May 2006

No Reservations about Pippin's
Last night, Thrown for a Loop spotted Anthony Bourdain at Pippin's, a bar he describes as "probably one of the worst" in Chicago. Our blogger's summing up of the situation? "It just goes to show that even if you earn a living off of your good taste, the occasional lapse is acceptable."
on Wed May 31 2006People/Sightings 

What's that Flower Called?
One of my favorite Chicago places is Millennium Park's Lurie Garden, and some time I'll take one of the 20-minute tours offered free (between 10am and 1pm) every other Sunday. In the meantime, this site has been useful for learning about the masses of purple flowers I've been admiring lately.
Deb on Wed May 31 2006Outdoors/Environment 

WI-FI RFP, SVP
Mayor Daley announced yesterday that proposals are now being accepted for the proposed city-wide wireless service. Take a look at the RFP. (Thanks, Mitchell)
Andrew on Wed May 31 2006Politics/Activism 

Reader Exchange
Got a stack of books waiting to go to the used bookstore? Take'em to the Hideout tomorrow night instead, where from 5:30pm to 8:30pm, the Reader is holding its first-ever BookSwap. More details in Slowdown.
Andrew on Wed May 31 2006Books/Authors 

Thinking about Riding to Work?
On 10 June, the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation kicks off Bike to Work Week, to encourage more Chicagoans to commute on two wheels. If you haven't biked to work before, it's a great time to get started. Next Monday, CBF is offering a class for novices, and during Bike to Work Week CBF is hosting Bicycle Commuter Stations through Thursday morning, the 15th, with free refreshments and bike chain lubes. You can find out more here.
Deb on Tue May 30 2006Transportation 

Super Up-To-Date Weather
If you want up-to-date weather, and I mean, updated instantly, check out the nifty weather station installed in Uptown at Pete's Weather. Handy if you're about to hit the bike trail and the delightful Flash display is quite fascinating. If you want other local weather, the Wunderground's personal weather stations map for Chicago is useful too.
Brian on Tue May 30 2006Found on the Web 

DIY City Guide
Moleskine freaks, take note: next year, you'll be able to create your own personal guide to Chicago with the new Departure city notebook. Photos of a prototype here, and more details at Moleskinerie. [via]
Andrew on Tue May 30 2006Books/Authors 

Lost and Found
Imagine if you lost something today, only to get it back 35 years later. It just happened to Gary Karafiat.
Andrew on Tue May 30 2006In the News 

I've Got an Inkling
Locally based Inkling Markets allows you to set up a mock stock market for anything you can think of, from which summer blockbusters will gross the most to whether Guns'n'Roses will release an album this year.
Andrew on Tue May 30 2006Business/Shopping 

Decoding with da Vinci
The MSI's da Vinci exhibit is too well-timed to coincide with the release of The Da Vinci Code in cinemas to have been an accident. But, if that story has obfuscation at its heart, according to the Times, this exhibition centers on illumination, showing Leonardo's "almost ecstatic efforts to discern and disclose the world's workings and to master its principles, leaving nothing about them secret and hidden."
on Mon May 29 2006In the News 

Chicago Venue Search Engine
A handy link passed on to me: the City's Convention Bureau has a search engine for special events. Looking for an outdoor party for 200? A meeting with cigar smoking for 20? It has answers.
Brian on Mon May 29 2006Found on the Web 

Bigger Bucks at the Big Boxes
A few weeks ago, the Tribune reported on opposition to proposed ordinances requiring "big box" retailers to pay workers a higher minimum wage ($10/hr, with an additional $3/hr for benefits). Now, according to today's Times, over three-fifths of the City Council has signed on to the idea. If passed -- a vote could come within the month -- Chicago would be the first US municipality to take such a step.
on Sun May 28 2006Politics/Activism 

A Missed Connection of GB's Own
Are you a "very tall gent" who attempted to strike up a conversation with a gal at the GB Anniversary Party Friday night with the classic pick-up line "How are you this evening?," only to be rebuffed by mumble? If so, she's looking for you.
on Sun May 28 2006Found on the Web 

Chamberpot Theater
TUTA (Serbian for "chamberpot") is a theater company that has built a reputation locally for its visually stunning productions. TUTA now presents the American premiere of Huddersfield by Ugljesa Sajtiac, as part of a series of plays by a young generation of writers who grew up in the Balkans during the bloody 1990s. (In the fall, TUTA will produce Milena Markovic's Tracks). See Slowdown for details on the play and a related panel discussion.
Sarah on Sat May 27 2006Theatre/Dance 

High school book list approved, despite controversy
This morning the Township High School District 214 board voted to approve a required readling list which includes nine books that one board member felt were inappropriate for the classroom. That means that many suburban Chicago high schoolers will soon be reading such titles as Beloved by Toni Morrison; Slaughter-House Five by Kurt Vonnegut; and Freakonomics by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner.
Jim on Fri May 26 2006Books/Authors 

Summer of Music Lovers
We've finally reached the summer festival season, which means everybody's got a preview. In lieu of one of our own, we'll just point you to the others: Greg Kot's guide to this summer's concerts, The Reader's "These Parts" guide to festivals in the five-state region, New City's Summer Guide, and Centerstage's "Guerilla Guide to Festivals" in and around the city.
Andrew on Fri May 26 2006Music/Clubs 

Two Great Tastes...
Our third anniversary is also the perfect time to announce our partnership with Chicago Public Radio's "848" news magazine. GB's Slowdown calendar is now available on the show's website. As they put it, "Slowdown is one of the best online resources for local events. Eight Forty-Eight has established itself as the preeminent radio program for all the details behind those events. Bringing the two sources together offers Chicagoans one stop for all the juicy details of the area's happenings." We couldn't agree more.
Andrew on Fri May 26 2006Gapers 

