Gapers Block : Merge : Author

Transmission Feature: OFFICE
At Gapers Block: Transmission we're not afraid to embrace music that has nothing to do with shoe-gazing. Read all about Chicago's own indie-pop phenomenon OFFICE, and get ready to have some songs stuck in your head all day long.
Thursday September 20 2007 Gapers

Chicago Olympics Logo Re-Ignited
The City has unveiled it's new Olympics logo, which uses a star from the Chicago flag (yeah, we like that idea around here) in the center of a seemingly torch-like range of colors. I wonder how this is all that different from Chicago's last entry which was disqualified due to the IOC's rules against using official images of the Olympics by bidding cities.
Wednesday September 19 2007 In the News

Is Your Chicago Card Expiring?
Since pinching pennies is the rule of the day with the CTA, make sure your pennies stay right where you put them on your Chicago Card. If you ran out and got a card when they were first offered four years ago, your card might be expiring as early as October 17th (note: this doesn't affect Chicago Card Plus users). To check the status of your card, and to replace it, talk to a customer service agent in person, go online or call 888-968-7282.
Tuesday September 18 2007 Transportation

Transmission Feature: Record Store Favs #6
Before you start only buying your music at Starbucks, don't forget the noble neighborhood record store is ready and willing to help meet your music needs. This week, in our sixth installment, we bring you an inside look at another one of our favorite Chicago record stores.
Thursday September 13 2007 Gapers

Tequila Mockingbird Update
The Sun-Times has a story on seriously injured Windy City Roller Derby skater Tequila Mockingbird (aka Tahirah Johnson). Her proclamation: "I will walk again."
Wednesday September 12 2007 In the News

Cheetah by the Bank
More details on the surprisingly quick Cheetah gym re-openings: the bank that held David Wilshire's loans, MB Financial, will be calling the shots. The Bucktown and Andersonville locations re-open today, Edgewater will be back up by Wednesday.
Sunday September 9 2007 Health/Fitness

Transmission Feature: Rock the Block Party
Heading to the Hideout Block Party this weekend? Still on the fence? Click over to Gapers Block: Transmission to get your party preview on with our guide to the bands hitting Wabansia Ave. Friday and Saturday. (Planning on taking some photos? Load your best into our Transmission Flickr Pool when the weekend's done. Details.)
Thursday September 6 2007 Gapers

Maybe You Can Sign His Cast
All hail the return of encased meats September 12 (and still-healing purveyor Doug Sohn).
Wednesday September 5 2007 Eating/Drinking

Transmission Feature: Ritualistic Review
Today in Transmission we've got a review of the just-released CD/DVD/book capturing the work of Greg Jacobson's Ritualistic School of Errors. It is an experimental time warp back a decade when Jacobson's performances around Chicago were just the kernel of legend. Top 40, this ain't, but it just might blow your mind. (Or at least give you the willies.)
Thursday August 30 2007 Gapers

Nice Tomatoes!
Growing a coffee can tomato plant this summer on your sill? Bring in your best tomatoes to Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba for their "Show Me Your Tomatoes Festival" Saturday 8/25 and compete for a trip to Vegas. Details.
Tuesday August 21 2007 Eating/Drinking

Transmission Ticket Giveaway
If you peek over at Transmission (where we love music and a good deal), you can read all about this Saturday's Queer Fest Midwest, and get the skinny on how you can win a pair of tickets to a full day's worth of awesome musical acts at Pulaski Park Field House.
Tuesday August 21 2007 Gapers

Bicycle Breathing Room
A new state law signed by Gov. Blagojevich this past weekend gives bicyclists something to be happy about: more room. The law allows bicyclists to move further into the travel lane to avoid getting cut off by right-turning cars. It also requires drivers to give bikers three feet of room when passing. To aid in communication, the new law allows bike riders to signal a right turn with the right arm (effectively letting you point to where you're going).
Monday August 20 2007 Transportation

What Not to do with your Wienermobile
Hot dog clogs major artery (and other assorted puns).
Thursday August 9 2007 Offbeat/Misc. Events

Extra, Extra...be an Extra
Get a shot at your 15 minutes in the new Batman movie, and help out a local non-profit tutoring center at the same time. Just volunteer to be an extra from 6am-6pm Friday, Saturday or Sunday ~~this weekend~~ 8/24-8/26 for the latest Dark Knight flick and 826Chicago gets $50 for each day you're out there. Other bonuses: You get two meals, plus snacks; you get tickets for daily raffles and you get your mug in a big police funeral scene in the movie. If you're game, email mara@826chi.org by noon Friday, Aug. 10th with your full name, day or days you are committing to (Friday, Saturday, Sunday), age, race, if you're male or female and a phone number.
Thursday August 9 2007 Film

Transmission Feature: Common's Seventh is #1
Our Transmission feature this week reviews local son Common's latest album, Finding Forever, which, in its short time out of the gate, has landed the artist with a No. 1 spot on the Billboard charts. Read all about it, then come out and tell us what you think at the 5 Star Bar tonight for Transmission Thursdays.
Thursday August 9 2007 Gapers

Some Thoughts on a Music Festival
Didn't make it outside this weekend for Lollapalooza? Read some musings on the weekend over in Transmission. (Got photos? Load up to five of them in the Transmission flickr pool.)
Monday August 6 2007 Gapers

Transmission Feature: Lollapalooza 2007
Sunblock? Check. Water? Check. Ironic T-shirt? Check. Transmission Lollapalooza preview? Right over here. We've got some very hot choices for how to best rock your three days in Grant park this weekend. [Or if you still want to hug the a/c a little longer, head out to the 5 Star Bar tonight for Transmission Thursdays hosted by the very quotable Nilay.]
Thursday August 2 2007 Gapers

Police Now Link 4 Lakeview Attacks
Police are now connecting four assaults that have occurred since April in the Lakeview neighborhood due to similar descriptions of the assailant. These four, however, are not believed to be connected to Sunday's sexual assault on the 3700 block of North Lakewood. The city and the 44th Ward alderman's office are currently adding more lighting to the area, but obviously, this will not completely eliminate the risk of walking alone at night. Free safety seminars will be offered by the area police and the 44th and 43rd Wards alderman's offices on Thursday and next Wednesday (details).
Wednesday August 1 2007 In the News

Transmission Feature: Why We Love Chicago Music
Over at Transmission, we've got the imaginary cake smeared all over our faces because we just turned one year old! To celebrate, this week we decided to let you know just why we love the music that Chicago has to offer. Read our staffers' "Top 3 Chicago Music Loves" and then head out and raise a glass with us tonight at the 5 Star Bar, starting around 9:30pm.
Thursday July 26 2007 Gapers

Podcasting a Muse
If you find yourself wandering Chicago museums this summer (whether alone or with out-of-towners), one thing you can do to spice it up is to add a podcast to the mix. The AIC has a monthly Musecast that discusses its current exhibitions and goings-on. The MCA also has a long list of podcasts about a current exhibition that address multiple pieces, like this one for Escultura Social with bilingual versions.
Friday July 20 2007 Arts/Architecture

Transmission Feature: WLUW
This week over in Transmission, we take an insider's look at the work behind the scenes at community radio station WLUW, which has made the news this week due to its current shaky relationship with Loyola University. Have a read, get involved, and have your say.
Thursday July 19 2007 Gapers

Pitchfork Rewind
We're a little tired, a little sunburned, but we've really got some things to say (good and bad) about this past weekend's Pitchfork Music Festival over at Transmission. Bonus: Pictures galore!
Monday July 16 2007 Gapers

Transmission Feature: Pitchfork Picks
If you're an indie music fan in Chicago, chances are you're already well aware that the 3rd Annual Pitchfork Music Festival kicks off Friday night. A click away in Transmission (where we love to share) we've got our picks for great sets to catch and maybe a little of what to expect (or not) from your favorite artists this weekend. [And if you want to make it a 4-day weekend, start it out tonight at Transmission Thursdays at the 5-Star Bar at 9pm. It's good times!]
Thursday July 12 2007 Gapers

It's a Hell of a Town (in Vermont?)
Well, the people have spoken, and Springfield, Vermont will be the lucky town to host the premier of The Simpsons Movie later this month. Our own Springfield, Illinois was in the running, but, alas, didn't garner enough votes. [Insert bitter Comic Book Guy commentary here, then go get a Squishee.]
Tuesday July 10 2007 In the News

Transmission Feature: Flosstradamus
Nothing's going to fix the fact you're probably back at work today, nursing yourself back to some semblance of consciousness, but we might just take the edge off that hurt with our feature over at Transmission. Check out our interview with sensational local electronica duo Flosstradamus.
Thursday July 5 2007 Gapers

Transmission Feature: Nihilist Records
On this beautiful Thursday, go ahead and click on over to Transmission for our feature this week on Chicago's Nihilist Records. They're really churning out records that really make you think (visually and sonically).
Thursday June 28 2007 Gapers

Transmission Feature: Lesser-Known Labels
See our wee Chicago music blog, Transmission, today for our brand new feature. This week, we sit down with two Chicago music labels you should really get to know better: Waterbug and Fundamental Records. Over the years, they've brought us folk singers Anais Mitchell and Rachel Ries along with the Butthole Surfers and Henry Rollins among many many others. (Oh, and if you're looking for a bit of a good time tonight, try our Transmission Thursdays at the Five Star bar, starting at 9pm.)
Thursday June 21 2007 Gapers

Transmission Feature: Favorites #5
Hey hey, Thursday's here again, and we've got our fifth installment of our series on local record stores over in Transmission. Read about our staff's experiences in Borderline Music as well as the Record Dugout and start your day off right. (You can round out the night with Transmission as well, tonight at the Five Star Bar. Details.)
Thursday June 14 2007 Gapers

Transmission Feature: Blues Fest 2007
Already planning on hitting the Chicago Blues Festival this weekend? On the fence about whether or not to leave the couch at all? Either way, the next step you should take is to click on over to our feature in Transmission this week which gives you some handy-dandy pointers on festival going and blues music appreciating.
Thursday June 7 2007 Gapers

Bicyclist Hit by Brown Line Identified
The 27-year-old man struck and killed by a Brown Line train Sunday has been identified as Milwaukee resident, Lance Lemieux. Witnesses say it appeared the bicyclist did not realize that there were two ground-level tracks at the Rockwell station where the accident occured around 4:30pm yesterday.
Monday June 4 2007 In the News

Transmission Feature: Speaker Art
This week in the ole Transmission blog we've taken a sharp look and listen to an exhibit at the Hyde Park Art Center that melds art and music in a most unusual way — a handmade speaker you can enjoy from the inside out.
Thursday May 31 2007 Gapers

Transmission Feature: Lampo Turns 10
Click over and see in Transmission today we interview Andrew Fenchel, central organizer of Lampo. Just what is Lampo, you ask? Well, it's a little bit musical experimentation and a little bit of auditory magic, and they're about to have their 100th show.
Thursday May 24 2007 Gapers

Transmission Feature: CIP Records
Today's brand-new feature on Transmission gives you a rare look at one of Chicago's lesser-known music labels: CIP Records. Check out our interview with founder (and musician) Blake Edwards, and keep an eye out for your chance to win some free CDs today, courtesy of CIP. [Bonus Transmission: Starting tonight, come out and check out our brand new Thursday night Transmission Event at the Five Star. Details.]
Thursday May 17 2007 Gapers

Transmission Feature: The Narrator
Check out what we have to say about Chicago band, The Narrator, in this week's feature in Transmission (for those of you who like to rock). They've got a new album out, and we even get a moment to talk to the frontman, who's also half of the hard-working local label Flameshovel.
Thursday May 10 2007 Gapers

Derby Day Approches
Saturday marks the 133rd running of the Kentucky Derby (as well as Cinco de Mayo), and if you like double-fisting mint juleps and margaritas, there are plenty of bars that can accommodate you. If you want to get out to the track, but can't afford the bus fare to Louisville, however, you can take advantage of a coupon for free admission to Arlington Park racetrack in today's Red Eye, just outside the city limits, and on the Metra rail. This week's Time Out also has an interesting article about the park's brand new state-of-the-art track, designed to keep the horses healthy (after several were fatally injured last year).
Thursday May 3 2007 Sports/Recreation

Transmission Feature: Internet Radio's Silencing
This week in Transmission, we delve into the hot topic of internet radio and the proposed hike in royalty fees that may end many small-scale broadcasts around the nation. Read all about the issue here, and if you've got an internet radio show and a story to tell about how you'll be affected by the fee hike, let us know at transmission (at) gapersblock (dot) com.
Thursday May 3 2007 Gapers

Butts...out!
The Illinois House of Representatives have approved a state-wide smoking ban in nearly all businesses. As soon as Governor Blagojevich signs it into law (as he is expected to) the ban will go into effect January 1, 2008 which preempts Chicago's ban by a good six months.
Tuesday May 1 2007 In the News

Transmission Feature: Some Sea and Cake
Today in Transmission, check out our interview with Chicago's Sam Prekop, frontman of the fabulous Sea and Cake as he dishes about the band and their new album, Everybody. [Also, won't you make some stickers or buttons for us?]
Thursday April 26 2007 Gapers

Track That Bus!
Starting this summer, the CTA has announced that it will expand its GPS-enabled bus tracking system to all North side buses that come into contact with the three-track operations on the Red, Brown and Purple lines.
Monday April 23 2007 Transportation

Transmission Feature, and a Bonus
Today in Transmission we warm you up with not two, not three, but four reviews of Chicago blues. It's not what you think, however. You may just have to read more to find out (hint hint). Also, today we launch a new semi-regular Transmission blog feature, Bands You Missed detailing the life (and death) of a local band. Check it.
Thursday April 19 2007 Gapers

Transmission Feature: Low and Loney, Dear
You could stay inside all day tomorrow and avoid spilling salt, black cats, and walking under ladders. Or you could head out to the Metro and check out Low and Loney, Dear. In the Transmission feature this week, we've given you a whole earful of reasons why these two groups' new albums are worth hearing, and why their live show will be worth the risk of venturing out on Friday the 13th.
Thursday April 12 2007 Gapers

You Got Your Indie Rock on My Sticker!....
...You got your button in my hip hop! We've announced details for our first ever Gapers Block: Transmission button and sticker design contest! The nitty gritty details are over here.
Tuesday April 10 2007 Gapers

Transmission Feature: New Jazz
Today, brace yourself against the wind and get ready for some noteworthy new albums from some big names, new names, and old names in jazz just a click away in Transmission. We've got reviews of new releases from Atavistic, Concord Records, and one self-release by the band themselves. Check them out, and brighten up your day, one note at a time.
Thursday April 5 2007 Gapers

Fan of Foie Gras Fined
Yup, it's official. Hot Doug was on trial, and Hot Doug lost. But, he's only out the minimum fine of $250 for illegally selling foie gras (encased, of course) under a 7-month old City of Chicago ban.
Thursday March 29 2007 Eating/Drinking

Transmission Feature: Arbouretum
Don't check the spelling, check the rock in our Thursday feature over at Transmission: Baltimore's Arbouretum. (Then check them out at the Empty Bottle tonight!)
Thursday March 29 2007 Gapers

Transmission Feature: 5 Reviews for You
Today we've got a fistful of new music by some of the best Chicago (adopted or native) artists around. Click on over to our favorite lil' music page, Transmission, and head on out to your favorite local music store to get in on all the fun between your ears.
Thursday March 22 2007 Gapers

Catch Up on Your SXSW Stories
In case you haven't been keeping up, we've now got a handy dandy one-stop link to all of the exclusive, drama-filled SXSW 2007 Tour Diaries from Chicago buzz bands Office and Catfish Haven over at Transmission. Scroll down the Transmission page just past Tape Findings, or just click here to get the dish from Austin, TX.
Monday March 19 2007 Gapers

