Author: Jesica Davis
Tuesday, 12 06 2005
Audible Frequency's new home
Last Saturday marked the six-month anniversary of the death of Alicia Frantz. Alicia was a Chicago blogger, sound archivist, a friend of GB, and one of my best friends. The domain for her site, audiblefrequency.net, expired and was taken over by squatters. However, I have registered aliciafrantz.net, where her recordings and pictures will stay archived for a long time.
- 6.12.05 ~ People/Sightings
Wednesday, 11 23 2005
It's not Thanksgiving without a hangover
Thanksgiving to me means old friends back in town, and everyone wants to party because they have Thursday off work. Fortunately, there are at least three events tonight where you can go dancing and ensure a proper hangover for tomorrow's dinner. First, the annual Superjane Night Before Thanksgiving Soiree at Smartbar, with DJ Heather, Colette, Lady D, and Dayhota. Or, if you want your house music more classic, Derrick Carter is spinning at Zentra. Finally, for something a little bit ravier (and if you're under 21), there's a huge lineup at the Logan Square Auditorium featuring DJ Funk, Paul Johnson, Danny the Wildchild, Delta 9, and more. Full details in Slowdown.
- 23.11.05 ~ Music/Clubs
Thursday, 10 20 2005
CIFF winners
The winners of the 2005 Chicago International Film Festival, which closes tonight, have been announced. Best film? My Nikofor.
- 20.10.05 ~ Film
Monday, 10 17 2005
Photoblogger opening
Tonight is the opening reception for 7x7, an exhibition by seven Chicago photobloggers, including friend of GB Archie Florcruz. 1150 W. Fullerton, 7pm.
- 17.10.05 ~ Photography
Friday, 10 14 2005
Truncated dedications
There's a new playground going in at Holstein Park; as a fundraiser, people can purchase a brick [PDF] for $75 with a message on it. Or so they believed: The Week Behind has a story about how many of the messages were trimmed down to just a name, without the knowledge or consent of the buyers.
- 14.10.05 ~ Sports/Recreation
Tuesday, 10 11 2005
Sunday's 26.2, tagged
For your perusal on a gray day before the memories fade: photos on Flickr tagged with Chicago Marathon.
- 11.10.05 ~ Photography
Wednesday, 09 21 2005
Learn something new every week
Many of the classes began this week, but it's not too late to register for some of the Newberry Library's fall seminars. Topics include Black Letter Calligraphy, Small Theatres in Chicago, multiple literature and genealogy classes, and writing workshops. The evening and weekend classes average about $150 for eight weeks.
- 21.09.05 ~ Schools/Education
Tuesday, 09 20 2005
Three local fellows
The 2005 MacArthur Fellows have been announced, and three of the 25 are from Chicago. Steven Goodman, Kevin M. Murphy, and Olufunmilayo Olopade will all receive $500,000 over the next five years, no strings attached. The complete list of Fellows is here.
- 20.09.05 ~ In the News
Thursday, 09 15 2005
Redmoon's newest Spectacle
Tonight is the opening of Redmoon Theater's Autumn Spectacle: Loves Me, Loves Me Not. The performance, about a mythical town after it has been hit by a flood, was completely overhauled two days after Katrina hit New Orleans. Ten percent of ticket sales go to the Red Cross. More information in Slowdown.
- 15.09.05 ~ Arts/Architecture
Beyond solar panels
Zoka Zola, an innovative Chicago architect originally from Croatia, has designed a zero-energy home. The "Glass & Bedolla House," a self-sustaining, single-family urban home, is scheduled for construction three miles west of the Loop.
- 15.09.05 ~ Arts/Architecture
Wednesday, 08 31 2005
Chicago veggie votes
Today is the last day to vote for Veg News magazine's 2005 Veggie awards. There are a number of Chicago favorites nominated, including Chicago Diner and the fabulous Chicago Soy Dairy.
- 31.08.05 ~ Eating/Drinking
Tuesday, 08 23 2005
Shameless Chicago
Shameless Restaurants, the message board for the industry's workers, had a Chicago forum. It's still a bit nascent, but a potentially good source for communication in the server community.
- 23.08.05 ~ Eating/Drinking
Wednesday, 08 17 2005
Westward on Devon
Eats by East-West is a blog that is working its way from east to west down Devon, reviewing every restaurant or eatery with a table.
- 17.08.05 ~ Eating/Drinking
Tuesday, 08 02 2005
Rate that place
As the second major moving day in Chicago grows closer (October 1st), those looking for apartments might want to check out some apartment ratings.
- 2.08.05 ~ Resources
Thursday, 07 28 2005
Dorkbot Chicago
There's one spot left for Deadtech's Dorkbot event next week. So if you've got a homemade robot to show off, a sweet application you've written, or some wired circuits, contact Deadtech to be in the August 2nd show.
- 28.07.05 ~ Offbeat/Misc. Events
Monday, 07 25 2005
Bacon-off
Recently, some of us decided that a Bacon-off (bacon-eating contest), was a great idea. Pictures of the event are now up. The winner? Atomly, former vegan, ate three pounds of bacon in three five-minute rounds (a pound a round!) to edge out Mike and Dan.
- 25.07.05 ~ Offbeat/Misc. Events
Hot dog showdown
In a national phone poll of 900 people, New York edged out Chicago for best hot dog. Is it the poppyseeds, or the sport peppers? Related: Watch me eat a hot dog.
- 25.07.05 ~ Eating/Drinking
Wednesday, 07 20 2005
Food + music
Big Delicious Planet, a local catering company, has a blog about food and music. They're catering this weekend's Lollapalooza festival, so expect some interesting updates.
- 20.07.05 ~ Eating/Drinking
Thursday, 07 14 2005
Bastille Day festivities
It's Bastille Day, a French holiday that celebrates the storming of the Bastille. Francophile celebrations are rampant in Chicago. Metromix has a partial rundown of of culinary events, though chances are if you call your favorite French restaurant they have a special prix fixe dinner arranged. There's also a Bastille Day 5K run/walk, or you could visit the Toulouse-Lautrec exhibition at the Art Institute.
- 14.07.05 ~ Offbeat/Misc. Events
Thursday, 07 07 2005
Division, one bar at a time
The Times just did a piece detailing Division's storefront gentrification, with a rundown of the neighborhood's bars, restaurants, shops, and spas.
- 7.07.05 ~ City Life/Cultural
Monday, 06 27 2005
Subjective, much?
Apparently, somone hates Chicago enough to compile a list of 101 reasons why Chicago sucks. We love you too!
- 27.06.05 ~ City Life/Cultural
Friday, 06 24 2005
Dill Pickle Dance
The still-nascent West Side Food Co-op is having their first fundraiser event Saturday, the Dill Pickle Dance, in honor of having chosen a name: The Dill Pickle Food Co-op. From 4pm to 6pm at the Spare Room, there will be good food, music, dancing, and a logo designing contest. For more information, check out the mailing list. 2416 W. North Ave. Suggested donation: $5 adults, $10 per family.
- 24.06.05 ~ Eating/Drinking
Monday, 06 20 2005
Scent of a citrus
A recent study at the University of Chicago has determined that the smell of grapefruit on a woman makes her appear considerably younger to men. However, the scent of grapefruit on men does not affect women's perceptions of a man's age.
- 20.06.05 ~ Schools/Education
Burnin' up for your love
The inevitable Missed Connections from the Dominick's fire are already appearing on Craigslist. "Extra-alarm" blazes: so hot right now!
- 20.06.05 ~ People/Sightings
Thursday, 06 16 2005
Parade of Pet Homes
This summer's Parade of Pet Homes is Saturday, June 18th, in River North. Nineteen area designers took pre-fab dog houses and gave them a makeover, which can be viewed on a walking tour from 10am to 6pm. Afterwards, the dog houses are auctioned off, with proceeds going to the Anti-Cruelty Society.
- 16.06.05 ~ Offbeat/Misc. Events
City Farm sells to the public
City Farm, the organic, sustainable farm next to Cabrini Green, has expanded their land use and growing season this year. Their produce, particularly Heirloom tomatoes, usually goes to local restaurants like Frontera Grill. However, they're now selling to the public on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3pm-6pm, and Saturday 9am-1pm, at the gate on Clyborn just north of Division across from the Starbucks. What's available will change with the growing season, but currently they have chard, sugar snap peas, broccoli, herbs, garlic scapes, collard greens, beets, and lettuce.
- 16.06.05 ~ Eating/Drinking
Thursday, 05 12 2005
A coming of age story
Tonight marks another installment of Scared to Dance, The Opaque Project's monthly night at Liar's Club. The theme this month is "A coming of age story"; the last theme party they threw at the Jerkstore brought out droves of costumed hipsters. DJ's for tonight are Johnny Love, Joel Brown, and Matt Roan. 1665 W. Fullerton, 21+, 10pm, no cover, $1 PBR.
- 12.05.05 ~ Music/Clubs
Tuesday, 05 10 2005
SummerDance schedule
The schedule for this year's SummerDance series in Grant Park is out, and looks quite promising. Last year's well-received addition of DJ Wednesday's is back, with artists like Paul Johnson, Superpitcher, Jeff Mills on the lineup.
- 10.05.05 ~ Music/Clubs
A different kind of transmission
A recent graduate has sued several teachers and an administrator at Mother McAuley High School for spreading rumors that her case of Mononucleosis was a "whore's disease." Mono is most easily spread through kissing, but can also be transmitted by sharing food, drinks, and coughing. The school is fighting the suit.
