Author: Ellen Hayes

Thursday, 08 18 2005

Sam's Air & Water Show "Survival Pack"

Stop by Sam's Wine & Spirits this weekend on your way to the Air & Water Show and pick up a "Survival Pack". The kit includes two chilled bottles of wine, a corkscrew, four plastic cups, bottled water, cheese snacks and nuts, all in an easy to carry bag. Also included is a BYO wine bag for two bottles, a great insulated, reusable bag to transport wine. Email toddhess@samswine.com for this $49 offer, and pick it up on the way to the show on Saturday or Sunday.

- 18.08.05 ~ Eating/Drinking

Thursday, 08 11 2005

Free Organic Herbs/Veggies!

Sound too good to be true? Well we're in luck: head over to the greenhouse at Kilbourn Park until Friday, August 12th, and feel free to pick what's left of the organic bounty leftover from the plant sale that happens close to Mother's Day. Earlier this week, basil was available in large supply, along with cabbage, tomatillos, and possibly a new round of cherry tomatoes. Read the thread over at the (foodie) LTH Forum, and check out the park info here.

- 11.08.05 ~ Outdoors/Environment

Wednesday, 05 25 2005

Sam's Wine & Spirits: Web Updates

GB reported on the various violations and allegations against Sam's Wine & Spirits over the last few months. After a visit to the website to check on scotch prices, it is apparent many changes were made. First off, the Rosen family addresses the charges in an open letter to all customers. Next up, online shopping is expanded and customer accounts allow for easier searching and shopping. Lastly, the wine blog has moved locations, which means our old link is no longer active.

- 25.05.05 ~ Found on the Web

Friday, 05 20 2005

"Be" Came Home for Inspiration

Next Tuesday, Common's new album, "Be" drops, with upcoming shows at the House of Blues in June. Common, born Lonnie Rashid Lynn, decided it was time to come home to find inspiration for this album. He paired up with our city's hottest producer, Kanye West, and some great local talent to record his new album. The result is a return to his underground roots, including a collaboration with John Mayer.

- 20.05.05 ~ Music/Clubs

Wednesday, 05 11 2005

A Science Fair or Marathon Dining?

Not one, but two large scale articles on the latest food trend in Chicago, matching science and dining. First, the NYT ventures into the recently opened Alinea and also hits up Moto. Then, read further into chef Homaro Cantu's Moto, over at the LA Times. Both restaurants use science to craft unforgettable meals, which can stretch upwards of seven hours. The prices are sky-high, but then again, where else can you find sushi flavored paper and liquid chocolate desserts?

- 11.05.05 ~ Eating/Drinking

Monday, 05 09 2005

Clean & Green 2005

Mayor Daley and the Chicago Park District invite you to participate in the 2005 Spring Clean & Green Day. Come out, meet your neighbors, and help beautify your local parks. Dress for the weather and bring work gloves. Tools will be provided. Meet at the fieldhouse at any of these parks. GB reader, Robyn, will be planting flowers at the Logan Square Blue Line station; go out & lend a hand if you're free!

- 9.05.05 ~ Outdoors/Environment

Tuesday, 05 03 2005

Chicago Pushing Ahead with Wi-Fi

Chicago has created a task force to study the feasibility of a city-wide Wi-Fi service, and the city drafted legislation to preserve the right to permit installation before the General Assembly can pass a bill that would preclude municipalities from doing so. Currently the biggest provider of Wi-Fi in our city is the public library system. Wi-Fi installation would place approximately 7,500 small antennas on street lights every few blocks, at an estimated cost of $18.5 million.

- 3.05.05 ~ In the News

Friday, 04 29 2005

Sam's Wine and Extortion Ring Pt. II

As GB reported late last year, Sam's Wine & Spirits is in a bit of hot water with the Illinois Liquor Control Commission. Officials from Sam's are to sit down with our state liquor regulators today, to discuss the 15 liquor violations filed last December. The delay in the meeting has only made the case against Sam's stronger, according to the chief legal counsel. If the talks go badly, look for the case to head to a hearing; bad news, as regulators might seek to revoke Sam's license. Better hop on that Weekend Warehouse Sale!

- 29.04.05 ~ In the News

Thursday, 04 28 2005

City of Chicago Scared into Action?

An alert reader informed GB of an interesting case heading to the federal courts. In most other big cities, there is a very "demanding, specific, and rationally related basis for investigation", but not so in Chicago. The ACLU of Illinois and the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) filed a petition requesting information about the infiltration by Chicago Police of the AFSC's planning meetings back in 2002. What was the outrageous purpose of these meetings? To stage a peaceful demonstration at a major international business conference. Even an internal audit by the police department found insufficient basis for such activities, and the ACLU wants to know why documents have been destoyed regarding this case. (Thanks, Mitchell!)

- 28.04.05 ~ Politics/Activism

Tuesday, 04 19 2005

Cubs Fans and Wagner's "Ringheads"

Last week, the New York Times reported a piece on the similarities between those dedicated fans of Wagner's four-opera "Ring des Nibelungen" and our own die hard Cub fans. Turns out, even Plácido Domingo was talking about the many years of frustration suffered by longtime Cub fans. The tie between the opera and baseball has been studied for ages; with Chicago seeming to have a more intense connection than other places like NYC. Domingo even offered up a request, to sing the national anthem if the Cubs make the playoffs. It would mark his first visit to Wrigley Field.

- 19.04.05 ~ City Life/Cultural

Monday, 04 18 2005

NYC looking to Chicago for Inspiration

Everybody's favorite mayor, Mayor Daley, has another fan on his side. Majora Carter, writes a piece for Newsday citing Chicago as the leader in the "green" city movement. The article sums up the tie-in to the Time article, "Behind environmental innovation, there must be policy innovation; and behind policy innovation there must be a strong mayor. Mayor Daley ensured that the dream of a greener Chicago became a reality because he charged his administration to come up with policies that actually have teeth." Majora is a resident of South Bronx, pushing for a bicycle/pedestrian greenway along the South Bronx waterfront to provide open space, waterfront access and opportunities for mixed-use economic development.

- 18.04.05 ~ Outdoors/Environment

Wednesday, 02 02 2005

Chef Bubala, the "anti-steakhouse chef"

Have you ever dined at Thyme, or its casual counterpart, Thyme Cafe? If so, you've experienced Chef Bubala's creations. A recent visit to Princeton University prompted a nice article about Bubala and his philosophies; he works with small, local farmers to find the freshest products. Chef Bubala visited Princeton as part of the Department of Dining Services' Great Chefs of Chicago series. The program offers both students and staff the opportunity to sample different kinds of cuisine and cooking styles from some of the most renowned chefs in the country.

- 2.02.05 ~ Eating/Drinking

Tuesday, 02 01 2005

Then & Now: William Perry

Just in time for the Superbowl, CNN.com runs an update on William "The Refrigerator" Perry. Watch for a new commercial with Perry, Da Coach and the Punky QB during the Superbowl this Sunday. He's a grandfather now, as well as father to a strapping 6 feet, 260 pound, 12 year old son; another possible football star in that family. Perry enjoys his retirement and loves meeting fans. He also likes to talk to kids at local schools with a positive message: stay in school, work hard, listen to and respect your elders.

