David Schalliol

Backstage at the Opera
The Lyric Opera has launched "Backstage at Lyric," a podcast that "features in-depth interviews with the singers, conductors, and creative minds behind the productions of the 2007/08 season."
Fri September 21 2007Music/Clubs 

Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!
Don't forget today is Talk Like a Pirate Day, ya scurvy cur! You may want to get in the mood by viewing pirates from previous years, and while you're looking, note that flickr has gotten into the spirit.
Wed September 19 2007Stuff 

We're the Cleanest!
According to the biennially disturbing survey of public bathroom hand washing, those at the Shedd and MSI washed their hands 81% of the time, compared to lower totals elsewhere. A word to the wise: avoid men at Atlanta baseball games.
Tue September 18 2007Health/Fitness 

From the Heartland?
The Heartland Institute, a conservative Chicago think tank, is currently running advertisements asserting "global warming is not a crisis" featuring Czech president Vaclav Klaus. I'm sure that has nothing to do with the $800,000 in funding and executive assistance it's received from ExxonMobil in the last ten years, including $115,000 last year [pdf].
Tue September 18 2007Politics/Activism 

12.8% Mortgage
The Chicago Reporter finds that the Chicago metropolitan area leads the nation in high-cost loans. The story is receiving serious attention and will be featured locally tomorrow on Eight Forty-Eight and the Cliff Kelley Show.
Mon September 17 2007In the News 

CNN Architecture Shout Out
Omnipresent CNN's all up in our stuff with an article about Chicago's architectural legacy, along with some photos and a short video about Frank Lloyd Wright's local connections.
Mon September 17 2007Arts/Architecture 

Is Chicago Bike-Friendly?
The Tribune sent a reporter and photographer along with two Chicagoland Bicycle Federation employees to ask the question in an article with video. Of course, they find out what most of us already know: cars mean trouble. Go ahead and take the poll, if you're so inclined.
Sun September 16 2007Transportation 

Fashion Design and You
If you've started or are planning to start a fashion business in Chicago, the City of Chicago and Macy's would like to give you the opportunity to win a Designer in Residence position at the new Macy's State Street Chicago Fashion Incubator. There are some stipulations and a $75 application fee, but you can download the application and get the full details now [pdf].
Wed September 12 2007Resources 

Mulling the Museum Move
As debate escalates over the Chicago Children's Museum's proposed move to Grant Park, Blair Kamin offers a scathing critique of the current Richard J. Daley Bicentennial Plaza while reminding us of the 1836 statement: "Public Ground -- A Common to Remain Forever Open, Clear and Free of any Buildings, or other Obstruction Whatever."
Wed September 12 2007Arts/Architecture 

Photography in the Digital Age
Photographers may be interested in the free Photography 2.0: The Business of Photography in the Digital Era. The Chicago event runs on September 19 and features a range of photographers, editors and buyers. Check out the site to register and get more information.
Tue September 11 2007Photography 

"Enjoy Family Life"
Has anyone else out there received a handwritten proselytizing letter like this?
Mon September 10 2007Religion/Spirituality 

"Licking Chicks"
I have a feeling Jonathan Fin and Casey Black are going to regret making this video.
Sat September 8 2007Found on the Web 

Apple Store ... in Flames!
Following Apple's iPhone price drop, a band of furious early adopters looted the Michigan Avenue Apple Store -- or so this article jests. Perhaps that's why Apple's handing out cash.
Fri September 7 2007In the News 

Sssssssssssssss
Stu Iselin was surprised to find a python on his coffee table yesterday morning.
Thu September 6 2007Stuff 

The Interactive Music and Coffee Experience
Apple's new iPod releases include an interesting partnership with Starbucks that will hit Chicago in March 2008. When you walk into a megalocoffee shop, you'll be able to see information about each song that's playing in the store as it plays and, of course, buy it and other iTunes songs. If you're interested in more information about the program, most pages on Apple's site currently list the wrong URL, so go here instead.
Wed September 5 2007Business/Shopping 

2008 Green Party Convention
The Green Party selected Chicago over three other cities for its 2008 nominating convention. You can check out the full proposal at the Chicago convention bid website.
Wed September 5 2007Politics/Activism 

$0 Chicago Card
Given the pending fare hike, the CTA is waiving the $5 fee for the Chicago Card and Chicago Card Plus until Halloween. The cards will make riding 50¢ to $1 cheaper, depending on the time of day and location, so it's worth the effort to find a sales location [pdf] or use the separate online ordering sites for the Chicago Card or Chicago Card Plus.
Tue September 4 2007Transportation 

Underneath Our Feet
The Sun Times posted a feature about the variety of restaurants, clubs and other points of interest underneath our fair city. You may also want to check out Alice Maggio's two-part feature on the Pedway.
Fri August 31 2007Stuff 

