Gapers Block : Merge : Author

Transmission Feature: OFFICE
At Gapers Block: Transmission we're not afraid to embrace music that has nothing to do with shoe-gazing. Read all about Chicago's own indie-pop phenomenon OFFICE, and get ready to have some songs stuck in your head all day long.
Thursday September 20 2007 Gapers

Chicago Olympics Logo Re-Ignited
The City has unveiled it's new Olympics logo, which uses a star from the Chicago flag (yeah, we like that idea around here) in the center of a seemingly torch-like range of colors. I wonder how this is all that different from Chicago's last entry which was disqualified due to the IOC's rules against using official images of the Olympics by bidding cities.
Wednesday September 19 2007 In the News

Is Your Chicago Card Expiring?
Since pinching pennies is the rule of the day with the CTA, make sure your pennies stay right where you put them on your Chicago Card. If you ran out and got a card when they were first offered four years ago, your card might be expiring as early as October 17th (note: this doesn't affect Chicago Card Plus users). To check the status of your card, and to replace it, talk to a customer service agent in person, go online or call 888-968-7282.
Tuesday September 18 2007 Transportation

Transmission Feature: Record Store Favs #6
Before you start only buying your music at Starbucks, don't forget the noble neighborhood record store is ready and willing to help meet your music needs. This week, in our sixth installment, we bring you an inside look at another one of our favorite Chicago record stores.
Thursday September 13 2007 Gapers

Tequila Mockingbird Update
The Sun-Times has a story on seriously injured Windy City Roller Derby skater Tequila Mockingbird (aka Tahirah Johnson). Her proclamation: "I will walk again."
Wednesday September 12 2007 In the News

Cheetah by the Bank
More details on the surprisingly quick Cheetah gym re-openings: the bank that held David Wilshire's loans, MB Financial, will be calling the shots. The Bucktown and Andersonville locations re-open today, Edgewater will be back up by Wednesday.
Sunday September 9 2007 Health/Fitness

Transmission Feature: Rock the Block Party
Heading to the Hideout Block Party this weekend? Still on the fence? Click over to Gapers Block: Transmission to get your party preview on with our guide to the bands hitting Wabansia Ave. Friday and Saturday. (Planning on taking some photos? Load your best into our Transmission Flickr Pool when the weekend's done. Details.)
Thursday September 6 2007 Gapers

Maybe You Can Sign His Cast
All hail the return of encased meats September 12 (and still-healing purveyor Doug Sohn).
Wednesday September 5 2007 Eating/Drinking

Transmission Feature: Ritualistic Review
Today in Transmission we've got a review of the just-released CD/DVD/book capturing the work of Greg Jacobson's Ritualistic School of Errors. It is an experimental time warp back a decade when Jacobson's performances around Chicago were just the kernel of legend. Top 40, this ain't, but it just might blow your mind. (Or at least give you the willies.)
Thursday August 30 2007 Gapers

Nice Tomatoes!
Growing a coffee can tomato plant this summer on your sill? Bring in your best tomatoes to Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba for their "Show Me Your Tomatoes Festival" Saturday 8/25 and compete for a trip to Vegas. Details.
Tuesday August 21 2007 Eating/Drinking

Transmission Ticket Giveaway
If you peek over at Transmission (where we love music and a good deal), you can read all about this Saturday's Queer Fest Midwest, and get the skinny on how you can win a pair of tickets to a full day's worth of awesome musical acts at Pulaski Park Field House.
Tuesday August 21 2007 Gapers

Bicycle Breathing Room
A new state law signed by Gov. Blagojevich this past weekend gives bicyclists something to be happy about: more room. The law allows bicyclists to move further into the travel lane to avoid getting cut off by right-turning cars. It also requires drivers to give bikers three feet of room when passing. To aid in communication, the new law allows bike riders to signal a right turn with the right arm (effectively letting you point to where you're going).
Monday August 20 2007 Transportation

What Not to do with your Wienermobile
Hot dog clogs major artery (and other assorted puns).
Thursday August 9 2007 Offbeat/Misc. Events

Extra, Extra...be an Extra
Get a shot at your 15 minutes in the new Batman movie, and help out a local non-profit tutoring center at the same time. Just volunteer to be an extra from 6am-6pm Friday, Saturday or Sunday ~~this weekend~~ 8/24-8/26 for the latest Dark Knight flick and 826Chicago gets $50 for each day you're out there. Other bonuses: You get two meals, plus snacks; you get tickets for daily raffles and you get your mug in a big police funeral scene in the movie. If you're game, email mara@826chi.org by noon Friday, Aug. 10th with your full name, day or days you are committing to (Friday, Saturday, Sunday), age, race, if you're male or female and a phone number.
Thursday August 9 2007 Film

Transmission Feature: Common's Seventh is #1
Our Transmission feature this week reviews local son Common's latest album, Finding Forever, which, in its short time out of the gate, has landed the artist with a No. 1 spot on the Billboard charts. Read all about it, then come out and tell us what you think at the 5 Star Bar tonight for Transmission Thursdays.
Thursday August 9 2007 Gapers

Some Thoughts on a Music Festival
Didn't make it outside this weekend for Lollapalooza? Read some musings on the weekend over in Transmission. (Got photos? Load up to five of them in the Transmission flickr pool.)
Monday August 6 2007 Gapers

Transmission Feature: Lollapalooza 2007
Sunblock? Check. Water? Check. Ironic T-shirt? Check. Transmission Lollapalooza preview? Right over here. We've got some very hot choices for how to best rock your three days in Grant park this weekend. [Or if you still want to hug the a/c a little longer, head out to the 5 Star Bar tonight for Transmission Thursdays hosted by the very quotable Nilay.]
Thursday August 2 2007 Gapers

