Gapers Block : Merge : June 2005

Sun-Times "does it right"
Editor & Publisher has announced its 2005 honor roll of "10 That Do It Right," and it included the Sun-Times among the list of newspapers that offer a model to others. While noting that the paper is an "odd choice" in light of last year's controversies, E&P commends the Sun-Times both for its honesty and for its "aggressive" and "fun" journalism.
on Thu June 30 2005 Print/Magazines

The Golden Lit 50
Earlier in the month, Newcity posted their annual list of the top 50 Chicago literati -- some expected (Studs Terkel), some new (Steven Levitt), and, surprisingly, Oprah. Golden Rule Jones did a little analysis of this year's selection, tracking who's in and who's out and who's moved up or down from the previous year. A glaring ommission noted in the comments: Kevin Guilfoile, whose debut Jones calls "definitely the kind of 'mover' the list purports to show."
Veronica on Thu June 30 2005 Books/Authors

Where To Catch The Tour In Chicago
The Tour De France is about to get started. The whole world and Sheryl Crow are eager to see if Lance is going to take home his record-setting seventh win. If you want to check out the racing in Chicago, head over to Brasserie Jo, where the chef has created specials particular to the region where each stage is held. Also, everyone's favorite Handlebar will have coverage too.
Brian on Thu June 30 2005 Outdoors/Environment

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

iPod Tour of Millennium Park
Millennium Park now offers a self-guided audio tour, downloadable to your very own mp3 player. And it's free! If you don't have an iPod or whatnot, you can rent one for $5 from the Chicago Shop at Millennium Park, on the second floor of the Exelon Pavilion at 201 E. Randolph Street. (Alas, the rentable player only comes with the tour — no music.)
Andrew on Thu June 30 2005 Arts/Architecture

Your Formula Life
This Saturday, July 2, local promotional collectives Meiotic and Koncept team up to present the next edition of their excellent, bi-monthly Your Formula Life series at Chicago's Tini Martini. This installment features performances from BMG of Ectomorph fame and a DJ set from Planet E recording artist Common Factor. In the shameless self-promotion department, I'll be opening up the night. More information is available in Slowdown.
Ken on Thu June 30 2005 Music/Clubs

SCKG
Newcity alerts us to the fact that the Second City is starting a new radio program this weekend on WCKG. Called "Second City Radio", the program will run Saturday nights at 10pm for the next 6 weeks, with the eventual hope of syndicating the program. The show's host will be Second City alumnus Jim Zulevic, and will feature a number of former Second City actors and celebrity guests, with (of course) many more surprises in store.
Jim on Thu June 30 2005 Radio/TV

Big cities downsizing
As the Washington Post reports, city of Chicago population decreases are in line with those found in other big cities during the decade so far, with USA Today noting that, should present trends continue, three-quarters of large US cities will fare worse in the aughts than they did in the 90s. Elaborating on the local situation, the Sun-Times points out that, following the boom between 1990 and 2000, this is the fourth straight year of a net loss of residents; in a related story, USAT looks closer and observes that, while Chicago may be losing population, Joliet, Naperville and Aurora are growing by some very healthy percentages.
on Thu June 30 2005 City Life/Cultural

The MeFi Travel Agency
This seems to happen about once a month: an Ask MetaFilter user has posed the question, "which neighborhoods are worth a visit whilst here on a weekend trip?" Take a gander to contribute or to get ideas for your own exploration. (You might also want to read this entry from April, which focuses on kid-friendly things to do, and this one from May.)
on Wed June 29 2005 City Life/Cultural

Swing Your Partner
NPR's All Things Considered had an interesting story last night about an influx of suburban squaredancers at Chi-Town Squares dances. The Squares are mostly gay men, the suburbanites are mostly older straight couples. Do-si-doing ensues.
Andrew on Wed June 29 2005 City Life/Cultural

Free Ice Cream Social
Everyone's obsessed about ice cream lately. Surely after reading our article, Starbucks decided to get into the game and is giving the stuff away this afternoon, possibly even right now.
Brian on Wed June 29 2005 Eating/Drinking

Beanie Baby
I'm not sure where Bent got their inspiration but I'm sure some Chicago socialites would love to have this pram to tote their baby around the Bean. [Hat tip: The Box Factory]
Naz on Wed June 29 2005 Arts/Architecture

An update on those music festivals
Pitchfork's Intonation Festival is less than a month off, and they're reminding folks that 2-day passes may run out soon. A schedule of the event is now available, meaning you can figure out just how sun-burnt you want to get. As for the following weekend, Lollapalooza has also posted line-ups: day 1, day 2 and a pdf of both. Since it features mutiple stages, Lolla may take some strategy, not to mention negotiation with your friends ("will it be the Walkmen or the Pixies on Saturday at 7:30?," for example), so it's never too early to start planning.
on Wed June 29 2005 Music/Clubs

American Environmental Photographs
American Environmental Photographs, 1891-1936 is a digital collection of nearly "4,500 photographs documenting natural environments, ecologies, and plant communities in the United States at the end of the nineteenth and the beginning of the twentieth century." The images, which range from ecological settings, individual plants and natural landscapes, are from the Department of Special Collections at the University of Chicago Library. You may search or browse the collections by subject or geographic area. The collection includes more than 700 photos documenting Illinois, and, as is often the case with old photographs, you get the eerie feeling you are looking at natural environments that no longer exist.
Alice on Wed June 29 2005 Photography

Doin' What Chicago Does Best
Maybe this is so last week, but Radar Magazine has weighed in humorously and insightfully on the recent Oprah-Hermes debacle: "But was it a true Crash moment? It’s easy to assume it was, because, let’s face it, France is a racist place. The country’s huge African and Muslim underclass is ghettoized on the periphery of Paris, safe from the eyes of tourists, and the public’s support for politicians like Jean-Marie Le Pen shows the lingering dark side of French nationalism. But most likely it wasn’t. In fact, it was probably the opposite, because it had nothing to do with the subtle strictures of race and everything to do with a different kind of smashup: celebrity entitlement colliding with traditional French arrogance." [via Agenda]
Ken on Wed June 29 2005 In the News