Transmission: A Feature and A Diary
Today at Transmission (where we love to rock), we've got some fresh beats for you. Click over and read the first of many SXSW tour diary entries from Chicago buzzworthy band Office who've just arrived in Austin, Texas for some serious rockin' (keep your eye on the blog for more entries as the week goes on). Also, it's Thursday, so you know we've got a fresh feature for you. This week, it's an insightful interview with local spinner DJ Major Taylor. Click, dance, click!
Thursday March 15 2007 Gapers

Transmission Feature: Record Stores #4
Hello, sunshine! How's it going? Want to check out some record stores that may not be on your beaten path? Head on over to Transmission (where we love music) to read about George's Music Room and Permanent Records, two of our latest reviewed Chicagoland record stores.
Thursday March 8 2007 Gapers

Transmission Contest: See and Hear
We're doing a little DVD giveaway over in Transmission. Wanna win?
Monday February 26 2007 Gapers

Transmission Feature: Chicago Classics
Today's Thursday feature in Transmission (our music-obsessed side) takes a gander at two CD/DVD combo releases from Chicago blues and jazz label Delmark. Legend Jimmy Burns gets the fire stoked hot at B.L.U.E.S. while the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble grooves out in their loft with some rather interesting production details. Keep a sharp eye out today in Transmission and you might just have some new music to hear (and watch) for free.
Thursday February 22 2007 Gapers

Transmission Feature: Bobby Conn
Today in Transmission, besides the best Chicago music news and events coverage, we've got a review of Chicago's own wild entertainer Bobby Conn's latest album King for a Day. Make sure you keep an eye over there today for your chance to get a little somfin' somfin' from your buddies here at Gapers Block.
Thursday February 15 2007 Gapers

Transmission Feature: Love for Vinyl
A week of sub-zero temps got you stir crazy yet? Check out this week's Transmission feature on two more of our favorite local record stores for some inspiration to get out from under the covers and get outside.
Thursday February 8 2007 Gapers

Psst
Free stuff to be had over in Transmission.
Thursday February 1 2007 Gapers

Transmission Feature: Eternals and Skybox
Start your February off with a dose of Transmission! Today's feature's got not one, but two Chicago bands you should check out as soon as possible, The Eternals and Skybox. (And if you keep a sharp eye out today, we might just be able to hook you up.)
Thursday February 1 2007 Gapers

Transmission Feature: The Unheard Music
Your favorite place for Chicago music, Gapers Block: Transmission, gives you the lowdown on the best of Chicago's Atavistic music label's Unheard Music Series today. Tune it in!
Thursday January 18 2007 Gapers

Transmission Contest: Free plus plus
Who wants to groove out for free on Friday? Check Transmission for your chance.
Wednesday January 17 2007 Gapers

Until Justice Rolls Down Like Waters
To honor the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, the Metro, The Peace Museum and Sacred Heart Schools have launched an exhibition that pays tribute to the life and work of the Nobel Prize-winning civil rights leader. The show emphasizes his work in Chicago, and runs January 16-24 in the 6200 House at Sacred Heart Schools at 6250 N. Sheridan. Remember that respecting the work of Dr. King shouldn't stop after today, his birthday.
Monday January 15 2007 Politics/Activism

Evanston Siren May Sound for Snow
At what point can you tell when that magical "snow emergency" level of precipitation has been met? The city of Evanston is considering bringing back a practice of sounding its emergency sirens at the start of a snow emergency, thus alerting its residents that they need to move their car from prohibited streets. In the meantime, and perhaps important to know this weekend, there's a hotline, a website, TV and radio stations that let you know when a snow emergency is in effect. In Chicago, it's a little harder to figure out.

In placing a call to 311 today, I was told that they announce that a snow emergency has been declared on "the TV and the radio," but when I pressed for more information about which stations and who with the City might be telling the tow truck drivers to head out there, I was told to check Weather.com. Once I talked to a supervisor, I was told to check CLTV (channel 10), "any of the radio stations" or the Department of Transportation website (which has nothing about snow, maybe they meant Streets and Sanitation?). My best advice is to probably move your car from a "no parking during a snow emergency" street first, start counting the inches second. But maybe that's their plan all along.
Friday January 12 2007 In the News

No Butts About It
State Senator John Cullerton (D-Chicago) proposed legislation today to ban smoking in Illinois. The proposed bill would require all indoor public places, including all places of employment, to be smoke-free (with some exceptions). It would go into effect January 1, 2008 and would preempt the Chicago ordinance that gives some bars until July 2008 to go smoke-free.
Thursday January 11 2007 In the News

Transmission Feature: So and So's
Transmission (our lil' local music blog) has all the details on the Indie Indy band Margot and the Nuclear So and So's who take the stage at Schubas tonight as a part of the Tomorrow Never Knows Festival.
Thursday January 11 2007 Gapers

Details about CTA Construction
"You should budget at least double the amount of time to get home and 50 percent additional time to get to work." Oh, good.
Wednesday January 10 2007 Transportation

And Nau for Something Completely Different
The February issue of Outside magazine (with Shaun White on the cover) has a great article about Portland-based start-up outdoor clothing company Nau, which is about to open stores online and nation-wide this spring (including a Chicago spot). This isn't your standard jacket and ski goggle venture, however. Not willing to add to the petroleum-based synthetic fibers that are at the core of most outdoor clothing, they've spent millions creating breathable, beautiful and strong fabrics from unusual sources. They've got gorgeous jackets made from recycled soda bottles and silky base layers made from corn (no, really!). Look to buy online at the end of January, or in person at their Chicago store (one of only a four total to open this spring) which is due to open in mid-April in Lincoln Park, at 2118 N. Halsted.
Wednesday January 10 2007 Business/Shopping

"Beach Babe" Obama?
Note to self: if you say not to do something, everyone's going to want to do it. Senator Barack Obama might be learning this lesson right now, after commenting about a People magazine spread of "Beach Babes" that features his familiar face and not-so-familiar shirtless body. He's called the picture, taken while he was on vacation in Hawaii, "embarassing" and told folks to "stop looking at it."
Wednesday January 10 2007 In the News

Knitting Winter Delight
Resolved to learn something new, or just get your hands in some yarn—either way, head over to the Winter Delights Stitching Salon now through February at the Chicago Tourism Center. There will be lunchtime knitting, knitting movies, special classes for all skill levels and lots of like-minded yarn addicts around to fuel your obsession. Many details online, but most important is, it's free.
Thursday January 4 2007 Arts/Architecture

Transmission Feature: A Look Back Over Our Shoulders
Over at our sweet lil' Chicago music blog, Transmission, we've got our best musical memories from 2006 laid out for you. Enjoy the nostalgia as we look forward to another great year in Chicago music, just around the corner.
Thursday December 28 2006 Gapers

Transmission Contest: Who's a VIP?
The short answer is: you. The long answer is: whoever follows the steps over at Transmission.
Thursday December 21 2006 Gapers

Transmission Feature: Chicago Roots
It's not hard to think that Chicago's musical past is still very much actively influencing bands today, but the Chicago History Museum has made it much easier to explore that history in a new exhibit, "Chicago Roots Music." Check out the Transmission feature today to learn more about how everything from the pulpit to the street corner has influenced our local sound.
Thursday December 21 2006 Gapers

Another Day, Another CTA Problem
Expect trouble tonight if you're heading out on the Orange Line train to Midway, or the Green Line. Around noon today, an Orange Line train derailed on the northbound tracks near the Roosevelt Road station. Around 150 people were safely evacuated via the fire department's "snorkel basket" (who knew?), and no one was seriously hurt, but commuting is not going to be pretty tonight.
Tuesday December 19 2006 Transportation

Transmission Contest: Utah Carol redux
pssst! Look over at Transmission. (In fact, you may want to keep checking all week long.)
Tuesday December 19 2006 Gapers

No, We Don't Take Myrrh (or Discover)
Good to know that even Jesus has trouble shopping for some of his relatives this time of year. Check him out as he hits the Mag Mile. [via and by]
Tuesday December 19 2006 Found on the Web

Choose Your Own Card-venture
If you're just not finding a card that says it all for you, then why not fill in your own words? Loaded Blanks are a series of cards created by two Chicagoans: cartoonist Ezra Claytan Daniels and punk rocker Heather Kortan and drawn by young cartoonists where you can fill in the speech bubbles for the characters and items depicted on the front and inside. Themes range from a spelunking Santa to a Hanukkah journey to that one card perfect for the Apocalypse. You can find them at Chicago stores Chicago Comics, Quimby's Books and Women and Children First as well as online.
Thursday December 14 2006 Business/Shopping

Transmission Feature: Give This
The crunch is on for holiday gift giving, and what better to give to your Chicago music lover than Chicago music that they'll love? Check out the Transmission staff's picks for musical gifts for nearly every situation. Got a baby mama, a dub lover, a live music rocker or a Chicago noob on your list? We've got you covered.
Thursday December 14 2006 Gapers

Falling Concrete Snarls Commute
Concrete at a construction site hurt multiple pedestrians late this afternoon, but luckily none seriously. The cleanup, however, is hurting the evening commute, especially southbound buses in the Loop. A street closure at State and Randolph is forcing multiple routes, including the No.10, No.29, No.36, No.62, No.144 and No.146 to be rerouted. Northbound buses are not affected, according to the CTA. Update: The Trib's reporting that bus reroutes have been restored to normal, as of 6pm.
Wednesday December 13 2006 In the News

Obama Makes with the Funny
If you were watching that killer Bears v. Rams game last night on ESPN's Monday Night Football. Your heart might have jumped a bit when Senator Barack Obama came on to address viewers. It was just a tease of course, which ended with the donning of a Bears cap and a big smile. Catch it [YouTube].
Tuesday December 12 2006 Radio/TV

Transmission Feature: Chicago mp3 blogs
It's way too cold to leave the comfort of your computer today, so click over to Transmission to read about our favorite Chicago mp3 blogs. There's a plea for dancing, a tasty mountain, a love of jam (bands), cake, polka, sunsets, cover songs and links to lots of music you'll want to hear before everyone else does.
Thursday December 7 2006 Gapers

NYC Beats Chicago to a Fat Ban
Well, we might have been the first city to propose a ban on the use of trans fats in restaurants, but we're not the first to pass legislation.
Wednesday December 6 2006 In the News

Give a Little Piece of Chicago for Xmas
Now you can shop for Chicago skyline ornaments, calendars and El map neckties from the warm comfort of your computer. Three City of Chicago stores have gone online to bring you Chicago-themed holiday items, apparel, audio and video, and even some relics from the city's past including wares from the Cultural Center, Gallery 37 and the City of Chicago store on Pearson. Proceeds from sales support the Department of Cultural Affairs, free public programming and the programs of Gallery 37.
Monday December 4 2006 Business/Shopping

Transmission Contest: For a Lucky Baker's Dozen
Check out our local music blog Transmission for your chance at a free pack of autographed CDs, (plus more!) from our featured band, Utah Carol!
Thursday November 30 2006 Gapers

In December, Winter Parking Rules
Don't forget that as of 3am on December 1 (tonight), Chicago's Winter Parking rules go into effect. Some streets sport the complete ban on parking from 3am–7am Dec. 1–April 1, regardless of snowfall. Other streets let you park as long as there's less than 2 inches of snow on the ground, but if it snows enough, you can get in trouble any time of the day. Take care, check the snow-filled weather forecast, and move your sweet ride before the city does it for you.
Thursday November 30 2006 Transportation

Transmission Feature: Utah Carol
A "Utah Carol" is: A: The nickname for a gal from one of the western states. B: A song about a cowboy who dies in a stampede. C: A snappy singer-songwriter duo that you're not listening to (yet). D: All of the above. Get the answer now in Transmission's Thursday feature.
Thursday November 30 2006 Gapers

Holla Back, Chitown
The Trib has an article about online sites where victims of street harassment can vent and call out their attackers. A small sidebar to the piece ~~fails to~~ mentions the Chicago version of the original NYC site, called HollaBack Chicago. There, you can read and submit experiences with unwelcome advances, leerings, gropings, and the like, and even send in pictures if you happen to snap one.
Wednesday November 29 2006 Weblogs

Red Line Power Troubles
Attention there, Loop commuters. As of 3:51pm this afternoon, the CTA is alerting customers to a rather sticky problem with the northbound Red Line at the Jackson station which is rippling north. Northbound Red Line trains are (as of this posting) being rerouted onto the elevated structure between Roosevelt and Fullerton, with no additional shuttles running. The current Loop stops are as follows: Roosevelt, all stations along Wabash and Lake, Merchandise Mart, then trains will run express to Fullerton to resume regular northbound routing to Howard. Southbound Red Line service is not affected. [UPDATE: As of 5:24pm, Red Line Northbound service is running normally, but still expect some delays.]
Tuesday November 28 2006 Transportation

Transmission Feature: 5 for Review
Today, get a quintuple dose of music news you can use at Transmission. Two writers tackle five of the best new jazz and blues releases from two solid Chicago music labels. What longtime, now lost, South Side bar was the home to one of the best blues recordings? What prolific local jazz saxophonist is still churning out winners at an amazing rate? Check it out at your stop for Chicago music, Transmission.
Thursday November 16 2006 Gapers

Sexual Assault in Logan Square
An unfortunate call for extra caution when traveling alone, a woman was attacked as she walked home late Sunday night from the Logan Square blue line stop. The crime occurred at the 2700 block of North Albany Avenue, and the assailant was described as a Hispanic male wearing a white turtleneck and blue jeans. If you have any information, please call Grand Central Area detectives at (312) 746-8282.
Monday November 13 2006 In the News

Another Bid Bites the Dust
Today, San Francisco officially dropped out of the contest to become the U.S. nominee for Olympic host in 2016. The city lost serious face last week when the 49ers decided to move the team's stadium to Silicon Valley, effectively dissing San Francisco in the eyes of the Olympic Committee. Chicago will now compete head-to-head with Los Angeles, in an effort to get the USOC to like them best.
Monday November 13 2006 In the News

Check Your Labels
A manufacturer of acetaminophen (you might call it Tylenol, but this concerns the generic pain reliever) has recalled over 11 million bottles of its product after finding small metal fragments in a portion of a batch. If you bought 500mg acetaminophen at any of these retailers, the FDA has released a list of affected batch numbers which can be checked on your bottle. If you have questions, you can call Perrigo, the manufacturer, at (877) 546-0454.
Thursday November 9 2006 In the News

Transmission Feature: Joe Pernice
Today on Transmission, and tonight at Schubas, check out Joe Pernice and his band, the Pernice Brothers. Plus, time to get something for nothing, just check Transmission for details.
Thursday November 9 2006 Gapers

Transmission: Found Tapes
Lovers of cassettes, divers of dumpsters, lend us your ears! Starting today, and running every few weeks on Mondays, the Transmission blog will feature tapes found in and around Chicago by RJ Porter. Check out the inaugural Transmission blog's Found Tapes feature right now. (Got a cool tape to share? email us at transmission {at} gapersblock {dot} com.)
Monday November 6 2006 Gapers

Transmission Feature: Record Stores 2
Which Chicago record stores do we love? Where can you buy records at 2a.m.? What store installed a drive-up window? More importantly, which one thinks they have the best looking employees? Read this week's feature in Transmission to find out.
Thursday November 2 2006 Gapers

Freshman Arrested After Online Threat
A Niles West High School freshman was arrested today after FBI, Skokie police and school officials were notified by the administrators of Wikipedia after they discovered a troubling entry on the school's page. The entry was never posted, but because it "made violent threats specific to Niles West (High School) on Halloween," additional security was put in place at the school today.
Tuesday October 31 2006 In the News

Catching some ZZZ's (on camera)
The "Going Public" column in the Red Eye today talks to Yvonne Doll, a part-time cell phone photo snapper whose passion for photography has translated into a new web site Sleepyurbanite.com. For three months she has been taking pictures of slumping CTA riders who use their commute to catch up on sleep — whichever way they can. Droolers, beware!
Tuesday October 31 2006 Weblogs

Transmission Feature: Xiu Xiu
Read all about Jamie Stewart of Xiu Xiu's YouTube confessions, the group's "nothing is off-limits" approach to art, and how Weezer influenced their experimental rock in today's Transmission feature.
Thursday October 26 2006 Gapers

Blue Bags Dead, Long Live the Bins
After 11 years of trying to make it work, Mayor Daley has finally announced the end to the city's oft neglected blue bag recycling program. Instead, there's a seven ward pilot program in the works to use curbside bins in place of the rarely used blue plastic bags for recycling paper, glass, plastic and cans. The new bin color? Blue, of course.
Wednesday October 25 2006 In the News

Patty Burger Preview
I had a chance to go downtown and sample some of the much hyped and much awaited Patty Burger offerings last night, and my feelings are rather lukewarm about the whole place. Much smaller than I imagined, there were no promised milkshake samples, or fries, and I was not blown away by these wunderburgers at all.