We're Three
This is approximately the 6,000th post to Merge, which puts our average at about 2,000 a year. That's right, Gapers Block is three years old, and in case you've missed the big banner at the top of the page, we're having a party tonight at the Hideout. In addition to some readings by staffers and some sappy speech from me, local favorites Canasta will perform, and so will Yooper Sycamore Smith, who was profiled in an excerpt from The Third Coast a couple months ago. We've also got short films by Steve Delahoyde and some exciting contests, so it'll be well worth your time. Stop by anytime after 9; we'll be glad to see you.
Andrew on Fri May 26 2006Gapers 

Department of HVAC Security
The CTA has posted a PDF version of a PowerPoint-ish presentation about its forthcoming 5000-series railstock. There are all sorts of details, but one of the more interesting (and possibly reassuring) is that operators will be able to shut down the ventilation system in response to, among other things, a "biological incident." [via]
on Thu May 25 2006Transportation 

The Real Estate Board and Beyond
"The story of institutionalized racial discrimination and economic segregation in Chicago begins in 1931." So begins the second installment of BeyondChron's provocative three-part series, "Paradise Lost: A Recipe for Gentrification in Chicago, San Francisco, and Beyond." (The first ran yesterday; the last is forthcoming.)
on Thu May 25 2006History 

Sounds of the City
Chicago Public Radio's website now features "Chicago Amplified," a service that provides audio material from a variety of partner organizations, like the Illinois Humanities Council, the Field Museum and the Community Media Council. Stream or download usual suspects like Studs Terkel and Ira Glass, as well as more esoteric fare like authors on Auschwitz or the Underground Railroad. (Also new on the site, GB's Slowdown keeps Eight Forty-Eight listeners busy.)
on Thu May 25 2006Radio/TV 

More Questions about Buildings (Not Food)
Chicagoist asks, "What's your favorite building downtown and why?" Call it Fuel redux.
on Thu May 25 2006Arts/Architecture 

Jay Mariotti Has an Anti-Posse
Sun-Times sportswriter Jay Mariotti has raised the ire of many a fan over the years, so it's not surprising to find a hate site out there. Jay the Joke is your one-stop shop for columnist-bashing.
Andrew on Thu May 25 2006Sports/Recreation 

Two Images a Week
Photographers Timothy Campbell and Eduardo Angel are posting a photo a week for 50 weeks at the One Hundred Images Project, creating serendipitous juxtapositions of Chicago vignettes. (Thanks, Gretchen!)
Andrew on Thu May 25 2006Photography 

"Jeez, that's a lot of cash"
Simon Garber, president of Chicago Carriage Cab Co., definitely wins this week's Good Boss award: he distributed $50 gift cards to all 637 cab drivers that work for his company. The gift cost Garber nearly $32,000.
Jim on Thu May 25 2006Transportation 

Bam! Pow! Autograph!
The National Cartoonists Society holds its 60th annual awards banquet this weekend in Chicago. Thankfully the society is throwing us non-cartoonists a bone; tonight there will be a large signing event at the Borders on the corner of State and Randolph featuring 10 comic strip artists, among them the creators of For Better or For Worse, Foxtrot, Candorville, Pooch Cafe, and Beetle Bailey. See Slowdown for the full story. (tip from the So-Called "Austin Mayor")
Jim on Thu May 25 2006Offbeat/Misc. Events 

Heads Up for Studs Fans
You probably know about the Printers Row Book Fair (June 3 to 4), a late spring festival that abounds with free author appearances. To see some of those authors (Studs Terkel and John Updike, for two), though, you need a ticket, albeit a free one. Take your pick here, while they last.
Deb on Thu May 25 2006Books/Authors 

Beer Advocated Here
If Ben Franklin was right and beer is "living proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy," then the happiest places in Chicago are Map Room and Hopleaf, according to Beer Advocate magazine.
Andrew on Wed May 24 2006Eating/Drinking 

Revisiting StoryCorps
Last August, StoryCorps visited Chicago, and Dave and I stopped by to chat with a few of the first local participants. Today, a year after the project sent Airstream trailers on the road, founder Dave Isay appeared on NPR's Talk of the Nation, discussing the program and noting its roots in Chicago-based radio documentary "Ghetto Life 101."
on Wed May 24 2006Radio/TV 

Mafia in the Machine
Today marks the conclusion of the Sun-Times's three-part series on the continuing political influence of mobster Bruno Roti Sr., even fifty years after his death. Let's just say his family sounds pretty well-connected.
on Wed May 24 2006History 

Crosswalk in the Crosshairs
After the death of a very young pedestrian at the intersection of Belden Ave and Lincoln Park West this weekend, Eric Zorn features a proposal for improving safety for walkers and drivers. He also points to the website for America Walks, which has a number of affiliated groups if you're interested in (foot) traffic safety activism.
on Wed May 24 2006Transportation 

Looking Over Your Xanga
In more School Boards vs. Blogs news, a 17-year-old student in Plainfield School District 202 has been suspended and threatened with expulsion because of his criticism on his blog of the school's disciplining of another student. His Xanga.com site isn't accessible from the school's computers, but administrators are saying that his comments caused "a disturbance at school".
Anne on Wed May 24 2006Schools/Education 

McClain: Triple Threat
Nope, we're not talking about Bruce Willis' die-hard cop John McClane but Shawn McClain, one of Chicago's most exciting chefs (yes, aside from Grant Achatz). He recently was awarded the James Beard for best chef in the Midwest and after showing off the sophistication of seafood and vegetarian at his restaurants, Spring and Green Zebra, he's expanded his repertoire with a more meaty menu in the form of Custom House.
Naz on Wed May 24 2006Eating/Drinking 

AT&T Protest and Suit
Studs Turkel, Illinois House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie, Dr. Quentin Young and several other prominent Chicagoans joined the ACLU in a federal lawsuit against AT&T for violating their privacy by giving phone records to the National Security Agency. And Chicago Media Action is holding a protest at 4pm today; details here.
Andrew on Wed May 24 2006In the News 

