Category: Commentary

Czech, Slovak & Bohemian culture showcased in Houby Day tradition

October 3, 2017November 29, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Czech & Bohemian culture showcased in Houby Day tradition For many years, the Czech community was Chicagoland’s most recognized cultural presence. As Chicagoland’s immigration makeup has expanded, the Czech community identity continues each year with the popular Houby Day Festival and Parade in Chicago’s West suburbs By Ray Hanania Much is made by the mainstream…

Commentary, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festival, Opinion, rayhanania, Suburban Chicagoland

Smashburger is the ultimate best tasting burger ever

October 2, 2017November 29, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Smashburger is the ultimate best tasting burger ever I grew up on hamburgers and I consider myself a hamburger connoisseur. Until recently, though I enjoyed burgers everywhere. But a few weeks ago, I happened across a place called Smashburgers and I am hooked. They are the best tasting hamburgers in the world By Ray Hanania…

Blogger, Commentary, Entertainment, Features, food, General Topics, Opinion, rayhanania

Switched from Western Digital to Seagate for better storage

September 29, 2017November 29, 2019 Ray Hanania 2 Comments

Switched from Western Digital to Seagate for better storage I was forced by the poor quality of the Western Digital hard drive I purchased to switch to a new system using Seagate Hard Drives and I am glad I did. I had two WD Hard Drives, the MyCloud 8 TB hub and a 4 TB…

Baby Boomers, Blogger, Commentary, Opinion, rayhanania, Technology

Leah Remini knocks it out of the park in Kevin Can Wait

September 28, 2017November 29, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Leah Remini knocks it out of the park in Kevin Can Wait One of my all time favorite comedy series on Television was “King of Queens” starring Kevin James and Leah Remini. I watch the reruns over and over again because the comedy of the two talented actors is phenomenal. When James launched his latest…

Blogger, Commentary, Entertainment, Features, Opinion, rayhanania

Road Trip: Monument Valley offers amazing panoramic views

September 28, 2017February 22, 2020 Ray Hanania No Comments

Road Trip: Monument Valley offers amazing panoramic views On a road trip from Las Vegas to Chicago via Arizona, Utah, Colorado and Wyoming, we saw so many amazing sites. One of the most memorable was a drive through Monument Valley along the border between Utah and Arizona off of US 163. It’s really worth it…

Blogger, Commentary, Opinion, rayhanania, Travel

The disgraceful conduct of American athletes

September 27, 2017November 29, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

The disgraceful conduct of American athletes I don’t believe athletes who refuse to stand during the National Anthem are refusing on moral grounds. They’re selfish, unpatriotic. #NFLSOB Everyone should stand during the Pledge of Allegiance and for the National Anthem. And if they want to protest, do it someplace else. But most American athletes are…

Blogger, Commentary, Editors Pick, Opinion, rayhanania, Sports

Brannigan reaches out to Arabs and Muslims

September 20, 2017November 29, 2019 Ray Hanania 1 Comment

Brannigan reaches out to Arabs and Muslims Palos Township Trustee Sharon Brannigan offended Arabs and Muslims with broad stroke comments about immigration that pointed a finger at their race and religion. But Brannigan apologized this week, reiterating apologies she issued twice before saying that she is not anti-Arab, anti-Muslim or anti-immigrant. I understand her concerns…

Blogger, Commentary, Opinion, rayhanania, Suburban Chicagoland

Tech Review: Don’t buy Studio Beats headset

September 16, 2017November 29, 2019 Ray Hanania 1 Comment

Tech Review: Don’t buy Studio Beats headset Beats by Dr Dre are inconsistent and poorly constructed. You almost think that they are made to intentionally break to force users to go out and buy another set at the over-priced price tag of $299. The sound is poor quality and they are just not worth it….