Trib says it dealt first hand
In media circles, there has been some discussion of the New York Times and its recent addition of a poker column. The Trib wants everyone to know it had the idea first, and, to that end, its managing editor wrote Jim Romenesko and said as much. Steve Rosenbloom has covered the "sport" for the paper for over a year, and James McManus, author of Positively Fifth Street and a writing instructor at the School of the Art Institute, apparently used the success of that column as a part of his NYT pitch.
on Wed June 29 2005 Print/Magazines

Enough to fill the Grand Canyon
This week in Detour we looked at a few of our favorite places for frozen treats, and readers have been filling in some of the gaps by making additional suggestions in the comments. After all, there are only so many of us, and there is so much of Chicago. Michael McGarry, though, didn't let that sort of thing keep him from delivering judgment on not just the city's, but the region's best ice cream parlors and custard stands in Midwest Scoops. Get a sample of his tasting tips in the Christian Science Monitor.
on Tue June 28 2005 Eating/Drinking

International Award for Blogging
Or at least researching and writing about it. Ericka Menchen, a Communications graduate student at the University of Illinois at Chicago, won first place in the international competition for the 2005 Carl J. Couch Award for Internet Research. Her title: "Blogger Motivations: Power, Pull, and Positive Feedback". Her subject: college students who blog. Her conclusion: "I came to view blogs as a social interaction of reading and writing." Her prize: $300 and the opportunity to present her paper at the conference of the Association of Internet Researchers.
Cinnamon on Tue June 28 2005 In the News

Radio, Live Transmission
We started Transmission a couple months ago now, and it's been going great. Thanks to the fine folks at Pixies Discs and Jewelboxing, we've been able to bring you new and exclusive music from artists like The Changes, Dolorous Canter, Warmdesk, Alicia Frantz, Mass Shivers, Atomly, and Zelienople. This week, we're happy to feature Chicago's very own Kate Simko. If you wanna see your music on GB, we'll surely give it a listen — simply email us at transmission at gapersblock dot com with a link and some words about why you should be included. Rock on.
Ken on Tue June 28 2005 Gapers

DuPage's Real Live RPG. With Instructions.
I'd heard DuPage County was boring, but pretending to be vampires in the COD cafeteria is a new level of sad sad sad I hadn't considered. As one person put it, "it makes me long for the days where these sorts of weirdos just hung out in a basement listening to Led Zeppelin". Too true.
Brian on Tue June 28 2005 Offbeat/Misc. Events

Dude, I'm Totally 21
Chicago.Metroblogging drew our attention to this: The State of Illinois redesigned underage driver's licenses and state IDs at the beginning of the year, and now it's virtually impossible to confuse them with the 21+ versions. For one thing, they're vertical. Check out the specs here (PDF).
Andrew on Tue June 28 2005 City Life/Cultural

Where do you want to go today?
An interesting statistic: Chicago, "the city that works," boasts the second highest number of goal-setters on 43 Things. Life can't be all work and no play, though, so those folks -- and possibly you -- will want to contribute their $.02 on why our city is so great at the just-launched 43 Places. (And, no, neither of these sites have the slightest bit to do with 43 Folders, though that site might give you tips on making the work and travel plans actually happen.)
on Tue June 28 2005 Found on the Web

Map mania -- way cool!
If you're a map geek, the new Google Earth software will blow your mind. Google Maps was cool, but it's nothing like seeing downtown in 3D and having the CTA, Starbucks, and highway maps laid overtop as you turn the city to a 45 degree angle. (Sadly, the Bean isn't in 3D.) Look for the 3D layers in the bottom corner for a truly rad view of downtown. (Windows only, sorry.)
Brian on Tue June 28 2005 Found on the Web

Getting together today
For a change of pace and with so many things happening on the weekends this summer, we're trying something new with the GB Get-Togethers. To try to rouse up some mid-week relief and escape the post-work drudgery or vegging out on the couch with some AC, we're doing these on the last Tuesday of every month. And today's the first one. We're starting earlier, too -- 7pm -- so come out to Green Eye Lounge (right below the Western Blue Line stop) and have a drink with us. See ya later.
Naz on Tue June 28 2005 Gapers

Don't Breathe
It's another Air Pollution Advisory Day in Chicagoland today, thanks to high temperatures and humidity. Try not to drive, if possible, and if you've got a yard, don't mow it.
Andrew on Tue June 28 2005 Outdoors/Environment

Post-war, pre-suburb
Chicago in the Fifties is all about "remembering life in the Loop and the neighborhoods." Neal Samors and Michael Williams appeared on Eight Forty-Eight this morning, talking about their book, which prompted a strikingly personal response in the Sun-Times and gave the Trib reason to call the authors the "kings of Chicago nostalgia." Hey, look: online photo gallery!
on Tue June 28 2005 Books/Authors

Pre-Untouchables
Get ready for another look at Chicago's famous mob scene: Brian De Palma has agreed to direct a prequel to his classic, The Untouchables. The new movie will focus not on the G-men out to stop the mob, but rather on Al Capone's rise to power. No word on who will star, nor on whether it will acually be filmed here. We can only hope.
Andrew on Tue June 28 2005 Film

The Future is Boring and Scantily Clad
Nextfest was boring, it seems. At least one person thought it Nextfest wasn't all that, or, as he put it, the future is boring. Or as this guy puts (pans) it, the people of the future are scantily clad.
Brian on Mon June 27 2005 Offbeat/Misc. Events

