Gapers Block : Merge : Author

Chicago Is the Destination
Do you spend a lot of time scouring calendars looking to see which stores are having trunk shows and sales? Are you likely to plan a shopping day in Chicago? Then you just might be interested in Chicago Destination Shopping Club. After you become a member you can choose to either follow your favorite shops, or find out what is going on during any given day for you, your girlfriend, your bored male companion, or your antsy children in one of a handful of neighborhoods.
Wednesday September 12 2007 Business/Shopping

Staffer Alumni on Apartment Therapy
Craig Berman, writer emeritus for Gapers Block, maker of the honorably mentioned Pinch salt cellar and pepper shaker, and his wife Emily Berman, a vendor in this year's DIY Trunk Show, had their home profiled by Apartment Therapy. Their style? "Shabby chic meets modern sleek meets budget conscious new homeowner meets avid crafter meets product designer."
Saturday September 1 2007 Found on the Web

I do!
In what might be the most elaborately, delightful case of deception I've ever seen, George Aye asks Sara Cantor to marry him. Congratulations and kudos!
Monday August 20 2007 Found on the Web

Viva La Local Latina Fashionista
I told you last week about local designer Anna Fong being in the top 20 for AOL's AOL's Latino Fashionista contest. She's in the top 5 and could use your vote before Saturday to push her into the top 3.
Tuesday August 7 2007 Arts/Architecture

Latina Fashionista de Chicago
Anna Fong, a local clothing designer and designer of a dress that Nadine Velazquez wore to the 2007 Alma Awards, has made it to the top 10 for the AOL Latina Fashionista award. The winner will get to design a dress to be worn by a celebrity on the red carpet and voting ends on July 31. A vote for Anna is a vote for Chicago in this international competition. You can see pictures of her fashion show on MySpace. And you'll be able to buy her belts at Macy's this fall.
Sunday July 29 2007 City Life/Cultural

Secret Tribune Book Blog
Coming soon? Thanks, Roni.
Thursday July 26 2007 Found on the Web

Project Chicago
Tim Gunn, fabulous style mentor for Bravo TV's "Project Runway" has written a book called Tim Gunn: A Guide to Quality, Taste, and Style. And he'll be coming to Chicago to sign that book at three different locations on New Year's Eve Day. I wonder where he'll be at midnight.
Monday July 23 2007 Books/Authors

What a Ball
I bet when you think of conventions, sleazy salesmen or geeks in Klingon costumes come to mind. Me? I think of yarn. Especially since I just found out about YarnCon. Organized by two crafty chicas, YarnCon is possibly the first hip, urban yarn convention in the country. Put October 13th on your calendar if the idea of buying locally made goods related to yarn thrills you. Put August 15th (application deadline) on your calendar if selling goods related to yarn is more your thing.
Wednesday July 18 2007 Offbeat/Misc. Events

Butterbeer Specials This Friday
No, Butterbeer isn't some craze from Wisconsin, it's the beer from the book series that revolves around a scarred teenager named Harry. But, if you are a fan and wonder what in the world you're going to do after you rush to Women and Children First to pick up the copy of the book you've already paid for, then wonder no longer. This Friday, Andersonville is Potter-friendly with drink and eats specials at area businesses (if you know the passwords), there will be fan fiction readings at The NeoFuturariam, roving Ministry of Magic reps, and even a scavenger hunt.
Tuesday July 17 2007 Books/Authors

Does Dick Need Balls?
What about Hillary? Or Barack? If you've wished you could say to someone in Congress, "Have some balls." Then be happy because now you can pay Balls to Congress $3.50 to send a super ball or $6.50 to send a basketball along with your message of choice. And if you lack balls yourself, they'll even let you send your ball-bearing message anonymously.
Monday July 16 2007 Politics/Activism

The CTA: What Might Have Been
Lee Bey of The Urban Observer directs our attention to a CTA study I've not heard of before. The Chicago Central Area Transit Plan made a case for tearing down the Loop's elevated lines and replacing them with subways that connected with the existing lines in the rest of the city. Unfortunately the project ended up $500 million short so it died before it ever got off the ground. But I think Lee is correct in asking if the city will ever dream that big again.
Monday June 25 2007 Transportation

Everyone Collects Something
And Kevin Corr, formerly a clerk in the Cook County State's Attorney's office, collects Chicago Police patches, medals, and insignia. There are several historical tidbits (There were 41 districts before Superintendent O.W. Wilson reorganized the department after he took the helm in 1960.) interspersed with collector-specific information about patches and what they mean. And like any good collector, Kevin has a Flickr site.
Monday June 25 2007 Found on the Web

Craft Racket: Round 2
Are you a crafty business owner looking to learn better ways of doing things? Have you found the better way and you're hoping to find people to listen? The Chicago Craft Mafia would love you to join them at their 2nd Craft Racket, a networking event geared toward small business owners (especially those that are crafty). Details in Slowdown, or course.
Sunday March 18 2007 Business/Shopping

No Parkin' in Oak Park
If you have visited a friend in Oak Park or happen to have a friend who lives in Oak Park, then you probably know that Oak Park has some major rules about parking on the street. The law that prevents people from parking on the street in front of their home was passed in 1929 and some folks are finally considering repealing it, starting with this survey. And since Oak Park is only distributing this survey online (boo! hiss!) go fill it out for yourself, your friend, or mine. Thanks, eep.
Tuesday January 30 2007 Transportation

Chicago Park District Hearts You
So much in fact, that if you sign up for their Winter fitness center session by February 14th, they'll give you the Spring session free. The average price is $50 per three month session, there are 44 centers to choose from around the city, and they've improved their fitness center equipment. Wow! A city service that serves people? Awesome! (Thanks, Roni.)
Wednesday January 24 2007 Health/Fitness

1 in 5 = 20%
Just in case you struggle with matching numbers up to real life, I thought I'd help you out a bit. 20% of working theater folks are female. There are a lot more people behind the scenes than there are on stage, remember. And since that just isn't right, Elizabeth Schwan-Rosenwald and Abigail Boucher created 20% Theater Company Chicago (based off 20% Theater Company in New York City) to try to even out those numbers a bit. You can support them tonight, in fact.
Wednesday January 17 2007 Theatre/Dance

Chicago's Crazy for the Crafty
Seriously! There are a craftload of shows and sales this weekend. So, um, why are you going to the mall? Local First Chicago might be able to tell you exactly why buying local is buying better.
Thursday November 30 2006 Business/Shopping

Plan B at Planned Parenthood
In case you find your self in an unhappy position, kinda like the one Brienne imagined, you should know you can receive Plan B at any of the 10 Planned Parenthood locations in the Chicago area, as well as at the Chicago Women's Health Center. And Shasta MacNasty and her readers did some legwork and sharing about this pill and how to get it.
Monday November 20 2006 Health/Fitness

Breakfast -- It's What's for Lunch
Since a new Cereality opened a block from where I work in Evanston (although you wouldn't know it online, since their site hasn't been updated *ahem*) I decided to snag a coupla co-workers to eat with me. The verdict? It's better than we thought. $4 will get you two scoops of either hot or cold cereal (real oatmeal, people!), and your choice of milk (although soy milk does cost 50 cents extra), along with one topping of your choice. And even though it's a slick chain, and even though it's gimmicky, and even though you can buy a box of cereal for a little more than you get in one of their bowls, it was fun and I'm likely going back. And they use decent cinnamon on the oatmeal. I oughta know, you know.
Monday November 20 2006 Eating/Drinking

Going through the motions
Stressed and needing to relax? Maybe attending the newly opened Taoist Tai Chi Society's space at 1922 W. Montrose is just what you need. They've got beginner classes starting ths week (Monday and Thursday 6-7:30pm) and membership is only $40 a month.
Saturday October 21 2006 Health/Fitness

Journalism or Pulp Non-fiction?
Several weeks ago the Chicago Sun-Times printed a story with a questionably written introductory paragraph, about a woman who was allegedly kidnapped, raped repeatedly, and held captive for four days in Lincoln Square. A group of people at Beyond Today started a letter-writing campaign and had a meeting with representatives from the paper the same day they printed a story where another woman is pressing charges for sexual assault as well. ~~And while the coverage of the initial story wasn't handled very well, the Sun-Times does seem to be the only local paper that is covering this story.~~ correction The Chicago Tribune did run a less sensational story earlier this month.
Tuesday October 17 2006 In the News

Good Things To Eat
Even though I rarely follow them, I love reading recipes. And reading old recipe books just makes me giddy with the occasional "ew!" thrown in. So the dramatic intro aside, Rufus Estes wrote some interesting cooking points in 1911 when he published Good Things to Eat. And as a chef on the Pullman car that carried Princess Eulalie of Spain during the World's Fair, I think he's got the credits needed to back up a cookbook. But the Sardine Rarebit recipe brings back Snappy Mackerel Pudding nightmares.
Saturday October 14 2006 Books/Authors

A Force-ful Tryout Season
I love the current energy behind women's sports here in Chicago. I only wish I was a little more coordinated to do something like tryout for a women's professional tackle football team. The Chicago Force is ready to get next year's team signed up and in practice. Cause next year is the year we win!
Saturday October 14 2006 Sports/Recreation

Hate is alive in Illinois
I like to think of Chicago as a liberal and accepting city. So imagine my surprise when I looked at a map of hate groups created by the Southern Poverty Law Center and was shocked to see the large cluster of hate groups on the Chicago area. Around these here parts we often snidely comment on those down-staters and their ways. Seems like it might be time to look a little closer.
Thursday September 14 2006 Resources

How do you fit in?
I love stats. That journalism degree is still providing me use. So when I saw that I could get a lot of stats about my zip code and compare them with others in the city I had to find time to check it out.
Wednesday September 13 2006 Resources

