April 2008

What May Day Will Bring

May 1^st is becoming synonymous with immigrant rights. The last two years saw massive demonstrations as immigrants and their allies responded to an increasingly hostile political landscape. Tomorrow’s rally will kick off at Union Park, and while no one is expecting the massive crowds of ‘06 or ‘07, the continuing challenge of immigration reform promises to draw a broad coalition.

Help Our Furry Friends in the South
Our neighbors to the south, in Marion, Indiana need some help. The Marion-Grant County Humane Shelter is closing down at the end of May or early June and all animals need to go to a loving home. Unfortunately, any animals still at the shelter at its time of closing will be euthanized. There are some dogs whose status is urgent and photos and more details on those dogs can be found here. If you're looking to adopt and dog or cat and can find your way down to Marion, Indiana, please consider this an option.
Naz Hamid on Wed April 30 2008Offbeat/Misc. Events 

50,000 Pounds of Smoked Ribs ...
with "no sauce."
David Schalliol on Wed April 30 2008Transportation 

Red Bull or Just Bull?
The makers of Red Bull have won a six-figure settlement in a lawsuit against the local nightclub Wet for passing off a generic energy drink as their more famous product in their cocktails. The nightclub's website is strangely unavailable.
Ken Green on Wed April 30 2008Music/Clubs 

'Hell' Coming to Chicago
Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey, of "Hell's Kitchen" fame, is set to open a restaurant here in Chicago. Will it have yelling and non-yelling sections?
Ken Green on Wed April 30 2008Eating/Drinking 

The City from Far Above
Continuing on the aerial view theme, Chicago from space, by day and night. [via]
Andrew Huff on Wed April 30 2008Photography 

NU Senior In Career Mode
Meet Lee Linderman, the Northwestern student currently ranked 150th out of 6 million Guitar Hero III players.
Jim Allenspach on Wed April 30 2008Offbeat/Misc. Events 

The Streets of Chicagoland (and Beyond)
Ben Fry is an expert on data visualization. He recently created a map of all the roads in the United States; this closeup of the Midwest shows just how dense the pavement is around Chicagoland.
Andrew Huff on Tue April 29 2008Found on the Web 

Harold!

On this day 25 years ago, Harold Washington was sworn in as mayor of Chicago, the first African-American to ascend to that seat. ArchPundit has been remembering the man all day today.

Road News: Potholes and Bus Lanes
IDOT is so overwhelmed by the volume and severity of potholes that it's hiring contractors to help catch up on the repairs. Meanwhile, CTA buses will soon get dedicated lanes, prepay kiosks at busy stops and other upgrades to help reduce congestion downtown.
Andrew Huff on Tue April 29 2008Transportation 

Cruise to Receive Harsh Welcome Outside Harpo
Tom Cruise will be visiting Harpo Studios May 5, and a group of anti-Scientologists will be waiting for him.
Andrew Huff on Tue April 29 2008People/Sightings 

Alright, Stick 'Em Up(town)
Uptown Update has the lowdown on some of John Dillinger's hangouts in Uptown, including his last stop: the neighborhood funeral home.
Ken Green on Tue April 29 2008City Life/Cultural 

Our Kind of Guy
Chicago blues icon Buddy Guy gets the tribute treatment when he's honored during the Great Performers of Illinois Festival July 20 at Millennium Park. Grammy winner Jimmie Vaughn will headline the free (yes, FREE) concert as part of the three-day music festival.
Ken Green on Tue April 29 2008Music/Clubs 

Taste's DC Preview Far Better than the Real Thing
What a different creature Taste of Chicago would be if Rick Bayless, Shawn McClain, Art Smith and other top chefs had booths here and not just in DC.
Andrew Huff on Tue April 29 2008Eating/Drinking 

Say It Ain't So...
Close to 90 paintings from the Art Institute of Chicago's collection of Impressionist art are heading to Texas, where they'll be displayed at the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth. The good news: they'll be back in time for the winter holidays.
Deb Oestreicher on Tue April 29 2008Arts/Architecture 

Congestion Pricing in Chicago?
The federal government will likely give Chicago a grant to study innovative traffic reduction techniques in the city. Among the options to be considered are increased parking charges in specific locations and congestion pricing, which notably recently went out in a blaze of glory in New York.
David Schalliol on Tue April 29 2008Transportation 

The Wright Stuff
Former Trinity United Church of Christ senior pastor Rev. Jeremiah Wright continued his media blitz with a speech at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. (in which he slammed Dick Cheney's military credentials, or lack thereof). But a Washington Post columnist offers another perspective on Wright.
Ken Green on Mon April 28 2008In the News 

Another Perspective on the Shootings
After hearing Da Mare, the New York Times, and so many others comment on how difficult the recent shootings in Chicago have been, it was interesting to hear the story of a Chicagoan who knew one of the recent victims.
Brian Sobolak on Mon April 28 2008In the News 

First Coyotes, Then Cougars and Now...
...horses, one of which escaped from the Noble Horse Theater in Old Town early this morning and wandered the streets for a while. Our new city slogan: "Chicago: Where the Zoo Comes to You."
Ken Green on Mon April 28 2008In the News 

