Jean-Claude Van Damme makes his presence felt, without actually having a presence.

Rogers Park has a vibrant blogger community -- which clearly has some infighting going on. At the risk of fanning the flames, here are the anonymously delivered the RoPa Awards, for the "Five Dumbest Rogers Park Moronic Idiot Blog Posts...

Authorities claim the person responsible for 21 bank robberies is a South Side designer. It appears this is his myspace page....

Is Governor Sarah Palin going to sit down with Oprah? Not any time soon, despite a Drudge Report story today that claims Harpo staffers are lobbying to have her on.Oprah's staff is sharply divided on the merits of booking Sarah Palin, sources tell the [Drudge Report.] "Half of her staff really wants Sarah Palin on," an insider explains. "Oprah's website is getting tons of requests to put her on, but Oprah and a couple of her top people are adamantly against it because of Obama."But Oprah's denyi

In spite of the Meeks boycott, Chicago Public Schools reported a record opening day for the 2008-2009 school year on Tuesday when 93.7 percent of the system's 405,000 kids showed up, for a total of 379,485 students (that's a lot of Hannah Montana backpacks). Education President Rufus Williams suggested that media coverage of the boycott may have actually reminded some parents of the impending school year. Said schools CEO Arne Duncan, "Despite all of the sound and fury of the past month, our CPS

Local musician Ellie Maybe has created a website chronicling her devotion to, and BFF relationship with, GOP VPILF Sarah Palin.

Screw Obama. Screw McCain. Cressbeckler is the man for the job!

Celebrate the season with our guide to all the best fests

Tappin' it!

New York Times New York Times With all the talk of the Republican Convention* in St. Paul, the timing was perfect for the New York Times to run their story about a New York couple who moved... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Last spring signing up for afternoon nursery school seemed like a great decision. In my plan, I would take my two girls on a leisurely stroller walk, drop off the older one, walk home and put the baby to sleep...

Apologies for our tardiness on this week's "Flashback" installment. John McCain's green screen adventures gave us a migraine last night. Now that Captain Walnuts and his running mate Sarah Palin (she's gone from "unqualified" to "Goddamn frightening" in the space of a week) have been formally nominated by the GOP, let's take a look back at previous Republican conventions.The second-ever GOP National Convention that nominated Abraham Lincoln was held in Chicago May 16-18, 1860 at the Wigwam, a co

Unemployment rose again through the month of August, according to a new report released by the Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics. The national unemployment rate is 6.1 percent, a five-year high. [AP, BLS]

Photo by LStolpman Grill out and eat out, folks, while the weather allows. We're gearing up for Mexican Independence day by eating some pollo asados. Mmmmm. More fun ahead so get those calendars out.September 6: Growing Home's annual Harvest Festival. Make a trip out to the certified organic Les Brown Memorial Farm. They'll be celebrating with cooking demonstrations and talks about organic agriculture. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. will be cooking demos, music, farm tours, etc. After 2 p.m., join the inf

Mike Planthaber raises a good question about the boundaries of Fish ot the Week and it became the sixth ``Borrowed hooks & other looks.'' In essence, he suggests, for example, that Alex Tuccori, 12, and his 30-pound-plus carp is more...

Earlier this summer I learned about the efforts of Dean Zanella and 312 Chicago restaurant to run a zero waste kitchen. Chef Zanella suceeded so far that his cooking oil went back to fuel the tractors of the farmer's who supplied him. I knew of some other chefs who clamored to emulate Zanella. One who is now suceeding is future Iron Chef, Paul Virant of Vie. Paul graciously allowed me to re-print

The Tribune's school newspaper experiment, The Mash, debuts today in Chicago Public Schools. Read it online. (Previously.)...

Jesse Jackson, Jr. talks about all the Illinois politicians hugging at the DNC....

Here's a few tidbits from Wednesday's Cook County Board meeting that got squeezed out of Thursday's edition for space reasons. I'll keep it short. Cook County commissioners Wednesday unanimously agreed to pay $3.2 million to 105 county workers who were...

In what looks to be a mediocre imitation the Sun-Times' Hottest Fans photo contest, the Trib has been featuring a photo slideshow of Cubs and Sox fans wearing out of date jerseys this week. We'd have to believe they'll soon open the floodgates for fan submissions, no? But old jersey scorn is not even a unique idea... StraightCashHomey has been making a mockery of those who wear them for a couple years now. We've even supplied some of their featured snapshots ourselves.We always feel a combinat

State Senator Reverend James Meeks called for the end of the CPS student boycott last night after two days, instead of the planned four days, of protests."The governor stated that he would not meet until the boycott was called off, so we are going to not only call his bluff but trust that he keeps this word," Meeks said. "We trust that the governor is a man of good will and good sense."Meeks says he thinks the boycott was a success, given how many people are talking about education funding dispar

Pocket-size blockbusters.