Big Brother in MySpace
I doubt any of our readers are currently enrolled in Libertyville/Vernon Hills public schools, but you'll still be slightly alarmed to hear that School District 128 is now holding its students responsible for anything posted on MySpace or elsewhere on the Internet. Expect a lot of teenagers suddenly going anonymous in response.
Andrew on Wed May 24 2006Schools/Education 

Hypefest
Tom Breihan of Status Ain't Hood has declared Chicago to be the future of hip-hop (again), this time manifested in the imposing form of Rhymefest. Take this praise with a grain of salt: in the same breath, he's dismissing Common as "an insufferable granola-munching pseudo-boho."
Nathaniel on Wed May 24 2006Music/Clubs 

Bloody Brilliant
The Duchess of Malfi may have been written by one of Shakespeare's contemporaries, but it's got a lot in common with The Sopranos. In an RSC production I saw a few years back, the Duchess found her husband and her children strung up on hooks in an industrial meat locker. No matter how Writers' Theatre chooses to present the play's thickly twisted plot, there's sure to be a lot of blood. Their new production opens tonight; see Slowdown for details.
Sarah on Tue May 23 2006Theatre/Dance 

Horton Hears a Hoobastank
Coudal Partners has a great game on right now: take a band name and a book title and mash'em together. What do you get? Check out the stand-outs so far and submit your own to bryancoudal.com by Friday for a chance to win your combo in CD and book form.
Andrew on Tue May 23 2006Weblogs 

Time For A Steam?
Popular wisdom holds that you shouldn't let anyone tell you how to take your shvitz, but the Chicago Journal has gone ahead and done just that, profiling an afternoon at the Division Street Russian and Turkish Baths.
Nathaniel on Tue May 23 2006City Life/Cultural 

Jungle-centric
Commemorating the 100th anniversary of the publication of GB Book Club 2005 pick The Jungle, Sunday's Tribune Magazine took a look at the rising popularity of meat, asked what Chicago is, now that it's no longer "hog butcher to the world," and offered a short history of muckraking.
Deb on Tue May 23 2006Books/Authors 

Not a Cozy Fire
Monday afternoon, many of us who work in downtown Evanston noticed black plumes of smoke coming from Davis Street. The fire, it turns out, was coming from the kitchen of Cozy Noodles & Rice at 1018 Davis Street. The fire damaged the restaurant, a nearby store and the apartments above. The dining room, with its walls of vintage toys, looks good, sans smoke and water damage, but for now, we'll all have to get our Cozy noodles at the Wrigleyville location.
Anne on Tue May 23 2006Eating/Drinking 

More Deadlines for Writers
Here's another resource if you need a deadline to get creative: the Guild Complex is looking for fiction and nonfiction for its 2006 reading series and there are submissions deadlines every month except July and December. As an added incentive, the work selected for readings will be entered into a competition for a $500 prize, with winners to be announced next January. See the website for complete details and guidelines.
Deb on Tue May 23 2006Books/Authors 

A Real Irish Wake
If you've ever been to Butch McGuire's bar down at Clark & Division, you probably have fond memories of its owner and namesake. Butch passed away recently, and to mourn him, Division Street between Dearborn and State will be closed from 10am to 8pm for his wake. Stop on down and have a drink in the street.
Andrew on Tue May 23 2006Eating/Drinking 

Bike Tour 2K6!
Friends and Chicagoans Andrea and Ira saved money for a year, resigned from their jobs and left for the open road a little over a week ago. On their bikes. They're riding around the country for a year. You can keep up to date and check up on them as they post on the road from the weblog. Earlier posts are informative — lots of information on prepping for such an adventure. I'm jealous too — they look insanely happy.
Naz on Tue May 23 2006Outdoors/Environment 

"Reclaiming the American Dream"
Barack Obama is about to release another book entitled The Audacity of Hope this fall. To keep you excited about its release, you can download an "exclusive preview" from his website. And if you had no idea he's written other books, check out some of the others.
on Tue May 23 2006Politics/Activism 

Attack of the Marauding Palazzo Pantsed Queen
Drunken Bee on the perils of shopping Division Street. (How many thieving transvestites on the prowl for Fred Perry are you going to encounter on Michigan Avenue?)
on Tue May 23 2006Weblogs 

Chicago Writers: Prepare for D-Day
Are you feeling guilty about that half-finished manuscript in your bottom desk drawer? Do you work better when you have a deadline? Well, then you're in luck. The Chicago Writers Association is sponsoring an event for all Chicago area writers who need some encouragement--and a deadline--to meet their goals. Deadline Day, or D-Day, is August 12, 2006, when participants will meet for a special D-Day event in Evanston. Anyone may participate in this event. All you need to do to get started is visit the official Deadline Day blog and register by declaring your personal D-Day writing goal in the comments. Good luck!
Alice on Mon May 22 2006Books/Authors 

House Organ or Newspaper?: You Make The Call
In light of recently alleged attempts by Cubs management to intervene in Tribune coverage, Steve Rhodes of the Beachwood Reporter sounds off on the conflicts of interest endemic to a media outlet owning a sports team. (He comes to some harsh conclusions. The words "misguided and mediocre management" get used. For both the team and the paper.)
on Mon May 22 2006Sports/Recreation 

Shubert Theater Reborn, Renamed
Renovations to the 100-year-old venue are complete, and Tuesday night the marquee will be lit for the first time. The former vaudeville house officially reopens Wednesday night as the LaSalle Bank Theater with a performance by Tony Award winner Michael Crawford (perhaps best known for Phantom of the Opera). You're welcome to tour the interior Friday and Saturday from noon till 5 PM.
Deb on Mon May 22 2006City Life/Cultural 

