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Yet more interestingness: 14 May 2008 | May 14, 2008
Links to yet more interesting stuff I've recently come across online, for May 14th, 2008. | Read entire entry
Yet more interestingness: 12 May 2008 | May 12, 2008
Links to yet more interesting stuff I've recently come across online, for May 12th, 2008. | Read entire entry
Yet more interestingness: 9 May 2008 | May 9, 2008
Links to yet more interesting stuff I've recently come across online, for May 9th, 2008. | Read entire entry
Yet more interestingness: 8 May 2008 | May 8, 2008
Links to yet more interesting things I've recently come across online, for May 8th, 2008. | Read entire entry
Yet more interestingness: 6 May 2008 | May 6, 2008
Links to yet more interesting things I've recently come across online, for May 6th, 2008. | Read entire entry
Yet more interestingness: 5 May 2008 | May 5, 2008
Links to yet more interesting stuff I've recently come across online, for May 5th, 2008. | Read entire entry
Yet more interestingness: 2 May 2008 | May 2, 2008
Links to yet more interesting things I've recently come across online, for May 2nd, 2008. | Read entire entry
Personal essay: Creativity is the new leisure. | April 30, 2008
A new essay this week from cultural columnist Clay Shirky has had a lot of people talking; in it he speaks of "cognitive surplus," how in the Industrial Age it was mostly spent on passive things like TV, but now more and more actually doing creative work like YouTube videos. Today, further thoughts on the subject from me. | Read entire entry
Yet more interestingness: 30 April 2008 | April 30, 2008
Links to yet more interesting stuff I've recently come across online, for April 30th, 2008. | Read entire entry
Yet more interestingness: 29 April 2008 | April 29, 2008
Links to yet more interesting things I've recently come across online, for April 29th, 2008. | Read entire entry
Yet more interestingness: 28 April 2008 | April 28, 2008
Links to yet more interesting things I've recently come across online, for April 28th, 2008. | Read entire entry
Yet more interestingness: 24 April 2008 | April 24, 2008
Links to yet more interesting things I've recently come across online, for April 24th, 2008. | Read entire entry
Literago and I both declare: "You will never see 'Chicago Lit 100' lists at our sites" | April 24, 2008
So have you heard about this "Brooklyn Lit 100" list that has everyone so up in arms? It inspired Eugenia Williamson of Literago to declare that they will never do a similar Chicago list; I thought this was a good idea, so have decided to declare it too. Click through for more! | Read entire entry
Yet more interestingness: 22 April 2008 | April 22, 2008
Links to yet more interesting stuff I've recently come across online, for April 22nd, 2008. | Read entire entry
CCLaP Podcast 22: Author Nick Ostdick | April 21, 2008
Today on the CCLaP Podcast: A 45-minute talk with Chicago author, small publisher and event organizer Nick Ostdick (RAGAD, "Sunbeams and Cigarettes"). | Read entire entry
Yet more interestingness: 21 April 2008 | April 21, 2008
Links to yet more interesting things I've recently come across online, for April 21st, 2008. | Read entire entry
Yet more interestingness: 18 April 2008 | April 18, 2008
Links to yet more interesting stuff I've recently come across online, for April 18th, 2008. | Read entire entry
Yet more interestingness: 16 April 2008 | April 16, 2008
Links to yet more interesting stuff recently found online, for April 16th, 2008. | Read entire entry
Yet more interestingness: 15 April 2008 | April 15, 2008
Links to yet more interesting things I've recently come across online, for April 15th, 2008. | Read entire entry
Yet more interestingness: 14 April 2008 | April 14, 2008
Links to yet more interesting stuff I've recently come across online, for April 14th, 2008. | Read entire entry
Yet more interestingness: 11 April 2008 | April 11, 2008
Links to yet more interesting stuff I've recently come across online, for April 11th, 2008. | Read entire entry
Yet more interestingness: 10 April 2008 | April 10, 2008
Links to yet more interesting things I've recently come across online, for April 10th, 2008. | Read entire entry
Yet more interestingness: 8 April 2008 | April 8, 2008
Links to yet more interesting stuff recently found online, for April 8th, 2008. | Read entire entry
Yet more interestingness: 7 April 2008 | April 7, 2008
Links to yet more interesting stuff recently stumbled upon online, for April 7th, 2008. | Read entire entry
Yet more interestingness: 4 April 2008 | April 4, 2008
Links to yet more interesting stuff I've recently come across online, for April 4th, 2008. | Read entire entry
