January 2008

A Decade Without Stars
As if this season's 18-27 record isn't bad enough, the Chicago Bulls haven't had an All-Star performer in 10 years!
Shaz Rasul on Thu January 31 2008Sports/Recreation 

Chicago Crimeless
Adrian Holovaty is closing down ChicagoCrime.org, his excellent and influential googlemapped crime report site. Now that the data is available on EveryBlock, it's redundant.
Andrew Huff on Thu January 31 2008Found on the Web 

Rezko Connections
Tony Rezko has raised a lot of money for politicians over the years. Chicago Public Radio has a PDF list of who got how much.
Andrew Huff on Thu January 31 2008Politics/Activism 

Catalyzing District 299
District299, Alexander Russo's excellent blog on Chicago Public Schools, recently made the move to Catalyst Chicago's website.
Andrew Huff on Thu January 31 2008Weblogs 

It's That Time Again
You're probably already fed up with all the political junk mail you've been getting due to the February 5th primary, but the more info the better I say. In that spirit, here are some links that may be helpful for making an informed decision. All three major papers have endorsements online: the Trib, the Sun-Times and the Herald. There are a slew of good blogs, but if you haven't yet check out Clout City at the Reader and Capitol Fax, both of which are easily searchable. And for the nitty-gritty, as in voting records and bios, Vote Smart is a little slow but extremely useful. If you don't know what district you're in, the Trib has a handy gadget that will list your races based on address. Good luck navigating in these waters!
Vince Jose Cancasci on Thu January 31 2008Politics/Activism 

Local Sites in the News
Chicago Magazine's February issue features "171 Best Chicago Websites," a nice round-up for your reading pleasure. It's still not wasn't online, though, so Time Out took the initiative and created a linklist for you. Then Chicago Metroblogging created an OPML file of the list -- along with all the ones mentioned in Time Out's recent blog feature package -- that you can dump into your favorite feed reader. UPDATE: The Chicago Mag feature went online late today. Yes, Gapers Block is mentioned in both the Chicago Mag and Time Out features. And, as Tankboy noted, we do get along with the folks at Chicagoist.
Andrew Huff on Thu January 31 2008Weblogs 

Association Mismanagement
It's a condo owner's nightmare: The company hired to manage your association makes off with all your money. (Thanks, Sarah.)
Andrew Huff on Thu January 31 2008In the News 

Chicago Faces The Music
So why isn't Chicago as big a draw for the world's music fans as Austin or Nashville? An article in the Reader offers some explanations. But the city is making one attempt at promoting homegrown talent: it's going to feature Chicago-only music on the loudspeakers at O'Hare and Midway. No Smashing Pumpkins or Fall Out Boy, though. They suspect that loud rock will rattle the nerves of already-frazzled passengers.
Ken Green on Thu January 31 2008Music/Clubs 

This Year's Marathon™
Registration for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon™ (yep, that's the new name) opens tomorrow. Runners, on your mark.
Andrew Huff on Thu January 31 2008Sports/Recreation 

Early Voting Ends Today
If you aren't going to be in town for the February 5 Primary Election, today is your last day to cast your early ballot. Each ward has its own early voting site [pdf], but you can vote anywhere you like, including the lower level of the Cook County Administration Building at 69 West Washington.
Robyn Nisi on Thu January 31 2008Politics/Activism 

The Department of Coincidences
If you're in New York and looking for a taste of home, head to the Upper East Side and look for a bar called Wicker Park. Its seasonal draught beer this winter is Goose Island's Honker's Ale. The waitress tonight didn't seem to find that as amusing as I did.
Mark Byrne on Wed January 30 2008Eating/Drinking 

Neo-Truthiness
What? Stephen Colbert was once (very briefly) in the Neo-Futurists!? (Thanks, Christopher!)
Andrew Huff on Wed January 30 2008People/Sightings 

Don't Tase Me, Porky
The CBC reports on a Taser stun gun study conducted at the John H. Stroger Jr. (Cook County) Hospital trauma center. The unwitting subjects of the Taser tests? Eleven pigs, two of which died from cardiac arrest after being jolted for 40 seconds, a brief pause, then another 40 seconds.
Ken Green on Wed January 30 2008In the News 

The Artful Codger's Local Connection
George Greenhalgh, an 84-year-old pensioner from Manchester, U.K., received a two-year suspended jail sentence on Jan. 29 for selling forged works -- produced by his son, no less -- to museums around the world, including the Art Institute of Chicago. Greenhalgh's piece to the Art Institute was a fake Gauguin, the Glasgow Daily Record reports. Due to his old age and poor health, Greenhalgh won't go to jail, but will instead be free to stay at home and listen to his old Oasis and Fall records.
Lauri Apple on Wed January 30 2008Arts/Architecture 

These Pretzels Are Making Me Thirsty
Auntie Anne's is offering free original and cinnamon sugar pretzels on Feb. 2, from 10am to 4pm. Come for the free pretzel, stay for the somewhat obscene pretzel dog.
Mr. Dan Kelly on Wed January 30 2008Eating/Drinking 

Some Things Should Stay Lost
A series of great commercials for Dirty Found, created by Young & Rubicam Chicago and director Aaron Stoller. (NSFW)
Andrew Huff on Wed January 30 2008Found on the Web 

Chicago's Global Industrial Influence
First time GB flickr group contributor oceandesetoiles spotted a Chicago Pneumatic somethingoranother in Paharganj, New Delhi.
David Schalliol on Wed January 30 2008Photography 

A Room with a Feud?
The new Trump International Hotel and Tower is set to open today, possibly amid protests by Local 1, a hotel workers union. Meanwhile, another big downtown hotel is reportedly in the planning stages.
Ken Green on Wed January 30 2008Arts/Architecture 

Competing for Monopoly
Rich Uncle Pennybags is going to include city names in a new Monopoly edition. Apparently he's ok with competition in this case, so vote for Chicago's inclusion today, and if you're really dedicated, every day until Leap Day.
David Schalliol on Wed January 30 2008Stuff 

10 Tips for Chicago Tourists
Hey, here's one that's actually worthwhile: "3. Get out into the neighborhoods. 4. Beware Navy Pier."
Andrew Huff on Wed January 30 2008In the News 

Marihuana: Weed with Roots in Chicago
SidewaysPony and the Inter-State Narcotic Association want you to beware of friendly strangers who might slip "dope" into your oolong. Also, CTA "Doomsday" takes on a whole new meaning.
Mr. Dan Kelly on Tue January 29 2008Found on the Web 

Bike the Drive Opens Registration
Even though I write this from an igloo, note that registration is now open for the May 25 Bank of America Bike the Drive, the ultimate car-free bicycling event (everyone should do this at least once in their Chicago lives). You can save $5 if you register before midnight on February 10.
Robyn Nisi on Tue January 29 2008City Life/Cultural 

Swap-o-Rama-Rama Comes to Chicago
The legendary Swap-o-Rama-Rama -- part swap meet, part political statement, part DIY Project Runway -- finally hies itself to Chicago on March 29 at the AV-aerie, 2000 W. Fulton. Bring $20 and a bag of your cast-off clothes, linens, and other goodies, then raid other people's stuff and gussy it up with the sewing machines, silkscreens, and other supplies on the premises. There will also be workshops and a fashion show. What is Swap-o-Rama-Rama, you ask? Watch this.
Amy Carlton on Tue January 29 2008Business/Shopping 

Greener than Candy
Daily Candy's nice, but for a greener option, there's now Ideal Bite, a weekdaily email written locally by Alison Lara.
Andrew Huff on Tue January 29 2008Business/Shopping 

Where Might One Purchase Beefsteak These Days?
Margaret Truman Daniel, the only child of President Harry Truman, has passed away at the age of 83 in a Chicago assisted-care facility. A mystery novelist, Truman is best remembered for an incident regarding her former singing career. After critic Paul Hume panned her performance, Harry sent him a letter threatening "you'll need a new nose, a lot of beefsteak for black eyes, and perhaps a supporter down below. You are a guttersnipe!" Give those critics hell, Harry!
Mr. Dan Kelly on Tue January 29 2008History 

