Flying Through the Air
The Reader profiles Michael "Frosti" Zernow, one of Chicago's parkour stars.
The Reader profiles Michael "Frosti" Zernow, one of Chicago's parkour stars.
Street artist Saro is looking for photographs of Joseph Zeman from which to create a tribute. Zeman was struck and killed by a van in the December of 2007.
While the bitterly cold weather turned my eyeballs to ice today as I walked outside, Obama and the fam are in Hawaii until the end of the year.
Beauty Turner, journalist and public housing activist best known for her "ghetto bus tours," died yesterday after a brain aneurysm.
Ebony named their inaugural Person of the Year: Barack Obama. One cool feature on their website is audio excerpts from their Obama interview, which took place the day after the election.
Time Out finds photographic evidence of Blagojevich meeting Nixon.
Northwestern's law school recently created a new site dedicated to Florence Kelley, one of Chicago's most important social reformers at the turn of the century.
The Obama family plans on coming home to Chicago "every six weeks or couple months" while in the White House. Which makes this recently sold home just outside the barricades around Mr. President-elect's home a pretty sweet move -- or a hassle, depending on your perspective.
From Sunshine Governor to Mr. Unpopularity. (Note the irony of that first headline -- and this whole day, really -- in light of Blago's comments yesterday.)
Now called Nothing Like the Holidays, the movie centered around one Humboldt Park family's holiday hi-jinx had a premiere at the Music Box. Hollywood Chicago has a few pictures of the stars in attendance.
Where does Obama eat in Chicago? Anywhere he wants. Actually, Sky Full of Bacon has a more precise list.
NPR's "Fresh Air" today will feature an interview with former Weatherman, current professor William Ayers about the election and his relationship with Obama. Tune in on WBEZ at 11am or 10pm, or catch the podcast later.
If you're like me and somehow missed this tidbit of trivia, you may be surprised to learn that Brian Wilson, who played a show at the Chicago Theater Sunday, has a local connection.
The latest issue of In These Times features a column on the election from Bill Ayers, the ex-Weatherman and current UIC professor oft brought up during the campaign. [via]
It's hard for me to imagine anything else going on in the world right now than Obamania, but we can all be happy that the white powder at the Berywn police station did not harm Patrick Swayze.
Barack Obama will be the next president of the United States. (Like we had to tell you.) Listen to his acceptance speech here.
An excellent Obama/Terkel sticker design -- someone print these up!
Popular Ch. 9 anchor Allison Payne suffered a series of mini-strokes earlier this year, and has decided to take an indefinite leave of absence. Send your regards here.
Christine Durbin, oldest daughter of Senator Dick Durbin and Loretta Durbin, has died from complications due to a congenital heart condition. She was 40 years old. A statement from Durbin's office notes that funeral arrangements are pending.
Chicago legend Studs Terkel has passed away. It's a very sad day. Here's his obituary, by his longtime friend Rick Kogan. Ex-GBer David Elfving interviewed Studs in 1999; we published the interview in 2004.
Another loss to Chicago's art community: Ben Schaafsma, curator and co-founder of InCUBATE, died on Saturday after being hit by a car in New York. New City's Art blog has an obituary.
LL Cool J is at the State Street Sears this evening to promote his new line of kids' clothes; reader Kristin snapped some pix of him out at the company's headquarters this afternoon.
The Empowered Fe Fes are a local support and action group of young women with disabilities. They're one of 50 Visionaries featured in the November Utne Reader, along with Patricia Watkins of the United Congress of Community and Religious Organizations and State Representative Constance "Connie" Howard.
UIC News recently profiled reference librarian Lynn Westney, author of the ever-popular article "Dew Drop Inn and Lettuce Entertain You: Onomastic Sobriquets in the Food and Beverage Industry."
Local artist Patrick Welch unexpectedly passed away last Thursday. He originally hailed from England, and founded an art movement he called micromentalism. Welch was interviewed for Gapers Block in 2007. You can also listen to an interview he did for Chicago Public Radio this past June. Memorials are appearing on his MySpace page. Welch will be much missed by Chicago's art community.
Bowing to pressure from politicians and donors while citing "safety reasons," the University of Nebraska rescinds a months-old speaking invitation for Bill Ayers.
The Tribune caught up with 60s radical du jour William Ayers at a dissertation defense at UIC. When asked about the controversy, he remarked, "What could I possibly add?" and "Life Happens."
Experience the astounding coincidences of Pool Boy.
Mr. Clean actor House Peters died recently at the age of 92. In case you didn't know, Mr. Clean was created here in Chicago by Harry Barnhart and Ernie Allen at the Tatham-Laird & Kudner ad agency. The hairless, obsessive compulsive, controversial, and sexually ambiguous corporate mascot's first name is Veritably, by the way, and he's known as Mr. Proper in England and Don Limpio in Spain. There you go: more than you ever wanted to know about Mr. Clean.
