As Chicagoist enjoyed a day off yesterday, we also found ourselves reflecting on some of the hallmarks of the holiday, namely fireworks. We spent our care free day away from work and the stresses that usually come with it, taking the opportunity to ride the Damen bus down to 18th Street, where we kept walking until we got to 23rd. After a cozy stroll through Heart of Chicago, we wound up in Little Village, where... more ›

After months of speculation that the Cubs might be put up for sale as part of a restructuring or sale of Tribune Co., almost immediately after the board's approval of Chicago billionaire Sam Zell's offer, news came that the team would in fact be sold. Now the handicapping can begin on who the new owner will be. There has certainly been no shortage of potential bidders mentioned. Of course, that was before the Cubs went... more ›

As Chicagoist wrote the last installment of TWIS, a blizzard was taking over most of the Midwest. There weren’t as many stories of snow-related stupidity as we’d hoped for, but we were able to find at least one. As for the others, well, maybe the weather drove them to it. more ›

A little while ago, we remember some ads seeking couples having issues with their sex lives. As Chicagoist sat breathless from the obviously satisfying relations we enjoy (do we REALLY need a partner?), we wondered how anyone could take their sex lives to national television to discuss their problems. more ›

As Chicagoist sits down to enjoy our second cup of coffee for the morning, we couldn't help but feel a little sympathetic for the dude who yesterday walked into a Starbucks on North Michigan Avenue and stole one of those fancy-schmancy stainless-steel coffeemakers. After all, we need our coffee too. more ›

As Chicagoist walked through the cutting winds and cursed winter for overstaying its welcome, we tried to think happy thoughts about warmer climates. Since we've been listening to the torrent from South by Southwest, our minds drifted down to Texas and we imagines we were there sitting in the warm sun as we dined on BBQ and ice cold beer and listened to that sweet, sweet music. Then the dudes from ZZ Top showed up... more ›

May Or May Not, Ctrl-Alt-Rock band more ›

Friday marked the opening of free agency for Major League Baseball. Coming off a 40 Homer, 100 RBI regular season and a huge post-season capped by the White Sox World Series Championship, Paul Konerko is one of the hottest commodities on the market. As soon as the ball hit his mitt for the final out, questions came about whether the Sox could retain their offensive star. While Konerko personified the no-ego, play-hard type of player... more ›

After 5 preseason games with included a Apprentice-like quarterback competition but no first round draft pick, we finally got to see the real Chicago Bears as they opened the regular season in Washington against the Redskins. As Chicagoist expected, the Bears-Redskins game was a low scoring affair with two of last year's three worst offenses playing each other. Washington won 9-7, with their three field goals enough offense to counter the lone TD in the game -- scored by the Bears. more ›

As Chicagoist covered last week, the NCAA has banned the use of 18 college nicknames and mascots because they are abusive and hostile towards Native Americans. Among those on the list was the University of Illinois' Fighting Illini nickname and Chief Illiniwek mascot. more ›

Over the weekend Chicagoist had a couple hours to kill and were stuck downtown so we decided to go on the audio tour of Millennium Park that we've been hearing about everywhere. We downloaded the files, transferred them to our iPod (any portable mp3 player will do, but we're Apple dorks), and were off! more ›

Chicagoist might pretend to come off jaded and too cool for school but even we like a good fireworks display. We were part of the over one million people expected to view the city's pre-Independence Day celebration. Of course, we snuck down there about 9:15, ooh'ed and ahh'ed, and were back on our barstools before 10. So we had it a lot better than all the suburbanites and other folks who just can't resist... more ›

For the second week in a row, the Chicago Tribune rolled out polling results showing a top Illinois pol with declining approval ratings. "Scandals chip away at Daley" was the headline, with "Mayor's approval rating lowest since election in '89" as the sub-head. The article, which was based on a poll conducted by Market Shares of 700 registered Chicago voters on May 16-18, showed a 53% job approval rating, the lowest since 1989, "less than... more ›

This time it was without a warrant and with the full cooperation of the Mayor's staff, but for about twenty minutes after work hours on Monday, federal investigators visited the Department of Streets and Sanitation, their third city office in as many days. The U.S. Attorney won't comment on what they were looking for, and city Corporation Counsel Mara Georges is repeatedly telling reporters how cooperative Mayor Daley is being. The Mayor, nor his senior officials, have been accused of any wrongdoing. more ›

As Chicagoist has been posting on for almost a year, there's been a taxi fare hike in the works. Heard it over and over, right? But this time it's actually happening. Due to rising gasoline prices and increasing operating expenses, fares are going to change as follows: more ›

As Chicagoist mentioned here a while back, there had been some discussions about holding concerts at Wrigley Field this summer. It's now sounding like it's a likely to happen. Having received an OK from the stadium grounds crew and having worked out a deal with the neighbors, Jimmy Buffet could be playing two Labor Day weekend at Wrigley. The city still needs to approve the plan and the contract with Buffet needs to be finalized,... more ›

As Chicagoist reported previously, the Cubs had a couple high profile vacancies in their broadcast booth to fill this off-season after both Chip Caray and Steve Stone. more ›

While Senate President Emil (D-Chicago) said yesterday that a gambling expansion bill is very much alive, both Minority Leader Frank Watson (R-Greenville) and a confidante of Mayor Daley said they don't expect any sort of gambling deal to come out of this Fall's veto session. As Chicagoist predicted yesterday, it looks like you won't roll any dice in Chicago until at least spring. The State House and Senate adjourn next Thursday. more ›

As Chicagoist wrote earlier, we'd ideally like to send out the summer in style tonight with Guys and Dolls. But if keeps on raining outside, we've got back-up plans for you (and us). Now, as we all know, Chicago is the comedy capital of the world. There's no better evidence of that fact than our annual Sketchfest, the nation’s largest sketch comedy festival. This past January, videographer Blake Hollon captured all the best moments onstage and behind the scenes. The footage has been compiled into a documentary about Sketchfest entitled, um, Sketchfest: The Documentary. And wouldn't you know it, they're having the premiere screening tonight as a really, really early preview party for the 2005 fest. In addition to the movie, the website also promises "free appetizers, beer, raffle prizes, and more." Excellent. The laughs start at 7:30 at Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 W. Belmont. Tickets cost $15 in advance or $20 at the door. more ›

As Chicagoist predicted, the Bulls' draft had its surprises. Wednesday night, the Bulls acquired the Phoenix Suns' 7th pick in return for a second round pick (31st), a future first round pick and cash. more ›