Taste of Chicago, Indeed
According to today's Sun Times, almost two dozen people were shot this weekend — and all within the space of just 12 hours. And this is in addition to a recent suicide on the Red Line and the shooting of a UIC professor in Oak Park. Yikes. This is an unofficial tally, so let's hope this isn't a prediction of a trend for what's to come over the rest of the summer.
Ken on Mon June 27 2005 In the News

Subjective, much?
Apparently, somone hates Chicago enough to compile a list of 101 reasons why Chicago sucks. We love you too!
Jes on Mon June 27 2005 City Life/Cultural

Keeping Going
Local web quarterly Keep Going has released its summer edition, and it looks great. Features include musings on basketball from Word Jazz's Ken Nordine, a fascinating article on the Hindenburg explosion, and a detailed history of one of my first daily online reads, Suck.
Andrew on Mon June 27 2005 Found on the Web

Another Drive-In To Close?
Word on the street in McHenry County is the drive-in up in those parts, the McHenry Outdoor Theater, is due to close after the 2005 season. Skeptics claim they say this every year, but so did Demon Dogs and this time they meant it. If sitting in your car and watching a movie is your thing, hurry before the drive-in becomes another housing development.
Brian on Mon June 27 2005 In the News

Make-up Game
Some fans are more dedicated than others. My Fake Season is an account of the 2005-2006 NBA season, focusing on the Chicago Bulls. What's that? The season hasn't started yet? In the mind of Mike Aparicio, it has.
Andrew on Mon June 27 2005 Sports/Recreation

FlickrPride
The 36th annual Chicago Pride Parade brought 400,000 people to Boystown yesterday. Pride is always colorful, to say the least, making for plenty of great photo ops. I've created a Flickr group to consolidate photos from the parade, Saturday's PrideFest and Dyke March, and related events. Check it out, and join up if you'd like to share your pictures.
Kris on Mon June 27 2005 City Life/Cultural

Mandala on display for final day today
A group of Tibetan monks have been creating a sand mandala at the Chicago Cultural Center for the last six days. Today will be the final day of construction of the mandala, as the monks are expected to finish work sometime today and then dismantle the mandala tonight at 5:30 (i.e., they sweep up the sand). If you're going to be downtown for the Taste, why not stop in and be amazed by the intricate and complex design of this piece of artwork that will never be seen again? (The Cultural Center is at 78 E. Washington, right on the corner of Michigan and Washington.)
Jim on Mon June 27 2005 Arts/Architecture

I want my HBTV
Dan Smith and Steve McDonagh, owners of Hearty Boys Catering and Boystown's HB cafe, were voted the winners by viewers of The Next Food Network Star last night. (That the show's finale fell on Pride must have been a good omen.) The Boys now get their own Food Network show, to premiere September 18.
Kris on Mon June 27 2005 Eating/Drinking

Breaking the cycle
Last Sunday, the Tribune ran an article on recidivism and rehabilitation by Rex Huppke on the front page, and it generated letters to the editor throughout the week. The New York Times examines similar terrain this weekend, looking at state and local efforts to assist in prisoner re-entry. Both stories pay special attention to the Sheridan Correctional Center, soon to be the nation's largest drug treatment-oriented prison.
on Sat June 25 2005 In the News

Pamphlets of the French Revolution
Do you love printed ephemera? Then you'll enjoy this digitized collection of "Pamphlets and Periodicals of the French Revolution of 1848," from a collaboration of the Center for Research Libraries, the University of Chicago Libraries and the ARTFL Project. The archive is comprised of more than 100 digitized materials from 1848 to 1851, including this published letter from Louis Napoleon.
Alice on Fri June 24 2005 History

A $5 tax per trick
There's been a lot of national coverage of CPD and its online johns' gallery. No analysis, however, has been quite so idiosyncratic as that by Prof. Freakonomics.
on Fri June 24 2005 In the News

Ebert's a star
The 2,288th star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame was dedicated yesterday, and it honors film critic Roger Ebert. The star was the first one given to a film critic (another first for Ebert; in 1975, he became the first critic to win the Pulitzer Prize).
Jim on Fri June 24 2005 Film

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.
Jes on Fri June 24 2005 Eating/Drinking

Man in the Mural
Yesterday I pointed out a few photos of a mural at Damen and Lake. Reader Daniel X. O'Neil sent some more info. The man's name is Oba Maja (I think I'm qualified to say that is an awesome name) and he's a poet who sells his poetry at the Damen/North/Milwaukee intersection. And if you're interested, apparently you can commission him to write a poem for you. Thanks, Dan.
Cinnamon on Fri June 24 2005 Found on the Web

Shame on Pride
To a lot of Americans Pride parades are events which need to be protested, but it's not just Bible-waving folks that are doing it. There's a group of queer Chicago folk who dislike the commercial, assimilationist, and elitist nature of the Gay Pride parade. They created Shame On Pride as an activist organizing tool to get information to like-minded folks who don't think you can buy your pride. Feel free to join up with the Gay Liberation Network on Sunday at Halsted and Diversey at 11:30 am sharp. As they say, "Be there or be a log cabin republican." And if one protest against the "purchase Pride" isn't enough for you, join up with the Chicago Dyke March on Saturday at 1:30 in Andersonville.
Cinnamon on Fri June 24 2005 Politics/Activism

We're Gonna Do A Montage
Here's a neat way to search for images of Chicago: enter a keyword on Montager, and have it build a montage of images for you. Not surprising to see that searching for Cubs has lots of people, while Chicago has lots of objects. And Gapersblock has few pictures of traffic, but lots of Cinnamon. (wink wink)
Brian on Fri June 24 2005 Found on the Web

Phat Camp
Last Sunday marked the first meeting of Phat Camp's Body Image Discussion Group at Mess Hall. Open to those 18 and older, the discussion focuses on negative body, health and beauty messages, finding a community, and honoring inner stregnth and resiliance -- not numerical weight goals. The group meets every Sunday from 10-11:30am at 6932 N. Glenwood Ave. Call 773-465-4033 to get more information.
Veronica on Fri June 24 2005 Offbeat/Misc. Events