The burgers are fine, really. The meat seems to be of slightly better quality than other fast food offerings, but "The Sauce" seems to be only a slightly tangy thousand island dressing, and the cheese was rather blah. The burgers without cheese, in fact, tasted better. You can pay an extra buck (on top of your $3.29 single burger) and get bacon or avocado as a topping, and McD doesn't do that, but is that the key to a successful hamburger establishment?

All the rumors of Patty Burger being the closest thing to the beloved In-N-Out Burgers just don't seem to be true. It's a good burger, but it ain't all that. I imagine the spot will do fine, since it's right in front of the Art Institute, and it'll make its money on delivery (with a $.49 per item delivery charge), but expect crowds even when it's not lunch time since the place is tiny and C-shaped which leads me to think it'll bottleneck fast. Check out some pictures of the space, the menu prices and the burgers at our flickr.

Wednesday October 25 2006 Eating/Drinking

The Meter and Mehr Move to Memphis
Transmission has the scoop on music critic Bob Mehr leaving the Chicago Reader.
Friday October 20 2006 In the News

Transmission Feature: The Changes
Over at Transmission, our Thursday feature profiles young up-and-coming Chicago band The Changes. Learn about how they got not one, but two indie labels to represent them, their love of Color Me Badd and about their comparisons to The Beatles.
Thursday October 19 2006 Gapers

O'Hare to Get Jet Blue
Yesterday, discount airline Jet Blue announced that they will start flying out of O'Hare no later than January 2007. They've been trying to get into the airport since 2002, and now have FAA approval, but haven't yet announced destinations for their four daily flights. (At that time of year, I'm hoping that all their planes go someplace nice and warm.)
Tuesday October 17 2006 Transportation

Transmission Feature: Lily Allen
Don't know the difference between what's Chav and what's Grime? Get schooled about it in this week's Transmission feature which is hot, now!
Thursday October 12 2006 Gapers

Nibbling Ankles in Glenview
Seems that the latest residents of the new $1 billion development in Glenview are a mess o' snapping turtles. The tough-jawed (and "pugnacious") reptiles found their way to the private lake by navigating the storm pipes. It sounds like these snappers are the friendlier sort, rather than their cousin the alligator snapping turtle, but you still should limit yourself to looking, and not touching.
Thursday October 5 2006 In the News

Transmission Feature: Bloodshot at 10
This week's Transmission feature takes a critical look at Chicago record label Bloodshot's 10th Anniversary DVD, due out on Tuesday. Check out our exclusive clip of one of the DVD's featured performances!
Thursday October 5 2006 Gapers

Really Quick Review: Sheba Cafe
Saturday night, in search of good Ethiopian food, I headed to a locale smaller than my regular haunts. What I found was a splendid, low-key alternative to the often long weekend lines up Broadway. Sheba Cafe (or Queen of Sheba Cafe as it is also known) is a fine little spot just north of Balmoral on Broadway in Edgewater. The menu is filled with yummy and cheap meat and veggie dishes ($6-$12), along with some quite good deals on combination platters ($13 for 4 items). We chowed down on deliciously flavorful beg tibs (lamb) and misir wat (red lentils), yellow split-peas, tikil gomen (cabbage with potatoes and carrots) and a dish of shimbera fitfit (mashed chickpeas with garlic). Everything was lovingly prepared by our cook/hostess who disappeared in the back while delicious smells arose from the kitchen. It's BYOB, so that cut our bill down, but in comparison to other Ethiopian restaurants on the strip, this one cost us half as much for a similar table full of food.
Monday October 2 2006 Eating/Drinking

Transmission Contest: Branches and the Beat
Over at Transmision, we've got a lil' contest going. Who wants some free tickets and a CD?
Friday September 29 2006 Gapers

Transmission Feature: Record Store Favorites
The Thursday feature in Transmission is just the beginning of our new monthly series of Chicago record store reviews. Check out our staff picks for some of the best local places to buy music. This week: Gramaphone Records and Laurie's Planet of Sound.
Thursday September 28 2006 Gapers

"Tokyo Rose" Dies
Often when I'm walking past J. Toguri Mercantile on Belmont, I'm reminded of a story that the only American accused of being "Tokyo Rose" lives there, above the store owned by her family. But yesterday, Iva Toguri D'Aquino, who was convicted and later pardoned of being World War II propagandist "Tokyo Rose," died at the age of 90.
Wednesday September 27 2006 In the News

CTA Closures Cancelled
If you'd planned your weekend around the CTA's scheduled closures of Brown Line stops at Kedzie and Rockwell, well, make other (other) plans. Due to forecasted heavy rains, the CTA's betting it won't be able to get its excavation work done at those stops this weekend. The stations will be open, and as a result, the free shuttle that was going to take passengers from Western to Kimball has also been cancelled.
Friday September 22 2006 Transportation

Transmission Contest: Bound Stems
Wanna hear our featured artist tonight for free? Someone's getting lucky. Details in Transmission.
Friday September 22 2006 Gapers

Transmisssion Feature: Bound Stems
Gapers Block: Transmission has your local music fix. This week we interviewed Chicago's Bound Stems and talked all about how this great city has influenced their music on their very first full-length album, out now.
Thursday September 21 2006 Gapers

Illinois Not Safe From Bad Spinach
An elderly woman in LaSalle County was counted as Illinois' first casualty in a nation-wide problem with contaminated spinach. Over 100 people in 21 states have been made ill due to E. coli on spinach leaves. The FDA is warning consumers not to eat any fresh spinach for the time being.
Monday September 18 2006 In the News

Picture of a Renegade (Craft Fair)
Did you snap some pictures of this past weekend's Renegade Craft Fair in Wicker Park? If you were a shopper or a vendor who braved the nice (then kinda bad) weather, you should add to the photos going up on Flickr in the Renegade Craft Fair group. I'm hoping someone got a pic of that dude in leopard shorts on the skateboard. Update: Yeah, someone did.
Monday September 18 2006 Photography

Transmission Feature: Smog Veil Records
Click over to the Gapers Block: Transmission page for our Thursday feature on Chicago's Smog Veil Records. Read about Ohio's punk roots transplanted, their green dream and a man named THOR.
Thursday September 14 2006 Gapers

At Transmission: What a Deal
Wanna see a great show at a cheap price tonight? Head on over to Transmission for the skinny.
Tuesday September 12 2006 Gapers

Most Newsworthy T-shirt Company
A wee bit late to the party, the Trib has a long article all about this Threadless t-shirt phenomenon we've heard so much about lately.
Tuesday September 12 2006 In the News

Threadless Television
You know your business has made it when you're on CNN. Local t-shirt design competition gurus Jake and Jacob of Skinny Corp and Threadless fame were on Anderson Cooper 360 this week. I bet it was Zach Braff who tipped Cooper about it. [via Coudal]
Thursday September 7 2006 Business/Shopping

Transmission Feature: Time to Hideout
Already got your tickets to the Hideout Block Party this weekend? Still wavering? If you need a lil' push, or just an idea of how to spend your time, read up on some of our highlights for the weekend's entertainment over at Transmission.
Thursday September 7 2006 Gapers

Name that Lemon and Lime
Local purveyor of cute pickle-and-meat-themed cuddlers Mr. Pickles is sponsoring a contest to name two of its characters: the Scurvy Friends. Declaring September as Scurvy Prevention Month, they've got their new calendar ready for download, along with the details for the contest on their website. (Also look for their table at next week's Renegade Craft Fair in Wicker Park.)
Wednesday September 6 2006 Business/Shopping

The Best of What You're Not Clicking
Congrats to Chicago blogs (and FoGB) Bookslut and Coudal Partners who were chosen by PCmagazine as part of their list of the Top 99 Websites You Don't Know About. Of course, we know, and we love.
Tuesday September 5 2006 Found on the Web

Transmission Feature: Talking Girl Talk
Hey, it's Thursday, which means a brand new feature over at our music blog, Transmission. Check it out!
Thursday August 31 2006 Gapers

Psst!
Check out what's going on at Gapers Block: Transmission for a chance at free stuff!
Friday August 25 2006 Gapers

A Fish By Any Other Name...
The Patagonian toothfish found its popularity rose dramatically after it was renamed Chilean sea bass, and now chefs lead the fight to save it. Experts in Illinois are now proposing that, instead of using electric barriers, if we would rename the Asian carp, say "silver cod", it would be what's for dinner tonight.
Thursday August 24 2006 Outdoors/Environment

We're #1! (But not in a good way)
A Lundberg Survey completed last week shows that U.S. gas prices rose a penny, giving us a national average up $1.06 since July 21. While the cheapest place to get your tank topped off in the country is in Charleston, S.C., the most expensive place is, you guessed it, right here in Chicago at an average whopping $3.29 per gallon. The good news? It's so nice out, let's all go ride a bike.
Monday August 14 2006 In the News

From Snakes to Snap
Tomorrow night, you can hit the first in a series of fundraisers for the independent feature film, Snap, at the Double Door. The headlining band, Baldwin Brothers, is featured on the upcoming Samuel L. Jackson movie soundtrack for Snakes on a Plane (um, you might have heard something about it), for which they produced a remix of the All American Rejects song "Can't Take It." For more details, check Transmission.
Tuesday August 8 2006 Music/Clubs

A Transmission from GB
Hopefully, it's music to your ears — Gapers Block is proud to relaunch our local music coverage in the form of Transmission, now with a shiny new home. There, you'll find plenty of music-oriented features, news items, previews, reviews and the head's up on what will be your new favorite band. This week: we give you our favorites to check out at Pitchfork Music Festival along with lots of other good stuff going on around town. Got a band/album/kazoo parade you'd like for us to know about? Send a note to transmission (at) gapersblock (dot) com.
Thursday July 27 2006 Gapers

Third Coast vs. West Coast
The U.S. Olympic Committee has knocked Philadelphia and Houston out of the running for the U.S. bid for the 2016 Summer Games. Chicago must now bring the specifics together to complete its proposal by this fall, and try to outshine San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Wednesday July 26 2006 In the News

Threadless Ink
When you really love that Threadless tshirt design so much, that you never want to take it off...get it tattooed.
Wednesday July 26 2006 Found on the Web

Chair People VS. Blanket People
Tonight marks the start of this year's Chicago Outdoor Film Festival, just in time to coincide with a break in the heat (kind of). Make sure to leave your dog and bring your bike and always be respectful of your neighbors. All the Rebels (with or without causes) check out the details in Slowdown.
Tuesday July 18 2006 Film

Watch For Falling Rock
We warned you it was coming, and now it's out: Sufjan Stevens' album Avalanche, full of 75 more minutes of songs about Illinois (or Illinoise, if you prefer). And if you want it live, tickets for Sufjan's September 26th show at the Riv go on sale Saturday.
Wednesday July 12 2006 Music/Clubs

A Night of Metal on Us!
Another quick contest! If you're ready to blast away the hangover of a long holiday weekend with some heavy metal tomorrow night at the Double Door, then be the first one to email us at inbox@gapersblock.com with the subject "Metal!". You and a guest will get in to see local band Bible of the Devil along with Priestess (listen). Plus, the winner gets a signed Priestess CD and a really cool free t-shirt from Tank Theory. {Update: Congrats to Mark, who likes to Rawk!}
Wednesday July 5 2006 Music/Clubs

Break Out Your Fry Daddy
One thing you probably won't find at the Taste this year are Deep Fried Brats. But you could make your own.
Wednesday June 28 2006 Eating/Drinking

3 Penny Cinema Can't Make a Buck
Lincoln Park's 3 Penny Cinema owes $100,000 to the City of Chicago in back taxes, and the city has now closed the movie house as a result. Sadly, this is the second closing of an independant movie theater on the same block of Lincoln Avenue. In 2004, the historic Biograph ceased to operate as a movie house, but plans to reopen as a live theatre venue. Hopefully, a similar, non-condo fate awates the 3 Penny. [Thanks, Mac!]
Monday June 26 2006 In the News

Plan Your Lolla Weekend
We're not even through this weekend's Intonation Music Festival, which will mark the start of Chicago's three big alterna-music fests this year, but you can already plan out how you're going to spend every half hour of the first weekend in August. Lollapalooza promoters have released the schedule of performances and you can even customize your own and share it with friends. Even with three days to play with, there are going to be some hard choices to make: Queens of the Stone Age or Wilco? Kanye or Manu Chao? Calexico or Lyrics Born? Ah, decisions, decisions.
Thursday June 22 2006 Music/Clubs

Radiohead on the Radio
Another place to catch Radiohead is on Sound Opinions on Chicago Public Radio this weekend. They scored an interview with Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood this week, complete with some songs played on the studio piano. Catch it at 7pm Saturday or online later.
Wednesday June 21 2006 Radio/TV

MOBFest 2006
While it's not SXSW, since 1997 Chicago MOBFest has been trying to get the music industry to sit up and take notice of the bands that our humble midwestern city has to offer (along with some underserved national acts). They'll be bringing a slew of panelists from major labels to teach those who want to know how to break into the music biz. For $90, your laminated pass will get you into a ton of music showcases, panel discussions and seminars (as well as a free compilation CD) this weekend. If you're not into the panels, the shows are open to the public, and we have a few suggestions from the huge offering here, here, here and here.
Monday June 19 2006 Music/Clubs

From Punk Band to Papa to Podcast
Former Allister bandmember, now fulltime proud parent Eric in Aurora has turned his love of rockin' into a pretty darn interesting music blog called Can You See the Sunset from the Southside. He also has started podcasting on a sister site, Can You Hear the Podcast from the Southside. Podcast number three is fresh for your listening.
Monday June 19 2006 Weblogs

Podcast as Docent
An interesting addition to the MCA's new Wolfgang Tillmans photography exhibit is a series of podcasts you can download (and bring with you) to use while viewing the exhibit. Rather than renting one of those extra long phone dohickies, you can get the skinny on each piece from the artist himself in an interview conducted in the exhibit space. Scroll down here for all the information.
Tuesday June 13 2006 Arts/Architecture

Portage Theatre: Alive and Kicking
While watching a beautiful documentary about the historic Uptown Theatre, I was lucky enough to enjoy another one of Chicago's movie houses that has been restored. The Portage Theatre in Portage Park (near Irving and Milwaukee) is a huge movie house originally built in 1920 which seats 1,350 people. Recently re-reopened with a gala opening ceremony, it's been adopted for the two Silent Film Festivals, and it will also be showing some great classic and foreign films in the coming weeks. Call (773) 736-4050 for schedules (website coming).
Monday June 12 2006 Film