Closer to a Chicago Anglican Bishop
The Episcopal Diocese of Chicago has included the Very Rev. Tracey Lind as a top five nominee for the 12th Bishop of Chicago. Because Lind is a lesbian, her nomination once again sets up the potential for conflict with the more conservative Anglican Communion.
Wed August 29 2007Religion/Spirituality 

From Pseudonym to Lisagor Award
Chicago Magazine's recent profile of Jeff McCourt is not only interesting for its discussion of the Windy City Times founder's life but for its Chicago gay and lesbian history. [Thanks, Matt!]
Tue August 28 2007History 

New BP Ad Buy
Apparently seriously concerned about its public image, BP has taken to purchasing (regionally specific?) advertisements via google to tout its pledge to not increase discharge limits. This advertisement was embedded in a NYTimes.com article about the Maison de Verre.
Tue August 28 2007Found on the Web 

A Revolt Against "Quirk"?
This American Life and the "avatar of contemporary quirk," Ira Glass, take center stage in Atlantic Monthly's recent critique of the quirky side of pop culture. [via]
Tue August 28 2007Radio/TV 

The Sun-Times' New Activism
Following the announcement that the Sun-Times is going liberal, it called for a boycott of BP gasoline. Editorial page editor Cheryl Reed was recently on On the Media to talk about the boycott call and the paper's future political orientation.
Mon August 27 2007Politics/Activism 

Once Upon a Time
Once upon a time, a band named Fugazi regularly toured the country, providing great joy to children everywhere. Yet it has been five years since That Wonderful Band toured, and many of those children have grown up. Those Children of Yesterday may now buy a new pressing of Fugazi shows, such as that from Peoria in 1995.
Fri August 24 2007Music/Clubs 

The Chicago Colts
If you follow baseball (or don't, in my case), you're probably aware of the 30-3 trouncing the Rangers gave the Orioles last night. However, you may not be aware that the team who still holds the record for points in a game (37, back in 1897), the Chicago Colts, was a predecessor to the Cubs.
Thu August 23 2007Sports/Recreation 

"Lock Up All Liberals at Gitmo"
Meet Richard Tisch, conservative jeweler with a sign.
Thu August 23 2007Stuff 

Max! Meow? Woof?
Following the news that "Max" is the number one name for cats and dogs for the fifth year in a row, a weird pet name free for all has broken out at the Trib.
Thu August 23 2007Found on the Web 

Unpronounceable
Chicago comic Kumail Nanjiani's autobiographical show, "Unpronounceable," which follows his life from his childhood in Karachi, Pakistan to college in rural Iowa, plays the Lakeshore Theater on Friday. His July show sold out, so you may want to buy your tickets ahead of time. Details in Slowdown.
Wed August 22 2007Theatre/Dance 

More Simic Connections
The new U.S. Poet Laureate, Charles Simic, may currently live in New Hampshire, but he has strong Chicago roots. Amongst other connections, he spent "the most important year" of his life in Oak Park.
Tue August 21 2007Books/Authors 

Word Jazz Online
Movie trailer watchers and late night WBEZ listeners familiar with Ken Nordine may want to check out his website Word Jazz, which includes a blog with unusual poems starting with "Maybe the moment" and a podcast of his late night stylings.
Mon August 20 2007Weblogs 

A More Swedish Batavia
Batavia's doing well in IKEA's Small Businesses, Big Dreams contest, in which cities compete for having up to ten small businesses remodeled by the company. Check out their entry, vote for them and help them do even better.
Fri August 17 2007Found on the Web 

Chicago's New Architecture
Chicago Magazine's current issue includes a feature on the state of Chicago's contemporary architecture scene, complete with a fairly interesting top 10 list, which includes gems like The Contemporaine. Check out their feature, then weigh in on your favorite and least favorite buildings.
Fri August 17 2007Arts/Architecture 

Have an "Unusual" Collection?
If so, make a short video about your collection and submit it to apartments.com for a chance to win $20,000. At the time of writing, no one's submitted anything, so your odds are good at being an early front runner.
Thu August 16 2007Stuff 

New Bottled Water Tax?
The national movement against bottled water is making further inroads here, where it looks like Mayor Daley will support a 10¢ to 25¢ tax on bottled water sales.
Wed August 15 2007Eating/Drinking 

Our Lost Stuff on eBay
It looks like the state has the eBay bug and is going to sell unclaimed items on eBay. So if you still can't find that coin you lost, you may want to check out Cash Dash or their auction photos.
Tue August 14 2007Stuff 

Protecting Modern Architecture
With the recent demolition of Dart's Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, Blair Kamin makes another call for including modern buildings in the city's architectural protections.
Mon August 13 2007Arts/Architecture 

Class Action Bathroom Suit
Two cousins at Paul Cuffe Math Science Technology Academy are filing a lawsuit because they were denied bathroom breaks.
Fri August 10 2007Schools/Education 

