which looks like one of his pieces), a photo I took featuring none other than Andrew and Cinnamon.
Naz on Fri June 20 2003 Arts/Architecture

Lost Indiana
Lost Indiana is a thoughtful, well-researched and documented website that pays tribute to some of the abandoned industries and history of our midwestern neighbor. Created and maintained by a local historian, the stories and photographs have a personal touch. Highlights include photo documentation of the abandoned Gary Union Station and the Crown Hill Cemetery, the third largest public cemetery in the United States and final resting place of two presidents and John "Johnny Appleseed" Chapman. Worth checking out.
Alice on Fri June 20 2003 History

Burn Trotter's Burn...
"Baby, please don't be like that. I know you were looking forward to eating at Charlie Trotter's last night, but I can't help it if the place caught on fire. Yes, I know you were looking forward to that gold-encrusted lobster stuffed with diamonds, but you will just have to wait until they repair the kitchen. Yes, baby, we'll have to wait another 2 months for a new reservation, but I promise you, it will be worth it. Yes, I promise, I'll still spend $1000 on your meal. You know I love you."
Andrew on Fri June 20 2003 Eating/Drinking

Anti-war arrests dropped
The city's case against hundreds of anti-war protesters continues to crumble: Charges were dropped yesterday for 103 more people who were arrested on March 20. That leaves just 70 active cases out of more than 800 arrests that night. Strangely, most of the people who got corralled by police and spent nearly 24 hours in jail (with no food or phone calls) were not even the ones who shut down Lake Shore Drive. According to National Lawyers Guild attorney Melinda Power, who represented several protesters, "This was a deliberate plan on the part of the city to intimidate people to not protest the war." (Trib login: gapers/gapers)
Amy on Fri June 20 2003 Politics/Activism

Don't Mess with the Cubs
Testosterone ran rampant yesterday as Chicago Cubs pitcher Kyle Farnsworth defended himself from Cincinnati Reds pitcher Paul Wilson who lunged towards Farnsworth after a too-close-for-comfort pitch. Sure they lost 3-1, but in the scrappy, playground-style knock-down fight game, the Cubs so won. And what did Cubs manager Dusty Baker have to say of the incident? "I know we're not the club to have bad blood with because we've got some guys who can hurt you with that ball. I don't suggest too many people get in some knock-down war with us." Wilson who was ejected from the game with a bloody, scraped up nose learned that the hard way. And that's the Chicago way.
on Fri June 20 2003 Sports/Recreation

Blood on the Tracks
Your worst CTA nightmare comes true: Woman falls off platform at State & Lake El, gets killed by Brown Line train (login: gapers/gapers). Horrors.
on Thu June 19 2003 Transportation

South Side Institution Ends
After almost 50 years on the Southwest Side, the Drury Lane Theatre, also known as the Martinique, is closing to make room for yet another Wal-Mart. No more Nutcracker performances, weddings, and theatre events - just to name a few - after January. [Trib. login: gapers/gapers]
Ellen on Thu June 19 2003 Theatre/Dance

Drinking Outdors
Almost as important as the list of drink specials mentioned here a few days ago, is a list of Chicago beer gardens, where one can enjoy a beverage outdoors now that the weather has finally started to resemble the season. And after last call you'll need the list of 24-hour greasy spoons.
on Thu June 19 2003 Eating/Drinking

Puerto Rican Week
Llamada!
That means "parade" to the rest of us English speakers. This is the week (June 17-22) when Puertorriqueños celebrate their Puerto Rican pride. But, its more than just a parade (which happens Saturday at noon on Balbo between Columbus and Monroe), there are musicians, a free-standing art gallery, flag vendors, and there has to be food. Mmm...plantanos! So, head over to Humboldt Park and check it out.
on Thu June 19 2003 City Life/Cultural

Renegade Craft Fair
Cinnamon's original post on the Renegade Craft Fair led me to the site again today which has been updated to reflect an extended deadline due to exposure here and on WLUW and late requests. It's been extended one more month: July 20th is the deadline. They will aso be featured in Venus soon, which some of the GB family is involved in. Craft on!
Naz on Thu June 19 2003 Offbeat/Misc. Events