Vote Cubs
Got a favorite Cubs blog or site? Vote for it in Cubscast's first annual Strodes Awards.
Andrew Huff on Tue January 29 2008Sports/Recreation 

Million Dollar Check, Please!
Business POV interviewed "Check Please!" executive producer David Manilow about CheckPlease.tv and his hopes for investment to bring the site to a national audience.
Andrew Huff on Tue January 29 2008Business/Shopping 

Logan Square Bar Busted for Harboring Smokers
Helen's Two Way Lounge is the first Chicago bar found in violation of the state's smoking ban. City inspectors issued Helen's a written violation after witnessing illicit indoor smoking, but due to a technicality no ticket was issued.
Karyn Dossinger on Tue January 29 2008In the News 

Chicago El Stories
CTA art isn't usually all that interesting, but this work by Jonathan Gitelson looks amazing, at least online. We'll have to wait for the Armitage stop to reopen to be sure.
Andrew Huff on Tue January 29 2008Arts/Architecture 

Movies as Historical Documents
From Call Northside 777 to The Blues Brothers, the Trib reminds us of another reason to check out movies filmed in Chicago.
David Schalliol on Tue January 29 2008Film 

Where Do They Get These Names?
Chicagoans Mark Hollmann and Greg Kotis will follow-up their distinctively-monikered, Tony Award-winning stage musical Urinetown with another eye-catchingly named musical, Yeast Nation. The story takes places in the year 3,000,458,000 B.C. The show will have its Chicago premier as part of the America Theater Company's 2008-09 season.
Ken Green on Mon January 28 2008Theatre/Dance 

Italian for Food Lovers
There's a whopping array of things to do this Valentine's Day, making a decision difficult. If you're a food addict who needs your fix, however, you're in luck. Dinotto's Italian Ristorante is once again serving ravioli d'amore -- dark chocolate ravioli stuffed with sweet ricotta and Nutella, from February 14-17. Other aphrodisiacal pleasures from the Valentine's Day menu include ostriche con Pernod (Chesapeake Bay oysters baked with spinach, Pernod and lemon cream sauce) and ravioli arragosta (lobster-filled ravioli topped with tiger shrimp, roasted red peppers and green peas in saffron cream sauce with caviar). Call the restaurant to make reservations for Valentine's Day (and V-Day weekend) or check the website for more info.
Marla Seidell on Mon January 28 2008Eating/Drinking 

Gaining Exposure
If you caught the MCA's Sympathy for the Devil exhibition this past autumn, you might recall encountering a couple of photographs by local artist Melanie Schiff. The 30-year-old Chicago photographer is now the subject of a three-page profile in the February issue of the international art magazine Modern Painters. The attention arrives after Schiff was recently selected for inclusion in the 2008 Whitney Biennial. The artist is currently represented by the Kavi Gupta Gallery in Chicago.
Graham Sanford on Mon January 28 2008Arts/Architecture 

Rezko in the Clink
Controversial Obama fundraiser (and onetime photo op recipient with Bill and Hillary) Tony Rezko was taken into custody this morning after his $2 million bail was revoked. Rezko is facing a 24-count indictment for pressuring businesses to make campaign contributions and payoffs. For the record, Obama (or the Billary pic) is not connected to Rezko's legal troubles.
Robyn Nisi on Mon January 28 2008In the News 

The Latest Chicago 7
This year's list of most endangered Chicago landmarks from Preservation Chicago includes the idea of landmark designation itself.
Andrew Huff on Mon January 28 2008Arts/Architecture 

Sanctuary, Again
Flor Crisostomo, a Latin American immigrant arrested in 2006 on immigration charges, may flout her deportation orders and seek refuge in Adalberto United Methodist Church, the same church where Elvira Arellano sought refuge.
David Schalliol on Mon January 28 2008Politics/Activism 

Bicycling Gets a Boost
The REI Bicycle Friendly Communities Grant Program has awarded the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation with a $15,000 grant in recognition of its mission to make Chicago a more bike-friendly city. The Federation will use the grant to fund Sunday Parkways, a program that provides traffic-free biking on selected city streets during weekends and holidays.
Karyn Dossinger on Mon January 28 2008Transportation 

Hole is in Your Extended Network
The Montrose Ave. sinkhole now has its own MySpace page, where it promotes its own beauty and compares itself to the Grand Canyon. If you're looking for a way to throw some love its way, you're invited to join the rally outside the Montrose L station on Tuesday afternoon, to protest the city's ruthless plan to fill it it back up.
Sandy Weisz on Mon January 28 2008City Life/Cultural 

Ira Glass Live Via Satellite
As This American Life prepares to release the DVD of its Showtime series this week (and as Ira Glass prepares to show up at Borders on Tuesday night), there comes word that the show is considering putting on a live stage show, which would be beamed across the country to movie theaters. Interested in seeing such a show? Then please consider taking a short survey about the event.
Jim Allenspach on Mon January 28 2008Radio/TV 

Spelunking in the City
The artificial iodized salt cave complex at Galos Caves Spa supposedly provides many health benefits -- but it just looks cool, too!
Andrew Huff on Sun January 27 2008Health/Fitness 

The Real Zoning Code
Want a zoning variance for your new oversized condo building? Make a campaign contribution to your alderman.
Andrew Huff on Sun January 27 2008Business/Shopping 

February Free Days
The Art Institute of Chicago will offer free general admission every day from Feb. 1-29. You'll still have to pay for the Hopper and Homer special exhibitions, which open Feb. 16, but the museum makes it up to you by offering weekend Q&A sessions with its curators, Saturday lessons in conservation and other perks.
Lauri Apple on Sun January 27 2008Arts/Architecture 

Not a Dumb Idea, But a Dome Idea
"Rock over Chicago," as Wesley Willis used to sing. How about "winter dome over Chicago?" (Don't laugh -- Moscow's getting one.) Andrew Mason of local start-up The Point -- which applies the principles of Malcolm Gladwell's The Tipping Point to enable people to organize fund-raisers, boycotts and other campaigns for change -- estimates the collapsible weather shield would cost "$10 billion." Campaign contributors won't pay a dime until the project reaches its funding goal.
Lauri Apple on Sat January 26 2008Politics/Activism 

Friend of Dead News Anchor Charged with Murder
Scott Hirschey, the driver of the snowmobile that killed WBBM anchor Randy Salerno Thursday night, has been charged with one count of homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle, as alcohol and speed were factors in the accident.
Robyn Nisi on Sat January 26 2008In the News 

Turn On, Tune In, Drop Out (Not In That Order)
Sex toy boutique owner Searah Deysach comes clean: She was a grad school dropout. Now she pulls in nearly $500,000 a year in total sales from her business, Early To Bed. There is a lesson in there for all of us.
Ken Green on Fri January 25 2008Business/Shopping 

Trend Piece Watch
Now the Canadians are coming to Chicago to take advantage of -- you guessed it -- our chilly and cheap tourist attractions. Recently, USA Today and the New York Times published similar articles, making "Chicago -- a great winter travel destination" a bona fide trend piece. Coming up next: The Boston Globe on "Chicago: Cold, But Cool."
Lauri Apple on Fri January 25 2008In the News 

Clear Your Afternoon
The current season of Layer Tennis finishes up this afternoon, and it's going out with a bang: not one but two matches, running simultaneously. Kiss your productivity goodbye at 2pm. (I'll be needing a drink after this one.)
Andrew Huff on Fri January 25 2008Found on the Web 

DeRo on Zulkey
Claire Zulkey (who got the profile treatment in Time Out this week) interviews Sun-Times music critic Jim DeRogatis about "Sound Opinions," music crit and the Chicago hip hop scene, among other things.
Andrew Huff on Fri January 25 2008People/Sightings 

Oh, Yeah, That Tony Rezko
It may be more embarrassing than meaningful, but Obama supporters are taking glee in the photo featuring Bill and Hillary Clinton posing with Tony Rezko.
David Schalliol on Fri January 25 2008Politics/Activism 

