Gapers Block published from April 22, 2003 to Jan. 1, 2016. The site will remain up in archive form. Please visit Third Coast Review, a new site by several GB alumni.
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Friday, April 19
In a NYTimes op-ed, Megan Stielstra juxtaposes tonight's Chi-Town Rising event, which was once free but now costs $99-150 to attend, with the protests that are bringing people together for a very different reason. Meanwhile, Rick Perlstein writes in the New Yorker about "The Sudden But Well-Deserved Fall of Rahm Emanuel."
I'm stealing the headline from FoGB Veronica Arreola, because it is perfect. There are so many Best of lists at this time of year, but if you want to know 15 (thankfully there are far more) women who did awesome stuff in Chicago this year, then go read about them. They're all awesome.
Scott Smith writes in the Beverly Review about why fighting racism and encouraging diversity is an ongoing effort.
Speaking of new rules in the new year, here's a guide to new recycling rules that take effect on Jan. 1.
Quite a few taxes are taking effect in Chicago on Friday. If you're a litigious, gun-toting, vaping, Uber-taking, Netflix-loving property owner, things are going to get pretty expensive for you.
Chicago magazine talks with a security expert about whether a Paris-style terrorist attach could happen here.
Musician and programmer Erik Cameron tells the story of being held at gunpoint by police while walking on Wabash Avenue near the Billy Goat. It took 10 cops to figure out that the tea in his hand wasn't a gun. "Pointless escalations like this are exactly how people get shot for holding cell phones, half full cups of tea, and so on," he says.
Edgewater residents Caro D'Offay and Laura Gilmore put up an oversized letter to Santa from "Bobby" in their front yard. It's on Norwood Avenue between Broadway and Glenwood if you want to stop by.
City Bureau talks with retired black police officers about their experiences on the force and the need for a more representative police force. It's now also a good idea to review and revise the police union contract.
Jefferson Park residents are fighting over whether the neighborhood should become more urban or remain the semi-suburban enclave it currently is.
The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District posted a cool time lapse video of water filling into their new Thornton Reservoir.
Learn more about the reservoir and the Deep Tunnel -- and see lots of pictures -- in David Schalliol's tour this summer.
For years, Diane Latiker has memorialized children murdered in the city with a stone paver. There are now 574 stones. Latiker tries to give kids safe options through her organization Kids Off the Block.
Cities like Chicago were built by migrants and refugees in wave after wave. The Chicago Reporter reports on how the most recent wave is reshaping the Southwest Side.
Chicagoans are losing their distinctive accent, along with much of the rest of the Great Lakes/Rust Belt region.
Recall hearing earlier this year that median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Chicago was $1,920? That seemed pretty high -- and Daniel Kay Hertz explains why it's totally inaccurate.
Vox shares analysis of 10,000 CraigsList missed connections, and finds that Mondays, Wednesdays and Sunday mornings see the most posts in Chicago, among other trends.
Homelessness doesn't always mean living on the street, the RedEye reports. And with the City dictating what homeless people can and cannot have in shelters, many opt for other accommodations.
The Trace visualizes the flow of guns into Illinois from neighboring states. (Previously.)
As police question suspects in the murder of 9-year-old Tyshawn Lee, the Tribune makes it clear he is far from alone, putting on a map 965 victims under the age of 17 killed since 2011.
Photographer Mike Gugliuzza took pictures of people from every community area in the city. The project took two months and helped him get to know neighborhoods he'd never been to.
Four zip codes in Chicago and one in Berwyn are among the top 10 best in the country for house-flipping. Crain's Dennis Rodkin was on "The Morning Shift" yesterday to explain why.
The Clark Street hot dog stand will be known for its golden arcs this weekend as it transforms into the fictitious fast-food knockoff McDowell's from the 1988 Eddie Murphy movie "Coming to America." I wonder if King Jaffe Joffer will show up looking for his son.
Time Out asks whether Wicker Park has become the new Wrigleyville.
Black drivers in Chicago are five times more likely to be pulled over than whites, according to a NYTimes analysis. But police are more likely to find drugs and other contraband in cars driven by whites. [via]
Chicagoans have long been used to hearing that we're the second largest Polish city after Warsaw -- but is it still true? Curious City examines.
You can get discounts from energy companies [PDF] including People's Gas and ComEd for doing things like switching to a smart thermostat.
ProPublica analyzed the rate of wage garnishment for unpaid debt in Chicago, St. Louis and Newark, NJ and found that black neighborhoods are disproportionately affected. See a sample of Chicago's data.
Mayonnaise is a healthy part of your daily sandwich -- but Little Village residents worry that planned expansion of the Hellman's plant in their neighborhood may bring more pollution.
This summer, Chilean journalist Mathias Meier documented protests against the City's efforts to clear the homeless out of Uptown.
Speaking of maps, Curious City explains why some Chicago suburbs have such lofty names, despite Illinois being the second flattest state in the Lower 48.
As politicians, the police and everybody else debates how to curb the violence in the city, the Chicago Reporter looks at what research says works and what doesn't.
Landlords seem to think that it's OK to ignore the Fair Housing Ordinance (PDF) and discriminate against Section 8 voucher holders and minorities in CraigsList ads, WBEZ reports. (Need assistance against a bad landlord? Contact the Metropolitan Tenants Organization or Illinois Tenants Union.)
Nominations for this year's Jean Banchet Awards are open.
Chicago has more than 1,900 miles of alleys, more than any other city in the country. Curious City explores how the alley system came to be, and their importance in making the city livable.
The state budget stalemate has meant cuts all over -- and the latest belt-tightening comes at Choose Chicago, which is laying off staffers. CeaseFire has also seen its state funding frozen, and so it's shutting down even as its services are more and more needed.
Just days after the Washington Post ran a data analysis showing the Chicago's murder rate isn't as bad as it seems (though still bad), the Daily Beast slices and dices the numbers to compare the per-capita murder rates of single neighborhoods to those of entire countries atop the world homicide rate list.
Juliet Eldred is documenting the borders of the University of Chicago Police Department's patrol coverage, photographing and categorizing where university of police will and won't go.
This Saturday, the Illinois Solar Tour lets you into homes and buildings running on solar and other alternative energy sources. Here's a list of Chicago spots to visit.
Crain's published a guide to Chicago's other major hub of commerce, Little Village's 26th Street.
A federal appeals court ruled that Chicago's weed law stands, and property owners who allow weeds to exceed a height of 10 inches may be fined.
The Chicago Foundation for Women just launched The 100% Project, an effort to "increase women's economic security and put an end to gender bias in metropolitan Chicago by 2030."
DNAinfo has been working for weeks on a project I've always been curious about: the perceived borders of neighborhoods, as defined by their residents. They just published the results.
Dig into some hip Chicago neighborhoods with On the Grid, a design-minded guide to the city -- and several others.
South Side Weekly has delivered up the Best of the South Side 2015, its picks for great stuff in neighborhoods that usually get ignored by such lists.
The Economist looks to EXPO Chicago, among other things, as evidence the city is experiencing an artistic renaissance. Our own critic, S. Nicole Lane, was less impressed.
"Circus School at Aloft Loft," the newest 360° installment in our documentary film series, The Grid, goes up in the air with adult circus performers and enthusiasts.
Firefighters responding to a fire in a Chicago Lawn botanica discovered charred bones, prompting a call to the morgue; they were determined to be chicken bones.
Gapers Block's documentary series The Grid visited botanicas in 2013.
How heavily do the police enforce Chicago's traffic laws when it comes to bicyclists? Curious City finds out.
The collected tweets of Tribune reporters Megan Crepeau and Alexandra Chachkevitch describe what it's like covering the crime beat when there's a murder nearly every hour.
If your neighborhood happens to be Rogers Park, anyway. People of Rogers Park profiles regular people who live north of Devon and east of Ridge.
A paper titled "Thinking, Fast and Slow? Some Field Experiments to Reduce Crime and Dropout in Chicago" caught the attention of Freakonomics Radio.
A new report ranks Chicago between Tokyo and London as the seventh most expensive city in the world. The good news is, we're also 11th in terms of purchasing power. Whet Moser takes a closer look at how UBS arrived at their numbers.
Bizarre Bucktown tours the Northwest Side neighborhood's history, mysteries, and ghosts.
#24 on NeighborhoodScout's list of the country's most dangerous neighborhoods is at the intersection of S. Pulaski Rd. and W. Adams St. in West Garfield Park. Four local areas made the list back in 2013.
Hear what a wide range of Chicagoans have to say in South Side Weekly's Interview Issue.
A West Town man found strangers in his condo after his tenant/roommate listed the owner's room on Airbnb without the owner's permission or knowledge.
New to the city? Get settled in by finding a new local hangout, exploring the neighborhoods, and networking with locals.
People who live on the North Side tend to pretend the South Side doesn't exist, even though it's full of rich history and great places to visit, writes Evan F. Moore.
Two local comedians retold their experience last Sunday of being in an audience of over 2,000 men who were recruited by comedian Steve Harvey for a daylong taping of his talk show, the theme being "What Men Really Think." Harvey referred to women as "meat" and "traps"; one of the warm-up comics made a comment onstage that the room was getting too "rapey," and the event turned into a group of women onstage getting catcalled and harassed by the audience.
Chicagoans are rediscovering medieval martial arts by learning how to wield a longsword and other old-school weaponry.
Chicago ranked 15th in Travel + Leisure's ranking of the Unfriendliest Cities in America.
Chicago may lose its position as third-largest city in the country to Houston by 2030, according to a study.
Cape Horn Illustration has put together a nice poem to help remember major streets.
The Tribune tells the story of one Back of the Yards family's story as a way into the neighborhood's history of entrenched gangs and ongoing violence.
Take a look at the cost of incarcerating residents of each neighborhood on a map which argues for spending more on programs in those areas to save money later.
More affordable housing is coming to the suburbs as governments combine resources to give low-income people a chance to move to safe neighborhoods with good schools.
This year's Chicago Humanities Festival explores the idea of citizenship and how it's experienced in the age of the Internet.
Chicago Magazine's experts pick the city's best of everything from art restorers to dog whisperers.
People on the North and South ends of the City are less likely to move away, according to an analysis by DNAinfo.
Homeowners in the rapidly-gentrifying West Loop don't want many low-income or rental units included in new developments.
The Washington Post takes an in-depth look at segregation in Chicago as President Obama prepares rules to reduce segregation in U.S. cities.
While a few Chicago flags with five stars do exist, every proposal to commemorate another event in the city's history has failed.
Looking to complete your Christkindlmarket mug collection? They'll be selling overstocks from past years online beginning at 9am this Wednesday.
Pot is getting cheaper in Chicago, but $300 an ounce on average is still 10 percent higher than national figures, according to an analysis by the Washington Post.
Submissions to the 22nd Annual Gwendolyn Brooks Open Mic Award are being accepted through July 1. Run by the Guild Literary Complex, this poetry award has a cash prize of $600.
Chicago Magazine highlights the city's most eligible singles.
While the majority of Chicago neighborhoods are facing declining populations, parts of the Southwest Side are growing as they become the new entry points to the city, Chicago Magazine reports.
Chicagoist's writers share the things they're most scared of in the city. Over at the Beachwood Reporter, they say their worst fears have already come true.
Beverly residents are turning their backyards into mini chicken farms.
Jerry Seinfeld made the first Chicago appearance with Steve Harvey (meh) of his web series "Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee," grabbing coffee and pastrami sandwiches (and unheard-of table service) at Manny's Deli.
African American activists in town for a social justice conference say they were racially profiled by security while sitting in the lobby at the Congress Plaza Hotel.
If you're renting, remember your rights as a tenant include withholding rent for repairs, receiving a security deposit receipt, and more.
The City's revised One Good Deed Chicago is a searchable site for finding local volunteer opportunities.
It took Chicago a few years to build it, but this weekend you can celebrate The Bloomingdale Trail and the associated 606 park system. Details for the festival abound at the 606 website. There will be food, art installations, a ribbon cutting and dance lessons just to kick things off.
The parents of Hadiya Pendleton are calling on the community to wear orange Tuesday for National Gun Violence Awareness Day.
Developers want to rename an area on the Near North Side to "NoCa" (North of Chicago Avenue).
You can nominate your favorite parts of Chicago, from burgers to theater companies to yoga salons, for Chicago Magazine's Readers' Choice Poll.
Not all festivals in the city pay to use public land, as the City waives fees for events like the NFL Draft, Taste of Chicago, and Blues Fest because they're free and provide a "public benefit."
The majority of Chicagoans now live in rented homes, although rents remain relatively reasonable here.
Chicago Science Fest is giving adults a chance to geek out with events starting tonight and running through the weekend.
Not for Tourists' new Guidebook to Chicago highlights lesser-known local spots, although we're pretty sure tourists would find it useful too.
TimeOut shows how Chicago's size compares to other large cities.
Chicago's population grew by just 84 residents from 2013-2014, according to the census.
Today GB's documentary video series, The Grid, features three 360° videos shot with a special six-camera rig. The videos, which let you point the "camera" in any direction, are about the April 28th demonstration at the CPD headquarters, droning in the Chicago Park District and the Art Institute's recent MFA show.
Chicago Magazine credits South Side MC King Louie for coining "Chiraq" back in 2009 before a track by Nicki Minaj and Lil Herb took the term mainstream in 2014.
Get a compelling glimpse of the history of Humboldt Park, as told by eight current and former residents to the Illustrated Press.
In a Q&A on The Marshall Project website, University of Chicago Crime Lab co-director Harold Pollack compares recent events in Waco, Texas, with gang violence in Chicago.
The City will use radar to search for thousands of bodies possibly buried in a forgotten Dunning cemetery before rebuilding a street that now passes over the site.
DIY taxidermy? That's just one of the unique trainings offered at The Niche Lab.
Chicagoans are coming together at On the Table events today to share a meal and ideas for improving the community; join us tonight at the Hideout for soup and a conversation about ways to bring neighborhoods together.
Are you a maker of industrial 3D objects or would you like to be? If so, and if you live on the north side, then you're likely to be thrilled by the opening of the Chicago Industrial Arts & Design Center. Their grand opening is Monday, and they'll be expanding to fully serve people who work with wood, metal, casting, and digital fabrication. I got a sneak peek a few weeks ago and it seems very promising.
A resident of Trump Tower dishes on the culture of living in a high-end building where the security is tight, the dishwashers are loud, there's no party room, and the parking garage is a punishing eight minutes away from your apartment.
While Chicago ranks high in diversity, it's also the most segregated major city in the country, reports Nate Silver.
Chicago Magazine profiles doomsday preppers who stock their suburban homes with supplies -- and guns -- to prepare for when "shit hits the fan."
Logan Square is tied with North Lawndale, Roseland and South Shore for third deadliest neighborhood so far in 2015.
Thrillist asked 100 men and 100 women on Tinder where they would go on a first date.
The City will stop buying electricity for residents this fall, ending a two-year program with Integrys Energy that was intended to deliver better rates than ComEd.
RedEye has some advice for making your transition to a new pad a little less painful.
City Council is considering a measure that would allow topless dancers at strip clubs that serve alcohol.
Chicago tourism officials are appealing to national audiences with an "epic" campaign.
VICE News assesses the state of the mentally ill in Cook County Jail, documenting their path from under-resourced communities to the criminal justice system.
One lucky Lakeview resident has some new neighbors living on his balcony: a nesting pair of peregrine falcons. Check out his Instagram for video and pics. You can also watch falcon cams around the city and suburbs.
Sisters Danielle and Tiffany Puterbaugh have been a comedy duo since they first learned to finish each other's sentences.
A Wicker Park building whose upper floor apartments have been vacant for almost 40 years will be rehabbed and available for new tenants next year.
Thrillist rounded up some of the weirdest laws on the books in Chicago, including bans on drinking beer from a bucket, flying a kite, and fishing in pajamas.
Do you remember last year, when a fan convention named Chi-Fi was cancelled due to accusations that hotel staff was rude to the fans attending the conference? Well, the conference took place this last weekend at the Palmer House Hilton. But, it appears that this first-time event wasn't very successful, at least not in the eyes of fans who paid to attend the convention. h/t to Darlene of Do Bats Eat Cats?
The Cook County Sheriff's Child Protection Response Unit helps track down kids missing from state-run foster care and group homes before they end up in a gang or get picked up by sex traffickers.
The City has been borrowing from funds earmarked for affordable housing to pay pensions and other projects, while 280,000-plus people are on the waiting list for homes.
Twenty years ago, the City began dismantling the Henry Horner Homes and other CHA public housing projects. The Chicago Reporter looks at the legacy of that decision and what the near West Side is like now..
In other real estate news, Chicago magazine's real estate issue is online, including a tool for checking on roughly how much your home is worth.
North Side neighborhoods are losing population unnecessarily due to strict zoning laws and smaller households living in apartments, says Daniel Hertz.
Chicagoans spend more when they go out than folks in Atlanta, Austin, Los Angeles, San Francisco and even New York, according to Eventbrite research. We're also more likely to go to foodie events.
PAWS Chicago is going door-to-door to see how pets and animals are faring around the city, bringing services to the streets instead of just building another animal shelter, writes blogger Vanessa Smetkowski.
Trekkies, LARPers, and geeks of all stripes can get together and nerd out at the Chi-Fi convention next week.
The CHIditarod's positive spirit was sullied by two members of a "too-soon" themed team, who wore blackface as part of their Bill Cosby and Jackie Robinson West costumes. Organizers apologized for letting them participate.
Commuters passing through Union Station couldn't resist opening a random door, unleashing a flood of plastic ball pit balls, courtesy of prankster Blake Grigsby.
Cheer on costume-clad teams as they race shopping carts through ice, snow, and crowds of inebriated onlookers (that could be you!) at the Chiditarod this weekend.
It's the city's 178th birthday today. (Funny, it doesn't look a day over 177.) Celebrate at the Chicago History Museum, or later tonight with the Chicago Urbanists.
Oprah's closing up shop (a.k.a Harpo Studios) and moving west . . . to West Hollywood, that is. She recalls, "We were here when there was nothing but hoes and rats on the street, and now it's one of the hottest neighborhoods."
Not the pill. The City is testing a "milky egg cream" that inhibits sperm production and causes egg loss in rats, with the aim of slowing the rodents' rapid reproduction rate.
Rents were up an average of 3.3 percent across the country in January, but they fell half a percent in Chicago.
The Near North Side, Loop, and Near South Side ranked as the most livable neighborhoods in a list by PlaceILive.com, where most areas fared well relative to other cities.
The gentrification debate has been going on in Pilsen "for probably 50 years, according to 25th Ward aldermanic candidate Roberto "Beto" Montano. Don't know about that, but we've been covering it since 2004.
A column in The Nation last week was titled "Gentrification Is the Real Scandal Surrounding Jackie Robinson West." Daniel Kay Hertz argues that no, gentrification is not the issue.
The City promised to be more respectful of homeless people's belongings when they clean Lower Wacker Drive and other common street sleeping quarters, after reaching an agreement with the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, which had threatened a lawsuit.
Time Out highlights some of the few bits of old Chicago left around town.
The Chicago Community Trust celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, and it's honoring the occasion by organizing another On The Table event on May 12. Thousands of Chicagoans will come together to talk about ways we can make our communities stronger, safer and more dynamic through collaboration and philanthropy. Consider hosting a meetup yourself -- I am.
Chicago ranks fifth in North America and 16th in the world in The Economist's Safe Cities Index. The white paper notes that there's a 27 point difference between how safe the city is and how safe it's perceived as being -- a bigger gap than any other city in the world.
Sean Buino has some tips for unclogging a drain stopped-up by beard (or other) hair.
The New York Times visited hipster Pilsen.
Sex site kink.com rated Chicago the fourth kinkiest city in the country.
Andersonville is the hottest neighborhood for home buyers in Chicago and the 7th most popular in the country according to real estate site Redfin.
The ethnic Chinese population living in Chicago's Chinatown is growing, unlike most major cities where it's on the decline, writes The Chicago Advocate.
The American Indian Center of Chicago's boiler broke down during the deep freeze last week and can't afford the repairs. Consider donating if you can. [via]
Megan Stielstra recounts in the NYTimes what she grabbed before running for the door when her apartment building caught on fire.
The University of Chicago's proposal for the Obama Presidential Library would build it in Jackson Park or Washington Park, hoping to spark development on the South or West side.
Curbed commissioned Michael Conway to create a dibs bingo card for your next search for parking. Don't worry, it includes a free spot.
While some parts of the city have become less segregated and others have become more so, the predominantly black South and West sides have remained almost exactly the same. Daniel Kay Hertz looks at why.
Murders were down again this year, back to 1960s levels, though shootings were up 14 percent.
Just how bad is the noise for folks living under O'Hare's new flight paths? Pretty bad, reports Rod O'Connor in Chicago magazine.
City Lab's look at Pilsen's economic outlook is worth reading, though it might be dangerous to generalize the fortunes of the Southwest Side based on its most prosperous neighborhood (assuming you even include Pilsen in the Southwest Side).
Data analyst Brandon Harris dug through the City of Chicago Data Portal to find the "dirtiest" restaurants in Chicago -- dirty being defined by number of failed health inspections, which commenters have pointed out often include "failed" visits from before a restaurant is even open. So, you know, caveat emptor.
While high-rise housing in Logan Square may provide new places to live, current residents are afraid rising property values (and rents) will force them out.
There are workplace rules everywhere -- even if your "workplace" is asking for spare change on highway ramps.
Time Out's Love Chicago Awards came out today, divvied up by city side and category.
Among those briefly evacuated overnight from a Rosemont hotel due to a deliberate chlorine gas leak were the attendees of Midwest FurFest, a convention celebrating anthropomorphic animals. Police are investigating.
Northwestern professor Alexander G. Weheliye reflects on the complicated realities facing black Americans in the era of Barack Obama and Michael Brown.
The cold and the snow are true signs that winter is approaching. And with the start of winter comes the holidays and the beginning of the holiday craft show season. The DIY Trunk Show returns this year with more than 130 craft, art and handmade vendors, food sold by Wishbone, free beer donated by Lagunitas and Brooklyn Brewery, live music and several djs from CHIRP Radio. So grab your list and get a jump start on gift buying tomorrow at the Broadway Armory (5917 N. Broadway) from 10 am to 5 pm.
Local legislators are collecting noise complaints about O'Hare Airport. Leave yours at oharenoise.org, at State Senator Kotowski's website or by calling 800-435-9569 or 224-585-9153.
The Tribune ranks the best places to work in Chicago.
One in three Chicago residents are living paycheck-to-paycheck, according to a survey by Springleaf Financial.
The Daily Beast profiles the anonymous--and controversial--crime photographer Spot News, who documents murders in some of the city's most dangerous neighborhoods.
The Local Tourist's Ultimate Pizza Guide is about as comprehensive a listing of pizza places in the city and suburbs as you can find.
In "Freshman Year Sucks--and That's OK," University of Chicago junior Eleanor Hyun explains how expectations and the "immense pressure in TV and movies to have college be the best social experience of one's life" made her first year on campus a difficult one.
Graffiti removal requests to 311 are the densest along the Blue, Pink and Orange Lines of the CTA, tracing diagonals through the Northwest and Southwest sides.
The City of Chicago has selected its official tree for Daley Plaza and Christkindlesmarkt is being built downtown.
The Sun-Times profiles "O Block," an area around the Parkway Gardens housing development, where Michelle Obama lived as a child. Nineteen people were shot on the block between June 2011 and June 2014.
Uber is offering 15 minutes of kitty playtime delivered wherever you are through their app, today between 12pm and 4pm, with the proceeds going to local shelters.
A video from the NYU Stern Urbanization Project shows the spread of the Chicago metropolis from 1850 to 2000.
Curbed maps all the development along Milwaukee Avenue -- much of it much taller than what's currently there.
Meet the flesh-eating beetles that turn carcasses into skeletons for study and display at the Field Museum.
The comic Compartment 13 illustrates the impact of anti-homeless measures taken by the City, which includes installing sloped barriers beneath the Kedzie Underpass to force the people who slept there to move.
Truthout investigates the Chicago Police Department's "culture of impunity" with regard to using deadly force.
You know those red X signs that mark buildings that might be hazardous to emergency workers? They're going away, because the grant that funded them ran out.
An anonymous "West Loop-living Secret Admirer's" tips for how single ladies should act so he can give them uninvited compliments on the street sums up the attitude that makes women feel unsafe in public, writes Kara Brown in Jezebel.
South Side Weekly is absolutely the best arbiter of the Best of the South Side 2014.
The blog Toilography documented public bathrooms across Chicago, commenting that they had never "seen washroom as grungy" as the one at the Empty Bottle. [via]
The age of people living in poverty varies by neighborhood, with more young and middle-aged poor on the West and Southwest sides, and more elderly poor in the north and far south.
Seth Kugel's $100 Weekend in Chicago column for the NYTimes is pretty solid, and actually makes it beyond the typical neighborhoods.
In the RedEye, Hector Luis Alamo argues that Chicago needs the Bucket Boys.
Claire Zulkey writes a farewell love letter to her soon-to-be-former neighborhood of Edgewater.
So long that yesterday they cut it off at 10:30am, when the restaurant opened, and still didn't close till well after the 4:30pm posted closing time. It's long enough that a couple planned and held an impromptu wedding while in line. So long that you can now identify types of queuers. So long that not even Doug will wait in it.
Martha Bayne writes about the Bloomingdale Trail and the battle between planned and unplanned nature.
"I don't feel like Chicago is more segregated than any other city," says Aaron Griffin in the Illustrated Press' latest journo-comic," I just think the South Side is more segregated than any other city."
Businessweek traces River North's evolution from a rough industrial area to a booming neighborhood full of technology companies.
The short documentary The Pollinators covers the role of native plants in keeping pollinating insects alive.
Politicians lined up to congratulate Jackie Robinson West on their Little League World Series trip. But none of them were there when one of the players was revealed to be homeless. Scott Smith examines why.
Steven Vance analyzed demolition data and found that tear-downs are on the rise again. See also David Schalliol's To Be Demolished project. (Thanks, AJ!)
The Lyric Opera is hosting a sale of more than 3,000 of its costumes next week.
Time Out suggests 16 rules of living in Chicago, two of which are about what to call the city. (Gapers Block kind of goes both ways on "Chi," because hey, we're complicated.)
According to a new Harvard sociology study, the blacker the neighborhood, the less likely it is to be gentrified in Chicago.
In one of the weirder altercations at Lollapalooza this past weekend, Ben Lenet was minding his own when he was attacked and bitten by a stranger. Police suspect the biter might have been high on PCP or bath salts. Lenet posted photos on Reddit in hopes that the man who bit him comes forward. So far, Lenet says, he hasn't developed any taste for brains.
After his (great) set at Lollapalooza last night, Dev Hynes of Blood Orange took to Twitter after he and his girlfriend were assaulted by the festival's security staff; posts to Lollapalooza's Facebook page about the incident are promptly being deleted.
Chicago's Goth Lolita scene had a day in the park recently.
Boystown is becoming less gay, as are other historically gay neighborhoods around the country, according to a new study. [via]
Fifth graders at Bradwell School of Excellence in South Shore write in the Tribune about how they view their neighborhood.
Crain's is the latest to remind Chicagoans that the city is not and has not been the "murder capital of America," despite the violence the last couple years.
George Lucas selected two world-renowned architects, Chicago's Jeanne Gang and China's Ma Yansong, to design the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art on Northerly Island.
Mariano's is planning a new store for the former South Works place, and a developer is working on a gigabit fiberoptic network. But some worry that it's the 2016 Olympics all over again.
The Reader takes a tour of the Edgewater Beach Apartments at Sheridan and Bryn Mawr.
CHA provides "supervouchers" to a lucky few low-income families so they can rent apartments in some of the priciest buildings in the city.
Residents of the Milshire Hotel SRO argue bed bug contamination is so bad that evicting them from the building would be a threat to the public health.
"It makes no difference that a crime has its roots in 'another neighborhood,' and to suggest otherwise is to embrace an attitude that thwarts progress against violent crime." Bill Savage on Chicago's violent crime denial.
Maybe your basement flooded once or twice this summer due to all the rain. But you probably didn't have to deal with maggots like Calumet Heights resident Lori Burns.
Elliot Ramos of the Wall Street Journal produced a map of every crime committed over the Fourth of July weekend this year, labeled white for crimes against property, red for crimes against people. [via]
Click to embiggen in a new window.
Chicago has the most active sister city program in the country, connecting residents and immigrants here with 28 different cities abroad.
Wicker Park's population of homeless "rail riders" seems to be smaller this summer, which some residents are attributing to increased police pressure.
Daniel Kay Hertz slices and dices demographic statistics to figure out where Chicago's black middle class lives.
For Vice, Britt Julious discusses GHE20 GOTHIK, hood futurism and the state of African-American subcultures.
The RedEye's Ernest Wilkins, writer and policy advocate at The Center for Popular Democracy Josie Duffy, Ebony.com senior editor Jamilah Lemieux, and author Kiese Laymon participated in a roundtable on Chicago's violence at Gawker.
Much to our dismay, the Taste of Chicago has cancelled their event for the entirety of Saturday due to inclement weather, including the sure-to-be-phenomenal concert at 4pm, featuring Chicago favorite Jeff Tweedy and legendary Lucinda Williams.
GB Managing Editor David Schalliol writes about his attempts to show multiple sides of the Englewood neighborhood depicted in "The Area" through his photography and film.
Mayor Emanuel and others are backing efforts to stem the loss of SROs to developers like FLATS Chicago. Meanwhile, a City program is turning sketchy condo conversions back into rental apartments.
Laugh all you want about the air in Chicago being 75 percent bullets, but 82 people shot over the holiday weekend is no joke. Superintendent McCarthy lay blame on lax gun laws, and Mayor Emanuel said the police need help from the community.
The Second City Network has a helpful guide to identifying whether that loud noise was gunfire or firecrackers.
A Chicago Sojourn examines the Mid-Century architectural design trend of adding stripes to buildings.
I Grow Chicago executive director and Englewood resident Tameka Lawson is teaching yoga as a means of reducing violence in her neighborhood.
A float from this year's Pride Parade sponsored by Chicago Liposuction is facing criticism for messages seen as body-shaming, including: "Say NO to man boobs!"
The Sun-Times' Homicide Watch shares a harrowing, sorrowful first-person account from one of the paper's a freelance photojournalist of the death of a young man shot during Monday night's storm,.
Justin Kaufmann offers some creative ways to make your way into street festivals without paying the suggested donation (although technically you can just walk by).
USA Today's got a "hipster guide to Chicago" that reads like a weekend I want to have.
The Sun-Times is reporting that the Lucas Museum will be coming to Chicago.
Find out which Chicago neighborhood you belong in with a quiz put together by TimeOut.
City Council is considering doubling fines for graffiti, from $750 to $1,500.
StreetScore, a project from the MIT Media Lab, assigns a perceived safety score to images from Google Street View. The Chicago map reveals some of its limitations -- such as Navy Pier and Buckingham Fountain getting low, dangerous scores.
StoryCorps has already had a permanent spot in the Cultural Center where people can record true stories about their lives. Soon it will also have an exhibition space to help share those stories.
Lifelong Chicagoan and "Our Man in Chicago" blogger Scott Smith shares his experience being robbed at gunpoint for the first time near his home in Beverly.
A group of nuns in Stone Park filed suit to get a strip club located next to their convent shut down, saying the bass and flashing lights disturbs their worship.
"Home equity districts," formed decades ago to calm white residents' concerns of property values going down as diversity increased in their neighborhoods, are still collecting money- and doing little else, WBEZ reports.
@hiddencash will be hiding $2,000 dollars in envelopes scattered around a park somewhere in Chicago on Sunday.
Women & Children First is one of WhereTraveler's 10 best independent bookstores in the country.
Crain's reports that the production company behind reality TV stalwart, "The Real World," has designs on a location in the West Loop.
Chicagoans in certain neighborhoods are still paying taxes set up in the 1980s to stem white flight, WBEZ's Natalie Moore reports.
Spin Nightclub may be gone, but two new businesses--one an old-school saloon, the other a gay nightclub--are set to open in its place.
The 2014 season of the Grant Park Music Festival kicks off Wednesday, June 11, with a Tchaikovsky Extravaganza.
The Gate examines the effect of University of Chicago Police in keeping the university and Hyde Park safe -- and separate -- from neighboring communities, for better or worse.
Whet Moser talks with Ta-Nehisi Coates about his Atlantic article on reparations in the face of ongoing housing discrimination and segregation.
The Wicker Park Advisory Council rejected an offer from organizers of the Green Music Festival, citing numerous problems with the festival in previous years. In related news, five West Town community organizations called for greater transparency from festival organizers and chambers of commerce regarding the finances of neighborhood festivals.
Chicago went 42 hours without a gun homicide over Memorial Day weekend, and some of the credit is going to the #SaveChicago campaign backed by Chance the Rapper and his father.
In the RedEye, Britt Julious wonders whether sites like EveryBlock and NextDoor are making bad neighbors.
Journalist Rashanah Baldwin took Huffington Post on a tour of the positives in Englewood, her home neighborhood. Baldwin hosts a show on Kennedy-King College's WKKC-FM called "What's Good in Englewood."
Chicago's beaches open on Friday but it will probably be too cold to soak up the sun. You could grill out instead, but those delicious crispy bits might give you cancer.
The Atlantic's Ta-Nehisi Coates makes the case for slavery reparations by way of introducing us to Clyde Ross, a Mississippi-born son of share croppers who settled in North Lawndale, and Chicago's ongoing problems of segregation. You may want to save this one for weekend reading.
The proposed site for an interactive museum spearheaded by George Lucas would place it nearby Soldier Field and the Field Museum downtown.
Harrison Martin and Bret Hamilton interviewed people in River North/Gold Coast and Pilsen to get their thoughts about love and capitalism. [via]
Love and Capitalism from Harrison Martin on Vimeo.
Watch as 18,000 vacant properties pile up around Chicago on this map put together by the Chicago Reporter.
The Tribune teamed up with the Mash, Truestar Foundation and the Chicago Bureau to produce Lost Friends, a series of videos by high school journalists talking about violence in their lives.
The Illustrated Press tells the story of Miles Turner, a high school linebacker stuck in a wheelchair after being shot eight times in the back while trying to protect a cousin.
After buying all four corners where California Avenue and Augusta intersect, developer Gino Battaglia plans to bring more restaurants and community spaces to the neighborhood.
As green shoots emerge from the ground, kites return to the skies. So maybe Spring is finally here.
The water from a pump in the Schiller Woods Forest Preserve is said to have magical powers. Curious City investigates.
Mayor Emanuel apparently isn't too worried about going slow near schools and parks. His chauffeured SUV has been caught by speed and red light cameras 20 times in the last two and a half years.
Hoping to get workers to stay in the Loop, the Chicago Loop Alliance is turning the area's loading docks, alleys, and other neglected spots into cool places to hang out.
Nearly 47 million people visited Chicago from around the country, setting a new all-time record, although they still tend to stay downtown and by the lake.
You probably already realize bars and bar fights go together. You might be surprised just how many crimes occur in the city's nightlife districts.
WBEZ reports that Chicagoans are almost six times more likely to be shot by police than New Yorkers.
Mayor Emanuel introduced plans to connect the Loop and Chinatown with a $62 million road project. The Wells-Wentworth Connector would extend Wentworth Avenue over the South Branch and up to Wells Street.
Time Out has a list 49 "rites of passage" you must pass as a true Chicagoan. (It is unlikely you will complete them all.)
Brian Keegan, a former Northwestern student now in Boston, crunched Chicago's crime numbers and compared them to such factors as temperature and the concealed carry law. [via]
Curious City turned its attention to Beverly and its concerted effort to remain racially integrated in the face of white flight.
A Chicago man scored three winning scratch-off lottery tickets in three weeks.
Lakeview restaurant Sandwich Me In has gone two years without generating any waste. [via]
While homicides are down in Chicago this year, the percentage of victims aged 25 or younger has stayed the same.
North of Howard resident and former CeaseFire interrupter "thechiraqi" shared some honest feelings on EveryBlock about how life is for young men in his part of town, whether they're part of a gang or not.
The Chicago Reader's Best Of Chicago 2014 ballot is now live. Vote from now until May 12.
Take a walking tour of Albany Park with Chicago Patterns. [via]
A study by the website Niche identifies Wicker Park as Chicago's best neighborhood for millennials, while also ranking Chicago as the fourth best city for that generation. [via]
Hotels dominate Thrillist's investigation into the best bathrooms for dropping a deuce downtown.
DNAinfo's story on the closing of the historic theater cites construction/maintenance issues. Read our story (and see the great photos) about the Patio's return in 2011.
A group collecting donations from drivers in Edgewater and elsewhere on behalf of a veterans organization may not be connected to any charity, according to DNAinfo's Benjamin Woodard.
Minorities -- particularly African-Americans -- still make up the majority of small-time marijuana busts, even after the semi-decriminalization of recreational amounts.
A study by the University of Chicago found night owls have more sex and are less likely to be in a committed relationship.
A website that helps people in a committed relationship cheat on their significant others found Chicagoans are more active on the site than users in any other city, spending 25 percent more time there than the national average.
Jackpot in the West Productions provides a little midweek inspiration. [via]
Thalia Hall, a landmark building turned public hall in Pilsen, is officially open for business, and so is their box office.
WBEZ's Curious City reports on how Beverly became racially integrated -- and stayed that way.
In response to Buzzfeeds list of "50 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Chicago," the Sun-Times Blog retaliated with a list of "25 Things You Actually, Probably Didn't Know About Chicago."
No one wants to live in the suburbs anymore, according to Mayor Emanuel. What do you think?
The video series City on the Make takes an artistic look at ordinary moments in popular places across Chicago.
City on the Make - episode 9 from BOTTLE ROCKET MEDIA on Vimeo.
Poetry magazine, published by Chicago's very own Poetry Foundation, is up for two National Magazine Awards 2014.
Oakpark.com profiles Urban Till, an urban farm in Austin.
Scientist Seth Kadish checked the orientation of all the streets in 10 US counties to see whether they adhere to the compass. Cook County is pretty close to dead on, angled streets aside. [via]
The casting call for the 30th season of The Real World is coming to Chicago this weekend.
In Chicago, about 6,173 square feet of home. Business Insider puts national home prices in perspective.
Chicago wants to offer city-owned vacant lots to homeowners and nonprofits in Englewood for $1. It's been done in Gary, and Chicago is hoping this would put some of over 5,000 current vacant lots to use.
Chicago magazine picks the top 12 neighborhoods (as well as 12 suburbs).
After nearly 35 years of plowing his neighborhood's sidewalks on his own, South Side resident Albin Hoffman is calling it quits.
Crime in Wrigleyville + Boystown compiled the fury unleashed by St. Patrick's Day revelers on Wrigleyville over the weekend.
A garage sale find revealed a beautiful 1940s-era film about Chicago produced by the Board of Education, narrated by sportscaster Johnny Neblett.
The river will be dyed green earlier than usual, at 9:30am, this Saturday to make it easier to get the St. Patrick's Day Parade started on time. Whet Moser reveals why the tradition started in the first place.
The "Chi-Pitts" megalopolis is the second largest of the US mega-regions, with economic output equal to Brazil.
The Field Museum gathered 10,000 artifacts from the Philippines between 1907 and 1910. Now the Museum is inviting Filipino-Americans around the web to be "co-curators" and help identify these objects through the site 10,000 Kwentos.
Trib writer Matthew Walberg calculated he's shoveled about 25 tons of snow this winter. If you've got a driveway, you might have come close.
I know it was cold, but the ComEd bill for the GB office went way up in January. And it's going to get higher.
The cute and vaguely creepy Puppet Bike is celebrating ten years of bringing improvised performances of tiny puppets to Michigan Avenue and the city at large.
A mesmerizing animation gives a satellite's-eye view of where Chicagoans travel throughout the day.
Costume-clad teams with shopping carts in tow careened through the streets of the Northwest Side for this year's Chiditarod, an annual food and fundraiser for the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
A Chiberia t-shirt has been created to commemorate the harsh Chicago winter that won't quit. The shirts run for $25 and sales will be donated to help those who hurt the most this winter: the homeless.
The Shedd Aquarium announced the arrival of their fourth adopted dog, Marlin. Marlin, a chocolate Lab mix (possibly with a little Boxer and a little Great Dane) will be one of the canine ambassadors at the aquarium. Each canine ambassador at the aquarium came from a local shelter and are all named after Finding Nemo characters.
An infographic compares the nation's two most fast-paced and busy cities, Chicago and New York, on a variety of aspects of city culture, from sports to airports to tourists, and of course, the ever-lasting pizza rivalry.
A member of a blues band says that McNally's Bar in Morgan Park closed early last Saturday because there were "too many black people here" for the apparent owner of the bar, a Chicago cop. If the man was in fact the bar's owner, he may be in violation of several CPD rules of conduct.
Chicago radio host and former Illinois Congressman Joe Walsh called the LGBT community "a group of constitutional terrorists" on Twitter Tuesday, in reference to the Arizona bill allowing businesses to deny services to LGBT customers. Walsh's tweets continued, as he said he felt forced to respect other people's constitutional liberties but others don't respect his.
No one goes to Navy Pier, no one lives in the Loop, and never underestimate the Tamale Guy are just a few of the truisms out-of-towners should learn about Chicago, according to Thrillist.
Chicago's inequality between the richest and poorest citizens ranks eighth in the country, according to a study by the Brookings Institute. (Thanks, Dee!)
China's urbanization process will be facilitated by Chicago architects, as the "boom country of the 21st century" will be home to nearly 1 billion people by 2030. In a series created by the Tribune's architecture critic Blair Kamin and photographer John H. Kim, the two reveal how remodeling China's cityscape impacts the most crucial pillars to urban life.
Since drinking on the CTA is not (yet) legal, a map has been created correlating the "best and closest" bar to every "L" stop. Each stop on the map has been replaced with the correlating bar.
Longtime Rearview contributor Andy Marfia was out photographing the lake on Feb. 9, and stumbled upon a lovely moment as a couple (he thinks) got engaged at Osterman/Hollywood Beach. He'd like to give them a copy of the photo. Anyone know these adorable huggers?
A longtime fixture on Chicago's gay scene, Spin nightclub is up for sale.
The latest in GB Managing Editor David Schalliol's series for BagNews Notes about the Area on the South Side examines the destruction of the projects and its effects on the neighborhood and city.
Chicago comes out somewhere in the middle on this map of "pleasant" weather. [via]
A lot of people who live here are from here. But Curious City finds that it's not all that unusual.
A Chicago woman whose hijab was completely covered by her winter hat and scarf found her reception by both Muslims and non-Muslims changed drastically -- for the better and worse. [via]
Curbed takes a look at US Census data about where Cook County gains and loses residents.
How should the City finish redeveloping Cabrini Green? It's still up in the air. [via]
An online tournament of sandwiches has begun in Chicago, and is being called an "edible version of March Madness." The bracket currently consists of 64 sandwiches of various types all around the city. Participants who agree to the challenge eat the sandwiches, take photos and blog to the group's Google Docs.
Transitized's Chicago Commute Map shows you the predominate mode of work transportation throughout the city. Surprising how few of us carpool. [via]
Chicago's very basic cubicle hotels offer a brief, inexpensive escape from the cold for many people with nowhere else to go.
The efforts to turn Pullman into a national park got a major boost last week from the National Trust for Historic Places. [via]
"Chicago police have long been criticized for interpreting the Constitution in different ways depending on which neighborhood they patrol." The Reporter backs that compliment up with data showing blacks far more likely to be shot by police in Chicago.
DNAinfo put together a map of the Loop's Pedway system showing how to eat, drink, and shop without heading out into the cold.
Vice's Noisey began an eight-part documentary on "Chiraq" this week, visiting Englewood to learn more about Chief Keef, the rise of drill music, and its connection with gangs.
New celebrations of the Chinese New Year are coming to Chicago, with lantern celebrations, fireworks, and vendor fairs planned to attract international tourists and help residents celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Horse.
As the temperature drops to zero and below again, the city's warming centers will be in heavy demand. WBEZ's Curious City learned the centers' limits.
The Adler Planetarium is hiring a Sky Show Operator. "The premise of the show is that it's the year 2096 and a company called Space Express Tours conducts guided excursions into the Solar System. After viewing a brief pre-flight movie in the Welcome Gallery the visitors are met by their tour guide, Jesse, at the entrance to the Grainger Theater and enter the theater to begin their journey."
See the median rent price per square foot in your part of town -- and compare it with median income -- with Kwelia's heat map.
Real estate site Redfin named Humboldt Park the 10th hottest market in the country for 2014. (Last year Logan Square was eighth.) [via]
Organizers of the science fiction Chi-Fi Con decided to cancel this year's event, saying staff at the River North hotel where it was going to take place called attendees "freaks."
When will someone here take notice of how Pittsburgh handles their dibs problems?
It's been 50 years since the War on Poverty began. How are we doing?
Share the dibs on your block on this handy Tumblr site. (Previously.)
Chicago Sketchfest kicks off Thursday, with Siblings of Doctors, featuring Community's Danny Pudi, likely to be a top draw, and over a thousand other funny folks set to take the stage. [via]
Lawn chairs are cheap this time of year!
Online voters selected "Chicago Authors" as the topic of a future exhibition at the Chicago History Museum as the result of its first-ever crowdsourced exhibit search.
Natalie Moore thinks the nickname "Chiraq" needs to go now that the city is less of a war zone.
Illinois' property taxes are the second highest in the nation, and people may be moving away because of it.
Out Traveler voted Chicago's Boystown the Incomperable Gay Neighborhood of 2013. [via]
Chicago's homicide rate declined in 2013, totaling 415 after two shootings on New Year's Eve -- lower even than 2011, before last year's surge. Rates for other violent crimes also dropped.
African Americans in Chicago are 54 precent more likely to tweet than other adults, according to a new study.
The city's single room occupancy hotels are disappearing, leaving their longtime residents with few options.
Chicago's murder rate is on track to be the lowest level since 1965, a 17 percent drop from 2012. The rate was similarly low in 2011.
Have you been down to Christkindlmarket yet? We know it's touristy, but there's something special about drinking mulled wine and eating strudel beneath the skyscrapers downtown; you have until Thursday.
On her morning bike commute today, reader Kathleen King was passed by a horse on Wells Street, presumably on the loose from Noble Horse Theatre. Horses escaped from the theater's stable exactly one year ago, too.
King says the horse was "heading north on Wells, before turning right on North Ave. I hope all (including horse) are safe."
UPDATE: The Sun-Times' George Siefo fills in more of the story.
"Excuse me you need to take your cameras off this corner. It's Safe Passage." Te-Nehisi Coates visited the West Side with videographers for the Atlantic, and had an interesting interaction with police.
Chicago's number six on Autostraddle's list of the most lesbian-friendly cities in the US. [via]
The Sun-Times' Dave Hoekstra takes a few nostalgic sips at the Loop Tavern & Tap Room- a "slashie" found a few miles away from the Loop in West Town.
Wrigleyville businesses and residents are bracing for the hordes of Christmas sweater-clad bar hoppers set to stumble through the streets during this weekend's Twelve Bars of Xmas pub crawl.
The live lit series That's All She Wrote has 2014 live lit calendars for sale featuring over 40 listings for Chicago live lit events each month, and post-it note portraits of everyone who read at TASW during its inaugural year. They also have note cards. Calendars are $12, sets of cards are $10, and can be shipped.
Whet Moser points to the research of Andrew Papachristos and others who are examining the social network theory of gang violence.
Speaking of Frank Lloyd Wright homes, Ald. Will Burns shut down Jennifer Pritzker's proposal to buy and rehab two Wright houses in South Kenmore and make them B&Bs after neighbors objected that they'd bring "transients" to the residential block. At least one resident took notice of the tone.
There will be even more of the walking dead on the streets during St. Patrick's Day weekend next year when the Walker Stalker Con for fans of all things zombie comes to Chicago.
Yolanda Perdomo compares Capone tourism here with the potential for Pablo Escobar tourism in Colombia.
Plate magazine's Project: Blackbird gets the oral history of the founding of the iconic West Loop restaurant 16 years ago.
Kicking off downtown at 8am on Thursday, Chicago's Thanksgiving Day Parade is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year.
Hip hop shop Exclusive 773 is giving away 1,000 turkeys to needy families today at the store, 857 W. 87th St. Young Chop, Lupe Fiasco, Lil Durk, Co-Still, Twista and other local rappers have sponsored hundreds of turkeys, and there's still time to donate a couple yourself.
Chicago is the sixth best city in the world from a "youthful perspective," ranking between Paris and London, according to the 2014 YouthfulCities Index. [via]
The Christkindlmarket returns to Daley Plaza next week, with one notable absence: no ceramic boot mugs. This year's souvenir gluhwein mug is a skinny cylinder shape, and has some boot fans, well, bent out of shape, to say the least.
Looking for "hipster" neighborhoods ideal for real estate investment, a new study ranks three Chicago ZIPs- 60625, 60647, and 60642- among the top 25 in the nation.
Nortasha Stingley, who lost her 19-year-old daughter to gun violence, tells you how to survive a shooting in this week's Reader.
After Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy expressed an interest in using drones, new legislation was proposed to ban law enforcement's use of the unmanned flying machines in Chicago.
The Fresh Moves mobile produce market, built inside an old city bus, will reopen Nov. 23, in time to supply folks in food deserts with fresh ingredients for Thanksgiving dinner.
Fast Company lists Chicago as #9 on its list of the smartest cities in North America, citing the commitment of developers to green building, open government efforts, and growth in broadband and other technologies. [via]
Mark Konkol explores how the city's gangs put guns in the hands of children in a two part report.
Coya Paz recently attended a contentious meeting of the South East Lake View Neighbors about the Broadway Youth Center, and was shocked at the bigoted comments made by attendees. She talked about it on Vocalo's "Morning AMp" Thursday.
Back of the Yards watering hole Stanley's hasn't changed much since it started serving factory workers back in 1935, writes DNAinfo's Casey Cora.
City Council gave final approval of expanding TIF districts needed for the Norfolk Southern railroad to build a $285 million expansion of its rail yard in Englewood (previously).
Renters are eclipsing buyers in Lincoln Park and Logan Square is booming, according to a breakdown of how the city's neighborhoods changed since 2000 by Chicago Magazine.
Crain's explores the vacant home crisis in Cook County in an interactive feature.
A pair of twentysomething Chicagoans are sharing their lovers' quarrels with the world on Twitter. [via]
On BagNewsNotes, GB's own David Schalliol asks, how do you photograph the emergence of nothing? Related: The Area.
A pair of deer were spotted in a Gold Coast courtyard next to Zebra Lounge yesterday, while trick-or-treaters passed by.
With studies finding 48% of people in Chicago's homeless shelters are convicted felons, advocates are looking for ways CHA and other groups can get ex-offenders off the streets.
If it's a popular one, that is. And Thrillist is trying to troll you.
From beauty salons to mechanics, technically any business in Chicago can be BYOB if they want to- and some local leaders are looking at ways to regulate the tradition (or at least get some money from it).
There are currently more live lit events in Chicago than in New York or San Francisco according to Poets & Writers magazine, which published a piece featuring Ian Belknap of WRITE CLUB, Dana Norris of Story Club, and Keith Ecker of Guts & Glory.
What's Chicago's heroin market like these days? A junkie files his report.
Now that the Bloomingdale Trail's construction is well underway, the police warn they will actually arrest people who head up on the tracks.
In what could be a defining moment for nuptials in Chicago, a local man got help from the ever-present Puppet Bike when he proposed to his girlfriend. Can this be the beginning of a new tradition?
DNAinfo Chicago reports City Council approved $125 million in tax incentives on Wednesday to renovate Bronzeville's Rosenwald Courts apartment building that once housed Nat "King" Cole, Quincy Jones, and Gwendolyn Brooks.
Despite efforts to hold property owners accountable and provide money for improvements, the Tribune finds that vacant buildings are still a growing problem in many Chicago neighborhoods.
GB alum Britt Julious answers, which Curious City examines the role of corporations in neighborhood redevelopment.
While printed books may be in decline, libraries are in the midst of something of a renaissance in Chicago and across the country, offering new digital services like access to 3D printers and online tutoring.
Haunted Houses are set to open in arenas, corn fields, jails across the Chicagoland area.
The police are organizing community actions to retake parks and playgrounds from gang violence.
Hipsters have been haunting Chicago's neighborhoods since the 1890s. Aimee Levitt tracks their movements through history in this week's Reader.
A man from Morton Grove traveled with two Syrian friends earlier this summer to see the civil war in Syria firsthand.
The mayor announced plans to transform around 60 of the odd lots created by angled streets and other grid oddities into public plazas -- with money-making potential through ads and sponsorships.
After Meagan Lane's cell phone was stolen while she was riding on the L, she found herself reconnecting with the people of the city.