A Separate Taste
The Trib and the Sun-Times offer all the coverage a person could want about the Taste of Chicago. And, if that's not enough, there's the Too Many Chefs take, too. But what if you just aren't interested? EatChicago.net has devised an alternative which doesn't include "a single hot dog, deep dish, or Italian beef sandwich." UPDATE: For vegetarians, VegChicago is also offering a vegan guide to the Taste.
on Fri June 24 2005 Eating/Drinking

Stockyards Gate a Literary Landmark
The Chicago Tribune has a story on the Union Stockyards Gate, which was declared a literary landmark in a ceremony yesterday. The gate, which is the last surviving reminder of Chicago's notorious stockyards, was so honored because of the role the area played in Upton Sinclair's classic book The Jungle. Some history of the novel is discussed in the article, but little of it will be new to Gapers Block Book Club members who read the novel a couple of months ago.
Alice on Fri June 24 2005 Books/Authors

Huff on 848
If you're interested, you can listen to me babble on Chicago Public Radio's Eight Forty-Eight news magazine this morning. I'll be part of the panel discussing the month in review, which runs between 9:35am and 10am. Listen online (RAM) or at 91.5 FM.
Andrew on Fri June 24 2005 Gapers

CTA saved! (for now)
Although the situation has remained up in the air, Carole Brown announces "Great news!" in her blog. The RTA has voted to fund the roughly $55m shortfall in the CTA's budget, meaning that it can forgo service cuts, layoffs and fare increases in 2005.
on Thu June 23 2005 Transportation

Steppenwolf Discount
The Steppenwolf Theatre Company has been nice enough to extend this exclusive offer to Gapers Block readers: two for one tickets to The Pain and the Itch, its next mainstage play. The offer is valid for performances Thurs., June 30 through Sat., July 9th. Call 312/335-1650 and mention code "1503," or buy online. It's subject to availability, and restrictions may apply.
Andrew on Thu June 23 2005 Theatre/Dance

Podcasting the Park
In its announcement of a podcast London tour, Antenna Audio also mentioned its plans for a similar treatment of Millennium Park. Sure enough, after a little rooting around online, I learned it's already available. Just enter an email address, and you're cooking with gas. There are 14 files of varying lengths, and, while the narration makes sure to mention the names of the corporate sponsors, it's actually quite informative and features interviews with Anish Kapoor, Frank Gehry and others. All in all, quite interesting listening, even if you're just sitting at your desk.
on Thu June 23 2005 City Life/Cultural

In the Hause
From 1-5 PM this Sunday, Foundation Gallery will be holding a closing reception for its current exhibition, Die Kase Hause. Die Kase Hause is an artist collective comrpised of Jeremiah Ketner, David Phillips, Gregory Shirilla, Jeffrey Williams and Aaron Zimmerman. According to a recent release, "It is not philosophy or style that unites [them], but rather a true compulsion to make art. What was once a group of students working closely together in Columbus, Ohio now has become a loose collection of members dispersed nationwide." You can see their work on the gallery's website if you like, but the reception is open to all.
Ken on Thu June 23 2005 Arts/Architecture

"We don't have a school"
In preparation for tomorrow's release of Bewitched, the RedEye talks to several local witches about their representation on screen. Of them, Heathen Carolyn Reyes offers the most amusing response. Because her belief system is "practical," she doesn't put much faith in the nose-twitching business. Instead, she offers the following love spell: "'Take a shower, brush your teeth.'" Works for me. (I wonder, though, what sort of magic she might offer Nora Ephron for such dismal reviews. Ouch.)
on Thu June 23 2005 Film

Mural Man
I've seen this mural at the corner of Damen and Lake several times and loved it. The expression on the man's face and the detail I found fascinating. The artist is Jeff Zimmerman, whose mural work has been exhibited at the Museum of Contemporary Art. And if that isn't enough reason to make y'all look, Craig Berman saw him on the Damen bus.
Cinnamon on Thu June 23 2005 People/Sightings

Wander Cook County
Not sure if this is the best weekend to point it out, considering the 90°l;-plus weather we're expecting, but the Unofficial Cook County Forest Preserve website offers a selection of "mini trail maps" of bike, canoe and other trails in the county. Not sure what makes them "mini," but they're pretty useful for planning a nice weekend bike ride.
Andrew on Thu June 23 2005 Outdoors/Environment

Bionic Man created in Chicago
A Tennessee man touched an electric wire in 2000 and was so badly burned that both of his arms were amputated. He was given prosthetic arms but decided he wanted more. $5 million and 5 years later doctors at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago have created the fanciest prosthetic arms seen this side of a 70's TV show. His nerves are connected to his chest muscles which transmit the signal to his bionic arms which have some sensation. This really expensive development is a long way from helping everyone who is paralyzed or has lost a limb, but it's pretty durn cool.
Cinnamon on Thu June 23 2005 In the News

In which the "media elite" prove otherwise
Gawker throws the smack-down on the Trib this morning, slamming "its ongoing but inexplicable campaign to prove that people in flyover states have no idea what they’re talking about." Afraid on this one, I can't disagree. The Tempo staff ranked their 50 favorite magazines. They call them the "best," but you put Blender at the top of any list, and you're just asking for air quotes -- especially since they didn't even mention it last year(?). The Tribune piece ran in response to the National Magazine Awards as chosen by the American Society of Magazine Editors, a group the writers call "pooh-bahs." Which is apparently short-hand for "folks who know what's what." [updated: Amy Dickinson was originally credited online; that has since been changed.]
on Thu June 23 2005 Print/Magazines