Randy Salerno, RIP
Channel 2 morning anchor (and former reporter and anchor at WGN) Randy Salerno died last night in a snowmobile accident in Wisconsin.
Andrew Huff on Fri January 25 2008People/Sightings 

But the Staff Seems So Nice in the Commercials
A hearing-impaired Bolingbrook woman is angry after a manager at a local Steak and Shake refused to take her order earlier this week at the drive-up window, demanding that she use the traditional speaker. The irritated manager then threatened to call police despite the woman's explanations of why she needed to order at the drive-up window, saying "If you had just let me know at the speaker that you needed accommodations then I could take your order through the window."
Robyn Nisi on Fri January 25 2008In the News 

Senator Obama Doc Will Screen
At the beginning of this month the Gene Siskel Film Center canceled screenings of the documentary Senator Obama Goes to Africa when the Senator won big in Iowa. In case you still wanted to see the doc, the Music Box will be hosting a couple of screenings in coming weeks. Details in Slowdown.
Jim Allenspach on Thu January 24 2008Film 

Creating Access
The Illinois Department of Tourism recently teamed up with the Open Doors Organization to develop the "Easy Access Guide to Chicago. Developed by locals for disabled tourists visiting our fair city, it's bound to be a boon to disabled Chicagoans as well.
Andrew Huff on Thu January 24 2008Resources 

What Can They Do With Hot Dogs?
It's official: The next incarnation of "Top Chef", which was based in Chicago this time, will debut on Bravo on March 12. Three of the contestants have Chicago ties (as it should be).
Ken Green on Thu January 24 2008Radio/TV 

Don't Deep Throat Me, Bro
Californian James Srodon has filed a $50,000 lawsuit against the Blue Man Group after attending an October 2006 show at the Briar Street Theater. The "esophagus cam," a video camera reportedly covered in food, dirt and the trademark blue paint was forcibly shoved down Srodon's throat during the performance, damaging dental work and giving him nightmares.
Robyn Nisi on Thu January 24 2008Found on the Web 

Coming Back to Face Trial
Citing a "change in the climate" regarding the death penalty in the US, a man held in Toronto for the attempted murder of a Chicago cop in 1969 has dropped his fight against extradition. (Meanwhile, no new news about the Hans Peterson extradition fight.)
Andrew Huff on Thu January 24 2008In the News 

Messing With Your Head
Controversial psychology professor Richard Shweder likes to pose tough cultural and ethical questions as part of his effort to reshape the concepts of diversity and multiculturalism. See if you can figure out the answers when he speaks tonight, 6:30 p.m., at the Chicago Cultural Center as part of their "Starting From Scratch" lecture series.
Ken Green on Thu January 24 2008City Life/Cultural 

Transmission Feature: Music Venues #1
This week in Transmission we want to get you out of the house (yes, we know how cold it is) and into a nice, warm music venue. Read our first set of Chicago music venue reviews just one click over. This week: Red Line Tap and Schubas.
Anne Holub on Thu January 24 2008Gapers 

Layoffs Via Phone
Staff at the Sun-Times have started to receive layoff notices...over the phone. That could be the very definition of heartless.
Micah Maidenberg on Thu January 24 2008Print/Magazines 

Gold for Lead
Oak Brook-based RC2 -- whose comma-deficient motto, "compelling passionate parenting and play for all ages," makes us long for the days of static, indifferent parenting and play -- has purportedly agreed to pay $30 million to thousands of families nationwide who had purchased lead-tainted toys produced by the company. Last year, the families filed a class action suit against RC2 in the Circuit Court of Cook County. The court will decide whether to approve the settlement at a May 6 hearing.
Lauri Apple on Thu January 24 2008In the News 

Subway Rides to get Faster, Quieter, Safer, Less Smelly
CTA announced yesterday the purchase of 400 new rail cars that will roll into service in 2010. The cars feature live video security cameras, flat-screen monitors that display the train's current location, state-of-the-art diagnostic systems, and stain-and-smell resistant seat fabric. The new trains can run up to 70mph, unless you're in a beloved slow zone. Sadly cattle prods to move doorway loungers into the cars during rush hour will not be included.
Drew Myler on Thu January 24 2008Transportation 

Neighborhood Newspaper Shuffle
Sun-Times Media Group announced plans this week to shutter three of its neighborhood newspapers at the end of the month. Now it looks like Oak Park-based Wednesday Journal is swooping in to save the Skyline, Lakeview Booster, and News-Star from imminent death.
Amy Carlton on Thu January 24 2008In the News 

Very Cold Art
You can watch the progress of the Museum of Modern Ice's Paintings Below Zero at its official blog. Can someone please shorten that URL?
David Schalliol on Thu January 24 2008Arts/Architecture 

Kid Sister on Car Share
Chicago rapper Kid Sister tips her hat to I-Go on the Canadian MuchMusic blog. [via]
Andrew Huff on Wed January 23 2008Transportation 

From "Chicago Tonight" to WLUP Tomorrow
Gapers Block contributor and FoundClothing head findatrix Lauri Apple will appear tomorrow, Jan. 24, on Jonathon Brandmeier's 97.9 FM morning show between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. Apple will discuss her website, which was recently featured on WTTW's nightly news magazine.
David Schalliol on Wed January 23 2008Radio/TV 

Snow Removal
I wonder if my landlord reads Gaper's Block. If so, he should be reminded that Section 10-8-180 of Chicago city code requires every person "having charge of any building or lot of ground in the city abutting upon any public way or public place shall remove the snow and ice from the sidewalk in front of such building or lot of ground."
Micah Maidenberg on Wed January 23 2008Stuff 

Each and Every One
Everyblock, a hyper-local news aggregator from the creators of ChicagoCrime.org, has now launched.
Andrew Huff on Wed January 23 2008Technology 

What Would You Do to Date Drew?
Proving that he has possibly the biggest pair around, Drew Peterson (along with his lawyer) has proposed holding a "Win A Date With Drew" contest with longtime Chicago radio personality Steve Dahl. Guess Peterson's not waiting until the ... ahem... divorce to missing wife Stacy becomes final to start dating again.
Ken Green on Wed January 23 2008In the News 

Paper or...
Starting April 22 (that's Earth Day), Whole Foods stores will no longer give you the plastic bag option with your groceries. They'll still provide free paper bags, and you can purchase a cloth one from them for $.99, or, of course, you can byob (that's Bring Your Own Bag) from home.
Anne Holub on Wed January 23 2008Business/Shopping 

Oo La La!
Chicago photographer and Nelson Algren buddy Art Shay once took an artfully racy photo of Algren's lover, French author, philosopher, and feminist Simone de Beauvoir, which writer Susie Bright has thoughtfully provided on her blog. (Possibly NSFW, hardly hardcore, but definitely lovely.) For background on Algren and De Beauvoir's legendary affair, go here.
Mr. Dan Kelly on Wed January 23 2008Arts/Architecture 

23 and Me
Back in 2000, Sun-Times reporter Howard Wolinsky was among the first to have his DNA sequenced for genealogical reasons. The results sent him on a journey through family history, which he's writing about (and other genealogy topics) at Gen-erocity.
Andrew Huff on Wed January 23 2008Weblogs 

If You Can't Beat 'Em...
So what the Packers made it to the NFC title game and the Bears... well. We'll get even with them somehow...
Ken Green on Wed January 23 2008Offbeat/Misc. Events 

It's Hard to Be a Baby in Chicago
FitPregnancy magazine rated Chicago #28 out of 50 major U.S. cities in its "Best Cities in America to Have a Baby" survey. The city received praise for its progressive fertility resources but got a grade of F in categories such as affordability and something known as "stroller friendliness."
Karyn Dossinger on Wed January 23 2008Found on the Web 

Not Just the AP
Documenting the governor's woes is getting popular.
David Schalliol on Wed January 23 2008Politics/Activism 

