November 2007

Water Projects Everywhere
If you don't know what's going on with the Department of Water Management, it's not their fault. They're one department that puts the notoriously dysfunctional City website to good use, filling us in on major projects, water quality reports, and a description of the flora and fauna of the Chicago River.
Dan X O'Neil on Fri November 30 2007City Life/Cultural 

Wake Up Early or Stay Up All Night...
The recently relocated Ann Sather will serve free breakfast from 7am to 9am tomorrow.
Drew Myler on Fri November 30 2007Eating/Drinking 

Don't Park There! It's Gonna Snow!
As if the city could predict the arrival of the first winter storm of the season, the December to April winter parking bans go into effect tomorrow morning. Check your street (or these maps) for the snowflake-emblazoned signs, and don't count on any leniency from the tow truck drivers if you're car's in the wrong zone come 3am.
Anne Holub on Fri November 30 2007Transportation 

Start Shopping
The holiday gift guides abound already: Chicago mag and Time Out and the Reader have theirs done; stay tuned for ours.
Andrew Huff on Fri November 30 2007Business/Shopping 

That High-Class Brothel on Dearborn
The NY Times Freakonomics blog has a fascinating interview with Karen Abbott, author of Sin in the Second City.
David Schalliol on Fri November 30 2007Books/Authors 

Where's the Kiss and Fly?
Parking rates at O'Hare and Midway airports are moving on up as of tomorrow. You'll feel the biggest hurt parking in the international lot at O'Hare, where the daily rate leaps from $30 to $50 per day. Other increases are more modest, unless you roll big and valet, which will run you $45 (as opposed to $32). All this plus proposed city and county tax hikes? 'Tis the season!
Drew Myler on Fri November 30 2007Transportation 

Talking About the New Kid on the Block
Our guy on the inside of the CPD, Second City Cop, has an interesting discussion going with the many anonymous posters (all of whom are obviously his coworkers) on his site about the appointment of Jody Weis as the new Chicago Police superintendent.
Robyn Nisi on Thu November 29 2007In the News 

Illinois - We're Just So Damn Happy!
Mental Health America has released a study finding Illinois to be the 8th least depressed state in the nation. Don't get too excited, though. The group says that no state should be happy with its current status. Bummer.
Jaime Calder on Thu November 29 2007Health/Fitness 

Pilsen Ham Processor Expands
Setting aside the great headline, this article is a nice little take on economic development smack dab in the middle of the city.
Dan X O'Neil on Thu November 29 2007Business/Shopping 

Are You Sure You Want The Drugs Sent to Your Office?
Yes. What could go wrong?
Mark Byrne on Thu November 29 2007In the News 

More Eminent Domain Loveliness
Save Lincoln Square.
Dan X O'Neil on Thu November 29 2007Politics/Activism 

FBI Guy is New Superintendent of Police
Daley made the announcement this morning that he has appointed J.P. "Jody" Weis to the position.
Dan X O'Neil on Thu November 29 2007Politics/Activism 

A Visual Poem
First Snow, a poem in words and images by Felix Jung, using flickr to find photos for key words.
Andrew Huff on Thu November 29 2007Photography 

GB Podcast
In case you missed it over in Airbags, Gapers Block has launched a podcast! This first edition is a little rough; please check it out and give us some feedback.
Andrew Huff on Thu November 29 2007Gapers 

Not In My Backyard...
...or side yard or ...anyway, a group of Edgewater residents is seeking to block the construction of a proposed 45-story condo slated to be built on the parking lot of a Greek Orthodox church on Sheridan Road.
Ken Green on Thu November 29 2007Politics/Activism 

Henry Hyde is Dead
Former Representative Henry Hyde, the suburban Republican who steered the impeachment proceedings against President Clinton and championed government restrictions on the funding of abortions, died this morning. Politics aside, he did pretty good for himself -- he lived until he was old, and last month the President of the United States gave him a medal.
Dan X O'Neil on Thu November 29 2007In the News 

Transmission Feature: Record Store Love
Today Transmission brings you volume seven of our ongoing series on local record stores in Chicago. Click on over and read about a North Side and a South Side shop you've just got to check out.
Anne Holub on Thu November 29 2007Gapers 

Name Shedd's Baby Whale
The Shedd Aquarium and NBC5 are running another one of those "name the new baby animal" contests right now; this time, it's a three-month-old beluga calf. You can vote right now from a list of 10 finalist names, and then on December 10 the public will choose from among the top 5 vote-getters, with the winning name to be revealed on December 21. Note to the Shedd: "Mister Splashy Pants" appears to be a popular whale name this year.
Jim Allenspach on Thu November 29 2007In the News 

Neglected Beauty
Rearview contributor and excellent photographer Carey Primeau launches a new photography site and portfolio. While I've seen my fair share of deserted and abandoned photography sites, Primeau really does elevate these photos to stunning. One of the more stellar sets has to be his Uptown Theater set, a building that has intrigued me for years. So good.
Naz Hamid on Thu November 29 2007Photography 

Naw, It Can't Be.
Yeah, This Is Really Chicago.
Andrew Huff on Thu November 29 2007Weblogs 

Clearly Not the Bank of Chicago
Bank of America made a rather unfortunate mistake when trying to convince Chicagoans it has "local commitment."
David Schalliol on Thu November 29 2007Business/Shopping 

Genghis Blues
Highland Parker Maury Kravitz has spent the last 15 years and over $3 million in search of Genghis Khan's tomb. He's convinced that he's close and is looking to go back as soon as he can raise another $250,000 and collect some sophisticated metal-detecting equipment.
Shaz Rasul on Wed November 28 2007In the News 

Tiny Shops All A-Glow
Andersonville shopping just got a little more indie. The Andersonville Galleria puts a bunch of micro-retailers under one roof, each with its own stall.
Lindsay Muscato on Wed November 28 2007Business/Shopping 

Red (Suit) Alert.
Santacon. Next Thursday. Prepare yourselves.
Andrew Huff on Wed November 28 2007Offbeat/Misc. Events 

Silver Tongued Devils
Watching the clock, but still have no plans for the evening? Columbia College is premiering its new reading series, Silver Tongue, tonight at The Court. Playwright Idris Goodwin (whom URChicago calls one of the most influential people in Chicago under the age of 30) will perform.
Jaime Calder on Wed November 28 2007Books/Authors 

Mmm, Delicious Art
Local restaurant Apart Pizza is devoting a chunk of the company's resources to supporting the arts in Chicago. Tonight the pizza company hosts a record release party at Schubas for musician/Chicago Trib writer Lou Carlozo, and in December, Apart will host a benefit for Cabrini Green Legal Aid by buying out tickets to a production of the House Theatre's Nutcracker. Bonus fun: Watch Apart make pizza, on YouTube.
Lindsay Muscato on Wed November 28 2007Eating/Drinking 

Recruiting the Next Generation
Chicago's In These Times reports on a training session for military recruiters about how to speak the language of the Millennial generation.
Lindsay Muscato on Wed November 28 2007In the News 

A New SEED
The SEED Conference, put on by 37signals, Coudal Partners and Segura Inc., is returning to IIT's Campus Center January 18. Get your tickets now.
Andrew Huff on Wed November 28 2007Offbeat/Misc. Events 

Bluegill Debacle = Pinkie Sacrifice
The emperor of Japan recently publicly apologize for the scourge of bluegills which have killed native species; the fish were a gift from Mayor Richard J. Daley 50 years ago. John Kass thinks the current Mayor Daley should do the honorable thing.
Andrew Huff on Wed November 28 2007Politics/Activism 

Public Domain Images of Chicago
Happened to stumble upon these while looking for something else: images of Chicago in the public domain on Flickr. While there is the usual Sears Tower/Millenium Park/El photos, there are quite a few historical ones as well. I find this one of the stockyards fascinating, as well as this locomotive shop picture.
Brian Sobolak on Wed November 28 2007Found on the Web 

Considering a New Career Path?
A mere 12 days after the latest near-miss of two planes near Chicago, Lewis University announced Tuesday in timely fashion that it will be the first Illinois school to offer an air-traffic controller degree. What a great job: "marked by high stress levels, bad work hours, little glory and the fear never far from a controller's thoughts that one mistake could kill a lot of people."
Peter Zelchenko on Tue November 27 2007In the News 