- 1.02.05 ~ Sports/Recreation

Tuesday, 01 18 2005

Outrage at City Hall on MLK Day

Everybody loves the Billy Goat, right? It seems not everybody at City Hall is pleased, until some information is cleared up regarding a minority contract for the Billy Goat's O'Hare location. Owner Sam Sianis previously claimed a source inside City Hall told him to merely cross his name off of the liquor license and insert his wife's name. This little switch resulted in a women's business enterprise certification, enabling the owners to cash in on the abused minority set-aside program. This comes directly after a report from the Tribune that these contracts aren't even verified by the city. What a sad story coming out of Chicago on a day honoring the late Martin Luther King Jr.

- 18.01.05 ~ In the News

Friday, 01 14 2005

Our Kind of Town

The city of Chicago's Greeter Program receives a nice write up in the Seattle Times today, "Touring the Windy City gets personal, thanks to Chicago Greeter program". The author took advantage of the city's two-year-old program, and chose the Greeter's Choice tour for her visit. Meeting with her greeter at the Cultural Center, she was taken on a quick tour of Millennium Park before heading out to Lincoln Park for the afternoon. The program gets a solid review, based on the author's experience. It was adopted from New York City, and right now, we have 180 volunteers in the program. Sound interesting? Head over to the city website to explore how to become a volunteer, visitor and volunteer testimonials, and how to sign up for a tour for out of town friends and family.

- 14.01.05 ~ City Life/Cultural

Tuesday, 01 11 2005

A Walk for Juvenile Diabetes

A recent article tells the story of an Elgin native, previously working as a teacher on a Native American reservation in Arizona. Bill Holden decided, after watching "This Old Cub" a number of times, that he would walk from Arizona to Chicago in a personal journey to raise awareness for juvenile diabetes; his decision was based on the film which documents Ron Santo's struggle with the disease. Holden sees the horrors of this disease up close on the reservation, and he believes he can do something about it. With a year off from work, his journey begins today, and contributions are accepted at JDRF, Illinois Chapter, 500 N. Dearborn, Suite 305, Chicago, 60610; or online at www.jdrfillinois.org.

- 11.01.05 ~ People/Sightings

Wednesday, 01 05 2005

Chicago Testing New Street Deicers

In the ongoing efforts to make Chicago more environmentally friendly, news comes that two streets in Edgewater, Kenmore and Winthrop, will be testing a new corn-based anti-icing spray, M-1000. These safer road deicers are billed as 70% less corrosive to streets, making the steeper price tag acceptable in the long run due to less road repairs and maintenance.

- 5.01.05 ~ Outdoors/Environment

Wednesday, 12 01 2004

Holiday Shopping Guide #2

Looking for some extraordinary gifts for family and friends? The 4th Annual One of a Kind Show runs this weekend at the Merchandise Mart, with a First Look preview Thursday night. Hit up the 8th floor location sometime this weekend for "thousands of gifts made by hand by North America's most talented fine artists and fine craftspeople." The Mart's superb customer service includes free on-site childcare, as well as coat and package check, and package carryout service, all included in the $10 ticket fee.

- 1.12.04 ~ Business/Shopping

Tuesday, 11 16 2004

National Geographic Goes Green

Yet another glowing review of Mayor Daley's "mandate" to continue the trend towards environmentally friendly green roofs. Nat'l Geographic News runs a feature which talks about the benefits of our green roof initiative, and why other cities should take notice. Da Mare also gets in some nice talk regarding why it's so important to talk about these issues, "The environmental movement often seems like it's happening somewhere else and people forget about our own community. We need to be sure that we're planning well."

- 16.11.04 ~ Outdoors/Environment

Thursday, 11 11 2004

U-Tuesday on XRT

Do you like U2? If so, tune in to WXRT now. Starting at 9:45 am, the entire new album, How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb, will be played in its entirety. Also, check back throughout the day, the album will be spinning all day. Enjoy!

- 11.11.04 ~ Music/Clubs

Thursday, 10 28 2004

Code Blue: Darfur Fundraiser

The current situation in the Darfur region of Sudan prompted one local Evanston resident to action this month. Kelly Grotke began a fund-raising effort in October, with a goal of raising funds for Doctors Without Borders, an international medical aid group. Tonight is the culmination of Code Blue: Darfur; a charity auction occurs at 6:30 p.m. at the Lake Street Church, 1458 Chicago Ave in Evanston. Donations are also gladly accepted.

- 28.10.04 ~ In the News

Friday, 10 22 2004

Childhood Obesity Efforts Praised by AMA

The Consortium to Lower Obesity in Chicago Children was "praised by the American Medical Association as it begins a two-day obesity summit here Tuesday." Due to the great reaction to the consortium's efforts, the AMA is taking note of the efforts to curb childhood obesity on a community level. Some projects promoted by the CLOCC include dance and yoga workshops for children and offering free bike locks to kids to encourage riding bikes to school.

- 22.10.04 ~ In the News

Thursday, 10 14 2004

Mexican Coke: It's sweet!

After living on the edge of the Humboldt Park neighborhood for three years, Mexican Coke became a staple in life. Occassionaly, we would walk a couple doors down to the carniceria to pick up a few bottles of Coke. Now, this cultural phenomenon seems to be gaining notice. Head down to Pilsen, and the Mexican Coke outsells American cans at least five to one. Shipments arrive twice a month, trucked up right from the bottling plants in Mexico. Some say the use of cane sugar makes it taste sweeter, others just like the old school bottles. Bottles are used over and over again in Mexico, leading to the used look and feel. Unfortunately, after arriving in the US, these bottles don't get back to Mexico for reuse. But, if you can, please recycle.

- 14.10.04 ~ City Life/Cultural

Thursday, 10 07 2004

A Small Slice of Reality

The "Doomsday" scenario, the dire budget prediction coming from the CTA, was announced earlier this week. This promises to touch the lives of just about everyone riding the CTA; to see how the plan will affect just a portion of the NW side, read about it here. Some items include: complete elimination of at least 7 bus routes, major cuts along many routes and overnight Blue Line service eliminated between 1am and 4am. City officials say the voices of the people are absolutely necessary to put this doomsday budget to bed for good. Refer to the Campaign for Better Transit website for a schedule of upcoming hearings, and watch the GB events calendar as well.

- 7.10.04 ~ Transportation

Thursday, 09 30 2004

Escape the Concrete Jungle

Have you ever felt the need to escape your day-to-day life for just a couple of hours? Luckily, Megan Williamson provides us with such an escape. An artist trained in the beauty of the Umbrian contryside, now Megan paints some of Wicker Park's urban gardens for a living. The journey wasn't always pretty, after her husband suffered an accident requiring spinal cord surgery, but Megan continued doing what she does best, painting landscapes. See her current exhibit at the Thomas Masters Gallery, 245 W. North Ave, extended through today.

- 30.09.04 ~ City Life/Cultural

Monday, 09 27 2004

A Swampy Future

The NYT runs a short feature regarding a farm that lies 165 miles southwest of Chicago, called Emiquon. Why is this sprawling farm in Illinois taking up front page real estate at the Times? According to the article, an interesting experiment is taking place. Over the next few months, after the last harvest of corn and soybeans, planting will cease and flooding will begin. The expected result: "ecologists think that within just a year or two, they can return this farm to its natural state as a thriving wetland". When planting began along riverbanks to ease agriculture many decades ago, it destroyed the precious wetlands surrounding our rivers. Read more here about the attempts to create more wetlands in Illinois.