GB Book Club February Book
For our February meeting, the Gapers Block Book Club is reading The Enchanters Vs. Sprawlburg Springs, the debut novel by Brian Costello. Enchanters charts the life and death of a rebel band that shakes up its Florida suburb over one frantic summer, changing everyone's lives forever. Read the introduction to The Enchanters Vs. Sprawlburg Springs on the Book Club blog, and join us on Monday, February 11 at The Book Cellar to talk about the book.
Alice Maggio on Tue January 22 2008Books/Authors 

Suburban Wi-Fi Woes
Just a few months after Chicago abandoned its effort to provide free city-wide wi-fi to residents, Naperville and Aurora have followed suit. While Chicago was just in the planning stages, the network in Aurora was 20 percent complete.
Mark Byrne on Tue January 22 2008Technology 

Cold Streak
For those of you that don't like to stand out in the cold, much less run through it naked (read: are normal), you can experience the grand finale of UChicago's annual winter celebration Kuviasungnerk through photos, and video. Neither one of which is remotely safe for work.
Vince Jose Cancasci on Tue January 22 2008City Life/Cultural 

End of Creche Exhibit
Sunday is your last chance to see the creche exhibit at Loyola University's Museum of Art, otherwise known as the LUMA (P.S. - today the museum's free).
Jaime Calder on Tue January 22 2008Arts/Architecture 

Chicago Burlesque 101
Centerstage Chicago just compiled a list of all the places to catch the racy and talented ladies of Chicago's burlesque scene.
Lindsay Muscato on Tue January 22 2008City Life/Cultural 

City of Cards
The Chicago Postcard Museum takes a look at the Museum of Science and Industry this month.
Andrew Huff on Tue January 22 2008History 

Rogue Sociology?
Sudhir Venkatesh details his interactions with gang members in one building of the now-demolished Robert Taylor Homes in a new book. Read an excerpt of the book, listen to an interview with Venaktesh, check out reviews here and here.
Micah Maidenberg on Tue January 22 2008In the News 

Montrose Ave: Where the Water Flows Like Water
You were annoyed at having to dig your car out of the snow this morning, but imagine if you woke up to it submerged in water after a 36-inch water main burst in the wee hours. UPDATE: Check out Ryan Pikkel's shots of the aftermath from the GB flickr group.
Meghan Murphy Gill on Tue January 22 2008In the News 

Chicago's Newest Green Home
Starting May 8, you'll be able to swing by the Museum of Science and Industry and visit Smart Home: Green + Wired, a new exhibit featuring a 2,500 square-foot house.
David Schalliol on Tue January 22 2008Outdoors/Environment 

Dictator. Madman. Unruly child.
It looks like the AP decided it doesn't like Blago so much either.
David Schalliol on Tue January 22 2008Politics/Activism 

In the General's North Chamber, the Future is Revealed...and it's Boring
If you've seen that odd, Blair Witch Project-ish TV commercial for SeeItNext.com that is running on the local television stations, you may have visited the website and found a lone prompt to leave your email address for a February 4th reveal of the mystery behind the commercial. What's really going on here? The most popular theory suggests that the commercial is a viral advertisement for General Motors' presentation at the upcoming February 7-18 Chicago Auto Show at McCormick Place. And If the future is a GM car, I'm sure it won't be a much-needed reprise of the EV1.
Robyn Nisi on Tue January 22 2008Found on the Web 

Another Chapter in Our Postmodern Lives
Five West Chicago eighth graders were suspended for staging and filming a fake fight in the school bathroom. Because, you know, a "student who sneaks into a bathroom for a YouTube shoot could slip and hit his or her head on a sink and be seriously hurt."
David Schalliol on Mon January 21 2008Schools/Education 

Changing Face of Wrigleyville
East Lake View Neighbors and 44th Ward Alderman Tom Tunney are holding a meeting this Thursday to gather community feedback about a proposed plan to construct 150-unit apartment building, a 137-room hotel, parking, and 100,000 sq. ft. of retail space on the block of Addison across from Wrigley Field. Details in Slowdown.
Sandy Weisz on Mon January 21 2008Politics/Activism 

FAQ: MLK in Chicago
The Chicago Public Library offers answers to some FAQs in regards to Dr. King's time in Chicago. If you want a bit more, take a look at the Encyclopedia of Chicago History.
Shaz Rasul on Mon January 21 2008History 

What to Do, What to Do
The New York Times recently published a Travel piece on how to spend a winter day in Chicago -- with cold feet.
Lauri Apple on Sun January 20 2008In the News 

Celebrating Women
Chevrolet invites Chicagoans to nominate inspiring and heroic women to be named the Chicago Woman of the Year 2008. The winning woman receives a $5,000 shopping spree at Macy's and a big self-esteem boost. The nomination process lasts until March 10.
Lauri Apple on Sun January 20 2008Found on the Web 

Former Mayor Dies
Former Chicago Mayor Eugene Sawyer died today at age 73 after a series of strokes. Sawyer served from 1987 to 1989, following the death of Harold Washington, and dropped out of public life after being defeated by Richard Daley.
Robyn Nisi on Sun January 20 2008In the News 

It's a Family Affair
Maya Soetoro-Ng, the half-sister of Barack Obama, gets grilled by the questionable Deborah Solomon in today's New York Times about her brother's campaign, why he was attracted to Chicago (a need for "rootedness"), and growing up in the multicultural Obama family.
Robyn Nisi on Sun January 20 2008Politics/Activism 

Windy City Rollers 2008 Season Opener
You haven't seen a roller derby bout yet? Let's amend that ASAP. The Windy City Rollers, Chicago's all-girl roller derby league, has its first game of the 2008 season next Saturday, January 26. Check out their website for tickets and info.
Kara Luger on Fri January 18 2008Sports/Recreation 

John Stroger Dies at 78
Former Cook County Commissioner John Stroger died today from complications suffered after his March 2006 stroke.
Robyn Nisi on Fri January 18 2008In the News 

The Case of the Skokie Toe Licker
A woman filed suit Wednesday after she claimed her eye exam ended with a medical assistant paying unusual attention to her feet.
Anne Holub on Fri January 18 2008In the News 

Love Letter to High School Basketball
Local teacher Will Okun in the New York Times.
Andrew Huff on Fri January 18 2008Sports/Recreation 

J.D. for Sale
DePaul College of Law grad David Wold is selling his diploma on eBay for $100,000. "This degree has been a great invitation to work at least 60 hours a week at a place where I don't want to be for people that I don't care about," he explains. As an added bonus, Wold will include his law school books, enabling the winning bidder to learn about the Carbolic Smoke Ball and other 1L in-jokes without having to attend any classes.
Lauri Apple on Fri January 18 2008Found on the Web 

"Mozart of Chess" Bobby Fischer Dies
Controversial chess champion Bobby Fischer died yesterday in Iceland at the age of 64. He was born in Chicago and achieved international fame by beating Boris Spassky in the highly publicized U.S. vs. Soviet Union World Chess Championship in 1972.
Karyn Dossinger on Fri January 18 2008In the News 

The 1930s Never Tasted this Good
This week's Drive-Thru feature opens the culinary time capsule that is the Chicago Daily News cookbook for your reading pleasure. Published in 1930, the book offers many surprising (as in surprisingly edible) recipes and other advice. And finally, a good recipe for Mock Possum for those times that you don't have a real possum to cook.
Robyn Nisi on Fri January 18 2008Gapers 

A Little Creepy
If you're in the mood for some spooky photography and artifacts (a coffin, outmoded medical restraints!) this weekend, check out the opening of Ward 7: America's Abandoned Asylums at the Co-Prosperity Sphere Saturday evening.
David Schalliol on Fri January 18 2008Arts/Architecture 

Citizen Powered
Are you looking for a new Chicago-centric online community? CitizenPowered.org, an outgrowth of the Community Building Initiative between the City of Chicago & the Green Street Project, is now available in beta. Enjoy.
Shaz Rasul on Thu January 17 2008Found on the Web 

"Rule #2: See Rule 1."
The LA Times makes a good point about Sam Zell's new plain-English employee handbook for Tribune Company: It's funny, but would it hold up in court?
Mark Byrne on Thu January 17 2008Print/Magazines 

