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Hunter Clauss

A Kink in the Campaign

If his challenge to Deb Mell's nominating petition succeeds, state rep candidate Joe Laiacona just might run unopposed in the Democratic primary. But can a leather master actually win in the general election?

11/20—Free Bike Headlights

Posted by Julia Thiel on Fri, Nov 20, 2009 at 2:44 PM

headlight.jpg
  • tracy the astonishing/Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic
Tonight from 5 to 7 PM at the Milwaukee/Damen/North intersection, the Active Transportation Alliance will distribute free bike headlights to cyclists (you must be on a bike to get a headlight) while supplies last. The giveaway is part of an initiative to encourage safe cycling; Illinois law requires cyclists to use a front headlight and rear reflector when riding at night.

Lowercase Locals: Graham Stephenson and Dave Barnes

Posted by Peter Margasak on Fri, Nov 20, 2009 at 1:37 PM

As deep as Chicago’s free-improv scene runs, there aren’t too many folks devoted exclusively to what’s usually called “lowercase sound” or “electroacoustic improvisation,” which is characterized by small sonic gestures, collective development, and an unconventional aural palette that gravitates toward tonal extremes. Last year Jon Abbey, who runs the important New York label Erstwhile—perhaps the most visible and tireless proponent of this stuff—sent me a self-released, self-titled CD-R by a couple of Chicagoans, Graham Stephenson (trumpet) and Dave Barnes (electronics). I didn’t get around to listening to it until very recently, but now that I have it’s clear that these two are pushing in a very different direction than most local improvisers.

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Chicago: The Best BBQ Scene in America?

Posted by Whet Moser on Fri, Nov 20, 2009 at 12:42 PM

So saith Michael Nagrant (via Grub Street). Helen Rosner thinks he's trying to start a war, and I don't disagree, but the comments are thoughtful and well worth reading - especially the part where Nagrant seemingly gives away the game, but in a good way, because I agree:

"I think Eastern North Carolina is probably my favorite region, with places like Wilbers, the Pit, and Allen and Son's really sticking out."

FWIW, I can't recommend Honey 1 highly enough, despite some hate in comments. Here's what our critics had to say on Nagrant's other picks: Smoque and Uncle John's.

Update: I've heard that Kansas City actually has the best barbecue so many times that it can't be discounted, but sadly have never been.

In(di)visible at Noble & Superior

Posted by Ed M. Koziarski on Fri, Nov 20, 2009 at 12:10 PM

Tw Lis Self (Involved) Portrait

  • Tw Li's "Self (Involved) Portrait"

I saw a crowd of onlookers who ranged from scandalized to righteously indignant to cynically amused gather around TW Li's video installation Police Brutality Grid when it showed in September at Margin Gallery.

Li's video, photography and performance aggressively lampoons systems of control and the impact of technology on daily interaction. His work shows in Noble & Superior Projects' In(di)visible exhibition, which opens Friday 11/20.

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More blog posts … 

"Prediction: Public Radio is gone in Chicago. Maybe not tomorrow, maybe not next week, but GONE GONE GONE nevertheless."

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Ink Well

This week's crossword: A Few Words With You (PDF)

Your City Council Now more than ever, it's important to follow what our 50 aldermen are up to. Are our representatives up to the task of telling the mayor "no" once in a while, or, better yet, of coming up with an alternative vision of Chicago government? Read our guide and decide for yourself what their prospects are.

Do It Today: 11.20.09

Performing Arts 1985 Considering how unhappy Chicago Bears fans have been lately, this seems as good a time as any to skewer one of the... [more]

Galleries & Museums Argento Glass sculptures by Dale Chihuly... [more]

Performing Arts Chicago Human Rhythm Project Chicago Human Rhythm Project's 20th-anniversary program, Global Rhythms, is nothing if not inclusive. This fall's special guest, Step Afrika!, makes its Chicago... [more]

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The New Keepin' It Real

The New Keepin' It Real Kid Sister punctures the materialist fantasies of pop radio.

The List: November 19-25, 2009 Critics' Choices and other notable concerts: Aventura, DJ/Rupture & Matt Shadetek, Fuck Buttons, Saviours, Baroness, and more

Requiem for a Room What to expect from the Sonotheque space in its new life as a Beauty Bar

The Bad Lieutenant Gone Wild

The Bad Lieutenant Gone Wild Werner Herzog and Nicolas Cage whoop it up in New Orleans.

A “Lost Boy” Finds His Calling Brutally driven from Sudan as a child, Garang Mayuol is bringing clean water to the suffering villagers back home. A new documentary chronicles his journey.

Festival of New Spanish Cinema New narrative, documentary, animated, and experimental films from Spain, at Facets November 13-19

Slow Jam

Slow Jam Hours go into every jar of Elizabeth Madden's Rare Bird Preserves.

Fresh From the Oven Thirteen recommended bakeries

The Food Issue: The Best New Restaurants of 2009 From Browntrout to Zebda

Recent User Reviews

Pane Caldo
72 E. Walton
Gold Coast/Mag Mile/Streeterville
Pane Caldo is not a cheap date, by... -- Comensal

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Cartoony Country

Cartoony Country A review of All the Fame of Lofty Deeds, a show by Mark Guarino based on the music and art of Mekons cofounder Jon Langford. Tommy Rapley directs the world premiere production by the House Theatre of Chicago.

Bah Mitzvah The 13-year-old at the center of the Alan Gross's High Holidays shouldn’t be.

Morning Art: Jack Girard

Morning Art: Jack Girard "Murdie," on display at Logsdon Gallery

Fall Books Special: The Gritty City

Fall Books Special: The Gritty City New books about old murders, queer underworlds, race wars, and more

Holiday Markets, a Pop-Up Shop, and Other Shopping Events This Weekend

Holiday Markets, a Pop-Up Shop, and Other Shopping Events This Weekend Sales, trunk shows, holiday fairs, and more

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