Remember the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
No matter how funny it may be to officially add "IN THE NAAAAME OF LOVE" and "AND SMELL THE ROSES" to stop signs, you can't.
Ad: Is this the end for the Master Builder? Find out: Groundbreaking Ibsen adaptation @ Building Stage!
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☛ GAPERS BLOCK FIFTH ANNIVERSARY PARTY! Friday, May 30, 2008 ✧ The Hideout ✧ 1354 W. Wabansia Ave. ✧ 9PM-1AM ✧ More details »
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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.
You Can Buy Prada Heels for $250...
only this time, they're Oprah's.
Internet Via Text Message
If you're out on the town and don't have a web-enabled phone, you can still access the Internet via a service that doesn't require calling that friend who's always online. ChaCha is a new human search service you can text with any question. So if you're wondering when the Chicago Diner closes or curious about the middle name of your alderman, they'll text the answer back to you. Also, if you don't already know, you can text GOOGL (46645) for business addresses and phone numbers.
"We're so 1337 that other companies wish they were us."
The Trib earned a national shout-out for its April Fool's Day prank.
The Trials and Tribulations of a TV Host
Padma Lakshmi, host of everyone's favorite reality television chef competition, apparently has a dangerous job. Also, "out of principle," she won't say "pack your knives and go" to people on the street. So, um, don't ask her to say that when you see her walking around town.
Who is the Colonel?
Is the Trib really behind ColonelTribune?
Upwards and Onwards!
In what is clearly the most important sporting contest of the year, Chicagoan Jesse Lucas Berg won Seattle's Big Climb.
S2U3Re4 and Be2Ga4Ra3
What makes the Chicago River green for St. Patrick's Day? No, it's not ground-up leprechauns. It's a vegetable-based dye. In the early days though it was a substance called Fluorescein.
Bathroom Fixtures for Your Neighborhood
Well, at least if you live in Logan Square or Wicker Park.
An Open Letter to the Chicago Tribune
Thank you for considering my impressionable mind when editing your fine paper, but you've gone too far. My first glimpse of over-editing was when you changed Shia LaBeouf's "asshole" to the goofy "nincompoop." I was then a little offended when you switched (what I assume was) Buddy Guy's "nowhere" with "[any]where." And then you edited Sarah Silverman's "f*cking" to "doing the deed with." As with my asterisk, if you must edit, could you please stick with the intended meaning?
Sit, Uno, Sit. Good Dog.
Uno, the first beagle to win the Westminster dog show, was honored by the Lt. Gov. in Chicago yesterday. That's right, yesterday was "Uno the Beagle Day."
More Email!
Who else has been getting a ton of Facebook updates about Thrillist coming to Chicago? Apparently, Gawker Media is introducing its own dose of Daily Candy soon, but you can sign up now if your sweet tooth can stand it.
Happy Leap Year!
An extra Friday is always cause for celebration, especially when it helps keep our calendar in alignment with the earth's revolution around the sun. The last time we had a February with five Fridays was 1980; check out Wikipedia for more fun leap year facts.
Hot Dog Musical
Found on Songza: The Theme from Hot Doug's by bee.
Fighting Smoking One Room at a Time
Swissôtel Chicago is now paying $10 to staffers who catch guests smoking in their rooms. Guilty guests get charged $250 to defray the cost of deodorizing the room.
Frank Lloyd Wright, Merchandise Mart and Tokyo's Imperial Hotel
What do they have in common? Lincoln Logs! Check out bullet #3 in this Mental Floss article to find out the connections.
Democracy at its Finest
Will the natural clown or the anti-discrimination activist take the title of Most Beautiful Cat in Chicago? You decide!
John Smith, I Presume?
If your name is John Smith, This American Life would like you to email them at johnsmith@thislife.org with a few words about yourself. They may include you in an upcoming show about people with your name.
Chicago's Global Industrial Influence
First time GB flickr group contributor oceandesetoiles spotted a Chicago Pneumatic somethingoranother in Paharganj, New Delhi.
Competing for Monopoly
Rich Uncle Pennybags is going to include city names in a new Monopoly edition. Apparently he's ok with competition in this case, so vote for Chicago's inclusion today, and if you're really dedicated, every day until Leap Day.
Snow Removal
I wonder if my landlord reads Gaper's Block. If so, he should be reminded that Section 10-8-180 of Chicago city code requires every person "having charge of any building or lot of ground in the city abutting upon any public way or public place shall remove the snow and ice from the sidewalk in front of such building or lot of ground."