Cupcake Crawl
I never really had the constitution for pub crawls. Mixing drinks has always been a personal cocktail for disaster. But a cupcake crawl? Holy buttercream frosting! And in case you are arriving late, you can get location updates for the crawl on your cell phone. Chicago Bites asks you to RSVP for a map. More info Slowdown, of course.
Thursday September 7 2006 Eating/Drinking

Riding the Rails
When I think of trains, I think of the El, Metra, and Amtrak. But those aren't the only train-lines in town. Freight lines aren't commonly thought of for commuting travel and hoboes are something that kids might dress up like for Halloween, but local writer Stephanie Zinger is trying to change that with her website and upcoming book called Halfway to Hobo. Got a story about hopping lines, avoiding rail goons, or surviving a boxcar scare? She'd love to hear them.
Thursday September 7 2006 Books/Authors

The Craft Racket
If you're the owner of a small business, crafty or not, who has been looking to meet other small business owners to share advice, information, and commiseration, but you don't like stuffy and boring networking events, the mafia is on your side. The Chicago Craft Mafia that is. The Craft Racket premiers Wednesday August 30th at Uncommon Ground with the hopes of uniting all those crafty business owners in-the-know with all those folks who need-to-know. It's a free event and more info is in Slowdown.
Saturday August 19 2006 Business/Shopping

Real Hot Chronic Babe in Webland
Fellow Real Hot babe Jenni Prokopy got a fantastic write-up in Crain's Chicago Business about her fantastic website Chronic Babe and how she's spreading her babe-liciousness to other women with chronic illnesses. (For full disclosure, Gapers Block is also happy to welcome her as a new staff member.)
Monday August 14 2006 In the News

Conserve!
The city of Chicago and public utilities doesn't just recommend that people conserve electricity. They're also hoping to get people to conserve water by buying a rain barrel to catch run off from your home to use for watering your lawn and garden. To make that easier to accomplish, they're offering barrels for $20 to city residents. My tomato plants wish I'd heard of this a few months ago.
Tuesday August 1 2006 Outdoors/Environment

Why we'll read about race
Sun-Times columnist Mary Mitchell gets her new blog started off with a bang. No, "Hi, I'm Mary and this is my new blog" post. Nope. She delves right in with an entry titled Why I Write About Race. I have a feelings she's going to get a lot of people talking about, reading about, and maybe even writing about race.
Friday July 28 2006 Weblogs

Queers on Speed-Dating
A friend recently told me, "I just can't meet a nice girl, you know. I'm not into the bar scene, so its hard meeting people." Thankfully DykeDiva has come up with speed dating events for Divas and Dudes. Dudes, you can pick either a casual dating or serious dating session on August 1. And Divas get to choose between mid-30s and younger, or mid-30s and older on August 15. For $15 or $10 (respectively), and two hours of a night you'd spend alone anyway, you might just find "The One", or at least one of "the ones".
Wednesday July 26 2006 Offbeat/Misc. Events

Sheepish Alter-Ego
So I've got a love for all things crafty and that's no secret. But most of your eyes glaze over if I go on too long about wool or knitting. And I don't blame you. However, even if you have no interest in the land of craft, you'll love Franklin's ~~alter-ego~~ roommate Dolores over at The-Panopticon. This sheep makes me snort on a regular basis. Without further ado, I introduce you to Dolores.
Wednesday July 19 2006 Weblogs

Next Hipster fad = Quilting!
Now I've seen some cool freaking quilts, and I've seen some awful, awful quilts as well. But I figured it would be a silent day on Halsted before I'd ever see a quilt shop open there. Quiltology, 2625 N. Halsted (between Fullerton and Diversey) is now open. They claim to combine technology and quilting, offer classes for all skill levels, and have great fabrics that are otherwise hard to get. Good-bye knitting on the train? Hello, lap-piecing? Thanks, Carolyn.
Friday July 7 2006 Business/Shopping

Oak Park Doesn't Like Fat Women?
Or at least not those who like to shop for clothes. Lane Bryant recently applied to open a store in downtown Oak Park, but was refused. Village President David Pope said that their officials want "a more broad-based retailer" and since the city used to own the property, they maintain right of refusal on all renters. Since the majority of women in this country wear the sizes Lane Bryant sells, I'm not sure how much more "broad-based" you can get.
Thursday July 6 2006 In the News

Time's almost up to be a renegade crafter
July 1 marks the application deadline for the Renegade Craft Fair. Organizers Sue and Kathleen got back recently from their second show in Brooklyn and now they're ready to devote their time to making the Chicago show awesome. They may have gotten the local craft scene kicked in the pants, but they're not the only ones in the game. The DIY Trunk Show is accepting applications through July 15th. The Rockwell Art Crossing is taking applications through June 30th. The Artzilla Craftzuki show at Schuba's on June 3rd was enough of a success that there will be another every month beginning on August 27th. And to give proper credit to the woman who started monthly craft shows, The Handmade Market at The Empty Bottle has been gaining in popularity since last year.
Wednesday June 28 2006 Business/Shopping

Saga of the good life and hard times
So a 21-year-old mentally ill woman argued with a CTA employee and got arrested for trespassing. Despite pleas to the Chicago police from her parents, Christina Eilman, who lives in West Hollywood, California, was released by the police in the Wentworth neighborhood which she was unfamiliar with. Shortly thereafter she fell from a 7th floor window wearing only her underwear. A man who was allegedly the last person to see her before she fell surrendered to police. He denies he did anything illegal, but his request for bail was denied as the police investigate the possibility that she was sexually assaulted and then was either thrown from the window or jumped. Since Christina is now paralyzed, the city has decided to drop the misdemeanor charge of trespassing that started this whole thing. Her parents are suing the city for not keeping Christina in jail until one of them could arrive in Chicago. It's a sad story, but an interesting one that still isn't over.
Tuesday June 27 2006 In the News

WLUW seeks donations
You like independent music. You like independent radio. But maybe you're a little broke and wish you had money to support something like WLUW but you don't. But you do have a great t-shirt signed by The Pogues that you don't want anymore. Or maybe you make bags suitable for carrying your records home from the record store in. If you've got something of value that you're willing to donate to WLUW so they can auction it off on eBay to raise money during the first week of July, send a description of the item as well as the expected value to Nicole Burnham.
Friday June 16 2006 Radio/TV

Call the Jazz Police
Sometimes when you're on your ~~honeymoon~~ vacation, you find out something about your own town that is worth sharing. Like how there's a very bare-bones (but cool) site that lists the specifics about jazz events in a few cities (New Orleans, Chicago, Bay Area, New York, LA, Twin Cities, and more.) And the best part? They're the Jazz Police you cool cat, you! Rat-a-tat-tat-cha!
Wednesday June 7 2006 Music/Clubs

Negro League Players Pensions Upheld
Mike Colbern, a Chicago White Sox catcher in 1978-79, and two other baseball players filed a lawsuit claiming that Major League Baseball was committing "reverse discrimination" for giving about two dozen Negro League players pensions and medical benefits. A federal appeals court ruled last week that the players from the Negro Leauges were entitled to continue receiving payments while white players who didn't meet MLB's length-of-play requirements were not. The judge ruled that there was no unfair treatment and even if there was, MLB has the right to make up for past injustices.
Monday May 15 2006 Sports/Recreation

reknit, re:knit
I'm a crafty gal. But running a small business means I now spend more time reading articles put out by the Small Business Administration than I do reading knitting blogs. And I miss it. Thankfully ex-GB'er Brenda Janish has created a re-blog that I'm delighted by. re:knit culls feeds of many of the knitting blogs I read when I had the time.
Monday May 15 2006 Weblogs

Rainbow House to close for a month, at least
When I was 12 my mother left my father and for a short while we moved into a shelter for women and children leaving domestic abuse situations. If that shelter hadn't existed, my mother (at least) would not be alive today. Due to financial problems and the lack of an executive director (although not a dedicated and hard-working staff), Rainbow House will close for at least the next month, and maybe longer. Rainbow House is the largest shelter of its kind in Chicago, and the only shelter which takes women with mental illness or substance abuse problems. I implore you to make a tax-deductible donation before its too late.
Wednesday May 10 2006 Politics/Activism

I Hate My Developer
I didn't actually hate mine, but I wouldn't say I was in love with him after we found out about all the corners that were cut. The Woodlawn Wonder has been writing since August of last year after she became a member of her condo board. If you're thinking of buying a condo, or if you have a condo and are questioning your developer there are 9 months of posts that might help answer your questions or spur you to action. The links list alone is a worth a visit.
Friday April 28 2006 Weblogs

SwapSimple
Wish you could trade that heavy BioChem book you never read for something truly valuable like the collected works of Freud or maybe the Pirates of the Caribbean dvd? Thanks to SwapSimple, you can. Started by a couple of local college grads as an attempt to stick it to the publishing man, it's been going and growing online for about a year. The coolest thing is that the recipient of your BioChem book pays for that shipping and you pay for dvd shipping. Rumor has it they're servers at a local restaraunt so the $2 per order charge obviously isn't making them rich, but I bet they'd accept tips.
Thursday April 27 2006 Business/Shopping

Abstinent Until They're Not
I can count the number of people I know who waited to have sex until they were married on one finger. And now that this person is married, sex is a given. Which means that all folks, even the children of the future, need to have age-appropriate and accurate health information. If you want think its important for Chicago Public Schools students to have this info, then you might be interested in telling the CPS Board of Education to vote for the Family Life and Comprehensive Sexual Health Education Policy. Click now since they're voting on Wednesday.

