Chicagotalks

Turkish president in Chicago for first time for NATO summit

Valeria Fanelli — Thu, 17 May 2012 05:00:40 +0000

The Turkish community in Chicago will welcome its President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan who is coming to Chicago for the first time to participate in the NATO summit. The President will arrive to the Windy City on May 18 and leave on May 22, said Onur Sayin, vice consul of Turkey in Chicago. “This is the first time in the history that Chicago will host the Turkish president,” he said. “The consulate has been preparing this event for the last two months; it is something very important to us.” The consulate organized special programs that will involve the Turkish community during this week. They will have a reception on May 19, which is also a Turkish holiday – Commemoration of Ataturk, Youth and Sports Day – and the president will give a speech on May 22, Sayin said. “NATO is very important in Turkey’s foreign agenda. We are now celebrating our 60th year,” he said. “NATO provides a security umbrella for Turkey.” One of the messages of the Turkish delegation in Chicago will be trying to educate people to not stereotype Muslim nations as terrorist countries, Sayin said. “I have been visiting some schools here and we made some presentations about [...]

Turkish president in Chicago for first time for NATO summit

Spring Staycation: Bike the “Tour de Marsh” at Horicon, Wisc.

Chicagotalks — Thu, 17 May 2012 02:37:05 +0000

On Saturday, June 2 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. join bicyclists, hikers, motorcyclists and autos touring around and through famous Horicon Marsh. Named one of the “seven wonders of Wisconsin” and a “Wetland of International Importance”, seeing and experiencing Horicon Marsh is a great opportunity to enjoy one of nature’s treasures. Imagine an area Covering 33,000 acres, it is the largest freshwater cattail marsh in the United States. Eight communities, Dodge County Parks and two non-profit organizations are partnering for this event. There is no entry fee and it is open to everyone. A free drawing is available also for participants that visit all five stops around the tour. Maps are available too. Participating neighbors of the marsh will have maps available at designated spots as well as have refreshments available along the route. The map is a suggested route for a self-guided tour around and into the famous Horicon Marsh as well as into the neighboring communities. Participants can start at one of these designated community stands and then proceed on their tour. Each starting/rest stop will have parking, refreshments, maps, information cards and restrooms available. The starting/rest points for the “Tour De Marsh” event are as follows: Horicon National Wildlife Refuge hiking trail parking lot off of Rt. 49 [...]

Spring Staycation: Bike the “Tour de Marsh” at Horicon, Wisc.

Anti-Police Demonstration Marches Through Bridgeport

Tim Shaunnessey — Wed, 16 May 2012 19:20:04 +0000

An anti-police group under the moniker "FTP" marched north through Bridgeport Tuesday, May 15. The protest was focused on expressing ant- CPD sentiment and ending what participants refer to as police brutality.

Anti-Police Demonstration Marches Through Bridgeport

Immigrant Rights Advocates Protest Before NATO

Kaitlyn Mattson — Wed, 16 May 2012 04:19:14 +0000

Immigrant rights activists protested Tuesday before the NATO Summit kicks off in Chicago this weekend. They gathered at the Congress Center, 525 W. Van Buren Street, before marching five miles from Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission, located at 344 W. 6th Street, to the Detained Immigration Court Building for a candlelight vigil. The events were organized by the Wisconsin Bailout People Movement. “After deporting over one million immigrants, President Barack Obama realized that he is in an election year and has to do something to recuperate the votes he has lost,” said Jorge Mujica with the Wisconsin Bailout People Movement. “Being in the U.S. without papers is not a crime, it’s an administrative fault,” he said. Protester Bryan Pfeifer commented on the presence of the NATO Summit in Chicago. “We’re here to support the anti-NATO activists and the wonderful people coming out from around the world who want to fight for a world free of poverty, racism, war and stop the banks and the war machines from destroying planet Earth.” Pfeifer, like other protesters, was keen on one major issue—putting an immediate stop to raids and the deportation of immigrants. Natalie Whalberg, a protester who said she was with Occupy Chicago, [...]

Immigrant Rights Advocates Protest Before NATO

NATO May Affect Mail Delivery

Chicagotalks — Tue, 15 May 2012 19:30:36 +0000

From Alderman Fioretti (2nd Ward) comes this note about NATO and normal life: Operational changes will take place in the Downtown Chicago area to accommodate planned activities associated with the 2012 NATO Summit and necessary security requirements. While the actual Summit will be held at McCormick Place, other events, protests/rallies, and designated secured transportation routes for delegates will impact retail locations. The possible impacts could occur from now until May 22, with peak impacts from May 18-22. Customers can expect the following: Possible Mail Service Delays – Some modest service impacts are anticipated for mail destined for 606 zip codes. Contingency plans are being implemented to minimize these impacts. Mailers are encouraged to plan accordingly to meet desired in-home expectations. Retail Operations – Customers may experience delays and detours while trying to access these facilities. Mail Pick-up – Businesses that pick-up mail from the Postal Service should make sure that employees picking up have valid identification. If your company utilizes a third party vendor, in addition to a valid id, they must have a document with your company letterhead authorizing them to pick up. Due to delays in transporting mail within the Downtown area, PO Office Box mail availability could [...]

