Ethnic & Cultural Mix
Former GB contributor Ted McClelland gives the New York Times a guide to "funky" Rogers Park.
Merge
Category
City Life/Cultural
Walking Dead Breach Chicago Suburb
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!
Homeowners Still Need Help
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.
Who Says it's Worthless?
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.
First-hand Fashions, Second-hand Materials
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).
Better Than Chocolate
Valentine's Day approaches: show your love with heart-shaped pizza, available at a surprising (surprisingly awesome) number of locations.
If Unmarried, Accessorize with an Air of Desperation
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.
Comics and Local Politics
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.
Art on the House
Just a reminder, the Art Institute is free (and full of events) throughout the month of February.
Go Jump in Lake Michigan
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.
Haven't Seen the Modern Wing Yet?
No more excuses-- The Art Institute will be free the whole month of February.
Monets and Zebras See Increase in Attendance
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.
Kids Behind Bars
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.
Good Chicago Reading
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 Familiar Look
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.
The Height of Exclusivity
Are you of above average height? There's a club for you.
Are We Really That (Bleeping) Angry, Idol?
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.
Helping Haiti Here
Crain's Chicago Business lists 10 local ways you can aid the relief effort for Haiti. [via]
Tips for CHA's Next Ad Campaign
Megan Cottrell debunks seven myths about public housing.
Middle Ages in East Irving
WindyCitizen blogger FruzsE points out some medieval graffiti.
Shapely New Publication
The Center Square Ledger, "your definitive neighborhood guide to North Center, Lincoln Square and Ravenswood Manor," launches today. Read more about it in Mechanics.
The Most Eligible Fish in the Sea
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.
Welcome to Historic East Village
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.
Stabilizing the Neighborhoods
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.
A Look Into Giving Back
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."
Chengdu to Chicago, Fashionably
Windy City Times talks to Chicago resident and Project Runway contestant Ping Wu about knitting, Tim Gunn, and designing for frigid climes.
The Case for Handguns
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.
Bad Girls Casting Call
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.
Smoked Out in 2010
Hookah lounges fall victim to tight no-smoking ordinances enacted in some Chicagoland municipalities.
Free to Learn
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.
Bare Legs on CTA
Want to ride the train without your pants on this Sunday?
Like A Raisin in the Sun
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.
Altarventions in the Suburbs
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.
God Jul!* Now Drink Up...
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."
Riding Through the Snow
Curious (or irate) about some of the CTA's winter policies? [via]
"Star of Wonder" Darkening
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.
Show Us Your Schubies!
Be a part of the First Annual Schubie Awards by casting a vote for your favorites in music, food and web content.
Urban Planning in the Age of Sprawl
As the city celebrates the centennial of the Burnham Plan, On Earth examines how urban planning has played out in the suburbs.
When the Lights Go Down in the City
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.
West Loop Chic
Local writer Tiffany Meyers gives Canada's Globe and Mail an overview of Fulton Market's mix of fashion, design and food.
The Neon Glow of the City
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.)
Go West, Young Man (And Dog)
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.
More Senseless Violence
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.
A Cool Deal
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).
Free Chicago Bloggers' Holiday Parties
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.
Check It Out: Library Hours Being Cut
In these lean times, Chicago Public Library usage and circulation is up. Unfortunately, the hours at many facilities are being cut back.
Chicagoland in Silhouette
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]
Neighborhood Watchers
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.)
Don't Miss Out on Another Concert
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.
17 Gay Youths Attacked (That Were Reported)
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.
A Great Big Sky
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]
We Are The World
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.
How Bad ARE They?
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!
Is Nobody Home?
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.
Get Yourself a Furry
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.
OTL Celebrates Anniversary With Live Taping
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.
Changing its Name to Goldley Park
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!)
"Rigoletto" on the Red Line?
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.
Chicago Cheer
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.
America's Next Top... Elf?
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.
Worth Their Weight in Comic Gold?
Second City reunion tickets going for $1800? That's no joke.
Hunnert or Tao-zin?
How do Chicagoans describe street addresses? Is Armitage "two-thousand" north or "20 hundred"? Straight Dope tries to figure it out.
An Odyssey in Business
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.
Chicago's Pretty Toxic
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]
Wall of Death
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.
Still Not for Tourists in 2010
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.
"You Will Like Des Plaines"
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.
Retelling Tales of Tsavos
Man-eating Tsavo lions at the Field Museum? Great story, but exaggerated, says a new study.
CPS Shakespeareans on NBC Nightly News
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.
A "Good-bye" to Washburne Trade School
In other demolition news, the water tower at the Washburne Trade School has been demolished.
Redeemable Spare Change
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.
A New Way to Find Art
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.
Redmoon, White House
The Obamas will have some interesting local flavor performing at their Pennsylvania Avenue digs this Saturday.
61st Street Garden Coverage Expanding
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.
Maybe Chicago Needs an "Entertainment Complex"/ Casino?
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.
Liar's Club is Spoooky
Last night's "Ghost Lab" on the Discovery Channel featured the (alcoholic?) ghosts of Liar's Club.
Chicago's Next Top Scarecrow
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.
9pm is Scarier than Midnight
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.
Grant a Zookeeper's Wish
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.
Ooooh, Geeky Date Night Idea
"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?
Gangs Are Terrorists
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.
Murders by Neighborhood
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.
A Unique Museum
Chicago's Cambodian American Heritage Museum and Killing Fields Memorial is the only Cambodian museum in America.
Tricky Olympic Electricity
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.
10 Years of Transformation
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.
Cheer/Boo the Olympics Announcement
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.
Beauty on 47th Street
The mosaic under the 47th Street Metra station is finished, and it is lovely. Hyde Park Progress has pictures.
And the Hits Keep Coming
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.
Alt-South
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.
Raised to Fight
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.
Green Monster
A tree 7-foot marijuana bush grows in Brooklyn Rogers Park.
The Water Taxi Calls
If it's been a while since you've been on a water taxi, here's a reminder about how great they are.
Looking for Somewhere New to Go?
The Pilsen Community Market will be hosting a community garage sale for the next two Sundays on a vacant lot at 18th and Peoria.
3 Bedrooms/2 Baths/1 President
Bill and Jacky Grimshaw, next-door neighbors of the Obama family in Kenwood, are selling their house. [via]
McDonald's Needs You...
...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!
Helping the Needy Find Help
A new website, direct2food.org, helps the needy find social services including food pantries and soup kitchens.
The Oprah Bounce
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.
Want to be Background Talent for Oprah?
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).
Sweet Home Chicago
Chicago Public Library's "Sound Off" contest taps local musicians to express how their city inspires them. Details in Transmission.
No Crashing Allowed
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?
A Chicagoan's Thoughts on DC's Yuppie Scene
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.
Walking East Woodlawn
The Woodlawn Wonder of "I Hate My Developer" takes Joe Zekas of YoChicago for a walk around the Wonder's neighborhood.
R.I.P. Philip Blum
Philip Blum, a cellist and, after 54 years, the longest-serving member of the CSO, passed away yesterday at the age of 77.
Granta Magazine Celebrates Chicago
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.
Tony Addresses
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!)
85% Beef, 15% Lamb, 100% Tasty and Free
Don't miss out on a free gyro tomorrow, courtesy of our very own Kronos Foods, Inc (thanks for the tip, Jough).
Fresh Off the (College) Boat
The Straight Dope offers advice for incoming students new to Chicago.
Serenade Your City
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.
Chicago Rocks
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.
Chicago Magazine's 2009 Best of Chicago
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.)
Over the Ledge
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]
Shambling Through the Second City
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.
Anti-Violence, Anti-Shiller
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.
City Mostly Closed Today
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.
Good Answers to a Non-Question
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.
Should I Stay or Should I Go?
Love em' or hate em' (and their fans), this site answers a question relevant to irate Wrigleyville dwellers, Cubs devotees, and many more.
Up! Up! But Not Away!
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]
What Makes a Place Great?
Placemaking Chicago asked that question earlier this year, and now they're asking you to vote on which photo and video is best.
Number One Drug
Chicago ranks first in the nation for the number of people arrested while under the influence of drugs.
Triple H Weekend
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!
Northside Pride
Oh, the trials and tribulations of the Wrigleyville-resident Cubs fan. If only there were a new site dedicated to their plight.
Meet the Real Don Draper (Not Dick Whitman)
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.
25% of the City Won't Read This
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]
Walk in the Street
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.
Good Cop, Bad Cop?
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.
Not Getting the Message
A pro-immigration mural in Pilsen painted by local students has been defaced by someone who's clearly projecting.
The Laundromats of Fullerton
Well, the ones west of Western, anyway.
Sweeping Out the Homeless
As noted in Mechanics, the City is doing "sweeps" of homeless people living in the parks in Edgewater. Not everyone is pleased.
Heavy Petting
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.
Home Field Security
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.
We Do It A Lot
Apparently Chicago is the seventh most sexually active city in the country -- but we're the fifth most sexually satisfied. Aww, yeah.
Sears Tower: The Final Word?
