Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with chicago

Photos + mats = holiday cheer

asuprenant — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 13:57:01 -0800

Where can I buy mats for 13 x 19" photos in Chicago? Lastminuteholidaycraftfilter: where can I buy these mats in Chicago?

http://www.dickblick.com/products/savage-value-priced-pre-cut-single-mats/

I'm looking for white 18 x 24" mats with 13 x 19" openings. The Blick stores in Chicago don't carry them in stock, though. Where can I find them?

Should I get a 1930s bob haircut, and if so, where?

mismatched — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:41:25 -0800

1) Should I get my hair cut into a 20s/30s style bob? 2) Where, in the north-suburbs-of-chicago-ish area should I go to get this done? More context:
Here are some photos of me for hair texture context. Also, you can then take a look at my face shape for advice context.

I have had long hair for years and years. It's getting to be a pain to take care of, especially in its current dyed state (though I have done a good job keeping it healthy; there's little to no damage). I don't have the patience to blow-dry the amount of hair i have now, and I don't really use hair products now, but that might change with less total, uh, volume of hair. I've been looking at a lot of 20s/30s-ish styles, such as this and this and this. (Yes, my eyes are drawn to the hair in that last photo, though everyone I've sent it to has been a bit more leg-focused.)

I'm open to suggestions of other haircuts, but I'm kind of reluctant to get bangs, due to not wanting to look even younger than I do already.
I'm also not sure whether I'd really be open to shorter than chin-length hair, but again, I'd love your suggestions.

I'd elaborate more about the second question, but it seems fairly self-explanatory. I'm located in Wilmette, IL, but have a car. Suggestions for places known to not freak out at the purple/blue hair are a bonus -- I'm sort of skittish about choosing a salon due to some...unprofessional experiences in the past.

Cabins on Lake Mighigan

ztdavis — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 08:53:26 -0800

Looking for a cabin for two on Lake Michigan, preferably the Wisconsin side. Does anyone have any specific recommendations? We'll be coming from the Chicago area, but we're willing to drive three or four hours for a cozy place.

Pretty much the traditional criteria:
1. Warm with a fireplace.
2. On or near the lake.
3. Bonus points for being near a park, but that isn't necessary.
4. Near a small town or grocery (at least 30 minutes near, so that shouldn't be too hard at all.
5. Not super expensive (if that is possible?)

This past post was helpful: http://ask.metafilter.com/107436/Winter-weekend-cabin-near-Chicago

But I'm looking for more specific "I have stayed here and it was great" type suggestions.

Thanks

Suggestions for holiday cheer in Chicago please!

bluloo — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 12:16:48 -0800

What to see and do next week (especially Christmas day) in Chicago? My parents and I will be in Chicago for several days next week, including Christmas day. I'm looking for suggestions of things to see and do (I've seen this thread but the question and responses focused mostly on hotel recommendations). I've been to Chicago several times, although never during the holiday season. So, I figured I'll take them to see the typical touristy things, but what is a can't miss during the holidays? Any suggestions for places to eat Christmas day? We haven't decided whether to go out or try to cook in, so both brunch/dinner ideas are welcome, especially if there's something fabulous out there. My mom and I are thinking about going to see the Nutcracker, but other than that our plans are wide open. Help us plan our trip, Mefites!

everywhere else it's coke

generalist — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 12:09:16 -0800

In Chicago the standard term for bags of heroin sold on the street is "blows." I've also heard the word used as a verb, e.g. "You blow?" Does anyone have any clue as to the origin of the term?

Where's a good place to have sex in Chicago?

Anonymous — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 21:07:22 -0800

Does anybody know a decent place for a night of sex in the Chicagoland area? (NSFW) My wife and I are looking for a place (not too expensive) for a night of sex. We looked at the Sybaris and it's a possibility but it is kind of pricey. We want a place that isn't too pricey, (relatively) soundproof and clean.
Any ideas or recommendations?

What's happening in Chicago on Saturday, 11/29/09?

xotis — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 08:47:33 -0800

What fun things are there to do in Chicago this Saturday (11/28/09) if you're in a hotel near Midway with no access to a car? A buddy of mine and I are going to be in Chicago for 24 hours this weekend for a gig. We fly in at 2pm on Saturday and have free time until 10pm that night.