Putting the Eco in Auto
Chicago designer Scott Sullivan recently made the Wall Street Journal for his affordable and eco-friendly lamps and coasters, which he makes from discarded clutches, shift gears, and other car parts. Sullivan runs his own Etsy shop where you can purchase his wares.
Lauri Apple on Thu January 17 2008Found on the Web 

Museum of Mourning
Today's Trib has a great story about a Logan Square couple that have collection of photos of dead folk. Anthony and Andrea Vizzari's Museum of Mourning Photography & Memorial Practice is made up of more than 1,000 photos and occupies part of the Vizzaris' Logan Square apartment.
Shylo Bisnett on Thu January 17 2008City Life/Cultural 

Triblocal Expands
The Tribune's "hyper-local" community publishing service Triblocal, which provides content generated from both staffers as well as regular Joes and Joannes, is expanding its Web site this week to cover news from 13 Southwest and Western Chicago suburbs, bringing the total number of suburbs covered to 21. The growth is expected to lead to new jobs, says the Chicago Methods Reporter News.
Lauri Apple on Thu January 17 2008Print/Magazines 

Blue Island Isn't Really Blue
An ode to suburbia, by Chicago mag's Jeff Ruby.
Andrew Huff on Thu January 17 2008Found on the Web 

Found Television
GB staffer Lauri will be on "Chicago Tonight" er, tonight to discuss her website, Found Clothing. UPDATE: Oops, looks like it's been rescheduled for Monday, Jan. 21.
Andrew Huff on Thu January 17 2008Radio/TV 

Modern, Schmodern...
"Less is more (boring)" for local financial investor Richard Driehaus, who takes a swipe at the city's modern architecture in favor of the classical style. So much so that he's opening his own museum for decorative arts in the Nickerson Mansion here in Chicago in the spring.
Ken Green on Thu January 17 2008Arts/Architecture 

Transmission Feature: Flameshovel
This week over in Transmission, we're talking to Jesse Woghin and James Kenler of Chicago's Flameshovel Records. Come on over and see.
Anne Holub on Thu January 17 2008Gapers 

A Foodie Feeding Frenzy
Get ready to loosen that belt a few more notches. Not only will Chicago get its first official Restaurant Week, (as noted in Gapers Block's Drive Thru section) but it may even get another, courtesy of a group of local restaurants known as Chicago Originals. Three-course meals will be priced as low as $20.08 (2008, get it?).
Ken Green on Thu January 17 2008Eating/Drinking 

Open Books Is Moving -- Help Them Out!
Open Books, Chicago's first nonprofit literacy bookstore, is moving to new headquarters, and it's put out the word for people to help them move 100,000+ books. They might have to make two trips. Full details at the Open Books Website.
Jim Allenspach on Thu January 17 2008Books/Authors 

Tickets? They've Got Your Tickets
Ticketmaster took yet another step towards full-on monopoly-hood by recently acquiring Chicagoland's TicketsNow.
Shaz Rasul on Wed January 16 2008Business/Shopping 

Not Just A Pretty Video Store
The Reader's film blog notes that Facets Multimedia is starting up its winter session of weeknight film classes next month. Four different classes are being offered; check the Facets Website for the schedule and class details.
Jim Allenspach on Wed January 16 2008Film 

Commons Project on Flickr
Commons, a joint project of The Library of Congress and the Flickr photo sharing site, gives you the opportunity to describe, tag, and comment on Chicago-oriented photos from their collection.
Dan X O'Neil on Wed January 16 2008Photography 

One Tough Flock of Herons
Despite the presense of long-banned pesticides showing up their offspring, herons nesting along the Lake Calumet area are still going strong. So where are the banned pesticides coming from? Why the good ol' Chicago alewife, of course.
Ken Green on Wed January 16 2008Outdoors/Environment 

Evanston's Animal House
A fraternity at Northwestern is under investigation for hosting a midget wrestling ring.
Mark Byrne on Wed January 16 2008Sports/Recreation 

No Dented Cans
Botulism is killing thousands of birds on Lake Michigan. The culprit? Zebra mussels and gobies.
Andrew Huff on Wed January 16 2008Outdoors/Environment 

$2,000,000,000 Estimated for Olympics
Officials estimate the costs of a 2016 Olympic Games in Chicago at $2 billion: $900 million for venue construction and $1.1 billion for an Olympic Village near McCormick Place. But calculating the costs of an Olympics is notoriously imprecise enterprise. London's 2012 games could cost four times the city's initial estimates. Here's Chicago's Olympic application.
Micah Maidenberg on Wed January 16 2008Sports/Recreation 

Treasure Island to Fill Co-op Spot
Ending the recent struggles over the Co-op lease, the U of C has announced Treasure Island will fill the Co-op's current home.
David Schalliol on Wed January 16 2008Business/Shopping 

Mozilla Hiring Humanized Humans
The Mozilla Foundation, makers of everyone's favorite browser, hired a bunch of the people running Chicago-based Humanized, maker of Enso and other software.
Dan X O'Neil on Tue January 15 2008Business/Shopping 

Go Torture Yourself
Amazingly, there are still tickets available for B-Fest, the annual 24-hour b-movie marathon. It's this Friday and Saturday; grab a sleeping bag and get in there.
Andrew Huff on Tue January 15 2008Film 

Find Your Way
The Wall Street Journal takes notice of the two map shows in town right now.
Andrew Huff on Tue January 15 2008In the News 

Gamers, Relax
That hot game you've been looking for? Chicago-based Dawdle can help you find it. It'll also help find that obscure Activision cartridge you remember playing in 1983.
Andrew Huff on Tue January 15 2008Business/Shopping 

So a Priest and a Southsider Walk into a Bar...
The Sun-Times' Tom McNamee is requesting Chicago oriented jokes for his column, The Chicago Way. If you'd like to see your comedic gem run, you can send it to tmcnamee@suntimes.com.
Jaime Calder on Tue January 15 2008Print/Magazines 

Art Against AIDS Preview Exhibit
Art Against AIDS, the annual art auction that raises funds for Heartland Alliance's AIDS/HIV programs, takes place February 28. But if you'd like the check out the art before the benefit, head to Gallery 180, 180 N. Wabash, from today through February 14 to see (or buy) work donated by artists from around the nation.
Amy Carlton on Tue January 15 2008Arts/Architecture 

Best Lunchbreak Ever
Rob Bochnik, guitarist and vocalist of Irish band The Frames will be performing songs from his first solo record Blowing Out the Cobwebs from 12:15-1pm today at the Goodman as part of their Playtime series. Leave your lunch in the breakroom fridge: mini corned beef sandwiches and bangers will be provided by Emerald Loop Bar and Grill for the event. If you loved last year's great movie Once, which starred Bochnik's bandmate Glen Hansard, this is an event to see. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased online or at the Goodman.
Robyn Nisi on Tue January 15 2008Music/Clubs 

Watch the Newspapers Become New Media
The Trib will become the first major paper in the United States to stop carrying traditional "help wanted" ads in its weekday edition. Of course, its online jobs section will pick up the slack.
David Schalliol on Tue January 15 2008Print/Magazines 

An Olympic-sized Makeover
While the city gets set to unveil a detailed plan of its 2016 Olympic bid Tuesday, it seems we're still fighting the old Al Capone stereotype. Gee, he's only been dead for more than 60 years...
Ken Green on Mon January 14 2008In the News 

Spire for Hire
Get your checkbook out. Residences in the yet-to-be-constructed Chicago Spire went on sale today. Prices range from $750,000 to $40,000,000 for a two-floor penthouse. No word on whether that includes free cable.
Ken Green on Mon January 14 2008Arts/Architecture 

Vintage Photos of Chicago
Awesome 1941 street pic at Washington and Dearborn. More here.
Dan X O'Neil on Mon January 14 2008Photography 

Vote Early, Vote Often
If you aren't going to be in town for the February 5 primary election, you can take advantage of early voting, which begins today and ends January 31. You can find your early voting location in the red, white and blue Voter Guide brochure you recently received in the mail, or by visiting the Chicago Board of Elections online.
Robyn Nisi on Mon January 14 2008Politics/Activism 