(Water) Guns That Kill
It's rather vague to me how this all works, but if you want to chase people around for three weeks and 'kill' them with water, then join the Chicago Assassins in their upcoming June bout of secret agents and water guns.
Brian Sobolak on Mon April 28 2008Offbeat/Misc. Events 

Chocolate Gum?
The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Mars, Inc. (makers of Snickers and M&Ms) and Berkshire Hathaway (Warren Buffett's company) have made a $22 billion bid for the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co. (If only we could get them to buy the Cubs along with it.)
Andrew Huff on Mon April 28 2008Business/Shopping 

That Death-Defying Cab Ride Just Got More Expensive
Beginning today, taxi drivers will be adding a $1.00 surcharge to cab fares to compensate for rising fuel costs.
Robyn Nisi on Mon April 28 2008Transportation 

Has it Come to This? Yes, it Has
The New York Times wrote a profile on Operation Safe Passage, the volunteer group that escorts students to Crane Technical High School each day as a response to the March shooting one block from the school that left a student dead.
Robyn Nisi on Sun April 27 2008In the News 

Pitchfork on the Prowl
The final version of the Pitchfork Festival's lineup was released to the unwashed masses yesterday; the July 18-20 event will feature Spoon, Spiritualized, Dinosaur Jr, Public Enemy (playing It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back in its entirety), and Hold Steady. In related news, Business Week estimated that the Pitchfork site annually yields an estimated $5 million in ad revenue. Good year for the roses!
Robyn Nisi on Sun April 27 2008Music/Clubs 

Semi Hits Chinatown/Cermak Red Line Station
A semi-truck hit the north stairwell of the Chinatown/Cermak Red Line station around 5:20pm today; reportedly two people have been killed and many more injured. If you're heading that way, take an alternate route, as the area is swarmed with emergency response and the trains are delayed. Very sad.
Robyn Nisi on Fri April 25 2008Transportation 

The Helen Shiller Memorial Caucus

It wasn’t long ago that the City Clerk could update his website with a copy-and-paste of a previous City Council meeting’s roll call, because everyone simply voted the same way. Now an emerging bloc of aldermen is making his job harder by defying the Mayor with regularity. Dubbing themselves the “Independent Caucus,” they’re championing liberal causes, and testing the limits of their own power and resolve. Progress Illinois looks back on year one.

This Mother’s Day, Make Mom Proud …
And, more importantly, show up your siblings, by eschewing the half-wilted, unsustainably harvested bunch of red carnations you always get her, in favor of a beautiful card showcasing Chicago’s community gardens. Your $25 donation to NeighborSpace, a nonprofit urban land trust that protects many of Chicago’s urban oases, gets Mom the card and an invitation to a fall tour of city gardens. Slackers, take note: card orders must be received by Tuesday, May 6, at 10 a.m.
Mandy Burrell on Fri April 25 2008City Life/Cultural 

Barrel of Awesomeness
Kids write stories. The Barrel of Monkeys theater group performs these stories for audiences of kids and grown-ups. The group just launched a web site with a searchable story archive... which means you can read stuff like what I'm reading: a poem that begins, "If you ever run into a piece of barbecued chicken, run away as fast as you can to China."
Lindsay Muscato on Fri April 25 2008Found on the Web 

Babes, Bullets, and Brass Knuckles
The Windy City Pulp and Paper Convention starts today in Lombard. The Chicago area has an admirable pedigree in the story of pulp fiction, being the birthplace of writers like Edgar Rice Burroughs and magazines like Weird Tales. Gotta love those tawdry covers.
Mr. Dan Kelly on Fri April 25 2008Books/Authors 

Cougar's Remains on File at Field Museum
If you read the article in the Red Eye about the remains of the cougar recently shot in Roscoe Village, you only got half the story. The full article (with some rather vivid details) on the Trib's site, walks you through the preparation of the skeleton and hide for study at the Field Museum.
Anne Holub on Fri April 25 2008In the News 

Ka-chonk! Ping ping ping! Clickety-clickety-clickety! Tilt.
The New York Times has a story on Melrose Park's Stern Pinball, Inc., the last of the coin-op pinball game manufacturers
Mr. Dan Kelly on Fri April 25 2008Business/Shopping 

The Real Top Chefs
This week's Drive-Thru feature is about local business Fig Catering, which makes the kind of inventive food you'd expect in a good restaurant.
Robyn Nisi on Fri April 25 2008Eating/Drinking 

Fireworks, Horses and an Iraqi
Teaser for Season 2 of This American Life, which premieres May 4 on Showtime.
Jim Allenspach on Thu April 24 2008Radio/TV 

Rust Never Sleeps (Or Goes Out of Style)
After pioneering the "oxidized look" for some of its buildings (most notably the Daley Center), Chicago architects are turning once again to self-weathering metals that purposely rust.
Ken Green on Thu April 24 2008Arts/Architecture 

Gas Costs Add To CTA Woes

The rise in fuel prices over the last few years may cause the CTA more operating budget pain on top of its recent funding challenges. Sen. Dick Durbin, who is asking the Federal Trade Commission to investigate changes in the price of oil, says that the transit agency may be on the hook for an additional $25 million in diesel and other fuels this year.

