Vince Jose

Paper Jam
When it takes you a half hour to get from the circle interchange to Roosevelt you may not need a national study to tell you Chicago traffic is one of the worst in the nation. Well here it is anyway.
Wednesday September 19 2007Transportation 

This Space for Rent
The Beachwood Reporter's daily round-up of what to see in the papers includes the Trib's first front-page ad; a plug for the mattress-man...or something like that.
Monday July 30 2007Print/Magazines 

We Didn't Make the Cut
What do Vegas, Bangkok, Mumbai and Krakow have in common? Well according to the Global Language Monitor they are all more important to fashion than Chicago. Nuts.
Monday July 30 2007Stuff 

License to Drive
In an interesting move the state legislature passed a law stating kids will need to attend school if they want to be able to drive.
Sunday July 22 2007Schools/Education 

Hey Ladies!
With the thousands of rock kids jammed into every nook of Millennium Park for the Decemberists/GPO show last night I thought for sure following Shylo's lead would park me in craigslist missed connections heaven. Actually it's pretty sparse, but this guy totally stole my idea and cast a wide net.
Thursday July 19 2007Music/Clubs 

The Lake Effect
Now this is one city cause I can get behind. Chicago officials are exploring ways to fight an expansion of the BP refinery in Indiana which would put significantly more pollution into Lake Michigan.
Thursday July 19 2007Outdoors/Environment 

Gangs of Chicago
A new report co-authored by criminal justice analyst Judith Greene [pdf] claims that Chicago and LA are not only losing the war on gangs, but the policing methods currently in place might actually be strengthening gang allegiances.
Wednesday July 18 2007In the News 

Complaint Box
A legal battle is being waged over the visibility of complaints lodged against Chicago cops. You can guess what the men and women of the force think of the issue.
Tuesday July 17 2007In the News 

Copa. Copacabana.
Richard M and some city officials took a little trip to Rio. It wasn't for the music and laughter though, it was for, you know...research.
Monday July 16 2007In the News 

Taster's Choice
Well it's been a great run. Every year millions eat food prepared under the July sun, but it took 20 years for the first confirmed case of food-borne illness to come out of the Taste of Chicago.
Wednesday July 11 2007Eating/Drinking 

These City Streets
Miami Heat star forward Antoine Walker, already once the victim of armed robbery here in his hometown, was robbed at gunpoint last night in River North. Looking on the bright side though he wasn't hurt and the cops recovered his car...some of us have to find our own.
Wednesday July 11 2007In the News 

On the Radar
Hollywood returns to the second city with Angelina Jolie (who?) and hometown boy Common filming in Chicago the first week of August. Get the details and other tidbits on happenings around town next month in Chicago Mag's "Blip".
Monday July 9 2007City Life/Cultural 

The Money Train
This Op-Ed piece in the Sun-Times makes a good argument for a quick resolution to the public trans funding debate, pointing out that a good rail system is important for any city's, and by default the state's, economy, a realization already come to in other global financial centers.
Monday July 9 2007Business/Shopping 

Stay on Target!
Although it's not near a visitor entrance, a redwing blackbird has apparently built a nest near the Shed Aquarium. The bird has been dive bombing anything or anyone that comes too close.
Friday July 6 2007In the News 

Where's the Love for No Glove?
Sure hosting the Olympics would be neat, but asking the vital questions, an article on the 16 Inch Hall of Fame website wonders what effect it might have on Chicago's game.
Tuesday July 3 2007Sports/Recreation 

That Old Town
The Oriental Institute at the University of Chicago has a video preview available for their new exhibit; Daily Life Ornamented: The Medieval Persian City of Rayy.
Tuesday July 3 2007History 

The Cure That Killed
Like something out of a crime novel, University of Chicago Hospital officials called in the cops to find out if spiked insulin levels that killed one patient and put another in a coma were caused by an "intentional act."
Tuesday July 3 2007In the News 

And He Hails from Hyde Park...
Mr. Obama has set a fund raising record; most ever for a democratic candidate.
Monday July 2 2007Politics/Activism 