This Old House lists Bronzeville as one of the best old house neighborhoods in the country for its classic, affordable stone homes and rich history. [via]
Chicago magazine takes a look at how other countries' media is reporting on Chicago's violence.
The Tribune has put all 547 of 2013's multi-victim shootings on an explorable map.
Arun Sampathavivat, chef-owner of Arun's, is hoping to transform a few blocks of Pulaski Road north of Montrose into a new Thai ethnic neighborhood.
After months of complaints about an open manhole near 58th and Blackstone, a sign went up explaining that "a few crappy pieces of wood hastily nailed together and light enough for any curious eight-year-old boy to move is sufficient to guarantee everyone's safety." We'll see if that spurs some action by the Department of Water Management.
The olinguito, a newly discovered species of small, teddy bear-like raccoon, is now on display at the Field Museum after sitting undiscovered in a drawer for decades.
Steve Harvey is aiming for a new world record by bringing 654 singles to Navy Pier for a blind date that will include an appearance by crooner Michael Bublé.
Over Labor Day weekend, Brandon Nicklaus shot a gorgeous time-lapse video of the city from Lake Point Tower. [via]
A new ordinance passed by City Council increases fines up to $1,500 for throwing trash from car windows and gives police the ability to impound vehicles of drivers caught littering.
When privately owned subsidized housing goes into foreclosure, the owners often neglect the property -- and the CHA isn't informed. WBEZ and Chicago Reporter investigated and found a predictive trend between CHA inspection failures and foreclosure.
The latest issue of the Chicago Reporter focuses on what happens to illegal immigrants after they're deported.
The 25th Annual Onion City experimental film and video festival starts today at the Gene Siskel Film Center. [via]
Moving snafus forced Aimee Levitt to spend a night in the alley behind her new Rogers Park apartment, giving her a front-row seat (on her own couch) of the area's late-night happenings.
Streeterville: The Play, which depicts the neighborhood's foundation by the controversial Cap Streeter, will be performed in its namesake area for the first time later this month.
Local zoos got a bit cuter recently with the births of an endangered black rhinoceros and white-cheeked gibbon at Lincoln Park Zoo, and a snow leopard at Brookfield Zoo.
Julia Thiel makes the case that Logan Square's influx of cocktail bars and restaurants means Wicker Park-like gentrification is just around the corner.
WBEZ looks back on a century of refuse, comparing modern waste management with that of the 1900s.
Signs from Walk Your City were recently spotted in Lincoln Square. Where will more pop up?
Whet Moser maps the safest neighborhoods -- and the most dangerous -- in the city, and it's probably exactly the ones you suspect.
A judge has ruled Fannie May and Freddie Mac don't have to follow the city ordinance that requires owners of vacant, foreclosed buildings to maintain the properties. The mortgage lenders own 258,000 loans in Chicago. [via]
There are more apartments downtown than ever -- but are there people to fill them?
An ad promoting the upcoming debut of a Nike running store in Bucktown featured the phrase "We Run Bucktown," which angered residents who thought it came off as arrogant, based on its double-entendre. It's been changed to "Nike Running Bucktown."
Local filmmakers including Kartemquin Films, Siskel/Jacobs Productions, Media Process Group, and The Kindling Group have teamed up to make a documentary about the aftermath of Chicago Public School's recent decision to close 50 schools. Students with Free Spirit Media will help with post-production.
Curious City tries to track down the sources of some of the city's smells.
Women shouldn't have to feel afraid of what might happen if they take public transportation, says former GB contributor Niki Fritz in the RedEye.
The Tribune photography department put together a stunning feature chronicling violence in the city. Spend some time with this, and have a tissue handy.
Protein TV sent Will Robson-Scott to Chicago to document the violence. The result is Chi Raq, a short film and zine. [via]
Chi Raq by Will Robson-Scott from Protein® TV on Vimeo.
Daniel Hertz breaks down how Chicago's murder rate in recent years compares to the early '90s -- and how the violence has become more concentrated in certain areas over time. [via]
Lakeview is Chicago's best neighborhood to live in. It also has the highest robbery rates in the city
There's a battle for the hearts and minds of Bridgeport going on -- on Facebook. After one too many racially and politically charged arguments on the Bridgeport Chicago IL group, two neighborhood residents created The REAL Bridgeport and Bridgeport Neighborhood groups as hate-free zones; at least one group formed in response has already been closed.
Japonais is getting a reboot this winter -- with Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto at the helm.
Every year on Aug. 1, since 1967, six red roses arrive at the British embassy in Chicago, accompanied by a note in memory of the Battle of Minden. [via]
Comedienne, Taylor Dayne fan and cancer survivor Tig Notaro just booked a one-night-only show tonight at UP Comedy Club (8pm, $15). You should go.
Crain's this week explores "the business of life and death" at Leak & Sons Funeral Home, one of the oldest African-American funeral homes in the country.
Chicago Shakespeare in the Park is bringing free performances of the Bard's A Comedy of Errors to green spaces around the city all summer.
With a camera mounted above his head, one fruit hurler caught a unique perspective of the Tomato Blast this weekend at Soldier Field. Have video to share? Throw us a link on Facebook or Twitter.
Tomato Blast 2013 from ActionBooth on Vimeo.
Eric Zorn would like to remind you that Chicago still isn't the "murder capital of America" and backs it up with a few charts. Whet Moser examines why we keep getting beat up in the national media.
Children of poor Chicagoans are not very upwardly mobile, according to new research into economic opportunity. The children of rich folks don't move much either. NYTimes has an interactive feature.
Neil Steinberg takes a ride down the "magic road" that takes politicians (and, ostensibly, conventioneers) from McCormick Place into the center of the Loop.
As Illinois falls in line with the rest of the country on concealed carry laws, legislators voted to strengthen gun laws in Chicago and Cook County. WBEZ took a look at gun crimes over the past decade, from 2002 to 2012, and created an animated .gif of the maps.
Morry Matson thinks Edgewater needs a boardwalk along the beach. Check out his proposal.
A major crack in the sidewalk in Wicker Park has been a hazard for seven years, despite calls to the Park District to fix it. For more, see the Chicago Stumbler (previously).
The Chicago House TransLife Center, the first transgender housing center in the country, opened its doors Monday.
Whet Moser says you can learn a lot about on Navy Pier, and not just about tourist behavior.
DNAinfo, which has been tracking murders in Chicago all year, just launched an interactive timeline view that introduces you to every person killed.
The Shedd Aquarium announced its newest zoo baby, a tiny Rockhopper penguin chick. The young penguin is healthy and thriving with its parents, on exhibit at Shedd's Polar Play Zone.
I had a treehouse -- a couple of them, actually. None were as cool as Alex Gabbard's treehouse in Bowmanville.
Ta-Nehisi Coates writes about endemic poverty on Chicago's South Side in the Atlantic.
The CHA has expanded Section 8 housing subsidies over the past decade to house former residents of the projects, but more than half of Section 8 buildings have failed inspections in the past two years, with slumlords picking up the government check.
Modern Farmer profiles Chicago Lights Urban Farm, which grows fresh produce in Cabrini Green. The farm was recently sold to the CHA.
Nineteen-year-old Keith Warfield talks about gun violence in his Englewood neighborhood as part of Huffington Post's national series.
More than 300 vacant buildings have been demolished so far this year, under the City's effort to curb violence and crime; some say it will hurt the city more in the long run by hampering economic recovery efforts. Last year, David Schalliol documented 100 buildings on the City demolition list, and followed it up this year with a look at an entire neighborhood being bulldozed for a new rail yard.
On the night of June 29, 2003, 13 people died and more than 50 were injured when a wooden porch collapsed during a house party in Lakeview. RedEye takes a look at the aftermath, 10 years after the tragedy.
WBEZ's Curious City explains the five levels of tunnels beneath the city.
Two bike tours this weekend give you an intimate look at two very different neighborhoods: on Saturday, Ald. Toni Foulkes leads a tour of Englewood, while Forgotten Chicago takes a tour of Avondale on Sunday.
As SROs die out and talk of gentrification swirls, Whet Moser shares the story of the long-forgotten effort to establish Hank Williams Village, an Appalachian planned community in Uptown.
Media Matters' Eric Boehlert analyzes media coverage of Chicago's homicide rate, which continues to get national attention despite being down from last year.
It's tough running a business at the 600 block of East 79th Street. RedEye's Tracy Swartz talked with some of the local owners.
John Greenfield took a walk up Elston Avenue for NewCity. John walked several venerable streets for GB over the years, too.
• Halsted Street
• Archer Avenue
• Grand Avenue
• 63rd Street
• Kedzie Avenue
• Belmont Avenue
• 79th Street
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive.
Crain's got a variety of civic and cultural leaders to suggest ways Chicago could improve its standing with international tourists.
Chicago's murder rate is down 34% compared to last year -- and compared to Prohibition when Capone and the Outfit ruled the streets.
Efforts are under way to save the Leo Lerner Theatre in the former Hull House Association center in Uptown, which was sold in foreclosure after the organization filed for bankruptcy and closed. The building is slated to be converted into condos; a petition on change.org seeks to get aldermen to stop that.
Curious City asked how much panhandlers and street musicians how much they made in a day.
Here's another "Chicago sucks" article to get pissed off about, this time from Business Insider.
"Botanicas de la Villita," the newest installment in our documentary film series The Grid, spends some time among the folk remedies and spiritual practices in two Little Village botanicas.
Do-Division and Maifest are this weekend, and coming up are Clues Fest, Humidapalooza and Pitchfjord.
Today would have been Wesley Willis' 50th birthday, so in honor of the man, watch the rock-u-mentary Wesley Willis's Joy Rides. And then peruse the archives of Wesley Willis Art to see some classic examples of the man's drawing style. [via]
WBEZ maps outdoor seating in Chicago, and explains why it's nearly absent on the South Side
The NYTimes examines Chicago's housing crisis and the work of the Chicago Anti-Eviction Campaign. Whet Moser supplements with some New York comparisons.
People are calling the intersection of North, Damen and Milwaukee "Six Corners," and proponents of the original, officially designated Six Corners in Portage Park are getting pissed.
GB's David Schalliol talks about The Area, the neighborhood he documented in a short film for The Grid as well as in To Be Demolished, in Bag News Notes.
Chicago grew the slowest of any major American city last year, new census data found. We added just 10,000 people between July 2011 and July 2012.
Food assistance programs have seen a surge in usage recently; Whet Moser breaks down why.
The Windy City Times has begun a series focusing on violence in the LGTQ community. Victims are sometimes found through "pickup" ads in the paper and online, or just targeted on the street.
Step inside the Turkish Cultural Center, a private social club, with the Center Square Journal.
In October 2014, the City will debut The Great Chicago Fire Festival featuring the Redmoon Theatre, on the banks of the Chicago River. The Reader's Deanna Isaacs asks, do we really need this?
Spotted outside Gary's Cycle Shop in Edgewater yesterday: Someone's very protective of their bike.
Every murder costs the city $5 million, and shootings cost $1 million, according to research cited by Police Supt. Garry McCarthy.
You can see a timelapse gif of how Chicago's landscape has changed over the last 28 years, courtesy of Google Earth Engine.
If so, what's the treatment? Mick Dumke explores some of the approaches being taken to reduce gun violence.
A recent economic experiment found that at-risk minority teens in Chicago who took a weekly workshop on improving judgment and decision-making stayed in school more often and had fewer arrests.
Last weekend, the Glass Slipper Project held its last "boutique" date of the 2013 prom season, during which it provided hundreds of prom dresses, shoes, makeup and accessories to needy teens free of charge. If you have a donation to make for next year, get in touch.
After delving into the Chicago accent and its origins last year (previously), Curious City is back with an examination of the African-American accent in Chicago versus elsewhere.
Since 1950, the neighborhood with the most population growth is Ashburn, while Fuller Park has lost the most. NBC5's Ward Room breaks down the numbers for all 77 community areas.
City-run animal shelters are so understaffed that dogs and cats aren't being cared for or fed properly, a new audit by the City Inspector General finds.
Four intersections on the West and South sides made Neighborhood Scout's 2013 list of the 25 most dangerous neighborhoods in America: Halsted & 77th streets (fourth) and Ashland Avenue & 76th Street (16th) in Auburn-Gresham, Homan Avenue & Roosevelt Road (13th) in North Lawndale, and Indiana Avenue and 60th Street (25th) in Washington Park.
View Chicago's most dangerous neighborhoods in a larger map
At least this year they're all legitimately crime-heavy places. In 2010, out-of-date data resulted in two areas that once but no longer held public housing complexes were included on the list; one was an empty field.
Foodie culture is deeply entrenched in Chicago -- so much so that it can be easy to miss what a luxury it is.
On Curious City, Robert Loerzel tells the history of Dunning, a legendary insane asylum and potter's field on Chicago's Northwest Side that eventually gave its name to a neighborhood. In 2009, Gapers Block's Dan Kelly took a look at what the Dunning neighborhood (and nearby Schorch Village) is like today.
PS: Listen to Loerzel talk about this story -- and to me talk about Gapers Block's 10th anniversary -- on "The Afternoon Shift" on WBEZ at 3pm today.
An Australian inventor gave the Night Ministries 40 of his backpack beds to distribute to homeless in Uptown.
Today marks the first of a series of featured videos from the Media Burn Independent Video Archive. This clip is a 1978 performance by Blind Arvella Gray at the Maxwell Street Market, originally from A Tribute to Chicago Blues. Watch more from the feature on Media Burn.
CBS's "Sunday Morning" show this week took viewers on a tour of an East Lakeview penthouse and the unfinished residential unit on the 89th floor of the Trump Tower, which has been for sale since May of last year for $32 million.
The Sun-Times has launched Homicide Watch Chicago, "dedicated to the proposition that murder is never a run-of-the-mill story. Attention must be paid to each one, not merely a select and particularly tragic few." It's modeled off of Homicide Watch DC and is produced in partnership with Medill.
A DeLorean traveling down I-90 yesterday was a subject of several photos (taken at the same time) posted to Reddit.
The CTA's Red Line South Project, which gets under way May 19, will close three stations in Englewood for several months, but there are other projects that aim to bring more transportation options to the neighborhood and hopefully boost the local economy.
Peoria Street turns into a pedestrian bridge over I-290; here's a plan to make it pedestrian-friendly for another block, north to Harrison.
As the rains wreaked havoc on our drainage system, Whet Moser wrote a history of Chicago's struggle to figure out where to put water and sewage.
The City's new garbage collection map greatly simplifies Streets & San's job and eliminates a vestige of Machine politics going back a hundred years.
Chicagoist is doing a good job of rounding up photos of flooding, sewer geysers and the like thanks to all this rain.
Citing unresolved building violations, the city is moving to immediately close Logan Square's Congress Theater. A hearing is scheduled for tomorrow morning in Cook County Circuit Court.
Inspired by the New Yorker's map of median income along subway lines, Moacir P. de Sá Pereira made one for the CTA, and did a little digging into why the Sedgewick stop is so complex when looked at through this lens. [via]
Owners of The Out NYC, a "straight friendly" gay hotel in New York, want to build a 10-story hotel on North Halsted. Neighborhood reaction was mixed at a community meeting last week.
The Chicago Academy of Sciences, which runs the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, stores a vast collection of animal specimens in an unassuming building in Ravenswood.
Last March, Chicago saw 52 murders. This year there were only 15. RedEye shares some analysis.
Peter Balla laments the death of "saloon life" in ChicagoNow. Mark Anderson covered similar ground regarding tap rooms for GB back in 2003.
Chicago is now only the fifth largest city in North America, having been edged out by Toronto. We've got 2.71 million people to their 2.79 million. (Thanks, Dee!)
The skyline will be lit blue tonight in honor of World Autism Awareness Day.
Britt Julious writes about how neighborhood stereotypes help to limit our knowledge of the city as a whole.
The Galewood-Montclare branch of the Chicago Public Library is in danger of closing due to a lack of activity, so neighborhood residents are taking action -- by checking out everything in the library. Stop by at 5pm to help out.
Why do neighborhoods sometimes vary from block to block? WBEZ's Natalie Moore attempts to answer.
Mary Schmich profiles Mike Perrone, a graphic designer whose love of the old Magikist lips (last seen in 2004) has driven him to make a t-shirt memorializing the signs -- and to buy one of the signs in hopes of getting it put back up somewhere in the city.
1,001 Chicago Afternoons picks up where Ben Hecht left off, collecting 1,001 stories of life in Chicago.
City Council approved the sale of 105 vacant city lots in Englewood to Norfolk Southern so the railway company can move forward on the expansion of its 47th Street Terminal. The expansion will eliminate an existing neighborhood, as documented in The Grid earlier this year.
In These Times details one of the contributing factors to Chicago's high murder rate: the dearth of trauma care units in South Side hospitals.
Zagat's released a list of the city's "30 Hottest Up-and-Comers Under 30" list.
Love animals but don't have the time, money or landlord permission to care for one? Consider volunteering at Animal Care and Control; they need your help, and it's a fulfilling experience.
PTSD affects police officers, too, and the pressures of work took the life of Officer Ryan Healy recently.
March 2013 has been almost the exact opposite of March 2012, meteorologically.
Cook County Commissioners are meeting tomorrow to discuss changes to the Managed Care of Feral Cats ordinance [PDF] that opponents say would hurt efforts to keep cat colonies healthy.
Chicago magazine's Whet Moser breaks down the stats on illegal gambling in Chicago.
A Redditor spotted an interesting anomaly on Google Maps: take a step forward from this spot and watch one of the last Cabrini Green towers disappear.
Our fair city's most unexpected comedy offspring, Amsterdam's Boom Chicago, is gaining in size and stature.
If you've listened to one or both of the "This American Life" shows related to Harper High School shooting during last school year, and felt yourself thinking "Man, I wish there was something I could do to help." Well, rest easier because now you can. The school's administrators have started a fundraiser. They'd love to get $2 million to provide ACT prep classes, after-school programming, transportation assistance, college tours and more.
Medill takes a multimedia look at Bronzeville's arts-filled past and present, including three galleries: Gallery Guichard, Blanc Gallery and Faié Afrikan Gallery. Another important area gallery is Milton Mizenberg's gallery and studio.
The Cook County Medical Examiner has posted photos and other info about unidentified bodies from the county morgue in hopes of learning their identities and possibly connecting them with loved ones.
The abandoned Edgewater Hospital on the edge of Andersonville could become a retirement home for gay senior citizens, if a proposal by graduate student Vea Cleary and the Friends of West Edgewater moves forward.
Crain's makes a case for a more broadly defined city center -- one that is the most prosperous in the nation.
A White House petition is being circulated to change the national anthem to R. Kelly's 2003 hit "Ignition (Remix)."
If you're looking for a reason to enjoy the weather, might I suggest tonight's SNOWBRAWL?
Coming in September, a new music-oriented team with the City is planning the first-ever Chicago Music Summit to promote local music.
Chicago in February sees the fewest murders. Whet Moser wonders why.
The Reader's Mick Dumke goes over recent drug arrest data, and relates it to his excellent story about the New Breeds gang last week and our new Public Enemy No. 1, JoaquÃn Guzmán Loera -- who the LA Times reports may have just been killed.
Illinois winters have warmed 0.88 degrees over the past four decades, making it the 12th fastest warming state according to research by Climate Central.
The trailer for the upcoming episodes of R. Kelly's neverending story Trapped in the Closet has been released.
Lee Bey interviews GB's David Schalliol about his short documentary for The Grid about a neighborhood in Englewood that's being torn down to make way for a Norfolk Southern railyard.
The Reader's Mick Dumke dissects a West Side heroin ring, starting with its leader.
Guys, if you're looking for love, start your search in Woodlawn, which has the highest proportion of single women in the city. (Ladies, you should look in Washington Park.)
"Just a few years ago, I had no idea what cold felt like, and no way to know how to prepare for it." A-J Aronstein talks about February in Chicago in the Paris Review.
WBEZ's series "Our Guns" introduces you to people for whom guns are an important part of their life and identity. Meanwhile, in Mechanics, Jeff Smith notes that attitudes about gun control are "as much a geographic and cultural divide as anything else."
Beginning this summer, Lakeview's Pride Fest and the Chicago Pride Parade may take place on separate weekends due to congestion concerns.
Bill Rankin of Radical Cartography created maps of racial distribution in Chicago and the suburbs during the 1940s, '50s and '60s, in connection with a journal article on how the Baby Boom affected population here.
A Chicago high school basketball star himself, former CPS chief/current Secretary of Education Arne Duncan connects to Chicago's gun violence and its toll on the city's youth through basketball, as Rick Telander tells it, and he's enlisted friends Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah to help formulate a plan to combat it.
The Atlantic Cities mines census data to figure out where the creative class -- and the service class -- live.
In 1999, Gary Comer, the founder of Lands' End, began investing in his childhood neighborhood of Pocket Town. Chicago magazine takes a look at what $86 million has done for the tiny South Side neighborhood.
Chicago is a city marked by the spirit of entrepreneurship and independent vision. Here, dedicated, innovative thinkers reinvent the collaborative processes that elevate ideas from daydreams to reality. So close, yet so far from the shiny Magnificent Mile, artists like Alexander Fruchter, owner and operator of local hip hop record label Closed Sessions, challenge traditional practices to make way for more exciting forms of magnificent creative expression.
Closed Sessions creates not only music but short documentary films, shown on their website, that give insider peeks into the stories behind these local artists. Fruchter says they are "genuine about wanting to capture the story in this historic period." They just signed their first flagship artist, Alex Wiley, who will perform Feb. 9 at 4pm at Reggie's Rock Club for just a dollar.
Rick Kogan interviewed Shirley Chambers, the woman who lost four children to gun violence in the city, on "The Afternoon Shift" yesterday. Meanwhile, a woman was shot while driving a van on the ramp from Lake Shore Drive onto I-55 this morning. Police Chief Garry McCarthy appeared on Channel 7 this morning to talk about efforts to stem gun violence.
What do Portillo's, Longman & Eagle, Hub 51 and Millennium Park have in common? They're all top spots on the "Best of Foursquare Chicago" list of places locals check into the most. [via]
The Chicago Police Department has recovered 50,000 guns in the past 12 years, and they've tracked down their origins.
The Onion's satirically upbeat story aside, Chicago has already had more homicides in January than last year, tying 2002's record with two more days to go.
A Reddit user has made a nifty GIF of how the city's race demographics have changed over a 90-year span.
Google Street Scene, which reframes scenes from movies using the mobile street cameras of Google, captured a moment from the 1980 film The Blues Brothers.
Just for yucks, here's that same intersection according to the real Google Street View:
Chicagoist's "Ramova Room" soup kitchen event is tonight at 6pm at Benton House. Get down there to sample soups from some of Bridgeport's best chefs. With more than 200 RSVPs on Facebook, it's going to be quite a party.
Logan Square is the eighth hottest neighborhood in the country, according to Redfin's analysis of real estate prices. [via]
DNAinfo has created a timeline of 2012's murders that tells you a little bit about each victim's life, going beyond the statistic.
"I am where I live and where I Iive is who I'll always be." Our own Britt Julious writes about how one's home neighborhood informs one's identity on WBEZ
As RedEye's map (previously) demonstrated, Chicago's 513 murders last year were not evenly distributed throughout the city. Fifteen neighborhoods had no murders in 2012 -- and Mount Greenwood has been murder-free since 2007.
The RedEye's Tracy Swartz breaks down 2012's 513 murders in a map and infographic. We're up to 16 so far in 2013.
While many Chicago neighborhoods faltered during the recession, Chatham has rebounded well. The NYTimes reports on reasons why.
One of Mayor Emanuel's first acts in office was to assign 1,000 more police officers to patrol the streets, but the Sun-Times found that there are actually fewer cops on the beat now than a year ago. Commentary on Second City Cop is enlightening.
If you're a renter and your building has poor heat, the law is on your side to make sure your landlord is kept in check.
The murder count for 2012 stopped at 506 (although some claim it was higher), and 2013 got off to a quick start, with at least 15 shot and three dead on Jan. 1.
The gentrification of Bronzeville runs counter to the usual gentrification story -- in that the gentrifiers are black, and not all of them are moving in from other neighborhoods.
All CTA rides will be a penny starting at 10pm tonight until 4am, courtesy of MillerCoors.
The city passed the 500 murder mark on Wednesday, according to RedEye's Homicide Tracker. The Trib shares the story of the man who may have been number 500.
The newly updated Chicago Area Ethnic Handbook shows you.
WBEZ's Justin Kaufmann and Richard Marx traded barbs over Twitter over the singer's cancelled appearance on yesterday's "The Afternoon Shift."
What was the geographical distribution of minorities changed in Chicago and other cities before and after the Fair Housing Act of 1968? Pro Publica shows you.
While the deaths of 20 young children in Newtown, CT has caused a national debate over gun control, 270 children have been killed by guns in Chicago since 2007, notes Hoy's Jeff Kelly Lowenstein.
Bow Truss Coffee Roasters is planning a new location near the Merchandise Mart, and is hoping to crowdfund a loan via local startup LendSquare.
The Field Museum's new president and board are exploring how well it's meeting its mission, as it prepares to cut staff and limit research scope due to budget shortfalls.
WBEZ's Curious City delves even deeper to dissect the Chicago accent, complete with thorough audio breakdown.
Local photographer Jon Lowenstein's photographs of South Side immigrant families were the launching point for a new series about Latin American immigration featured today on the NY Times' photography blog.
Every night, LGBT youth line up for a chance at one of 20 beds in the Night Ministry's shelter, The Crib.
Immigrant Connect tells the story of Carla, an immigrant from Ecuador who recently qualified for a U Visa, a special class of visa for victims of a crime.
If someone on your gift list listens to WBEZ's news quiz "Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!", consider buying them tickets to the live taping, where they can hear all of Carl Kassel's saucy quips that don't make it to broadcast. Thursdays at 7:30pm at the Chase Bank Auditorium, $24.75.
One of the best ways to know a city is through its trash.
There's snow in the forecast for today, but if the flurries don't fall Chicago will set a record for the longest time between measurable snowfalls.
Activists are advocating against the City's efforts to close single room occupancy hotels, which are often the only housing option for low-income residents.
Tracking software charted CTA bus and train movement over one day last month. It's awesome. [via]
The annual No-Pants Subway Ride will be January 13; check here for info on the Chicago event.
A Logan Square resident has been chronicling the (alarmingly fast) construction of a neighborhood McDonald's.
Chicago's murder rate made news this year, but it's not nearly as bad as in years past. And while hundreds have died this year, many more have been saved.
Chicago earned a 95 on Human Rights Campaign's new Municipal Equality Index, a measure of LGBT inclusion in municipal law, released earlier this week. Eleven cities received perfect scores of 100.
DNAinfo visits the "swastika house," one of Englewood's neighborhood tourism spots.
Yesterday was the second warmest Thanksgiving on record in Chicago. And of course today we're back to the usual chill.
Time Out learns what the police are doing to combat organized shoplifting.
Looking for a way to "pay it forward" this holiday season? Give the gift of warmth to a child in need by supporting Dorger McCarthy Group's annual coat drive and holiday party for children whose families are currently living in homeless shelters. Coats and volunteers are needed for this annual event, which happens Dec. 8. Email Sara.mccarthy@cbexchange.com to sign up to volunteer.
The LGBT community is aging right alongside everyone else, but finding housing has been a challenge. New developments in Boystown and elsewhere hope to change that.
The Urbanophile argues that Chicago should take better advantage of Northwest Indiana.
The future of the South Side could be acres of urban farms.
We love Nate Silver, and it turns out he loves us back.
When you've got a name like Luvvie, you just have to see the world as a place full of love. And for Chicagoan, activist, writer, Red Pump Project creator and humorist Luvvie Ajayi, her world is most recently full of love from Women's Media Center where she received their Social Media Award. Hopefully for Luvvie, the love doesn't stop.
The Sun-Times reports that CeaseFire, now known as Cure Violence, has had "no significant success stories" in the three months since being given $1 million by the City to help curb gang violence.
Gapers Block has covered CeaseFire extensively over the years, both positively and more skeptically. Most recently, Jason Prechtel questioned the decision by Vice magazine to run a documentary about CeaseFire as part of a marketing campaign for a revenge-themed video game; Vice has since removed the documentary from the marketing campaign site.
Chicago has its share of odd public works, but well known are John Kearney's metal animal sculptures. This weekend, his work in Lakeview was removed by their owner after he sold the property on which they sat. Residents will now have to get used to a world without their favorite large chrome giraffe to welcome them home.
Photo by Michael Lehet.
You're not imagining things, there are more neighborhood festivals than ever -- and organizers are looking for new ways to fight for their sliver of attention.
Chicago's high level of gang violence is nothing new, but its increasingly popular "trap" rap scene, featuring juvenile rappers that rhyme about guns, "bitches" and drugs, is adding more fuel to the already out of control fire. Many wonder who is responsible for the epidemic, the misguided teens or their parents? Chicago blogger Alexander Fruchter explores this troubling trend in an editorial for Ruby Hornet.
Logan Square's Real Tenochtitlan was forced to cover up the bare breasts in a painting hanging in the restaurant after a patron complained about "obsenity." Eater spoke to an employee, "Yes, it's art, but to some persons they are a kind of pornography and that's what they understand."
The NY Times reports on the Northwestern Juvenile Project through the eyes of one of its field interviewers.
Mayor Emanuel wants billboard companies to tear down five traditional billboards in the city in exchange for permission to build digital billboards on City property all over the city -- including, potentially, within neighborhoods where no billboards currently exist.
ABC News says we just got our Christmas tree. Is it too early to be thinking about the holidays?
Mobile Phenomena is a book by Temporary Services detailing some of the many ways people convey themselves and their things through this world.
Chicago officially tied 2011 in homicides overnight, with two more months to go.
If you aren't into wearing a Halloween costume this weekend, a lot of dogs will be getting into their favorite (or tolerated) costumes and patrolling the city for your entertainment. You can find pet parades in Lincoln Square, Andersonville, Logan Square, the South Loop, Avondale, the Gold Coast, and even the Chicago Botanic Garden.
WBEZ's Curious City investigates the Chicago accent and how it came to be. Submit your own speech sample.
Chicago's 311 system is now integrated with SeeClickFix; as of today, the City will be monitoring services requests made on that site as well as its own avenues. You can also track your 311 service request online.
The city's murder rate has slowed down.
Mick Dumke has an update on his story (previously) about 18th Ward residents fighting against yet another pawn shop: the neighborhood won.
Sorry, that's not fair. Gadling Travel has compiled a list of the 10 Chicago suburbs that don't suck. Bonus: Olde Schaumburg Centre: America's Least Impressive Historic District?
On the excellent Calumet 412 tumblr, a mystery has been spotted: what connects 49th and Union with Ainslie and Marine Drive?
Here's a Google Streetview grab of approximately 4880 S. Union Ave. The I-beam fenceposts are gone, or at least hiding behind the wood fence, but that appears to be the same house, remodeled. Wonder how long the photo on the North Side has been there.
This post originally referred to Calumet 412 as a project of Forgotten Chicago. I've been notified that they're not related.
Connecting families across the city, the first annual "Strollers in the Front" 5K Walk & Run on Sunday, Oct. 28 welcomes walkers, runners and strollers alike. With a Kids Dash and a Halloween Finish Line Family festival, this family oriented race is the first of its kind to make its way to the city, so register your strollers now and be a part of crawling to the finish line!
Target has announced its plans to open another store in Chicago in October 2013. The new store will be located on west Division and north Larrabee streets, on the old site of Cabrini-Green.
Everyblockers in Edgewater debate what to do when you spot a peeping tom in the building next to you.
Tuesday, Oct. 30 is the night that Anthony Moser and the Fat Tones Blues Band performs at Buddy Guy's Legends. Come in for a spell at 9:30pm for the show -- and as the "witching hour" approaches, get ready for Black Magic beginning at 11:30pm.
With the release of the 2012 Cultural Plan, Chicagoist found a copy of the 1986 version and compared them.
The CHA has approved plans that would lead to the demolition of 1,800 public housing units in Lathrop Homes, Altgeld Gardens and the Cabrini rowhouses. The plans now head to Washington for HUD approval.
Streetwise has partnered with Neighbor Capital to start Neighbor Carts- a social business that funds fruit carts, providing both job opportunities and access to healthy food. [via]
The final version of the city's 2012 Cultural Plan is now live. If you're looking for a quick read, here's the direct link to the pdf executive summary.
Or just read it here:
Final City of Chicago Cultural Plan 2012 - Executive Summary
Elena Rodina, a diamond merchant, tells tales from Jewelers' Row in NewCity.
In honor of Chicago Ideas Week, the city turned to Twitter to ask users their opinion about the best way to get guns off of the streets. They received over 300,000 responses, varying from stricter parenting to looser gun control.
Noyes Street Station, one of the northernmost stops on the CTA Purple Line, will be closed for repairs this weekend. Commuters traveling to or from Evanston will not be able to access the station between 10pm on Friday until 4am on Monday.
The Logan Square Dog Park could earn a much-needed $500k donation if you take a minute to vote in a nationwide contest sponsored by Purina.
The Chicago Journal explores an "urban island" on the near South Side, cut off from the rest of the city by the Stevenson and Dan Ryan to the north and south, the Red Line and Amtrak tracks to the east and west.
The Legacy Walk, a series of plaques from The Legacy Project that honors heroes from the LGBT community, will be unveiled on Halsted Street in Boystown today, National Coming Out Day. Download a PDF walking map.
With an estimated 280 machines live across the state as of yesterday, video gambling is legal at bars, restaurants, truck stops and fraternal organizations. And just when I thought I'd never find a way to fund state improvements while playing poker by myself at a truck stop.
The African American Cultural Center Gallery of UIC's upcoming exhibition, "Black/Inside: A History of Captivity & Confinement in the U.S.," posits that "mass incarceration has replaced segregation as a form of social control for black people." The exhibit opens Oct. 23 and runs until Nov. 21.
CBS Chicago reports that some Lakeview residents are complaining that the pay-what-you-can Panera Cares on Diversey is bringing an "unwanted element" into the neighborhood -- aka homeless people. As Chicagoist notes, it's not the first time Lakeview residents and businesses have tried to exclude people.
The Reader this week tells the story of 18th ward residents' fight against yet another pawn shop in their neighborhood.
Will Vaughn has created a very thorough map of all the pedways in the Loop. (They're a bit out of date, but you might also enjoy our pedway tour: part one, part two.)
Crain's reports that Chicago's suburban office parks are the most vacant in the country, with enough available space to fill the 110-story Willis Tower almost eight times over.
If you'e got an idea about how to get illegal guns off the streets, and can sum it up in 140 characters or less, the city's listening (if it has the hashtag #whatifchicago). The best suggestions will debated October 11 with police Superintendent Garry McCarthy at a Chicago Ideas Week panel.
Students in the Columbia Links program produced Don't Shoot, I Want to Grow Up, a collection of essays reflecting on this summer's violence
WBEZ puts the latest gang territory data from CPD on a Google Map, and compares it with locations of schools and homicides.
As of this morning, Millennium Park features free wi-fi -- the first of Emanuel's push, which plans to include all parks and public spaces in Chicago. The City is looking for everyone's help in designing the network via The Broadband Challenge.
The Sun-Times rode along with an undercover cop in Englewood.
Forbes magazine, which deals in "information for the world's business leaders," has determined that Wicker Park is the fourth best "hipster" neighborhood in the country. Glad they let us know.
The Chicagoist recaps the Congress Theater/Portage Theater fiasco, and it's gotten a little ugly.
Darcy Phillips began a quest earlier this year to run on every block of the city. You can follow his journey via Facebook.
The two and a half year reconstruction of North Grant Park is now underway, during which Daley Bicentennial Plaza will be transformed into Maggie Daley Park. Three renderings of the park are available on the construction website (Tip: Open each rendering in another window to see the full resolution version).
During the recession there was a lot of talk about how the housing bubble made it cheaper to rent than own. According to Trulia, it's now cheaper to own again, in Chicago and every other major city in America.
We know the city is diverse, but what about the suburbs? [via]
Ever wonder why streets on the South Side are numbered, but North Side streets aren't? WBEZ's Carrie Shepherd decided to try to find out.
CeaseFire is now Cure Violence. Hear more about the name change from Gary Slutkin.
The Chicago Rarities Orchard Project is actually moving forward in Logan Square.
Voting is now open for Placemaking Chicago's "Space in Between" competition.
Speaking of CeaseFire, the organization is cosponsoring a forum on community violence tonight at the Chicago Urban League at 6pm. Details in Slowdown.
In "Chicago Interrupted," Vice magazine followed two members of CeaseFire, Tio Hardiman and Ameena Matthews, as they went about the daily business of keeping fights from escalating into more serious violence. The first part of the video series was posted yesterday. [via]
Stay tuned for more in the series.
Gapers Block has covered CeaseFire a number of times over the years, profiling Tio Hardiman back in 2008 and more recently digging into criticism of the organization's tactics as it rose to prominence with the release of the documentary The Interrupters.
A new development around the Ravenswood Metra station began construction last week. Highlights of the project include covered platforms and warming shelters, and a planned Mariano's and L.A. Fitness.
Open House Chicago's 2012 website is now live, including this map of the locations open on October 13 and 14.
Further thoughts Whet Moser and Miles Raymer on Chief Keef, Lil JoJo and the bleakness of Chicago's teen rap scene.
CDOT released the Chicago Pedestrian Plan, a document aimed at "improving all aspects of the pedestrian experience and increase pedestrian activity."
The Museum of Science and Industry is hosting its Illinois Free Days: no admission charge for all residents (with ID) on weekdays Sept. 4 through 28.
According to the LoganSquarist, the Congress Theater will soon undergo renovations and build a storefront community center.
Irving Park Road Signs is exactly what it sounds like.
The Chicago Police quietly adopted a new transgender policy last month. You can read it online.
Crime in Chicago is a new site from the Tribune that provides crime maps, statistics and other useful info for each of the city's 77 community areas.
Emanuel and McCarthy's anti-violence strategy gets poor reviews from residents of the neighborhoods that are affected, where they're calling for even more of a police presence. Meanwhile, 50 officers were sent to the Democratic National Convention.
Sixth ward Alderman Roderick Sawyer tried speak with concerned citizens after a shooting in his South Side ward. He was told, "Ya'll can't do nothing" by a teenager who was the brother of the shooting victim.
Lupe Fiasco recently gave an opinion on the "Trap Rap" phenomenon. Fiasco also discusses the influence local rapper Chief Keef has on the Chicago hip hop scene.
The police cracked down on gangs this weekend in an effort to curb violence, arresting 300 people and confiscating more than 100 guns. And speaking of guns, UofC Crime Lab researchers determined that most guns recovered by police in crime investigations are purchased in the suburbs -- one in five was bought at a single Riverside Riverdale gun shop.
You can can eat well at Alinea even if you're a vegan.
Whet Moser puts the current culture clash over bicycles into historical perspective by looking at Chicago in the 1960s.
The Reader's Steve Bogira delves into statistics that show that poverty is Chicago's deadliest killer.
If it seems like graffiti in your neighborhood is staying up longer than usual, you're not imagining it -- the Graffiti Blasters' funding has been cut back to save on the City budget.
The Urbanophile runs down several ways to look at cities globally and marks Chicago's status against them. Meanwhile, London's World Cities Culture Report left Chicago out (though it did limit itself to one city per country, so only NYC ranks in the States.)
The Trib notes some of the street, town and business names around Chicagoland that can make travel for visitors confusing.
Among the many events this weekend is the Chicago Korean Festival, which runs Saturday and Sunday on Bryn Mawr between Kedzie and Kimball. It's probably your only chance to see traditional Korean wrestling (ssireum) this year.
In 1992, a young, suburb-dwelling Shaun Sperling achieved a major feat: he did the entire dance accompaniment for Madonna's "Vogue" video for the people at his Bar Mitzvah party. It's 100% awesome, and I hope he still has the shirt.
Gawker turned its eyes to Chicago's murder rate yesterday, but as Whet Moser notes, the sensational "world's deadliest city" headline glosses over the reasons behind the statistic.
The Woodstock Institute shares data on foreclosures in Chicago, including an interactive chart that lets you compare trends in your community area to others around the city.
Speaking of art, the murals to go in Rogers Park underpasses (previously) have been chosen; the styles range from graffiti-inspired to realist to an iteration of You Are Beautiful.
The murals will go up on the Chase, Estes, Greenview/Sherwin, North Shore and Rogers Avenue CTA underpasses and the Birchwood, Estes, Farwell, Morse, Rogers and Touhy Avenue Metra underpasses.
Chicago 1955 by Aaron Wooten
If you're intrigued by suburban companies moving back downtown (including today's United announcement), you may be interested in Forgotten Chicago's "Corporate Kings of the Suburbs & Stern Pinball Tour," which will visit several midcentury suburban corporate campuses. Their upcoming Hyde Park modernist walking tour looks promising too.
Streetwise vendors don't just sell magazines. They also clean the streets and upcycle trash into handmade gift items, like these cool photo frames made from recycled CTA cards.
Starting August 20, the Chicago Public Library will be offering amnesty for overdue books. No fines, no questions, no nothing -- for three whole weeks. So if you've had a copy of Tropic of Cancer checked out since junior high school, now's your chance to return it.
The stars of the local show All About Chris had quite a time during last weekend's Bud Billiken Parade, particularly because they were being hounded by their female fans throughout the parade route. One swarming event is after the jump.
Speaking of the military, September 8 commemorates the 200 year anniversary of the Battle of Fort Dearborn (it's represented as one of the stars on our city's flag, in case you didn't know) with a reconciliation between Pottowatomi tribe members, military reënactors, descendents of soldiers in the battle, Mayor Emanuel and other dignitaries. The celebration will be part of the the 6th annual Festival on Prairie Avenue sponsored by the Prairie District Neighborhood Alliance.
Crain's maps beach-going frequency throughout the city.
If your nose is stuffed up and your sinuses are aching, there's a good reason: Chicago's mold count is the highest on record this week.
Buff up on your Chicago history with a South Loop Historical Society walking tour of Northerly Island next Tuesday, August 14.
Get caught smoking a joint and it's a $250-500 ticket now. Get caught building a marijuana farm inside a South Deering house, and it's going to be a much bigger headache.
The RedEye has mapped out bar brawls across the city. Either the North Side likes to fight more than the South Side, or the police just don't get called as often south of Roosevelt.
The Chicago Sister Cities Festival runs through Friday in Daley Plaza. Get out of the office and explore the world on your lunch break.
The new law allowing police to ticket people for possession of half an ounce of pot or less goes into effect on Saturday -- which is convenient for a certain segment of Lollapalooza attendees, Ward Room notes.
Chicago's murder rate went down in July, according to Supt. McCarthy; we only had 49 homicides, compared with 55 in 2011. McCarthy says this means the CPD's gang violence reduction strategy is beginning to work. Need I mention that Second City Cop and crew disagree?
Chicago's segregation isn't just along racial lines, but income lines too. Interestingly, Bucktown is on the rise, as the only area outside Lincoln Park where more than 30 percent of residents make more than $200k.
A new city ordinance prohibits children under 18 from using tanning equipment. Looks like they'll have to get their ultraviolet radiation fix the old-fashioned way: at the beach. Swim at your own risk, though: city officials have decided that they'll only close beaches when the lake's been contaminated by overflowing sewers.
Tomorrow is Chik-Fil-A Appreciation Day (also Chik-Fil-Gay Appreciation Day), and the Chicago Republican Party is celebrating by holding a press conference at City Hall announcing the filing of civil rights complaints over Ald. Moreno and Mayor Emanuel's comments about the chain's opposition gay marriage. (On that note, read Ramsin Canon's thoughts on the matter.)
The expanse of empty grass and trees you see to your right when you cross under the Stevenson on Cicero headed toward Midway was once LeClaire Courts one of the many housing projects shut down by the CHA in recent years. It's completely gone now.
Although it's gone on Google Maps' satellite view, you can still drive through the emptied buildings on Streetview:
Chicago's racial segregation extends, perhaps not surprisingly, to our nightclubs.
WBEZ reports on the ongoing saga of City Parking Lot #47 at Devon and Rockwell.
Darren Calhoun explains how he got an entire L car to sing "Lean on Me" in NewCity.
Jason Prechtel already had some reservations about the draft Chicago Cultural Plan. Participating in one of this week's town hall meetings didn't make him feel any better.
Psychologist and criminal justice professor Arthur Luringo discusses five beliefs about homicides in Crain's.
Crime in Chicago is a new site that helps visualize crime trends by ward and date.
Poverty as a CTA map, showing each station's placement on the hardship index. [via]
What's the best neighborhood for families? The Huffington Post invites you to vote for one of eight qualifiers in its Neighborhood Showdown. (An earlier version of this post linked to HuffPo's original article, which used the term "neighborhood deathmatch." After receiving feedback about the use of that phrase during what's almost certainly the city's deadliest summer, the editors removed the phrase and renamed their voting tool altogether.)
First Ward Alderman Joe Moreno and Mayor Rahm Emanuel are joining the outcry against Chick-fil-A.
Time Magazine takes a look at "pop-up grocery stores," with an emphasis on Chicago's Fresh Moves, a mobile produce market on a repurposed CTA bus.
The facade of an Art Deco building at the corner of Milwaukee and Spaulding will soon be removed and replaced with (less distinctive) brick. The building, which dates back to the 1930s, was first owned by the Hump Hairpin Manufacturing Company.
Do you peek into apartment windows and backyards as you trundle past on the train? You're not alone.
In NewCity, Galen Leonhardy recalls his role in saving a woman from drowning in Belmont Harbor. He wasn't able to save her friend.
The Reader's cover story this week explores the dangerous world of LGBTQ homeless in Chicago. (Related reading here on GB: It's not Easy Peeing T; Lessons from Death; Hanging on by a Sequin)
At Learnapalooza Chicago, you can study everything from origami to harm reduction.
After a controversial budget in January that reduced library hours (previously), Mayor Emanuel announced that neighborhood libraries will reopen on Monday mornings.
The latest draft of the Chicago Cultural Plan was released today. Your next opportunity to share thoughts is at a town hall meeting July 24 at Malcolm X College.
According to columnist Georgie Anne Geyer, Chicago's rising murder rate is due to too many "illegitimate" children growing up without fathers at home. "Solve that, and find out where the plethora of guns is coming from, and train more women to say no to unmarried sex and more men to say yes to fatherhood -- and you'll solve the murder problem."
Edward McClelland goes inside one of the city's underground poker rooms.
Do you find EveryBlock too... inclusive? Nextdoor.com lets you create a private social network for your neighborhood, where you can bitch about the neighbor's uncut grass in peace.
The Eye on India Festival returns to Chicago starting today.
The RedEye notes that there's a rise in the number of scutigera coleoptrata scaring the bejeezus out of Chicagoans this summer. Don't worry, they're almost entirely harmless to humans.
Video via Boing Boing.
Whet Moser puts Chicago Public Library usage on a map.
Eighteen percent of CHA's public housing units are vacant, despite around 40,000 families being on the waiting list for an apartment. Part of the reason is the future of the historic Lathrop Homes complex is still undecided.
John Greenfield and Andrew Bayley (previously) biked the perimeter of newly redrawn 1st Ward, highlighting the tortuous shape it's been twisted into in the name of political gerrymandering.
Want to celebrate your independence by going on a date? Newly launched Project Fixup's first batch of events start Friday.
J. Harley created a gorgeous timelapse video of the city.
Love Letter to Chicago from j. harley on Vimeo.
Racially segregated neighborhoods on the Red Line, as illustrated by time-lapse video.
Placemaking Chicago is running a contest for projects that temporarily turn vacant lots in the city into something more productive.
Columbia College professor Teresa Puente shares her experiences being a Chicana in America and abroad.
Abogo recently put together a breakdown of where your $2.25 fare goes, as well as an infographic explaining where the rest of the budget comes from.
Lakeviewing.com is a new arts and entertainment blog showcasing all the fun and interesting things to do in Lakeview. It's a partnership between the Lakeview and Lakeview East chambers of commerce, Brown Line Media and Gapers Block. Check it out!
Speaking of the Pride Parade, the city's Office of Emergency Management and Communications estimated a record-breaking 850,000+ revelers turned out for yesterday's celebration.
Gay Chicago TV is streaming today's Pride Parade live if you're interested.
Chicago could save $5.3 billion a year by reducing violent crime, according to a new study by the Center for American Progress.
Chicago Reader's ready with its annual round-up of the city's best.
The Pride Parade is running a different route this Sunday, and that's not all that's new this year. There will also be a stronger crackdown on public alcohol consumption. You could always watch it live from home. (Time Out has some other makeover suggestions, too.)
New taxi rules -- which, as we reported in January when Mayor Emanual first proposed the reform regulations, were not without their share of controversy -- go into effect July 1. The good news is, all cabs must have credit card processing equipment and the fuel surcharge is going away. The bad news is, the flag pull rate goes up -- and there's a new $50 vomit clean-up fee.
The Polish Museum of America turns 75 this year, and just mounted a new retrospective exhibit. It's looking for more support to stay open, though -- give a hand if you can.
Ravenswood-based Poopbags.com sells biodegradable, compostable bags for cleaning up after your dog.
Connect Near North is a new site covering, you guessed it, the Near North Side.
Thirty-four people were shot, five killed this weekend. The Tribune spent Saturday night in the trauma center at Stroger Hospital documenting the experience.
Scott Turow reflects on Chicago's second city syndrome and its urge to be considered world class.
Jack McBrayer and Triumph the Insult Comic Dog visit the Wiener's Circle.
Last night's Redacted, a benefit at the Hideout for 826CHI that was sponsored by the A.V. Club, brought out the nation's best comics. Pics after the jump.
The lineup:
• Dan Telfer (who also hosted)
• Cameron Esposito
• Eddie Pepitone (whose documentary The Bitter Buddha opens tonight at the Siskel)
• Amy Schumer
• Kyle Kinane
• Pete Holmes
• Patton Oswalt
• Janeane Garafalo
• Brian Posehn
• Hannibal Buress (appearing Saturday at Chicago Theater)
• Aziz Ansari (performing two shows tonight at the Chicago Theater; tickets still available sold out)
In short, it was brilliant.
For those tired of getting street sweeping tickets, it's worth checking out TktTxt, a free reminder service that notifies you by text or email about upcoming cleanings. It's currently operational for two wards, with more being added this week. (There's also SweepAround.Us.) [via]
So says Mary Schmich in her latest column, on the violent summer we've had so far.
Hyde Park, Roscoe Village/North Center and Logan Square get shouted out as three of the city's must-see (and shop, and eat) neighborhoods.
Chicago may be losing ground, but Mayor Emanuel's trying to shore up the city with the help of a non-profit board that'll seek private investors for public works projects.
Chicago's renaissance in the 1990s and early 2000s has slid considerably in recent years. The Urbanophile, Aaron Renn, breaks down some of the reasons in City Journal.
Out in Galewood, kids know how to have a good time -- by staging a backyard production of Monty Python and the Holy Grail, for instance. [via]
Photo by Bryan Bedell. The show was staged by EDGE Youth Theater.
Claire Zulkey has a great neighbor, and it's a bar.
Even though the term "food desert" has been the subject of some debate lately, the City Council's decision to allow mobile produce trucks has got to be good for folks who don't have easy access to grocery stores -- or who just want a really, really ripe peach.
Crain's shows which wards have the highest number of vacant homes. Compare that with the economic hardship map we linked to earlier this week.
A change to Taste of Chicago's free open seating policy for concerts and chef events: this year, the City has chosen Groupon as the exclusive ticket retailer for both, concert tickets going for $25 apiece, and Celebrity Chef du Jour tickets for $40. Advance sales start 10am Friday, on the Taste's website.
Today commemorates the 120th anniversary of the first L system.
The richest and poorest neighborhoods are basically where you'd expect: the Near North and Southwest Side, according to new hardship data.
Martha Stewart visits.
Time Out's Novid Parsi tells the tale of Jamal Edwards' tumultuous rise to power at the Howard Brown Health Center.
Toyota is running a Facebook competition called 100 Cars for Good. There are a bunch of non-profit organizations in Illinois competing for your votes to win a car, including several in Chicago: the Japanese American Service Committee, La Casa Norte, Open Books and Streetwise.
A.V. Club Chicago interviews Dominic Pacyga, author of Chicago: A Biography, on Chicago's history of anti-protestor violence.
William Balfour was found guilty of killing Jennifer Hudson's mother, brother and nephew on Friday; Natalie Moore writes in Ebony that Englewood is not to blame.
Patrick Reardon recommends you see the "real" Chicago instead, by driving down Western Avenue or wandering Avondale or Woodlawn.
While gang activity has been on the rise, the Mob has been in decline.