- 10.05.05 ~ In the News
Monday, 04 11 2005
Ask Mr. Bike
Now that the weather is warmer and more people are riding again, Mr. Bike, aka Chicagoan Dave Glowacz, has some great tips for urban biking on his site. He also writes a weekly cycling advice column that covers anything from fitting bikes for short women to dealing with the police.
- 11.04.05 ~ Sports/Recreation
Looking to move
Just in time for the big May 1st moving day: a new site uses Google Maps to locate Craigslist listings for a number of cities, Chicago included. Both apartments and condos are mapped out. [via TMN]
- 11.04.05 ~ Resources
Friday, 04 08 2005
Chicago gets Beard nominations
This year's James Beard nominees have been announced [PDF], and Chicago got a lot of nods. Among the nominations, Avec got one for architecture, Everest got the expected outstanding restaurant nomination, and Chicago restaurants hold three of the five spots for outstanding service (Spiaggia, Topolobampo, and Tru). For journalism, the Tribune's habitually lackluster Good Eating section did not win any nominations, though local NPR show 848 did.
- 8.04.05 ~ Eating/Drinking
Wednesday, 03 30 2005
What's bakin'
There's a new baking blog in Chicago: Part-time Pro Bono Baker. The site discusses all things relating to baked goods, and has two different people that do bakery reviews (via KIPlog).
- 30.03.05 ~ Eating/Drinking
Monday, 03 21 2005
Blue bags go to waste
The Tribune reports on further evidence that Chicago's blue bag recycling program doesn't work. The city has been letting almost 30% of trash bypass sorting centers, allowing blue bag-laden garbage to go straight to landfills.
- 21.03.05 ~ In the News
Friday, 03 18 2005
Local coffee abounds
The Sun-Times mentions that Chicago ranks third in the country for the number of coffee shops. We have 568, placing us behind Los Angeles and Seattle, but ahead of New York. There are also a number of fabulous coffee roasters in town, most of which offer fair trade roasts.
- 18.03.05 ~ Eating/Drinking
Thursday, 03 10 2005
Scared to dance?
Tonight sees another installment of Scared to Dance, the Opaque Project's monthly dose of debauchery at the Liar's Club. Expect DJs Johnny Love, Chamberweed, Hunter Husar, and Joel Brown to drop everything from no-wave to rio funk, booty house to disco, hip hop to grime, glam rock to acid house. Liar's Club, 10pm, 1665 W. Fullerton, 21+, no cover, $1 PBR.
- 10.03.05 ~ Music/Clubs
Friday, 03 04 2005
Food co-op meeting
If you missed Tuesday's meeting for the formation of a West Side food co-op, there will be another one tomorrow, March 5 at noon at the Congress Theater (2135 W. Milwaukee Ave.). For more information, check out the Yahoo group.
- 4.03.05 ~ Eating/Drinking
Monday, 02 28 2005
No Boondocks today
If you want to read the Boondocks strip that was dropped from today's Tribune (and several other papers) for its mention of President Bush and drugs, it is archived here.
- 28.02.05 ~ Print/Magazines
Wednesday, 02 02 2005
Chicago's media elite, named
Crain's has a five part piece about Chicago's media elite, profiling the people who are "best at what they do." The list is heavy on editors and reporters, with a few philanthropists and local business owners thrown in.
- 2.02.05 ~ People/Sightings
Monday, 01 31 2005
Chicago's fiction of 2004
Golden Rule Jones has a month-by-month round up of 2004's Chicago-related fiction. His list shows that almost every month had a new book with a Chicago author, a Chicago setting, or both.
- 31.01.05 ~ Books/Authors
Thursday, 01 27 2005
Trainspotting
More for the public transportation buffs: this CTA Roster site has photos of the different trains and busses used by the CTA, listed by model and year, as well as a few streetcars.
- 27.01.05 ~ Transportation
He is watching you
CNN has a profile of Ron Huberman, the executive director of Chicago's Office of Emergency Management and Communications. The office monitors the security cameras throughout the city that a lot of people feel are more of a threat to personal privacy than terrorists.
- 27.01.05 ~ People/Sightings
Wednesday, 01 26 2005
Chicago architecture musings and events
Repeat is a Chicago-based architecture site by Lynn Becker, an architecture contributor to the Reader. It contains reprints of articles that previously appeared in the paper, which is cool for those of us who lament the Reader's lack of online archival content. What's really neat about the site, though, is its calendar of Chicago architectural events.
- 26.01.05 ~ Arts/Architecture
Tuesday, 01 25 2005
Political family feud
Politics in Chicago are obviously intertwined with family: just look at the Daley administrations(s). Now the NYTimes has an article on how Governor Blagojevich is feuding with his father-in-law, Chicago alderman Richard Mell, over a landfill run by a relative of Mell and its "dubious practices."
- 25.01.05 ~ Politics/Activism
796-9600 from 312, 630, 708, 773, or 847
Namefinder, the phone line that you call to find out the listed name and address associated with any phone number in the Chicago area, is ending on February 7. SBC is shutting the service down because of outdated equipment, not because services like Google Phonebook are rendering it obsolete. Chicago police detectives are airing the most complaints about losing the service.
- 25.01.05 ~ Resources
Monday, 01 24 2005
IAC fellowships favor Chicagoans
The recipients of the Illinois Arts Council's 2005 Artists Fellowship Awards have been announced. Not surprisingly, the majority of them are from Chicago.
- 24.01.05 ~ Arts/Architecture
Those sensitive Chicago cops
The NYTimes has an article on how Chicago police have successfully used videos to train officers with how to sensitively deal with people of non-Christian faiths. The sensitivity training has worked so well to strengthen ties between communities and police that other cities have ordered and begun using them.
- 24.01.05 ~ City Life/Cultural
Wednesday, 12 29 2004
Blue bags for everyone
The Christmas tree exchange for free blue bags previously mentioned on GB has been challenged and changed by a local athiest. The original exchange gave people who recycled their Christams trees a year's worth of free recycling blue bags. Now, anyone who visits one of the 22 tree recycling locations on January 8, and brings a large bag of recyclable material, can receive a year's supply of free blue bags.
- 29.12.04 ~ City Life/Cultural
Wednesday, 12 22 2004
Chicago poetry resources
Golden Rule Jones is still my favorite resource for upcoming poetry/ literary events and news; however, Letter eX: Chicago Poetry is also a good resource. The Poetry Events dropdown on the left top corner has a comprehensive list of ongoing weekly open mics, as well as special events. The site also has a Chicago Poetry Blog and a lot of useful links to resources, including a the Chicago poetry scene's Top 50.
- 22.12.04 ~ Books/Authors
Tuesday, 12 21 2004
On the move
The NY Times tells the story of a Hyde Park couple whose move to New York was plagued by lying real estate brokers, hurricanes, and drained savings accounts in their quest to find the "greenery and neighborhood conviviality of Chicago."
- 21.12.04 ~ City Life/Cultural
Tuesday, 12 14 2004
More power than anticipated
This morning two people took a cop car on a brief joyride downtown, and ended up crashing it into the front door of City Hall. Atomly saw it all happen, and took pictures of the wreck. Update: NBC has the story.
- 14.12.04 ~ In the News
Pedway navigation
Winter is descending; if you work downtown it's time to consider the pedway again as a slightly warmer means of getting around. Last year, Alice Maggio did a two part article on the pedway that's worth revisiting. Or, if you want a printable version, check out this pedway map.
- 14.12.04 ~ Transportation
Monday, 12 13 2004
Chicago newspapers, discussed
For those who grew up reading their news on paper, and those who still do: check out the Chicago Newspapers blog. Written by an ex-newsman who worked for the Chicago Daily News 1968-78, the site discusses newspapers "with full understanding of their virtues and faults, with special attention to Chicago's, finding good and bad writing free or not of bias with an eye to literacy and accuracy and clarity."
- 13.12.04 ~ Print/Magazines
Monday, 11 22 2004
NYT on Lincoln Square eats
The NY Times has discovered Lincoln Square: its dining options, that is. An article in yesterday's paper profiles Charlie's on Leavitt, Bistro Campagne, Tank Sushi, and Acqualina.
- 22.11.04 ~ Eating/Drinking
Old Town Performance Archive
The Old Town School of Folk Music has a video archive of many of the performers and workshops there over the last couple years. They're continuously updating the available performances, so if you missed a show, look for it there. Quicktime is required.
- 22.11.04 ~ Music/Clubs
Thursday, 11 18 2004
Calling all Chicago photobloggers
If you're a photoblogger in Chicago, consider checking out and contacting Chicagoland photobloggers. Still in its nascent stages, the goal of the site seem to be fostering a community, while sharing ideas and information. The creation of the site seems to be inspired by Photoblogs.org.
- 18.11.04 ~ Photography
Wednesday, 11 17 2004
Illinois poets
The Illinois poet laureate site has audio and video of Illinois poets reading their work at a 2002 conference at Bradley University. It also has a Featured Illinois poet section; currently featured is Li-Young Lee, who recently read some of his amazing work at a Guild Complex event.
- 17.11.04 ~ Books/Authors
Tuesday, 11 09 2004
Yoga Chicago
Yoga Chicago is just what it sounds like: a fairly comprehensive site for yoga resources in Chicago. Plus, it mirrors all of the articles run in the print version of the magazine. The directory of classes is a nearly complete listing of all yoga studios and classes in Chicago. However, if you know you are interested in a particular style of yoga, Centerstage has a good breakdown of yoga styles offered by each studio.