Bread, Cookies and Cakes are Served Soggy
Aramark and the Kane County Sheriff are being sued by three inmates for $2,000,000 in damages due to food being "insufficient" on a variety of measures, including nutrition, sanitation and sogginess.
Someone Isn't Paying Attention at Work
I've been fighting making this post, but I must acquiesce. It seems the gold rally and the Chicago Board of Trade's rising wheat, corn and other commodity prices have something do to with a man's mugshot.
Time Bandit vs. Miss Piggy
Have you ever wanted to know how bank robbers get named? In Chicago, look to the FBI's Ross Rice.
The Weather Outside is Frightful...
but Apartment Therapy has a few suggestions to keep the temperature in your apartment so delightful. (Sorry. I couldn't help myself.)
Name that Park
Speaking of city facility names, the Chicago Park District has some curiously named parks. Among them: Indian Road, Golden Gate, Valley Forge and, of course, the colorfully named No. 484.
More Fuel for Conspiracy
Chicago takes the stage in the latest twist in the JFK assassination.
Cool Map
I know what I want for Christmas. (Thanks, Jim!)
People Not to Rob
A 17-year-old followed the wrong person home yesterday in a robbery attempt: an armed, uniformed cop.
What constitutes "Chicagoland?"
The Census Bureau now defines Chicagoland to include Jasper and Newton Counties, both in Indiana. Kankakee County, in Illinois, is out. A Depaul sociologist explains the implications.
Public Relations Gold
Remember the plane that lost luggage in air? Following reports that among the lost luggage was an American Girl doll whose owner was "sad and sleepless ... since the doll was sucked out of the cargo hold," American Girl stepped up and sent her a new doll.
That Door's Secure ... Right?
It seems a Delta flight lost some bags after taking off from Midway. So if you haven't already taken the bags from heaven to the local thrift store, they'd like them back.
CTA Cares, Eight Hours Later
A weird, unnecessary email appeared in my inbox at 12:29 a.m. Friday morning from the CTA warning me of Thursday's late-afternoon storms, advising me to "allow for extra travel time on CTA service this evening." Thanks for the timely warning, folks.
Seen a Gnome Lately?
Specifically, this gnome? It seems to have disappeared on Northwestern's campus.
Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!
Don't forget today is Talk Like a Pirate Day, ya scurvy cur! You may want to get in the mood by viewing pirates from previous years, and while you're looking, note that flickr has gotten into the spirit.
Sssssssssssssss
Stu Iselin was surprised to find a python on his coffee table yesterday morning.
The Interactive Music and Coffee Experience
Apple's new iPod releases include an interesting partnership with Starbucks that will hit Chicago in March 2008. When you walk into a megalocoffee shop, you'll be able to see information about each song that's playing in the store as it plays and, of course, buy it and other iTunes songs. If you're interested in more information about the program, most pages on Apple's site currently list the wrong URL, so go here instead.
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.
"Lock Up All Liberals at Gitmo"
Meet Richard Tisch, conservative jeweler with a sign.
Have an "Unusual" Collection?
If so, make a short video about your collection and submit it to apartments.com for a chance to win $20,000. At the time of writing, no one's submitted anything, so your odds are good at being an early front runner.
Our Lost Stuff on eBay
It looks like the state has the eBay bug and is going to sell unclaimed items on eBay. So if you still can't find that coin you lost, you may want to check out Cash Dash or their auction photos.
Keep on Sheetrockin' in the Free World
Calling all drywallers: are you sick and tired of not getting the spotlight for your craft? Here's your chance for glory and a $5,000 prize through the "The Best of the Best Drywaller" competition, sponsored by USG, the folks who make Sheetrock. Qualifying bouts are currently being held at hardware stores all over the city, with the selection of the top drywaller taking place from 1pm to 5pm on August 19 at Harrison Park, 1824 South Wood.
Welcome to Oceanville, Illinois
Chicago the Lion invites you to visit the Muppet Wiki page for Illinois. That's right: the Muppet Wiki.
We Didn't Make the Cut
What do Vegas, Bangkok, Mumbai and Krakow have in common? Well according to the Global Language Monitor they are all more important to fashion than Chicago. Nuts.
Ask a Music Scene Micro Celebrity
It's getting a little crazy, but Chicago music legend Steve Albini is answering a wide variety of questions in the Two Plus Two forums.
Oh, Those Canadians!
The Globe and Mail reports on what is surely the most important aspect of the Conrad Black trial.