Mapping the Controversy
Who would have thought a map of Chicago's neighborhoods would be so controversial? Not only has the Chicago Neighborhood Map designed by Christopher Devane upset realtors and developers because of a new motto, "Home is Where the Hood Is," printed across the top, but Chicago Public Schools has slapped the mapmaker with a cease-and-desist order to keep him from offering the map to schools.
Andrew on Mon May 22 2006City Life/Cultural 

Drink 'til you write
It's drinking time again! A group of Neo-Futurist alumni is presenting the third version of the play Drinking and Writing, subtitled "To Cure A Hangover." Along with the play, which will be performed at bars around Chicago for the next few weeks, the Drinking and Writing team is putting together a pub crawl on Memorial Day to find a cure for the common hangover, and their second annual Drinking and Writing Festival on June 10, which will include readings, a two-drink-minimum writing contest, and lots of beer tasting. See Slowdown for all these events, and the Drinking and Writing Website for tickets.
Jim on Mon May 22 2006Theatre/Dance 

Garden in a Cube Farm
Perk up life in your office today with Palla Palla's photos from the Garden in a City show, which closed yesterday.
on Mon May 22 2006Photography 

In Feminism She Believes
But Chicago designer Jane Hamill believes in Barbie, too.
on Mon May 22 2006People/Sightings 

Sky Hook a Win, Force Crushes Iowa
Our new WNBA team, the Chicago Sky, won their debut game Saturday against the Charlotte Sting 83-82. The Sky snuck by on three free-throws by Jia Perkins at the very end of the game. Not to be outdone, the Chicago Force women's football team beat the Iowa Crush 20-6. Catch the Force at home on the 27th against Detroit.
Andrew on Sun May 21 2006Sports/Recreation 

GQ eats Chicago
GQ's food critic Alan Richman jumps on the Chicago bandwagon with an article in the June issue naming us "the best restaurant city in America." The story's focus, unsurprisingly, is on culinary wunderkinds Homaro Cantu of Moto, Grant Achatz of Alinea, and Graham Elliot Bowles of Avenues.
Kris on Sat May 20 2006Eating/Drinking 

Best Headline Today:
Yuppie-on-Yuppie Violence Mars Cabrini-Green Housing Redevelopment
Andrew on Fri May 19 2006Weblogs 

City Services Fair
Wonder what the city can do for you? If you want to learn more about what city services are available to residents, drop by the Service Fair being held this weekend at Wilson College. They can help with landlord-tenant issues, bungalow registration, or concerns if a senior in your life needs assistance. (The full list is here).
Brian on Fri May 19 2006Resources 

The Tastiest Time of the Year
Tomorrow marks the launch date for the first of the Chicagoland Farmer's Markets, and boy, I'm ready. Saturday markets are my favorite, and the ones in Evanston and Lincoln Park open on May 20 (most others open in early June). There are markets every single day of the week, as always, throughout neighborhoods in Chicago and surrounding suburbs. If you're planning a Market tour, try checking out this nice (work in progress) Google Map of some of the Farmer's Markets done by Ben at InqBlot. It's quite handy and dandy.
Anne on Fri May 19 2006Eating/Drinking 

Money for Nonprofits
The Illinois Humanities Council is accepting applications until July 15 for mini (up to $2,000) and major (up to $10,000) grants in support of humanities projects sponsored by nonprofit organizations. IHC is especially interested in funding projects that target new or historically neglected audiences. For more information, call 312-422-5580 or email ihc[at]prairie[dot]org. Applications are available here.
Deb on Fri May 19 2006Resources 

Sheltered (Advertising) Existence
Old-school bloglebrity Matt Haughey started a MetaFilter thread yesterday on the recent deals for New York City street furniture (bus shelters, public toilets, newsstands) bringing in a billion dollars in revenue to the city, all paid for by advertising sold by the British and Spanish firms responsible for the structures. In light of the similar deal for bus shelters struck between the City of Chicago and French firm JCDecaux a few years ago, I immediately thought, "What? We could have had public toilets too?!" If we're serious about the 2016 Olympic bid, we may see them sooner than later.
Kris on Fri May 19 2006City Life/Cultural 

In the Year 2010
The Chicago Public Library has recently unveiled its new strategic plan, titled "Chicago Public Library 2010: A Vision for Our Future." [pdf] The plan is "a call to action for all Chicagoans who understand the essential role of their public library in the educational, economic and cultural fabric of the City of Chicago. A strong and vibrant public library is a sign of a strong and vibrant city, and ultimately a sign of how that city values its residents." Right on.
Alice on Fri May 19 2006City Life/Cultural 

Blogless
The good news: Threadless is about to relaunch their site.
The bad news: As they were making the new site live, "the robots attacked," killing all of members' blog posts from December 2005 forward.
If you lost posts but have any of them bookmarked, you can submit the URLs here for recovery.
Andrew on Fri May 19 2006Weblogs 

Grant Help for Nonprofits
The Illinois Humanities Council, which recently gave away $213,992 to 22 nonprofit organizations, is running a workshop for prospective grant applicants on June 2. Attendance is limited, so if you're interested, click here to register or call 312.422.5580.
Deb on Thu May 18 2006Resources 

Got Hazardous Waste?
Saturday is Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Day, which means you can haul your old computer equipment, nasty chemicals, small appliances, and gas-powered garden tools to 1150 N North Branch and feel confident they'll be properly disposed of. Bonus: turn in your old gas-powered mower for a $100 rebate coupon for a new electric or manual mower. Details in Slowdown, or click here for the event flyer [pdf].
Deb on Thu May 18 2006Outdoors/Environment 

Flaunt Your Knife Skills
Think you've got what it takes to be a superstar chef? Prove it on Monday, May 22, when Bravo's "Top Chef" reality TV show brings its casting call to the Rock Bottom Brewery at State and Grand. Show up with your resume and be prepared to whip up something tasty.
Andrew on Thu May 18 2006Radio/TV 

