We'll admit it - we watch Antiques Roadshow. (You may recall we've discussed a predilection for so-called "senior" television when we talked about loving CBS Sunday Morning.) We're suckers for the moment of the "reveal" when everyone finds out how much the heirloom or garage sale purchase is worth - or isn't. more ›

A hundred years after he was born, could Nelson Algren finally be getting some of the respect he so richly deserves? more ›

We find that after doing scads of last-minute shopping, the best way to ensure "Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men" is to avoid the general public altogether. So one of our favorite parts of Christmastime involves shutting ourselves off from the outside world and gorging on movies. This time of year there's plenty of stuff to watch on Ye Old Yule Tube. TCM is getting into the Santa act by presenting "Sweet Home Chicago," a lineup of five films that starts airing tonight. more ›

There was a time when a little bit of Kurt Elling went a long way. The insanely talented singer always seemed to balance precariously on the gossamer between genius and schmaltz, but Elling always had a knack for pulling the reins tight just when listeners were ready to cringe. Most of the time. Restraint, or knowing when to utilize it, seemed to be one of Elling's shortcomings in the past. more ›

Juanita and Michael Jordan have decided to call it quits. After 17 years of marriage the two are separating "amicably" and their lawyers released a statement saying, "A judgment for dissolution of their marriage was entered today. There will be no further statements." more ›

Though our Christmas holiday was lovely enough (thanks for asking), the death of James Brown cast a pall over its early morning hours. He was a conflicted man with his share of personal and legal troubles, but in a genre that too often fails to recognize those who paved the way, James Brown’s influence over hip-hop may still be underrated, despite all his renown. The AP story on Brown’s passing is poorly written and researched,... more ›

Remember how people used to get spooked when a Friday would fall on the 13th of the month? There’d be a few articles about superstitions or about some dead kid’s mother terrorizing some campers. But lately? Bupkus. We’re bored with Friday the 13th. We crave a greater excitement. And who knows just how to take advantage of that ennui? Satan, natch! Shout at the devil, bitches, because it’s 6/6/06! Truth be told, the 14-year old... more ›

Among the things we wish for at night, besides Heath Ledger telling us we are his only one, is the wish that we have changed the world, that we have had an impact, that we have taken our art to a higher form, and that we are appreciated for it. more ›

There's been some lamenting lately both in print and on-line about the steady decline of taverns in city. Years ago when this writer lived in "Liquor Park" there was a nice selection of dives that offered the opportunity to treat the liver like a one-night stand for under ten dollars. The Artful Dodger closed its doors nearly two months ago. Nick's on Milwaukee used to house Club Dreamerz. Estelle's was seemingly raided by the cops every other weekend, and Tuman's Alcohol Abuse Center served $3 Guinness pints to bikers and yuppies alike; both are shadows of their former selves. All these dives had nasty bathrooms, sweet jukeboxes, cheap drinks, enough second-hand smoke floating around to kill a rhino, and laid-back character in common. more ›

is one of Chicagoist’s favorite musicals, and even though the movie flawed, it’s still enjoyable. Please oh please stop raining. more ›