- 27.09.04 ~ Outdoors/Environment

Tuesday, 09 21 2004

Boston Eyes Chicago Exhibit

The Boston Globe reports on a current exhibit at the Chicago Botanic Garden, titled "Plants in Print: The Age of Botanical Discovery." The reason for the mention all the way in Boston? It turns out the Massachusetts Horticultural Society used to own some of the items in this exhibit. But, facing a looming financial crisis in November 2002, the center sold more than 2,000 rare books and thousands more journals worth $3 million to Chicago (2nd item). The result of this sale is currently on display up in Glencoe through November 7th.

- 21.09.04 ~ Found on the Web

Thursday, 09 16 2004

Everybody's Watching You

In the wake of recent news to install 2,000+ cameras around the city, now comes word that we might be seeing some new surveillance on the L. The CTA is currently looking at bids for 366 new rail cars. Talk includes putting security cameras inside our elevated train cars. The CTA already installs cameras on buses, as part of a plan to curb vandals and criminals.

- 16.09.04 ~ Transportation

Tuesday, 09 14 2004

South Side Marlins?

The World Champion Florida Marlins are spending some quality time in Chicago. For a few days this week, the Marlins are setting up shop down in U.S. Cellular field. Hurricane Ivan, dubbed "Pudge" after the former Marlins catcher, has forced the team to find a home field elsewhere. Seeing as the White Sox had some away games, and the Marlins just came to town to play a series against the Cubs, MLB put a plan into high gear. Tickets to the games are $15 at the box office, with $5 going to hurricane relief. The seats are first come, first served, which offers casual baseball fans a nice opportunity to see some great ball. One more game today at 1:05 CST for anyone looking to spend these last few warm days taking in some great baseball for a good cause.

- 14.09.04 ~ Sports/Recreation

Friday, 09 10 2004

Chicago: Flower-Power Model?

Who would ever predict that the city that spawned the birth of flower-power in the late 1960s, would come to admire and model itself after our city? San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsome is one convert. When he ran for office last year, he committed himself to creating a vision of his city following the success of our Mayor's various green initiatives. Most noticable, the many ways Chicago incorporates flowers into daily life, including "hanging baskets attached to alleyway lampposts, planted in the median strips of busy thoroughfares, and in decorative boxes and sidewalk gardens in front of businesses and apartment buildings." Mayor Daley achieved this by requiring developers to install landscaping around properties and on the public right-of-way.

- 10.09.04 ~ Outdoors/Environment

Thursday, 09 09 2004

"Art at War -- The Artist's Voice" Opening

Aldo Castillo is a Chicago artist and gallery owner who decided to formulate a response to war. Not just the present war in Iraq, but all war in general. A native of Nicaragua, Castillo holds strong feelings of the U.S.-backed interventions in his homeland. All of these feelings led to the creation of "Art at War -- the Artist's Voice," an exhibit of approximately 120 paintings and sculptures by nearly 100 artists from 23 countries, opening this Saturday, the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, at the Aldo Castillo Gallery (233 W. Huron). The exhibit runs through October 16th.

- 9.09.04 ~ Arts/Architecture

Tuesday, 09 07 2004

Chicago Rap Artist Hurt in Fatal Accident

Twista, the Chicago rapper known for his ultra-quick flow and rise to the top of the charts, was hurt in a fatal van crash that killed a member of his security staff. The artist was treated and released from Saint Vincent Health Center in Erie, PA after his van crashed on Interstate 90 just after 4 a.m. Monday. The van was headed from Syracuse, N.Y. to Chicago when the crash occurred, and police are investigating how the van veered off the road and then rolled over.

- 7.09.04 ~ In the News

Tuesday, 08 24 2004

How Manny Ramirez Spent His Day Off

Last weekend, the Boston Red Sox came to town for a series with the struggling White Sox. Boston came in with pretty big expectations and didn't disappoint the fans back east, closing the weekend with a sweep. After arriving, the Boston team was treated to a day off. Just how did Manny Ramirez spend a day off in Chicago? Shopping Michigan Avenue, watching movies, or on a road trip to Manteno? Manny took a limo on a drive through the cornfields, to Rad Rides By Troy, a customization shop he spied on the Discovery Channel awhile back. Troy is working on a pretty exciting ride for Manny's dad, and Manny checked out the work while in town.

- 24.08.04 ~ Sports/Recreation

Thursday, 08 19 2004

Get Hot at the Park Grill

Chicago Magazine puts the Park Grill at the top of the monthly Hot List in the September issue. Executive Chef Bernard Laskowski says, "We've been focused on evolving a menu of classic American cuisine, served up with unique Chicago flavor and a complex infusion of seasonal, regional ingredients." Check the article to find out a few of the upcoming events, including the kickoff for Bears tailgaiting, starting every Sunday morning at 9 a.m. on game day.

- 19.08.04 ~ Eating/Drinking

Wednesday, 08 04 2004

New Chef has Homegrown Roots

Last month, Chicago Magazine reported that Sarah Stegner, executive chef at the Ritz-Carlton Dining Room, was leaving her post after 20 years of service. Not to worry, the Ritz has found a valuable replacement and Bridgeport native to fill the vacancy. Kevin Hickey, of the Four Seasons Atlanta, has worked in such cities as San Francisco, Dublin, London, and also the Renaissance Hotel here in Chicago. Kevin counts Stegner, and the chefs at Naha and Blackbird as his personal friends. With such a high-level circle, we expect lots of good things to come; he starts September 1.

- 4.08.04 ~ Eating/Drinking

Thursday, 07 29 2004

Can't go to Vermont? See the Movie

Just as we reported a few months ago, Phish aired its first show of the current tour (at Coney Island last month) at many Regal Cinemas. Due to the positive response and high demand, the band decided to air its final two shows at the theatres as well. Tickets went on sale today, and the Regal up in Lincolnshire is the choice again. Both shows cost $20, with admission beginning at 4:30pm CST. Be a part of history, click on over to pick up your tickets.

- 29.07.04 ~ Music/Clubs

Wednesday, 07 28 2004

Maxwell Street Bust

A favorite destination of many, the Maxwell Street Market is Chicago's oldest outdoor market. While the City of Chicago website touts it as a "family affair", where bargaining is the universal language, it seems the city contractor in charge of running the market has found himself in a bit of trouble. Citing mismanagement and alleged drug use, the contractor and an employee have been suspended. It appears the city may have a disgruntled employee to blame for the allegations, which leads to a suspicious vibe to the whole story.

- 28.07.04 ~ In the News

Wednesday, 07 21 2004

Art of Cupcakes

Ever wonder how they make those delicious cupcakes from Sweet Mandy B's? The head baker gives a sneak peak at the process she goes through each day to craft upwards of 1,000 mini cakes for all the sweet tooths in Chicago. At the end of the article, you'll find a shortened recipe to create your own version of the "Happy Snack". Check out Metromix for a roundup of more lovely bakeries around town.

- 21.07.04 ~ Eating/Drinking

Thursday, 07 08 2004

Lead Trio Signs On for Spamalot

As reported previously, the Monty Python-themed play, Spamalot, will begin its pre-Broadway tryout at the Chicago Shubert Theatre Dec. 21. The lead trio was just announced, including David Hyde Pierce, Tim Curry and Hank Azaria. Just yesterday, we reported that Chicago is in top form regarding the theatre circuit; this further proves Chicago is on the rise for debuting top talent.