Apparently, the "Beanie Baby magnate" just bought the penthouse of the Chicago Spire. Keep in mind this is currently the lead story -- with graphic and all -- on the Trib's website.
The Windy Citizen interviews Michael Mette, the Chicago police officer imprisoned in Iowa. Mayor Daley recently asked Iowa's governor for a pardon on Mette's behalf.
Second City hosted a surprise reunion of cast members from 1968 - 1972 last night (minus John Belushi, obviously).
Mayor Daley in a floating chair. (Check out the magnetically levitating chaise lounge and other interesting stuff at Wired NextFest in Millennium Park for the next two weeks.
Is Alphonso Soriano having an affair? The Cubs star has been seen quite a bit with a woman other than Mrs. Soriano. [via]
Meet Ken Dunn, Chicago's greenest person.
...this time courtesy of Jason Fried: The Mike Wallace Interview.
Edward Lifson digs up a video of Frank Lloyd Wright on the game show "What's My Line?" in 1956. [via]
Ex-Sun-Times sports columnist Jay Mariotti will not be joining the Tribune staff as rumors had reported -- thus avoiding having to share a room with some of the very people he villainized in the past. Mariotti commented on the situation to the Reader's Michael Miner.
Abby Ryan, one of the few traffic reporters ever to have a cult following, leaves the air today, a result of Shadow Traffic eliminating live traffic reports. Read her own brief goodbye on her MySpace page. You can still catch her final reports this evening on WBEZ.
Musician (and Chicago native) Kanye West was arrested today at Los Angeles International Airport for vandalism after assaulting a photographer.
This week is recycling week at GB, with two features exploring what is typically perceived as the underside of the economy. In A/C, we take a look at Scrappers, a documentary film featuring the lives of three local scrap metal collectors. Over in Detour, we visit with Barry "Can Man" Woodson, leader of a street crew of recyclers in Wrigleyville. After reading the articles, you may want to check out the Scrappers fundraiser on Friday.
Former Tribune editor Anne-Marie Lipinski, who resigned from the newspaper in July, has accepted a position with the University of Chicago as the Vice President for Civic Engagement starting October 1.
Very Small Array has produced maps based on Craigslist Missed Connections, showing the most likely place to "miss" someone in general and by sexual preference as well as age, hair color and other breakdowns.
On August 8, dozens of people joined author Amy Krause Rosenthal in Millennium Park to do... something. This is what they did. (You can do it, too.)
Amy Dickinson, who writes the Ask Amy advice column for the Chicago Tribune, wed childhood pal Bruno Schickel in upstate New York on August 16.
NASCAR's favorite son, Dale Earnhardt Jr., met with "his" new recruits at Naval Station Great Lakes on Wednesday as part of a new celebrity-sponsored effort to boost enlistment.
Chicagoan Jessica Dunne wanted to honor her grandmother, Eleanor, so she developed a custom perfume, Ellie D, on her own. You can order it online here or at June Blaker.
Meet Mike Roman, the rock star-slash-attorney who tried to give R.Kelly his demo tape during the rapper's trial.
John Greenfield walked from Milwaukee to Chicago, and wrote about it for New City. He wrote about some previous walks for GB.
The Cubs' Ryan Dempster isn't just an ace pitcher -- he's also an amateur magician. (And a so-so Harry Caray impersonator.)
The Tribune profiled Adrian Holovaty of EveryBlock in the Sunday Magazine.
Perhaps still upset that he didn't get that raise he wanted, State Senate President Emil Jones is expected to announce his retirement this afternoon.
Remember little Anakin Skywalker from Star Wars Episode I: The Clone Wars? Well, rumor has it, that he is a film and video major at Columbia College. Or maybe its just his clone.
Pay your respects at an open celebration of the life of Bernie Mac at House of Hope, 752 E. 114th St., at noon Saturday. That night at 5pm, WCIU will be airing a tribute to the late comedian as well. Donations in Mac's honor may be sent to the Bernie Mac Foundation for Sarcoidosis, 40 E. 9th St., Suite 601, Chicago, IL 60605.
Chuck Goudie memorializes Robert Maheu, the FBI agent who hired the Chicago mob to try and assassinate Fidel Castro.
Speaking of famous folks, Bernie Mac is hospitalized somewhere in town. While he's being treated for pneumonia, the Trib has a good explanation of his other illness.
Paul McCartney spotted in Joliet! Paul McCartney spotted in Springfield! Apparently Sir Paul is celebrating his 66th birthday by motoring along Route 66. And here I thought the McCartney sightings were a promotional stunt for this weekend's Fest for Beatles Fans... And here's an interview with one of the guys who saw him was interviewed on WGN. [Thanks, Andrew!]