Saul Bellow Returns to UofC
Recent Gapers Block Book Club author, Saul Bellow, died last year, and many wondered if his notebooks and manuscripts would be scattered to the winds. Fortunately for everyone, they'll have a safe home, all in one place -- the Regenstein Library at the University of Chicago. It's good to see him back.
Friday June 9 2006 Books/Authors

These Girls are Real Hot (100)
A while back you might remember an online search for women who are smart, work for change, and speak their minds called the Real Hot 100. It's an effort to battle the stereotypes that magazines like Maxim put out into the media. Well, I'm happy to share that GB's own Cinnamon Cooper has been chosen as one of the 100! Joining her are other Chicago ladies including Anne Elizabeth Moore, Searah Deysach and Jenni Grover Prokopy. Check out the full list of the Real Hot 100, with full profiles coming June 15.
Tuesday June 6 2006 Print/Magazines

Tourism and a T-Rex
We told you back in February about the chance to get some free copies of those retro Illinois tourism posters, and I hope you listened, cause now you'll have to pay. The folks at EnjoyIllinois.com have opened up a Cafepress store where you can buy images of Jane the T-Rex, the Collinsville catsup bottle, and Metropolis' Superman on mugs, shirts, totes, and (yup) posters. No word on why the car kabob isn't among the ranks, but we've got our fingers crossed. [Thanks, Katherine]
Monday June 5 2006 Business/Shopping

Bands All Booked
You might have spent many a lunch hour in the past week mashing up bands and book titles (or bands and movie titles). Coudal Partners has posted its favorites, and the three lucky winners.
Monday June 5 2006 Weblogs

A Fine Time for Wine
Epicurious has a lovely guide to wines to enjoy in June, written by Chicago master sommelier (and our favorite tv show host) Alpana Singh.
Monday June 5 2006 Eating/Drinking

Hello, I Have Your Hard Drive
Scary tale of an Ohio couple's hard drive, supposedly "destroyed" by Best Buy, ending up in a Chicago flea market totally intact.
Friday June 2 2006 In the News

Looking Over Your Xanga
In more School Boards vs. Blogs news, a 17-year-old student in Plainfield School District 202 has been suspended and threatened with expulsion because of his criticism on his blog of the school's disciplining of another student. His Xanga.com site isn't accessible from the school's computers, but administrators are saying that his comments caused "a disturbance at school".
Wednesday May 24 2006 Schools/Education

Not a Cozy Fire
Monday afternoon, many of us who work in downtown Evanston noticed black plumes of smoke coming from Davis Street. The fire, it turns out, was coming from the kitchen of Cozy Noodles & Rice at 1018 Davis Street. The fire damaged the restaurant, a nearby store and the apartments above. The dining room, with its walls of vintage toys, looks good, sans smoke and water damage, but for now, we'll all have to get our Cozy noodles at the Wrigleyville location.
Tuesday May 23 2006 Eating/Drinking

The Tastiest Time of the Year
Tomorrow marks the launch date for the first of the Chicagoland Farmer's Markets, and boy, I'm ready. Saturday markets are my favorite, and the ones in Evanston and Lincoln Park open on May 20 (most others open in early June). There are markets every single day of the week, as always, throughout neighborhoods in Chicago and surrounding suburbs. If you're planning a Market tour, try checking out this nice (work in progress) Google Map of some of the Farmer's Markets done by Ben at InqBlot. It's quite handy and dandy.
Friday May 19 2006 Eating/Drinking

Lucky Local Candles
The newest Chicago edition of Lucky Magazine (the one with Tyra on the cover) has a few pages of Chicago stores and designers that they like, but interestingly enough, local card and stationary designers Snow & Graham's new candles series made it into Lucky's broader national picks. Blogger k-fresh also recently picked up on the new line of lovely candles that the local company is putting out. You can find them (eventually) on the duo's website, or in person at stores like Greer Chicago. While you're waiting for a new S&G website to arrive, you can read an interview with them on urbanStyle from 2001.
Wednesday May 17 2006 Business/Shopping

Really Quick Review: Ole Ole
Thankfully, the latest restaurant to open in Andersonville is not a Thai place (we've got enough, really!). Ole Ole is a sumptuously decorated space on two floors of 5413 N. Clark Street. It was the site of my very first (not my last) mojito, and of some delicious dishes and quite helpful wait staff. The empanada appetizers were tasty and perfectly fried (not burned), my Chicken Adobo was a blend of cinnamon and spices without overpowering the senses and my dining companion's dinner salad with chicken (substituted for duck) was enough for a very full meal. I'd love to see more dishes with a mole in the future, and can't wait for their pending cafe con leche service to begin!
Wednesday May 17 2006 Eating/Drinking

More of the Write Stuff
Reader Pete points out another option for aspiring writers in the summertime: the Northwestern Summer Writers' Conference which takes place in late July. If you're aching for more of a college-type setting for your creative learning, than this is a good way to fit in a slew of workshops, manuscript review, and author interaction (for a fee, of course) in one three-day weekend. Any other great writing workshops you'd like to tell us about? Write us at inbox{at}gapersblock{dot}com. [Thanks, Pete!]
Wednesday May 10 2006 Books/Authors

The Write Stuff
School's almost out, but if you're looking to put some words down on paper, there are some serious summer writing classes to be had around town. There's a huge variety of workshops available at StoryStudio Chicago, regular meetings at The Writer's Loft, and even online classes open through UIC's Writers Series. Lots of the classes get started in the next two weeks, so sharpen those #2's and get writing already.
Tuesday May 9 2006 Books/Authors

Creepy Guy Alert
Police in Rogers Park are warning parents about a man who has been seen following children home from school. He's thought to be in his 30's, and drives a white 4-door vehicle. Anyone with information can call the special victims unit at 312-744-8266. This would also be a good time to talk to your kids about "stranger danger", and the Illinois Early Learning website has some interesting parent and child activities and tips.
Friday May 5 2006 In the News

Feel the Foie Gras Fury
Chicago Magazine's Dish column (click "Welcome Back Foley" under "Recent Dish News") notes that some Chicago chefs aren't taking the City Council's recent foie gras ban sitting down. "Copperblue's Michael Tsonton and Cyrano's Bistrot's Didier Durand are starting an organization called Chicago Chefs for Choice.... [Tsonton said,] 'The foie gras people are tired of being pushed around.'" Is serving foie gras a Constitutional right? They're gonna find out.
Thursday May 4 2006 Eating/Drinking

Obama: O'Brien, O'Brien: Obama
If you're lucky enough to get tickets to the Chicago taping of the Late Night with Conan O'Brien show on May 12, you'll hopefully be in for a political treat. Barack Obama has just been added to the show's guest list (still subject to change). The week's other guests include local rap star Common, local band Wilco and Chicago movie star John C. Reilly. Join the thousands already vying for tickets at the show's Chicago info. page.
Tuesday May 2 2006 Radio/TV

Do You Call the FAA or AAA?
Air-traffic controllers at O'Hare saw smoke coming from the landing gear of an American Eagle plane this afternoon. As the plane landed, it may have blown a tire as it skidded off the runway. Thankfully, there were no injuries reported. Investigators are...investigating.
Tuesday May 2 2006 In the News

Tightening the Smoking Ban Belt
Starting this summer (two years before you'll be prevented from smoking in bars in Chicago) nearby Evanston will ban smoking in public places. The Evanston City Council voted last night to start a smoking ban on July 1, which will include restaurants and bars. This comes well ahead of Chicago's full smoking ban implementation, but only about 8 1/2 months before Cook County's ban will take effect. Still, aldermen in Evanston say that the Chicago ban gave them the push to create their own (after over a decade of discussion and debate).
Wednesday April 26 2006 In the News

Bye, Boardwalk! Welcome, Wrigley!
Monopoly fans, start your clicking! The folks at Hasbro have decided to create a new version of the 76 year old boardgame later this year. The "Here & Now Edition" will feature not only inflated denominations and property values but 22 national landmarks, including Wrigley Field and O'Hare airport from our dear old Chicago. In this version, however, fans of the game get to vote on where their favorite landmarks will end up on the board, with the most votes garnering the chosen landmark the coveted Boardwalk spot. Vote early and often online until May 12 [Flash 8 required].
Monday April 24 2006 In the News

Playing for The Chicago Machine
There's a lot of potential writing jobs out there for those who like talking about local sports teams, including new ones like the Chicago Machine, our newly formed professional men's lacrosse team. They're looking for a writer, so if you know your lacrosse facts, let them know. Or if you want to be a part of their dance team, they're looking for some of those positions as well.
Thursday April 20 2006 Sports/Recreation

Tracking Crimes by the Tracks
You might already check out the award-winning site ChicagoCrime.org to see what's gone down in your neighborhood, but don't forget to check your commute. The CTA Tattler has a story of a knock 'em, sock 'em fight on a Blue Line train this week, and also points out the ChicagoCrime.org options of checking crimes on platforms, buses, garages, and trains.
Wednesday April 19 2006 Found on the Web

A Perfectly Pleasant Poetry Podcast
We're more than halfway through April, but have you celebrated National Poetry Month yet? If you're just too busy to sit down and read some great poetry, you can keep it between your ears with the Chicago-based Poetry Foundation's new set of poetry podcasts. This week's fresh 'casts include a Marilyn Nelson reading, an audio documentary on poet Linda Bierds, a translation of Stephane Mallarme's "The Tomb of Edgar Poe" read by the winner of this year's Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize, Richard Wilbur and a reading of Robert Browning's "Fra Lippo Lippi" by Oscar-nominated actor Paul Giamatti (you know, the guy from Sideways).
Tuesday April 18 2006 Books/Authors

Wearin' the B.L.O.G.
If you've got a blog, be proud and wear it (literally) on your sleeve. Local t-shirt biz Threadless has a snappy new shirt for sale that spells out the word for all to see. They've also recently upped the prize money for their latest contest "Red Cross Loves Threadless" to $2,000. That's quite a lot in diet cokes (oh, and, down the road, money for the Red Cross). Details ahoy.
Tuesday April 11 2006 Business/Shopping

Tastes Like Some Great Concerts To Me
Even though the official Taste of Chicago website isn't saying anything official yet, the Trib has an early announcement of music booked for the festival this summer. Former Kinks frontman (and recent Chicago visitor) Ray Davies (pronounced like "Daviz") will headline on July 4 along with (get this) My Morning Jacket and former Soul Coughing lead singer (and recent Chicago visitor) Mike Doughty. The rest of the fest lineup includes Chaka Khan on June 30, Glen Campbell and Jo Dee Messina, July 1 and 2 (see more here), India.Arie on July 5, Macy Gray and (local act) Liquid Soul on July 7, and former Styx vocalist and Chicago son Dennis DeYoung and Kenny Wayne Shepherd on July 9. Best part is it's all free. (More to come about July 6 and 8.)
Friday April 7 2006 Music/Clubs

Like a Rhinestone Cowboy
The lineup for one of the City of Chicago sponsored music festivals is posted, and it's boot tappin' good. The Chicago Country Music Festival, held July 1 and 2, will feature none other than music legend Glen Campbell (representing old school country) and Jo Dee Messina (on behalf of modern country). Also performing are bluegrass group the Yonder Mountain String Band and pop/country artists SHeDaisy among others. The festival operates alongside the Taste of Chicago, which has also kind of announced some of its lineup already.
Friday April 7 2006 Music/Clubs

Charities (heart) Threadless
After local t-shirt purveyors Threadless raised over $100,000 to help the Red Cross aid Katrina victims, they made a few friends over there. The Red Cross has now tapped Threadless to sponsor a design competition in honor of their 125th birthday. Design your tee around the themes of Hope, Humanity & Compassion (along with some other very special guidelines) and submit it by April 21. When the winning tees are chosen and sold, Threadless will donate $5 per shirt to the Red Cross.
Monday April 3 2006 Business/Shopping

You Can't Trump Those Humps
Seems that some folks headed to audition for The Apprentice, season 5 downtown this morning made a big impression, but not on who they wanted. The fact that the auditions took place next to a television studio wasn't enough of a clue to those wrapping a line around the building, and some of them got a little too comfortable. Filmed through the windows of NBC5 studios, early morning news viewers got an eyefull of Apprentice hopefulls doing everything from changing clothes to scratching at their rears...often -- all behind the smiling head of NBC5 News Today's LeeAnn Trotter.
Saturday April 1 2006 Radio/TV

Think Pink (Line)
When the CTA asked Chicagoland area schoolchildren to nominate a color for the new West Side elevated train line, they should have known they'd get a pretty kid-friendly color. Pink was the winner, nominated by a K-8 student in an essay contest. The new line will run along the current Cermak branch of the Blue Line east and then connect via a current service track to the Green Line. Pink colored or not, the line change isn't without a little objection from West Side residents who'll lose some direct routes to UIC and to O'Hare.
Thursday March 30 2006 Transportation

Drive on in
It's not quite "with the top down" driving weather, but you could grab some friends (and even your dog) and head out the Cascade Drive-In to watch some cozy flicks from the comfort of your own car. The drive-in is located in nearby West Chicago and they show two first-run movies for just $7.50 (that's $3.75 per movie). Most local drive-ins won't be open for weeks, so you can get a leg up at the Cascade starting Friday night. Looking for other drive-ins, past or present, try this cool resource. Just don't get stranded, OK?
Thursday March 30 2006 Film

Run! Not Just When Chased!
Does the warming weather make you want to strap on those tennies and get moving? You're not alone. There are a ton of folks at the Chicago Area Runners Association who would love to help you become a real runner. There are training sessions for half-marathons, 5Ks, 10Ks, and even training for those new to training, and they all get started pretty soon. You really wanted an excuse to buy those funky sweat bands anyway (short shorts optional).
Wednesday March 29 2006 Sports/Recreation

A 'Hood Losing a 'Hoodie
After less than six months, Brooklyn-based personalized t-shirt slingers Neighborhoodies has closed its Wicker Park store (its first in Chicago). The cryptic word from the biz is that they've put a "pause on the store" because the "store personnel wasn't being very independent[ly] minded" (whatever that means). But, they're not through with us yet! Keep an eye peeled in the future for "chicago part II".
Wednesday March 29 2006 Business/Shopping

Gas Hike-a, No Like-a
It's getting warmer, which means you may be traveling more, which means, you can already see an increase in gas prices. Word on the street is that the price of gasoline is already up 13% in Chicagoland, and you can expect it to only go higher as we near the "busy summer travel season". Better tune up the bike and the CTA card now, folks.
Friday March 24 2006 Transportation

ReadyMade Chicago
If you pick up the latest issue of ReadyMade magazine, (No. 22) you'll see some familiar, and some possibly new Chicago faces. A profile on indy print shops starts with a stop at the bird machine and chat with our favorite (poster) boy Jay Ryan, following that, is a piece on local Music Box Theatre organist Mark Noller who loves the grand movie theater so much he built a scaled down replica of it in his garage. Also featured: Instructions for some do it yourself (that's DIY, for those in the know) Dan Flavin fluorescent light installations (just like the ones at the MCA last summer).
Wednesday March 22 2006 Print/Magazines

Spring Has Sprung!
(Though you wouldn't know it by the weather forecast.) Tom Skilling says the south suburbs might see a bit of the white stuff tonight, which definitely makes one want to crawl back under the covers. But, while you're still bundled up to your nose, you can try that old balancing the egg thing, since the vernal equinox occurs this afternoon at 12:26 p.m.
Monday March 20 2006 Outdoors/Environment