The week of June 11, the 46th, 47th, 48th, 49th and 50th wards and most of the 40th and 44th will move to a grid system for trash pickup.
A Chicago Reporter investigation discovered some startling stats: more than a third of police misconduct cases involved officers with multiple complaints, and just 1 percent of the police force was responsible for more than 25 percent of payouts in misconduct cases. Read more in the current issue of the Reporter.
Chicago Mag's got a cool photo retrospective of CTA cars.
Chicago is hosting the NATO summit this month, and to educate world leaders on the rich culture of the city, a video was released on YouTube. The video featured sweeping shots of the Bean and McCormick place, and such egregious errors as naming Chicago the capital of Illinois, and claiming Barack Obama grew up here. The video is now listed as "private" on YouTube.
Today Columbia College presents Manifest, its annual celebration of student work now in its 11th year. The event kicks off with what they are calling the Great Convergence, a spectacle that is to include a collaborative effort from many of the college's performing and fine arts disciplines. The festivities turn the South Loop into an sprawling outdoor extravaganza. Manifest begins at noon at 1001 S. Wabash Ave.
Hyde Park's Big Girl Makeup Bar and Spa has a fun connection to Oprah; the company's owner was one of the recipients of the legendary car giveaway episode in 2004, and rather than keep the prize, she sold it and used the proceeds to fund her business.
Grub Street expands on the obituary for Ingrid Bergstrom, matriarch of a long-gone gathering place for Chicago's Scandinavian community.
Inspired by the new Chicago anthem, every neighborhood in the city is getting its own awkward theme song! The Central Lakeview Merchants Association gets it started.
Apartment Therapy offers a peek inside one of the gorgeous apartments in the Substation Lofts North in Edgewater.
The Public Building Commission posted a pretty comprehensive photograph set of the brand new 31st Street Harbor.
"Wicker Park in 1990 was in the earliest stages of gentrification, and it had features familiar to anyone who'd grown up in a crumbling Rust Belt town: Decay, limitation, the creativity demanded by making do." Zoe Zolbrod explains how the old Wicker Park made her fall in love with Chicago.
Chicago Magazine has assembled a "NATO Weekend Survival Guide," going over closures, protest zones and where you can get involved.
The Illinois Coalition for Responsible Outdoor Lighting is trying to reduce the amount of light pollution produced in Chicagoland and other parts of the state. Dim Your Lights offers some easy ways to make nighttime a little darker.
Local home prices rose in February. Chicago magazine totes up home prices and trends by neighborhood.
The ethnic makeup of gangs in Rogers Park is as mixed as the neighborhood itself, a police audit finds.
NewCity shares a story of painful love and sexuality. (If you like that, you might enjoy these stories of Chicago's fetish scene and BDSM among senior citizens from our archives.)
Crain's asks, is the "New Eastside" a real neighborhood? (As opposed to the original East Side, which has been a neighborhood for a very long time.)
The annual Greek Independence Day Parade in Greektown on April 22 may be smaller than usual after a year of organizational turmoil.
Whether you just arrived from somewhere else or you've been here your whole life, Chicago is ripe for discovery and adventure in the spring. Don't be afraid to be a local tourist; take that Ferris wheel ride at Navy Pier and have that sunset Champagne at the Signature Room...but don't forget to explore the road less traveled too. Check out these touristy but oh-so-fun springtime activities and then, after you rested and recharged, put on your walking shoes and enjoy a few of the less obvious treats that our city has to offer. Now get out there and enjoy!!!
Todd Diederich (previously on GB) reports on the murder of Ricky Bradley in K-Town for Vice. More on his blog.
The City will expand the Blue Cart recycling program citywide in 2013, Mayor Emanuel announced yesterday.
The Atlantic explores the phenomenon of shoes thrown over telephone wires via comments on a Rogers Park Everyblock thread.
Do you look at your yard and think about putting in trees or plants and then get overwhelmed by the price? Do you like the idea of having a compost bin or rain barrel, but not the idea of buying what you need? Let the city of Chicago reimburse you for half of your cost.
Craving the worst of the worst of Chicago's thriving nightlife? The good people at Complex Magazine have compiled 25 of the Windy City's worst bars/clubs. Presumably, they did that so, hopefully, you won't have to. I used the City Life/Cultural tag, but, yeah, "Cultural."
Whet Moser digs deeply into how the Chicago accent came to be.
A panhandler with an excellent idea: set up next to the State Street preacher and add a little commentary.
Mondog, the Montrose Dog Beach community site, reports the death of one dog in the jaws of another, and its owner's apparent remorselessness about the killing. The owners of the deceased pet are trying to contact the killer dog's owner, who snuck off instead of taking responsibility.
Today marks what would have been author Nelson Algren's 103rd birthday.
Designslinger takes a closer look at Theophil Studios, one of the artist-reworked homes on Burton Place in Old Town. View additional images of the building and others by the artist in our gallery of photographs from a book about his work.
Fantastic Chicago-based Lesbian website The L Stop, (aka "the one stop for everything lesbian in Chicago") just published their list of the 10 Chicago Lesbians to Look Out For.
Ever wonder what it's like to live next door to the leader of the free world?
An interactive exhibit based on the Discovery Channel's "MythBusters" opened at the Museum of Science and Industry today.
Former Bulls star and current agent of the reigning MVP, BJ Armstrong, has been appointed to the city's Park District Board. "One of Armstrong's duties will be to oversee a renovation project of 100 outdoor basketball courts around the city," the Tribune reports.
If you want a seat in the Petrillo Music Shell in Grant Park during Taste of Chicago this year, you may have to shell out $25 due to a new ordinance being introduced by Mayor Emanuel. The lawn is still free though!
What do single cancer survivors have in common with millions of other singletons in the United States? They also braving the ocean of the dating world looking for some love, except they often have a way more interesting life stories to share. Check out MeSoFar's Me vs. Cancer event and hear the stories of 10 single cancer survivors and mix and mingle after the show. Added bonus, all proceeds benefit Imerman's Angles. The event is on April 7th at Den Theater. Buy your tickets here.
In what can only result in days of "No Soup for You" headlines, The State of Illinois is a vote away from banning all shark fin trade in the state. Between 26 and 73 million sharks are killed annually, and while most are consumed overseas, Illinois is one the the country's largest consumers.
Mythbusters: The Explosive Exhibition will be at the Museum of Science and Industry from March 15 through Sep. 3, and looks like a lot of fun. Chicago Magazine has a look at one of the 14 interactive exhibits.
Help one of Chicago's most beloved bar owners: Susan Stursberg of Gold Star Bar (1735 W. Division) was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. A GiveForward campaign has been launched on her behalf to help with medical bills.
Why head to Beverly except to hit up the South Side Irish Parade? The Chicagoist starts you off with five reasons.
The Huffington Post wants to know what the moment was when you knew you were a Chicagoan. Assuming, of course, that moment wasn't birth.
Got an old refrigerator, freezer or air conditioner you've been putting off getting rid of? Save money by recycling these items. Com Ed is offering a free pick up service to its customers and offering upwards to $50 per item (limit two). To get green for going green, schedule a pick up before May 31.
In light of the NYPD's recently revealed spying efforts on Muslims, Chicago Police Supt. Garry McCarthy promised that the department "does not and will not conduct blanket surveillance and profiling of any community in the city of Chicago."
Schools, county and city offices and the libraries are closed today; apparently we're just lucky we TadeuszKościuszko is hard to pronounce.
A celebration of Chicago's 175th birthday with Rahm Emanuel at the Chicago History Museum was interrupted by a group protesting the closure and consolidation of city mental health clinics.
Chicago celebrates its demisemiseptcentennial (or dodransbicentennial) today. Neil Steinberg lists 175 years of inventions and innovations born in Chicago.
There's a lot of buzz going around about the city's "birthday" this Sunday, including a daunting list provided by the Sun Times filled with ways to celebrate it. However, because March 4th marks city's incorporation rather than the day it was founded, it's arguable that Sunday better resembles the day it got its first job.
Among the last stories published by the Chicago News Cooperative as it suspended operations was one about the fate of homeless undocumented immigrants.
The Lyric Opera announced it will host the world premiere of "Bel Catno," as part of its Renée Fleming Initiative. It will be the seventh premiere the Lyric has commissioned since 1961.
Illinois is second only to California in unpopularity, according to a survey by Public Policy Polling, a Democratic Party-affiliated polling firm. [via]
The Skokie Public Library is hosting a DIY Lie Detector Machine workshop for students on March 6. Sorry, adults; you have to be between grades 6-12 to participate.
Claire Zulkey writes about death in the city on The Hairpin.
Complex magazine has compiled a list of ten rappers to look for in 2012.
Hip-hop artist Common joined Johnson publishing CEO Desiree Rogers at Thursday night's 28 Days program hosted by AT&T. He wrapped up the evening with a freestyle over the "Sweet" beat off of his album, The Dreamer, The Believer.
Comedian, talk show host, and oddball actor Tom Green will be at Zanies, 1548 N Wells St., tonight and tomorrow at 8:30pm. There will be a second performance at 10:30pm; tomorrow only. Check the Slowdown Calendar for ticket information after taking a look at one of his earlier visits to the city below.
The secret's out: The office of Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White is celebrating African-American Heritage Month at 12pm today at the State of Illinois Building, 100 W. Randolph, with a musical program featuring Chicago hip hop star Lupe Fiasco, jazz vocalist Dee Alexander, radio icon, V103's Herb Kent, Michelle Williams (Destiny's Child) and others.
Want to help influence the Chicago Cultural Plan? There's one last meeting tonight from 6pm to 8pm at the National Museum of Mexican Art.
ChicagoTalks examines how social media is being used in Uptown to keep residents safe and help each other.
This year's Art Loop installation will be Jessica Stockholder's "Color Jam." The installation will involve wrapping an intersection on State Street with colorful sculptures, paintings and possibly even fabric. [via]
Community Investment Corporation and Business and Professional People for the Public Interest are two of this year's recipients of the MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions.
Newcity takes a "subterranean safari" through the city's underground pedway network- an odd, sprawling area littered with shops where the city's own map is out of date. (Our own two-part pedway tour could probably use some updating, too.)
If you love old photos of Chicago as much as we do, new blog Chicago Past looks extremely promising.
Here's a brief video asking 35 locals why they love Chicago — and which is part of the "175 Ways to Love Chicago" project.
City Hall is questioning whether the organization bringing back the South Side Irish Parade is really able to handle it.
MeSoFar is hosting its very first LGBT event on Feb. 19th at the Den Theatre! The event will feature 10 single "presenters" who will each give six-minute slideshows about themselves to 50 other single audience members. Speakers and listeners mingle during and after the presentations. The speakers are already lined up but there are still some spots open for listeners. Sign up soon!
Isis, the Shepard/terrier mix in East Garfield Park whose owners were charged with animal cruelty after casting her off and leaving her to be beaten by neighborhood kids, will be available for adoption soon; Animal Care and Control (2741 South Western) will be accepting applications this Saturday from noon to 6pm. CACC also has many wonderful animals available for adoption as well; come by and get your next pet!
Here's a recent pic of Isis:
The Tribune's new Maps & Apps bit lets you see the old and new ward maps side by side, as well as check if your address will end up in a different one.
The City just announced the Chicago Cultural Plan 2012, and it's looking for your input online or at a series of town hall meetings later this month.
Where's a nerdy guy or gal suppose to find love post-college these days? At the Oak Park Library of course! The library is hosting a "Shaken and Stirred" speed dating and online dating panel on Sat. 11 February. The list is full of lovely ladies but some book-loving men are still needed. Sign up today!
What's it like being a bi-cultural resident of Chicago? Brazilian-American artist Bia Gayotto asks in her latest piece, Somewhere in Between: Chicago, 2011.
Somewhere in Between: Chicago, 2011 from Bia Gayotto on Vimeo.
Chicago remains one of the most segregated cities in America, a new study finds, but it also saw the second-largest decline in segregation between 2010 and 200.
Chicago hip hop artists Sev Seveer and Defcee launched Organic Beat Market, a youth-mentorship organization set on "breaking down stigmas around the culture by working with parents and teens directly." Two of the program's participants just released the organization's pilot project, The Promse EP.
Another "Shit Chicagoans Say" video was just released, just a little behind that other "Shit Chicagoans Say" video. If you're a North Sider, this one probably sounds more like it to you.
We had a "You might be a Chicagoan if..." thread in Fuel back in 2007; it's interesting to see how many of the bits from that thread showed up in both of these.
Bears aren't in it, which mutes much of my interest in the game, but the commercials still got a shot at tuning me in. I caught wind of this 10-second teaser, featuring the hometown '80s icon and all time favorite bad influence Ferris Bueller, who looks ready for some mid-life madness.
The Reader's cover story on bedbugs is terrifying for a number of reasons- one of which is that the species is on the rise in Chicago.
The Friends of the Bloomingdale Trail and the Trust for Public Land invite you to help design a future park at Milwaukee and Leavitt that will be an access point for the Bloomingdale Trail. The meeting is tonight at 6:30pm at Holstein Park, 2200 N. Oakley.
The Jane Addams Hull House Association, which last week announced that it would be forced to close by the end of March, will in fact be closing tomorrow.
If you know someone who makes a difference in small ways and large, nominate them for placement in Facing History's upcoming Choosing to Participate exhibit.
Happy [belated] Chinese New Year! Parade and activities will be held in Chinatown on the 29th of January. Activities begin around 11:30am, the parade steps off at 1pm.
Time Out Chicago tries to decode a mysterious flyer hung around town. (Does that say "Louie" under the bee?)
The RedEye reports that, despite rises in a few neighborhoods, homicide rates were down 2% overall in 2011 from 2012. Check your specific area here.
Eric Fisher, who created the cool map of locals vs. tourists on flickr a couple years ago, made a new map of Chicago showing people going home, via their tweets.
Via Twitter (of course), Fischer said, "[The map] is paths from one geotagged tweet to the next by the same person, routed along the most heavily geotagged path in between." In a comment on Flickr, he clarified, "Keep in mind this is trying to be a map of travel from locations to other locations, not of individual tweets. The individual tweets are just to guide the paths. I think what you are seeing here is mostly a lot of travel between O'Hare and the Loop, not a particular tendency to tweet while driving on that route. (Also, the Edens is hardly represented here at all. Those two big routes to the north and northwest are Clark Street and Milwaukee Avenue."
WGN-TV footage from the city's fourth worst blizzard in history, that brought down nearly 19 inches of snow from Jan. 13 to Jan. 14, 1979.
From writer Craig Wright (Dirty, Sexy Money, Lost, Six Feet Under), director Troy Miller (Parks And Recreation), and the channel that used to show music videos, comes, yet another scripted series, that is scheduled to shoot in the city this April.
Domu put out a series of articles, one of which is a comprehensive guide to snow removal on city sidewalks- where the legal responsibilities fall and Illinois law regarding liability in the event of an accident.
It is Dolly Parton Day in Illinois, after all.
For the next 35 days, ExploreChicago is sharing "175 Ways to Love Chicago." And if getting to know the city is your new year's resolution, ExploreChicago has your back with neighborhood tours.
The Sun-Times broke news this weekend that the South Side Irish St. Patrick's Day Parade would be returning after three years' absence. But not everyone is thrilled, and many are skeptical that the organizers will be able to keep public drinking away from the parade.
At the close of last night's "Saturday Night Live," castmember Vanessa Bayer wore a shirt printed with a picture of Mike Enriquez, a veteran Chicago improviser who died last week following a battle with cancer.
Just happened upon some footage that features some of the best bboys, or breakdancers, in the city, battling it out at the Alternatives Youth Center back in November.
Chicagoist profiles Chicago SociaBulls, a walking club and community for owners of pit bulls and other "bully breed" dogs founded by the blog Two Pitties in the City.
Submit your favorite love song at Chilights.com by Feb. 10 and you might win a place for it in this year's V-Day playlist on State Street's Lightscape, a choreographed song and light show in the Loop. The winner will also receive a romantic getaway package at theWit. Contestants may also tweet songs to #LIGHTSCAPE or text "Lightscape" to 33938.
The Wicker Park-Bucktown Chamber of Commerce has relaunched its website, with event listings and a special deal section.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security looked at Project Shield, Cook County's security measure which outfitted squad cars with cameras able to send live feed, amongst other things. Though installation began in 2005, the recent investigation found that everything that could go wrong, well, did.
It's about time you explored Bridgeport (assuming you don't live there).
WINGS, a Cook County Court program aimed at rehabilitating prostitutes, is barely a year old, but already it's having an effect. In Mechanics, Sarah Ostman shares the story of the first woman to go through the program.
What's the expiration date of celebrity status? The Tribune features a collection of photos that, while including some Chicago greats, goes into a debatable realm of relevance in terms of the people that still pass for famous.
Uptown won the 2011 Curbed Cup for best neighborhood.
As his resolution for 2012, Mayor Emanuel is giving up his cherished set of four-letter words, admitting, "I'd like to do something about my potty mouth." Whether or not he can be the same Rahm is up for debate, with one aide commenting, "It's gonna be like Samson losing his hair."
Through Feb 10, weekday admission to the Art Institute is free for all Illinois residents.
The annual No Pants Ride on CTA takes place this Sunday.
Last winter Google engineer Brian "Fitz" Fitzpatrick shared his advice on how to survive winter in Chicago. It's always good advice.
A UIC student tells Mashable how she picks up odd jobs to make ends meet while going to school.
Cab driver Yousef C. tells a touching tale of filling in as Santa for an injured passenger. [via]
The street-wear shop, Leaders, carries crewneck sweaters featuring the city's favorite bull masked for either the blistering cold or an old-fashioned mugging. Its title suggests the latter.
Just a reminder, more than a few businesses and government offices will be closed today, including City and state offices, post offices and Chicago Public Libraries.
For the list-inclined: Newcity's annual Top 5 of Everything. Maybe the only time you'll find mentions of Sherwood Schwartz and watermelon mojitos in the same place.
Yes Virginia, there are Latino nerds.
Still looking for some holiday activities, go out tonight and enjoy the Zoo Lights at either of the city's zoos. Brookfield Zoo Lights runs from the 26th through the 31st. Regular admission fees apply with lights on from 4 to 9pm. Lincoln Park Zoo Lights runs nightly through January 1. Admission is free to the public and lights begin at 5pm until 9pm. Both are closed the holiday weekend Dec 24-25th. Don't forget to dress warm!
You can think outside the box and outside the season with Weird Chicago's gift certificates for either its ghostly, or gangster tours.
Footage from a 1960s Chicago Christmas parade shows the city's 48th mayor Richard J. Daley, the legendary Dick Clark, and curiously enough, some creepy clowns in cars.
Chicago was named the fourth most economically powerful city in the world by The Atlantic. Meanwhile, the idea that the rest of Illinois should separate from Chicago is still getting play. The Huffington Post Chicago sums up the dramatics nicely.
While we're on the topic of city cred, Chicago ranked 26th in the Mori Memorial Foundation's Global Power City Index this year, we're the fourth most walkable city in America (previously), and came in sixth in the Chicago Council of Global Affairs' 2010 Global Cities Index (previously). So we've got that going for us, which is nice.
Happy lunch time. A local graphic designer is eating his way through "A Game of Thrones."
Redditor Raidicus shares the story of exploring the tunnels beneath his North Shore high school. (If this piqued your interest, you might want to check out the urban exploration Meetup group.)
WBEZ's Jason Marck and Eilee Heikenen-Weiss went to Midwest FurFest. Here's their report.
And here's the The Fur Suit Parade!
Never thought about it before: the CTA Holiday Train goes through the subway, not just up on the elevated tracks. CTO John Tolva caught Santa arriving in the Blue Line tunnel this weekend; he'll be jingling down the Red Line tracks today and this weekend.
A new website catered to "major design cities," Shared-Practice.com is a social networking site that helps you keep track of design events, resources, and the people behind them.
Gawker declared "Chad" to be the new term for the stereotype heretofore known as a "bro." Yet another example of New Yorkers thinking they came up with something Chicagoans have been doing for years. (Wait till they find out about Trixies.)
As part of his goal to make Chicago the most "immigrant friendly city in the world," Emmanuel established the Office of New Americans. WBEZ spoke with the office's head, Adolfo Hernandez, about how he'll meet that goal.
Presenting The Chicago Neighborhoods, because "we can agree that a neighborhood with a logo is better than a neighborhood without." [via]
Benevolent is a new Evanston-based crowdfunding site with a twist: it's oriented toward individuals in need, who are "validated" by a nonprofit. The campaign goals are usually low, so even small pledges make a big difference.
It's time to vote for next year's city stickers. The theme this year is "Chicago's Heroes."
The city has 500 more acres of public open space than it did in 1998 -- but there's more to be done.
If you thought house flipping ended when the real estate bubble burst, you'd be wrong. WBEZ explains how short sales became a flipper's tool.
And enjoy other maybe slightly less interactive exhibits such as Meet Homer and The Marathon, at The National Hellenic Museum, set to open to the public on Dec 10.
While discussing the One City, One Food Drive campaign, Emmanuel announced, "One in six Cook County residents is food insecure, or uncertain of where their next meal will come from." If the surplus on your table so moves you to donate, find out how with the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
In Mechanics, Ramsin Canon points out some serious privacy concerns surrounding the proliferation of surveillance cameras in Chicago.
The Chicago Loop Alliance is ditching white Christmas lights in the trees this year in favor of a light-based art exhibit called "Lightscape" that will blast holiday music from speakers mounted in LED-lit, 9-foot-tall "prairie grass" stalks. The installation will remain up year-round for five years -- presumably not playing the music the whole time.
Chicago Loop Alliance: Lightscape Behind the Scenes from Nick Brazinsky on Vimeo.
Chicagoist takes a look at population comings and goings in Cook County.
The latest issue of the Chicago Reporter focuses on the impact of the Secure Communities initiative on local immigrant communities.
Curbed Chicago makes its picks for the best and worst AirBnB options in the city.
Explore the city through NabeWise, a site that sort of acts like a Yelp for neighborhoods.
The Tribune's Steve Johnson spends some time with The Museum of Science and Industry's contest-winning month-long tenant, Uptowner Kevin Byrne.
A CTA bus driver allegedly tried to kick a gay couple off the 146 for kissing, according to Windy City Times.
Matador Records has a keen blog piece gushing about the emergence of awesome indie record stores while others are sadly closing. They give some love to Chicago-area stores Saki (Chicago-Logan Square), Cyklopx (Forest Park), and to Permanent Records' expansion out west from Chicago.
Chicago Magazine picks their best events for November.
With the advent of several infrastructure tech upgrades ("mobile electronic ticketing"), it's no longer a hassle for your alderman to write you up for the small stuff. Which, at $50 to $100 per offense, quickly becomes not so small. (See also: remove all your old city stickers.)
The Associated Press visited the Blackstone Bicycle Works, which gives South Side kids an opportunity to work and gain the "freedom" of a set of wheels.
Based on number of children 5-14, median household income, walkability and "creative spirit," Chicago-Naperville-Joliet is edged out by only New York-Northern New Jersey and Bridgeport-Stamford.
How do you keep gang members from hanging out on your street corner? Try a cookout.
Time Out Chicago speculates on whether the protests can survive a less pleasant set of conditions. Also provided is a short list of tips on how to participate without being arrested.
He may not be able to drive, but your pooch still needs a dog license in the City of Chicago, and less than 5 percent of Chicagoans have been buying them. Starting next year, you'll get fined unless fido has a bit of official City jewelry on his collar. Licenses range from $5 to $50.
With Thanksgiving only a month away, organizers for the McDonald's Thanksgiving Parade are still looking for volunteers to do anything from carry banners in the parade to, um, cleaning up after the horses as part of the "poo crew." Visit ChicagoFestivals.org to learn more.
Eric Lutz goes touring the haunted countryside in NewCity.
Why are blacks leaving Chicago and moving back to the South? Trymaine Lee reports.
The three finalists for the Official Christmas Tree of the City of Chicago have been chosen. and now it's up to you to vote for your favorite. The tree will of course sit in front of Daley Plaza this holiday season so make your vote count.
Scam artists prey on illegal immigrants in a variety of ways -- including exploiting the confusion between licenciada and abogado.
Sue the T-rex was a lot heavier than originally thought. About three tons heavier.
While City Hall works on trimming the budget, some Water Management workers were grilling burgers in a construction site.
The Tribune has assembled a searchable database of all significant ComEd power outages in Illinois since 2008 with, most interestingly, the cause of the outage. From the looks of it: bad PR for trees.
The Chicago chapter of the Guardian Angels is considering Boystown for its headquarters. The organization hasn't had a central office in more than a decade.
The Pro Bono Thinking Society wants to help you with your problem. Meet'em for drinks next Tuesday.
Speaking of Walk Score, Chicago was recently ranked fourth most walkable city by the service. (Thanks, Dee!)
Historic Pullman was named one of America's great neighborhoods by the American Planning Association. [via]
Cameron Esposito talks about a bizarre proposition at 2am outside Berlin.
Jamie Oliver wants to know about your kid's school lunches. Fresh and healthy, chemical-laden, or somewhere in between, upload your photos and rate others' contributions here.
A live feed has been launched for #occupychicago, the solidarity protest movement for #occupywallstreet.
Local film director Jack C. Newell is gathering information for a large public art project that would incorporate the Loop L tracks, and he wants your input.
Over in A/C, we've launched our "graphic journalism" feature series. The first story follows a Chicago woman through her marriage at the Cook County courthouse to her fiancé, an inmate at the county jail who will eventually be tried for first-degree murder.
The social media-driven economic and class protest effort known by the Twitter hashtag #occupywallstreet has bred its own Chicago version under the similarly tagged #occupychi. Support for the so-called "99%-ers" has most recently drawn the attention of Keith Olbermann.
The Chicago Reporter's latest issue tackles the CHA's "one strike" policy, which evicts tenants after a single arrest -- sometimes even if there's no conviction.
The Reader's got some numbers on how many in the city would be affected by Obama's proposed tax on those making more than a million dollars.
Security cameras are coming to Wicker Park, the park, after one too many costly acts of vandalism. Ald. Moreno blames the damage on "disrespectful trust-fund babies who think it's cool to be homeless."
Tomorrow is the Active Trans Alliance's Car-Free Day--instead of driving, try taking mass transit, or walk/bike to your destination(s). I donated my last car to WTTW a few years ago, which was a relief for me and my beloved wheels--perhaps it's time to get rid of your jalopy?
The Urban Institute released a study today find that Chicago's "blue light camera" program helped reduce crime in one neighborhood but not in another. GB took a look at the blue light cameras in Mechanics back in February and found their effectiveness to be similarly inconclusive, and wondered if the cost justified the program.
According to a report in The New York Times, Groupon seems to have overcome its recent SEC problems and fears of market volatility, and appears back on track to move ahead with its IPO.
Starting today, Chicago will pioneer the release of data on crime for the city, including information dating back to 2001, over 4.6 million incidents.
Time Out wants to know.
One quarter of all mortgages in Chicagoland are underwater (i.e., owe more than the property is worth).
The Chicago News Cooperative has Alderman Lona Lane back at her seemingly otherworldly need to ban the raising of live chickens, this time only seeking approval of the ban in her home ward.
Yesterday, Chicago's City Council passed a well-supported urban agriculture ordinance. The Mayor's proposed ordinance expanded limits on community garden plot size to 25,000 square feet, allow limited produce sales in residentially zoned areas, relax rules on fencing and parking for large commercial urban farms, and allow aquaponics outdoors in hoop houses.
New developments via CNC's New York Times section outlines advances in state legislators' position on a bill for a proposed Chicago-owned casino. House sponsor Representative Lou Lang (Democrat, Skokie) states that further delays by Governor Quinn will spur a presentation of the bill as is, barring any outline of "his concerns 'in short order.'"
Sex toy boutique Taboo Tabou has announced the first in a monthly burlesque performance series starting this Tuesday with a showcase featuring Scarlett Deville and the Deville-ettes, Titty Perkins and Ruby Dee. The action starts at the Belmont store location at 8pm. $5 suggested donation.
Possession of more than 10 grams can now get you in real trouble, reports the Sun-Times. No, seriously: you might even get a ticket.
The Reader pieces together a timeline of his statements about the meter-lease deal, showing a bit less consistency than most of us would probably like.
A small but growing resistance movement has begun to form in response to the G8 Summit scheduled to take place in Chicago May 15-22, 2012. Organizers have recently launched a Facebook page with extensive information on the meeting. A Wikipedia entry with additional information is also available.
Looking for the cool after party this Friday night? Weary art-goers will find refuge from the drudgery of making the citywide gallery circuit at the Fourth Annual After-Openings Dance Party at Phyllis' Musical Inn. Hosted by artists and local art world mainstays John Phillips and Nevin Tomlinson, the action starts at 9:30pm and rolls on until 2am.
Op Shop honcho Laura Shaeffer recently announced the expansion of her art-as-community-building project into S.H.o.P., the Southside Hub of Production. Made possible by a one-year lease at the First Unitarian Church of Chicago's Fenn House, a detailed call for involvement is up at CAR. The space is open Saturdays 10am-6pm until the grand opening on Oct. 1. More information is available at the S.H.o.P. website.
Check out a different, beautifully lettered definition of work on this labor-centric day in the form of Impractical Labor's "39 Kinds of Work" pamphlet. Sold through local online store Half Letter Press.
Head to the the Chicago History Museum tomorrow, open from 9:30am-4:30pm. Exhibits include Out in Chicago (150 years of LGBT history), Lincoln's Chicago, Unexpected Chicago, and more.
Safeway's sponsoring a contest and awarding the winning city $20,000 for its parks and recreation dept. Vote on Facebook through Sep 16.
The Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau made a new commercial a couple years ago featuring Chicagoans (some famous) reciting a quote from Daniel Burnham.
Little-known fact: "no small plans" was one of the names Naz and I considered considered when we founded this site, before settling on Gapers Block.
I'm clearly overpaying for my weed. According to the Huffington Post via Chicagoist, Illinois' weed prices are among the highest in the nation, with the average cost in Chicago of "a high-quality eighth of marijuana" clocking in at "just under $60." There's even a nifty interactive map called Price of Weed that will calculate your area's weed prices based on crowd-sourced data submitted by anonymous buyers.
John Lott looks at crime statistics before and after the gun ban overturn.
Last year, noise and tech and new media and those who love them came together in the form of the GLI.TC/H festival. For five days, the strange and wonderful ways data can be corrupted were celebrated with videos, art, coding and more. Although a success, the people behind GLI.TC/H need more than pops and errant flashes to bring it back to life. Head to their Kickstarter page to make it happen again.
Or maybe not- turns out police lineups might not be worth all that much. Studies suggest almost one third of witness identifications are wrong. Scary numbers for cities eager to put criminals behind bars. Earlier work in Chicago helps lead the way.
Maybe encouraged by buzz surrounding the upcoming show, Playboy Enterprises plans to open a stand alone Playboy Club, the first in decades, just blocks from the original.
In Mechanics, Christopher Gray takes a look at the impact on neighborhoods near the proposed Red Line extension on the South Side.
Jeanette Ingberman, co founder of the New York's influential Exit Art Gallery with artist Papo Colo, died yesterday at the age of 59 reports the New York Observer. Given Chicago's rich history of alternative practices, Exit Art has long been a valuable entry-level resource and oasis for up-and-comers from the city and around the world.
Bridgeport favorite Maria's Packaged Goods and Community Bar announces a celebration of the one-year anniversary of its makeover on September 3 at both the bar and art space Co-Prosperity Sphere down the street.
Chicago's breakaway-spirited MDW Fair will return this October to Bridgeport's Geolofts, and has announced that proposals for the sophomore installment are now being accepted.
With tickets being written for up to $750, you might have to sell your entire suspenders collection to pay.
50 more "unusual" things to hit up in Chicago - not your standard guide book recs.
An employee at "a junk shop in a far North Side neighborhood" chronicles some of the more unusual objects that have passed through. Example: a VHS tape labeled simply, "Secrets." Oh yeah.
After 29 arrests in late July, "Operation Uptown Girl" has sent 11 to prison on narcotics charges. This follows "Operation Sugar Magnolia" in January as part of an effort to combat a rise in gang violence and drug sales in the area.
And with a cast that good, how bleak can it be? Coming next April to the Goodman Theater.
The Reader's cover story this week is about Chicago's gay ball scene; for another perspective, read our own feature from January.
And with festival damage the worst it's ever been, it might not get better for another month.
The city's crosswalks aren't safe: that's where most pedestrians are when they're hit by vehicles, according to IDOT research. The map tells the tale.
The Tribune mapped US Census data on children under 5, and color coded it by ethnicity.
The sodium vapor streetlights that bathe the city in orange are being replaced with new, more energy efficient lights that also have a more natural color.
Photo by Kai Schreiber
The City is ending its overnight emergency services for the homeless as a result of a halving of state funding for the program. The Beachwood Reporter has a letter you can sign and send.
Chicago Animal ER, a new 24/7/365 animal emergency hospital, has opened up in the Medical District neighborhood.
Apartment rental site domu.com surveyed its listings and came up with graphs of the average asking price of apartments in the 15 most popular neighborhoods. Perhaps not surprisingly, River North and Gold Coast turn out to be pretty bad deals.
Beverly residents met last night to discuss whether to bring back the South Side Irish Parade for St. Patrick's Day next year. Organizers said if it comes back, there may be a "zero tolerance policy" against alcohol to avoid a repeat of the 54 arrests and public drunkenness that led to the parade's cancellation this year. Share your thoughts on the matter in Fuel.
Translation: Are you a Welshman in Chicago? If so, the Chicago Tafia Society is for you.
A.V. Club digs into just where West Town is. Dangerous territory.
The Neighborhood Writing Alliance launched a YouTube channel with profiles of their members and other Chicago writers.
Chicago police have shot and killed more people so far this year than in all of 2010. Superintendent Garry McCarthy was on Eight Forty-Eight this morning to discuss police shootings.
Chicago officially completed its first protected bicycle lane on Kinzie Street between Milwaukee and Wells on Monday. The lane separates cyclist traffic from vehicle traffic by using flexible posts and painted pavement signals; read about early reactions to the lane in Tailgate. Next continuation plans are expected for Jackson Street between Halsted Street and Damen Avenue.
The storm Friday night/Saturday morning dumped nearly 7 inches of rain on Chicago, breaking previous records and helping make this the wettest July ever.
Interested in a live/work space? Alderman Proco "Joe" Moreno (1st ward) is sponsoring a new ordinance set to go before the city's Zoning Committee to expand opportunities for business owners to live where they work.
Tensions remain high in Boystown following several assaults in recent weeks. The alleged racial profiling isn't helping.
Even though the actual Winnetka home used in the Home Alone movies is still for sale, a building company has given it a modern update and is selling a new version of its design for mass production.
When you're gearing up to complain about how much that club sandwich costs just remember that at least according to one survey Chicago is only 108th most expensive city in the world.
For the past 25 years, an endlessly changing group of francophones have gotten together every week to chat in French. Learn more in A/C on this fine Bastille Day.
If you're a dungeonmaster who is worth his weight in geldings, I shall see you next Saturday.
Hot Woks Cool Sushi's Obama-nami roll boasts a diversity of fish, a "hint of green pepper" and a political message amidst the rice and vinegar.
...and by "play," I mean "sell." The CHIRP Record Fair at next weekend's Pitchfork Music Festival is looking for a few more craft-sellers, record vendors, and retail oddities to join their ranks.
Local jewelery designer Ashley Scott's new line, "Drapes," is currently featured on fashion blog, Refiney 29.
In case you missed the fireworks and don't have a lot of time to catch up, here's a video of 30 minutes of neighborhood fireworks in 30 seconds, looking west from Western and Armitage. [via]
A man was beaten and stabbed by a group of young people on Halsted in Boystown Sunday night; the incident was caught on tape. Ironically, a "positive loitering" rally had been held the night before, after two similar attacks in recent weeks; the rally generated controversy itself.
Doesn't The Bean look like a vaguely ominous gateway to a parallel dimension? [via]
The Chicago Park District's Theater on the Lake presents Dental Society Midwinter Meeting. This comedic drama focusing on members at a dentistry conference, will bring laughs, unlike your last visit to the dentist's office. Theater on the Lake is located on 2401 N. Lake Shore Drive. This show opens tonight and runs through the weekend.
Bad news: your city sticker expires today. Good news: you get a 15 day grace period and have a few days still to purchase one online.
A look at the mixed income housing "experiment" that is Parkside of Old Town.
'Tis the season for outdoor festivals, even the Cubs decided to get into the act. This weekend, July 1-3, the Wrigleyille Block Party will bring food, entertainment, and Cubs fans together. Set on the east side of Clark Street between Addison Street and Waveland Avenue, the fest is open from 11am-8pm.
Okay, so not only do I need to compete with all the fit runners taunting me on the Lakefront, but now the mayor is bragging about his fitness routine?!
The western end of Logan Square's getting a new, spicy pizza place. Offering slices and BYOB, Dante's Pizzeria comes courtesy of Georg Simos (High Dive, The Rocking Horse) and a few people from Santullo's and Piece.
Chicago residents that have created environmentally-friendly landscapes in their yards can see how they can earn up to 50 percent off their next local purchase of tress, native plants, compost bins, or rain barrels. See how this applies and download rebate forms for all products at the Department of Environment's website.
The tires of several 51 floats for today's Pride Parade were slashed last night at a storage facility at 48th and Halsted.
Still looking for something to do tonight? Head to the Daily Planet Rock And Art Poster Party at 720 North Franklin: it's showcasing some of the city's best screen printing artists, their posters, and beer from Finch's Brewery. You've got four hours, go!
Last week Joe Baldwin helped turn a Logan Square street into a temporary grassy park for a day.
A candidate for the best kid-friendly restaurant award in The Reader's Best of Chicago issue is kicking up some dirt with its readers. Learn more over at Drive-Thru.
School's out -- what's next? Chicago Parent has some fun ways for your kid to spend the summer that let them get hands-deep in grubs, paint, plants and more.
Most Chicagoans may not think about fishing or the far Southeast side very much, but the connection of these two men to the area and our waterways, as chronicled by the Chicago News Coop, will compel you to do both.
FoGB Scott Robbin created a great app from City of Chicago open data that I hope I never have to use. Was My Car Towed works online, or from your smartphone browser.
Sun-Times reporter Kim Janssen was covering the memorial for one teen murder victim when someone started shooting, nearly claiming another victim. UPDATE: Police shot and killed a man with a gun in the vicinity of this incident; he turned out to be a friend of the murdered teen.
EveryBlock is holding a contest looking for "very important neighbors"; be helpful on the site, earn thanks and you could win $1,000 toward neighborhood projects.
The Cultural Landscape Foundation catalogs historic designed landscapes throughout the country in their What's Out There database. This weekend, you can check out what's out there throughout Chicagoland with their series of free guided tours around parks, ponds, gardens, boulevards, and all sorts of other sites.
The keynote speech at the U of C's symposium on the arts and the city is a conversation between David Simon and Wendell Pierce of "The Wire" and "Treme" fame. Watch the conversation live on facebook now.
The Red Line Project tackled gentrification in Uptown -- and generated the sort of controversy you'd expect in the comments.
Archaeology students (and DePaul University Associate Professor Jane Eva Baxter) unearth the remains of an 1840s schoolhouse in the Edgebrook neighborhood.
The City canceled the official fireworks this year, leaving July 4 to Navy Pier.
Governor Quinn and Mayor Emanuel will preside over the civil union ceremonies of 30 same-sex couples today at 10am at Millennium Park.
City Hall is bracing for the first day of civil unions for both same-sex and heterosexual couples in Illinois. The Cook County Clerk of Courts opens at 7:30am this morning, and the first couples in line will be showered with gifts. UPDATE: Janean Wackins and Lakeesha Harris were first in line this morning.
Not sure what's on your bucket list for this summer, but Refinery29 has some suggestions. Twenty-nine, in fact.
Maifest takes over Lincoln Square on Thursday, and Center Square Journal is your destination for breaking beer bash news.
Memorial Day Weekend may mean Fleet Week in New York, but it means International Mr. Leather in Chicago. Check out the full calendar here.
Sonny Fischer tells the story of the founding of the Neighborhood Writing Alliance, which is celebrating its 15th anniversary a week from today with a conversation between David Ritz and Aaron Cohen, as well as readings by members.
Not rain, not wind, not even a drummer's broken ankle will keep the show from going on tonight as everyone's invited to the launch of the always free Downtown Sound: New Music Mondays series. Music kicks off at 6:30pm with Eleventh Dream Day, followed by Bonnie "Prince" Billy featuring The Cairo Gang. More information on the whole series in Transmission.
And speaking of the Gaylords, the entirety of Great American Youth a 2006 short documentary on the gang by Daniel Wojack, is online on YouTube.
There are a couple sites devoted to Chicago's oldest gangs: the Gaylords and Stone Greasers; for more recent gang lists, check out Chicagogangs.org.
Help a Chicago neighborhood win fruit trees, courtesy of Edy's Fruit Bars.
Are you a non-profit looking for a better website, or a developer, designer, or project manager (or master copywriter or QA genius) with a desire to help non-profits get present a great online face to the world? Check out The Nerdery's Overnight Website Challenge -- August 20-21, the web development shop is organizing a great opportunity for non-profits and nerds of all stripes alike. Non-profits register by June 30, volunteers by July 15.
In A/C, Kelly Reaves profiles Co-op Image, a nonprofit teaching kids to do everything from blow glass to make their own hot sauce.
Finish up Rahm's first day on the job by heading to Jane Addams-Hull House Museum tonight (6-8pm) for the opening of Visions for Chicago, a book composed of public art done by local high school students in response to the question "What is your vision for Chicago?"
The Field Museum's attendance is down 50% compared to 2006. Crain's says "evolve or die."
Fire Department staffing levels have remained steady for more than a decade despite a marked decrease in fires, the Chicago News Cooperative reports. Some wonder if reductions are in order to help cut the city's budget.
In Mechanics, Devin Katayama reports on the plight of older homeless youth in Chicago.
If you want to get a fascinating look at the (soon to end) Daley Mayoral Dynasty, WTTW's new documentary, "Like Father Like Son," will be airing several times through Monday.
Gwyneth Paltrow recently visited an old boyfriend here in Chicago; here's her guide to where to go.
Over at Denizen, Laura Polk interviews Julie Englander, a journalist and filmmaker working on a documentary about the children of missionaries and their experiences upon returning to their "home" countries. You can help back the film on Kickstarter.
A disproportionate number of homeowners on the far South and West sides are filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the Chicago Reporter finds.
Adentro de Pilsen has your Cinco de Mayo Festival guide.
Tomorrow night is University of Chicago's annual Scavenger Hunt; this year's list [PDF] of tasks includes " a glass of red from Osama Zin Laden vineyard" and " Origami Bin Laden." Those crazy kids.
If you've been thinking this weather sucks, you have historic evidence to back you up.
Two people, one bike, and a possible third wheel(?) make their way down the street in this short, kind of amazing clip taken in Logan Square.
If you live in the 1st ward, could you use a phone reminder for the next street sweeping in your neighborhood?
NU student, rapper and celebrity spawn Chet Hanks Haze took a moment today to give us "the most epic twitpic of all time" after tweeting a series of really deep thoughts on Bin Laden's death.
Brian Houck, Director of Horticulture at Lincoln Park Zoo, just joined Twitter
On the Make did a great job with their annual weekend Art Guide this year. Check it out if you want to see some art this weekend. The sheer volume of events is flabbergasting.
A potential juror for the Blago trial wants to get out of the gig because she has Oprah tickets in May.
It's looking like a still-cool, faintly overcast weekend. Utilize the power of literature and positive thinking with The Poetry Foundation's selection of spring poems.
Time's Joel Stein spent a day at Chicago-based dating service Selective Search, playing matchmaker for well-heeled individuals.
A pizzeria owner tracked down five guys who allegedly attacked him after recognizing one of them in his son's hockey picture; the rest were tracked down via facebook.
Yvonne Domenge's new, shiny and colorful sculptural installation at Millennium Park's Boeing Galleries get attention from someone who's not a tourist in this week's issue of ArtSlant.
The Arts Engagement Exchange published this interesting article last week about "overcoming cultural barriers" -- basically a history of public arts programming in Grant Park and how Millennium Park is carrying on the tradition of tricking people into listening to music they wouldn't normally seek out.
According to this report by WBEZ -- old municipal buildings never die, they just turn into theaters. Next in line? Griffin Theatre Company -- they just bought an abandoned police station near Foster and Damen for one dollar. When your neighborhood police station gets replaced by a theater, well, I think that's a good sign.
Rock & Roll apparel, etc. company Assault has come out with a line of old-timey gangland Chicago-themed, highly-detailed graphic t-shirts. Every order comes with a free mixed CD featuring local bands. Check them out here.
Humboldt Park art and community center Rumble Arts is (once again) in danger of closing its doors because the family-owned pawnshop that provides its primary source of funding is in danger of being replaced by a Cash America. Show your support for Rumble by attending the townhall hearing tonight at 6pm at the Humboldt Park Fieldhouse.
The Dorchester Project tries to bring some hope to Grand Crossing through the arts.
Travel blogger Amanda Williams writes a head-to-head comparison of the Willis Tower Skydeck to the John Hancock Observatory like only a tourist could. (Locals know what beats both: The Signature Lounge, which offers nearly as good views as the Observatory for the price of a martini.)
In Mechanics, Chris Gray tells the story of Zabrina Worthy, whose Marquette Park home was foreclosed upon and boarded up without warning.
Chicago is the third most segregated city in the country, but Ted McClelland found another side to segregation while working for the Census last year.
Registration for the Park District's summer programs begins today.
Chicago is an Industrial Metroplex on this map of "the 12 States of America."
YoChicago has a proper rant about apartment-finding services, and offers a list of ones not to call.
A new South Loop dog park may be named after jazz icon Fred Anderson.
Chicago magazine takes you inside Chatham's Blue White House, yours for considerably less than the average presidential election campaign.
Are Chicago police dropping gang members off in opposing gangs' turf? A video discovered by WBEZ seems to indicate there's truth to the rumors. UPDATE: Our own Micah Uetricht spoke to Humboldt Park residents about the video and more.
This week the Shedd switched its hours to its spring schedule, and next week will bring a special round of 8pm closings. If water isn't your thing, Adler After Dark should keep you busy on Thursday from 6-10pm.
Local plush maker Steff Bomb's created a soft-yet-deadly Han Solo blaster, so well-made any intrepid hero would be proud to have it at their side. Pick up one of these limited edition stuffed sidearms this weekend at C2E2: 2301 South Lake Shore Drive, Booth #1026, 2pm-3pm. Did I mention it comes with a holster?
Quasimodo, or "Modo" for short, is the Chapel Cat at the U of C's Rockefeller Memorial Chapel.
Check out our new feature story in Book Club, a weekly interview and essay leading up to the Chicago Zine Fest -- get educated, get some zines, get that much more out of the celebration of independent publishing.
In A/C, John Greenfield shares his walk all the way up Pulaski Road, which once was known as Crawford Avenue.
There are registered sex offenders living all over the city -- and many live closer to children than the law allows.
CityForward, which we've posted about before, gets some attention from WSJ's Digits blog.
Chicago turns 174 today -- celebrate with free cake and performances by the Tony Do Rosario Trio, The Latin School Band, and a Native American drum band at the Chicago History Center.
Mohamed and Fatima no longer shovel snow into garbage bags to throw out. Hear more about their adjustment to their new home in A/C.
Baba Marta, (aka Grandma Marta, a Bulgarian character who changes her mood quickly, just as March changes weather rapidly) will get a Martenitsa tree next year. Bulgarians living in Chicago, home to the largest community in North America, are sharing red and white tassels with each other today to wish each other health, fortune and happiness. Next year, Bulgarians will be able to tie their martenitsas to a tree to welcome Spring. In case you can read Bulgarian, check Daleche.com created a run by a local resident.
Food writer Raymond Sokolov apparently did a quick Google News search and cobbled together some ramblings on how Chicago is "finally hip" for Newsweek. (He seems to think Andrew Mason moved here from Pittsburgh expressly to start Groupon.)
Illinois comes in 15th in the US (including the District of Columbia) in percentage of population with a current passport -- which, at 34.88 percent, drops us into the second tier on this map.
With a new Mayor-elect in the wings, one ponders if the city can be unified by a crowdsourced alcoholic beverage. Chicagoans, the choice is yours. (h/t Joe)
Those voting for Rahm Emanuel tomorrow may want to wear Shrink Boutique's Rahmbo shirt to the polls.
In just two hours, the Abbey Pub will transform into an industrial, whimsical world of yesteryear through Clockwork Vaudeville: A Steampunk Circus Extravaganza.
First; athlete Michael Vick abruptly cancels an appearance on her show, possibly fearing a James Frey-style beatdown for engaging in dogfighting; then a (pre-Stedman) boyfriend pops up to tell his tales of eating stuffed mashed potatoes with her (recipe, please!) and getting coldly dumped; and finally, a student at Winfrey's South African all-girls school was hospitalized after giving birth in secret (and possibly suffocating the baby to death).
Approved today, the Navy Pier Flyover seeks to eliminate the lakefront path's most notorious choke point.
La Cueva, a historic Latino LGBTQ bar in Little Village, struggles to stay open in the face of opposition from suspicious conservative neighbors. Learn more in A/C.
Time Out focuses on Uptown this week, including Ald. Helen Shiller's legacy.
In the wake of the census population numbers, Lee Bey ponders urban density and the problem of Houston.
The official 2010 Census numbers demonstrate that Chicago's population declined 200,000 people between 2000 and 2010. The African American population declined 17%, Latin Americans gained a little over 3% and non-Hispanic whites slightly declined.
The Reader's Steve Bogira takes a look at two of the city's most homogeneous neighborhoods, Edison Park and Washington Park, as a means of examining how little progress has been made in combating racial segregation. He discussed the story on Eight Forty-Eight this morning.
The James and John Allan's invite Chicago's menfolk to partake in "mini services" (trims, nail buffs, mini massages, shoe shines) Friday through Sunday from 4p until 7p. In addition to free business center services, complimentary morsels and cocktails will be served by David Burke's Primehouse and SVEDKA. Contact John Allan's directly for reservations.
Lexicographer Mark Peters discusses the meaning of the words "Chicago Style."
Mayor Daley has proposed a way to keep Taste of Chicago free without incurring losses on the festival: do away with the music programming.
The Book Club's compiled a list of notable, local literary blogs -- go check it out, and say something if you feel they've left someone out.
The ratio of Chicago residents over 65 to everyone else will climb from 1 to 9 to 1 to 6 over the next 20 years. Crain's looks at the effects of the demographic shift.
Jake Zalutsky gave the blizzard a bear hug with his board last night. Insane? Awesome? Or both? [via spigumus]
Who is to blame? "A bad trip occurs when the euphoria of an LSD trip changes into something more sinister and frightening."
The Tribune gives you a sense of what to expect regarding transportation, utilities and hospitals today.
At this time of hard shoveling, mayoral candidates weigh in on parking space dibs to the Trib's John Kass.
If you heard thunder and saw some lightning tonight, here's why.
If you have to use mass transit and your phone doesn't have web capability, I have a fix for you so that you don't have to go outside until it's time.
Whether you're a grounded visitor or you're just looking to ride out the blizzard in style, Kimpton's four Chicago hotels have you covered with a $99 "Stranded in the City" rate though this Friday.
Have ideas about how to make Chicago most sustainable? ChicagoREgen is a place to share them.
Marissa Garcia tells the story of becoming a woman the Latina way.
In A/C, Rachel Rabbit White explores the world of Chicago's LGBTQ balls, where competition is fierce and self-expression is at the forefront.
Those are apparently the most common names in Chicagoland.
With tonight's weather turning painfully cold, the Anti-Cruelty Society has some nice tips for caring for your pet in cold temperatures. And if you see an animal left outside or roaming about town, call 311 to report it.
A student at Oak Park River Forest High School could face expulsion for creating a list of the 50 "most attractive" girls at his school (complete with pics, comments on their perceived sexual promiscuity, and numerical rankings) and posting it to Facebook; he then passed out copies of his fine research at school and began yelling "Women are trying to take over the world!" and "Women are the future, unless we stop them now" in front of a cheering group of students.
There's a fishtank in the GB offices, and in it is an African cichlid. If I'd known about the Greater Chicago Cichlid Association sooner, I might have been able to keep it from killing all the others.
The NY Times visits the Brat Stop, the Kenosha restaurant that attracts the love of both Bears and Packers fans.
If your cat or dog is missing a needed vaccine, head down to Chicago Animal Care and Control Saturday for their Low Cost Vaccine Clinic. From 9am-noon at the shelter, 2741 S. Western, your beloved pet can get a DA2PPL and FVRCP vaccine for $7; the rabies vaccine is $15. While you're there, adopt another pet! They've got loving animals waiting to hang with you and yours.