- 9.11.04 ~ Sports/Recreation
Monday, 11 08 2004
Northern lights this far south
If you were outside Chicago's sphere of streetlights last night, you might have seen an impressive Aurora Borealis. Extreme geomagnetic storms made the Northern Lights visible as far south as Decatur. There's a chance they'll be active again tonight, so if you're someplace where you can actually see stars (not within Chicago's limits -- it doesn't get dark here, it gets orange), look up.
- 8.11.04 ~ Outdoors/Environment
Thursday, 11 04 2004
Illinois Artstour
The Illinois Arts Council is now taking applications for its 2005-2007 Artstour Program, which "links arts presenters with Illinois' wealth of touring artists as well as quality visual and media arts exhibits." So if you're into dance, mime, multi-disciplinary performance, music, performance poetry/literature, storytelling, theater and/or traditional ethnic and folk arts and want to tour the state giving subsidized performances, the application deadline is December 1. Download the application, or call 800/237-6994 for more information.
- 4.11.04 ~ Arts/Architecture
Wednesday, 11 03 2004
Chicago voted
For a roundup of Chicago blogger voting activity, check out this post on Chicago.metblogs. Of the 596 sites listed on Chicago Bloggers, 107 had voting stories posted.
- 3.11.04 ~ Politics/Activism
Tuesday, 11 02 2004
After school creativity
Tech37 is a blog showcasing the work of students at Collins High School (at Sacramento and Roosevelt) as part of the After School Matters program, backed by Gallery 37. The theme of the class is "Promoting social change through arts and technology," with curriculum by Lacey Graves and Misha Maynerick. Students are blogging about what they discuss and create in class; it's pretty neat to watch creativity being encouraged.
- 2.11.04 ~ Arts/Architecture
Tuesday, 10 26 2004
Prospecting property
A new study tracks the ten "hottest" zip codes in terms of real estate growth for major metropolitan areas. Oak Park leads Chicago's list; cross-reference it with a zip code map for a more clear summary.
- 26.10.04 ~ Resources
Thursday, 10 21 2004
Redmoon Theater Classes
Redmoon Theater, known for their ethereal location-centric productions, is offering classes to "create objects in the style of Redmoon Theater." The two classes currently offered are Lantern making and miniature mechanical Pop-up cards. Both classes are $60. For more information, call 312.850.8440, ext. 110, or email information@redmoon.org.
- 21.10.04 ~ Schools/Education
Instead of spare change
Chicago Shares is a voucher program that lets you order vouchers in $1.00 increments to give to people on the street asking for money. The vouchers can be redeemed for food and other necessities at places like White Hen, Dunkin' Donuts, Jewel and Subway, though they cannot be used for alcohol or tobacco. Or you could do what I do and carry around extra granola bars to offer people who are hungry, but the vouchers provide opportunity for a more complete meal.
- 21.10.04 ~ Eating/Drinking
Wednesday, 10 20 2004
Pip Lit in Chicago
Pip Lit is a new online publication that bills itself as "Chicago's Online Literary Magazine." Pretty ambitious for an initial issue, especially in a city that supports so many excellent lit mag sites. However, the poems are good, and the contributors page lists the contributors’ connections to Chicago. Definitely worth checking out, seeing what develops over future issues.
- 20.10.04 ~ Print/Magazines
Friday, 10 15 2004
Tru Order at the Darkroom
Love the music of New Order? Then check out Tru Order tonight at The Darkroom. Djs Traxx, Jesse De La Pena, and Trancid will be spinning a set of "their personal favorites, plus their own remixes" of New Order, Joy Division, Warsaw, and other Factory-related music. 2210 W. Chicago Ave., 21+, free till 11p.m. $5 after.
- 15.10.04 ~ Music/Clubs
Wednesday, 10 13 2004
Chi-town readings lowdown
As far as literary blogs go, Chicago has the widely-read Bookslut, but did you know about Golden Rule Jones? If you're interested in readings, check out the site's right frame, which contains a vast list linking to every upcoming poetry, fiction, and criticism reading in Chicago.
- 13.10.04 ~ Books/Authors
Monday, 10 11 2004
Slow Food Chicago
The Slow Food Guide to Chicago is out, with listings for restaurants, bars, markets, and manufacturers recommended by Slow Food Chicago members. Places listed in the guide were chosen for their quality (ranging from Trotter's to West African lunch trucks in Streeterville), as well as their dedication to the Slow Food ethos: good food takes time. Other stated goals of its mission are to preserve food source biodiversity and to promote locally, sustainably grown food. Disclosure: I am a Slow Food member and wrote some of the listings in the book. Order it from Amazon or Chelsea Green.
- 11.10.04 ~ Eating/Drinking
Friday, 10 08 2004
Jerkstore Opening
Tonight is the Jerkstore's grand opening party, stop by the new loft and get down to some great music. International Deejay Gigolo's Plastique De Reve from Geneva is headlining, along with Shitkatapult's Phon.o from Berlin. Hosts Atomly and Johnny Love are also playing, so expect everything from jackin' house to dirty electro to hard acid techno to new wave and more. 1550 N. Damen, $5, all night.
- 8.10.04 ~ Music/Clubs
Thursday, 10 07 2004
Big poetry plans
When Chicago-based Poetry Magazine, the longest running poetry journal in the country, received a $100 million donation from Ruth Lilly two years ago, they seemed unsure of how to handle the windfall. However, at a kickoff banquet last night at the Gehry bandshell in Millennium Park, The Poetry Foundation displayed and announced some of they ways they will be using the money: to make poetry more mainstream. Besides awarding two five-figure cash prizes to lesser-known poets, they outlined plans for a national recitation contest and "the biggest and baddest Web site for poetry out there." Via Bookslut.
- 7.10.04 ~ Books/Authors
Films, not movies
Ocular Loci is a resource with a great list of film and video screenings in Chicago, regularly updated. They also have a partial list of venues, theaters and festivals that show films, not movies.
- 7.10.04 ~ Film
Monday, 10 04 2004
Spot your favorite DJ
BlendChicago is another clubbing/ electronic music site, but what's really interesting about it is the the photo gallery Shots of the DJ, which features pictures of over 250 different DJs who have played in Chicago over the last couple years. Photography by Mike Rosley.
- 4.10.04 ~ Photography
Thursday, 09 30 2004
Shutterbug the CTA
Today is the last day to submit pictures of the CTA to the This is Grand photo contest. The three winners and some finalists will have their work displayed at Darkroom beginning November 14. See the rules page for more information.
- 30.09.04 ~ Arts/Architecture
Tuesday, 09 28 2004
Apple picking season
It's finally starting to feel like fall, what better time to hit an orchard for apple-picking, cider, and donuts? Depending on how far you want to go, there are many options: this U of I page lists all of the orchards in Illinois, including Homestead Orchard in Woodstock. Related: apple varieties.
- 28.09.04 ~ Eating/Drinking
Del.icio.us!
Del.icio.us is a social bookmarks manager that allows you to categorize and share your bookmarks, while subscribing to other peoples' lists. There is, of course, a Chicago page, that lists all bookmarks tagged with "Chicago."
- 28.09.04 ~ Weblogs
Friday, 09 24 2004
Sex toy reviewer needed
If you're looking for some freelance writing work, and are comfortable writing about sex (and porn, and toys...), check out today's listings in the Writing jobs section of Craigslist. Adult film reviewer, Sextoy reviewer, Sexual health writer, and more jobs have been posted. Too bad there's no ad for a sex columnist.
- 24.09.04 ~ Found on the Web
Tuesday, 08 24 2004
Illinois Arts Fellowship deadline
The deadline for the Illinois Arts Council's Artists Fellowship Program is September 1. If you're an Illinois resident active in interdisciplinary/computer art, music composition, photography, poetry, or visual arts, consider applying for one of the $7,000 grants. If you're into choreography, crafts, ethnic and folk arts, media arts, new performance forms, prose, or scriptworks, you'll have to wait until next year.
- 24.08.04 ~ Arts/Architecture
Thursday, 08 12 2004
Looking for a cooking class
The Tribune has an updated roundup of Chicago area cooking schools and classes. It's more of an informatory compilation than a rated guide, but they break it down into helpful categories like seafood, vegetarian, ethnic, and cake decorating.
- 12.08.04 ~ Eating/Drinking
Wednesday, 08 11 2004
Catch them as they fall
It's time again for the Perseid meteor shower, when the earth passes through a cloud of debris from Swift-Tuttle comet. The shower is expected to peak tonight and tomorrow night, and should be seen decently from Chicago, as the moon is in in its crescent phase and its light will not interfere.
Chicago Astronomer suggests "start looking to the East/Northeast at dusk; this is when "Earth Grazers" skim the atmosphere like a rock across a pond and can produce great fireballs. You'll see more as the evening progresses, especially after midnight as we run directly head on into the debris field." The most meteors should be visible around 2am. Related: The Adler Planetarium has a newsletter, What's up in the sky this month?
- 11.08.04 ~ Outdoors/Environment
Monday, 08 09 2004
House music comes home
The Trib has a good article outlining Chicago's (Daley's) growing acceptance of house music, which originated here 25 years ago but was somewhat marginalized in the last five years by a series of anti-rave laws. The inclusion of DJs in the SummerDance lineup on Wednesday nights in Grant Park is a long overdue recognition of yet another of Chicago's gifts to music lovers.