Lolla Lineup Loves Chicago
Hey, the Lollapalooza lineup is up, and it includes some fine local acts like Manishevitz as well as some killers from back in the day. Big names include Red Hot Chili Peppers and (also local boys) Wilco, Kanye West and Common (no word from Smashing Pumpkins...yet). Tickets are on sale, and the current price for a 3-day pass is $130 (it will go up, so buy now). That's a buck a band, when all's said and done.
Thursday March 16 2006 Music/Clubs

Prophecy Fulfilled: Staples Taking Over
We told you it might happen in our Top 10 headlines we'd like to see in 2006, and now it's starting to come true. Staples Inc. is adding to its already quite visible Chicago presence, while Itasca-based OfficeMax is having some hard times at keeping its stores open. What will come true next: more funding for public schools? One can only hope.
Wednesday March 8 2006 Business/Shopping

Your Daly Art Fix
Mat Daly, whose art can be found on gig posters as well as in galleries, has a new site up, full of beautiful Daly-made stuff you can buy. You might recognize Daly's work from the Renegade Craft Fair posters with their sly owl and simply elegant color designs, or you might know his work with The Bird Machine. Any way you look at it, his work is lovely.
Tuesday March 7 2006 Arts/Architecture

Blogging Live Music
The succinctly named Live Music Blog is the web baby of northside Chicagoan Justin Ward. A venue (ha!) for his widely varying tastes in music, the blog is one part podcast, one part news thread and one part discussion group. The topics range from guesstimates on upcoming festival lineups, to music you should be listening to, to the news of a newly re-re-named local venue. (First titled the "World Music Center", then "Tweeter Center" now you can call it the First Midwest Bank Amphitheater. Whatever you call it, you still have to drive out to Tinley Park.) [Thanks, Dan!]
Friday March 3 2006 Weblogs

Lolla for Less Dollahs
Just announced: Cheap Lollapalooza 3-day pass tickets are ~~available online~~ for $45 (plus $8 in fees). This is a bit of a blind commitment, because the lineup isn't going to be officially announced until March 16. But, if you're willing to make a bet, it's a cheap one. They're going to go fast, and there's only 3,000 available, so hop to it. Update: Sold out in 34 minutes!
Thursday March 2 2006 Music/Clubs

Saving Franks and Beans in NOLA
In the midst of Mardi Gras coverage, you might need reminding of the devastation that Katrina left in New Orleans. Take a look at this amazing tale, complete with pictures, of a Chicago man, Ned, and his friend Brian "Gordo" Gordon, who drove into New Orleans after Katrina to save Gordo's cats Franks and Beans. This morning, there are reports that many aid groups are running out of Katrina relief funds. Please give where you can. [Thanks, Julia!]
Monday February 27 2006 In the News

Looking for A Good Slam (poetry judge)
Here's an opportunity to be a judge and "no experience is needed. All you have to be interested in hearing the stories and poems of young people." The Young Chicago Authors organization is looking for around 180 people to be judges in its upcoming Louder Than a Bomb Teen Poetry Festival at HotHouse and Columbia College Chicago, March 3-6. If you're interested, check out Slowdown, then call Kevin Coval at 773-278-2716.
Friday February 24 2006 Books/Authors

How Now Brown Line?
Monday marks not only Presidents' Day, but also the start of the Brown Line expansion project. The CTA will be closing various stops for a varying (and sometimes unknown) amount of time over the next year, starting with Kedzie and Rockwell. Riders will have to walk to the closest open stop or make other arrangements. Think riding the Red Line will keep you safe? Because of switching and track upgrades, riders will see an increase in delays at Fullerton and Belmont throughout the year (and probably until the project is completed in 2009). Raise your hand if you're super psyched!
Friday February 17 2006 Transportation

More Lolla to Love
The details are slowly oozing out about the return of Lollapalooza to Chicago this summer. Latest in the pipeline is that the festival will be more than twice as big with a jump from 60 to 130 acts, will feature not 4 but 8 stages, and will stretch from Hutchinson Field to the Petrillo Music Shell over the now 3-days of music, August 4-6. Will any of the lineup be recycled from the other summer music fests in the works? Are any of those acts Smashing Pumpkins? We're still waiting to hear.
Monday February 13 2006 Music/Clubs

So Fast, So Furious
Lake Shore Drive can be pretty dangerous, especially that cool curvy bit by Oak Street. The Trib's column about it (eerily timed on a morning with a pretty big crash on LSD at Irving Park Road) comes with a cool graphic [PDF] though. (Thanks, Dan!)
Monday February 13 2006 Transportation

Don't Ignore the Man Behind the Curtain
Former WLUW DJ Mike (sans partner Lyssa) interviews Ed Menacho, founder of local label Brilliante Records on his podcast 15 Minutes (the step-child of their longer show 75 Minutes, a GB fav). Hear about how the label got started, and the changing indie record scene, as well as music by local Brilliante artist The M's.
Friday February 10 2006 Music/Clubs

What was that about Torino?
The XXth Olympics start tomorrow night (opposite the last four episodes of Arrested Development, harumph). You can set up your TiVos for the next 16 days by consulting the vast broadcast schedule of all the events on the "networks of NBC". Watch video of local Olympic athletes on NBC5's Olympics site.
Thursday February 9 2006 Radio/TV

Perhaps it is the Cat Scratch Fever?
Citing "health reasons" Matador records has announced that the delightfully unpredictable Cat Power (aka Chan Marshall) has cancelled most of her U.S. tour, including her stop in Chicago originally planned for The Vic later this month. If you're desperate for some Cat Power, she's still planning to play Bonnaroo and Coachella Music Festivals...for now. Check the Matador site for updates on refunds.
Monday February 6 2006 Music/Clubs

Put a Stamp on It
V-day is fast approaching, and unless you want to hit the rack at the 7-11 night of, here are just a few local artists and their original Valentines all set for the mailing. Funny? Try Mr. Pickles. Witty? Check Girl Metro. Elegant? Snow & Graham has beautiful blank notes. Shop in person for these and others at local stationers like Greer Chicago, Paper Boy and Fly Paper.
Thursday February 2 2006 Business/Shopping

Battle of the 'Hogs
Seems our local hairy weatherman, the Brookfield Zoo's Cloudy Groundhog, has failed to see his shadow today, while the more "famous" predictor, Punxsutawney Phil has indeed, seen his, and predicted six more weeks of winter. Can we get a consultation from Tom Skilling, or a marmot or something?
Thursday February 2 2006 In the News

Get C.U.F.F.ed
The Chicago Underground Film Festival is once again accepting entries for the 2006 festival (No.13). As always, they're looking for the very best in new film and video work. If you've got a feature, short, narrative, documentary, experimental, animation, music video or some other cinematic genre, submit it. Entry forms and guidelines available now online. The festival takes place August 17-24.
Tuesday January 31 2006 Film

Wireless to the Dunes
Starting in April, you can be among the elite to test what may become the nation's first commuter rail wireless service on the South Shore line. The service will use the train line's existing fiber optics, and technology created for NASCAR drivers. Still, the zone will be limited to just seven miles of track for now, while the problem of maintaining a wireless connection at 80mph is worked out.
Monday January 30 2006 Transportation

The Return of Intonation
Well, you won't hear it (yet) from Pitchfork or the fest's website, but the hit Intonation Music Festival is slated to return to Chicago this summer, July 29-30. While we're eagerly waiting for a line-up announcement (and a weather forecast), let's hope the city gets a call from that other big music festival and doesn't schedule it for the same weekend. We've already been disappointed with scheduling conflicts once this year.
Thursday January 26 2006 Music/Clubs

And a Laptop for Every 7th Grader
If Illinois Lt. Governor Pat Quinn has his way, every 7th grader in public schools in the state will get a free laptop computer in a new program called I-Connect. They'll need around 170,000 computers and $50 million to make this happen, so not surprisingly, there's some resistance forming about where to get the money and how to dole out the computers. To keep up on this and all of the Lt. Governor's news you might check out his podcast.
Wednesday January 18 2006 In the News

A Case for the A.S.P.C.A.
Over the weekend, a Crystal Lake man decided to trap and then (allegedly) scald to death a squirrel in his back yard. Amazing? Not as much as his nonchalance.
Tuesday January 10 2006 In the News

Sketchy (in a good way)
Chicago SketchFest 2006 is underway and brings over 100 improv and sketch comedy groups to town until the 15th. Shows are plentiful (almost 20/night) at Theatre Building Chicago, brief (around 30 minutes), and cheap (tickets are $12 with deals for all night passes). The Fest is also sponsoring workshops so you can learn funny, too. What more could you ask for?
Friday January 6 2006 Offbeat/Misc. Events

Polar Bear Vacation
Seems the Brookfield Zoo wants its bears to get a little frisky. The zoo has just loaned out two of its polar bears for the season by sending bears Payton and Haley to a breeding program at the Memphis Zoo in Tennessee. While they're gone, the zoo's other two bears, Payton's parents, will be getting busy on their own. Is it me, or does that sound like a classic Spring Break party movie plot line?
Wednesday January 4 2006 In the News

The REAL Hot 100
Tired of Maxim magazine’s Hot 100 List limiting the idea of what young women have to offer the world, a group has started The Real Hot 100 list, where you get to nominate young women who are thwarting stereotypes and making a difference in their communities. Check out some of the Chicago nominees, including GB's own Cinnamon Cooper and Early to Bed founder Searah Deysach. The final 100 will be published in magazine format in time to coincide with Maxim’s next Hot 100 list next year, so go nominate now.
Monday December 12 2005 Print/Magazines

Our Fallen Spacemen on the Silver Screen
If you love the "Our Fallen Spacemen" art that can be found from time to time on Brown Line trains, you'll also want to keep an eye on the screening calendar at the Split Pillow Chicago 360 Series at Chicago Filmmakers. It seems a documentary about the project is in the works, and will be showing there in the spring.
Wednesday December 7 2005 Arts/Architecture

Our Fallen Spacemen
Speaking of public art installations, have you spotted these posters on Brown Line trains over the past six months or so? There have been multiple sightings of these works, signed ARD, on trains, as well as a series titled "Our Lesser Known Presidents" and perhaps some involving wordplay. If you're the artist, let us know the deal and email inbox{at}gapersblock.com.
Wednesday November 30 2005 Arts/Architecture

We're Just Muggles in Their Midst
If you're a real Harry Potter fan, you know that there's just a few hours until GOF (that's Goblet of Fire, for those who don't know) opens at midnight tonight. If you're a fan, you also know all about Mugglenet.com. The site was founded by 18-year old Emerson, who lives in Indiana "near Chicago", who's helped out by his brother, and a team of Potterfans around the world (including one in Buffalo Grove). They have a virtual treasure trove of interviews, film clips, stills, and one very important countdown clock. Get your wands at the ready.
Thursday November 17 2005 Weblogs

The White Stuff
Keep your eyes on the ground tonight as the area is expected to get its first flakes of snow (along with some possibly severe thunderstorms). The weather forecast is still developing, but it does make sense to bundle up tomorrow morning for what's supposed to be the coldest day in almost 8 months.
Tuesday November 15 2005 In the News

Podcasting the Preserves
In a beautiful mix of technology and nature, nearby Kane County Forest Preserve District is planning to create podcasts for its Forest Preserves. So, soon, you should be able to make a short trip and then be strolling through the woods with your iPod (or otherPod) learning all about the beauties of preserved open spaces. Let's hope this gives some ideas to other Forest Preserves around. [Thanks, Dan]
Friday October 28 2005 Outdoors/Environment

A-Spire-ing Architects, Take Note
Showing that "tweezer-shaped" isn't necessarily the best descriptor for a proposed 2,000-foot tower in downtown Chicago, there's a new architectural "conversation piece" on the block. This broadcast tower is the brain-child of architect Cesar Pelli, and would match the proposed Calatrava-designed skyscraper in height if built as planned, and would cost a cool $300 million. It's not technically a "building" though, as it wouldn't hold office or living space, but would be used by television stations broadcasting high definition signals and would not be breaking any "World's Tallest" records.
Tuesday October 25 2005 Arts/Architecture

A Neighborhoodie of Our Own
While we can't claim the Neighborhoodie as our own Chi-town child, we will soon be able to shop and create our own, live and in person at the company's forthcoming Wicker Park store. The first Chicago location, the shop will let you pick out your favorite tees, bags, and, yes, hoodies of all shapes and sizes, then personalize them with different fonts of letters and symbols. You can pledge your love for your 'hood, your hobbies, or maybe your favorite website. You might even be able to get hired. The store officially opens at 1300 N. Milwaukee Ave. on November 1, but look for a party on the October 29th.
Thursday October 13 2005 Business/Shopping

Feed Your Ears
Yesterday's Chicago Public Radio program Eight Forty-Eight featured interviews with two Gapers Block favorites, back-to-back (scroll down to the end of the day's programming). First, a chat with Adam Langer about his follow-up to (past GB Book Club choice) Crossing California, The Washington Story, made me want to dash out to the bookstore, pronto. Next, current Detour feature Michelle "Toots" L'amour and her partner Franky Vivid discussed more saucy details of the local burlesque scene. Nice to put some voices with some great stories.
Wednesday September 21 2005 Radio/TV

City of Gold
Tom Skilling's blog has a great photo taken of the Chicago skyline last night, as the sun set and the buildings downtown reflected a beautiful gold color. This can only happen around the equinoxes each year, as the sun hits just the right angle and the weather (hopefully) clears at dusk around the Fermilab in Batavia, where this shot was captured. You can hopefully get your own view of the city in gold this week, and try to balance those eggs on Thursday, when autumn officially begins.
Tuesday September 20 2005 Outdoors/Environment

Love that Bean Smell
Fresh from our Fuel topic on favorite smells, did you know you can tour local coffee purveyor Intelligentsia's roasting plant? It only costs $3, and you get as much coffee and tea you can drink, plus some fresh beans! Located at 1850 W. Fulton, tours are currently conducted on Saturdays once a month. Your next opportunity for the freshest coffee smell ever: October 1st. We've got you covered in Slowdown. [Thanks, Stephen]
Tuesday September 13 2005 Eating/Drinking

A Flood that Hits Home
From an unlikely source, CondoBuzz.com has created a series of overlay maps that show the New Orleans flood area as it would affect other U.S. cities, including Chicago. If we had been flooded, the water would have reached from Logan Square to 67th Street, and as far west as Forest Park. Just imagine your home, still standing under water after two weeks. Please keep giving. [via Zorn and Austin Mayor]
Tuesday September 13 2005 Found on the Web

Knit 1, Learn 2
Whether you're a beginning knitter, or a long-time crocheter, there's a new spot in town where you can learn some new tricks. The store Knit 1 just launched its website, but it's already getting into high gear with its vast selection of class offerings. There's a special class where moms can bring their kids along, others where the youngsters get to knit alongside their parents, and a number of general and project-oriented classes for all levels. Prices are reasonable, and they do offer a discount on materials. You can check out Knit 1 in person at 3823 N. Lincoln Ave. in the North Center neighborhood.
Thursday September 8 2005 Found on the Web

Deadline for Docents
If you're not a full-time student, and you've got a thing for buildings, then maybe you'd like to get a job as a Chicago Architecture Foundation docent. Deadline for application is October 7, and you have to fulfill a few requirements first. But hey, you can always spend the next month working on some new jokes about bridges, boats, and the Dave Matthews Band.
Thursday September 1 2005 Arts/Architecture

Help After the Hurricane
By now you're well aware of the mounting problems in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and many other parts of the country due to Hurricane Katrina. The best ways you can help victims, however, are through local channels. The McCormick Tribune Foundation is going to match donations up to $1 Million at 50 cents on the dollar, and check with your work about corporate gift matching which helps your money go further to help others. Also, there are places you can donate basic necessities, medical services (including blood), and volunteer across the area. Make sure you donate through verified aid groups, though, such as some of these and others that FEMA has noted.
Wednesday August 31 2005 In the News