Blogger, Commentary, Features, Opinion, rayhanania, Technology

Kennedy will respect Arabs, Muslims as Illinois governor

September 16, 2017November 29, 2019 Ray Hanania 6 Comments

Kennedy will respect Arabs, Muslims as Illinois governor Illinois gubernatorial candidate Christopher Kennedy told a gathering of influential Arab and Muslim community activists Saturday that he would defend their rights as Americans and respect their cultural and religious identities. Kennedy said when his family immigrated to America, they faced the same racism and discrimination now…

Blogger, Commentary, Editors Pick, elections, Government, Opinion, rayhanania, Suburban Chicagoland, Videos

Under-appreciated Kirstie Alley deserves better

August 20, 2017November 29, 2019 Ray Hanania 9 Comments

Under-appreciated Kirstie Alley deserves better Actress Kirstie Alley has had fame and controversy, but the one thing she isn’t without is talent. Jettisoned to fame with a great character performance in the TV Sitcom “Cheers,” she has meandered through acting opportunities since. But one of her best efforts, Fat Actress, deserves a second chance. By…

Blogger, Commentary, Editors Pick, Entertainment, Features, Opinion, rayhanania

Native Americans deserve better

August 4, 2017February 21, 2020 Ray Hanania 1 Comment

Native Americans deserve better Native Americans have been vilified, cheated, brutalized and ignored by mainstream American society. During a road trip through the Southwest, it seemed as if their situation has worsened in this country. The lies and propaganda against Native Americans by the news media and entertainment industry is disappointing. The way America abuses…

Blogger, Commentary, Editors Pick, Features, Opinion, rayhanania, Travel

Midnight Flight: Online book on Race in Chicago

June 1, 2017March 3, 2024 Ray Hanania 5 Comments

Midnight Flight, the online book on race in Chicago An online book that explores the memories of a challenging time in Chicago when race was the dominating factor driving and influencing people’s lives. 1968 and 1969 were difficult times in Chicago and my book “Midnight Flight” offers one perspective on what that experience was like,…

Baby Boomers, Blogger, Books & Films, Chicago, Commentary, Features, News, Opinion, Suburban Chicagoland

Orland Park approves 375% increase in mayoral salary

October 18, 2016November 29, 2019 Ray Hanania 3 Comments

Orland Park approves 375% increase in mayoral salary Nearly 100 residents crowded the Orland Park village hall to complain that the pay hike should be presented to the voters for approval and not the board members, who voted unanimously to hike the salary following two hours of public discussion and debate. By Ray Hanania (Note: You…

Blogger, Commentary, Government, Opinion, Orland Park, Politics, rayhanania, Suburban Chicagoland

Midnight Flight: Chapter 13 — Notes from Readers

January 29, 2016November 22, 2021 Ray Hanania 2 Comments

Midnight Flight: Chapter 13 — Notes from Readers One family’s experience of White Flight and the racial transformation of Chicago’s South Side (an online novel) By Ray Hanania (C) 1990-2022 Ray Hanania, All Rights Reserved Send us your comments, letters and memories and I will post them here. Email me by clicking here. You must let…

Baby Boomers, Blogger, Books & Films, Chicago, Commentary, Opinion, Suburban Chicagoland

Midnight Flight: Chapter 2, Dividing Lines

January 29, 2016November 22, 2021 Ray Hanania 1 Comment

Midnight Flight: Chapter 2, Dividing Lines One family’s experience of White Flight and the racial transformation of Chicago’s South Side (an online novel) By Ray Hanania Midnight Flight, (C) 1990-2020 Ray Hanania, All Rights Reserved “You never really knew a man until you stood in his shoes and walked around in them.” — To Kill…

Baby Boomers, Blogger, Books & Films, Chicago, Commentary, Opinion, Suburban Chicagoland

Midnight Flight: Chapter 1, Introduction

January 29, 2016November 22, 2021 Ray Hanania 2 Comments

Midnight Flight: Chapter 1, Introduction By Ray Hanania Midnight Flight, (C) 1990-2020 Ray Hanania, All Rights Reserved This book is about one family’s experience of White Flight from a changing and great Chicago community, South Shore Valley (also called South Shore Gardens, Calumet Heights). It is also one person’s memory of living in a wonderful…

Baby Boomers, Blogger, Books & Films, Chicago, Commentary, Editors Pick, Opinion, Suburban Chicagoland

Gorman attacked by critics jealous of her leadership

November 24, 2007June 4, 2022 Ray Hanania No Comments

Gorman attacked by critics jealous of her leadership By Ray Hanania (Originally published in the Southwest News-Herald Newspaper, 11-21-2007) Liz Gorman is the Republican committeewoman of Orland Township and was elected Chair of the Cook County Republican Organization recently. She’s a tough fighter and while we have had some differences, she has one solid commitment…

Blogger, Commentary, Cook County, Opinion, Orland Park