- 9.08.04 ~ Music/Clubs
Monday, 08 02 2004
Traffic updates
Speaking of traffic and construction, the Chicagoland expressway congestion map provides a regularly-updated almost real-time color-coded traffic map. Or just listen to WBBM 780 on the eights if you're not near a computer.
- 2.08.04 ~ Transportation
Friday, 07 30 2004
everybody scream for the 303
Acid house enthusiasts (the music, not the drug or the book) should get down to Smartbar tonight where the lineup is all acid house, all night long. DJ Pierre, the man who discovered that tweaking the bass of the TB-303 drum machine produces the unique squelchy sound that came to be known as acid, is headlining. Adonis, Mike Dearborn, and Tim Baker are also on the lineup. 3730 N. Clark, 21+, 10 p.m., $10.
- 30.07.04 ~ Music/Clubs
Thursday, 07 29 2004
Eric Schlosser talks at the GCM
Eric Schlosser, the author of Fast Food Nation, is giving a free talk at the Green City Market next Wednesday, August 4. 9:30 a.m., 1750 N. Clark. Check it out, and then shop for some of the season's best organic and sustainable produce.
- 29.07.04 ~ Eating/Drinking
Monday, 07 26 2004
Smells like an art project
Found this one on CL this morning: the Dream Machine. Call 773.486.9035 and leave a recording of a dream you had last night; if you leave a phone number, they'll call you back with someone else's dream.
- 26.07.04 ~ Found on the Web
Thursday, 07 22 2004
Honey Harvest at Garfield Park
Love honey? If so, check out the Honey Harvest at Garfield Park Conservatory this Saturday, where you can learn about honey while helping to harvest it. Fresh honey from one of the conservatory's eight productive hives will be available for purchase. July 24, 10-4, $3 entrance fee, 300 N. Central Park.
- 22.07.04 ~ Eating/Drinking
Friday, 07 16 2004
Fast forward film festival registration
Today begins registration for the fifteenth Fast Forward Film Festival, for which teams are given a topic and twenty-one hours to make a three-minute movie. The films will be shown Saturday, August 14. Entry into the festival is limited to 24 teams, with a registration fee of $20. Register at Atomix, 1957 W. Chicago.
- 16.07.04 ~ Film
Thursday, 07 15 2004
Sausage is not an acceptable crust
Marisa's Pizza in Northbrook has a "lo-carb pizza" where they replace the crust with sausage. Atomly has a rant about it.
- 15.07.04 ~ Eating/Drinking
Derrick Carter at Millennium Park
This Friday kicks off the opening (finally) of Millennium Park with performances by the Redmoon Theater, Grant Park Orchestra, and way too many acts to list. Also, morning tai chi and yoga. But those who have been attending the total get-down that is Summerdance with DJs on Wednesdays should be at the Promenade Stage Friday night at 10:30, when Derrick Carter takes the stage with Steve "Silk" Hurley to drop house jams for the city that birthed the genre.
- 15.07.04 ~ City Life/Cultural
Tuesday, 07 13 2004
Wake up for the mountain stage
Craving some large-screen Tour de France action and willing to get up early for it? A Lincolnshire theater will be showing live race coverage on a movie screen at 6 a.m. on Saturday. There's a $25 registration fee, but it seems to include breakfast.
- 13.07.04 ~ Sports/Recreation
Thursday, 07 08 2004
New issue of Subsystence
The new issue of Subsystence is out today (despite the ad's premature presence above Airbags all week), and worth the wait. Containing insightful articles, artwork, poems, photography, and original music downloads, Subsystence's second issue makes the webzine/ club night/ radio show/ ongoing experiment in expression worth checking out, and contributing to.
- 8.07.04 ~ Print/Magazines
Wednesday, 07 07 2004
Hot Doug's, coming soon (again)
For those people who have been missing their fix of smoked pheasant and truffle hot dogs, (not to mention the veggie dogs), there's good news: Hot Doug's will be re-opening soon. Eat Chicago talked to Doug Sohn and found out that the Roscoe Village hot dog hot spot that was closed in April after a fire will open again in mid-August, in the same location.
- 7.07.04 ~ Eating/Drinking
Tuesday, 07 06 2004
Delivery and late-night dining
GrubHub is a site that lists Chicago restaurants that deliver (and cater). Some neighborhoods are more heavily populated with delivery options than others, but it seems to be a good start. Via LTH. To tie-in with the Fuel thread, this somewhat outdated list of 24 hour greasy spoons is also a good resource.
- 6.07.04 ~ Eating/Drinking
Monday, 06 21 2004
Veggie bike and dine
If you're a vegetarian bike enthusiast, consider buying an early ticket for the July 24 Veggie Bike and Dine event, a nine-mile ride with stops at four restaurants: Karyn's Fresh Corner, Chicago Diner, Lula Cafe, and the Handlebar. Advance registration is required, and limited to the first 25 riders.
- 21.06.04 ~ Eating/Drinking
Monday, 06 14 2004
Canine distemper outbreak
If you have a dog that you frequently let outside, you should be aware of the recent rise in distemper cases in dogs. The respiratory, gastrointestinal, and neurological virus is transmitted through airborne contact, and can be fatal if untreated. The best treatment is of course, prevention: vaccinations are available through your veterinarian.
- 14.06.04 ~ In the News
Friday, 06 11 2004
CHA, photographed
Photographer Jack Bridges's site has some quietly moving pictures of Chicago's disappearing high-rise housing projects: Robert Taylor homes, Jane Addams homes, and Stateway Gardens.
- 11.06.04 ~ Photography
Monday, 06 07 2004
Electronic music events
Want to know more about techno and electronic music events in Chicago? Check out Chi-tech, a site that lists upcoming events, or sign up for m50's city-wide techno events list. In addition, you can check out sites for event promoters, such as Meiotic and Ill Measures, and sign up for their lists. And of course, we'll let you know about crucial music happenings on the GB calendar.
- 7.06.04 ~ Music/Clubs
Friday, 06 04 2004
Chicago ethnic markets writeup
The Washington Post has a good article on Chicago's ethnic food markets (registration required). Unfortunately, all of the shops mentioned are on the far north side, including Rogers Park Fruit Market, Middle East Bakery, and Thai Grocery. Regardless, it's still nice to see independent grocers getting recognition, a subject I care a lot about.
- 4.06.04 ~ Eating/Drinking
LTH forum
Attention foodies: there's a new bulletin board in town. Some of the core posters from the Chicago Chowhound board have started the LTH Forum, which has a much more usable interface and relaxed atmosphere. There's already a great chow community in this city, it'll be nice to contribute to this new resource and watch it grow.
- 4.06.04 ~ Eating/Drinking
Wednesday, 06 02 2004
New blood in Chicago
New Blood is a print magazine dedicated to exposing talented artists that are 21 and younger. The inaugural issue, edited by a couple Chicago area residents, is due out this summer.
- 2.06.04 ~ Print/Magazines
National Hunger Awareness Day
Thursday, June 3 is National Hunger Awareness Day. Eat Chicago lists several ways you can participate here in Chicago, such as bringing two non-perishable food items to any Chipotle for a free burrito, and bringing this ticket to any Dominick's to have 5% of your shopping total donated to the Chicago Food Depository.
- 2.06.04 ~ Eating/Drinking
Wednesday, 05 26 2004
Get your kickball on
The World Adult Kickball Association has just started up its 2004 season. Chicago games will be on Tuesday or Wednesday nights at Chase Park (4725 N. Ashland); registration is still open.
- 26.05.04 ~ Sports/Recreation
Tuesday, 05 18 2004
Book and paper arts summer classes
Columbia's Center for Book and Paper Arts has released their summer schedule. Learn new papermaking, bookbinding, and letterpress techniques at night or on the weekends in their well-equipped facilities.
- 18.05.04 ~ Schools/Education
Thursday, 05 13 2004
Chicago astronomy
If you find yourself gazing out at the night sky, take it one step further and meet up with some local amateur astronomers. The Skokie Valley Astronomers are up north, the Northwest Suburban Astronomers are northwest, and of course, there's always the Adler Planetarium. In addition, a more city-focused (can you really see much beyond the orange haze?) group is forming to track eclipses, planetary conjunctions, and comets; for more information, email chicagoastronomer@email.com.
- 13.05.04 ~ City Life/Cultural
Monday, 05 10 2004
Squirrel lovers club
If you're really into squirrels, head on out to Earlville on June 6 for a celebration brought to you by the Squirrel lovers club. There, you can swap squirrel pictures and stories and... whatever else it is that squirrel lovers do. The best part of the club? Their number is 1-888-343-NUTS.
- 10.05.04 ~ Offbeat/Misc. Events
Tuesday, 05 04 2004
Freecycle it!
If you're doing some spring cleaning and have stuff to get rid of, or if you just moved and need a few secondhand items, check out Freecycle. Freecycle is a worldwide non-profit group that helps to reduce the amount of garbage in landfills and new products bought by providing a forum through which people can post unwanted items, or requests for things. There is only one rule: everything must be free. No bartering, no selling. The Chicago chapter is thriving with over 1800 members exchanging furniture, books, computer equipment, and lots of other odds and ends.