- 8.07.04 ~ Theatre/Dance

Wednesday, 07 07 2004

Millenium Park UK Tidbits

The Guardian has a brief analysis of the elements surrounding the new Millennium Park project, set to unveil in a few weeks. The quotes from those not as impressed with the project are very candid, and the article builds in a bit of the city's recent attempt to recapture the great architectural past of our city.

- 7.07.04 ~ Arts/Architecture

Friday, 06 11 2004

Coming Soon: Green Evening Farmers Market

On June 24th, the city will open the first evening farmers market, at 843 W. Randolph. The market will run through the end of October on Thursday evenings, from 4 to 8 p.m. The Sun-Times reports, "about 10 farmers will offer organic produce and meats, and specialty vendors will sell artisanal goods such as pastries and cheese. At least twice a month, chefs will prepare and sell to-go meals". The market is a direct response to the city workers who complain about the only other organic market, the Green City Market, held on Wednesdays mornings. Hooray for good city response!

- 11.06.04 ~ Eating/Drinking

Wednesday, 05 26 2004

Changes in Loop Lunches

One company decides Chicago is key to its success, while another decides to leave the market altogether. Cosi is moving its headquarters to Chicago from New York this fall; the move will save $1.85 million in cash annually, the company said. Unfortunately for Briazz, things aren't going so well. Briazz Inc. has shut down its eight stores in Chicago, the only market away from the West Coast in which the lunch-cafe chain operates.

- 26.05.04 ~ Business/Shopping

Tuesday, 05 25 2004

Chicago Repeats as favorite MLB city

As reported last year, Chicago is MLB's favorite place to play. This year, MLB.com again polled 95 players representing the 30 teams on their favorite road city. The winner? Chicago, with 35 votes. Second was New York City with 15 votes. Food, shopping, nightlife, cleanliness --- it all adds up to My Kind of Town.

- 25.05.04 ~ Sports/Recreation

Tuesday, 05 18 2004

Organic: Now More than Ever

Earlier this month, the first-ever All Things Organic™ tradeshow came to town. North America's only all organic conference and trade show brought some interesting ideas to the table. Organic foods were front and center, but organic clothing, including cotton and wool, had a small part in the All Things Organic show, which was dominated by foods. According to the Organic Trade Association's survey of manufacturers, the overall organic fiber market, including clothing and home textiles, grew almost 23 percent in 2003, accounting for about $85 million in U.S. sales.

- 18.05.04 ~ Business/Shopping

Muddy Waters

Yesterday government officials proudly showed off the Illinois River sediment that has been arriving from East Peoria to serve as topsoil for a south lakefront park. The river mud was deposited at the old U.S. Steel South Works site, near East 87th street. The plan is for the Mud-to-Parks project to turn the former industrial site into a fertile park. About 105,000 tons of sediment will be placed on top of the slag field to create new parklands.

- 18.05.04 ~ Resources

Friday, 05 14 2004

So So Soy

Following in the footsteps of Jay-Z and other hip-hop moguls, Jermaine Dupri is the new partner of the Chicago-based liquor brand, 3 Vodka. 3 Vodka is the only vodka in the world distilled from soy and the first spirit to receive government approval to state zero carbohydrates and is also endorsed by the American Vegetarian Association. Dupri is a Grammy-nominated producer and CEO of So So Def Recordings, the label he founded in 1992 at age 19.

- 14.05.04 ~ Business/Shopping

Wednesday, 05 12 2004

New Green Elementary School

More news on Chicago's green front: today the city will break ground for the first certified "green" elementary school, an eco-friendly structure featuring drought-resistant plants on the roof, solar panels, harvested rainwater and flooring made of recycled glass. The new Tarkington Elementary School, in the Marquette Park neighborhood, is one of four schools built following a philosophy of using resources efficiently, making the least impact on the environment and making the health and productivity of the occupants a priority.

- 12.05.04 ~ Outdoors/Environment

Tuesday, 05 11 2004

Care to Place a Wager?

There has been a flurry of news in recent weeks regarding gambling in the area. The last state license was recently awarded to the Isle of Capri, leading to many suspicious questions about the state of gambling in Illinois. Then, the Ho-Chunk nation announced plans of an independent, federally-approved gambling complex in the south suburbs. Lastly, news comes that our Mayor is ready to get in on the action. Crain's puts together a comprehensive review of this strategy, one that was abandoned 12 years ago by Daley.

- 11.05.04 ~ Business/Shopping

Fully Wireless Hotels?

In just 15 days this past April, StayOnline was able to do what many claimed as impossible -- the company was able to render the historic InterContinental Chicago fully wireless in just 15 days. One of the city's grandest and largest hotels, the transition required as little disruption as possible to its building, guests and staff during the installation. Read more about hotels as the next hottest WiFi spots here.

- 11.05.04 ~ Business/Shopping

Friday, 05 07 2004

South Side Bread: the Art of Pita

Travel southwest from the city to Oak Lawn and find the bakery which produces the famous 'south side bread' that you may see on signs all over the city. The bakers at Salaam Bakery produce thousands of hand-made pitas and other baked items made fresh daily. Many in the city swear by these pitas, and owners of north-side Middle Eastern restaurants make the trip just for this superb bread. Ever been to Sultan's Market? Then you've tried these pitas.

- 7.05.04 ~ Eating/Drinking

Monday, 05 03 2004

World Fair Trade Day

Fair Trade leaders and activists will gather at the World Fair Trade Day Fair at the Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum this Saturday, May 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will highlight what the average citizen can do to make trade fair. The day will feature presentations by expert Mexican coffee farmers and a fair featuring fair trade product vendors. To find out more, check with Oxfam.

- 3.05.04 ~ Eating/Drinking

Damn the Doubters

After the big news that a Chicago man would be running the show at Trump Tower, some were speculating that the building would never become a reality. Now comes news that the project is moving forward, with a spectacular $750 million construction loan very close to funding. Some say the decision to hire the Chicago finalist pushed Trump's project to the finish line, using the show as a marketing dream come true. If all falls in place accordingly, look towards a September date to begin demolishing the former site of the Sun-Times.

- 3.05.04 ~ Business/Shopping

Thursday, 04 29 2004

Spring Cleaning

Spring is in the air and Chicago is cleaning itself up for the summer tourist crush. Leading the way is an ambitious plan to clean up the Chicago River involving a pontoon boat and a crew of five to help remove debris and graffiti along the river. Besides the cosmetic cleanup, water quality issues are also being discussed by city officials. Unfortunately, real progress on water quality is still many years off, but it's a good start. The city is also calling for an all-out citywide cleanup on May 1, the spring "Clean & Green Day". This event is coordinated by the Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation and loans brooms, shovels and rakes and provides free trash bags to local groups to assist their volunteer clean-up efforts.

- 29.04.04 ~ Outdoors/Environment

U of C to Return Ancient Tablets to Iran

In an attempt to reestablish ties with Iranian scholars and archeologists, the Oriental Institute at the University of Chicago is returning up to 300 ancient clay tablets that provide information of the daily life in the Persian empire. This is described as the first U.S. return of loaned Iranian artifacts since the Islamic Revolution of 1979. The tablets, inscribed with cuneiform writing from about 500 B.C., were among tens of thousands of such documents discovered by Chicago archaeologists that were lent to the institute in 1937 for translation and study.