Relative-ly enjoyable experiences on the Lido.

Craig and Clarice were among the first couples to purchase and inhabit a unit in the Montgomery, the stunning conversion of the former Montgomery Ward's headquarters into luxury condos. The... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

5 stars out of 5:Frankies on the Park and Enbeadia reviewed on Yelp.com.3 stars out of 5:Noodles In the Pot reviewed on Yelp.com.

One of the reasons I began this blog was to provide a portal site with links to relevant Internet pages pertaining to Chicago history. Since Chicago history is also American history, I include websites that help to place Chicago in the broader context, provide insight into the country's past, and connect history to the present. In short, I like to share the history goodies I find on the Web. I

We pick the season’s top shows from local and national artists--plus a handful of fests

Chicken and waffles, s'mores pizza and 8 other ways to prep for sweater weather

Ever since we had our daughter, Kavi, fifteen months ago, Kevin and I have been enmeshed in conversations about our careers. He's a mathematician; I'm a writer; we're both academics. He has tenure -- I have a short-term, part-time visiting...

The Chicagoist food and drink staff recently dined at Ina's for breakfast (Ed. Note: We were also there ostensibly to hash out ideas for future coverage). Here are some pictures. Enjoy!Ina's is located at 1235 W. Randolph.There is an image gallery to this entry which you can view at Chicagoist

Photo by sliz.cWe're looking at a chilly day today with rainy skies. The clouds and showers will continue on and off through Monday evening as the Midwest gets Gustav's last gasps. Today's highs will be in the mid-60s, but temps should climb tomorrow and this weekend back to the mid-70s, so don't make the switch from iced coffee back to regular hot coffee just yet. [Accuweather, NWS]

Cubs Drop Fifth Straight Thursday is, mercifully, an off-day for the Cubs and they need it: the Cubs were swept by the Astros in losing their fifth game in a row Wednesday night, 4-0. Ryan Dempster was pretty solid, giving up three runs and striking out seven over seven innings, but the Cubs bats were, once again, silent. No one is panicking yet, but the one stat that jumps out is that 13 men were left on base. Fortunately, for the Cubs, the Brewers have also been on a slide so the Cubs' 4.5 game

Des Plaines residents don't care much for silk flowers. The only thing that's made them more upset? Casinos....

What to Do This Weekend

Chicago Wilderness shows you how....

East Chicago's former U.S. Smelter and Lead Refinery is the newest entry on the Superfund National Priorities List....

Is anyone familiar with Lucille Young? The product? I ran across this picture on the Reggie's Victorian Trade Card Album website (interesting site, I might add). What caught my eye was the address of the manufacturer/supplier: 2703 South Park Ave., Chicago. In addition to the Bust Development Treatment ("Develops Firmness and Plumpness of the Bust." I'll let you make up your own jokes.), Lucille

Urbanest, Andersonville's original "green" home store, is having a big lighting sale. All lighting is 20% off and lamp shades are being discounted 20 - 80% off. To read my original profile, click... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

All weekend I couldn’t stop reading about Sarah Palin. Sarah Palin and her babies, and her guns, and the polar bears, and the book banning, and all her babies, and her ethics, and which babies are her babies and which babies are her babies’ babies, and her “foreign policy experience,” and her babies babies BABIES [...]

Location: 642 North ClarkPublication date: September 4, 2008NBC 5 — Benji and Joel Madden will be taking turns spinning tonight at Manor Nightclub (642 North Clark). But of course the BIG question is will Paris Hilton and Nicole Ritchie show up at their sides? And if so will they speak to one another?? I smell a CAT FIGHT!

Location: 501 W. HuronPublication date: September 4, 2008Skyline — New plan for 501 W. Huron

Location: 321 N. Clark St.Publication date: September 4, 2008Crain's Chicago Business — No details were provided in the court document about Dock 465, but the address on file with the Illinois Secretary of State for the organization matches that of Jay Vohra, who co-owns Flatwater at 321 N. Clark St. and the now defunct Narcisse.

Location: 222 Merchandise Mart PlazaPublication date: September 4, 2008Time Out Chicago — ...up for auction at the Renaissance Society’s annual benefit gala. 5–8pm. Merchandise Mart, 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza between Wells and Orleans Sts (773-702-8670, renaissancesociety.org). El: Brown, Purple (rush hrs...