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.
Sears For One More Day
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.
Tragedy in Rogers Park
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.
Cooking With John Kass
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.
Chicago is in the Soul
Does living in Chicago make you a Chicagoan? Jeff Ruby thought so but now he's not so sure.
What Makes Your Place Great?
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.
We're #2! We're #2!
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!)
The Wrong Neighborhood
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!)
Olympic Fever
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.
Cooler by the Lake
Are early summers in Chicago getting chillier? The Straight Dope runs the numbers.
Hold da Mustard
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 Ledge Beckons
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.
Poetry With An Attitude
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."
Taste, the City's Olympic Dry Run
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.
The Diagonal from Addison to Lawrence
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).
Police Plan for Safe Taste
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.
The Art of Rogers Park
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 Harry Potter Packs a Punch
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.
Places Not to Visit
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.
Idol Worship
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.
On the Verge
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.
Puerto Rico on the Plate
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.
Free Fish Fun
General admission to Shedd Aquarium is free through Friday, and the Oceanarium and Wild Reef are discounted. [via]
Only The Brave
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.
Unique License Plate Ground Zero For Tickets
Yeah, might be cool to have a unique license place number. Then again, it might not.
'Hornet' Creating Buzz in Chicago
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).
What Makes a Nerd?
The answer varies depending on the times -- and who exactly you're talking about.
His Kind of Town
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.
A Taste of the Taste Before the Taste
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.
Donations for Deliveryman
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.
Schwa Shares
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.
What Makes Your Place Great?
Come up with a good answer and you could win some pretty cool prizes from the Metropolitan Planning Council.
Take A Neighborhood Vacation
Explore Chicago's new game Chicago Neighborhood Express allows you to wander through different neighborhoods on-line.
The Name Game, Pt. II
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.
Valet Bike Parking Chased out of Millennium Park
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."
Is Rogers Park as Dangerous as People Say?
Straight Dope Chicago: "Short answer: no. Slightly more nuanced answer coming right up."
Old-time Summer Fun
Celebrate the opening of Chicago's beaches with these photos of vintage beachy activities from the Tribune archives.
It's Bleep'n Golden!
Have you been seeking additional information about Blago Shampoo? This CNN report has all you need.
Kiddieland No More
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.
Newest Terrorist Threat: Stealing Flowers
"The man stuffed 17 yellow, purple and turquoise pansies into a navy blue suitcase" and was promptly arrested.
Moving from the Bench to the Boards
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.
Why is Chicago so Corrupt?
Cecil Adams considers this question for The Straight Dope Chicago. Meanwhile, R. Kelly's defense team is joining Team Blago.
A Sweet Deal on the West Side
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.
For That 'Just Indicted' Look...
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.
Wilson Yard Suit Tossed
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.
Scavenging on the Radio
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.
A City Guide Relaunched
I didn't realize MSN still had their City Guides, but they apparently just relaunched their Chicago edition.
Rainbo and Metropolis
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.
Depart-ment Departs
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.
GLBT NIMBY
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.
Be a "Trainiac"
Saturday, May 9, is National Train Day. Celebrate with a visit to Union Station, which will feature exhibits and entertainment from 10am to 3pm.
Studying Iraq from Chicago
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.
One Way or Another: The Beautiful Chef
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 in Your Pocket
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.)
Punkin' Donuts to Polish Broadway
John Greenfield walks the length of Belmont Avenue in this week's A/C feature.
I Envy the Fool Who Appeared for Jury Duty this Past Monday
Because you probably met Mr. T. That's justice.
The "Chemistry" of Art and Science
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.
Bike-By Shooting
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]
Happy Secretary's Day
Celebrate by taking a look at saucy Chicago secretaries of yesteryear.
The Wind Through Our Hair
We're the 11th best hair city in America, according to Total Beauty. (Thanks, Dee!)
A Projects Project
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."
The Bees' Needs
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.
(Cupcake) Life After Butter
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.
Beeps and Flashes
The system of signals behind CTA farecards is more complex than you might think.
It's Parkour Kids!
It seems not everyone is impressed with the Chicago parkour scene. [Thanks, Dubi!]
Olympic Bid Clears Another Hurdle
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.
Outdoor Films Announced
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.
Fill 'Em Up!
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.
New Neighbors for the Bean
Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Burnham Plan, Millennium Park will enjoy two new pavilions come June 19. More in A/C.
Walk This Way
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.
Welcome Wagon of Flame!
A car on fire across the street is not the usual way we greet out of town guests. [Thanks, Marc!]
Pillow Fight!
The feathers flew this afternoon in front of The Art Institute for World Pillow Flight Day. That is, at least, until the CPD appeared.
Bike Like in Europe
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.
Moving for Milton
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.
The Love Train
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.
City of Big Laughs
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, They'll Tell You
AskMen.com ranked Chicago number 1 in its Top 29 Best Cities survey, just ahead of Barcelona and San Francisco.
Chimp-less at Lincoln Park Zoo
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.
Gator Parade
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."
Introducing the Illinois Holocaust Museum
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.
WB(ee)EZ
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.
A Life in Layers
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.
The Annoying Becomes Political
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.
Don't Let the Bedbugs Bite
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!)
A Tradition Worth Reviving
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.
Trained Cat Strut
The Tribune profiles the Rock Cats, "Chicago's only trained domestic cat show."
How Green Is a Green Chicago River?
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.
Small On Size, Big On Soccer
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.
The Water's Green with Money
If you saw the Chicago River get dyed green this Saturday, your fun cost somewhere around $133 per minute.
"Let Friendship Shine"
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.
Shape the Polish Triangle's Future
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.
Remembering Old Chicago Mall
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.
Seeing Stars
I.C.Stars is a program working to develop 1,000 community leaders in Chicago by 2020. Learn how to get involved here
The High Price of Art
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.
Barker Law Reconsidered
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.
Driving While Brown
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.
Close, But No Cigar
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.
$2.5 Billion
That's how much the U of C's Crime Lab estimates gun violence costs Chicago every year.
The Real Pirates of Cook County
The Whydah, an 18th century-era slave and (later) pirate ship, has docked at the Field Museum beginning today until October 25.
Do Ya Think I'm Vegan?
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.
Celebrate Shrove Tuesday with Donuts
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.
60 Years of Hyde Park in 15 Minutes
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.
Leading Indicators: Prostitution on Craigslist
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]
With Friends Like These...
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.
Back On Track
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.
Chicago's Oldest Woman Dies
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.
Hips And Salsa
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.
Behind Stockton and Memphis
Chicago is America's third most miserable city, according to this throwaway Forbes.com story. Go ahead, be outraged.
Shaping Hyde Park
Hyde Park Urbanist remembers Realtor and activist Winston Kennedy, who it credits as one of the people who helped shape the current neighborhood.
Rattlers, Bluebirds & Parakeets
The Chicago Academy of Sciences is cataloging its collection of indigenous animals.
Undocumented, Unlucky
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.
Despite Steady Attendance, Museums are Hurting
The recent news of steady 2008 attendance is only half the story. Many museums are laying off staff and restricting visiting hours.
The Secrets of Canvassers
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.
Might as Well Pay It
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.
Art Institute Free for February
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.
Bean Vandalized
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.
Chicago Gay History
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.
Has Noble Horse Run Its Course?
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.
Museum Attendance Still Strong
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.
Get Out of the House
Here's some inspiration for the sled-dog days of winter: a list of free days at all Chicago's museums.
Shoes on a Wire
The City received 1200 requests to remove shoes dangling from power lines last year.
The Playboy Next Door Again
Playboy is moving its operation back to Chicago, where Hugh Hefner's empire was started.
Looptopia No Longer (As We Knew It)
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.
Park (your bicycle) Inside
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.
Poetry...Slammed
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, Little Parks
Little Village may be getting some new "pocket parks" thanks to proposals by alternative design school Archeworks and Neighbor Space.
Bike to Work for Coffee
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.
Making Monday Count
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.
Serving the Southwest Side
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.
WWWelcome, Tourists!
The City invites you to ExploreChicago on its newly relaunched tourism site.
Not Orphan Annie
Poor Little Rich Girls aims to help young women in the city live a chic but budget-friendly lifestyle.
The City That Never Sleeps?
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...
Every Single Block
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.
Marina City Civility Unraveling
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.
Free Coal Mine Ride!*
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!)
Start the Year Off Pants-Free
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.
Ice, Ice Baby
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.
Campus Guardians
No matter how cold the weather, the University of Chicago gargoyles remain ever vigilant.
The Mall-fication of Wrigleyville
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.
Pervs on the CTA
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.
Chicago Works Its Magic
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.
588-2300
Empire Today has collected videos of its classic carpet commercials at EmpireCarpet.tv. Sing along!
Touring Chicago by iPod
Audissey Guides has made its iPod tour of Chicago, narrated by local hip hop poet Kevin Coval, a free download.
Blast From The Past
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...
Watch it Come Down
WGN collects webcams on one page so you can watch the city get blanketed in snow.
Ain't Nobody Here But Us...