A Tale of Three Blogs
...and some very cool furniture.
Andrew Huff on Thu April 24 2008Weblogs 

Bike to Artropolis, Get in Free
A ticket to this weekend's Artropolis, the international art show at The Merchandise Mart, is normally $20 for a one-day pass, but if you bike to the event you'll get free admission to Art Chicago, NEXT, The Merchandise Mart International Antiques Fair, The Artist Project and The Intuit Show of Folk and Outsider Art. That's a whole lot of art to look at for free, people! Just park your bike in the racks when you arrive and check in at the South Lobby Concierge Desk to get your ticket.
Karyn Dossinger on Thu April 24 2008Arts/Architecture 

Deadly Shootings Threaten Olympic Bid
As the city copes with yet another senseless killing (detailed here in this AP report on YouTube), reports say the murder wave could have another consequence - it could wipe out Chicago's bid for the 2016 Olympics.
Ken Green on Thu April 24 2008In the News 

Volunteer Your Skills
We know that a big portion of you, our dear readers, work in advertising, design and marketing. If you're looking to put your skills to use through volunteer opportunities, consider joining the ranks of the Arts & Business Council or the Taproot Foundation. Help non-profits while expanding your professional network.
Shylo Bisnett on Thu April 24 2008Arts/Architecture 

Giggles and Depressed Bacon
Bowl licking, a trip to Second City, and asparagus doesn't keep it up in this week's Top Chef recap over at Drive-Thru.
Robyn Nisi on Thu April 24 2008Eating/Drinking 

Do Your Parents Know You're Ramones?
The next Sound Opinions movie night is coming on Friday, May 9th, and it's a good one: Rock'n'Roll High School, which pits The Ramones against an evil principal played by Mary Woronov. Amazingly, Ms. Woronov will be in attendance at the screening for Q&A about the film (how DID they get that paper airplane in Paul Bartel's ear?). Tickets available at the Chicago Public Radio Website.
Jim Allenspach on Wed April 23 2008Film 

Weigh In On The Region's Future

Urban planners project that Chicagoland will be home to approximately 2.8 million more people by the year 2040. They'll have live and work somewhere. The agency in charge of deciding how to accommodate this growth wants your input over the next year for the development of their official plan, which will start to be implemented by 2010. 2009 is also the 100th anniversary of Daniel Burnham's Plan of Chicago.

Listen Up, Drunkie
This week marks the beginning of the annual 2nd Story Festival, wherein writer/performers regale you with tales, accompanied by a DJ. Organizers predict that over the course of the festival, they'll serve 5,000 glasses of wine. Place bets now on how many will be yours.
Lindsay Muscato on Wed April 23 2008Eating/Drinking 

Gapers Block Book Club May Selection
The GB Book Club is now reading The Grass Dancer by Susan Power for our May meeting. Find out more about the novel by checking out the introduction to the book on our blog. Then read The Grass Dancer and join us on Monday, May 19 at The Book Cellar for our discussion.
Alice Maggio on Wed April 23 2008Gapers 

Let's Play Two
A look at the rare Chicago vs. New York City baseball "double-header" we had in town yesterday, from a New York Times perspective.
Ken Green on Wed April 23 2008Sports/Recreation 

The Repercussions of Prison
Catalyst and the Chicago Reporter both focused recently on the effects of incarceration on the families and children of prisoners.
Andrew Huff on Wed April 23 2008City Life/Cultural 

Signs of Trouble for the Chicago Spire?
Garrett Kelleher's development group didn't meet property tax filing deadlines in March. Is it a sign of trouble, or is everything moving along just fine?
David Schalliol on Wed April 23 2008Arts/Architecture 

No Ebert in Ebertfest
Roger Ebert's 2008 Film Festival begins tonight in Urbana, IL but the film critic won't be attending this year. He explains in his Sun-Times blog that he decided not to make the journey after recently fracturing his hip. Get well soon, Roger!
Jim Allenspach on Wed April 23 2008Film 

UIC's Contribution to Star Wars
The Electronics Visualization Lab at UIC has a YouTube channel with videos of their many computer graphics and video experiments. One in particular is worth checking out: a making-of video from 1977 describing how animator Larry Cuba created those Death Star simulations in Episode IV. (via)
Jim Allenspach on Wed April 23 2008Film 

You Don't Need an Eye Exam
OK, maybe you do -- but not just because you passed by a Chicago Sun-Times box today, and thought that the front page text was backwards. It really was backwards -- an attempt to draw attention to a campaign to stop gun violence against children. "Turning our backs doesn't help," the paper reasoned.
Lauri Apple on Tue April 22 2008In the News 

The End of an Era
The last neighborhood tavern in Wrigleyville is on the verge of closure. Farewell to the Nisei Lounge.
Anne Holub on Tue April 22 2008Eating/Drinking 

Watching Uptown
Two sites have their sights set on Uptown: Uptown Update and the Chicago Uptown Crime Blotter. The former looks at events both positive and negative in the neighborhood (although sadly, it's mostly negative), while the latter acts as a near-realtime tracker of criminal activities, pulled from eye-witness reports and police scanner activity. (Thanks, Amy!)
Andrew Huff on Tue April 22 2008City Life/Cultural 

Cleaning Up In More Ways Than One
Chicago is on track to become the first city to have a street sweeper-mounted camera system. As the sweeper moves down the street it will take a take a photo of any illegally-parked vehicle and a second image of the license plate, relaying both automatically to the Department of Revenue. Strictly for traffic flow purposes, you understand.
Ken Green on Tue April 22 2008Found on the Web 