Bagtown
Since we're on the subject of cornhole, you might want to check out ChicagoCornhole.com. The tournament they set up at Pizza Fest was fun, but take some friendly advice and get some practice in first if you don't want to get owned. I know...ahem...from experience.
Sunday July 1 2007Sports/Recreation 

Permits Please
The Mexican Fiestas Patrias (National Holidays) committee has been denied a permit to organize the Proclamation of Independence celebration in Millennium Park. The city says it's because a Celtic celebration is scheduled, the director of the committee has a different theory. La Raza online has the story in English which includes a history of dispute between the two organizations vying to be the primary coordinator of Mexican American festivities in Chicago.
Friday June 29 2007City Life/Cultural 

Give or Take 500 Million
Accounting fraud is nothing new. I mean everyone knows its soooo turn of the millennium. Still this instance of a misrepresented hedge fund is notable for two reasons. One, the shear dollar amount missing, half a billion bucks, and two, the fund is run by the former chairman of the Merc.
Friday June 29 2007Business/Shopping 

Queue Up or...Pledge.
Technofiles rejoice, here's your chance to both contribute to something good and avoid waiting in line overnight. Chicago Public Radio is giving away a free 4GB iPhone every hour between 6am and 7pm tomorrow, Friday the 29th. Pledge any amount and you're automatically entered into the drawing all day.
Thursday June 28 2007Radio/TV 

Reporting in a City of Neighborhoods
Why does Chicago Public Radio need a satellite bureau a few miles from their home base? It's vital in part because Humboldt Park and Navy Pier can often seem like different planets. Last January reporter Chip Mitchell was set up in a mini office/studio at Division and Campbell, and the stories on his CPR bio page showcase the station's push toward community based reporting. The first satellite bureau was opened in Chesterton Indiana in February of last year where Michael Puente reports and mans the controls. This summer a third was established in the Englewood neighborhood staffed by journalist Natalie Moore and plans for three more bureaus are in the works. Keep an ear on WBEZ for their reports and an eye here for upcoming open houses and other events.
Wednesday June 27 2007Radio/TV 

The Blago-sphere
Apparently the irony of Blago spending $5,800 a day in taxpayers' money to fly to Springfield and back for budget talks is not lost on the rest of the country or across the pond. A google news search drummed up 235 reprints or references to the AP article, many in Illinois but plenty from other states and even the UK.
Friday June 22 2007In the News 

Da Fifty Wards
If you haven't yet, check out the Reader's City Council graphic and get to know the fine aldermen (and women) of Chicago.
Tuesday June 19 2007Politics/Activism 

I'm Rubber and You're Glue...
In a classic example of hizzoner's debate style, Richard M questioned the Trib's environmental record when asked about a report which claims the city hasn't made good on promises to go green. The "debate" spread to "Chicago Tonight;" the Beachwood has excerpts.
Tuesday June 19 2007In the News 

Someone's Gonna Pay
I love seeing the rain cloud graf when I'm out and about, but the comish of streets and san doesn't share the sentiment: "drives me nuts...he takes all my light poles and does clouds with raindrops." The quote is from a Trib article detailing Daley's idea to make parent's pay if their kids are caught writing.
Friday June 15 2007City Life/Cultural 

No Fatty Liver for You!
A U.S. District Court judge ruled that Chicago's ban on the sale of foie gras is not unconstitutional Tuesday. You can almost hear the quacks of relief.
Wednesday June 13 2007Eating/Drinking 

Bunch of Savages...
Patrick Tye is my hero. The man saw a baby left in a car alone with the windows rolled up. He waited for the owner to come back and reprimanded him. For his good deed he was promptly shot in the stomach. Fortunately Tye survived, and even lying in pain in a hospital bed, believes he did the right thing.
Monday June 11 2007In the News 

Not as Green as We Thought
Chicago Magazine has a nice feature dispelling a myth that has penetrated deep into our fair city. When it comes to city park space, we have the least of the "big nine", and third lowest of all 56 major cities.
Tuesday June 5 2007Outdoors/Environment 