Diagon Alley Comes to Oak Park
Although some of my fellow Gapers seem to have caught Pottermania, no one has mentioned the biggest Harry Potter event taking place this Friday for the release of book five. Thousands of people are expected to flock to Oak Park on June 20 as Oak Park Avenue between Lake Street and North Boulevard is transformed into Diagon Alley. The streets will be closed to traffic beginning at 7pm, and the event takes place from 9pm to midnight. Hosting the festivities, the Magic Tree bookstore in Oak Park will become Flourish & Blott's. Other participants include US Bank, which will be featuring goblin-led tours of the basement vaults of "Gringott's Wizarding Bank." Read more about it in the Chicago Sun-Times, Pioneer Press, and this recent mention in a New York Times article.
Alice on Thu June 19 2003 Offbeat/Misc. Events

Taste of Chicago Music
Speaking of the Taste, the musical line-up is impressive this year featuring some great performers such as Erykah Badu, India Arie, Shemekia Copeland, Guster, Pete Yorn, The Wallflowers, Sheryl Crow and Elvis Costello! Oh and don't forget good ol' Kenny Rogers.
Naz on Thu June 19 2003 Music/Clubs

Taste!
Mmmm, smell that? It's the Taste of Chicago getting ready to start up again on June 27th in Grant Park in downtown Chicago. Ten days of sampling food from all over the city, and plenty of live music to wash it down. You can now purchase food tickets at Dominick's around the city, or (if you're cool) online at the Mayor's Office link above.
Jim on Thu June 19 2003 Eating/Drinking

Miles of Music
If, like me, you've got nothing to do this Friday, or you work downtown and require entertainment for your lunch break, check out Miles of Music: 20 stages along Michigan Avenue between Jackson and Oak, featuring 45-minute sets from more than 60 local artists. Classical, country, folk, world beat, dance, opera and lots of jazz -- and it's all free!
Amy on Thu June 19 2003 Music/Clubs

Chicago's Tunnel System
"This website tells the story about a 60-mile, two-foot gauge electric railroad that operated 149 locomotives and over 3000 freight cars in small tunnels forty feet below the streets of downtown Chicago." And it's not the CTA. Amazing photos, backstory and more about these tiny tunnels beneath us. Makes me want to go down there...
Naz on Thu June 19 2003 History

New Cabs
Keep your eye out for burgandy cabs with a blue stripe -- they're from the new Chicago Carriage Cab Co., and they boast uniformed drivers, extra legroom and, of all things, Internet access. (No website for the company yet, though.) In the meantime, Yellow Cab is planning on converting about half its fleet to London-style taxis.
Andrew on Thu June 19 2003 Transportation

Sex Offender Database
It may be useful to you: The Chicago Police Department Registered Sex Offender Database Search. Leeeengthy.
Naz on Thu June 19 2003 Resources

Kinko's: 99c eco prints
Yesterday I was about to write off Kinko's as what is wrong with corporate America until I walked into their store at Clark and Wellington to print some 11x17 full colour posters when I found out that they are no longer $3.29 but 99c and printed on eco-friendly recycled paper to boot. I jumped on a G4 and printed away. Just a hat tip if you're interested in getting some quick and cheap color posters.
Naz on Thu June 19 2003 Resources

Free STD and HIV testing
Be safe, get tested: The Chicago Department of Public Health offers free testing, treatment and other services related to STDs and HIV at a number of clinics throughout the city. Call 1-800-AID-AIDS or refer to the Department's site for additional information.

Clinics are located at:

Englewood
641 W. 63rd Street
(312) 747-8900

Gunnar
4958 W. Madison
(773)378-3900

Lakeview
2861 N. Clark
(312) 744-8829

Mile Square
2045 W. Washington
(312) 413-8000

Near South Side
530 E. 31st Street
(312) 747-0184

Roseland
200 E. 115th Street
(312)747-2817

Uptown
845 W. Wilson
(312)744-7533

West Town
2418 W. Division
(312)744-5464
Jes on Thu June 19 2003 Resources

Barkeep!
There are, of course, many hundred bars in Chicago, so many that someone has taken the effort to compile a list of drink specials by day. This on top of a newspaper devoted entirely to the bar scene. Although it's incredibly easy to get a drink in this town, the June issue of Chicago Magazine reports that it's extremely tough to get a license to sell one. On newsstands now.
Andrew on Wed June 18 2003 Eating/Drinking

