Will President Obama stay (in the US) or will he go (to Copenhagen) is the big Olympic question today. The rumor floating around on the interwebs this afternoon/evening was that he was probably not going, but that might have just been the politically correct statement at the time by Obama press secretary Robert Gibbs.
Not much new news to this story, but this is probably the biggest question and story leading into the October 2nd vote. As we (and many others) have said, if he goes...Chicago looks good...if he doesn't it's doutbful.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Olympic Round-Up
Some interesting stories in regards to Chicago's bid to host the 2016 Olympics:
A big obstacle was tackled yesterday as Chicago aldermen voted 49-0 in favor of providing a blanket financial guarantee to the IOC, something the bid was heavily criticized for last week by the IOC evaluation committee. This seems to be perfectly orchestrated move as now the bid team can march to Copenhagen for the final vote in the beginning of October telling IOC members how they fixed one of the biggest issues of the city's bid.
Another story from NBC is that President Obama is planning on hosting a group of Olympians in the white house. This obviously is an attempt to promote Chicago's bid and our guess is that it will be well received. However, the million dollar question is whether or not Obama will be heading to Copenhagen to lobby IOC official for Chicago.
Finally, this week the PGA tour is in Chicago at Cog Hill for the BMW Championship. The reason this is interesting is because golf might be added to the bill for the 2016 Olympics and Tiger Woods (ever heard of him?) is convinced the recently remodeled Dubsdread course at Cog Hill would be a great place to host the tournament if Chicago wins the 2016 Olympics.
Lots of interesting stuff on the Olympics...
A big obstacle was tackled yesterday as Chicago aldermen voted 49-0 in favor of providing a blanket financial guarantee to the IOC, something the bid was heavily criticized for last week by the IOC evaluation committee. This seems to be perfectly orchestrated move as now the bid team can march to Copenhagen for the final vote in the beginning of October telling IOC members how they fixed one of the biggest issues of the city's bid.Another story from NBC is that President Obama is planning on hosting a group of Olympians in the white house. This obviously is an attempt to promote Chicago's bid and our guess is that it will be well received. However, the million dollar question is whether or not Obama will be heading to Copenhagen to lobby IOC official for Chicago.
Finally, this week the PGA tour is in Chicago at Cog Hill for the BMW Championship. The reason this is interesting is because golf might be added to the bill for the 2016 Olympics and Tiger Woods (ever heard of him?) is convinced the recently remodeled Dubsdread course at Cog Hill would be a great place to host the tournament if Chicago wins the 2016 Olympics.
Lots of interesting stuff on the Olympics...
Safety & Tasty: Get A Flu Shot with a Glass of Wine
For the wine drinker who still needs to get a flu shot, the South Loop Wine Cellar has an event for you:
On September 17th from 7 to 9 pm the physician will be the host of the “vaccine and vino” event at the South Loop Wine Cellar on 1442 S. Michigan Ave, where a $40 shot also allows you to taste five different wines — about two glasses.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Holy Maki Goodness at South Coast Sushi
If you are looking for some delish sushi served with yummy cocktails in the South Loop, look no more! 
South Coast (1700 S. Michigan Ave.) is a fun-filled and hip sushi restaurant with the same tasty sushi as Bucktown’s Coast, but with the great perk of a liquor license! Sooo bring on the lychee spritzers and the wasabi martinis!
Tuesdays and Wednesdays offer ½ price drink specials, so it is definitely a perfect way to spend a weeknight grabbing dinner with friends. Holy maki goodness is all I can say! A great variety of interesting rolls and even a sweet potato maki for those a bit hesitant to go raw. The portions are pretty large and not very expensive. Two thumbs up for the classic Spider roll and Spicy Tuna roll. The service was not the fastest but the pleasant ambiance made the wait go rather quickly. So next time you are in the South Loop check out South Coast for your sushi fix.
(Hat Tip to Kathy K for the Review!)
