In 1993, Cal Meineke, a doctor with a talent for playing the violin, set out to solve a perplexing mystery: Why do some stringed instruments produce a heartbreakingly beautiful sound, while other, nearly identical instruments do not? After almost two decades of obsessive violinmaking and intense scrutiny, he thinks he has the answer
The modern violin emerged in northern Italy in the 1500s, in the cities of Brescia and Cremona. Brescia had the older school, but the Cremona guild perfected the instrument in the workshops of Amati, Guarneri, and Stradivari. Most notably, in the late 17th century, Antonio Stradivari combined Cremona’s sweetness of tone with the famous power … Read more
The president came in with hopes from liberal Democrats that he might usher in a new New Deal. But in terms of governance, temperament, and ideology, he might be more like the Man From Plains.
An annotated blog roll of local favorites of mine. Plus: some underrated Chicago books, and brief advertisements for myself.
As jury deliberations continue in the Blagojevich retrial, one of the city’s prominent criminal defense attorneys provides insights on the case. He says that Judge Zagel has acted uncharacteristically “screwy” and unfair, leaving open the possibility of a retrial, and that Blagojevich did remarkably well on the stand…
The jury remains out, and observers are starting to get antsy, jumping when the jurors ask a question. Here’s a theory as to why they’re taking so long: the jury has to deal with the interpretation of a statute that’s currently vexing legal scholars.
BREWS CLUES: One of America’s foremost cask cellarmen offers advice
The Sun-Times is reporting that, for the second year in a row, various CPS bureaucrats will see substantial raises over their predecessors’ salaries. It makes no sense… and perfect sense.
The 25-year-old former community organizer is the first Democrat to jump into the race to reclaim the seat from Republican Robert Dold in 2012.
Grid Chicago reports on sustainable transportation in the city; The Steppes of Chicago takes an on-the-streets look at Chicago architecture.