After a difficult couple of weeks, Sun-Times columnist Robert Novak announced he is discontinuing his column. It ran for 46 years.
Nance Klehm teaches people about the edible plants growing throughout the city.
Ron Slattery, expert scavenger and past GB columnist, is the subject of this week's front page feature in the Reader.
Sun-Times columnist Robert Novak, who hit a pedestrian with his car last week, announced today that he has a brain tumor. In a statement, he said, "I will be suspending my journalistic work for an indefinite but, God willing, not too lengthy period."
The New Republic on what U of C's right-leaning law faculty think of their former colleague.
Frank "The German" Schweihs, allegedly The Outfit's most prolific hitman, is now dead himself.
Sun-Times columnist Robert Novak hit a pedestrian with his black Corvette in D.C. today, according to Politico. Time Out Chicago wants to know what you think.
Want even more Pitchfork crowd gazing? Chicago style blog The MidWasteLand has a spread of Pitchfork fashion.
GB's own Lauri Apple is interviewed in a piece about found and recycled clothing for Chicago Public Radio's "Chicago Matters: Growing Forward" series.
HollywoodChicago.com has a slideshow of photos from the red carpet premier of The Dark Knight at Navy Pier Wednesday night. Read Adam Fendelman's review here, and stay tuned tomorrow for Steve at the Movies' own review.
Project Runway fans will be excited to know a Chicago contestant will be on the show this year.
The Reader takes a look at Oprah's rabid fanbase.
Yesterday some guy named Ringo Starr spent his birthday handing out cupcakes at the Hard Rock Hotel to spread "peace and love."
Evanston native and actor John Cusak swears he bleeds Cubbie blue...but he's learned to be flexible about liking the White Sox, especially after 2005. But we'll cut him some slack on being a "switch-hitter", especially since he has a connection to the Sox, cinematically speaking.
Matt traveled the globe, making videos of himself dancing badly. Eventually, folks started to join in. It's pretty moving, actually. Chicago and the Bean put in an appearance at the 2:26 mark.
With the opening of Angels & Kings Saturday and his major involvement in Fashion Focus Chicago, get ready to see a whole lot more of Pete Wentz (and Ashlee Simpson-Wentz) around town.
For Gapers Block readers who were fans of the work of recently slain street artist, SOLVE, there's a way you can help. Brendan Scanlon's family has requested that donations be made to support the art department at their son's Madison, WI-area high school. Funds can be sent to: “Madison East High School in Honor of Brendan Scanlon,” 2222 E. Washington Ave., Madison, WI 53704. You can also pay homage at the impromptu SOLVE memorial at Grand and Milwaukee.
Following his murder, the Trib profiles SOLVE and provides details about an arrest made in his case. Tributes are being posted in a new flickr group and an ongoing discussion, which has plenty of links to other tributes and information.
Walter Netsch, primary architect of the UIC campus and numerous other buildings has died.
Chicago's own Chef Stephanie Izard is a finalist on "Top Chef," and she's going to be answering reader questions on the Tribune's website starting at 1pm tomorrow. Here's an interview with her to get your interrogation juices flowing.
Patrick Swayze is back! The actor will be on location in Chicago this summer filming the A&E drama, "The Beast." If you happen to run into him, give him a pat on the back and some encouraging words, as he's got a lot to deal with these days.
The Windy Citizen profiles Preston Dunwiddie, one of the "living statues" who plies his trade on Michigan Avenue.
It's obvious Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Jr. doesn't plan to spend his retirement in quiet rest -- but apparently he also doesn't want to give up the pulpit at Trinity United just yet, either.
"No, I take Marx very seriously; I think [the computer] alienates the worker from his production—I do not understand. With a typewriter, I hit a key, and it goes bam." The Maroon interviews luddite religious studies professor J. Z. Smith. (Full transcript here.)
"Paul was the Orson Welles of improv," says Jeffrey Sweet.
Speaking of keeping kids out of trouble, last night NBC Nightly News profiled Harold Davis, a contractor with the CPS who puts kids to work refurbishing school auditoriums and other buildings. Davis wrote an essay about his work for the Tribune last month.
Hollywood Chicago snapped photos of the stars of Sex in the City headed for a taping of "Oprah."
An analysis of the 100 most networked people in Chicago (and in list form.)
Robert K. Elder's full Unabomber feature is now up, including multiple videos, photo galleries and audio.