- 29.04.04 ~ Arts/Architecture

Wednesday, 04 21 2004

Fifth Graders Take on Ambitious Project

Recently, Ralph Nader visited a crumbling Chicago elementary school and found something strange: all 19 students in Brian Schultz' classroom have taken on a new curriculum. What's this all about? To document the terrible disrepair and lack of facilities in the school; and, to build community, state and national support for a new school. These are fifth graders; they all live in and around the Cabrini-Green housing project and their school, Byrd Community Academy, is literally falling to pieces around them. Read more about this situation, and tell friends - get others involved, they need more media attention! Also, check out the tutoring program and see how you can lend a hand...

- 21.04.04 ~ Schools/Education

Friday, 04 16 2004

Bake Back the White House

Do you like to bake? Or, do you just like baked goodies? Moveon.org has an exciting event planned for this weekend - a bake sale to demonstrate the powers of broad-based grassroots support. There are already 14 planned bake sales in Chicago alone, not to mention many others in the surrounding area. Click here and enter your zip code to find the nearest participating events. You can still volunteer to help, or just plan to stop by and support some good old grassroots politics, moveon-stlye.

- 16.04.04 ~ Politics/Activism

Tuesday, 04 13 2004

21st-Century Lakefront Competition

Visit the lobby of 224 S. Michigan Ave., now through May 2, to see the new exhibit which answers the question, "What should a park look like in the 21st Century?" The exhibit drew more than 100 entries from around the country, and 30 select designs are on display in the lobby of the 100-year old office building designed by Burnham's firm and housed his offices. The show asked architects to create new visions of outdoor public space by fleshing out Mayor Richard M. Daley's idea to extend Lincoln Park northward 2 1/2 miles to the Evanston border.

- 13.04.04 ~ Arts/Architecture

Wednesday, 04 07 2004

Dusable Park -- A Reality?

The land has sat vacant, lined with fences, for more than 15 years. In 1987, Mayor Harold Washington set aside more than 3 acres of land northeast of Lake Shore Drive and the Chicago River, to be named in honor of the city's first non-native settler. Financial, developmental and artistic issues have kept the peninsula fenced off and unused. Now, four years after park proponents came together to champion DuSable Park, the park district's $55 million capital plan set for a vote in May includes funds for the park's design drawings. Additionally, establishing the park is key to completing the vision of Daniel Burnham to make the entire lakefront a series of parks accessible to the public.

- 7.04.04 ~ Outdoors/Environment

Monday, 04 05 2004

Lake Affect: A Photographic Event

Othello Anderson, a renowned environmental photographer, brings "Lake Affect" to our attention. Over 20 years in the making, this exhibit features 250 photographs of Lake Michigan taken from the same vantage point, but at different times of the day and season over more than 20 years. Visit the City Gallery in the historic Water Tower (806 N. Michigan) this Friday through June 28.

- 5.04.04 ~ Photography

Wednesday, 03 31 2004

Cameras in Work Zones

Illinois could become the first state to target speeders in construction work zones. Similar to our system of catching red light runners, the state would mail a ticket to the car's owner. Speeding through a work zone currently costs $200 for a first offense and $350 for subsequent tickets. The new proposal would make the first offense a $500 ticket. Subsequent tickets would shoot to $1,000 apiece -- including $250 to fund more state troopers to patrol the roads.

- 31.03.04 ~ In the News

Tuesday, 03 30 2004

Radio Flyer Rolls into China

Another drastic move out of Chicago: following in the footsteps of too many Chicago-based manufacturing firms, Radio Flyer "finally succumbed to low-cost production overseas after determining its Chicago plant was too expensive to maintain". While the company will keep its headquarters on the northwest side of the city, they are halting manufacturing operations and releasing nearly half of its 90 employees. After shifting manufacturing to China, the company expects to have about 50 city employees.

- 30.03.04 ~ Business/Shopping

Thursday, 03 25 2004

More Shorter Delays a Fix?

The FAA has a plan in the works that will reduce the total amount of flight delays. However, this entails more short delays for commuters in order to ease the crowded skies. Airlines have agreed to take short delays or reroute flights in order to reduce overall delays in the air traffic system. For example, look at one of Chicago's situations: thunderstorms cause outbound flights to stack up quickly at O'Hare. Under the plan, airlines will delay for about 10 minutes flights that are bound for O'Hare. The backed-up planes at O'Hare could more quickly get into the air when the weather clears because the airspace will be less crowded. All air travelers flying in and out of Chicago would face fewer total delays with this plan.

- 25.03.04 ~ Transportation

Wednesday, 03 24 2004

Pritzker Prize Awarded to Zaha Hadid

After 25 years, an Iraqi-born Briton who has pushed the boundaries of design for a quarter-century, becomes the first woman to receive the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize, awarded by Chicago's Pritzker family. Often deemed too radical early on, Zaha Hadid is now in the midst of a flood of commissions. In winning this year's prize, she challenges the notion that architecture is a man's world. Unfortunately, there are no current plans for any Chicago work, but hopefully that will soon change.

- 24.03.04 ~ Arts/Architecture

Friday, 03 19 2004

Artists Respond to Gentrification

A group of 17 local artists have created an exhibit which tackles the issue of gentrification. "Tu Casa Es Mi Casa: Artists Respond to Gentrification" runs through April 10th at the Polvo Art Studio in Pilsen. The exhibit hopes to bring awareness of the changes that are occurring in neighborhoods that are considered low-income areas, while residents are being displaced and pushed out. Some even attribute gentrification to the artists themselves, and here they get a chance to respond.

- 19.03.04 ~ Arts/Architecture

Thursday, 03 18 2004

Mrs. Wrigley-Field?

How much do you love the Cubs? Ever think about changing your name to show your love? Well, one student at NYU doesn't have that problem. Her legal name is Elizabeth Wrigley-Field. Oddly enough, it isn't an homage to a favorite sports team! Here's where her name comes from: Her mother's last name is Wrigley and her father's is Field. A few years ago, she had the name legally changed to Wrigley-Field. She has never even been inside Wrigley Field, though she stood in front of it once when she was 7 and went to Chicago with her family. Read her story here.

- 18.03.04 ~ People/Sightings

Voters Say Bring our Troops Home

The people of the 48th Ward voted in a non-binding referendum that the U.S. government should relinquish control in Iraq. The margin was 77 percent to 23 percent, with 66 percent of the precincts counted. Additionally, in a city-wide vote, voters agreed by 5-to-1 ratio that people who make more than $250,000 a year should pay more taxes. The money would go toward education funding and tax relief for property owners.

- 18.03.04 ~ Politics/Activism

Wednesday, 03 17 2004

Barack in National Spotlight

Seeking to become just the 3rd African-American U.S. senator in a century, Barack Obama knows he has a long, hard fight ahead. But, with national attention pouring in, Obama is shining in the spotlight. Obama's early opposition to the war in Iraq drew the attention of the liberal wing of the Democratic Party. Now the endorsements he received from many of the state's newspapers as well as his strong showing downstate Tuesday seem to indicate that he can reach beyond the left wing and replace retiring GOP Sen. Peter Fitzgerald.

