Spotted: Numerous Filmings in the Sloop

A reader writes about some filmings going on around the Sloop. We saw the one at LA Boxing, but does anyone have any other details:

Anyone know what they are filming by the tracks on state and 14th street? I've also heard reports that something was being filmed up on 9th and state in LA boxing.

We went on the site beforethetrailer.com which specializes in movie filmings and found that there were some movies filming in Chicago, but besides that we don't know (link here and here).

If you have any additional information let us know!

Update: A reader writes that the filming at 14th and State is for a pilot called ATF:


(Hat Tip: AB!)

1st Annual South Loop Film Festival Kicks Off Today

If you have some free time today you might want to head over to the first annual South Loop Film Festival at the Kerasotes Roosevelt Collection Movie Theater:

April 8th @ 7:30 - 10:30pm
South Loop Film Festival

Showplace Icon Theater at Roosevelt Collection
150 W Roosevelt
Chicago, IL

The 1st annual South Loop Film Festival takes place April 8th 2010 in Chicago, IL. SLPFF2010 is a celebration of independent film with a connection to the Midwest that will feature comedy, drama, documentary, animation & music videos (all under 10 minutes). There will be an audience award given out, which includes a $200 gift card donated by Whole Foods Market.

Tickets to the screening are $10. Everyone attending will receive a "swag bag" of goodies. Proceeds from the screening will benefit local non-profit Beyondmedia Education.

(Hat Tip: LGL & SMR!)

Shots Around the Sloop: I Wish

A reader writes:

Saw this plate yesterday on a run around the neighborhood. Just wondering if this was you? :)

I wish!

(Hat Tip: DT!)

Adios to Cuatro

We received some unfortunate news from a reader yesterday:

With sadness, the time has arrived... Cuatro will become a fond
memory (barring intervention of the miraculous kind!). We will be serving
out last dinner on Saturday, April 10, 2010.

The Cuatro Family & Staff thank each and every patron of past &
present. Our shared experiences will never be forgotten. Cuatro was
born with a dream. A dream realized. A dream brought to life by
YOU.

Again, THANK YOU so very much. Please come by to enjoy the many
favorites developed over the last 4 1/2 years. We look forward to serving
you one last time over the next week.

Cuatro Family & Staff

P.S. Yes, we are still BYOB.

Sad to see them go...

(Hat Tip: KS!)

Columbia College Film School Evolves

When walking around the Sloop on a nice day, it's not uncommon to see students on the streets filming. It gives the neighborhood an interesting feel and serves as a testing ground for future technical stars.

On Sunday there was a great story in the Chicago Tribune about Columbia College's attempt to remake it film school:

The cliches of student filmmaking (alarm clocks in opening shots, Tarantino-inspired handguns pointed sideways, etc.) tend to be universal. These days, however, faculty and alumni say they've been noticing more personal-minded, narrative-conscious students at Columbia. None of it comes as a surprise: The school's four-decade-old film program, long a home for documentary filmmaking and nuts-and-bolts technical instruction, is making bold steps toward reinvention. Yet there's a question on the minds of many of those same faculty, alumni and even students: When will it see the respect that other film schools enjoy?

Flo & Santos to Open on April 15th According to the Red Eye

A reader writes and we confirmed from the Red Eye:

According to the redeye (Page 17) today (March 31st), Flo & Santos will be opening on April 15th

"Italian Eats & Polish treats"

(Hat Tip: KG!)

Posture Perfect Pilates on YouSwoop

A couple of weeks ago we posted about a new pilates studio (posture perfect pilates) opening up at 1247 S. Wabash. If you're interested, they're on YouSwoop today (4/5). Check them out!

Blackhawks Roadwatch Coming to Kroll's on Tuesday

The NHL playoffs are coming and the expectations are high for the Chicago Blackhawks this year. We've said it many times, but if you're not on the bandwagon yet, it's time to get on.

A good chance to board the wagon, become familiar with the Blackhawks as well as the game of hockey is available tomorrow at Kroll's (1736 S. Michigan) as the Chicago Blackhawks City Roadwatch comes to the South Loop. If you're not familiar with what it is, here is our recap from the previous years event at Kroll's.

We had fun and will most likely be there to root on the hawks!

Pigeon Spikes Installed at Roosevelt CTA Stop Exit!

Great news! Last week we received a couple emails from readers notifying us that pigeon spikes have been installed at the south exit of the Roosevelt CTA Green/Orange line platform. If you're not familiar with this exit it was simply disgusting. For more background on this issue check out this post we did about two months ago (it should adequately fill you in).


A big thanks to all the Sloopin readers who emailed the CTA and Alderman's office about this issue. Although we can't confirm we were the cause of this improvement, it seems like we definitely had something to do with it.


Since we were the ones who complained, it only seems appropriate that we give them credit and say thanks. Here are links to their emails CTA and Alderman Fioretti's Office if you wish to send them a thank you email.


Here are a couple pictures and a video of the current state of the exit:

(Hat Tip: SC & PF!)

A Big Monday for Sports....And Eating Hot Dogs!

Monday is a big day for sports, not only will the NCAA men's basketball tournament crown a champion, it's opening day around Major League Baseball. That means the Cubs and Sox are both kicking off their quest to face each other in the World Series.

The Sox start their season at home against the Cleveland Indiana at 1:05pm and the Cubs are in Atlanta and have a start time of 3:05pm. The NCAA championship game starts at 8:51pm.

Needless to say, it's a big sports day. If that's not enough, maybe you can head on over to The Weather Mark Tavern (1503 S. Michigan Ave.) for the 2nd annual hot dog eating contest, should be fun:

Printers Row Church of Scientology Plans to Open This Year?

An article about the Church of Scientology's building boom with many references to the Printers Row location that is supposed to be opening by the end of the year:

The windows are boarded-up and there's a "Keep Out" sign in the windowsill. Many in the Printer's Row neighborhood are unaware that the vacant brick building is slated to become Illinois' new welcome center for the Church of Scientology at the end of the year. The $4-million purchase of the seven-story structure is part of a nationwide push by Scientologists to open a host of new church buildings and draw new members into the faith.

So what will be at the Printers Row location?

Scientologists say the Chicago building will focus on community outreach. Plans include a lobby open to the public that will host educational materials and displays on Hubbard, his religious philosophies and prolific writings; a large chapel will be able to convert into a space for community gatherings.

For more background on the Church of Scientology and our coverage of the building click here.

Shots Around the Sloop: An Icon at Printers Row

(Hat Tip: SR!)

PDNA's Easter Egg Hunt this Saturday

The Prairie District Neighborhood Alliance is hosting an Easter egg hunt this Saturday (4/3) from noon to 2pm at Women's Park (just south of 18th on Indiana Ave.). For more information on the event check out their link here.

A Shout Out to Tejas Yoga

A reader writes favorably about Tejas Yoga in the Sloop:

Thank you for posting the information on the new hot yoga center that will open eventually in the Sloop. I practice yoga and am always interested in new places to practice, especially ones in the neighborhood. I noticed that your blog didn't feature Tejas Yoga which opened towards the end of last year. I know that one of the owners actually lives in the in the Sloop. I've attended a few classes here and would love for them to get some attention so they can build a sustainable business in the Sloop.

(Hat Tip: LH!)

(Image from Tejasyogachicago.com)