- 4.05.04 ~ Outdoors/Environment
Thursday, 03 11 2004
Climbing up the walls
Want to go rock climbing? There are only three places to climb legally in Illinois, but some other spots too. There are plenty of indoor walls you can climb, or you could just head on up to Devil's Lake.
- 11.03.04 ~ Outdoors/Environment
Wednesday, 02 25 2004
Mapsproject
Lori Napoleon, who DJs locally as SubK, has begun a beautiful mapsproject. Check out what she has posted so far.
- 25.02.04 ~ Found on the Web
Tuesday, 02 24 2004
Grey Tuesday
Today is Grey Tuesday, an online protest against EMI's censorship of the Grey Album: Danger Mouse's remix of Jay-Z's the Black Album and the Beatles White Album. Participating sites will post the Grey Album today, February 24, for download. If you don't have a copy of the Grey Album, you can obtain it at illegal-art.org.
- 24.02.04 ~ Music/Clubs
Tuesday, 02 17 2004
Sound Canopy at State and Adams
If you're downtown, check out the Sound Canopy at the southwest corner of State and Adams. The installation, which began January 9, is composed of a 32-speaker soundsystem in a construction scaffolding structure. It's being curated by several local art and sound organizations; on rotation this week is "Somebody's Darling" by Jeremy Baguyos.
- 17.02.04 ~ Music/Clubs
Wednesday, 02 04 2004
Chowhounds in the Trib
The Trib has a good article on Chicago's Chowhound community and some of the recent dinners they've planned together.
- 4.02.04 ~ Eating/Drinking
Monday, 01 19 2004
Acoustic Ecology in Chicago
The World Forum for Acoustic Ecology is in the initial stages of organizing an American chapter. The group "is dedicated to exploring the role of sound in natural habitats and human societies, and promoting public dialogue concerning the identification, preservation, and restoration of natural and cultural sound environments." Chicago already has a good auditory documentation contingent, and will likely play a role in the chapter's formation; to find out more, join the ASAE listserv by emailing asaelist@yahoo.com with the word "subscribe" in the subject.
- 19.01.04 ~ Outdoors/Environment
Monday, 01 12 2004
Book and paper arts classes
The spring class schedule for the Center for Book and Paper Arts has been published. Evening and weekend classes are available on such subjects as Paper marbling, Asian bookbindings, Letterpress, and Silkscreening.
- 12.01.04 ~ Schools/Education
FFFF registration
Today is the first day of registration for the next Fast Forward Film Festival. Teams will be given a topic on January 30th, and have 24 hours to complete a five minute film, to be screened on the 31st at the Open End Gallery. Sign-up is $20, at Atomix; teams can be any size.
- 12.01.04 ~ Film
Thursday, 12 18 2003
Green City Holiday Market
The Green City Market is having a Holiday Market this Saturday at the Lincoln Park Zoo, 8am to 1pm. Entrance to the zoo is free, and the market will be held in the Lion House. There will be cooking demonstrations, children's activities, and of course, all the usual organic and sustainable merchants to shop from: fruits & vegetables, hormone-free meats (pork and beef), organic meats (lamb, turkey, chicken, and duck), breads, artisanal cheeses, mushrooms, caviar, cider, vinegars, mustards, maple syrup, honey, coffee, and more.
- 18.12.03 ~ Eating/Drinking
Wednesday, 12 17 2003
Ted Allen interview
eGullet has a two-part interview with Ted Allen, the food and wine expert from Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. Allen is from Chicago, used to be a restaurant critic for Chicago magazine, and talks a lot about splitting his time between Chi-town and NYC.
- 17.12.03 ~ People/Sightings
Tuesday, 12 02 2003
Time Out Chicago
Time Out Chicago, the newest magazine endeavor of the Time Out Group, is set to start publishing next September. They face some pretty tough weekly competition from The Reader, as well as other resources like Metromix. If the Time Out Chicago Guide is any indication, they have a lot of catching up to do.
- 2.12.03 ~ Print/Magazines
Monday, 12 01 2003
Thanksgiving juxtaposition
One of the more expensive Thanksgiving dinners to be had this year was the $82 turkey-day buffet at the Peninsula. Read all about the extravagant dinner, and then compare it to some Chicago Chowhounds' Thanksgiving dinner: preparing 38 22-pound smoked turkeys, serving 512 people at the Salvation Army.
- 1.12.03 ~ Eating/Drinking
Wednesday, 11 26 2003
New productions
A note about couple of interesting theatre performances are going on right now: Are you my negative space? and The Girl in the Flammable Skirt.
Are you my negative space? is a show about comics, war, and love. The live action cartoonists ensemble founded by Northwestern alumni combines performance, onstage drawing, music, and interactive video Athenaeum Theatre, third-floor studio theater, 2936 N. Southport, 312-902-1500. Opens Friday, November 21, 8 PM. Through December 13: Thursdays-Saturdays, 8 PM; Sundays, 4 PM; no show Thursday, November 27. $15.
Palio Productions is having a cheap (or free) ticket special on Friday night's performance of their new show The Girl in the Flammable Skirt. If you tell them you celebrated Buy Nothing Day (and buy nothing on Friday), they'll let you in for free. Side Studio Theater, 1520 W. Jarvis, 8 pm, reservations at 773.972.0492.
- 26.11.03 ~ Theatre/Dance
Thursday, 11 20 2003
Green City Thanksgiving market
The Green City Market is having a Thanksgiving Market this Saturday at the Lincoln Park Zoo, 8am to 1pm. Entrance to the zoo is free, and the market will be held in the Lion House. There will be cooking demonstrations, children's activities, chestnut roasting, and of course, all the usual organic and sustainable merchants to shop from: fruits & vegetables, hormone-free meats (pork and beef), poultry (organic turkey chicken and duck), game, breads, artisanal cheeses, mushrooms, caviar, cider, vinegars, mustards, maple syrup, honey, organic Christmas trees, wild rice, and coffee.
- 20.11.03 ~ Eating/Drinking
Friday, 11 14 2003
Fast Food Nation talk
Eric Schlosser, author of Fast Food Nation, is speaking for free on Saturday at Northwestern's Ryan Family Auditorium at 7pm. The talk will "address the way the fast-food industry has transformed America's economy, workforce and popular culture."
- 14.11.03 ~ Offbeat/Misc. Events
Saturday, 11 08 2003
Lunar eclipse
If you're out tonight, don't forget to look up: there's a total lunar eclipse.
- 8.11.03 ~ In the News
Friday, 10 31 2003
Boo-rito
Feel like wrapping yourself in tinfoil for a free burrito? If so, get to it and head on over to Chipotle today.
- 31.10.03 ~ Eating/Drinking
Wednesday, 10 29 2003
Solar flares
Having a strange, disrupted day? Blame it on the solar flares that have been bombarding us with a powerful geomagnetic storm since early this morning. [login: gapers/gapers]
- 29.10.03 ~ In the News
Tuesday, 10 28 2003
Last Green City Market
Tomorrow is the last of this year's Green City Markets, the only completely organic and sustainable farmers market in the city. There's still an abundance of apples, squash, corn, late-season berries, greens, and other produce, as well as cider, crepes, breads, and pastries. In Lincoln Park on Clark just north of North, Wednesday, 7am-1pm.
- 28.10.03 ~ Eating/Drinking
Thursday, 10 23 2003
6.02214199 × 10^(23)
Happy Avogadro's Day! Amedeo Avogadro theorized that equal volumes of all gases at the same temperature and pressure contain the same number of molecules. His law enabled the calculation of the number of molecules in a cubic centimeter of gas: 6.02214199 × 1023, which is known as Avogadro's Number; it also led to the definition of the commonly used mole unit. So why is today Avogadro's Day? It's 10-23. Go kiss a physicist.
- 23.10.03 ~ People/Sightings
Wednesday, 10 22 2003
Alloy Orchestra and Nosferatu
Alloy Orchestra, called "the best in the world at accompanying silent films" by Roger Ebert, is accompanying a screening of the 1922 vampire classic Nosferatu. Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington Street, October 22, 8 p.m.
- 22.10.03 ~ Film
Tuesday, 10 21 2003
Read Regular for dyslexia
Read Regular is a typeface that helps with visual dyslexia by differentiating reversable characters. Check out some samples in English or Dutch.
- 21.10.03 ~ Arts/Architecture
Potential laureates reading
Michael Anania and Haki Madhubuti, two of five finalists for the vacant position of Illinois Poet Laureate, are reading tonight in the Ballroom of the School of the Art Institute, 112 S. Michigan Ave, 6:30 p.m.
- 21.10.03 ~ Books/Authors
Thursday, 10 16 2003
The Tomato Lady Talks
The Tomato Lady, a local expert and cultivator of 75 heirloom tomatoes in her small backyard, is giving a talk Saturday morning. At the Culinary Historians of Chicago meeting, Aggie Nehmzow will discuss organic farming of heirloom varieties of produce, biodiversity, community gardens, and teaching children about the importance of organic gardening. Saturday, October 18, 10-noon, at the Chicago Historical Society, 1601 N. Clark St. $10 for the public, $5 for students, free for Culinary Historians. To reserve a spot in the lecture, email rsvpchc[at]yahoo.com.
- 16.10.03 ~ Eating/Drinking
Monday, 10 13 2003
Fast Forward Film Festival
There's still time to register at Atomix for the next Fast Forward Film Festival. Participating teams are assigned a topic for a 3-minute video on Friday night, with the completed result to be screened on Saturday at 8pm. I participated in the last festival, and it was a blast. A hectic whirlwind, but a great time. Even if you don't sign up, it's fun to view the final results, see how well people dealt with time constraints. DVDs with a "best of" compilation from the previous 9 contests will be for sale afterwards. Open End Gallery, Saturday October 18, 8pm, 2000 W Fulton, $5, BYOB.
