Original News, Features & Opinion on Chicago, Illinois and America
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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Illinois should loosen up its restrictions on fireworks I boiled eggs the other day on the stove, and when I was done, I was smart enough not to put my hand on the grill cover where the eggs were boiled. So, I didn’t get hurt. Why is lighting a sparkler or a few bottle rockets,…
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Performances announced for 2nd annual Chicago Open Air Fest July 14 – 16 Featuring KISS, Ozzy Osbourne, Korn & More, ReverbNation Battle Of The Bands Contest Is Now Open, Allowing One Unsigned Band To Take The Festival Stage, Loudwire Premieres New Installment In “The Vikings Are Coming!” Animated Video Series Performance times have been announced for the 40-plus bands…
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Eugene O’Neill’s comedy “Ah, Wilderness” opens June 17 at Goodman Theater AH, WILDERNESS!, EUGENE O’NEILL’S “WELCOME DOSE OF LOVE AND LAUGHTER” (LA TIMES), BEGINS SATURDAY, JUNE 17. STEVE SCOTT DIRECTS THE RARELY-PRODUCED COMING-OF-AGE COMEDY WITH A CAST OF CHICAGO FAVORITES, AND NIALL CUNNINGHAM AND AYSSETTE MUÑOZ AS THE LOVE-STRUCK YOUNG COUPLE. Experience the fireworks of love—first…
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Countryside offers free music Summer concert series starts tonight By Steve Metsch Countryside will provide a diverse soundtrack for this summer with a series of free concerts through August. The “Countryside All Stars” summer concert series will be in Countryside Park on 61st Street, a half-block east of Brainard Avenue. Opening acts start at 6…
100 year old woman continues working Baby boomers working late into life. Meet the Woman Who Refuses to Retire After 76 Years in Direct Sales – Step Into Success. On her 100th birthday, Harriet Lonergan shares how party plan has shaped her life, income and friendships. Harriet Lonergan turns 100 today and has no intentions of…
Book: “Chicago is not Broke” offers good insights CiviLab Publishes crowd-funded book: Chicago is not Broke — Funding the City we Deserve” Author Tom Tresser does 50 public forums across the city The CivicLab (www.civiclab.us) and the TIF Illumination Project (www.tifreports.com) has published a crowd-funded book. “Chicago Is Not Broke. Funding the City We Deserve.”…
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Restaurant Review: BD’s Mongolian Grill, Naperville Balancing meats, vegetables and spices in a small bowl like an Eiffel Tower is just one part of the fun at bd’s Mongolian Grill in Naperville. The restaurant has a great tasting selection of meats and vegetables and a fantastic menu to satisfy your hunger and enjoyment By Ray…
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