Yet more interestingness: 3 April 2008 | April 3, 2008
Links to yet more interesting things I've recently come across online, for April 3rd, 2008. | Read entire entry
Yet more interestingness: 31 March 2008 | March 31, 2008
Links to yet more interesting stuff recently found online, for March 31st, 2008. | Read entire entry
Yet more interestingness: 29 March 2008 | March 29, 2008
Links to yet more interesting things I've recently come across online, for March 29th, 2008. | Read entire entry
Yet more interestingness: 28 March 2008 | March 28, 2008
Links to yet more interesting stuff I've recently come across online, for March 28th, 2008. | Read entire entry
Scott Sigler's first traditional book comes out in a few days | March 26, 2008
Today, some news from an acquaintance of mine, author and "podbook" wunderkind Scott Sigler; that his very first traditional paper novel, a technothriller called "Infected," is finally being released in a few days. Click through for a lot more. | Read entire entry
Yet more interestingness: 25 March 2008 | March 25, 2008
Links to yet more interesting stuff I've recently come across online, for March 25th, 2008. | Read entire entry
Yet more interestingness: 21 March 2008 | March 21, 2008
Links to yet more interesting things I've recently come across online, for March 21st, 2008. | Read entire entry
Yet more interestingness: 18 March 2008 | March 18, 2008
Links to yet more interesting things I've recently come across online, for March 18th, 2008. | Read entire entry
CCLaP Podcast 21: All-Music Special | March 17, 2008
Today's episode: It's yet another cold, dreary, gray day here in Chicago, which means it's time for another all-music special, collecting up all the indie-rock I've been recently enjoying and sharing it all with you. I hope you like! | Read entire entry
Yet more interestingness: 17 March 2008 | March 17, 2008
Links to yet more interesting stuff I've recently come across online, for March 17th, 2008. | Read entire entry
Yet more interestingness: 14 March 2008 | March 14, 2008
Links to yet more interesting stuff I've recently come across online, for March 14th, 2008. | Read entire entry
Yet more interestingness: 13 March 2008 | March 13, 2008
Links to yet more interesting things I've recently come across online, for March 13th, 2008. | Read entire entry
The latest "Creative Screenwriting" podcast is their best yet | March 12, 2008
Just wanted to mention that one of my favorite podcasts, the one produced by "Creative Screenwriting" magazine, just put out their best episode yet -- a 90-minute talk with Drew Goddard, writer not only of "Cloverfield" but also "Lost," "Alias," "Buffy" and "Angel." (Whew!) Click through for more. | Read entire entry
Yet more interestingness: 11 March 2008 | March 11, 2008
Links to yet more interesting things I've recently come across on the web, for March 11th, 2008. | Read entire entry
Yet more interestingness: 6 March 2008 | March 6, 2008
Links to yet more interesting things I've recently come across on the web, for March 6th, 2008. | Read entire entry
Personal essay: Regarding the "magic middle" of the independent arts. | March 5, 2008
For those who don't know, creative guru Kevin Kelly published a fascinating article this week, positing that it's easier than ever for independent artists to make a working living. Today, my thoughts on the essay, and what it has to do with Dave Sifry's theory of the blogosphere's "magic middle." | Read entire entry
RIP Gary Gygax, and a personal story | March 5, 2008
Sad news from the world of gaming this week: E Gary Gygax, one of the creators of legendary roleplaying game Dungeons & Dragons, has died. Click through for a personal story I happen to have about the man. | Read entire entry
Holy crap, the new Chicago Public Library website looks great! | March 5, 2008
Wow, the Chicago Public Library system overhauled its website this week -- and it's freaking great! Click through for all the details, as well as copious links. | Read entire entry
Surprise bestseller "Beautiful Children" is free online for next two days | February 28, 2008
Interesting news from Random House today: that for a very short period of time, they will be giving away completely free PDF copies of surprise bestseller "Beautiful Children" by Charles Bock, no strings attached. Click through for the details and links. | Read entire entry
Obsession of the moment: Battles | February 27, 2008
Today's obsession: The postmodern electronica band Battles, along with some thoughts on how strange it is to start getting educated on indie-rock again, ten years after I originally gave up. | Read entire entry
Yet more interestingness: 27 February 2008 | February 27, 2008