Here's some facts from the Illinois Coalition of Adolescent Health:
* The Youth High Risk Behavior Survey reports that nearly half of all CPS students are sexually active
* National data reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that by age 24, 89% of males and 92% of females have had sexual intercourse
* The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) reports that nearly 6,000 infants were born to teen parents in Chicago in 2003
* Youth age 15-24 comprised 71% of Chlamydia and 61% of Gonorrhea cases reported in Illinois in 2002 (IDPH)
* Statewide research conducted by the Illinois Campaign for Responsible Sex Education found that 66% of classrooms in Illinois are not providing students with a comprehensive approach to sex education, and that 92% of sex education teachers believe that students, whether or not they are sexually active, should receive accurate information on birth control and safe sex in school
Tuesday April 25 2006 Politics/Activism

Daily Kos disses Dames
Kos, of Daily Kos was in town yesterday signing books and Roni went to see what he had to say, and ask him about his view of feminists and civil rights. His basic theory is that any Democrat is better than any Republican. Roni points out why party affiliation isn't the main point.
Wednesday April 12 2006 Weblogs

Swiffer-ly Winner?
A Chicago feminist, mother, wife, and UIC employee is one of the finalists in the Swiffer Amazing Women of the Year contest. Veronica is the 7th from the top and she needs your vote. With her help maybe Chicago will get voted "Cleanest City to Live In."
Tuesday April 4 2006 Found on the Web

Are you ready for some football?
Forget about the Bears, I'm talking about the Force, the Chicago Force. In a move that makes me tickled pink, these kick-ass and ass-kicking women are going to be hosting this season's wins at the Lane Tech Stadium at 2501 W. Addison (on Addison near Western). The season opener is April 29th at 3pm, order your $8 tickets online.
Tuesday April 4 2006 Sports/Recreation

Hard out where for a pimp?
The Illinois Legislature is considering signing a bill into law which would make it possible for a prostitute to sue a pimp. The House has approved it, the Senate is expected to approve it, and Gov. Rod is expected to sign it. In 2004 there were 3200 prostitutes, 900 johns, and fewer than 30 pimps arrested in Chicago. Sounds to me like it's about to get a whole lot harder out there for a pimp. Shucks!
Monday April 3 2006 In the News

Happy Birthday, Naperville!
Naperville is proud to turn 175 years old this year. And to commemorate the pride and joy that all Naperville residents are experiencing, the city is looking for volunteers to help plan a birthday party to "celebrate 175 years of heritage, unity and vision in your hometown." If you're interested in helping out, contact a member of the Central Committee.
Saturday April 1 2006 City Life/Cultural

WLUW Record Fair Seeks a Few More Vendors
Did your boyfriend pull a High Fidelity-style break-up and you've got all his records? Sell them at the WLUW Record Fair taking place April 8th and 9th at Pulaski Park Fieldhouse. Or maybe you're a fantastic zine maker, small publisher, poster maker, t-shirt printer, crafter, or general diy maven with something to sell. If so, call Shawn Campbell at WLUW (773-508-8072) ASAP. There are still a few slots open.
Wednesday March 29 2006 Business/Shopping

Jane Doe Sues Walgreens
Somewhere in Posen, IL is a 14-year-old girl on birth control pills. The lawsuit claims that a pharmacy technician found out that one of her daughter's classmates was taking "the pill" and told her daughter. Her daughter, being the typical middle schooler, is accused of telling some friends who told some other friends, and you know how it goes. However the harrassment was so bad that the girl has had to change schools and is suing Walgreens, the pharmacy technician, and the technician's daughter. The lawsuit even asks if Walgreen really is "The Pharmacy America Trusts." This story came out two days ago. I've been waiting for a more in-depth follow-up from somewhere else, but I haven't been able to find it. If you know of one, send a link to cc@gapersblock.com.
Friday March 24 2006 In the News

So you voted, right?
Or at least you will, right? If so then you (have noticed) will notice new machines at your polling place. Not that anyone should expect problems, but if you do, The Illinois Ballot Integrity Project would love to hear about it. You can check out their site for possible problems. If you notice them in Chicago, send an email to: cboe@chicagoelections.net. If you're in suburban Cook County, then send an email to: electioninfo@cookcountygov.com. Update: The Chicago Board of Elections email box is full. You'll have to place a call to: 312/269-7870, instead.Thanks, Roni.
Tuesday March 21 2006 Politics/Activism

WTF?!!!!
Let's role-play a little. Imagine going to a party when you're 16, passing out from drinking too much, waking up naked with stuff written all over your body. Then imagine finding out that four of the guys at the party allegedly raped you or helped film it. Four years later you're testifying at another trial when the defendant's lawyer pulls up a television and expects you to watch that videotape in a room full of strangers and answer questions. Sounds like cause for a bit of a breakdown. Now imagine that the judge tells you to either watch it and answer the questions or the defendant goes free and you go to jail for contempt. Thankfully victims' rights advocates got Judge Kerry Kennedy to change his mind today.(UPDATE: Lots of commentary on Eric Zorn's blog.) correction: Judge Kennedy is presiding in Bridgeview, IL, not Naperville. Thanks, Mark.
Wednesday March 1 2006 In the News

Christine vs. Tammy: Round 2006
Unless you've been studiously avoiding all forms of media you probably have an inkling of who Christine Cegelis and Tammy Duckworth are. This story has gone from being a "local only" candidacy and has now become a national campaign. Kathy Pollit says "Go Chirstine! hasn't decided Alex Cockburn shares his $.02 In These Times weighs in
Friday February 24 2006 Politics/Activism

Too excited to wait?
In case you know exactly how you want to vote and just can't wait until March 21st to cast your ballot, here's some good news. Beginning February 27th (that's Monday) through March 16th you can vote. There aren't as many polling places, but you don't need an excuse. And just in case you need a little extra cash, David Orr is looking for 2000 electoral judges.
Friday February 24 2006 Politics/Activism

Stop, Look, and Listen
Did you know that more than 160 bicyclists and pedestrians are killed in the Chicago metropolitan area every year? To find ways to combat hit-and-runs the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation is teaming up with the Evanston Bicycle Club to have a news conference tomorrow morning at 8:30 am at the intersection of Sherman and Lake Street in Evanston (1450 Sherman Ave). Not only will there be "bigger picture" discussions related to traffic calming and tips on getting info on hit-and-runs to give to authorities, but there will also be requests to help track down a yellow Hummer H2 which seriously injured Archana Sriram at the intersection on February 16th.
Thursday February 23 2006 Transportation

Book Club Redux
Four years ago Women and Children First launched the Young Feminist Book Club. Tonight the book club members decided to expand the name to be the Inter-Generational Feminist Book Club. Feminists from the third wave are happy to share great books with second wavers and fourth-wavers. Oh and boys can totally be feminists, too, you know.
Monday February 20 2006 Books/Authors

I Go, You Go, We all Go with I Go
You brag proudly about how you love not having a car. As your friends complain about scraping their car windows in the morning, you wave your transit card at them. But occasionally you want to go to the burbs or you just want to make a massive run on a grocery store. I-Go has been in Chicago for a while, but now they have a blog called Chicago Car Sharing. It's a great place to keep up on chicago transportation issues while keeping your carless pride. edited 2/16: I-Go doesn't permit pets unless they're in a carrier. Good news for the pet allergic, bad news for those with a Fluffy or Fido.
Wednesday February 15 2006 Transportation

Pontiac says OK GO
Just in case you were considering playing hooky this Friday to go see the Chicago Auto Show, here's an incentive. OK GO is playing a free concert at the Pontiac Garage sponsored by Pontiac and Q101, who happen to be giving away free tickets. Flash animation warning.
Monday February 13 2006 Music/Clubs

The Mafia Shares Its Profits
Why wait till the last minute to pick out a gift for your Valentine? Get it done early at the Chicago Craft Mafia's 2nd annual St. Valentine's Day ~~Mass~~Craftsacre. Pick out a one-of-a-kind piece ("It's an original, honey. Just like you.") from 13 different Mafia members and "friends of the family," get some handmade chocolates, and help 826CHI raise some much needed cash — 20% of the proceeds from all sales as well as funds raised in a raffle will be used to finish building "The Boring Store."
Friday February 3 2006 Business/Shopping

Shop-a-holics night out
If you've ever wished to get a sneak-peek at what the finest local and national up-and-coming indie designers are making while getting a goodie bag and drinking cocktails at Union Station, then you're in luck. Girls Night Out is coming to Chicago on April 6th. Unique! Tres chic!
Friday January 20 2006 Business/Shopping

Calling All Crafters
The season of Crafty Sales doesn't usually start until early fall around these parts. But Erica Coslor saw how all those other months were empty without crafting, so she created the Handmade Market which will happen every month at the Empty Bottle. So if you're a crafter with your own table, chair, and lighting (it's dark in there) send Erica your info if you want to participate in the January 21 or the February 11 show. $20 for crafters, free for shoppers, and the bloody marys are dee-lish!
Monday January 9 2006 City Life/Cultural

AlterPolitics/Chicago Suburbs
Roni at Goddess Musings has been posting occasional updates on how Christine Cegelis' campaign to win District 6 is going. Cegelis ran last time against Henry Hyde (maybe you've heard of the Hyde Amendment) where she got 44 percent of the vote without support from the Democratic party. She seems like a shoe-in for the Democratic nomination, but she's not. Apparently "pulling yourself up by your bootstraps" only works in politics if the bootstraps are handed to you by Daddy Warbucks.
Thursday December 15 2005 Politics/Activism

Tribune Cuts Unnecessary?
We mentioned last week that the Chicago Tribune is cutting jobs. Well, MoveOn.org thinks they're unnecessary cuts that will water down local news. MoveOn claims that the profits of Tribune Media Company aren't where the owners want them to be (even though they say they're quite large) and that's why about 100 folks are losing their jobs. And they'd like for you to sign their online petition to demand that the cuts are reversed.
Monday December 5 2005 In the News