Police Now Link 4 Lakeview Attacks
Police are now connecting four assaults that have occurred since April in the Lakeview neighborhood due to similar descriptions of the assailant. These four, however, are not believed to be connected to Sunday's sexual assault on the 3700 block of North Lakewood. The city and the 44th Ward alderman's office are currently adding more lighting to the area, but obviously, this will not completely eliminate the risk of walking alone at night. Free safety seminars will be offered by the area police and the 44th and 43rd Wards alderman's offices on Thursday and next Wednesday (details).
Wednesday August 1 2007 In the News

Transmission Feature: Why We Love Chicago Music
Over at Transmission, we've got the imaginary cake smeared all over our faces because we just turned one year old! To celebrate, this week we decided to let you know just why we love the music that Chicago has to offer. Read our staffers' "Top 3 Chicago Music Loves" and then head out and raise a glass with us tonight at the 5 Star Bar, starting around 9:30pm.
Thursday July 26 2007 Gapers

Podcasting a Muse
If you find yourself wandering Chicago museums this summer (whether alone or with out-of-towners), one thing you can do to spice it up is to add a podcast to the mix. The AIC has a monthly Musecast that discusses its current exhibitions and goings-on. The MCA also has a long list of podcasts about a current exhibition that address multiple pieces, like this one for Escultura Social with bilingual versions.
Friday July 20 2007 Arts/Architecture

Transmission Feature: WLUW
This week over in Transmission, we take an insider's look at the work behind the scenes at community radio station WLUW, which has made the news this week due to its current shaky relationship with Loyola University. Have a read, get involved, and have your say.
Thursday July 19 2007 Gapers

Pitchfork Rewind
We're a little tired, a little sunburned, but we've really got some things to say (good and bad) about this past weekend's Pitchfork Music Festival over at Transmission. Bonus: Pictures galore!
Monday July 16 2007 Gapers

Transmission Feature: Pitchfork Picks
If you're an indie music fan in Chicago, chances are you're already well aware that the 3rd Annual Pitchfork Music Festival kicks off Friday night. A click away in Transmission (where we love to share) we've got our picks for great sets to catch and maybe a little of what to expect (or not) from your favorite artists this weekend. [And if you want to make it a 4-day weekend, start it out tonight at Transmission Thursdays at the 5-Star Bar at 9pm. It's good times!]
Thursday July 12 2007 Gapers

It's a Hell of a Town (in Vermont?)
Well, the people have spoken, and Springfield, Vermont will be the lucky town to host the premier of The Simpsons Movie later this month. Our own Springfield, Illinois was in the running, but, alas, didn't garner enough votes. [Insert bitter Comic Book Guy commentary here, then go get a Squishee.]
Tuesday July 10 2007 In the News

Transmission Feature: Flosstradamus
Nothing's going to fix the fact you're probably back at work today, nursing yourself back to some semblance of consciousness, but we might just take the edge off that hurt with our feature over at Transmission. Check out our interview with sensational local electronica duo Flosstradamus.
Thursday July 5 2007 Gapers

Transmission Feature: Nihilist Records
On this beautiful Thursday, go ahead and click on over to Transmission for our feature this week on Chicago's Nihilist Records. They're really churning out records that really make you think (visually and sonically).
Thursday June 28 2007 Gapers

Transmission Feature: Lesser-Known Labels
See our wee Chicago music blog, Transmission, today for our brand new feature. This week, we sit down with two Chicago music labels you should really get to know better: Waterbug and Fundamental Records. Over the years, they've brought us folk singers Anais Mitchell and Rachel Ries along with the Butthole Surfers and Henry Rollins among many many others. (Oh, and if you're looking for a bit of a good time tonight, try our Transmission Thursdays at the Five Star bar, starting at 9pm.)
Thursday June 21 2007 Gapers

Transmission Feature: Favorites #5
Hey hey, Thursday's here again, and we've got our fifth installment of our series on local record stores over in Transmission. Read about our staff's experiences in Borderline Music as well as the Record Dugout and start your day off right. (You can round out the night with Transmission as well, tonight at the Five Star Bar. Details.)
Thursday June 14 2007 Gapers

Transmission Feature: Blues Fest 2007
Already planning on hitting the Chicago Blues Festival this weekend? On the fence about whether or not to leave the couch at all? Either way, the next step you should take is to click on over to our feature in Transmission this week which gives you some handy-dandy pointers on festival going and blues music appreciating.
Thursday June 7 2007 Gapers

Bicyclist Hit by Brown Line Identified
The 27-year-old man struck and killed by a Brown Line train Sunday has been identified as Milwaukee resident, Lance Lemieux. Witnesses say it appeared the bicyclist did not realize that there were two ground-level tracks at the Rockwell station where the accident occured around 4:30pm yesterday.
Monday June 4 2007 In the News

Transmission Feature: Speaker Art
This week in the ole Transmission blog we've taken a sharp look and listen to an exhibit at the Hyde Park Art Center that melds art and music in a most unusual way — a handmade speaker you can enjoy from the inside out.
Thursday May 31 2007 Gapers

Transmission Feature: Lampo Turns 10
Click over and see in Transmission today we interview Andrew Fenchel, central organizer of Lampo. Just what is Lampo, you ask? Well, it's a little bit musical experimentation and a little bit of auditory magic, and they're about to have their 100th show.
Thursday May 24 2007 Gapers

Transmission Feature: CIP Records
Today's brand-new feature on Transmission gives you a rare look at one of Chicago's lesser-known music labels: CIP Records. Check out our interview with founder (and musician) Blake Edwards, and keep an eye out for your chance to win some free CDs today, courtesy of CIP. [Bonus Transmission: Starting tonight, come out and check out our brand new Thursday night Transmission Event at the Five Star. Details.]
Thursday May 17 2007 Gapers