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.)
Douglas Park: Now Perfect for BMX Biking
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.
Be a Secret Santa
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.
'Dear Santa' Letters Need Santas
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.
Helping Humboldt Park
There are many reasons to give. (And even more citywide.)
A Gentleman's City
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).
The Ugly Truth
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.
CTA Rolls Out Hybrid Buses
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.
City Sticker Winner Announced
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.
Car Wars
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.
There's a Club for Everything
Even flutists, scanners and jitterbuggers. Even tax enthusiasts.
So What's The Point?
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.
That's The Ticket
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.
Striking While the Iron is Hot
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.
Signs of Snow
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!
Make a Wish, Grant a Wish
The Parkways Foundation wants to know if you'll grant Buckingham Fountain a wish.
Piven Had to Be Behind This
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.
Voices of Hope
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.
Taylor Made...and Demolished
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.
Good Dogs Get to Ride in the Car
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.
...And Cingo Was His Name-o.."
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.
Embracing 'Paseo Boricua'
HispanicBusiness.com take a look at the Puerto Rican community in Chicago and its staunch supporters who once again try to stave off gentrification.
Windy City Renaissance
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 Is Everthing
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.
Reverse Mugging
Watch your pockets. A creepy guy in a mask might just stick something in them.
Feminine Wiliness
"Chicago Geek Girls is a network of groups devoted to supporting the work & play of women who identify as geeks."
Roll of the 20-Sided Die
Chicagoland gamers, welcome to the Dice Doho.
Shadow Catcher meets the Kwakwaka'wakw
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.
Terkel Gets Steppenwolf Send-Off
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."
A Parking Ticket Plan We Can Believe In
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.
On the Road Again
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.
The Ringer
Could last night's historic election results affect Chicago's 2016 Olympic bid? Tokyo thinks so.
Affordable Undersea Adventures
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.
Saul Bellow's Chicago
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.
Fest for Less
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.
Sun, Sand and Spare Change
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.
Keeping Score in Chicago
Sun-Times writer Mark Konkol and former Q101 DJ Todd "Fook" Fooks have launched a podcast.
Move Over, Miami
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.
Behind the Scenes at the MSI's Model Railroad
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.
Season of Discontent
The city's soup kitchens are gearing up for a busy winter, the Chi-Town Daily News reports.
Hyde Park Profiled by the Post
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 My Mentor Could See Me Now
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.
Vote for the Best
NewCity's Best of Chicago voting is open.
Pseudo Voyeuristic
The apartment of GB's creative director, Naz Hamid, and his wife Jen Schuetz is featured on Apartment Therapy today.
Peninsula Stands Out
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.
City On The Move
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 Carry City's Budget Answer
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.
No More Texting & Driving
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.
Desktop Tour
Care to take a Googletour of Chicago and the suburbs?
That's Some "Overhead Projector"
Staff at the Adler Planetarium were surprised to make the presidential debates, particularly when their sought-after projection system was ridiculed by McCain.
City Hall 'Sting'
"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.
Sunday Parkways
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.
The Qi to good Za
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.
(No) Soup For You? It Depends.
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.
Mock Vote Early, Real Vote Later
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.
No Cash, More Trash?
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.
And the Winners Are...
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.
A Novel Idea
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.
A Dive in the Times
Jimmy's Woodlawn Tap in Hyde Park is profiled in the fall travel section of the New York Times.
Burnham's The 'Face' of Chicago
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.
Image Is Everything
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?
Middle of Nowhere, Chicago
There are few places as isolated as the Altgeld Gardens-Murray Homes CHA development, the Defender reports.
Where Do We Stand?
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.
Right On 'Cue
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...
Chicago's Female Founding 'Fathers'
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.
OMGCHI
The City of Chicago will text you in the case of an emergency if you sign up for their new service NotifyChicago.
Where We're Missing Our Connections
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.
Maxwell Street 'Flea'ing Again
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.
Livin' in Beverly Hills (& Morgan Park)
I love finding blogs about Chicago's less in-the-news neighborhoods: check out beverlymorganpark.net.
Meet Some Dead Women of Influence
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.
Is Your Trash Worth $10?
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.
Doggone Catty?
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.
Not Breathing Easy
Chicago's air quality isn't the best. No surprise there.
Red Means Stop
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.
Chicago's Family Ties
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.
Chicago: A Labor of Love
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.
The Embiggening of Chicago
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.
Light Up
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.
Little Green People
No, not aliens -- a podcast on green living in the city from the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.
Founder of Green City Market Dies
Abby Mandel, founder of the 10 year-old Green City Market and a longtime food columnist for the Tribune, has died.
The Aftermath of Tragedy
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.
Peaceful Sunday Streets
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).
The City in HD
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.
Nine Dogs, 17.8 Miles
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.
Qué Bien
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.
Death in the City
The police confirm what we've already figured: murders are up 18 percent over last year.
Gettin' Nowhere Fast
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.
Watering the City
Chicago Public Radio's Chicago Matters series takes a look at our water system, and how it gets from Lake Michigan to our faucet.
Eight Oh-eight Oh-eight
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.
What's Happening to Our City
The New Republic points out a "demographic inversion" trend happening here and in some other cities.
Nice to Know We're Happy
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).
Sum of a Beach
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.
Western Stories
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.
Roseland Festival Tries To Make a Difference
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.
Path of Destruction
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...
Do-It-Yourself Superhero
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.
Smile, You're On Red Light Camera
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.
Chicago Ranks in Top 5 of Most "Walkable" U.S. Cities
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 …
Blog Wars
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?
Walk Like A Man...
Chicago Carless goes REALLY carless this time, detailing his extensive walking jaunts around the city. Made us tired just reading about it.
$125 for Your Gun
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.
Chicago's 'Hidden' Lakefront
The Washington Post gushes about our miles of beaches and advises tourists to start taking more advantage of them. Gee, thanks Washington Post.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Turns 100
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.
Weis On The Hot Seat
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.
Uptown Takes Diversity Crown
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].
Convince Them to Move
Trying to get friends to join you in our fair city? Live Here has your back.
Blues Clues?
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.
Listening to the City
What does your neighborhood sound like? Share it with Chicago Public Radio's Soundmarks project.
Maps of Heart & History
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.
Life During Surveillancetime
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.
Chicago: Gotham City's Stunt Double
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.
In Illinois, We're Sittin' Pretty
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.
Home for a Million Bucks
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.
Chicken Crossing
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.
City of Smells
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.
Foreclosures Affect Renters Too
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.
Explosive!
Ten people Twitter'd Navy Pier's annual July 3rd fireworks display.
Who Are the Panhandlers in Your Neighborhood?
Jeff Ruby picks his favorites in Chicago Magazine.
Remembering Maxwell Street
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.
Taste(less) of Chicago
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?
I Can See Clearly Now
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...
Sweet Dome Chicago
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.
We Bet He'll 'Say Anything'
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.
Our "Latino Quarter"
The New York Times visits Pilsen. (Thanks, Michael!)
They're the Best...Around
Kill some time perusing the Reader's annual Best of Chicago feature.
Are There AARP Cards For Apes?
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.
I Want to Take You to a Gay Bar
Well, more like the history of Chicago gay bars, actually.
Checking Out The Scene
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.
Suit Man Revealed
Meet Vincent Falk. C'mon, you know him... the guy with the crazy colored suits? Hangs out in the Loop? Yeah, that guy.
Driven To Respond
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.
"Will We Be Unwelcome in Bronzeville?"
A white couple from Uptown asks whether they'll be out of place or just fine in Bronzeville. The answers are interesting.
Feel the Wind in Your...
If you like to ride bikes and be naked, might we suggest an activity for this Saturday night?
An Eventful Debut
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.
The Bucket Brigade
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.
Stephanie Wins!
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.
Latest Belushi Gets Serious
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.
CTA Superstation at Block 37 Could Be Super Screwed
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."
No Olympics Yet, But Big Deals Underway
After months of discussion, Michael Reese Hospital will likely close this fall, clearing the way for massive Olympic redevelopment plans.
Nice Pipes
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.
A Conservative View of History
P.J. O'Rourke previews the Field Museum's new Ancient Americas permanent exhibit for The Weekly Standard.
What Can Evanston Teach Hyde Park?
Plenty, apparently, particularly when it comes to redeveloping HP's Harper Court, as Hyde Park Progress points out.
Celebrating Sisterhood, Chicago Style
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.
City of Big Thinkers
Business Week's Mike Nussbaum calls Chicago "the most innovative big city in America".
Find Any Crystal Skulls Yet?
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.
A Full Bike to Work Week
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.
Missed My Train Connection
Post your subway crush here.
Take That, Other Global Cities!
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.
Chicago, Welcome Saint Death
The Roman Catholic church may not recognize Santa Muerte, but her presence is growing in Chicago.
Happy Birthday, Studs
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.
Crime On The Move?
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.
Rapping at Warp Speed
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.
That's The Ticket
Received an unexplained overdue parking ticket notice in the mail? Stop scratching your head. This might explain it.