Pirate in Chicago
It turns out a Chicago man is partly responsible for some episodes of "24" floating around online before they aired. He didn't upload them but apparently just moving them from one site to another is enough to get him up to three years. I guess the FBI has nothing better to do.
Monday June 4 2007In the News 

Shutout in His Own House
Holy moly! The Bulls loss doesn't look so bad when you consider Blago took it on the chin 107 to 0.
Friday May 11 2007Politics/Activism 

Bug Paper
Maybe we're going a little overboard with all this Cicada Mania, but if you absolutely can't wait till the end of the month for the emergence of Brood XIII, the Trib has the answer; cicadas in origami (PDF file).
Tuesday May 8 2007Stuff 

Da Arts
Da Mare announced that the city, through the Department of Cultural Affairs, will again award Cityarts grants totaling more than one million dollars for the year of 2007. Of the 296 organizations receiving grants, 55 are new this year. Many of the grantees are arts programs for youths, but established groups are also included. Since 1979 the Cityarts program has awarded more than 13 million dollars in grants.
Tuesday May 8 2007Arts/Architecture 

Yummy In Your Tummy
And for all you adventure eaters out there let's not forget LTH Forum's topic with tips on how to cook your cicada feast.
Monday May 7 2007Eating/Drinking 

Rejoice Sports Fans
Chicago sports fans really had something to cheer about this weekend. The Cubs, the Bulls and the Fire all defeated the defending champions of their respective leagues. Unfortunately the Cubs victory is tinged with sadness; the last game of their series was canceled due to the Cardinal family's loss of pitcher Josh Hancock in a car crash.
Monday April 30 2007Sports/Recreation 

Knight Time in Chicago
You may have heard rumors of strange police cars roaming the city...might they be GPD? In any case the Dark Knight crew is filming in a few locations around town, like the old post office in the loop. Thanks Heather! Update: more pictures of the "Gotham National Something" building are popping up. Thanks David!
Tuesday April 17 2007Film 

Takin' It to the Streets
Fred Kent, president of the Project for Public Spaces, visited Chicago last month, met with city officials and gave an interesting presentation on the subject of "placemaking" in cities. The presentation, called Streets as Places, and following panel discussion are being aired intermittently on CANTV. The slides themselves are available online, as is a brief video detailing his visit.
Sunday April 15 2007City Life/Cultural 

Steel vs. Feather
I think our Vice President is a little confused. Instead of shooting at birds, he targets his friend's faces and uses his plane to take out our fine feathered friends. Not sure why this is a headline, but apparently it's a slow news day in Chicago.
Friday April 13 2007In the News 

Something for Everyone
No matter what your leaning you have good reason to be active this week. There are plenty of charitable events taking place like the Sudan Freedom Walk, the AIDS/Lifecycle Charity Ride fund raiser and the ongoing Restaurants Against Hunger. For those that are a bit more...skeptical, or even just inquisitive, The Illinois Humanities Council presents The Revolution Will Not Be Funded, a panel on the non-profit "industrial complex" this coming Thursday; details in slowdown.
Friday April 13 2007Politics/Activism 

Story Time
Keep an eye on Same Title Different Story, a new podcast which gives several different Chicago artists a title, and asks them to create their own version of the "story" it belongs too.
Monday April 9 2007Found on the Web 

Church and City
Opinions flared over the holidays last year when city officials opposed the showing of a movie trailer for The Nativity Story at Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza. Those same emotions will likely again be stirred after installation of a 19 foot cross was green-lighted for Easter.
Friday April 6 2007Religion/Spirituality 

The Fresh Prince Said it Best
Your timbers may be shiverin' this week, but summer, summer, summertime, is just around the corner. Early tix are available for the Pitchfork Music Festival and Lollapalooza, and both Players Sports and Chicago Sport and Social have registration up already for most summer leagues. So practice folding up that winter coat.
Wednesday April 4 2007City Life/Cultural 

Chi-City Rap Rock
Check out Screen Magazine's feature on Chicago native Casey Suchan's well received documentary Rock the Bells. Then check out the film itself Tuesday night. Details in Slowdown.
Monday April 2 2007Film 