Clop, Clop, Clop, Plop.
If you've ever wondered why you've never seen a white Chicago Police Department horse or at least what being a mounted policeperson is like, this article's for you.
Tasting It All
Speaking of consuming huge amounts of food, the Trib's Monica Eng sampled 253 dishes at the Taste. The experiment cost the paper a grand total of $1,022. I'm sure it was a lot of really healthy food.
Up, Up, and Away
"Dean" and his female associate engaged in some hotel bed jumping at the Chicago Hyatt, as have many other people at hotels worldwide.
Three Pigs and the North Shore
A circuit court judge has upheld the right of a former member of the Walgreens family to keep her three pigs on her Lake Forest property until at least 2011. Her next-door neighbors and 300 other locals aren't pleased. The decision will be appealed.
The End is Nigh
The Tribune provides sign 15,347 that cicada fever is most certainly cresting.
A Zombie Invasion?
The Cook County morgue has a big problem: it's missing a body. Be alert.
Chicago, Coyotepolis
Our friendly neighborhood Quizno's coyote, Adrian, isn't alone as an urban explorer. Chicago coyote visits have increased from "perhaps a dozen" in the 1980s to 312 in the last three years.
The Mystery of the Anti-Weatherman
The National Weather Service has enlisted the help of the FBI to track down a person who is submitting bogus weather reports in Illinois and Wisconsin. The reports have caused the service to issue erroneous storm warnings. If you can't trust weather reports, what can you trust?
Oops, Dad's Out of the Frame
Calling all family albums! The Tribune is seeking your bad vacation photos.
Mapping the Invasion
While not everyone is seeing cicadas, some Chicagoans are, and at least some observers are adding their input to this handy Cicada Emergence Map.
Official Oprah Winfrey Week
"We can maybe take that week and show her how much we really love her." We can definitely take that week, apparently.
14,100 Gallons of Water Per Minute
Now that the Buckingham Fountain is going full blast, maybe you'd like to astound your friends with some related trivia. For example, it opened on May 26, 1927, and its computer's name is the "Honeywell Excel-Plus."
Scourge of the Suburbs
A revolt is underway in the suburbs. The target: new sidwalks. After all, with sidewalks, "who knows what you'd be encouraging to come through?" The Trib's online readers are having none of it, with approximately 90% saying sidewalks in neighborhoods are "a positive addition."
That Was Fast
Remember the divorce billboard from yesterday? It was removed for permit violations before the end of the day.
Bug Paper
Maybe we're going a little overboard with all this Cicada Mania, but if you absolutely can't wait till the end of the month for the emergence of Brood XIII, the Trib has the answer; cicadas in origami (PDF file).
Honest Abe's Illinois Shenanigans
While Calgon may not take you away, Abraham Lincoln has you covered.
Attack of the Smileys
Several cars in Printers Row received smiley face makeovers last night. The Trib astutely predicts "if the taggers are caught, there will be no smiles."
"Put Traction Issue Up to Straphangers"
The Tribune has an interesting list of Chicago transit facts (with an inexplicably capitalized headline).
Circus Circus
Local circus freak Ken Harck just made another acquisition. This time it's a rare Ringling Bros. poster.
Corn Oil vs. Eggs
The year's first volley of the epic human vs. seagull battle has been launched.
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.
A Very Small Museum
Michael Horvich is more than a supernumerary, he's the curator of Michael's Museum. Unfortunately, the physical museum is currently not open to the public, presumably due to high demand because of a recent Tribune article. For now, enjoy the photographs and lists.
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."
Hook Up Some Answers to Lonely Questions
Here's a list of unanswered Chicago-oriented questions from Yahoo! Answers. If the question was asked more than 5 hours ago and still doesn't have an answer, it'll be dere.
Click!
Photobooth-o-philes, get excited! You'll soon be able to take a zany picture of yourself and your close friends at Quimby's.
Dance Floor Disaster
Lacey Hindman knows another way work parties can turn into excruciating pain.
Use the Force (to Pick a Stamp Design)
R2D2 is roaming the city, and it wants you to visit the "Jedi Shipping and Mailing Master" to vote for your favorite Star Wars stamps.
Oh, Yeah, That's the One
It's always a pleasure to see a news organization pick just the right stock image for a Downers Grove mob hit story.
Jackass of the Week
College newspapers may not be known as paragons of journalism, but some local schools have some trailblazing pieces online, such as Columbia Chronicle's Jackass of the Week column. Other recent college paper wackiness comes from an article about Microsoft vernacular, an apology from a paper that got it all wrong and a pseudo op-ed arguing for a "Star Trek Defense" system against illegal aliens.