BIke to Work Routes
This is super handy: Bike to Work Routes. Low-fi, direct and sparse, these simple routes to get you around the suburbs come with a one-way distance, an average time, directions and cool ascii maps. What are you waiting for? Ride on!
Naz on Thu June 23 2005 Outdoors/Environment

Chicago-style Poi (not Dog Pondering)
Poi, or the fine art of fire spinning, was on display last night as many people gathered along the lakefront to celebrate the summer solstice. Pictures don't demonstrate the hypnotic effect of the flame spinning around - it's magical.
Brian on Wed June 22 2005 Photography

A hateful crime
This weekend marks the culmination of Pride month in Chicago. A glance at Slowdown gives just a glimpse at the gay old times one can have over the next few days. In the midst of all the fun, though, it's easy to forget that life isn't always so easy. To wit: anti-gay comments led to a fatal stabbing over the weekend, with the alleged killer complaining as he ran from the scene, "I got faggot blood on me." RIP, Antonio "Sydney" Wright.
on Wed June 22 2005 In the News

I went on a scenic boat tour of Chicago and all I got was...
Burlesque Design make some very very nice posters and artwork. They also have a killer store with some of the best intricate silkscreened posters I've seen. But, the best item might just be a t-shirt they have (sadly now sold out) about a certain incident in Chicago involving the Dave Matthews Band — scroll down all the way to the bottom on the right. Here's a detail shot.
Naz on Wed June 22 2005 Found on the Web

The Muffin Lady, now with t-shirts
Many of you will no doubt have seen or heard of The Muffin Lady (Glorious Noise entry). Some of you may have even bought muffins from her. The folks over at 1974 Incorporated (they're also the folks who made our t-shirts) have a "Save the Muffin Lady" t-shirt with all proceeds going to Shirley (The Muffin Lady's real name).
Naz on Wed June 22 2005 People/Sightings

Don't Techno For An Answer
Techno is often synonymous with Detroit, and as such, Chicago tends to be more of a house music city. But tonight, as the excellent SummerDance festival continues, legendary techno DJ Jeff Mills takes the stage in what is sure to be an exciting and historic event. Now a Windy City resident, Mills is one of the genre's most in-demand performers, jetsetting between the continents on what seems like a never-ending tour. Come out and see one of the most inimitable talents in techno play what I assume will be a varied set of classics and personal favorites. Mike Dearborn starts things off at 6 PM in Grant Park.
Ken on Wed June 22 2005 Music/Clubs

GPS and Map-Making
Let's say your really into GPS, right, and then by extension you're probably really into maps. Have you ever thought about making your own? Rich Ownings, author of Make Your Own Maps will be speaking at the REI in Niles and Oakbrook Terrace next week, giving a talk on how to use a bike and GPS to make your own maps. Topics covered include topo, 3D, and aerial imagery maps.
Brian on Wed June 22 2005 Outdoors/Environment

Elliott Smith Tribute
I wish I had known more about Elliott Smith before his death, to give him more than just posthumous cred, but for those of you who loved him before and for those who love him now, Last Alley Productions is holding a tribute to the late singer tonight. Featured artists include Dick Prall, Dylan Rice and Wonderful Smith. Doors open at 8pm for the 21+, 8:30pm show at the Viaduct Theater, 3111 N. Western Ave. Call 773-296-6024 for more information.
Veronica on Wed June 22 2005 Music/Clubs

Pictured until proven not guilty
Shaming of would-be johns is all the rage recently; Oakland, CA, for example, began running pictures on billboards in February. And, as the Trib reports, the Chicago Police Department began posting prostitution patron arrests online today. A notable difference between the two campaigns is that, while Oakland only broadcasts the convicted, CPD's website reminds visitors "[t]hese individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law." Legal scholars are divided about the effectiveness of public humiliation, but this piece in the San Francisco Chronicle offers some perspective.
on Tue June 21 2005 In the News

Guess what?
According to the Sun-Times, the CTA may still cut service and increase fares on July 17, if Pace officials go ahead with their plan to take a portion of the cash that was meant for the CTA bailout. Gaaaaahhhhh. (tip from CTA Tattler, of course)
Jim on Tue June 21 2005 Transportation

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

Drawn Out
Our friend Terence Hannum informs us of an interesting art showing entitled Drawn Out at Gallery 400. The opening reception is this Thursday from 5-8pm. It sounds tasty: "Drawn Out explores expanded practices of drawing (for example, drawing as sculpture or drawing as video) with works that are both literally sculptural or time-based and works that remain two dimensional but are no less influenced by the new scope of possibilities in drawing."
Naz on Tue June 21 2005 Arts/Architecture

Me: Tarzan; You: Jen
So there's a movie filming in town right now. You've probably heard. The Break Up will star Vince Vaughn, Jennifer Aniston and Jason Bateman. And, since each of the leads is a hottie in his or her own way, it only makes sense that we'll be seeing more Missed Connections like this one over the next few weeks. Good luck to ya, Runner with black shirt!
on Tue June 21 2005 People/Sightings

Dolorous Canter has a listening party
Full disclosure: this is shameless self-promotion. This week's Transmission artist, Dolorous Canter also happens to be a band I play in. Our new EP, For What You Thought Was Once Dead (oooh, lengthy title) is now out and we've teamed up with the good folks at Rotofugi to hold a listening party this Friday, June 24th from 8pm till 10:30pm. We're playing the EP twice but also playing the artists and sounds that have influenced us. Free copies of the EP will be given out and beverages will be provided. Consider this sort of a rock lounge happy hour, except later.
Naz on Tue June 21 2005 Music/Clubs