Kindness of Strangers
It's that time of year when schmaltzy, obvious "helping out your fellow (wo)man" stories tend to inspire either bitter or sentimental responses. But here's a story that tugs at my heart-strings and my wallet strings as well. Natalia Wilson, wonderful proprietress of Evil Eye Emporium is helping out her friend with massive medical bills by selling ornaments to help her raise money. She's donating 100% of her proceeds on this item to her friend. It truly is the gift that keeps on giving. I'm making my list and checking it twice, how 'bout you?
Monday December 5 2005 Business/Shopping

Neil Steinberg is on the wagon
And I'm hoping he stays there. I wrote a few months ago about how he was arrested for hitting his wife. She called the cops, they arrested him, and he spent some time in the klink. He then went to rehab, got out, and wrote a column all about it. He gives kudos to his wife for fielding the publicity and running the household and raising two boys alone, but he promises not to become a self-actualized, soft-hearted guy. Good luck, Neil.
Monday November 28 2005 In the News

Chicago-wide Buy Local Day
If you've ever worked retail, you probably called the Friday after Thanksgiving "Black Friday", or maybe you have heard it called "Buy Nothing Day". Well I'd love to see the friday after Thanksgiving be called "Buy Local Day". I could rant about why it's better to give your money to a local business, artist, crafter, bread-maker but instead I'll just encourage you to go to MINT on Friday and give some of your hard-earned cash to Tammy Terwelp. She only buys items from local artists, crafters, designers and she has a keen eye for finding the best stuff. You'll get to shop (there's free coffee and treats), you'll save up to 40% off select items, and you'll know that you're keeping Chicago in business without supporting any evil empires.
Wednesday November 23 2005 Business/Shopping

Children are the Future
Citizens of Chicago that is. And not everyone wants to see their friends with children fade off into suburbia. But if your friends with tykes are discussing the merits of larger yards and being closer to a mall, maybe you should buy their kid this shirt.
Monday November 14 2005 Business/Shopping

New York Times: The Paper of Incorrect Record
We posted earlier about a "no screaming child" policy at Taste of Heaven in Andersonville. Halfway through the New York Times article, there was a paragraph about a male Women & Children First employee kicking a nursing mother out of the store. Needless to say, the staff at Women and Children first have been fielding emails, phone calls, and visits all day about this. They've released a statement saying that since there was no male employee at the time, the story is obviously inaccurate. And the alder(wo)man Mary Ann Smith even says her quote as reported "Didn't happen." Maybe the reporter thought Women and Children First had a "No New York Times Reporters Who Don't Fact-Check Allowed" sign on their door.
Wednesday November 9 2005 In the News

Men DIY too!
Now I'm sure you've heard of the DIY Trunk Show even if you haven't been to one yet. (It happens again this this Saturday. And since it is all about craft with a "c" and not a "k", you might be just as fascinated as I was to listen to an interview with Jeff Faye yesterday on 848. I know I'm excited to see some of his items in person.
Thursday November 3 2005 Offbeat/Misc. Events

Craftivism
When some people hear they word "craft" they think of paint by number style kits, construction paper, and bits of yarn. Others think of ingenious ways to create beautiful, useful, creative items. And many of those people in the second group use craft as a method of expressing their activism, their desire to change the world. Cinnamon Cooper, Alejandra Valera, and Annie Tomlin are three such people. You can hear them discuss how feminism, activism and craft combine to create craftivism. Annette Ferrara of Flavorpill.net will moderate the discussion from 6-8 pm this Thursday. By the end of the night you'll be writing your own Craftifesto.
Thursday November 3 2005 City Life/Cultural

Boutique Buzz
Have you ever found yourself wondering just how many cool hip boutiques you're missing? I have. I know they're out there, but I just can't keep up on the shopping scene. Lauren Amerine of Isabella Fine Lingerie and the Killswitch Collective created Boutique Buzz. This site tells you which shops are in each city, but also has a small page devoted to each one. So if you don't have time to shop by foot, but want to stay local, you can. Or if you're lucky enough to be a visitor here, you'll be able to map out your shopping travels. Don't be embarrassed, we all do it.
Saturday October 15 2005 Resources

Columnist Arrested
Sun-Times columnist Neil Steinberg was arrested at his home last Wednesday for allegedly hitting his wife and trying to prevent her from calling police. He was released on a recognizance bond last Thursday morning after appearing in court. His boss simply says, "We hope the best for Neil and his wife." And I gotta say, I think Eric Zorn is being a bit too nice to him.
Monday October 3 2005 In the News

Moving out
As Matt points us to a great post made by Christine Cupaiuolo on Ms. Musings, I notice that she's packed up her bags. While she'll no longer be writing for Ms. magazine (a damned shame if you ask me) she will be continuing her writing at Pop Politics. It's always sad to hear that a professional weblogger has lost a job, but I'm glad that Christine has decided to stick around Chicago and keep writing. Her voice is strong and will carry on.
Tuesday September 27 2005 Weblogs

What would I do without blogs?
Seriously. I've begun to turn to blogs to get more and more information that I know I'm not going to find in traditional media. For example, the Chicago Foundation for Women had a Symposium yesterday titled "Speaking So They Can Hear Us," which was all about getting feminist voices in the media. Right up my alley, right? Unfortunately the day job got in the way of me going. So today I go to Google News and find nothing. So I turn to my bookmarks, and find Roni's notes. With lots of pertinent links. Thanks, Roni!
Tuesday September 20 2005 Found on the Web

Tupper-Chic-Wear
Growing up, my mom had a sign over the microwave that said "No TUPPERWARE!!!" She'd lost quite a bit of her collection due to us nuking spaghetti or chili for longer than necessary. In an attempt to turn Tupperware into Tupperwear, local fashionista Cynthia Rowley worked with the makers of fine plastic-ware to create headbands and shoes, turning them into plastic-wear. While I doubt I'll plunk down the $300 her shoes will cost, I think Mom might get something from Tupperware's cool new line since my brothers and I ignored that sign.
Friday September 16 2005 Business/Shopping

Good food, served fast, money goes to a$$holes
And I don't mean the server. Being a server is a thankless, crappy, dirty job which very rarely gets you paid time off, health insurance, or many other benefits that most corporate drones can take for granted. And while servers run into other servers when they're having a beer and unwinding, it's hard to network so you can get the good jobs, for good owners. In comes Shameless Restaraunts.com and creates a safe environment so bartenders and food service workers can find out the dirt before they drop off a resume. And since I'm lucky enough to be a corporate drone now, I'll be checking through the list to make sure my usual haunts aren't run by "dillweeds", "jagoffs", or the like. Thanks, Paul.
Friday September 16 2005 Found on the Web

Wanna be in a porno?
Or at least have your music in one? Early 2 Bed owner Searah Deysach is filming dyke porn and needs musicians who are willing to lend her original tunes for the movie. If you're interested, drop her an email at movie@early2bed.com. It's supposed to release this fall, so quit typing with one hand and send her an email already!
Thursday September 1 2005 Music/Clubs

Stitch'n'Pitch
Now that the nights are cooler, I'm finding myself a little more comfortable when I curl up on the sofa with my knitting. But I'm de-freaking-lighted at the prospect of sitting and watching the White Sox play while I sip a cool one while I knit. If you haven't bought your tickets yet, whaddaya waitin for? Seriously, they're only $12. Even if you don't want to knit you can be surrounded by hot knitters for cheap. Where there is beer. And hot dogs. And nachos. In front of a winning baseball team. And you just might see yourself on the Jumbo-Tron.
Tuesday August 30 2005 Offbeat/Misc. Events

Bike to Rufus on the cheap(ish)
Wanna go see Rufus Wainwright and Ben Folds at Ravinia Wednesday night? Don't wanna pay $175 to a ticket broker? The Chicagoland Bicycle Federation has tickets that will set you back about $80 and you get a ton of freebies, too. Sounds like something to add to that must-do list you've got, eh?
Monday August 8 2005 Offbeat/Misc. Events

Stitch 'n' Pitch
It may not sound like fun with the thermostat stuck on "way too f'in hot", but by September 20th it should be perfect knitting weather. Inspired by the Seattle Mariners Stitch 'n' Pitch nights, Brenda Janish (Chicago's designated knitter) of the local Stitch 'n' Bitch group has teamed up with a White Sox marketing guy to set aside a few hundred specially priced ($12--woot!) tickets so local knitters can drink beer, eat nachos and knit sox. You've got till September 6th to order your tickets by mail or fax. And more importantly, you've got just a little over a month to knit a White Sox beer cozy. Tickets may also be purchased online (a $4 per ticket service fee will apply to all online orders). To order online, go to www.whitesox.com, click on "Schedule" and then on "T" in the September 20 box. On the order page, type SNP in the promotion code box.
Monday August 8 2005 Offbeat/Misc. Events

Beat the Heat by Buying Cool Crafts
If this heat makes you yearn for a free air-conditioned space, then head to Catalyst Ranch tonight to meet up with the Chicago Craft Mafia for their first annual Summer Shakedown. They, and 19 "friends of the family", are putting aside their glue guns, seam rippers, and scissors long enough to let you get a peek at what they've been making. We'll see you there between 8pm and 11pm. Right? Yeah! Dat's what I thought!
Friday July 22 2005 Business/Shopping

Let the crafting begin!
If you haven't seen a crafty friend in a while, it's probably because they're participating in one of Chicago's popularly crafty entrepreneurial events. The DIY Trunk Show announced their vendor list for this year's show. The Renegade Craft Fair will be posting their list of vendors soon. And the Chicago Craft Mafia kicks off the craft season with their first annual Summer Shakedown. So, if you know a crafter, make sure to check up on them this week. With as hot as it's going to be, and since they're a reclusive bunch, we all have to band together to make sure they survive this Heat Wave . And keep an eye on your elderly neighbors as well. You know they watch (out for) you.
Tuesday July 19 2005 Business/Shopping