Birding in Chicago
The site's not much to look at, but the Chicago Audubon Society boasts a great collection of links on bird watching in Chicagoland, including a Chicago Bird Census and interactive database. Happy Birding!
Andrew on Wed June 18 2003 Found on the Web

Independent Potters, Part One
Love Harry Potter but hate The Man? In addition to Barnes & Noble as Alex mentions below, many local independent booksellers will also be hosting Potter parties Friday night, including Seminary Co-op in Hyde Park, Women and Children First in Andersonville, and the web-impaired Unabridged Books in Lake View.
Kris on Wed June 18 2003 Books/Authors

David Schwimmer Vs. Ross
Northwestern U. weighs in on David Schwimmer and so does Studs Terkel in this excellent article [Trib login: gapers/gapers] about the actor and director most commonly referred to as "Ross". Shamefully but gratefully via TMN.
Naz on Wed June 18 2003 People/Sightings

They want YOU!
Ever wanted to be part of a "live studio audience?" Many television shows filmed in Chicago are looking for a viewing audience. For details, visit Metromix's site.
on Tue June 17 2003 Radio/TV

CSO at Ravinia
Marin Alsop returns to Ravinia to lead the Chicago Symphony Orchestra's first weekend of concerts this Friday and Saturday at 8:00 p.m. Among the selections being played are Brahms' "Double" Concerto; Saint-Saens' "Organ" Symphony; John Corigliano's Symphony No. 1 and Beethoven's "Triple" Concerto. Tickets are $20-$40, and $10 for lawn. Call 847-266-5100 for more info.
on Tue June 17 2003 Music/Clubs

Heads up for Potter heads
The latest installment in the Harry Potter chronicles, "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" will go on sale Saturday, June 21st. Many Barnes and Noble Book Sellers will host release parties on Friday. Check with your local store for more information.
on Tue June 17 2003 Books/Authors

Taste of Ann Sather's
Did you know Ann Sather's, the brunch capital of Lakeview, also serves dinner? Stop into the Belmont restaurant this Friday or Saturday after 5pm and enjoy a "Taste of Ann Sather's" -- sample portions of your choice of any four items from their newly updated menu (not reflected on their website, unfortunately), soup or salad and dessert for $12.95. Plus, they're BYO, so you can enjoy whatever wine you please along with the meal. Reservations recommended; call 773/348-2378.
Andrew on Tue June 17 2003 Eating/Drinking

Chicago: 25th costliest city
To me this is a good thing: Chicago is the 25th costliest city in the world to live in [Trib. login: gapers/gapers]. Tokyo tops it at No. 1, and no other US city aside from New York at No. 10 is in the top ten. LA is the next biggest at No. 22, with us in third, coinciding with the sizes and ranks of the three biggest cities in the US.
Naz on Tue June 17 2003 City Life/Cultural

Venus
I finally managed to lay my hands on the newest copy of Venus a locally produced print magazine that focuses on music (lotsa rockin' females) and Do-It-Yourself culture. It's quite a slick and interesting publication, and the most recent issue has quite a nice one-page article about the ever-talented Mena Trott. To make it even more relevant, it's written by Chicago's own Shylo Bisnett.
I'd recommend heading to their website, it's got a great redesign, and an essay by me. (If Naz can self-promo, I can, too!)
on Tue June 17 2003 Print/Magazines

Latino Theater Festival
The Goodman Theatre is hosting the Latino Theatre Festival this year. There are six different productions being performed and most of them are showing more than once. If you're interested in going to "El Autmovîl Gris" (The Grey Automobile) playing July 11-13), or "Se Dicen Tantos Cosas" (So Many Things Are Said) playing July 17-20, and you're interested in saving a couple of bucks then call their ticket office (312-443-3800) and mention the "secret" password eCAPA and you'll save $2 on each ticket.
To sign up for discount email offers, visit their patron website.
on Tue June 17 2003 Theatre/Dance