- 13.10.03 ~ Film
Monday, 10 06 2003
Bar Garage Sale
Stuff from several local bars will be on sale this coming weekend at a bar garage sale. Expect to find chairs, computers and cables, neon signs, bar stools, props, tables, glassware, lighting, bric-a-brac, and sound equipment. Located in the alley behind Get Me High Lounge, the sale is on Saturday and Sunday, October 11 and 12, at 11am. 1758 N. Honore.
- 6.10.03 ~ Offbeat/Misc. Events
Thursday, 10 02 2003
Duck fat fries get a Gourmet nod
Hot Doug's is the only Chicago restaurant to get a nod in Gourmet magazine's article, Restaurants We Love. The blurb, which you have scroll down to read, focuses mainly on Doug's Friday- and Saturday-only duck fat fries.
- 2.10.03 ~ Eating/Drinking
Rem Koolhaas opening at IIT
IIT, known for its architecture by Ludwig Meis Van Der Rohe, is having a grand opening this Saturday for a new student center designed by Rem Koolhaas. Check out some of the pictures. There will also be a lecture at 2pm, free for IIT students, $10 for the public, with live streaming.
- 2.10.03 ~ Offbeat/Misc. Events
Wednesday, 10 01 2003
Spit away
Just so you know, spitting in the city of Chicago is legal. Despite the repeal of a ban on spitting in 1997, 211 tickets have been issued since December 2000 for spitting in a public way, ranging from $1 to $5. The family of a recent spitting victim is considering suing for an alleged civil rights violation. Even so, spitting on the CTA is still prohibited.
- 1.10.03 ~ In the News
Wednesday, 09 24 2003
Get your war on tour
Anyone want to bring Davis Rees to Chicago? The creator of Get your war on is on tour, and willing to add additional stops. All that's needed is space and an overhead transparency projector.
- 24.09.03 ~ Books/Authors
384,000 pennies
Tyree Guyton, the man behind Detroit's Heidelberg Project, has a new endeavor: to cover a house with pennies. The outsider artist plans to use the penny-covered House That Makes Sense to serve as a gallery for children's art exhibits, and a workshop.
- 24.09.03 ~ Arts/Architecture
Tuesday, 09 23 2003
New Deadtech site + show
Deadtech, the Chicago art-noise-installation gallery, has launched a new site with more frequently updated content and space for collective editorship. Also, check out this month's electronic music show with Evolution Control Committee on Thursday the 25th, 8pm, 3321 W. Fullerton, $5 donation.
- 23.09.03 ~ Found on the Web
Thursday, 08 28 2003
Pimp Juice
Feeling low on pimp-tacity? Try drinking some Pimp Juice, a new energy drink created by a company with Nelly as the chairman. "Pimp Juice’s artificial coloring gives it a smooth neon green glow, while its 10 % apple juice content adds a natural sweetness to its taste." Um, yeah.
- 28.08.03 ~ Eating/Drinking
Wednesday, 08 27 2003
The Last Seminar
Seminar, Chicago's longest-running drum & bass weekly, has its final rinse out tonight. Join the Bass by the Pound crew and the junglist massive for the last session, with Shy FX and an open bar from 9-10. Big Wig, 1551 W. Division, 21+, $10.
- 27.08.03 ~ Music/Clubs
Thursday, 08 21 2003
Hot Doug's specials
Bookmark alert: Hot Doug now updates his specials page every morning, so you can check to see when the duck and foie gras sausage or spicy Italian with vodka marinara, basil, and fresh mozzarella comes around. I already know today's lunch: kangaroo. And for the vegetarians, his veggie dogs rock.
- 21.08.03 ~ Eating/Drinking
Wednesday, 08 20 2003
Chowhound in need
Chowhound's Chicago message board is an incredible repository of local food knowledge, exploration, history, and restaurant and product reviews. The user interface may be a bit of a beast, but it's worth wading through to gain access to vast amounts of information. Unfortunately, it takes a lot to keep at site like that running. Lately, times are especially tough. So if you value Chowhound as much as I do, please consider donating, or otherwise supporting the site.
- 20.08.03 ~ Found on the Web
Tuesday, 08 19 2003
Kids tour prisons
"Bad" kids in public schools will soon be targeted for prison tours as a way to discourage them from future criminal lifestyles. The CPS was not consulted before the specified bill was signed by Blagojevich yesterday. [Trib. login gapers/gapers]
- 19.08.03 ~ Schools/Education
Thursday, 08 14 2003
Vegan fox fur stole
Ever wanted the glamour of a fox stole, but not wanted a dead animal around your neck? If you knit, you're in luck; Knitty provides a pattern and directions for knitting a faux-fox stole. Also on the knitting tip: afghans for Afghans.
- 14.08.03 ~ Arts/Architecture
Missing diamond ring
If you've recently lost something valuable, it could be the diamond ring in the tip jar at a Barrington Starbucks. Since the news of the $5000 find has spread, Detective Roy Watson received a number of calls: "It's amazing how many people have lost diamond rings." [Trib. login: gapers/gapers]
- 14.08.03 ~ In the News
Wednesday, 08 13 2003
Automated grilling
A Chicago innovation that doesn't seem worth bragging about: McDonald's is testing an automated grill that dispenses burgers periodically, with the hope of reducing labor. It's already in use at the Romeoville location.
- 13.08.03 ~ Eating/Drinking
Tuesday, 08 12 2003
Get Your War On
After a bit of an extended hiatus, Get Your War On has returned.
- 12.08.03 ~ Politics/Activism
Monday, 08 11 2003
Flugtag results
Didn't make it to Flugtag on Saturday? The winners are up on the event site, plus Archie and Mark have posted their pictures of the day.
- 11.08.03 ~ Offbeat/Misc. Events
What's that bug?
Is there a bug in your garden you want to identify? The U of I extension site allows you to search area pests by name and picture, or where they appear: produce vs. flowers or trees, for example. The site also offers a list of area U-picks, where you can harvest your own fresh produce.
- 11.08.03 ~ Resources
Tuesday, 08 05 2003
Book and Paper Arts classes
Columbia's Center for Book and Paper Arts has published their fall schedule for community classes. Make use of the great facilities and reasonable tuition to learn various forms of papermaking, bookbinding, letterpress and pinhole photography at night.
- 5.08.03 ~ Schools/Education
Friday, 08 01 2003
Unauthorized Chicago and elotes
As part of their recent series on the suburbs, the Trib [login: gapers/gapers] has republished Unauthorized Chicago. The article first appeared last August, and does an Ok job of running through aspects of the city that tourists might miss out on. Because it's a compilation by several writers there are a few contradictions within, particularly on the subject of whether one should try elotes: the mayonnaise, cheese, lime, and cayenne pepper-slathered corn sold by street vendors.
- 1.08.03 ~ City Life/Cultural
Thursday, 07 31 2003
Tall Ships mishap
A "minor mishap" in yesterday's parade of tall ships down the Chicago River -- under the Lake Shore Drive Bridge -- resulted in the breaking of a mast on the HMS Bounty. The parade was a kickoff for Tall Ships Chicago at Navy Pier, where 25 of the world's tallest wind-powered ships are on parade, and can be visited from 11am-8pm. A one-day boarding pass is $8, and the festival runs through August 4.
- 31.07.03 ~ Offbeat/Misc. Events
Assembly
Assembly is a project that "invites interesting people to discuss stuff they know a lot about." Today's assembly features talks by sound artist, performer, accordion hack, radio programmer, producer, curator and pirate Anna Friz, and Howard Alan, who specializes in organic architecture, passive and active solar power, and alternative energy conservation. Thursday July 31st, 8pm, Open End Gallery, 2000 W. Fulton, $5.
- 31.07.03 ~ Offbeat/Misc. Events
Friday, 07 25 2003
WDET streaming returns
WDET in Detroit, one of the country's best public radio stations, resumes its streaming today. The stream was shut down in February to comply with the RIAA, but DJs can now work around the rules by using a kill switch. For example, if more than four songs by the same artist are played within a three-hour period, the stream will simply be turned off for the duration of the non-complying programming.
- 25.07.03 ~ Found on the Web
3:15 Experiment
The 3:15 experiment is a collective writing project where participants write at 3:15am (in a specified time zone) every day for the month of August. Originally conceived at Naropa, it's intended to be an exercise on "states of consciousness and the writing process...to discover what connections would be made while writing separately, but together." The next 3:15 is coming up, and they're looking for more participants.
- 25.07.03 ~ Books/Authors
Thursday, 07 24 2003
Atomly and Eye-D at Rotation
Atomly, who entertained the Gapers Block party with his mellow techno, will be performing music tonight from the other end of the electronic spectrum: some rough drum&bass, and possibly breakcore. Rotation, the jungle weekly at Cafe Lura, will also host DJ Eye-D from the Netherlands, who pioneered the gabberjunglewar style. 11pm, $7, 3184 N. Milwaukee Ave.
