The Chicago Traveler

August 20th, 2008

Ork Posters Are Too Good for Words

This is quite possibly one of the most awesome designs I’ve seen, and it’s going on my wishlist. That is, if I don’t buy it for myself first. Available in three color schemes, these Ork Posters illustrate the dozens of Chicago neighborhoods with arranged type. (They’re also available for Boston, Brooklyn, Los Angeles, Manhattan, and […]

By Matt B -- 1 comment

June 5th, 2008

Weekend Events

I’ll be heading out of town this weekend, but for those of you staying here in Chicago, you’ve got lots to look forward to.
• The 11th Annual Chicago Improv Festival takes place at various locations and includes performances by Paul Scheer, Jack McBrayer, and John Lutz. (ends June 8)
• The largest free outdoor blues event […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

May 22nd, 2008

Memorial Day Weekend 2008

• Learn about the causes and outcomes of earthquakes, hurricanes, volcanoes, tornadoes, and more at The Field Museum’s new exhibit, Nature Unleashed: Inside Natural Disasters. (through Jan 4)
• The Las Vegas male revue Thunder from Down Under is coming to Chicago for a 75-minute performance at Crobar. Meet and greet the hunky hotties after the […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

April 23rd, 2008

On A Roll

Is there someone out there whom you really, really don’t like? Give them the treatment they deserve with custom-printed toilet paper.
From Petersburg, IL (3-4 hours southwest of Chicago), Carlberg Design, Inc. custom prints biodegradable two-ply with photos, logos, or any other material that’s not copyrighted. Have some quotes printed, so you’ll have something to read […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

January 16th, 2008

Renegade Handmade

I’ve been called crafty at times, but I’m by no means a craftsman. Just putting together bookshelves from IKEA is a challenge for me.
Fortunately, there are plenty of artists out there whose functional and beautiful handmade products can be found at the Renegade Craft Fair. But if you happen to miss the two-day event, no […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

December 31st, 2007

The Best of The Chicago Traveler 2007

It’s time to say good-bye to 2007. The year has treated me very well. I moved to a new apartment, did some traveling, and, best of all, began writing The Chicago Traveler! Many thanks to Mary Jo and everyone at b5media who has been so welcoming and helpful.
Even though The Chicago Traveler is only a […]

By Matt B -- 2 comments

December 20th, 2007

Weekend Quickies

• 2007 has been one crazy year. Alberto Gonzalez, Blackwater, Michael Vick, Miss Teen South Carolina, and look! It’s OJ again! “Uh-Oh”7: The Year in Revue at Donny’s Skybox Theatre takes a satirical look at the names and events that made this year unique. (Dec 21, 28)
• Friday is National Burger Day! Join the folks […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

December 18th, 2007

City of Chicago Store

Everyone knows at least one person that’s seemingly impossible to shop for. If this person on your list is a fan of Chicago and its history, then there’s a store near Michigan Avenue that’s perfect for them: the City of Chicago Store.

Just across the street from Water Tower Place, you’ll find the city’s old pumping […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

December 8th, 2007

Chicago: City on the Move

The future of public transit in Chicago looks doubtful. Last week, the Illinois House of Representatives shot down a plan to fund Chicago’s Regional Transit Authority (which governs the CTA, Metra, and Pace) by shifting state gasoline sales tax money. Lawmakers refused to support it unless a deal is also reached on road, school, […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

October 25th, 2007

American Science & Surplus

Got an idea for a creative costume? Not military-related? Maybe you should stop at American Science & Surplus in Jefferson Park, just down the street from Andy’s Deli.
There really is no adequate way of describing American Science. It’s a bit of an oversized junk drawer, with all kinds of odds, ends, doodads, and thingamajigs. The […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments