Wednesday Nov 19, 2008 (noon)
Turns out your shady neighbor with the "Bulls 3-peat!" streetlight banner hanging from his back deck might be a decent guy after all. The city conducts an annual auction of its municipal-decor ephemera, shedding those colorful signs commemorating sports feats, cultural institutions, festivals, and more. The house-cleaning benefits anti-hunger charities and provides holiday gifts for needy children. It's too soon to snag a "City of Chicago Salutes President-Elect Barack Obama" flag, but you might nab a "Jazz Fest 2006" or an "Impeach Blago."
– Ben Bass