A new monthly feature in Book Club profiles local literary purveyors of titles new, used, and varied, starting with Andersonville's Transistor.
Ever wonder what it's be like to a pro wrestler's girlfriend?
It was bad enough when homeowners were walking away from homes, letting them slip into foreclosure. But now banks are walking away, too.
If you're out and about on CTA Sunday, don't be surprised if you see hundreds of pantsless people.
Vast quantities of dawwwww were manufactured yesterday when a white-cheeked gibbon was born at Lincoln Park Zoo.
The CPD is cutting back on CAPS meetings as it puts more officers on the street instead of in administrative duties. Meetings will now by bi-monthly or quarterly, depending on the beat.
While discussing the recent parking meter fare increase with an NBC5 reporter, a man feeding a fare payment box downtown looked over to see a Traffic Management Authority clerk ticketing his car on camera.
The Kingsbury Plaza apartment complex began transitioning to non-smoking on Jan. 1 -- as in, no smoking even in your own apartment, under penalty of fines. The 15 percent of current residents who smoke have a year to either quit or get out.
A Winnetka woman was able to get a SWAT team to surround her husband's workplace for three hours yesterday after she received an accidental "butt-dialed" cell phone call from him that led her to believe he was being held captive. He was actually listening to rap music while talking to a coworker.
Art Daily reports that last year, the Chicago Public Library circulated 8.8 million items and provided 2.8 million free computer sessions. A less cheery statistic: librarians reported that 60 percent of their time with patrons involved helping them look for jobs on library computers.
Chicago magazine helps you explore the center of the city's South Asian community.
The Chicago News Coop digs into US Census data to see how the face of Chicago is changing.
Kara VanderBijil prefers Chicago to Los Angeles. Despite the cold.
Re-nest, Apartment Therapy's green home blog, put out a green guide to Chicago last week.
You can recycle your live Christmas tree into much-needed mulch at any of 23 Chicago Park District sites through January 17.
CTA starts its annual penny rides starting at 8pm tonight through 6am tomorrow.
In A/C, Iya Bakare profiles Casa Aztlan, a 40-year-old community center and nonprofit organization in Pilsen that's helping recent immigrants find a life in Chicago.
Want to do something more special than TV and beer, but can't afford New Year's Eve specials hovering around three digits? Metromix and the Reader have some ideas to get you started.
Merry Christmas from Chicago Detours and Groupon: tomorrow, their indoor walking tour of the city is just $9 (normally $20). Watch for it!
Chicago is a big city. We have more residents than a handful of states. Big cities require big government. But I don't think I had any idea how big until I saw this list of all the departments that exist in Chicago. (Thanks, George!)
Think just cause you rent an apartment you don't have to shovel your walk? Well, the city's "Snow and Ice Removal" ordinance says otherwise. Essentially you have three hours after the snow stops to remove it. At least you only have to shovel a 5-foot swath down your sidewalk. (thanks, Sam!)
The Reader's Whet Moser points us to the, er, interesting Heterosexuals Organized for a Moral Environment, an anti-gay group based in Downers Grove.
In Mechanics, Rory Fanning tells the story of one woman evicted from the last Cabrini Green high-rise.
Eric May -- artist, proprietor of Roots and Culture and food enthusiast -- has set out to start up a "Mobile Culinary Community Center."
Today is International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers, and the Sex Workers Outreach Project Chicago is observing it with a discussion, film screening and vigil at Jane Addams Hull House Museum, 800 S. Halsted St., starting at 6:30pm.
The Department of Cultural Affairs laid off 20 employees on Friday, bringing the number of total layoffs since October to 29. The functions handled by those laid-off employees are going to be transferred, along with the appropriate funding, to the non-profit Chicago Tourism Fund (which is, by the way, hiring). UPDATE: Dan Morgridge adds some perspective in Transmission.
Lawrence is one of Chicago's most culturally diverse streets. John Greenfield recently walked the length of it for a feature in A/C.
Uptown Update reminds you what to do if the sidewalk by your home isn't shoveled.
Cultural weekly NewCity gives us their 2010 top picks in vintage TV shows filmed in Chicago, food trucks, indoor make-out spots, and many more.
Cash Cab has come to Chicago. But apparently contestants aren't as randomly chosen as you'd think.
Want a visualization of foreclosures in the city? Turn to Google Maps. (More what you're looking at.) [via]
A gallery captures the grandeur and elegance of the Granada, Uptown, Adelphi, and other Chicago area "lost palaces" -- movie theaters that recall a bygone age. [via]
NPR's Robert Krulwich delves a bit deeper into the story of Chicago's coyote pest control team.
From street food to Common to the iO, Chicago magazine's got 40 reasons to love Chicago.
Just ahead of the last Cabrini Green high-rise's closure, Residents Journal spoke to a three-generation family about their time in the project as they prepared to move out. The Chicago Reporter has another perspective.
Later today the Chicago Park District will unveil a long-term concept for Northerly Island, and it's a looker.
Next Friday, head to the Evil Olive for Reply All, a gathering of artists, designers, writers and more -- anyone who likes to make, do, and drink.
Don't forget: Overnight Parking Restrictions begin early tomorrow morning.
The Academy for Global Citizenship -- a charter school on the South Side with 80% of students under the poverty line, and a kitchen that serves three organic meals daily -- got profiled in the Atlantic.
My fantasy best friend Geoffrey Baer (he just seems so nice) unleashes his newest WTTW documentary Biking the Boulevards tonight at 7:30pm. We have an interview with Baer in Tailgate.
In A/C, Joe Erbentraut examines the challenges facing Chicago's trasgender community.
The U of C's annual Latke-Hamantash Debate is tonight at 7:00 in Hyde Park. Admission to the debate is free, though $5 buys you admission to the post-debate tasting reception.
Eight Forty-Eight paid a visit to the farm at Altgeld Gardens on the far South Side.
At an auction of historic Chicago memorabilia on Thursday, the death mask of gangster John Dillinger sold for $3,600.
Today is the last day of Kate McGroarty's month-long residence at the Museum of Science and Industry.
Lucy Knisley shares her "it gets better" story in comic form.
It's getting colder, but you can actually enjoy the winter weather while gliding around on a smooth sheet of ice (and I don't mean while driving down your street). Up Chicago has a great little roundup of local (mostly free) ice skating rinks, which do exist outside of the Loop, you know. (via)
Need some help taking it easy today? Check out this footage of turtle racing at likable Ravenswood dive Big Joe's.
Some ambitious, architecturally and environmentally minded people are delving into vertical farming and industrial reuse, right in the heart of the New City neighborhood.
If you haven't visited the International Museum of Surgical Science lately, you can visit to catch a bunch of upgrades and a new exhibit.
Some missed connections are too important for Craigslist.
Leonardo DiCaprio has taken on increasingly challenging and complex roles in recent years, and his latest project is no exception. Set to produce and star in a film adaptation of Erik Larson's best-selling novel, The Devil in the White City, DiCaprio plans to play none other than H.H. Holmes.
Vandals are knocking out streetlights all over the city.
Now that the crappy weather has returned, it's time for Chicago Elevated's pedway tours to recommence. Go find out how much has changed since we published our guide back in 2004!
Chicago's in the middle of the pack in The Daily Beast's list of the country's smartest cities. [via]
Metropolis Coffee has been nominated for the Stay Classy Philanthropic Business of the Year Award. This year, the father-and-son-owned coffee company started working with Aspire of Illinois, a nonprofit that offers services for children and adults with developmental disabilities. (Aspire's also a finalist in two other categories.) If Metropolis wins, they get $10,000 to donate to their charity of choice. You can vote for them (and Aspire, and other local nominees) here.
Despite his flaws, Julia Keller points out a particularly nice thing Daley did: he built 59 public libraries. Not all by himself, of course, but you get the idea.
The City Clerk's office is accepting entries for its annual vehicle sticker art contest. This year's theme is "Education Is Key." The winning entry will be displayed on over a million windshields next year, and will net its designer a $1,000 savings bond. (Nine runners-up will receive savings bond prizes, too.) The contest is open to Chicago high school students and runs through Nov. 5. For official rules, entry forms, and ideas on how to get started, click here.
Explore Chicago just launched a free ebook called Eat, Play, Love Our Neighborhoods. You can probably guess what it's about.
Who hates the Puppet Bike? Apparently at least one hoodlum, who trashed the bike late last night -- right on the heels of someone stealing a large piece of art from owner Jason Trusty. If you'd like to help, for now Trusty requests that you buy some of his artwork, displayed on his website. UPDATE: Damage to the Puppet Bike was not as bad as previously reported. I guess "trashed" is a relative term.
In A/C, John Greenfield walks Martin Luther King Drive, the first major road in the country named after the civil rights leader.
Apartment Therapy profiles Chicagoan and production artist James Wurm's industrial and practical, yet attractive and welcoming kitchen-studio-living space, created in a Pilsen storefront. It's worth checking out for the chandelier alone.
The winner of the Museum of Science and Industry's Month at the Museum has been announced --- it's Kate.
Cellular company Cricket has launched the Chicago Community Voices, a fund granting up to $2,000 to 10 people or organizations for community-based projects, four times a year. Apply here.
A neighborhood supposedly named "W. Lake St." is allegedly the most dangerous in the country, according to research by commercial real estate site NeighborhoodScout.com. However, a look at the area on EveryBlock shows a smattering of recent crime -- but quite a few new businesses.
CBS2 notes that the area used to include the Henry Horner Homes, but that notoriously dangerous CHA project was demolished in 2005. Another "neighborhood," called 4000 S. Federal St. in the report, also made the top 25 list. Half of it is a field.
Based on a scale called the Train Romance Index Score Total (how Kinseyian), the CTA Belmont stop (Red, Brown and Purple lines) is the most romantic place on the El.
NewCity checks on the state of pedestrian Chicago in this week's cover story.
Nathaniel Whitmore has some thoughts on how to make Chicago the next great innovation hub.
And other food, too: the 2nd place winners for Judges' Choice in the Chicago Bacon Takedown have a blog, The Green Chalkboard, where they explore porky and non-porky (or even meaty) delights.
Depending on who you ask, urban chicken farming is either a major trend or less common than the media would lead you to believe. Nonetheless, poultry-possessing Evanstonians are putting pressure on their aldermen to legalize backyard chicken keeping. And the Chicago Chicken Enthusiasts are sponsoring Hen-apalooza [PDF], a tour of 15 of the city's backyard coop locations, on October 3.
If you've been following the progress of the parents at Whittier Elementary School in Pilsen, then you know that a group of moms have been fighting for seven years to get a library. They've occupied the field house that Chicago Public Schools wants to tear down to turn into a soccer field. The Chicago Underground Library believes in their fight and is starting a book drive and asking librarians to get involved to help them build a library, book by book.
The Garfield Park Conservatory has had a major breakthrough...literally. An agave plant has grown tall enough to burst through the roof of the building. Glass was removed in anticipation of the plant's rare bloom; it will contain as many as 100,000 blooms.
Celebrate Bisexual Day today at the Center on Halsted. [via]
Today is the beginning of autumn, so it's the perfect time to quickly look back at the summer of 2010.
Oh look, the Little Mermaid is ...swimming... or dead. In the snow. (Taken at the downtown Macy's on State Street.)
Check out this map, whose hues spell out the geography of Chicago's racial and ethnic makeup. Based on the Radical Cartography map we linked to back in August. [via]
Green spaces will be constructed for one day only today in a parking spots all over the city as part of Park(ing) Day 2010, an international event dedicated to turning normally cemented and exhaust-filled space into something a little less polluted and more relaxing. Stop by and sit for a spell!
Not in terms of our waistline -- this site provides a look at the civic health of Chicagoland.
Camaraderie ran, walked and wheeled rampant at the 2010 Disability Pride Parade downtown last July. Ruthie Kott reports in A/C.
In preparation for the Monday premiere of Oprah's 26th and final season, you can create yourself in her image on her website. I did, and since then I've opened my own successful business, lost fifty pounds and found the man of my dreams. Live your best life!
The Irish American Heritage Center is seeking nominations for its Irish American Hall of Fame. Uh, not that anyone asked, but I do qualify... Cough.
Chicago ranks [shakes magic 8 ball] as the eighth most stressful city in the United States. Debt, congestion and cold winters are apparently the cause.
Or Scott Waguespack. Or Bill Murray. Or Alpana Singh, Ron Huberman, Mike Ditka, or "Chicago cab driver extraordinaire" Mike Foulke. Nominate or cast your ballot for a candidate for Next Chicago Mayor. In true Chicago election style, vote early and often -- ten votes are yours to spread around, or throw at one worthy nominee.
John Greenfield reflects in Time Out on his penchant for walking the city's important streets. He's walked several for GB, including Halsted, Archer, Grand, Kedzie, Belmont, 63rd and, most recently, 79th Street. Check out his blog, Vote with Your Feet.
Berwyn is attempting to woo gay and lesbian couples to move to the near west suburb.
The Shedd is offering free admission to the first 80 visitors to the aquarium each day in September.
A Chicago Reporter investigation found that the majority of 17-year-olds convicted of felonies in Chicago are guilty of non-violent crimes. Many of them plead guilty in hopes of getting a lighter sentence, but at what cost?
In A/C, J.R. Williams tells the story of the nebulous gentrification of a colorful strip in Ukrainian Village, through interviews with its small business owners.
Freelance writer Rachel Rabbit White has a feature up in A/C about her visit to The Sins Center, where liberated grandmas and grandpas go to explore their BDSM fantasies now that they've got some free time on their hands.
We're #3 in bedbugs -- what is a bedbug, you might ask. And how can I get rid of them? [via]
The city's ethno-racial populations are made clear in this map on Radical Cartography.
St. Sava, the Serbian cultural and arts center in Lakeview, has begun hosting shows in its basement club, The Cave -- and not just for Serbian bands -- and also screens Serbian films with English subtitles, too.
The Butter Cow, now on display at the Illinois State Fair.
Fear no ART Chicago just released their newest webisode: an interview with 3 Blondes & a Bald Guy, winners of the 2010 Art on Track A.W.A.R.D.
Perhaps the Chicago Council on Global Affairs is a little biased, but we come in at number six on Foreign Policy magazine and their2010 global cities index.
Illustrator Jose Garibaldi helps you visualize your weekend plans.
The 157th Illinois State Fair officially opened today, but some are skeptical about an expensive tradition that doesn't exactly rake in returns.
The Public Servant Blog nominated Chicago's boulevard system as number four on its list of the top 20 urban planning successes of all time.
What do you get when you combine 60,000 people, a carnival and 50 tons of sweet corn? The 2010 Mendota Sweet Corn Festival, of course! The weekend event begins tomorrow, and don't forget the free Del Monte sweet corn on Sunday afternoon.
Are "cop-in-a-box" police cameras cost-effective? A new study answers that question and raises others.
In this week's A/C feature, John Greenfield and friends take a walk along 79th Street from the western edge of the city all the way to the lake.
Placemaking Chicago's "What Makes Your Place Great?" contest voting is now open: Check out the flickr set and then vote for your favorite place here.
The Black Women's Expo this weekend is the first at McCormick Place under new rules intended to reduce costs for conferences.
If you live in the Magnolia Glen section of Edgewater, your block club isn't just involved, it's EPIC.
Barack had a birthday dinner at Graham Elliot with Oprah and Gayle. Some other people were there.
Chicago ranks in the top 10 "cities for young adults" according to Kiplinger.com.
Show some love for your parents, grandparents or ancestors and your hometown with Formula Werks' "Made In" shirts, giving you five ways (English, Spanish, Polish, Chinese, and Ukrainian) to say you're "Made in Chicago."
Chicago's Pakistani community is struggling with its identity in the face of terrorist plots and concerns about security.
Into anime? JAPC is for you -- and their next meeting is this weekend.
Looking into the effects of gentrification on the cultural identity of Pilsen.
It shouldn't be a surprise, but jobs close to home help make neighborhood safer.
Mick Dumke describes just how screwed up Chicago's recycling program is, and why it probably won't change for quite some time.
Respected research and abs development journal Men's Health has decided that we're the 11th most angry city in America. They can go f*ck themselves.
The big "Oprah Winfrey Show" sign that stood outside Harpo Studios in the West Loop has been removed. A source inside the studio says the sign is gone for good, but will be replaced by "another sign," not for the show.
Chicagoist takes on a survey in the Daily Beast claiming that Chicago doesn't make the cut in "America's Top 20 Gayest Cities." Survey guru Richard Florida apparently only used the proportion of same-sex couples, a flaw that the Chicagoist claims is problematic because it misrepresents Chicago's gay and lesbian community -- the nation's third largest.
Hit-and-run accidents accounted for 40 percent of pedestrian deaths last year, but almost none of the drivers are ever found. WBEZ's Chip Mitchell looks into why.
A 19th District police lieutenant emailed the Chicago News Cooperative with a list of simple crime tips and tricks-of-the-trade, all apparently provided by convicted burglars, a security consultant and criminology professor for a book called Burglars on the Job. Does that qualify as a self-help book?
Be nice to your parking payboxes today, however much you despise their insatiable hunger for all of the change in your pocket--it's the parking meter's 75th birthday today!
Have you always wanted to hear Rod Blagojevich's voice emanating from your pocket every time you get a call? Well, you're in luck--the Springfield Journal Register is offering downloadable mp3s of all of Blago's wiretapped calls which you can easily make into ringtones for your phone. Surprise your friends, amuse your family, and irritate everyone around you on the train!
On July 13, 1995, with a high temperature of 106 degrees, Chicago was experiencing the hottest day of the horrible heat wave that resulted in 700 deaths.
Once upon a time in Revolutionary France, a mob of peasants stormed a fortress-prison, sawed off the defenders' heads and paraded them on pikes. Thus we celebrate Bastille Day with our Parisian sister city every July 14. TimeOut Chicago lists the local cheese-tasting, crepe-wrapping parties going on tomorrow for all those Jacobins at heart.
If you haven't already voted, One Man Chicago has selected 20 handsome finalists in the competition to find "the one man in the Chicago area who represents the best of Chicago from the perspectives of community involvement, personality, intelligence, and fitness." The gay community is well represented.
The muckraking bloggers at Cars.com have uncovered a new set of wheels gracing the set of Transformers 3. It appears that Optimus Prime and his Autobots will be joined by two new steel beauties, "a gorgeous red Ferrari 458 Italia and a not-so-shabby blue Mercedes-Benz E-Class." Let's hope Ironhide doesn't get jealous.
Today marks the start of Andersonville's Green Week, with seven days of cool and informative activities for residents and shoppers. Events include t-shirt recycling, shopping discounts, LEED home tours, eco-storybook making, free stuff, and more.
It's summer. The kids are driving you nuts. Crazy Kids Chicago might help you find a way to deal.
New City digs into the resurgence of gardening in Chicago.
The summer interns at the Art Institute have started a twitter account where they post funny things they overhear patrons say in the museum. The results are hilarious and sometimes adorable. Oh, and they have a blog now, too.
Chicago came in fourth place for best US and Canadian city according to Travel+Leisure -- but just seventh for "manliest city" by the makers of Combos.
Crain's 2010 Market Facts helps put everything in perspective.
Time Out takes us on a tour of some of Chicagoland's best neon signs.
As West Side residents fight against foreclosure, Bank of America is finding itself on the receiving end of a lawsuit. Read our own coverage of the issue in Mechanics.
You thought the Pride Parade was over a week ago? A festival was held July 4, 2010,to celebrate gay pride in the black community on the South Side.
Chicago's South and West sides have some of the highest rates of chronic unemployment in the country, the Chicago Reporter finds.
Leah A. Zeldes of Dining Chicago argues that meatloaf really is a summer food, and passes off a simple, delicious-sounding recipe from Chef Alfredo Anaya does at Dine in the West Loop. [via]
A.V. Club Chicago reviews city guides to Chicago, and offers its own advice.
The Gold Coast branch of Whole Foods brings back their Yoga on the Rooftop summer series: every Tuesday at 6pm, professional yoga instructors will help you increase strength and flexibility from the rooftop of 1 W. Superior. BYOYM (bring your own yoga mat).
Fascinated by feats of illusion, trickery, and sleight of hand? The Elmhurst Historical Museum explores Chicago's connection to the world of magic in "The Magical History Tour," running through September 12.
As promised, the Stanley Cup visited the Pride Parade yesterday. Fausto Fernos of Feast of Fun talked with Brent Sopel, the Hawk who made it happen, at the parade. More photos here, here and here.
Chicago's population is a notable exception to the recession's downward figures.
Chicago's beloved mobile street entertainment known to one and all as Puppet Bike will offer up a little piece of itself on eBay starting next week. Owner/Creator Jason Trusty is "retiring" several older puppets and you can take them home, if you're the highest bidder.
The Palmer House Hilton offers historic tours of the hotel. Crain's Shia Kampos took the tour with Potter Palmer IV to get his impressions.
Chicago-based artists can submit a design for one of 12 CTA and Metra underpasses needing some beautification in the 49th Ward (Rogers Park). Applications (PDF) are due by July 16th.
The Stanley Cup will make an appearance at this weekend's Gay Pride Parade -- as will Boystown neighbors the Cubs. The boys in blue will run a float for the first time ever, and Ernie Banks will be on it.
Before you head to the Taste of Chicago this year, you may want to download its pretty darned good official app [opens in iTunes].
StoryCorps is recording stories in Pilsen until June 26. If you or family/friends live in the neighborhood, you can register to tell your tale now.
Lincoln Park's Wiener's Circle, described as "a microcosm of segregation in Chicago" and ranked 56th in journalist Catherine Price's highly subjective (nothing's unpleasant in France, really?) but admittedly entertaining 101 Places Not to See Before You Die. At least it beat out New Jersey's Grover Cleveland Service Area?
MuseumNerd tweeted his/her way through a plethora of Chicago museums this weekend. That's right: a whole PLETHORA. [via]
How are you celebrating Juneteenth tomorrow?
Head down to Millennium Park this evening for Beethoven's Mass in C major.
Chicago is a violent town, as the nightly news reminds us. But did you know that if the South and West sides were separate cities, they'd be the murder capitals of America?
If you haven't come across this week's Chicago Reader cover, it's an impromptu performance indeed by performing artist Joseph Ravens.
West Argyle Street is now on the National Register of Historic Places in recognition as an entry point for generations of Asian immigrants.
Learnapalooza spreads its tendrils of free classes across the city this Saturday. Mexican cooking, self hypnosis, independent publishing, and butchery will all be covered amidst the event's 70 workshops. You can RSVP here.
Forbes maps movement to and away from Chicago, showing which counties gained or lost people.
Writer Rachel Rabbit White takes us on a tour of Chicago's only all-bisexual swingers club in A/C today.
While the city was celebrating the Blackhawks win, taxi drivers weren't always in the best of spirits.
The Metropolitan Planning Council is once again holding its Placemaking Chicago What Makes Your Place Great? contest, this year in partnership with the Chicago Architecture Foundation. Share your favorite "undiscovered" public space and you could win!
If you're into cheering for major sporting victories, head downtown Friday morning for the official Blackhawks celebration parade. The jubilation kicks off at 10:30am at Wacker and Washington.
There's a new Grévy's zebra colt at the Lincoln Park Zoo, the first born since 2001. More really cute pictures and videos here.
Like telling stories? Like listening to them? In A/C, learn more about the city's storytelling scene and the many opportunities you have to tell your own.
The Museum of Science and Industry is offering free admission through Friday. Time to check out Science Storms and then complete your collection of Mold-A-Rama's!
With the systematic closure of the Cabrini Green housing projects come sad tales of eviction -- like this one, from longtime resident Dirrthea Smith.
Oprah Winfrey's longtime (and often silent) boyfriend Stedman Graham told Fox Chicago News that the city takes the talk show host for granted, and that "a prophet has no honor in its own town."
Chicago-based artist Krista Wortendyke just launched a blog chronicling her efforts to photograph the sites of every homicide that takes place in Chicago this summer. Since Memorial Day, she has already posted details and Google Maps shots of nine murder scenes, and with over three more months to go until she finishes her project, her records are, unfortunately, likely to continue to grow.
Get a little creative with your best Ferris Beuller movie reenactment ideas, and you could win a couple of tickets to fly friends into town to have a great "day off." Explore Chicago is sponsoring this Ferris Foursquare mission today and tomorrow. Leave your ideas on this Foursquare Facebook wall post to enter.
So apparently the Tribune wants to start up a photographic, chest-thumping competition between Illinois residents and those who live in Montana. Isn't that like getting involved in a land war in Asia?
Even though the Chicago Outdoor Film Festival has been canceled, you can still enjoy a free movie in a park near you thanks to the city's Movies in the Park program. Check out the schedule now [pdf]. UPDATE: Chicagoist notes a googlemap mashup of all the Movies in the Park locations.
Forget the "real" official start of summer -- as far as Chicago's concerned, the opening of the city's beaches is it. And today's the day! Follow @chicagoparks for closure info.
Genderqueer Chicago, a support and discussion group for people who don't identify with strict male/female gender types, is holding a picnic and field day in Humboldt Park tomorrow.
Chicago was ranked 45th on Mercer's quality of living survey of international cities, beating out Seattle, New York, and Madrid, the last three cities in the top 50. The top US city? Coming as no surprise to anyone is Honolulu, at 35th.
Is your neighborhood on Chicago magazine's list?
Chicago didn't get the Olympics but it might get Atlantis. It's been discovered that the Planetarium is endeavouring to add one of the soon-to-be-retired space shuttles to its collection.
$70.6 million, that is. That's the final tally on Chicago's Olympic bid spending.
Archeworks' most recent unveiling is the Mobile Food Collective "Urban Farm Tool," a hub for the creation and support of urban community farming.
Sue the tyrannosaurus rex is getting gussied up for her 10th anniversary at the Field Museum. Sexy T-rex bathing photos can be found here.
...Would just be corporately sponsored and smell just as sweet. The Onion's AV Club reviews the naming history of several big marquees in the Chicago area. Of particular note: The Chicago Marathon for three years was sponsored by G. Heileman Brewing Company and was known as the Old Style Chicago Marathon.
Want to meet some new friends? Joe is here to help.
Well, sort of: an apartment in the original Playboy Mansion is for sale.
There's just one week left to enter Chicago Public Library's annual poster contest. Check out the details and submit today.
That's our designation on a new metropolitan map from the Brookings Institution. [via]
What some would call a quintessentially Midwest food is now available through Le Cordon Bleu graduate "Johnny Casserole"'s delivery service.
Apartment Therapy's annual Small, Cool apartment contest is on, and there are several Chicago entries, particularly in the "tiny" category. Vote for a Chicagoan today!
The third annual Zombie Pub Crawl is this Saturday, at 2pm in Andersonville hosted by Lakview improve theater company, pH Productions. So, crawl, stumble and reanimate on down, even if you need tips on looking undead.
Don't eat meat, but still want in on the latest fast food abomination? A local young lady and her boyfriend help you out with their meatless version of the KFC sandwich.
Local comic book artist and hot dog aficionado Lucy Knisley gets interviewed in Book Club as part of the ongoing series One-Shots.
Chicago Comic Con (AKA Wizard World) has had quite a stake in Chicago's fanboy circles, but this week, Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (AKA C2E2) has made an impact as well. Meanwhile, check out C2E2 photos in Book Club to see what all the hype is about.
The Chicago Improv Festival kicks off tomorrow, with 70 acts on 12 stages across the city. While this typically brings in acts from all over the world, that pesky Eyjafjallajokull, er... Icelandic volcano, creating chaos throughout European airlines, is keeping many acts grounded.
It's Foursquare Day -- connect with your fellow Mayors and badge-unlockers, and enjoy special deals at participating businesses when you check in.
This Saturday, come to the Little Village Boys & Girls Club's Sidewalk Sale -- your purchases help fund the oldest stand-alone Boys & Girls Club in the city. 2801 S. Ridgeway, 10am-2-pm. They are also accepting donations: call (773) 277-1800 for more info.
"There's a big dark town/ It's a place I've found/ There's a world going on/ Underground"
It's a pretty spring day. Do cartwheels. Report back.
With Wrigley Field and its surroundings in the news so much recently, perhaps it's worth remembering what the Sheffield Avenue rooftops looked like in 1987 compared to what they look like now.
Former Chicagoan Nate Silver recently wrote about the most livable neighborhoods in New York, his new home. On his blog, he explains his methodology and compares NYC housing costs with Chicago.
Never believe them when they tell you the Mob is dead.
It's not just sparkling water here in Chicago.
Men born in April to the end of the year, you're in luck: Halo [for Men] offers select free spa extras on your birthday (such as as shampoo or brow wax) with the purchase of another salon or spa service.
The Infrastructurist gives Millennium Park props as one of the Best New Urban Parks in the U.S. Now get out there and enjoy it! [via]
Chicago architectural icon had a dream: an America covered with "little villages" all connected by super highways as an alternative to "megacities." It, uh... it didn't go over well.
Ever watch the Amazing Race and think you could do it -- if it weren't for the jetlag? Take part in the River North Sleep Around Challenge, and you won't even need to leave the 312 area code. The Challenge Starts at the Holiday Inn Mart Plaza and ends up at Martini Park. Along the way, there are stops at seven hotels that will provide challenges and refreshments. Lots of prizes will be offered. Tickets available from the River North Business Association.
Chicago Fun Club is a newish nudist social group in town. Karl Klockers attended a recent meeting for Time Out.
One Tail at a Time rescues unwanted dogs and finds them new, loving homes. The organization runs without a shelter, relying on crackerjack foster dog-parents to care for animals until they're adopted. Last week they raised $1,000 in just days to offset medical expenses for a rescued dog named Pinecone. Check out their fundraiser this weekend or apply to foster a pup.
Chicago Architecture Foundation's Jennifer Lucente has tasked herself with a challenge: participate in all of the CAF's 85 tours over the course of one year. Best part? You can join her (or at least watch from the social media sidelines).
Local comic book artist Sarah Becan chronicles getting healthier in a sort of sequential weight loss diary. Good for anyone who likes beer and delicious food but is trying to slim down, and/or enjoys sweet, autobiographical, journal-style comics.
The Obamas' have some new neighbors moving in next door. The Kenwood mansion sold for a paltry $1.4 million.
It's a case of making lemonade out of the lemons of vacant storefronts. The New York Times recognizes Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood and Evanston as leading the way using that space for art displays.
A special After Hours tour of the new Matisse exhibit will have DJ's, cocktails and performances take over the Art Institute on Friday, April 9 from 9 to midnight. Then there's the intergalactastic "Superhero" themed Adler After Dark the following Thursday, April 15 at the Adler Planetarium at 6pm.
In Mechanics, Danny Fenster tells the story of Maria, a young woman pushed into prostitution by her boyfriend, and one organization that's trying to help women like her.
Care to delve into Chicago's spending habits?
The Straight Dope Chicago gauges how Chicagoland and the rest of Illinois would be if they divorced.
Chicago took a leading role in the days and weeks after the Haiti earthquake. Read about it in Mechanics.
In case you missed it, check out Alison Cuddy's expose on Radio M last Friday about local artists who are also musicians. Or is it musicians who are also artists? It's all art anyway, isn't it?
The Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC) gives a nod to new global resource STACKD which lets people connect via their workplace. It's a great opportunity to "Act Local" and connect with others outside of that excruciatingly silent morning elevator ride.
TimeOut looks into who carries clout in the culture of this city. Looks like one famous critic stands out, surrounded by local powerhouse venues, bars, celebs and blogs (Gapers Block among them) [PDF].
It won't make everyone good drivers overnight, but anyone who bikes our city's streets should be pleased by a bill that passed the Illinois Senate almost unanimously last week. Bill 2951 would make hurling something towards, crowding or otherwise threatening a cyclist a Class A misdemeanor.
Google is helping with the 2010 Census by mapping responses as they come in. Take a look here. [via]
ChicagoStorytelling tells the stories of three cab drivers trying to get by in the city.
How well do you know Avondale?
If you didn't get a chance to see the Chicago River dyed green last weekend, you may still be able to relive the glory of a (not so) lovely green pool in Pilsen.
The 2010 Census will start filling our mailboxes soon, but will your identity be truly counted? The Tribune looks into how mixed races might be erroneously counted with local Chicagoans.
While the parades are over, there's still tons of St. Patrick's Day partying to be had. Whether you're looking for must eat/drink places, kid-friendly activities, Irish pub spots or Boystown happenings.
The City of Chicago's website got its first overhaul in almost a decade today. Check out the new cityofchicago.org (which seems to run on a similar template to explorechicago.org) and see if you can navigate it any easier.
Local artist Phineas X. Jones is creating a new, fauna-centric labeling system for the tanks at Half Acre Brewery.
The Chicago Journal's AmySue Mertens lives in Greektown, Skid Row, West Loop, West Loop Gate, Community Area No. 28, the Near West Side ... and a "principality" of the West Loop.
Despite concerns about Chicago law that allows residents to keep chickens and roosters, chicken enthusiasts persist.
The Metropolitan Planning Council asks what asset Chicago should "sign" from another city, à la the NFL.
Englewood's Urban Prep Academy for Young Men is celebrating because all of its seniors have been accepted to a four-year college.
Take in musical performances from the Latin School Jazz Band and have a slice of Bleeding Heart Bakery's Chicago-style birthday cake for free at The Chicago History Museum--where else? The festivities begin at 10:30am, March 4. And, if you share a birthday with the Windy City, you'll receive a special certificate signed by the mayor.
Lee Bey bids farewell to the CPD's M license plate with some references to it in popular culture.
In honor of Casimir Pulaski Day, city and county offices and municipal services will be closed Monday.
Explore Chicago has just launched an online gallery of free and cheap Chicago-oriented smartphone apps (mostly geared to you iPhone users, though some work on Blackberry and the like). You can keep track of shows at Broadway in Chicago, menus on GrubHub, get the latest Bears rumors, or locate nearby LGBT businesses through the Gay Cities Guide.
Open Books is having their very first Open Boxes Book Sale this weekend with more than 10,000 literary donations being sold for a dollar each for softbound, $2 for hardbound. Or, fill a tote bag to the top for $25. Festivities start Feb. 26 to help fund Open Books' literacy initiatives.
Represent your school at the Art Institute of Chicago's flash mob. Just show up wearing your college or university's assigned color -- Columbia is yellow and Northwestern is blue, for example. All the colors of the rainbow, get it? It's tonight at 6pm on the front steps.
Time Out Chicago takes a closer look at the similarities between Hyde Park and Evanston and why the former hasn't taken off the way the latter has.
Sick of waiting in the cold, only to be overcharged and/or harassed by a sketchy cab driver? Here are some tips to help you get where you're going quickly and safely.
Rob Cartwright, manager of The Blackstone, wasn't always so hoity-toity. His life is like a mullet -- business in the present and party in the past.
North Mayfair is one of North America's best "old house" neighborhoods according to This Old House Magazine. [via]
Despite being hit hard by the economic slump, the Art Institute is hanging on-- they're even able to offer free admission during February, as always. How? Hipsters, among other things.
Not sure which gang is tagging your neighborhood? This flickr group should help.
Have a great Chicago proposal story? Eligible engaged couples can enter to win a wedding through the Chicago History Museum.
The Museum of Science and Industry's logo is the latest transformation for the museum during its $205 million Science Rediscovered campaign. Here's the old logo for comparison.
Want to spend Valentine's Day with someone who will always be happy to see you? Chicago Animal Care and Control (2741 S. Western) is holding a special adoption event from noon to 6pm this Saturday and Sunday for you meet that special dog or cat. Refreshments, a souvenir photo for adopters and an on-site pet boutique will be on hand as well.
Former GB contributor Ted McClelland gives the New York Times a guide to "funky" Rogers Park.
The zombie flick A Chance in Hell is set in 1944 Germany, but is currently being filmed in 2010 Elgin. Braaiinnns and Nazis and staggering undead hordes, oh my!
In light of the news that Chicago suffered record home foreclosures in the final quarter of 2009, the city and the Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago will hold six Fix Your Mortgage events this year.
Newcity has a new review of a show at DePaul that features reject art. The art will be sold from its collection to purchase more desired pieces, but visitors can still cast their vote on what they think is good, bad or just plain ugly.
Swap-O-Rama-Rama, a DIY fashion workshop/ resource, is returning to Chicago in March and seeking submissions for their competitive re:MAKE Fashion Show. For volunteers and beginners, there are regular meeting and events (the next on Feb. 4).
Valentine's Day approaches: show your love with heart-shaped pizza, available at a surprising (surprisingly awesome) number of locations.
If you wear a wedding dress or tuxedo to the Field Museum on February 13, admission is free and you'll be eligible to win prizes. I'd say "Insert Miss Havisham joke here," but Sue already did.
Not that you need another reason to vote in Chicago's elections Tuesday, but Challengers Comics offers a 15% Civic Duty Discount to to anyone who can present a voter receipt.
Just a reminder, the Art Institute is free (and full of events) throughout the month of February.
The Lakeview Polar Bear Club is taking their annual dip in Lake Michigan Sat., Jan. 30. So, head on down to Oak Street Beach (then, um, sign a waiver [PDF]) and take the plunge. Funds raised from the event and after party at Galway Bay go towards needy families.
No more excuses-- The Art Institute will be free the whole month of February.
Well, so to speak. Chicago museums and zoos caught a break in this year's sluggish economic downturn, seeing a 7 percent increase in attendance in 2009. The free-admission Lincoln Park Zoo; the Shedd Aquarium; and the Art Institute, who opened their new Modern Wing last summer, topped the list, with significant utilization of the attractions' free days. Here's the Local Tourist's free days list.
WBEZ will spend the next six months exploring Illinois' juvenile prison system in a project called Inside and Out. Radio stories, supplemental media and a community discussion are featured on the project website.
Chicago: A Biography, a new history of Chicago by Dominic Pacyga, is given a positive review by Harvard economist Ed Glaeser at The New Republic's online literary review, The Book.
A WBEZ report examines the CHA voucher program and finds that instead of provinding low-income tenants with more opportunities, it's actually creating more of the same.
Are you of above average height? There's a club for you.
Looks like Chicago had a low showing of talent on yesterday's "American Idol" auditions -- only 13 made the cut. While showcasing our wild and foul-mouthed side, "Idol" has Chicago Breaking News wondering how some Windy City contestants were filmed in front of palm trees and the Amway Center in Orlando.
Crain's Chicago Business lists 10 local ways you can aid the relief effort for Haiti. [via]
Megan Cottrell debunks seven myths about public housing.
WindyCitizen blogger FruzsE points out some medieval graffiti.
The Center Square Ledger, "your definitive neighborhood guide to North Center, Lincoln Square and Ravenswood Manor," launches today. Read more about it in Mechanics.
Every year, Chicago Mag puts out an eligible Chicago singles issue. And this year's is coming up: Applicants must be over 21, single, accomplished, photogenic and somewhat interesting. Supposedly you can nominate yourself, if you're so inclined.
It may sometimes get confused as part of Wicker Park or Ukrainian Village, but the neighborhood of East Village is now on the National Register of Historic Places.
Chicago received $98 million from HUD -- more than any other city except LA -- as part of its Neighborhood Stabilization Program, intended to help communities affected by the mortgage crisis.
TimeOut takes a look at the good (a great place to hook up), the bad (the tougher gigs) and the ugly side (the horror stories) of volunteering in Chicago. And just in case you wanted to know what it's like to be a volunteer Planned Parenthood escort: "I've been told I'm going to hell more times than I can count."
Windy City Times talks to Chicago resident and Project Runway contestant Ping Wu about knitting, Tim Gunn, and designing for frigid climes.
The Supreme Court will hear a lawsuit against the City of Chicago next month which will determine whether local governments can legally ban ownership of handguns. Chicago Mag recently discussed the case and profiled the plaintiffs, who may not be what you'd expect.
Oxygen Network's "The Bad Girls Club," a reality show exploiting, er... documenting party girls is holding a casting call Jan. 16 in our fair city.
Hookah lounges fall victim to tight no-smoking ordinances enacted in some Chicagoland municipalities.
Staying on budget should never mean missing out on Chicago's magnificent museums. Thankfully, The Local Tourist has compiled a handy list to help you get the most cultural bang while saving your bucks in 2010.
Want to ride the train without your pants on this Sunday?
What was Chicago like in the mid-century for the city's African American community? Unknown Chicago takes a look at the fast-growing and segregated "Black Belt," and the harsh housing conditions.
The Piñata Factory recently installed street altars created by young people from Humboldt Park and South Chicago to raise awareness of violence. The installations are at various locations around the north suburbs. Take a look at their creation and the finished products.
The Sun-Times raises a glass to the glogg being served up at Simon's Tavern in Andersonville, as owner Scott Martin gives the inside scoop on the tradition. * "God Jul" is Swedish for "Merry Christmas."
Curious (or irate) about some of the CTA's winter policies? [via]
After more than 70 years of projections, the Adler Planetarium will be closing its "Star of Wonder" show for the last time on January 3.
Be a part of the First Annual Schubie Awards by casting a vote for your favorites in music, food and web content.
As the city celebrates the centennial of the Burnham Plan, On Earth examines how urban planning has played out in the suburbs.
Chicagoans appear to be imbued with holiday spirit and decorating like mad fools. Local retailers report that decorative lights have been flying off the shelves this season.
Local writer Tiffany Meyers gives Canada's Globe and Mail an overview of Fulton Market's mix of fashion, design and food.
Forgotten Chicago takes a look at some of the city's most memorable neon signage. (Further reading about Lincoln Avenue's famously neon-lit motels in our archives.)
It's not exactly B.J. and the Bear, but a former Chicago and his animal friend are on a journey west for fortune and charity.
Sadly with so many news reports of school age children dying violently in Chicago there is seemingly little novelty in the latest such tragedy. However the the DCFS director happens to be the victim's former baseball coach and he makes some very insightful comments about the issue in general.
Some of you have probably given Jamba Juice a lot of your money over the years. Now the company will give something back to Chicago: free skating at Millennium Park this Saturday (for the first 200 people).
Chicago blog aggregator Windy Citizen is throwing "An Ugly Christmas Sweater Party" this Thursday, Dec. 10 at Black Rock Bar. Meanwhile, Chicago culture blog Chicagoist is having their Holiday Party/ Canned Food Drive the same night at Sheffield's. Maybe make it to both via the Brown Line? Ours is the following Thursday, Dec. 17, also at Black Rock Bar, so mark your calendars.
In these lean times, Chicago Public Library usage and circulation is up. Unfortunately, the hours at many facilities are being cut back.
Chicagoland (the whole metropolitan area, not just the city) comes in a clear third in this set of the 50 largest metropolitan areas in the country. [via]
Interested in knowing more about crime and problem spots in your neighborhood? You may want to sit in on a CAPS meeting, a monthly opportunity for citizens to trade information and report issues within each police beat in the city. (Inspired by a comment by Mary in our current Fuel question about gang activity.)
Tons of new artists and bands just listed shows coming to Chicago, according to the Reader's Early Warning concert listing (a lifesaver for any concert-goer), including Alice in Chains, Bowling for Soup, Jack's Mannequin and why not, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, to name a few.
Hate crimes are on the rise for LGBT youth in Chicago's south and west sides (in neighborhoods such as Englewood and Roseland) when Youth Pride Center members come home from the Hyde Park-located community center. Chicago Free Press looks into this unsettling trend and how it's related to LGBT legislation's prominence in the news.
The Adler Planetarium unveiled today a 4-foot by 180-foot mosaic made up of more than 800,000 images of the Milky Way. It's the world's most detailed picture of our galaxy, and it's now on permanent view at the museum and online. [via]
The cover of the new World Almanac and Book of Facts 2010 has a decidedly Chicago feel, with Barack and Michele Obama and White Sox pitcher Mark Buehrle (he of the perfect game) on the cover.
WBEZ web editor Justin Kaufmann is looking for Bears jokes (as if the team's play wasn't enough of a joke itself.) If you've got some, share then here. OK, two Bears walk into a bar...they forgot to duck. Hey-oooo!
Remember how earlier this month when that 872 area code took effect, it meant that you had to start dialing 11 digits no matter where you lived? Well, if your condo or apartment buzzer is hooked into your telephone, that callbox needs to be reprogrammed to reflect the change. Not only can this cost a chunk of change to fix, but it also means that your package and food deliveries can be derailed.
While you're bellying up to the turkey (or just at home, eating pizza), consider making this the day you adopt a cat or dog! Chicago Animal Care and Control is open for adoptions today (and tomorrow!) from 4-7pm at 2741 South Western.
OutsideTheLoopRadio.com, whose Chicago-interest audio magazine podcast and WLUW radio show is celebrating its third year on the air, is hosting a live taping Friday, Nov. 20 at Toons Bar and Grill. The event is free with some quite interesting guests stopping by.
BusinessWeek thinks Tinley Park is the best place in America to raise your kids. Last year they thought it was Mount Prospect, so I guess they just really like Chicago suburbs. (Thanks, Dee!)
If you're standing there waiting for a subway train and someone busts out with "E lucevan le stelle" from Tosca, this might be what's going on.
The holidays are coming, and what better way to show your spirit for the season and the city with these charming Chicago Flag Snowflake cards from local paper good entrepreneurs 16 Sparrows.
Santa and the John Hancock Observatory are having a mini casting call, of sorts, on Nov. 14 and 15. All you have to do is deck out your kids (11 and under) in their best elf outfit for a chance receive four VIP Radio Disney passes to meet Mitchel Musso during The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival.
Second City reunion tickets going for $1800? That's no joke.
How do Chicagoans describe street addresses? Is Armitage "two-thousand" north or "20 hundred"? Straight Dope tries to figure it out.
If you've enjoyed the Audissey podcast tour of Chicago or recommended it to a tourist in your life, check out their entry in the Forbes Boost Your Business contest.
Thought not the most toxic city in America, according to Forbes. That honor belongs to Atlanta. (We're tied for third with Houston, behind Detroit.) [via]
Imagine a wall with the name of every person from your neighborhood who had died for decades. Imagine having to walk past it everytime you went to the grocery store. Now imagine how you'd feel if the Chicago Housing Authority's Plan for Transformation would result in the wall being torn down.
The 2010 edition of the Not For Tourists guide to Chicago is out, but you can download PDFs of the various sections for $1.50 each.
Revitalize Des Plaines! will be of great assistance if you're interested in our northwestern neighbor's politics, history and, in one case, amazing sheet music.
Man-eating Tsavo lions at the Field Museum? Great story, but exaggerated, says a new study.
During tonight's 5:30pm broadcast, NBC Nightly News will profile CPS Shakespeare, Chicago Shakespeare Theater's annual program where students and faculty from local public high schools perform one of Willy's plays--this year's production was A Midsummer Night's Dream.
In other demolition news, the water tower at the Washburne Trade School has been demolished.
Stopping to give money to someone on the street could make anyone a bit nervous, but as the temperature drops, Chicago's homeless community becomes more apparent. So, Chicago Shares offers a solution: Vouchers to hand out in $1 increments, redeemable for food at area merchants.
The folks who brought you Art Talk Chicago have created a website dedicated to comprehensively mapping out and showcasing gallery events around the city. There's even a handy little interactive map.
The Obamas will have some interesting local flavor performing at their Pennsylvania Avenue digs this Saturday.
The imminent closure of the 61st Street Community Garden is getting a lot of attention from the media, with the Trib and Sun-Times augmenting weeks of coverage in the Hyde Park Herald and the Invisible Institute's Garden Conversations.
While the City Council chambers are buzzing with potential revenue sources, one solution is frequently brought up: casino gambling. Meanwhile, some alderman are hoping to make use of the formally proposed Olympic Village grounds. Here's what you said the last time this was considered.
Last night's "Ghost Lab" on the Discovery Channel featured the (alcoholic?) ghosts of Liar's Club.
Voting for your favorite scarecrow could win you a gift certificate worth up to $250 for any business in the Clark Street Special Service Area. Visit the displayed scarecrows (a list of participating businesses is posted here) and vote before Wednesday, October 28 at 5pm to qualify.
Well, as far as violent crime is concerned, anyway. Red Eye analyzed police crime statistics and found that more assaults, murders and rapes occur between 9 and 10pm than any other hour in Chicago.
The Lincoln Park Zoo has posted a wish list, with items costing $1 to $200. It's a great way to support our local menagerie, one of the last free zoos in the United States, and at the same time know exactly where your money is going--for example, a lovely nest basket for one of the McCormick Bird House's laughing thrushes--a bargain at one dollar.
"Adler After Dark," The Adler Planetarium's nightclub/stargazing event launches this Thursday, Oct. 15 and continues every third Thursday night of the month. The first night of cocktails and peeks through the Doane Observatory telescope is free, so why not?
Michael Salmonowitz makes a case for why Chicago's gangs are like Al-Qaeda. Meanwhile, another fight broke out at Fenger High School while Arne Duncan and Eric Holder were in town to discuss youth violence.
The Red Eye is a mapping all the homicides in Chicago this year on a googlemap, as well as an easier-to-read map of murders by ward.
Chicago's Cambodian American Heritage Museum and Killing Fields Memorial is the only Cambodian museum in America.
Near the Loop tonight? Check out the Aon Center's nifty lights as it finishes its 16-day countdown to the Olympic announcement. Evidently, "1" is harder than it looks.
It's been 10 years since the CHA began its Plan for Transformation. WBEZ's Natalie Moore takes a look at the process, its successes and criticisms -- and our own David Schalliol contributed a slideshow of photos from public housing projects around the city.
Watch the Olympics 2016 announcement on Friday at 11:30 am at the Daley Plaza rally, or at a few local bars/restaurants with special deals.
The mosaic under the 47th Street Metra station is finished, and it is lovely. Hyde Park Progress has pictures.
You know that $13.7 billion the Chicago 2016 Olympic bid team says the Olympics will pump into the city's economy? Yeah, no. A new analysis to be released today says it will be only a third of that amount.
Chicago Weekly alternative weekly now has a blog which will cover arts, culture, news, and opinion on the South Side. This student-written blog is based at the University of Chicago.
The BBC goes inside Chicago's underground dog-fighting scene. [via] Tio Hardiman, who is working to stop dog fighting, was profiled on GB last year for his work against guns.
A tree 7-foot marijuana bush grows in Brooklyn Rogers Park.
If it's been a while since you've been on a water taxi, here's a reminder about how great they are.
The Pilsen Community Market will be hosting a community garage sale for the next two Sundays on a vacant lot at 18th and Peoria.
Bill and Jacky Grimshaw, next-door neighbors of the Obama family in Kenwood, are selling their house. [via]
...To volunteer for its Thanksgiving Day Parade! They have something for everyone, from tech crew, to gift bag stuffer, to poo crew. And since it's aired live, you might even get on TV!
A new website, direct2food.org, helps the needy find social services including food pantries and soup kitchens.
Say what you will about what the recent Oprahpalooza on Michigan Ave. did to your morning commute, some of the retailers in the area are saying that having Ms. Winfrey on their street worked out well for their bottom line.
Are you interested in being a background dancer for the Black Eyed Peas' appearance on Oprah's season opener this week? You have to attend a rehearsal tomorrow (and the taping on Tuesday).
Chicago Public Library's "Sound Off" contest taps local musicians to express how their city inspires them. Details in Transmission.
Man! If my prom had been as much fun as the Chicago Messenger Prom, I may have gone to it. And if you love hamming it up, photo-booth style, then I'm sure we'll see you on Friday night at the Gapers BlockParty where Ian Merritt will have a photo booth set up. Did we mention it's FREE before 9:30?
An opinion column in RedEye picks up on the "What can you do for me?" mentality of DC residents that makes it our nation's political hub. In the District, it seems nowhere is safe for a Chicagoan who just wants to enjoy a beer in peace, without being "networked" to death.
The Woodlawn Wonder of "I Hate My Developer" takes Joe Zekas of YoChicago for a walk around the Wonder's neighborhood.
Philip Blum, a cellist and, after 54 years, the longest-serving member of the CSO, passed away yesterday at the age of 77.
For only the second time in 120 years, London-based Granta Magazine is devoting an entire issue to a single city: Chicago. And we're reaping the benefits, including a literary-star-studded kick-off September 14 hosted by Chicago Public Radio's Steve Edwards and featuring local authors Audrey Niffenegger (The Time Traveler's Wife) and Aleksandar Hemon (The Lazarus Project). The issue features 26 other locals; check Slowdown for more details.
Kenilworth comes in at #62 on Forbes' list of the most expensive zip codes in the US -- a list whose numbers have come down a bit in recent years. Six other suburbs make the top 500. (Thanks, Dee!)
Don't miss out on a free gyro tomorrow, courtesy of our very own Kronos Foods, Inc (thanks for the tip, Jough).
The Straight Dope offers advice for incoming students new to Chicago.