The Unabomber, Ted Kaczynski, planted his first bomb in his hometown of Chicago in 1978. Thirty years later, Tribune investigative reporter Robert K. Elder has gained rare access to family photos and letters, and unpublished writings which contradict the Unabomber's public image as an eco-crusader. The feature will be published on Monday, but the Tribune shared an exclusive photo with Gapers Block; link after the jump.
A Chicago couple is competing in the Today show's Race to the Altar contest. Check out their website and decide if you want to vote for them.
Chicago Public Radio reporter Natalie Moore is blogging the R.Kelly trial. So is the Sun-Times.
Rashard Mendenhall, current Pittsburgh Steelers player and former Illini star was robbed at gunpoint along the lake late last night.
The New Yorker tells the story of Grant Achatz's battle with cancer in the context of the rise of his career. (There's a nice photo set, too.)
A man in Zion wants to change his name to "In God We Trust," for a couple of interesting reasons.
Tom Cruise will be visiting Harpo Studios May 5, and a group of anti-Scientologists will be waiting for him.
only this time, they're Oprah's.
Chi-Town Daily News profiles the city's only Republican alderman, Brian Doherty of the 41st Ward.
The real Sarah Marshall wants the world to know that she doesn't suck.
At least he doesn't appear to be, as we reported back in December. He's apparently alive and well in Berkeley/Oakland.
Just under 10% of WBBM's staff has been cut, including anchor Diann Burns, other prominent on-air personalities and support staff members.
The LA Times looks for John Hughes, the revered director of such teen classics as Pretty in Pink and The Breakfast Club, and comes up empty-handed: Hughes hasn't directed a movie in over 15 years, and lives in seclusion in the North Shore suburbs. Despite his absence from Hollywood, Hughes is still working, kind of: he came up with the premise for the new film Drillbit Taylor (which got so-so reviews).
Chicago-based photographer Clayton Hauck goes to parties and clubs and takes pictures. Lots of them. So if you want some wonderful eye candy, enjoy his site Everyoneisfamous.com. (Note: a tiny few pictures are NSFW.)
I wonder what's going on here at 3912 S. Vincennes Ave.? UPDATE: Google has taken the scene down; Gawker has the screenshots.
It probably comes as no surprise that Shia LaBeouf recently apologized for his Walgreen's escapade. More surprising (and funnier) is the Trib's insertion of "a nincompoop" in place of LaBeouf's more colorful language.
Trotter talks business with Crain's.
More allegations of inappropriate behavior are surfacing about R. Kelly. This time it's with a woman he'd known since she was "a little girl."
Two Indian princesses who live in Chicago claim they have been cheated out of their inheritance. This, of course, raises the question: How many princesses live in Chicago? UPDATE: GB reader Dubi clarifies...
Waxy.org is investigating the online activities of Steve Kazmierczak, the NIU gunman. UPDATE: Jessica Baty, Kazmierczak's girlfriend, was interviewed by WGN.
Chicago's own Common has been chosen to play Green Lantern in the coming Justice League of America film.
If your name is John Smith, This American Life would like you to email them at johnsmith@thislife.org with a few words about yourself. They may include you in an upcoming show about people with your name.
What? Stephen Colbert was once (very briefly) in the Neo-Futurists!? (Thanks, Christopher!)
Claire Zulkey (who got the profile treatment in Time Out this week) interviews Sun-Times music critic Jim DeRogatis about "Sound Opinions," music crit and the Chicago hip hop scene, among other things.
It may be more embarrassing than meaningful, but Obama supporters are taking glee in the photo featuring Bill and Hillary Clinton posing with Tony Rezko.
Channel 2 morning anchor (and former reporter and anchor at WGN) Randy Salerno died last night in a snowmobile accident in Wisconsin.
Chicago rapper Kid Sister tips her hat to I-Go on the Canadian MuchMusic blog. [via]
A 114-year-old woman registered to vote yesterday; the downside is she probably won't vote because "she doesn't know who any of the candidates are."
The Chi-Town Daily News looks into the lives of musicians in the CTA subway.
If, like me, you happened to be walking around the Northwest side this morning and ended up standing agape at a couple tandem rotor choppers barreling downtown roughly over the Kennedy; you can thank our Pres.
The NY Times draws attention to Marion Mahony Griffin, the first licensed female architect in Illinois and primary illustrator of Frank Lloyd Wright's Wasmuth Portfolio, among other achievements. Visit her 1,600 page memoir for more background.
GB reader Laura let us know that Gene Lee, best known for dancing in hotpants and not much else at the corner of Milwaukee and Damen, passed away last week. Fans may pay their respects on his MySpace page, where his family has posted many of his self-recorded songs.
Jean Johnson was in court dealing with a probation violation when she took four photos of R. Kelly on her phone's camera. What happened next? Jail time.
Barbara Mahany, the author of the profile of Joseph Zeman that was found on him the day he was killed, wrote a heartfelt tribute.