Lollapalooza Shenanigans
Apparently everything was going swimmingly for Pearl Jam at an AT&T site that carried their Lollapalooza set until Vedder sang "George Bush, leave this world alone" and "George Bush, find yourself another home." AT&T swears it's a mistake, but Pearl Jam's now asking for other examples of artist political censorship from the company.
Thu August 9 2007Music/Clubs 

More Bad News for the Lake
As if the recent announcement from BP weren't enough to get worked up about, Illinois and Chicago were just rated as having among the most polluted beaches in the country. Park District personnel remind us we do more testing than most places. Ok, so we're polluted and other places are too.
Wed August 8 2007Outdoors/Environment 

Chicago's Best Pierogi
Time Out Chicago enlisted Steve Zavesky, two-time pierogi eating champion, to check out the best pierogi in town. Gridskipper nicely repackaged a good portion of the article with a map. As always, other food deliciousness can be found in Drive-Thru.
Tue August 7 2007Eating/Drinking 

J Crew Sweater: Corner of N Clark and W Belden
Lauri Apple's FoundClothing -- which is about, well, the clothes she finds on the street -- got a nice boost in yesterday's Trib.
Mon August 6 2007Weblogs 

Chicago, City of Bridges
Let the fear mongering begin.
Fri August 3 2007In the News 

A Heat Wave by Any Other Name...
As good Chicagoans, we're all familiar with the deadly 1995 heat wave and Eric Klinenberg's lauded book on the subject. But what if we want to watch a play of it? Pegasus Players have our backs. PS If you're not a good Chicagoan, here's an interview with Klinenberg for some background.
Thu August 2 2007Theatre/Dance 

Get Your Work Out There
If you do documentary film work around Chicago, you may want to submit to the Chicago Reporter's John A. McDermott Documentary Short Film Fest. While you're at it, check out the new issue.
Thu August 2 2007Film 

Welcome to Oceanville, Illinois
Chicago the Lion invites you to visit the Muppet Wiki page for Illinois. That's right: the Muppet Wiki.
Tue July 31 2007Stuff 

Friday Mass
If recent talk of some riders wanting to disband the Chicago Critical Mass has you riled up, you may want to weigh in on the matter.
Mon July 30 2007Transportation 

Bensenville "Ghost Town"
A Tribune article and corresponding video about the legal battles between Bensenville residents and Chicago over O'Hare expansion suggests visual artists could have a field day in the area.
Fri July 27 2007Photography 

Not Getting Better for Macy's
As if Macy's year of problems wasn't enough, a man fell from an interior balcony at the State Street location yesterday.
Thu July 26 2007Business/Shopping 

No Spoilers, Please!
An enterprising Downers Grove teenager devised a solution to avoid hearing Harry Potter spoilers.
Wed July 25 2007Books/Authors 

"Like a Big Family"
The Green Exchange, the proposed Logan Square environmental supercenter, is garnering serious national attention.
Wed July 25 2007Business/Shopping 

71 Degrees
Studio Gang, the firm behind Aqua, is doing something interesting in Hyde Park.
Tue July 24 2007Arts/Architecture 

Ask a Music Scene Micro Celebrity
It's getting a little crazy, but Chicago music legend Steve Albini is answering a wide variety of questions in the Two Plus Two forums.
Mon July 23 2007Found on the Web 

Printers' Ball: More than Books
Not that we need more than books, but literary and non-literary types will get into The Printers' Ball tonight. In addition to an assortment of print materials and people, some swell performers and other activities will be going down. Personally, I'm hoping for a performance of "Waiting Room" (mp3). Details in Slowdown.
Fri July 20 2007Books/Authors 

A Pedagogical Factory
Starting on Sunday, the Stockyard Institute, AREA Chicago and other organizations will initiate "Pedagogical Factory: Exploring Strategies for an Educated City" at the Hyde Park Art Center. Throughout its run, topics will include "How We Peoples Make a People's Atlas of Chicago," "How We Grow: Self-Education and Urban Farming Gathering" and "How We Brew/Bake/Mead Etc Cottage Expo."
Thu July 19 2007Arts/Architecture 

Another First for Oak Park
Following its recent transgendered library fund, Oak Park is again on the forefront of GLBT issues in Illinois with their official support of state legislation that would establish civil unions for same-sex couples.
Wed July 18 2007Politics/Activism 

Feeling Ill?
If so, and you're into the U.S. News ratings for this, that and the other, you may want to head to the University of Chicago Medical Center for the best hospital in the region and the 17th best in the country.
Tue July 17 2007Health/Fitness 

The Physics of Jail Bars
Former University of Chicago student and militant environmental activist Billy Cottrell has been in jail since 2004, but Stephen Hawking wants him freed.
Fri July 13 2007People/Sightings 

Oh, Those Canadians!
The Globe and Mail reports on what is surely the most important aspect of the Conrad Black trial.
Thu July 12 2007Stuff 

