A recent article in The Guardian by music critic Alex Ross prompted a discussion between arts reporter Ben Schuman-Stoler and me in the Chicagoist HQ's Fine Arts Parlor (required for admittance: beret, loafers, air of condescension). The article's subject was why contemporary classical music is less popular than the contemporary works of other mediums, with Ross concluding that the culprit is classical music's "idolatrous relationship with the past." more ›

Gorton Community Center, 400 E Illinois, Lake Forest, 7 p.m., $25 / $20students, tickets via 826CHI more ›

New Yorker staff writer Alex Ross has made a name for himself by writing about classical music with thoroughness and authority, qualities that nearly won him a Pulitzer for his first (and, until this September 28, only) book, "The Rest Is Noise: Listening to the 20th Century." Ross's command over the technical aspects of music, near omnicience regarding today's scene, and deep understanding of the cultural and historical context make the book essential reading for anyone trying to understand the recent history, and current state, of Western art music. more ›

These t-shirts of Barack Obama in classic Clark Kent-to-Superman pose and President Bush as a vampire draining liberty of her life force — featuring original Alex Ross artwork — will only fan the flames of those of you who think Obama supporters are nothing more than brainwashed sheep and nothing we say will sway your opinion. We're not losing sleep over it, same as you. more ›

Gothamist learned about the craziest urban nightmare come true: A huge python found in the bathroom pipes. It was also a nightmare for some Yankees fans, as manger Joe Torre declined to come back and manage the Bronx Bombers. At least the city's attempt to give some direction to subway riders was interesting, pranksters went shirtless at the Fifth Avenue Abercrombie & Fitch and the I Heart Brooklyn Girls calendars came out. And just... more ›