"The Cliffhanger"
Nine filmmakers each have one week each to contribute 10 minutes to a 90 minute feature-length digital movie: that's the Exquisite Corpse-like formula for "The Cliffhanger," a new project from Split Pillow, an organization fostering "development of emerging motion picture artists in the Chicagoland area." Production begins in mid-July.
Andrew on Tue June 17 2003 Film

NCP: Photo Collages
If you're looking for photographic goodness, you want to get your cute little butt on over to Phineas' Photo Collages, impressive stuff. I haven't been there in a while but was reminded by today's K10K link (mad props and flava!).
Naz on Tue June 17 2003 Photography

Hilary's Coming Home
Heard on WBEZ this morning that Hilary Rodham Clinton is coming to the Women and Children First bookstore June 28th at 10:30am to sign copies of her book. Wonder if she's going to travel along or will be coming with her husband too?
Brian on Tue June 17 2003 Books/Authors

Happy birthday, APOD!
It's the eighth birthday of one of my favorite sites on the net: APOD (Astronomy Picture of the Day). Check out the archive for some stunning pictures, ranging from hi-res NASA imaging to photographs taken by sky enthusiasts.
Jes on Mon June 16 2003 Found on the Web

Architecture River Tour
Now that it's warm out, if you've never done so you should take an Architecture River Tour. The hour-long docent-narrated boat ride is a neat way to see downtown from a new perspective while learning about the city's history through architecture. Several companies offer tours: Shoreline and the Chicago Architecture Foundation.
Jes on Mon June 16 2003 Arts/Architecture

Gold Dust Twins Revealed
There was a time when advertisements were less PC-clean than they are today. Gold Dust washing powder is as defunct as the twin black children that graced its packaging, but a recent tear-down on Irving Park has revealed some old advertising for the brand. The Church of the Bad News has photos.
Andrew on Mon June 16 2003 History

Viagra Gum?
"Kiss a little longer, last a little longer -- give your _____ long-lasting freshness with Big Red!" The old slogan for Wrigley's cinnamon gum may be raised from the dead if plans for a Viagra-infused gum come to fruition. Reuters says a patent was filed in 2000 for just such a thing -- but we'll have to wait till 2011 for the little blue pill's patent to run out before Bigger Red can hit shelves.
Andrew on Mon June 16 2003 In the News

Sammy Uncorked
Never let it be said that Chicagoans lack a sense of humor about our heroes: The Sun-Times is advertising today t-shirts for the "Sammy Sosa: Uncorked Tour 2003." Only $16.95 (+s/h). Rock on.
Andrew on Mon June 16 2003 Business/Shopping

No East
The latest issue of No East, a digital magazine created by members of the Chicagobloggers group, is out at last. The theme this time is "work," in its many permutations. Enjoy.
Andrew on Mon June 16 2003 Found on the Web

Lake Breeze
Yes, it's almost 11am but damn if I don't feel like having a nice cool drink at the moment. Preferably this scrumptious sounding Lake Breeze by Ian Olsen-Clark.
Naz on Mon June 16 2003 Eating/Drinking

MCA Summer Solstice?
I hope this isn't true, but I can't find any information on the MCA's ususally annual Summer Solstice celebration. I'm concluding that they have decided not to hold it this year. A shame because I've been to each and every one in the last four years ever since I found out about it. ~~If there are any members of the MCA or anyone who has info please drop me a line~~. Update: Thanks to the two Jon's who wrote in and let me know that nope, there will be no Summer Solstice this year, perhaps never again. A damn shame.
Naz on Sat June 14 2003 Offbeat/Misc. Events

Mmm, produce.
Summer starts in one week, and you know what that means: farmers markets! More than 30 weekly and monthly markets, scattered across the city, will be offering fresh produce from June through October. The Mayor's Office of Special Events has thoughtfully provided a handy schedule so you can see what markets are closest to you.
Jim on Sat June 14 2003 Eating/Drinking

Midsommarfest
And speaking of fests, I can't believe no one's mentioned that this weekend is Midsommarfest in Andersonville. Because every neighborhood worth its salt has a street fair. This one has good music, crafty stuff to buy, people dressed all Swedish-like, and you can't go wrong with the Jesse White Tumblers.
Kris on Fri June 13 2003 Offbeat/Misc. Events