Photo Swap on July 21
The Gapers Block/Calumet Photographic Photo Swap is just over a week away. Show up with five 4"x6" photographs, hang out, have some food and drinks, and then go home with five photos from other people. Details in Slowdown.
Wed July 11 2007Gapers 

Opera Time-Lapse
Speaking of timewasters, the Chicago Opera Theater recently posted a time-lapse video of three set changes: from "Beatrice and Benedict" to "Duke Bluebeard's Castle" to "Erwartung" to "Beatrice and Benedict" again. Seven minutes of stagehand fun!
Tue July 10 2007Found on the Web 

Aviophobics in Style
Amtrak and GrandLuxe have teamed up to bring high-end GrandLuxe Limited service on regular Amtrak routes that primarily involve Chicago. Of course, a luxury train ride isn't cheap; routes start at $789.
Tue July 10 2007Transportation 

Clop, Clop, Clop, Plop.
If you've ever wondered why you've never seen a white Chicago Police Department horse or at least what being a mounted policeperson is like, this article's for you.
Tue July 10 2007Stuff 

Online Documentary Films
Meet folkstreams.net, a project to preserve documentaries about American roots cultures. There is, of course, a Midwestern section, and at least two Chicago-related films "The Popovich Brothers of South Chicago" and "Grace Earl."
Mon July 9 2007Film 

Now's Your Chance, Lobster Man
If you have a hankerin' for counter-culture theater, you may want to see Mary-Arrchie's performance of two Sam Shepard plays, "4-H Club" (1965) and Cowboy Mouth (1971). If you're interested, here's a review of the current production and some fascinating background (and a spoiler) on the latter play, which was co-written with Patti Smith.
Fri July 6 2007Theatre/Dance 

Window Washers of Chicago
Meet Garcia de la Cadena, the Mexican village from which a disproportionate share of our window washers hail.
Thu July 5 2007Business/Shopping 

Briefly Stepping Back in Time
The Palmolive Building will briefly light its beacon tomorrow night. It may not be the real deal, but it's the first test of a configuration that may be used on future special occasions.
Tue July 3 2007Arts/Architecture 

Greatest Chicago Movies
Tom McNamee of the Sun-Times offers his "Top 10 Greatest Chicago Movies." The list is heavy on recent popular flicks, but there are still a couple of out-of-the way movies worth checking out.
Tue July 3 2007Film 

Tasting It All
Speaking of consuming huge amounts of food, the Trib's Monica Eng sampled 253 dishes at the Taste. The experiment cost the paper a grand total of $1,022. I'm sure it was a lot of really healthy food.
Mon July 2 2007Eating/Drinking 

The Value of Lost Love
A Cook County jury ordered a woman's lover to pay her husband $4,802.87 for stealing her love. Then it gets weird.
Mon July 2 2007Offbeat/Misc. Events 

Global Reduction
First there were the Cool Globes. Now there are Mini Cool Globes, basketball-sized globes designed by everyone from Sheryl Crow to Joe Lieberman. If you'd like to see them in person, head to the Wacker Lobby and the Jackson Pavilion of the Sears Tower.
Fri June 29 2007Arts/Architecture 

As Seen on TV: the Oprah Store
If you want to hold an "O Baby" hat and mittens set before you buy it, you may soon be able to head to 57 N. Carpenter to visit the Oprah Store.
Thu June 28 2007Business/Shopping 

Three Pigs and the North Shore
A circuit court judge has upheld the right of a former member of the Walgreens family to keep her three pigs on her Lake Forest property until at least 2011. Her next-door neighbors and 300 other locals aren't pleased. The decision will be appealed.
Wed June 27 2007Stuff 

Major South Loop Development
In the arithmetic of today, 8 acres = 3,000 homes + 1 hotel + (unspecified) stores + 1 marina. Now this developer needs to turn in its homework on time.
Tue June 26 2007Arts/Architecture 

The End is Nigh
The Tribune provides sign 15,347 that cicada fever is most certainly cresting.
Mon June 25 2007Stuff 

Oak Park, Leader in Transgender Education
The Illinois State Library provided funds for a $3,000 grant to the Oak Park Public Library to create the first transgendered-oriented public library collection in the country.
Fri June 22 2007Resources 

Just a Little Greener
As of today, Cheikh "Bamba" Dione is the first fleet-based hybrid taxi driver in Chicago. Oh, and if you attend the formal unveiling, you may be lucky enough to watch David Hudson receive CCC's Cab Driver of the Year award and then witness his hand print and signature rendered in wet cement for CCC's "Walk of Fame."
Thu June 21 2007Transportation 

When is it Time to do a Squirrel Necropsy?
When they're dying along the banks of Oak Lawn Lake.
Wed June 20 2007Outdoors/Environment 