Location: 318 W. AdamsPublication date: September 4, 2008CBS News (Channel 2) — Loop Lab School — a private, pre-K through eighth-grade institution — has since moved from the burned-out quarters it had been leasing from Pilgrim to a building at 318 W. Adams.

Location: 318 W. Adams St.Publication date: September 4, 2008Chicago Tribune — The school used the $1 million to buy and renovate the second floor of an 18-story condominium office building at 318 W. Adams St., across the street from the Sears Tower.

Location: 2 W. WackerPublication date: September 4, 2008Chicago Journal — ...August 28 at 11:20 p.m., a security agent for a building located at 2 W. Wacker reported that a woman turned in a purse she found while she was sitting at...

Location: 233 S. Wacker DrivePublication date: September 4, 2008Crain's Chicago Business — The health department paid a visit to the restaurant at 233 S. Wacker Drive after receiving complaints of a foul odor at Corner Bakery Café. The restaurant had its...

Location: 224 S. MichiganPublication date: September 4, 2008Chicago Journal — On Sept. 16, from 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. at Chicago Architecture Foundation, 224 S. Michigan, presents a program on "Greening Your Office."  Registration is required. 

Location: 174 N. MichiganPublication date: September 4, 2008Chicago Journal — According to police reports, on September 1 at 5:30 a.m., a man entered a 7-11 located at 174 N. Michigan, picked up a sandwich and walked towards the door. The clerk confronted the man and took the sandwich out of his hand. The sandwich stealer punched the clerk in the face and then fled the scene.

Location: 35 S. MichiganPublication date: September 4, 2008Chicago Journal — ...to police reports, on August 30 at 9:30 a.m., security for Millennium Park, 35 S. Michigan, flagged down police and pointed out Reginald McClendon, 38, of the 5000 block of south...

Location: 318 W. Adams St.Publication date: September 4, 2008Chicago Tribune — The school used the $1 million to buy and renovate the second floor of an 18-story condominium office building at 318 W. Adams St., across the street from the Sears Tower.

Location: 233 S. Wacker DrivePublication date: September 4, 2008NBC 5 — A plumbing problem caused human waste to back up into a kitchen sink and a kitchen floor drain at the Corner Bakery Cafe, 233 S. Wacker Drive, according to a health department release.

Location: 190 N. State St.Publication date: September 4, 2008Chicago Sun-Times — Like its predecessor, the show is being produced by Disney-ABC Domestic Television at the 190 N. State St. studios of the ABC-owned station.

Location: 220 S. MichiganPublication date: September 4, 2008Chicago Reader — ...as demonstrations and chef and author talks. 11 AM-5 PM, Grainger Ballroom, Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan, 415-263-6800, $20, $17.50 in advance...

Location: State and WackerPublication date: September 4, 2008Chicago Journal — ...found while she was sitting at a CTA bus stop located on the corner of State and Wacker. The security guard told police the purse contained $810, miscellaneous Australian and Indonesian currency, and...

So sad. There was no room this week in my Shopping column in the print edition of the Sun-Times to include new trends for men. And I know, you guys are always left out. So I'm going to show you...

Sports blog East Coast Bias took a trip to Wrigley Field this past weekend and (surprise!) they kinda liked it....

Evelyn Daitchman, who was featured in a recent Open House, is offering reduced massage rates for Strange Closets readers. Evelyn, who is also a vintage clothing dealer, has been practicing massage... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Photo by AxelhoustonMilos Hrsto, 21 of Lake Forrest, died this weekend after he fell 81 feet into a canyon at Starved Rock State Park. [Trib]For $75 a month, some Metra riders get their own "club car." Sounds fun.[S-T]The new Achewood comic book is amazing. [MySpace]"So why does the Austin Humane Society pet adoption center....have a program where children read to the cats?" [Austin American-Statesman]A 73-year-old Wisconsin woman got her first driver's license recently. There's hope for me after

Chicago braces for an encounter with Hurricane Gustav's rainy, blustery remnants Thursday. The storm's impact across the central U.S. has been ongoing since landfall early Tuesday. Rains in Arkansas on Wednesday alone approached 7 inches at Bee Branch and 5.89...

Dear Tom, While watching the morning news on Sept. 1 regarding Hurricane Gustav as it was making landfall, the videos showed a complete lack of lightning. Was this trick photography? Peter Gottstein Dear Peter, There were no tricks. Despite...

There's an 80 percent chance of showers tonight. Bring an umbrella. [NWS]

Thanks for joining us for this Wednesday edition of Before the Forecast! For complete weather information, tune in to WGN News at 9pm and wgntv.com for Tom Skilling's Full and 7-day forecasts. Tune in tomorrow for another edition of...