SAMPLE
Ever wondered about the chronology of license plate designs has been in Illinois? Me neither, but here's the place to look.
Andrew on Thu May 18 2006Found on the Web 

Goose Island Update
We told you awhile back that Goose Island was in negotiations with Anheuser Busch; Crain's has an update on the story. Looks like Busch could own 35 percent of Goose Island and would take over distribution.
Andrew on Thu May 18 2006Business/Shopping 

Date set for Field's renaming
The Sun-Times reports that September 7 will be the start of a "launch weekend" set to celebrate the renaming of Marshall Field's stores to Macy's. The weekend-long celebration will include loads of activities and events at the State Street store, such as a fashion competition for local designers and "mother-daughter beauty events".
Jim on Thu May 18 2006Business/Shopping 

Put That Digicam to Use
Don't know if you noticed this or not, but a couple of days ago, Flickr went gamma. Awesome! Now's the perfect time for you to check out the slew of new features and of course, join up one of their Chicago groups (especially this great one called Gapers Block. We gotta feed Rearview somehow, right?).
on Wed May 17 2006Found on the Web 

Dream the Impossible Dream
After the Chicago marathon every year (as a spectator), I see those LaSalle mylar blankets and think, "Man, I could never run a marathon!" But au contraire: the Chicago Area Runners Association sponsors an 18-week traning program (starting at the end of June) that will get you ready to run 26.2 miles with the best of 'em. See their site for more info.
on Wed May 17 2006Sports/Recreation 

A Hazy Shade of Wildcat
Not long after suspending its women's soccer team, Northwestern has announced charges of hazing against the men's swim team and the school's mascot program. Meantime, soccer alums deny a tradition of hazing, and the university warns against posting potentially compromising photos on Facebook, MySpace and other sharing sites. The Times has more from a national perspective.
on Wed May 17 2006Sports/Recreation 

Greener For Sure (But What About the Blue Bags?)
The City in a Garden has added 500,000 trees since the mayor took office in 1989. That's a lot, for sure, but if Daley wants Chicago to be "the most environmentally friendly city in the U.S.," we've gotta get a new recycling program. Pronto. [via]
on Wed May 17 2006Outdoors/Environment 

Best Bars?
If you've picked up the latest issue of Esquire you've seen their feature on the "Best Bars in America." Chicago gets a few on those list, including the Red Lion Pub, Bungalow and the Matchbox. Also on the list is GB fave, the Hideout, which, if you've never been, next Friday presents a golden opportunity. I can vouch for Bungalow's vanilla martini, but would I call them the best? Put in your dissensions and suggestions on the website and they may get published.
Veronica on Wed May 17 2006Eating/Drinking 

Chicagoland Bike News
Couple of quick bike-related items I just noticed: forums.bikechicago.info is a new site for Chicagoans to discuss cycling issues and a useful local outlet for discussion if you don't like mailing lists; Aspire To Inspire's Stephen Wagner is about to begin a trek around the world again on a bicycle, perhaps you'd like to make a donation to help him?
Brian on Wed May 17 2006Transportation 

Where To Buy A Bike
Reader Marge Simpson (!) wrote to ask where to buy a used bike. As the weather has gotten nicer, it's a prescient question. I have a few recommendations... If you're looking for an affordable bike for getting around, local charity Working Bikes on South Western is the place to go. You can get a decent bike for $50 if you don't mind it being a bit older. And if you want something nicer, I'd recommend Uptown Bikes in Uptown. It's a little more money, but they have new bikes as well and one of the best repair shops I've worked with. If you're looking for something closer to home (whereever that is), there's also a database of bike shops in Chicago at www.chicagobikeshops.info. Chime in with your own recommendations in Fuel.
Brian on Wed May 17 2006Transportation 

Help stop the Project Marriage referendum
A coalition of civil rights groups has begun a volunteer effort to stop the anti-gay ballot initiative put forth by Project Marriage Illinois, a spinoff of the Illinois Family Institute, by scrutinizing the petitions for invalid signatures. The advisory referendum would ask voters to ask the legislature to ban all same-sex legal unions, including civil unions and domestic partner benefits. It would be non-binding and might or might not pass, but just having it on the ballot would allow the right to stir up a major anti-gay campaign; the Gay Liberation Network notes that anti-LGBT violence in Colorado increased 129% in the year following the Amendment 2 campaign there. To volunteer, email fairillinois AT yahoo DOT com or call 773-477-7173. (Thanks, Tony.)
Kris on Wed May 17 2006Politics/Activism 

Lucky Local Candles
The newest Chicago edition of Lucky Magazine (the one with Tyra on the cover) has a few pages of Chicago stores and designers that they like, but interestingly enough, local card and stationary designers Snow & Graham's new candles series made it into Lucky's broader national picks. Blogger k-fresh also recently picked up on the new line of lovely candles that the local company is putting out. You can find them (eventually) on the duo's website, or in person at stores like Greer Chicago. While you're waiting for a new S&G website to arrive, you can read an interview with them on urbanStyle from 2001.
Anne on Wed May 17 2006Business/Shopping 

Sunsets Over the City
Since it's likely we won't be able to see the sunset tonight, you might want to head to this weblog and get your fix.
Andrew on Wed May 17 2006Weblogs 

Really Quick Review: Ole Ole
Thankfully, the latest restaurant to open in Andersonville is not a Thai place (we've got enough, really!). Ole Ole is a sumptuously decorated space on two floors of 5413 N. Clark Street. It was the site of my very first (not my last) mojito, and of some delicious dishes and quite helpful wait staff. The empanada appetizers were tasty and perfectly fried (not burned), my Chicken Adobo was a blend of cinnamon and spices without overpowering the senses and my dining companion's dinner salad with chicken (substituted for duck) was enough for a very full meal. I'd love to see more dishes with a mole in the future, and can't wait for their pending cafe con leche service to begin!
Anne on Wed May 17 2006Eating/Drinking 