Chronically Cool
If you wake up everyday wondering if it's going to be a pain-filled day or if you'll be able to forget about your chronic illness and have fun, then Chronic Babe is for you. Local writer Jenni Prokopy (aka Mrs. Steve at the Movies) has been living with fibromyalgia for a few years. Instead of sitting on her sofa whining about it, she strapped on some comfy shoes and created this kick-a$$ website which lets you go from "Waanh" to "Rowr-sexy!" in just a few posts. Yep, she's not here to tell you how to get healed, just how to enjoy life while you're living with what ails you. And if you want to support this hot chronic babe, you can buy the Chronic Babe Bag.
Thursday July 14 2005 Found on the Web

Turn that waste into gold
Gardening gold that is! If you're amazed at the amount of food waste you create, then you might be interested in picking up a compost bin. The Garfield Conservatory is selling the bins for $25 and they're specifically designed for use in the city so no worries about your eggshells being consumed by the neighborhood creatures that go *squeak* in the night. It's a one-day only sale July 23, so get there early. Cause when they're gone, they're gone! (Thanks, Fil!)
Thursday July 14 2005 Outdoors/Environment

Free headset
I'm sure you know that it's now illegal to talk on a cellphone without a headset while you're driving. But it's possible that you haven't been able to get your hands on a headset, or maybe you'd just rather spend that money on something else. Thanks to FreeHeadset.org $3.94 will pay for the shipping of your free headset to anywhere in the US and Canada. They're based in San Diego, and Dood, they're trying to make the roads safer.
Friday July 8 2005 Resources

Supreme Court Justice resigns; locals rally
Just in case you get all of your news from Gapers Block, you might be interested to know that Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor resigned today. She was a swing voter and a true moderate on the bench. The local Planned Parenthood chapter, Chicago NOW, and many other groups are getting together to raise a little noise and remind our senators that abortion rights, gay rights, and civil rights are important. If you'd like to join in, plan on taking a long lunch on Tuesday. Times and locations: In Chicago: Federal Plaza (Adams & Dearborn), 5:30pm In Arlington Heights: The Daily Herald (155 E. Algonquin Rd.), 6:00pm In St. Charles: The Daily Herald (3805 E. Main St.), 6:00pm A list of all participating organizations: Coalition Partners: Access Living ▪ Chicago Foundation for Women ▪ Chicago NOW ▪ Chicago NOW PAC ▪ Citizen Action / Illinois ▪ Illinois NOW ▪ Metro Seniors in Action ▪ Northwest Chicago Choice ▪ Northwest Suburban NOW ▪ Personal PAC ▪ People For the American Way Midwest Regional Office ▪ Planned Parenthood – Chicago Area ▪ Sergeant Shriver’s National Center for Poverty Law ▪ Sierra Club of Illinois ▪ Westside Ministers Coalition ▪ Women Employed
Friday July 1 2005 In the News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let the craft season begin
Not only is the Renegade Craft Fair and the DIY Trunk Show taking applications, but so is the 2nd Annual Rockwell Crossing Art Walk. And to keep the crafty spirit going year round, Tammy Terwelp of Smashing Cars Creations has opened up Mint Boutique. Or at least she will next Wednesday at 1450 Webster Avenue. She's only selling high quality goods made from local artisans and crafters. And unlike most stores, she'll be open when you're probably not working. So when you need a gift at 8 p.m., check out her store.
Friday June 10 2005 Business/Shopping

A DIY Fairy Tale
Emilie Autumn was recently featured on HGTV's Crafters Coast to Coast where she made a pair of Faerie Wings. Some girls wanted to be a princess, but I wanted to be a fairy because I wanted to be able to fly and be mischevious. Seeing these makes me want to play pretend all over again. Thanks Roni.
Thursday June 9 2005 Found on the Web

Still Mourning
Eric Zorn, a man who never met Alicia Frantz in person, has written a beautiful column dedicated to her. GB staffer Jes Davis also wrote a moving post as did Shylo Bisnett, Ken Meier, Paul McAleer, Naz Hamid, Jessica, Archie FlorCruz, the Michalik Funeral Home's blog entry, Avoision, Lacey, Bill, Kevin, Cinnamon, annahplanet, klink_klank, Tense Forms, Paul McCann, Andrew Huff, Wendy McClure and many others. If you'd like your link included in this, email it to cc@gapersblock.com
Tuesday June 7 2005 In the News

Visitation and Funeral Arrangements for Alicia Frantz
There will be a visitation on Tuesday night from 5-8 pm at Michalik Funeral Home located at 1056 W. Chicago. The funeral will begin Wednesday at 11am. Donations to the Alicia Frantz Memorial Fund will be accepted. More information will be posted on Alicia's website. A memorial bike ride is in the works and there is a collective desire to see the stretch of road near the Kennedy expressway improved. Eric Zorn begins a nice online memorial to her. Rodan was packed last night and it was good to see so many of Alicia's friends getting together. Gapers Block would like to thank the wonderful owners and staff of Rodan for opening up the space to Alicia's friends.
Monday June 6 2005 Gapers

Air Guitar Championship
So if you spend several minutes a day rocking out with your invisible guitar while listening to tunes on your iPod then you need to get your hiney down to Joe's Bar tonight at 8pm to participate in the US Air Guitar Championship. If you win tonight, then you'll get to go on to the finals in LA. You'll be judged on Technical Merit, Stage Presence, and "Airness". Who knew there were rules to playing air guitar?
Thursday June 2 2005 Music/Clubs

True English Cut Comes to Chicago
I've been reading Thomas' English Cut for many months. He's a Savile Row tailor who explains what bespoke is and describes the many fascinating details of exquisitely tailored suits. I've dreamed of flying to England just to get my special guy all dappered up in a handmade suit. But I just found out Thomas is coming to Chicago. So if you've got a coupla G's to plop down on the only suit you'll ever need, meet him up at The Seneca Hotel on the 15th or 16th of June.
Thursday June 2 2005 City Life/Cultural

Can you CAN TV?
Have you always wanted to be a television producer but just never had the chance to learn the skills? Well now is your chance: CAN TV is holding video production orientation sessions over the next few months. All you need is a photo ID and proof that you're working with a nonprofit organization. Once you make it through their orientation class you can then begin taking their classes, which cost between $25 and $200 -- so much more affordable than moving to Hollywood.
Wednesday June 1 2005 Radio/TV

Chicago Bandits stole my heart!
These Chicago Bandits are the city's only women's professional softball team. Their first game is at 7pm this Thursday at the Sports Complex at Benedictine University in Lisle, which is accessible by Metra. They're playing almost every Thursday-Sunday through August. And even though their ticket prices are $8-$10, they're running some cool promotions. On Fridays, all women and any man wearing a skirt (including a kilt) gets in for half price. Just in case you can't make the game in person, Comcast Sports Net will be broadcasting it.
Tuesday May 31 2005 Sports/Recreation

Check that receipt!
The Chicago Department of Consumer Services recently completed an investigation involving 73 hardware and home and garden stores, more than 1/2 of them were found to be ripping off their customers. Charges range from not having enough of advertised sale items in stock to not having register prices match up with prices on the shelf. These investigations happen frequently, and often find the same types of violations everywhere, so it's always a good idea to make sure the price you think you're being charged is indeed the price that's printed on your receipt. If not raise a complaint at the store and feel free to give them a call: 312-744-9385.
Thursday May 26 2005 In the News

There's a new knitter in town
Or several actually. Eight Chicago-area knitters have teamed up to create The Daily Knitter. And it's pretty good and certainly worth adding to your list of knitting blogs to visit. Just because it's warming up outside doesn't mean knitting season is over. Quite the contrary, it's a good excuse for sucking up air conditioning in coffee shops.
Wednesday May 25 2005 Found on the Web

Free 'Finger Free' Frosty, Please
To thank customers for sticking with them during the "I found a finger in my chili" hoax, Wendy's is giving free Frostys to everyone who asks for one this weekend.
Friday May 13 2005 Eating/Drinking

Tactille
Now you know that crafting is H-O-T-T-T, right? Well, Josi Hannon Madera of Weird Mirror wants to prove how S-E-X-X-Y crafting is, too. She's creating an adult DIY magazine, called Tactille which will blend the sexy best of handmade, independent designers: "from the semi-nude to the simply silly". The first issue isn't available until November, but to get folks interested, she's challenging you to create an Ass Hat and send it in. The winner of the contest gets a prize, but I think the readers will be the real winners.
Tuesday May 10 2005 Found on the Web

Stitch and Bitch Threatened with Lawsuit
Unless you live under a rock, you've probably heard of Stitch 'n' Bitch, a common name for a knitting group that's been actively engaging stitchers in Chicago for at least the past four years and many other parts of the country as well. Debbie Stoller, editor of Bust magazine, has written two books with that title. Brenda Janish, ex-GB staffer and creator of the Chicago group, has been sent a cease and desist letter from a company called Sew Fast, Sew Easy in New York City saying that her use of the Stitch and Bitch name in her Cafe Press shop is an infringement on their trademark. Think this is bogus? I sure did. So I told them what I thought.
Monday May 9 2005 Found on the Web

Give some love to a nonprofit and to Mom
Now I'm not saying that I think you forgot that Sunday is Mother's Day, and I'm certainly not suggesting that you're procrastinating about finding a gift, but I am saying that Urban Meadows lets you not only get your the mom-figure in your life something pretty and keeps you from getting a guilt phone call Sunday afternoon. But Urban Meadows helps people with mental illness learn job skills. And if you work in the loop, stop by 120 S. LaSalle and pick up some flowers to hand deliver to Mom.
Monday May 2 2005 Business/Shopping