Chicago Magazine has picked their Chicagoans of the year.
Alderman Tom Tunney was the victim of a botched robbery on Saturday. Of course, two suspects have already been charged.
Teacher and photographer Will Okun profiles his favorite photographer, Worsom.
Speaking of doomsday scenarios, the Lyric Opera's upcoming run of Doctor Atomic gave the Tribune reason to explore the opera, its Chicago connections and the life of Robert Oppenheimer.
John C. Reilly will take the stage at the Cubby Bear tonight - in character as Dewey Cox - to promote his upcoming film Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story. Fingers crossed that Chris Gaines joins him for a number or two. [via]
Keep your eyes pealed: George Lucas is in town tonight for a talk with the Economic Club of Chicago. He'll be appearing with his current girlfriend, Mellody Hobson, president of Chicago-based Ariel Capital Management. (Thanks, Adam & Andrea!)
HollywoodChicago.com has a good interview with actor and "SNL" writer Kevin Dorff, who's back in town along with Horatio Sanz and a few other veterans of the Chicago improv scene for a show at the Lakeshore Theater Tuesday night.
Chicago's (and GB's) Brenda Janish won Apartments.com's "Possession Obsession" contest! She was surprised with a giant check on Fox's "Good Day Chicago" this morning.
The New Yorker this week features a hefty profile of the new owner of the Chicago Tribune. (Thanks, Rick!)
Crain's 40 Under 40 feature includes the usual collection of business execs -- and Jay Ryan of The Bird Machine and Ryan Schreiber of Pitchfork Media (I thought he moved to NYC?)
Vince Vaughn is making an appearance at the AMC River East 21, 322 E. Illinois St., tonight at 5:15pm for the Chicago premiere of his new movie, Fred Claus. Tickets to the premiere are sold out, but you can help create an atmosphere of celebrity-crazed pandemonium by lining up to watch Vaughn and director David Dobkin walk the red carpet.
Anne Elizabeth Moore, former editor of Punk Planet and our own Sky in Five columnist, is going to Cambodia for a leadership residency at the Harpswell Foundation; she'll be teaching them media literacy. Unfortunately, the foundation doesn't have the funds to pay for her airfare. Help her out here.
GB's own multi-talented Cinnamon Cooper is interviewed at Design Sponge, talking about her business, Poise, the Chicago Craft Mafia and the DIY Trunk Show.
Drive-Thru contributor Alan Lake posted an excellent interview with Mario DiPaolo, Jr., owner of Mario's Italian Lemonade, on LTH Forum.
The folks at about.com have given Chicago's most ubiquitous talk show hostess "topic" status, but are still looking for the special person to serve as their official Oprah guide. If you think you've got the writing and research chops to cover O with sufficient expertise and grace, go check out About's online solicitation and apply. As a side note, other available topics include Forex trading, infertility and cheese.
Emmanuelle Haïm, the Lyric Opera's first female conductor, will conduct Julius Caesar [pdf] starting on November 2. Listen to a podcast interview with her [mp3] for additional information.
Kevin Guilfoile weighs in eloquently on the trial of Jeanette Sliwinski.
The Chicago Public Art Group would like to meet him [top story] in order to help document and repair one of his murals.
Here's an old interview with Steve Albini, talking about food.
Polite in Public is a photobooth project that's traveling the country; it has a different backdrop and props everyplace it stops. It landed at the Vic this past weekend -- with a space theme. (Thanks, Felix!)
The MacArthur Foundation just released the names of its 2007 Fellows, and Stuart Dybek earned the award (along with its $500,000). If you've never checked out the program's details, you may want to check out the FAQ.
A donation fund has been set up for partially paralyzed Windy City Roller "Tequila Mockingbird," (previous coverage here, here) to help pay for her medical bills (she was uninsured). You can donate via PayPal to TheTahirahJohnsonTrust@gmail.com. All funds will be transferred directly into her North Community Bank trust account and are tax-deductible. (You can use that same address to send her well-wishings, too.)
The Apartments.com Collection Obsession contest has reached the finals, and local collector (and former GB staffer) Brenda Janish is a finalist! Vote for her collection of pin-ups every day through Oct. 19 to help her win.
Crain's reports that William Wrigley, Jr. -- just last month named Chicago's most eligible bachelor by Forbes -- just got married.
Tribune science reporter Peter Gorner is being credited with changing the lives of at least 13 children with a story about a rare form of diabetes -- as he himself was dying from lung cancer.
Movie trailer watchers and late night WBEZ listeners familiar with Ken Nordine may want to check out his website Word Jazz, which includes a blog with unusual poems starting with "Maybe the moment" and a podcast of his late night stylings.