Two shows enter, one show leaves, both look fabulous.

Because "Pregonomics" is just too clunky.

Sad what passes for funny these days. Leave it to the Onion....

Chicago architecture fan Lee Bay takes at look at the recently unwrapped Louis Sullivan-created Chicago Stock Exchange arch on his blog, as well offers as some great random people shots at Buckingham Fountain....

On August 8, dozens of people joined author Amy Krause Rosenthal in Millennium Park to do... something. This is what they did. (You can do it, too.)...

A soon-to-open burger joint and other new chains duke it out with Chicago originals

Yes, some family members lip kiss each other. Some friends lip kiss each other. No, it doesn't look really good. In fact, it can appear somewhat creepy especially when the Associated Press catches you closing your eyes or closing your...

Despite being one of the city’s most notorious warm-weather tourist hubs, Millennium Park just keeps bangin’ out some rather impressive locally oriented programming. This week is no exception, as the Park celebrates Blockbuster Week, a celebration of some of Chicago’s “most beloved cultural gems.” Two highlights, both of which come at no charge to you:Tonight, Sept. 3, 6:30 pm - String connoisseur and whistling pro Andrew Bird takes the stage at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Woo! A Northwestern gra

Chicagoist headed to the taping of Oprah's Olympic-themed season premiere this morning, along with thousands of other Oprahphiles. The big O welcomed 153 Olympians from Team USA, which was quite a spectacle, but she only interviewed the usual suspects: Michael Phelps (who was then joined briefly by Cullen Jones, Jason Lezak and Garrett Weber-Gale), Shawn Johnson and Nastia Liukin (who talked about reading The Secret, ugh), the men's basketball team (only Kobe Bryant and Jason Kidd said anything—

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and there are a few local events coming up in support of pediatric cancer awareness. If you can't attend any of the below events, but still want to help with the fight against leukemia -- the most common cancer among children and teens -- consider making a bone marrow donation or registering to become a donor at the National Bone Marrow Registry.September 5 – Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation’s viewing party of the national broadcast of

Back on 8/8/08, local writer Amy Krouse Rosenthal asked people to gather at The Bean to "make something." This is what they made, and it's pretty damn great.

Another installment of our favorite freewheeling musical podcast straight out of the heart of Logan Square has finally been posted. Check it out.

Sears announced yesterday that it will begin selling official U.S. Army-licensed clothing. The All American Army Brand's First Infantry Division collection will offer "vintage inspired design, intricate attention to detail, and supreme quality standards, inspired by Army technology," according to Sears's press release. The clothes, ranging in price from $12 for a t-shirt to $120 for coats, will be in stores in October. [Sears]

The NFL season is upon us and, thanks to one dedicated fan, it's getting easier for us to figure out which games we'll be getting on local television each week. Don't feel like dropping $30 for food and beer at a sports bar just to catch Brett Farves' debut as a Jet against the mighty Dolphins? Wondering if the Bears' prime-time slot means you finally get to enjoy a Saints' game (Who Dat!?!?) from the comfort of your home? Well, you're in luck. Website The506.com has been mapping the weekly telev

The hugely popular Michael Phelps will be participating in a live chat today to promote Chicago's bid to host the 2016 Olympics. Phelps told Oprah this morning that he's focusing a lot of his energy on his newly announced foundation that will promote youth swimming programs and water safety.

Jerry and Sandy Clark e-mailed to tell me they’ve just returned from a spectacular trip to Alaska and that they plan to return to our 49th state. They shared these photos with me and I wanted to post them for...

These ominous skies and the rain shaft depicted here are the opening salvo of a significant rain event expected to douse northern Illinois and Indiana’s parched lawns and farm fields! The photo comes to us from our friend and frequent...

History be damned: Buy with confidence.

Fish roe tacos at Birrieria La Barca Jalisco

According to now former Editor-in-Chief Ari Bendersky, UR Chicago is being put on "indefinite hiatus" due to "the current state of the economy." The magazine's website will continue on, though....

You better not pout, you better not cry, you better not ask about his seven houses and here's why: John McCain is coming to town. (With apologies to Santa.)...

When I spent last weekend in New Buffalo I vowed to avoid "work" in favor of eating junk food, reading actual books, hanging with good friends and working on my tan (I'm pasty white, but once I... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

(photo by Lee Bey)The former Chicago Stock Exchange entry arch is seeing the light of day again. The sadly beautiful relic, which rests in a courtyard along Columbus Drive on the northeast side of the Art Institute's campus, has been...

Our handy guide to fresh spots for feasting is required reading.