Sue-a-Bull
Don Kalant, an oral surgeon from Naperville, is suing the Chicago Bulls for injuries he suffered at the hands of the team's mascot at a February game. During a spirited high-five with Kalant, Benny the Bull reportedly tripped and hyperextended Kalant's arm, rupturing his biceps muscle.
Robyn Nisi on Tue April 22 2008Sports/Recreation 

Chicago Stolen Bike Registry
If you haven't been to the Chicago Stolen Bike Registry in a while, it's worth visiting even if you haven't lost a bike. While you're there, check out the stolen bike statistics and theft map to help you know what to look out for and where to be particularly careful. Given 99.34% of the listed thefts were unrecovered, being careful is probably the way to go.
David Schalliol on Tue April 22 2008Resources 

Two DePaul Loop Campus Buildings Evacuated
According to an email sent out to those affiliated with DePaul University, two buildings, Lewis Center and O'Malley Place, were evacuated due to bomb threats. Update: Information is also available on the DePaul website.
David Schalliol on Mon April 21 2008Schools/Education 

Macy's on State Still Sounds Wrong
There's a lot of talk about what Chicagoans want in this article about Macy's plans to customize store offerings according in some markets -- but most Chicagoans would probably still say they want Marshall Field's back.
Andrew Huff on Mon April 21 2008Business/Shopping 

Breaking Boards for Kids
I was eating lunch in the Flat Top by Harpo Studios today when a man asked permission ... to break a 2"x4" in the restaurant. It turns out the man, Ron Werstler, is representing Caring Now for Kids and came to Chicago to raise $250,000 for a girl with cystic fibrosis, perhaps by getting on Oprah.
David Schalliol on Mon April 21 2008Health/Fitness 

Chicago in Black and White
Between 1946 and 1948, Wayne Miller photographed residents of the "small town" of Chicago's black community. Buy the book here. [via]
Andrew Huff on Mon April 21 2008Photography 

Black Bird
The News Photographers Association of Canada honored Chicago by giving an award to a photo of Conrad Black during his trial. What's so notable about it? He's flipping someone the bird. What's also notable about it? It would have been so much better had the photographer bumped up the ISO rather than using a flash.
David Schalliol on Mon April 21 2008Photography 

Game Over for GTA in Chicago
Thanks in no small part to the recent rash of shootings in the city, the CTA is yanking ads for the Grand Theft Auto IV video game from buses and CTA facilities.
Ken Green on Mon April 21 2008In the News 

Mile High
What if Frank Lloyd Wright's Mile High Illinois building had actually been built here in Chicago? It might look a little like this.
Andrew Huff on Mon April 21 2008Arts/Architecture 

Recalling the Governor
There's a movement determined to add a recall provision to the Illinois constitution -- primarily so it can be used to oust Governor Blagojevich. They've been fairly successful up to now: it passed the House, but it looks like the bill won't make it out of the Senate.
Andrew Huff on Mon April 21 2008Politics/Activism 

This Date in Chicago History
On April 21, 1878 Chicago firefighter George Reid and his captain David Kenyon invented the firepole, which soon made their Engine Company 21 the first responder to Chicago fires and prompted the fire chief to order poles installed in all Chicago firehouses.
Jim Allenspach on Mon April 21 2008History 

An Especially Violent Weekend
The first real spring weekend of the year saw gun violence all over the city. Police are investigating at least 31 shootings, 6 of them fatalities. Head cop Jody Weis blamed the weather, gangs, and easy access to assault weapons.
Paul Smith on Mon April 21 2008In the News 

Let's Hang in Our Earth-Friendly Alleyway Tonight
The New York Times gave props to Chicago in its Green Issue for its Green Alleys ongoing program to resurface the city’s alleyways with environmentally friendly materials such as permeable asphalt and light-reflecting concrete.
Robyn Nisi on Mon April 21 2008City Life/Cultural 

Another Bicyclist Death
In another tragic car-bicycle accident, 22 year-old Tyler Fabeck was struck and killed early Sunday morning.
David Schalliol on Mon April 21 2008In the News 

Button Up
Carfree Chicago has launched a new line of L Stop buttons for fashionistas who are interested in displaying neighborhood pride, support for public transit, or both. The buttons' bright, bold colors are perfect for springtime.
Lauri Apple on Sat April 19 2008Found on the Web 

Happy Record Store Day!
No idea how this slipped by our notice, but today is Record Store Day. And with the plethora of great indie record stores in this fine city, you can put down the iTunes gift card for just one day and go crate-digging.
Troy Hunter on Sat April 19 2008Business/Shopping 

Chicago Rail Link To Iowa City Proposed

Amtrak says a Chicago-to-Iowa City rail line would carry 187,000 round-trip passengers a year, for a $55 million investment. National security and energy efficiency concerns have made rail lines an increasingly attractive alternative to flight for regional travel.