Metra To Host Year-Round Marketplace
Something I'd advocated in The Party Line previously is fortunately coming to pass: Metra is building a fresh-foods marketplace in the Ogilve Train Station. No, this isn't a Dominick's in the station--the idea is to get local vendors of meat,vegetables, and wine under one roof. Won't be ready for a year, but I'm excited. If you'd like to get an idea of something to expect, Toronto's St.Lawrence Marketplace is a good idea.
Brian on Wed May 17 2006Eating/Drinking 

Mulch into Moolah
From the Times: "By wrapping its arms and famous big shoulders around its Latin motto -- Urbs in Horto (City in a Garden) -- Chicago has become a global model for how a metropolis can pursue environmental goals to achieve economic success."
on Wed May 17 2006City Life/Cultural 

Sam's Wine Settles Out of Court
Jeez, how Chicago can you get: First, Sam's Wines & Spirits is accused of shady business practices, and now they've settled with the Illinois Liquor Control Commission while maintaining that they've done "nothing wrong." Sam's must pay a fine, and remain closed for the first three days of 2007, missing all that lucrative New Year's Eve-hangover business.
Nathaniel on Tue May 16 2006In the News 

Printed Fun On Every One
Did you know they're printing Guinness World Records on Pringles now? Matt Maldre of Spudart got a tube, and among the world records was an odd looking print-out that included the phrase "printed fun on every one." He realized it was a diagnostic display intended to show the density of ink being sprayed by the chip printer.
Andrew on Tue May 16 2006Weblogs 

The Last Picture Show
While they may be closing, Damen Studio is going out with a bang. Their last show will be appropriately titled, "The Last Picture Show" and features the work of 8 photographers and 5 painters including Rearview contributors, Bill Vaccaro and Sarah Hadley, GB button designer Anthony Lewellen and yours truly. The final show goes down this Saturday, May 20th from 6-9PM at Damen Studio.
Naz on Tue May 16 2006Photography 

The Gang's All Here
Somehow it escaped our calendar's attention, but The Literary Gangs of Chicago series at the MCA is throwing a blowout party tonight from 6pm to 8pm at Puck's Cafe and/or the Japanese Garden behind the museum. The theme is "Michigan!" for some reason -- not that there's anything wrong with that. And since today's free day, you can wander into the exhibits, too. Check here for details.
Andrew on Tue May 16 2006Books/Authors 

Hi-Lite about to be extinguished?
At a committee meeting today in Aurora, the City Countil will begin to decide the fate of the Hi-Lite 30 Drive-In, the oldest operating drive-in in Illinois, which has been scheduled for demolition to make way for housing development. Naturally there are quite a few fans of the drive-in, and they are planning a rally before the meeting to try and sway the council vote. The site OurAurora.com has put together a page with proposals from all sides of the debate, so you can make up your own mind on the issue.
Jim on Tue May 16 2006Film 

Book Your Own Indie Life
Local bar band Beatnick Turtle is in the news for something other than their music: they've written an e-book, "The Indie Rock Survival Guide, intended to help bands who're just starting out on the scene. Mighty helpful of them; even got them namechecked by Lawrence Lessig. Download the PDF here.
Andrew on Tue May 16 2006Music/Clubs 

Arrivederci, Chicago; Ciao, Italia
Milan's La Scala announced yesterday that the Chicago Symphony Orchestra's soon-to-be-erstwhile music director Daniel Barenboim will become its principal guest conductor beginning next season. Later this month, the last operatic performances of Barenboim's tenure will feature Wagner and Boulez. So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, goodbye...
on Mon May 15 2006Music/Clubs 

Beautiful Game Turns Ugly
The Associated Press reports that Northwestern has suspended its women's soccer team in light of hazing allegations. Website BadJocks.com posted a number of photographs it attributes to "a public picture sharing site," and the story develops.
on Mon May 15 2006Sports/Recreation 

Window to Chicago Muslims
Did you know there are over 350,000 Muslims in the Chicago area? Yeah, that's a lot. So you have to know that a site like chicagomuslims.com is a pretty valuable resource for area Muslims and friends of the Islamic Faith. Daily prayer times, socio-economic outreach projects, and articles on Islam are all there. Be sure to keep an eye on the events section for the "Window to Islam" class--open to all--if you want to learn more about the Islamic Faith.
on Mon May 15 2006Religion/Spirituality 

Siskel & Ebert Mouth Off
It's well known that Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel hated each other for much of their career as a film reviewing duo. Someone dug up three outtakes of the pair sparring during the filming of promos for their show. The animosity is palpable.
Andrew on Mon May 15 2006Film 

Gold Conservation Coast
Sustainable condos are coming to the Gold Coast in the form of the Culver House, designed by Dirk Denison Architects. It's not just beautiful, it's good for the environment. [via]
Andrew on Mon May 15 2006Arts/Architecture 

Indulge Your Inner Civil Engineer
In 2001, the Center for Neighborhood Technology developed Transopoly, a boardgame-like tool for examining transportation and other needs in a community. They've recently created an online version of the game, in which you can allocate a $2 billion budget toward such things as building new train stations and bike paths.
Andrew on Mon May 15 2006Transportation 

Negro League Players Pensions Upheld
Mike Colbern, a Chicago White Sox catcher in 1978-79, and two other baseball players filed a lawsuit claiming that Major League Baseball was committing "reverse discrimination" for giving about two dozen Negro League players pensions and medical benefits. A federal appeals court ruled last week that the players from the Negro Leauges were entitled to continue receiving payments while white players who didn't meet MLB's length-of-play requirements were not. The judge ruled that there was no unfair treatment and even if there was, MLB has the right to make up for past injustices.
Cinnamon on Mon May 15 2006Sports/Recreation 