The Chicago Public Library is hosting the ChiPubLib Sound Off Music Contest, where the city's musicians are challenged to compose an original, Chi-town-inspired song and upload video of their performance of it to the Not What You Think Vimeo group. A celebration of the winning songs will be held at Pritzker Park in October.
The Society of American Travel Writers has named Chicago #5 on their list of "Top 10 Cities for Live Music." The voting writers noted that Chicago kills for live blues, and that music is "all here, all the time." Nicely put.
It's probably time to rename this annual feature "Best of Chicagoland," considering a large portion of the list is out in the suburbs. (Not that there's anything wrong with that.)
You've seen plenty of views of and from the Sears/Willis Tower's "Ledge," but here's a new one: filming it from the outside. [via]
We debut a new occasional feature in A/C today: Chicago Revenant, which sheds light on some of the lesser known neighborhoods of the city. First up, Dunning and Schorsch Village on the Northwest Side.
The anti-violence protest in Uptown last night effectively derailed a discussion of the Olympic bid and chased Alderman Helen Shiller out of the room, and garnered a ton of coverage.
Monday, Aug. 17 is a "reduced services day" for the City; it's really the one we'd normally see on New Year's Eve, apparently. Only essential services remain open: fire and police -- and, interestingly, meter maids and boot vans.
This Ask MetaFilter multi-part question from a recent newcomer to Chicago is chock full of great info, especially if you don't understand The Grid.
Love em' or hate em' (and their fans), this site answers a question relevant to irate Wrigleyville dwellers, Cubs devotees, and many more.
Visitors to Navy Pier could get the chance to take a 15-minute ride in a hot air balloon (that would remain tethered to the ground, alas) as early as this year. [via]
Placemaking Chicago asked that question earlier this year, and now they're asking you to vote on which photo and video is best.
Chicago ranks first in the nation for the number of people arrested while under the influence of drugs.
No, not that Triple H. It's going to be especially intense weather-wise this weekend, (hazy, hot and humid), so take care of yourself!
Oh, the trials and tribulations of the Wrigleyville-resident Cubs fan. If only there were a new site dedicated to their plight.
One of the inspirations for the Don Draper character in the AMC show Mad Men was Draper Daniels, who was the creative director at Leo Burnett in the 1960s. His wife talked to Chicago Mag about her life with him.
A quarter of Chicago doesn't use the Internet, a new study finds. The number is more like 39 percent in the Spanish-speaking community. [via]
Walkers, bikers, strollers and the like enjoy free reign on a network of boulevards between Logan Square and Little Village tomorrow from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The route temporarily closes to motorized traffic in order to make room for Chicagoans to come together. The event, Open Streets, is free, and is modeled after Bogota's Ciclovia, where 1.5 million residents come out and enjoy their community.
Over at ChicagoNow, Chicagosphere creator Mike Doyle reports on two wildly divergent blogs, the decidedly pro-CPD Second City Cop and the highly-CPD-suspicous Chicago Copwatch.
A pro-immigration mural in Pilsen painted by local students has been defaced by someone who's clearly projecting.
Well, the ones west of Western, anyway.
As noted in Mechanics, the City is doing "sweeps" of homeless people living in the parks in Edgewater. Not everyone is pleased.
As part of the Shedd Aquarium's re-opened marine mammal pavilion, visitors can now spend $200 to play with and pet a whale. Those who ante up get to wade into the Grainger Beluga Encounter Habitat, help trainers give behavioral instructions, and scratch some whale tongue.
F-16s buzzed the city at 1am last night, and helicopters are stirring up dust by landing on a baseball field in Lincoln Park. Guys, the Air & Water Show isn't for another couple weeks. UPDATE: Seems the choppers are practicing for an Obama visit.
Apparently Chicago is the seventh most sexually active city in the country -- but we're the fifth most sexually satisfied. Aww, yeah.
As our Fuel question demonstrates, when it comes to the Sears/Willis Tower name change, people either lament the loss of another piece of "Chicago" or you think it's much ado about nothing. Tribune architecture critic Blair Kamin falls on the side of the former and tries to put the whole thing in perspective.
Today is the last day the Sears Tower will officially be known as, well, the Sears Tower. Tomorrow it become the (ugh) Willis Tower. We're toasting with a highball in its honor. Let us know what you think in Fuel.
A Rogers Park family faces eviction from a Section 8 housing complex after the matriarch passes away. UPDATE: A vigil is planned for Tuesday night in support of the Bledsoe family.
Although it's not hard to catch him smoking in front of the Tribune Tower or having a burger at Billy Goat, 100 lucky Tribune print subscribers will schmooze and make beer-can chicken with legendary columnist John Kass Aug. 1 at the Cantigny Golf Club in Wheaton.
Does living in Chicago make you a Chicagoan? Jeff Ruby thought so but now he's not so sure.
There's just a few short weeks left for you to nominate your favorite places in Chicago for MPC's Placemaking contest. We wrote about this great project when it started, but now's your chance to share your favorites.
The Architects' Journal ranks Chris Ware's Chicago second in its list of Top 10 comic book cities. Go vote in their poll -- we're currently tied with a few other inked metropolises. (Thanks, Twitterer and fellow comic book aficionado DovBee!)
Greektown's home values have dropped by 50 percent in the past year, making it one of the fastest-falling neighborhoods according to Forbes. (Thanks, Dee!)
As the final cut nears in October, the Chicago 2016 Olympic bid team is working it. The team is using a new promotional video featuring our Chicagoan commander in chief talking up the city. The bid team is also planning a ward-by-ward promotional push in the next months to shore up city support.
Are early summers in Chicago getting chillier? The Straight Dope runs the numbers.
July is National Hot Dog Month -- and why wouldn't it be especially significant in the Windy City? Nothing screams "National Pastime" quite like tube-stuffed, processed chicken, beef and/or pork trimmings. So, go out and celebrate.
The new "Ledge" finally opens tomorrow at the Sears Tower, and will allow visitors to stand in an enclosed glass box and look down 1,353 feet. Depending on who you are, that means either the heights of euphoria or stomach-churning dismay.
The Examiner takes a look at one of the granddaddies of the Chicago open mike poetry scene, the raucus Monday night poetry night at Weeds. Featuring (as host Gregorio Gomez puts it) "some of the best, some of the worse and some of the most indifferent poetry in Chicago."
The Windy Citizen takes a look at how the City is using this year's Taste of Chicago to demonstrate its preparedness to host the 2016 Games.
That's the stretch of Lincoln Avenue that runs through North Center and Lincoln Square, the subjects of the Reader's latest neighborhood feature (with a little Budlong Woods thrown in, too).
Going to Taste of Chicago? Worried about more than the heat, sweaty tourists, and the cash you'll need? Chicago police have announced their security plans to ease your mind and prevent a rerun of last year's violence.
This past weekend was Rogers Park's annual Artist of the Wall festival, when local residents paint new murals on the long concrete bench along Loyola Park's beachfront. Here's a video walking a good portion of the wall.
Free admission, a Harry Potter exhibit, and a 76th anniversary was an epic combination for the Museum of Science and Industry last week. On June 19 the museum packed in 19,955 guests, the highest single-day attendance in more than 10 years.
Chicago has four of the top 25 most dangerous neighborhoods in the country, according to a study of FBI crime statistics by NeighborhoodScout.com. Automotive arson aside, you'll want to avoid 55th and State in Washington Park and three spots in Englewood.
The usual collection of semi-talented, questionably-talented and what-the-heck-are-they-doing-here talented braved the early morning rain to audition for American Idol at the United Center.
The Hyde Park Urbanist takes a look at the verge - "that strip between the sidewalk and the street" - on a stretch of East 57th Street.
To celebrate tomorrow's Puerto Rican Independence Day Parade (kicking off from Columbus & Balbo at noon), we are chowing down on traditional dish Mofongo over in Drive-Thru.
General admission to Shedd Aquarium is free through Friday, and the Oceanarium and Wild Reef are discounted. [via]
Time Out Chicago's website has links to photos and video clips of the Chicago version of the World Naked Bike Ride held over the weekend. We're guessing it's NSFW.
Yeah, might be cool to have a unique license place number. Then again, it might not.
Word is that there's a web series based on the Green Hornet being filmed in or around the Uptown Bank Building these days, a sort of prelude to the movie being filmed starring Seth Rogan (?) and Kung Fu Hustle star Stephen Chow (though we really wished those "Jet Li as Kato" rumors were true).
The answer varies depending on the times -- and who exactly you're talking about.
We're Johnny Depp's favorite U.S. city. But the star of the upcoming Public Enemies, filmed here, isn't leaving the south of France anytime soon to move into a bungalow on the Northwest Side.
The Taste of Chicago preview event used to be the dirty (greasy?) little secret of local VIPs and intrepid reporters looking for "the inside story" -- as well as a chance for free food. But now they're thrown the doors open to the public.
The plight of the pizza deliveryman in Evanston who was beaten and had his car hijacked and wrecked has touched many readers of the Chicago Tribune, who saw the story in today's paper. Here's the website if you wish to donate.
312 Dining Diva points us to the first cameras reaching the inner sanctum of Schwa: NBC Chicago's interview with Schwa chef Michael Carlson. The interview includes a mini-rant against celeb-chef culture, reveals why your reservation calls are never returned, and shows some mighty facial hair.
Come up with a good answer and you could win some pretty cool prizes from the Metropolitan Planning Council.
Explore Chicago's new game Chicago Neighborhood Express allows you to wander through different neighborhoods on-line.
We told you previously about the website run by the feds in Chicago that lists the unusual nicknames given to local bank robber. Add another SUV-influenced name to that list.
The nifty bike valet at Millennium Park is in jeopardy of closing this summer due to chief underwriter Chase Bank's "refocusing on business matters."
Straight Dope Chicago: "Short answer: no. Slightly more nuanced answer coming right up."
Celebrate the opening of Chicago's beaches with these photos of vintage beachy activities from the Tribune archives.
Have you been seeking additional information about Blago Shampoo? This CNN report has all you need.
After years of rumors to the effect, the iconic Kiddieland Amusement Park in Melrose Park (8400 W. North Ave) will be closing its doors after this season, barring some last-minute reprieve.
"The man stuffed 17 yellow, purple and turquoise pansies into a navy blue suitcase" and was promptly arrested.
Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer will take to the stage appearing as the Ghost from Hamlet as part of a Shakespeare and the Law conference in Hyde Park.
Cecil Adams considers this question for The Straight Dope Chicago. Meanwhile, R. Kelly's defense team is joining Team Blago.
A deserted Sears parking lot on the West Side has become a training ground for Chicago's next generation of entrepreneurs. Their stock in trade: honey-producing beehives.
Your job may not be &*@#!*&# golden, but your hair can be. It's "Blago" shampoo and conditioner. Only your hairdresser and bagman will know for sure.
A judge threw out an Uptown residents group's lawsuit against the Wilson Yard project, saying it was filed seven and a half years too late. Uptown Update has posted a copy of the suit, and FixWilsonYard will be meeting to discuss next steps this Saturday.
WBEZ's The Annoying Music Show got mixed up with the U of C's annual Scavenger Hunt this weekend when teams submitted songs for broadcast. Though Team Ragnarok won the challenge, Mendicant Cingulata came in first in the hunt.
I didn't realize MSN still had their City Guides, but they apparently just relaunched their Chicago edition.
Author Aleksandar Hemon tells the Wall Street Journal about a handful of places around Chicago that are meaningful to him, in connection with the release of his short story collection Love and Obstacles.
After six years of helping to create a thoroughly connected craft community in Chicago, Depart-ment is calling it quits. The organizers explain how they regret the decision to disband the show, but considering the extreme time and cost that goes into organizing the show, it's not surprising even though it is sad. Thankfully a few of the organizers are helping to keep the movement alive with Coterie Chicago. Their first show is at this year's Pitchfork Music Festival.
Living with Pride is a halfway house for GLBT addicts restart their lives after getting sober -- and it's caused a controversy in its quiet North Center neighborhood.
Saturday, May 9, is National Train Day. Celebrate with a visit to Union Station, which will feature exhibits and entertainment from 10am to 3pm.
The Field Museum and Oriental Institute have some interesting visitors from the National Museum of Iraq. The Iraqis are taking the opportunity to brush up on contemporary archeology and conservation techniques they were unable to study at home during the Hussein regime ... and apparently during the ongoing war.
As if all the accolades for his, you know, cooking talent weren't enough, chef Paul Kahan of Blackbird gives us another reason to feel inadequate. He's named as one of People's 100 Most Beautiful 2009 ... or not. [Thanks for the update, Dan!]
EveryBlock now has an iPhone app, so you can check on crime stats of the very corner you're standing on. (And restaurants nearby, too.)
John Greenfield walks the length of Belmont Avenue in this week's A/C feature.
Because you probably met Mr. T. That's justice.
The Goodman is doing the unholy/impossible/fascinating: Pairing art and science. As part of the ongoing Science Chicago initiative, the Goodman will offer three free readings from Tom Stoppard, Richard Rhodes and Caryl Churchill, exploring their scientific themes. Readings take place on June 8, 15 and 22, with post-play discussions. Call for reservations: 312.443.3800.
Chicago News Bench reports on a bike-by shooting that occurred in on Broadway Uptown Sunday. Seems the FBI may be involved in the investigation, which would be pretty unusual if it's true. [via]
Celebrate by taking a look at saucy Chicago secretaries of yesteryear.
We're the 11th best hair city in America, according to Total Beauty. (Thanks, Dee!)
Reader Ryan Flynn writes, "Here is a site I've had up for awhile now, documenting the transformation of the Cabrini-Green neighborhood in pictures, paintings, comments and news."
While there is an apiary in the city, most of Chicagoland's honey production is done in the suburbs. Lake Bluff's GazeboNews profiles a group of retirees who've taken up beekeeping as a hobby.
Natalie Slater of Bake and Destroy interviews former vegan and baker extraordinaire Michelle Garcia of Bleeding Heart Bakery on baking philosophy, butter alternatives, and making that perfect vegan chocolate cupcake.
The system of signals behind CTA farecards is more complex than you might think.
It seems not everyone is impressed with the Chicago parkour scene. [Thanks, Dubi!]
According to ESPN, Chicago is getting high marks from IOC officials following their visit to our fair city. The news is bound to make fans of the city's 2016 bid very happy. Others...not so much.
Get set for Tuesdays at Butler Field with your favorite stars of the silver screen. This year's Outdoor Film Festival features have been announced, and they sure don't disappoint. Full list after the jump.
This Year's Films are Sunset Boulevard (July 14), Duck Soup (July 21), Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (July 28), Born Yesterday (Aug. 4), Psycho (Aug. 11), Young Mr. Lincoln (Aug. 18) and Tootsie (Aug. 25).
As part of their Adopt-a-Side-Street series, WBEZ learns how folks can fill potholes themselves from Elce Redmond of the South Austin Coalition.
Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Burnham Plan, Millennium Park will enjoy two new pavilions come June 19. More in A/C.
Yet another survey telling us where we rank as a city in various categories. This time we're the fifth best "Walking City", whatever that means.
A car on fire across the street is not the usual way we greet out of town guests. [Thanks, Marc!]
The feathers flew this afternoon in front of The Art Institute for World Pillow Flight Day. That is, at least, until the CPD appeared.
Chicago will soon have three retail shops for fine European city bicycles, including cargo bikes. De Fietsfabriek USA, literally "the bike factory," opens Saturday in Old Town at 1309 N. Wells, just blocks from Dutch Bike Chicago, which opened last October on Armitage. Meanwhile, Copenhagen Cyclery plans to open soon in Wicker Park. It might just be time for a slow bicycle race.
The Invisible Institute takes a look at the 61st Street Community Garden and its troubles, now that the University of Chicago and Chicago Theological Seminary are planning on using it as a staging area [PDF] for the construction of CTS's new building. CTS is moving to make room for the Milton Friedman Institute.
Yeah, riding the CTA train sucks sometimes (thanks to Miss Bags-On-The-Seat and you, Mr. Block-The-Door, among others). But maybe you'll run into The Nicest Train Operator In Chicago and everything won't seem so bad, even the guy yakking on his cell phone from Grand to Berwyn, for crying out loud.
The Trib's Maureen Ryan has the details on a "very funny" festival: Just For Laughs, a TBS-sponsored comedy event taking place in Chicago June 17-21.
AskMen.com ranked Chicago number 1 in its Top 29 Best Cities survey, just ahead of Barcelona and San Francisco.
Visitors to the Lincoln Park Zoo's Regenstein Center for Africa Apes may notice the lack of chimps over the next several days. That's because zoo staff is monitoring six chimps who've come down with a upper respiratory infection that also killed another chimp earlier this week.
Words of wisdom from The Woodlawn Wonder: "You can always tell the weather is changing by how many candy colored men's gator shoes you see on the street."
The Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center will be opening in Skokie on April 19. You may request tickets to the public grand opening ceremony or get a sneak peek by purchasing tickets for the Inaugural Gala on April 2.
WBEZ's blog has some pictures from the Chicago regional spelling bee held last Friday. Kira Gallancy won with the word "nominative". She will go on to compete in The Scripps National Spelling Bee in May.
Can't make it down to the Oriental Institute but want to learn more about mummies? The University of Chicago Magazine created an interactive mummy dissection that combines photographs, CT scans and interviews with researchers to examine the Institute's 2,800-year-old dummy -- without cracking the seal.
Several gay bars in Chicago are putting an end to allowing bachelorette parties, saying that comically flaunting one's impending nuptials in front of those who can't legally marry is insulting and inappropriate.
Hopefully an apartment this bad isn't even on your radar, but to make sure you don't end up spending time in a place with bedbugs, check out this map of known infestations, and lend a hand locally. (Thanks, Kaylee!)
The Trib has a historical photo essay of the Back of the Yards Free Fair, a month long celebration once held at the intersection of 47th and South Damen.
The Tribune profiles the Rock Cats, "Chicago's only trained domestic cat show."
The Christian Science Monitor looks at the annual dyeing of the Chicago River from an environmental aspect, with an interesting note that at any time of year, the Illinois Department of Public Health doesn't recommend eating too many fish from its waters.
Tailgate's Steve Gillies continues his excellent series on the city's best soccer-watching bars to get your footy on. Today: The Small Bar.
If you saw the Chicago River get dyed green this Saturday, your fun cost somewhere around $133 per minute.
That's the new motto of the Chicago 2016 Olympic bid. It replaces "stir the soul" which sounds more like a Campbell's Soup tagline. It's definitely an upgrade.
If you live in Wicker Park or West Town, you may have visited the Polish Triangle once or twice without realizing that was what it's called. You could help decide its future March 21 & 22, if you so choose.
I never visited Old Chicago Mall, but a massive mall with "rides, a concert venue and circus performers--all under a glowing 16-story dome" sounds like a little kid's dream. If you have memories of the mall or want to read other people's recollections, Paul Drabek's roller coaster website collects them.
I.C.Stars is a program working to develop 1,000 community leaders in Chicago by 2020. Learn how to get involved here
The Chicago Park District's Committee on Programs and Recreation approved a measure to increase general admission prices to the Art Institute by 50%. If passed by the board, prices will jump from $12 to $18. Seniors and student prices will also increase from $5 to $12.
Ald. Ed Burke reintroduced a bill requiring mandatory sterilization of dogs and cats yesterday. The Chicago and Illinois Veterinarian Medical Associations both oppose the legislation.
A study finds that Latinos are being pulled over more frequently by police in some parts of Chicagoland. Read more in this month's Chicago Reporter.
Where can a guy puff away on a good Macanudo in Chicago? Since the citywide smoking ban took place, not too many places it seems, as one dedicated stogie fan finds out.
That's how much the U of C's Crime Lab estimates gun violence costs Chicago every year.
The Whydah, an 18th century-era slave and (later) pirate ship, has docked at the Field Museum beginning today until October 25.
Hoping to dispel whatever myths and stereotypes are out there concerning vegans (think sensible shoes, biking everywhere and some article of clothing made of hemp), PETA is sponsoring a "Sexiest Vegetarian Next Door" contest and a Hyde Park resident is carrying the banner for Chicago. You can vote for her here.
Come celebrate the Polish tradition of Paczki Day with Illinois State Rep. John Fritchey at the Jefferson Park Blue Line Stop, 6:30-8:30am.
The Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2009. Earlier this week at HPKCC's anniversary kick-off event, James Withrow of Hyde Park Urbanist covered the last 60 years of Hyde Park in just 15 minutes. Read it here.
When it comes to "erotic services" posts in the Housing section of Craigslist, Chicago lags far behind Vegas, LA, NYC and SF. Maybe that's why Forbes thinks we're so miserable. [via]
This week's Reader feature investigates the financial troubles threatening the eviction of Loren Billings, the 89-year-old widow who lives in and runs the Museum of Holography.
The Chicago Defender reports on one of Chicago's original dance shows, Soul Train, getting a long-overdue salute from one of the city's newest dance shows, Chic-A-Go-Go.
Chicagoan Virginia Call, whose family claimed she was 115 and records indicate was about 111, has died. She was also Chicago's oldest registered voter, supporting Barack Obama after a 20-year registration lapse.
With the weather expected to take a dip this weekend, what better way to heat up than with salsa. No, not this kind, this kind. The International Salsa Congress is expected to draw the top dancers in the city and beyond. And they'll have lessons as well, so it might be a useful Valentine's Day destination.
Chicago is America's third most miserable city, according to this throwaway Forbes.com story. Go ahead, be outraged.
Hyde Park Urbanist remembers Realtor and activist Winston Kennedy, who it credits as one of the people who helped shape the current neighborhood.
The Chicago Academy of Sciences is cataloging its collection of indigenous animals.
Help is difficult to find for illegal immigrants in need of health care, unemployment or other services. And the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's deportation policies mean asking for help from the wrong person might send them back to a country they no longer know.
The recent news of steady 2008 attendance is only half the story. Many museums are laying off staff and restricting visiting hours.
The Trib asked a group of canvassers from organizations like Greenpeace to a men's suit company about their jobs, the people they interact with and their futures.
The Expired Meter reports that budget cuts have led to a huge backlog on traffic and parking ticket court hearings. If you're not up for the hassle, you can pay your ticket online.
Just a reminder, the Art Institute of Chicago will be free of charge and the Edvard Munch exhibition, which opens 2/14, will be half price.
A couple of morons decided that Millennium Park's Cloud Gate sculpture wasn't complete, so they etched their names into it. It's art, not Gino's East, people.
If you're looking for information about the history of Chicago's LGBT community, Chicago Gay History is the place to look. The site has published everything from all of the biographies in the Chicago Gay History Project to a range of detailed information about specific topics.
Horse.com (which should probably know about these things) reports that the unique Noble Horse Stable might be closing its doors after 138 (yes, 138) years of operation. The facility, which in addition to providing downtown carriage rides also houses a horse-themed theater, is a victim of too much competition, says the owner.
Ever wanted to know how many people visit Chicago museums? Last year, the Shedd had the most, with 1,864,886 visitors, while the whole Museums in the Park group had 7.7 million patrons.
Here's some inspiration for the sled-dog days of winter: a list of free days at all Chicago's museums.
The City received 1200 requests to remove shoes dangling from power lines last year.
Playboy is moving its operation back to Chicago, where Hugh Hefner's empire was started.
Looptopia, our two-time dusk-to-dawn cultural celebration, is being refashioned into a series of 5 mini-Looptopias each running from 4 to 11pm.
The bike parking rooms and shelters planned for four CTA stations are now open. Combining bicycling and transit to get around is now even easier.
The Obama inauguration poem gets critiqued by people who should know...the fans and members of The Poetry Foundation based here in Chicago. Judging from the comments section, not everyone was enthralled by the piece.
Little Village may be getting some new "pocket parks" thanks to proposals by alternative design school Archeworks and Neighbor Space.
Tuesday's Winter Bike to Work Day encourages us to use our bicycle to get around town. To celebrate, Active Transportation Alliance serves free coffee and hot cocoa at Daley Plaza to bicycle riders from 6:30 to 9 a.m. After last week's sub-zero freeze, tomorrow may feel almost balmy.
If you're looking to get involved with a volunteer project as part of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, you can find events in your area.
About the only time the Southwest Side gets press is when there's a fire or a crime. The Southwest Observer aims to change that.
The City invites you to ExploreChicago on its newly relaunched tourism site.
Poor Little Rich Girls aims to help young women in the city live a chic but budget-friendly lifestyle.
And you thought it was the relentless winter weather, skyrocketing cost-of-living and hit-or-miss public transportation that was putting you on edge here in Chicago. Nope. Turns out we're the third most caffeinated city in America. Step away from the Coca-Cola...
EveryBlock has introduced a feature that allows you to see neighborhood trends right down to individual blocks. Still no pothole data, though -- not that they're not trying.
Remember when the Marina City Condo Association decided to ban photos of the iconic buildings without their permission? That was just the beginning of the crazy -- and it's gotten worse over the years, Chicago Journal reports. Dig deeper at the watchdog/online newspaper Marina City Online.
The Museum of Science & Industry is offering free general admission through the end of January. [via] UPDATE: Actually, apparently the coal mine is closed for maintenance. You do still have to pay for special exhibits such as the U-boat. (Thanks, Carlotta!)
No Pants 2K9, a nationwide project run by NYC-based Improv Everywhere (remember them from This American Life?), makes a stop in Chicago on January 10. If you're willing to brave the CTA in your bloomers, hop aboard.
You weren't the only one who was having trouble negotiating their way around town over all that ice. A few other people did their share of slippin' and slidin' too.
No matter how cold the weather, the University of Chicago gargoyles remain ever vigilant.
Did you know there's a huge "mixed use mega-complex" in development for the southeast corner of Clark and Addison? Addison Park on Clark would take out all the businesses on the east side of Clark Street all the way down to The Irish Oak.
Unfortunately sometimes public indecency is a fact of life on public transportation. CTA Tattler has a good post exposing one particular lowlife and some suggestions on what to do if you become a victim.
Add one more to the list of things to look forward to in the spring. The Museum of Science and Industry scored a coup of sorts last week, beating out institutions around the world for the chance to premier "Harry Potter: The Exhibition" next April. Tickets already available online.
Empire Today has collected videos of its classic carpet commercials at EmpireCarpet.tv. Sing along!
Audissey Guides has made its iPod tour of Chicago, narrated by local hip hop poet Kevin Coval, a free download.
The "unique" local political scene gets yet another national dissection. This time, it's The Atlantic. And this time it's from October, 1930. The more things change...
WGN collects webcams on one page so you can watch the city get blanketed in snow.
The latest hip urban trend? Raising chickens in your backyard. Says one owner: "They're like pets with eggs." Yeah, but most pets don't have their young eaten by the owner so, you know, not quite the same. (Here's a classic from our archives.)
It may be like rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic, but Chicago 2016 has already made some changes to the proposed schedule of events for the summer Olympics bid.
Speaking of people helping people, Resurrection Healthcare's Homebound Elderly Program is in need of volunteers to help bring holiday cheer to homebound senior citizens in Chicago. Help out if you can.
Head down to the main post office and answer a child's "Dear Santa" letter. Sure things are bleak: The record unemployment. Our dear ole gov'na in shackles. But... 'tis better to give than to receive, right? Letters are available in the post office lobby; sift through and find one that tugs your heartstrings. More info.
There are many reasons to give. (And even more citywide.)
GQ has named Chicago its city of the year, thanks to its politics (though not directly Obama), film (The Dark Knight), literature (yay writers!) and architecture (the on-hold Spire).
A while back we asked if Chicago had the ugliest house in America. Well, the verdict is in and the answer is ... yup, sure do.
The CTA unveiled new hybrid buses today that plug into an electrical outlet at night and run on battery power for most of the day. The move is estimated to save the CTA almost $7 million annually in maintenance, labor and fuel costs by retiring aging buses.
Beware the giant dog attacking the city next spring! That's my impression of the image that won the most votes in the Chicago City Clerk's vehicle sticker contest. Congrats to Denise Ferguson, the artist, who's a senior at Corliss High School.
It will cost you considerably more to park at a meter in the near future. But don't worry: You probably won't be able to move your car from in front of your house anyway.
Even flutists, scanners and jitterbuggers. Even tax enthusiasts.
Hyde Park Progress take a new look at the future of Promontory Point (aka "The Point") in light of one of the area's most famous (former) residents moving to D.C.
Tired of dodging the city tow trucks thanks to that fistful of parking tickets you've collected? The Department of Revenue is giving you a break.
Thousands of taxi drivers reportedly stayed home from work today to show support for the United Taxidrivers Community Council's proposal for a 16% fare hike to take effect January 1.
Hopefully you remembered not to park on snow routes tonight, because whether there's snow on the ground or not, Chicago's winter parking regulations go into effect at 3am Dec. 1 -- very late tonight or very early Monday morning, depending on your perspective. Hope you don't wake up to a missing car!
The Parkways Foundation wants to know if you'll grant Buckingham Fountain a wish.
If you TIVOd the newest (season finale) episode of "Entourage" this past Sunday, pay attention to scene change footage between minutes eleven and twelve...what is supposed to be a quick shot of gritty New York is actually a pre-construction view of the CTA station at Belmont and Wilton. Good work, film editor.
So what were you doing when you heard the news? The Chicago Reporter wants to know your reaction when you first heard that Barack Obama had won the election as part of their upcoming "50 Days/50 Voices" project. Video, audio and essays are all welcome.
The ever-vigilant architecture critic Lee Bay looks at the rise and fall of the controversial Robert Taylor Homes on his blog. He even includes a link to video clip of Mayor Daley the Elder speaking at the grand opening.
Vote now for your favorite design for next year's Chicago vehicle sticker. It's theme is "Dog Friendly Chicago" and all the stickers were created by Chicago Public School students.
Know a University of Chicago student or alumnus? Know two or more? Print out these U of C-centric Bingo cards for them to enjoy during the holidays. Then stand back and watch the geek-tacular fun ensue.
HispanicBusiness.com take a look at the Puerto Rican community in Chicago and its staunch supporters who once again try to stave off gentrification.
The New York Times on Chicago's "moment of renaissance": "Well before Mr. Obama was elected as the nation's 44th president... Chicago was experiencing one of its most blossoming periods in food, fashion and the arts. Now, people around the country and the world are simply noticing." Um, yeah, thanks for noticing. Again.
Image Chicago magazine, a "lifestyle" publication with a heavy emphasis on clubbing and fashion, celebrates its third anniversary. You can flip through the latest issue, a dual "hers and his" type of thing, here.
Watch your pockets. A creepy guy in a mask might just stick something in them.
"Chicago Geek Girls is a network of groups devoted to supporting the work & play of women who identify as geeks."
Chicagoland gamers, welcome to the Dice Doho.
Photographer Edward S. Curtis' 1914 silent film In the Land of the Headhunters was the first to exclusively star Native North Americans. It was recently restored and will be shown at the Field Museum on Sunday and Monday mornings. Stick around afterwards for a discussion with historians and descendants of the Kwakwaka'wakw nation, who are featured in the film. More details in Slowdown.
To celebrate the life of Studs Terkel, Steppenwolf will present a free staged reading of Terkel's book "Will the Circle Be Unbroken?" this Monday, featuring Steppenwolf company members, director Joyce Piven, the Tribune's Rick Kogan, and that guy from "Friends."
See, things are already changing after Barack Obama's election victory: Mayor Daley wants to give parking ticket scofflaws a break on unpaid tickets issued before 2007. The amnesty period would run from Dec. 1 to Feb. 14.
All day long at Columbia College, there's a marathon reading of Jack Kerouac's On the Road, happening at 1104 S. Wabash. Pop in during your lunch hour or after work; the motion embedded in Kerouac's words fits beautifully with this bright fall day and the change in the air. Apple pie served at 4pm.
Could last night's historic election results affect Chicago's 2016 Olympic bid? Tokyo thinks so.
If you love pregnant seahorses, endearingly floppy manatees and cephalopods like I do, you'll be excited to learn that every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday during the month of November (except Wednesday, 11/26), the Shedd Aquarium will offer free general admission and discounts on inclusive packages.
After months of "Barack Obama's Chicago" in seemingly every media outlet, it's time for a change of pace. This time, Saul Bellow gets the treatment.
The Sun-Times reports that the city will be reducing the length of Blues Fest, Jazz Fest, and other city celebrations for 2009. These reductions are because of Mayor Daley's spending cuts in the 2009 budget.
Bring some quarters along with that sunscreen when you go to the beach next year. The Chicago Park District will charge for all 4,000 parking spots along Lake Michigan, specifically $1 an hour. In addition, they won't open beaches until 11 a.m. to cut down on lifeguard expenses.
Sun-Times writer Mark Konkol and former Q101 DJ Todd "Fook" Fooks have launched a podcast.
The Second Annual Chicago Latino Fashion Week kicks off next Monday with a host of spicy runway shows and post-catwalk parties to satisfy any (color) palette. Each event will feature top designers from across Latin America, including a number of locals showcasing their caliente collections.
If you've ever wanted to know more about the miniature model of Chicago and the full model railroad at the MSI, sit down for a talk with Daddy Nature.
The city's soup kitchens are gearing up for a busy winter, the Chi-Town Daily News reports.
As a South Sider, one of the fascinating outcomes of the election season has been the increase in attention this side of the city is getting. The Washington Post chips in with a four page profile of Hyde Park. [Thanks, Spencer!]
If you were watching the Today show around 7:30 this morning, you may have caught Robyn Okrant, the Chicago-based proprietor of the Living Oprah blog that has gotten a lot of media attention for her year-long experiment to live all things Oprah, being interviewed. If you missed it, we have a video for you.
NewCity's Best of Chicago voting is open.
The apartment of GB's creative director, Naz Hamid, and his wife Jen Schuetz is featured on Apartment Therapy today.
If the stock market dive hasn't eaten up all of your cash, you might consider a stay at the Peninsula Chicago. The luxury hotel was just named the top hotel in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler.
Big doings at City Hall today: Not only is Mayor Daley planning on laying off more than 900 city employees (including cutting some garbage crews from two men to one) to help balance the city budget, but his hand-picked top cop Jody Weis is announcing a major shake-up in the CPD.
Cars, whether parked legally or illegally, appear to be the answer to the city's budget shortfall, according to Mayor Daley. To close the $420 million gap, he's raising the city parking tax, preparing to privitize parking meters, putting in more red-light cameras and revising his Denver Boot plan.
City Council has banned texting while driving. It'll be a $75 fine, rising to as much as $200 if you get into an accident.
Care to take a Googletour of Chicago and the suburbs?
Staff at the Adler Planetarium were surprised to make the presidential debates, particularly when their sought-after projection system was ridiculed by McCain.
"Roof Top Honey" may sound like some sort of upper-level illicit rendezvous, but it's actually the name of the sweet product harvested from beehives on the rooftops of City Hall and the Cultural Center and sold online and at The Farmstand at 66 E. Randolph St.
Chicago closes certain boulevards to car traffic this Sunday so that you can enjoy the street with your bicycles, strollers, and walking shoes. Look for activity stations with salsa dancing, yoga and basketball, plus a taping of Chicago's dance show Chic-A-Go-Go.
Study up on your two-letter words for Scrabble Night tonight at Andersonville's The Coffee Studio. It's for experts and newbies alike -- there'll be match-ups and prizes for the former, and tips and tricks for the latter. More details in Slowdown.
Groupon, a Chicago startup, will offer daily coupons for local events, services, hotels, eateries and more. The twist? You only get the deal if enough people sign up for it. If not - well, you know.
In an effort to engage CPS students to register to vote when they turn 18, voting began yesterday for a mock districtwide presidential election that is being touted by CEO Arne Duncan as the largest in the country. FYI, early voting for the real election begins October 13.
In an effort to cure the city's budget woes, Mayor Daley says the city may layoff 1,000 workers, possibly resulting in (among other things) reduced garbage collection.
The Third Coast International Audio Festival has just announced the winners of its 8th Annual TCF/ Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Competition. Click here to listen to excerpts from the winning audio documentaries.
Well this should make Ben Joravsky happy. Due to lack of support from the governor we all love to hate, Daley and friends have decided to shut down the central loop TIF only a year and a half after its original expiration date. So we can actually see where some of our money is going? Amazing.
Jimmy's Woodlawn Tap in Hyde Park is profiled in the fall travel section of the New York Times.
The Tribune's "Skyline" blogs discusses the impact of Daniel Burnham, not only on the look and layout of the city but the 'burbs as well.
According to Chicago 2016 Commitee Chairman Patrick Ryan, the main goal of securing the Olympics is to change the city's image. Really? Are we still all Al Capone and Michael Jordan to the rest of the world?
There are few places as isolated as the Altgeld Gardens-Murray Homes CHA development, the Defender reports.
Somehow we ranked third in public-trans/walkability but only 16th in friendliness. See this and dozens of other rankings in Travel + Leisure's city survey.
Chicago native Scott Johnson barbecues for a cause: to fight cancer. He donates his winnings in national competitions to a cancer research foundation. That's nice, but his reasons for getting into barbecuing might tick a few people off: he points to "the lack of quality barbecue cuisine in his native Chicago." Ahem...
It wasn't just the Marshall Fields and the Potter Palmers who rebuilt Chicago after the Great Fire. WBEZ-FM reports on the women who helped raise the city from the ashes.
The City of Chicago will text you in the case of an emergency if you sign up for their new service NotifyChicago.
Very Small Array has produced maps based on Craigslist Missed Connections, showing the most likely place to "miss" someone in general and by sexual preference as well as age, hair color and other breakdowns.
Once again, Chicago's historic "Maxwell Street" is on the move, this time relocating from Canal Street to Desplaines Street. Even if you don't need tube socks, you should probably go see it. Something says this latest move might be its last.
I love finding blogs about Chicago's less in-the-news neighborhoods: check out beverlymorganpark.net.
The Chicago Architecture Foundation will kick off a new tour soon featuring influential women in Chicago's history. The "Women of Influence Tour" will meet at Graceland Cemetery on select Saturday mornings starting September 6, and for the meager price of $10 (or free, if you're a CAF member) you'll learn about women who fought for civil rights, conducted the Underground Railroad and broke up the plot to kill President Abraham Lincoln...and see some pretty cool tombstones.
The city of Chicago may require a $10 garbage collection fee to close a $420 million budget gap, according to the Sun Times, The Post-Tribune reported earlier this month that council members endorse the pick-up fee.
In this day and age of promoting shelter adoptions of animals, a Tribune article reveals that getting into an Ivy League school is easier than taking that tabby cat you saw at the shelter home with you.
Chicago's air quality isn't the best. No surprise there.
Cyclists, beware! Cops are set to start ticketing for bicycle moving violations like riding on the sidewalk, not wearing a headlamp at night, and riding through red lights and stop signs. And you didn't think those were rules.
Tracing a Cook County politican's family tree is pretty easy: just look at his successor. For the rest of us, there's the Cook County Genology Online, which was unveiled this week. Medill Reports has the story.
For the third year in a row, Hotwire.com declares Chicago the top destination for the Labor Day weekend. And if you do choose Chicago as your vacation destination, a New Zealand travel site tells you the best way to spend 48 hours here.
From four-story condos to Calatrava's tower, Chicago is getting bigger and taller. Unfortunately, there's likely nothing you can do about it should that huge new development loom over your yard.
Mayor Daley's Bicycling Ambassadors installed free bicycle headlights tonight to those riding dark on Milwaukee at Damen, thanks to help from the Wicker Park Bucktown SSA. A friendly Chicago bike COP was in attendance. Expect more and more events to promote bicycle safety.
No, not aliens -- a podcast on green living in the city from the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.
Abby Mandel, founder of the 10 year-old Green City Market and a longtime food columnist for the Tribune, has died.
Chicago Magazine has an excellent article looking back at the 2005 accident/failed suicide attempt that claimed the lives of three local musicians, and its effects today.
To get an idea of what Chicago's upcoming Sunday Parkways is going to be like, look at the "giddy sort of excitement" that New York saw on Saturday. Sure, it won't be quite like the impeccable brick walkway that was Park Avenue before 1922, but it will celebrate our tree-lined Boulevard system. Perhaps Chicago's new Dutch bike shop will open just in time. In the meantime, here's a video with safety tips on bicycling in traffic (ad plays first).
SeeChicago.com just launched with a HD Video library of the city's neighborhoods. It's aimed at Realtors, but we can enjoy it too.
According to their website, Bike The Dog is "Chicago's Premier Gastronomic Cycling Challenge." They're inviting bikers of any skill level to join them on September 13th for an almost-eighteen-mile trek through the north and northwest sides, sampling the wares at nine quintessential Chicago hot dog locations. It's a pledge-based event, with raised funds benefiting the family of Stella Ackerman, a two-and-a-half-year-old living with a rare blood disorder. More info.
When it comes to construction, we're used to seeing Hispanic workers in certain roles. An article in Crain's, however, shows some Latinos in Chicago are cutting through the stereotypes and the community is rallying around young folks who wish to do the same.
The police confirm what we've already figured: murders are up 18 percent over last year.
Apparently the Tribune doesn't think booting folks for two tickets is that bad of a policy. Steve at the Beachwood Reporter has a different opinion and airs some grievances with parking and the El. Then again Da Mare is riding the Beijing subway to figure out how to fix ours. He could've saved himself a ticket and jumped on an ancient Blue Line car; one waft of the smell of piss and burnt wire-sheathing would inspire anybody.
Chicago Public Radio's Chicago Matters series takes a look at our water system, and how it gets from Lake Michigan to our faucet.
With the news of border raids, censorship and pollution dominating the Olympic experience so far, the competing athlete's stories are a little lost in the noise. Chicago has more than a few locals carrying the torch. They include a diver from the family that owns Cubby Bear and the only Mexican national team wrestler with a Polish name. The SunTimes has a round-up.
The New Republic points out a "demographic inversion" trend happening here and in some other cities.
Chicagoans beat out New Yorkers, Londoners and even Parisians in a survey of the urbanites most fond of their city, conducted by Veolia Environment, a French environmental-services company (which happens to have 1,000 employees here).
The Sun-Times gives a summary of the best beaches in the city. Funny, none of their capsule assessments mention anything about actually getting into the water.
The Tribune is launching an occasional series about Western Avenue, declaring it the city's blue-collar core. Take a trip down our longest street at 480mph.
Tomorrow's Roseland Peace Festival at 115th and Halsted will marry the fun of your typical Chicago neighborhood festival with the very serious message of putting an end to gun violence. The festival, whose theme is "1 Moment Affects 1,000 Lives", will feature a Memory Wall dedicated to the victims of gun violence. More details in Slowdown.
Prompted by a Red Eye story on the lakefront bike path congestion, architecture critic Blair Kamin resurrects a 1998 column of his which shows that nothing much has changed. On your left...
Since the cast and crew of The Dark Knight didn't leave any of their cool equipment lying around after they filmed here, the Tribune tells you how to become a real life Batman. And looking at the total cost, no wonder Bruce Wayne was a millionaire playboy.
The city has 104 red light cameras. They plan on installing 25 more. They expect to collect more than $50 million in fines because of them. If gas prices weren't enough to make you ditch the car, this might do it.
Suddenly, “walkability” is all the rage. Nobody wants to drive their car. Everyone’s looking for alternatives to their God-given, U. S. of A. right. What, did we lose a war? Oh, right …
An online brouhaha is brewing in Hyde Park, where Hyde Park Progress takes aim at the Hyde Park Neighborhood Club's focus, while the Hyde Park Urbanist questions the Hyde Park Progress' sources. Did we mention the words "Hyde Park" enough in this blurb?
Chicago Carless goes REALLY carless this time, detailing his extensive walking jaunts around the city. Made us tired just reading about it.
In the face of rising gun violence in the city, Raymond Figueroa, former alderman and judge and the owner of a Humboldt Park liquor store, is taking a stand.
The Washington Post gushes about our miles of beaches and advises tourists to start taking more advantage of them. Gee, thanks Washington Post.
Chicago-based Alpha Kappa Alpha, the first sorority started by African-American college women, is turning 100. It's celebrating in D.C. with the "largest banquet style dinner in the history of conventions." Mattel's even commemorating the anniversary of the group with the AKA Centennial Barbie.
The Tribune's "Clout Street" blog is giving updates on Police Superintendent Jody Weis' grilling by the City Council today on the city's expanding crime/gang problem. Weis said he plans on contacting other cities to find out how they've handled it.
In a new study by DePaul's Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development, Uptown beats out Rogers Park, Hyde Park and the rest for the title of most diverse neighborhood in Chicago. Read the study here [PDF].
Trying to get friends to join you in our fair city? Live Here has your back.
As noted, the Canadian Press seems to think that the blues are dying in Chicago, save for a few tourist traps. But a Tribune article refutes that with a peek at the vibrant South Side scene.
What does your neighborhood sound like? Share it with Chicago Public Radio's Soundmarks project.
Notes for a People's Atlas of Chicago continues to collect homemade maps of how individual Chicagoans experience their city. As you stroll around town this summer, make your own.
Yesterday’s City Council meeting yielded a new proposal from Mayor Daley that would add cameras to six street sweeper vehicles. The cameras would snap pics of cars in locations on street sweeping days where those orange no-parking signs are posted, and feed them to the City to issue a $50 ticket. The idea is to reduce calls to police to come and write the ticket.
Sure it looks cool on film, but all of those explosions and crashes in The Dark Knight, filmed here in Chicago, required the assistance of a lot of city agencies, as this Reuters story explains.
You can relax now: The list of "America's Best Public Restrooms" is out and, yes, Illinois has two of the top 10 spots, including one in Chicago. You can vote for the No. 1 place for No. 1 (or 2) here.
Maybe you were thinking of snagging that darling condo in Pilsen, but just in case there's extra cash in your pocket... Here's what a cool million dollars will buy you in Chicago.
Someone dressed as a chicken will be crossing Milwaukee Avenue Wednesday evening. Portage Park residents are reminding motorists that they need to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks. You can join in.
For years, the southeast corner of State and Hubbard used to smell like banana Laffy Taffy. The smell is gone, sadly, so it didn't make it on this map.
The Chicago Reporter highlights the plight of renters caught up in their landlords' mortgage troubles, and offers tips should you find yourself in a similar situation.
Ten people Twitter'd Navy Pier's annual July 3rd fireworks display.
Jeff Ruby picks his favorites in Chicago Magazine.
As the Sun-Times asks Chicagoans for their favorite memories from the past, no doubt many would include the one-of-a-kind Maxwell Street. A new DVD looks at the history of the cultural crossroads and includes a 1964 documentary on the street, vintage recordings of some of the blues legends who plied their trade on the street and a 38-page booklet.
Professional curmudgeon and columnist Thomas Roeser absolutely trashes the Taste of Chicago experience as "a sad trampling of civility" and says that it reduces the dining experience to "ashes and banal barbarism." But other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?
Attention all "playas": You may want to think about removing the tint from the front window of your "hooptie" (do they still call it that?). The city is considering raising the fine for having a tinted front car window from $25 to $250. Now as for that booming bass...
Chicago's own Tiffany dome, thought to be the largest in the world, is back on display at the Chicago Cultural Center after a brief restoration. More in A/C.
Evanston native and actor John Cusak swears he bleeds Cubbie blue...but he's learned to be flexible about liking the White Sox, especially after 2005. But we'll cut him some slack on being a "switch-hitter", especially since he has a connection to the Sox, cinematically speaking.
The New York Times visits Pilsen. (Thanks, Michael!)
Kill some time perusing the Reader's annual Best of Chicago feature.
Keo the ape turns 50 today and the Lincoln Park Zoo is throwing a party for its elder statesman, one of the two oldest male zoo chimps in North America. If you have time, go over to the Regenstein Center for African Apes and show him some monkey love... um, or something like that.
Well, more like the history of Chicago gay bars, actually.
The always-interesting Urban Observer (aka Lee Bey) offers serenely beautiful shots from around the city, as well as a visual tour of the underappreciated John W. Farson House (The Pleasant Home) in Oak Park.
Meet Vincent Falk. C'mon, you know him... the guy with the crazy colored suits? Hangs out in the Loop? Yeah, that guy.
The subject of a Sun-Times article in today's paper, who complained about the hardships of not having a car, gets a bit of a dressing down by (naturally) the author of the blog Chicago Carless.
A white couple from Uptown asks whether they'll be out of place or just fine in Bronzeville. The answers are interesting.
If you like to ride bikes and be naked, might we suggest an activity for this Saturday night?
The Chicago version of the activity-planning website Eventful.com kicked off today, which lets users search, set alerts for and buy tickets to thousands of local events, from concerts to street fairs to discussion groups. You can even add your own events to the listings.
An entertaining slice of urban life or a pain in the...eardrums? Either way, the "bucket boys" are a familiar sight in Chicago and North by Northwestern has an article/video on the ubiquitous street performers.
Proving that a woman's place is in the kitchen (whuh?), Chicagoan Stephanie Izard wins this season's Top Chef, which was lovingly filmed in Chicago. Get your recap over at Drive-Thru.
Another Belushi, Jim's son Rob, joins the line of entertainers from that famous Chicago family. But this one is going for the dramatic roles, currently rehearsing for The Lion In Winter in Glencoe's Writer's Theater.
If TIF money doesn't come to the rescue this week, an unfinished CTA station located underneath Block 37 that is designed to connect the Red and Blue train lines (and has already cost $200M to build) will be "mothballed."
After months of discussion, Michael Reese Hospital will likely close this fall, clearing the way for massive Olympic redevelopment plans.
The pipe organ and bells at Rockefeller Chapel in Hyde Park will sound again this weekend after a year-long restoration process. Forty-six of the 72 bells in the carillon had to be shipped to the Netherlands for maintenance, and the pipe organ was completely dismantled, sent to Ohio for repairs, and reassembled in Chicago.
P.J. O'Rourke previews the Field Museum's new Ancient Americas permanent exhibit for The Weekly Standard.
Plenty, apparently, particularly when it comes to redeveloping HP's Harper Court, as Hyde Park Progress points out.
The 3rd Annual Chicago Sister Cities International Festival holds court on Daley Plaza (at Washington and Dearborn) all this week from 10am - 3pm daily. The festival will showcase food, merchandise and lunchtime performances from Chicago's 27 sister cities such as Shanghai, Athens and Mexico City, just to name a few.
Business Week's Mike Nussbaum calls Chicago "the most innovative big city in America".
Undergrads from the University of Chicago have launched the first archeological dig of the site of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair, aka the "White City." The students are following in the footsteps of another famous U of C archeologist who's been in the news a lot lately.
Bike to Work Week runs June 7 through 13, with Chicagoland Bicycle Federation's commuter stations serving complementary coffee and snacks starting Monday, June 9. Celebrate a fun, healthy, environmentally conscious, and cost-effective way to commute by bicycling your whole way or combining with CTA, Metra and Pace. Sign your office up for the commuter challenge and compete for prizes. The week wraps up at Mayor Daley's Bike to Work Day Rally on Friday, June 13 from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Post your subway crush here.
While our trader and hedge fund manager readership already knows we're the best city to live in as a trader, now it's official -- again.
The Roman Catholic church may not recognize Santa Muerte, but her presence is growing in Chicago.
Author and radio host Studs Terkel, the quintessential Chicagoan, turns 96 today. WFMT-FM (98.7), which hosted Terkel's interview show from 1952 to 1997, will feature special programming dedicated to the author of Working, The Good War and Division Street all day long.
The Medill News Service analyzed data and concludes that the demolition of the Chicago Housing Authority projects has resulted in crime migrating to nearby areas.
Chicago can once again lay claim to being the hometown of the fastest rapper in the world, as confirmed by the Guiness Book of World Records. The title was previously held by Twista.
Received an unexplained overdue parking ticket notice in the mail? Stop scratching your head. This might explain it.
Details are still murky, but the Illinois Restaurant Association and the city are planning a gourmet version of the Taste.
The annual University of Chicago Scavenger Hunt kicked off over the weekend, sending hundreds of Maroon-ers out to the streets in search of (among other things) a Obama-styled haircut at the senator's very own barber shop and a disgruntled beekeeper. As of Monday afternoon no winners had been named yet. Here's the offical report and blog, though.
Kind of interesting...it appears that the Chicago Public Library is looking for someone to run a coffeeshop at the Harold Washington Branch downtown. Bravo! It can only make a neat place even better. (Now, if they added a wine bar at Sulzer, that wouldn't be a bad idea either.)
The 2008 Children's Humanities Festival has been running all week and ends this weekend. Tonight, see original stop-motion animation (about insects!) combined with the dreamy stylings of singer Mirah and the instrumentals of Spectratone International. Includes a dash of Kafka's Metamorphosis. Appropriate for high-minded hipsters and wonderment-loving children alike. Details in Slowdown.
In positive cycling news, Andersonville's annual Bike Week starts on Monday and runs May 12-18th with discounts at local retailers, bike-related art and photo exhibits, free spinning and pilates classes, and a "historic bike tour". Start planning your bike-friendly good times here.