Beer! Elgin! Come on!
If there's one thing we like besides live music, and bikes and ribs and stuff, it's Beer. So we'd be remiss if we didn't point out the 8th annual Prairie Rock Brewfest in Elgin. Beer! Lots of it! Bad suburban karaoke! Possibly even ribs and bikes!
Kris on Fri June 13 2003 Offbeat/Misc. Events

And, Yankovic and Cooper!
A quick glance at my co-author's post below reveals my two main men keepin' it real in the weeks to come, also at the Navy Pier Skyline Stage, Alice Cooper and Weird Al Yankovic. They ain't got no rocks to prop, Coop and Al from round the block.
Naz on Fri June 13 2003 Music/Clubs

Rick Springfield at Navy Pier
Get your 80s groove on! Rick Springfield (a.k.a. "Dr. Noah Drake" from General Hospital 20 years ago) will be performing at the Navy Pier Skyline Stage on Saturday, June 14 at 7:00 and 10:00 p.m. Come on, you know you want to go!
on Fri June 13 2003 Music/Clubs

Northcenter Ribfest
It's not the big Naperville Ribfest, but the Northcenter Ribfest is this weekend. Local restaurants will compete for the title of best ribs, and an amateur chefs have a separate cook-off. 4000 N. Lincoln Ave June 14, 12pm-10pm; June 15, 12pm-8 pm.
Jes on Fri June 13 2003 Eating/Drinking

Bike Depot
Announced today, a new plan for a bike depot located in the parking structure beneath Millenium Park. Mayor Daley is taking the city to a "new level of bicycle friendliness" with this new bike station, complete with a bike storage area for up to 400 bikes, showers, lockers and a coffee bar. Grants from the federal government will help pay the costs, as funding for the bike station comes from the federal government under a program to ease congestion and improve air quality. [Trib. login: gapers/gapers]
Ellen on Fri June 13 2003 Transportation

WLUW Benefit Show
More music for you to listen to: Tomorrow night you should head to Metro at around 5ish for the Loyola College Radio Benefit Hip Hop Show, featuring Vakill, Necrobats, Frontline Entertainment MCs, Mac Lethal, Seel, Sureshot, Akbar, Profound, Eratik Statik, Longshot and DJs PNS & Ternaround. Tickets are $10, and it's all ages so you can bring your kid brother (or, if you're R. Kelly, your date). Proceeds benefit WLUW, Loyola's excellent community-run radio station -- which recently got its webcast back up.
Andrew on Fri June 13 2003 Music/Clubs

It's Friday and you got nuthin' to do?
It's Friday the 13th folks. It may be cloudy out there but it don't matter kids, because there's plenty to do. You may want to check out head-butter extraordinaire Wesley Willis and his drawings (if you want a sneak peek, head on over to the Burger King in Wicker Park on Milwaukee, they have one of his drawings — quite cool), or be one with the green gentle giant under the stars, or check out some folk, some discrete multi-performances or some good time rock n' roll (my band is playing — plug!). I don't wanna hear, "There's nothing to do!" now. There's aplenty.
Naz on Fri June 13 2003 Offbeat/Misc. Events

Starbucks photo database
When I woke up this morning, I thought to myself "The world really needs photographic evidence of every Starbucks in Chicago and the suburbs." Ok, not really. But this guy is intent on seeing all the Starbucks in the world. I hope he at least uses a travel mug.
Brian on Thu June 12 2003 Photography

Who is Shadow Traffic, Anyway?
Talk about a Gaper's Block. My usual 45 min commute took 1hr 45 min. today due to extreme rubbernecking on the Edens. It made me wonder: why does every radio station report travel times from "Shadow Traffic" but you can't find anything about them on the web. The only traffic site I know of is astoundingly inaccurate, while Shadow usually seems spot on. Shouldn't this information be more widely available?
Brian on Thu June 12 2003 Transportation