Did you know that former Senator (and presidential candidate) Fred Thompson's wife, Jeri Kehn Thompson, is from Naperville? It's true. The Senator's wife is getting a lot of press due to her heavy involvement in his campaign as well as the fact that she's cute and is 24 years younger than him.
Dictionary editor and local blogger Erin McKean was the guest columnist for William Safire's "On Language" column in the NYTimes last weekend.
It's getting a little crazy, but Chicago music legend Steve Albini is answering a wide variety of questions in the Two Plus Two forums.
Former University of Chicago student and militant environmental activist Billy Cottrell has been in jail since 2004, but Stephen Hawking wants him freed.
The Globe and Mail reports on what is surely the most important aspect of the Conrad Black trial.
Chicago magazine has an interesting profile of the least-known son of Jesse Jackson, Yusef, who recently moved into publishing by investing in the resurgent Radar Magazine.
Norman Finkelstein, controversial professor of political science at DePaul, has been denied tenure. Read his collection of articles about the situation. UPDATE: He spoke on 848 this morning.
Tastefully tying in with the last episode of The Sopranos, Sun Times reporter Steve Warmbir speculates on the current boss of the Chicago Outfit.
"We can maybe take that week and show her how much we really love her." We can definitely take that week, apparently.
Those familiar with 37signals will have heard a lot of this before, but Business POV's interview with Jason Fried gets to the heart of the company in a pretty succinct manner.
Elizabeth, Illinois's favorite son, Andrew Bird, likes some things, dislikes some other things, and does stuff on occasion. Into which of those categories does Intelligentsia coffee fall? Grist knows.
Greg Olsen, the Bears' first round draft pick, recorded an amazingly sexist song with other students while a freshman in college.
Local circus freak Ken Harck just made another acquisition. This time it's a rare Ringling Bros. poster.
Wonder how Roger Ebert's appearance at the Overlooked Film Festival went? Mark Caro has a report.
Here's one from the utterly unconfirmed & completely irresponsible gossip department: nice alleged pic of Michael Jordan dancing w/ cigar and some friends in Cabo San Lucas. Bonus speculation: what if Jordan was picked by the 76ers?
Donald E. Stephens, Rosemont's only mayor, died in office after 51 years of service. He saw the transformation of "a collection of septic fields and houses of prostitution" into a convention destination.
Respected primatologist Jane Goodall stopped by the ape house at Lincoln Park Zoo this week. Interestingly, Ms. Goodall has groupies in both the ape and the homo sapien sets.
Yesterday, All Things Considered ran Edward Lifson's fine examination of the architectural preservation photography book Richard Nickel's Chicago. Bonus: the song that plays at the end of the piece is from the Rachel's album Music for Egon Schiele, which was composed for a Chicago theater production.
Novelist, essayist, playwright, artist, activist, and, yes, City News Bureau of Chicago reporter, In These Times contributor and University of Chicago graduate, Kurt Vonnegut, has died. "So it goes."
Michael Horvich is more than a supernumerary, he's the curator of Michael's Museum. Unfortunately, the physical museum is currently not open to the public, presumably due to high demand because of a recent Tribune article. For now, enjoy the photographs and lists.
Tyler Hinman, the 22-year-old three-time National Crossword Puzzle champ and star of the doc "Wordplay," is a bond trader here in Chicago. The Sun-Times has a nice little profile of him today, along with a sad-sack remark about how women aren't turned on by his crytographic acumen. Wise up, ladies!
Someone smart at the Tribune asked its arts and architecture critics what prompted them to reevaluate artists in their disciplines. Some second looks include the Trap Door Theatre, William McDonough and Walker Evans.
You're probably overwhelmed by articles about Barack Obama by now, but if you're still interested in learning about his local roots, you may want to check out the Hyde Park Herald's special Obama issue. The entire 24-page issue is Obama-centric, including a lengthy article about his wife, Michelle.
In the wake of recent federal prosecutor firings, the Tribune/L.A. Times is running a short profile of Chicago's current prosecutor, Patrick J. Fitzgerald. You may recognize him from a certain high-profile trial.
Robert Fitzpatrick, the Museum of Contemporary Art's Pritzker Director, will step down in 2008. His ten years in the job were marked by considerable change at the institution, including the acquisition of $16,000 worth of GAP t-shirts. So polish up your résumé and keep an eye on their job page!
Best-ever gossip blog Ohnotheydidnt reports that Star Wars creator George Lucas is dating Chicago executive and Good Morning America correspondent Melody Hobson
Chicago native Jennifer Hudson won the Academy Award for best supporting actress.