Black Sox Documents Up for Auction
Mastro Auctions in Burr Ridge has put "thousands of rare documents, letters and memos" pertaining to the Black Sox scandal of 1919 up for auction. Included are notes from fans, angry letters from Charles Comiskey, and legal documents from the 1921 criminal trial in which eight White Sox players were banned from baseball after allegedly throwing the World Series. Items will remain on auction until December 13th, because nothing says "Merry Christmas Granny" like Shoeless Joe's canceled paycheck.
Jaime Calder on Tue November 27 2007Sports/Recreation 

The First (Slide) Rule of Fight Club...
Wanna see "nerds" beating the hell out of each other? Head over to the University of Chicago where their Fight Club-esque "Thunderdome" combat society is hoping to body slam the image of 90-pound, slide rule-wielding weaklings. Not everyone is in awe of the physical spectacle. "We come almost every week, mostly to laugh," said one second-year student.
Ken Green on Tue November 27 2007Offbeat/Misc. Events 

Drambui Rock
MyOpenBar is hosting a Drambui party at the Hideout tonight from 7 to 10pm. Andrew Andrew, the Trachtenburg Family Slideshow Players and Gabriel Kahane play, all for free. RSVP here.
Andrew Huff on Tue November 27 2007Music/Clubs 

Spruce Up the California CTA
Looking for something to do tonight? Put your hands and mind to good use and brainstorm how to revitalize the community bulletin board space under the California El stop. The Neighbors Project is holding a launch meeting tonight from 6:30 to 8 at Lyndale and Sacramento. RSVP volunteer [at] neighborsproject [dot] org for the exact address.
Shylo Bisnett on Tue November 27 2007City Life/Cultural 

Former Pitching Stars
The Cubs signed a one-year contract with Kerry Wood (he'll be a reliever, not a starter). Mark Prior, on the other hand, may not be long for the team.
Andrew Huff on Tue November 27 2007Sports/Recreation 

I'm Lovin' It... Just Not All Day
Got a hankering for an Egg McMuffin at 7pm? Forget about it. Oak Brook-based McDonald's is putting plans for serving breakfast all day on hold. Of course if you can't shake that craving, you can always try to make your own.
Ken Green on Tue November 27 2007Eating/Drinking 

Journey to the Black Hole
Our friends at Coudal Partners spent some time at the Black Hole, a Los Alamos surplus store, and are showing their film in five parts this week. The full DVD is also available.
Andrew Huff on Tue November 27 2007Found on the Web 

Phantom Feelings
Researchers at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago have found a way to give the sensation of touch to people with prosthetic limbs.
Andrew Huff on Tue November 27 2007In the News 

Vote Early, Vote Often
Bust out the party hats and dust off the Robert's Rules: it's special election time! Former House Speaker Dennis Hastert left Congress yesterday before the end of his term, blaming a lack of bipartisanship in the Democratically controlled House. One possible scenario has the public voting twice on the same ballot Feb. 5 to both select an interim replacement and nominate a permanent successor. It's up to the Guv, who has five days in which to schedule the special election.
Drew Myler on Tue November 27 2007Politics/Activism 

Al Capone's Potato Chip Connection
Tonight on Channel 11: Foods of Chicago: A Delicious History, a documentary on the culinary history of Chicago, from Tootsie Rolls to Chicken Vesuvio. The doc airs at 7:30, with an instant repeat at 9:50. (via Chicago Foodies)
Jim Allenspach on Tue November 27 2007Eating/Drinking 

Fossett Dead...on Paper
The wife of billionaire adventurer Steve Fossett has asked the Cook County court to declare Fossett dead after his disappearance following a September 3 flight in Nevada.
Robyn Nisi on Mon November 26 2007Found on the Web 

Throw Away the Key
Jeanette Sliwinski, the former model who killed musicians Douglas Meis, John Glick and Michael Dahlquist in a botched 2005 suicide attempt, was sentenced to a paltry eight years in jail today for her crime, which could be shortened if she is released early for good behavior credits.
Robyn Nisi on Mon November 26 2007In the News 

Ad Nauseum News
The best part about today's news that Oprah will campaign with Obama is that the same AP story is the top headline under three separate categories on the Sun-Times website: Politics, Elections, and Barack Obama. If only Oprah had her own category, too.
Mark Byrne on Mon November 26 2007Politics/Activism 

As If Middle School Isn't Hard Enough
Hundreds of eighth graders in Chicago are dropping more than $100 an hour this year to get into the city's most selective high schools. Up next: Grade school prep courses for kindergarteners.
Mark Byrne on Mon November 26 2007Schools/Education 

Long Lines in Cyberspace Too...
Having trouble buying that Christmas gift online this morning (when you should be working)? Get in line... literally. A study shows that many major retailers are having trouble handing the traffic coming to their websites by holiday slackers trying to avoid the malls.
Ken Green on Mon November 26 2007Business/Shopping 

How Green is Your Alley
Apparently Chicago plans to surface new alleys with a porous concrete that will actually filter clean water back into the water table. If only we had a public transportation system that actually worked.... Or maybe recycling. That'd be neat.
Lindsay Muscato on Mon November 26 2007In the News 

Spendthrift Sissy's Mortal Enemy
The Cheapest Gay Man in America
Andrew Huff on Mon November 26 2007Weblogs 

RIP, John Drury
Chicago ABC newscaster John Drury passed away on Sunday at the age of 80 after a three-year battle with ALS.
Mr. Dan Kelly on Mon November 26 2007In the News 

Tanked
They may not be designed by Louis Sullivan or Frank Lloyd Wright, but preservationists still see architectural and historical importance in Chicago's 178 gravity-fed rooftop water tanks.
Mr. Dan Kelly on Mon November 26 2007Arts/Architecture 

Name that Park
Speaking of city facility names, the Chicago Park District has some curiously named parks. Among them: Indian Road, Golden Gate, Valley Forge and, of course, the colorfully named No. 484.
David Schalliol on Mon November 26 2007Sports/Recreation 

Photo Swap on December 6
The second Gapers Block/Calumet Photographic Photo Swap is a little more than a week away, so print up five 4"x6" photographs to exchange with other photographers. Of course, there'll be plenty of free food and drinks to accompany the swapping. Details in Slowdown.
David Schalliol on Mon November 26 2007Photography 

The Glory Days of High School Football
The Tribune has compiled an extensive report of the 2007 season for the Mooseheart Red Ramblers. Complete in three parts, with supplemental video and photos. Suburban high school football at its most enthralling.
Mark Byrne on Sun November 25 2007Schools/Education 

Has It Come to This?
Apparently, it's national news when travel goes smoothly at O'Hare, a.k.a. "the hub that has been the scene of so many traveler nightmares."
David Schalliol on Fri November 23 2007Transportation 

The PBR Public Library
The city is currently exploring selling naming rights to public places, events and other assets.
David Schalliol on Fri November 23 2007Politics/Activism 

More Fuel for Conspiracy
Chicago takes the stage in the latest twist in the JFK assassination.
David Schalliol on Fri November 23 2007In the News 

Spertus Almost Ready
The Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies' new building will be open to the public starting on November 30 with a series of events and a new range of amenities.
David Schalliol on Thu November 22 2007Arts/Architecture 

Happy Anniversary, Max!
20 years ago tonight, Max Headroom the Video Pirate hijacked Chicago's Airwaves. He's never been caught. If anyone cares to confess please drop us an email.
Ron Slattery on Thu November 22 2007History 

Transmission Feature: You Weren't There
For your post-turkey internet surfing pleasure, we have a brand new feature all ready for you over in Transmission. Read about Chicago's historic punk scene, and the documentary taking a deep look at it that will premiere on Saturday at the Portage Theater.
Anne Holub on Thu November 22 2007Gapers 

The Night Before Thanksgiving? Naturally.
The National Weather Service has issued a snow advisory for the Chicagoland area, calling for snow and 30mph winds. The advisory will go into effect at 5 p.m., and last roughly until Great Aunt Hettie starts complaining about her corns.
Jaime Calder on Wed November 21 2007In the News 

Cool Map
I know what I want for Christmas. (Thanks, Jim!)
Andrew Huff on Wed November 21 2007Stuff 