Not the Taste of Chicago
Details are still murky, but the Illinois Restaurant Association and the city are planning a gourmet version of the Taste.
In Search of Barack's Haircut
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.
Coffee With Harold
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.)
Culture Those Young'uns
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.
Good Bike News
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.
Hyde Park Goes Wild
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.
Ukie & East Ville
The Reader's neighborhood series hits Ukrainian Village and East Village.
Arguments and Inedible Crostini
The cheftestants become chefzillas in the wedding reception edition of this week's Top Chef recap over in Drive Thru.
Chicago Music's Starting Line-up
New City names the 45 Chicago performers who are keeping the city on the front burner of the national music scene.
It's a Mitzvah
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.
Blue Bags Go Out With the Trash
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.
Reader's Best of Chicago
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.
'Hell' Coming to Chicago
Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey, of "Hell's Kitchen" fame, is set to open a restaurant here in Chicago. Will it have yelling and non-yelling sections?
Alright, Stick 'Em Up(town)
Uptown Update has the lowdown on some of John Dillinger's hangouts in Uptown, including his last stop: the neighborhood funeral home.
Our Kind of Guy
Chicago blues icon Buddy Guy gets the tribute treatment when he's honored during the Great Performers of Illinois Festival July 20 at Millennium Park. Grammy winner Jimmie Vaughn will headline the free (yes, FREE) concert as part of the three-day music festival.
This Mother’s Day, Make Mom Proud …
And, more importantly, show up your siblings, by eschewing the half-wilted, unsustainably harvested bunch of red carnations you always get her, in favor of a beautiful card showcasing Chicago’s community gardens. Your $25 donation to NeighborSpace, a nonprofit urban land trust that protects many of Chicago’s urban oases, gets Mom the card and an invitation to a fall tour of city gardens. Slackers, take note: card orders must be received by Tuesday, May 6, at 10 a.m.
Weigh In On The Region's Future
Urban planners project that Chicagoland will be home to approximately 2.8 million more people by the year 2040. They'll have live and work somewhere. The agency in charge of deciding how to accommodate this growth wants your input over the next year for the development of their official plan, which will start to be implemented by 2010. 2009 is also the 100th anniversary of Daniel Burnham's Plan of Chicago.
The Repercussions of Prison
Catalyst and the Chicago Reporter both focused recently on the effects of incarceration on the families and children of prisoners.
Watching Uptown
Two sites have their sights set on Uptown: Uptown Update and the Chicago Uptown Crime Blotter. The former looks at events both positive and negative in the neighborhood (although sadly, it's mostly negative), while the latter acts as a near-realtime tracker of criminal activities, pulled from eye-witness reports and police scanner activity. (Thanks, Amy!)
Cleaning Up In More Ways Than One
Chicago is on track to become the first city to have a street sweeper-mounted camera system. As the sweeper moves down the street it will take a take a photo of any illegally-parked vehicle and a second image of the license plate, relaying both automatically to the Department of Revenue. Strictly for traffic flow purposes, you understand.
Let's Hang in Our Earth-Friendly Alleyway Tonight
The New York Times gave props to Chicago in its Green Issue for its Green Alleys ongoing program to resurface the city’s alleyways with environmentally friendly materials such as permeable asphalt and light-reflecting concrete.
$100 to Carry
The president of the Chicago Crime Commission explains how gangs get kids involved in the drug trade.
Rent Relief ... in as Long as 10 Years
Given the overwhelming shortage of Section 8 housing vouchers in Chicago, the CHA's plan to hold an additional lottery is welcome news.
What's Your Wicker Park Look Like?
Volunteers with the WPB's Community Open Houses asked the people of Wicker Park/Bucktown what they wanted to see in their neighborhood. Their responses were collected in a series of photographs on Flickr: here, here and here. A quick survey indicates a big push for a more bike-friendly area. Oh, and a toy store. Don't feel left out of the process, though, you can submit your thoughts too. [Via]
Planning Ahead
2020 isn't all that far away now, so the clock has been reset to go to 2040. More about it in the Business Ledger.
Elston to Wiggle
CDOT is looking at reconfiguring the accident-prone Damen-Elston-Fullerton intersection with a new Damen-Fullerton intersection that Elston would wiggle around.
Fish Food
Rationally, there's no reason these two businesses can't coexist.
Step Away From The Bird Feeder!
A suburban couple ran "a-fowl" of the law when they tried to provided sustenance for their fine feathered friends. One of the offenders compared the situation unfavorably to Communist Russia.
Your Weekend Just Got Cooler, Less Expensive
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.
Zipping Along
How does your zip code compare to the others around you? Here's 60660, 60657, 60622, 60621 and 60615.
Chicago 1968 Reexamined
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.
More Blue Mondays
Starting Tuesday, the city will be swapping its look-alike orange street cleaning signs for a rainbow of fruit flavors.
An Arresting Development
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.
Lincoln Square Inside Ravenswood Inside Lincoln Square
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.
Mission To Mars
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.
Block Party, Anyone?
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.
City of Big Procrastinators
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...
'The Hat' is Back
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.
Feathery Fun
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?)
Big Brother Google is Watching
I wonder what's going on here at 3912 S. Vincennes Ave.? UPDATE: Google has taken the scene down; Gawker has the screenshots.
This Ball Is a Seed Bomb
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 ...
Bursting Fantastical Bubbles
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.
Wither Wilson Yard?
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]
Life After 'The Co-Op'
After the rumbling has died down, a former Hyde Park Co-Op Market shopper gives a (early) review of its replacement: Treasure Island.
Looking for Some Terra Cotta Eagles?
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.
Senior Service
Wake Great Uncle Billy: Free rides for seniors began today on the CTA. Get the details on the program here.
St. Paddy's Pics
If you couldn't make it to the St. Patrick's Day Parade downtown today, here's some pics.
Heading South
The Reader's profile of the South Loop is a great introduction to the neighborhood.
Improve Clybourn Corridor Transit
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.
A Century of Green
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.
Lots of Dudes and White Russians
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.
Guilty Pleasures Revealed
In today's Tribune, local celebrities reveal their secret Chicago-related indulgences, including watching sea lions and eating soup. Scandalous!
Building Social Animals
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.
CTA Gets Some Credit
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.
Out With the Old
Dump Site covers the demolition of Cook County Hospital's former children's wing in three poignant, sad pictures.
Dwelling in Ukie
Dwell Magazine takes a walking tour of Ukrainian Village, hitting a range of the expected and the lesser known in art and commerce.
"Argyle Street Looked Like Death."
The Methods Reporter takes a look at how far Argyle Street has come in recent years -- and how far it has to go.
Empty Lots
You may know Sean Parnell from his Chicago Bar Project. He also tracks abandoned lots.
The Other Outfit
Chicago's mafia isn't all Italian anymore. It's Eastern European, and they spell it "mafiya."
Chicago Fashion Incubator is a Go
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?
User Generated Guidebooks
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.
It's Curtains for the Dolly Show
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 Water
Free admission to the Shedd Aquarium all this week.
Ivy Licensing
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.
A Pretty Thought for Valentine's Day
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 Blackstone Rides Again
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.
Developing Vultures
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.
I Love a Parade
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.
Hole Lot of Trouble
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.
Lunar New Year Crosstown Classic
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.
Gents, Throw Away the Razor
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.
South Side Parakeets are Tougher...
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.
Bike the Drive Opens Registration
Even though I write this from an igloo, note that registration is now open for the May 25 Bank of America Bike the Drive, the ultimate car-free bicycling event (everyone should do this at least once in their Chicago lives). You can save $5 if you register before midnight on February 10.
Hole is in Your Extended Network
The Montrose Ave. sinkhole now has its own MySpace page, where it promotes its own beauty and compares itself to the Grand Canyon. If you're looking for a way to throw some love its way, you're invited to join the rally outside the Montrose L station on Tuesday afternoon, to protest the city's ruthless plan to fill it it back up.
Not a Dumb Idea, But a Dome Idea
"Rock over Chicago," as Wesley Willis used to sing. How about "winter dome over Chicago?" (Don't laugh -- Moscow's getting one.) Andrew Mason of local start-up The Point -- which applies the principles of Malcolm Gladwell's The Tipping Point to enable people to organize fund-raisers, boycotts and other campaigns for change -- estimates the collapsible weather shield would cost "$10 billion." Campaign contributors won't pay a dime until the project reaches its funding goal.
Creating Access
The Illinois Department of Tourism recently teamed up with the Open Doors Organization to develop the "Easy Access Guide to Chicago. Developed by locals for disabled tourists visiting our fair city, it's bound to be a boon to disabled Chicagoans as well.
Messing With Your Head
Controversial psychology professor Richard Shweder likes to pose tough cultural and ethical questions as part of his effort to reshape the concepts of diversity and multiculturalism. See if you can figure out the answers when he speaks tonight, 6:30 p.m., at the Chicago Cultural Center as part of their "Starting From Scratch" lecture series.