Now that the locally produced General Social Survey completed its 26th run, the New York Times published a sneak peek of the 2006 results. Some interesting findings include a precipitous drop in the percentage of those who have a "great deal of confidence" in the military since 2004, as well as a 50% decline in daily newspaper readership since 1972.
This month's Chicago Magazine contains a funny little feature providing high school portraits of area notables like Dave Eggers, Liz Phair, Harold Ramis and Donald Rumsfeld.
RIP Herb Linneweh, the frugal, mild-mannered retired janitor who stashed $700,000 away in envelopes around his house, to be given to seven charities after his death. Your feel-good story of the day.
How far are you willing to go for a date? Chicago magazine is looking for people to profile in their annual singles feature.
Nice profile of Adrian Holovaty, creator of ChicagoCrime.org and master of the Google mash-up, in the American Journalism Review. What they don't mention is his fine guitar playing.
We do have a love-hate relationship with Capone and The Outfit, don't we? On one hand the mob strengthens our tough big city image, and on the other hand it'd be nice if the tourists would just get over it.
The Mount Prospect Costco turned away disappointed fans and at least one camera crew after it stipulated that William "Refrigerator" Perry could only sign Costco-bought items. (Video has additional details.)
Check out this recent write-up of Thomas Marlow's Chicago Street Studio Project in the Australian media.
Ahead of next month's election, Time takes a look at Mayor Daley and the political environment that has allowed him to reign for so long. (Thanks, Dee.)
It's been an eventful week for Oprah Winfrey. First, a lawsuit was filed against her and her show by a woman who was injured in the stampede to get a good seat at a taping. Then she got ridiculed for her comments in a Newsweek story about her building a school in South Africa regarding why she didn't build one in the US. Then news broke that police had arrested a man who tried to extort $1.5 million from our resident billionaire.
Conscious Choice provides a quick rundown of Chicago's environmental status, including an interview with Mayor Daley.
Interesting article on Augustine Tolton, the first black priest in America, who preached in Quincy and the South Side of Chicago in the late 1800s.
Over at the ESPN Zone, four guys -- including defending champ Jason Pisarik of Lombard -- settled into black leather recliners and got ready for some serious vegging. Their mission is to sit and stare at a television for as long as they can, getting up only for 15 minute breaks every eight hours. If one can last until 8am Thursday, he'll set a new world record.
While I'm sure you've read several national tributes to President Ford, his local connections deserve a mention.
Devin Hester is a top contender for Rookie of the Year, but the contest to squat on his name on the web has already been won, apparently by these guys. At least second place, DevinHester.net, was nabbed by someone local.
If you're looking for a holiday laugh, check out the Tribune's reader-submitted "Scared of Santa" photo gallery. (Link pops due to window resizing.)
The Community Renewal Society is requesting nominations for their 35 Under 35 Leadership Awards. This Chicagoland-oriented award recognizes individuals under the age of 35 who are "using fresh approaches to tackle pressing social issues."
United States Artists, a new nonprofit arts organization, announced its first round of $50,000 fellowship awards, and two Chicagoans are on the list: Nick Cave (no, not that one, this one) and Chris Ware.
Lupe Fiasco's star just keeps rising: GQ named him the Breakout Man of the Year, and he'll be on "the Late Show with David Letterman" tonight. Check Transmission to find out how to see him free at the Park West Friday night.
Milton Friedman, University of Chicago Nobel laureate in economics, passed away today.
Pitchfork has a long, thoughtful obit for Malachi Ritscher. Worth reading. (Thanks, Jen.)
For its Chicago Fame 150, Newcity determined celebrity the 21st century way: it compiled a list of Google hits. Winning by a landslide, Oprah. No surprise there. The methodology does lead to some odd results: surely more people know who Hugh Hefner (19) is than Rod Blagojevich (17)? Still, there are amusing comparisons to be made. Jim DeRogatis (93) handily beats out Greg Kot (136), while Crede (77) slides in one spot above Iguchi (78).
More Obama coverage, this time on the New Yorker's website. (Includes an mp3 of the whole 45-minute interview!)
Meet Lasaadia Jones, the first female varsity football player in Chicago Public League history.
You've got to hand it to Nigerian scammers: they're on top of current affairs. The May Report published an email scam using the George Ryan corruption case as its set-up. [via]
Fran Maher was General Counsel for United Airlines when the September 11 terrorist attacks occurred; today, she heads the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago. With that background, she talked to All Things Considered about the importance of being prepared for disasters. Maher's organization is holding classes this month with that objective: "Get Ready Days" training has already taken place in downtown Chicago, but additional sessions are scheduled next week in Arlington Heights.