Transmission Feature: The Narrator
Check out what we have to say about Chicago band, The Narrator, in this week's feature in Transmission (for those of you who like to rock). They've got a new album out, and we even get a moment to talk to the frontman, who's also half of the hard-working local label Flameshovel.
Thursday May 10 2007 Gapers

Derby Day Approches
Saturday marks the 133rd running of the Kentucky Derby (as well as Cinco de Mayo), and if you like double-fisting mint juleps and margaritas, there are plenty of bars that can accommodate you. If you want to get out to the track, but can't afford the bus fare to Louisville, however, you can take advantage of a coupon for free admission to Arlington Park racetrack in today's Red Eye, just outside the city limits, and on the Metra rail. This week's Time Out also has an interesting article about the park's brand new state-of-the-art track, designed to keep the horses healthy (after several were fatally injured last year).
Thursday May 3 2007 Sports/Recreation

Transmission Feature: Internet Radio's Silencing
This week in Transmission, we delve into the hot topic of internet radio and the proposed hike in royalty fees that may end many small-scale broadcasts around the nation. Read all about the issue here, and if you've got an internet radio show and a story to tell about how you'll be affected by the fee hike, let us know at transmission (at) gapersblock (dot) com.
Thursday May 3 2007 Gapers

Butts...out!
The Illinois House of Representatives have approved a state-wide smoking ban in nearly all businesses. As soon as Governor Blagojevich signs it into law (as he is expected to) the ban will go into effect January 1, 2008 which preempts Chicago's ban by a good six months.
Tuesday May 1 2007 In the News

Transmission Feature: Some Sea and Cake
Today in Transmission, check out our interview with Chicago's Sam Prekop, frontman of the fabulous Sea and Cake as he dishes about the band and their new album, Everybody. [Also, won't you make some stickers or buttons for us?]
Thursday April 26 2007 Gapers

Track That Bus!
Starting this summer, the CTA has announced that it will expand its GPS-enabled bus tracking system to all North side buses that come into contact with the three-track operations on the Red, Brown and Purple lines.
Monday April 23 2007 Transportation

Transmission Feature, and a Bonus
Today in Transmission we warm you up with not two, not three, but four reviews of Chicago blues. It's not what you think, however. You may just have to read more to find out (hint hint). Also, today we launch a new semi-regular Transmission blog feature, Bands You Missed detailing the life (and death) of a local band. Check it.
Thursday April 19 2007 Gapers

Transmission Feature: Low and Loney, Dear
You could stay inside all day tomorrow and avoid spilling salt, black cats, and walking under ladders. Or you could head out to the Metro and check out Low and Loney, Dear. In the Transmission feature this week, we've given you a whole earful of reasons why these two groups' new albums are worth hearing, and why their live show will be worth the risk of venturing out on Friday the 13th.
Thursday April 12 2007 Gapers

You Got Your Indie Rock on My Sticker!....
...You got your button in my hip hop! We've announced details for our first ever Gapers Block: Transmission button and sticker design contest! The nitty gritty details are over here.
Tuesday April 10 2007 Gapers

Transmission Feature: New Jazz
Today, brace yourself against the wind and get ready for some noteworthy new albums from some big names, new names, and old names in jazz just a click away in Transmission. We've got reviews of new releases from Atavistic, Concord Records, and one self-release by the band themselves. Check them out, and brighten up your day, one note at a time.
Thursday April 5 2007 Gapers

Fan of Foie Gras Fined
Yup, it's official. Hot Doug was on trial, and Hot Doug lost. But, he's only out the minimum fine of $250 for illegally selling foie gras (encased, of course) under a 7-month old City of Chicago ban.
Thursday March 29 2007 Eating/Drinking

Transmission Feature: Arbouretum
Don't check the spelling, check the rock in our Thursday feature over at Transmission: Baltimore's Arbouretum. (Then check them out at the Empty Bottle tonight!)
Thursday March 29 2007 Gapers

Transmission Feature: 5 Reviews for You
Today we've got a fistful of new music by some of the best Chicago (adopted or native) artists around. Click on over to our favorite lil' music page, Transmission, and head on out to your favorite local music store to get in on all the fun between your ears.
Thursday March 22 2007 Gapers

Catch Up on Your SXSW Stories
In case you haven't been keeping up, we've now got a handy dandy one-stop link to all of the exclusive, drama-filled SXSW 2007 Tour Diaries from Chicago buzz bands Office and Catfish Haven over at Transmission. Scroll down the Transmission page just past Tape Findings, or just click here to get the dish from Austin, TX.
Monday March 19 2007 Gapers

Transmission: A Feature and A Diary
Today at Transmission (where we love to rock), we've got some fresh beats for you. Click over and read the first of many SXSW tour diary entries from Chicago buzzworthy band Office who've just arrived in Austin, Texas for some serious rockin' (keep your eye on the blog for more entries as the week goes on). Also, it's Thursday, so you know we've got a fresh feature for you. This week, it's an insightful interview with local spinner DJ Major Taylor. Click, dance, click!
Thursday March 15 2007 Gapers

Transmission Feature: Record Stores #4
Hello, sunshine! How's it going? Want to check out some record stores that may not be on your beaten path? Head on over to Transmission (where we love music) to read about George's Music Room and Permanent Records, two of our latest reviewed Chicagoland record stores.
Thursday March 8 2007 Gapers

Transmission Contest: See and Hear
We're doing a little DVD giveaway over in Transmission. Wanna win?
Monday February 26 2007 Gapers

Transmission Feature: Chicago Classics
Today's Thursday feature in Transmission (our music-obsessed side) takes a gander at two CD/DVD combo releases from Chicago blues and jazz label Delmark. Legend Jimmy Burns gets the fire stoked hot at B.L.U.E.S. while the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble grooves out in their loft with some rather interesting production details. Keep a sharp eye out today in Transmission and you might just have some new music to hear (and watch) for free.
Thursday February 22 2007 Gapers