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.
We've Got It Under Control ... Like Iraq
Congressperson Tim Walberg (R-MI), recently noted most of Iraq is "reasonably under control." Well, you know, "at least as well as Detroit or Chicago ... or Harvey, Illinois."
SSSSSttttteeeeelllllllllllllllaaaaaaaaa!
There was a Stella Yelling Contest, and Phil Wackerfuss won it.
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.
That Doesn't Belong in a Milkshake!
Oak Brook's very own McDonald's seems to be having some trouble on one of its British websites. (Unfortunately, the item on the original website is in Flash, so we can't link to it.)
Do Not Feed Gum to Your Dog
Don't be distracted by Wrigley's announcement that it will launch a sensory "invigorating" gum called "5" this summer. Their Product FAQ offers so much more, including an important dog related item.
Cicada Love
"It started out as a harmless fling. He was a male cicada in love, she was a female cicada with needs." Could this possibly be from a real newspaper? Find out now.
Attack of the Red Eyed Monsters
If you're planning on attending concerts at the Ravinia Festival this summer, you may want to check the schedule [pdf] extra early this year. Why, you ask? Cicadas.
How Much for a Really Nice Week?
The Chicago Mercantile Exchange will be adding weekly weather futures in April. I'll take 15 degrees above average in Chicago for next week, please!
The South Side Chicago Board of Tourism
Convert your currency to South Side dollars while enjoying an unusual White Sox website.
Spam Poetry Slam
Northwestern graduate student Kristin Thomas' spam poetry is getting attention. "Flesh Hungry Dogs, Jackhammer, Circuit and Chocolate," indeed!
That's My $9.2 Million Home on N. Astor
If you're looking for the toniest neighborhood for your next real estate purchase, maybe you should check the Chicago Business High End Homes section. The feature includes maps, photos and sale prices for the most expensive homes in the region in 2006.
124 to 123
No one is declaring victory yet, but North Chicago Alderman Shaunese Teamer may have lost the primary to her challenger, Bobby Allen, by one vote.
Uh, No, He's in Cambodia
Prospect Heights-based Alibi Network will construct elaborate lies on their clients' behalf. Given the copious amounts of stock photography and late 1990s web design, I thought this company was a hoax until I found their massive media archive.
Iconic?
Hoffman Estates-based EA Chicago is coming out with a new video game called Def Jam: Icon. In it you can pick your favorite real life rapper and stomp the crap out of your least favorite real life rapper. Fun. As far as I can tell, it seems sort of like Hood 2 Hood and Don Diva combined in video game form. An additional venue in which, to paraphrase Chuck D from a recent documentary, Black death is being pimped by corporations.
Granddad the Wii Master
Welcome to a world wherein grandparents in Lake County teach their grandchildren how to play video games.
This Godless Communism
It's 1961 and the communists have overthrown the government of the United States of America. Prepare yourself for the U.S.S.A.! What is the communists' first step? Move the government to Merchandise Mart! As J. Edgar Hoover says, read this comic now in order to "help us recognize and detect communists as they attempt to infiltrate the various segments of our society."
Close Encounters of the Third Coast
Even if you've never pointed a bent coat hanger at Stonehenge, you have to admit strange things were afoot at O'Hare last November. So in case you were curious, Chicago Mag has compiled a few of the more compelling UFO reports.
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.
Chicago Adolescence
This month's Chicago Magazine contains a funny little feature providing high school portraits of area notables like Dave Eggers, Liz Phair, Harold Ramis and Donald Rumsfeld.
Not Cheese at All
As Altria (formerly Philip Morris) prepares to spin-off suburban food giant Kraft, Crain's Chicago Business asks "What is 'Real Kraft Cheese'?" There's a hint in our title.
Durbin's $750/mo Bachelor Pad (With Three Roomies)
How's this for an unusual look into the lives of our senior senator and his three high-powered roommates! Juicy tidbits include Durbin killing mice with his bare hands and his insistence on having a big screen television.
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.]
IIT's TechNews Back Online
Fortunately, the irony that the Illinois Institute of Technology's student newspaper hadn't been updated since January 31, 2006 wasn't lost on its editors. Oh, irony, thou must find elsewhere to roost.
Heavier Wallets
The U.S. Mint announced that the new $1 Washington coin will be released in Chicago and Houston on February 15.