Neighborhood Newspaper Shuffle
Sun-Times Media Group announced plans this week to shutter three of its neighborhood newspapers at the end of the month. Now it looks like Oak Park-based Wednesday Journal is swooping in to save the Skyline, Lakeview Booster, and News-Star from imminent death.
Cold Streak
For those of you that don't like to stand out in the cold, much less run through it naked (read: are normal), you can experience the grand finale of UChicago's annual winter celebration Kuviasungnerk through photos, and video. Neither one of which is remotely safe for work.
Chicago Burlesque 101
Centerstage Chicago just compiled a list of all the places to catch the racy and talented ladies of Chicago's burlesque scene.
Chicago's Newest Green Home
Starting May 8, you'll be able to swing by the Museum of Science and Industry and visit Smart Home: Green + Wired, a new exhibit featuring a 2,500 square-foot house.
The 1930s Never Tasted this Good
This week's Drive-Thru feature opens the culinary time capsule that is the Chicago Daily News cookbook for your reading pleasure. Published in 1930, the book offers many surprising (as in surprisingly edible) recipes and other advice. And finally, a good recipe for Mock Possum for those times that you don't have a real possum to cook.
Museum of Mourning
Today's Trib has a great story about a Logan Square couple that have collection of photos of dead folk. Anthony and Andrea Vizzari's Museum of Mourning Photography & Memorial Practice is made up of more than 1,000 photos and occupies part of the Vizzaris' Logan Square apartment.
The Pants Were Off, the Cameras On
We gave you fair warning earlier this week about No Pants Day, the nationwide event where transit riders would drop their drawers for the sake of, well, being pantsless on a train. The Sun Times reported on yesterday's event, which took place on the Red Line. There's also some nice photos on the Chicago chapter's Facebook page.
Free Fish Time
The Shedd Aquarium begins "discount week" -- today through Jan. 18. General admission is free, and special exhibits like Wild Reef and the Oceanarium can be added to your ticket for a small upgrade fee. I'm totally going to see some swimmy things.
Free Month at the Museum of Science and Industry
The Museum of Science and Industry is closed today, but it will reopen Saturday and introduce free general admission for the remainder of the month. Happy 75th!
Proposed Phone Tax
The Cook County Board of Commissioners is proposing a $4/month, $48/year tax on all phones — land, cell, cable and otherwise. The tax would also increase with inflation — at five years, your total amount paid would be over $250 a phone. Read more at NoPhoneTax.org. Update: Outside the Loop Radio will discuss the likelihood of the tax's success along with other taxes proposed at the end of 2007 on Friday's show. Look for Episode 68 on the main page around noon or listen to WLUW at 6pm.
The Great Lakes are Great!
Author and GB contributor Ted McClelland makes a case in Salon for why folks in the Sun Belt should move up to Chicago and other Great Lakes cities.
No Pants, No Problem
If you're familiar with the New York-based group Improv Everywhere, you know about their annual No Pants event, where dozens of straight-faced folks ride without their trousers on the subway for the amusement of bystanders. IE is taking the event nationwide this year, so if you're interested in knowing what the creepy fabric on CTA seats feels like on your bare, defenseless skin, join your comrades this Saturday afternoon at the Loyola Red Line (more details TBA).
Need a Thesis Topic for Your PhD?
Here's a potential lead: According to Crain's 2008 Book of Lists, Chicagoans of "mixed race" use their cell phones more than any other demographic group (putting in 1,469 minutes per month), followed by blacks (1,365), Asian/Pacific Islanders (1,171) and whites (638). Local Native Americans use their cell phones least, at 243 minutes (oh, and thank Telephia for the stats). Anyone have any theories? Well, come back with some research results for us in 2010 or thereabouts, m'kay?
Look Out! He's Got a Map!
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! [
"Pigeon Man" Killed
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.
Home is Where the SubZero Fridge Heart Is
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!
Tree (Price) Trimming
Paid full price for that Christmas tree? Sucker. Here's how to hone your holiday haggling technique when it comes to conifers.
AIC Seeking Donations
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.
Nice Kicks
NewCity investigates the culture of street wear.
Get Your Glogg On
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.
Bike for CTA Doomsday
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.
Swayze Spotting
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.
Weather or Not
Hey Loop folk, what color is the Weather Bell right now?
Water Projects Everywhere
If you don't know what's going on with the Department of Water Management, it's not their fault. They're one department that puts the notoriously dysfunctional City website to good use, filling us in on major projects, water quality reports, and a description of the flora and fauna of the Chicago River.
Neglected Beauty
Rearview contributor and excellent photographer Carey Primeau launches a new photography site and portfolio. While I've seen my fair share of deserted and abandoned photography sites, Primeau really does elevate these photos to stunning. One of the more stellar sets has to be his Uptown Theater set, a building that has intrigued me for years. So good.
Spruce Up the California CTA
Looking for something to do tonight? Put your hands and mind to good use and brainstorm how to revitalize the community bulletin board space under the California El stop. The Neighbors Project is holding a launch meeting tonight from 6:30 to 8 at Lyndale and Sacramento. RSVP volunteer [at] neighborsproject [dot] org for the exact address.
Spertus Almost Ready
The Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies' new building will be open to the public starting on November 30 with a series of events and a new range of amenities.
Spread the Joy
One year ago Irishman Paddy Homan moved to Chicago permanently citing the beautiful lake front and according to him, the best Irish music scene in the country. Every day he uses tales and music of his native land to bring much needed joy to the hearts of his elderly clients.
7 Rules for Talking About Gentrification
Says Kit Hodges of the Neighborhood Project, "We got a little tired of the usual shouting from all sides, so we put together some rules of engagement whenever this subject comes up -- which seems to be all the time in Chicago."
Leading by Example
I admit to having a huge soft spot in my heart for groups and organizations that work to empower groups that are traditionally underrepresented in positions of power. Since Chicago has the third largest Latino population in the country, you'd think we'd have more Latinos in positions of power. To help make that happen, the Metropolitan Leadership Institute was created to provide the skills necessary for taking charge of the business, political, or entrepreneurial worlds. Any group that can get a closed door, anything goes session with Mayor Daley is all right in my book.
Lutheran Lesbian Ordained Sans Celibacy
Jen Rude, a lesbian who refuses to take a vow of celibacy, has been ordained by a Lutheran church in Chicago. It comes about as a test of a new resolution that gives bishops room to discipline or not, such actions. Wayne Miller, Chicago's bishop, said, "My goal is to keep people in the conversation, and I do not see this as an issue that should be dividing the church."
Blades of Glory
The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park opens its 2007-2008 season today. Hours are 10:00am to 10:00pm daily, weather permitting. A park employee informed me that there are already people out on the ice, so dig out your skates and practice your moves.
Kick Push
Just the freedom was better than breathing they said / Any escape route they used to escape out / When things got crazy / They needed to break out.
Will Venerated Grocery Fly the Coop?
In a move typical of urban landlord schools, the University of Chicago is dangling an organic carrot in front of the venerated Hyde Park Co-op, promising to forgive their back rent if they'll close down and make way for a chain. The co-op has been beset by organizational and management problems for several years. The move would certainly spell the death of the 75-year-old grocer, long viewed as a model cooperative enterprise.
Behind the Design: The Chicago Spire
Not quite the expose on Santiago Calatrava (also known for his work on the Milwaukee Art Museum), but Creative Review, a design magazine based in the UK, showcases the design work of Third Eye Design who did the collateral for The Chicago Spire. Even if you don't like the Spire itself, the accompanying literature praises our fair city.
Map Lovers, Rejoice!
The citywide Festival of Maps kicks off today with exhibits at the Field and other museums, and continues through early 2008. More than 30 Chicago-area institutions are participating, with exhibits, lectures, films, and other cartography-related events. Some of these are highlighted in Slowdown; for a complete schedule, click here.
Sadie Hawkins' Day Race & Style Ride
The now annual Sadie Hawkins' Day Race & Style Ride is back again, November 10th. What is it? "Sadie Hawkins Day Race/Style Ride is an on-street, in-traffic, point-to-point bike adventure for couples or pairs... There are prizes for the fastest couple, fastest tandem team, fastest out of towners, best dressed, and more." Last year's inaugural event drew people from out of town, generated a ton of missed connections and suffice to say, there were a few couples that are still together to this day.
There Ain't No Bottomless Pit Here, This is F@#king Magic, Man, and We're All a Part of It Together
One of my favorite designer-artists out there, Cody Hudson, is having a solo exhibition at the MCA. Hudson brings a mix of street art, urban graphics and blends it with his own personal inspirations to create his work. The exhibition, which is titled that long title up above, begins tomorrow (Nov 3rd) and runs through December 2nd with Hudson presenting an Artist Talk on November 20th which will have him leading a tour of his exhibition.
Halloween on Halsted Photos
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!
Film & Fashion Night with Nau
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.
Fat, But Not Lazy
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.
Trivializing Chicagoland
Chicago Metropolis 2020 and Jellyvision teamed up to create Metro Joe, a game that tests your knowledge of both the city and the suburbs.