Among other things, dating in the MySpace era is complicated by having to announce one's "status" clearly. James Kenler, who owns Chicago's Flameshovel Records, learned that the hard way earlier this year when a friend informed him his now ex-girlfriend switched her profile to "single" after a row; Kenler, on the other hand, thought they were still talking things through. Emblems of modern romance, the two of them told their tale to the Sunday Times. (And, ladies, James followed suit: he's single, too.)
It's been a few weeks since Michelle L'amour showed up on television as a talent show semi-finalist. She didn't win, but, she figures, that's because the judges didn't get what she's about. After all, L'amour tells Newcity, at least one of the three (ahem, Brandy, ahem) is "'horrible and stupid.'"
Li'l Wally, the Polka King, has died; he was 76. Today's Sun-Times runs an obituary; for photos of Wally's later years, see Jolly James's Typepad gallery. Born Walter A. Jagiello, he tore up W. Division in the '40s and '50s; the area was then known as "Polish Broadway." Jagiello was one of the first inductees into the Polka Music Hall of Fame, which is located at 4608 S. Archer. These days, his work is perhaps best known thanks to the White Sox, whose fight song he co-wrote in 1959.
The Music Box Theatre, which recently got a shiny new website, is known, among other things, for its old-timey organ. As for the man behind that organ, Mark Noller, he's apt to be known for taking his work home with him: the Reader treks out to Noller's house in Manteno (south of Peotone, if that helps) and finds his double-wide doubling for, well, the Music Box.
So that Colonel Sanders/Ed Burke separated-at-birth thing we linked to on Consumerist yesterday? Done by friend of GB and Schadenfreude member Justin Kaufmann. We should have recognized his handiwork.
News that Cardinal George would be undergoing surgery for bladder cancer topped what was a very busy news day yesterday. Doctors will be removing his entire bladder today in an effort to keep the aggressive cancer from spreading. And news also broke that Maggie Daley would be undergoing surgery today as well, to remove a "residual tumor" in her breast.
Steven Spielberg received a Golden Hugo for lifetime achievement last night at this year's Chicago International Film Festival awards. And who should make a surprise appearance but Tom Cruise! Is it just me, or does it look like he's going to kiss Spielberg in CBS2's video clip?
In breaking news, the Kennedy is a dangerous place to stand. This morning, two young women stood on the side of the road with a sign reading "Gary." Beyond dangerous, as of 2000, this carried a possible year in jail and $2500 fine. If you're wondering what other crimes can cost you, and don't mind slightly outdated information, check out this chart.
Reader Jennifer noticed an interesting phenomenon at the Intonation Festival last weekend: "I looked around at one point during a set, and realized that just about everyone in my 10 foot radius was wearing the same footwear as their neighbor." Check it out in this Flickr photoset.
You may read our Public Notice column about Craigslist's Missed Connections. If you're absolutely addicted to them, you might be interested in delving deeper behind the scenes. GB staffer Jason Maslanka created a website with audio and video (including an interview with Craigslist founder Craig Newmark) called Connect to try to figure it all out.
Speaking of Goose Island, Chicagoist has an interview with brewmaster Greg Hall, about the brewery's recent business dealings and their latest brews.
The Reader has put up a convenient new section on the police torture case, collecting all of reporter John Conroy's 15 years of coverage, including a who's-who and a profile of the man behind the muscle, John Burge.
Scoopsville: many Lincoln Square residents were surprised to see the governor running all by his lonesome on Lincoln Avenue this morning. Despite running at a good clip and definitely breaking a sweat, I have to say, his hair looked FABULOUS. The same is certainly not true of Judy T, whose hair mystifies more than impresses.
AOL Cityguide is running a beauty contest in a bunch of cities right now: Hottest Bartenders. Cast your votes for the local man and woman of libations. In the meantime, Playboy is looking for the country's hottest bartending ladies for a decidedly less safe-for-work pictorial.
Fans of Chris Ware know he's a big fan of ragtime music, but did you know he can also play it?
Last night, Thrown for a Loop spotted Anthony Bourdain at Pippin's, a bar he describes as "probably one of the worst" in Chicago. Our blogger's summing up of the situation? "It just goes to show that even if you earn a living off of your good taste, the occasional lapse is acceptable."
If you've ever been to Butch McGuire's bar down at Clark & Division, you probably have fond memories of its owner and namesake. Butch passed away recently, and to mourn him, Division Street between Dearborn and State will be closed from 10am to 8pm for his wake. Stop on down and have a drink in the street.
But Chicago designer Jane Hamill believes in Barbie, too.
It's well known that Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel hated each other for much of their career as a film reviewing duo. Someone dug up three outtakes of the pair sparring during the filming of promos for their show. The animosity is palpable.
Bulls guard Ben Gordon is the first NBA player with his own energy drink. Gordon signed with start-up H3Enterprises to create BG7, a white tea-based concoction expected to be on store shelves later this year.