Rating the City's Website
Ragan Communications gives it a B-. I'm surprised it rates even that high. (Thanks, Terri!)
Andrew Huff on Fri April 18 2008Found on the Web 

A Wireless(on) at U of C Law School
The buzz is growing over The University of Chicago Law School's recent decision to cut off wireless Internet access in classrooms. Something about students chatting, checking email or playing solitare during class...
Ken Green on Fri April 18 2008Schools/Education 

"Worn in but Incredibly Hip"
Threadless' is on this list of 10 annoyingly brilliant office interiors. [via]
Andrew Huff on Fri April 18 2008Found on the Web 

Chicago of Chicago
The best sign typo ever.
Andrew Huff on Fri April 18 2008Photography 

Aftershock!
Hey, did you just feel that? There are reports of aftershocks from this morning's 5.2 earthquake coming in from around the area. The latest was a 4.5 magnitude quake that occurred around 10:15am. (Thanks, Dan!)
Anne Holub on Fri April 18 2008In the News 

$100 to Carry
The president of the Chicago Crime Commission explains how gangs get kids involved in the drug trade.
Andrew Huff on Fri April 18 2008City Life/Cultural 

Blockbuster Brackets
Movie fans would be wise to get in on Schadenfreude's Summer 2008 Movie Blockbuster Brackets.
Andrew Huff on Fri April 18 2008Film 

Earthquake? You're Kidding Me.
Alright, raise your hand if you believe that Chicago really felt tremors from this morning's earthquake in West Salem, IL. More details here.
Shaz Rasul on Fri April 18 2008In the News 

You Can Buy Prada Heels for $250...
only this time, they're Oprah's.
David Schalliol on Fri April 18 2008People/Sightings 

20080418
http://flickr.com/photos/7231910@N05/ Patrick O'Neil
David Schalliol on Fri April 18 2008 

Eating on the Cheap
Did your wallet take a hit this past Tuesday? Soothe your post-Tax Day woes with recipes from this week's Drive-Thru feature, where we eat well at little expense.
Robyn Nisi on Thu April 17 2008Eating/Drinking 

Postal Stamps More Expensive. Tramp Stamps Still Cheap.
On May 12, U.S. Postal Rates will go up - again. Sun-Times critic Kevin Nance sounds off on what this means for the publishing community.
Jaime Calder on Thu April 17 2008In the News 

Stop Looking Like a Loser Tramp
Craigslist tells us that TLC's What Not to Wear, the TV show that gives shame-based makeovers, is accepting nominees from Chicago. The post says, "Do you have a friend/ family member/ sister/ co-worker that is in desperate need of a fashion overhaul?!" No word on whether successful applications must adopt the same frantic tone.
Lindsay Muscato on Thu April 17 2008Found on the Web 

This American Cat and Girl
Cat and Girl dissects This American Life, and finds out something that says absolutely nothing about us and the way we live.
Mr. Dan Kelly on Thu April 17 2008Found on the Web 

O'Hare's Alderman
Chi-Town Daily News profiles the city's only Republican alderman, Brian Doherty of the 41st Ward.
Andrew Huff on Thu April 17 2008People/Sightings 

Biking the City
It's nice out; how 'bout a bike tour?
Andrew Huff on Thu April 17 2008Outdoors/Environment 

Report Back, Chicago
AREA Chicago is launching a new blog, Report Back, which is "dedicated to documenting events and people's impressions of them throughout Chicago." It's a bare bones site at the moment, but they'd like to change that with reader submissions.
David Schalliol on Thu April 17 2008Weblogs 

Transmission Feature: Fake Fictions
That noise you just heard didn't come from the other side of the world — it's the buzz pop musings of the Chicago band Fake Fictions, and their new album Krakatoa featured this week in Transmission.
Anne Holub on Thu April 17 2008Gapers 

Rent Relief ... in as Long as 10 Years
Given the overwhelming shortage of Section 8 housing vouchers in Chicago, the CHA's plan to hold an additional lottery is welcome news.
David Schalliol on Thu April 17 2008Politics/Activism 

Top Chef Scores a Goal in the Parking Lot
Tasty tailgate parties, cooking with beer, and cocky losers in this week's Top Chef recap over in Drive-Thru.
Robyn Nisi on Thu April 17 2008Eating/Drinking 

The County's Family Tree
Let's take a look at Cook County.
Andrew Huff on Thu April 17 2008History 

What's the Italian Word for Irony?
As Pope Benedict arrived in the US to a fanfare of presidential welcomes, he should have consulted with a PR agent before his press conference earlier today, where he decried the abuse of children by priests, saying he was "deeply ashamed" by the incidents. Why? He was introduced by Chicago's own Cardinal Francis George, who holds the titles of president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and one of America's Five Worst Cardinals (according to SNAP) for his handling of priest abuse scandals in the city's archdiocese.
Robyn Nisi on Wed April 16 2008In the News 

Not Even Close
According to the U.S. Olympic Committee chief Peter Ueberroth (and he should know, right?), Chicago is "not anywhere near first" when it comes to the bidding for the 2016 Olympics. Think about it: it's possible we're pulling up the rear with Baku, Azerbaijan (whose name, ironically, means "windy city").
Ken Green on Wed April 16 2008In the News 

Bidding on Parts of the City
Dana Levenson, the former City CFO who helped Mayor Daley auction off the Skyway and Midway Airport, is about to do the same thing in Toronto.
Andrew Huff on Wed April 16 2008In the News 