- 24.07.03 ~ Music/Clubs
Wednesday, 07 23 2003
Masters of the Grill
Tonight, at Masters of the Grill, some of Chicago's top chefs will be grilling market foods at the Green City Market as a fundraiser for the organic, environmentally sustainable market. Cooks include Rick Bayless from Frontera Grill, Jennifer Newberry from Fortunato, and seventeen others. $35, 5-7pm, at the south end of Lincoln Park between 1750 N. Clark & Stockton Dr.
- 23.07.03 ~ Eating/Drinking
Tuesday, 07 22 2003
Funding for bike paths could be cut
Bicycle and public transportation advocates just received a massive blow to their efforts: a bill out of subcommittee in Congress would eliminate $600 million in funding for bike paths and walkways. The bill also calls for more highways and greater dependency on cars.
- 22.07.03 ~ Politics/Activism
Tuesdays on the Terrace
The Museum of Contemporary Art presents live jazz for free every Tuesday from 5-8pm. Tuesdays on the Terrace run from June 3 through September 2, and catering is available by Wolfgang Puck. Tonight's musician is Kahil El’Zabar.
- 22.07.03 ~ Music/Clubs
Wednesday, 07 16 2003
Go Organic?
Is organic food better? An article in today's Times discusses the possible biases in studies on nutritional health. Regardless, most organic farming is more environmentally sustainable, and ingesting poison can't be good for you, even in minute amounts. So if you're organically inclined, head over to the Green City Farmers' Market today and every Wednesday at Lincoln Park just south of Armitage, 7am-3pm.
- 16.07.03 ~ Eating/Drinking
Monday, 07 14 2003
World's largest drum circle attempt
Rhythm, a smoke-free percussion bar, is hosting an attempt to set the record for world's largest drum circle on Tuesday, July 15 at noon. 1108 W. Randolph, call 312.492.6100 for more information.
- 14.07.03 ~ Offbeat/Misc. Events
Bastille Day
Happy Bastille Day! Celebrate in Chicago by dining at one of several French restaurants, or sign up for the Bastille Day 5K run/ walk in the west Loop.
- 14.07.03 ~ Offbeat/Misc. Events
Friday, 07 11 2003
Pink Bloque Rock Lotto
Wanna be in a band without making the commitment? Sign up for the Pink Bloque Rock Lotto on Sunday, July 13 at the Empty Bottle. Participants are randomly placed in a band, and then have two weeks to practice for a July 27 performance at the Bottle. This Sunday's registration event also features DJs, videos, and a bake sale. 1035 N. Western, 9:30pm.
- 11.07.03 ~ Music/Clubs
Tuesday, 07 08 2003
Green City Market auction
The Green City Market, Chicago's best organic and sustainable farmers' market, is having an online auction fundraiser through July 28. Get a group together and bid on various culinary packages from Chicago's top chefs, including dinner in your home by Charlie Trotter, be a pastry chef for a day at Tru, and various classes from the people at Sur La Table and the Chopping Block.
- 8.07.03 ~ Eating/Drinking
Thursday, 07 03 2003
Dolan Geiman trunk show at Heaven
Previously mentioned silkscreen artist Dolan Geiman is having a trunk sale tonight: clothes, housewares, prints and other "goodies." From 7-11pm at Heaven Gallery, 1550 N. Milwaukee, 2nd Floor. Also featuring work by Zoe of XNX Designs and Brecken Geiman.
- 3.07.03 ~ Business/Shopping
Tuesday, 07 01 2003
Heat festival
Gateway Green, a non-profit group dedicated to environmentally beautifying Chicago, is holding it's third Heat festival fundraiser at the Finkl & Sons steel plant July 11 - July 13. Performers include all 36 members of Parliament/ Funkadelic and Fischerspooner. More information is available on the Flash-laden event site.
- 1.07.03 ~ Offbeat/Misc. Events
Wednesday, 06 25 2003
The Bears, presented by...
When Soldier Field re-opens this fall, it will retain the name Soldier Field. However, a different kind of naming right has been sold: the Bears will, for the next twelve years, be known as "Bears football presented by Bank One." It's the first "presenting partnership" in the NFL. [Trib. login: gapers/gapers]
- 25.06.03 ~ Sports/Recreation
Tuesday, 06 24 2003
Hookahs around town
According to the Tribune, hookahs are the next big thing; the communal water pipes intended for tobacco use are appearing all over town. The Trib raises several issues, including if they are being used to entice college students to smoke, and whether they are covering up smoke from other herbs. I can't help but wonder with all the other stuff going on in the world, why I should care. [Trib. login: gapers/gapers]
- 24.06.03 ~ City Life/Cultural
Monday, 06 23 2003
Sustainable Chicago
June 26 marks the launch of Sustainable Chicago, the local network of the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies: a group of locally-owned independent businesses, farms, and non-profit organizations. The event is at Garfield Park Conservatory at 6pm, and will feature an organic food reception (cooked by some of Chicago's top chefs), a talk by BALLE co-founder Judy Wicks, and a panel of local speakers. The cost is $20. For more information contact Sustain at 312-951-8999 ext.106 or email Jim at sustainusa.org.
- 23.06.03 ~ Outdoors/Environment
Thursday, 06 19 2003
Free STD and HIV testing
Be safe, get tested: The Chicago Department of Public Health offers free testing, treatment and other services related to STDs and HIV at a number of clinics throughout the city. Call 1-800-AID-AIDS or refer to the Department's site for additional information.
Clinics are located at:
Englewood
641 W. 63rd Street
(312) 747-8900
Gunnar
4958 W. Madison
(773)378-3900
Lakeview
2861 N. Clark
(312) 744-8829
Mile Square
2045 W. Washington
(312) 413-8000
Near South Side
530 E. 31st Street
(312) 747-0184
Roseland
200 E. 115th Street
(312)747-2817
Uptown
845 W. Wilson
(312)744-7533
West Town
2418 W. Division
(312)744-5464
- 19.06.03 ~ Resources
Monday, 06 16 2003
Happy birthday, APOD!
It's the eighth birthday of one of my favorite sites on the net: APOD (Astronomy Picture of the Day). Check out the archive for some stunning pictures, ranging from hi-res NASA imaging to photographs taken by sky enthusiasts.
- 16.06.03 ~ Found on the Web
Architecture River Tour
Now that it's warm out, if you've never done so you should take an Architecture River Tour. The hour-long docent-narrated boat ride is a neat way to see downtown from a new perspective while learning about the city's history through architecture. Several companies offer tours: Shoreline and the Chicago Architecture Foundation.
- 16.06.03 ~ Arts/Architecture
Friday, 06 13 2003
Northcenter Ribfest
It's not the big Naperville Ribfest, but the Northcenter Ribfest is this weekend. Local restaurants will compete for the title of best ribs, and an amateur chefs have a separate cook-off. 4000 N. Lincoln Ave June 14, 12pm-10pm; June 15, 12pm-8 pm.
- 13.06.03 ~ Eating/Drinking
Thursday, 06 12 2003
The Discrete Series
The Discrete Series is an event of poetry/music/performance/etc. on the second Friday of each month at Elastic Revolution. Tomorrow's performance features poetry by Mark Nowak, Drew Kunz & Greg Purcell. For more information, see the event listing. 3030 W. Cortland, 9pm, $5 donation.
- 12.06.03 ~ Books/Authors
Ghostly International @ Empty Bottle
Since its inception 1999, the Ann Arbor label Ghostly International has been "building something bigger than a label, an institution grounded in a distinctive cultural aesthetic." Some of its artists are playing at the Empty Bottle tonight for the Idol Tryouts tour. Performers include Midwest Product, Kill Memory Crash, and Dykehouse. 1035 N. Western Ave., 9pm, 7$.
- 12.06.03 ~ Music/Clubs
Wednesday, 06 11 2003
Page Brothers Open Studio Program
The Page Brothers Open Studio Program puts the making of art on display at State and Lake. Using an empty storefront, a rotating schedule of artists, including painters, photographers, sculptors, fashion designers and tattoo artists, will put their processes of creation on view. Completed works are also displayed. The open studio runs from April 7 to September 21, Monday - Friday, noon - 6pm, 177 N. State St. The current artist is Rashid Johnson, a photographer.
- 11.06.03 ~ Arts/Architecture
Tuesday, 06 10 2003
Loop Tour Train
The Loop Tour Train is a unique way to absorb some of the history and internationally renowned architecture of downtown. The 40-minute ride is narrated by docents from the Chicago Architecture Foundation. Tickets for the tour are free, but must be obtained on the day of the tour at the Chicago Office of Tourism Visitor Information Center on the first floor of the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph Street. The tours run through September 27, departing from the Randolph/Wabash station every Saturday at 11:35 am, 12:15 pm, 12:55 pm, and 1:35 pm.
- 10.06.03 ~ Arts/Architecture
Monday, 06 09 2003
Poet Laureate Nominations
The position of Illinois Poet Laureate was created in 1936; since then, it has been held by three people: Howard B. Austin, Carl Sandburg, and Gwendolyn Brooks. The position has been vacant since Brooks's death in 2000. Recently, a lobbying process was begun to find a new laureate, and to impose term limits on the position. The lobbying was successful: what was once a lifetime appointment will be a four-year renewable term. Nominations are now being accepted.
- 9.06.03 ~ Books/Authors
Friday, 06 06 2003
Darkstar 7
Darkstar 7 is a live electronic music event taking place tonight at the Shanley Pavilion in Evanston. Performers include Todd Sines with Natacha Labelle, Soultek with Jackie Kay, Miles Tilmann, Projectile, and others. Five dollars, 5pm-1am, 2031 Sheridan rd. See the Darkstar site for full lineup and directions.