As if wild parakeets weren't enough, Hyde Park now is home to a band of feral cats who have set up shop in an alley near East 62nd Street. No reports of cougars in the HP, though... yet.
The Reader's neighborhood series hits Ukrainian Village and East Village.
The cheftestants become chefzillas in the wedding reception edition of this week's Top Chef recap over in Drive Thru.
New City names the 45 Chicago performers who are keeping the city on the front burner of the national music scene.
Oy! Chicago is a relatively new site for "Jews in the Loop," featuring articles, interviews and events. The latest feature profiles Web2.0 companies Planypus and 37signals.
After thirteen years and heaps of criticism, Chicago will can the blue bag recycling program this summer, with plans to expand the blue cart program city-wide by 2011.
The Reader has begun to solicit nominations for their annual Best of Chicago issue. The categories range from the standard, like Best Theatre Actor and Best Pizza, to the more original, like Best Dead Architect and Best Building for Wandering Around in Before Security Asks What You're Doing There.
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?
Uptown Update has the lowdown on some of John Dillinger's hangouts in Uptown, including his last stop: the neighborhood funeral home.
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.
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.
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.
Catalyst and the Chicago Reporter both focused recently on the effects of incarceration on the families and children of prisoners.
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!)
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.
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.
The president of the Chicago Crime Commission explains how gangs get kids involved in the drug trade.
Given the overwhelming shortage of Section 8 housing vouchers in Chicago, the CHA's plan to hold an additional lottery is welcome news.
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]
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.
CDOT is looking at reconfiguring the accident-prone Damen-Elston-Fullerton intersection with a new Damen-Fullerton intersection that Elston would wiggle around.
Rationally, there's no reason these two businesses can't coexist.
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.
The Chicago Cultural Center will be showing the premiere of Movin' On Up, a documentary about Chicago native and music icon Curtis Mayfield Friday and Saturday night at 7pm. Never before seen footage, past performances are featured in the film and on Friday, a post-movie Q&A with director David Peck and surviving Impressions members Fred Cash and Sam Gooden follows the screening. The event is free.
How does your zip code compare to the others around you? Here's 60660, 60657, 60622, 60621 and 60615.
AREA Chicago's new 1968/2008 takes a new look at the cultural legacy of 1968 in Chicago: the Democratic National Convention, riots, Chicago 10, Daley's shoot to kill order, etc.
Starting Tuesday, the city will be swapping its look-alike orange street cleaning signs for a rainbow of fruit flavors.
Over at Second City Cop, one of Chicago's Finest and some of his fellow officers vent about the proposed changes by new top cop Jody Weis (whom they sort of humorously refer to as "J-Fed"). Let's just say that they're not too happy.
The Trib has a quick primer on the community areas and the neighborhoods within them that highlights some lesser-known locales, such as Jackson Park Highlands and the Villa District.
They didn't make it to Superdawg, but a Chicago political strategist and his trusty companion did manage to travel all the way to Mars. For naught, as it turned out.
Want to plan a summer block party? Neighbors Project explains how, with videos of grilling experts, tips from aldermen's offices, and photos and stories from those who've done this before.
We're No. 1... when it comes to putting off doing our federal taxes, according to Turbo Tax. Hey, figuring out how those bribes and kickbacks should be deducted takes time. Done yours yet? Didn't think so...
Former Chicago aldermanic legend Dorothy Tillman resurfaced over the weekend at a speaking engagement in Gary, Ind. to promote her new book, Hang Onto Your Hats: A Pictorial Journey of Dorothy Wright Tillman. Yes, she was wearing a hat.
Chicago's Pillow Fight Club celebrated International Pillow Fight Day today with a mass flying-featherfest in front of the Art Institute of Chicago on S. Michigan. If you didn't catch it, here are some photos. (Nice to see white stuff that isn't sleet or snow falling from the sky, isn't it?)
I wonder what's going on here at 3912 S. Vincennes Ave.? UPDATE: Google has taken the scene down; Gawker has the screenshots.
Despite the recent snizzle storms, spring is here, and it's time to plant stuff. Even if you lack a lawn, you can still get into the gardening spirit by "seed bombing" your nearest vacant lot. This video, shot in Pilsen by locals Fresh Cut Media, provides a concise how-to and tips on the latest trend in guerrilla gardening. Seed bombs away ...
The Field Museum's new exhibit "Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns & Mermaids" proposes zoological origins of the world's storied beasties. Cyclops? Just a pygmy elephant. More debunking in the Trib.
Vacant Lot Magazine takes a look at Wilson Yard, the 5-acre plot of now-vacant land next to the CTA tracks between Wilson and Montrose. [via]
After the rumbling has died down, a former Hyde Park Co-Op Market shopper gives a (early) review of its replacement: Treasure Island.
Architectural Artifacts and Urban Remains are selling salvaged pieces of art and equipment from the recently demolished Westinghouse Career Academy and the former Cook County Hospital. Dump Site ponders the ethics of selling salvaged items, but we can all breathe easily: at least these items weren't given the Lee Plaza Treatment.
Wake Great Uncle Billy: Free rides for seniors began today on the CTA. Get the details on the program here.
If you couldn't make it to the St. Patrick's Day Parade downtown today, here's some pics.
The Reader's profile of the South Loop is a great introduction to the neighborhood.
Speak up to improve access to transit, shopping and jobs. An initiative of the City of Chicago's Department of Planning and Development asks Clybourn Corridor residents for their thoughts in a March 26 meeting or an online questionnaire.
The Garfield Park Conservatory is celebrating 100 years of bringing botanical loveliness to Chicago with a yearlong series of special exhibits and events, many of which are free to the public. Check out the Conservatory website for more details.
The first annual Big Lebowski Festival took place this past weekend, with a screening of the 1998 film at the Portage Theater followed by (naturally) bowling at the Waveland Bowl. According to reports, people traveled from as far away as Texas to mingle with fellow fans.
In today's Tribune, local celebrities reveal their secret Chicago-related indulgences, including watching sea lions and eating soup. Scandalous!
Announcing CitizenPowered, a City-sponsored site designed to bring Chicagoans together for collaboration with each other and community organizations. Find a job, help a nonprofit or connect with your neighbors.
A few weeks ago I had dinner with an insufferable visitor from New York who complained for five LONG minutes about how she couldn't buy a CTA card with her credit card. Well, someone from the CTA must have been seated at the next table and overheard her yapping: CTA announced today that they have installed "Express Pay" transit fare machines that accept major credit cards at several stations for a trial thirty-day period; if the program goes well, they'll install more machines at 55 stations all over the city.
Dump Site covers the demolition of Cook County Hospital's former children's wing in three poignant, sad pictures.
Dwell Magazine takes a walking tour of Ukrainian Village, hitting a range of the expected and the lesser known in art and commerce.
The Methods Reporter takes a look at how far Argyle Street has come in recent years -- and how far it has to go.
You may know Sean Parnell from his Chicago Bar Project. He also tracks abandoned lots.
Chicago's mafia isn't all Italian anymore. It's Eastern European, and they spell it "mafiya."
Six local designers have been selected to hawk their fashions in the Chicago Fashion Incubator at the State Street Macy's store starting March 11. According to the application for the year-long Incubator program, the chosen designers will pay Macy's $200 per month for office space and showroom rental, and in return attend lectures and get mentored by Macy's "merchant team." What a deal?
Wikitravel is now publishing travel guides that are updated every month, ensuring you're getting the latest info for your upcoming trip. And the project's first guidebook happens to be about Chicago.
American Girl Place will be canceling its run of the The American Girls Revue theater show as of September 1, citing a need to find "new entertaining experiences for our guests." As if creepy, overpriced plastic dolls and their endless accessories weren't entertaining enough.
Free admission to the Shedd Aquarium all this week.
Noted in this interview with EveryBlock founder Adrian Holovaty, Chicago has a business license designation of "Wrigley Field," which applies to the rooftop decks on Waveland and Sheffield.
As you're opening valentines and being all lovey-dovey today (and possibly tonight), take a moment to reflect on the St. Valentine's Day Massacre, which took place 79 years ago today. If you're looking for something non-VD (but still poignant) to do tonight, Chicago Hauntings will be offering a tour of the site of the famous massacre (which is now a parking lot, but whatevs).
The New York Times trumpets the rebirth of the historic Blackstone Hotel and ties its return to the housing/building boom in the South Loop.
There are still people desperate to make a bundle in the now-busted housing development boom. So desperate that they harass senior citizens to get them to sell their homes, the Chicago Reporter finds, leading to an exodus of older residents out of the city.
Wondering what Saturday's Lunar New Year Parade on Argyle St. looked like? Well, wonder no longer -- here's some photos of the festivities, taken by this GB contributrix.
As the plethora of rim-busting, tire-flattening potholes grows around the city (and we wait for them to be repaired), you can optimistically report the ones you come across by alerting the Department of Transportation at the City of Chicago website. There's one form for streets and another for alleys.
A quick reminder that Chicago's lucky enough to have more than one bustling Asian community all geared up for celebrating the arrival of the Year of the Rat this weekend. On Saturday, head up to Argyle Street in Uptown for a parade and specials from area merchants including Thai and Vietnamese restaurants (read about some delicious Lunar New Year treats at Epicurious). On Sunday, head down to Chicago's Chinatown for a parade and even more festivities. Details in Slowdown.
826CHI's Moustache-a-Thon is approaching, so now you have an excuse to stop shaving in the name of philanthropy. The event benefits 826CHI's creative writing programs for city children. Registration for the event ends February 18, the opening ceremony is February 20th @ 826CHI, and "tracking parties" will be held February 27 and March 5, 12, and 19 to chart your lip hair evolution. Email 826CHI for info and to register.
Despite the blinding snowstorms and below zero temperatures of late, the famed Hyde Park parakeets are hanging tough after more than 30 years in the area. However, a University of Chicago professor who is delivering a lecture on the birds on February 20 says this winter was expecially rough and may thin out their ranks a bit.
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.
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.
"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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Centerstage Chicago just compiled a list of all the places to catch the racy and talented ladies of Chicago's burlesque scene.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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).
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?
Chicago's thin blue line wants shoppers and public transportation users to keep an eye out for photographers, map users, note-takers, traffic light timers, and scenario players. Happy holidays! [
Joseph Zeman, the Pigeon Man of Lincoln Square, was struck and killed by a van yesterday afternoon. Zeman's daily routine of sitting on a hydrant at the corner of Lawrence and Western, covered head to toe in pigeons, earned him a 2004 profile in the Trib. A laminated copy of the article was found with him when he died.
A sigh of relief for those irritating people concerned that too much of Chicago real estate consists of demolishing old buildings in order to replace them with state-of-the-art monstrosities: according to a New York Times article, New York is now the "Teardown Capital" of the US, bumping Chicago to the #2 spot. Huzzah!
Paid full price for that Christmas tree? Sucker. Here's how to hone your holiday haggling technique when it comes to conifers.
What the heck, add one more gift to your list and donate it to the American Indian Center of Chicago for their annual Christmas party on Saturday, Dec. 15. Donations of new or gently used toys and other items for children and families will be accepted at their headquarters in Uptown today and tomorrow.
NewCity investigates the culture of street wear.
The St. Lucia Festival of Lights procession will highlight the "Late-er Night Andersonville" celebration Thursday, Dec. 13, beginning at 3pm. In addition to the carole-filled walk down the Clark Street, there will be live music, tours and gift-wrapping demonstrations. There's also PDF schedule and a coupon you can print and clip for store discounts.
The Chicagoland Bicycle Federation has released their CTA Doomsday Survival Guide. They list bicycle routes for five of the bus routes that CTA says will be eliminated January 20. The guide includes instructions for using bicycle racks on buses and reminds us that bicycles are permitted on all CTA trains during non-peak hours, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 7 a.m.
That's right, Road House fans. The Patrick Swayze is in town filming an A&E show, "The Beast." We spoke with a crewman at the Wicker Park unit who showed us the shooting schedule, so if you want to spot yourself some Swayze, head to Emmit's this eve. He'll be in the area.
Hey Loop folk, what color is the Weather Bell right now?
If you don't know what's going on with the Department of Water Management, it's not their fault. They're one department that puts the notoriously dysfunctional City website to good use, filling us in on major projects, water quality reports, and a description of the flora and fauna of the Chicago River.
Rearview contributor and excellent photographer Carey Primeau launches a new photography site and portfolio. While I've seen my fair share of deserted and abandoned photography sites, Primeau really does elevate these photos to stunning. One of the more stellar sets has to be his Uptown Theater set, a building that has intrigued me for years. So good.
Looking for something to do tonight? Put your hands and mind to good use and brainstorm how to revitalize the community bulletin board space under the California El stop. The Neighbors Project is holding a launch meeting tonight from 6:30 to 8 at Lyndale and Sacramento. RSVP volunteer [at] neighborsproject [dot] org for the exact address.
The Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies' new building will be open to the public starting on November 30 with a series of events and a new range of amenities.
One year ago Irishman Paddy Homan moved to Chicago permanently citing the beautiful lake front and according to him, the best Irish music scene in the country. Every day he uses tales and music of his native land to bring much needed joy to the hearts of his elderly clients.
Says Kit Hodges of the Neighborhood Project, "We got a little tired of the usual shouting from all sides, so we put together some rules of engagement whenever this subject comes up -- which seems to be all the time in Chicago."
I admit to having a huge soft spot in my heart for groups and organizations that work to empower groups that are traditionally underrepresented in positions of power. Since Chicago has the third largest Latino population in the country, you'd think we'd have more Latinos in positions of power. To help make that happen, the Metropolitan Leadership Institute was created to provide the skills necessary for taking charge of the business, political, or entrepreneurial worlds. Any group that can get a closed door, anything goes session with Mayor Daley is all right in my book.
Jen Rude, a lesbian who refuses to take a vow of celibacy, has been ordained by a Lutheran church in Chicago. It comes about as a test of a new resolution that gives bishops room to discipline or not, such actions. Wayne Miller, Chicago's bishop, said, "My goal is to keep people in the conversation, and I do not see this as an issue that should be dividing the church."
The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park opens its 2007-2008 season today. Hours are 10:00am to 10:00pm daily, weather permitting. A park employee informed me that there are already people out on the ice, so dig out your skates and practice your moves.
Just the freedom was better than breathing they said / Any escape route they used to escape out / When things got crazy / They needed to break out.
In a move typical of urban landlord schools, the University of Chicago is dangling an organic carrot in front of the venerated Hyde Park Co-op, promising to forgive their back rent if they'll close down and make way for a chain. The co-op has been beset by organizational and management problems for several years. The move would certainly spell the death of the 75-year-old grocer, long viewed as a model cooperative enterprise.
Not quite the expose on Santiago Calatrava (also known for his work on the Milwaukee Art Museum), but Creative Review, a design magazine based in the UK, showcases the design work of Third Eye Design who did the collateral for The Chicago Spire. Even if you don't like the Spire itself, the accompanying literature praises our fair city.
The citywide Festival of Maps kicks off today with exhibits at the Field and other museums, and continues through early 2008. More than 30 Chicago-area institutions are participating, with exhibits, lectures, films, and other cartography-related events. Some of these are highlighted in Slowdown; for a complete schedule, click here.
The now annual Sadie Hawkins' Day Race & Style Ride is back again, November 10th. What is it? "Sadie Hawkins Day Race/Style Ride is an on-street, in-traffic, point-to-point bike adventure for couples or pairs... There are prizes for the fastest couple, fastest tandem team, fastest out of towners, best dressed, and more." Last year's inaugural event drew people from out of town, generated a ton of missed connections and suffice to say, there were a few couples that are still together to this day.
One of my favorite designer-artists out there, Cody Hudson, is having a solo exhibition at the MCA. Hudson brings a mix of street art, urban graphics and blends it with his own personal inspirations to create his work. The exhibition, which is titled that long title up above, begins tomorrow (Nov 3rd) and runs through December 2nd with Hudson presenting an Artist Talk on November 20th which will have him leading a tour of his exhibition.
If you didn't make it to the 11th Annual North Halsted Street Halloween Parade and are wondering about what you missed, check out some photos. Better yet, all you parade-goers out there can join Gapers Block's flickr group and post your own pics for us to see. Surprisingly, this Gaper did not see a single, in-the-flesh faux Amy Winehouse all Halloween -- not even at the heavily populated parade. Did you? UPDATE: Here's one -- thanks, Ron!
Nau, the outdoor atelier whose clothes are eco-friendly is hosting a Film & Fashion Night in the South Loop on Tuesday, November 7th from 8pm to midnight. There's going to be BMX Ballet, food and drink (first drink free or so we hear) and other festivities. Learn about sustainable economy! It's free if you download, print and bring this ticket. More details in Slowdown.
Chicago's been at or near the top of Men's Fitness magazine's fattest-cities list for several years running, but just because we're overweight doesn't necessarily mean that we're shiftless. Forbes magazine's newly released list of America's laziest cities does not include our fair city among its top 20. According to Forbes, citizens of Memphis and New Orleans watch the most TV and move the least.
Chicago Metropolis 2020 and Jellyvision teamed up to create Metro Joe, a game that tests your knowledge of both the city and the suburbs.
It's time to rethink what constitutes the Chicagoland area, says Kiljoong Kim in the Beachwood Reporter.
Fashion Focus Chicago kicks off today and features a slew of events, including runway shows, shopping tours, free business development seminars for local designers, and fashion-oriented exhibits throughout the week. Click here for a complete schedule.
Details would like you to know that it's no longer cool to live in the city and you should all move to the suburbs. Preferably Naperville. Blogger Mike Marusin was interviewed for the story.
If you find yourself at California and 21st, look around! You're right near Little Village's own Museum of Objects Left on the Sidewalk. It's a mini museum from artist Rebecca Wolfram. Some objects left at her outdoor museum include a dead frog, shoes, coat hanger sculptures and lots of other odds and ends. Says columnist Tom McNamee, "If Wolfram tried this in, say, Kenilworth, they'd call the police on her -- and you people in Kenilworth know that's true."
Today's LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon will be a memorable one, as the unusually warm forecast is causing alternative preparations to be made by race officials to ensure the safety of the record 45,000 runners. Also, a number of CTA bus lines will be temporarily closed throughout the morning to accommodate the race route. Trains will be operating as usual. UPDATE: Despite precautions, one man died and 302 others were hospitalized as a result of participating in today's race.
As part of Chicago Artist's Month, local artist Hugh Musick is arrange a unique percussive performance. Head to the Clark Street Bridge tomorrow, anytime between noon and 1:00, and watch 60 drummers use hammers and mallets to bang out an Eric Roth score on the bridge itself.
Chicago: Science in the City kicked off yesterday in Daley Plaza with the unveiling of a list of the city's top-10 scientific achievements. For the next two weeks, organizations throughout the city follow up with a host of science fairs, career events, lectures and workshops, lab tours, and other activities. Click here for a complete schedule.
Did you know there's a trailer park in Chicago? Way down in Hegewisch on the East Side lies Harbour Point Estates, which also boasts some of the best fishing in the city. It's in danger of becoming a new development of single family homes and shopping.
Jonathan Gitelson (previously written about here) has had problems with people stealing his garbage cans. So he started documenting them.
The awesome do-gooders at The Neighbors Project are working hard to decorate the blank, blah walls around our city. But they're looking for the help of artsy types in Chicago for their New Life for Dead Spaces project. If you're interested, email at volunteer [at] neighborsproject.org.
Chicago Carless was granted "unfettered access to interview the administrative staff of the Chicago Children's Musuem" and came away with a fresh take on the controversy and a new pitch for the museum.
GB alumni and fellow teammate Luke Seemann recounts a hit-and-run during the team's weekly Saturday morning ride up to Highland Park and back on his excellent Chicago Bike Racing. Clearly an attack on the riders who were paying attention to the rules of the road, the culprit turned himself in and is now facing felony charges in court. Luke has further details on Thomas Lynch.
In the battle over the possible relocation of the Children's Museum to Grant Park rages on, there's a factor that's gone unmentioned: the money. The museum stands to receive more than $1 million in subsidies if it's on park grounds, reports Crain's.
The Lyric Opera has launched "Backstage at Lyric," a podcast that "features in-depth interviews with the singers, conductors, and creative minds behind the productions of the 2007/08 season."
The Navy Pier ferris wheel people are expecting their 10 millionth rider in the next couple weeks and are celebrating by offering this 2 for 1 coupon [pdf]. (Good only till 30 September.) If you have family coming to visit, or friends with kids, it's a nice opportunity to get a terrific (if brief) view at a more reasonable price.
Tickets don't go on sale till the 24th (unless you're a member, in which case they've already been on sale for a few days) but you can get a head start by browsing the program (pdf) for the Chicago Humanities Festival (this year's theme: Climate of Concern) now.
A yearlong exploration of 19th and 20th century American art, music, and literature, American Perspectives is a collaboration between AIC, the Poetry Foundation, and the CSO that includes exhibits, concerts, lectures, courses, films, and more, all focusing on how different genres influence each other. Tomorrow AIC kicks things off with live music, readings, talks, and gallery tours. For more information, click here.
Mayor Daley, back from a trip to Paris to check out their economical bicycle rental program Velib, is considering starting a version of the program in the city.
Neo-Futurist Rachel Claff presents a state, a podcast audio tour of State Street that directs the listener to the sites of brass sidewalk plaques put down by the city in 1996.
To commemorate the one-year anniversary of the Macy's takeover of Marshall Field's, join the folks with Fields Fans Chicago, who will be protesting under the famous clock at the State and Washington store location today from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.
The Sun Times posted a feature about the variety of restaurants, clubs and other points of interest underneath our fair city. You may also want to check out Alice Maggio's two-part feature on the Pedway.
If you've ever been down Ravenswood near Wilson, you might have seen the rather large stickered and logoed truck with bright red, yellow and black graphics that say, "On the Fly." The Chicago Traveler has the scoop: On the Fly is a mobile bike mechanic shop. Joe Ebervein and Rich Kwaitkowski will go where you are to get you on the road again.
Looks like city-wide WiFi isn't a go anymore. Contractors don't want to foot the bill for antennae construction, attachment to city street lights and lamp poles, maintenance, and operation, and the city doesn't want to pay any fees. Considering the city's surveillance-happy tendencies, maybe it's not such a bad thing.
YoChicago magazine lays out what we've all suspected for years: Lakeview is losing its unique and quirky businesses thanks to the wave of condo development that has brought chains in to fill first-floor spaces.
Chicago Magazine's recent profile of Jeff McCourt is not only interesting for its discussion of the Windy City Times founder's life but for its Chicago gay and lesbian history. [Thanks, Matt!]
The Dark Knight which has been filming in Chicago on and off for the past few months is doing something big. The Brachs Candy factory will be imploded on August the 29th August the 30th between 10:30am and noon. The implosion will be later added digitally into the film for a building explosion. Details here. Update: Note the date and time change. New details here.
Crain's reports that retail doesn't always follow rapid development of new neighborhoods. Some spirited discussion of the article at YoChicago.
Upright Citizens Brigade, the comedy improv troupe with roots in Chicago, will be coming back home for "UCB Presents," a weekly performance at the Lakeshore Theater. Teams from the Los Angeles and New York UCB theaters will perform each Tuesday, kicking off with ASSSSCAT, UCB's signature show, on September 11. Also in the works is an UCB improv training program (because Chicago doesn't have enough of them).
In 2 weeks on the 18th and 19th, the Chicago/Calumet Underground Railroad Effort will present the 2nd annual True North Underground Railroad Festival (see slowdown). The festivities occur at Carver Park (900 block of 134th Street at Ellis) and volunteers are still needed. If you are interested contact Naomi Davis at 773.569.4464 or email info@chicagolandundergroundrailroad.org
As reader Pat says, "if you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up."
What do they have in common? They're all in Chicago Magazine's 2007 Best Of issue.
Alex Kotlowitz penned a very troubling article in today's New York Times Magazine that documents the growing tensions between suburban Carpentersville's "native" folks and its growing Hispanic immigrant community, which accounts for an estimated 40% of its population. Kotlowitz follows the successful efforts of two city Board of Trustees (who dub themselves "The All-American Team") to make English the official language of the city, which unravels a whole mess of legal and cultural problems along the way.
Time for a look at some inscrutably long hyperlinks from cityofchicago.org: circa 4 dozen free mp3s of the 2007 SummerDance Bands, this year's annual flying & floating military device festival will feature F-22 Raptors, and 12 newly-rehabbed low-income senior residences are ready for move-ins. Oh, and they also have your car.
Seems a Chicago cop followed his nose right to a huge marijuana lab on Cicero and Armitage. Chi-Town Daily News gets the choice quotes, though: apparently there was a "foul, funky odor" and "a passerby told them the odor had been a problem for some time". One wonders how many times they just happened to be passing by. Second City Cop speculates that it's part of a trend.
Local newspaper organization Inside Publications has an entertaining podcast-- STOP! Police, wherein they narrate the local crime blotter.
If recent talk of some riders wanting to disband the Chicago Critical Mass has you riled up, you may want to weigh in on the matter.
Anna Fong, a local clothing designer and designer of a dress that Nadine Velazquez wore to the 2007 Alma Awards, has made it to the top 10 for the AOL Latina Fashionista award. The winner will get to design a dress to be worn by a celebrity on the red carpet and voting ends on July 31. A vote for Anna is a vote for Chicago in this international competition. You can see pictures of her fashion show on MySpace. And you'll be able to buy her belts at Macy's this fall.
Rogers Parkers will be excited to read this profile of father-and-son developers Andy and Devin McGhee and their plans for a Morse Ave. jazz club and restaurant. Read on to learn more about the $3 million green renovation project, and the McGhees' plans to preserve the area's historic legacy.
The Residents' Journal has organized "ghetto bus tours" for folks interested in learning more about what it's like to live in the projects. Tickets are $20 if you're interested.
Starting on Sunday, the Stockyard Institute, AREA Chicago and other organizations will initiate "Pedagogical Factory: Exploring Strategies for an Educated City" at the Hyde Park Art Center. Throughout its run, topics will include "How We Peoples Make a People's Atlas of Chicago," "How We Grow: Self-Education and Urban Farming Gathering" and "How We Brew/Bake/Mead Etc Cottage Expo."
The September 28 celebration of the 10th anniversary of Chicago's Critical Mass ride may also be the marking of its end, as reported in the Sun Times. The large draw of participants dedicated to showing the benefits of cycling is apparently causing more problems than displaying productive transit solutions; apparently no one likes a group of loud, drunk folks on bikes (but if you've seen a Critical Mass ride, you know that hardly describes the majority of riders). Before you start crying in despair, note that no formal plans have been made to shut down the ride, which is scheduled for the last Friday of every month at 5:30 p.m. in Daley Plaza.
Apartment Therapy drew attention to City Walks Chicago, a tour book deck of cards, with which you can design your own walking tour of downtown.
Chicago Daily News tells the story of Dead Man's Tree, and finds Taylor Street is largely free of mob influence.
Hollywood returns to the second city with Angelina Jolie (who?) and hometown boy Common filming in Chicago the first week of August. Get the details and other tidbits on happenings around town next month in Chicago Mag's "Blip".
Meet folkstreams.net, a project to preserve documentaries about American roots cultures. There is, of course, a Midwestern section, and at least two Chicago-related films "The Popovich Brothers of South Chicago" and "Grace Earl."
The 2007/2008 Chicago Vehicle Stickers and Residential Permit Parking passes expired on June 30th, but the City grants a 15-day grace period so that your old stickers are valid through July 15. New stickers are valid from June 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008.
Crain's offers a treasure trove of information with its Market Facts feature this week. Check out maps of census data and an interactive skyline tour, and PDFs of all sorts of market information.
The Mexican Fiestas Patrias (National Holidays) committee has been denied a permit to organize the Proclamation of Independence celebration in Millennium Park. The city says it's because a Celtic celebration is scheduled, the director of the committee has a different theory. La Raza online has the story in English which includes a history of dispute between the two organizations vying to be the primary coordinator of Mexican American festivities in Chicago.
The Tribune takes a tour of the tunnels below the Green Mill and other businesses at the Broadway/Lawrence intersection; watch a video here.
The Sun-Times has a story about the people featured in the videos at the Crown Fountain. Many have yet to see themselves spew their gargoyle water. Bonus: detailed PDF breaking down the fountain's architecture and innards, but no explanation of the cryptic fan fail error often seen on some of the glass blocks.
I love seeing the rain cloud graf when I'm out and about, but the comish of streets and san doesn't share the sentiment: "drives me nuts...he takes all my light poles and does clouds with raindrops." The quote is from a Trib article detailing Daley's idea to make parent's pay if their kids are caught writing.
Suspicious Clowns 9 is the current show at the Live Bait Theater and I hear it's good. Quite good. The Reader approves too. Friday and Saturdays all through June.
The Chicago Loop Alliance offers Loop the Loop, three free podcast tours of the Loop covering notable art, theatre and landmark destinations. Nice perspective renderings of key buildings, too.
Who doesn't like a random museum? The Bridgehouse and Chicago River Museum features history on, well, bridges and the Chicago River. Housed where bridgetenders used to live, the museum is located at Michigan Avenue Bridge at Wacker Drive. It costs just $3 and is open Thursday-Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The 11th Annual Chicago SummerDance season starts tonight with an hour of dance lessons in Grant Park's Spirit of Music Garden, followed by a couple of hours of dancing . If you can't make it tonight, you can also check it out Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. And if you can't make it this week, no worries: Chicago SummerDance runs till 26 August. Click here (PDF) for a complete schedule.
You should really check out Mess Hall, the Rogers Park-based "experimental culture center." This storefront at Morse and Glenwood is a gathering spot for random events and happenings from swaps to talks to screenings and never, ever charges admission or fees.To learn more, check out the Mess Hall manifesto.
This summer, the Art Institute of Chicago joins the Museum of Contemporary Art in offering live jazz al fresco on free evenings (Thursdays and Fridays, from 5 PM). MCA continues to serve live music on its terrace Tuesdays at 5:30 PM.
Feeling sad? Feeling blah? Then you really, really, really need to hop on the Water Taxi. It's free until June 17th and leaves every 15 or so minutes during the day. Take it from Wrigley to Ogilvy. Take a camera. Take a pause. After the 17th, it's just $2 each way. Also, look into Wendella Boats' Waves and Wine tours.
Center on Halsted, the most comprehensive LGBT facility in the Midwest, is now officially open.
If you're interested in seeing the new Niki St. Phalle exhibit in Garfield Park (more than 30 playful sculptures by the noted artist are placed amidst gardens inside and outside the Conservatory building) but the thought of long waits for the west-bound Green Line discourage you, click here for details about new express trains running between Randolph and Wabash and Garfield Park Conservatory Saturdays and Sundays.
Chicago Magazine has a nice feature dispelling a myth that has penetrated deep into our fair city. When it comes to city park space, we have the least of the "big nine", and third lowest of all 56 major cities.
Evanstonian Syd Lieberman, who's been telling stories professionally for over 25 years, has a podcast. He's taken all his recordings -- fourteen CDs' worth of stories, mostly of his own creation, mostly about his and his family's life -- and is releasing them progressively, for free, over the summer. Two live albums are already online; the currently featured track is an amazing hour-long story he did for NASA about their recent rover mission to Mars.
Word from Kartemquin Films regarding their in progress film: "Kartemquin is currently working on Typeface, a documentary about cultural preservation, rural renewal and graphic design history in the Midwest.To support these efforts, we're holding a benefit on June 15th at the Center for Book and Paper Arts here in Chicago. Toad Hollow Vineyards is providing the bubbly, MJ Catering is bringing the sweets and a number of local artists (including Jay Ryan and Dennis Ichiyama) are donating original works for the silent auction." While the much lauded Helvetica opens the same night at the Siskel, it is a weeklong engagement. So, why not support the locals? Looks good to me.
Here's a cautionary tale for those who are now re-designing the city's Olympic logo: London Olympic logo triggers debate. Some choice quotes (familiar to pretty much any experienced graphic designer): "Hideous," "I could do better with my eyes closed," "makes me embarrassed to be English," and the old stand-by: "it could have been done by a six year old."
Calling all family albums! The Tribune is seeking your bad vacation photos.
While the brand-spankin'-new Center on Halsted doesn't officially open until June 5, you can go ahead and mark your calendars with some of the events the Center is holding during Pride month, from Metropolitan Church services, GLBT career expo, and Youth Horizons Prom. Plus, take building tours on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. and check out the rooftop garden and renewable energy features.
If you are new to Chicago, need to broaden your knowledge, or want to show friends or family around, hook up with a volunteer City of Chicago Greeter. This free service works with locals in the know to show folks around. Right now, you can choose from 'hoods on the North Side, but also Pullman, Little Italy, Hyde Park and more. You can also volunteer to be a greeter.
Crain's reports on a vanishing feature of Chicago: sidewalk newsstands.
For North Siders scared to venture south of Congress Parkway, maybe Michelle Obama's tour of Hyde Park will inspire you. Mrs. O talks about where her fam likes to sup, the location of her first kiss with Barack, and more. There's even a handy PDF and companion guide.
Ross Wolinsky interviews Ray St. Ray, the Singing Cab Driver, over at Jargon Chicago. Coincidentally, St. Ray was interviewed in the Columbia Chronicle not three weeks a year ago. (thanks for pointing out the inaccurate dateline, Mark!)
Hey, kids! The annual International Mr. Leather competition returns to Chicago for its 29th year May 24-28. The fleshy festivities include The Leather Market at the Palmer House Hilton, 17 E. Monroe (open to the public), the International Mr. Bootblack Contest (they like it very much!) and the Black and Blue Ball to wrap things up on Monday. "Queer as Folk" star/comedian Hal Sparks is the headline entertainer. So lace up those boots and show 'em what you got!
An eccentric gentleman was just now Elmer's gluing these "great beautiful" posters en masse to the lightpoles of the Loop. Take a stroll down Jackson and you'll be hard pressed not to see a few of them.
The Fifth Chicago Turkish Festival is taking place next week, May 30 through June 2, at the Daley Plaza. See whirling dervishes, enjoy Turkish food, shop for Turkish arts and crafts, and more.
Illinois is the state that most closely reflects the whole of America, according to US census analysis by the Associated Press.
Time Out Chicago's cover feature this week is a "Loop Survival Guide," and it's pretty good. The guides to dive bars and greasy spoons are of particular interest; the pedway piece isn't nearly as comprehensive as ours.
Estrogen Fest 2007: Back on the Fringe starts its 10-day lady-made extravaganza of performance/dance/theater/music/vaudeville/etc. Wednesday night at Prop Thtr., 3502 N. Elston. Watch people do stuff in the performances and panels, learn to do stuff in the workshops, and buy stuff at the craft fair (curated by DIY Trunk Show and featuring GB staffer Cinnamon Cooper). The All Est Fest Pass is $50, but you can see individual events for various prices.
Did you rock Looptopia? If so, you were one of 200,000 attendees -- more than twice the expected turnout -- at last weekend's all-night arts and culture festival. What's even more awesome is that the entire event only cost $1 million to put on and local restaurants, theatres and hotels reported big increases in business. Also: Looptopia Missed Connections
Forget the oh-so-90s blue bag-- blue carts are all the rage now. That is, if you're one of the "pilot wards" for the new program to sort recyclables into blue-colored garbage carts. The city's goal is to cover seven wards (19, 5, 8, 1, 37, 46, and 47) by August 2007. Live there? Be a Recycling Block Club Captain!
Sometimes the absurdist plays write themselves. From Thursday's Michael Sneed's column: "Trash talk show host Jerry Springer sprang from the dinner table to his feet when he saw the Rev. Pat Robertson, decked out in a green velour track suit with bodyguard in tow, exiting trendy RL eatery Tuesday."
Dognapping is on the upswing, particularly among the small, yappy cur set. Louis Auslander of the International Kennel Club of Chicago, among other dog fanciers, was interviewed in a recent Trib article, with warnings for owners of palm-sized pooches. Beware the man who wears a twitching and excitably yipping trenchcoat.
CNN and Travel + Leisure have teamed up to oh-so-scientifically poll Internet users about their favorite cities. Chicago is, of course, one of the "hottest cities" and is therefore included. Filling out the survey makes you eligible to win a vacation to America's favorite city in 2007! Just kidding; you win a trip to Australia.
Apparently Chicago ranks dead last the Humane Index. The report characterizes the Windy City as America 's "most humanely challenged" urban center.
The lineup for the Taste of Chicago musical performances has been announced. We'll all see each other at the Kenny Rogers show, I'm sure.
If you're a fan of Chicago architecture, you should definitely check out Great Chicago Places and Spaces 2007. Advance sign-up for more than 200 tours is only available online and starts today at noon.
Proving the steel-like endurance and cultural power of teen movies, the 20th anniversary re-release of Dirty Dancing will be shown tonight (and tomorrow) at 7:30pm at the AMC River East 21 (at 322 East Illinois). In addition to the visual treat of mid-career Swayze, you'll also get to see a documentary about the making of the movie, complete with cast interviews. Click here for tickets.
This week's Reader is the "Nest Issue," taking a look at people who've transformed their rental apartments into thoroughly personalized spaces -- included GB friends Brandy Agerbeck and Derek Erdman.
With all of the hubbub about the Olympics, there's an argument that sports shouldn't get all of the attention. In a city currently alive with Version>07, and soon to have Artropolis going too, art should also be at the forefront. Tribune art critics provide a few conceptions of how art could work with the Olympics.
The $21 billion sale of LaSalle Bank to Bank of America is a relatively small part of one of the largest financial mergers ever by LaSalle's soon-to-be-former parent company. Global implications, yadda yadda. I'm more concerned with speculating how the deal will affect our civic life: will BoA close some superfluous branches, thereby freeing up some storefronts for businesses that are actually useful and enjoyable? Seriously, Chicago is drowning in bank branches. And what's the fate of the LaSalle Bank Cinema, or the only-christened-last-May LaSalle Bank Theatre? "Bank of America Theatre"? Gross.
The AP's reporting that the Skyway was in danger of "turning into a gigantic, Windy City-style, deep-dish pizza" yesterday. You may want to watch out for other structure-to-food transformations throughout the day.
If you've traveled around the world "crossing every meridian of longitude in the same direction" and are interested in meeting others like you, you're in luck. Chicago has its own chapter of the Circumnavigators Club. Oh, and your travel doesn't have to be in the same trip.
Someone at the City of Chicago decided one day to celebrate the earth is not enough, so Chicago's first Earth Month begins today and runs through 20 May, to "raise awareness of the simple things all of us can do to improve the environment." Key events include the Green Business Conference, the Green Festival, and a host of recycling drives. Some events are listed in Slowdown; click here for a complete calendar.
Every once in awhile, the Tribune publishes something that forcefully reminds me why I still subscribe. If you read nothing else this week, read "I hear Chicago speak," written by local artist Tony Fitzpatrick, which appeared in yesterday's paper.
Fred Kent, president of the Project for Public Spaces, visited Chicago last month, met with city officials and gave an interesting presentation on the subject of "placemaking" in cities. The presentation, called Streets as Places, and following panel discussion are being aired intermittently on CANTV. The slides themselves are available online, as is a brief video detailing his visit.
This is a real-life flesh n' blood forum discussion about the proposed Sunday Parkways — a community effort to give communities safe spaces to interact with neighbors. Inspired by Columbia and Mexico, in essence they are traffic-free times on weekends and holidays for pedestrians and cyclists to interact on selected streets. This Wednesday, April 11th from 6:30 to 7:30pm at Richmond Hall in St. Sylvester Church, 2156 N. Richmond St.
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is taking great strides to expand its audience and influence, notably including a retooled nationally syndicated radio program and a performance and educational video series.
From the establishment of the Hull House Theater to the World's Columbian Exposition, the Sun Times lists their take on "The 50 Greatest Chicago Moments."
Your timbers may be shiverin' this week, but summer, summer, summertime, is just around the corner. Early tix are available for the Pitchfork Music Festival and Lollapalooza, and both Players Sports and Chicago Sport and Social have registration up already for most summer leagues. So practice folding up that winter coat.
So, a coyote walked into a Quiznos. No, there's no punchline. A coyote really did walk into a Quiznos downtown and just hung out in front of the soda cooler until animal control officials showed up and took him to Barrington. He didn't order anything or bite anyone. The end.
The final installment of the Chicago Opera Theater's Claudio Monteverdi series, The Return of Ulysses, is earning strong reviews, including accolades for Rafael Viñoly's minimal set design. There are three performances remaining, so get hoppin'.
The Reader kicked off a new project focusing its attention on the city one neighborhood at a time. First up is Uptown. It seems to be the idea of the moment; we've been contemplating doing something similar, and YoChicago has been devoting days to specific neighborhood lately: today is Ravenswood Manor Day.
You may now know how to hit Chicago like a jock, but you still throw like a girl.
The Chicago Public Library just released its list of April events. There's a talk by Julia Alvarez, a series of educational seminars on home buying and financial planning, children's story time and ton more great events. Oh, and don't you have some books to return?
The Art Institute recently installed a construction camera so we can put a face in our dreams of more modern and contemporary art. The camera produces a new image every 15 minutes.
Chicago's postal service is the worst in the nation, according to a recent survey, and the Southwest Herald's Ray Hanania wants to hear your horror stories. You can even send them by mail, if you dare.
In connection with the current Fuel question: If you don't know what gang claims your neighborhood, you should check out the handy googlemaps on the invaluable ChicagoGangs.org. I just found out that the kids in red and black on my block are members the Almighty Black P-Stones.
Someone smart at the Tribune asked its arts and architecture critics what prompted them to reevaluate artists in their disciplines. Some second looks include the Trap Door Theatre, William McDonough and Walker Evans.
According to S-T columnist Bill Zwecker, sexy bringer-backer J. Timberlake took advantage of the MCA's free day yesterday. He was spotted lunching at Puck's Cafe on the terrace after checking out the Stingel exhibit. And this is hot on the heels of J. Simpson skunking up Mich. Ave. a few weeks ago.
See a 4-minute Second Life-style video animation of proposed Olympic sites.
You're probably overwhelmed by articles about Barack Obama by now, but if you're still interested in learning about his local roots, you may want to check out the Hyde Park Herald's special Obama issue. The entire 24-page issue is Obama-centric, including a lengthy article about his wife, Michelle.
The Italian marionette performance company Carlo Colla e Figli begins its run of "Marionette Macbeth" at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Tuesday. Additional details are available in Slowdown.
If you looked at Grant Park today (as well as other parts of downtown), you'll notice that it has been invaded by 10,000 pink flamingos. While I was hoping for an elaborate turf war between SAIC and Columbia College, in fact it's... a promotion. AirTran Airways is now flying more routes to Florida.
I could care less about sitting in a posh back room at some fancy bar, but this is one VIP pass I would gladly accept. TimeOut Chicago gives you the chance to win one year of free entrance, exclusive invitations, behind the scenes access and more to all 10 museums that make up Museums In the Park. Enter on their website before Feb 28.
With cranes and earth moving equipment working on Block 37, Chicago Magazine has a nice summary of current events. After you read up on the block, view what's going on now from the comfort of your computer.
A sign of the times: A collection of parking space barricades, at Slats.org.
It's only February, but the Daily Southtown has already given cause for celebration (or is that panic?): "Snowmageddon has arrived!" Bonus points awarded for their photo of kids ramping their sled off of a folding table.
Transit-Oriented Development, or TOD, for those of us on a first name basis with the New Urbanist buzz-concept, is garnering some extra attention as of late. In November, Chicago hosted the annual Rail-Volution conference, which focused on transit's role in smart urban development. The latest issue of Conscious Choice features this article on TOD. And TOD also happens to be a centerpiece of the RTA's Moving Beyond Congestion long term strategic plan for the region. What a popular dude. Definitely more so than another Todd we've come to know recently.
Let's give a big family welcome to Lahore, Pakistan, the latest of Chicago's sister cities.
Former Walgreens CEO (and son of the company's founder) Charles Rudolph Walgreen, Jr. died last night. He was 100. Fun fact: Walgreen first went to the South Pole at age 67; he tried to go again at 91 and made it all the way to Chile, but the pilot refused to fly him the last leg of the journey.
The Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation just completed its Chicago Region Arts Scan, a major research report surveying all non-profit arts organizations in the Chicago region in 2006. In addition to being a comprehensive directory, the report provides especially fascinating information pertaining to the growth, location, composition and funding of these organizations.
Clarence "Bernie" Hoffmann, founder of World Famous Animal Kingdom Pet Shop on Milwaukee Ave and donor of the highly belligerent Chelveston the duck on the Ray Rayner Show, has passed away at the age of 92.
Now that Kenosha, Racine and Milwaukee are seriously considering feeding into Metra, a Milwaukee historian has summarized the interesting transportation history we have with our neighbors to the north.
The Aqua Teen Hunger Force advertisements that caused serious problems in Boston have been in Chicago for weeks. After all of the hubbub in Boston, most of ours were collected last night. [If you happened to snap a photo of the Chicago Ignignokts/Errs, please post it to our flickr pool for all to enjoy.]
AudioSnacks is a local company that produces audio tours for places around the world, downloadable to your mp3 player. They've got a handful for Chicago, including one narrated by Jewish hip-hop poet Kevin Coval.
If you say "Chi-caw-go" instead of "Chi-cah-go," you may be part of the Northern Cities Shift, "a series of changes in vowel pronunciation in many Midwestern cities." How 'bout dat dere?
The Green Exchange, Logan Square's proposed "green merchandise mart" has launched its website. Dedicated towards green living, the site offers building plans, an FAQ and a forum to discuss the building and issues surrounding its development. [Hat tip: Craig]
The Bleeding Heart Bakery located in the latest hotbed of development and hipness (Damen/Chicago) has just re-opened following remodeling. They say, "We want to show the city how we've grown since opening last year- we've transformed everyone's favorite organic bakery into a full café, featuring a new line of sandwiches, a full espresso bar, and a wider selection of ready-to-buy produce and dry goods." Yum.
Increasingly needed in this day and age, A Fresh Squeeze is a site dedicated to green living in Chicago. Primarily a bi-weekly email, the site also offers articles in their archives for a taste of things past.
A number of children working with the Little Black Pearl Art & Design Center have submitted public art concepts for the new Dan Ryan retaining walls. Vote for your favorite today.
After last year's small success in Chicago, we've heard word that the Bicycle Film Festival will be back again. Currently, founding director Brendt Barbur and co are looking for new submissions for the 2007 round of film festivals set to take place in up to 15 cities: "We are looking for films with a strong theme or character of bicycles. This includes all mediums and styles such as animation, experimental, narrative, documentary and music videos." The deadline is February the 17th so you have about a month to get going or fine-tune that piece you've been working on. Details at the site or take a look at the flyer here.
The University of Chicago is contemplating gender-neutral undergraduate housing -- an idea the Maroon editorial board endorses.
The Tribune offers a fine selection of art exhibits worth checking out in the coming months, including some out-of-the-way gems. Other informative prospective pieces include features about architecture, dance, and jazz, to name a few.
Conscious Choice provides a quick rundown of Chicago's environmental status, including an interview with Mayor Daley.
Like it's sibling in the summer, the Winter edition of Bike to Work Day coming up features hot beverages and goodies at Daley Plaza this month on the 19th (Friday) from 7 to 9am. The Chicagoland Bicycle Federation hosts activities, a raffle with prizes and the chance to congregate and meet up with your fellow cyclists.
If today's Rearview photo (courtesy of the ever excellent Archie Florcruz) bewilders you or makes you want to do the same thing, take a look at his entry explaining his photo and then head over to the Create Your Own Planets Flickr pool for info on how to do this.
The Museum of Science & Industry's 2007 schedule is kind of funny: Body Worlds returns for an encore Jan. 17 to April 29 -- followed in May by "The 'CSI:' Experience."
The City of Chicago is once again holding their "Turn Green Into Blue" [PDF] Xmas tree recycling program. On January the 6th, you can bring your tree or a bag of recyclables to one of 23 locations from 9:00am and 2:00pm. You get your tree back in the form of mulch and you get a year's supply of blue bags for your time. Take a look at the PDF flyer for locations.
A group of Chicago cyclists (myself being one of them) have organized a ride to raise awareness of the growing number of cyclist fatalities in the Chicagoland area. Named the "Fallen Rider Memorial Ride", the ride will start at the Thompson Center at 6pm tomorrow, January the 3rd and will ride to Diversey and Pulaski at an easygoing and respectful pace. The goal? To highlight how important driving and cycling are to Chicago and how the two require attention and respect. A PDF flyer can be viewed, downloaded, printed and passed along from here.
If you haven't made your New Year's Eve plans yet, here's some ideas on what to do from Metromix, Newcity and Centerstage.
If you're looking for a holiday laugh, check out the Tribune's reader-submitted "Scared of Santa" photo gallery. (Link pops due to window resizing.)
You must see Wendy McClure's rendering of the Francisco brown line CTA station in gingerbread. It has everything, right down to its peppermint turnstile. I wish my CTA commute could be this yummy.
In other Pilsen news, the Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum has a new name: The National Museum of Mexican Art.
After much controversy, WBEZ released its 2007 schedule last month. It's important to note that music, the focus of most of the debate, was not eliminated. The Tribune provides an opinionated but informative summary.
YoChicago is dedicating much of this week's coverage to Pilsen, with reviews, real estate coverage, and much more. Their YouTube Pilsen playlist is especially worth checking out.
The Community Renewal Society is requesting nominations for their 35 Under 35 Leadership Awards. This Chicagoland-oriented award recognizes individuals under the age of 35 who are "using fresh approaches to tackle pressing social issues."
Looking for a time-waster? AOL Cityguide's Best of Chicago poll is open for voting -- go pick some winners.
The New York Times continues its slow discovery of how great Chicago is with its latest installment, the West Loop.
Following the recent sentencing of an Urbana woman who killed a cyclist while driving and downloading a ringtone to her cellphone, the parents of Matt Wilhelm the deceased, have started a coalition to lobby for a law and education to reduce distracted driving. Looks like that cellphone ban hasn't been working out too well.
Amazon just unveiled Unspun, a new ranking site where users rank such things as the best small live music venues in Chicago, best websites about the city, best coffee houses... lots here, and lots to do to clean up duplicates and typos. (It runs on Ruby on Rails, but this isn't the rumored Amazon-37signals collaboration.)
The Metblogs network is getting into the holiday spirit by having its local bureaus list "seven gifts their cities share with the world." The first Chicago entry is improvisational comedy; initial entries for other cities run the gamut, from Flickr to the Montreal Protocol.
If you're looking to leave the city for (heaven forbid) the suburbs, BusinessWeek recommends the Village of Lake Zurich as an "affordable" option. Sure, it's forty miles away, but median home price is "only" $400,000. Happy househunting!
Gay TV network here! came to town this summer on a quest for "Love & Sex." From the resulting video, we learn, among other things, that the city is leather-centric, home as it is to the Leather Archives in Rogers Park. Crew, in Uptown, gets recognized as one of the world's greatest gay sports bars (not quite the title claimed by its URL, but close...) But, lest the impression be too one-track, keep in mind that "Chicago has a lot more to offer than just one-night stands and sugar daddies." There's, like, history and stuff!
Alderman Rey Colon will be meeting with Logan Square residents tonight at 7pm at the Armitage Baptist Church, 2451 N. Kedzie, to discuss a proposal to turn the building at 2800 N. Milwaukee into a supportive housing residence -- permanent affordable housing and social services for people who have been homeless and/or have disabilities. More info at the Logan Square Neighborhood Association's site. (Thanks, Jen!)
As the Chicago Board of Trade and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange prepare to merge, trading floor culture may become an issue.
Remember the ugly duckling tale? Well it looks like there is a new beauty swimming in the pond of urban renewal. Though the process took over 10 years to come to fruition (ahem), The Harold Washington Housing Co-op in Humboldt Park was developed by Bickerdike Redevelopment Corporation and local builders. Fannie Mae Foundation thinks the new site is brightening up the neighborhood too, and have named the co-op 2006's "most impressive overall housing benefit" in the country. [via]
Officer Gleason of Metblogs notes the latest local shop window controversy. Following on a complaint from a passer-by who apparently forgot she was in Boystown, Borderline Music has obscured its display of the latest Dieux du Stade calendar, the cover of which is PG-13ish. And, goodness knows, nothing no one on North Halsted hasn't seen before.
If you enjoyed Sudhir Venkatesh's article in the Boston Globe, you may want to check out his talk on Thursday. Details in Slowdown.
The "underground economy" of the South Side is the subject of this great article in the Boston Globe.
Sadie Hawkins is a fictional day from a L'il Abner strip. However, it is now also a bike race organized to encourage women of all kinds who ride bikes to come out and race for fun, as well as to benefit the Chicago Women's Health Center. There's a pre-race fashion party on Friday, Nov 10th in the Fulton Markets with the race happening on Nov 11th, followed with a post-party the same day. Want to race? Want to have fun? Check out the myspace.