Links to yet more interesting stuff I've recently come across online, for February 27th, 2008. | Read entire entry
New basement distro is looking for your used classics | February 25, 2008
Today, news of a new used-book distribution company in the St. Louis area called "sticks and stones," started up by my friend Michael Franklin, and how they are in need of your used classics. Click through for a lot more. | Read entire entry
Yet more interestingness: 25 February 2008 | February 25, 2008
Links to yet more interesting things I've recently come across on the web, for February 25th, 2008. | Read entire entry
Another "Literary Death Match" coming to San Francisco soon | February 18, 2008
A little news today from CCLaP friend Todd Zuniga; that his magazine "Opium" is holding their sixth "Literary Death Match" soon in San Francisco. Click through for all the details! | Read entire entry
Yet more interestingness: 18 February 2008 | February 18, 2008
Links to yet more interesting things I've recently come across on the web, for February 18th, 2008. | Read entire entry
Yet more interestingness: 13 February 2008 | February 13, 2008
Links to yet more interesting things I've recently come across on the web, for February 13th, 2008. | Read entire entry
Toronto Public Library hosting "Michael Redhill month" online | February 12, 2008
Today, some interesting news to share from the Toronto Public Library; their online discussion club, Book Buzz, is this month featuring Michael Redhill of "Consolation" (a well-regarded Booker nominee), including lots of supplemental information. Click through for more! | Read entire entry
Yet more interestingness: 11 February 2008 | February 11, 2008
Links to yet more interesting stuff I've recently come across on the web, for February 11th, 2008. | Read entire entry
Yet more interestingness: 7 February 2008 | February 7, 2008
Links to yet more interesting things I've recently come across on the web, for February 7th, 2008. | Read entire entry
Yet more interestingness: 6 February 2008 | February 6, 2008
Links to yet more interesting stuff I've recently come across on the web, for February 6th, 2008. | Read entire entry
Chicago Women In Publishing is having an interesting panel soon | February 5, 2008
A little news today from CCLaP friend Chris Benevich of MediaBistro; that the group Chicago Women In Publishing will be holding an interesting panel discussion soon, regarding how to best negotiate contracts when you're a freelancer. Click through for the details! | Read entire entry
Field report: The Fixx reading series | February 1, 2008
Today, photos and a write-up from my recent attendance of The Fixx reading series, a monthly event here in Chicago hosted by author and raconteur Amy Güth. This particular month featured Scott Korb and Peter Bebergal, co-authors of the book of essays "The Faith Between Us." | Read entire entry
Yet more interestingness: 29 January 2008 | January 29, 2008
Links to yet more interesting things I've recently come across on the web, for January 29th, 2008. | Read entire entry
Yet more interestingness: 24 January 2008 | January 24, 2008
Links to yet more interesting things I've recently come across on the web, for January 24th, 2008. | Read entire entry
Jeremy Shipp's "Vacation" snags a surprise Stoker nomination | January 23, 2008
Just a little news about a book that was recently featured here; that the trippy alt-horror novel "Vacation" by Jeremy Shipp has picked up a surprise "First Novel" nomination for the Stoker Awards, which usually honors traditional horror. | Read entire entry
Yet more interestingness: 22 January 2008 | January 22, 2008
Links to yet more interesting things I've recently come across on the web, for January 22nd, 2008. | Read entire entry
Field report: RAGAD #5 release party | January 21, 2008
Today, a report and photographs from the release party for issue 5 of Chicago literary magazine RAGAD, run by CCLaP friend and reader Nick Ostdick. | Read entire entry
Yet more interestingness: 17 January 2008 | January 17, 2008
Links to yet more interesting stuff I've found across the web recently, for January 17th, 2008. | Read entire entry
Yet more interestingness: 14 January 2008 | January 14, 2008
Links to yet more interesting things I've recently stumbled across on the web, for January 14th, 2008. | Read entire entry
Obsession of the moment: Protagonize.com | January 10, 2008
Today's obsession: The collaborative "Choose Your Own Adventure" style literary website, Protagonize.com. | Read entire entry
Yet more interestingness: 8 January 2008 | January 8, 2008
Links to yet more interesting stuff I've recently come across on the web, for January 8th, 2008. | Read entire entry