(Jane) Ad(d)ams Street
Just when you thought there couldn't be more honorary street signs in Chicago, we get another one. But this one should be a no-brainer, and maybe should have existed for decades. There is now a Jane Addams-Hull House street which also happens to be a stretch of South Halsted Street between Harrison Street and Roosevelt Road. Hopefully this will make it easier for tourists to find the Hull House since you can't get nearer Mesopotamia on King Sargon Drive.
Thursday April 21 2005 In the News

Sting!
Imagine walking into your music composing class at the University of Illinois at Chicago and being told that your class is being filmed for a promotional university project. And then you see Sting walk in followed by an MTV film crew. Not only did he play music and answer students' questions, he also invited them to play along and even picked out some students for solos. The episode will air Monday on MTVu's Stand-In only available on college campuses. The line-up sounds a heckuva lot better than most of the shite they have on regular MTV. (Thanks, Roni.)
Tuesday April 19 2005 Music/Clubs

Pharmacist Refusal Rally
We told you a couple of weeks ago, about a rally to protest pharmacists refusing to fill birth control perscriptions. We then told you that pharmacists have filed a lawsuit against Gov. Blagojevich for making them *ahem* do their job. Now Planned Parenthood has organized a rally in Springfield for May 11th. Wanna go?
Monday April 18 2005 Politics/Activism

Wait Wait In Person
Hey, for $20 bucks a person, you can go view a live taping of National Public Radio's fabulous quiz show Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me. If you can't catch the local taping, maybe you can make it to the tapings in glamorous places like San Diego and Ypsilanti, Michigan.
Wednesday April 13 2005 Radio/TV

Alienation of Affection
Apparently in Illinois, if your wife leaves you for another man, you can press charges against that man for alienation of affection. This holdover law from the 1800's when women were seen as property has been turned over in England, Canada, and most states in the U.S., but not here in Illinois. A Chicago man named Steve Cyl has dropped his suit against a Chicago firefighter, who convinced Lupe Cyl, that he could make her happier. Steve says he though they had a happy marriage. Dude, if she leaves you, it's not a happy marriage.
Wednesday April 13 2005 In the News

And you thought unions were dying
Not so. The Service Employees International Union Local 880 has succeded in signing up 50,000 home-based childcare workers. Essentially these are people who get paid by the state to take care of kids in their home. Unless they're licensed, they get less than $9.50 A DAY to take care of each kid in their home. They don't have health insurance, and they don't get paid in any timely manner either. This major success may help other the SEIU create unions in other states. And some of the credit for this goes to Chicago blogger and a GB staffer.
Monday April 11 2005 Politics/Activism

Cheesy beading technique
For all of you with a Tivo or a day off tomorrow, you might want to tune in to Home and Garden Television's Crafters Coast to Coast at either 11 am or 4 pm CST. GB staffer Cinnamon Cooper (me) will be showing off her cheesy sense of humor (it's more akin to spray cheese than a fine smoked gouda) while she demonstrates how to make this purse. She's also continuing to donate 25% of all her profits to Naz's Brainfund cause even though he's feeling better, the bills just keep on coming. You can also see her purses in person at this weekend's WLUW Record Fair. Note: There are several other Chicago crafters who will be popping up over the next few months. Keep an eye on the schedule to see them keeping it real! Or at least keeping it real cheesy.
Wednesday April 6 2005 Radio/TV

Legend of New Repute
"There was a house in New Orleans/they call the Rising Sun" and nobody knows where it was. Local scholar Shannon Dawdy, an assistant professor in the anthropology department at the University of Chicago, and several of her students have completed an excavation of a parking garage which just may have been the site of the famous brothel from 1808 to 1822, when it burned down. Hopefully her findings help her with that book she's writing on French colonial New Orleans.
Monday April 4 2005 History

Chicago Force Tackles New Season Head On
The Chicago Force is ready to make their 3rd season a winner, just like their previous two. If you wanna see a winning sports team in Chicago, head down to St. Rita's High School (79th and Western) this Saturday at 3pm. After the game you can head over to Hedgehogs (6915 Pershing Road, Stickney, Il) for a beer or glass of white wine with the team. If you can't make it to the game, you'll be able to get a webcast of the game at 7:30.
Thursday March 31 2005 Sports/Recreation

Lies and Dolls
About 70 students from Pilsen area schools went to Michigan Avenue yesterday to protest the story behind the Marisol Luna doll sold at American Girl Place. The story behind the doll tells of a family who leaves the Pilsen neighborhood and goes to Des Plaines. The students complained that the story misrepresents the Pilsen neighborhood. If you want to follow in U.S. Representative Luis Gutierrez's tracks and send a letter of complaint to Mattel here's the address.
Wednesday March 30 2005 In the News

Hedgehog blog
As odd as it seems, Chicago blogger Brandy Agerbeck seems to be the first person to create a blog specifically about her hedgehog. It's named Numo, not Ron Jeremy. It loves playing with toilet paper rolls. And she won't let my cats come visit.
Friday March 25 2005 Weblogs

Blogging from the bookstore
I'm completely biased when it comes to Women & Children First. I love the bookstore, the location, their bookclubs, their activism, their buyers. But sometimes I don't get to visit as often as I'd like. Now, in a virtual kinda way, I can peek in on them even when I'm at work (not that I would *ahem* surf on company time). They now have a blog and it seems like everyone on staff can post on it.
Wednesday March 23 2005 Books/Authors

GOOOOAAAAALLLL!
In the "Taking it International" category, the Chicago Fire announced that Soldier Field will be the site of a double-header soccer game. On Wednesday, April 27 the Chicago Fire will play the New England Revolution and Poland will play Mexico. They haven't played each other since 1993 and that game ended in a tie, so this stands to be an absolutely insane day. If you're a season ticket holder, the game is included in the package. If you're not, tickets will range from $35 to $70, if you're lucky enough to get one.
Tuesday March 22 2005 Sports/Recreation

Chicago Historical Rehab
The Chicago Historical Society is going to be closed for most of next year so they can expand and revitalize the center. They expect twice as much space to be alloted so the center can have more 3-D displays about Chicago history. They're not planning to whitewash Chicago's history, though. An audio display will permit visitors to hear a history of how their neighborhood has changed. President Lonnie Bunch said, "On the one hand, neighborhoods are places of celebration, but they're also places that keep people out."
Friday March 4 2005 History

Chicago Rocks
And it raps and it breakdances and Molemen Inc. has two days to bring folks from all over the city together to listen to the best hip-hop the city has to offer. The line-up begins tonight at Metro and tomorrow it moves to The Abbey Pub. And just because it's all hip-hop, don't think there's no variety. You'll be able to see street philosophers like Qualo and Earatik Statik, jazzy acts like Typical Cats, gritty rappers like JUICE and Vakill, and culture critics like All Natural. Tickets range from $10-$15 per night depending on whether you get them before the show or at the show, but at prices like this, the beats are a deal.
Friday February 25 2005 Music/Clubs

Spontaneous Combustion?
If you were inconvenienced this morning taking the Green line east into downtown, be glad you weren't on the train that caught on fire. The conductor managed to get everyone off the train and then park the train away from a station so no one was hurt.
Thursday February 24 2005 In the News

Young Feminists
If you've considered attending the Young Feminist Bookclub at Women & Children First but haven't made it, I've got an incentive. The book choice for March 21st (7:30 pm to 9 pm) is Manifesta: Young Women, Feminism, and the Future. The kicker is that instead of sitting in a circle and just talking about the book with other young feminists, you'll get to talk about this book and their new book Grassroots: A Field Guide for Feminist Activism with the authors themselves. Amy Richards and Jennifer Baumgardner will hang out and discuss feminsm and activism and other cool things. You get 10% off either of these two books if you mention you'll be at the book club, you have a month to read at least one of them, so what are you waiting for?
Wednesday February 23 2005 Books/Authors

Nice guy? or Not so nice guy?
As soon as he turned himself in for driving over a cab driver, Mike Jackson has been described by many people he worked with and who knew him as being a "nice guy" and how they're really "shocked" that he could act the way he did. The Windy City Times has found people who saw a very different side of Jackson, who apparently said he could use his connections to shut down bars that asked him to leave and stores which asked him to pay bills. And in the "it's about time" category, Ann Jackson of AIDS Legal Council of Chicago has suggested having a fundraiser for Haroon Paryani's family.
Thursday February 17 2005 In the News

Great Backyard Bird Count
Now that I've got an eensy-teensy backyard I plan on participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count. Amateur ornithologists all over the country are going to be logging in reporting what types and numbers of birds they've seen, right in their own backyard. It takes place from the 18th-21st and you can participate even if you don't have a window. Go to a local park, look out your window, or visit a friend and look in their backyard.
Thursday February 17 2005 Offbeat/Misc. Events

La Casa del Pueblo-Busted
Chicago Business reports that La Casa del Pueblo, a small independent grocery store in Pilsen, has been busted by the National Labor and Relations Board for threatening to fire workers, have them deported, or close the store if employees continued with their efforts to organize and join Local 881 of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union. Store owners are accused of firing employees, cutting hours, and forcing employees to take unpaid vacations. The Chicago Journal reports that the grocer also worked with a Franklin Park union in attempts to unionize the store with them. It's illegal for an owner to take part in the formation of a union.
Wednesday February 16 2005 In the News