Monkey Money Madness
Those wacky Sun-Times staffers are at it again with this year's monkey stock market picks. As you'd expect, "Mr. Adam Monk," the primate in question, has beaten the major indices for the last four years. After you take in the monkey madness, pull a stock out of a hat and enter their contest for most appreciating stock.
Maybe You Shouldn't Have Another
Following up on a recent government report [pdf] ranking Chicago as the top binge drinking city in the U.S., the Sun-Times dropped by the Chicago Social Drinking Project lab.
Oh, Chicago Airports, Why Do You Hate Us?
For all the trouble at O'Hare, it looks like Midway isn't safe either.
Double Trouble at O'Hare
The next time you're flying out of O'Hare, check the sky for UFOs, then check under your seat for scorpions.
Watch Out Below!
Well, really, there's no reason to worry about the car dangling off of Marina City. [UPDATE: Visit Rearview for a photo.]
Pink Loves Brown
At last year's recent DIY Trunk Show, I made my usual rounds looking at who was doing what. The quality keeps getting better and better every year, a testament to those who organize the Trunk Show. However, one vendor caught my eye — Pink Loves Brown. The goods were smart, well-designed, retro-modern and quality. Nicole Balch puts out some really nice stuff — her apartment is quite inspiring, an extension of her work and aesthetic.
"Weather Phenomenon" or Something Else?
Some United employees saw a UFO at O'Hare on November 7th, but the FAA's having none of it.
Even Green Sidewalks
Solar powered bus stops and recycled tire sidewalks are being tested by the Chicago Department of Transportation. Will they make the cut?
Chicago's Video Game Influence
Online gaming magazine Gamasutra just released the final installment of its five-part series on Chicago game studios. The final stop is Midway.
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.)
Experience Quimby's from Your Computer
I don't know how many times I've been to the Quimby's site, but I'd never noticed the "live at quimby's" section until this morning. It has audio recordings from almost two-dozen events, although the one I really wanted to hear (Al Burian) is broken.
The Life of a City Squirrel
UIC biologist Joel Brown wants to know how squirrels survive the dangers of city life in Chicago.
They Beat Us To It
Some of you may know that Naz and I are the guys behind El Boton (limited edition pins make a great gift, by the way). We're a bit jealous, therefore, that Coudal Partners beat us to this great idea.
"How cool would it be to have Quidditch at Soldier Field?"
Plans are underway for a Harry Potter conference in Chicago in August 2008. It looks like it will be organized by these people.
Not a City of Chicago Headline
Apparently, it's news when there's graffiti in Blue Island.
Johnny Five, Alive!
A number of robots will soon see action in Chicago. Oh, and one of them is named "Frank."
Yes, Our Cabbies are That Good
One might think that 5,700 complaints against Chicago cab drivers would be a record high, but it's a 17% drop.
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.
Base Camp Best Buy
Console Camp, a new, Chicago-based game console blog, carries news and will provide details about the best camping spots for the Wii and the PS3. And in the spirit of democratic media, you can even post to it via email!
The Sausage Vat Murderer vs. H. H. Holmes
How much do you know about bizarre Chicagoland murders? Take this short quiz and find out!
In the Market for a Rollercoaster?
If so, head out to East Dundee for the Santa's Village auction. Don't forget to check out the full catalog [PDF] and supplementary photos so you'll be fully prepared to bid.
Get Your Spook On
This Halloween season has plenty to offer the ghoul lurking inside of you. Unusual offerings include KFAR's Spookagogue Synagogue, the Apollo Theater's Haunting History, the Six Corners Monster Film Festival, and Ursula Bielski's Creepy Chicago Hauntings. Check slowdown for additional options.
Open Letter to Criminals: Stay Away from MySpace
Another from our neck of the woods.
Five Down, 11 to Go
The Bears are looking damn good this year. Think they can go all the way? Then this new shirt, created by Coudal Partners, is the one for you.
Another Reason to Look Up
Early Friday morning, two people BASE jumped from a downtown crane. This is the second noted jump in as many weeks.
Chicago Movie Magic
We all know that the Art Institute was a location for Ferris Bueller's Day Off, but did you know that Gerri's Palm Tavern was a location for The Sixth Sense? MovieMappr knows, and it will show you where Gerri's was.
Walking in Chicago
With all of this walking around Chicago, why not take an idiosyncratic video stroll through the city?
So I Guess Indy Cars aren't Street Legal
Does anyone know why there was an Indy racecar pulled over on Damen the other night?