The Discrete Series
The Discrete Series is an event of poetry/music/performance/etc. on the second Friday of each month at Elastic Revolution. Tomorrow's performance features poetry by Mark Nowak, Drew Kunz & Greg Purcell. For more information, see the event listing. 3030 W. Cortland, 9pm, $5 donation.
Jes on Thu June 12 2003 Books/Authors

Olympia Fields US Open
The golf world has its eyes turned to Olympia Fields Country Club this week, as the U.S. Open tournament gets underway. Among the many thousands of fans expected will also be more than 400 uniformed police and security officers (and who knows how many undercover) watching the watchers.
Andrew on Thu June 12 2003 Sports/Recreation

Chicago Pagan Parents
Are you a pagan? Wondering how to raise your child in a true pagan environment? Chicago Pagan Parents is for you! Although their site hasn't been updated in awhile, the group is still very active, as the YahooGroup can attest. You might also be interested in Witch School, which is now accepting donations to buy a building in Hoopeston, IL, to serve as a campus.
Andrew on Thu June 12 2003 City Life/Cultural

Ghostly International @ Empty Bottle
Since its inception 1999, the Ann Arbor label Ghostly International has been "building something bigger than a label, an institution grounded in a distinctive cultural aesthetic." Some of its artists are playing at the Empty Bottle tonight for the Idol Tryouts tour. Performers include Midwest Product, Kill Memory Crash, and Dykehouse. 1035 N. Western Ave., 9pm, 7$.
Jes on Thu June 12 2003 Music/Clubs

Clinton calls Sosa
A Chicago Sun-Times article states that former President Bill Clinton has called Sammy Sosa and offered him the advice to just hang in there and "...stay strong and don't give up." Um...insert whatever comment you'd like to add to this >> here <<.
on Wed June 11 2003 People/Sightings

Twilight Zone in Chicago
Don't adjust your dial: Bob Feder reports that Chicago will be entering the Twilight Zone once again with the debut at midnight July 5 of the Twilight Zone Radio Dramas on WGN. Oddly enough, the show is produced by Schaumburg-based Falcon Picture Group, but other than a small AM station in Harvard they've had no pick-up in their home market until now.
Andrew on Wed June 11 2003 Radio/TV

Cinema Under the Stars at EAC
This Friday, Evanston Art Center will be showing the animated favorite Shrek -- as well as other video shorts by EAC video art students and faculty -- on an outdoor screen starting shortly after dusk. Bring a blanket and a snack (and perhaps a few bucks for a donation -- it is a non-profit, after all) and enjoy some great film under the stars! They'll be showing two more films in July and August -- for address and more info click on Evanston Art Center Center for the Visual Arts 2603 Sheridan Rd Evanston, IL 60201 Phone: 847-475-5300 evanstonartcenter.org Schedule: June 13: Shrek July 11: Spirited Away August 8: Bringing Up Baby All shows start after dusk, preceded by short videos by students and faculty in EAC's digital video classes. $3 suggested donation for non-EAC members.
Andrew on Wed June 11 2003 Film

Page Brothers Open Studio Program
The Page Brothers Open Studio Program puts the making of art on display at State and Lake. Using an empty storefront, a rotating schedule of artists, including painters, photographers, sculptors, fashion designers and tattoo artists, will put their processes of creation on view. Completed works are also displayed. The open studio runs from April 7 to September 21, Monday - Friday, noon - 6pm, 177 N. State St. The current artist is Rashid Johnson, a photographer.
Jes on Wed June 11 2003 Arts/Architecture

UAL stock worthless?
United Airlines told its shareholders yesterday that they can expect to lose everything they've got—it's "highly likely" shares of UAL's common stock will be cancelled when the company emerges from bankruptcy.
Kris on Wed June 11 2003 Business/Shopping

The Knife Sharpener
The American Sentimentalist takes a long, loving look at a job that has faded away in most neighborhoods, but not his: the Knife Sharpening Man.
Andrew on Tue June 10 2003 Weblogs

Chicago Force
Have you been thinking how nice it would be to have a Chicago sports team enter playoffs without a single loss? Then you're in luck. The Chicago Force our Women's Pro Tackle football team (member of the Independent Women's Football League) will be playing their first playoff game on Saturday June 21st. With the average score being something like 50-0, and $10 tickets ($5 for kids) you'd be silly not to go to De La Salle Stadium and watch these women show the boys in town how to make a victory.