Transmission Feature: Bobby Conn
Today in Transmission, besides the best Chicago music news and events coverage, we've got a review of Chicago's own wild entertainer Bobby Conn's latest album King for a Day. Make sure you keep an eye over there today for your chance to get a little somfin' somfin' from your buddies here at Gapers Block.
Thursday February 15 2007 Gapers

Transmission Feature: Love for Vinyl
A week of sub-zero temps got you stir crazy yet? Check out this week's Transmission feature on two more of our favorite local record stores for some inspiration to get out from under the covers and get outside.
Thursday February 8 2007 Gapers

Psst
Free stuff to be had over in Transmission.
Thursday February 1 2007 Gapers

Transmission Feature: Eternals and Skybox
Start your February off with a dose of Transmission! Today's feature's got not one, but two Chicago bands you should check out as soon as possible, The Eternals and Skybox. (And if you keep a sharp eye out today, we might just be able to hook you up.)
Thursday February 1 2007 Gapers

Transmission Feature: The Unheard Music
Your favorite place for Chicago music, Gapers Block: Transmission, gives you the lowdown on the best of Chicago's Atavistic music label's Unheard Music Series today. Tune it in!
Thursday January 18 2007 Gapers

Transmission Contest: Free plus plus
Who wants to groove out for free on Friday? Check Transmission for your chance.
Wednesday January 17 2007 Gapers

Until Justice Rolls Down Like Waters
To honor the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, the Metro, The Peace Museum and Sacred Heart Schools have launched an exhibition that pays tribute to the life and work of the Nobel Prize-winning civil rights leader. The show emphasizes his work in Chicago, and runs January 16-24 in the 6200 House at Sacred Heart Schools at 6250 N. Sheridan. Remember that respecting the work of Dr. King shouldn't stop after today, his birthday.
Monday January 15 2007 Politics/Activism

Evanston Siren May Sound for Snow
At what point can you tell when that magical "snow emergency" level of precipitation has been met? The city of Evanston is considering bringing back a practice of sounding its emergency sirens at the start of a snow emergency, thus alerting its residents that they need to move their car from prohibited streets. In the meantime, and perhaps important to know this weekend, there's a hotline, a website, TV and radio stations that let you know when a snow emergency is in effect. In Chicago, it's a little harder to figure out.

In placing a call to 311 today, I was told that they announce that a snow emergency has been declared on "the TV and the radio," but when I pressed for more information about which stations and who with the City might be telling the tow truck drivers to head out there, I was told to check Weather.com. Once I talked to a supervisor, I was told to check CLTV (channel 10), "any of the radio stations" or the Department of Transportation website (which has nothing about snow, maybe they meant Streets and Sanitation?). My best advice is to probably move your car from a "no parking during a snow emergency" street first, start counting the inches second. But maybe that's their plan all along.
Friday January 12 2007 In the News

No Butts About It
State Senator John Cullerton (D-Chicago) proposed legislation today to ban smoking in Illinois. The proposed bill would require all indoor public places, including all places of employment, to be smoke-free (with some exceptions). It would go into effect January 1, 2008 and would preempt the Chicago ordinance that gives some bars until July 2008 to go smoke-free.
Thursday January 11 2007 In the News

Transmission Feature: So and So's
Transmission (our lil' local music blog) has all the details on the Indie Indy band Margot and the Nuclear So and So's who take the stage at Schubas tonight as a part of the Tomorrow Never Knows Festival.
Thursday January 11 2007 Gapers

Details about CTA Construction
"You should budget at least double the amount of time to get home and 50 percent additional time to get to work." Oh, good.
Wednesday January 10 2007 Transportation

And Nau for Something Completely Different
The February issue of Outside magazine (with Shaun White on the cover) has a great article about Portland-based start-up outdoor clothing company Nau, which is about to open stores online and nation-wide this spring (including a Chicago spot). This isn't your standard jacket and ski goggle venture, however. Not willing to add to the petroleum-based synthetic fibers that are at the core of most outdoor clothing, they've spent millions creating breathable, beautiful and strong fabrics from unusual sources. They've got gorgeous jackets made from recycled soda bottles and silky base layers made from corn (no, really!). Look to buy online at the end of January, or in person at their Chicago store (one of only a four total to open this spring) which is due to open in mid-April in Lincoln Park, at 2118 N. Halsted.
Wednesday January 10 2007 Business/Shopping

"Beach Babe" Obama?
Note to self: if you say not to do something, everyone's going to want to do it. Senator Barack Obama might be learning this lesson right now, after commenting about a People magazine spread of "Beach Babes" that features his familiar face and not-so-familiar shirtless body. He's called the picture, taken while he was on vacation in Hawaii, "embarassing" and told folks to "stop looking at it."
Wednesday January 10 2007 In the News

Knitting Winter Delight
Resolved to learn something new, or just get your hands in some yarn—either way, head over to the Winter Delights Stitching Salon now through February at the Chicago Tourism Center. There will be lunchtime knitting, knitting movies, special classes for all skill levels and lots of like-minded yarn addicts around to fuel your obsession. Many details online, but most important is, it's free.
Thursday January 4 2007 Arts/Architecture

Transmission Feature: A Look Back Over Our Shoulders
Over at our sweet lil' Chicago music blog, Transmission, we've got our best musical memories from 2006 laid out for you. Enjoy the nostalgia as we look forward to another great year in Chicago music, just around the corner.
Thursday December 28 2006 Gapers

Transmission Contest: Who's a VIP?
The short answer is: you. The long answer is: whoever follows the steps over at Transmission.
Thursday December 21 2006 Gapers