Mapping the Familiar
Ryan Maconochie is a Chicago-based designer who loves maps. The ones he's designed for Chicago are great, especially his "Small Snack" map of Wicker Park/Ukrainian Village/East Village.
Andrew Huff on Mon January 14 2008Found on the Web 

Heavy Metal Resistance Parking Lot
You've got to hand it to a 73-year-old woman in Springfield who consistently refuses to sell her home to nearby Memorial Medical Center. As a result, her home is nestled in the cozy, welcoming hospital parking lot.
Robyn Nisi on Mon January 14 2008Found on the Web 

Metra Fares Will Still Increase
If you were hoping transit funding from Springfield would stave off Metra fare hikes, you're going to be disappointed.
David Schalliol on Mon January 14 2008Transportation 

And Now the Tribune's Turn
Following last week's Sun-Times reformatting, today's Trib is its first with a reduced page width and a redesigned logo.
David Schalliol on Mon January 14 2008Print/Magazines 

The Pants Were Off, the Cameras On
We gave you fair warning earlier this week about No Pants Day, the nationwide event where transit riders would drop their drawers for the sake of, well, being pantsless on a train. The Sun Times reported on yesterday's event, which took place on the Red Line. There's also some nice photos on the Chicago chapter's Facebook page.
Robyn Nisi on Sun January 13 2008City Life/Cultural 

Free Fish Time
The Shedd Aquarium begins "discount week" -- today through Jan. 18. General admission is free, and special exhibits like Wild Reef and the Oceanarium can be added to your ticket for a small upgrade fee. I'm totally going to see some swimmy things.
Lindsay Muscato on Sat January 12 2008City Life/Cultural 

Urschel Slicer Parts & Accessories - Cheap!
This item can be yours, along with lots more manufacturing equipment from Jays Foods Inc.'s South Side headquarters. It's all scheduled to be sold off during a public auction scheduled for Jan. 24.
Dan X O'Neil on Fri January 11 2008Business/Shopping 

Divorce Attorney Writes Column, Takes Off Clothes
Chicago attorney Corri Fetman, the woman behind the "Life's Short, Get a Divorce," billboard, is writing an online column featuring her legal take on love. She also worked in a pictorial, available to those who can't find free pictures of naked people on the Internet. Column here (NSFW).
Dan X O'Neil on Fri January 11 2008Print/Magazines 

Bears with Guns
The Legend of Cecilio Guante site recalls a time when it was okay for the Monsters of the Midway to pack heat. Clever gun positioning there, Jim.
Mr. Dan Kelly on Fri January 11 2008Sports/Recreation 

The Chicago Palate Dissected
What does it take to become a versatile eater in Chicago? Take a look at our newest Drive-Thru feature for answers.
Robyn Nisi on Fri January 11 2008Eating/Drinking 

Colorless, Tasteless and Odorless
The Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago reminds us that January is National Radon Month. Radon is the number two cause of lung cancer. During January, radon tests are free.
Mark Byrne on Fri January 11 2008Health/Fitness 

Chicago Blood Banks Need Your Help
If you have a negative blood type and are able to donate blood, please consider doing so as soon as possible. Chicago blood centers currently have a critical need for Rh-negative blood, especially O-negative and B-negative types. You can schedule an appointment through LifeSource, which runs blood banks and mobile units in the area.
Karyn Dossinger on Fri January 11 2008In the News 

How Long Will it Take?
ChicaGO, a new mapping service developed by two Loyola students, tries to give you an idea of how long it'll take to get from one point to another using the CTA.
Andrew Huff on Fri January 11 2008Transportation 

Almost a "Feel Good" Story
A 114-year-old woman registered to vote yesterday; the downside is she probably won't vote because "she doesn't know who any of the candidates are."
David Schalliol on Fri January 11 2008Politics/Activism 

Free Month at the Museum of Science and Industry
The Museum of Science and Industry is closed today, but it will reopen Saturday and introduce free general admission for the remainder of the month. Happy 75th!
David Schalliol on Fri January 11 2008City Life/Cultural 

An End to "Doomsdays"?
The Senate and the House just approved a long-term plan to aid the CTA. Relief is in the air - provided Blago doesn't veto. If you'd like to give the Gov your two cents about transit, call (217) 782-6830 or email, asking that he sign the bill.
Jaime Calder on Thu January 10 2008Transportation 

Proposed Phone Tax
The Cook County Board of Commissioners is proposing a $4/month, $48/year tax on all phones — land, cell, cable and otherwise. The tax would also increase with inflation — at five years, your total amount paid would be over $250 a phone. Read more at NoPhoneTax.org. Update: Outside the Loop Radio will discuss the likelihood of the tax's success along with other taxes proposed at the end of 2007 on Friday's show. Look for Episode 68 on the main page around noon or listen to WLUW at 6pm.
Naz Hamid on Thu January 10 2008In the News 

To Service and Protect
Freakonomics guru and U of C prof Steven Levitt and collaborator Sudhir Venkatesh have determined that 3 percent of all "transactions" performed by prostitutes in Chicago are free samples granted the boys in blue to avoid arrest.
Mr. Dan Kelly on Thu January 10 2008Found on the Web 

We Want Geeks
Organizers of Chicago's Tech Cocktail are starting the "Bring CES to Chicago" movement, after learning that the consumer electronics trade show -- the largest in the U.S., and underway as we type -- might be leaving its usual spot, Las Vegas. The Cocktail guys discuss their campaign for the masses as any savvy technogeek would: via BlogTV. To join in on the fun, you can email the T-Cocktail guys here.
Lauri Apple on Thu January 10 2008Found on the Web 

Cornbleet Case Update
Over at The Outfit, Kevin Guilfoile provides a good deal of new info on the Hans Peterson/Dr. David Cornbleet murder case.
Andrew Huff on Thu January 10 2008Weblogs 

Chicago Architects Win AIA Honors
Two area firms, Vinci | Hamp and Roszak/ADC, have earned AIA Honor Awards for their work with the Illinois State Capitol [pdf] and the Roszak private residence [pdf], respectively.
David Schalliol on Thu January 10 2008Arts/Architecture 

San Francisco Mayor Green-Poaches from Daley
San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom hired Astrid Haryati, formerly Chicago's Assistant to the Mayor for Green Initiatives to "make sure the greening of our urban landscape is not an afterthought but is central to all of our activities."
Dan X O'Neil on Wed January 9 2008Politics/Activism 

Now That's Tall
The NYT has a profile on Chicago native Kenny George, a Latin School grad who is 7 feet 7, 360 pounds, with size 26 shoes.
Dan X O'Neil on Wed January 9 2008Sports/Recreation 

U + Chicago = Awesome
Congrats to Carlos Kenig of UChicago, recipient of the 2008 Bôcher Prize in mathematics for "important contributions to...nonlinear dispersive partial differential equations." Where's my prize for typing that correctly?
Vince Jose Cancasci on Wed January 9 2008Schools/Education 

Busking Underground
The Chi-Town Daily News looks into the lives of musicians in the CTA subway.
Andrew Huff on Wed January 9 2008People/Sightings 

Gary to Columbus (Sky)bus
Folks flying to Columbus will soon have an option other than Southwest at Midway -- Skybus at Gary. (I think I'll stick with Midway, thanks.)
Andrew Huff on Wed January 9 2008Transportation 

Forget to Register to Vote?
The official voter registration deadline has passed, but there's a grace period in effect until January 22. You'll have to register in person and vote at the Chicago Board of Elections headquarters.
Karyn Dossinger on Wed January 9 2008Politics/Activism 

Further Changes for the Sun-Times
Following recent job cuts, the Sun-Times moved to a slightly smaller format yesterday.
David Schalliol on Wed January 9 2008Print/Magazines 

Barack Doc Cancelled
The Reader's film blog reports on one of the down sides to Barack Obama's big showing in Iowa: the Gene Siskel Film Center's cancellation of screenings of Senator Obama Goes To Africa, a documentary of Obama's visit to the African continent in 2006. If you still want to see the movie, it's available on DVD, and there's a short clip on YouTube.
Jim Allenspach on Tue January 8 2008Film 

