It's not every band that includes science demonstrations by a U of C physicist during their release party, let alone two. But Mira Mira will do just that this Saturday, April 25 (which incidentally comes on the heels of National DNA Day). Their new album combines references to Isaac Asimov, The Time-Traveler's Wife, and the first radio broadcast with the most delicate, lushly arranged chamber pop this side of The Innocence Mission. But you don't need to focus on the wry, geeky lyrics to enjoy the group's tasty sonics. Drifting melodies carried along by piano and subtle electronics occasionally shift into darker tones, complete with shimmering guitars. It's wistful and introspective without feeling sleepy. more ›

Food writer John T. Edge, in the latest edition of the under-appreciated Oxford American magazine, profiles scientist and serious eater Ken Ford, who has a depth of culinary knowledge that is earned only with constant searching. In profiling Ford, Edge raises an interesting observation about a common slang term used to describe a gourmet: more ›

Techies and geeks, rejoice: goddesses walk among you. These aren’t high-maintenance, untouchable fantasy goddesses. Nor are they freaky tentacle-fresh hentai maidens, either, you otaku junkies. They’re gearheads just like you, only made from softer parts. At least, they will be with enough guidance and teaching at a young age. Enter the Geek Squad. That’s right, Best Buy’s computer repair mavens are making young girls’ dreams come true by introducing them to technology. It all started... more ›

If you're chillin' at home and watching ABC7 (and you have decent reception), you're seeing clearer and more vibrant images. And if you have one of those new-fangled HD TV sets (33 million households now do), you're seeing ABC7's local newscasts in high-definition widescreen. Though they're the first Chicago channel to go high-def for local programming, all American networks are required by federal law to go completely HD by 2009. That's right: unless you buy a converter (or Congress changes the rules, which is highly unlikely) on February 19, 2009, your little Sony Trinitron will go dark. more ›

God, we're so sick of Snakes on a Plane that we want to kill anyone and everyone that makes a "something on a something" joke. But then we realized that there was no way we could ever win this fight, and, hell, if you can't beat them, we might as well join them. And with that, you have the theme of this weeks' Gothamist network post. Austinist makes it easy for us, with Candidate on... more ›

The lines began on Monday afternoon, the auditions on Tuesday. The casting director for the reality TV show* "The Biggest Loser," where fat contestants compete for a $250k by losing weight, say they were impressed by the turnout of people in Chicago. Really? What do they expect from the country's fattest city? More than 400 people from across the Midwest lined up for a chance to be on the show, which they say would help... more ›

"National Flirting Expert"* Susan Bradley is coming to town to "make dating fun again." She'll be conducting classes for the lovelorn June 23 - 26 at the Discovery Center on Lincoln Ave. There will be 6 classes total, covering topics such as Love, Flirting, and Relationships. more ›