Zine's the Thing
The Columbia College of Chicago's Center for Book and Paper Arts is planning an exhibit on zines that are (or once were) based in Chicago. If you count youself in that number contact William Drendel, the Gallery Coordinator at the Center for Book and Paper Arts at bdrendel{at}colum.edu or call (312) 344-6684.
Tuesday August 30 2005 Print/Magazines

See Chicago Dance
If you're looking to get tickets to great dance performances in Chicago, search no further than See Chicago Dance. The website, which is still in its infancy (look for an official launch in early September), will be an online ticket vendor, as well as a calendar of events for the dance-inclined Chicagoan. Companies ranging from the local troupe to national touring productions will be featured, and you can even get ticket and venue-related food deals through the newsletter or Hot Deals page.
Monday August 22 2005 Theatre/Dance

So Long Lakeview Lounge
First heard rumor-fashion on Craigslist Rants and Raves, turns out it's true that Uptown dive bar/ late-night legend the Lakeview Lounge will soon be shutting its doors for good. No telling exactly when the last night will be, but it'll likely be very soon -- New City already ran an obituary, although the bar is still open tonight. Owner Cathy told me it has to do with rising rent prices and a need to find a new location, since the building's owners have other plans for the space at 5110 North Broadway. Even the house band Nite Watch has been sent home. They likely won't be open late, so head out early and drink a few for an old friend.
Friday August 19 2005 Eating/Drinking

On Line for Cheap Gas
The shock I received while driving past my regular cheap gas station this morning almost made me wreck my car. Luckily, there are a few websites where you can search for cheap gas prices, and even report ones you discover around the state. Gas Buddy has a local component, Chicago Gas Prices, which covers the city, suburbs, and nearby towns. There's also a cool Google application we told you about last spring. Unfortunately for drivers, it looks like Chicago gas is still well above the new national average of $2.52 per gallon.
Tuesday August 16 2005 Transportation

No Postseason for Chief Illiniwek?
The NCAA has just announced that it will not allow schools to use names or images of American Indian mascots at postseason tournaments, starting this year. This could mean a revision is in the future for University of Illinois' mascot Chief Illiniwek, who seems to be an annual source of debate. A quick google turns up plenty of sites devoted to keeping and retiring the Chief, which, in the end, will be a decision left up to the school.
Friday August 5 2005 Sports/Recreation

Transit by Phone
The RTA has just released a site you can pull up on your internet-ready cell phone to help plan your trip in the Chicago area. Just type in the RTA Mobile website (www2.rtamobile.com) and you'll find a fairly familiar screen of options (time, day, starting and ending address) to fill in to figure out the best route. The problem is that, unlike the CTA's current online trip planner, you can't select from a set of popular destinations if you don't know the address of, say, Midway Airport or Navy Pier. There are plans for access to bus and train schedules through the RTA Mobile site in September, but until then, better start memorizing some addresses, or just call the RTA up at 836-7000.
Thursday August 4 2005 Transportation

Mosquitoes Bite
It seems our hot and dry summer hasn't put a damper on the mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus, according to a statewide sampling system. The number of virus-carrying Culex mosquitoes (which thrive in hot, dry weather) is as high as back in 2002, when Illinois was the nationwide leader in West Nile infections. Watch out between dusk and dawn, and don't forget bug spray and these mosquito-fighting tips.
Wednesday July 27 2005 In the News

VinceWatch 2005
It seems that nearly everyone in Chicago is spotting Lake Forest-raised Vince Vaughn around town while he's filming The Break Up with that girl from Friends, and now I can add my name to that number. I was just a few feet away from the scruffy movie star at the Willie Nelson/Bob Dylan show out at Alexian Field in Schaumburg on Sunday. I was lucky enough to even snap a photo. Maybe he'll try to catch some more Willie today at noon.
Monday July 11 2005 People/Sightings

A Little Taxing
Starting tomorrow, expect to pay a bit more for, well, almost everything in Chicago. The city's new sales tax goes into effect July 1, up a quarter percent to 9% on most purchases. This puts Chicago higher than New York City which is a measly 8.375%. We'll have to wait and see if shoppers flee to the suburbs for their spending.
Thursday June 30 2005 Business/Shopping

Tee for you
Hip hip hip t-shirt company American Apparel has opened its fourth of five planned Chicago stores this week, bringing Armitage into the L.A.-based clothing company's fold. Now you can get your fill of jerseyed goods in Wicker Park, Evanston, Gold Coast, and, come this fall, Lakeview. And hey, if you go to the new store by July 31, you can get 10% off with this here coupon (PDF).
Tuesday June 21 2005 Business/Shopping

Teaching Islam in Bridgeview
Time magazine has an interesting article about an Islamic K-12 school in Bridgeview, Illinois, near Midway airport. The Universal School teaches about 640 students in the midst one of the largest Arab communities in the country. The article examines everything from the dress codes and personal restrictions required at the school, as well the pressures and restrictions imposed on the school by the world outside its doors. There's also a nice photo essay which makes me think about the similarities and differences to my own high school experiences.
Tuesday June 14 2005 In the News

Four Times for the Double Door
To those who love the small music venue: the Double Door may be in jeopardy. One of my most-frequented music venues in Wicker Park, the Double Door is fighting its landlord in court over a proposed quadrupling of its current rent. If they can't pay, you may well see a Banana Republic where rock and roll used to live. Take some action here. Read about the issue as it developed over the year here and here.
Friday June 3 2005 In the News

(not so) Great Scott
A few weeks ago, when "neo-soul diva" Jill Scott was slated to read from her new book of poetry at a much-publicized Poetry Center of Chicago event, it went relatively unreported that the songstress bailed out at the 11th hour. Now, in the print edition of this week's Chicago Reader, you can check into what went down. The story begins with dreams of forming a new relationship between the Poetry Center and Chicago's African-American readers, and ends with refunded tickets and not but a little bit of outrage from both sides of the diva divide.
Friday May 20 2005 In the News

R.I.P Wankie
The last elephant at the Lincoln Park Zoo, Wankie, had to be put down today after she fell ill en route to her new home at a zoo in Salt Lake City. Animal-rights activists have spoken up regarding animal treatment, especially this year after several other animals died at the zoo. I'm just waiting for Gillian Anderson to make a statement again.
Monday May 2 2005 In the News

Pill Protest
On Tuesday, nearly 100 people gathered outside a Loop Osco Drug to protest against a pharmacist who had been refusing to fill birth control prescriptions for customers. Planned Parenthood, which organized the gathering, said that there are many such incidences of women turned away by pharmacists with particular religious beliefs, but most go unreported.
Wednesday March 23 2005 Politics/Activism

Poet with the Double Life
In 1985, Norman Porter, a twice-convicted murderer, casually escaped from a Massachusetts prison and became a most-wanted felon. He was apprehended yesterday, some 20 years later, after authorities recognized him as local poet and anti-war activist J.J. Jameson -- who had just recently been named ChicagoPoetry.com's poet of the month. Multiple news outlets are bending over backwards to make a lame "poetic justice" headline stick, but it's a pretty remarkable story, nonetheless. Jameson's comment as he was arrested at a local church: "I've had a good 20 years."
Wednesday March 23 2005 In the News

SpareRoom for Rent
SpareRoom is Chicago's time-arts cooperative located at 2416 W. North Avenue. The three-room space "gives a community of artists the opportunity to rehearse, perform, exhibit, and develop work on their own terms." The cooperative's spring membership drive has begun, and fees range from $65-$120/month for a year, depending on your expected maximum monthly usage. So if you were looking for a groovy converted storefront to present your latest performance piece, or debut your harmonica symphony, here's your chance. To apply or for more information, email spareroominfo{at}yahoo{dot}com.
Monday March 21 2005 Arts/Architecture

826 Chicago
Super-hip writer, and Chicagoland native Dave Eggers began a tutoring project in San Francisco called 826 Valencia, that has bloomed into a nation-wide phenomeonon. Recently 826 Chicago has grown some internet legs and gained some local help as well. Now a part of the official 826 network (joining recently-opened chapters in New York and Los Angeles), Ira Glass has joined the Board of Directors and Chris Ware and Roger Ebert are new members of the Board of Advisors. Look for an article on the project in this week's TimeOut Chicago as well.
Wednesday March 16 2005 Schools/Education

IKEA Called Out by Norway
Seems that even the Prime Minister of Norway has some issues with those crazy IKEA furniture assembly instructions. Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik recently lambasted IKEA for not using pictures of women in its furniture literature. IKEA, which has quite a world presence, might be steering clear of using female models to show how to put together your Billy bookcase, to avoid offending its Muslim customers, but so far, they're not talking about it. You can decide for yourself out in Schaumburg.
Thursday March 10 2005 Business/Shopping

Chicago "Buffett"
A brief in Crain's notes that investor Warren Buffett is planning on bringing more flights to Midway Airport. Buffett's fleet (none of which seat more than 18 per plane) will make some 30 round-trip flights over the week between Midway and New York City. No word yet on when the plan will take off.
Tuesday March 8 2005 Business/Shopping

Sketchy
Two sketches were released today of some "persons of interest" relating to the recent murders of the husband and mother of U.S. District Judge Lefkow. The men were seen in the Andersonville block near Lefkow's home on Monday by neighbors. While the investigation is really gaining some steam in obtaining forensic evidence, Judge Lefkow made her first public statement that she will likely return to the bench.
Thursday March 3 2005 In the News

Nutshell of Unexplained Death
One of the coolest exhibits of dioramas since the Joseph Cornell boxes at the Art Institute, the Glessner House features tiny crime scenes made by none other than Frances Glessner Lee, the daughter of the notable Chicago family. The exhibit, titled The Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Death contains scenes, replicated in 1:12th scale, complete with tiny shell casings, bloodstains, and real movable parts. Intended for instruction on forensics and proper investigation techniques, these were no morbid fascination, but instead were a valuable teaching tool for 1940s and 1950s police. More information in Slowdown.
Friday February 25 2005 Arts/Architecture

Air America: The Return?
Give them 90 days, and Air America Radio may just be back on the airwaves in Chicago. The network's new CEO, Danny Goldberg (of Artemis Records fame), wants to make a return to Chi-town a priority. Hopefully, all parties involved can avoid that nasty billing dispute that happened last time. For now, you can always stream it online.
Friday February 25 2005 Radio/TV

Schakowsky and Social Security
If you're ready to make your voice heard, just want to talk to your Congresswoman face-to-face, or want to see what your neighbors have to say about the proposed changes to Social Security, now's your chance. Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky is returning home, and several town hall-style meetings have been organized, thanks to MoveOn.org and folks like you. Find a meeting near you in the coming week (starting tonight), and make sure you get your $.02 in about where your $.02 should go.
Tuesday February 22 2005 Politics/Activism

V-Day, Every Day
For many people, Valentine's Day has transformed from a "Hallmark Holiday" to a time for raising the awareness of women in crisis. Eve Ensler (who's in town tomorrow night) started this movement with her groundbreaking work, "The Vagina Monologues," which continues to be performed across the country, and the world. The Monologues work to educate the public about ending violence against women, and performances are usually fundraisers to aid the cause. There are many different organizations who have planned readings and performances for V-Day, many of which will take place well into March this year. Check out the V-Day website and find one near you today.
Monday February 14 2005 Offbeat/Misc. Events

Let The Sun Shine In
If you're feeling a little blue lately, it might have something to do with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and our recent lack of sunlight. WGN's Tom Skilling reports that Chicagoland has only received 201 of it’s possible 7,662 minutes of sunshine this month as of last night (that's only 2% of our possible sunshine). Also of note is our January rainfall so far, which has now established a new record of 4.30 inches recorded at Midway airport, the most since recording began there in 1928.
Friday January 14 2005 Outdoors/Environment

Co-op Anyone?
If you ever shopped at your very own grocery Co-op, well, you probably didn't do it here. If you think that Chicago totally needs one (maybe in the Logan Square/Humboldt Park/Wicker Park/Ukrainian Village area) you can get in on the ground floor. A group of interested folks is circulating an email, asking for input from you. If you want some co-op of your own, write deliciae{at}yahoo{dot}com by January 31. There'll be a meeting come mid-February.
Tuesday January 11 2005 Business/Shopping

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.
Tuesday January 4 2005 City Life/Cultural

Still at the Ten Spot
Need to get a gift for your friend who surprised you with a great present? Local shirt shop Threadless has extended its $10 sale through the end of the year. Also up are the winner and runners up to their latest design contest. Since they're local, if you order now, you'll probably get the shirt in time to ring in '05. Or for other great local goods, check out some fly Gapers Block gear in our shop.
Wednesday December 29 2004 Business/Shopping

Making Cents
The CTA has announced that it will indeed be offering its "Penny Rides" this New Year's Eve, and has extended hours on some trains and buses. It's quite the community gift, given the CTA's notoriously bad financial situation. Catch a ride on the CTA for just $.01 from 8 p.m. Friday night until 6 a.m. Saturday morning. Just do everyone a favor and try not to boot in the train.
Wednesday December 29 2004 Transportation

Call to Action
In the wake of the recent sexual assaults in the Lakeview and Lincoln Park area, Chicago NOW will hand out leaflets at local EL stations tomorrow night. The literature will contain information including police composite sketches of the two suspects, and important tips on how to keep yourself safe. According to Chicago NOW, New Year's Eve weekend is a historically high time for rapes. If you'd like to help out, email JKoehler23{at}aol{dot}com or call (312) 805-1503. Please also remember to stay safe and be smart this weekend.
Wednesday December 29 2004 In the News

Soundtrack to Our Lines
If you're heading to the airport over the next few days, you'll probably have wee bit of downtime while you're there. Lucky for you Chicago Public Radio will be serenading your ears. The station has an agreement with O'hare and Midway to be the official piped in tunes for your listening pleasure as a part of the Chicago Airport Music Program. Each featured album celebrates Chicago's great musical heritage and the current playlist features some holiday favorites. And if you hear something you'd like to know better, you can check out their featured artists online.
Thursday December 23 2004 Radio/TV

Download Rock/Rock the Download
The worlds of downloading and live music collide thanks to Schubas Tavern's new emusic offerings. You can now download songs by tons of bands who've played at Schubas recently. Artists include John Vanderslice, The Handsome Family and Southern Culture on the Skids. In addition, you can download songs from artists on Indy labels like Matador and other venues like The Metro and The Double Door. The best part? The first 50 downloads you make are free.
Monday December 20 2004 Music/Clubs

Get Guided By Voices
Want to impress your sweetie with some sweet music this New Year's Eve? Brett over at Reckless Records is giving away two tickets to the sold out (and the very very last) Guided By Voices show at the Metro next Friday. The Catch? You have to write and convince him and "a panel of Metro and Guided By Voices panelists" of your worthiness. Email Brett{at}reckless{dot}com by Sunday, Dec. 26th, and he'll let you know by Dec. 28th if you're the lucky one. Make sure to include your phone number and best contact information.
Monday December 20 2004 Offbeat/Misc. Events

Buy the Mirth Mobile
If you're ready to head out on the highway with style, you can grab your checkbook and buy the AMC Pacer used in Wayne's World from the Volo car museum in Volo, Illinois. The car, which in the movie Wayne and Garth tooled around Aurora and the Kennedy, is up for grabs for a measely $15,000. If you have a little more cash burning a hole in your pocket, spend $1.2 million on a prototype Shelby GT-500 convertible Mustang, or spend some dough on a 1951 Studebaker painted to portray a Gotham City police car for the Batman movies. Excellent!
Thursday December 16 2004 Offbeat/Misc. Events