(Image from South Coast Sushi)
South Coast (1700 S. Michigan Ave.) is a fun-filled and hip sushi restaurant with the same tasty sushi as Bucktown’s Coast, but with the great perk of a liquor license! Sooo bring on the lychee spritzers and the wasabi martinis!Tuesdays and Wednesdays offer ½ price drink specials, so it is definitely a perfect way to spend a weeknight grabbing dinner with friends. Holy maki goodness is all I can say! A great variety of interesting rolls and even a sweet potato maki for those a bit hesitant to go raw. The portions are pretty large and not very expensive. Two thumbs up for the classic Spider roll and Spicy Tuna roll. The service was not the fastest but the pleasant ambiance made the wait go rather quickly. So next time you are in the South Loop check out South Coast for your sushi fix.
(Hat Tip to Kathy K for the Review!)
(Image from South Coast Sushi)
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
More Union Issue for Blackstone Hotel
Blackstone Hotel, the recently renovated luxury hotel that is often referred to as the 'hotel of presidents', continues to have issues with their workers union according to this article in the Chi Town Daily News. The hotel is located at 636 S. Michigan Avenue (at the northwest corner of Michigan avenue and Balbo).
Sun-Times Provides More Backround on Recent Michigan Ave Retail
We've had some posts on the new stores that have opened or are opening in the near future (Sky Grocer, Entourage Man and South Loop Market), but today the Chicago Sun-Times provides some quick background on each of these stores.
Sky Grocer, which is the only store not open yet, plans to open its doors this Thursday (9/10) according to the article:
Sky Grocer, which is the only store not open yet, plans to open its doors this Thursday (9/10) according to the article:
Sky Grocer, with 2,000 square feet on the ground floor of the Sky 55 condo building, will open Thursday morning selling Chicago favorites such as Vosges Chocolate and Milk and Honey Granola, along with organic eggs, organic milk, hundreds of craft beers, and fruit, produce and regular groceries.
"We aim to be a miniature Whole Foods with a convenience factor," said owner Paul Stellatos, 28, who runs similar neighborhood stores in Bucktown and Humboldt Park/Logan Square.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Fictional Law & Order Episode Upsets Rio 2016 Bid Team
If you're a fan of the popular show Law & Order, it would come as no surprise to see a fictional episode of the show 'ripped from the headlines'. If you're also a fan of the 2016 Olympic coverage, then you'll get a chuckle out of this article on MSN:
The bid team for Rio de Janeiro for the 2016 Olympic Games reacted angrily on Monday following an airing last Friday in Brazil of an episode of the hit fictional American television series 'Law & Order - Criminal Intent'.
They were furious because the episode made by NBC - who are the American TV rightsholders to the Games and provide 25percent of revenues - depicts the villain of the piece as a man whose security firm would land a huge contract with Rio de Janeiro should they win this fictional bid.
We realize Olympic bids are a high stakes game, but it's still funny that the article alludes to an NBC conspiracy theory to destroy Rio's bid....
Friday, September 4, 2009
We Want Your Input!
It's been just under a year since we launched the site and we're proud to say Sloopin is going strong. However, we're always looking for tips, suggestions and ideas to help us improve the site.
With that said, we would love for you to either post a comment or send us an email at sloopin@gmail.com to let us know what you want.
It can be as simple as telling us what type of content you would like to see more of or it could be as complex as changes/improvements to the site (like new sections, features, etc.). Also, don't hold back on the criticism. Are there things you don't like or would like us to stop doing?
We can't promise to implement all the changes, but we will try our best to continue to evolve the site to meet the needs of the neighborhood and our readers.
Thanks for the support thus far...it's been a fun ride and we truly appreciate all the comments, emails, videos and pictures you've sent us! Keep it up!
With that said, we would love for you to either post a comment or send us an email at sloopin@gmail.com to let us know what you want.
It can be as simple as telling us what type of content you would like to see more of or it could be as complex as changes/improvements to the site (like new sections, features, etc.). Also, don't hold back on the criticism. Are there things you don't like or would like us to stop doing?
We can't promise to implement all the changes, but we will try our best to continue to evolve the site to meet the needs of the neighborhood and our readers.