The Art of War
Iraq war veterans join artist Aaron Hughes to discuss their anti-war projects on Sunday, Nov. 25, 3-5 p.m. at the Hyde Park Art Center. The discussion is an extension of the Center's current "Consuming War" exhibit.
Ken Green on Wed November 21 2007Arts/Architecture 

Chicken-free Chicago
To be filed under They Must Have Something Better to Do: the Alder-folks are working on a citywide residential chicken ban.
Vince Jose Cancasci on Wed November 21 2007Politics/Activism 

The Mayor Chimes In
We wondered what the mayor's plan was for the CTA. Well know we know.
Vince Jose Cancasci on Wed November 21 2007Transportation 

Spread the Joy
One year ago Irishman Paddy Homan moved to Chicago permanently citing the beautiful lake front and according to him, the best Irish music scene in the country. Every day he uses tales and music of his native land to bring much needed joy to the hearts of his elderly clients.
Vince Jose Cancasci on Wed November 21 2007City Life/Cultural 

Green for the Holidays
Get in to the sustainable spirit of things this year with energy-efficient holiday lights. Save up to 90% of the energy used by traditional lights and get a whopping 50,000 hours of bulb life. You'll cough up a bit more cash, but the lights last longer while running up a smaller electric bill. Plus, Al Gore will thank you for it, and if that's not reason enough, everyone who's anyone is doing it. Available at Target, Lowe's and Costco, or buy through ComEd's online store and get $2 off each strand.
Drew Myler on Wed November 21 2007Outdoors/Environment 

See the City
Hey, cool, you can now search by "place" in flickr!
Andrew Huff on Wed November 21 2007Photography 

Quiet in the OFFICE
OFFICE will be doing a special acoustic set tonight at Schubas: most of it will be frontman Scott Masson playing stripped-down versions of new material. The full band will be on for a few songs, too, as well as some special guests. Show starts at 9:30pm; $5 gets you in.
Andrew Huff on Tue November 20 2007Music/Clubs 

You Try to Deliver All That Stuff On Time
Data released by the US Postal Service shows that Chicago has the worst mail delivery service in the country, with only 94% of letters reaching their destination within one day (an improvement from last year's delivery rate).
Robyn Nisi on Tue November 20 2007Found on the Web 

7 Rules for Talking About Gentrification
Says Kit Hodges of the Neighborhood Project, "We got a little tired of the usual shouting from all sides, so we put together some rules of engagement whenever this subject comes up -- which seems to be all the time in Chicago."
Andrew Huff on Tue November 20 2007City Life/Cultural 

Kindling Chicago
Perhaps you've heard about Kindle, Amazon's new "wireless reading device?" One of the things you can do with it is read blogs, including a bunch of Chicago-related ones (although not us yet, dammit). Click "more" to see a list.
• Blog-A-Bulls
• Windy City Gridiron
• Metroblogging Chicago
• Apartment Therapy Chicago
• South Side Sox
• Bleed Cubby Blue
Blogs cost $0.99 to $1.99 for an annual monthly subscription. According to BoingBoing Gadgets, you can browse the web for free -- which means you can still read GB on it, just not via RSS.
Andrew Huff on Tue November 20 2007Weblogs 

One Nation, Under Poetry...
Dina Elenbogen, representing Israel, and Palestinian poet Issa Boulos will join voices at "Free Verse, An Evening of Compassion, Peace and Renewal" tonight, 6 p.m., at Flatfile Galleries, 217 N. Carpenter. The event, sponsored by UniVerse of Poetry, will also feature live music as well as 20 other local poets and an organic buffet. The event is free but donations are accepted.
Ken Green on Tue November 20 2007Arts/Architecture 

T-Shirts for All
Threadless.com started its annual $10 holiday sale yesterday. Your mom probably loves good design and subtle irony; get her something nice here.
Lindsay Muscato on Tue November 20 2007Business/Shopping 

All By Myself...
It's lonely for Cook County President Todd Stroger's proposed tripling of the sales tax. At a press conference meant to show support for Stroger's 2008 budget proposal, State's Attorney Richard Devine (among others) declined to wrap an arm around the tax hike and smile for the cameras. "I think the public has a concern about a tax scheme that puts into the coffers more revenues than are necessary to balance the budget, " Devine said. A vote on the budget is due Nov. 30.
Drew Myler on Tue November 20 2007Politics/Activism 

Everytime You Hear a Bell...
Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. Bell's beer may finally be returning to Illinois.
Ron Slattery on Tue November 20 2007Eating/Drinking 

Old Town School's Old-Timey Songs
Now on sale: Volume 4 of the Old Town School of Folk Music's songbook series CDs, on which they have the school's instructors recording classic folk songs with some musician friends (including on this volume Andrew Bird, Tom Paxton, John Prine, and the Sons of the Never Wrong). CD available at the school's music store or online at iTunes with bonus tracks.
Jim Allenspach on Tue November 20 2007Music/Clubs 

"Everyone Gets a __________!"
It comes around every year, and even though it might annoy you, you know you're going to watch it: the "Favorite Things" episode of Oprah airs tomorrow, and this year's recipient of the coveted gifts is a group of people from Macon, Georgia, as that city reportedly has the nation's highest percentage of viewers tuned in to her show.
Robyn Nisi on Mon November 19 2007Found on the Web 

Conversing and Conserving
The Nature Conservancy in Illinois is starting a new kind of environmental awareness campaign to get Illinois talking about eco-destruction. Dubbed Start One Conversation, the campaign centers on a Website that gives folks enough background info about issues such climate change and habitat preservation to talk about them without sounding all "you know ... global warming, like, sucks."
Lauri Apple on Mon November 19 2007Found on the Web 

Improv Vets Return Home for a Show
HollywoodChicago.com has a good interview with actor and "SNL" writer Kevin Dorff, who's back in town along with Horatio Sanz and a few other veterans of the Chicago improv scene for a show at the Lakeshore Theater Tuesday night.
Andrew Huff on Mon November 19 2007Theatre/Dance 

Give and Ye Shall Receive
Bring a nonperishable food item or cash to tomorrow's Sharing it Day Food Drive in the south lobby of the Merchandise Mart and receive a coupon for a free Potbelly's sandwich, a slice of Eli's cheesecake and a warm fuzzy feeling for doing good. Donations benefit the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
Karyn Dossinger on Mon November 19 2007Politics/Activism 

No Garland this Christmas
Retooling their lineup to try and get back to the World Series, the White Sox have shipped starter Jon Garland to the California Angels for shortstop Orlando Cabrera. The White Sox also get cash too, which should help the next time manager Ozzie Guillen gets fined.
Ken Green on Mon November 19 2007Sports/Recreation 

Leading by Example
I admit to having a huge soft spot in my heart for groups and organizations that work to empower groups that are traditionally underrepresented in positions of power. Since Chicago has the third largest Latino population in the country, you'd think we'd have more Latinos in positions of power. To help make that happen, the Metropolitan Leadership Institute was created to provide the skills necessary for taking charge of the business, political, or entrepreneurial worlds. Any group that can get a closed door, anything goes session with Mayor Daley is all right in my book.
Cinnamon Cooper on Mon November 19 2007City Life/Cultural 

Chicago is Incompletely Dangerous
Seems that lots of mayors and fed types are upset about an inflammatory report listing the nation's most dangerous cities. Many question the report's methodology and motives, since they use data borrowed from the FBI and charge 50 bucks for the complete report. The study excluded Chicago because of "incomplete data." Hard to imagine anyone thinking that Chicago was lacking in crime data.
Dan X O'Neil on Mon November 19 2007In the News 

The City, Remembered
Forgotten Chicago.
Andrew Huff on Mon November 19 2007History 

Lutheran Lesbian Ordained Sans Celibacy
Jen Rude, a lesbian who refuses to take a vow of celibacy, has been ordained by a Lutheran church in Chicago. It comes about as a test of a new resolution that gives bishops room to discipline or not, such actions. Wayne Miller, Chicago's bishop, said, "My goal is to keep people in the conversation, and I do not see this as an issue that should be dividing the church."
Naz Hamid on Mon November 19 2007Religion/Spirituality 