The Collar Grew into an Apron
It's time to rethink what constitutes the Chicagoland area, says Kiljoong Kim in the Beachwood Reporter.
Chicago: Fashion Capital?!
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.
The Suburbs Are Cool
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.
It's Not Junk ... It's Art!
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."
Running with the (Heat) Devil
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.
Beat Out That Rhythm On A Bridge
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.
The Chicago (Science) Ten
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.
Little Arizona
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.
Watching the Trash
Jonathan Gitelson (previously written about here) has had problems with people stealing his garbage cans. So he started documenting them.
Paint Your Blank Walls
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.
Without an Elevator Pitch?
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.
And Justice for Cyclists...
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.
That's Not Play Money
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.
Backstage at the Opera
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."
BOGO Seven-Minute View
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.
Humanities Festival Schedule Available Now
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.
American Perspectives Starts Tomorrow
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.
City-sponsored Bike Rental: the Dream May Become a Reality
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.
The State of State
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.
Never Can Say Goodbye
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.
Underneath Our Feet
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.
On the Fly
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.
Why Fight?
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.
Lakeview is Burning with Boredom Now
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.
From Pseudonym to Lisagor Award
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!]
Dark Knight x Brachs Candy Implosion!
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.
Hot Neighborhoods Are Impoverished Too?
Crain's reports that retail doesn't always follow rapid development of new neighborhoods. Some spirited discussion of the article at YoChicago.
Sooner or Later, They All Come Back
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).
Chicago's Underground Railroad History Needs You
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
"Who Do You Love? You Love a Car!"
As reader Pat says, "if you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up."
La Sardine, DesignRed, Lakeshore Theater
What do they have in common? They're all in Chicago Magazine's 2007 Best Of issue.
Carpentersville: the New Waukegan
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.
City of Chicago Website Link Roundup
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.
Cop Schnozz Gets It Done
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.
STOP! Police Podcast from Inside Publications
Local newspaper organization Inside Publications has an entertaining podcast-- STOP! Police, wherein they narrate the local crime blotter.
Friday Mass
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.
Latina Fashionista de Chicago
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.
More Morse Development
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.
A Different Kind of Tour
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.
A Pedagogical Factory
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."
Critical Mass Closing Down?
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.
Three-Card Monte Tour
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.
Little Italy: Mostly Mob-Free
Chicago Daily News tells the story of Dead Man's Tree, and finds Taylor Street is largely free of mob influence.
On the Radar
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".
Online Documentary Films
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."
City Sticker Zero Hour is Approaching
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.
Chicago Infoporn
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.
Permits Please
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.
Speaking of Tunnels...
The Tribune takes a tour of the tunnels below the Green Mill and other businesses at the Broadway/Lawrence intersection; watch a video here.
Crown Fountain Gargoyle Humans Profiled
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.
Someone's Gonna Pay
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.
You're Suspect and Funny
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.
DIY Loop Tours
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.
For Your To-See List ...
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.
SummerDance Kicks Off
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.
Free For All
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.
More Free Art and Live Jazz
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.
Remember Why You Love Chicago
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.
LGBT Center Open
Center on Halsted, the most comprehensive LGBT facility in the Midwest, is now officially open.
Take the Express to Niki in the Garden
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.
Not as Green as We Thought
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.
Syd Lieberman's Storytelling Podcast
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.
Typeface vs. Font
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.
Word to the wise re: Olympic Logo
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."
Oops, Dad's Out of the Frame
Calling all family albums! The Tribune is seeking your bad vacation photos.
Halsted Pride
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.
Welcome to My Neighborhood
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.
Endangered in the City: Newsstands
Crain's reports on a vanishing feature of Chicago: sidewalk newsstands.
Hyde Park, Obama-Style
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.
Sing Us a Song, You're the Cabbie, Man
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!)
IML Starts Tomorrow
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!
Lindsay, How Far You've Tumbled
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.
Istanbul, Not Chicagstantinople
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 Average America
Illinois is the state that most closely reflects the whole of America, according to US census analysis by the Associated Press.
Lurking in the Loop
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 Starts Tomorrow
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.
Shocking Looptopia Attendance
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
Blue Cart Recycling Program in Seven Wards
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!
So The Reverend Walks Out Of A Bar....
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."
I Just Need 100 More for My Yorkie Coat
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.
Chicago: America's Favorite City?
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.
Humanity Issues?
Apparently Chicago ranks dead last the Humane Index. The report characterizes the Windy City as America 's "most humanely challenged" urban center.
Petrillo Music Madness
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.
Go, Go Chicago Architecture!
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.
Nobody Puts Baby in a Corner, 20 Years Later
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.
Nesting Time
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.
Olympic Arts
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.
What LaSalle Bank's Sale Really Means To Us
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.
Giant Pizza Bridge
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.
Around the World in Chicago
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.
Earth Month Chicago Debuts
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.
I Hear Chicago Speak
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.
Takin' It to the Streets
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.
Sunday Parkways Forum Discussion
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.
Beyond the Concert Hall
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.
Chicago History Roundup
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."
The Fresh Prince Said it Best
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.
He Loves The Subs
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.
Il Ritorno d'Uliss in Patria
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'.
Neighborhood Focus
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.
Places For Athletic Supporters
You may now know how to hit Chicago like a jock, but you still throw like a girl.
Love Your Library
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?
Building a Piano (Wing)
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.
Through Rain, Sleet or... Slowly
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.
Yet Another Googlemap, Gangsta Edition
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.
So Green Architecture isn't a Passing Fad
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.
You Just Missed Him!
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.
Animated Olympics
See a 4-minute Second Life-style video animation of proposed Olympic sites.
A Neighborhood's Tribute to Barack Obama
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.
Macbeth, Three Feet Tall
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.
Pink Flamingos Invade Downtown
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.
Be a VIP at MIP
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.
Block 37
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.
Don't Park Here
A sign of the times: A collection of parking space barricades, at Slats.org.
Best Headline of the Year
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.
In TOD We Trust
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.
The City's 26th Sibling
Let's give a big family welcome to Lahore, Pakistan, the latest of Chicago's sister cities.
Longer Living Through Chemistry
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.
1,158 = More Than a Few Arts Organizations
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.
The Beastmaster
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.
Another Step Towards the Great Midwestern Megalopolis
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.
Aqua Teen Hunger (Terrorist) Force
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.]
Snacks for Your iPod
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.
Today's Fun Language Fact
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?
Shopping, Now With More Green
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]
Bleeding Heart Bleeds Fresh
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.
Something Fresh, Something New
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.
Public Art on the Expressway
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.
Bicycle Film Festival '07: Call for Submissions
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.
Gender-Neutral Dorms?
The University of Chicago is contemplating gender-neutral undergraduate housing -- an idea the Maroon editorial board endorses.
Months of Great [Insert Cultural Activity Here]
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.
Our Environmental Report Card
Conscious Choice provides a quick rundown of Chicago's environmental status, including an interview with Mayor Daley.
Winter Bike to Work Day
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.
Create Your Own Planets
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.
If Only They Ran Simultaneously
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."
Take Your Tree Down!
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.
Fallen Rider Memorial Ride
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.
Year-end lists
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.
Scared of Santa Again
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.)
The CTA in Gingerbread Form
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.
Another National Museum
In other Pilsen news, the Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum has a new name: The National Museum of Mexican Art.
WBEZ's 2007 Schedule
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's Pilsen Week
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.
Call for Nominations: 35 Under 35
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."
Time for Another Vote
Looking for a time-waster? AOL Cityguide's Best of Chicago poll is open for voting -- go pick some winners.
Packing Them In
The New York Times continues its slow discovery of how great Chicago is with its latest installment, the West Loop.
Matt's Law Coalition
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.
Unspin Your City
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.)
Say "Thank You"
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.
Not Quite Switzerland
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!
Here! Hooks You Up
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!
Support Supportive Housing
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!)
Do I Say "Buy 'em" or "Sold"?
As the Chicago Board of Trade and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange prepare to merge, trading floor culture may become an issue.
Urban Renewal and Ugly Ducklings for Humboldt Park
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]
How Much is that Rugger in the Window?
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.
The Underground Economy ... In Person!
If you enjoyed Sudhir Venkatesh's article in the Boston Globe, you may want to check out his talk on Thursday. Details in Slowdown.
Following the Money Underground
The "underground economy" of the South Side is the subject of this great article in the Boston Globe.
Sadie Hawkins Day Race
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.
The New Suburban Venue
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.
French Scholarship
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.)
The Inside Scoop
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 Looking In
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.
Color Your Space for Fall
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.
Once, They Wanted To Be The Greatest
And, now, it seems, they are: Newcity presents the 2006 edition of its Best of Chicago.
"For the Not-So-Safe Driver"
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.
Fancy Footwork
The Tribune offers some video of Chicago's latest dance craze, footworking. Not enough for you? Try YouTube or MySpace.
I Love My Sister, She's the Best!
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.
Pilsen in Pictures
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.
How and Where to Eat Bo Nuong
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.