1,000,000 sq ft
A 50-story commercial building may soon be the capstone to the Chicago River. If built, it will increase the amount of new office space in Chicago by 20%.
Wed June 20 2007Arts/Architecture 

A Zombie Invasion?
The Cook County morgue has a big problem: it's missing a body. Be alert.
Tue June 19 2007Stuff 

Chicago, Coyotepolis
Our friendly neighborhood Quizno's coyote, Adrian, isn't alone as an urban explorer. Chicago coyote visits have increased from "perhaps a dozen" in the 1980s to 312 in the last three years.
Mon June 18 2007Outdoors/Environment 

Big Changes for the Lakefront?
In yet another public works project designed to win favor with the IOC (and area boaters), the Park District has released tentative plans to build three additional harbors. The Trib provides renderings.
Wed June 13 2007Sports/Recreation 

Psst. Wanna Get Married?
A Chicago man is accused of "leading" a ring in which U.S. residents would marry Eastern European immigrants for $5,000. In a stroke of brilliance, each of the "families" charged in the case attended each other's wedding ceremonies, making them oh-so-difficult to connect with each other.
Wed June 13 2007In the News 

The Mystery of the Anti-Weatherman
The National Weather Service has enlisted the help of the FBI to track down a person who is submitting bogus weather reports in Illinois and Wisconsin. The reports have caused the service to issue erroneous storm warnings. If you can't trust weather reports, what can you trust?
Tue June 12 2007Stuff 

Time to Head Elsewhere
Norman Finkelstein, controversial professor of political science at DePaul, has been denied tenure. Read his collection of articles about the situation. UPDATE: He spoke on 848 this morning.
Tue June 12 2007Schools/Education 

Today's Secret Word Is...
Gapers Block! So you go get Conky, and I'll show you the geographic distribution of the use of the term.
Mon June 11 2007Gapers 

Hounds Called Off
The Hoffman Estates-based Chicago Hounds United Hockey League team is closing shop after only a year in business due to issues with their home rink, the Sears Centre.
Fri June 8 2007Sports/Recreation 

Googlization at Midwestern Libraries
Google and the Midwest-based Committee on Institutional Cooperation announced an agreement to digitize up to ten million volumes from member universities. Local member schools include the University of Chicago, Northwestern and UIC.
Thu June 7 2007Books/Authors 

LGBT Center Open
Center on Halsted, the most comprehensive LGBT facility in the Midwest, is now officially open.
Wed June 6 2007Politics/Activism 

No More Waiting Until 3pm!
The Department of Streets and Sanitation has a special treat for Bucktown and Wicker Park residents -- and, no, it's not the usual orange one. The city is testing out a new light program that will signal when it's ok to park on a street after it's been cleaned.
Tue June 5 2007Transportation 

Oops, Dad's Out of the Frame
Calling all family albums! The Tribune is seeking your bad vacation photos.
Mon June 4 2007Photography 

Whitey Strikes Back
On Wednesday, Q101 became the first radio station to play the new White Stripes album. Two hours later, a very displeased Jack White called the station.
Fri June 1 2007Radio/TV 

Big Money
The University of Chicago was just given $100 million -- anonymously. The gift will launch the new Odyssey Scholarships program, which will serve students from low- to middle-income families. Due to the size of the gift, almost a quarter of enrolled students will benefit from it at any given time.
Thu May 31 2007Schools/Education 

A Locally Grown Hybrid
Car, that is. A couple of weeks ago, IIT's Armour College of Engineering entered a car in the student 2007 Formula Hybrid competition. They finished in 5th out of 6th in overall points, but more than doubled their previous speed record. They have their eyes on first place next year.
Wed May 30 2007Transportation 

One Heck of a Headline
Bloomberg's recent review of Johan Van Overtveldt's book about the University of Chicago Department of Economics has one heck of a headline, alongside some interesting information about the department. If you like what you see, you may want to catch his upcoming speech.
Tue May 29 2007Books/Authors 

Another "Independent" Theater
Sundance Cinemas announced it will open a new eight screen theater in Chicago. It'll be located in the West Loop when it opens ... in Spring 2009.
Fri May 25 2007Arts/Architecture 

Mapping the Invasion
While not everyone is seeing cicadas, some Chicagoans are, and at least some observers are adding their input to this handy Cicada Emergence Map.
Thu May 24 2007Outdoors/Environment 

Englewood's Gonna Be Rich
Well, maybe not, but the MacArthur Foundation is investing $26 million for community and economic development in 16 Chicago neighborhoods, such as Englewood, Logan Square, Pilsen, and Woodlawn. View the community map and relevant organization listing [pdf].
Wed May 23 2007In the News 

A Single North American Currency?
At a speech at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, Bank of Canada Governor David Dodge hinted at the possibility of a regionally unified currency. Don't think it's going to happen any time soon, however, considering thickening "labor flows" are currently in the way.
Tue May 22 2007Politics/Activism 