More Public Transportation Woes
Facing a $4 million shortfall, Metra ratified a proposed budget containing a series of 10% fare increases along with a weekend rate jump to $7 a pop. The RTA still has to sign off before the rates are set.
David Schalliol on Mon November 19 2007Transportation 

WWII Still with Us
Osyp Firishchak, a Chicagoan who was born in the Ukraine and served in the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police during WWII, has been ordered to be deported.
David Schalliol on Mon November 19 2007In the News 

Michigan Tourists Love Us
Do they come for the sights of the city? Navy Pier? Sears Tower? The Mag Mile? Nope, it's Binny's...
Ron Slattery on Sun November 18 2007Eating/Drinking 

Think Before You Link
You receive an email which contains a link. You forward the link to someone else. You get sued. A lawsuit filed this week in Kane County is seeking $850,000 in damages from Schaumburg resident Joan Burke. Her crime? Sending a email which contained a link to the blog Let's Stop Eastwood-Stein.
Ron Slattery on Sun November 18 2007Weblogs 

Impropriety Taxes
As if it weren't enough fun to learn of Daley's record frontal property tax hike this week, his stealth TIF budget likewise has broken half a billion dollars.
Peter Zelchenko on Sat November 17 2007In the News 

Not Much of a Surprise
Illinois drivers' understanding of traffic laws ranks 45th out of the 50 states.
David Schalliol on Sat November 17 2007Transportation 

GB at The DIY Trunk Show
The DIY Trunk Show, now in its fifth year, will play host to over 70 vendors of handmade goods and items. Gapers Block will be there up on the stage at Pulaski Park Auditorium, so feel free to stop by and say hello. We may even have some other goods on hand aside from the usual in the GB Shop.
Naz Hamid on Fri November 16 2007Business/Shopping 

The Holiday Train's Comin'
Well, there's one cut the CTA hasn't made (yet): the Holiday Train. Get your fix of twinkle lights, garlands and Santa all while moving down the tracks on your favorite CTA line. The Red and Purple lines get the train first, starting this weekend. Check the CTA's website for a full schedule of when the train'll be at your station.
Anne Holub on Fri November 16 2007Transportation 

Salavon's City
Jason Salavon, whom we talked to last year, has some beautiful new work, including this layered view of the Loop. [via]
Andrew Huff on Fri November 16 2007Arts/Architecture 

Kind of Free Music!
Wilco, those ramblin' Chicago sweethearts, have released a European tour edition of "Sky Blue Sky". The new album features a bonus disc of three new tracks and two live recordings. The songs are FREE!...provided you already own "Sky Blue Sky". Album owners can download the bonus tracks here. Non-owners will just have to suck it up. Or buy a copy. Whichever.
Jaime Calder on Fri November 16 2007Music/Clubs 

Sexism at the Cafe?
A recent study has determined that women, on average, wait 20 seconds longer for their coffee than men. Yes, the study adjusts for the "frou frou" drinks that women tend to order.
Mark Byrne on Fri November 16 2007Eating/Drinking 

Rock the Survey
The Metro is doing a survey right now; fill it out and you have a chance at two free tickets a month for all of 2008!
Andrew Huff on Fri November 16 2007Music/Clubs 

1968 All Over Again
A new trailer for the upcoming film Chicago 10. [via]
Andrew Huff on Fri November 16 2007Film 

Um, How Would We Know?
The local transit union that represents CTA workers is threatening a work slowdown (among other unspecified "job actions") if legislators keep dragging their feet on finalizing the union's pension and health care programs that expire on December 31. A CTA work slowdown... it's the joke that writes itself.
Ken Green on Fri November 16 2007In the News 

Gronnnnnk!
U of C palentologist, and beautiful People person (1997 edition), Paul Sereno recently unveiled the remains of a heretofore unknown dinosaur. Called Nigersaurus taqueti, and described as a "cow of the Mesozoic" and "fern mower," due to its herbivorous nature, Sereno and his team discovered the fossils in the Sahara desert in Niger.
Mr. Dan Kelly on Fri November 16 2007Schools/Education 

Yiff-O-Rama
Grab yer fursuit and head on over to Schaumburg this weekend for the 2007 Midwest FurFest.
Ron Slattery on Thu November 15 2007Offbeat/Misc. Events 

He Must Have Been Sitting in the Bleachers....
Chicago's very own Judge Mark Filip has been picked as the new number 2 man at the Justice Department. Filip is a loyal republican but he seems to have an independent streak. Filip recused himself in 2004 from a challenge brought by independent candidate Ralph Nader to get on the Illinois ballot, because Filip said he signed a nominating petition for Nader while attending a Cubs game.
Ron Slattery on Thu November 15 2007Politics/Activism 

Opinions, Clash
The fine folks of Sound Opinions take on the new Joe Strummer documentary, The Future is Unwritten, during their movie night tomorrow at the Music Box. Tickets appear to be still available here.
Lindsay Muscato on Thu November 15 2007Film 

Having His Cake and...
As if being a well-known musician and painter weren't enough, Sam Prekop, multi-tasking frontman for The Sea and Cake, will sign copies of his new book of photography this Saturday, Nov. 17, 7 p.m., at Quimby's. Prekop's paintings have been shown in New York City, Houston, Paris and Glasgow. Sam, one word: vacation.
Ken Green on Thu November 15 2007Books/Authors 

Searching Pay to Play Politics
Who's giving and who's getting? Open Book, unveiled in late October by State Comptroller Dan Hynes, allows users to search political contributions made by state contractors. Follow the money, baby! [Via]
Micah Maidenberg on Thu November 15 2007Politics/Activism 

Putting the C in CTA
The Beachwood Reporter is asking what the Mayor and the folks in the Hall are doing to prevent a CTA meltdown -- besides, of course, hiring a guy plucky enough to come up with a show-stopping number like rolling "doomsdays."
Vince Jose Cancasci on Thu November 15 2007Transportation 

The Show Must Go On
August: Osage County, the critically acclaimed play by Chicagoan Tracy Letts, has moved from Steppenwolf to Broadway. Unfortunately, Broadway stagehands went on strike this weekend, shutting down the New York theatre scene. They're in negotiations.
Mark Byrne on Thu November 15 2007Theatre/Dance 

Got the Need to Knit?
Nina, a yarn shop in Wicker Park, is celebrating it's third anniversary with a store-wide sale. If you've got your holiday knitting hat on, and get inspired by what you see at the DIY Trunk Show this weekend, head to Nina for 20 percent off everything in the store 11/17-11/18. Plus, there'll be prizes. And snacks. (Who doesn't like snacks?)
Anne Holub on Thu November 15 2007Business/Shopping 

Food for Nighthawks
Some night not far from now its 3am, you're feeling pekish and craving vindaloo for some reason and you thank your stars and garters the Reader has a guide on late night dining in Chicago.
Vince Jose Cancasci on Thu November 15 2007Eating/Drinking 

Transmission Feature: Grace-ful Tribute
This week in Transmission, we reminisce about a simpler time when an album by a young singer/songwriter by the name of Jeff Buckley made everything seem a little sweeter. Chicago's Uncommon Ground is the site of this weekend's special 10th Anniversary tribute show to this sadly departed artist, along with the Metro who'll offer a rare second-chance venue for your nostalgia. Read on.
Anne Holub on Thu November 15 2007Gapers 

Interested in American Culture?
The University of Chicago just opened a center that will study everything from "painting of the 18th Century ... to the history of hip hop music." It promises to have a public presence, so hopefully we'll all have some more interesting events to attend soon.
David Schalliol on Wed November 14 2007Schools/Education 

Useless Website Features
The abc7 website has a CEO Wealthmeter feature. Don't worry, wealthy CEOs, you're probably not on it; it only has six names so far.
Mark Byrne on Wed November 14 2007Business/Shopping 

Business Blogging
Crain's examines the phenomenon.
Andrew Huff on Wed November 14 2007Weblogs 

Like to Get to Know You
Although it's reportedly unlikely, Delta Airlines is thinking about buying United in an effort to deal with rising jet fuel costs.
Robyn Nisi on Wed November 14 2007Found on the Web 

Razors at the Ready
Register now for this year's Mustaches for Kids mustache competition.
Andrew Huff on Wed November 14 2007Offbeat/Misc. Events 