For Those Who Resolved To Read More in '08
The Short Story Reading Challenge is just beginning to hum over at this group blog. Post reviews and reading lists, share your favorite passages, get excited about bite-sized fiction.
Lindsay Muscato on Tue January 8 2008Books/Authors 

The Great Lakes are Great!
Author and GB contributor Ted McClelland makes a case in Salon for why folks in the Sun Belt should move up to Chicago and other Great Lakes cities.
Andrew Huff on Tue January 8 2008City Life/Cultural 

Michel Gondry @ the Apple Store Tonight
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind director Michel Gondry will be discussing his new film, Be Kind Rewind at the Apple Store at 679 N. Michigan tonight from 7 to 8pm. Time Out Chicago's Ben Kenigsberg will be moderating the event.
Robyn Nisi on Tue January 8 2008Film 

Recycle This
I saw several stacks of discarded holiday trees sitting while walking by several alleyways in my neighborhood tonight. Before you haul your tree to the garbage, think about a city-spondored opportunity to put your tree to good use this Saturday by participating in the "Turn Green into Blue" events at several city parks, where you can receive your choice of blue bags, a reuseable water bottle, or compact fluorescent bulbs in exchange for the tree (or a bag of recyclables).
Robyn Nisi on Tue January 8 2008Outdoors/Environment 

No Pants, No Problem
If you're familiar with the New York-based group Improv Everywhere, you know about their annual No Pants event, where dozens of straight-faced folks ride without their trousers on the subway for the amusement of bystanders. IE is taking the event nationwide this year, so if you're interested in knowing what the creepy fabric on CTA seats feels like on your bare, defenseless skin, join your comrades this Saturday afternoon at the Loyola Red Line (more details TBA).
Robyn Nisi on Tue January 8 2008City Life/Cultural 

Bread, Cookies and Cakes are Served Soggy
Aramark and the Kane County Sheriff are being sued by three inmates for $2,000,000 in damages due to food being "insufficient" on a variety of measures, including nutrition, sanitation and sogginess.
David Schalliol on Tue January 8 2008Politics/Activism 

Been Nice Knowin' Ya, "Whad'Ya Know?"
WBEZ has given quiz show "Whad'Ya Know?" its walking papers. The Madison, Wis.-based show aired on Chicago Public Radio for 22 years.
Karyn Dossinger on Mon January 7 2008Radio/TV 

City Employee Arrested for Stealing Food
Tracy Buckley, a supervising investigator for the city Office of the Inspector General, was charged with stealing food from a Northwest side Whole Foods this past Saturday. Buckley has worked for the city office for almost 14 years.
Robyn Nisi on Mon January 7 2008Found on the Web 

"This Is What Democracy Looks Like"
The president's visit to Chicago today hasn't gone without the arrest of four demonstrators.
Mark Byrne on Mon January 7 2008Politics/Activism 

An 8-Hour Workday and No Time for Facebook
This afternoon, the cruel overlords at Chicago Sketchfest gave teams of performers a mere 8 hours in which to write, direct and rehearse an entire 30-minute sketch show. Tonight, see what the teams cooked up: Octasketch, 8pm at Theatre Building Chicago; tickets are $5.
Lindsay Muscato on Mon January 7 2008Theatre/Dance 

Studying Chicago's Prostitutes
At the American Economic Association's annual meeting, held over the weekend in New Orleans, University of Chicago economist Steve Levitt and sociologist Sudhir Venkatesh of Columbia University presented their preliminary work on a study focused on data collected from more than 100 Chicago prostitutes. Some of the scholars' findings: that prostitutes work 11 to 12 hours a week and make between $25- to $35-an-hour; and that condoms were used in only five percent of 2,000 transactions. According to portfolio.com, Levitt and Venkatesh's full results will be featured in the upcoming sequel to Freakonomics.
Lauri Apple on Mon January 7 2008Found on the Web 

He Travels in Style
If, like me, you happened to be walking around the Northwest side this morning and ended up standing agape at a couple tandem rotor choppers barreling downtown roughly over the Kennedy; you can thank our Pres.
Vince Jose Cancasci on Mon January 7 2008People/Sightings 

A Less Than Ideal Choice
The American Dialect Society recently chose "subprime" as the word of 2007 at a recent meeting in Chicago, the BBC reports. Other cited words included tapafication -- defined by the BBC as "the tendency of restaurants to serve food in many small portions, like tapas" -- and "wrap rage," or "[the] anger brought on by the inability to open a factory-sealed package."
Lauri Apple on Mon January 7 2008In the News 

Late Registration
If you're not registered to vote, you have till tomorrow (Jan. 8) to do it, and it's going to be a hassle. (I'd say check here to see if you're registered, but the form appears to be broken.) Details on last-minute registration after the jump...
• Download a PDF voter registration application from the Chicago Board of Elections website, or at any public library.
• Register at any Illinois Secretary of State driver’s license facility.
• Register in-person at City Hall or the Chicago Election Board offices, 69 W. Washington, Suite 600, from 9am to 5pm, or until midnight on the 8th.
Andrew Huff on Mon January 7 2008Politics/Activism 

Olympic Press Conferences Can Get Hairy
Word to the wise for any Chicago Olympic bid officials: keep your own house in order. The wife of a sportscaster involved in the planning of the upcoming Olympics in Beijing hijacked his press conference and let his infidelity cat out of the bag. Includes video.
Dan X O'Neil on Mon January 7 2008Sports/Recreation 

$15,739
You may want to check your I-PASS balance.
David Schalliol on Mon January 7 2008Transportation 

Human Capital Stats (or, 25 to 34 Counts as Young)
Crain's points out some stats on Chicago's human capital for us to enjoy: Chicago ranks first amongst US Cities in concentration of young people (25-34) who live within 3 miles of downtown, and is second (to NYC) in the number of young people who have college degrees.
Shaz Rasul on Sun January 6 2008In the News 

Upward Globility
As Chicago tries to rise in the global marketplace, Crain's has some suggestions how to improve its image.
Andrew Huff on Sun January 6 2008Business/Shopping 

DIY Green Building
We've pointed to Green Bean before -- the blog run by Erik Olsen, the Green Projects Administrator for the City of Chicago. Today he writes of a remarkable DIY green building project run by two brothers in the South Chicago neighborhood. Their use of reclaimed old growth forest wood framing, hardwood flooring, sub-flooring and joists to make cabinets, patch floors, and frame out new triple-glazed windows is a welcome change from the bulldoze-and-build crowd.
Dan X O'Neil on Sun January 6 2008Arts/Architecture 

The Prozac Milkshake, Please
Today's New York Times Style section picks up on an increasingly popular article subject: The growing discontent among today's overworked lawyers and doctors, and employers' attempts to stop staffers from quitting. Partners at big law firm Perkins Coie's Chicago office, for example, have formed a "happiness committee" to offer snack items such as candy apples and milkshakes to their associates.