The Lager Beer Riot of 1855
Learn about said riot and nine other bits of trivia about the Chicago City Council in this fine Trib article.
Mon May 21 2007Politics/Activism 

We're Number One...
in average gas prices. Um, huzzah?
Sun May 20 2007Business/Shopping 

Official Oprah Winfrey Week
"We can maybe take that week and show her how much we really love her." We can definitely take that week, apparently.
Sat May 19 2007In the News 

Everyday is Like Sunday
If you're interested in every last detail of Tuesday's Morrissey concert, check out the Morrissey Solo message board. Documented are the set list, crowd reactions, number of times people rushed the stage, merchandise quality, and, well, every last detail.
Thu May 17 2007Music/Clubs 

Olympic Logo Woes
The International Olympic Committee has determined the Chicago bid logo violates the organization's rules. A new logo is now in the works.
Wed May 16 2007Sports/Recreation 

My First Firearm Owner's Identification Card
A Daily Southtown writer procured a FOIC card for his 11-month-old boy, and in so doing, stumbled upon an interesting loophole. Oh, and the boy goes by "Bubba."
Wed May 16 2007In the News 

A New Neighbor
Chicago, meet the Village of Campton Hills, our newest neighbor.
Tue May 15 2007In the News 

14,100 Gallons of Water Per Minute
Now that the Buckingham Fountain is going full blast, maybe you'd like to astound your friends with some related trivia. For example, it opened on May 26, 1927, and its computer's name is the "Honeywell Excel-Plus."
Mon May 14 2007Outdoors/Environment 

The Influence of Chicago Dollars
Chicago Public Radio documents a town with more than 50% of its residents in the United States, many of whom are in Chicago. With the help of a Hometown Club (founded by a Chicago immigrant), for every migrant dollar donated, local, state and federal governments donate a dollar each. In this way, dollars from the United States fund town projects and are hoped to curb out-migration.
Fri May 11 2007Radio/TV 

Scourge of the Suburbs
A revolt is underway in the suburbs. The target: new sidwalks. After all, with sidewalks, "who knows what you'd be encouraging to come through?" The Trib's online readers are having none of it, with approximately 90% saying sidewalks in neighborhoods are "a positive addition."
Wed May 9 2007Politics/Activism 

That Was Fast
Remember the divorce billboard from yesterday? It was removed for permit violations before the end of the day.
Wed May 9 2007Stuff 

Chicago: America's Favorite City?
CNN and Travel + Leisure have teamed up to oh-so-scientifically poll Internet users about their favorite cities. Chicago is, of course, one of the "hottest cities" and is therefore included. Filling out the survey makes you eligible to win a vacation to America's favorite city in 2007! Just kidding; you win a trip to Australia.
Wed May 9 2007City Life/Cultural 

"Life's Short. Get a Divorce.''
Fetman, Garland & Associates, Ltd. is getting aggressive with their new ad campaign. As one might expect, it's generating controversy.
Tue May 8 2007Business/Shopping 

Are You Ready for Post-Postmodern Architecture?
George Jetson's high-rise order is nearly ready to be filled in Chicago, but not everyone's a fan of his new digs. If you're curious about similar projects, check out the bizarre Dynamic Architecture website.
Mon May 7 2007Arts/Architecture 

More Evening News?
Following the Sun-Times' P.M. Download Edition, the Tribune is considering launching an online evening edition. At least in theory, the edition would be more focused on news analysis than summaries.
Fri May 4 2007In the News 

Honest Abe's Illinois Shenanigans
While Calgon may not take you away, Abraham Lincoln has you covered.
Fri May 4 2007Stuff 

Attack of the Smileys
Several cars in Printers Row received smiley face makeovers last night. The Trib astutely predicts "if the taggers are caught, there will be no smiles."
Thu May 3 2007Stuff 

The Incredible Moving L Station House
Check out this mini-photo essay documenting the Belmont L station house move [window resizes].
Wed May 2 2007Transportation 

Petrillo Music Madness
The lineup for the Taste of Chicago musical performances has been announced. We'll all see each other at the Kenny Rogers show, I'm sure.
Wed May 2 2007Music/Clubs 

Not a Family Values Pick
Greg Olsen, the Bears' first round draft pick, recorded an amazingly sexist song with other students while a freshman in college.
Tue May 1 2007Sports/Recreation 

Go, Go Chicago Architecture!
If you're a fan of Chicago architecture, you should definitely check out Great Chicago Places and Spaces 2007. Advance sign-up for more than 200 tours is only available online and starts today at noon.
Tue May 1 2007Arts/Architecture 

Third Grade Architectural Modeling
Elementary students at the Lab School have been building their favorite pieces of the Chicago skyline in Joyce Carrasco's class for more than a decade. Check out examples from the class of 2004-2005. Dibs on the Morton Salt building! [via]
Mon April 30 2007Arts/Architecture 