Transmission Feature: Chicago Roots
It's not hard to think that Chicago's musical past is still very much actively influencing bands today, but the Chicago History Museum has made it much easier to explore that history in a new exhibit, "Chicago Roots Music." Check out the Transmission feature today to learn more about how everything from the pulpit to the street corner has influenced our local sound.
Thursday December 21 2006 Gapers

Another Day, Another CTA Problem
Expect trouble tonight if you're heading out on the Orange Line train to Midway, or the Green Line. Around noon today, an Orange Line train derailed on the northbound tracks near the Roosevelt Road station. Around 150 people were safely evacuated via the fire department's "snorkel basket" (who knew?), and no one was seriously hurt, but commuting is not going to be pretty tonight.
Tuesday December 19 2006 Transportation

Transmission Contest: Utah Carol redux
pssst! Look over at Transmission. (In fact, you may want to keep checking all week long.)
Tuesday December 19 2006 Gapers

No, We Don't Take Myrrh (or Discover)
Good to know that even Jesus has trouble shopping for some of his relatives this time of year. Check him out as he hits the Mag Mile. [via and by]
Tuesday December 19 2006 Found on the Web

Choose Your Own Card-venture
If you're just not finding a card that says it all for you, then why not fill in your own words? Loaded Blanks are a series of cards created by two Chicagoans: cartoonist Ezra Claytan Daniels and punk rocker Heather Kortan and drawn by young cartoonists where you can fill in the speech bubbles for the characters and items depicted on the front and inside. Themes range from a spelunking Santa to a Hanukkah journey to that one card perfect for the Apocalypse. You can find them at Chicago stores Chicago Comics, Quimby's Books and Women and Children First as well as online.
Thursday December 14 2006 Business/Shopping

Transmission Feature: Give This
The crunch is on for holiday gift giving, and what better to give to your Chicago music lover than Chicago music that they'll love? Check out the Transmission staff's picks for musical gifts for nearly every situation. Got a baby mama, a dub lover, a live music rocker or a Chicago noob on your list? We've got you covered.
Thursday December 14 2006 Gapers

Falling Concrete Snarls Commute
Concrete at a construction site hurt multiple pedestrians late this afternoon, but luckily none seriously. The cleanup, however, is hurting the evening commute, especially southbound buses in the Loop. A street closure at State and Randolph is forcing multiple routes, including the No.10, No.29, No.36, No.62, No.144 and No.146 to be rerouted. Northbound buses are not affected, according to the CTA. Update: The Trib's reporting that bus reroutes have been restored to normal, as of 6pm.
Wednesday December 13 2006 In the News

Obama Makes with the Funny
If you were watching that killer Bears v. Rams game last night on ESPN's Monday Night Football. Your heart might have jumped a bit when Senator Barack Obama came on to address viewers. It was just a tease of course, which ended with the donning of a Bears cap and a big smile. Catch it [YouTube].
Tuesday December 12 2006 Radio/TV

Transmission Feature: Chicago mp3 blogs
It's way too cold to leave the comfort of your computer today, so click over to Transmission to read about our favorite Chicago mp3 blogs. There's a plea for dancing, a tasty mountain, a love of jam (bands), cake, polka, sunsets, cover songs and links to lots of music you'll want to hear before everyone else does.
Thursday December 7 2006 Gapers

NYC Beats Chicago to a Fat Ban
Well, we might have been the first city to propose a ban on the use of trans fats in restaurants, but we're not the first to pass legislation.
Wednesday December 6 2006 In the News

Give a Little Piece of Chicago for Xmas
Now you can shop for Chicago skyline ornaments, calendars and El map neckties from the warm comfort of your computer. Three City of Chicago stores have gone online to bring you Chicago-themed holiday items, apparel, audio and video, and even some relics from the city's past including wares from the Cultural Center, Gallery 37 and the City of Chicago store on Pearson. Proceeds from sales support the Department of Cultural Affairs, free public programming and the programs of Gallery 37.
Monday December 4 2006 Business/Shopping

Transmission Contest: For a Lucky Baker's Dozen
Check out our local music blog Transmission for your chance at a free pack of autographed CDs, (plus more!) from our featured band, Utah Carol!
Thursday November 30 2006 Gapers

In December, Winter Parking Rules
Don't forget that as of 3am on December 1 (tonight), Chicago's Winter Parking rules go into effect. Some streets sport the complete ban on parking from 3am–7am Dec. 1–April 1, regardless of snowfall. Other streets let you park as long as there's less than 2 inches of snow on the ground, but if it snows enough, you can get in trouble any time of the day. Take care, check the snow-filled weather forecast, and move your sweet ride before the city does it for you.
Thursday November 30 2006 Transportation

Transmission Feature: Utah Carol
A "Utah Carol" is: A: The nickname for a gal from one of the western states. B: A song about a cowboy who dies in a stampede. C: A snappy singer-songwriter duo that you're not listening to (yet). D: All of the above. Get the answer now in Transmission's Thursday feature.
Thursday November 30 2006 Gapers

Holla Back, Chitown
The Trib has an article about online sites where victims of street harassment can vent and call out their attackers. A small sidebar to the piece ~~fails to~~ mentions the Chicago version of the original NYC site, called HollaBack Chicago. There, you can read and submit experiences with unwelcome advances, leerings, gropings, and the like, and even send in pictures if you happen to snap one.
Wednesday November 29 2006 Weblogs

Red Line Power Troubles
Attention there, Loop commuters. As of 3:51pm this afternoon, the CTA is alerting customers to a rather sticky problem with the northbound Red Line at the Jackson station which is rippling north. Northbound Red Line trains are (as of this posting) being rerouted onto the elevated structure between Roosevelt and Fullerton, with no additional shuttles running. The current Loop stops are as follows: Roosevelt, all stations along Wabash and Lake, Merchandise Mart, then trains will run express to Fullerton to resume regular northbound routing to Howard. Southbound Red Line service is not affected. [UPDATE: As of 5:24pm, Red Line Northbound service is running normally, but still expect some delays.]
Tuesday November 28 2006 Transportation

