In this week of horror and entertainment I thought I would hold off until some other time on the horror in my own life -- my wonderful wife diagnosed with ovarian cancer and doing well in treatment -- and share with you (as you're bombarded with inane entertainment news of the Royal Wedding) a few moments I've spent over the years with real entertainers. more ›

The "band to watch" story line is an admittedly tired one, worn out by many acts who may or may not have gone on to Apple product-selling fame while sharing any number of common defining characteristics. But to dismiss Freelance Whales, the Brooklyn pop outfit many predict will take to the "it band" throne, as overly derivative of other acts would be your loss. more ›

Dry your eyes, kiddies - the world will very likely continue to spin after Opes packs her bag and hustles over to the west coast. But while we're all in a collective state of mourning, let's turn to the internet to find us some shining examples of the Way Things Used To Be. Throughout Oprah's long and storied career, through the tabloid weight rollercoaster coverage and the choruses of "look at her hair!" photos throughout the years, we could always count on Ms. Winfrey to bring us the hard news, the soft news, the loopy medical advice, the celebrity softball interviews, and the occasional discussions of va-jay-jay painin'. more ›

Some days it seems like the next time we have to interview for a job that the only way that will happen is on television. Of course, we’re not sure who would watch America’s Next Top Admin Assistant. It also seems like television is the top way for a band to get that next boost forward these days. Nashville Star is no American Idol in terms of ratings, but Evanston native, Meg Allison, has survived two episodes on the country music industry’s answer to AI. more ›

Last night Chicagoist took a break from our rock-n-roll lifestyle and turned on the television, mainly to watch Ultimate Fighting ‘cuz we have a slight case of the bloodlust, but came across a channel that we had never seen before on Comcast, Channel 197 (at least at our abode) – The Tube Music Network. more ›

In the spirit of last night’s Oscars, we present this montage of thoughts: * Forget pimps: it was hard out there for Jon Stewart. Stewart is and was frequently hilarious, but what works on the Daily Show doesn't work for the Oscars. Like most unconventional hosts (Letterman, Chris Rock), Stewart was done in because he was expected to bring his sharp, cutting wit to a venue that doesn't appreciate it. An organization that rolls three... more ›

Often assailed as a huge megaplex with no soul, the AMC River East does have the occasional free screening that makes it worth braving the crowds who are all amped up to see National Treasure. Tomorrow night they’ll be showing The White Stripes – Under Blackpool Lights, which was released this week on DVD. Documenting a January 2004 show at the Empress Ballroom in Blackpool England, the Detroit duo pulls out their own “hits”... more ›

You know what's refreshing about Kanye West? His total lack of humility. Oh sure, if Chicagoist picked up ten Grammy nominations we might say something like "This is really a surprise. Especially for my debut album" or even "Thank you." But that is why we write pithy comments about events in the news and Kanye makes more money than Israel's got Jews (Happy Hanukkah to ya'll). Instead, Kanye described his nominations as "amazing," "nothing to complain about" and "like a perfect score" which indeed it would be if there were only ten noninations given instead of 107. No gospel album nomination though. Thanks for sparing us the controversy, Grammy-ers. more ›