April 21, 2004

The South Side is For the Birds

There are some reports that the monk parakeets have begun to come out this season on the South Side. Monk parakeets are originally from South America and came here as pets. They have established feral populations around the country, esp. in Illinois and Florida. They are most well known in Hyde Park, though they've been spotted in Wolf Lake on the far South Side. If you'd like to go and see these creatures on the North Side or South Side, here are some instructions: Hyde Park: "It appears to me that these are the same parrots that inhabit Hyde Park, with several large nests, and a notable one on 53rd street, about 100 yards west of the lake. Take the lakefront path to 51st St, cross Lake Shore Drive, then ride south through the park 2 blocks, near the tennis courts. Further south in Jackson park (57th St - 63rd St) you can enjoy the lagoons and Wooded Island, along a major bird migration path (now's a great time to see the migration)." North Side (Margate Park): Margate Park is roughly 5000 N. Marine Dr. Take the Lake Front path north to Argyle and head under the ugly slab of concrete to the park. The nests were in the northern point near Foster last year. Wolf Lake: The Wolf Lake parrots are back in town. Their large hanging nests can be seen from the south end of the park by the ranger's residence (130th St. & Ave. O). Parrots can be seen flying around and perched in nearby trees. The low-stress way to get there from downtown via bike is to take the Lakefront Path to its southern terminus at South Shore Drive. Continue south on South Shore Drive following the "U.S. 41 South" signs to 95th/Ewing/Ave. "L". Three restaurants are on the corners; The Mexican Inn, Agua Blanca, and Skyway Hotdogs. Take Ave. "L" south to 104th St. Take 104th St. east to the Burnham Greenway. Take the Burnham Greenway south to the spur that goes to the William H. Powers Conservation Area. Follow the park road south through the woods and around Wolf Lake until you pass the ranger's residence. You will see the large parrot nests there. Alternately you could take the Red Line to 69th St. and then transfer to a #30 bus and get dropped off in front of the park. (Thanks to Bob Matter for compiling the reports!)

- bs | 21.04.04 ~ Outdoors/Environment

Humans escape from ape house

The Lincoln Park Zoo invited a group of professional climbers to test their new ape housing, to see if the apes are going to be able to escape from them. The climbers were able to escape from the outdoor yard, and so the zoo will continue working on the design of the $25.7 million structure, which is scheduled to have cimpanzees and gorillas living in it by May.

- jma | 21.04.04 ~ Outdoors/Environment

Corgan's New Sound

Monday night, Billy Corgan played his first solo concert to a sold-out audience at Metro. The show was organized around 12 songs about Chicago, an interesting departure from his work with Smashing Pumpkins and Zwan. He discusses this new sound on a blog at Integral Naked, including photos and notes from recent recording sessions, and Greg Kot has a review of the show.

- ah | 21.04.04 ~ Music/Clubs

Fifth Graders Take on Ambitious Project

Recently, Ralph Nader visited a crumbling Chicago elementary school and found something strange: all 19 students in Brian Schultz' classroom have taken on a new curriculum. What's this all about? To document the terrible disrepair and lack of facilities in the school; and, to build community, state and national support for a new school. These are fifth graders; they all live in and around the Cabrini-Green housing project and their school, Byrd Community Academy, is literally falling to pieces around them. Read more about this situation, and tell friends - get others involved, they need more media attention! Also, check out the tutoring program and see how you can lend a hand...

- eh | 21.04.04 ~ Schools/Education

Flea Market Season Opens

Wolff's Flea Market kicks off its summer season this Sunday in the parking lot at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont. They're out there nearly every Sunday from 6am till 3pm, hawking all sorts of stuff, from sunglasses to antiques to haircuts. (Thanks Heather)

- ah | 21.04.04 ~ Business/Shopping

Air America off AGAIN?

As part of the settlement stemming from Air America being kicked off the air in Chicago last week, it appears that the network will cease broadcasting on WNTD-950 AM in Chicago on April 30th. So now the network is looking for a new home in the city. Radio insiders pick WONX-1590 AM as a likely next home for Air America. Time to change your preset radio settings...

- jma | 21.04.04 ~ Radio/TV

Junk food and soda pop out of Chicago schools

The Chicago Public Schools announced yesterday that it is banning carbonated drinks and junk food from being sold in school vending machines, starting next year. They are currently soliciting bids from contractors for a contract to sell beverages in the district's 500+ schools.

- jma | 21.04.04 ~ Eating/Drinking

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