Major Teacher Purge
Following last year's teacher firing, Chicago Public Schools gave notice to more than 775 probationary teachers on Friday.
Mon April 30 2007Schools/Education 

"Put Traction Issue Up to Straphangers"
The Tribune has an interesting list of Chicago transit facts (with an inexplicably capitalized headline).
Sun April 29 2007Transportation 

Contemporary Art on the South Side
The Renaissance Society, the University of Chicago's contemporary art advocate and gallery, is hosting its next opening on Sunday. If you've never visited, the Katharina Grosse show should be a fine introduction to the gallery, which has exhibited everyone from Picasso to Bourgeois. If that's not your thing, you may want to check out the Hyde Park Art Center's 24-hour Creative Move TOO.
Fri April 27 2007Arts/Architecture 

Circus Circus
Local circus freak Ken Harck just made another acquisition. This time it's a rare Ringling Bros. poster.
Fri April 27 2007Arts/Architecture 

Corn Oil vs. Eggs
The year's first volley of the epic human vs. seagull battle has been launched.
Thu April 26 2007Outdoors/Environment 

ChronicBabe 2.0
ChronicBabe, the locally-produced website for women with chronic health conditions, just launched a redesign. New features include a chronic conditions resource center and an online store. Additionally, if you sign up for Goodie Bags, the site's electronic newsletter, you get a free ebook copy of How to Be a ChronicBabe: A Beginner's Toolkit.
Wed April 25 2007Resources 

Olympic Arts
With all of the hubbub about the Olympics, there's an argument that sports shouldn't get all of the attention. In a city currently alive with Version>07, and soon to have Artropolis going too, art should also be at the forefront. Tribune art critics provide a few conceptions of how art could work with the Olympics.
Tue April 24 2007Arts/Architecture 

Giant Pizza Bridge
The AP's reporting that the Skyway was in danger of "turning into a gigantic, Windy City-style, deep-dish pizza" yesterday. You may want to watch out for other structure-to-food transformations throughout the day.
Mon April 23 2007In the News 

Around the World in Chicago
If you've traveled around the world "crossing every meridian of longitude in the same direction" and are interested in meeting others like you, you're in luck. Chicago has its own chapter of the Circumnavigators Club. Oh, and your travel doesn't have to be in the same trip.
Sun April 22 2007Found on the Web 

The Only Mayor of Rosemont
Donald E. Stephens, Rosemont's only mayor, died in office after 51 years of service. He saw the transformation of "a collection of septic fields and houses of prostitution" into a convention destination.
Thu April 19 2007People/Sightings 

An Expensive Hat
Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher was fined $100,000 for wearing an unsanctioned hat during an NFL event. I wonder how much additional advertising this fine will provide for the brand in question.
Thu April 19 2007Sports/Recreation 

O'Hare: Not Just for the Jet Set
Check out WBEZ's fascinating story about Chicago's asylum seekers, which focuses on one of the dozen Tibetans who have sought asylum at O'Hare over the last year.
Wed April 18 2007In the News 

Richard Nickel's Photographs on the Radio
Yesterday, All Things Considered ran Edward Lifson's fine examination of the architectural preservation photography book Richard Nickel's Chicago. Bonus: the song that plays at the end of the piece is from the Rachel's album Music for Egon Schiele, which was composed for a Chicago theater production.
Tue April 17 2007Books/Authors 

Transportation Dream Come True
After years of feet dragging, it looks like the CTA, Metra and Pace will finally create a unified fare card.
Mon April 16 2007Transportation 

Goodbye, Blue Monday
Novelist, essayist, playwright, artist, activist, and, yes, City News Bureau of Chicago reporter, In These Times contributor and University of Chicago graduate, Kurt Vonnegut, has died. "So it goes."
Thu April 12 2007People/Sightings 

Cubs as Commodity
Take a gander at the queue for buying "a shrine, a team and a great place to watch baseball."
Wed April 11 2007Sports/Recreation 

A Very Small Museum
Michael Horvich is more than a supernumerary, he's the curator of Michael's Museum. Unfortunately, the physical museum is currently not open to the public, presumably due to high demand because of a recent Tribune article. For now, enjoy the photographs and lists.
Wed April 11 2007Found on the Web 

Myron Goldsmith's Modernism
The Arts Club of Chicago, which apparently doesn't have a website, is hosting an excellent retrospective of Myron Goldsmith's architectural and teaching career. Go before the show closes on April 13, if for no other reason than to see the model of the unrealized Ruck-a-Chucky Bridge in person. While you're at it, the club has an interesting history that's worth reviewing.
Tue April 10 2007Arts/Architecture 

Get Schooled
If you are interested in education research, you may want to check out the annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association, which is in town this week. Events are open to the public, but you'll need to pay the hefty registration fee.
Mon April 9 2007Schools/Education 

