By the Bootstraps

Everyblock – one of the best examples of hyperlocal news content online – has been acquired by MSNBC.com. The deal went for “several million dollars,” according to Kara Swisher of the Wall Street Journal, but the true amount remains undisclosed.

The Web site acts as a local news and records aggregator for 15 cities in the country. Created in 2007 by Adrian Holovaty, a Chicago-based programmer/journalist, Everyblock allows users to find out what’s going on in their neighborhood by entering their address, zip code or neighborhood. From the minutiae (apparently there have been 2 bike racks installed in my neighborhood since 2008) to crime reports, Everyblock covers your area in a way local news can’t. read more »

In recent years it seems as though the Second City’s meat and potatoes past has given way to a “foodie” present. Industry professionals and connoisseurs are making room on their dance cards for a number of delicious and innovative restaurants in the city.

Our new found role seems to have trickled down to small businesses: various restaurants and stores offer cooking lessons to customers. For example Andersonville’s The Wooden Spoon sells high quality cookware in the front of the store but in the back you’ll find a full scale kitchen setup, with a half-moon countertop set in front of the stove for easy viewing and demonstration. Students leave each class having made at least three dishes they can replicate at home. During the August 21 “Grill and Sip” class, chefs-in-training will learn how to make mini chicken sliders with Asian slaw and orzo with shrimp and vegetables, just to name a few. Class prices range from $65 – $85.

The Wooden Spoon’s class schedule is online and the Chicago Tribune has compiled a list of over 150 options available throughout the city.

Photo Credit: “Cooking in a Pan”

The Wooden Spoon
5047 N. Clark Avenue
Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 293-3190