Chicago Science Frenzy
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.
Intro to Chicago
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.
Music Most Modern
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."
Weekend Warriors
The New York Times spends another 36 Hours in Chicago, this time hitting the Oriental Institute, Orange, and the Hopleaf among other attractions.
Trib and Sun-Times ♥ Macy's?
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.
Community Murals Destroyed
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.
Field's Fans Unite One Last Time
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.
Chicago: Present at the Creation
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!
Lech Would Be Proud
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.
Humanities Festival Head Start
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.
Last Free Friday Evening @ AIC
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.
Rise of the 100cc Machines
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.
Make Chicagoans Laugh
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.
Guide to the Gangsters' Homes
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.
"Conspicuous" Families More Common
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.'"
Chicago: Green Fashion Capital of the U.S.?
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?
Wild on Lake Michigan
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!
Your Moment of Mapping Zen
"Community areas in Chicago, isolated from context."
It's First Friday, With Even Less Clothing
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.
Where to Turn for Short Films
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.
A Different Kind of Heat
Zillow offers an interesting graphic representation of cost per square foot for Chicagoland real estate: a "heat map."
House Centipedes Are Your Friends!
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.
Coming this Fall: Mayor Swap
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.
Read @ Skokie Public Library
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]
More Concrete Lakeshore?
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.
Stars Motel to be Demolished
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.
Neighborhood Diversity
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.
People Die in the Desert
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.
Next Year's No. 1?
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.
All the Park's a Stage
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 .
Let the Games begin
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.
Free Opera Alert
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.
Props for Humanities Geeks
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.
Thinking Allowed in Chicago
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.
Hey, is that building a landmark?
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.
Chicago by the Numbers
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.
Moo, Oink, Thump
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.
Free Book Rentals for Hipsters
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.
Behind the Buildings: David Woodhouse
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.
While You're in Hyde Park...
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.
Switching Sides
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)
Photos from Go Skateboarding Day
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.
Everybody's Got Their Guidebook
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.
4 Star All the Way
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.
No more misses, connect
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.
For Visitors And Locals Alike
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.
On Local Language
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.)
Finnish Fashion Comes To Chicago
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.)
SummerDance Update
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.
From the Back to the Front and Around Again
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.
City Sounds
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).
AIC's Blue Period
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.
DIY City Guide
Moleskine freaks, take note: next year, you'll be able to create your own personal guide to Chicago with the new Departure city notebook. Photos of a prototype here, and more details at Moleskinerie. [via]
Sounds of the City
Chicago Public Radio's website now features "Chicago Amplified," a service that provides audio material from a variety of partner organizations, like the Illinois Humanities Council, the Field Museum and the Community Media Council. Stream or download usual suspects like Studs Terkel and Ira Glass, as well as more esoteric fare like authors on Auschwitz or the Underground Railroad. (Also new on the site, GB's Slowdown keeps Eight Forty-Eight listeners busy.)
Time For A Steam?
Popular wisdom holds that you shouldn't let anyone tell you how to take your shvitz, but the Chicago Journal has gone ahead and done just that, profiling an afternoon at the Division Street Russian and Turkish Baths.
Shubert Theater Reborn, Renamed
Renovations to the 100-year-old venue are complete, and Tuesday night the marquee will be lit for the first time. The former vaudeville house officially reopens Wednesday night as the LaSalle Bank Theater with a performance by Tony Award winner Michael Crawford (perhaps best known for Phantom of the Opera). You're welcome to tour the interior Friday and Saturday from noon till 5 PM.
Mapping the Controversy
Who would have thought a map of Chicago's neighborhoods would be so controversial? Not only has the Chicago Neighborhood Map designed by Christopher Devane upset realtors and developers because of a new motto, "Home is Where the Hood Is," printed across the top, but Chicago Public Schools has slapped the mapmaker with a cease-and-desist order to keep him from offering the map to schools.
Garden in a Cube Farm
Perk up life in your office today with Palla Palla's photos from the Garden in a City show, which closed yesterday.
Sheltered (Advertising) Existence
Old-school bloglebrity Matt Haughey started a MetaFilter thread yesterday on the recent deals for New York City street furniture (bus shelters, public toilets, newsstands) bringing in a billion dollars in revenue to the city, all paid for by advertising sold by the British and Spanish firms responsible for the structures. In light of the similar deal for bus shelters struck between the City of Chicago and French firm JCDecaux a few years ago, I immediately thought, "What? We could have had public toilets too?!" If we're serious about the 2016 Olympic bid, we may see them sooner than later.
In the Year 2010
The Chicago Public Library has recently unveiled its new strategic plan, titled "Chicago Public Library 2010: A Vision for Our Future." [pdf] The plan is "a call to action for all Chicagoans who understand the essential role of their public library in the educational, economic and cultural fabric of the City of Chicago. A strong and vibrant public library is a sign of a strong and vibrant city, and ultimately a sign of how that city values its residents." Right on.
Mulch into Moolah
From the Times: "By wrapping its arms and famous big shoulders around its Latin motto -- Urbs in Horto (City in a Garden) -- Chicago has become a global model for how a metropolis can pursue environmental goals to achieve economic success."
Mad Hot Ballroom Fans Take Note
The All-City Dance Ensemble, made up of the best dancers from Chicago's public high schools, shows its stuff tomorrow afternoon in the Randolph Cafe at the Chicago Cultural Center. See Slowdown for details.
Edgewater's Own Neighborhood Festival
Not your typical neighborhood festival: Edgewater's Edge Of The Earth festival will have fire-spinning, Mexican dancing, visual arts and a choir. Held at a local Orthodox church, this will certainly differ from the usual ribfest / block party / beer-n-bands fare. (And the Edgebrook Chamber Of Commerce's website is very old-school and worth a visit.)
Know Any Artists?
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.
Roommates (Not Bedmates!)
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.)
Great Chicago Places and Spaces: Tickets Available Now
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.
Town for Sale
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.
Getting There
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!)
Touring the Classics
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]
The Therapist Moves In
While we were redesigning yesterday, another site was launching: introducing Apartment Therapy : Chicago, a new local channel of the popular interior design blog.
"When Neighbors Collide"
Friend of GB Wendy McClure has a piece in the Funny Pages section of yesterday's New York Times Magazine.
Happy Birthday, Naperville!
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.
A City of Neighbors on Watch
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.
Another Good Thing About Chicago
We're number number four in the country in terms of oil crisis preparedness. (Thanks, Matthew!)
The Economist Says: Success!
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."
"Flowing Out of Cook into the Fringes"
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.
Seven Blunders of Chicago
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."
Home on the Hotspot
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.
Michigan Ave. Ball Sculptures, Annotated
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).
DuSable recognized offically
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.
This City is Our Home
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.
Wiki Comes Home
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.
Historic List
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.
Only In Chicago
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.)
Kelly Green Named Queen
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" (!).
Where There's Smoke
...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.)"
Friday Cultural Conundrum
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?
Roll Out The Albany Park Welcome Wagon
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.
Society No More
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.
Requiem for a Thud
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.
Come On, Feel The Noise! Please?
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.
The Last Weinerschnitzel
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.
North Kenwood/Oakland Revival
Great article on the resurrection of the North Kenwood/Oakland neighborhood in the Tribune Magazine yesterday, along with some photos.
Chicago is Watching You
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.
Save Our Beers
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?
A "Rape Epidemic"
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.
The NYTimes' Chicago Expense Report
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).
Deadly Suburbs
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.
"Superpremium Mindset," with Lungs, Wallet to Match
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.
A Site of Their Own
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.
Urbn, pshaw!
Well, Milwaukee Avenue in Wicker Park continues to push forward with hipster clothing stores. Coming soon: Urban Outfitters.
Because Lists Are Fun
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)
Calling All Crafters
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!
Vaughnifer Watch
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.
It Would be Funny If it Weren't True
Luke Seemann's Internet Tendency on "Things I would do if I were an alderman and wanted to make my neighborhood suck."
These Are The Days
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.
Year in Review
Bored at work? Crain's has a three-part news quiz you can take to pass the time.
New Year's Ever
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.
Hear Me Now
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.
Illiterate Chicago?
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.
Smoke'em If You Got'em
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.
Getting Hot in Herre
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.
Say Your Piece
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.
Get out the Vote
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.
Chicago Vs. Atlanta: Aquarium Edition
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.
Pick up a Cat
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.
Lights Festival on N. Michigan
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.
So Alive With The Sound of Music
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.
Will Capone Be Allowed?
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.
Turn Right at the Alley
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.
Craftivism
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.
Less Taxes, More Rock
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.
Call it "Smirting"
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.
Something So Fantastic
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.
Pretty Pumpkin Portraits
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.
Loyola's Colorful Neighbors
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.
File Under: Pay No More than You Have To
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."
Parting the Post-College Haze
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.
Be Good to Yourself
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 Wants Your Two Cents
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.
Wicker Park Inn
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.
Spelling's Coming Home
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.
The Best of the New City
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?)
CLA Site Launch
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.
Burn the Streets
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.