Transmission Contest: Going on a Mission
Who's free Friday night? (For one lucky reader, Mission of Burma, that's who.)
Anne Holub on Wed November 14 2007Gapers 

Another Doomsday?
Um, you might want to keep your bike by the front door. The latest meeting involving House Speaker Michael Madigan and Gov. Rod Blagojevch concerning, among other things, CTA funding descended into "nonproductive shouting, threats and allegations."
Ken Green on Wed November 14 2007In the News 

Blades of Glory
The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park opens its 2007-2008 season today. Hours are 10:00am to 10:00pm daily, weather permitting. A park employee informed me that there are already people out on the ice, so dig out your skates and practice your moves.
Karyn Dossinger on Wed November 14 2007City Life/Cultural 

ParkingAnyTime
ParkingAnyTime.com, is "a free community generated parking guide that connects motorists with on and off-street parking". Somewhat useful, especially in finding garages and getting the actual parking restrictions on a street, but areas covered are severely limited thus far.
Dan X O'Neil on Wed November 14 2007Transportation 

Know Thy Blues Town
The city's Office of Tourism has produced a virtual tour detailing the history of Chicago Blues. The tour is narrated by that consummate blues man Buddy Guy and available at downloadchicagotours.com.
Vince Jose Cancasci on Wed November 14 2007Music/Clubs 

The Droids are Coming
The Google phone may still be aways off, but Elk Grove Village-based fontmaker Ascender already has your font pack ready.
Andrew Huff on Wed November 14 2007Business/Shopping 

Free Art Ends Today
The MCA's "40 Free Days" come to an end today; swing by after work.
Andrew Huff on Wed November 14 2007Arts/Architecture 

StoryCorps Goes from Audio to Book
The StoryCorps trailer travels the country as an oral history center on wheels, allowing everyday citizens to record stories from their own lives on tape. Now StoryCorps Founder David Isay has hand-picked some favorite tales and compiled them into a book. Hear him read and discuss at Women & Children First on Sunday, Nov. 18 or in Naperville on Monday, Nov. 19.
Lindsay Muscato on Wed November 14 2007Books/Authors 

You Can Go Home Again
Artist Keith Edmier recently unveiled his latest work Bremen Towne at the Center for Curatorial Studies at Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson, NY. Bremen Towne is a full-scale reproduction of several rooms of Edmier's childhood home in southwest suburban Tinley Park, circa 1971.
Mr. Dan Kelly on Wed November 14 2007Arts/Architecture 

TypePad Tour of Chicago
Weblog software maker TypePad rounds up some quality Chicago blogs that use their service.
Dan X O'Neil on Wed November 14 2007Weblogs 

It's Official
Cardinal Francis George won 85 percent of the votes to become the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
David Schalliol on Wed November 14 2007Religion/Spirituality 

Chicago Landmarks Now Greener
CNET gives us a look at some Chicago landmarks that are greener than you'd think.
Shaz Rasul on Tue November 13 2007Outdoors/Environment 

Hut 1, Hut 2, (Tax) Hike...
The City Council just OKd Mayor Daley's $5.9 billion budget. In addition to the largest property tax increase in Daley's reign, it also includes new taxes on everyday items including bottled water, beer and DVD rentals, which pretty much means the average Saturday night will cost a little more.
Ken Green on Tue November 13 2007In the News 

Four Chicago Organ Recipients Infected with HIV
The transplants, which occurred in January, mark the first such transmission in over 20 years.
Jaime Calder on Tue November 13 2007In the News 

Ventures in Babysitting
Congratulations are in order for Genevieve Thiers, founder of Chicago based Sittercity.com. The company, which allows parents and pet owners to research and hire sitters, won first place in the UPS Best "Out-of-the-Box" Small Business Contest.
Vince Jose Cancasci on Tue November 13 2007Business/Shopping 

The Price of Freedom
Freedom of speech means we sometimes have to hear things we would rather not. It also means websites that promote hate see US servers as a refuge. Unfortunately, as the Trib illustrates, many of these sites have ties to Chicago.
Vince Jose Cancasci on Tue November 13 2007In the News 

Stumping to No One
The presidential candidates have posted nearly 2,500 videos to YouTube, but almost no one is watching them, according to Stump Connolly at The Week Behind. [via]
Andrew Huff on Tue November 13 2007Politics/Activism 

Edging into the City
The GLBT media scene just got a little more crowded with the arrival today of EDGEChicago.com.
Andrew Huff on Tue November 13 2007Found on the Web 

For the Love of Money
She's recorded with Bob Mould, cites Jimi Hendrix as an influence and kicks out the jams on a cello. Helen Money (aka Alison Chesley) brings her classical/rock mash-up to The Old Town School of Folk Music this Friday, Nov. 16, 7 p.m. when she opens for Tuvan throat singers Huun Huur Tu, in one of the most eclectic double bills of the year.
Ken Green on Tue November 13 2007Music/Clubs 

Vanity is Expensive in Illinois
According to a recent AP story, Illinois ranks third in the purchase of vanity license plates; Virginia is first, as the cost of their plates is a measly 10 dollars. Before you run off to the DMV to see if "Jordan 23" is still available, the joke is on us: Illinois also charges the most of any state for vanity ($94) and personalized ($47) plates.
Robyn Nisi on Tue November 13 2007Found on the Web 

From the Department of Heartbreaking Stories Involving Pets
The home of a Wicker Park couple was burglarized last week. Among the stolen items were several plasma televisions, a heap of DVDs, clothing...and the family's dog, a two year-old shih tzu named Moo Moo who has respiratory problems that require constant medication. Moo Moo's owners, Roseanne and Michael Denigris, are offering a $5,000 reward for the safe, no-questions-asked return of the dog.
Robyn Nisi on Tue November 13 2007In the News 

Q101.1?
While Q101 has always been 101.1 FM, the station recently added the ".1" to their logo.
David Schalliol on Tue November 13 2007Radio/TV 

Battery Drive at DePaul
Do you practice eco-unfriendly, unhealthy battery disposal habits? Then repent for your sins and donate your used nickel, lead, alkaline, and lithium batteries to the Green Group tomorrow (that's Nov. 13) at the Student Center on DePaul University's Lincoln Park campus. The battery drive is a joint recycling effort with Columbia College. The donating lasts from 4-7pm, so stop by after work. For more info, call 847-971-3901.
Lauri Apple on Mon November 12 2007Outdoors/Environment 

Obama in Africa
Senator Obama Goes to Africa, a feature documentary by Chicago-based Media Process Group, comes out on DVD this month. The film chronicles Obama's journey around the continent, including such stops as the prison where Nelson Mandela was held, a Darfur refugee camp in Chad, and Kisumu, Kenya -- where he reconnects with his family's past. Pre-sales of the DVD began Nov. 10, with a ship date of Nov. 20. [via]
Lindsay Muscato on Mon November 12 2007Film 

A Higher Order
Our very own Cardinal George may be in line for a big promotion.
Mark Byrne on Mon November 12 2007In the News 

Flying In Fast
According to New York magazine, the fastest flight from NYC to CHI is on ATA from Laguardia to Midway. The worst? Kennedy to O'Hare on Delta.
Andrew Huff on Mon November 12 2007Transportation 

Gotta Cut Back
Diners at our local branch of Fogo de Chao put away six tons of meat each week.
Andrew Huff on Mon November 12 2007Eating/Drinking 

The Most Five Diamonds
With seven AAA Five Diamond restaurants, Chicago now leads the nation in the club's fine dining rankings.
David Schalliol on Mon November 12 2007Eating/Drinking 

Kanye West's Mother Dies
Donda West, mother of musician Kanye West and former chair of the Chicago State University English Department, died Saturday night in Los Angeles at the age of 58. The cause of death is unknown at this time, and her death was apparently sudden.
Robyn Nisi on Sun November 11 2007Music/Clubs 

Kick Push
Just the freedom was better than breathing they said / Any escape route they used to escape out / When things got crazy / They needed to break out.
Andrew Huff on Sat November 10 2007City Life/Cultural 

Business Blogging
Crain's examines the phenomenon.
Andrew Huff on Fri November 9 2007 

Ask About Their Fall Incentives
As the condo market slows and creative meetings at ad agencies get more wacky, AdRants points us to an ad for a Printer's Row condo development with a highly Photoshopped image a woman's torso and legs over the call-to-action line of "surprisingly doable".
Dan X O'Neil on Fri November 9 2007Business/Shopping 