We'll be at the Marriott on the south end of Midway.

What museums, shows, bars or festivities are worth checking out? How's public transit in that area, or is it better to take a cab wherever I end up going? How much will it cost to get me to where the fun is?

What would YOU do for fun if you had 8 hours to kill in Chicago this weekend, but no car? We're open to checking out multiple destinations, as long as it's not too cost prohibitive.

I need to be back at the hotel by 10pm and then I fly home at 11am on Sunday.

Thanks, and have a happy Thanskgiving!

Thanksgiving for the very busy.

santojulieta — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:49:57 -0800

What can we do in Chicago for Thanksgiving dinner considering I have no time or reason to prep and cook a feast? I just started a new job that requires my near constant presence at work every day this week except Thanksgiving. And, it's just me and my husband (who doesn't eat turkey at all) for the day this year. Should we go out to eat instead? I'm definitely missing the celebration time with my family, so I'd like to do something a little more special than ordering pizza. Where should we go in Chicago?

A good haircut?

chris p — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:23:19 -0800

Where can I get a good men's haircut (and style) in Las Vegas? (or Chicago?) I'm a 22 year old guy. I basically have the same hairstyle I've always had. I need a haircut and would like to try something different. I want to find a place where I can explain my basic needs and then have someone else pick the cut, then show me how to style it. There isn't really any place I know of that I'd feel confident doing that.

I'm not someone who puts a whole lot of attention into his personal appearance. I want something that looks good and is functional.

I'm in Las Vegas right now. I'll be in Chicago in a week or two. I'd prefer to do it Friday while still in Las Vegas, but will wait until Chicago if I can't find any place good. I look at this as a one-time investment into trying something new, so price isn't a huge deal.

Any suggestions where to go? Please also include rough price and how much I ought to tip, as well as any other suggestions you may have.

Where to celebrate 21 years in Chicago?

elisabethjw — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:04:21 -0800

I'm turning 21 next Tuesday. My friends want to take me to a bar. I want to avoid the mediocre college bars. Tell me where to go! We're doing the traditional 21st birthday (finally!) bar thing, except with a few self-imposed limitations because I hate huge crowds and noisy rooms. And dance clubs or anywhere where dancing is heavily prominent. I have only a few requirements:

Not so busy/loud I can't hear the conversation at my table (this is on a Tuesday night, granted, but it puts places like Hop Leaf out of the question). Definitely would be interested in piano bars, jazz lounges, etc. but not somewhere that has a specific showtime (so not a comedy club or something) because we are bad at showing up places in a timely manner.

Somewhere that would be fun. This is a really wobbly term but I generally mean more than your standard sit-down-and-drink bar. I really like the idea of The Map Room (and they're having International Night: Sweden on my birthday!) but it's just not feasible, transportation-wise.

Won't break my budget. I am in college and I am poor. It doesn't have to be dirt-cheap but at least modestly priced. If they have a great deal on Tuesdays/the 24th, even better.

Easily reached by Evanston. Ideally off the Red Line. I won't go further down than Belmont but bonus points if its further north. I love Edgewater and Andersonville.

Thanks!

Looking for an alternative nightclub in chicago

bwilms — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:22:50 -0800

Going to chicago this weekend and would like something other than the standard club. Where should I go? My wife is headed to Chicago with some friends and wants to go dancing Friday, Saturday, or Sunday night. She's looking for a place that plays more indie/alternative/80's dance music and not the standard clubbing stuff. I have heard that there isn't much, but NEONightclub.

Where can I go smell some shaving soap?

burnfirewalls — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:16:00 -0800

Where can I purchase shaving soaps in the Chicago metro area? I'm switching to shaving with a brush & safety razor and I have been eagerly reading the assorted AskMes and forums dedicated to the topic. I've got my razor, my brush and other accoutrement all picked out, but I'm not sure what shaving soap to select. I'm interested in the whole soap & mug bit, after remembering that I had a plastic set when I was a toddler. I'm ordering the rest of the equipment online but Mrs. Burnfirewalls is very sensitive to smells. I'd like to take her to a store and let her select some shaving soaps for me to use. Where can I do that in the Chicago metro area?

Bonus points for recommendations of soaps that don't smell like the Proraso that comes in the green metal tube, or sandalwood.