Now that the Sears Centre is officially open, the Daily Herald offers a review of its first night in action, and the Sun Times and the Trib provide some background.
Rotary International lives up to their name: they have a number of scholarships where local students or business professionals can engage in long-term or short-term cultural exchanges. Local Rotary District 6450 is participating in an group study with France in May--so if you're interested in interacting with the French (with Rotary picking up most of the tab)--get your application in shortly. (Full disclosure: I participated in a Rotary exchange as did my sister, and they do a great job.)
Inside Chicago is a relatively new, really well done videoblog following host Ellen Fox's adventures around the city -- think "Wild Chicago" but less goofy. This site also runs the STOP Police! podcast, in which Darren Stephens covers highlights from the week's police blotter.
Outside.in is a really cool new blog & news aggregator organized locationally: you can search for posts based on your zip code or neighborhood name. Here's an explanation of its guiding principles.
Apartment Therapy is running a fall colors interior design contest; the winners receive a CB2 shop card for up to $2500. Go check out the Midwest entries, which are also running as they come in on Chicago.ApartmentTherapy.
And, now, it seems, they are: Newcity presents the 2006 edition of its Best of Chicago.
Looks like the Chicago Bike Federation has a new website for their Drive With Care campaign. At first, I thought it was real, but then I knew that any memorial like "The Brittany" had to be too good to be true. Well done, chaps.
The Tribune offers some video of Chicago's latest dance craze, footworking. Not enough for you? Try YouTube or MySpace.
As we noted back in 2003, Chicago has a lot of sister cities: 25, to be exact. If you're interested in learning more about them, Crain's has an interesting story about the business side of the program, including a list of events that connect us to places like Amman, Milan, and Petach Tikva.
Ranging from parades to street art to "Gringos out of Pilsen" agitprop and spanning several years, Flickr user Pedro Juan's photoset takes the pulse of a neighborhood.
If you've ever wondered about the proper way to eat foods like thali, bo nuong and injera, a Tribune video story has you covered. Watch the video and then check out the restaurants they recommend.
Today, Chicago Science Expedition launches a two-week program of events calculated to make Chicagoans more science-literate, bringing physiologists, conservationists, and others to neighborhood Starbucks and Borders cafes to discuss their work and displaying the world's largest periodic table of elements on the south side of the Daley Center. Some highlights, which include presentations on the science of Millennium Park and the physics of the curveball, are listed in Slowdown, but click here to review the entire schedule and make plans to raise your science IQ.
In Section 1 of this week's Chicago Reader you will find a wide-ranging introduction to Chicago living: everything from how local politics works to an overview of music venues to what happens when you get arrested. GB gets name-checked in the guide's alternative media section, along with a host of other worthy sites and publications that should give you a good picture of current-day Chicago life.
The Chicago Sinfonietta will soon kick off its 20th season, and it's doing so in rather unusual fashion: asking audience members to turn on their mobile devices. As part of a concert set to feature more traditional fare like Liszt, the group will give the world premiere of David Baker's sonic metaphor for order and chaos, "Concertino for Cell Phones and Orchestra."
The New York Times spends another 36 Hours in Chicago, this time hitting the Oriental Institute, Orange, and the Hopleaf among other attractions.
The Columbia Journalism Review Daily takes the city's mainstream media to task for its "uncritical coverage" of the losses of Field's and Carson's. CJR thinks the press could use a little more healthy skepticism about the evolution of State Street; instead, they say, "the coverage has been strangely uncritical, bordering even on the boosterish." What's more, in the stories about the department stores' handovers, the opposing quotes have come largely from the superannuated. Given the strong opinions proffered here in Fuel and the many younger faces at Saturday's anti-Macy's demonstration, I wonder if the dailies really weren't trying hard enough.
Speaking of Chicago Street Art, on September 7, the Higher Gliffs murals at the Metra underpass at 47th Street and Lake Park were mistakenly painted over. Among those who worked on the murals are former Art Institute Instructor Mario Gonzalez; founder of the University of Hip Hop, Lavie Raven; and youth organizer Sam Mulberry.
Fans of Marshall Field's have one last chance to demonstrate their anger with the department stores' conversion to Macy's. At 9:30am on September 9, the day of the official switch-over, FieldsFansChicago is holding a protest in front of the State Street store.
NPR's Present at the Creation provides unique insight to some Chicago-related icons. Our fair city pops up in some obvious place like Animal House, A Raisin in the Sun , and Nighthawks, but it's also there for Cracker Jacks!
Taste of Polonia has much more than just pierogis. Yes, they have Polish Elvis. Yes, they have polka. Yes, they have Funky Polak, a Polish hip-hop artist. More tribute bands than a bad suburban nightclub (ARRA or Think Floyd anyone?). And if that wasn't enough, Autograf is playing Greatest Polish Hits of the 80s. Head out to Jefferson Park to catch this totally fun street festival.
Tickets don't go on sale till the 5th (if you're a member) or the 18th (if you're not) but you can start browsing the program (pdf) for the Chicago Humanities Festival (this year's theme: Peace and War) now. So as soon as registration opens you'll be set take your pick (of events like a Joan Baez concert; presentations by documentarian Errol Morris, novelist Louise Erdrich, historian Taylor Branch, and cartoonist Garry Trudeau; conversations with Laura Kipnis, Jonathan Schell, and Scott Simon...) before the stampede.
After Labor Day, the Art Institute's schedule changes, so this is your last chance to check out the museum's collection (and live jazz) on a Friday night. (At least until AIC next changes its schedule.) AIC will continue to be open (and free) Thursday evenings.
Ride a scooter? Or love someone who does? You best be headed to Slaughterhouse this weekend, then. The 12th annual running of the Vespas (and other scooters) is this Saturday, while a pre-party gets the ball rolling tonight at Liar's Club; details in Slowdown.
We usually just let you know when the Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival is actively making people laugh, but check this out: the 2007 Festival is currently accepting applications for sketch group participation.
The Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest has an interesting tour for you mob aficianados: "Welcome to the Neighbor Hood," a trolley tour of gangster homes in the two suburbs. On Sept. 24 and Oct. 8, see the former homes of Sam Giancana, Tony "Joe Batters" Accardo and Paul "The Waiter" Ricca. Combine it with an "Untouchables" gangster tour and you've got yourself a day you can't refuse.
Today's Times profiles several multiracial families knitted together with the help of local adoption agency The Cradle. The organization offers counseling to would-be adopters about the cultural issues that surround parenting children of ethnic backgrounds different than their own. The goal, says one counselor, herself a white woman with black children, is "'creat[ing] color aware families, not colorblind families.'"
The city's recent appointment of Melissa Turner as Chicago's fashion czarina brought a challenge from treehugger: become the green fashion capital of the U.S. Designers, will you embrace the challenge?
How to win friends and influence clubbing this summer? Buy a boat. That's the Chicago Scene way, at least. And don't worry about the government, either: none other than police officer Daniel Lombard tells the Sunday Times the CPD and Coast Guard "'kind of turn a blind eye' to some of what goes on in the Playpen, including overfilled boats and recreational drug use, 'because, well, this is Chicago.'" Party on, Dan!
"Community areas in Chicago, isolated from context."
Put away those stiletto boots and that too-hot-for-August ultrasuede miniskirt: the MCA presents a water-themed First Friday. Featuring a bathing suit fashion show and "skinny dip" martinis, the event was inspired by WaterShed, an interactive sculpture designed by students at the Art Institute that flashes and emits ambient sounds when you ask it for some agua. See Slowdown for details.
TurnHere is a site that collects short video guides about cities around the world. The Chicago section features some nice clips, including trips through Bronzeville, Wicker Park, Rogers Park, Pilsen and other neighborhoods.
Zillow offers an interesting graphic representation of cost per square foot for Chicagoland real estate: a "heat map."
Hey, all you people who are afraid of the centipedes in your homes: There's nothing to be afraid of! The house centipede, while freaky looking, is actually a beneficial bug that eats other pesty bugs, like bedbugs, roaches, silverfish and spiders. If you've got a lot of them and they look well-fed, though, you might want to call an exterminator to get rid of their dinner supply.
After the AP ran its "Chicago as nanny state" story far and wide (including here, in Canada's London Free Press of all places), it was only a matter of time before blogs elsewhere had something to say about it. New York, it seems, is hankering for some political scandal; thus, Gawker's modest proposal to trade Bloomberg for Daley.
The celebrity READ posters from the American Library Association have been popular marketing tools for libraries for years. Now libraries even can create their own customized READ posters. The Skokie Public Library did just that, and they snagged some major local politicians to pose for the photos, including Senator Barack Obama, Senator Dick Durbin and the mayor of Skokie, George Van Dusen. You can view the entire set of posters on Flickr. [via Library Stuff]
A concrete model for three North Side lakefront revetments is inexplicably hiding on the South Side (second article). Since most North Siders probably won't make it to Oakwood Boulevard and Lake Shore Drive this week, take a look at the model online, and decide if you prefer the current limestone or the proposed concrete. If you want to share your opinion with the powers that be, follow the instructions from the Lakeview Revetment Task Force, and get your letter in by the 26th.
A real estate developer is tearing down the Stars Motel at 6100 N Lincoln Ave. to make way for more condos. But he's hoping enough people are nostalgic about the historic motels on U.S. Highway 41 to bid on the Stars Motel's neon sign on eBay. Because he cut and pasted a column I wrote in 2004 about the motels on Lincoln Avenue for his auction description, can I claim a percentage of the profit from the sale? Just wondering.
How diverse is your neighborhood? If you live in Rogers Park, Uptown, Bridgeport, Albany Park, Lincoln Square, Archer Heights, West Ridge, North Park, Irving Park or West Lawn, the answer is: very, according to the Metropolitan Chicago Information Center. Download PDFs of the full report and others here.
Just like a real desert, "food deserts" -- areas with a lack of grocery stores but plenty of fast food joints -- can kill. A study by LaSalle Bank found a correlation between such areas and premature death. The Sun-Times offers a map showing where these deserts are in Chicago; you've probably already guessed that they're concentrated on the South and West Sides.
Last year, Naperville took the bronze in Money Magazine's list of Best Places to Live. This year, it's number 2. Meantime, both Evanston and Oak Park rank amongst the best educated.
Ever wish your life was a Broadway musical? Starting late this afternoon and continuing throughout the weekend, Millennium Park shimmers with the music of Stephen Sondheim, as part of Sondheim in the Park. Performers will break into song in the Lurie Garden, Wrigley Square, and on staircase balconies, not to mention the stage of the Pritzker Pavillion. Details in Slowdown, or click here .
Okay, okay, I'm trying not to harp on the Gay Games, but this is honestly one of the biggest events Chicago's seen in years (and a serious trial run for the city's 2016 Olympics hopes). It's so big, in fact, that we couldn't possibly list all of the events or even the highlights here in Slowdown; instead I'll just direct you to the schedules at the Games' site and let you know that most events are free, but tickets for those that require them can be purchased online or at the HotTix locations at the Chicago Tourism Center (72 E Randolph), the Water Works Visitor Center (163 E Pearson) and the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie. Have a gay old time.
In August, the Chicago Office of Tourism, in conjunction with Silk Road Chicago, will present four performances of Mozart's The Magic Flute, with stars from our own Lyric Opera and the New York City Opera, at the Chicago Cultural Center. Starting tomorrow, you can pick up free tickets at the Storefront Theater Box Office (66 E Randolph) or call 312-742-8497.
The Illinois Humanities Council has mailed out nomination packets to mayors throughout the state for the Studs Terkel Humanities Service Award. The award has typically gone to volunteers who champion cultural heritage, literacy, or community history. Only mayors can nominate recipients, but if you have suggestions, let Daley know: MayorDaley [at] CityofChicago [dot] org.
In 2002, BBC Radio 4's Thinking Allowed visited Chicago to do a five-part series about the city in the spirit of early Chicago School sociologists. With interviews from prominent Chicago academics, musicians, and public thinkers, the programs are surprisingly fresh four years later.
The city's Landmarks Division has prepared interactive Chicago Landmarks Maps that include photographs and important information about officially notable places. While you're on their website, check out their comprehensive Historic Resources Survey and other fascinating resources.
This week's issue of Crain's Chicago Business contains their annual "Focus: Market Facts" feature, chock full of demographics and data ranging from It's all downloadable online in PDF format, and this year they've added an interactive map that allows you to zoom in on a particular neighborhood and check out how strong the demand for mp3 players is, for instance.
The winner of the Moo & Oink jingle contest has been announced, and it's "Shop @ Moo & Oink" by Kenlo Key (mp3), which edged out, uh, "Put It In My Mouth" (mp3) as well as several others. The Tribune has some M&O jingle history.
After much construction, the brand new Bucktown-Wicker Park branch of the Chicago Public Library will open on July 10th at 1701 N. Milwaukee Ave. The 15,500 square foot location is two stories and has free internet stations and free wi-fi throughout. No more excuses to not check Gapers 5 times a day. Oh, and it also has books...lots of them.
David Woodhouse Architects has a spiffy new site detailing many of the architectural projects that have come out of the studio. Based in Chicago, they're the creatives behind quite a few of the Chicago Institutions you enjoy today. Take a look at the site, meander the buildings and find out the inspiration behind each.
Since you're heading to the Hyde Park Art Center to check out all of their cool exhibits, why not make a day of it? After taking in Africa Speaks, an exhibit of African art and artifacts at the DuSable Museum, cross the quads and grab a latte at the Smart Museum's sleek cafe. If you like contemporary art, a side trip to the Renaissance Society might be nice. Otherwise, a stop at 57th Street Books for some leisurely browsing, and lunch at neighboring Medici, will refresh you in between museum visits.
The success of the White Sox and the dismal collapse of the Cubs have had effects far beyond the MLB standings: in some cases, it's turning family members against each other as the South Siders draw not-so-die-hard Cubs fans into their fold. In Richard Roeper's new book, Sox and the City, he has a word for them: biSoxual. Watch this page for an mp3 of Roeper's appearance on 848 this morning discussing the potential sea change in the Sox' fandom fortunes. (Thanks, Roni)
I don't follow up on skateboarding like I used to so it was a pleasant surprise to hear about last week's Go Skateboarding Day. You can live vicariously through these Flickr photo sets: here and here.
As its Intonation Fest approaches and out-of-towners descend, Vice takes its own brand of "wit" to the Windy City with a Guide to Chicago. Like you might expect, it includes features on neighborhoods ("Wrigleyville: Do not -- we repeat, do not -- come near here on a Chicago Cubs game day. Or ever.") and shopping ("Tangerine: This is where the girls who work at Penelope's used to work."), as well as a romp around town with Chloe Sevigny bonus track. Do or don't. You decide.
On the Reader this week and online too: an excellent feature article on 4 Star Courier, a messengering service comprised of messengers who own, run and do business like it should be done. If you have any say in what company delivers your documents on time, consider 4 Star. They do excellent work.
You may read our Public Notice column about Craigslist's Missed Connections. If you're absolutely addicted to them, you might be interested in delving deeper behind the scenes. GB staffer Jason Maslanka created a website with audio and video (including an interview with Craigslist founder Craig Newmark) called Connect to try to figure it all out.
The Chicagoist Guide to Chicago [PDF] offers a handy way to take the site's signature third-person self-referentiality (and hit-or-miss copy editing) with you.
Detritus compiles a few Chicago regionalisms, including those crazy gapers and their blocks. (Do people actually say "soup to nuts"? I swear I've never heard it.)
If you want a break from the usual routine of museums, head down to IIT to visit their new exhibition about... fashion. "Marimekko--Fabrics Fashion Architecture" is about a Finnish designer who boldly took color where it hadn't gone before in fashion and created lifestyle brands (think Martha Stewart's lines of coordinated towels, sheets, curtains, etc. etc.) The patterns are wonderful and exhibition is free. (Part of the nifty festival I hadn't heard of, Silk Road Chicago.)
Chicago SummerDance continues this year (15 June through 27 August) with free one-hour dance lessons followed by two hours of dancing to live music in Grant Park's Spirit of Music Garden Thursday through Saturday evenings (6 PM to 9:30 PM) and Sunday afternoons (4 PM to 7 PM), but the popular DJ series turns nomadic, with venues ranging from Daley Plaza to the Taste of Chicago Taste Stage. And a bit sporadic: held some weeks on Monday, other weeks on Wednesday, and sometimes also Thursday or Friday. Individual Nomadic DJ Series events are listed in Slowdown; click here for a complete schedule.
Turns out native Chicagoans have a regional accent, and it's not marked by the rough consonants of the SNL "Superfans." Rather, according to a study by McGill PhD candidate Corrine McCarthy, it's the pronunciation of certain vowels that's unique to the area; scholars call it "the Northern Cities Shift." Get the abbreviated version from NewCity, or go crazy with IPA notation and footnotes at McCarthy's website.
The Chicago Sound Museum is a new online collection of city field recordings, audio collages and interviews with Chicagoans from all walks of life. CSM co-founder Eric Markowitz talked about the project on 848 yesterday (mp3).
Starting tonight, the Art Institute offers live music as well as free admission on Thursday and Friday evenings. If you're heading to the Blues Festival, you might want to stop at AIC first to get in the mood. The museum is hosting multiple blues bands and offering blue-themed gallery tours. Slowdown has details.
Moleskine freaks, take note: next year, you'll be able to create your own personal guide to Chicago with the new Departure city notebook. Photos of a prototype here, and more details at Moleskinerie. [via]
Chicago Public Radio's website now features "Chicago Amplified," a service that provides audio material from a variety of partner organizations, like the Illinois Humanities Council, the Field Museum and the Community Media Council. Stream or download usual suspects like Studs Terkel and Ira Glass, as well as more esoteric fare like authors on Auschwitz or the Underground Railroad. (Also new on the site, GB's Slowdown keeps Eight Forty-Eight listeners busy.)
Popular wisdom holds that you shouldn't let anyone tell you how to take your shvitz, but the Chicago Journal has gone ahead and done just that, profiling an afternoon at the Division Street Russian and Turkish Baths.
Renovations to the 100-year-old venue are complete, and Tuesday night the marquee will be lit for the first time. The former vaudeville house officially reopens Wednesday night as the LaSalle Bank Theater with a performance by Tony Award winner Michael Crawford (perhaps best known for Phantom of the Opera). You're welcome to tour the interior Friday and Saturday from noon till 5 PM.
Who would have thought a map of Chicago's neighborhoods would be so controversial? Not only has the Chicago Neighborhood Map designed by Christopher Devane upset realtors and developers because of a new motto, "Home is Where the Hood Is," printed across the top, but Chicago Public Schools has slapped the mapmaker with a cease-and-desist order to keep him from offering the map to schools.
Perk up life in your office today with Palla Palla's photos from the Garden in a City show, which closed yesterday.
Old-school bloglebrity Matt Haughey started a MetaFilter thread yesterday on the recent deals for New York City street furniture (bus shelters, public toilets, newsstands) bringing in a billion dollars in revenue to the city, all paid for by advertising sold by the British and Spanish firms responsible for the structures. In light of the similar deal for bus shelters struck between the City of Chicago and French firm JCDecaux a few years ago, I immediately thought, "What? We could have had public toilets too?!" If we're serious about the 2016 Olympic bid, we may see them sooner than later.
The Chicago Public Library has recently unveiled its new strategic plan, titled "Chicago Public Library 2010: A Vision for Our Future." [pdf] The plan is "a call to action for all Chicagoans who understand the essential role of their public library in the educational, economic and cultural fabric of the City of Chicago. A strong and vibrant public library is a sign of a strong and vibrant city, and ultimately a sign of how that city values its residents." Right on.
From the Times: "By wrapping its arms and famous big shoulders around its Latin motto -- Urbs in Horto (City in a Garden) -- Chicago has become a global model for how a metropolis can pursue environmental goals to achieve economic success."
The All-City Dance Ensemble, made up of the best dancers from Chicago's public high schools, shows its stuff tomorrow afternoon in the Randolph Cafe at the Chicago Cultural Center. See Slowdown for details.
Not your typical neighborhood festival: Edgewater's Edge Of The Earth festival will have fire-spinning, Mexican dancing, visual arts and a choir. Held at a local Orthodox church, this will certainly differ from the usual ribfest / block party / beer-n-bands fare. (And the Edgebrook Chamber Of Commerce's website is very old-school and worth a visit.)
The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs is accepting applications for artist programs for the 11th annual Chicago Artists' Month, scheduled for October 2006. Benefits include loads of free publicity and large audiences. Programs should be designed around this year's theme, Beyond Boundaries (how artists overcome restrictions and expand their horizons). If you want to participate, think fast and fill out the form here by 15 May.
Certainly the Gay Games Hosted Housing program is an important way to assist athletes who might not otherwise be able to pay for shelter while competing in Chicago -- if you've got room, you might consider participating. Still, it's hard not chuckle as the guidelines take care to stipulate "it should go without saying that you should not use this as a dating service." (In other GGVII news, the Tribune reports that, with just 10 weeks to go, there's been a leadership shake-up. Unsurprisingly, no one's commenting.)
If architecture is one of the things you love most about Chicago, then this is your festival. And if you believe Louis Sullivan is responsible for the best of Chicago architecture, then this is not just your festival, but your year, as the Great Chicago Places and Spaces festival celebrates the sesquicentennial (that's 150th anniversary -- maybe you knew that, but I had to look it up) of Sullivan's birth. The festival opens on Friday 19 May with a "great conversation" featuring Jaime Lerner, former mayor of Curitiba, Brazil, one of the most progressive cities in the world, and continues with two days of guided tours. Tours are free, but require tickets. Depending on the tour, you may need to line up at the Chicago Architecture Foundation on the day of your tour to get your tickets, but for "Great Excursions" (which include Chicago River cruises), you can register here starting today. Complete tour details are available here -- note that items in blue are Sullivan-centric.
When it comes to civic naming opportunities, it seems the Skyway may not be the end of it. The Trib reports on the city's efforts to, in the words of its budget director, "maximize value" by enticing corporations into building-, event-, even vehicle-sponsorship.
The New Yorker takes a look at the technology of roadmaps, beginning with the old Rand McNally days and leading up to the local digital mapping company, Navteq. Chicago has always been at the forefront of driving directions, apparently. (Thanks, Sparky!)
Next time you've got guests in town and blank on things to do, you might refer back to the New York Post's "old school" guide to Chicago. Not a one of the ideas is likely to come as a surprise, but that's because they're all pretty good. Plus, it seems you should expect visitors; sez the Post: "there's no city in America quite as fresh and interesting right now." [via]
While we were redesigning yesterday, another site was launching: introducing Apartment Therapy : Chicago, a new local channel of the popular interior design blog.
Friend of GB Wendy McClure has a piece in the Funny Pages section of yesterday's New York Times Magazine.
Naperville is proud to turn 175 years old this year. And to commemorate the pride and joy that all Naperville residents are experiencing, the city is looking for volunteers to help plan a birthday party to "celebrate 175 years of heritage, unity and vision in your hometown." If you're interested in helping out, contact a member of the Central Committee.
FOUND describes this note found at Waveland and Albany as "awfully sweet," but I'm not so sure. It strikes me as slightly desperate. Let's hope the bad things stopped.
We're number number four in the country in terms of oil crisis preparedness. (Thanks, Matthew!)
In its staid, conservative way, the Economist gushes about Chicago: "Appearances often deceive, but, in one respect at least, the visitor's first impression of Chicago is likely to be correct: this is a city buzzing with life, humming with prosperity, sparkling with new buildings, new sculptures, new parks, and generally exuding vitality."
Despite the "new urbanism," Census data released today show people leaving cities and suburbs for further-flung exurbs, a trend that's especially apparent locally. Analysis by USA Today ranks Cook County as the decade's biggest loser: its population has decreased by 70,000 since 2000, the most significant drop in the US. Where are the people going? Surely it's not a coincidence that Kendall County, 50 miles outside Chicago, saw the nation's third largest increase.
The Tribune is following up on their "Seven Wonders of Chicago" series with the "Seven Blunders of Chicago." Today's Tempo section announced the first nominee: Nov. 3, 1948 edition of the Chicago Daily Tribune with the headline, "Dewey Defeats Truman."
What with all the talk about the city getting in the Wi-Fi game, yesterday's Times offers a reminder about many people's source of free internet: their neighbors. If you happen to live near one Beth Freeman, best be warned; she sounds like too savvy a "piggybacker" to be playing "the dumb card" ingenuously. Another Chicagoan, Elaine Ball, is another story -- her network is wide open as a combination of neighborly hospitality and anti-corporate activism.
So maybe you don’t find anything curious about the current contents of the planting beds lining the Magnificent Mile. But if, like me, you’ve been hungry for some kind of explanation, check out this page, which describes them as “lit orb sculptures, hand-painted by local artists to add drama to the streets landscape” and provides a list of installations (with occasionally illuminating titles).
Most of us know that Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable is Chicago's first non-native settler and is credited with founding our city. According to this article he's about to be "officially" recognized for this (I'm shocked he hasn't been already). And did you know that he is also credited with the city's first recorded marriage and his grandaughter's birth was Chicago's first recorded birth? Very cool.
If the 826 team can do more to promote creativity opportunities for kids, I don't know what that is. Through March 31, 826CHI is hosting "This City is Our Home: Photographs, Essays and Paintings by Homeless Youth in Chicago." The exhibition, which is the result of Blue Sky Inn volunteers' weekly visits to homeless youths, is viewable during tutoring hours, Monday-Thursday 3-5:30pm. Call 773-710-7346 to find out how you can offer your time.
Chicago Living Arts has launched Chicago Wiki Arts: A Collaborative Site for Writing on Chicago Culture. In wiki fashion, registered users can log-in to create and edit pages in categories including literature, art, architecture and dance.
The neighborhood of Pilsen (also called Heart of Chicago) has been approved as a historic district by the National Park Service. Nearly 90% of building owners will be eligible to become a part of the historic district. The district of Pilsen is home to the largest number of eligible properties nationwide.
Oh, the Trib isn't saying anything, but a little muckraking has resulted in the revelation that Hilary's Urban Eatery, Alderman Manny Flores's pick on Check, Please! a few weeks back, is something of a financial contributor. (Good thing they're going to be laying low for a while.)
The queen of this year's St. Patrick's Day Parade has been selected by a team of 30 judges. The appropriately named Kelly Green, 24, beat out about 100 other hopefuls vying to be parade queen by displaying "the qualities of grace, sincerity, beauty, sense of humor, poise, personality and wit" (!).
...there's a group of disgruntled office workers sneaking Parliaments in an alley. The Trib gets to the bottom of where all the smokers have gone now that they can't be within 15 feet of an entranceway. (Don't miss the accompanying, appropriately gritty multimedia slideshow titled "A Smoker's Poem.)"
Crap. There are too can't-miss events going on tonight. How does one choose between SAIC alumna and Ugly Ducking Presse author Jen Bervin reading at an incomplete map of everything (weekend #3), Sketchcore's Urban Legends show and the AREA:Chicago Art/Education/Activism issue launch? Would it best to throw one's culture loving hands in the air and spend the night downing $1 apple pucker and jell-o shots at Big City tap?
Say you're new to the area and you'd like some pointers about your new 'hood, Albany Park. Who better to ask than the folks at ask.metafilter? If you happen to know of the cool little undiscovered places or things to do in 60625, stop on over and share them.
The Chicago Historical Society was renamed yesterday. Gary Johnson, the president of the society, says the name Chicago History Museum more adequately represents the city's oldest cultural institution.
It's official: bucket boys are no more, at least on the stretch of Michigan Avenue between Delaware and Superior. 0.24 miles of the city just got a whole lot quieter.
Oh, this again: the Trib reports that the City Council will vote Wednesday on restrictions against downtown street performers. As usual, the real vitriol is reserved for the fabulous Bucket Boys.
Chicago blog Serenade In Green has posted a blow by blow account of their last dinner at the Berghoff. "Once off the train, we were greeted by a line of like-minded Berghoff pilgrims that stretched all the way down the block," they write. You have until the end of February to enjoy this Chicago institution.
Great article on the resurrection of the North Kenwood/Oakland neighborhood in the Tribune Magazine yesterday, along with some photos.
Since the city council is considering a proposal that would require hundreds of businesses to install video cameras in their stores and parking lots, this seems like a good time to relink to Open Loop, a site dedicated to mapping all the security cameras monitoring the Loop.
New City reports on a new form of activism in the city: The Draught Beer Preservation Society, "an open, Chicago-wide organization propagating the notion that, since the allure of tap beer draws us out of our homes and into each other's company, bars solidify a community." Where do we sign up?
There were more than 1,200 sexual assaults reported in the city last year — an average of more than three a day. See how many were reported in your neighborhood; you might want to consider a self-defense class.
Reader Enlightened Elephant points us to the New York Times' Corresondents' Guide to the US (here's a PDF of the Chicago section) and says, "Too heavy on downtown and Damen. But! See esp. Chicago: Favorite shop or shopping area [which mentions the NSFW G Boutique]. So that's what the NYT is up to when in town" (although it's worth noting that Jodi Wilgoren, who we can assume was miscredited, is actually based here).
Chicago managed to keep its murder rate to a 40-year low in 2005, but the Tribune reports that suburban murders are on the rise.
In celebration of the enactment of the smoking ban, the Sun-Times reports on the opening of the R.J. Reynolds-owned Marshall McGearty Tobacco Artisans in the heart of Wicker Park. The $8 smokes and loungey atmosphere sound pretty cheesy, but now that you can't smoke in Filter, some local yupsters may be attracted by their buy-a-pack, get-free-coffee-and-WiFi deal between 2 and 4pm.
We may never see the Lincoln Park Trixies return to the web, but at least we have the Lincoln Park Chad Society, recently updated and improved for your amusement.
Well, Milwaukee Avenue in Wicker Park continues to push forward with hipster clothing stores. Coming soon: Urban Outfitters.
The American Kennel Club's list of Chicago's "Top Dogs of 2005":
1. Labrador Retriever
2. German Shepherd
3. Golden Retriever
4. Boxer
5. Pug
6. Yorkshire Terrier
(Real number 1, but disqualified by AKC rules: Mutt)
The season of Crafty Sales doesn't usually start until early fall around these parts. But Erica Coslor saw how all those other months were empty without crafting, so she created the Handmade Market which will happen every month at the Empty Bottle. So if you're a crafter with your own table, chair, and lighting (it's dark in there) send Erica your info if you want to participate in the January 21 or the February 11 show. $20 for crafters, free for shoppers, and the bloody marys are dee-lish!
GB's Vince Watch, which has since been renamed Vaughnifer Watch, reports that Jennifer Aniston "embraces" her honey's hometown. She says: "The people [in Chicago] are just so kind and respectful. They leave you alone . . . [During filming on The Break Up] a lot of us went out, the cast and crew. We went to hear music, had great meals—Chicago is quite the food town." Check out Virginia Soto's guide to Jennifer Aniston's Chicago.
Luke Seemann's Internet Tendency on "Things I would do if I were an alderman and wanted to make my neighborhood suck."
In the midst of much handwringing about the closing of various "institutions" (see today's LA Times story on the Berghoff for the latest example), Debra Pickett of the Sun-Times offers a salutary riposte: look outside the Loop for your own version of what makes Chicago Chicago.
Bored at work? Crain's has a three-part news quiz you can take to pass the time.
Don't know what you're doing for New Year's Eve yet? Well, you're running out of time. Here's a quick run-down of places to look for NYE celebrations: Metromix, Centerstage, The Reader and NewCity, and for the suburbs, the Daily Herald and Southtown. Also, you might want to check out this week's Detour for tips on how to fend off the traditional New Year's Day hangover.
Your cell phone's reception in the Loop should get a lot better soon: a company has made a deal to install cellular communications boxes on city-owned light poles, which will help strengthen signals in the concrete and glass canyons.
According to the president of Central Connecticut State University, Chicago ranks at a measly 46 on the list of the country's most literate cities. We are ranked behind the likes of Louisville, Omaha, Tulsa and Cincinnati. Rankings are based on a combination of variables, including the number of bookstores in a city, newspaper circulation, education, library resources, periodical publishers and Internet resources. Chicago seems to have been shortchanged, but read the full report on America's Most Literate Cities and judge for yourself. Meanwhile, Seattle gloats over its number one ranking.
It's official: the smoking ban passed by a 46-1 vote. Public places will go smoke-free on January 16, and by July 2008, bars and restaurants will follow.
Raunchy might not be the first word that comes to mind when it comes to opera, but that's exactly the one the Lyric's general director used when talking to the Sun-Times about the company's planned production of Rigoletto. The Lyric will be casting the opera's supernumerary roles this weekend, and, as PlaybillArts notes, they're looking for half-naked hotties.
If you're still itching to give your opinion about the Taste of Heaven brouhaha, the Public Square, a program that fosters civic dialogue, has selected “Attitudes Toward Children in Public Spaces” as this week’s topic for its moderated Café Society discussions. Click here for times, locations, and resource materials.
Today's Sun-Times previews the possibilities for next year's city sticker. Of 300 submissions, ten finalists remain. Vote for your favorite, starting tomorrow, in person at City Hall, by telephone at 312/744-2506 or online at the city clerk's website.
Seems the ongoing feud between O'Hare and Hartsfield-Jackson for the busiest airport title isn't the only way that Chicago and Atlanta will be butting heads for bragging rights. The Sun-Times reports on the slightly silly struggle between the ATL's newly opened Georgia Aquarium and the local Shedd to claim the mantle of World's Largest Aquarium.
Lonely? Think a companion might cheer you up? How 'bout a cat? The city's shelters are overloaded with felines right now, so the perfect one is sure to be out there. Links to a few local shelters after the jump.
- PAWS Chicago - Harmony House - Felines, Inc. - Cats are Purrsons, Too - Furry Friends Foundation - Lake Shore Animal Shelter - Tree House Animal Foundation - Chicago Anti-Cruelty Society - Chicago Animal Care & Control
Depending on your point of view, you’ll want to avoid or make a beeline for N. Michigan Avenue this weekend. If thoughts of a Mickey Mouse parade, ice carving demonstrations, holiday lighting ceremonies, and carolers—especially before Thanksgiving—make your skin crawl, then give the Magnificent (3/4) Mile a wide berth. But if Christmas can’t start too soon for you, check it out and have fun.
Mayor Richard Daley has clearly had at least a spoonfull of sugar. He proclaimed yesterday "Julie Andrews Day" in Chicago. Andrews is in town directing The Boy Friend at The Chicago Theater. Andrews will also participate in Columbia College Chicago's annual "Conversations in the Arts: Up Close With ..." series. Next week marks the 40th anniversary of the release of The Sound of Music.
The Park District is considering a plan to add a Hollywood-style "Walk of Stars" featuring famous Chicagoans to Grant Park from Harrison to 11th St. The granite stars would cost $15,000 apiece, including installation, upkeep and a party -- to be paid by private donors.
Did you know Chicago has more than 1900 miles of alleys, more than any other city in the world? The Tribune is doing a special weeklong series on the city's alleyways.
When some people hear they word "craft" they think of paint by number style kits, construction paper, and bits of yarn. Others think of ingenious ways to create beautiful, useful, creative items. And many of those people in the second group use craft as a method of expressing their activism, their desire to change the world. Cinnamon Cooper, Alejandra Valera, and Annie Tomlin are three such people. You can hear them discuss how feminism, activism and craft combine to create craftivism. Annette Ferrara of Flavorpill.net will moderate the discussion from 6-8 pm this Thursday. By the end of the night you'll be writing your own Craftifesto.
In case you missed the 300 point font on the front page this morning, the Chicago Sun-Times is reporting that the Chicago Park District is revising their budget for the year. It appears, at least for now, that Chicago taxpayers will be spared a park district property tax increase. To make up for the lost tax revenue, certain fees will be increased and the city will hold more rock concerts which have been a rarity for the last decade or so.
If the smoking ban goes through — this week or some time in the future — those exiled out of doors may well experience an uptick in their romantic lives. Just ask the Irish.
As Beantown prepares to develop new public green space, the Boston Globe sends a reporter to check in on the lessons the city can learn from Millennium Park. He heads home smitten by the park and, even more so, with his sense of how The City That Works works: "The more you talk to Chicagoans, the more you're impressed with what can only be called civic patriotism." Sounds pretty right on to me.
I'll admit that I'm kind of a sourpuss when it comes to big holiday displays, but I do enjoy nice illuminated, carved pumpkins. So, it really piqued my interest to learn about Craig Perry's two pumpkin displays. Phyllis' Musical Inn is showing sixty of Perry's carvings, all featuring famous Chicago faces, while the best of Perry's Chicago pumpkins will be seen in Millennium Park. Who can pass up a pumpkin likeness of Al Capone? It happens Saturday-Monday and to your right in Slowdown.
Here's a headline you don't expect to read in a Jesuit college's newspaper: Chicago Is the "Leather Man" Capital of the World. The Loyola University Phoenix profiles the Leather Archives & Museum.
If you own your own house, there may be something to take away from Brandon Harvey's example: he applied for Cook County homeowner's exemption and ended up saving a thousand bucks in taxes. He offers pointers on the bureaucratic protocol, as well as encouragement to keep the faith despite the likelihood of facing an "extremely rude lady who will barely listen to your questions before abruptly hanging up on you."
Get Your Life On is another city guide, but with a twist: it's aimed at the freshly post-college crowd. The nicely designed site offers a little bit of everything, from job hunting tips to personal finance advice to restaurant reviews.
Next week (17 to 23 October) is Spa Week, which means it’s time to pause and be pampered. With spa treatments that usually run a hundred bucks a pop or more going for $50, perhaps you can now afford to personally investigate the benefits of microdermabrasion. Click here for details on participating spas and services.
The Chicago Historical Society is seeking advice as it plans upcoming programs. Take this survey to offer your opinion about the prospect of panel discussions about the Supreme Court, lectures about historic Chicago events on the sites where they occurred, and Actor’s Studio-style interviews with contemporary historians.
I've often lamented to my friends who ask about alternative lodging in Chicago about the lack of it. By alternative lodging I mean bed and breakfast places or places that aren't hotels, motels or hostels, that are in the city. Wicker Park Inn seems to change all of that. Located in the city, the three-room building provides that "at home" feel that I personally prefer. Pretty affordable rates from $115 to $150 (triple occupancy), it'd be perfect for some of my friends and yours.
Josh Malamy left Chicago when he broke up with his boyfriend earlier this year, and he returned home to the comforting arms of Brooklyn. Upon arrival, he found the Williamsburg Spelling Bee and drowned his sorrows in the dictionary. Malamy's story ran in the Times last week, which also reported the happy news that Malamy and his ex are exploring the possibility of a reunion. That means Josh is moving back to Chicago, and he wants to keep up (or, maybe, show off) his spelling chops via a local bee. Is there already such a thing? If not, look for one soon.
New City's annual Best of Chicago issue is out. With such categories as best speed bump, best Packers bar, best place to buy soccer scarves and best place to build a bonfire, it's a more ecclectic list than in recent years. (And check out the upset in the best polish sausage category. Wolfy's?)
Chicago Living Arts, an organization dedicated to sustaining local artists, launched their website this week. In addition to telling you all about their cause, you can look foward to an event schedule, a monthly newsletter and details about their ongoing oral history project. If you enjoy local art culture, and I'm thinking you do, the site is worth a gander.
Yesterday we mentioned the new Chicago Street Art group pool on Flickr. But, Burn the Streets is Chicago's original street art forum. Check out dozens of photos of stickers and other works posted by local street artists and fans of street art.
Chicago's first Fall Fashion Week kicks off today. Dubbed Fashion Focus Chicago, the week-long extravaganza features a number of events open to the public, both celebrity-minded and not. Sarah Jessica Parker and Clinton Kelly make appearances, J.Lo debuts her new lines and the whole thing wraps up with a runway show in Millennium Park, celebrating new faces and ideas in fashion. Marshall Field's has a complete listing of events, but you can also check your Slowdown for daily reminders through September 29.
Tickets for the Chicago Humanities Festival (10/29 to 11/13) go on sale to the public tomorrow (they’ve been available to CHF members since August 30). This year’s theme is “Home and Away,” and notable events include Pritzker Architecture Prize winner Robert Venturi discussing Mies van der Rohe (in Mies’ own Crown Hall at IIT), novelist Salman Rushdie talking about the “Scattered Concept of Home,” and a documentary about families about to relocate from a Robert Taylor Homes high-rise. The entire schedule (pdf)is available online.
Or, in this case, city. The Tribune's effort to determine the "Seven Wonders of Chicago" is complete, and the votes are in. The lakefront garnered the most support; other winners included Wrigley Field, the Water Tower and the MSI. We asked our readers for their ideas and got some great responses.
The Trib has collected 14 possible "Wonders of Chicago," and wants everyone to vote for their favorite seven. Personally, I have trouble wrapping my head around naming "the Chicago theatre scene," a wonder -- I prefer my wonders physical rather than conceptual. Make your own list of wonders in Fuel.
It is a truth universally acknowledged that people love Pride and Prejudice. And, after featuring a few less-known selections, Jane Austen's study of vice and virtue, manners and morals, is the latest choice for the One Book, One Chicago initiative. As always, there are numerous discussion activities planned, including the inevitable investigation of how the novel connects to contemporary audiences via adaptations like Bridget Jones's Diary. Go on, prove Eugenides wrong.
Well, sort of. Corydalus tells the tale of a foiled scam, accompanying a photo of the near-victim.
Sometimes the lead just writes itself, and that sure is evident in Trib and Sun-Times coverage of last night's Jimmy Buffett concert at Wrigley Field. To wit: "Even Harry Caray wore a lei." See for yourself via this Flickr photoset.
StoryCorps, the project to record interviews of regular American individuals, wraps up its stay in Chicago today. The Sun-Times prints some quotes from local StoryCorps participants, and also passes along the interesting news that StoryCorps might put a permanent recording studio here in Chicago, so that residents could continue to record interviews with their family and friends. So if you missed the chance to participate this time (and you probably did, since the slots for recording interviews filled up within hours when they became available), you might get another chance soon. In the meantime, StoryCorps founder David Isay will be presenting a selection of Chicago StoryCorps interviews Wednesday night at the Harold Washington Library; see Slowdown for details.
The Chicago Tribune has announced it's nominees for the 7 Wonders of Chicago. Pretty typical stuff (the voting begins Sept 9) but the article on Chicago's Seven Lost Wonders is much more intriguing.
Apparently, the new attire for gang members is a little harder to spot than the old UNC logo or red bandana: it's a plain white t-shirt.
The Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance always inaugurates the change of seasons with assorted merriment. When your heart is a park, that seems quite appropriate. A weekend long art market starts Friday, August 26th with the Market After Dark reception at 5:30. Saturday and Sunday enjoy music, dance, artwork, food, and greenery from 9 to 5. Catch a dance performance from Thomas Baker, an artist from Switching Station Lofts. Festivities will be held at the Conservatory Market, 300 North Central Park Ave. Call 773-638-1766 ext. 28 for more information.
Chicago once had the dubious distinction of the Murder Capital of the United States. Now our boys in blue with a little help from new technology have taken a huge bite out of crime (sorry McGruff). PBS's website has streaming video of a recent NewsHour show on this very subject.
Competition amongst the web portals means all the more ways to get regional information that's useful to you -- in other words, there's an increasing number of alternatives to the original, Citysearch. Following Google's Local service, Yahoo! has revised its area-specific content into a new beta site, offering another way to track down details on events, services, traffic and other facets of life in Chicago. Of additional note: if you're a parent, GoCityKids offers a guide tailored to entertaining, educating and exploring the city with your children.
What is it with summer and its constant stream of city ratings? This time, we find out that Chicago is the second best city in the world for art lovers, behind only Berlin, at least as far as one travel site is concerned.
The site for Meetro is somewhat vague, but the application sounds pretty cool: It adds location identification to instant messaging, so you can check who's nearby -- within a quarter mile -- when you head to the local wifi'd coffeeshop. Rumor has it Google is buying the company.
Because Google Earth continues to astound, Atul from Toolness has some neat Chicago overlays from a sociological and historical vantage. One of the neatest ties in with the GB Book Club's current book read, Heat Wave: "I initially set up this overlay so I could more easily relate to some of the concepts covered in Heat Wave, which in one chapter makes frequent references to these community areas."
The View from the Ground is a collection of investigative reporting and opinion pieces concerning life in the Stateway Gardens housing project and the treatment of its residents in the hands of a group of police officers known as "the skullcap crew." It's definitely worth a read.
With quite a few friends buying homes lately and proclaiming that now's the time to buy, it's surprising that Forbes has ranked Chicago fourth for overpriced places to live. The logic seems flawed: New York is rightfully ranked higher (though Seattle tops the list) and yet San Francisco comes in at sixth. Huh?
Barbara Corcoran, a New York real estate mogul, picked Oak Park as one of her top five "sexiest" suburbs on ABC's "The View" yesterday. OK...
Interested in writing about Chicago -- factually, not fictionally? You might be interested in contributing to Wikipedia's WikiProject Chicago, which aims to shape up and fill out Chicago's entry in the open-source encyclopedia. (Thanks, Atul!)
Did you know the term yuppie originated in Chicago? According to Wikipedia, Bob Greene is generally credited with coining the term in a 1983 column, but etymologist Barry Popik found an earlier instance in a Tribune article by R.C. Longworth, referring to "Lincoln Park with its yuppies."
Naperville, that big suburb to our west, is the third best place to live in America, according to Money Magazine, which praised its "seamless coexistence of big-city and small-town life." Guess we need to get moving on NapersBlock.com.
The Times just did a piece detailing Division's storefront gentrification, with a rundown of the neighborhood's bars, restaurants, shops, and spas.
We've been having a real summer this year for the first time since '99, when we had temps above 100 degrees and blackouts! On that note, The Public Square, an intellectual group, is hosting a conversation between Eric Klinenberg, author of Heat Wave: A Social Autopsy of Disaster in Chicago and WBEZ's 848 host Steve Edwards tomorrow evening from 6:30-8pm at the Illinois Humanities Council and the Children and Family Justice Center of Northwestern Law School. They will discuss the heat wave and events surrounding the summer of 1995. More details here.
As the Washington Post reports, city of Chicago population decreases are in line with those found in other big cities during the decade so far, with USA Today noting that, should present trends continue, three-quarters of large US cities will fare worse in the aughts than they did in the 90s. Elaborating on the local situation, the Sun-Times points out that, following the boom between 1990 and 2000, this is the fourth straight year of a net loss of residents; in a related story, USAT looks closer and observes that, while Chicago may be losing population, Joliet, Naperville and Aurora are growing by some very healthy percentages.
This seems to happen about once a month: an Ask MetaFilter user has posed the question, "which neighborhoods are worth a visit whilst here on a weekend trip?" Take a gander to contribute or to get ideas for your own exploration. (You might also want to read this entry from April, which focuses on kid-friendly things to do, and this one from May.)
NPR's All Things Considered had an interesting story last night about an influx of suburban squaredancers at Chi-Town Squares dances. The Squares are mostly gay men, the suburbanites are mostly older straight couples. Do-si-doing ensues.
Chicago.Metroblogging drew our attention to this: The State of Illinois redesigned underage driver's licenses and state IDs at the beginning of the year, and now it's virtually impossible to confuse them with the 21+ versions. For one thing, they're vertical. Check out the specs here (PDF).
Apparently, somone hates Chicago enough to compile a list of 101 reasons why Chicago sucks. We love you too!
The 36th annual Chicago Pride Parade brought 400,000 people to Boystown yesterday. Pride is always colorful, to say the least, making for plenty of great photo ops. I've created a Flickr group to consolidate photos from the parade, Saturday's PrideFest and Dyke March, and related events. Check it out, and join up if you'd like to share your pictures.
In its announcement of a podcast London tour, Antenna Audio also mentioned its plans for a similar treatment of Millennium Park. Sure enough, after a little rooting around online, I learned it's already available. Just enter an email address, and you're cooking with gas. There are 14 files of varying lengths, and, while the narration makes sure to mention the names of the corporate sponsors, it's actually quite informative and features interviews with Anish Kapoor, Frank Gehry and others. All in all, quite interesting listening, even if you're just sitting at your desk.
Seems like only yesterday that San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom was here, dreaming of making his city as beautiful as ours. (All right, it was Tuesday.) Nevertheless, according to a new Reader's Digest survey, at least, he may want to think again. Gothamist notes that New York ranks next to last on their chart of Cleanest Cities in America. Coming in last? Yeah. Chicago. Surely a recount is in order. Surely.
A few weeks ago, a graffiti mural appeared on the side of a building on Milwaukee in Wicker Park. It was actually pretty cool, until you realized it was an ad for Axe deoderants. A group calling themselves the "Ad Blasters" (a nod to the city's Graffiti Blasters program) took it upon themselves to paint over it. Local artist Elisa Hawkins photodocumented it; the owner of the building comments at length in her blog.
And now for something entirely random. "Apparently, in Chicago, it is illegal to give a dog whiskey," Brian says. Also, it is legal to protest naked in front of city hall if you have legal permits. And are under seventeen. Because that totally makes sense. Find more dumb laws right here.
I've been reading Thomas' English Cut for many months. He's a Savile Row tailor who explains what bespoke is and describes the many fascinating details of exquisitely tailored suits. I've dreamed of flying to England just to get my special guy all dappered up in a handmade suit. But I just found out Thomas is coming to Chicago. So if you've got a coupla G's to plop down on the only suit you'll ever need, meet him up at The Seneca Hotel on the 15th or 16th of June.
New City has a good round-up of this summer's events, organized into loose themes for each month, as well as movies, music and events. Get out your calendar and start filling up those weekends.
Remember the whole "No Pictures in the Park" controversy? Well, you'll recall the City said it was largely misinterpreted and that its security guards were being overzealous. Nevertheless, some professionals were still required to obtain permits. According to a report in today's Trib, though, that's no longer the case. Except for "large scale" shoots requiring crews of more than ten, everybody's welcome, permit- and expense-free. In other words, click away!
If you're looking for a pick-me-up this afternoon, you could do worse than this story in the Des Moines Register. There's not much to it except for an account of some kids' trip from Iowa to Chicago, mostly in the interest of paying a student visit to the Art Institute. Typical anecdote: "The next morning the students had planned to visit the Sears Tower, but very cloudy skies derailed their plans for a while. Instead they loaded the bus and traveled to Wrigley Field. 'I'm a Yankee fan, but I was just excited to be at a baseball field,' Parker said." Ah, yes. Out of the mouths of babes...
The Times of Northwest Indiana says Bridgeport is becoming the next hot arts neighborhood, as Wicker Park and Pilsen become too pricey for artists. One of the driving forces behind the change is the Zhou Brothers, who have invested heavily in the neighborhood. [via FlowFeel]
Elwood Grobnik notes the shrinking and shifting borders of the West Side as various neighborhoods flee its negative connotation. He's tried to figure out where the true West Side borders ought to be and comes up with Belmont south to I-55, from the Kennedy/Dan Ryan west. (For reference, here's a collection of city neighborhood maps compiled by Eric Zorn for yesterday's column discussing this topic.)
If you've ever tried to use the Chicago Police Department's Citizen ICAM, you know what a lousy interface it is. Fear not, citizen, for chicagocrime.org is here! The site takes the info from ICAM and puts it into an easily searchable -- by crime type, street, date, district or location type -- along with a Google Map for more clear reference. Now you can really see what's happening in your neighborhood.
In a case of better late than never, Slate's architecture critic pays a visit to Millennium Park. He reads the space from the interesting perspective that it represents a "theme park for adults" with various appealing attractions, but one ultimately troubled by a lack of cohesion and the micromanagement of leisure.
The latest issue of Blacklist is out, and it is, indeed, beautiful. Interviews with Derrick Carter, RJD2 and Chester Copperpot, among others, plus art by Wafaa Bilal. Read it online or download the PDF.
The Chicago Rehab Network, an organization aimed at preserving affordable housing in the city, now offers its Affordable Housing Factbook online. Register for free basic access and search fact sheets and demographic maps of various neighborhoods, or pay for premium access and get a whole lot more info.
You know that Mother's Day is this weekend. (You do know that, don't you?) If you're looking for a way to treat Mom nicely, the Trib notes that the Field Museum will stay open an extra hour on Sunday. That's so good sons and daughters can accompany their folks to the hugely popular Jacqueline Kennedy: The White House Years exhibition. Of course, even if your madre is elsewhere (or is, say, staunchly Republican), you might consider going, as this is the show's last weekend. Some other ways to show your love: Andrew's Mother's Day Tart or maybe some chocolates -- today's Daily Candy has a suggestion.
From Cake & Polka Parade comes the compelling tale of Dave's Stories, a CD put out by the local art group Temporary Services of a homeless guy named Dave who had plenty of interesting stories to tell about living on the Chicago streets. Dave has since disappeared, but his stories remain, and you can hear some samples and get a free copy of the CD at the Temporary Services site.
