Do we really need libraries and their supposed "books" with alleged "words"?
bluebike
Since sifting through dull newspapers, hyperbolic blogs, and overflowing RSS feeds for meaningful news can be an arduous process, News Net catches and compiles both the amusing and the significant reports that were overlooked throughout the workweek. Here are some things to think about as the weekend begins. (To send a tip for News Net, e-mail newsnetchicago@theonion.com)
• The Chicago Public Library reacted to a Fox Chicago report last week that asked, "Do we really need libraries anymore?" Fox gave libraries the same treatment usually reserved for crooked tire salesmen, sending undercover cameras into the Harold Washington Library to reveal...the sinister truth about libraries, we guess? In a statement to Fox, Chicago Public Library Commissioner Mary A. Dempsey pointed out that they serve 12 million Chicagoans per year and that last year Chicagoans checked out more than 10 million library books, but those are probably fabricated statistics from the political juggernaut that is the Big Library lobby.
• The Tribune's Blair Kamin, Chicagoist, and their respective commenters entertained the idea of closing certain streets to make room for large pedestrian areas. Among the parts of the city suggested to be car-free: Wilton Avenue, near the Belmont El stop and 57th Street, near Bixler Park. And hey, at this point, the Eisenhower may as well be a pedestrian zone, too.
• Matthew Leone, the bassist for Chicago alternative rockers Madina Lake, was severely beaten last Tuesday after intervening as a man was beating his wife in West Town. Leone remains hospitalized after doctors removed part of his skull to alleviate brain swelling. A 33-year old was arrested in connection of the attack, though he will not be charged until Leone can relate details of the incident.
• A "giant four-lane hole" spread across Lake Shore Drive near Roosevelt Road on Monday night, causing southbound traffic to hit a standstill. Construction crews immediately began repairing it, but perhaps they should reconsider—falling into a massive pothole sounds like the perfect way to end a Benny Hill-esque chase scene.
• Chicago designers Thirst have released two T-shirts to coincide with the Rod Blagojevich trial, including one that solely quotes the classic "I've got this thing and it's bleepin' golden" line. If anyone can get Rod to sign one of those when his trial resumes today, they could assuredly say, "I've got this thing and it's bleepin' worth $100 on eBay."
• The Sun-Times asked Intelligentsia coffee roaster Mike Phillips what it's like to be the king of coffee after he became the first American to win at the 2010 World Barista Championship, which took place in London late last month. Phillips brewed his way past baristas from 52 other countries, utilizing the show-stopping music of ABBA to dazzle judges during his finale presentation. So that's why Folgers is so stale—you're supposed to brew it with glam-rock.
• Threadless is celebrating its 10th anniversary by packing into an Airstream trailer and touring the country, stopping back in Chicago for the Pitchfork Music Festival and for its official anniversary party on October 9 at Bottom Lounge. Ten years already? Someone needs to design a T-shirt that reflects how old we're getting.