Curling
If you've been thinking that you need to start doing some exercise but you're just not a traditional sports kinda player, then maybe curling is for you. Sure it's an esoteric sport here in the states, but it dates back to the 1500's in Scotland. The Chicago Curling Club is having their final open house this weekend where you can come find out more about the sport. You may be a natural in which case you could work your way up to the U.S. Olympic Team.
Friday February 11 2005 Sports/Recreation

WNBA slam-dunks in Chicago
Even though Da Bulls are improving lately, Chicago hasn't had a women's basketball team to rally around. That's all changing finally, in May 2006, cause Chicago is getting an official WNBA franchise. Season tickets went on sale yesterday, but I bet there are still a few left, so now is your chance to get in on the ground floor. (Thanks, Roni.)
Wednesday February 9 2005 Sports/Recreation

Crafty Bang-Bang
The Chicago Craft Mafia is going to make you an offer you can't refuse. "Buy local, or else!" Inspired by the recent craft explosion hitting this fair city, six local crafters decided their familia would join forces with the national Craft Mafia familia. You'll be able to get the first glimpse of their joined efforts this coming Friday at TOJO gallery. There's no amount of "hush-money" that can keep these folks quiet, so you'll be hearing from them.
Monday January 31 2005 Business/Shopping

Bad, bad, bad
Do you like bad movies? Not bad in a good way, I don't even bad in a so bad it's funny way. I just mean bad in "I can't believe people got paid to make this film" kind of way. If so then you'll definitely want to head over to B-Fest. I'm pretty sure that most of the films should have a C or D rating, but somebody's gotta enjoy this stuff since it sold out last year. Yeah, you can get your tickets online.
Monday January 17 2005 Film

You've got maille
Do you have lotsa patience? Does the idea of linking little rings together to create jewelry or even chain maille make you giddy? Then you'll want to take a gander at Blue Buddha Boutique. Rebeca Mojica has lots of classes set up around the city, or she can give you, and a few friends, a personal lesson for a very reasonable fee. Before you go thinking that chain maille is clunky and ugly, take a look at her gallery and you'll change your mind. If you're more likely to just buy pre-made jewelry, check out Rapt in Maille by Melissa Banks. Thanks, Fil!
Thursday January 13 2005 Found on the Web

KIP
Knitting in Public. There are several local groups where you can meet up with other knitters and knit at a coffee shop or someone's home. Well now, the Chicago Park District is getting in on the act. (scroll down the list) If you thought the parks were just for soccer and basketball, you'd be highly mistaken. There are also several sewing programs. (search for "sewing")
Thursday January 13 2005 Sports/Recreation

Gang signs
Chicagoans are proud of the influence our city has on the country. We brag about our comedians, our actors, our authors, and our politicians. But the Florida Department of Corrections, breaks down how Chicago gangs have influenced gang culture nationwide. There are also several sketches and photos of graffiti, in case you want to find out who rules your hood.
Wednesday January 5 2005 Found on the Web

Rape! I mean fire! Fire!
Have you noticed an increase in news stories about rape in the past month? First there were three women attacked in Wrigleyville and then there was a woman raped yesterday on the Blue Line while it was moving. But the majority of rapes happen in neighborhoods which are virtually ignored by the media. Thankfully, two astute male reporters of the Chicago Tribune don't hold any punches as they explain why rapes on the South and West sides of the city don't get reported.
Tuesday January 4 2005 In the News

It's Friday, what can I say?
Are you a true Chicagoan? I am.
Friday December 17 2004 Found on the Web

Why did the chicken cross the city?
Not too far from where I live is a place where I can pick out a live chicken and have it butchered and dressed while I wait. I've wondered how many people have found a chicken building a nest in their flower garden, 'cause I'm sure at least a few of them have to be smart enough to get away. I'm pretty sure the ones Kristin found weren't all that smart, but it makes for a good story.
Monday December 13 2004 Found on the Web

Local craft fair hits the Big Apple
The creators of the Renegade Craft Fair are expanding their crafting empire and holding a show in New York City, Brooklyn to be exact. They'll be setting up on June 25th and 26th which means you've got plenty of time to get your crafty self together so you're prepared for when they start taking applications.
Thursday December 9 2004 City Life/Cultural

Fare Strike!
Think the requests to have CTA riders complain to legislators and the city about threatened service cuts and fare increase is a bunch of hooey? You're not alone. The folks at Midwest Unrest aren't the type of people to complain about something, they're the type of people who do something about it. What do they propose? A fare strike on December 15th.
Wednesday December 1 2004 Transportation

Grapefruit, Juicy Fruit, and Old Style?
That might be the menu at Wrigley Field next year if Cubs President Andy MacPhail can bend Alderman Tom Tunney to his will and permit a "big" concert every other year at Wrigley Field. The rumored first act may be Jimmy Buffet which just might attract some Sox fans to the friendly confines.
Tuesday November 30 2004 Music/Clubs

Shop local! Buy independent!
Ahh, the holiday shopping season. Whether you love it or hate it, this is the time of year when we all find ourselves spending money. It's been proven that spending your money in locally-owned stores benefits the city much more than buying at a large retail chain. Thankfully Studio 9 Gallery is displaying more than a dozen local crafters goods through December 24th. And Depart-ment takes place this weekend which lets you buy more locally-produced goods. So go ahead and spend, but do it wisely.
Monday November 29 2004 Business/Shopping

Dame Couture
I've got a huge problem fitting into off-the-rack clothes. I've got some pretty good sewing skills, but every time I've tried sewing my own clothes I've wished there was a cool place where I could learn some tips and tricks to make it go easier. Thankfully the proprietresses of Dame Couture are willing to rescue me from having to take a quilted vest or an applique sweatshirt sewing class. These stylish mavens are offering classes that range from how basic sewing, to pillow-making, to make pajama pants.
Monday November 15 2004 Schools/Education

DIY Trunk Show II
In less than a week, almost 100 individuals are going to be gathering at Pulaski Park to show and sell what they've spent the last several months feverishly making. This Do-It-Yourself effort takes place just before the holiday shopping madness so you can check everyone's name off your list, know exactly who gets your hard-earned dough, and be able to kick back and relax for the next month and a half. If you'd like to help out, some volunteers are still needed. Aw, c'mon! You'll get a button and Amy and Cinnamon's gratitude.
Tuesday November 9 2004 Business/Shopping

Roller Derby, Chicago Style
Did you know that the roller derby phenomenon started in Chicago? The women who competed in the first contests were just as tough as the men. The Windy City Rollers are ready to prove that hasn't changed as they polish their skates and practice their elbow jabs before their inaugural season this winter. You can see them at the Derby Doll's Debut Ball at The Liar's Club Thursday night. These ladies aren't just raising money to get "Chicago's only all-female flat track roller derby league" off the ground -- they'll also be donating some cashola to the Chicago Abused Women Coalition and Planned Parenthood.
Tuesday October 26 2004 Sports/Recreation

Rock for Jesus
So you thought only godless, heathen teenagers were the types to hang out in garages and listen to rock'n'roll and play guitar and tape themselves? Well, you'd be wrong. Willow Creek is sponsoring a Battle of the Bands and you can listen to the kids' songs and vote online. The winner gets $1000! Cool, eh? What do you expect from the church that Mr. T attends?
Friday October 22 2004 Music/Clubs

Free Movie: Vera Drake
Gapers Block and Chicago NOW are inviting you to the movies. Well, one movie. Vera Drake will be showing for free at Webster Place tonight (Wednesday) at 7pm. Download this PDF invite and bring it and a friend to the theater. Only the first 100 people get in free, so get there early. If you feel like it, Chicago NOW will be more than happy to take the $8.50 that you'd normally have spent.

Movie summary: Vera Drake is a selfless woman who is completely devoted to, and loved by, her working class family. She spends her days doting on them and caring for her sick neighbor and elderly mother. However, she also secretly visits women and helps them induce miscarriages for unwanted pregnancies. While the practice itself was illegal in 1950s England, Vera sees herself as simply helping women in need, and always does so with a smile and kind words of encouragement. When the authorities finally find her out, Vera's world and family life rapidly unravel.
Wednesday October 20 2004 City Life/Cultural

Somebody told you...
...that you should donate to Rock for Kids, but you didn't. And since you didn't, you weren't at a concert by The Killers last night at Germania Place. Grey Goose Vodka threw a shindig and all the cool kids who donated to Rock for Kids were in attendance. Nyah, nyah.
Thursday October 14 2004

Mountain Goats rock at Open-End
If you've been to Depart-ment then you know that a ton of people can cram into this fairly little space. Through some amazing convergence, Open-End Gallery will be hosting The Mountain Goats, John Vanderslice and Will Johnson in concert Saturday night. Tickets available through Empty Bottle, but you better hurry cause the place is "cozy". But it's got a nice view.
Friday October 1 2004 Music/Clubs

Keeping the blog-light burning
We were saddened a couple of weeks ago, when we read that Aaron of Uppity-Negro had died. But we're glad to read that Aaron's mother Jessie, and his sister Val, will be keeping his blog alive by updating on occasion. Their first post shows promise and I think Aaron would be proud.
Thursday September 30 2004 Weblogs

Better late than never?
Perhaps you remember reading this column (last item) or this column (last item) by Sun-Times columnist Neil Steinberg. He made some comments about a lawsuit accusing William Kennedy-Smith of raping an employee five years ago and then harrassing her by telephone earlier this year. At least a couple bloggers wrote letters complaining about Steinberg and got responses from him and his editor. It took about a month, but the Sun-Times finally printed a letter (second item) written by Chicago NOW and Rape Victim Advocates complaining about Steinberg's views. I wonder what took them so long.
Thursday September 23 2004 In the News

I Am the Government
The League of Women Voters of Chicago and The Center for Neighborhood Technology have teamed up to create a website geared toward young voters. I Am the Government has some pretty hip stylings with information about voting, watching polls, and DIY Democracy. If you're looking for some information about local and national politics, ch-ch-ch-check it out!
Thursday September 23 2004 Politics/Activism