Yet more interestingness: 4 January 2008 | January 4, 2008
Links to yet more interesting stuff I've seen around the web lately, for January 4th, 2008. | Read entire entry
Yet more interestingness: 2 January 2008 | January 2, 2008
Links to other interesting things I've recently come across online, for January 2nd, 2007. | Read entire entry
Personal essay: The Year in Books, 2007 | December 31, 2007
Today, CCLaP's look at the year in books for 2007; not a look at the entire industry, of course, but rather the 50 or so books I personally got to read and review this year, including new synopses of the ones I found the best. | Read entire entry
Yet more interestingness: 27 December 2007 | December 27, 2007
Yet more interesting things I've recently seen around the web, for December 27th, 2007. | Read entire entry
Yet more interestingness: 21 December 2007 | December 21, 2007
Links to other interesting stuff I've found around the web recently, for December 21st, 2007. | Read entire entry
Yet more interestingness: 19 December 2007 | December 19, 2007
A list of links to other interesting things I've found around the web recently, for December 19th, 2007. | Read entire entry
Yet more interestingness: 15 Dec 2007 | December 15, 2007
Links to other interesting things I've recently come across on the web, for December 15th, 2007. | Read entire entry
Personal essay: I for one welcome the coming meltdown of the television industry. | December 12, 2007
Today, a more political essay than I usually publish here at CCLaP; how I for one am looking forward to the coming meltdown of the traditional Hollywood television industry, so as to make room for a profoundly new way of doing things. Click through for a lot more. | Read entire entry
Yet more interestingness: An explanation | December 11, 2007
Today, announcing a new type of blog entry that will start getting published here -- a daily roundup of interesting stuff I come across on the web, otherwise known as a "link blog." Click through for more on how I compile this list, and what software I use. | Read entire entry
Obsession of the moment: Movable Type 4 | December 3, 2007
Today's obsession: The newest version of content management system Movable Type, the "engine" behind many popular blogs, including CCLaP's. | Read entire entry
Obsession of the moment: IWantSandy.com | November 29, 2007
Today's obsession: The new cutting-edge "Sandy," personal-assistant software that works through plain-language messages, sent through email or SMS or Twitter notes to a central AI database. | Read entire entry
Announcing the CCLaP winter project: Gilbert & Sullivan | November 21, 2007
Now that it's winter and I'm doing a lot less bicycling and exercising here in Chicago, I've decided that it's time to take on an extended research project in the arts. This winter's research subject is Gilbert & Sullivan; click through for a lot more. | Read entire entry
Personal essay: Some early thoughts regarding the CCLaPocracy | November 6, 2007
Today, a few early thoughts regarding a possible online community site for CCLaP's readers, a project I cheekily call the "CCLaPocracy," plus how Cory Doctorow's idea of a reputation-based economy may provide the key to its self-policing. Click through for more nerdy goodness! | Read entire entry
Personal essay: Nathaniel Hawthorne, DailyLit, and the Penny Dreadful 2.0. | October 15, 2007
I started reading the classic Hawthorne proto-horror novel "House of the Seven Gables" today, in my case through a cool free online service called DailyLit. Today, some thoughts inspired by the process, as well as the possible future of online serial publishing. | Read entire entry
National Book Award nominees are announced | October 10, 2007
They're here -- the nominees for the 2007 National Book Award have just been announced. Click through for all the details. | Read entire entry
Personal essay: Where to start when you know no one and nothing. | September 17, 2007
A reader email this weekend gets me thinking on my past; specifically, what advice I have to artists just starting out, and who have just moved to big cities where they know no one and nothing about how that "scene" works. Today, I share that advice. | Read entire entry
CCLaP Podcast 11: Uptown Writers Space | September 10, 2007
Today on the CCLaP Podcast: An interview with Julie Saltzman and Susan Karp, co-founders of the Uptown Writers Space in my Chicago neighborhood, along with an "audio tour" of the facilities supplemented with still photos. Click through to listen and see for yourself. | Read entire entry
The latest "One Book, One Chicago" pick is announced | August 31, 2007