What to do with a nice, fresh stretch of blacktop?

eamondaly — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:15:35 -0800

Our street in Chicago was just repaved, and in honor of The City that Works, we're closing it off on Saturday to throw a block party. We've got 100 feet of beautifully smooth black asphalt with a slight crown and a gradual west to east fall of about 3 feet or so, enough for things to slowly roll with a starter push. We don't have enough time to make soap box racers, but what else could we do with the street before it's ripped to shreds by snowplows?

Where should I live in Chicago?

prunes — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:38:13 -0800

Which Chicago neighborhood should I live in? I'm looking to move to Chicago from the surrounding suburbs and I don't know where to live. I'm in my mid-20s and I'd like to be around people my own age. I work in the loop so wherever I live would need to provide easy access. I enjoy Wicker Park / Bucktown but feel like half the people are too hip for me and half the people are too fratty. I think parts of Lincoln Park are pleasant but again I don't think it's for me.

I think I would like to live north of the loop. I've heard good things about Andersonville.. I'm kind of lost though. Ideally I'd live in a neighborhood with people I know but I don't know many people in the city so I'd like to live somewhere where I can meet people easily. Your suggestions are appreciated!

Its hard out here for an 8th grade Teacher

allthewhile — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:57:20 -0800

How much money should I try to raise to get 8 kids in a studio, with a producer, to cut some songs? I'm working with 8 inner city students in the city of Chicago. They all have a passion for music, but limited experience with music. They all write, rap, and a few of them can sing like crazy. I just received a kickstarter invitation, and have no idea where I should set my sites. 1. I guess I should call some studios? Does anyone have any suggestions?

2. Any suggestions as to what cost I'm looking at working with someone to create beats, samples, and recording time in the Chicago area, I would appreciate it as well.

CTA advertisement: "Less Than Perfect"

phunniemee — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:57:30 -0800

[Chicago Filter] Does anyone know anything about the "Less Than Perfect" ads running on the CTA? I would love to know the origin of the ads that have been showing up on the trains recently. They're all black with plain text, and say things like:

"The guy who forgot to shower this morning. Again."
"The public-display-of-affection-couple."
"The guy who sings along to his iPod. Poorly."
"The woman who gives her shopping bags their own seat."

And they have a little thing that says "Less Than Perfect:" in the upper left-hand corner.

Anyone know what this might be about? There's nothing else on the signs, and they're not (overtly) advertising anything. Google only returns results for that sitcom from a few years ago.

My boyfriend thinks this is the CTA trying to be hip, but I say the CTA is too broke to be edgy where someone else could pay for advertising, but he thinks that there aren't enough paying advertisers so the CTA is just filling the space. I wanna know!

Anyone know of a good hospice in the SW burbs of Chicago?

stormpooper — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:45:39 -0800

Anyone know of a very good hospice care center in the SW burbs of Chicago? We just got word that my mom is on her last round of chemo and she needs to get her estate ready. They're estimating 6 months max to live (but who really knows?). We are investigating hospices and got a recommendation of Joliet but that's a little far. I am curious if anyone has a recommendation from relative experience? I went on the Hospice Assoc. site and no matter the zip/criteria, no results come up in my areas.

Plus Sized Bride Seeking Wedding Gown in Chicago

princesspathos — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:29:26 -0800

Hello Chicago! Do you know of any area bridal salons who are plus-size bride friendly? I'm getting married next June, which is great and exciting and happy. However, I'm a size 24, so dresses aren't as easy to find.

That's where you come in. I am seeking recommendations for bridal shops in the Chicago area who are plus-size friendly and/or have excellent seamstresses.

I would prefer something in the city or the North Shore, but I'm willing to travel anywhere that's willing to see me. I've already called for an appointment at Dame Couture in Evanston. Thanks!

search engine for techie therapists?

bleary — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:22:19 -0800

Is there a search engine for finding techie therapists? A long time ago I had a few therapy sessions, but stopped after a while because I didn't click with the person. Maybe part of it was due to me being a nerd.

Are there resources out there to help people do searches on therapists who have experience with techies? I'd also like tips on questions to ask a therapist on a first visit to see if you both match.

The right rights.