Transmission Feature: 5 for Review
Today, get a quintuple dose of music news you can use at Transmission. Two writers tackle five of the best new jazz and blues releases from two solid Chicago music labels. What longtime, now lost, South Side bar was the home to one of the best blues recordings? What prolific local jazz saxophonist is still churning out winners at an amazing rate? Check it out at your stop for Chicago music, Transmission.
Thursday November 16 2006 Gapers

Sexual Assault in Logan Square
An unfortunate call for extra caution when traveling alone, a woman was attacked as she walked home late Sunday night from the Logan Square blue line stop. The crime occurred at the 2700 block of North Albany Avenue, and the assailant was described as a Hispanic male wearing a white turtleneck and blue jeans. If you have any information, please call Grand Central Area detectives at (312) 746-8282.
Monday November 13 2006 In the News

Another Bid Bites the Dust
Today, San Francisco officially dropped out of the contest to become the U.S. nominee for Olympic host in 2016. The city lost serious face last week when the 49ers decided to move the team's stadium to Silicon Valley, effectively dissing San Francisco in the eyes of the Olympic Committee. Chicago will now compete head-to-head with Los Angeles, in an effort to get the USOC to like them best.
Monday November 13 2006 In the News

Check Your Labels
A manufacturer of acetaminophen (you might call it Tylenol, but this concerns the generic pain reliever) has recalled over 11 million bottles of its product after finding small metal fragments in a portion of a batch. If you bought 500mg acetaminophen at any of these retailers, the FDA has released a list of affected batch numbers which can be checked on your bottle. If you have questions, you can call Perrigo, the manufacturer, at (877) 546-0454.
Thursday November 9 2006 In the News

Transmission Feature: Joe Pernice
Today on Transmission, and tonight at Schubas, check out Joe Pernice and his band, the Pernice Brothers. Plus, time to get something for nothing, just check Transmission for details.
Thursday November 9 2006 Gapers

Transmission: Found Tapes
Lovers of cassettes, divers of dumpsters, lend us your ears! Starting today, and running every few weeks on Mondays, the Transmission blog will feature tapes found in and around Chicago by RJ Porter. Check out the inaugural Transmission blog's Found Tapes feature right now. (Got a cool tape to share? email us at transmission {at} gapersblock {dot} com.)
Monday November 6 2006 Gapers

Transmission Feature: Record Stores 2
Which Chicago record stores do we love? Where can you buy records at 2a.m.? What store installed a drive-up window? More importantly, which one thinks they have the best looking employees? Read this week's feature in Transmission to find out.
Thursday November 2 2006 Gapers

Freshman Arrested After Online Threat
A Niles West High School freshman was arrested today after FBI, Skokie police and school officials were notified by the administrators of Wikipedia after they discovered a troubling entry on the school's page. The entry was never posted, but because it "made violent threats specific to Niles West (High School) on Halloween," additional security was put in place at the school today.
Tuesday October 31 2006 In the News

Catching some ZZZ's (on camera)
The "Going Public" column in the Red Eye today talks to Yvonne Doll, a part-time cell phone photo snapper whose passion for photography has translated into a new web site Sleepyurbanite.com. For three months she has been taking pictures of slumping CTA riders who use their commute to catch up on sleep — whichever way they can. Droolers, beware!
Tuesday October 31 2006 Weblogs

Transmission Feature: Xiu Xiu
Read all about Jamie Stewart of Xiu Xiu's YouTube confessions, the group's "nothing is off-limits" approach to art, and how Weezer influenced their experimental rock in today's Transmission feature.
Thursday October 26 2006 Gapers

Blue Bags Dead, Long Live the Bins
After 11 years of trying to make it work, Mayor Daley has finally announced the end to the city's oft neglected blue bag recycling program. Instead, there's a seven ward pilot program in the works to use curbside bins in place of the rarely used blue plastic bags for recycling paper, glass, plastic and cans. The new bin color? Blue, of course.
Wednesday October 25 2006 In the News

Patty Burger Preview
I had a chance to go downtown and sample some of the much hyped and much awaited Patty Burger offerings last night, and my feelings are rather lukewarm about the whole place. Much smaller than I imagined, there were no promised milkshake samples, or fries, and I was not blown away by these wunderburgers at all.

The burgers are fine, really. The meat seems to be of slightly better quality than other fast food offerings, but "The Sauce" seems to be only a slightly tangy thousand island dressing, and the cheese was rather blah. The burgers without cheese, in fact, tasted better. You can pay an extra buck (on top of your $3.29 single burger) and get bacon or avocado as a topping, and McD doesn't do that, but is that the key to a successful hamburger establishment?

All the rumors of Patty Burger being the closest thing to the beloved In-N-Out Burgers just don't seem to be true. It's a good burger, but it ain't all that. I imagine the spot will do fine, since it's right in front of the Art Institute, and it'll make its money on delivery (with a $.49 per item delivery charge), but expect crowds even when it's not lunch time since the place is tiny and C-shaped which leads me to think it'll bottleneck fast. Check out some pictures of the space, the menu prices and the burgers at our flickr.