- 6.06.03 ~ Music/Clubs
Wednesday, 06 04 2003
Slow Food Feast of the Senses
The Slow Food movement is sponsoring a Feast of the Senses on Saturday, June 7th / 6:00pm-8:30pm. 24 art galleries will be open for perusal while attendees sample tastings from Chicago's top chefs. Each gallery will host a chef / winery or brewery / food vendor. Tickets are $35 for Slow Food Chicago members / $40 for non-members, and can be purchased online at chicagocooks.com.
- 4.06.03 ~ Eating/Drinking
Tuesday, 06 03 2003
AVIT VJ Conference
AVIT (Audio Visual It), is hosting its 2003 North American VJ Conference and Visuals Festival this weekend at the Heaven & Buddy galleries, 1542 North Milwaukee. For more information on the pre-party and artist's reception (June 6) and the North America Conference & Talent Showcase (June 7), visit the AVIT site.
- 3.06.03 ~ Offbeat/Misc. Events
Printer's Row Book Fair
The 19th annual Printer's Row Book Fair (June 7 & 8, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. at Dearborn & Polk, free admission) will feature a panel on Chicago's independent publishers.
From the Lake Claremont Press site:
There are about 56,000 small and independent presses in the United States and only a handful of large publishing houses. The latter generates 80% of the industry's revenue, but the small presses release 80% of the titles. Our Chicago Indie Publishers Panel will showcase a variety of local presses; delve into their different origins, roles, and specialties; consider the independent publisher in light of such things as media conglomeration, the Internet, DIY, and other trends affecting literacy and the distribution of knowledge and art; and inquire into ways Chicago could build its independent publishing scene.
The panel will be moderated by Julie Parson-Nesbitt, an editorial board member of Tia Chucha Press, the publishing wing of the Guild Complex.
Panelists: Sharon Woodhouse of Lake Claremont Press, Haki Madhubuti of Third World Press, Penelope Rosemont of Charles Kerr, Anita Miller of Academy Chicago, and Jackie Lalley of Family Support America.
- 3.06.03 ~ Books/Authors
Thursday, 05 29 2003
Blues Fest Chicago
The 20th annual Chicago Blues Fest is this weekend, May 29 - June 1, 12 to 9:30pm each day. Admission to the festival in Grant Park is free. Check the city's site for a full lineup and schedule.
- 29.05.03 ~ Offbeat/Misc. Events
Chicago Sushi Club
The Chicago Sushi Club is a group whose "sole mission at this time is to meet on the first Sunday of every month to eat sushi. You don't have to do anything to 'join' the club - just feel free to meet with us at our next outing." The next meeting is Sunday, June 1 at Bistro Nami, 439 W. Ogden Ave. in Clarendon Hills. The club also maintains a good listing of Japanese restaurants in Chicago.
- 29.05.03 ~ Eating/Drinking
Friday, 05 23 2003
Sailing from the Moon
Sailing from the Moon, a new play by Nick Jones, premiers this weekend at the Viaduct Theatre, 3111 N. Western Ave. I'm sure it'll be a great production, and not just because the playwright is a cousin of mine.
May 24 - June 22
Thurs / Fri / Sat @ 8:00 p.m.
Sun @ 6:00 p.m.
Tickets $15 ($10 w/ student ID)
312.409.1000
"Sailing from the Moon is the comic love story of a young man and woman who struggle with what they want out of love and life. George, a young man armed with a degree in philosophy and now working a supermarket cash register, idealizes women to an angelic level whereas Jamie, punk rocker, hypersexualizes her romantic feelings. The plot is a modern Drawing Room comedy complete with intrigue, entrapment and sword fighting."
- 23.05.03 ~ Theatre/Dance
Wednesday, 05 21 2003
Matthew Barney's Cremaster
Starting Friday, May 23, Matthew Barney's Cremaster series of sculptural films is showing at the Landmark Century theater. The quickly-becoming legendary film sequence is outlined on the Guggenheim's site; I'm thrilled that Chicago is one of the cities with screenings.
Friday, May 23 - Thursday, May 29
CREMASTER 3
Friday, May 30 - Sunday, June 1
CREMASTER 1 & 2
Monday, June 2 - Wednesday, June 4
CREMASTER 4 & 5
Thursday, June 5 * Repeats One Day Only!
CREMASTER 3
A description of Cremaster 3, the film with the largest budget:
The concluding installment of artist Matthew Barney's five-part Cremaster film cycle is an epic journey that infuses Celtic mysticism with 20th century modernism, blockbuster bombast with hermetic aesthetics. Shot at two architectural landmarks - New York's Chrysler Building and the Guggenheim Museum - along with locales in Ireland, Scotland and upstate New York, Cremaster 3 follows The Entered Apprentice (Barney) as he endures torture and travails in order to ascend each building. Peopled by ogres and gangsters, chorus girls and freemasons, Barney's bizarre universe is never less than stunning. Features appearances by sculptor Richard Serra, hardcore bands Agnostic Front and Murphy's Law, and athlete Aimee Mullins.
- 21.05.03 ~ Film
Friday, 05 16 2003
Fast Forward Film Festival
The Fast Forward Film Festival is an event that gives groups of filmmakers (videomakers) 24 hours to produce a three-minute video based on a set topic. The topics are distributed at 7:30 Friday night (tonight), and the screening of the finished products is Saturday, May 17, at open-end Gallery, 2000 West Fulton, 8pm. Admission is five bucks. I'll be participating this time around as cast/crew for a friend who does film, should be a good time.
- 16.05.03 ~ Film
Deadtech
Deadtech, an art + technology-themed space, presents the fifth in a monthly Decomposure series featuring music by "local, nearby, and frequently visiting Chicago composers." This month's installment, which opened last night, showcases compositions by Brian Labycz and Koutaro Fukui. The gallery is open on Saturdays from 12-5 and Tuesdays from 8pm-12; the next show is on Sunday, May 18th, 8pm. $5 donation requested. Deadtech is located at 3321 W. Fullerton.
Brian Labycz
Recently relocated to Chicago, Brian Labycz [koura] has been working within experimental and computer based audio work for the past several years. With a strong background in Western and Japanese classical performance, his focus is on improvisation and live performance as well as composition. During his time in Japan he had performed and worked with Carl Stone, Akamatsu Masayuki, Kikuchi Yukinori, Christophe Charles, Bernhard Gal, Aoki Takamasa, and others. Under the moniker koura he is most focused on using field recordings as the main source for works. The goal is to remove sounds we encounter on a daily basis from their normally percieved context. By simply offsetting our normal perception of our surrounding sonic environment we can appreciate these sounds for themselves as opposed to some soundtrack to life.
"Sound Ambience is part of nature, and the composer only needs to make listening to it possible." -John Cage
Koutaro Fukui
Composer/Sound Artist Born in Nagoya, Japan. Living in Chicago for 6 years. He has performed at Chicago Culture Center and Version>3 Festival(MCA) as a member of "Fulcrum Collection" and other Galleries. He is also involving Electric Improvisation Show on Wednesday night at Buddy Gallery With Rotten Milk.
- 16.05.03 ~ Music/Clubs
Thursday, 05 15 2003
Public School Closings
This Thursday, May 15 and Friday, May 16 are "Call the Mayor" days. If you care about the Chicago Public Schools, and the children being dispossessed by a rash of school closings without parental input or adequate planning, please let Daley know your opinion by calling (312.744.3300), faxing (312.744.2324), or emailing (mayordaley@cityofchicago.org) your concern.
Information on the CPS closings is available in the following documents (MS Word .doc format):
- Letter to Daley detailing reasons why schools should not be closed without additional input and planning
- Call the Mayor flier in Spanish- 15.05.03 ~ Schools/Education
Tuesday, 05 13 2003
National Restaurant Assn. Trade Show
Getting a seat at a good restaurant this weekend might be a little more difficult than usual. A post on the Chicago Chowhound board points out that the Annual National Restaurant Association show is being held at McCormick Place this weekend, thus flooding the city with eager new patrons. The cost of the trade show, which features food and drink samples, is fifty dollars for people age 16+ who can prove they are somehow in the industry.
- 13.05.03 ~ Eating/Drinking
Wednesday, 05 07 2003
Kilbourn Park organic plant sale
The Chicago Park District is sponsoring the 8th annual Kilbourn Park organic plant sale on Saturday, May 10 10am-3pm and Sunday, May 11 10am-12pm. The event will feature more than 150 varieties of heirloom vegetables, culinary and medicinal herbs, and houseplants. Kilbourn Park is located at 3501 N. Kilbourn Ave. In addition, an organic container planting class is offered on Thursdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m., May 22-June 5 for $35.
- 7.05.03 ~ Offbeat/Misc. Events
Wednesday, 04 30 2003
Techno showcase at the Metro
Hard techno legend The Advent is coming to town in a performance at the Metro on Saturday, May 3. The latest in a series of Gramaphone showcases will also feature Rino Cerrone, Steve Rachmad, Mike Dearborn, Josh Werner & Marko Katic, and Mani. John Acquaviva will be downstairs at Smartbar, playing a 6-hour set. The goal of the showcase is to provide a growing yet divided audience with diverse, innovative performances that focus on the love of the music, not what's fashionable at the moment. For more information, see the listing on Slowdown, and the OBS Productions site.
- 30.04.03 ~ Music/Clubs
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