Features

How Does Your Town Rate?, by Dennis Rodkin
Our survey of 192 Chicago suburbs tracks crime rates, school scores, recreational amenities, library holdings, house appreciation, and other variables-and then ranks those communities based on the results.

The Sad Saga of Bob Greene, by Marcia Froelke Coburn and Steve Rhodes
When a woman from his past resurfaced, the columnist’s 33-year career crashed; then a family tragedy hit home.

The Beat Goes On, by Kevin McKeough
After years of drug abuse, rehab stints, and an ouster from the Smashing Pumpkins, drummer Jimmy Chamberlin left music altogether. He’s since found happiness with a new wife, a baby, and a house in the suburbs. And he’s back with Billy Corgan again, making noise with the upstart band Zwan.

How to Get Rid of Stuff, by Mary Abowd
Is your basement/attic/garage bursting at the seams? Here’s where you can safely dispose of unwanted or obsolete computers, bicycles, clothing, and much more.

Swing into Spring, by Stacey Jones
Colors sizzle, fabrics shine and define, bold prints say it with flowers-the heat is on.

Play It Cool, by Stacey Jones
Sophisticated men are staying true to the classics and pumping up the volume with smart, crisp stripes.

Departments

Letters

Contributors

Frontlines
Oprah’s rising star, interior decorator Nate Berkus; the poop on preschools; a luxe store for pampered pooches; more

Style Sheet, by Stacy Wallace-Albert
Dressing up and down-what’s fancy and fun in spring bags and footwear.

Arts Beat
Hubbard Street and the Joffrey Ballet look to institutionalize themselves; Guy Van Swearingen keeps his day job; Califone sounds a wake-up call; and we see how the heads of Chicago’s arts groups measure up salary wise against their peers.

Dining Out | West Points, by Dennis Ray Wheaton
Rumors of the West Loop’s decline are greatly exaggerated; a pair of familiar spots are the latest to push the envelope.

How We Spend | Price Patrol, by Scott McMurray
This month we begin tracking where your money goes-specifically, how Chicagoans splurge or skimp on spending compared with other U.S. consumers.

Reporter | Like Cats and Dogs, by Brenda Fowler
The city’s animal welfare groups euthanize thousands of animals each year. One activist is pushing to make Chicago a “no-kill” city, and her methods are stirring up controversy.

Deal Estate, by Dennis Rodkin
A bedroom with a view; Ralph Johnson’s quirky skyline contribution; an odd lot in Lincoln Park-and recalling the McCormick’s legendary Villa Turicum

Nightspotting, by Sarah Preston
With state-of-the-art acoustics, hip Sonotheque is all about the sound; Rock-a-Tiki tries a bit too hard.

The Closer, by Jeff Ruby
Gyms used to be places for sweating. Now they are good spots to visit for a pedicure. What would the Terminator say?