Original News, Features & Opinion on Chicago, Illinois and America
New TV Sitcom “The Mayor” gives politics a funny edge Bernard David Jones brings his comedic acting chops – perfected during his time spent at CollegeHumor – to primetime TV in one of Fall TV’s new comedy series The Mayor (TUESDAYs (9:30|8:30c) on ABC). The new ABC comedy revolves around young rapper ‘Courtney Rose’ (Brandon Michael…
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Emanuel unveils Chicago’s first public arts plan MAYOR EMANUEL AND THE CITY OF CHICAGO UNVEILS THE FIRST PUBLIC ART PLAN Recommendations serve to advance public art throughout the city Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) today announced Chicago’s first Public Art Plan. The plan lays out recommendations that…
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Biding time while waiting for my favorite TV programs The latest trend as cable TV programs rise in popularity and quality is that their seasons are shortened to only a few episodes. For those of us used to 25 to 30 episode seasons, it’s disappointing that we’re seeing fewer episodes for originally programming on HBO,…
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Cable and subscription TV are cheating the consumer We pay a lot for subscriptions to Hulu, Netflix and cable TV providers like Xfinity and DirecTV, so why can’t we get what we were promised? Access to great basic programming and a commercial free experience? By Ray Hanania One of the appeals of subscription television is…
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The Primal Cut Steakhouse Restaurant review There are a lot of great restaurants in the Chicagoland suburbs, but one of my favorites for steaks is The Primal Cut Steakhouse in Tinley Park. The steaks are always cooked perfectly and they are tasty. This is a must-visit place for steak lovers in Chicagoland’s suburbs By Ray…
Why did Blade Runner 2049 do so bad at theaters? Movie Review: Blade Runner is a science fiction film based on the 1968 novel “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?” by SciFi author Philip K. Dick. The lead character is Rick Deckard whose job as a “Blade Runner” is to terminate (retire) old replicants (bio-robotic…
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Local pizzeria, a long time favorite Known for one of the best deep dish pizza’s on the Southwest side By Steve Neuhaus @newsshooter56 At the age of 19, Mike Guerra came to America in search of a better life and opportunities. In the mid 1970’s as a pizza cook at Giordano’s Restaurant on 63rd Street….
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Oak Lawn Restaurant Puts Unique Spin on Menu A local favorite since 2011 By Steve Neuhaus Businesses come and go these days mostly due to the economy and competition, but for one local owner business is booming. I was told that I should visit the Stacked Pancake House in Oak Lawn, so I headed out…
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…
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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…
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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…
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Flanagan’s Wake returns to Chicago at new location Chicago Theater Works adds second production to venue line-up CHICAGO – The producers behind Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding are pleased to announce the long-running improv/comedy, Flanagan’s Wake, will return to Chicago Saturday, September 23 through Thursday, November 9. Flanagan’s Wake, which has played in the Chicagoland area…
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National Magazine names Ziyad Tahini “Best” Tasting Cook’s Illustrated crowns the Mediterranean food company’s Tahini as their favorite among leading brands. Cooks Illustrated, the iconic magazine that investigates how and why recipes work, named Ziyad brand All Natural Tahini as the best tasting sesame seed paste on the market. The recognition is the result of…
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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…
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Do you feel like Tiny Tim, and want to play him? The Goodman Theater is putting out a call for all aspiring “Tiny Tims” for a 40th Anniversary production of A Christmas Carol. Auditions will be held Saturday August 12. The production will feature acclaimed Chicago actor Larry Yando who stars, in his 10th year,…
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U2 Skips Chicagoland in latest tour Dublin’s Irish rock band skips Chicago six county region which has largest Irish American population U2 The Joshua Tree Tour 2017; Biggest Tour Of The Year Surpasses 2.4 Million Tickets Sold. First North American Leg Wraps to rave reviews having played to more than 1 million fans. New shows…
Celebrity homes for Martin, Kennedy, Lear for sale Dino Martin’s L.A. kPad Cooler Than Ever; Jackie Kennedy’s childhood home & the Norman Lear estate, up for sale, according to Top Ten Real Estate Deals Dino’s LA Pad Cooler Than Ever! All dressed up and ready to welcome a new Rat Pack, crooner Dean Martin’s…
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World Music Festival celebrates cultural diversity Sept 8 – 24 19th ANNUAL WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL CHICAGO ANNOUNCES HIGHLIGHT PERFORMANCES OF DIVERSE INTERNATIONAL MUSICIANS CELEBRATING THE RICH CULTURAL DIVERSITY OF CHICAGO, SEPTEMBER 8–24 Headliners and highlights include Salif Keita, an all-night Ragamala featuring Anindo Chatterjee, Satish Vyas, Alam Khan and a special debut of the Bharath Symphony…
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