And it's none other than Arthur Miller's "The Crucible," the 1953 scathing indictment of the McCarthy communist witch-hunt going on at the time. Click through for more on the book, on this interesting Chicago arts program, and what exactly will be going on in the city this fall because of it. | Read entire entry
GoodReads database hits 5 million books | August 30, 2007
Good news for literary social network GoodReads.com; they recently had their five millionth book added by a user to their central database. More in today's entry, plus some thoughts on the elusive nature of literary-social-network competition. | Read entire entry
Obsession of the moment: BookSwim.com | August 27, 2007
Today's obsession: New "Netflix for books" service BookSwim.com. Pay a flat fee per month, check out a certain amount of books, which are shipped for free and which you can ship back for free. Good service? Bad? Check this entry's comments for more! | Read entire entry
The new Star Trek fan movie is here! The new Star Trek fan movie is here! | August 24, 2007
Fun news for Star Trek fans: The newest episode of the fan series "New Voyages" is now finished and online, starring none other than George Takei ("Sulu") from the actual original series. | Read entire entry
Ladies and gentlemen, we have a new Poet Laureate | August 2, 2007
And it's Charles Simic, as a matter of fact, a Surrealist poet originally from the former Yugoslavia, currently the co-Poetry Editor of the Paris Review. Click through for all the details. | Read entire entry
Robert Olen Butler: "The Squid and the Whale" comes to life | August 1, 2007
Today, some wonderfully crazy gossip -- that not only are pretentious academic novelists Robert Olen Butler and Elizabeth Dewberry getting a divorce, but that Butler wrote an insane email to his grad students explaining the reasons, something worthy of the fictional movie "The Squid and the Whale" which I reviewed here last week. Click through for the details! | Read entire entry
Why yes, I DID illegally download the new Harry Potter book this morning. | July 31, 2007
Did you hear? There's already an illegal electronic copy of the final Harry Potter book out there...and it's ridiculously easy to find and download, too. Today, lots more details concerning the subject. | Read entire entry
The Guardian has amazing coverage of Ingmar Bergman's death | July 31, 2007
For those who don't know, famed Swedish filmmaker Ingmar Bergman died over the weekend. Today, a look at the amazing portal of information British newspaper "The Guardian" has assembled to mark the occasion. | Read entire entry
Obsession of the moment: Vermin on the Mount | July 24, 2007
Today's obsession: The Los Angeles literary showcase "Vermin on the Mount," organized by award-winning writer Jim Ruland in the heart of LA's Chinatown. | Read entire entry
CCLaP Podcast 05: Greater Wealth Productions | July 23, 2007
Today: A five and a half minute interview with GW Welsh of the multimedia production company Greater Wealth, shot at a recent fundraiser at Lakeview's Spot6 nightclub. Also includes footage of Chicago writer Kate Cullen, Indiana cartoonist Andrew Dimitt, and Georgia band The North And South, plus the visual artwork of "Corey." | Read entire entry
When Chicago was Hollywood, before Hollywood existed | July 23, 2007
Just wanted to point out a great article the Chicago Tribune has online right now, detailing the history behind Essanay Studios and other film production companies in Chicago at the beginning of the 20th century. Click through for the link. | Read entire entry
Ladies and gentlemen, meet Amazon's #1 reviewer | July 20, 2007
Simon Owens of Bloggasm has a great entry up right now, on the number-one most prolific book reviewer at Amazon; a woman named Harriet Klauser, who has published a whopping 12,000 book reviews in the last seven years. Click through for the details. | Read entire entry
Rocchi: "No, seriously, movies ARE getting worse in general" | July 10, 2007
James Rocchi, former lead movie critic of Netflix, has posted an interesting article at Cinematical today, arguing that it's not just your imagination -- that Hollywood movies, especially summer ones, really ARE getting worse and worse with each passing year. Click through for more. | Read entire entry
Obsession of the moment: Small Dogs Press | July 6, 2007
Today's obsession: Self-publisher Susan Sabo of Small Dogs Press, who has sadly decided to pack things in; but not before offering to send off the remainder of her inventory for free to anyone who wants a copy. Click through for all the details. | Read entire entry
Litblogger? Penguin would like to send you a free book, please. | July 5, 2007