Spamalot In Depth
If you were too late to get Spamalot tickets this fall, you can at least read about the makings of the theatrical adaptation of the Monty Python and the Holy Grail in this week's New Yorker. Investigated back in its early rehearsal stages by Chicago-native writer man Dave Eggers, the musical looks to be full to the brim with Python laughs (and whether you find those laughs funny is up to you). A bonus to online readers is a special Python Q & A with Eggers and Matt Dellinger. Spamalot opens at the Shubert Theater on December 21st.
Thursday December 16 2004 Theatre/Dance

Wingman for Hire!
Seems that lots of people are getting into the matchmaker business these days. Now, you can hire a wingman (or wingwoman) to chat up someone who strikes your fancy up in the club. One Chicago business that's doing well is Mr. Right Now, Inc. which hires out wingpersons for $50 an hour (though they don't seem to have a web presence). Now if only I could get that Coors Wingman song out of my head.
Wednesday December 15 2004 In the News

New Knittery
If you're a knitter (or crocheter, or latch-hook rug maker), and a LYS (local yarn store) lover, you'll want to head right out to the latest Chicago yarn seller, Nina in Wicker Park. Daily Candy ventured there this week, and loved it. Unfortunately, Nina's website only has basic store information, but I'm hoping for some updates once the dust settles at the new space. Check Nina out at 1655 W. Division, (between Marshfield and Paulina).
Thursday December 9 2004 Business/Shopping

I-Pass, You-Pass
Remember when you heard that you might be paying double at Illinois tolls if you don't have I-Pass? Well, you will, starting January 1st. Motorists who do not have I-Pass will pay $.80 at Illinois tolls in 2005, so folks are out scrambling to pick up that little black box before the year's out. Problem is, it doesn't work on the windshields of some car models. Those folks will have to get an I-Pass that screws into their license plate. That sounds like a fun way to spend New Year's Day.
Wednesday December 8 2004 Transportation

reVerse for the Holidays
If you've got a writer on your shopping list, you should check out the totally cool, and totally cheap ($12) poetry and music collaboration titled reVerse. The brainchild of Poetry Center of Chicago Director Kenneth Clarke, reVerse features poem-songs, spoken word, and music by 14 artists, from Chicago and beyond including Li-Young Lee, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, and Lou Reed. Engineered by Wilco's Mikael Jorgensen (who also plays on a few tracks), reVerse is certainly a fine melting together of poetry and songwriting. You can listen to clips, check out artist bios, and purchase a copy online.
Wednesday December 8 2004 Business/Shopping

Kanye's Got Two Hands Full
The 47th Annual Grammy Award nominations went out today for 2004, and Chicago-native Kanye West leads the pack with 10 nominations including Song of the Year for "Jesus Walks", Album of the Year for "The College Dropout," and Best New Artist. You can check out all of the categories (including Best Hawaiian Music Album) at the Grammy site. The awards show takes place on February 13, 2005.
Tuesday December 7 2004 In the News

Check out Free WiFi
Chicago Public Library now offers patrons free wireless internet access, becoming the first major urban library system to do so. You can check out necessary computer settings, and find the nearest CPL branch online.
Monday December 6 2004 In the News

ISO Craig's List Success Story
CBS Sunday Morning is looking for folks who've had success on craigslist. They seem to be primarily interested in getting a wide range of folks who have had interesting experiences with Missed Connections. You can write them a brief account of your craigslist experiences, along with your name and telephone number at CBS_Sunday_Morning[at]hotmail[dot]com.
Monday November 22 2004 Found on the Web

For That Mad Scientist on Your List
Clearly, Chicago needs more places to find robot parts, cheap, and American Science and Surplus is here to meet those needs. You can shop the catalogue online, and find lab supplies, motors, optics, and tons of other things that can make one quite giddy with possibility, or you can visit their Chicago store on Milwaukee just north of Foster, or head out to their Geneva store. [Thanks, Melissa!]
Thursday November 18 2004 Business/Shopping

Where the West Elm Grows
If you watch enough Queer Eye, you'll recognize the furniture and tables that they decorate with from the urban home store West Elm. Until recently, you had to shop online or order their print catalogue to achieve that same level of hip sofa action. But now, West Elm has hit Oak Brook with a store of its own where you can peruse, fluff and lounge. Ooh, and hey, they're hiring.
Wednesday November 17 2004 Business/Shopping

Wrigley Gets Minty and Fruity
The Wrigley Company announced today that it's buying the Altoids and Life Savers brands from the Kraft Company. This doesn't mean that these candies will be produced in Chicago, but it does help boost our candy capital a bit. I hope that Wrigley keeps these cool online arcade games when the transaction's over.
Monday November 15 2004 Business/Shopping

Fabulous Film Fest
This weekend marks the start of the 23rd Annual Lesbian and Gay International Film Festival which runs through November 11. Featuring films, ranging from zany comedies to psychological thrillers, being shown at the Music Box, the Landmark Century, and Chicago Filmakers Theatres, the centerpiece screening this year is a Russian film You I Love on Sunday. As the second oldest film festival of its kind in the world, this great fest is certainly a powerful reason to head to the movies this week. Tickets range from $6 to $9 per screening.
Friday November 5 2004 Film

Retail Therapy
Need some new threads, fast and cheap? Head over to local shirt stylists Threadless for their "Nude No More" sale. Every week until Christmas, they're going to launch five new Tees and sell them for $10. Best of all, if you order before noon, you could be wearing your new shirt tomorrow. That's some fast fashion.
Wednesday November 3 2004 Business/Shopping

29 Days Till... Novel!
In just one month, you could write a novel. At least, that's what the folks at National Novel Writing Month say. NaNoWriMo is a motivational contest, of sorts, where willing writers begin their novels only at the stroke of midnight on November 1, and stop at midnight November 30, hopefully with 50,000 words to show for it. Last year, there were 25,500 participants and about 3,500 of them made it to the goal. It's free, and once you register, you'll be put in touch with other NaNoWriMo's in your area, for information on meet-ups and other activities. So get going, you're late already!
Monday November 1 2004 Found on the Web

Sammy and the Mets?
Just two days after the season ended, and Chicago baseball teams are in negotiations with their players. The Tribune reports that the New York Mets are eyeing Sammy Sosa, who the Cubs are looking to dump, though at a high price. It looks like Nomar Garciaparra could still be with the Cubs next year, but only on a 1-year contract. The Cubs are also taking an interest in Astros' outfielder Carlos Beltran, who, according to the Sun-Times, might be ready to leave Houston. The White Sox, meanwhile, have re-signed Frank Thomas and Carl Everett, as well as Shingo Takatsu, while dropping injured catcher Sandy Alomar Jr. Is it time for spring training, yet?
Friday October 29 2004 Sports/Recreation

The Beautiful Face of Feminism
GB's own Cinnamon Cooper was interviewed in a recent Sun-Times article about the Chicago chapter of the National Organization for Women (NOW). What's it like to be a young feminist in Chicago? How did a trip to Disney World influence one local NOW leader? Read and find out.
Wednesday October 27 2004 Politics/Activism

Munchkin Movies
If you're looking for some cinema time with your kids that doesn't insult your intelligence, check out the Chicago Children's Film Festival, over the next ten days. The festival kicks off tonight with a gala event featuring LeVar Burton (yup, from Reading Rainbow!) and most tickets are cheaper than going to a regular movie (just $8 for adults, $6 for kids). Films are being shown at Facets, the Vittum Theatre, and Burnham Plaza until October 31 and range from a new clay animated mockumentary by the makers of "Chicken Run", to several created by children in Chicago. There are also workshops, a tribute to Shel Silverstein, and an awards presentation. Plus, read Kid Reviews of the films.
Thursday October 21 2004 Film

Love That Body
Embrace the embraceable you today, and all days, starting tonight at the Poetry Slam at Filter, and tomorrow during NOW's 7th annual Love Your Body Day. Check out the haunting statistics on women and body image, advertising, health, and well-being online, then print out a poster, plan a get-together, and start thinking some body-friendly thoughts.
Tuesday October 19 2004 Politics/Activism

Tribune Endorses Bush
This morning's lead editorial in the Chicago Tribune endorses George W. Bush. The editorial says that opposed to the usual weighing of candidates' "views on a mosaic of issues," this year "force vectors we didn't anticipate turn some of our usual priorities -- our pet causes, our own economic interest -- into narcissistic luxuries."
Monday October 18 2004 Politics/Activism

Watch Them Polls
Politically inspired by the debates last night? Want to make sure that every vote counts? You can train as a pollwatcher. The League of Women Voters of Chicago and i am the government are offering free training for those interested in becoming pollwatchers on November 2nd. You can watch the polls in your neighborhood, ward, suburb, or travel all around the state on election day to keep an eye on democracy for an hour, or all day long. Training sessions last just a couple of hours, and one happens tonight from 6–8 p.m. at the LWV offices downtown or there are others throughout October.
Thursday October 14 2004 Politics/Activism

Debate Watch: The Tussle in Tempe
If you're looking for some good buddies to watch tonight's final Presidential Debate, then head on down to the Chicago Historical Society for Debate Watch. President Bush and Senator Kerry will debate domestic issues in their final showdown, in Tempe, Arizona. The CHS event will begin at 6 p.m. with a reception and a discussion by Don Wycliff, public editor, Chicago Tribune and Alan Gitelson, professor, Loyola University with moderator Mark Jacob, editor, Chicago Tribune, followed by a viewing of the debate at 8 p.m. Tickets are $5 at the door and students get in free with ID. Watch it tonight, or you'll just have to read all about it tomorrow on the internets.
Wednesday October 13 2004 Politics/Activism

Chicago Theater's National Praise
Today's Wall Street Journal has a fine article about drama critic Terry Teachout's (possibly the best name ever) recent trip to Chicago. While you have to be a paid subscriber to read the article online, you can read large portions of Terry's mostly glowing reviews of the Court Theater's production of "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" and Porchlight Music Theatre’s "Sweeney Todd" among others online at Arts Journal. Plus, some extra tidbits about his adventures in Chicago last weekend with another critic "Our Girl in Chicago." Come back soon, Mr. Teachout!
Friday October 8 2004 In the News

Vice Debate
If you're looking for a place to watch the first (and only) Vice Presidential debates tonight, you can check out Debate Watch. This site, sponsored by the Commission on Presidential Debates, can help you find a place to watch all the debates this fall, in Illinois, or anywhere in the country. Events range from informal gatherings you can plan yourself, or larger public viewings. You can also head to the site to read transcripts from past debates (Stockdale at his best!), get tips on getting people involved in debate watching, and download a debate viewer's guide.
Tuesday October 5 2004 Politics/Activism

Art-tober
If this past first Friday's slew of gallery openings really wet your whistle for some art browsing, then you're in luck. October is traditionally Chicago Artists' Month in our fine city, and there are tons of galleries, neighborhoods, and organizations sponsoring workshops, tours, lectures, community building activities and open houses all month long. Some highlights: Prints and Puppets for Peace workshops at Artesia Studio, CTA Train TranzART at Anatomically Correct Gallery and Promise Land fashion and wearable art performance at the Athenaeum Theatre.
Monday October 4 2004 Arts/Architecture

Must See TV
Give your channel-flipping finger a rest tonight and head to the Chicago Historical Society to watch the first Presidential debate. The CHS event will begins at 6 p.m. (the debates start at 8 p.m.) with a reception and a discussion by local journalists and scholars. Tickets are $5 and students get in free with ID. For more information check the Slowdown. Prove that the smart ones not only watch The Daily Show, they also watch the debates.
Thursday September 30 2004 Politics/Activism

En Garde!
If you've ever wanted to challenge someone to a duel, but lacked the sabre skills, you can now brush up on the weekends. The Chicago Athletic Association Fencers Club offers classes for beginners as well as advanced fencers on weeknights and on Saturday and Sunday mornings downtown. Pretty soon, you'll know the difference between an "epee" and a "foil" (hint: it has to do with where you can stick it). [via Daily Candy]
Friday September 17 2004 Sports/Recreation

Music Classes on the Cheap
The Graham School at the University of Chicago and the DuSable Museum of African-American History have teamed up to sponsor a couple of great classes at bargain prices open to the general public. The first is on Black Protest Music since 1965 and the second is on South Side Blues and Jazz. Registration closes for the classes in September and October, respectively, so act soon.
Thursday September 16 2004 Schools/Education

Spamalot Tickets on Sale
Get your Spamalot now! Tickets went on sale today for Eric Idle's world-premiere musical "Spamalot" based on the film "Monty Python and the Holy Grail." The production is set to open December 21, and runs until January 16, 2005 at the Shubert Theatre downtown. We've talked about this before here, and here. Tickets can be bought via the usual venues, including Ticketmaster, and range from $23 to $73.
Tuesday September 14 2004 Theatre/Dance

Newberry Seminars
If you're itching to buy a new binder and some #2 pencils, you can get back into the swing of learning new things by signing up for one of the Newberry Library's more than 60 fall seminars. Classes range from "Newberry a la Cart" to classes on literature, genealogy, religion and even writing workshops. Spaces do tend to go quickly, and the first classes begin on September 21, so sign up soon.
Thursday September 9 2004 Schools/Education

Last Chance to Pledge
Tonight at midnight the final bell tolls for the fiscal year at Chicago Public Radio. So you only have a handful of hours left to pledge them some dough, and help them balance the books while providing excellent programming this year. Oh, you can also win a trip to Hawaii to see David Sedaris read from his latest book. If you don't win, at least you'll have that warm fuzzy "helpful" feeling all winter long.
Tuesday August 31 2004 Radio/TV

Change and Spare Change
Starting January 1, you’ll have to pay double at Illinois tollbooths, that is, if you don’t have I-Pass for your vehicle. This comes in an effort by the state to raise funds for more road work in the area, which, as we all know, is plentiful. Maybe this is also their way of getting us to stop using pennies at the tollbooths? This plan still has to be approved, but that could come as early as next month.
Thursday August 26 2004 Transportation

Take a Hike with your Dog
Ever head out to the great outdoors with your best friend only to be met with a sign that says, "No Dogs Allowed"? Now there's a website that can help you plan your hikes to make sure you can bring your dog along for the trip. Of course, Illinois doesn't have as many wilderness areas as some other states, but there are dog-friendly National Forests around and dogs are welcome in most Illinois State Parks. You can help the site grow by adding your own dog-approved hikes as well.
Monday August 23 2004 Outdoors/Environment

O'hare: Now with 1/3 Less Flights
Well, all the airlines that operate out of O'hare airport have agreed to cut the number of flight arrivals per hour down from 132 to 88 between 7am and 8pm starting this fall, after the FAA came down hard. What this means: fewer and shorter delays for passengers, but the possibility of increased prices for tickets. Also, those busy air traffic controllers won't "get as distracted as much." Whew! And I wasn't thinking about that at all before.
Thursday August 19 2004 In the News

Oprah Gets the Call...
...for jury duty, that is. The millionaire talk show host and local celebrity has been chosen to serve on a jury starting soon. She'll pull down just $17.20 for a day's work as a juror for a murder trial on the South Side, not quite her usual daily rate. (Thanks, Matt)
Tuesday August 17 2004 In the News

The Dark Side of Seuss
If you ever wondered what acclaimed children's author and artist Dr. Seuss (in reality, Theodor Seuss Geisel) did in his downtime, now's your chance. "The Art of Dr. Seuss" will be on display at Atlas Galleries today through September 6th. Check out 150 pieces, which include everything from Geisel's advertising work to his ideas for unorthodox taxidermy projects. Yertle was only the beginning. [via Daily Candy]
Friday August 13 2004 Arts/Architecture

Umlaut Time
The new IKEA catalogues are now online for 2005. Check them out here, or get yourself to their Schaumburg store to browse their new stock. For those who like to dog-ear pages, you should be seeing it in the mail soon.
Thursday August 5 2004 Business/Shopping