Thanks for the support thus far...it's been a fun ride and we truly appreciate all the comments, emails, videos and pictures you've sent us! Keep it up!
Poverty in Chicago Documentary Features the Sloop
There have been a lot of article and comments on the Ickes Homes recently (click here for links by Chicago Journal, ABC7 and Sloopin), but a good friend of the blog recently sent us this video titled Poverty in Chicago.
Although the purpose of the video is to showcase stories, problems and issues with homelessness, much of the video takes place within our neighborhood during 2005 and 2006. Throughout the film you will see many South Loop places such as the old Pacific Garden Mission that was on State Street, many scenes in the south side of Grant Park, and finally a piece where a homeless guy takes the interviewer down to the Ickes Homes to show how easy it is to score some crack cocaine.
It's about an hour long, but is pretty interesting:
(Hat Tip: JG)
Although the purpose of the video is to showcase stories, problems and issues with homelessness, much of the video takes place within our neighborhood during 2005 and 2006. Throughout the film you will see many South Loop places such as the old Pacific Garden Mission that was on State Street, many scenes in the south side of Grant Park, and finally a piece where a homeless guy takes the interviewer down to the Ickes Homes to show how easy it is to score some crack cocaine.
It's about an hour long, but is pretty interesting:
(Hat Tip: JG)
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Rio Seems to Be Inching Ahead in Race for 2016
Today the IOC 2106 evaluation committee released their findings from their visits earlier this year and for the most part the results were as expected. Every bid is said to be capable of hosting, but each bid has unique strengths and weaknesses.
Judging from media reaction we've read today, Rio seems to be the new and unlikely favorite based on the report (however some sources seem to be biased). Rio is making a strong push to be the first South American city to host the Olympics, which seems to one of the main reasons they might win.
All this speculation is pretty subjective given the highly political nature of the IOC process, so take it with a grain of salt.
The Chicago Tribune sums up Rio's pros and cons:
In our opinion it's a race between Rio and Chicago (as we've been saying for awhile now). Rio's bid would be historic for the Olympic movement and would definitely help broaden the appeal of the games to a new continent. However, we think Chicago's plan is better and in return would make for a great Olympic games (we're obviously a little biased though).
Finally, the big wild card is whether or not President Obama goes to Copenhagen to lobby for Chicago. Without him, it looks like Rio is going to be the host. With him, Chicago probably has a good shot.
One month to go...should be interesting!
Judging from media reaction we've read today, Rio seems to be the new and unlikely favorite based on the report (however some sources seem to be biased). Rio is making a strong push to be the first South American city to host the Olympics, which seems to one of the main reasons they might win.All this speculation is pretty subjective given the highly political nature of the IOC process, so take it with a grain of salt.
The Chicago Tribune sums up Rio's pros and cons:
• Transportation, where the report said efficient implementation of transport operations during the Games and delivery of new transport infrastructure was ``critical;''In regards to Chicago's bid:
• Housing, where ``the insufficient number of hotel rooms'' and difficulty to obtain guarantees for cruise ships as part of the housing plan ``places extra pressure on Rio;''
• The massive scope of the urban regeneration plan that is part of the bid. That the enormous cost overruns in London have largely been cause by tying the 2012 Olympics to urban regeneration is a cautionary tale.
• And the marketing and communications challenges linked to Brazil's being host to the 2014 soccer World Cup.
• The transport plan includes factors that could be a ``major challenge;''Madrid seemed to get dinged the most by the report which essentially said that they have organizational issues. Tokyo also didn't have the most glowing report mainly due to low public support.
• The Chicago budget was ``ambitious but achievable'' but the city needs an ``extensive sponsorship program'' to make it work.
• The Olympic Village plan a potentially ``special experience for the athletes'' but noted no full financing guarantee for its construction was provided when the commission visited in early April.
In our opinion it's a race between Rio and Chicago (as we've been saying for awhile now). Rio's bid would be historic for the Olympic movement and would definitely help broaden the appeal of the games to a new continent. However, we think Chicago's plan is better and in return would make for a great Olympic games (we're obviously a little biased though).