Wednesday October 25 2006 Eating/Drinking

The Meter and Mehr Move to Memphis
Transmission has the scoop on music critic Bob Mehr leaving the Chicago Reader.
Friday October 20 2006 In the News

Transmission Feature: The Changes
Over at Transmission, our Thursday feature profiles young up-and-coming Chicago band The Changes. Learn about how they got not one, but two indie labels to represent them, their love of Color Me Badd and about their comparisons to The Beatles.
Thursday October 19 2006 Gapers

O'Hare to Get Jet Blue
Yesterday, discount airline Jet Blue announced that they will start flying out of O'Hare no later than January 2007. They've been trying to get into the airport since 2002, and now have FAA approval, but haven't yet announced destinations for their four daily flights. (At that time of year, I'm hoping that all their planes go someplace nice and warm.)
Tuesday October 17 2006 Transportation

Transmission Feature: Lily Allen
Don't know the difference between what's Chav and what's Grime? Get schooled about it in this week's Transmission feature which is hot, now!
Thursday October 12 2006 Gapers

Nibbling Ankles in Glenview
Seems that the latest residents of the new $1 billion development in Glenview are a mess o' snapping turtles. The tough-jawed (and "pugnacious") reptiles found their way to the private lake by navigating the storm pipes. It sounds like these snappers are the friendlier sort, rather than their cousin the alligator snapping turtle, but you still should limit yourself to looking, and not touching.
Thursday October 5 2006 In the News

Transmission Feature: Bloodshot at 10
This week's Transmission feature takes a critical look at Chicago record label Bloodshot's 10th Anniversary DVD, due out on Tuesday. Check out our exclusive clip of one of the DVD's featured performances!
Thursday October 5 2006 Gapers

Really Quick Review: Sheba Cafe
Saturday night, in search of good Ethiopian food, I headed to a locale smaller than my regular haunts. What I found was a splendid, low-key alternative to the often long weekend lines up Broadway. Sheba Cafe (or Queen of Sheba Cafe as it is also known) is a fine little spot just north of Balmoral on Broadway in Edgewater. The menu is filled with yummy and cheap meat and veggie dishes ($6-$12), along with some quite good deals on combination platters ($13 for 4 items). We chowed down on deliciously flavorful beg tibs (lamb) and misir wat (red lentils), yellow split-peas, tikil gomen (cabbage with potatoes and carrots) and a dish of shimbera fitfit (mashed chickpeas with garlic). Everything was lovingly prepared by our cook/hostess who disappeared in the back while delicious smells arose from the kitchen. It's BYOB, so that cut our bill down, but in comparison to other Ethiopian restaurants on the strip, this one cost us half as much for a similar table full of food.
Monday October 2 2006 Eating/Drinking

Transmission Contest: Branches and the Beat
Over at Transmision, we've got a lil' contest going. Who wants some free tickets and a CD?
Friday September 29 2006 Gapers

Transmission Feature: Record Store Favorites
The Thursday feature in Transmission is just the beginning of our new monthly series of Chicago record store reviews. Check out our staff picks for some of the best local places to buy music. This week: Gramaphone Records and Laurie's Planet of Sound.
Thursday September 28 2006 Gapers

"Tokyo Rose" Dies
Often when I'm walking past J. Toguri Mercantile on Belmont, I'm reminded of a story that the only American accused of being "Tokyo Rose" lives there, above the store owned by her family. But yesterday, Iva Toguri D'Aquino, who was convicted and later pardoned of being World War II propagandist "Tokyo Rose," died at the age of 90.
Wednesday September 27 2006 In the News

CTA Closures Cancelled
If you'd planned your weekend around the CTA's scheduled closures of Brown Line stops at Kedzie and Rockwell, well, make other (other) plans. Due to forecasted heavy rains, the CTA's betting it won't be able to get its excavation work done at those stops this weekend. The stations will be open, and as a result, the free shuttle that was going to take passengers from Western to Kimball has also been cancelled.
Friday September 22 2006 Transportation

Transmission Contest: Bound Stems
Wanna hear our featured artist tonight for free? Someone's getting lucky. Details in Transmission.
Friday September 22 2006 Gapers

Transmisssion Feature: Bound Stems
Gapers Block: Transmission has your local music fix. This week we interviewed Chicago's Bound Stems and talked all about how this great city has influenced their music on their very first full-length album, out now.
Thursday September 21 2006 Gapers

Illinois Not Safe From Bad Spinach
An elderly woman in LaSalle County was counted as Illinois' first casualty in a nation-wide problem with contaminated spinach. Over 100 people in 21 states have been made ill due to E. coli on spinach leaves. The FDA is warning consumers not to eat any fresh spinach for the time being.
Monday September 18 2006 In the News

Picture of a Renegade (Craft Fair)
Did you snap some pictures of this past weekend's Renegade Craft Fair in Wicker Park? If you were a shopper or a vendor who braved the nice (then kinda bad) weather, you should add to the photos going up on Flickr in the Renegade Craft Fair group. I'm hoping someone got a pic of that dude in leopard shorts on the skateboard. Update: Yeah, someone did.
Monday September 18 2006 Photography

Transmission Feature: Smog Veil Records
Click over to the Gapers Block: Transmission page for our Thursday feature on Chicago's Smog Veil Records. Read about Ohio's punk roots transplanted, their green dream and a man named THOR.
Thursday September 14 2006 Gapers

At Transmission: What a Deal
Wanna see a great show at a cheap price tonight? Head on over to Transmission for the skinny.
Tuesday September 12 2006 Gapers

Most Newsworthy T-shirt Company
A wee bit late to the party, the Trib has a long article all about this Threadless t-shirt phenomenon we've heard so much about lately.
Tuesday September 12 2006 In the News

Threadless Television
You know your business has made it when you're on CNN. Local t-shirt design competition gurus Jake and Jacob of Skinny Corp and Threadless fame were on Anderson Cooper 360 this week. I bet it was Zach Braff who tipped Cooper about it. [via Coudal]
Thursday September 7 2006 Business/Shopping

Transmission Feature: Time to Hideout
Already got your tickets to the Hideout Block Party this weekend? Still wavering? If you need a lil' push, or just an idea of how to spend your time, read up on some of our highlights for the weekend's entertainment over at Transmission.
Thursday September 7 2006 Gapers