Fashion Focus Chicago
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.
Coming Soon: the Chicago Humanities Festival
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.
What a Wonderful World
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.
Seven Wonders of the Tribune
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.
Spend October with Lizzie and Darcy
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.
CTA Scam on Flickr
Well, sort of. Corydalus tells the tale of a foiled scam, accompanying a photo of the near-victim.
Wrigleyville Goes Hawaiian
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.
A city of stories
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 7 Wonders of Chicago?
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.
Jumped Into the Gap
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.
Garfield Park Art Market
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.
If you don't feel safe, perhaps you're feeling safer?
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.
Localized Portals Galore
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.
Another Day, Another Rating
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.
Where Friends Meetro
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.
More Google Earth fun for Chicago
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."
Stateway from the Ground
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.
Chicago is overpriced?
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?
Oak Park Hot? Really?
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...
Amateur Encyclopedists Wanted
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!)
Yuppies Are Our Creation
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's No. 3!
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.
Division, one bar at a time
The Times just did a piece detailing Division's storefront gentrification, with a rundown of the neighborhood's bars, restaurants, shops, and spas.
Talking about heat
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.
Big cities downsizing
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.
The MeFi Travel Agency
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.)
Swing Your Partner
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.
Dude, I'm Totally 21
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).
Subjective, much?
Apparently, somone hates Chicago enough to compile a list of 101 reasons why Chicago sucks. We love you too!
FlickrPride
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.
Podcasting the Park
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.
The dirtiest (and not in a good way)
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.
Fake Graffiti
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.
Dumb Laws
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.
True English Cut Comes to Chicago
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.
What You're Doing This Summer
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.
No permit? No problem!
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!
Third graders visit; cuteness ensues
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...
Bridgeport: The Next Art District?
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]
Whither the West Side?
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.)
Crime on the Map
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.
The pathos of the Park
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.
Black is Beautiful
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.
Learn More About Your Neighborhood
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.
Take your mama out
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.
Dave's stories
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.
Cubs Fans and Wagner's "Ringheads"
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.
"Now It's Bucktown's Turn"
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.
Six Points Times Four
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.)
North Side Murder Spike
There's been a sharp increase in murders on the North Side this year -- while on the West Side, the rate has significantly dropped.
The Origin of "Gapers Block"
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.
Happy Birthday Chicago
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!
Pedway Love
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.)
Lakefront Tutus
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.
Steel Museum In Our Future
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.)
Museum Pass Choices
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.
But are pictures of the Park Grill illegal?
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....
Millennium Park copyright explained!
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.
SMITTEN WITH KNITTIN'
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.
Rogerspark.com
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.
Museum Attendance Falls Again
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.
Those sensitive Chicago cops
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.
More Jackie at Marshall Field's
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.
Our Kind of Town
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.
Tour Da Chicago gets press
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.
Deutsche Chicago
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.)
Your kitchen chair is safe
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.
So That Was Christmas
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.
Poses with Hoses
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.
Lush Comes to Chicago
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.
Free Tuesday Surprise
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.
Rock the cradle of Cubs
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.
NYE2K5 In Evanston
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!)
Blue bags for everyone
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.
Outspoken Chicago
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.
On the move
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."
Water Wars
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.
Local craft fair hits the Big Apple
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.
Shop, Drink, and Be Merry
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.
Great Chicago Fire Sale Scandal!
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.
Oak Park's Great
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)
"Yep, sonny this is sure enough Injun summer."
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.
Adopt a Pet
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.
Mapping the Cameras
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.
Chicago jest Polskie!
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.
Hot Tickets At Cool Prices
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.)
And the Winner Is...
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.
Free Movie: Vera Drake
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.
Animal Grossology
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.
Mexican Coke: It's sweet!
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.
Chicago Vocabulary
"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.
Tour Free Market Chicago
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.
Trail of Terror Needs Volunteers
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!
Polish American Heritage Month
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!
Your Local Tribe
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.
Escape the Concrete Jungle
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.
Taxi Stats
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."
The people have spoken....
...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.
Breweries of the City
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.
How many languages does it take to speak to Chicago patients?
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.
Why Can't Chi-Town Read?
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?
Hindu Temple Opens in Bartlett
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.
Wrigleyville community meeting
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.
Four Stars of a Different Sort
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.
Loop Trivia
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.
Millennium Park burnout, anyone?
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.
"Edifice-in-waiting"
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.
The Swim Report
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.
Derrick Carter at Millennium Park
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.
Daley's Green Crusade
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.”
Urban Indians
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 Great Return
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.
Black Gay Pride
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.
Watch for road workers
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.
Not so homicidal
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.
Not So Pricey
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.
Neighbors Connect Online
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.
Needle House
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.
Avon Walk for Breast Cancer
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.)
Leathered Up
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.)
Pop Vs. Soda
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 ]
Itchy Ritchy
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.
Destination: Manifest
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.
Neighborhood guide
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.
Chicago astronomy
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.
Naperville's Number One!
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.)
Our Weird City
Metromix is soliciting suggestions of "bizarre people and places in Chicago." Give'em a hand and nominate someone/thing.
Neighborhood Link: Edison Park
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.
Will Clinger departs Wild Chicago
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.
Four Bright Red Stars with Sharp Points
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.
Wireless Chicago
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.
Happy Kha B'Nissan
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!
On Our Best Behavior
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?)
Naperville: one big happy family community
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.
Just a Little Tease
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.
Speechless
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.)
St. Paddy's Day in Chicago
We do St. Patrick's Day so well here, San Jose Mercury News and the New York Times both covered it. Are they jealous?
Not quite a holiday
Happy Pulaski Day!
Kyan, the shaving master
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.
Bad Parking Job
You've got to see this photo (pop-up). It was taken over the weekend by a resident in Unkrainian Village from his porch. Note that the car received two tickets.
Daley OK with Gay Marriage
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.)
The Smelly City
Inspired by the recent exodus of candy manufacturers from the city, Newcity reporter Ray Pride seeks out the remaining scents of Chicago.
Guess Early and Often, Redux
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.
Hola & tot ziens
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.
Guess early and often
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.)
Karnevalsgesellschaft
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.)
Magikist Goodbye
"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]
Museum Madness
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.
Chicago Dating Trends
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.
Award-winning Club Scene
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."
State of the Arts
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]
State Profile: Illinois
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!
A Taste of Brazil
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.
We're Tops
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!
Assyrians of Chicago
...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.
Chicago: The Friendly Place to Work
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.
Discover the Hidden Gems
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 Needs Help
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?
Pow-wow This Weekend
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.
Windy City?
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.
Postal Chess Tournaments
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!
3 days and 15 big ones
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.
Smarty Smart Smart
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?
Mesopotamian Artifacts
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.
21 Under 21
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.
Chinatown Ghosts
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.
Latinos in Dallas and Chicago
"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.
What are you going as?
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!
Field Museum to Return Human Remains
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.
Chicago Rope & Mummification club
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.)
Backgammon, Anyone?
Chicago Point is your "prime source for backgammon information," as well as backgammon fiction, art, computer wallpaper with pretty girls (and dice) on it...
Artistic Haunted House
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.
Howard Street: Yesterday and Today
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?
Best of Chicago.
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.
Walk Like a Chicagoan
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.
Whirling Dervishes Attack!
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.
50 Years of Segregation
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.
Sweet Home Chicago
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 Gangs, Redux
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)
Chicagoland Gangs
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.
Chicago Business Ethics Conference
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.
Got Pierogi?
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.
Return of the Dress Code
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.
It Takes $ To Look This Good
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.
Gerber/Hart Library
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.
Chicago Anthropologists Unite!
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."
Gay Naturists
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
Fray Day 7 is set for October 5 at the Noble Fool Theater. Check the Fray site if you're an interested party.
Gothic Chicago
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.
Unauthorized Chicago and elotes
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.
Bob Hope dies.
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.
The Quirkyalone
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.
City Fish
This is just odd: The longnose dace is apparently the official fish of Chicago. We voted on this?
Sister Cities
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!
Border Opens in Hyde Park
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.
Chapungu
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.
Museums for Free
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.
Hookahs around 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]
Puerto Rican Week
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.
Chicago: 25th costliest city
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.
Chicago Pagan Parents
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 Knife Sharpener
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.
Goodbye, Checkerboard
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.
Census Maps
The University of Chicago Joseph Regenstein Library has an interesting collection of maps, especially pertaining to the 1990 and 2000 census data for Chicago.
Chicago's Polish Vote
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.
Forbes Does the Singles Life
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.
The KKK in Berwyn
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.
Hot House Woes
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?
Violent Crime
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.
DGI Conference Buzz
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...
Outlaws Motorcycle Club
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.
Tongue-splitting
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
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.
NYT hits Milwaukee/North/Damen
"... see how some of the locals might spend the weekend." The New York Times Travel section visits Wicker Park and Bucktown.
Passage from India
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.
Chicago Cheapskates
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!
Anarchist and Human Rights Film Festival
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.
Dwight was there!
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.
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