Neko in Town
They might be a distant second, but if you didn't manage to get tickets to see Chicago's adopted daughter Neko Case this week, photos and videos of the shows are popping up on the web.
Thursday March 29 2007Found on the Web 

Coffee Time
Including a discussion with roasters from Metropolis and Intelligentsia, a perfect moniker for Starbucks and a list of quality coffee shops around town, the article about coffee in this week's Reader is required material for us go juice addicts.
Thursday March 29 2007Eating/Drinking 

Our Kind of Town
The Chicago-based MacArthur Foundation today presented eight recipients with the Award for Creative and Effective Institutions, a monetary prize for non-profits that have excelled at their task. Chicago-based Kartemquin Educational Films, producer of the award winning film Hoop Dreams, is at top of the list. My shoulders feel a little bit bigger today.
Thursday March 29 2007In the News 

Your Help Needed
The family of David Cornbleet, the dermatologist killed in his office on Michigan Avenue last year, have updated their myspace page with new surveillance video from the Home Depot in Lincoln Park of a man purchasing an item that may be linked to the scene. They're asking for the city's help in identifying him.
Thursday March 22 2007In the News 

To Protect and Serve...Or Else.
One of "Chicago's (very large) Finest" was caught on video beating a female bartender after getting cut off. For some reason a Salt Lake City CBS affiliate is the only site hosting the clip. It may be brutal and sensational, but if it moves just one person caught in a similar situation to do more than the guy in the white cap, then it's worth it. UPDATE: The Tribune story now has accompanying video. (Thanks, Suzy.)
Wednesday March 21 2007In the News 

Testing, Testing, One, Two...Four?
Have you ever walked out of a test sure to your core that it was rigged? Illinois elementary school kids had good reason this year.
Tuesday March 20 2007Schools/Education 

Second Life in the Second City
Like any newly emergent virtual world, Second Life can encompass both wickedness, and virtue, but what it definitely is not, is irrelevant. The 3rd annual RL (real life!) Second Life Community Convention is taking place this August at the downtown Hilton. With program tracks including Education and Business/Future of the Metaverse, its sure to host some interesting events. It may be months away, but once you log on you'll see that's barely enough time to get a good skin, let alone your bearings in SL.
Friday March 16 2007Offbeat/Misc. Events 

Money for Something
Congratulations to Charles Taylor, NU Philosophy Prof, for bagging the world's biggest monetary prize awarded for research into spirituality; and it's a big'un. The Tribune has the story.
Wednesday March 14 2007Religion/Spirituality 

You Gotta Pay to Play
We all know how it goes. The parking authority always gets their man. Apparently one of the ducks Sen. Barack Obama got in a row before entering the race for president was paying off some old parking tickets from his time at Harvard; four hundred dollars worth to be exact.
Thursday March 8 2007 

New Style or Old Style?
Earlier this month we mentioned the new ads in the outfield at Wrigley. Baseball parks have sported ad signage since the turn of the century, but if you really loved those green doors, you can join the other petition signers at Savewrigley.com.
Thursday March 8 2007Sports/Recreation 

These Roller Girls Need Shirts
The Windy City Rollers need new shirts and they want you to design them. That's right, enter your design idea for a new WCR League shirt before March 21st and you could win a butt-load of prizes, not to mention be responsible for helping our own bad girls of the flat-track look their best.
Thursday March 8 2007Sports/Recreation 

The World's Game in Our Town
Sure LA has whats-his-name on the way, but let's not forget Chicago is home to the US Soccer House, and now, will host the CONCACAF Gold Cup semis and finals.
Tuesday March 6 2007Sports/Recreation 

Look the Part
If you took our suggestion to heart and are trying to find ways to look the part for the US Olympic Committee's scout team, you might want to head over to Marsh...er, Macy's and check out the new official "Chicago 2016 Shop".
Tuesday March 6 2007Sports/Recreation 