Marina City Sick of All the Paparazzi
Lynn Becker, who runs the local blog Architecture Chicago Plus, writes about a head-scratchingly strange resolution on the table of the Marina Towers Condo Association. It proposes that they alter Rule 5 of their charter to say that no one can use the image of the Marina Towers without expressed written permission of the board. This includes filmmakers, advertisers, and apparently amateur photogs. It's raised a number of eyebrows, including those of some more open-minded residents. They vote on the resolution on November 15. [via]
Sandy Weisz on Fri November 9 2007Arts/Architecture 

Cline Keepin' Busy
If idle hands are the devil's workshop, former Police Superintendent Phil Cline seems to be keeping the tools put away in his early retirement. He hopped straight over to the Executive Director slot at the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation (an organization he helped get off the ground as Superintendent) and there's a loose rumor/ allegation over at SCC that he'll benefit from a $96,678 consulting contract with Cook County.
Dan X O'Neil on Fri November 9 2007Politics/Activism 

Big Obsession, Big Check
Chicago's (and GB's) Brenda Janish won Apartments.com's "Possession Obsession" contest! She was surprised with a giant check on Fox's "Good Day Chicago" this morning.
Andrew Huff on Fri November 9 2007People/Sightings 

Does A Teacher's Race Matter?
CPS teacher Will Okun has become something of a celebrity education blogger at the NYTimes "On the Ground" blog sharing the real world challenges of urban educators. His most recent entry details how his students feel about the race of their teachers.
Shaz Rasul on Fri November 9 2007Schools/Education 

Return of the Green Awards
Chicago Magazine will once again recognize local "groundbreakers in the areas of conservation and sustainability." Know anyone who fits the bill? Nominations are open until December 15th. Winners announced in April 2008.
Drew Myler on Fri November 9 2007Outdoors/Environment 

Pick the Photo ID that Looks Most Like You
Not that anyone thinks airports are safe, but recent security breeches and bomb threats relating to Chicago operations sure make the TSA look even more incompetent.
David Schalliol on Fri November 9 2007Transportation 

Sam Zell, Rough Rider
The New Yorker this week features a hefty profile of the new owner of the Chicago Tribune. (Thanks, Rick!)
Andrew Huff on Fri November 9 2007People/Sightings 

What Will the Drugs and Rock 'n Roll Issues be Like?
Loyola students convened on Thursday to discuss the latest issue of Diminuendo, a student literary publication. Campus administrators pulled Diminuendo from campus racks this fall, apparently because of the publication's front and back cover.
Micah Maidenberg on Thu November 8 2007In the News 

Transmission Feature: Rebis Records
This week in Transmission, we have a profile of another cool Chicago label you should check out: Rebis Records. Read all about this label, and their catalogue of acts, including Number None, Jazzfinger, and My Cat Is An Alien.
Anne Holub on Thu November 8 2007Gapers 

Teen Sex in the WSJ
The Midwest Teen Sex Show, a sex-ed video podcast, got some attention from the Wall Street Journal today. The show is regularly in the top-10 in iTunes' Health section.
Andrew Huff on Thu November 8 2007Found on the Web 

Cry Havoc, and Let Loose the Rugs of War
Local artist Barbara Koenen is currently at work on a war rug--composed not of thread but of various spices, seeds, and firecrackers--at the MCA all this week. For more information on the original Afghan war rugs, go here, here, and here.
Mr. Dan Kelly on Thu November 8 2007Arts/Architecture 

Will Venerated Grocery Fly the Coop?
In a move typical of urban landlord schools, the University of Chicago is dangling an organic carrot in front of the venerated Hyde Park Co-op, promising to forgive their back rent if they'll close down and make way for a chain. The co-op has been beset by organizational and management problems for several years. The move would certainly spell the death of the 75-year-old grocer, long viewed as a model cooperative enterprise.
Peter Zelchenko on Thu November 8 2007Business/Shopping 

You Can't Kill the CTA Doomsday
The newest CTA doomsday date: January 20, according to a CTA press release. 81 bus routes eliminated, 2,400 employees laid off, 3 garages closed, and new fare pricing structure.
Jim Allenspach on Thu November 8 2007Transportation 

Undead Undead Undead
Berwyn, rubber chickens and B-movies. Chicago's very own Svengoolie (aka Rich Koz) has a blog. I know somewhere down there Jerry G Bishop is smiling.
Ron Slattery on Wed November 7 2007Weblogs 

Detectives Watching
The Mayor may be stiff-arming the City Inspector General, but that doesn't seem to be stopping David Hoffman from hiring people to help stop corruption in Chicago. The Chicago Police Weblog has a posting for Detectives who will "make arrests, conduct searches, and other police related activity".
Dan X O'Neil on Wed November 7 2007Politics/Activism 

146 Geeks on the Street
Electronic Arts said Tuesday that it is shutting down its Chicago studio and laying off or relocating all 146 employees who worked there.
Dan X O'Neil on Wed November 7 2007Business/Shopping 

New York {hearts} Chicago
Two Chicago-area theater companies high-tailed it to New York City this week to perform at 59E59, a theater complex in Manhattan that aims to present new, challenging work. The Hypocrites are presenting Sean Graney's The 4th Graders Present an Unnamed Love-Suicide, last performed in 2004, and Writers' Theatre is staging its own Crime and Punishment. The performances are part of 59E59's "Go Chicago!" series, and Tribune columnist Chris Jones says this might be part of a trend to bring more Chicago theater eastward.
Lindsay Muscato on Wed November 7 2007Theatre/Dance 

More Police Brutality
The Chi-Town Daily News reports that several police officers beat a teenager's head into a pole while breaking up a group of loiterers at Truman College.
Andrew Huff on Wed November 7 2007In the News 

Behind the Design: The Chicago Spire
Not quite the expose on Santiago Calatrava (also known for his work on the Milwaukee Art Museum), but Creative Review, a design magazine based in the UK, showcases the design work of Third Eye Design who did the collateral for The Chicago Spire. Even if you don't like the Spire itself, the accompanying literature praises our fair city.
Naz Hamid on Wed November 7 2007Arts/Architecture 

More Like Camp Poundcake
A peek inside the federal prison camp that will house former Governor George Ryan reveals cooking classes and high-tech fitness equipment. Still, Ryan will share a "Spartan barracks-like bunk room and single toilet" with two other inmates, and will work for $.12 an hour as a cook or groundskeeper. Sounds just like SONA.
Drew Myler on Wed November 7 2007In the News 

CPS Launches New Email, Flirts with Social Networking
Considering the periodic uproar to "save the children from the evils of social networking," it's more than a little amusing to see the new CPS email/collaboration system so labeled. Teachers began using their shiny new @cps.edu addresses on Nov. 1st, and 5th - 12th graders will be getting accounts throughout the school-year. CPS is using FirstClass from OpenText.
Shaz Rasul on Wed November 7 2007Schools/Education 

Book Club: Disgrace Discussion Questions
Get a leg up on our November 13 meeting by checking out the discussion questions for J.M. Coetzee's Disgrace beforehand. Post any responses you have in the comments section or join us next Monday at the Book Cellar where we'll meet in person to discuss this, in my opinion, phenomenal piece of writing.
Veronica Bond on Wed November 7 2007Books/Authors 

People Not to Rob
A 17-year-old followed the wrong person home yesterday in a robbery attempt: an armed, uniformed cop.
David Schalliol on Wed November 7 2007Stuff 

Grandma Gone Wild
The Chicago Police Department is investigating the level of force used in an incident where an officer subdued an 82-year-old woman with a Taser. The woman, Lillian Fletcher, was reported to be wildly swinging a hammer when officers arrived on the scene. Worried that Fletcher might harm them or harm herself, the officers took her down with 50,000 volts of electricity. Fletcher, whose schizophrenia may have contributed to her actions, was rushed to the hospital but has since been released.
Brad Maier on Tue November 6 2007In the News 