Today, some very exciting news from British imprint Penguin Classics: that they're not only starting a new website featuring reviews of all 1,200 titles in their catalog, but that they're sending out free books to any litblogger who'd like to participate. Click through for all the details. | Read entire entry
CCLaP Podcast 01: Literago launch party | June 25, 2007
Welcome to the new CCLaP Podcast! Today, episode 1: a two-minute video report from the recent launch party for Chicago literary website Literago.org. | Read entire entry
Dr. Sketchy's is coming to Chicago | June 22, 2007
Fun news -- the "Dr. Sketchy" series of nude life-drawing classes, started by "female Crumb" illustrator Molly Crabapple, is coming to Chicago, starting tomorrow. And the first one features a friend of mine, too, burlesque dancer Michelle L'Amour. Click through for all the details. | Read entire entry
Chicago litblogger? The Sun-Times would like to hear from you, please. | June 21, 2007
I caught an interview with Chicago Sun-Times Books editor Cheryl Reed today, where she makes an interesting confesson: that she wants to hire more Chicago reviewers, but can't find any Chicago reviewers. Litbloggers, click through for all the details. | Read entire entry
Lifehacker has a bunch of computer hacks for book lovers | June 20, 2007
Productivity website Lifehacker has a great entry up today, featuring a dozen pieces of software, browser extensions and more that all have something to do with books. Click through for the link. | Read entire entry
The Neo-Futurists want your zine | June 18, 2007
Here's interesting news -- cult favorites The Neo-Futurists are creating a zine library in their theatre lobby, to entertain the audience members who sometimes arrive hours before a show is to start. Click through for all the details on where to send your own publication. | Read entire entry
Obsession of the moment: Helvetica (the movie) | June 14, 2007
Today's obsession: The new documentary "Helvetica," examining both the history of "the world's most perfect font," and the various ways it's been used over the decades. Opening tomorrow in Chicago, with the filmmaker on hand too! | Read entire entry
The Telegraph has an amazing interview up with Tony Kaye | June 14, 2007
Just wanted to point people to a really amazing interview in British newspaper the Telegraph today, with famed controversial director Tony Kaye ("American History X"). | Read entire entry
Interview with Miranda July up at Powell's | June 13, 2007
Just a short heads-up, that Powell's Books has an interview up today with dark humorist Miranda July. Click through for the link. | Read entire entry
McSweeney's needs $130,000...er, now | June 13, 2007
Bad news -- the distributor for small press McSweeney's recently declared bankruptcy, erasing over $130,000 in payments that was owed to them. They're having a sale and rare-item auction to try to make up the difference; read this entry for all the details. | Read entire entry
Don't forget, the new Bookforum is online and free | June 12, 2007
Just a reminder, that the venerable paper publication "Bookforum" is now making the entirety of their content available for free online. Click through for more, and a link to the latest issue. | Read entire entry
Quill nominations announced; does anyone actually care? | June 11, 2007
It's the news you've been waiting all morning to hear -- the 2007 Quill nominations have been announced! Zuh? Click through for all the details...or better yet, don't. | Read entire entry
More about the Printers Row Book Fair, and CCLaP's first social event! | June 8, 2007
It's official -- CCLaP is throwing its first social event at tomorrow's Printer Row Book Fair! Read this entry for all the details. | Read entire entry
"Out of the Book:" Is this the future of book promotion? | June 8, 2007
Portland's "The Phoenix" let me know today about an ambitious new plan by Powell's Books to promote various titles at their stores. Called Out of the Book, it's an attempt to supplement or sometimes completely replace the traditional author... | Read entire entry
Are you ready for the Printers Row Book Fair? | June 7, 2007
Today, more information than you ever possibly wanted to know about the 22nd annual Chicago Printers Row Book Fair, the largest free outdoor literary event in the entire Midwest. | Read entire entry
New Mac software accesses your city's library database | June 7, 2007
Today, a heads-up about a new piece of Mac freeware called Library Thing, which connects to your local library's database and imports your due dates into iCal. | Read entire entry
Chicago arts: a $1 billion industry? | June 7, 2007
Today, news on a recent report that shows that Chicago's art industry generated over a billion dollars in revenue in 2005. Man, that's a lot of Monet posters! | Read entire entry