What's Next?
It's been hard to avoid the news, but for those that still don't know, Wired Magazine's NextFest is happening this weekend at Navy Pier. In addition to the many technological attractions the event is sure to offer, local arts/cultural publication Flavorpill is hosting a special lounge area at the event, featuring DJ sets from local favorites Kate Simko, Dave Siska, Ken and Karl Meier, Ken Waagner, and Brad Owen. It'll be open from 11-5 on Saturday and Sunday. Stop by and say hello, why dontcha?
Ken on Tue June 21 2005 Music/Clubs

The Ballad of Billy Pumpkinhead
Billy Corgan's solo debut, TheFutureEmbrace, hits stores today, and already he's moving on — or backwards, depending on your point of view. He placed a full-page ad in today's Tribune announcing that he plans to re-form the Smashing Pumpkins. Oh, and he plugs his blog. If you're interested, he'll be at the Adler Planetarium tonight from 6:30pm to 10:30pm to celebrate the release; admission is free if you buy the album and bring it with you.
Andrew on Tue June 21 2005 Music/Clubs

Sparklers could be fading from Chicago
After hearing testimony yesterday from a mother whose child was injured by an accident with sparklers, the Chicago City Council is considering banning sparklers from Chicago, leaving just the following fireworks legal in Illinois: snake/glow worm pellets; smoke devices; trick noisemakers; and plastic or paper caps for toy guns. The ban, if enacted, would go into effect AFTER this year's Fourth of July, so start buying up those sparklers for this year!
Jim on Tue June 21 2005 Politics/Activism

My Bike Could Be Your Life
Chicagoan Russ McClintock biked from Seattle to New York City last year, alone, taking pictures all the way. You can see a collection of his photographs from the trip, entitled "North American Roads" online, or go see them in person through July 10th at Country Club Chicago (1100 N Damen Ave.)
ruthie on Mon June 20 2005 Photography

James Weinstein, 1926-2005
James Weinstein, founding editor and publisher of In These Times and a Chicago resident for roughly three decades, died last week. Not long before his death, the "Groucho Marxist" was honored by the locally-based Community Media Workshop at their annual Studs Terkel Awards. Obituaries ran in the Tribune, the LA Times, the Guardian, and, of course, the journal that still bears his imprint.
on Mon June 20 2005 In the News

They broke my watch!
The Sun-Times salutes one of the greatest Chicago films, The Blues Brothers, on the occasion of the film's 25th anniversary. All this week they'll be writing about the Chicago locales used in the making of the film, and how things have changed since 1980.
Jim on Mon June 20 2005 Film

Disco For(n)ever!
Many Gapers Block readers are too young to truthfully comment, but an ISU history professor is asking why disco sucked so bad in the 1970s, as part of research for a book. Help him out if you can.
Andrew on Mon June 20 2005 Music/Clubs

Square America
The Boat Lullabies, a local blog of found photography, has a really interesting series of photos up, entitled "Square America." They're all by the same photographer, depicting a range of topics. Start here and work your way forward. Really cool.
Andrew on Mon June 20 2005 Photography

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.
Jes on Mon June 20 2005 Schools/Education

IDOT Is Watching... And Ticketing
IDOT has gotten a lot more strict about speeding in construction zones. Instead of putting up signs and the occasional police officer, IDOT is positioning vans equipped with cameras to catch speeders in construction zones. At $375 for the first ticket, and $1000 for the second, this is serious. And how long will it be before the hundreds of city cameras do the same? I hate speeding and the carnage of cars, but the proliferation of cameras is sorta spooky. Panopticon, here we come.
Brian on Mon June 20 2005 Transportation

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!
Jes on Mon June 20 2005 People/Sightings

Dominick's is Burning Down
If you didn't see it on the news, or down the street from your apartment like I did, the Dominick's at 3012 N. Broadway burned down in an "extra-alarm fire" yesterday evening. The store was open for business at the time, but no fatalities occurred and the fire was contained to the one building. No word yet on what started the blaze.
Veronica on Mon June 20 2005 In the News

Prepare to start Tasting
The 25th annual Taste of Chicago starts Friday in Grant Park. Eleven days of eating and drinking, featuring food from more than 60 restaurants around Chicago. Live entertainment will be happening throughout the park; see the Taste site for complete information on events. And don't forget, you can purchase Taste food tickets at your local Dominick's, between today and Thursday. And if you don't have a local Dominick's, you can buy tickets online.
Jim on Mon June 20 2005 Eating/Drinking

Time runs out for Demon Dogs
The CTA finally caught up with Demon Dogs. The long-lived hot dog stand under the Fullerton El stop tracks closed its doors this weekend, and will be demolished as part of the upcoming Brown Line expansion project. However great the new Fullerton station will be, I'm guessing it won't include one great feature of the old station: the smell of cooking French fries wafting up from Demon Dogs.
Jim on Mon June 20 2005 Eating/Drinking

Speeding gets more expensive
Not only has Construction Season begun. Not only is it slowing everyone down on the freeway, it's creating lots more areas where you can be charged $375 for going over the speed limit. And don't think you can avoid this by looking for cameras and troopers, Illinois Department of Transportation vans will be equipped with cameras and then you'll get one whopper of a ticket in the mail. So slow down a bit.
Cinnamon on Sun June 19 2005 In the News

From Feta To Theater
The Albany Park Theater Group has a very interesting project for this summer's performance: Saffron. It's a play about stories overheard at local Persian restaurant Noon-O-Kebab, or "One big world in one small storefront". They are also offering a Persian cooking class as a benefit for the theater project. (I think this place has the best feta in the city, and it's neat to see feta blossom into youth theater.)
Brian on Sat June 18 2005 Theatre/Dance

Atomic Aftermath
Writing for the Chicago Daily News (which ran for nearly a century before folding in the mid 1970's) George Weller was the first reporter to arrive in Nagasaki after the August 1945 atomic bombing. His reports of ruin and a mysterious disease afflicting survivors were banned by order of General Douglas MacArthur. Decades later, Weller's son discovered carbon copies of the original articles. Today, they've been made publicly available for the first time.
Dave on Fri June 17 2005 History