Chicago {hearts} Caffeine
Chicagoans like their lattes maybe a little too much, according to a new poll that puts us at the top of the list for per capita caffeine consumption. Strangely enough, the rest of the top five were sunny, warm climes including Tampa, Miami, Phoenix and Atlanta. None of those cities ever had to deal with dark, cold Chicago winters. Who needs a mocha?
Anne Holub on Tue November 6 2007In the News 

Blogging Shakman in Cook County
It's a New Day in Cook County was established as a "forum for public comment and debate about unlawful patronage" in county government by Julia Nowicki, a former judge now monitoring Cook County hiring practices and compliance with the Shakman Decree. The Shakman Monitor over the City of Chicago's hiring, however, has yet to start a blog.
Micah Maidenberg on Tue November 6 2007Weblogs 

He Did the Crime, Now He Must Do the Time
After several failed attempts to overturn his 6 1/2 year jail sentence, former Illinois governor George Ryan must report to prison in Oxford, Wisconsin by 5pm tomorrow.
Robyn Nisi on Tue November 6 2007Politics/Activism 

Magnetized
The Magnetic Fields are playing six shows at the Old Town School of Folk Music in March, and tickets are on sale now -- buy them at the school, by calling 773-728-6000 or online at TIX.com.
Andrew Huff on Tue November 6 2007Music/Clubs 

40 is the New 30
Crain's 40 Under 40 feature includes the usual collection of business execs -- and Jay Ryan of The Bird Machine and Ryan Schreiber of Pitchfork Media (I thought he moved to NYC?)
Andrew Huff on Tue November 6 2007Business/Shopping 

Mayor's Revised 2008 Budget Includes Recycling Program Delay
Residents who have been waiting for the long-promised replacement to the city's blue-bag recycling program might be waiting even longer. The mayor's revised 2008 budget calls for delaying the distribution of the garbage container style blue carts until July 1. The delay would save the city $2.4 million, but it remains unclear how many of the proposed 131,000 residences earmarked to receive the carts in 2008 will actually see them.
Karyn Dossinger on Tue November 6 2007In the News 

Not Enough Spit in this Celestial "Snowball"
Coming unglued at a speed of 1000 mph, Comet 17P/Holmes will disintegrate in a highly visible spectacle for several weeks. (No word yet if Shia LaBeouf's career will follow suit.) The exploding comet, roughly 100 times the size of earth, can be seen by the naked eye in the northeastern night sky, and several local observatories are offering a closer look.
Drew Myler on Tue November 6 2007Outdoors/Environment 

Long Live the One-party System?
Yesterday was the last day to file nominating petitions for Chicago and Cook County ward committeeman, among other races, to be held in February. And while Machine Dems have had a lock on the city for decades, for the first time the Green Party now has access to the committeeman ballot in the city's 50 wards and statewide.
Peter Zelchenko on Tue November 6 2007Politics/Activism 

CB2 is Branching Out
In other Chicago retail expansion news, the NY Times City Room blog fawns over CB2's expansion to New York, albeit in its typical New York way.
David Schalliol on Tue November 6 2007Business/Shopping 

Bye Bye Betsy
The Lincoln Park Zoo lost a long-standing resident this weekend. Betsy the Harbor Seal died of cardiac arrest after exploratory surgery to scope out some abnormalities and determine the cause of her reduced appetite in the last few months. Betsy was 36 and had been at the zoo since 1972.
Brad Maier on Mon November 5 2007In the News 

Becker & Hyde
Two area luminaries-- one who is nuts for numbers and the other was is known for a youthful indiscretion-- were awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom today. Gary Becker was honored for "broadening the understanding of economics and social science" and a former Illinois Congressman Henry Hyde was pimped as a "'powerful defender of life' and an advocate for strong national defense."
Dan X O'Neil on Mon November 5 2007Politics/Activism 

Loud and Clear
The City Council finance committee rubber stamped Mayor Daley's $83 million proposed tax hike this afternoon, proving that constituent outrage really can make a difference.
Drew Myler on Mon November 5 2007Politics/Activism 

Condé Nast Picks Chicago
While you won't be able to read the reviews online, in the November issue of Condé Nast Traveler, critic Alan Richman picks 20 of the best dishes to eat in the country in a feature called The Great American Food Odyssey. Two Chicago dishes made the cut, including the ceviche fronterizo at Rick Bayless' Frontera Grill and the goat cheese, asparagus and balsamic vinegar terrine at Charlie Trotter's. There are beautiful pictures of both the ceviche and terrine in the slideshow feature on the site, but you'll have to buy (or peruse) the print edition to get all the details.
Anne Holub on Mon November 5 2007Eating/Drinking 

Art: What?
Inspired by My Kid Could Paint That (the documentary of a father who sold his four year-old daughter's paintings for big bucks), the what-is-art debate rages amongst Chicago's storefront theater intelligentsia over at the blog Angry White Guy. You can still catch the film in Wilmette and rue your own unappreciated kinder-masterpieces, or see Mr. Fluxus at The Neo-Futurarium and decide whether you agree with Yoko Ono's take on art.
Lindsay Muscato on Mon November 5 2007Arts/Architecture 

More Celebrities in Town, Area Drugstores on Alert
Vince Vaughn is making an appearance at the AMC River East 21, 322 E. Illinois St., tonight at 5:15pm for the Chicago premiere of his new movie, Fred Claus. Tickets to the premiere are sold out, but you can help create an atmosphere of celebrity-crazed pandemonium by lining up to watch Vaughn and director David Dobkin walk the red carpet.
Karyn Dossinger on Mon November 5 2007People/Sightings 

Bucket o' Bits
Apparently puppies aren't the only things getting stolen: a local server co-location company has had one of its centers robbed four times in the past two years, with the culprits escaping with sensitive data and equipment running into the six figures. (Thanks, Kevin!)
Andrew Huff on Mon November 5 2007In the News 

Threadless in Person
Chicago Business posted a video profile of the Threadless retail store and included a mention of its "loose plan" to have stores in at least 11 cities by 2009.
David Schalliol on Mon November 5 2007Business/Shopping 

Bucket o' Pups
A South Side pet shop was burglarized over the weekend; the only things taken were 17 puppies, stuffed into the store's garbage cans. But the pups cost up to $1,000 apiece, so the total lost was in the $10,000-15,000 range.
Andrew Huff on Mon November 5 2007In the News 

Tasty Menu
Chicago magazine lists its favorite 124 dishes in Chicagoland, from the common (tempura green beans) to the unusual (pineapple rum soup).
Andrew Huff on Mon November 5 2007Eating/Drinking 

Harrison Ford Would Never Pull this Crap
Actor Shia LaBoeuf was arrested at the Walgreens store located at Chicago and Michigan Avenues Sunday morning for (drunkenly) refusing to leave. The actor, who will appear in the next Indiana Jones movie, will be back in town for his court date on November 28.
Robyn Nisi on Sun November 4 2007Found on the Web 

Frugal(?) Traveler Visits Us
In today's New York Times Travel section, writer Matt Gross raves about how he spent so little cash during a recent visit to Chicago. Gross received $500 to live on during his Windy City weekend -- in his words, a "meager budget" -- and spent $370.16, mainly on taxi rides, dinner at May Street Market, and lodging at the J. Ira and Nicki Harris Family Hostel. Overall, Gross doesn't seem very frugal -- $16 for breakfast? However, he does deserve props for coining the phrase, "unctuous sausage."
Lauri Apple on Sun November 4 2007In the News 

Coats for Critters
Now through Earth Day 2008 (April 22), take your real fur apparel -- including trims, accessories and shearling -- to any Buffalo Exchange used clothing store and donate it to the Humane Society's Coats for Critters: a campaign to collect used furs to provide bedding and comfort to orphaned and injured wildlife. Don't worry if Aunt Ursula's mink still has that nasty rip from the dramatic spill she took on New Year's Eve 1955: Condition of the fur is unimportant. Chicago has two Buffalo E's -- one in Lakeview, and a new Wicker Park location at 1478 N. Milwaukee.
Lauri Apple on Sat November 3 2007Politics/Activism 

The Idiots Come to Chicago
Come see Craig Anton, a founding member of MadTV and Ron Lynch (Tom Goes to Mayor, Sarah Silverman Program) duke it out as Watson and Crick's less brilliant children in the comedy show The Idiots, which is at Lakeshore Theater (Belmont and Broadway) tonight at 8:00 p.m. Click here for tickets.
Robyn Nisi on Sat November 3 2007Theatre/Dance 

