Gapers Block broke the news yesterday that the U.S. National Air Guitar Finals will be held at Metro July 23. We're already in intensive training for this with a guitarist more noted for being a Home Shopping Network pitchman, but he's delivered the goods so far (in five easy payments of $39.99). And he has us starting with the basics - knowing our chords and having a distinctive look. Can we pull off the Bandero hat in this day and age? more ›

In the “reality TV”-obsessed era of “So You Think You’re the Next Bachelor Genius Idol” cultural saturation, there comes a time when every sensible man and woman must turn off the television and venture out into “reality life.” Luckily, the transition is eased by events like tonight’s regional finals of the U.S. Air Guitar Championships at Metro — ambitious folks with limited talent in a ridiculous “discipline?” Check! Less ambitious, more voyeuristic folks willing to pay to observe the first group perform feats of absurdity within said discipline? Check! One of the most storied rock venues in America to host this circus? Check! more ›

The Chicago Architecture Foundation architecture river cruise season opens on April 28. Warm up your arm! The US Air Guitar tour will be here on June 15. The Chicago Craft Mafia has a new show called "Spring Loaded" taking place on Saturday, May 5. The show will also be a fundraiser for Rainbow House. The 2nd Annual Juried Photographic Exhibition is taking place at the Morpho Gallery from April 20 - 28, with the... more ›

In an annual standard of living report, Chicago came in (tied with Washington DC) at 41st place. The study ranks the quality of life in the world's major cities. Zurich came in first, Baghdad last. The top US city is Honolulu. It's nice out and everyone's pulling out their bikes, but who needs a bike when you've got the LimoJet? The Bean is finally finished. Junk food in schools is still ok for now.... more ›