We Dedicate This Bean...
Hopefully this is the last post about Cloud Gate in the news for awhile: the dedication ceremony that was supposed to happen two weeks ago is happening today at 11am. "Hello, Beautiful" host Edward Lifson has some thoughts on the matter on his blog.
Andrew on Mon May 15 2006Arts/Architecture 

reknit, re:knit
I'm a crafty gal. But running a small business means I now spend more time reading articles put out by the Small Business Administration than I do reading knitting blogs. And I miss it. Thankfully ex-GB'er Brenda Janish has created a re-blog that I'm delighted by. re:knit culls feeds of many of the knitting blogs I read when I had the time.
Cinnamon on Mon May 15 2006Weblogs 

Be Like Tom (Hanks, that is)
The Da Vinci Code has readers -- and, soon, film-goers -- intrigued about potentially hidden allegorical meanings behind the art. In that spirit, Kevin Nance runs down a few mysteries of the unexplained at the Art Institute.
on Sun May 14 2006Arts/Architecture 

On the Sporting Life
After 30 years, Sun-Times sports columnist Ron Rapoport wrapped up his career earlier this month. In an interview with Scott Simon, he looks back on some of the greater (and the smaller) moments of the past three decades.
on Sat May 13 2006Print/Magazines 

Cheek By Jowled
As those who have ridden the metros in just about any of the world's other major cities know, the front-to-back seating on the 'L' is the exception to the longitudinal rule. But, with its new railstock order the CTA is embracing the industry standard, and, as this CTA Tattler poll and an accompanying post make clear, the change -- not scheduled to roll out for another few years -- has some people riled up.
on Sat May 13 2006Transportation 

Look Three Ways Before Crossing
An IIT student created a small site examining one of the anomalies in Chicago's grid system: the six-way intersection.
Andrew on Fri May 12 2006Found on the Web 

Ben Gordon, Mixologist
Bulls guard Ben Gordon is the first NBA player with his own energy drink. Gordon signed with start-up H3Enterprises to create BG7, a white tea-based concoction expected to be on store shelves later this year.
Andrew on Fri May 12 2006Sports/Recreation 

Maxwell Street, 70s Style
An interesting photo history of Maxwell St. Market, 1975 - 1984. Contrast that with the city's official info about the market.
Brian on Fri May 12 2006Found on the Web 

Don't Stop Bean-lieving
The hometown team for the upcoming 2006 Gay Games has unveiled its logo and uniform. They'll be in powder blue, with what looks sort of like the band Chicago's signature typeface overlaid on Cloud Gate. Yes, I know "Don't Stop Believing" is a Journey song, not a Chicago song. I was just going for the pun.
Andrew on Fri May 12 2006Sports/Recreation 

Internet Answers Tough Sports Questions
Which Chicago sports team is the most popular? In Chicago, it's the Cubs. In Naperville, it's the Bears. Only in Canada do the Hawks come out on top.
Brian on Fri May 12 2006Sports/Recreation 

Mad Hot Ballroom Fans Take Note
The All-City Dance Ensemble, made up of the best dancers from Chicago's public high schools, shows its stuff tomorrow afternoon in the Randolph Cafe at the Chicago Cultural Center. See Slowdown for details.
Deb on Fri May 12 2006City Life/Cultural 

Your Brain Will Thank You
Our fabulous staff Librarian has mentioned the Encyclopedia of Chicago before, but I do believe it's time you visit it again. Check out some of the special features. Stump your coworkers with your newfound Chicago trivia knowledge!
on Fri May 12 2006Found on the Web 

Get Your Tickets Now
A few events with ticket/registration deadlines coming up:
• Only a couple tickets left for Taste of Check Please! next weekend.
• Beer on the Pier is this Saturday!
• WLUW's Indie Rock Prom is Saturday too!
• Bike the Drive is half-way filled up.
• 826Chi is having a prom too!
Andrew on Thu May 11 2006Offbeat/Misc. Events 

Edgewater's Own Neighborhood Festival
Not your typical neighborhood festival: Edgewater's Edge Of The Earth festival will have fire-spinning, Mexican dancing, visual arts and a choir. Held at a local Orthodox church, this will certainly differ from the usual ribfest / block party / beer-n-bands fare. (And the Edgebrook Chamber Of Commerce's website is very old-school and worth a visit.)
Brian on Thu May 11 2006City Life/Cultural 

Bring Back The Draught This Weekend
Thanks to an alert reader, we've learned that previously mentioned Bring Back the Draught is having a pub crawl this weekend in Roscoe Village. $20 gets you a T-shirt and surely a needed lunch; extra proceeds are donated to local not-for-profits.
Brian on Thu May 11 2006Found on the Web 

Kenilworth in Danger
It's hard to imagine Chicagoland's wealthiest suburb as in any way "endangered," but the National Trust for Historic Preservation included the entire town on its list of of the 11 most endangered places for 2006 due to pressure from developers who want to tear down historically significant homes to build new McMansions. Learn more about why Kenilworth Matters.
Andrew on Thu May 11 2006Arts/Architecture 

And the Winner Isn't...
Maxim: Dusty Baker, Worst Manager in Baseball. [via]
on Thu May 11 2006Sports/Recreation 

Rate This Poster
Sound Opinions wants your help with a little project: email them the location of a record release poster or upcoming concert, and give'em a review -- along with a buy it, burn it or trash it rating -- and they'll slap a sticker on the poster and post your review on their site. Power to the people!
Andrew on Thu May 11 2006Music/Clubs 

Actors, Beef of Your Resume
Speaking of bad jobs, or at least very odd ones, the American Cancer Society is looking for a volunteer to appear as Polyp Man at Skokie's 16th annual Festival of Cultures to help raise awareness of the importance of colorectal cancer screening. All you have to do is walk around in a "red creature" costume for a couple hours. How bad could that be? (Thanks, Sandy!)
Andrew on Wed May 10 2006Offbeat/Misc. Events 