More Art Named After Food
In February, Millennium Park gets an installation by Canadian artist Gordon Halloran. Its official name is "Paintings Below Zero," but the Tribune has already nicknamed it "The Popsicle."
Jim Allenspach on Fri November 2 2007Arts/Architecture 

Doomsday Called Off, Band-Aid Applied
Looks like Monday will be a commute just as usual, in more ways than one. CTA and Pace have accepted short-term assistance from the Governor. Again.
Anne Holub on Fri November 2 2007Transportation 

Candy Remix
Wondering what to do with all that leftover Halloween candy? We've got some ideas for you in Drive-Thru.
Andrew Huff on Fri November 2 2007Gapers 

Boggling Joggler Blogging
Local, self-described "joggler" Perry Romanowski just set a new world record for running a 50-mile ultra-marathon while juggling three bean bags. Romanowski did it in an amazing 8 hours, 23 minutes, and 52 seconds with no more than four drops--a half hour less than the old record. Hold on there... there was an old record to beat?
Mr. Dan Kelly on Fri November 2 2007Found on the Web 

Hup Two Three Four, I Love the CPS Corps
Chicago is number one in public military schools (we'll have six by 2009). Advocates say the schools build better students through military history classes, regular uniform inspections, and marching drills. Critics, however, think the military is taking advantage of a school system composed largely of nonwhite kids from low-income families.
Mr. Dan Kelly on Fri November 2 2007Schools/Education 

Discovery Center Fall Classes Now Available
Learning opportunities both offbeat and conventional fill the Fall/Winter calendar at The Discovery Center, Chicago's self-proclaimed "Lifelong Learning Center". Can't afford to escape the cold and vacation in a warmer climate this year? Sign up for the "Out of Body Adventuring" seminar and astral-project yourself to Cabo San Lucas for the weekend. Or just learn how to paint, write a screenplay or become a private investigator. Classes start now and run through March 2008.
Karyn Dossinger on Fri November 2 2007Schools/Education 

Transmission Contest: Pale Gents
Hey, what are you doing Monday? Peek over at Transmission and see.
Anne Holub on Fri November 2 2007Gapers 

Map Lovers, Rejoice!
The citywide Festival of Maps kicks off today with exhibits at the Field and other museums, and continues through early 2008. More than 30 Chicago-area institutions are participating, with exhibits, lectures, films, and other cartography-related events. Some of these are highlighted in Slowdown; for a complete schedule, click here.
Deb Oestreicher on Fri November 2 2007City Life/Cultural 

Tis the (Pre)Season...
Eager to cram The Little Drummer Boy down our throats as early as possible, WLIT-FM has lit the Yule log and started their all-Christmas music format NOW, instead of their previously planned Nov. 9 kickoff. They beat WCKG-FM, which is set to switch to an all-Christmas music format later today, to the (Holiday) punch by a few hours. Among the first songs played on WLIT: Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow … indeed.
Ken Green on Fri November 2 2007Radio/TV 

Sadie Hawkins' Day Race & Style Ride
The now annual Sadie Hawkins' Day Race & Style Ride is back again, November 10th. What is it? "Sadie Hawkins Day Race/Style Ride is an on-street, in-traffic, point-to-point bike adventure for couples or pairs... There are prizes for the fastest couple, fastest tandem team, fastest out of towners, best dressed, and more." Last year's inaugural event drew people from out of town, generated a ton of missed connections and suffice to say, there were a few couples that are still together to this day.
Naz Hamid on Fri November 2 2007Sports/Recreation 

A Punk in Phnom Penh
Anne Elizabeth Moore, former editor of Punk Planet and our own Sky in Five columnist, is going to Cambodia for a leadership residency at the Harpswell Foundation; she'll be teaching them media literacy. Unfortunately, the foundation doesn't have the funds to pay for her airfare. Help her out here.
Andrew Huff on Fri November 2 2007People/Sightings 

There Ain't No Bottomless Pit Here, This is F@#king Magic, Man, and We're All a Part of It Together
One of my favorite designer-artists out there, Cody Hudson, is having a solo exhibition at the MCA. Hudson brings a mix of street art, urban graphics and blends it with his own personal inspirations to create his work. The exhibition, which is titled that long title up above, begins tomorrow (Nov 3rd) and runs through December 2nd with Hudson presenting an Artist Talk on November 20th which will have him leading a tour of his exhibition.
Naz Hamid on Fri November 2 2007Arts/Architecture 

It's Touch-and-Go at Chicago Gas Stations
In an unlikely application of high technology, 10 Chicago Shell gas stations are getting fingerprint scanning payment systems. Expect a mad rush on Play Doh locally as well.
Brad Maier on Thu November 1 2007Transportation 

The 2008 GB Book Club Reading List
We received your suggestions and counted the votes, and now we are ready to unveil the selections for the 2008 Gapers Block Book Club. Just for starters, next year the book club will be having a fire sale, visiting Sprawlburg Springs, getting naked with a contemporary humorist and going off to see the Wizard. Check out the full list at the GB Book Club blog.
Alice Maggio on Thu November 1 2007Books/Authors 

Chicago Scores a Knockout
The head of the International Boxing Association is giving rave reviews to Chicago's hosting of the World Boxing Championships, calling them "the best ever." The hospitality he has received has prompted Dr. Ching-kuo Wu to say he'll support the city's bid for the 2016 Summer Olympics. And participating boxers were equally overwhelmed, although three could not be reached for comment. Um, you have gone to a match, right? If not, you have until Saturday, Nov. 3.
Ken Green on Thu November 1 2007Sports/Recreation 

Cinnamon on Design Sponge
GB's own multi-talented Cinnamon Cooper is interviewed at Design Sponge, talking about her business, Poise, the Chicago Craft Mafia and the DIY Trunk Show.
Alice Maggio on Thu November 1 2007People/Sightings 

Swap it! Swap it Real Good!
If you're like me, you've got loads of books hanging around your shelves that you're just not too attached to any more. So tonight, grab up to 15 of them in your arms, and head to the Cubby Bear in Wrigleyville for the Chicago Reader's annual book swap. It's a free (21+) event from 5:30pm-9pm, and the first 300 folks through the door get some Reader swag to boot. No magazines, technical, medical or really distressed books.
Anne Holub on Thu November 1 2007Books/Authors 

District 299 on the Move
The "Highly Unofficial Scoop on Chicago Schools" AKA the District299 Blog -- is moving to Catalyst Chicago to create one consolidated powerhouse of a Chicago education-news resource.
Shaz Rasul on Thu November 1 2007Schools/Education 

Transmission Feature: What an Umbrella Fest!
Tired of being relegated to a few scattered stages around town, one group of talented Chicago jazz heroes took it upon themselves to create Umbrella Music and then the Umbrella Music Festival of Jazz and Improvisation was born. Read about it's second year on the calendar, over in Transmission.
Anne Holub on Thu November 1 2007Gapers 

The New Jargon
Jargon Magazine relaunched today with a new design and new sections.
Andrew Huff on Thu November 1 2007Found on the Web 

Former IBM Plaza May be Landmarked
Amid flagging occupancy rates, luxury hotel ideas and changes in the downtown office market, Prime Group Realty Trust is seeking landmark status for the 1972 Mies van der Rohe structure.
David Schalliol on Thu November 1 2007Arts/Architecture 

Some Awkward Moments With City-Employee Friends
The Better Government Association has a nifty new lookup that allows you to browse the salary of every employee of the City of Chicago and Cook County. Fun fact: Police Officer Anthony Abbate, by dint of his surname, appears on the first page when you choose Chicago from the pulldown menu. He makes (made?) $70,656.
Dan X O'Neil on Thu November 1 2007Politics/Activism 

Another Way to Whine
Chicago Tribune public transit forum.
Dan X O'Neil on Thu November 1 2007Transportation 

Millennium Park Gets Icy Art
An announcement was made yesterday that "Paintings Below Zero," an outdoor exhibition of a multicolored, 95-foot-long wall of ice, will be on display at Millennium Park during the entire month of February. Finally, the Bean will have someone to talk to when he's feeling a little gloomy.
Robyn Nisi on Thu November 1 2007Arts/Architecture