NATO May Affect Mail Delivery

Spring Dating for Nerds = Board games, Chia Pets, and the Promise of Love

Anna for Nerds at Heart — Tue, 15 May 2012 14:50:05 +0000

Come out and play with other brainy bachelors and bachelorettes during a spring-themed singles’ bash. Love blooms over rounds of board games and trivia, plus awaken your inner child with seasonal festivities. Color your social world using sidewalk chalk during a Hangman-inspired icebreaker activity. Get your green on with geeky Chia Pet giveaways (think Albert Einstein, Bart Simpson and Abraham Lincoln). Win prizes like umbrella rain hats, Hello Kitty bubble wands, Spiderman kites and insect bouncy balls. And, youthful outdoor activities get an adult twist with vernal drink specials: the Archeologist (a dirt hued Kahlua-based cocktail), the Botanist (a green confection with lime vodka) and the Meteorologist (a stormy take on the classic gin and tonic). Venue: O’Shaughnessy’s Address: 4557 N. Ravenswood Ave Date: 4-7 p.m. Sunday, May 20th This is not a free event, so check for details. Registration required: nerdsatheart.com. Phone: 855-NERD-LOVE (855-637-3568) Presented by: Nerds at Heart Related articles Smart Singles Commit Crimes of Passion at Dating for Nerds(chicagotalks.org) Singles Take Over Valentine’s Day at the Fifth Annual Love Fest (chicagotalks.org)

Spring Dating for Nerds = Board games, Chia Pets, and the Promise of Love

Need NATO Summit Backgrounding or Quick Contact Links?

Chicagotalks — Tue, 15 May 2012 14:01:47 +0000

In addition to live coverage of NATO related events from our reporters, there are good resources online from ChicagoHeadline club and Chicagostories.org (sponsored by Community Media Workshop).

Need NATO Summit Backgrounding or Quick Contact Links?

NATO Protests Kick Off Monday, Arrests Follow

Katherine Iorio — Tue, 15 May 2012 13:12:00 +0000

Eight protesters from the Catholic Worker Movement were arrested Monday during a peaceful demonstration outside President Barack Obama’s campaign headquarters in Prudential Plaza. Roughly 100 protesters attended the rally, but only eight refused to leave and were taken into custody. This demonstration was the first of what is expected to be many protests this upcoming weekend of the NATO Summit. Various activist groups have planned a series of demonstrations and marches, highlighting topics such as poverty, the environment and education during the May 20-21 NATO Summit in the city and the May 18-19 G8 summit at Camp David in Maryland. “We are here today to boldly proclaim our desire to live in a world where we say no to NATO and yes to community,” said Chantal de Alacuaz from Chicago in a press release from the Chicago-based White Rose Catholic Worker posted late Sunday night. “As Catholic Workers, we serve the poor by practicing the works of mercy — feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, taking care of the sick and the works of war are directly opposed to that.” Video by Steve Rhodes from Youtube.com According to the release, the plan was to “invite Obama and other NATO leaders to [...]

NATO Protests Kick Off Monday, Arrests Follow

Zhou B Art Center in Bridgeport

Merissa Marks — Mon, 14 May 2012 05:00:51 +0000

The Chicago neighborhood of Bridgeport may be best known for being the home of the Chicago White Sox, but it also has a growing art community. One of the larger art galleries is the Zhou B Art Center that was founded by the Zhou Brothers to host Chicago artists as well as international artists. Walking through the doors of the art center the art and structure is intriguing. Colorful pieces hanging from the celling, wrapping around the side of the wall and even covering the floor. Every floor has a different feel– like the unique pieces of art that are in them. “The whole building has five floors or art,” Curator Sergio Gomez said, adding the center is “a combination of art galleries and studios.” Gomez has been with the Zhou B Art Center since it opened. The center does a different themed art show every third Friday of the month, he said. Along with shows it also has open studios and other galleries. April’s theme was Chicago’s Twelve, which used the idea of recycling and reuse for the pieces. “I liked that it was all recycled material used in the artworK,” said Alex Phillips, a visitor from Pittsburg. “The [...]

Zhou B Art Center in Bridgeport

Artisans: Register to Sell at Renegade Craft Fair Chicago

Chicagotalks — Sun, 13 May 2012 13:23:45 +0000

Register as an artisan for Chicago’s Renegade Craft Fair between May 11 and June 8th. Where will you sell your wares this summer? Click the image for a larger view and more information.

Artisans: Register to Sell at Renegade Craft Fair Chicago