Museum Cocktail Fun
The Sun-Times' calendar section included a nice wrap-up of all the evening cocktail hours at Chicago museums. Get more info about Tuesdays on the Terrace at the MCA, the Chill at the Adler, Jazzin' at the Shedd, and cocktail hour at the Field.
Shylo on Fri June 17 2005 Eating/Drinking

Theme Park Insider
School's out for summer! Today is the last day of school for Chicago Public School students, which means summer vacation is here, and it's time to hit the theme parks! Theme Park Insider rates and reviews major theme and amusement parks across the country and around the world. View individual ratings for rides, shows and food for Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, IL. For the morbid or curious, the site also maintains an Accident Watch, listing injuries and deaths reported at various parks. The last recorded incident for Six Flags involved a 52-year-old employee who died last year as a result of injuries sustained from an accident involving the Rajun Cajun ride. Stay safe, and check out the list of safety tips from Theme Park Insider writers and readers.
Alice on Fri June 17 2005 Sports/Recreation

Run, Chicago, run!
Dirty or no, Runner's World has ranked Chicago fourth amongst the 25 Best Running Cities in America. They cite the CARA message boards as fostering a sense of community and, of course, the Lakefront for its uninterrupted footpaths.
on Fri June 17 2005 Sports/Recreation

From Louis Sullivan to SOM
From Louis Sullivan to SOM: Boston Grads Go to Chicago is an online exhibition from MIT that explores the connections between architects schooled in Boston and Chicago's architectural heritage in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The exhibit includes sections on skyscrapers, domestic architecture and the World's Columbian Exposition. And, Louis Sullivan, William LeBaron Jenney and Thomas E. Tallmadge are just some of the architects highlighted.
Alice on Fri June 17 2005 Arts/Architecture

Carl Everett, Gentleman and Scholar
White Sox DH Carl Everett tells the July issue of Maxim that "I don't believe in gay marriages and I don't believe in being gay." Fair enough, I guess; I don't believe in the designated hitter. Everett also tells Maxim that Wrigley Field should be "imploded," Tiger Woods is not an athlete, and "It's proven that 99 percent of baseball fans have no idea what they're watching." For the record, this is the same guy who told Sports Illustrated five years ago that dinosaurs never existed because they weren't in the Bible.
Kris on Fri June 17 2005 Sports/Recreation

The dirtiest (and not in a good way)
Seems like only yesterday that San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom was here, dreaming of making his city as beautiful as ours. (All right, it was Tuesday.) Nevertheless, according to a new Reader's Digest survey, at least, he may want to think again. Gothamist notes that New York ranks next to last on their chart of Cleanest Cities in America. Coming in last? Yeah. Chicago. Surely a recount is in order. Surely.
on Thu June 16 2005 City Life/Cultural

Wiki wiki guide book
Meredith Farkas, a local librarian, has developed an unofficial wiki to help out her fellow members of the American Library Association as they hit town later this month for their 2005 Conference. In true wiki fashion, if you've got something to share about the city, all you have to do is click the "edit" link.
on Thu June 16 2005 Found on the Web

Identity Theft Sucks
Poor kid. All 19-year-old Brandon Canales wanted to do was find the guy who stole his identity when he was 10 and make him pay. Unfortunately, he succeeded -- and that got him in trouble with the law, too. Canales found a bank account Augustin Ortega-Luna had opened under his identiry and took $8,000 out of it. Ortega-Luna called the police, who arrested Canales but quickly figured out that Ortega-Luna was an even bigger thief. They're both looking at felony convictions.
Andrew on Thu June 16 2005 In the News

Batman and a different Chicago
As we've noted a few times before, the restarted Batman franchise, Batman Begins has extensive shots of Chicago as Gotham. I saw it last night and was amazed at how much of Chicago was actually used. A fun game of spot the bridge, "Which part of Lower Wacker was that?" and "What rooftop building is that?" ensued post-movie. The el however has been replaced by a much slicker monorail system which I doubt the CTA will ever be. Also, I agree with Ebert, this is the Batman I've been waiting for.
Naz on Thu June 16 2005 Film

GB Flickr Pool update
The Gapers Block Flickr Group has been in a really good swing lately. Lots of great Chicago stuff in there which plays well with Rearview here on the site. To make it easier for those of you considering or are submitting images for Rearview and who use Flickr, what you can do now is submit an image to the GB group and tag it with the additional "gbrearview" tag so we can use it.
Naz on Thu June 16 2005 Gapers

Next: music. Next, Nextfest
As part of next weekend's Nextfest exhibition at Navy Pier, WiReD has asked a local musician that you may have heard of, Jeff Tweedy, to put together a live concert. Next Music happens next Wednesday at the Vic, and features music by Joanna Newsom and the Handsome Family. Tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster and the Vic box office.
Jim on Thu June 16 2005 Music/Clubs

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.
Jes on Thu June 16 2005 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.
Jes on Thu June 16 2005 Eating/Drinking

Schakowsky on the HuffPo
Last week, Chicagoist ran down the recent blogging forays of several local politicians. Another jumps online today as Rep. Jan Schakowsky makes her debut on the Huffington Post. The entry reads much like one you might find on any other politico's blog -- talking points and statistics -- but let's hope she's just getting her feet wet and that there will be a glimmer of individual personality in Schakowsky's future posts. (The contrast with John Conyers, the other member of Congress currently contributing, is, well, striking.)
on Thu June 16 2005 Politics/Activism