CTA Passengers, Unite!
Remember yesterday's blue line snafu? Check out images of the passenger revolt with some additional details via the NYTimes.
David Schalliol on Wed April 16 2008Transportation 

Bicycle Related Recycling
The city has put together a helpful web page about where you can recycle/donate your old unused bike (with some helpful suburban locations too) as well as link to a company who's willing to recycle bicycle tires. Since tires aren't supposed to go to a landfill, this is a huge help!
Brian Sobolak on Wed April 16 2008Transportation 

Steppenwolf Gets a Spinal Tap
Actor Michael McKean will be coming to Chicago this summer as a castmember of the Tracy Letts-penned Superior Donuts. The play runs June 19-August 17 at Steppenwolf.
Robyn Nisi on Wed April 16 2008Arts/Architecture 

What's Your Wicker Park Look Like?
Volunteers with the WPB's Community Open Houses asked the people of Wicker Park/Bucktown what they wanted to see in their neighborhood. Their responses were collected in a series of photographs on Flickr: here, here and here. A quick survey indicates a big push for a more bike-friendly area. Oh, and a toy store. Don't feel left out of the process, though, you can submit your thoughts too. [Via]
Ken Green on Tue April 15 2008City Life/Cultural 

CTA Reaches Settlement in Blue Line Derailment Case
In July 2006, after the Blue Line derailed and started a small fire near the Clark/Lake stop, 85-year old Elfa Lari suffered major injuries. Today, on the same day that the Blue Line once again had to be evacuated near the Clark/Lake stop, the agency reached an agreement to settle the case for $1.25 million.
Anne Holub on Tue April 15 2008Transportation 

Bringing The Matrix Home
Beverly area natives and Matrix creators Andy and Larry Wachowski are bringing their cutting-edge movie special effects post-production gizmos to a vacant Ravenswood building. If they reprise the Matrix series, will we finally see Neo at Neo?
Ken Green on Tue April 15 2008Film 

Rainforests, LUMA and The Cosmic Serpent
Anthropologist Jeremy Narby, author of The Cosmic Serpent, will speak at LUMA today as part of their spring exhibition, Manifest Destiny/Manifest Responsibility. BYOAyahuasca.
Jaime Calder on Tue April 15 2008Books/Authors 

Blue Line Really Down
Hope you didn't need it today: there's a train stuck at Clark & Lake, and it's shut down the line. Read a first-person account after the jump.

Shylo Bisnett reports: "My morning commute was cut short just outside Clark and Lake. The stuck-train issue was complicated by anxious passengers, some who waited more than 90 minutes or more, who opened the trains doors and took to the tracks. After a lengthy wait, the conductor of my train finally let us out onto the catwalk. We all emerged, dirty from the handrail, via a Fulton & Jefferson emergency exit. Best quote from the conductor: 'This is what happens when you have 40-year-old trains.'" Time Out has yet more firsthand coverage.
Andrew Huff on Tue April 15 2008Transportation 

Help Wanted
Do you like to rock? We're looking to add to our ranks in Transmission.
Anne Holub on Tue April 15 2008Gapers 

Have Room for a Brew Pub?
Goose Island's Clybourn Brew Pub, which it has occupied since 1988, will close by the end of the year.
David Schalliol on Tue April 15 2008Eating/Drinking 

Blues Brothers Geek Out
If you want to geek out about the Blues Brothers, and I mean really geek out, then check out this site. It has a google map that places all of the filming locations along with a history of what has happened to the site since then. (Don't forget to scroll up and see the scene that was filmed in Milwaukee.)
Brian Sobolak on Mon April 14 2008Film 

Cougar Down in Roscoe Village!
A loose cougar was found and shot near Roscoe and Hamilton earlier this evening. No word if it's the same cougar that was spotted in Wilmette.
Robyn Nisi on Mon April 14 2008In the News 

GB Book Club Turns 3
Congratulations to our very own GB Book Club, celebrating three years with tonight's meeting. Stop by if you can!
Andrew Huff on Mon April 14 2008Gapers 

Re: Your Brains
Get on the phone, code monkeys: Jonathan Coulton is coming to the Lakeshore Theater May 3! Tickets are $20; call 773-472-3492 or hit the online box office.
Andrew Huff on Mon April 14 2008Music/Clubs 

Dick's Creating Controversy in Marina City
Dick's Last Resort's plan to move into Marina City and add "garage-style" doors along the river is meeting opposition from residents.
David Schalliol on Mon April 14 2008Arts/Architecture 

Blue Line's Closed
An exploration of abandoned Blue Line stations.
Andrew Huff on Mon April 14 2008Transportation 

Chicago Resident's Book Makes it to Hollywood
At least that's where I think Pam Anderson is living. Hat tip to Anne Elizabeth Moore for sending the link, and writing the book.
Cinnamon Cooper on Mon April 14 2008Books/Authors 

Money For Chicago Church Went To School Instead
A 2006 fire destroyed the landmark Pilgrim Baptist Church in Bronzeville. That year, Gov. Blagojevich pledged $1,000,000 of state funds to aid in the rebuilding. The recipient of that money, however, wound up being the Loop Lab School on Michigan Ave. Our Auditor General may investigate the matter.
Paul Smith on Mon April 14 2008Politics/Activism 