Bomberman
Authorities think the man that's been sending letter bombs to investment firms for the last two years might be local. The Tribune has the story including a police sketch of a "person of interest."
Thursday March 1 2007In the News 

Be a VIP at MIP
I could care less about sitting in a posh back room at some fancy bar, but this is one VIP pass I would gladly accept. TimeOut Chicago gives you the chance to win one year of free entrance, exclusive invitations, behind the scenes access and more to all 10 museums that make up Museums In the Park. Enter on their website before Feb 28.
Wednesday February 21 2007City Life/Cultural 

West Side Story
Is Wal-Mart playing nicey-nice? Whatever your opinion, execs see the West Side Chicago store as a success, and are citing it as one reason for further expansion into areas with high unemployment.
Tuesday February 20 2007Business/Shopping 

Scion of the Times
The Scion PR folks continue their quest to make the brand "cool" by hosting activities at FOUR in Wicker Park. Most days you can paint your own little ceramic Scions while listening to DJs and enjoying refreshments but there are a few movie premieres and other events too. Details on the website.
Friday February 16 2007Offbeat/Misc. Events 

Know Thy Physician
A survey conducted by researchers at the University of Chicago, which highlights the part religion and morality play in options physicians choose to present, has been making waves nationally. The results show effects are not confined to controversial cases, but can also crop up in discussions about legal procedures that don't vibe with a doctor's personal views.
Wednesday February 14 2007Health/Fitness 

Enso in the News
We've mentioned the software Enso before. This week the Tribune offers their take on the people behind the program. (Disclosure: I'm NOT their PR guy, and I think it's cool too.)
Wednesday February 14 2007In the News 

Close Encounters of the Third Coast
Even if you've never pointed a bent coat hanger at Stonehenge, you have to admit strange things were afoot at O'Hare last November. So in case you were curious, Chicago Mag has compiled a few of the more compelling UFO reports.
Tuesday February 13 2007Stuff 

Completely Avoidable
We can only hope this morning's tragic story of a man being killed by a red line train after slipping on ice will serve as a wake up call for the CTA to make platforms as safe as possible. In the meantime be extra careful.
Friday February 9 2007In the News 

Aching Hearts, Troubled Minds
Of all the hardships visited on the Iraqi people in the last three years, one of the most frustrating and sad has to be Washington's neglect of those Iraqis who chose to help US forces. The 848 team produced a great story about a suburban Chicago family directly affected.
Thursday February 8 2007In the News 

Bird Flu vs Chicken Little
It might sound like "the sky is falling" but the lessons learned in 1918 taught us that bird flu should be taken seriously. It's a good thing then that a UChicago law professor is passionate about chickens, and is headed to Geneva to tell the WHO.
Monday February 5 2007Health/Fitness 

For the Low Low Price of Free
I like free. That's precisely the cost of admission to the Art Institute all day, every day, from the moment you register this sentence through February 21st. For free events, check out the AIC's calendar.
Thursday February 1 2007Arts/Architecture 

Big Art in Big Shoulders
They can stir our civic pride, instigate contemplation or even reflection, and if nothing else, give us something interesting to look at. But Crain's says the city's 700 plus public art pieces can have a commercial benefit as well.
Monday January 29 2007Arts/Architecture 

Windy City Rockers
If you missed Deerhoof at the Metro Saturday you can watch a video of them performing "The Perfect Me" on pitchfork's YouTube page; not a bad spot to watch in general for clips of bands performing in Chicago.
Monday January 29 2007Music/Clubs 

Office Desk Treasure
(NOTE: not safe for work, but funny as heck) How does one define true happiness? For some guys, it's the feeling of mammaries resting on their head. One of those guys might just work in the Tribune Tower. Behold; photographic evidence that true bliss is possible.
Friday January 26 2007Weblogs 

Make With the Safe Already
Three Monday, one Sunday and two last Wednesday brings the total number of pedestrians killed by cars in the city and suburbs to six in as many days. Those sobering numbers and seeing the ghost bikes around town tell me that the City's Safe Streets Plan, summed up in this December Trib article, can't be implemented soon enough.
Tuesday January 23 2007In the News