Ranch style wedding
Are you getting married soon? Stressed about what location fits your budget, and your style? Do you get hives everytime you walk into a hotel reception room? Then Catalyst Ranch may be just the thing for you. They're able to accomodate most weddings with either a sit-down dinner or a cocktail/app reception, and their rooms kick-arse! With names like Tango and Cha-Cha, you know your guests will be shaking their groove thing till the cows come home. Check the place out on Sunday when they have a show-and-tell with all their approved vendors.
Thursday September 16 2004 Offbeat/Misc. Events

Genessee Theater
Have you ever thought it might be nice to take a short drive and get away for a weekend and still have great cultural experiences available to you? The city of Waukegan is hoping so. They're spending a lot of money refurbishing the Genessee Theater. They're doing a pretty good job of documenting all the steps they're taking, and they even have a webcam so you can watch it every minute of every day. Can't wait to see what acts they get.
Thursday September 16 2004 Arts/Architecture

Speak up! Act up!
The South Asian Progressive Action Coalition is going to be hosting a conference this weekend touching everything from reproductive rights to civil liberties to voter education. The group formed in 2000 to voice activist concerns that combine politics with art for South Asian and Muslim immigrant youth. They kick things off tonight with a show at the Hot House. Spoken word, comedians, and other performances will be interspersed with short political messages geared to this community. Saturday is when the organizing sessions take place. Admission is free, but space is limited.
Thursday September 16 2004 Politics/Activism

What do you wanna be when you grow up?
Everybody loves firefighters. Little girls and boys turn a cardboard box and a stuffed toy into a firetruck. Some big girls and boys have different steamy thoughts when they pass a firehouse. And because of the history of large-scale fires in Chicago they deserve our reverence. But they also deserve a monument. A group made up of mostly firefighters is set to break ground for the monument before the end of the month and they could use a little support. They're only $49,000 short and all donations are tax-deductible.
Wednesday September 1 2004 History

Illinois GOP delegates livin' large in NYC
Illinois can't be confused with being a swing state. On all the political maps it's pointed toward the Democrats for national votes. But somehow, Illinois delegates to the Republican National Convention managed to get into a great hotel. Crain's Chicago Business writes that it has nothing to do with the importance of your vote, but the importance of who you know, and maybe even who owes you a favor. Normally Illinois delegates are relegated to the motels in the hinterlands by both parties, but not this year. Enjoy those plush bathrobes while you can, folks.
Wednesday September 1 2004 Politics/Activism

Help America Count!
Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to save democracry as we know it. The Help America Vote Act went into effect with this year's primary and only 7% of provisional ballots cast in Chicago were actually counted because of mistakes made by unprepared election judges. 8,615 votes were turned down. To keep that from happening again, the League of Women Voters of Chicago is seeking ordinary citizens to become trained as pollwatchers. If you choose this assignment, you'll travel to one or more voting precincts, observe the process, and report problems to the election authorities. Training is free and the first session takes place on October 10th. Contact Angelique Grandone at agrandone@lwvil.org. This message will self-destruct in 10 seconds. provisional ballot: If someone arrives at a polling place and is told that they can't vote, they can vote on a provisional ballot. This ballot is counted only if they were correctly registered and voted in the right spot. It's an effort to prevent that whole Florida fiasco.
Tuesday August 31 2004 Politics/Activism

Rock the Student Vote!
I've loved voting since I was in 5th grade. I know my vote really didn't count then, but I loved writing "Jimmy Carter" on a slip of paper, folding it neatly, and dropping it in a shoebox on the teacher's desk. Thanks to Illinois Student Vote kids all across the state, with help from teachers like you, can experience the same thrill of voting. Not sure you know enough to hold a mock election, these folks got it all figured out for every grade from kindergarten through 12.
Monday August 30 2004 Politics/Activism

What's the most crime-ridden district?
Depends on what kind of crime you mean? The Chicago Police Department has several different reports in pdf form that you can download to view. Sure, they're just numbers, but they're pretty easy to understand. Of course if you don't know which district is which, this page will help you determine the police commissioner for that district (sometimes with photos), give you a map of the area, and even provide you with neighborhood alerts. It's a good way to keep an eye on what happens in your 'hood that doesn't make it into the news.
Wednesday August 25 2004 Resources

Knowing is half the battle
The Chicago Police Department created the Citizen ICAM to permit Chicago residents to search their database of reported crime. ICAM is short for Information Collection for Automated Mapping. The CPD wants you to understand that a reported crime isn't the same as a confirmed crime. Legal disclaimer not withstanding, it's a good resource.
Wednesday August 25 2004 Resources

Overtime Pay Stays
Governor Rod Blagojevich sent a letter to U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine Chao today stating that the overtime pay cuts passed by the U.S. Senate would not be affecting the state of Illinois. State senator Barack Obama introduced legislation, which Blagojevich signed, which puts into effect only those aspects of the federal bill which help more workers. So if you thought you might lose your overtime pay but don't because of this law, you might want repay Obama with a vote come November. For a segment of Blagojevich's letter, read

"The Fair Labor Standards Act guaranteed the right to compensation equaling time and a half for every hour worked beyond the normal 40-hour week. A person who is willing to work hard -- and then is willing to work even harder by working longer hours -- ought to be rewarded for his or her initiative, not punished. Illinois law protects overtime pay for these workers. We intend to keep it that way.

"The United States Department of Labor should know that Illinois law will continue to protect Illinois workers, even when the federal Department of Labor decides not to."
Tuesday August 24 2004 Politics/Activism

Wanna buy a home?
But the man (and a lack of cash reserves) keeping you down? Maybe the Neighborhood Housing Services can help you out. Not only do they provide loans to people who are interested in living in a mid-to low-priced neighborhood, but they also offer free classes so you know exactly what home ownership entails. They can also help you if you're facing foreclosure or if you need help repairing your home.
Monday August 23 2004 Resources

Breast-baring
If you see a woman sitting in a public area with a baby held to her breast, don't stare and get excited. But don't complain about her indecency to management either. Blagojevich signed the Right to Breastfeed Act on Monday saying that mothers have the right to nurse their babies in public. 68 percent of newborns in Illinois are breast-fed and they often get hungry at inconvenient times and mothers don't have to worry about making their babies go hungry till they can find a disgusting bathroom stall. Wait till the FCC finds out that women across the state are whipping out their breasts in public, with children present. Oh, the damage that will be done to these innocent minds.
Wednesday August 18 2004 In the News

zBands
Are you in a band? (Like I have to ask!) Do you wish you could find an easier way to book gigs and keep track of who else is out there? Word of mouth is great, but it is a lot of work and not always productive. zBands is hoping to change all that. They've started out in Columbus, OH (hi mom!) and Pittsburgh and are going to be launching in Chicago on Monday. Be the first to get your band signed up! Or you could just login on Monday and find out if your favorite local band is as hip as you are.
Thursday August 12 2004 Music/Clubs

Sock Monkey Makes Homewtown Proud!
As reported here earlier, Rockford's 7-foot-tall sock monkey named Nelson has been hitting the Big Apple. Christina Magee held up Nelson today during an interview on the Today Show with weatherman Tony Perkins. And just to prove that blogging has gone mainstream, that monkey has his own online diary.
Thursday July 29 2004 In the News

Sock Monkey, That Funky Monkey!
Those wonderfully, freaky creations made from red-toed socks can be found anywhere, but did you know they originated in Rockford, Illinois? Probably not, which is why Joan Sage wants to get some publicity for the second largest city in Illinois. She's taking her seven-foot-tall sock monkey to New York to try and get on the David Letterman show (who she's been hounding for months), Good Morning America, the Today show, and Central Park. To cinch her chances of getting on Letterman, she'll be visiting Rupert at Hello Deli to give him a sock monkey as well. The odd thing is that she's using her own money to get to New York for four days. If you have a sock monkey story you want to share with Rockford's museum you can email it to Sage.
Friday July 23 2004 Found on the Web

Cost of War
By the time you read this, the cost of the war in Iraq may be up to $1 billion for the city of Chicago. (Click on Illinois and then Chicago in the drop-down menus.) Boy howdy, that's a lotta dough!
Thursday July 8 2004 Politics/Activism

Books to Women in Prison Project
Got some paperback books you aren't interested in keeping? They might be suitable for donating to the Books to Women in Prison Project. A handful of women created this organization when they realized how minimal the educational opportunities are for women in prison. Believing that prison is supposed to help women rehabilitate themselves, and finding it difficult for that to happen without education, they created this project that collects donated paperback books and sends them off to Illinois women's prisons. $10 lets them send of 4 packages of donated books, so every little bit helps. Imagine how disappointing your life would be without access to books. Personally, I think I'd go crazy.
Tuesday July 6 2004 Politics/Activism

Chemo cap
Don't put away those needles! (I'm talking knitting, not hypodermic.) Just 'cause it's hot out, and just 'cause you don't have air conditioning doesn't mean you should just put away your needles and not make anything until it gets cold again. There're tons of places with A/C in this city where you can sit and knit and have a refreshing iced beverage and make a cool hat for a chemotherapy or burn patient. Headhuggers has free patterns and they need lightweight, cotton hats for adults and cool hats for kids.
Friday July 2 2004 Resources

One (Really) Good Thing
Having had many unhappy experiences in suburbs and pseudo-suburbs of this fine city and others, and loving this fine city so very much, I'm inclined to never move to a suburb. However, Flea tells us a story (June 26th entry) which makes me understand the draw of the suburbs a wee bit more than I do now. It's all about the kids.
Wednesday June 30 2004 Weblogs

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Cinnamon Cooper