Finally, the big wild card is whether or not President Obama goes to Copenhagen to lobby for Chicago. Without him, it looks like Rio is going to be the host. With him, Chicago probably has a good shot.
One month to go...should be interesting!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
A New Swanky Swank Hotel for the Sloop
Boutique hotels have been the rage for awhile and although we don't exactly fit into the 'cool crowd' that frequents these places, we still admit that they tend to be pretty nice places.
Upon reading a recent article about Jackie Koo, the architect behind the new Wit hotel at the corner of State and Lake, it sounds like she's designed another swanky swank hotel for the South Loop. If you've ever been to the Wit you should be excited that we might be getting something similar in the South Loop.
The new hotel is called Aloft Chicago Millennium Park and is slated to open on September 1st, 2011 according to the Starwood website. The location looks to be at the corner of Wabash and Balboa which is ironic because it's not really in close proximity to Millennium Park (which is in the name of the hotel). If you're not familiar with Starwood hotels, they are the parent company of the wildly popular W hotels.
Although we're still skeptical about whether or not this hotel will happen, some of the renderings look pretty good! The best part in our opinion is that it looks like there is a rooftop lounge in the plans (which if anything like the Wits rooftop lounge would be a great addition to the neighborhood). Here is the rendering for the rooftop lounge at Aloft in the South Loop:
(Images from aloft website and koo and associates website)
Upon reading a recent article about Jackie Koo, the architect behind the new Wit hotel at the corner of State and Lake, it sounds like she's designed another swanky swank hotel for the South Loop. If you've ever been to the Wit you should be excited that we might be getting something similar in the South Loop.
The new hotel is called Aloft Chicago Millennium Park and is slated to open on September 1st, 2011 according to the Starwood website. The location looks to be at the corner of Wabash and Balboa which is ironic because it's not really in close proximity to Millennium Park (which is in the name of the hotel). If you're not familiar with Starwood hotels, they are the parent company of the wildly popular W hotels.
Although we're still skeptical about whether or not this hotel will happen, some of the renderings look pretty good! The best part in our opinion is that it looks like there is a rooftop lounge in the plans (which if anything like the Wits rooftop lounge would be a great addition to the neighborhood). Here is the rendering for the rooftop lounge at Aloft in the South Loop:
(Images from aloft website and koo and associates website)
1 Month and 1 Day Until 2016 Olympic Decision
It's September 1st and to some that means the summer is ending, to others it means football is kicking off and to others it means that our beloved baseball teams are disappointing us. But this year is a little different, September 1st means we are one month and one day until the IOC votes on who will be the host for the 2016 Olympics.
With this decision looming, media coverage is already starting to ramp up. Tomorrow should be interesting for people interested in the Olympics because the IOC evaluation committee is set to publicly release the 100 page document of their findings from their visits earlier this year. With such a tight race, many people think that this report could sway potential IOC voters:
Other interesting Olympic news coming out today was that the public support polls that were commissioned by the IOC have been released today via Reuters. Madrid had the highest public support at 93%, followed closed by Chicago at 92%, then Rio at 89%. Tokyo brought up the rear with 72% public support.
On the local front, Mayor Daley has issues with potential Olympic Committee executive salaries and two oversight plans are being discussed at city hall:
With this decision looming, media coverage is already starting to ramp up. Tomorrow should be interesting for people interested in the Olympics because the IOC evaluation committee is set to publicly release the 100 page document of their findings from their visits earlier this year. With such a tight race, many people think that this report could sway potential IOC voters:
Gerhard Heiberg, an IOC executive board member fromNorway , called the IOC's evaluation report to be released Wednesday "very important". He said, "at this stage there is no front-runner and no one lagging behind. All are on an equal basis. The report will be studied by IOC members perhaps more than before".
Other interesting Olympic news coming out today was that the public support polls that were commissioned by the IOC have been released today via Reuters. Madrid had the highest public support at 93%, followed closed by Chicago at 92%, then Rio at 89%. Tokyo brought up the rear with 72% public support.