"Conveyor Belts Speed Your Mail to Oblivion in Half the Time!"
The Modern Mechanix blog revisits the August 1931 issue, which announced the creation of the largest post office in the world. No mention is made of the building's suitability for condo conversion.
Mr. Dan Kelly on Mon April 14 2008History 

Nail That Cougar
Everyone's all kerfuffle about the recent cougar sightings (no, not that kind) in North Chicago. Yesterday, Wilmette residents spotted the big cat near the Metra station.
Shylo Bisnett on Mon April 14 2008Outdoors/Environment 

Rev Beer
Revolution Brewing, a new brewpub that is working on opening in Logan Square, has a neat description of how to move a brewpub from Michigan to Chicago in three days or less.
Brian Sobolak on Mon April 14 2008Eating/Drinking 

A-Spiring Owners
There's apparently a lot of interest in those multi-million-dollar condos in the Chicago Spire -- in Malaysia.
Andrew Huff on Mon April 14 2008Business/Shopping 

April Is The Cruelest Month
Would any other fan write poetry about their losing baseball team? I doubt the White Sox have inspired verse, but the Cubs apparently have.
Brian Sobolak on Mon April 14 2008Sports/Recreation 

Next Southbound Train in 4 Minutes; Crest Toothpaste is Great
CTA announced that digital screens that announce real-time arrival information for trains will soon be added to more stations; the signs will also display advertisements, which the CTA expects could earn millions in revenue for their coffers.
Robyn Nisi on Mon April 14 2008Transportation 

eBay Auction of the Day
The Berwyn Spindle, a bargain at $50,000 (shipping costs $100,000). The Sun-Times reports that the Spindle is still coming down to make way for a new Walgreens, so it's either going to a good home or being taken down by the current owners, who will then "take a look at our options" to see what they can do with the sculpture.
Jim Allenspach on Sun April 13 2008Arts/Architecture 

The Man, The Thumb
New York Tims film critic A.O. Scott presents an appreciation of Roger Ebert's career as a film critic. (via)
Jim Allenspach on Sun April 13 2008Film 

Sounds in Isolation
In a post about "supercuts," Waxy.org points out Chicago artist Chuck Jones's collection "Isolation Studies." (The rest of his site is worth exploring, too.
Andrew Huff on Sat April 12 2008Arts/Architecture 

These Birds Have Flown
If you're planning to buy tickets for the May 14 Flight of the Conchords performance at the Chicago Theater, you're out of luck: tickets went on sale today, and sold out in less than one hour.
Robyn Nisi on Fri April 11 2008Theatre/Dance 

More Baggage for American Airlines
As if being forced to cancel hundreds of flights weren't enough of a headache for American Airlines, the company's pilots have planned a day-long protest next Tuesday in nine cities (including Chicago) over the company's "poor performance and service".
Ken Green on Fri April 11 2008In the News 

Mayor Daley, Comedian-in-Chief
It’s been a funny week for Da Mare. Yesterday, he mused about changing the city’s motto to “City of Children.” Passionate about ‘em. More hilariously, on Wednesday, amid calls for a boycott, he said the Olympics are “not political.” Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha — what a kidder.
Paul Smith on Fri April 11 2008Politics/Activism 

Planning Ahead
2020 isn't all that far away now, so the clock has been reset to go to 2040. More about it in the Business Ledger.
Andrew Huff on Fri April 11 2008City Life/Cultural 

Elston to Wiggle
CDOT is looking at reconfiguring the accident-prone Damen-Elston-Fullerton intersection with a new Damen-Fullerton intersection that Elston would wiggle around.
Chris Brunn on Fri April 11 2008City Life/Cultural 

Turn that Slurpee into a Banana
This week's Drive-Thru feature updates us on what the Neighbors Project is doing to promote healthy eating at the many corner stores in the city.
Robyn Nisi on Fri April 11 2008Eating/Drinking 

Monuments and Murals
Swing by A/C to check out this week's double interviews with muralist Augustina Droze and Carrie Hanson, choreographer of Monument, which is currently running at Ruth Page Center for the Arts.
David Schalliol on Fri April 11 2008Gapers 

Counting Down
Jessi is solving 99 problems this year. She's five down. [via]
Andrew Huff on Thu April 10 2008Weblogs 

Next Target, Roscoe Village
Legendary Southern California-based food franchise Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles has, um, persuaded the Bronzeville-based Rosscoe's Chicken and Waffles (note the extra "s") to change their name after a court battle.
Ken Green on Thu April 10 2008Eating/Drinking 

Fish Food
Rationally, there's no reason these two businesses can't coexist.
Andrew Huff on Thu April 10 2008Business/Shopping 

Transmission Feature: Head of Femur
Chicago's Head of Femur has been on a roller coaster of a career ride. They've been praised by critics, asked to tour with superstars, and then had their label fold, leaving them in the dust. But now they've got a brand-new album, and they're once again garnering loads of lauds. Read the whole story in Transmission.
Anne Holub on Thu April 10 2008Gapers 

Braving the Elements on "Top Chef"
Visits from Ming Tsai, earthy carpaccio and free trips to Italy courtesy of bacon in this week's Drive-Thru recap of "Top Chef."
Robyn Nisi on Thu April 10 2008Eating/Drinking 