But if sitting in the sun and watching women tackle each other isn't your idea of fun, then maybe you'd enjoy a documentary about this history-making team. Three local filmmakers will be having the world premiere of A Day on the Force on June 20, 6 pm at the Gene Siskel Film Center. This was part of the 72 Hour Feature Project which is an international filmmaking competition where participants have 72 hours or less to complete a feature film. This film had 9 camera crews, 40 hours of footage, and four computer systems working around the clock to get this film in.
on Tue June 10 2003 Sports/Recreation

Design Engine
Design Engine is a chaotic online mag featuring all sorts of design related features. They're currently accepting submissions for their third annual Photoreal Competition -- submit your photorealistic computer rendering of a chair/seating of some sort by August 15.
Andrew on Tue June 10 2003 Print/Magazines

Metroblossom
Has anyone else noticed Metroblossom? It's another urban-focused website with ultra-slick design, and it seems to be run out of Chicago and is looking to take off. Kind of like No-East except with less words.
on Tue June 10 2003 Found on the Web

No, you’re not getting smaller
The organizers of NeoCon wanted something to attract attention to this year’s World’s Trade Fair celebrating its 35th anniversary. Well, they found that something. A 40-foot-tall Italian chair which will be on display June 16 through the 18 at the Merchandise Mart. And is it just me and my adolescent humor, or does anyone else think it’s hilarious that the fair is billed as WTF?
on Tue June 10 2003 Arts/Architecture

Lincoln Park Zoo Upgrade
Sooner or later it's bound to stop raining, and when it does, you should get back to the Lincoln Park Zoo. They've finally opened the Regenstein African Journey which not only means that you can see the giraffes and elephants again, but there are now warthogs, an aardvark, some excellent new fish and the coolest meerkat in Chicago. Now how much would you pay? Nothing. It's still free.
on Tue June 10 2003 Outdoors/Environment

Loop Tour Train
The Loop Tour Train is a unique way to absorb some of the history and internationally renowned architecture of downtown. The 40-minute ride is narrated by docents from the Chicago Architecture Foundation. Tickets for the tour are free, but must be obtained on the day of the tour at the Chicago Office of Tourism Visitor Information Center on the first floor of the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph Street. The tours run through September 27, departing from the Randolph/Wabash station every Saturday at 11:35 am, 12:15 pm, 12:55 pm, and 1:35 pm.
Jes on Tue June 10 2003 Arts/Architecture

Wesley Willis art exhibit.
Still can't get anough of Wesley Willis, the 350-pound schizophrenic whose insane musical rantings were all the rage in about 1995? There's going to be a show of his drawings at Intuit: the Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art, 756 N. Milwaukee, from June 13 to August 30. Opening reception is this Friday, June 13th, from 5 to 8PM, with a Wesley Willis performance at 7:30. Rock over London, rock on Chicago!
Jim on Tue June 10 2003 Arts/Architecture

Buy-a-Tux goes busto
After a quarter century of bravely outfitting classical musicians and bartenders throughout the city, the aptly name Buy-a-Tux is going out of business. Does this signal the enroachment of UIC into the garment district? The decline of classical music in the city? More people drinking at downscale joints? Who knows. But if you're looking for a cheap tuxedo, now is the time to strike.
on Mon June 9 2003 Business/Shopping

Baseball entendre
Headline on an ad for The Honeysuckle Shop, a Clark Street sex toy shop, in today's RedEye: "Put Some Cork In Your Bat!"
Kris on Mon June 9 2003 Business/Shopping

Blues Travesty
"Like Hollywood's best film noir, these clubs are in the business of producing middle-class fantasies of urban life, thrilling and dark. But in reality, most of these places feel more like Disneyland with booze." In an interview for U. Chicago Press, Blue Chicago author David Grazian skewers the crass commericalism of the city's blues clubs -- and expectations that blues musicians must be black.
Andrew on Mon June 9 2003 Music/Clubs