On the local front, Mayor Daley has issues with potential Olympic Committee executive salaries and two oversight plans are being discussed at city hall:
Bash on Wabsh Kicks Off This Weekend!
You've probably seen signs up throughout the neighborhood, but if not this is your notice. The 'Bash of Wabash - Sweet Corn Chicago' kicks off this holiday weekend. The event takes place on Saturday and Sunday September 5th and 6th on Wabash between 13th and 14th. Should be a good time especially if you like solid and fun cover bands. This year Sixteen Candles plays on Saturday night and Hairbangers Ball closes out the festival on Sunday. In case you've never heard of them here are a couple videos:
And here is the official press release:
And here is the official press release:
The South Loop's premier outdoor event marks its sixth year by celebrating the cultural diversity of Chicago's fastest growing community this Labor Day weekend. THE BASH ON WABASH-Sweet Corn Chicago, located in the heart of the South Loop on Wabash Avenue between 13th Street and 14th Place. THE BASH ON WABASH promises to be an unforgettable experience.
Benefiting the Greater South Loop Association, this lively festival mirrors the South Loop's vibrancy, offering something for everyone. Local artisans will be displaying their creations. Area restaurants, showcasing some of the most interesting cuisines in town, will be on hand for you to sample their culinary treats. Fresh roasted corn and beer and wine will be available to highlight the end of the summer season. There will be an elaborate kids' area and a Corn Bags Tournament throughout the weekend. To top it off, revelers will enjoy a variety of live music, including some of Chicago's hot local acts from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. all weekend!
Buddy Guy's Legends has a New Building in the Neighborhood
The Chicago Sun-Times is reporting that Buddy Guy's blues club, Legends, will be closing up shop at their current locale (754 S. Wabash and pictured below) and moving up the street to the old Hot House space (700 S. Wabash).
This is good news on multiple fronts! First, it means the club will be staying in the South Loop for the foreseeable future. As you may remember, there were some rumors that Columbia College was getting ready to kick the club out (since they owned the land) and build something new for their campus. Although this issue was temporarily resolved, it was something that lingered over the future of the club. With the move it sounds like Buddy was finally able to purchase a building and in turn makes the club less susceptible to being pushed out (assuming the club can afford the space and be profitable etc.).
Second, if you've ever been to the current club you would probably agree that it isn't the 'newest' building out there. From the outside, it sort of looks like the club could fall down if a brick was removed. Inside it's fairly dirty and rundown, which some call 'character'. We've always enjoyed going to the club for the music, but it's not the best place to see a show (unless you get a good seat in front of the stage). Anyway, from the article it sounds like the Hot House space is much better in terms of sightlines and sound quality.
We're happy to hear about this move and even happier that the club decided that the South Loop was the right spot for them:
This is good news on multiple fronts! First, it means the club will be staying in the South Loop for the foreseeable future. As you may remember, there were some rumors that Columbia College was getting ready to kick the club out (since they owned the land) and build something new for their campus. Although this issue was temporarily resolved, it was something that lingered over the future of the club. With the move it sounds like Buddy was finally able to purchase a building and in turn makes the club less susceptible to being pushed out (assuming the club can afford the space and be profitable etc.).Second, if you've ever been to the current club you would probably agree that it isn't the 'newest' building out there. From the outside, it sort of looks like the club could fall down if a brick was removed. Inside it's fairly dirty and rundown, which some call 'character'. We've always enjoyed going to the club for the music, but it's not the best place to see a show (unless you get a good seat in front of the stage). Anyway, from the article it sounds like the Hot House space is much better in terms of sightlines and sound quality.
We're happy to hear about this move and even happier that the club decided that the South Loop was the right spot for them:
"The more we thought about other areas, we realized that no place makes sense but here in the South Loop," says Isabelle Libmann, Legends' special events and public relations chief.Guy is even more emphatic, stating, "I'm trying to keep some entertainment in the South Loop."
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