September 2009
Cover Story
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The Best Burgers in ChicagoThese days, you can get a decent burger pretty much anywhere in Chicago. Where do you go to get a great one? Here, our 30 favorites—upscale, downscale, or just plain messy |
Features
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The Secret Life of Teens: A Special ReportThey eat. They sleep. They study. They Facebook. But what goes on when kids are out of sight? And, more importantly, what are they thinking? To find out, we asked. |
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Major LeagueArmed with questions from parents, we ask our panel of admissions experts about getting into college |
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8 Teen DreamsA science whiz, a professional ballet dancer, a born storyteller, a basketball star, and four others talk about their lives and their hopes for the future |
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A Mugging on Lake StreetFROM SEPTEMBER 2009: A veteran investigative reporter looks into his own beating and finds himself confronting harsh and lingering questions of race |
Departments
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Table of Contents |
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Contributors |
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ContributorsSeptember 2009: John Conroy, Ruth Lopez, Bridget Maiellaro, Cassie Walker, Ryan Robinson |
Feedback |
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FeedbackIn September’s letters: Reactions to our July issue on sex and love |
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Arena: Money |
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Learning to Get PaidThinking of riding out the recession by pursuing a degree? Some pay off more than others |
Cheers |
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Recipe File: Fly by Night |
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The ShrineMusic is a religious experience at the South Loop’s newest dance club |
Chicago Guide |
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Six Degrees of MishaIn advance of Baryshnikov's return to the Windy City |
Theatre: Dust to DustYeast Nation vs. Boom: Turns out the beginning and the end of the world have a lot in common—onstage, at least |
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Deal Estate |
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Over, Under, Sideways, DownTracking the vacillating value of local homes |
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Finding Zook’s NooksOwners uncover hidden design features left by idiosyncratic architect |
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Play HouseTracy Letts gives up rental for modern 12-room home |
Page Two |
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Park GrillIf you thought our parking meters were expensive . . . |
Employment Statistics 101Should we be surprised by high teacher turnover? |
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Politics |
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The CoronationTodd Stroger’s reign as county board president has been marred by chaos, scandal, and deeply unpopular decisions. Here’s the story behind the maneuvering that elevated a political lightweight... |
Table |
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Dining Out: Palette Meets PalateGood dining in a museum and a department store? It’s true |
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Singled Out: AranciniLighter-than-air hand-shaped spheres can be found at Fianco. |
Ice Cream: Original Rainbow ConeThe legendary Beverly destination hasn’t changed a lick over the years, and now ORC plans to open a Loop branch in August. |
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Scene: 33 ClubJerry Kleiner's secret weapon at 33 Club is Daniel Kelly, whose imaginative cooking we liked at D. Kelly in the West Loop a few years back. |
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Budget Beat: Main Street SmokehouseThe menu showcases BBQ styles from primo pit stops around the country |
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Return: The Claim CompanyA longtime anchor in Northbrook Court is revamped |
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Pour: 2008 Mas des Bressades Cuvée TraditionIt's not a cloyingly sweet blush wine or something pinkish posing as a wine cooler |
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Odyssey: BoomtownChicago's boutique food businesses get a jump-start from the poor economy |
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Designer PorkLa Quercia's products out-prosciutto Italy |
Deal Estate Condos |
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Outside the BoxLovely city sights enhance Museum Park condos |
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A Distant Division StreetArtful layout at Vision condo development helps keep busy urban thoroughfare at bay |
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Paying CourtExtra-deep enclosure gives residents lots of open space |
Outer Drive |
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Burgers Made Me DumbThe downside to working as a food writer |
Arena |
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Honest Abe, Avant-gardeGay, black, and a descendant of slaves, the Tony-winning choreographer Bill T. Jones mined his complex feelings about Abraham Lincoln to create a capstone dance for the Ravinia Festival |
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Reaching Out to the RanksTwo University of Chicago MBAs take their concept from the classroom to the virtual couch to help troubled veterans |
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Keeping It FreshWhile the blues can be low-down, Zora Young makes them sound high class on her new album, The French Connection. |
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CrushedHeartbreak inspires a new album by a group of indie up-and-comers |
Sales CheckA roundup of September’s sales, store openings, and shopping news |
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Theatre: Noise MakerOscar nominee Michael Shannon on his return to the Chicago stage, mothers, and more |
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One Fine DetourCurator Stephanie Smith let serendipity lead when she put together Heartland, an art show about the Midwest |