Chinese Protests Go National
While the Olympic torch was in San Francisco yesterday, the Tibetan community in Chicago was active with a protest of their own.
David Schalliol on Thu April 10 2008Politics/Activism 

Step Away From The Bird Feeder!
A suburban couple ran "a-fowl" of the law when they tried to provided sustenance for their fine feathered friends. One of the offenders compared the situation unfavorably to Communist Russia.
Ken Green on Wed April 9 2008Outdoors/Environment 

Make Your Reservations Now
The 15th Annual Dining Out for Life fundraising event is April 24.
Andrew Huff on Wed April 9 2008Eating/Drinking 

How Green Was My Parking Lot
The Illinois Sports Facilities Authority, owners of U.S. Cellular Field, recently unveiled their new eco-friendly parking lot, located at the ballpark. The bricks used allow for fast absorption of water back into the earth. Now if we could just wrap our heads around the concept of thousands of gas-guzzling cars being driven to an environmentally-friendly parking lot.
Ken Green on Wed April 9 2008Outdoors/Environment 

This Prom Gets 3½ Stars
Dig out your party dress: Yelp is throwing a prom this Saturday, April 12, and you have till tomorrow to RSVP. You need to be a Yelp member, but it's otherwise free.
Andrew Huff on Wed April 9 2008Offbeat/Misc. Events 

His View from There
WFMT critic and interviewer Andrew Patner has a blog covering the arts, classical music, and occasional forays into local politics--all in his inimitable Patnervian style.
Mr. Dan Kelly on Wed April 9 2008Music/Clubs 

Not Easy Fixes
Popular Mechanics listed the Circle Interchange and O'Hare as two of the "10 pieces of U.S. infrastructure we must fix right now." Not sure how you'd fix the Circle, but Daley's right on top of it with O'Hare... right?
Andrew Huff on Wed April 9 2008Transportation 

Prepare for the Invasion
When presented with 236 depictions of natural scenes and the like, our neighbors to the west would like us to think the following: "What the heck is this place, Wisconsin? Minnesota? Heaven?" "No," they will answer, "Iowa."
David Schalliol on Wed April 9 2008In the News 

Book Club: Middlesex Discussion Questions
The discussion questions for the GB Book Club's April selection, Middlesex, are now posted over at the Book Club page. We look forward not only to discussing this rich epic with all of you, but also to celebrating three years of Book Club! Come enjoy treats with us and wish us a happy third anniversary on Monday, April 14, at the Book Cellar at 7:30pm.
Veronica Bond on Wed April 9 2008Books/Authors 

Missing Monster Mask
Have you seen an elaborate demon mask in a styrofoam cooler? It belongs to Miss Monster, and it's gone missing after her landlord threw a bunch of her stuff in the alley.
Andrew Huff on Tue April 8 2008Arts/Architecture 

Braaaaiiinsss... Beeeerrr...
That's right, Zombie Pub Crawl. April 26 in Andersonville. $10 in advance. Be there or be eaten.
Andrew Huff on Tue April 8 2008Offbeat/Misc. Events 

ReCycle Your Bike
You know you're gonna get a new bike this Spring anyway, so give that old one away to someone who can use it. Working Bikes Cooperative will accept and refurbish your old bike at several events this month and in May at various sites around the city. Money from bikes that are sold goes toward shipping bikes and bike parts to developing countries.
Ken Green on Tue April 8 2008Politics/Activism 

Ellen is Coming, Too.
Ellen DeGeneres is bringing her show to Chicago May 3, and the suggestions of what she should do while she's here are, so far, pretty suburban. Cheesecake Factory!? Give her some better ideas, somebody. (Thanks, Veronica!)
Andrew Huff on Tue April 8 2008Radio/TV 

Flight of the Conchords Coming to Chicago
New Zealand's former fourth most popular guitar-based digi-bongo acapella-rap-funk-comedy folk duo Flight of the Conchords is coming to the Chicago Theater on Wednesday, May 14; tickets go on sale this Friday.
Robyn Nisi on Tue April 8 2008Music/Clubs 

More Free Beverages Today
Starbucks is offering a free cup of its new Pike Place Roast starting at 11am today. Hopefully the lines won't be as long as they were this morning at the Jamba Juice giveaway.
Karyn Dossinger on Tue April 8 2008Offbeat/Misc. Events 

Now That's What I Call a Winning Combination
Google has teamed up with the CTA to make planning your trip a whole lot easier.
Anne Holub on Tue April 8 2008Transportation 

Used Electronics Recycling Made Easy
Chicago is set to be a pilot city in a new USPS electronics recycling program.
David Schalliol on Tue April 8 2008Outdoors/Environment 

Pair of Pulitzers
The 2008 Pulitzer Prizes were announced today. The staff of the Chicago Tribune shared the award in the Investigative Reporting category with the New York Times, for its “Hidden Hazards” series on failed regulation of toy manufacturing. Steppenwolf ensemble member Tracy Letts took the Drama category for his original play, August: Osage County. The AP has the full list of winners.
Paul Smith on Mon April 7 2008In the News 

Take That, MTV
Pitchfork.TV is up and running, currently featuring a live recording of "Bangers and Mash" by Radiohead. Check it now, before the music videos are replaced by crappy reality programming.
Andrew Huff on