March 2008
Cover Story
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Best for Kids—and Parents, Too!Chicago is rich with possibilities for families, which is why we've devoted this story to providing a guide to the best stuff for kids, parents, and moms-to-be. Take along our field guide to birds... |
Features
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Dressing to ThrillShe's Michelle Obama's favorite designer, and Oprah wears her gowns. Her soft, sexy, elegant clothes have placed her atop Chicago's fashion A-list. And now, with a new boutique, Maria Pinto... |
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Trauma QueenTrouble keeps finding Betty Loren Maltese, the imprisoned former town president of Cicero. Her adopted daughter has learned the harsh truth about her mother. Rancor has boiled up with Ed Vrdolyak,... |
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Without a TraceLast Labor Day, Steve Fossett—the investment wizard turned record-setting adventurer—took off in a plane from a remote Nevada airfield. He hasn't been seen since. Our reporter retraces the... |
Departments
Table of Contents |
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March 2008 Table of Contents |
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Arena: Money |
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Positive EnergyThe skyrocketing cost of fuel has people scrambling for ways to lower the bills, such as efficient appliances and good conservation habits—or even bargain shopping for power |
Table |
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Dining TidbitsFor March 2008: New, Budget Beat, Sleeper, Discovery |
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PourLakefront Organic E.S.B. is a classic British-style ale with a charming, fruity, full-bodied flavor |
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Taste Test: Red AlertRed velvet cupcake smackdown! |
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Tall OrderSixten, the centerpiece of Donald Trump's long-awaited project, ain't the Sun-Times cafeteria |
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Court ReporterHow to navigate a Japanese food court |
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Smoke-Filled RoomsThese days, Chicago's best barbecue comes from a legion of savvy new pit masters. Our man on the case digs in and gets his hands dirty. |
The Closer |
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A Winter's TaleLately, I've been thinking about joining a Polar Bear Club—you know, those maniacs who load up on Bloody Marys, strip down to nothing at the North Avenue beach, and hop into the freezing lake for... |
Arena: Page Two |
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Hoellen's HeroFollowing up on a late Chicago alderman's suggestion from 41 years ago, the Cubs will unveil a statue of Ernie Banks on opening day. |
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What's Up, Docs?The late Mayor Daley's donated documents are still nowhere in sight at UIC. |
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Bang!The Supreme Court may shoot a hole in Chicago's gun ban |
Politics |
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Am I Blue!When Hillary Clinton was growing up in Park Ridge, the town—like most of suburban Chicago—was emphatically Republican. Her youthful slide from right to left previewed by three decades a... |
Arena |
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Serious StuffThe urban dad, defined: the kind of guy who eschews cute for cool. His ideal accessory? Something with clean lines, bold colors, and pockets that can hold bottles of milk (or beer) |
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The Daddy DiariesA typical Chicago dad gives a play-by-play of parenthood. |
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The Buzz BinA 25-year-old haberdasher sculpts hats by hand using foam models |
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Critical MassNoteworthy new releases in March |
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Shopper: June BlakerShe's bringing her impeccable eye for sleek up-and-coming designers to a new River North venture |
Sales CheckA roundup of sales, store openings, and shopping news in March 2008 |
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Writers On the RecordVictoria Lautman chats with Richard Price. |
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It's ElementaryOne city mom's advice for navigating the jargon-filled and anxiety-producing process of applying for kindergarten in the public schools |
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Reel LifeNew documentaries that will resonate with local audiences |
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Sláinte and SongRocking out, Emerald Isle style, in—where? Joliet? |
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The Dude ArrivesThe quirky Lebowski Fest draws thousands of fans obsessed with the Coen Brothers film The Big Lebowski, held in Chicago March 7th to 9th. |
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Quick TimeA weeknight find you'll love |
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Field DaysWe chat with Stephin Merritt, lead singer of the Magnetic Fields |
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On the MoneyWhen Sony asked Allan Loeb to write a script about card counting in Vegas, the Highland Park native had plenty to draw upon: namely, a gambling compulsion of his own. |
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Model LifeIf you think fashion's top faces all come from eastern Europe, we've got news: Americans are back. |
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You Should Know ... The Cool KidsBehind one of the Internet's most hyped hip-hop acts: two nice guys with an affinity for bikes and old-school beats |
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The Blip - March 2008Bright spots on the month's cultural radar |
Deal Estate |
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Home StretchRyersons’ remodeling extended townhouse by another 65 feet |
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Not a Slam DunkFormer Bull’s house still for sale nearly two years after trade |
Making LemonadeInvestors rent homes while waiting for market turnaround |
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Deal Estate Condos |
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Second Extreme MakeoverAfter earlier loft conversion, former Comptometer factory reborn as home for 95 condos |
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No Back Porch BluesBuilding offers good views and tax breaks |
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Front RunnerElements of original design grace building’s anterior units |
Cheers |
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Master of the HouseStay, Manor's heir apparent, is slated for a late April/early May opening |
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Everyone's an ExpertThe West Town wine lounge Connoisseur treats all patrons like pros |
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5 Bars That Put the Madness in MarchBest spots to catch the NCAA basketball action |
Chicago Guide |
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The FiveThe best of March theatre |
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Three Questions For ... Judith BlackburnFounder and director of the Chicago Irish Film Festival |
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Found ArtUncovering Chicago's best-kept secrets |
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Solo ShowIf you hear only one concert this month, make it this one |
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His and HersA date night idea, on us |
Copyright 2008 Chicago Magazine