Last week, the New York Times reported a piece on the similarities between those dedicated fans of Wagner's four-opera "Ring des Nibelungen" and our own die hard Cub fans. Turns out, even Plácido Domingo was talking about the many years of frustration suffered by longtime Cub fans. The tie between the opera and baseball has been studied for ages; with Chicago seeming to have a more intense connection than other places like NYC. Domingo even offered up a request, to sing the national anthem if the Cubs make the playoffs. It would mark his first visit to Wrigley Field.
Those of us who are whining geezers and remember when Wicker Park was actually kinda cool (including the requisite stories about Urbus Orbus and Buzy Bee) will groan when you read this one: major retailers are itching to move onto Milwaukee Ave. Crain's notes that Gap, J. Crew and Urban Outfitters are looking to move in. With rents doubling, that means boutiques will move out. When Myopic goes, you'll know Wicker Park is Officially Dead.
Ted Whalen is really into the six-pointed star of the Chicago flag. We wrote about his first foray into the star's geometry last year around this time; he recently investigated its design further, based on a mention of the original city flag, which had only two stars. (Thanks, Phineas.)
There's been a sharp increase in murders on the North Side this year -- while on the West Side, the rate has significantly dropped.
Barry Popik, a word hunter and chronicler of the American dialect (previously discussed here), has tracked the coinage of the term "gapers block" down to a policeman turned WGN traffic reporter named Irv Hayden. Popik also recently added an entry on our famous wind, the Hawk, which is rearing its head today.
March 4th marks the 168th birthday of the City of Chicago. To celebrate, the city is offering free cake and ice cream at the Chicago Historical Society. Tomorrow is also First Fridays at the MCA, who have also shown their true colors with the "Get Lucky At the MCA" theme party. Karma Cosmos and Mac "digital matchmaking" mark this month's hookup scene at First Fridays. Art and appetizers - a match made in heaven!
The Tribune ran a story about the pedway yesterday, which included a nice map of the various public passageways throughout the Loop. Our resident librarian Alice Maggio gave a guided tour (part one, part two) of the main burrow almost exactly a year ago. (Oh, and here's another pedway map, for those who want to explore.)
Friend of GB and Milwaukee resident mz shows us Milwaukee's response to the Gates exhibit in New York. No word yet on a Chicago corollary.
The closed Acme Coke Plant on the city's far Southeast Side has taken another step toward becoming a museum dedicated to the region's steel industry. The Calumet Heritage Project has purchased the plant, which has been closed since 19. (Check out this great series of photos of the factory and grounds at Chicago Snapshot.)
The Chicago CityPass, a card that lets you into many of the city's cultural institutions over a period of time for one fixed rate, will soon have some competition, the Tribune reports. A Chicago edition of the Power Pass is soon to debut, along with the Go Chicago Card, which arrives in May. Good news for people looking for ways to entertain out-of-town visitors this summer.
As if you didn't have enough to worry about with Millennium Park concerning the whole "you can't take photographs" affair, the Sun-Times reports today that the city is forcing the operators of the park's cafe, the Park Grill, to renegotiate its contract with the Park District, after the Sun-Times discovered that the owner got a 20-year lease to run the restaurant, has not had to pay property taxes on the site, and gets free water, gas and garbage pickup at the cost of taxpayers. What's more, the businessman who was awarded the lease, Matthew A. O'Malley, apparently got a top Park District official pregnant during negotiations. So it was those kind of negotiations....
After a considerable amount of speculation on the Web about the copyright on Millennium Park, the Reader's Ben Joravsky offers some explanation in this week's paper as to why security guards are targeting photographers snapping pictures of the Bean and other sculptures in the Park.
The city has a license agreement with the artists to be the sole authorized seller of merchandise with Millennium Park images, and that's why they've been targeting professional photographers in the park and stores trying to sell notecards with Bean images on them. The business about the security guards claiming that the whole park was copyrighted? Apparently it's a result of some overly zealous legal language given to security guards to hand out to commercial photographers who want to sell Millennium Park images. (BTW, even though the park was paid for by private funds, Ben Joravsky notes that the private donors then gave the artwork to the city, so the park is now owned by the public. How can the city claim copyright on publicly owned statues in a publicly owned park? Oh, I'm sure they'll find some way...)
Update: In response to BoingBoing's query about why the press director is saying that the sculptures' artists still own the copyright, Joravsky says this is true, but that the artists aren't getting any money from the permits that the city is trying to sell to photographers. A representative for one of the artists is quoted as saying, "If security guards give the impression that they are protecting artists' rights, it's probably a lack of understanding." Then whose rights are the city protecting? Apparently, its own right to sell Millennium Park postcards, as city official Ed Uhlir explains in the article: "We're going to have postcards in production, and we intend to sell them where postcards are sold [good plan! -ed.] ... If someone's in direct competition, we'll go after them."
So, to sum up: the city wants to make money off of images of the park (which is completely public property), so they're harrassing photographers in the park who look like professionals (i.e., they use a tripod) and scaring them into buying photography permits by saying that only the artists own the copyrights to the sculptures.... but the artists aren't seeing any money from the city from these permits.
Read a scanned copy of the Reader article here: Part 1, Part 2.
I have to say, I know way more people into knitting than I ever thought I would at this age. And while most of them are crafty ladies, apparently dudes are getting into it, too. Way to go Chicago.
When I first moved to Chicago, I lived in Rogers Park. A good three years went by before I moved closer to downtown for work but I look back fondly on the neighborhood. A remarkably diverse and sometimes misunderstood neighborhood, I wished there was better information about it. RogersPark.com fills that need with various community-building events, contests, resources and more. Good stuff.
Crain's Chicago Business reports that in 2004 attendance fell for the fourth year in a row at Chicago's top museums. The Mexican Fine Arts Center experienced the biggest decline, with a 36% drop from 2003.
The NYTimes has an article on how Chicago police have successfully used videos to train officers with how to sensitively deal with people of non-Christian faiths. The sensitivity training has worked so well to strengthen ties between communities and police that other cities have ordered and begun using them.
As a sponsor of the Jacqueline Kennedy exhibition, currently open at the Field Museum, Marshall Field's is presenting its own version of Jackie-goodness at the State Street store. This extra exhibition, opening today and running through April 3, features photography of the Kennedy family during the White House years and a life-sized recreation of Jackie's wedding gown. For more information call 312-781-4699.
The city of Chicago's Greeter Program receives a nice write up in the Seattle Times today, "Touring the Windy City gets personal, thanks to Chicago Greeter program". The author took advantage of the city's two-year-old program, and chose the Greeter's Choice tour for her visit. Meeting with her greeter at the Cultural Center, she was taken on a quick tour of Millennium Park before heading out to Lincoln Park for the afternoon. The program gets a solid review, based on the author's experience. It was adopted from New York City, and right now, we have 180 volunteers in the program. Sound interesting? Head over to the city website to explore how to become a volunteer, visitor and volunteer testimonials, and how to sign up for a tour for out of town friends and family.
The most recent alleycat race from the Tour Da Chicago series that took place this past Sunday garnered the attention of the Tribune. "Rogues Race Under the Radar" looks at a glimpse of one of the stages in the series. I wasn't present for this one (chalk it up to oversleeping) but will be doing so. I suggest cycling enthusiasts to come out, for the camaraderie or for the simple thrill of biking in winter.
The Goethe-Institut Chicago has a virtual tour of the city's center of all things German, Lincoln Square. It's an interesting guide to one of the city's fading ethnic neighborhoods. (There's also a guide to the Christkindlesmarkt in Daley Plaza for those who read German.)
City-dwellers collectively exhaled as Dick Daley indicated that the city would let people stake out their shoveled parking spaces with old chairs. I think this is my favorite quote: "Aldermen breathed a sigh of relief that claim-staking would be allowed to continue." Thank God for our alderpersons, always looking out for our best interests.
I, for one, am happy that the Christmas season has drawn to a close. Call me a Scrooge, I have a lot of problems with the way the holiday is celebrated in our country, not the least of which is that it seems to increase in length each year. In an interesting article, Father Andrew M. Greeley gives his take on the traditionally Christian observance.
If you're still shopping for that perfect new calendar, look no further than the Chicago Fire Department. They've put out a lovely 2005 calendar featuring the best men on the force. Proceeds from this $15 spread go to the Ignite the Spirit Fund, which benefits firemen and their families in times of need. Check out the men featured online, or meet them in person on Thursday.
If you really dig nice cosmetics and bath products, release your inner metrosexual and head over to LUSH, which has opened their first Chicago store in Lincoln Park on Armitage. Lush is the new Body Shop, and I hear their stuff is great.
Nothing to do today? Come celebrate the Art Institute's 200th Ford Free Tuesday! The first 200 visitors will receive complimentary audio guides of the museum's permanent collection and the 200th visitor will receive a tote bag filled with two exhibition catalogs and 20 general admission tickets. A word to the wise: Tuesdays are still free, but they are no longer late, so plan your trip with enough time to be out of the museum, and the Museum Shop, by 4:30pm.
The Cubs have found a new way to recruit young fans before anyone else can get to them. Starting New Year's Day, babies born at Northwestern Memorial, St. Joseph, and Illinois Masonic hospitals will get a Cubs-logo knit newborn hat provided by the club. The team has purchased more than 10,000 hats for the hospitals. The first baby born at each hospital Saturday morning will also receive a gift basket of baby clothes from the team.
If you're looking for something a little different this New Year's, something that probably doesn't involve alcohol but does involve banjos and mimes, have I got the thing for you: Evanston First Night, a celebration of visual and performing arts. They'll have a fireworks and a parade at midnight. (Thanks Pace Bus!)
The Christmas tree exchange for free blue bags previously mentioned on GB has been challenged and changed by a local athiest. The original exchange gave people who recycled their Christams trees a year's worth of free recycling blue bags. Now, anyone who visits one of the 22 tree recycling locations on January 8, and brings a large bag of recyclable material, can receive a year's supply of free blue bags.
The Newberry Library and the Chicago Historical Society join forces to present Outspoken: Chicago's Free Speech Tradition, an exhibiton celebrating Chicago as "a vibrant center for free speech and activism." The exhibition ends January 15th, but you can still catch the last two programs on media consumption and the Industrial Workers of the World. More information is posted in Slowdown on the 12th and the 15th, respectively.
The NY Times tells the story of a Hyde Park couple whose move to New York was plagued by lying real estate brokers, hurricanes, and drained savings accounts in their quest to find the "greenery and neighborhood conviviality of Chicago."
While we Chicagoans enjoy the fresh, clean water of Lake Michigan, our neighbors in Indiana and Wisconsin are unable to tap that huge resource because of laws governing access to the lake. The Northwest Indiana Times has a couple of interesting articles on the issue, focusing on tiny Lowell and St. John.
The creators of the Renegade Craft Fair are expanding their crafting empire and holding a show in New York City, Brooklyn to be exact. They'll be setting up on June 25th and 26th which means you've got plenty of time to get your crafty self together so you're prepared for when they start taking applications.
Wow! There are places to shop outside of Michigan Ave.! Metromix offers a helpful little guide to navigating some of those neighborhood shops. And, because holiday shopping begets holiday drinking, recommendations on where to get frosty beverages follow each store description.
You know that "Great Chicago Fire Sale" city memorabilia auction that was supposed to start today? There's no sign of it on eBay. Reader Natasha contacted eBay and got this reply: "It should be on the eBay site but we have not been given any information on the user ID or the item numbers yet. So you may want to keep checking that site and contact the email address on that page or the phone number to when exactly they will post the items for sale on eBay." Her calls to the Fire Sale coordinator got a busy signal.
UPDATE: Natasha writes: "I just checked my mailbox again and got this reply from Joan Greene, the [Fire Sale] Director:"
IT STARTS TOMORROW EVENING ABOUT 5:00 CST.
THANKS, I 'M BURNING THE MIDNIGHT OIL TO GET IT GOING. ...
THE BEST WAY TO GET TO THE AUCTION WILL BE TO GO TO OUR WEBSITE
WWW.THEGREATCHICAGOFIRESALE.ORG
THAT WILL TAKE YOU DIRECTLY TO EBAY -- THE SITE WILL BE TOTALLY DIFFERENT TOMORROW BY 5:00
THANKS. GOOD LUCK
UPDATE: The auction has launched.
The Project for Public Spaces has made a list of the 20 best districts, downtowns and neighborhoods in North America, and Lake Street between Harlem and Forest Avenues in Oak Park is number 13. (Thanks, Brenda)
Every year for 80 years, the Tribune ran "Injun Summer," a short story by John T. McCutcheon, about the last bit of warm weather in Fall (which we seem to be experiencing right now). In 1992, the story was retired, deemed offensive to Native Americans, but it lives on, of course, online.
If you've been thinking about getting a cat or dog, this is the time: The Department of Animal Care and Control is inundated with pets eligable for adoption, and will soon be forced to euthenize. The DACC is located at 2741 S. Western and is open from noon to 7pm every day. Every pet is spayed or neutered for free.
Open-Loop is an ongoing project aimed at mapping all 300-plus videocameras that monitor our every move in the Loop. And not just city-installed cameras, either -- the vast majority of unblinking eyes are in private hands, and they're on the map, too.
In related news, the City is considering using its traffic cameras at intersections to catch speeders in addition to light-runners. More than 67,000 tickets have been issued for running red lights in less than a year, which bodes well for city coffers if speed monitoring is added.
The Daily Herald this week has been running a special feature on Chicagoland's Polish community. "The Path from Polska: Stories of Suburban Immigrants" examines different aspects of life for the 900,000 Poles who live in the city and collar counties -- still "the second largest Polish city after Warsaw," according to the Polish American Association. The series finishes Friday.
Something you've probably heard of, but worth repeating: if you wanna see some cheap (or discounted at least) theater, go to Hot Tix. I saw some tickets for 2nd City for $6.50 this morning. (Oh, and if you're really a night owl, remember the last set at Second City is free. So if you're around at 12:30 on a weekend in Old Town, stop in and see the Second City.)
Last month, to celebrate the publication of the Encyclopedia of Chicago, a Chicago trivia contest, hosted by NPR's Peter Sagal, took place at the Harold Washington Library. Sadly, the winner of the contest was not a Chicago native. Instead, the grand prize went to New Jersey native, and University of Chicago undergraduate, Evan Druce. Read more in the U. of C. Chronicle.
Gapers Block and Chicago NOW are inviting you to the movies. Well, one movie. Vera Drake will be showing for free at Webster Place tonight (Wednesday) at 7pm. Download this PDF invite and bring it and a friend to the theater. Only the first 100 people get in free, so get there early. If you feel like it, Chicago NOW will be more than happy to take the $8.50 that you'd normally have spent.
Movie summary: Vera Drake is a selfless woman who is completely devoted to, and loved by, her working class family. She spends her days doting on them and caring for her sick neighbor and elderly mother. However, she also secretly visits women and helps them induce miscarriages for unwanted pregnancies. While the practice itself was illegal in 1950s England, Vera sees herself as simply helping women in need, and always does so with a smile and kind words of encouragement. When the authorities finally find her out, Vera's world and family life rapidly unravel.
Word is the new exhibit at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Animal Grossology, isn't quite as gross as the human-centered "Grossology" exhibit from a few years ago. But visitors can still get hands-on with fake animal "barf" and "dookie," giant ticks sucking blood from a giant human arm, vials of animal smells like skunk scent, musk deer scent and fox urine, a 60-foot tapeworm, and a ton of interactive games designed to teach kids about biology. Exhibit runs through the end of the year.
After living on the edge of the Humboldt Park neighborhood for three years, Mexican Coke became a staple in life. Occassionaly, we would walk a couple doors down to the carniceria to pick up a few bottles of Coke. Now, this cultural phenomenon seems to be gaining notice. Head down to Pilsen, and the Mexican Coke outsells American cans at least five to one. Shipments arrive twice a month, trucked up right from the bottling plants in Mexico. Some say the use of cane sugar makes it taste sweeter, others just like the old school bottles. Bottles are used over and over again in Mexico, leading to the used look and feel. Unfortunately, after arriving in the US, these bottles don't get back to Mexico for reuse. But, if you can, please recycle.
"Hey, hey." So, you think you know your Chicago slang? Check out this unique Chicago vocabulary list and find out. So the next time your friend tells you that his car got booted outside of the Riv so he took the El to the Weiner Circle to get a chardog and some pop before heading to the Friendly Confines, you can smile and nod your head knowingly.
Next time you're forced to take visiting friends and family on a tour of the city, consider the Heartland Institute's Free Market Walking Tour of Chicago's Loop. Then, just to mess with them, take'm on a tour of Illinois Labor history sites. You may never be asked to play tourguide again.
Want to scare the living crap out of some kids this Halloween? Volunteer for the Chicago Park District's Trail of Terror. This event is held at North Park Village at Pulaski and Peterson. Volunteers over 16 are needed to act out roles and staff booths at the fest, held Oct. 22-24 and Oct. 28-30 from 6:30pm to 9 pm. Call the North Region Office at 773-/262-8658 to volunteer!
Who wants a little Polish in them? (wink, wink!) This month, celebrate your Polish blood at events around Chicago celebrating Polish American Heritage Month. The Chicago Public Library has scheduled a bevy of events from Polish folk dancing, readings, lectures, and more. Learn more!
Social networking site Tribe.net has decided to take on Craig's List on its home turf. The site slices up cities in a similar fashion to CL -- it even has a bare-bones, blue-links-on-gray design. Take a spin around Chicago's Tribe and see what you think.
Have you ever felt the need to escape your day-to-day life for just a couple of hours? Luckily, Megan Williamson provides us with such an escape. An artist trained in the beauty of the Umbrian contryside, now Megan paints some of Wicker Park's urban gardens for a living. The journey wasn't always pretty, after her husband suffered an accident requiring spinal cord surgery, but Megan continued doing what she does best, painting landscapes. See her current exhibit at the Thomas Masters Gallery, 245 W. North Ave, extended through today.
Here's an interesting bit of trivia for you: The Hindustan Times reports that 20 percent of Chicago's cabbies are from South Asia. "I'd say the biggest group in Chicago is Pakistani," said John Mohberg, president of the Checker Taxi Association that has 1,200 cabs and 3,000 drivers. "Though right after 9/11 there was some apprehension among drivers, I've seen no long-term effect."
...and their results are tallied up in the annual "Best of Chicago" list in this week's Newcity. For best local blog, the Newcity editors picked Claire Zulkey's site, while the audience choice was ..... Gapers Block! Thanks to all who voted for us. You can receive our gratitude in person at tomorrow night's GB get-together at Danny's.
Who knew there was so much Chicago history wrapped up in beer? ChicagolandBeerHistory.com provides a surprising amount of historical info for the area's many breweries, past and present. The period around prohibition is especially colorful, ranging from "beer wars" beetween rival gangs and a riot over beer.
Twenty-six, according to a recent survey by language-services company CyraCom International. The study showed that, in addition to English, Chicago area hospitals used 26 languages for over-the-phone interpretation in the first half of 2004. According to the study, the top five languages used were Spanish, Polish, Arabic, Cantonese and Russian.
Chicago is number 58 on the list of most literate US cities, which drops us in between New York (49) and LA (68), and way behind Minneapolis and Seattle, numbers one and two, respectively. Good thing we've got that One Book Once Chicago program, huh?
This weekend saw the dedication of one of the largest Hindu temples in the country, in suburban Bartlett. The $15 million building was dedicated by His Divine Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, head of the BAPS Swaminarayan Santhsa sect that built the temple, which was called the "eighth wonder of the world" by many visitors.
The Cubs, along with aldermen Tunney, Shiller, Schulter and Matlak, are holding a community meeting tonight for midseason review of the Wrigleyville Neighborhood Protection Plan agreed to by the Cubs in exchange for an increase in night games. Residents with questions about traffic management, litter, or other such considerations might want to attend. Questions like "Don't you think Nomar is too little, too late?" probably should be reserved for another forum.
The city's top three hotels -- the Four Seasons, the Peninsula and the Ritz Carlton, according to Zagat -- are assessed in North Shore Magazine. Verdict? Read for yourself.
The Tribune asks: how well do you know the Loop? Take their quiz, then browse the comments from readers about the places they miss and what they love/hate about downtown. It's part of this week's ongoing special report on the Loop; yesterday was history, today is "curiosities" -- check back each day through Friday for another facet of the city's center.
Are you sick of hearing about Millennium Park yet? I know, me too! Seriously, it's terrific that it's there and it's open, nothing but civic pride here, but can we stop talking about it now? Until we can all agree on that, you might as well take a look at the New York Times' take, which includes a nice slideshow with quotes from the designers.
New City Chicago takes a look at the best and worst of Millennium Park. Among the best? The bean, the bike station. The worst? The price and the name.
Wondering if your neighborhood beach will be open for swimming today? Check out the Swim Report, provided by the Chicago Park District. It gives you the daily conditions at North Avenue Beach and information on any swim bans that may be in effect. You can also scope out the amenities at other nearby beaches along Lake Michigan.
This Friday kicks off the opening (finally) of Millennium Park with performances by the Redmoon Theater, Grant Park Orchestra, and way too many acts to list. Also, morning tai chi and yoga. But those who have been attending the total get-down that is Summerdance with DJs on Wednesdays should be at the Promenade Stage Friday night at 10:30, when Derrick Carter takes the stage with Steve "Silk" Hurley to drop house jams for the city that birthed the genre.
Architecture, art and design magazine behemoth Metropolis has an excellent article titled, "Mayor Daley's Green Crusade". The article starts off with his bulldozing of Meigs Field and delves deeper into what Da Mare has in plan for our fair city — “My belief is that environmental initiatives should not just be out on the West Coast, in Alaska, or by the ocean, but in cities. If we don’t do this, the expansion will be overwhelming: more cars, more concrete, more pollution in the air and water. They won’t have any environment left out there, and no one will want to live here either.”
In the 1950s, the federal government moved thousands of Native Americans off reservations and into urban areas; Chicago is still home to more than 30,000 "urban Indians." WTTW has some background on the urban Indian project, and you can learn more by visiting the American Indian Center of Chicago at 1630 W. Wilson Ave.
The long-awaited grand opening of the Regenstein Center for African Apes (RCAA) at Lincoln Park Zoo takes place today at noon. Chicago welcomes back two gorilla groups and two chimpanzee groups, including a new baby gorilla "Azizi" who was born while they were away. The new habitat, built at a cost of $26M and covering 29,000 square feet, is a vast improvement over the previous Great Apes building at LPZ. It provides outdoor space for the animals as well as improved indoor exhibits, including hidden "devices" for cognitive enrichment that also allow the apes to interact with visitors. Lincoln Park Zoo is free and open to the public 365 days a year.
The debris from the Pride Parade may have been cleaned up, but that doesn't mean the party stopped. Tonight marks the beginning of festivities for the Windy City Black GLBT Pride Week. It kicks off with a free party at Zentra tonight at 10pm, and doesn't stop till the Red White and Blue Party on Monday. Check the site for more details. And you thought Pride Week was just seven days long.
If you haven't seen the signs when travelling on one of the city's fine expressways or highways, then you should know that if you hit and kill a road worker, you're likely to face 14 years in prison for reckless homicide. It has happened for the second time (a hit-and-run) in less than a week on the Dan Ryan. It's not just a coincidence either. Slow down around those construction areas.
We're doing better it seems. Last year we had the dubious honor of being the nation's leading city of murder, but it seems we may be a little less prone to be harmful to our fellow citizens this year.
Next time someone complains about how expensive Chicago is, throw this factoid at them: we're not even in the top 25 worldwide. According to Mercer Human Resource Consulting's annual cost-of-living survey, we rank 35th... although we're be third in the U.S. behind New York and LA. Still, it puts things in perspective.
The Chicago Tribune writes about Chicago area residents who are creating active online communities to connect people in their suburbs and neighborhoods. For example, check out this MSN email group for the Logan Square neighborhood.
606 Magazine profiles the Needle House, 3259 S. Union St. in Bridgeport. Formerly a "cop hangout bar," then a drug lair, its current occupants have transformed it into a punk concert venue, skate ramp and home to the band Raise the Red Lantern.
By the way, 606 is looking for photographers, designers/illustrators and writers to contribute to the mag; they're holding an open house over at 1259 N. Milwaukee Ave., Apt. 2, from 3pm to 9pm today. Stop in and show'em what you got.
This weekend is the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer which is an event where fundraisers will walk between a 26.2 and 40 miles in the Chicago area over two days to raise awareness for Breast Cancer research. The Avon Foundation sponsors walks in six cities across the country and had donated more than $300 million to breast cancer research and care organizations to date. Each of this weekend's more than 1,300 participants raised at least $1,800 per person in order to walk. If you want to cheer them on, here are some "cheering sections" you can head out to. You might even see me walking with them. (I'll be the one in pink.)
If you see a group of men in black leather and assless chaps this weekend whilst strolling the Boule Mich, don't be alarmed: it's just folks in for the 26th annual International Mr. Leather contest and convention, held every Memorial Day Weekend in our fair city. (Sorry ladies, it's just for men: IML's sister contest , IMsL, is unfortunately held in Omaha.)
Ah, the old pop vs. soda debate. Wanna see how it breaks down across the nation? Here's how Illinois looks. [ via the Big C ]
Please, please, write a caption for this photo of Mayor Daley. It seems like he's scratching himself under the podium, but maybe that's just me.
As the latest class of Columbia students prepares to graduate, the college will be promoting their work during Thursday's all-day Manifest festival. There'll essentially be four festivals running in tandem -- art, music, performance and readings -- all spread out along the South Loop Arts Corridor, with free trolleys running between the five major locations. Among the myriad styles of art on display: photography, puppetry, pop, painting, product design, poetry, papermaking ... and dozens of others. All events are free and open to the public.
Metromix has published a Neighborhood Guide. It's not bad at all and highlights some areas that are changing in recent years and becoming less the secret place you tell only your friends about including Beverly, Portage Park, Bridgeport and the rapidly changing Uptown.
If you find yourself gazing out at the night sky, take it one step further and meet up with some local amateur astronomers. The Skokie Valley Astronomers are up north, the Northwest Suburban Astronomers are northwest, and of course, there's always the Adler Planetarium. In addition, a more city-focused (can you really see much beyond the orange haze?) group is forming to track eclipses, planetary conjunctions, and comets; for more information, email chicagoastronomer@email.com.
Money Magazine recently rated the best American cities and small towns to live in, and Naperville came out on top in the "Central" region for cities with populations over 100,000. In the small town category, Libertyville, Fremont, Bartlett, Ela (Township, a.k.a. Lake Zurich) and Buffalo Grove made the list. Woohoo! Go suburbs! (Thanks, Brenda.)
Metromix is soliciting suggestions of "bizarre people and places in Chicago." Give'em a hand and nominate someone/thing.
My girlfriend and I discovered a charming little neighborhood on the far Northwest Side this week, Edison Park. Their Chamber of Commerce has a really fascinating and well written page about the history of Edison Park, including why all the streets are alphabetized in the West Side and what role Thomas Edison had in naming the community. There's plenty of good, cheap places to eat and it even boasts a little coffeeshop: Edison Perk.
Robert Feder reports that Will Clinger, host of Channel 11's "Wild Chicago," has resigned from the show to pursue a theatrical career. This may mean the final days of the once popular show; Channel 11 has failed to secure underwriting support for the show, and it's been in reruns for the past two years anyway.
You may have noticed that the four stars in our logo are now "proper Chicago stars," which is to say they're six-pointed. T E Whalen over at introvert.net noticed how many different interpretations of the star there are and decided to demonstrate how to make one just like the actual flag.
Good news for Wi-Fi users: Chicago ranks 11th nationally in wireless Web accessibility. We're behind cities like San Francisco, Austin, and Portland, but ahead of Los Angeles and New York City. Last year, Chicago ranked 18th, but the number of Wi-Fi hotspots has grown dramatically in the last year, from 3,700 to 9,800.
For Assyrians all over the world, April 1 is not a day for fools, but rather: The New Year!! You may think it's 2004 -- but you'd be wrong. It's 6754! April 1st is Kha B'Nissan (literally "First of April") and we celebrate with a parade and a party. So if you see a lovable Assyrian with an Assyrian flag hanging off their rearview mirror as you make your way home from work, roll down your window and let them know: Happy Kha B'Nissan!
Chicago ranks ninth on the list of cities with the best manners, CNN reports. The list, compiled for the last 27 years by a Kewanee, IL-based etiquette book author, puts Springfield, Peoria and the Quad Cities tied for second behind Charleston. (Maybe Illinois had home field advantage?)
Looking to raise a family? Move to Naperville. The Tribune reports that the western suburb was named the US city with the highest percentage of married, two-parent households by the Census Bureau. This may have something to do with the economics of the area; the median salary of Naperville residents is over $88,000, and the cost of living is high, preventing many single parents from living there.
Looking for a good resource for Chicago's burgeoning bulesque scene? Look no further: Ray's Guide to Chicago Area Burlesque has you covered -- or uncovered, as the case may be.
The Untitled Project is a series of Chicago photographs that have had all visible words stripped away in order to "explore the nature of communication in the urban landscape as a combination of visual and literal signifiers." Plus, they look neat. (Via Kottke.)
We do St. Patrick's Day so well here, San Jose Mercury News and the New York Times both covered it. Are they jealous?
Happy Pulaski Day!
The ever dreamy Kyan Douglas of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy is going to descend on Loyola University on March 14th. Tickets are only $5 so you better get them quick. Trim your nose hair, exfoliate, apply styling gel, and maybe he'll notice you. If you're a Loyola student, you get in free. But you'll still need a ticket.
You've got to see this photo. It was taken over the weekend by a resident in Unkrainian Village from his porch. Note that the car received two tickets.
Mayor Daley went on the record yesterday in favor of legalizing gay marriage. Before you get visions of Chicago following San Francisco's lead, he also said the city has no legal authority to present marriage licenses to same-sex couples. (That doesn't mean you can't affirm your relationship with a domestic partnership certificate from the Cook County Clerk.)
Inspired by the recent exodus of candy manufacturers from the city, Newcity reporter Ray Pride seeks out the remaining scents of Chicago.
As a follow-up to his quiz last week, Eric Zorn has a new "Are you a Real Chicagoan?" quiz up, this time asking questions from the '80s and '90s so you don't have to be 50+ to score well.
Mexico's consulate in Chicago gets a new larger building which will hopefully become a focal point for the city's Mexican population. And in other international consulate news, the Belgian consulate is leaving after 150 years in the city. Belgium just can't afford to maintain a presence here, when they also have EU expansion to contend with.
Eric Zorn wants to know: Are you a Real Chicagoan? (Don't worry if you don't score as well as you hoped. Zorn's lived here 24 years and still doesn't know all the answers.)
Most people associate Mardi Gras with New Orleans, or perhaps Brazil, home of the largest Carnival in the world. Possibly last on the list would be the Germans, but the Karnevalsgesellschaft Rheinische Verein, otherwise known as the Mardi Gras Society of Chicago, has been celebrating the day before Lent with style since 1890. (They also celebrate Mayfest and Oktoberfest.)
"For generations of kids who grew up in the suburbs, the Magikist lips were the sign that you'd reached Chicago." The last pair of huge neon lips (did you know there were originally three?), part of an ad campaign for a carpet cleaning company, came down from their perch above the Kennedy at Montrose this weekend. Eric Zorn laments the loss. [Trib login: gapers/gapers]
Having trouble keeping track of what Chicago museums are free on which days? Here's a good resource, which includes an astouding list of museums that are free every day. Take your next date to The Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows at Navy Pier. Scope out the Spertus Museum of Judaica. So many choices, there are no more excuses for not going.
Chicagoans date longer and wed later than they used to, a UofC sociology study reports. We're also more suspicious of our partner's fidelity. And, not surprisingly, we tend to be insular in terms of where we find our mate(s): People who live in Lincoln Park are more likely to date someone who also lives in Lincoln Park -- as opposed to, say, Hyde Park.
New City reports that in the current issue of URB magazine "listed Smart Bar in a tie as the best club in America, Vision in a tie as the best mega-club in America, and drum 'n' bass guys Bass By the Pound as the best club promoter in America as well as tied for the best party promoter."
The Chicago Tribune takes a look at how Chicago's major cultural institutions are expected to fare in 2004 in a still uncertain local economy and a changing national climate for cultural funding. [Trib login: gapers/gapers]
BBC News Online profiles the state of Illinois. Once the leader in the meatpacking industry, now we boast the largest service and white-collar sector in the interior of the US. We are home to the world's second biggest airport and a university that employs more Nobel laureates than any other in the world. Interestingly, "in 2000 Illinois voted for the losing presidential candidate for only the second time in 80 years. Still, the record isn't bad: in the last 46 presidential elections, Illinois has picked the winner 39 times." Maybe next year we'll get back on track!
Recording artist Paulinho Garcia came to Chicago "to stay for one or two years and play jazz." This was 24 years ago; now Paulinho tours the world representing both his home country, Brazil, and his adopted home, Chicago. Read about the many Brazilian attributes our city has to offer, from music, dancing, and food, just to name a few.
The Windy City came out pretty well in Condé Nast Traveler's 2003 Readers' Choice Awards, in the November issue of the magazine. Chicago was the fourth best US destination, behind San Francisco, New York and Charleston SC, and was the fourth best city for restaurants. And three Chicago hotels are in the top 10 for North America (#3 The Peninsula, #7 Four Seasons, #10 Ritz-Carlton). Go us!
...And you thought we were just on public access. The Assyrians are one of the oldest immigrant groups in Chicago, settling here in mass numbers beginning in the 20s. AINA.org provides this report on Assyrians in Chicago. Although there are no definitive demographic reports, the most reliable estimate is roughly 60,000 Assyrians currently live in Chicago (generally in West Rogers Park), with an additional 25,000 or so in the north/northwest suburbs. You may have seen our beautiful church at 7201 North Ashland, and our smaller yet still lovely Church at 1421 W. Lawrence. We enjoy tomato-based stews and more discerning bigots.
A recent survey comparing office workers in Chicago, New York and Washington, D.C., found that "respondents in all three cities rate Chicago office workers as most friendly." Chicago tied with NYC as the most hardworking town and an unbelievable six out of ten Chicagoans claimed "they would rather have practical office furniture than a day off." Read the rest of the results here.
The Boston Globe has a weekend planner feature on discovering Chicago, specifically, those areas that are not on the beaten tourist paths. The article discusses the bounty of culture, shopping, entertainment and restaurants found along Devon Avenue, as well as the largest Mexican-American community in the city, Pilsen. Nice to see a travel feature step outside the usual spots in our fair city.
Wikitravel is trying to do for travel guides what the Wikipedia did for the rest of human knowledge - create an open-source, user-edited global travel guide under a friendly Creative Commons license. But alas alack their entry on Chicago is sort of Pure Suck (I just added something mentioning such obscure sites as 'Second City' and 'The Field Museum'). So go on over and give 'em some help - you'll be furthering the city's good name, giving googlejuice to your favorite spots, and increasing the total amount of public information in the universe. What's not to like?
The American Indian Center is having its 50th anniversary pow-wow this weekend at the UIC Pavillion tonight through Sunday. The event will feature Native American arts and crafts and lots of music and dancing. Tickets are $10 or $18 for a weekend pass. Here's the poster.
You wouldn't know it if you've been outside today, but those pesky East Coast Bostonians claim Boston, not Chicago, is the windiest city in America. Much of New England's wind comes from the west. But the region is subject to many complicated weather patterns that give Boston an annual wind speed of 12.4 miles per hour, higher than any other major American city. Chicago, in fact, barely makes the top 10. Sure didn't seem like it this morning, though.
Nothing is better at making you feel stupid than playing chess against smarter people. Interested in the self-abuse? Contact the APCT--American Postal Chess Tournaments--headquartered in Western Springs, Illinios. They'll set you up, and the check-mating can begin!
So if you were asked to spend three days and $1500 in Chicago, what would you do? The New York Times travel section answers such pressing questions.
You think you're so smart, don't you? Where's your Mensa membership card, huh smarty? You figure out all their little puzzles? Huh? Huh? Smarty?
The Oriental Institute Museum at University of Chicago recently reopened the Edgar and Deborah Jannotta Mesopotamian Gallery after a seven-year renovation. Here are some highlights from the collection.
Not old enough to get into the bars? Don't have a fake ID? New City has a list of 21 suggestions of things to do when you're under 21.
According to local ghost hunter Richard Crowe, 22nd Place at Wentworth in Chinatown is the most haunted street in the city. The Triple Crown Restaurant has a friendly ghost that helps out in the kitchen from time to time, and watch out for the little Chinese woman who talks to you and then vanishes.
"Mexican food is different in Dallas," I said over dinner when visiting this weekend. "Come for the real thing, eh?" asked the waiter snarkily. I'm not sure what counts as 'real' ethnic food, but one thing's for sure: Chicago is home to 300,000 more Latinos than Dallas. Next time I want a big glass of horchata, I'm going down to Cermak and Damen to visit my aunt.
The Sun-Times has an article about what's popular this year for Halloween costumes. I mean come on, Saddam? Soooo last year. Surprisingly, it doesn't mention the one costume that all my friends seem to want to go as this year. All you need is a pair of glasses, a green turtleneck and a Cubs baseball cap. Oh you know who!
The remains of 150 Haida Nation members from the Queen Charlotte Islands in northern British Columbia will be returned to their ancestral home this week for re-burial. The Field Museum is returning the remains to a delegation of Haida as part of a voluntary repatriation effort. A ceremony is being held this Friday, October 17 at the museum from 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. to mark the event. Read more about it at the museum website and in a report from CBC British Columbia.
Everyone has their kinks. The members of CRAM are into being tied up or wrapped up like a mummy. Their site, while definitely not safe for work, is filled with useful information about this fetish -- and you might find some useful knot-tying techniques, too. (Part of the BDSM Chicago supersite.)
Chicago Point is your "prime source for backgammon information," as well as backgammon fiction, art, computer wallpaper with pretty girls (and dice) on it...
The North Lakeside Cultural Center, 6219 N. Sheridan at Granville, is hosting the "Lakeside Mansion of Doom: Hell's Gallery," a haunted house designed by local artists. It's open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays starting tonight, and becomes daily from the 24th through the 31st.
The Daily Northwestern takes a look at the past, present and future of Howard Street, and the El stop that bears the same name. While some see the improvements to the area as a sign for safer streets, others feel too many local residents will no longer afford to live in this area. Did you know this is the busiest CTA hub in the city?
In this week's issue of Newcity: the annual "Best of Chicago" section, where you can find the winners in such categories as best apple martini, best "corked bat" T-shirt (oh yeah, remember that?), and best photo booth.
Be a tourist in your own city. There's a ton of walking tours available in Chicago. Slip into some comfortable shoes and learn arcane facts about the city. The Chicago Historical Society offers neighborhood tours on Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. and Mondays at 1:00 p.m. for $10. The Chicago Architecture Foundation conducts walking and bus tours on the weekends and most walking tours cost between $5-15.
What's a whirling dervish you say? As part of a Turkish-American festival being held in downtown Chicago this week, you can find out tonight at the Chicago Theater. The Sufi Nightwebsite has all of the details.
ChronWatch, a media watchdog normally focused on the San Francisco Chronicle, is publishing a series on segregation in Chicago by UofC divinity student Robert Klein Engler. Read the first three installments here: 1, 2, 3.
Read a take on Chicago by a brit, who came looking for gangsters and found out something else about our city, "New York is obsessed with being New York and LA is obsessed with - well, what isn't it obsessed with - but Chicago is America." Is Chicago really a picture of America?
Chicago Hoodz offers a list of city gangs, past and present, along with a gallery of gang art and "compliment cards," which were passed out by gang members in the '70s and '80s. Interesting stuff. (Many more links in the MetaFilter thread, where it was posted by local blogger macadamiaranch)
Ever wonder what the initials on the garage doors in your alley meant? Here's a list of gangs in Chicagoland and their symbols. Beware: it's based on a 1996 police handout. More up-to-date info is available at gangresearch.net.
The Integritas Institute of the John Paul II Newman Center at UIC is hosting the First Annual Chicago Business Ethics Conference (pdf). They've got some seriously big names coming too - the CEO of ABN-AMRO (aka LaSalle Bank), Coleen Rowley (the agent who broke open shoddy work at the FBI after Sept 11), and a Pritzker. The whole thing is Sept 22, and is only $75, which includes lunch and parking.
Nothing says summer to me quite like a pierogi eating contest. Ok, maybe not, but the annual "Taste of Polonia" (pdf) festival is happening this weekend in Jefferson Park. Some big names in the local polka scene are going to be there: Eddie Blazoncyzk's Versatones, Stas Golonka and the Chicago Masters, among others. Throw in an Elvis impersonator, a ZZ Top tribute band, and lots of beer, and I'd dare say you can't go wrong with this festival. Lawrence and Milwaukee on Sat., Sun., and Monday.
Call it a sign of the economic times: Bank One has instituted a dress code. The new uniforms -- black pants and shoes, blue top -- are worn by all 18,000 branch employees, from teller to manager.
Forbes has ranked Chicago as the eighth most overpriced city in the US. "These are the places where the cost of living is expensive, and job and salary growth is grim." Ouch.
The Gerber/Hart Library in Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood is the largest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender circulating library in the Midwest. Founded in 1981, the library now holds over 14,000 volumes, 800 periodical titles, and 100 archival collections focusing on LBGT subjects. Their website also includes a great collection of links to other LBG libraries, archives and organizations. In order to borrow items, you must be a member. Contact the library for more information.
The newly reformed Chicago Association for the Practice of Anthropology holds its first meeting tomorrow at the DePaul University from 7-9 pm in Levan Hall, room 306 (2320 Kenmore). Nahlyee Van Brunt of the Urban Anthropology Project will be on hand to discuss his foundation, which provides cameras to children in the Cabrini Green housing projects and several other communities around the world so they can document "the emotional fabric of their lives--what they liked, what they hated, what they feared in their surroundings everyday."
Have you ever said to your self, "there just aren't enough gay men in this city who like to get together and be naked"? Well, the Chicago Area Naturist Sons and the Windy City Gay Naturists are willing to show you how wrong that assumption is.
Fray Day 7 is set for October 5 at the Noble Fool Theater. Check the Fray site if you're an interested party.
If you're all about the American Gothic in the Goth sense, then you should take a look at the well-done site, GothicChicago.com. The site is a portal for the Goth community for Chicago featuring events listings, photos, Goth-friendly clubs and more. You can buy some nifty gear at their sister site, SpookyInc and if you're bored of all those bland Hallmark e-cards, send your loved ones a GothCard instead.
As part of their recent series on the suburbs, the Trib [login: gapers/gapers] has republished Unauthorized Chicago. The article first appeared last August, and does an Ok job of running through aspects of the city that tourists might miss out on. Because it's a compilation by several writers there are a few contradictions within, particularly on the subject of whether one should try elotes: the mayonnaise, cheese, lime, and cayenne pepper-slathered corn sold by street vendors.
I thought he was already dead a few years ago -- sorry -- but I am sure you have heard that Bob Hope passed away Sunday. Thanks for the memories, etc., etc., etc. Read about his connection to Chicago.
I've always liked going to the movies alone. No arguing about what to see, where to sit, or frustration if you don't like the movie someone else picked. Am I alone in this trend: no, I am apparently a quirkyalone. It appears that the quirkyalone predates the metrosexual. Take the quiz to see if you qualify, and then go to the movies by yourself to celebrate.
This is just odd: The longnose dace is apparently the official fish of Chicago. We voted on this?
The sister city phenomenon is fascinating, and Chicago has 22 of them. Toronto, Osaka, Warsaw, Paris, Mexico City - it's not surprising the city of big shoulders is thusly connected. But Accra? Karachi? And thanks to the sister city phenomenon, Chicagoans are organizing lesbian sports clubs in Widerhoek, Namibia. Rock on Chicago Sister Cities!
Hyde Park has been seeing some changes lately. The implementation of the Woodlawn TIF means more money for development. A mixed blessing, since one result is that they knocked down all the chess tables and built a Borders that will open next week. Some Hyde Parkers are more than a little worried this will disrupt the fragile book ecosystem that keeps excellent stores like the Seminary Coop, Powell's, and O'Gara and Wilsons in business. This irks me so badly I need ointment.
Right now, at both the Botanic Garden and the Garfield Park Conservatory, there are 90 sculptures from the Chapungu Sculpture Park in Zimbabwe, Africa, on display. Chapungu: Custom and Legend, a Culture in Stone runs through October 31, but the best time to see it would be now, when the parks are in full bloom and the weather isn't too hot.
Would you like every day to be free day at the museum? You've got it, if you've got a library card: Chicago Public Library branches offer museum passes good for one week from check-out. Major museums are covered, and it's a cheap way to experience some of the coolest stuff in town.
According to the Tribune, hookahs are the next big thing; the communal water pipes intended for tobacco use are appearing all over town. The Trib raises several issues, including if they are being used to entice college students to smoke, and whether they are covering up smoke from other herbs. I can't help but wonder with all the other stuff going on in the world, why I should care. [Trib. login: gapers/gapers]
Llamada!
That means "parade" to the rest of us English speakers. This is the week (June 17-22) when Puertorriqueños celebrate their Puerto Rican pride. But, its more than just a parade (which happens Saturday at noon on Balbo between Columbus and Monroe), there are musicians, a free-standing art gallery, flag vendors, and there has to be food. Mmm...plantanos! So, head over to Humboldt Park and check it out.
To me this is a good thing: Chicago is the 25th costliest city in the world to live in [Trib. login: gapers/gapers]. Tokyo tops it at No. 1, and no other US city aside from New York at No. 10 is in the top ten. LA is the next biggest at No. 22, with us in third, coinciding with the sizes and ranks of the three biggest cities in the US.
Are you a pagan? Wondering how to raise your child in a true pagan environment? Chicago Pagan Parents is for you! Although their site hasn't been updated in awhile, the group is still very active, as the YahooGroup can attest. You might also be interested in Witch School, which is now accepting donations to buy a building in Hoopeston, IL, to serve as a campus.
The American Sentimentalist takes a long, loving look at a job that has faded away in most neighborhoods, but not his: the Knife Sharpening Man.
The Checkerboard Lounge has closed its doors, after several attempts to find new ownership or relocate to Alderman Dorothy "The Hat" Tillman's (3rd) proposed Blues District a few blocks south. The Checkerboard, at 423 E. 43rd Street, has been the center of Chicago's Bronzeville blues scene since the 1930s. Among the superstars who paid for the chance to play at the Checkerboard were Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Eric Clapton -- now, due to the stubborn refusal of the owner to sell the building to the manager, it will close its doors. Hopefully, if Ms Tillman's controversial "Blues District" ever leaves the ground, the Checkerboard can be resurrected. Don't count on it, though--Ms Tillman's record in development has been abysmal.
The University of Chicago Joseph Regenstein Library has an interesting collection of maps, especially pertaining to the 1990 and 2000 census data for Chicago.
Did you know Chicago has the largest Polish voting block outside Poland? The Wall Street Journal's front page feature discusses the implications of the Chicago vote in Poland's referendum on joining the EU. Anyone with a Polish passport can vote, provided they register by tomorrow. It's anticipated that between 4,000 and 10,000 votes will be cast here when polls open on June 6&7 -- the Sun-Times has a list of polling places in its article.
According to Forbes Magazine, who is obviously the authority on such things, Chicago was the #1 city for singles last year. Hurry up and vote in this year's poll - the voting ends today.
I don't think I will ever understand why the KKK exist, but apparently they have another one of their rallies scheduled for May 31 in Berwyn. Their rally is themed the "Shock & Awe White Pride Rally" whose goal is to remind people in Berwyn whose residents have become decidely "more ethnically mixed in recent years" that it's cool to be white and proud. 25 to 30 Klan members will be there. Sounds like Marilyn Manson's latest tour.
HotHouse is unquestionably the best place to hear and dance to Latin music, swing, and pretty much anything else. Or they were, until they were shut down on 9 May for violating their liquor license. They've tentatively opened for 'theatrical events' (but not dance). This Friday they'll be having a benefit concert that looks to be awesome. But I've been getting email from them even though I opted out of their mailing list. Should they be spamming people, even for a good cause?
Apparently, we're becoming more efficient with our violence: First Quarter 2003 crime statistics for Chicago are out, and although violent crimes are down, homicides are up.
Chicago's brainy but hip Digital Genres Conference (disclaimer: I'm the conference organizer) got mad press over the weekend, including nods from Die Puny Humans and Boing-Boing. If Warren Ellis and Cory Doctorow think it's a good idea, surely you could stop by...
In 1935, the Outlaws Motorcycle Club was formed in McCook, Illinois. It's now one of the oldest motorcycle clubs in the country, with chapters all over the world. Learn about the club's history and see a progression of its logo design here.
Illinois State Rep. David Miller and State Sen. James Meeks, both of suburban Calumet City, have sponsored a bill in Springfield that would effectively outlaw tongue splitting as a body modification. The bill passed the House unanimously in March, and now awaits a Senate vote. The AP story also quotes piercer Scott Jania of Progressive Piercing at Clark & Belmont, who says he refuses to perform the procedure: "My career is far too important to risk it." (Aside: Rep. Miller's official site notes that his "issues agenda is three-pronged." Write your own punchline.)
Asshat handshakes popularized in the 1980s are making a comeback, according to several people I spoke with over the weekend at parties and in bars in Lake View and Wrigleyville. And people become really angry when they receive these handshakes.
You're drawn into this alpha-dog pissing contest when someone extends a hand to you flat out, palm down -- visualize a Nazi salute lowered about 45 degrees. To accept the handshake, you must assume a palm up, submissive position.
Once victims figure out the domination aspect of this nasty handshake, reactions run from anger to bemusement. Everybody, however, wants to know how to respond to it the next time, and that's what occupied several spirited conversations Saturday night.
One handy guide suggests that you deal with this handshake, which it dubs "The Topper," by taking a left-foot step toward these would-be alpha dogs, thereby entering their personal space.
One of my friends, however, says he's successfully defused it by immediately placing his own flat, palm-down hand on top of The Topper, causing the asshat no small sense of embarrassment upon realizing someone's figured out the Jedi mind trick.
Another friend suggested that anybody offering a Topper handshake is such an asshat, anyway, that her response would be, "What the hell kind of insulting handshake is this? Go screw yourself!"
I like my idea best, however, since it not only is funny, but recycles one of my favorite gags from junior high. You willingly accept The Topper, but then use a couple of fingers to vigorously tickle the dominant dog's wrist and declare in a loud, clear voice:
"Unprotected Martian sex! You're pregnant!"
"... see how some of the locals might spend the weekend." The New York Times Travel section visits Wicker Park and Bucktown.
The Daily Herald is doing a special five-part series this week called "Passage from India: Stories of Suburban Immigrants," focusing on the ~125,000 Indians who call Chicagoland home and including an excellent (and exhaustive) photo essay.
Apparently, Chicago's a bunch of cheapskates. According to a new study by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, Chicago places low on the list of most charitable cities, ranking well below New York, Houston and even Milwaukee. Detroit topped the list, contributing 12.2% of available discretionary funds to charity, while we only gave 7.7%. Come on, people -- give them the money!
More Columbia (my, my aren't they busy), as part of their conference taking place at the moment, "Dignity Without Borders: Arts, Media and Human Rights", the Chicago Anarchist Film Festival took place this past May 2-4. Revolutionists should not have missed it. However, the Human Rights Film Festival is balancing that all out starting today, May 5-7.
It's Friday night, and I'm in line with about 250 other Macolytes waiting for the Woodfield Apple Store to begin admitting the faithful for the Big iPod Event, and I'm having a discussion with a couple about the iTunes Music Store. They ask if I've bought and downloaded anything yet.
"Sure," I reply. "A couple of Dwight Yoakam albums."
"You could at least have bought music by one of the artists in that 'Rip. Mix. Burn.' commercial," the woman tells me in one of those half-joking/half-bitchy tones of voice. If this were a "Star Trek" convention, she'd be claiming my ears look more Romulan than Vulcan and that I shouldn't be wearing a Federation uniform.
"He was in the commercial," I reply.
"No, he wasn't," the woman says -- and then her totally whipped male companion takes the cue and begins reciting, "They had Chuck Berry, Liz Phair, Barry White, George Clinton, Lil' Kim..."
"And that Smashmouth guy," she adds. "But no Dwight Yoakam."
I'm getting really pissed now -- almost as pissed as in fourth grade when Mrs. Kelly didn't believe me when I told the class that dolphins and porpoises have different kinds of teeth. "They sure did have Dwight Yoakam!" I protest. "He was off to one side holding a guitar!"
"No, he wasn't!" she says. "And besides, songs aren't worth 99 cents for download. Maybe half that, but not 99 cents."
Thank God the store opens a few moments later.