Poet Laureate Nominations
The position of Illinois Poet Laureate was created in 1936; since then, it has been held by three people: Howard B. Austin, Carl Sandburg, and Gwendolyn Brooks. The position has been vacant since Brooks's death in 2000. Recently, a lobbying process was begun to find a new laureate, and to impose term limits on the position. The lobbying was successful: what was once a lifetime appointment will be a four-year renewable term. Nominations are now being accepted.
Jes on Mon June 9 2003 Books/Authors

Put Down the Prairie Dog
Monkey to Gambian Rat to Prairie Dog to Human: that's the apparent chain of animals leading to the first outbreak of monkey pox in North America that came to light over the weekend. Several people in Wisconsin and a couple here in Illinois have come down with the West African virus, picked up from their infected prairie dog pets.
Andrew on Mon June 9 2003 In the News

Chicago's Tony winners
Chicago Tony Awards roundup from last night: The Billy Joel musical Movin' Out, which was received poorly in its debut here, took home Best Choreography and Best Orchestration. Hometown boy Brian Dennehy won his second Best Actor in a Play Tony for the Goodman Theatre's Long Day's Journey Into Night, which also won Best Revival of a Play, although it didn't win Best Director for the Goodman's Bob Falls. (Vanessa Redgrave, who replaced Pamela Payton-Wright from the Goodman production, also won Best Actress.) And finally, Michele Pawk took Best Featured Actress in a Play for the Carol Burnett-authored Hollywood Arms, which also premiered at the Goodman.
Kris on Mon June 9 2003 Theatre/Dance

The return of the Pansy Kings.
This week's hot theatre ticket is hot pink: as part of the GLBT Pride celebrations this month, author and performer Dave Awl is reforming the Pansy Kings, a group of Chicago's swishiest performing folk, for a one-night-only extravaganza at No Exit Cafe, 6970 N. Glenwood, Wednesday night at 8PM. Expect moments of "campy fabulousness," as the Chicago Reader puts it. Also expect a standing-room-only show; the Pansy Kings quit at the top of their game in 1997, when they were able to draw a crowd large enough to fill the Park West.
Jim on Mon June 9 2003 Theatre/Dance

Chicago Museums? Free.
If you're low on cash and are dying to see dinosaur bones, take heed: all Chicago museums are free this week. [Trib. login: gapers/gapers]
on Sun June 8 2003 Offbeat/Misc. Events

Hyde Park Art Fair
Hey dude, I almost forgot: the 57th St. Art Fair is going on in Hyde Park like, now. Consider yourself duly warned.
on Sun June 8 2003 Offbeat/Misc. Events

Protecting The Big Boys' Property
Somehow, the City of Chicago has lost its campaign to eliminate the independent Property Tax Appeals Board (PTAB), which every year accounts for millions of dollars in shortfalls in the schools budget. The Mayor and Cook County Assessor James Houlihan tried to endorse a county-run appeals board in order to keep big business from exploiting their legal resources to save money on their property taxes. The Illinois State Senate struck down the bill to eliminate the PTAB, and the city is predicting millions of dollars in losses, which will directly affect the CPS, which is largely funded by commercial/industrial property taxes.
Ramsin on Fri June 6 2003 Politics/Activism

The Anachronization of Neighborhoods
The development juggernaut known as the University Village Association (UVA), which has extended UIC down to 18th Street along Halsted as well as displaced countless businesses and homes between Van Buren and Taylor Streets between the west 800 and 1200 blocks, is now trying to make Taylor Street more "European." They've issued a set of guidelines for current and future businesses that would insist on "street furniture," fancy "menu boxes," for restaurants, and turning the ABLA homes power plant into a "funky" microbrewery or bookstore. This follows the pattern of forcing an old-world sensibility on organic neighborhoods that has marred places like Wicker Park, Lincoln Park, and "Old Town." Been to Taylor Street recently?

The irony of this situation is that Taylor Street's diversity and "organic," nature, meaning its somewhat disjointed streetwall, are the epitome of the "European" style of urban development. Zoning laws and community-enforced architectural regularities are all but absent in most European towns, and as a result you get...well, you get Taylor Street, more or less. Taylor Street is one of the hidden gems in the city's long list of historic commercia

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