- 17.03.04 ~ Politics/Activism

Tuesday, 03 16 2004

Chicago DJ Bumps Britney

Britney Spears was knocked off the top of the UK singles charts yesterday by a novelty song written eight years ago for an aerobics workout. Britney's Toxic was bumped by Cha Cha Slide by Chicago's DJ Casper. Casper -- real name Willie Perry -- climbed one rung to the top slot with a number he first created in the 1990s as a workout for a gym trainer.

- 16.03.04 ~ Music/Clubs

Green Roofs Lead the Way

In a bit of coast-envy, suddenly Chicago is at the forefront of an environmental movement. As Californians move to catch up to this growing phenomenon, even they acknowledge Chicago encourages living roofs on most new public buildings, and is nudging private developers to do the same. It started on the top of City Hall, after a visit to Germany by Mayor Daley in 1997. Green roofs can reduce heat needs inside the structure and capture rainfall before it gushes into larger drainage systems, keeping as much as 70 percent and filtering the rest. In addition, the green rooftop is estimated to save $10,000 per year in energy costs for the building.

- 16.03.04 ~ Outdoors/Environment

Monday, 03 15 2004

Apply for the Brunch Bunch

Do you love brunch? Do you have a great group of friends that love eating out? If so, Metromix wants you! Tomorrow is the last day to apply for the next reader review project, the Brunch Bunch. Find yourself part of a diverse group of five friends? If so, apply for the position online. However, "every person in your group must be available the weekend of March 27, every weekend in April and the first weekend in May. No exceptions." Good luck and happy eating!

- 15.03.04 ~ Eating/Drinking

Thursday, 03 11 2004

Batman coming to our Town

It's been discussed here previously, but ReelChicago.com reports filming on the latest Batman will begin in July and continue through August. Cast includes Christian Bale in the lead role, with support from Liam Neeson, Katie Holmes and Michael Caine, to name a few. This isn't the first big budget coming our way, thanks to Brenda Sexton's hard work leading the Illinois Film Office. So far this year, producers of four major films - The Weatherman, Ocean's 12, Batman, and Ice Harvest - have sealed deals to film in Chicago.

- 11.03.04 ~ Film

Friday, 03 05 2004

Chicago Fire: Comet-induced?

Discovery.com re-states a claim made first in 1883 that the Chicago Fire may not have been started by Mrs. O'Leary's cow. The Great Chicago Fire claimed 300 lives and destroyed most of the downtown area in 1871. But does this cow deserve the blame? The Discovery Channel says no. Instead, Robert Wood, a retired physicist, claims it was a fragment from Biela's Comet which also induced blazes north of Chicago that burned millions of acres of farm and prairie lands. Wood speculates the main body of the comet crashed into Lake Michigan, with peripheral fragments causing the fires in Chicago, Wisconsin and Michigan.

- 5.03.04 ~ History

Wednesday, 03 03 2004

Chicago's Oldest House gets a Facelift

The Clarke House, the oldest house in Chicago and the earliest example of Greek Revival Architecture, is currently being restored at a cost of $780,000. The house was designated as a Chicago landmark in 1970, and is located in the south loop in the Prairie Avenue Historic District. Visitors can tour the house and see what life was like for a middle class family in Chicago, when the city was in its formative years before the Civil War.

- 3.03.04 ~ Arts/Architecture

Tuesday, 03 02 2004

Chicago to Host Gay Games

We beat out the competition from Los Angeles, as the Federation of Gay Games announced today that Chicago will host the 2006 games. Gay Games VII are predicted to host 20,000 participants and 250,000 spectators at dozens of local venues, bring more than 10,000 visitors to Chicago and generate up to $50 million in revenue. Chicago Games submitted a $6.1 million bid that focuses only on athletic events. The proposal dropped plans for an arts and humanities festival in Millennium Park, and reduced the number of sports organizers guaranteed to 22 from 30.

- 2.03.04 ~ Sports/Recreation

1st Local Organic Trade Show-Chicago

On March 3, Sustain's Local Organic Initiative is holding the first ever trade show for local organic food in Chicago. Fifty farmers and farm cooperatives from Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Michigan, and Indiana, representing nearly 500 organic farmers, will have the opportunity to create new business with Chicago area retailers, restaurants, distributors, and processors. The goal of the event is to help these producers create new sales in Chicago's $300 million market for organic food. Currently most organic food consumed in the area is imported from California and beyond. The event is not open to the public; Sustain hopes the media will attend to spread the word!

- 2.03.04 ~ Eating/Drinking

Skyway for Sale?

As construction began Monday on the elevated Skyway, a groundbreaking agreement could possibly mean higher tolls and better service. The mayor took the first steps towards privatizing the Chicago Skyway this week. City Hall will issue a ''request-for-qualifications'' to private toll operators to gauge interest in the 7.8-mile roadway connecting Chicago and Northwest Indiana. Several dozen bids are expected. The Skyway's $2 toll, last increased in 1993, is likely to be raised, under an agreement that would ''set forth parameters'' for future increases.

- 2.03.04 ~ Transportation

Thursday, 02 19 2004

First Bontecou Public Exhibit in Decades

In the 1960s, Lee Bontecou was heralded as one of the most important young artists of her time. Painstakingly crafted from castoffs--Army surplus and canvas conveyor belts from a neighboring laundry--her wall reliefs evoked a fearsome sci-fi world, a mysterious doom-filled terrain no one had ever seen before. In the mid-'70s, however, Bontecou disappeared from the art scene, declining to take part in exhibitions. Now, her work, including recent pieces, is the focus of an exhibit opening Saturday at the Museum of Contemporary Art, the first in which Bontecou's later works have been available for public comparison to her earlier pieces. The exhibit runs through May 30, 2004.

- 19.02.04 ~ Arts/Architecture

Corgan Comes Clean

It's been 3 years since the demise of Chicago's own Smashing Pumpkins. At the time, and in the years since, no one really knew why the band ended, but lots of rumors and ideas were hatched by the fans and media. Finally, Billy Corgan wipes the slate clean; he claims the break-up was the idea of the band's guitarist, James Iha. Is Corgan rewriting history? Hopefully not, and maybe he can get back on track in his new endeavors.

- 19.02.04 ~ Music/Clubs

Wednesday, 02 18 2004

City Boy: Is this our City?

A new book out by Jean Thompson, City Boy, uses Chicago as its setting. Not much really comes of this fact, aside from the mention of some street names and of Lake Michigan, but sometimes that's enough. Both SFGate.com and the Baltimore Sun recently reviewed this novel, each with a different take on the story. It's a story of two twenty-somethings trying to find their way in this city; sound familiar?

- 18.02.04 ~ Books/Authors

Tuesday, 02 17 2004

Chicagoland Bicycle Federation Conference

This March, the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation is offering a two-day conference on ways to improve bicycling and walking conditions in Chicagoland for transportation professionals, public officials and advocates. In addition, a Chicago bike lane tour and the fourth annual Bike Town Bash will take place in conjunction with the conference. Some of the events, including the Bike Lane Tour, have limited capacity, so register soon if this sounds like something for you!

- 17.02.04 ~ Transportation

Monday, 02 16 2004

Trolley System Grant

Speaking of transportation, the Chicago trolley system will be expanded with the aid of a $600,000 federal grant. U.S. Representative Rahm Emanuel helped secure the grant and says the improved trolley service will connect museums and cultural centers in Lincoln Park to Michigan Avenue, Navy Pier, Chinatown and Metra and C.T.A. stations. The expanded service will bring riders to Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Lincoln Park Zoo and the Chicago Historical Society during the holidays and in the summer.