Assault Reported
As previously reported here, a woman was sexually assaulted on Racine near Armitage on Sunday night. The Tribune reported the assault today, after police issued a notice to area residents. Police do say that the victim reported that her assailant "sounded Caucasian," which led police to not link this attacker with a previously reported rapist still at large. Take care when walking alone, however, no matter what neighborhood you live in.
Friday July 30 2004 In the News

Near-North Sexual Assault
Today I heard about a sexual assault that occurred around midnight on Sunday night on Racine near Armitage. To verify the story, I called the 18th District police headquarters, who then passed me on to the neighborhood CAPS office. I spoke with an Officer Wong there, who verified the story. The woman was allegedly dragged into an alley off Racine and assaulted by a man with a knife. There has been no community alert issued, however, since, according to the officer I spoke with, this was a single occurrence, and no description of the attacker is available from the victim. I encourage everyone to be aware of the dangers of walking alone at night, to keep in touch with your neighborhood Police Department, and to even take a self-defense class, like this one at Chimera or this one at Impact, or any that comply with these guidelines.
Wednesday July 28 2004 Resources

Orchid-o-rama
Wonder where to buy orchids in Chicago (not including the isles of your favorite megastore)? You can swing by Hausermann's Orchids, Oak Hill Gardens, Klehm Growers, EFG Orchids, Fox Valley Orchids, and Natt's Orchids all on the web, or in person. Or you can plan your orchid attack by using the Chicagoland Orchid Growers Association map. There are eight orchid growers in the area, all waiting for you to visit and ask them about this simply elegant (and not that hard to grow) plant.
Tuesday July 27 2004 Outdoors/Environment

Smile, It's a Red Light
In case you've ever wondered just where those fancy red light cameras are at intersections around town, now you can track them down on the web. Photo Enforced lets you look for intersections across the country that have installed cameras that photograph and then ticket drivers (by mail) heading through red lights. Chicago has quite a few listed, and the database is growing. You can also join a discussion about red light cameras, or compare ticket prices for other big cities. Chicago's ticket prices are similar to New York City's, but less than a third of what you'll pay in San Diego.
Tuesday July 27 2004 Transportation

Organ Donation Approved
Illinois became the first state to approve the donation of HIV-infected organs between patients suffering from the disease. This means that those who are already living longer due to advances in treatment for HIV now can receive transplants, and enjoy a better quality of life. This won't happen overnight, however, as there is still a lot of work to do while the state coordinates screening and safety efforts with UNOS and the federal government.
Friday July 16 2004 In the News

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.
Thursday July 15 2004 City Life/Cultural

Happy Birthday Pablo!
Today marks what would have been the 100th birthday of Chilean poet Pablo Neruda. Just published is the collection of new translations titled "The Essential Neruda" which you can pick up in order to celebrate, or you can always rent "Il Postino". If you can wait until Wednesday, there's a bilingual group celebration and workshop of Neruda's poetry at the Chopin Theater sponsored by the Guild Complex.
Monday July 12 2004 Print/Magazines

Animal Images Contest
Do you use your pet as an artist's model? Well, the Anti-Cruelty Society is currently sponsoring their 4th annual Animal Images competition, and the deadline has just been extended to July 29. Each applicant may submit slides or photographs representing up to three pieces of art which can be in many forms from acrylic to photograph to sculpture. The competition is open to artists whose work benefits the genre by depicting or representing animals in art. You can get more information, and download an application form at their website.
Thursday July 8 2004 Arts/Architecture

Gentlemen, Cleanse Your Palates
This Saturday the world's finest competitive eaters will converge in Downer's Grove for the Bacci World Pizza Eating Championship. On the line will be the $2,500 in prize money, and the ultra-prestigious title of World Pizza Eating Champion. This will be the first IFOCE-sanctioned Chicago event (that’s the International Federation of Competitive Eating), and will draw a panel of competitors that includes Ed "Cookie" Jarvis, world ice cream eating champion, among other contenders.
Wednesday June 16 2004 Eating/Drinking

Lincoln Thru a Lens
If you've been soaking up all of this fine photography weather in Lincoln Park (the big grassy area by the lake, not the neighborhood) you might already be a winner. The Chicago Parks District and Lincoln Park Cultural Center are sponsoring an amateur photography contest this summer for people snapping shots of Lincoln Park. Categories include people, places, animals, and plants. You can pick up an application at the Lincoln Park Cultural Center and submit photos anytime before June 30.
Wednesday June 16 2004 Photography

Apes in the House
Finally, the apes have moved in to their new home in Lincoln Park Zoo. The Tribune reports that the gorillas as well as a group of seven chimps from Florida's Lion Country Safari have settled in, to be joined by the zoo's five-member chimp troop scheduled to return next week. A while back, the new habitat was tested for any chances the animals might get out of their pen, and changes were made to the design, but only time, and monkey know-how will tell. The exhibit opens to the public July 1.
Wednesday June 16 2004 In the News

New Native American Literary Collection at UIC
Intrigued by U of I's possible mascot change, you can read more about Native American history in the Chicago area, and beyond, at UIC's library. A new collection, possibly the largest in the world, of Native American literary works, audio recordings, and other materials, is now on display. The collection includes work by Potawatomi Chief Simon Pokagon, whose father, Leopold, sold what is now Chicago to the U.S. government for 3 cents an acre in 1833. It also includes work by contemporary Native American writers, such as Cherokee poet John Rollin Ridge, Sherman Alexie, Louise Erdrich, Martin Cruz Smith, and Gerald Vizenor.
Tuesday June 15 2004 Books/Authors

Bring me your broken, your old, your G3 laptops
If you've got some tired and dusty CPUs taking up space in your living room, or if you've upgraded to a new computer and don't feel right just tossing the old one, you can recycle them and help out Chicago's schools, all in one trip. The City of Chicago, Computers for Schools, GM, the UAW, and Electromotive are co-sponsoring Chicago's first annual Recycle Day at the United Center on Saturday. You can even drop off those old cell phones that are bigger than a small child. The groups will clean up and fix donations, and use them where they can in schools in the Chicago area.
Friday June 11 2004 Schools/Education

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.)
Friday June 4 2004 City Life/Cultural

See More Phish/We Have No Phish
In the wake of today's news that (for real) the jam band Phish is breaking up at the end of the summer, some folks in Illinois might be scrambling to see the group live one last time. Seems the only chance you'll get in the Chicago-area is on the big screen, on June 17, when Phish will be performing a simulcast show of their concert on Coney Island, N.Y. which will be broadcast live into select Regal, Edwards, and United Artists theaters across the country. Tickets go on sale online and at participating box offices on Friday at 11 a.m. (And, dude, this time, no tapers allowed.)
Tuesday May 25 2004 Music/Clubs

Flash Flood Fact Sheet
With so many storms and flash floods in the area, the Chicago chapter of the American Red Cross has posted some great information about what to do, and what not to do on the roads during a flash flood, and how to reduce potential damage to your home. You can also make donations to the Red Cross and volunteer to help out folks in Des Plains and Gurnee who haven't seen the end to their flooding problems.
Tuesday May 25 2004 Resources

Party Like it's 1999
The city has announced that when the Millennium Park finally does open on July 16, it will be celebrated with what some are referring to as an "entertainment orgy" lasting three days. Years late, and a good chunk of change over-budget, the Millennium Park will be the site of numerous of events including a (literal) three-ring circus, sunrise yoga and tai-chi, park tours, and a world-premier concert of new music by the Grant Park orchestra. For a cool interactive map, check this out.
Friday May 21 2004 Outdoors/Environment

Free Coffee and Cigarettes
If you're all geared up to see Jim Jarmusch's new film "Coffee and Cigarettes," but you've spent all your cash on...well...coffee and cigarettes, you can enter to win tickets from WBEZ. Seventy-five lucky folks will get passes (for you and a friend), but you have to enter before Tuesday, May 25. The film will be screened at the Landmark Century Cinema on May 27. Who can resist a film whose cast includes Steven Wright, Bill Murray, Iggy Pop, and the White Stripes?
Wednesday May 19 2004 Film

Emmett Till Murder Investigation to be Re-Opened
If you missed it, you can listen to today's Tavis Smiley show on Chicago Public Radio. Smiley discussed the announcement this week by the Justice Department that it was re-opening an investigation into the 1955 murder of Emmett Till, a 14-year-old African-American Chicago resident who was kidnapped and murdered in August 1955 while visiting family in Money, Mississippi. Smiley talked with Keith Beauchamp, a filmmaker from New York who spent the last nine years making the documentary "The Untold Story of Emmett Louis Till." Other guests included Emmett Till's cousin Simeon Wright and trial attorney Raymond Brown. Many people have contributed to this trial being investigated, including U.S. Congressman Bobby Rush, as previously reported.
Wednesday May 12 2004 Politics/Activism

Swing Yer Partner!
Looking for a square dance? Since 1987, the Chi-Town Squares has promoted and taught modern square dancing. They welcome all dancers, regardless of age, race, gender, religion, ethnic background, or sexual orientation. Dances take place at the Ebenezer Church Community Center at 1640 W. Foster. Classes don't start till September, but the next dance is June 19th.
Wednesday May 12 2004 Theatre/Dance

Nobody Beats the Biz
On Friday Democratic National Committee chairman Terry McAuliffe hosts an evening with New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton to honor her leadership and contributions to the Democratic Party. Along with free vodka cocktails there'll be live hip-hop by Biz Markie, of all people. Tickets range from $50-$200 and proceeds will benefit the DNC's Presidential Fund. Some sites report that Drew Barrymore, Jamie Blythe from ABC's "The Bachelorette," and Mallory Snyder from MTV's "The Real World, Paris" will also be in attendance, so really, there's something for almost everybody. The evening's events take place from 6 to 10 p.m., at the W Hotel, at 172 W. Adams Street, and you must be 21 or older to attend.
Monday May 3 2004 Politics/Activism

Gay Marriage Rally
This Friday, DontAmend.com, the Illinois Green Party and Chicago Anti-Bashing Network are sponsoring an evening of speakers to address the fight for equal marriage rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered people. Speakers include Patricia Ireland, former president of NOW and senior advisor to DontAmend.com; Jason West, the New Paltz, NY, mayor who supports gay marriage; Rev. Pat Bumgardner, Metropolitan Community Churches minister; and Robin Tyler, stage producer for the first three national lesbian and gay marches on Washington. It all gets started this Friday night, at 7 p.m. at the Preston Bradley Center, located at 941 W. Lawrence. If you'd like more information, check out DontAmend.com, where you can also download handbills.
Monday May 3 2004 Politics/Activism

Get $10 at Reckless from Toyota
In the "odd couple" category these days are Chicago's own Reckless Records and...Toyota? That's right, on Thursday and Friday April 15 and 16, between noon and 7 p.m., the Toyota Corporation and Reckless are teaming up. During those hours, if you come in to Reckless' Broadway store (at 3157 N. Broadway) and test-drive a Toyota Scion, they will give you a gift certificate for $10 to use at Reckless (if you can't drive, a "professional" driver will take you around the block). This may sound strange, but it seems that Toyota has a little Scion tour planned for April, and Chicago's one of the stops.
Tuesday April 13 2004 Business/Shopping

Last Chance to Make Found Covers
A week ago, volunteer crafty types hand-decorated over 500 magazines to be sent out to subscribers of FOUND magazine. But lucky you, there's one more night of scissor snipping and scotch tape taping tonight over at Open End (2000 W.Fulton, at Damen) from 6:30pm to 10pm. Come and join the fun. Oh, and the word is out that they're getting low on quality finds for the covers, so take a look today as you're walking around town and see if you can grab a couple of choice pieces of found art to bring along.
Monday April 5 2004 Arts/Architecture

Sushi Chicago
Ever been out on the streets of Chicago and wanted to know the best sushi place nearby? Well, now you can point your WAP-enabled phone to Chicago Sushi Finder and search by name, location (even just the nearest cross streets), neighborhood, or check out their top rated list of sushi restaurants (they've only got three so far). If you think you're the greatest sushi finder out there then you can register and rate restaurants yourself. Oh, and yeah, you could just point your computer to their website, I suppose.
Friday April 2 2004 Eating/Drinking

Bike The Drive Registration Open!
Don't miss the third annual Bike The Drive. Once again, Lake Shore Drive will be closed to car traffic for this great ride on the Sunday before Memorial Day, May 30, from 5:30am to 10am. Be one of 25,000 cyclists of all ages and abilities to once again ride their bikes on a car-free LSD and enjoy gorgeous views of the city's skyline while breathing fresh air instead of exhaust. Riders must register in advance ($35) and registration is limited to the first 25,000 cyclists. Visit Bike The Drive, go into local bike or athletic stores for a brochure, or call 312-42-PEDAL for more info.
Wednesday March 31 2004 Sports/Recreation

Slammin'
Billy Jean King would be proud. The spotlight was on outstanding Naperville Central High School senior Candace Parker Monday night as she became the first woman to win the Slam Dunk contest at McDonald's High School All-American Game in Oklahoma City. Candace, who's headed to play for Tennessee next fall, joins the ranks of such stand-out college basketball stars as LeBron James, Vince Carter, and Jerry Stackhouse who all won the Dunk Contest before heading off to their college basketball careers.
Tuesday March 30 2004 Sports/Recreation

Word-Horde
AWP (the Association of Writers and Writing Programs) brings its annual writing conference to Chicago this year which means hordes (literally!) of writers young and old will be descending on Chicago starting Wednesday. Look for plenty of action in the Loop, where the four-day event gets going at the Palmer House Hilton (if you want to attend, check their website for registration details). But do not despair if you can't attend because there's going to be plenty of writer spillover into area bookstores, bars, clubs, and coffeehouses (psst...check out our Slowdown section) as writers from far and near get their word on through Saturday.
Monday March 22 2004 Books/Authors

Words + Sounds = Rock
Like poetry? Ok, not so fast...Like rock? Yeah, that's what I thought. Either way check out Bob Mehr's article on local bands meet poetry (and poets!) in the Chicago Reader and then attend the Aquacade I show at the Empty Bottle sponsored by Chicago's local record label Drag City and BigSmallPressMall (see the Slowdown, too, for more info).
Monday March 22 2004 Music/Clubs

Are You My Voting Booth?
In case you don't know where your local polling place is, check out this site run by the Board of Election Commissioners for the City of Chicago. It'll let you know if you are in fact registered to vote, and where you can (and should) go tomorrow (6 a.m. to 7 p.m.) to pull a lever for democracy.
Monday March 15 2004 Politics/Activism

When Beers Stop Being Polite...
If you're up for an ale-soaked weekend, try making it through Chicago's Real Ale Fest. The now scaled-down event was created in 1996 by Ray Daniels and the Chicago Beer Society to celebrate brews that have that smooth, non-commercial flavor. Festivities start tonight with a feast, then on Friday, "Chicagoland Real Ale Day", there's a pub crawl, and on Saturday, a real food tasting at Goose Island in Wrigleyville.
Thursday March 4 2004 Eating/Drinking

Children Love Ribbon Candy!
After reading Ray Pride's Newcity article "The City That Smells" last week I started sniffing around and happily followed the scent of peppermint to the Peerless Confection Company still churning out over 350 types of hard candy. Founded in Chicago in 1914, this relatively unassuming white building at 1250 W. Schubert in Lincoln Park makes the popular Starlight Mints that you might have fished out of a bowl at local restaurants, as well as an assortment of sugar-free and ribbon candies you can buy all over town at places like Trader Joe’s. At a time when the big stories are candy companies leaving Chicago, it’s nice to see, and smell, the sweet sweet Peerless candy every morning.
Wednesday February 25 2004 Business/Shopping

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Anne Holub