Chilling Effect
We told you in April about the Secret Service's visit to the Axis of Evil exhibition at Columbia College's Glass Curtain Gallery. The exhibit included among other pieces a stamp by Chicago artist ~~Michael Hernandez de Luna~~ Al Brandtner depicting President Bush with a gun pointed at his head, with the caption "Patriot Act." In response to the Columbia incident, Jeremy Lassen created a series of photo collages which he titled "Bush and Guns" and posted them to his Flickr account. Last week, Lassen got a Secret Service visit of his own. Correction: While Hernandez de Luna curated the exhibit at Columbia, the piece I mentioned featuring Bush with gun was by Al Brandtner. Apologies for the error.
Kris on Wed June 15 2005 Arts/Architecture

Local music, out and proud
Northwestern alum and Windy City-based musician Dylan Rice was among the recipients of 2005 Outmusic Awards last weekend. The awards were held at the Chicago Cultural Center, and Rice won Outstanding Debut Recording for his Wandering Eyes. There are several chances to see (and congratulate) Rice this month, including A Tribute to Elliott Smith, Wednesday the 22nd at the Viaduct Theater. Another local winner was Scott Free, who took home song and musician of the year awards. Free's latest album is They Call Me Mr. Free, and he hosts the weekly queer performance series Homolatte at Marrakech ExpressO in Ravenswood.
on Wed June 15 2005 Music/Clubs

New RTA Chair: CTA's Got Problems
The Regional Transporation Authority has a new board chairman, James R. Reilly, and he says the problems at the CTA are real. That's a relief. In the meantime, Peter Davidson wonders if turning some lanes on the Kennedy into premium toll lanes might be a way to help fund the El. (Thanks, spindlechuck.)
Andrew on Wed June 15 2005 Transportation

Go See'em Play
You know attendance is bad when the Wall Street Journal does a front page story about it. The White Sox have averaged about 20,000 fans at home games this season, despite having the best record in baseball. (Do you realize they've won two thirds of their games this season? Crazy!)
Andrew on Wed June 15 2005 Sports/Recreation

Will County Crime Logs
This story of catching bad guys from Will County has all the makings of a bad movie: attempt to escape by rowboat to Peoria (aka Paradise!), spreading gasoline over the pick-up truck, island hopping. A juicy suburban story. (via Pete)
Brian on Wed June 15 2005 In the News

The Chicago Theory
Roger Ebert is pretty predictable in his tastes if you pay attention, but Slashdot member sielwolf has stumbled across an amusing correlation between a movie's proximity to Chicago and Ebert's star rating.
Andrew on Wed June 15 2005 Film

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

Riding in circles
On Sundays, a few of us get together and visit the Northbrook Velodrome for training and learning the ropes on how to race on the track. This is an exciting year for the velodrome as track racing interest has been high and new riders are coming out to race. Women and Juniors are highly welcome and there has been an increase in numbers for those. Visit the site for more info and learn about it. It's less daunting than you think and a lot of fun from a participant or viewer perspective. Take a look at some photos I took from last weekend's session.
Naz on Tue June 14 2005 Sports/Recreation

Book TV
If you're uber-geeky and you have cable it's possible that you've watched BookTV on CSPAN on occasion. If so, you'll be delighted to know that Women & Children First will be the location for the filming of Zsa Zsa Gershick as she reads from Secret Service: Untold Stories of Lesbians in the Military Thursday night at 6:30 pm. It's the first time BookTV has filmed at Women and Children First, so make Chicago look smart by showing up to the reading and having a packed house.
Cinnamon on Tue June 14 2005 Books/Authors

Inspired shopping
Maybe you need a new rug, vase, picture frame or cool bar of soap? If so, get your shopping list down to CB2 (800 W. North Avenue) tonight from 6:30 to 8pm. For a suggested donation of $10 you'll get a cooking demo, an open bar, and hors d'oeuvres made by Eric Palmer of Mon Ami Gabi. Your donation at the door as well as 10% of sales will be donated to Inspiration Corporation, which helps folks transition out of homelessness.
Cinnamon on Tue June 14 2005 Business/Shopping

City's Best Burgers
Ever had a cheeseburger at Rosebud Steakhouse? Me neither; if I'm going there, I'm having a porterhouse. But apparently we're missing out, as Phil Vettel and a 33-person panel declared the Rosebud burger the best in the city. Check out the other top contenders, then compare it to GB readers' own picks in this Fuel thread from last September.
Andrew on Tue June 14 2005 Eating/Drinking

Marshall Field's Culinary Quarterly
Instead of knocking off after work and heading to your fave bar, why not attend a cooking class at Marshall Field's Culinary Studio? Through August, you can take classes such as Field's Favorite Lunch, Great Fish for Summer, and the Weekend Baker. Classes range from $20-70 and are taught by members of the Field's Culinary Council. Get the full schedule.
Shylo on Tue June 14 2005 Eating/Drinking

Be A Hero
This week is Bike To Work Week in Chicago. The CBF has info on how to join the masses who are biking to work. And if you're not sure which way to go, the city has the bike map online, or you can pick up a copy for free at most libraries or Bank One.
Brian on Tue June 14 2005 Transportation

Candy returns (but not for you!)
The ALL CANDY EXPO® (slogan: "It's candy time!") returns to Chicago's McCormick Place this week. And once again, this is a trade show only; no members of the general public will be allowed allowed to sample the tasty, delicious candy. And unlike last year's expo, when children were allowed onto the floor for one crummy hour at the very end of the expo, this year the children's hour will not happen, "in order to make Thursday a stronger business day for all". Perhaps next year the expo people will rub it in even more blatantly by holding assemblies at various Chicago public schools, where they gleefully devour fistfuls of jelly beans in front of crying children.
Jim on Mon June 13 2005 Offbeat/Misc. Events

Not Safe for Weblogs
The RedEye ran a story about blogs today. I'm not sure why it was called "Porn on the Blog," since it's not about sexblogs at all -- I keep mentally rhyming it with "corn on the cob," so maybe that's it. Anyway, the reporter goes to a "porn superstore" with Leigh Anne Wilson of the Honeysuckle Shop and

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June 2005

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