- 16.02.04 ~ Transportation

Thursday, 02 12 2004

Chicago = Gotham?

Michael Caine gave a little boost to our city the other day. He is set to play Alfred, Batman's faithful servant, in the next Batman movie, "Batman: Intimidation". Over talks with online magazine 15 Minutes, Caine mentioned exterior shots of the film will be set in Chicago. The director quickly cautioned this is not a done deal, but if it all works out, Gotham will be Chicago.

- 12.02.04 ~ Film

Wednesday, 02 11 2004

Chicago: Rise Up

Following the #1 debut of Twista's album, Kamikaze, producer-turned-rapper Kanye West drops his new album this week, College Dropout. Super producer to the stars, and creator of Twista's big hit "Slow Jamz", Kanye is heavily favored to drop in at #1 next week - somewhat of a phenomenon for Chicago artists. A product of the South Side, Kanye experienced a life-changing accident in October 2002 which helped him move from beat-maker extraordinaire to a full-fledged MC.

- 11.02.04 ~ Music/Clubs

Wednesday, 01 28 2004

40 Minutes from Allstate to Downtown!?

Last December, our very own Librarian took on a daunting task: writing a guide to Chicago traffic reports. In a shrewd move, executives at Clear Channel Radio have handed down a new edict. No longer should on-air talent report travel times from O'Hare airport. Instead, more corporate product placement may enter our lives, as this traffic point shall now be the Allstate Arena.

- 28.01.04 ~ Transportation

Our Own Bridget Jones?

The adventures of Mimi Smartypants have caught yet another eye. The Sun Times asks is Mimi the new "everywoman"? Whatever that means...we just love to read her musings.

- 28.01.04 ~ People/Sightings

Friday, 01 23 2004

Rat Patrol

The ongoing cafeteria closings at Chicago Public Schools has prompted a top-to-bottom cleaning of all 600 Chicago public schools, CNN.com reports. The cleaning will start on Monday at a reported cost of $2 to $4 million. Students will receive cold breakfasts and lunches from outside vendors instead of hot meals during the cleaning.

- 23.01.04 ~ Schools/Education

Thursday, 01 22 2004

Old Chicago Neighborhoods

Combining more than 100 duotone images with stories from over 125 Chicagoans, "The Old Chicago Neighborhood: Remembering Life in the 1940s" looks back fondly at daily life, the war years, sports and recreation, and entertainment in Chicago’s neighborhoods. Over the last year, Neal Samors and fellow author, Michael Williams, have sold over $200,000 worth of copies. Visit www.chicagosneighborhoods.com to read more and order online. [Trib. login: gapers/gapers]

- 22.01.04 ~ Books/Authors

Tuesday, 01 20 2004

West Side Film Studio?

A major Hollywood group is still looking to transform a mountain of debris into a West Side movie studio complex. With no major studio located off either the East or West coasts, it's only natural to pursue the opportunity on Chicago's West Side. However, Ald. Michael Chandler (24th) is getting tired of waiting. ''This is like the last shot. If it's not alive, we need to move on. We can put a Home Depot or a Wal-Mart in there. We need to do something else that's going to generate traffic and create jobs for our people and we need to do it quick,'' Chandler said.

- 20.01.04 ~ Film

Friday, 01 16 2004

Second Class Citizens?

Slate offers up an interesting take on the recent sale of Bank One to JP Morgan Chase. Instead of moaning about the loss of another big-time Chicago instition, we should focus on the positives: our highly diversified economy, with a mix of manufacturing and services, more closely resembles the economic makeup of the country than do cities like New York or San Francisco. In addition, over the last several years, we have performed better and more steadily than cities that rely disproportionately on particular sectors, like New York or San Francisco.

- 16.01.04 ~ Business/Shopping

Wednesday, 01 14 2004

Bears Name New Coach

The Bears named St. Louis Rams defensive coordinator Lovie Smith as the 13th head coach in franchise history. Smith, 45, agreed to a four-year deal and will be introduced by general manager Jerry Angelo at a Thursday news conference. [Trib login: gapers/gapers]

- 14.01.04 ~ Sports/Recreation

Liberal Air Waves

Al Franken's much anticipated liberal radio program for Progress Media will air on Chicago's WNTD-AM 950, sources say. It is the company's first confirmed radio distribution deal. No launch date was disclosed. Franken said in an interview that he will have a co-host, whom he declined to identify, and that the show will include a mix of guests, produced comedy and listener calls. Get those dials ready, folks!

- 14.01.04 ~ Radio/TV

Monday, 01 12 2004

More Cops on the Beat

Expect to see more cops on the streets of Chicago in the coming months. Superintendent Phil Cline ordered 1,000 cops assigned to office jobs to sit in marked cars at the worst spots in the city for at least one eight-hour shift a month. Intended to curb the "open air" drug markets and illicit gang activity, residents are already noticing the changes in their neighborhoods. Hopefully the new chief in town will work to remove our city's name from the top of the murder list.

- 12.01.04 ~ In the News

Wednesday, 01 07 2004

City to Help Fannie May Workers

As reported Monday, the Fannie May plant will be closing in the coming months. WBBM reports the city will assist those workers when the plant shuts down. "Chicago Mayor Richard Daley says the city is prepared to offer the affected workers the assistance needed to get back into the work force quickly. The assistance to be offered include career counseling, job search assistance and direct job placement opportunities at locations around the city."

- 7.01.04 ~ People/Sightings

Tuesday, 12 23 2003

State Profile: Illinois

BBC News Online profiles the state of Illinois. Once the leader in the meatpacking industry, now we boast the largest service and white-collar sector in the interior of the US. We are home to the world's second biggest airport and a university that employs more Nobel laureates than any other in the world. Interestingly, "in 2000 Illinois voted for the losing presidential candidate for only the second time in 80 years. Still, the record isn't bad: in the last 46 presidential elections, Illinois has picked the winner 39 times." Maybe next year we'll get back on track!

- 23.12.03 ~ City Life/Cultural

Monday, 12 22 2003

Courts Ruling Protects Rights

Jose Padilla has been detained by the military for the past 18 months without charge, access to counsel, or any judicial forum in which to challenge the allegations against him. He had just gotten off a civilian airliner in Chicago, was wearing civilian clothing, and was unarmed. Yet he was labeled an "enemy combatant," which means you may be held without any legal process whatsoever until the administration sees fit. The court last Thursday ruled 2-1 that the government did not have the right to treat him as an enemy combatant and ordered him transferred to civilian custody within 30 days or released.

- 22.12.03 ~ Politics/Activism

Friday, 12 19 2003

Free Gift Wrapping at Chicago Airports

City Aviation Department spokeswoman Monique Bond said complimentary gift-wrapping will be available at O'Hare International Airport and Midway Airport on Friday, Monday and Tuesday -- the three busiest travel days leading up to Christmas. Bond said travelers will be able to have items wrapped once they cross the security checkpoints. Bond also says that travelers should not bring wrapped items to the airport because they may be opened for inspection.