But such measures seem like generic band-aids (which always fall off!) on a complex problem: According to the Times, firms lose nearly 20% of their associates in any given year, and the same percentage of lawyers will suffer depression at some point in their careers.
Lauri Apple on Sun January 6 2008In the News 

For Want of a Muse
It's easy to fall into a slump this time of year -- which is all the more reason to check out the newly launched Library of Inspiration.
Andrew Huff on Sat January 5 2008Found on the Web 

Too Much Free Time
Curious Chicagoan Branden Dixon, 27, earned himself two counts of felony disorderly conduct after making two fake 911 calls, the Chicago Tribune reports. "Police said Dixon made the calls on his cell phone because he wanted to watch officers respond to emergencies," the paper says. Dixon might be the only American man who does not watch enough reality television.
Lauri Apple on Sat January 5 2008In the News 

Woe is We Commuters
How bad is the CTA's budget crisis? Bad enough to catch the attention of The Economist. (Thanks, Jill!)
Andrew Huff on Fri January 4 2008Transportation 

No Sun in These Times for 40
The Chicago Sun-Times announced plans today to cut 35 union and five non-union newsroom jobs. Meanwhile, the paper reports that the nation's jobless rate has climbed to five percent. Um, Crappy New Year ...
Lauri Apple on Fri January 4 2008In the News 

Wing Nuts Beware
Fiery food fans will be flocking to Jake Melnick's Corner Tap to take on their new hot wings tossed in Red Savina pepper sauce, the second hottest pepper in the world.
Andrew Huff on Fri January 4 2008Eating/Drinking 

More Box Seats, Advertising at Wrigley Field
The city's opaque Department of Planning and Development, which controls development of and rehabilitation of landmark buildings and areas, has approved an additional 70 "bullpen box seats" and more digital signage.
Dan X O'Neil on Fri January 4 2008Arts/Architecture 

The Nightmare Before Christmas
Two cleaning women were trapped in a stuck elevator in a Niles office building for two days, surviving on two cough drops and six aspirin before an employee discovered them on Christmas Eve.
Robyn Nisi on Fri January 4 2008Found on the Web 

What are You Getting From the Doctor?
According to a recent U of C study, 48% of Chicago doctors surveyed gave placebos to patients. Only 12% were against the practice.
David Schalliol on Fri January 4 2008Health/Fitness 

Go "Down"
The Reader brings us word that a radical Italian theatre company is looking for 40 dudes to come on stage and beat a young lady with pillows. Oh, don't give me that -- it's for art! Check it out for more info on the company, the performance and how to apply. Watch out for those feathers.
Shylo Bisnett on Fri January 4 2008Arts/Architecture 

Eating Well in Utah
Chris Brunn takes on the task of finding vegan eats in Utah in this week's Drive-Thru feature, and is not disappointed with the results. Click here to read his tale.
Robyn Nisi on Fri January 4 2008Eating/Drinking 

2007 Chicago Book in Review
This week the GB Book Club has its annual round-up of Chicago books published in the past year, including fiction by local authors and nonfiction books about our city. From mysteries to graphic novels, and from water tanks to horror movie TV shows, the list reveals another strong year for local talent.
Alice Maggio on Thu January 3 2008Gapers 

Obama Wins the Iowa Caucus
With more than 75% of the votes in, it looks like Obama will take the caucus.
David Schalliol on Thu January 3 2008Politics/Activism 

Need a Thesis Topic for Your PhD?
Here's a potential lead: According to Crain's 2008 Book of Lists, Chicagoans of "mixed race" use their cell phones more than any other demographic group (putting in 1,469 minutes per month), followed by blacks (1,365), Asian/Pacific Islanders (1,171) and whites (638). Local Native Americans use their cell phones least, at 243 minutes (oh, and thank Telephia for the stats). Anyone have any theories? Well, come back with some research results for us in 2010 or thereabouts, m'kay?
Lauri Apple on Thu January 3 2008In the News 

Novak Vulgarity
Conservative Sun-Times columnist Robert Novak, outer of Valerie Plame, puts forth a theory about Hillary Clinton's political strategy under the possibly offensive headline, "Hillary's premature triangulation."
Dan X O'Neil on Thu January 3 2008Print/Magazines 

Murder Rates Down
As expected, with 442 murders recorded in 2007, Chicago's homicide tally is at its lowest in 40 years. That's good...right?
Jaime Calder on Thu January 3 2008In the News 

Street Art Spotting
If it's too cold to stroll, you can still check out your favorite street artists -- indoors at New'd. Artist Artillery curates a show at the new/used clothing shop each month. Currently, he's showing blutt work. Next month, it's tiptoe and Saro.
Shylo Bisnett on Thu January 3 2008Arts/Architecture 

Happy Sketchfestivus!
As noted in this week's GB Podcast and posted below, tonight is the start of the Chicago Sketchfest. The Bastion is a good resource for knowing what's worth seeing.
Andrew Huff on Thu January 3 2008Theatre/Dance 

New Year, Same Old CTA Funding Problems
"Attend more special sessions of the General Assembly" was apparently not on many Illinois lawmakers' 2008 resolutions lists. Due to sparse attendance at yesterday's meetings, little progress has been made to solve the CTA's funding troubles, and unless something happens soon transit riders will once again have to worry about major service cuts.
Karyn Dossinger on Thu January 3 2008In the News 

O'Hare is the Number Two
O'Hare is still the second-busiest airport in the nation, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. Atlanta's Hartsfeld-Jackson airport has been the busiest for the last three years due to increased travel needs in the area and advertising efforts by Atlanta-hubbed airlines Delta and Air Tran (which used to be the deadly ValuJet Airlines, FYI).
Robyn Nisi on Thu January 3 2008Found on the Web 

Someone Isn't Paying Attention at Work
I've been fighting making this post, but I must acquiesce. It seems the gold rally and the Chicago Board of Trade's rising wheat, corn and other commodity prices have something do to with a man's mugshot.
David Schalliol on Thu January 3 2008Stuff 

The Witch Reaches New Heights
Wicked, which celebrated its 1000th show at the Oriental Theatre in November, grossed $1.4 million between Dec. 24 and Dec. 30, breaking two box office records: its own and Chicago's.
Mark Byrne on Thu January 3 2008Theatre/Dance 

Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival Opening Night
The seventh annual Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival opens tonight, showcasing the best in sketch comedy from around Chicago and across the globe (actually just the US and Canada). Check out the full schedule and randomly select a wacky-sounding ensemble to see. The festival runs through January 13 at Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 W. Belmont. For ticket info, call the box office at (773) 327-5252.
Amy Carlton on Thu January 3 2008Theatre/Dance 

Really?
Bloggers, especially local ones, are buzzing about an incident in which a Rogers Park lawyer is alleged to have keyed the car of a marine about to be deployed to Iraq, possibly for political reasons.
Vince Jose Cancasci on Wed January 2 2008Politics/Activism 

An Art Attack from Smoking
Now that the smoking ban is in effect, what to do with all of those leftover ash trays? West Town Tavern chef Susan Goss is currently collecting some of them for use in an "Ashes to Art" exhibition which will feature creations by local artists. The exhibition, to be held at The Architrouve and benefitting Erie Neighborhood House, is slated to open February 19.
Ken Green on Wed January 2 2008Arts/Architecture 

Bush Headed to Chicago
President Bush is slated to appear in Chicago on Monday to celebrate the anniversary of his No Child Left Behind Act. Why Chicago? "Pizza?", suggested his press secretary.
Ken Green on Wed January 2 2008In the News 

Jasper Johns' Shades of Gray
This week is your last chance to view Jasper Johns: Gray at the Art Institute. The special exhibition, which closes on Sunday, showcases Johns' use of the color gray as a "statement of skepticism, quietude, or anticipation." Besides being a critically acclaimed artist, Johns also guest starred as himself in a 1999 episode of "The Simpsons" entitled "Mom and Pop Art."
Karyn Dossinger on Wed January 2 2008Arts/Architecture 

New Year, New Book Club
As the Gapers Block Book Club heads into its fourth year, we have a full list of books to read in 2008, starting with our January selection, Never a City So Real by Alex Kotlowitz. Read the introduction to Never a City So Real on the Book Club blog now, then read the book and join us on Monday, January 14 at The Book Cellar at 7:30pm to talk about the book.
Alice Maggio on Wed January 2 2008Gapers 

Modular Housing of the Future
If you haven't checked it out already, you may want to swing by the Chicago Center for Green Technology and check out elementhouse, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign entry in the 2007 Solar Decathlon.
David Schalliol on Wed January 2 2008Outdoors/Environment 

Not in Kansas
Sarah Paretsky left behind her famed Chicago detective V.I. Warshawski for the first time in the new Bleeding Kansas. According to the Sun-Times, she should have stayed in the city.
Andrew Huff on Tue January 1 2008Books/Authors 

The Magic of America
The NY Times draws attention to Marion Mahony Griffin, the first licensed female architect in Illinois and primary illustrator of Frank Lloyd Wright's Wasmuth Portfolio, among other achievements. Visit her 1,600 page memoir for more background.
David Schalliol on Tue January 1 2008Arts/Architecture