Beyond the Concert Hall
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is taking great strides to expand its audience and influence, notably including a retooled nationally syndicated radio program and a performance and educational video series.
Mon April 9 2007Music/Clubs 

Chicago History Roundup
From the establishment of the Hull House Theater to the World's Columbian Exposition, the Sun Times lists their take on "The 50 Greatest Chicago Moments."
Sun April 8 2007History 

Click!
Photobooth-o-philes, get excited! You'll soon be able to take a zany picture of yourself and your close friends at Quimby's.
Thu April 5 2007Stuff 

Take Me Out to the Ball Game or China
As it turns out, Crain's has a pretty decent photo gallery. The most recent set documents the White Sox opener, while previous features range from McDonald's in China to Delhi, India.
Wed April 4 2007Photography 

Dance Floor Disaster
Lacey Hindman knows another way work parties can turn into excruciating pain.
Tue April 3 2007In the News 

Use the Force (to Pick a Stamp Design)
R2D2 is roaming the city, and it wants you to visit the "Jedi Shipping and Mailing Master" to vote for your favorite Star Wars stamps.
Mon April 2 2007Stuff 

The Last Lamb and Veal Slaughterhouse in Chicago
Now that Easter and Passover are almost here, the New York Times offers two features on Chiappetti Lamb and Veal. NOTE: The first link is a TimesSelect article, so if you aren't enrolled in the program, you can either sign up or start a free trial. If you are a student or faculty member with a .edu email address, you can get a full account for free right now.
Sun April 1 2007History 

Il Ritorno d'Uliss in Patria
The final installment of the Chicago Opera Theater's Claudio Monteverdi series, The Return of Ulysses, is earning strong reviews, including accolades for Rafael Viñoly's minimal set design. There are three performances remaining, so get hoppin'.
Sat March 31 2007Music/Clubs 

Oh, Yeah, That's the One
It's always a pleasure to see a news organization pick just the right stock image for a Downers Grove mob hit story.
Fri March 30 2007Found on the Web 

Jackass of the Week
College newspapers may not be known as paragons of journalism, but some local schools have some trailblazing pieces online, such as Columbia Chronicle's Jackass of the Week column. Other recent college paper wackiness comes from an article about Microsoft vernacular, an apology from a paper that got it all wrong and a pseudo op-ed arguing for a "Star Trek Defense" system against illegal aliens.
Wed March 28 2007In the News 

No Longer Building Solo
Solo Cup officially abandoned its new factory plans and will sell its portion of the former U.S. Steel South Works site. The new owner, Southworks Development LLC will fold the new property into its existing holdings and create a multi-use development. To put the project into context, the development area, including adjoining parkland, is bigger than the Loop.
Tue March 27 2007Arts/Architecture 

"Final" Chicago Spire Design Unveiled
While Calatrava claims he will "keep on working on the shape of the building to the very end," Crain's is calling the latest Chicago Spire design the "final plans." Of course, no one knows if the building will actually get built, but design advances and political maneuvering continue.
Mon March 26 2007Arts/Architecture 

Building a Piano (Wing)
The Art Institute recently installed a construction camera so we can put a face in our dreams of more modern and contemporary art. The camera produces a new image every 15 minutes.
Sun March 25 2007Arts/Architecture 

We've Got It Under Control ... Like Iraq
Congressperson Tim Walberg (R-MI), recently noted most of Iraq is "reasonably under control." Well, you know, "at least as well as Detroit or Chicago ... or Harvey, Illinois."
Fri March 23 2007Politics/Activism 

SSSSSttttteeeeelllllllllllllllaaaaaaaaa!
There was a Stella Yelling Contest, and Phil Wackerfuss won it.
Thu March 22 2007Theatre/Dance 

A Home Turf Challenge to Boeing
Plane watchers will be pleased to hear the Airbus A380 will definitely visit O'Hare tomorrow.
Mon March 19 2007Transportation 

Carson's Still Interested in the City
Now that the flagship Carson Pirie Scott store is closed, word has it the department store is interested in opening a new location in the South Loop.
Mon March 19 2007Business/Shopping 

So Green Architecture isn't a Passing Fad
Someone smart at the Tribune asked its arts and architecture critics what prompted them to reevaluate artists in their disciplines. Some second looks include the Trap Door Theatre, William McDonough and Walker Evans.
Mon March 19 2007Arts/Architecture 

That Doesn't Belong in a Milkshake!
Oak Brook's very own McDonald's seems to be having some trouble on one of its British websites. (Unfortunately, the item on the original website is in Flash, so we can't link to it.)
Fri March 16 2007Found on the Web 

March Merger Madness, Global City Style
The merger of the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange may be derailed by a new offer from Atlanta's Intercontinental Exchange. The good news for Chicago is the Atlanta folks want to come to us, so the city will retain the CBOT, regardless.
Fri March 16 2007Business/Shopping&