Bighappyfunhouse — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 10:28:48 -0800

Went to a family run estate sale. The deceased was a student of some very famous Chicago photographers. The work was never really shown on a large scale. Some amazing stuff. I bought all of his negatives and prints. Thousands of images. They were sold by the direct relatives of the photographer to me. The big question, who owns the rights to the images?

I'm way too sleep derived to think of a clever headline.

porpoise — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:19:55 -0800

Restaurantfilter: Downtown Chicago, dinner recommendations for a couple of grad students with a foodie bent in town for a conference. I've checked out these two previous threads on downtown Chicago restaurant recommendations.

We're in downtown proper and staying at the Sofitel at Wabash & Chestnut and the Wyndham at St. Claire & Erie. Looking for 'interesting' restaurants within a 20 minute walk tonight. Are there any places that are distinctly "Chicago-ian"/local or ignored by tourists/tourism-board?

Grad students, but willing to pony up (to maybe $60 or 70, maybe a bit more, but something around $30 per person sans drinks is more reasonable). We love food, doesn't matter what kind preferring 'good' over 'lots.'

Shopping in Chicago

jbickers — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:47:26 -0800

Cool shopping experiences in a cluster, in the Chicago area? We're taking a bunch of folks to Chicago next summer, and want to go on an afternoon shopping. We want to find a cluster of 6-7 retail stores/shops that are awesome, unique, entertaining, interesting, great customer experiences.

OK, yes, I know, Michigan Avenue is the obvious choice. But perhaps it is so obvious, we'd overlook something else equally awesome. We'll be staying in Itasca, so we'd love to find something around there. Or somewhere in that general vicinity.

It may turn out that Michigan Avenue is just the ticket, but I don't want to overlook something else that might be better. A bunch of great/unique stores, walking distance and/or short drives, truly unique experiences.

Any ideas?

Installing Radiant Heat Flooring

crush-onastick — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:10:18 -0800

Chicago home improvement filter: We'd like to get an estimate for installing radiant-heat flooring in our condo (6-flat built at the turn of the last century. We own a duplex down, with the primary living area being on the ground floor) or possibly replacing the HVAC with baseboard heating. Anything, really, because the conversion from whatever-it-was to the gas furnace HVAC it now is was badly done and the place is freezing all the time. Any business or contractors you recommend? Suggestions for going about this the right way? Dire warnings? Our condo is two bedrooms, three baths, living room with a separate dining room and an enclosed sunroom. There is a small finished basement. The living room and dining room are hardwood floors; the rest of the house is carpet (except the baths and kitchen, which are tile). At a minimum, I'd like to put radiant-heat flooring in the kitchen and baths, but I'd like to find out if it's possible and financially-viable for us to convert the whole place to radiant-heat flooring or baseboard heat because the furnace doesn't do it. We've had the furnace inspected, cleaned, tuned, but it's not efficient. When it was installed, the duct-work was poorly placed (for one thing, the vents are at the *top* of extra-tall walls, so all the heat floats up to the high ceilings).

No, we have no interest in doing this ourselves. None. Not even touching up the paint afterwards. But I don't know where to begin finding someone to assess the possibility and doing the job for us. I have asked a friend--who is an architect--but he was not much help.

Chicago late-night wifi

enn — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 11:08:47 -0800

Where on the north side of Chicago can I use a laptop and connect to a wireless network late at night? I'm looking for a place where I can bring my laptop in the evenings and work until at least midnight. Most of the coffee shops I know of close at 9 or 10.

"Confronting an injustice" in Chicagoland?

mkrenzer — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 12:39:50 -0800

My class has been tasked with "confronting an injustice" within our community, and I'm looking past experiences and/or suggestions for action within my areas of interest. (more) This is my first post, so: "Hello, Hive!"

The main project for my "Readings in Race, Class and Gender" course is to "attempt to impact/confront/change/relieve/ et cetra a cultural injustice in the world" and then write about it. A cultural injustice is being defined as "any form of discrimination, hypocrisy, or situation in which one community enjoys certain advantages over other communities..."

I'm attending school in Elmhurst (wiki), and can theoretically have access to Chicago as needed. I'd like todo something related to LGBT issues and/or youth in the city (I'm gay); or something related to autistic youth (I have AS).

Anybody have any suggestions? Questions, just ask...