Name that Lemon and Lime
Local purveyor of cute pickle-and-meat-themed cuddlers Mr. Pickles is sponsoring a contest to name two of its characters: the Scurvy Friends. Declaring September as Scurvy Prevention Month, they've got their new calendar ready for download, along with the details for the contest on their website. (Also look for their table at next week's Renegade Craft Fair in Wicker Park.)
Wednesday September 6 2006 Business/Shopping

The Best of What You're Not Clicking
Congrats to Chicago blogs (and FoGB) Bookslut and Coudal Partners who were chosen by PCmagazine as part of their list of the Top 99 Websites You Don't Know About. Of course, we know, and we love.
Tuesday September 5 2006 Found on the Web

Transmission Feature: Talking Girl Talk
Hey, it's Thursday, which means a brand new feature over at our music blog, Transmission. Check it out!
Thursday August 31 2006 Gapers

Psst!
Check out what's going on at Gapers Block: Transmission for a chance at free stuff!
Friday August 25 2006 Gapers

A Fish By Any Other Name...
The Patagonian toothfish found its popularity rose dramatically after it was renamed Chilean sea bass, and now chefs lead the fight to save it. Experts in Illinois are now proposing that, instead of using electric barriers, if we would rename the Asian carp, say "silver cod", it would be what's for dinner tonight.
Thursday August 24 2006 Outdoors/Environment

We're #1! (But not in a good way)
A Lundberg Survey completed last week shows that U.S. gas prices rose a penny, giving us a national average up $1.06 since July 21. While the cheapest place to get your tank topped off in the country is in Charleston, S.C., the most expensive place is, you guessed it, right here in Chicago at an average whopping $3.29 per gallon. The good news? It's so nice out, let's all go ride a bike.
Monday August 14 2006 In the News

From Snakes to Snap
Tomorrow night, you can hit the first in a series of fundraisers for the independent feature film, Snap, at the Double Door. The headlining band, Baldwin Brothers, is featured on the upcoming Samuel L. Jackson movie soundtrack for Snakes on a Plane (um, you might have heard something about it), for which they produced a remix of the All American Rejects song "Can't Take It." For more details, check Transmission.
Tuesday August 8 2006 Music/Clubs

A Transmission from GB
Hopefully, it's music to your ears — Gapers Block is proud to relaunch our local music coverage in the form of Transmission, now with a shiny new home. There, you'll find plenty of music-oriented features, news items, previews, reviews and the head's up on what will be your new favorite band. This week: we give you our favorites to check out at Pitchfork Music Festival along with lots of other good stuff going on around town. Got a band/album/kazoo parade you'd like for us to know about? Send a note to transmission (at) gapersblock (dot) com.
Thursday July 27 2006 Gapers

Third Coast vs. West Coast
The U.S. Olympic Committee has knocked Philadelphia and Houston out of the running for the U.S. bid for the 2016 Summer Games. Chicago must now bring the specifics together to complete its proposal by this fall, and try to outshine San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Wednesday July 26 2006 In the News

Threadless Ink
When you really love that Threadless tshirt design so much, that you never want to take it off...get it tattooed.
Wednesday July 26 2006 Found on the Web

Chair People VS. Blanket People
Tonight marks the start of this year's Chicago Outdoor Film Festival, just in time to coincide with a break in the heat (kind of). Make sure to leave your dog and bring your bike and always be respectful of your neighbors. All the Rebels (with or without causes) check out the details in Slowdown.
Tuesday July 18 2006 Film

Watch For Falling Rock
We warned you it was coming, and now it's out: Sufjan Stevens' album Avalanche, full of 75 more minutes of songs about Illinois (or Illinoise, if you prefer). And if you want it live, tickets for Sufjan's September 26th show at the Riv go on sale Saturday.
Wednesday July 12 2006 Music/Clubs

A Night of Metal on Us!
Another quick contest! If you're ready to blast away the hangover of a long holiday weekend with some heavy metal tomorrow night at the Double Door, then be the first one to email us at inbox@gapersblock.com with the subject "Metal!". You and a guest will get in to see local band Bible of the Devil along with Priestess (listen). Plus, the winner gets a signed Priestess CD and a really cool free t-shirt from Tank Theory. {Update: Congrats to Mark, who likes to Rawk!}
Wednesday July 5 2006 Music/Clubs

Break Out Your Fry Daddy
One thing you probably won't find at the Taste this year are Deep Fried Brats. But you could make your own.
Wednesday June 28 2006 Eating/Drinking

3 Penny Cinema Can't Make a Buck
Lincoln Park's 3 Penny Cinema owes $100,000 to the City of Chicago in back taxes, and the city has now closed the movie house as a result. Sadly, this is the second closing of an independant movie theater on the same block of Lincoln Avenue. In 2004, the historic Biograph ceased to operate as a movie house, but plans to reopen as a live theatre venue. Hopefully, a similar, non-condo fate awates the 3 Penny. [Thanks, Mac!]
Monday June 26 2006 In the News

Plan Your Lolla Weekend
We're not even through this weekend's Intonation Music Festival, which will mark the start of Chicago's three big alterna-music fests this year, but you can already plan out how you're going to spend every half hour of the first weekend in August. Lollapalooza promoters have released the schedule of performances and you can even customize your own and share it with friends. Even with three days to play with, there are going to be some hard choices to make: Queens of the Stone Age or Wilco? Kanye or Manu Chao? Calexico or Lyrics Born? Ah, decisions, decisions.
Thursday June 22 2006 Music/Clubs

Radiohead on the Radio
Another place to catch Radiohead is on Sound Opinions on Chicago Public Radio this weekend. They scored an interview with Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood this week, complete with some songs played on the studio piano. Catch it at 7pm Saturday or

Today

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From the Archives

Anne Holub