One of the most notable features of S.R. Crown Hall at the Illinois Institute of Technology is that its massive open space on the first floor can be manipulated to accommodate numerous activities -- sometimes all at once. This was all apparent at last night's event, "Mixing the Perfect Mies: Celebrating Mies van der Rohe's 121st Birthday," hosted by the Mies van der Rohe Society at IIT. When Chicagoist arrived, we walked right into a black and white ball, complete with jazz music and martinis and tiny quiches, but as we became more aware of our surroundings, we noticed that numerous due date-driven students were hard at work behind a series of portable, collapsible walls on either side of the centrally located affair. We immediately flashed back to our college days, where we were pros at procrastinating, always working very casually until the last minute when a project was due. We'd then pound a couple of Red Bulls and frantically do two weeks worth of work in one sitting. This image made us feel sorry for the students being taunted by the appetizer buffet and open bar that suddenly appeared in the middle of their work space. more ›

We are only seven days away from CTRL-ALT-ROCK v2.0, and we feel the anticipation building by the minute. Okay, maybe we don't have a clock in the upper left-hand side of our screen counting down the days, minutes, and seconds, but that doesn't mean we're any less excited. more ›

Admit it — you’ve probably dreamt up an invention or two in your day, some grand idea that would change the world, or at least make it a little more enjoyable. However, the thought of having to design a protype, pitch it to a company, and apply for a patent sounds like far too much work to fit into your already busy schedule. more ›

In case you missed it, there's an election coming up. And Chicagoist wants you to participate. That's right, we're talking to YOU!
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Yesterday, Intonation Fest organizers announced the final addition to the lineup for this summer’s two-day rock party in Union Park from June 24th through the 25th. And Chicagoist wants to give you tickets to see him. Former Wu-Tang Clan member Ghostface Killah will perform on Saturday in support of his new album Fishscale, which, like Wu-Tang, ain’t nothin’ to fuck wit. As reported here and elsewhere, Austin psych-rock legend Roky Erickson will also make a... more ›

In yesterday’s Tribune, the transportation columnist, Jon Hilkevitch, discusses an intriguing email he received suggesting that the private sector build toll lanes adjacent to existing expressways. more ›

Hey there, you comic genius you… Remember when you got rejected from that major comedy festival? Bummer. Remember when you got rejected from a minor comedy festival the very next week? Must have been bad luck. And remember when your friends and family became suddenly "unavailable" whenever you wanted to practice your new routine? Okay let’s not talk about that. Those setbacks simply don’t matter, because you’ll persevere until you find the elusive festival that... more ›

No, not to another city! The Sox are moving south on your AM dial next year, having reached an agreement to move their game broadcasts to The Score 670 (WSCR) from their current home at ESPN 1000 (WMVP). The 5-year deal will pay the White Sox only $2.5 - $2.7 million per season, about half what they get in their current deal. Chicagoist isn't sure why they didn't wait until after winning the World Series... more ›

With the White Sox offense lagging recently, the team got a surprise boost when Frank Thomas was activated on Monday from the DL. more ›

Chicagoist loves baseball. And Chicagoist loves the romance and history of the game. So we were pretty excited to learn there are plans to build a Chicago Baseball Museum in town! more ›

OK. It is officially cold enough that Chicagoist is starting to wonder whether or not this weather is a sign of the apocalypse. And Chicagoist grew up here, so Chicagoist also is beginning to wonder whether she's becoming the sort of candy-ass whiner that she always made fun when a cold snap hit. more ›

Just a reminder - we're still accepting applications for food/restaurants, fine arts, and GLBT contributors. Tell your friends, coworkers, family, neighbors, anyone who may be interested to send an email to both Rachelle & Margaret for more information. In the subject line make sure you specify which position you're interested in. And in the email let us know a bit about yourself and why you'd like to join us. more ›

Under a relaxed liquor law advanced Wednesday over the objections of police and inner-city aldermen, alcohol sales may begin at 10am instead of the current 11am. more ›

Chicagoist went to the CTA budget hearings last night and managed to have a pretty good time. The hearing was really just a chance for people to get up and vent, and for the CTA officials to look bored and pained, but as far as bitchfests go, it was a lovely opportunity. Thanks for giving us the chance to stand up and have strangers clap. Hoo yeah. We were surprised how empty the auditorium was—the... more ›

Chicago City Council unanimously passed an ordinance that bans panhandlers from touching, chasing, or yelling at people while begging for money. The ordinance also prohibits them from panhandling within 10 feet of a bus stop, ATM or bank entrance, and at sidewalk cafes and restaurants. more ›

Chicagoist was going to write something about local poster artist Jay Ryan today, but wouldn't you know it, our friends over at Gapers Block beat us to the punch. (Damn... rival... blogs...) As part of their ongoing Audible City series, they have a great interview with the man behind posters for area shows of The Flaming Lips, Built to Spill, Stereolab, and basically every other quality band that's ever come through town. And Chicagoist learned yesterday that he is providing the cover art and six interior pictures to accompany the hardcover release of Michael Chabon's latest novella, The Final Solution. Check out Ryan's website to see/buy some of his amazing work. And blame Gapers Block for scooping us. more ›

For the second straight weekend, all Chicago baseball fans will be occupied with the crosstown matchup between the Cubs and White Sox -- this time at Wrigley Field. And Chicagoist will be sitting in the box seats on Saturday! more ›

The Microphones (a.k.a. Mount Eerie [a.k.a. one-man music machine Phil Elvrum]) plays what will surely be an intimate show tonight at Buddy. Phil has a knack for strange concerts: he has been known to even play in park trees. And Chicagoist will never forget the amazing set he performed in the basement of a non-air-conditioned Mexican restaurant last summer, where the ingenious staff offered all the hipsters free nachos and beans and rice, but charged far too much for glasses of water. The prolific Elvrum, meanwhile, made up characteristically ethereal songs on the spot. He’s a sweet, shy, nature-loving eccentric who happens to record some amazing music, and he’ll be supporting his newest release Live in Japan, February 19th, 21st, and 22nd, 2003. Also check out his other albums like The Glow Pt. 2, Mount Eerie, It Was Hot We Stayed in the Water, and C'Mon Miracle, the latest effort by his frequent collaborator Mirah.
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