Rainbow House to close for a month, at least
When I was 12 my mother left my father and for a short while we moved into a shelter for women and children leaving domestic abuse situations. If that shelter hadn't existed, my mother (at least) would not be alive today. Due to financial problems and the lack of an executive director (although not a dedicated and hard-working staff), Rainbow House will close for at least the next month, and maybe longer. Rainbow House is the largest shelter of its kind in Chicago, and the only shelter which takes women with mental illness or substance abuse problems. I implore you to make a tax-deductible donation before its too late.
Cinnamon on Wed May 10 2006Politics/Activism 

Bike and Eat
Registration is ongoing for three Chicagoland Bicycle Federation-sponsored rides that combine food and biking. In June, Veggie Bike and Cook features lunch and a cooking class as part of a ride that runs from River North to Lincoln Square. In July, Veggie Bike and Dine incorporates tasty stops in a ride from Evanston to Edgewater and Progressive Bike and Dine tours the near west suburbs. Each ride requires advance registration, which costs $30 to $35. Learn more here.
Deb on Wed May 10 2006Sports/Recreation 

99 (or More) Documentaries Wanted
The Third Coast International Audio Festival has announced its 2006 ShortDocs Radio Experiment: "99 Ways to Tell a Radio Story." Short (two and a half minutes is the limit) audio documentaries are due by September 8, and the gimmick is that all submissions must start with the same sentence, incorporate a rhythmic noise, and include an exclamation. The idea for this comes from France. Hmmm. Aspiring radio documentarians can find out more here.
Deb on Wed May 10 2006Radio/TV 

More of the Write Stuff
Reader Pete points out another option for aspiring writers in the summertime: the Northwestern Summer Writers' Conference which takes place in late July. If you're aching for more of a college-type setting for your creative learning, than this is a good way to fit in a slew of workshops, manuscript review, and author interaction (for a fee, of course) in one three-day weekend. Any other great writing workshops you'd like to tell us about? Write us at inbox{at}gapersblock{dot}com. [Thanks, Pete!]
Anne on Wed May 10 2006Books/Authors 

Apple's Logo Creator Lives Here
The man who created the original Apple logo, Rob Janoff, now runs a graphic design firm in Chicago. Hear an interview with him here (mp3).
Andrew on Wed May 10 2006People/Sightings 

A Sudsy Cause We All Can Support
The future of communities of Chicago is a topic that's on my mind lately, and one place that certainly creates community is a pub, a local tap, or any source of draught beer. Fortunately for us, many community organizers have banded together to create Bring Back the Draught, a loosely-affiliated bunch of groups focused on consuming and preserving draught beer in Chicago's neighborhoods. They have a new website -- join a group, or start a new one in your neighborhood.
Brian on Wed May 10 2006Music/Clubs 

Your Live Music Fix
Feelin' the need for live music but can't make it to the club? Here are some mp3s of Feist at the Park West, and Neko Case on NPR a month ago, in three parts: I, II, III.
Andrew on Wed May 10 2006Music/Clubs 

The Write Stuff
School's almost out, but if you're looking to put some words down on paper, there are some serious summer writing classes to be had around town. There's a huge variety of workshops available at StoryStudio Chicago, regular meetings at The Writer's Loft, and even online classes open through UIC's Writers Series. Lots of the classes get started in the next two weeks, so sharpen those #2's and get writing already.
Anne on Tue May 9 2006Books/Authors 

John Malkovich, Bus Driver
NPR's All Things Considered yesterday included an interview with John Malkovich, in which he discussed simultaneously acting in and producing Art School Confidential, being perceived as a movie villain and more. But most interesting was his description of jobs he had before he became a famous actor, including bus driver for a North Shore day school and "head cabbage cutter" at a fast food restaurant in Northbrook Court. (Speaking of Art School Confidential, our own Steve at the Movies, aka Capone, interviewed director Terry Zwigoff for Ain't It Cool News.)
Andrew on Tue May 9 2006People/Sightings 

"Maybe it's Obama"
Barack Obama continues to say that he's not running for President in 2008, but even without running he's already got an endorsement from Neil Young, who namechecks the Illinois Senator on the song "Lookin' For A Leader" from his new album Living With War. Obama met Young at last year's Farm Aid concert, a meeting which Obama called "one of the best times we've had" since becoming a Senator.
Jim on Tue May 9 2006Politics/Activism 

A Passion for Paper
Former Gapers Block staff member Alex Golub embraces digital resources. But, in a thoughtful essay on Inside Higher Ed, he writes about why he still prefers the tangibility of paper. He states, "Amazon may have a bintillion books for sale out in the ether of the ethernet, but there is no better place to take the pulse of academic publishing that a good used book store near a university. Bookstores mark the life cycle and disposition of the community where they are physically located...And of course just being in a good bookshop can be therapeutic." I couldn't agree more.
Alice on Tue May 9 2006Books/Authors 

Acme Library of Contemporary Art
An exhibit of graphic novelist Chris Ware's work opened last weekend at the MCA; here's a brief interview with Ware, discussing his process and inspirations. Head to the MCA tonight at 6pm to hear Daniel Raeburn, author of a monograph on Ware, provide even more insight into the artist's mind.
Andrew on Tue May 9 2006Arts/Architecture 

Transitions Saved--For Now
As previously mentioned on Gapers Block, Transitions Bookplace at 1000 W. North Avenue was in serious financial trouble, and the owners had put out a cry for help to save the 16-year-old business. The day before the owners were about close the store for good, an anonymous benefactor contacted the couple and gave them a check for $75,000, no strings attached, with promises of additional help. Publisher's Weekly has the full story.
Alice on Tue May 9 2006Books/Authors