- 19.12.03 ~ In the News

Thursday, 12 18 2003

Chicago Tribune Photog Wages War

The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is just one of many battlegrounds that have emerged between the Bush administration and environmentalists. Interior Secretary Gale Norton has referred to the potentially oil-rich land as "flat, white nothingness," but Chicago Tribune photographer Pete Souza found otherwise. During the past year, Souza documented eight such environmental hot spots, traveling from Alaska to Appalachia and various points in between. The results of his yearlong odyssey will appear in the Friday, December 19 edition of the Chicago Tribune, in a 12-page, full-color Special Photo Report, and online at chicagotribune.com.

- 18.12.03 ~ Photography

Chicago Targets Camera Phones

As early as this week, the Chicago City Council is to vote on a proposal by Alderman Edward M. Burke to ban the use of camera phones in public bathrooms, locker rooms and showers. Burke wants to ban the use of camera phones in places where "the average Chicagoan would expect a reasonable right to privacy.'' The Chicago proposal, setting a fine of $5 to $500 for offenders, echoes restrictions adopted in several smaller jurisdictions.

- 18.12.03 ~ Politics/Activism

Wednesday, 12 17 2003

Cook County Hospital Delays Vote

The former Cook County Hospital building will survive for another month, as the vote to determine whether to save or demolish the structure is deferred. The commisioners voted 10-7 to defer a demolition vote so developers have a chance to show what could be done with the building. Developers would like a chance to rehab the 89-year-old building, and preservationists made an impassioned plea to keep a building they call architecturally and historically unique to Chicago. Maintaining the structure is getting tough, so the developers must come up with some solid plans before a vote next month.

- 17.12.03 ~ Arts/Architecture

Thursday, 12 11 2003

Sitcom for Former Chicago Waitresses

Two former Chicago comics / waitresses, Dana Goodman and Julia Wolov, are in discussions with the WB to appear in a sitcom pilot set in Chicago, reportedly in the vein of "Laverne & Shirley" crossed with "Absolutely Fabulous". The ladies trained at ImprovOlympic and the Annoyance Theatre before shipping out to LA to work with Adam Sandler's production company, Happy Madison.

- 11.12.03 ~ Radio/TV

Monday, 12 08 2003

A Taste of Brazil

Recording artist Paulinho Garcia came to Chicago "to stay for one or two years and play jazz." This was 24 years ago; now Paulinho tours the world representing both his home country, Brazil, and his adopted home, Chicago. Read about the many Brazilian attributes our city has to offer, from music, dancing, and food, just to name a few.

- 8.12.03 ~ City Life/Cultural

Tuesday, 11 25 2003

North Ave. Bridge Construction

Watch out! Next spring, the long-awaited construction begins to constrct a new, wider bridge over the Chicago River at North Ave. Don't fret, a temporary bridge will be built across the Chicago River to allow North Ave. to remain open to traffic traveling in both directions. The reconstruction of the bridge is the first in a series of steps planned by the city to help alleviate the chronic traffic congestion that continues to plague the North and Clybourn intersection. In addition to the reconstruction of the bridge, the city will install a new stop light at the intersection of North Avenue and Kingsbury Street.

- 25.11.03 ~ Transportation

Lead Contamination in Urban Plants

A new study by Northwestern University researchers shows that edible plants grown in urban gardens could contain potentially hazardous amounts of lead. Chicago has one of the highest rates of lead poisoning in the United States, an extremely persistent health problem that particularly plagues urban areas. While the majority of the lead was concentrated in the roots, some lead was detected in shoots, which is often the portion of the plant that people eat. Much of the soil's lead contamination comes from deteriorated paint, past use of lead-containing gasoline and industrial air pollution.

- 25.11.03 ~ Outdoors/Environment

Wednesday, 11 19 2003

Discover the Hidden Gems

The Boston Globe has a weekend planner feature on discovering Chicago, specifically, those areas that are not on the beaten tourist paths. The article discusses the bounty of culture, shopping, entertainment and restaurants found along Devon Avenue, as well as the largest Mexican-American community in the city, Pilsen. Nice to see a travel feature step outside the usual spots in our fair city.

- 19.11.03 ~ City Life/Cultural

Tuesday, 11 18 2003

A Literary Lottery?

The Globe and Mail reports that the debut novel of Chicago-based visual artist Audrey Niffenegger, The Time Traveler's Wife, is set for a film treatment, by none other than Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt, in connection with New Line Cinema. Niffenegger, 40, makes her career as a printmaker. She shows her work regularly, and balances her art with her work teaching for the master of fine art program at the Center for Book and Paper Arts at Columbia College in Chicago. Certainly not a bad result for a debut novel!

- 18.11.03 ~ Film

Thursday, 11 13 2003

Windy City?

You wouldn't know it if you've been outside today, but those pesky East Coast Bostonians claim Boston, not Chicago, is the windiest city in America. Much of New England's wind comes from the west. But the region is subject to many complicated weather patterns that give Boston an annual wind speed of 12.4 miles per hour, higher than any other major American city. Chicago, in fact, barely makes the top 10. Sure didn't seem like it this morning, though.

- 13.11.03 ~ City Life/Cultural

Wednesday, 11 12 2003

Farnsworth House on Auction Block

On Dec. 12, Sotheby's of New York will place the historic Farnsworth House on the auction block. The only way to get a tour of the property? Call the head of Sotheby's and request a private tour; or, make a donation of $1 million or so, boosting the campaign by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Landmarks Preservation Council of Illinois to buy the house. They believe the house is threatened, and you too can make a donation to save the Mies van der Rohe treasure (PDF).

- 12.11.03 ~ Arts/Architecture

Tuesday, 11 11 2003

Hip Hop Theatre

A new genre, hip-hop theatre, may be coming our way. Expect the unexpected, as this new form of entertainment is making big waves in the Bay Area. The Hip-Hop Theater Festival, in its fourth summer in New York and second in Washington, D.C., plans to expand its reach throughout the country. The festival will premiere at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in May 2004. After that, it will develop shows and workshops in Chicago and Los Angeles. The University of Hip-Hop in southwest Chicago should take notice and work to bring this new form to Chicago.

- 11.11.03 ~ Theatre/Dance

Frank Lloyd Wright Design Threatened

One of Wright's prefabricated homes built 46 years ago in Lisle is threatened with demolition. The previous owner made no provisions in his will to save the structure, in which walls are crumbling and the ceiling is cracked. However, while other homes of the same design remain, any demolition is an "emotional loss." The developer eyeing the property wants to replace the building with three new homes expected to bring $900,000 apiece.

- 11.11.03 ~ Arts/Architecture

Monday, 11 10 2003

Fashion Houses Scout Hotels

Polo Ralph Lauren Corp. and Italian jeweler Bulgari SpA are doing their own shopping for hotel sites along the Magnificent Mile, part of a push to transform their high-end retail names into "lifestyle" brands. Polo has scoped out the Palmolive Building on Michigan Avenue, and both are eyeing a site at the corner of Rush and Superior streets.

- 10.11.03 ~ Business/Shopping

Wednesday, 11 05 2003

My Kind of Town

Scientists have determined that areas of the Lake Calumet region of southeast Chicago contain microbial communities where the water can reach extraordinary alkalinity of pH 12.8 — far beyond known naturally occurring alkaline environments. The closest known relatives of some of the microbes are in South Africa, Greenland and the alkaline waters of Mono Lake, California. Among the possible harmful things microbes could do is collect and distri