On this date in 1990, the first McDonald's restaurant opened up in the Soviet Union and served 30,000 people. more ›

The Art Institute of Chicago's new exhibit shows a glimpse of that brief period of time when Americans and Soviets begrudgingly got along. more ›

Today's diversion is hardly new. In fact, it's been floating around the Interwebz for about two years as far as I know. But I was surprised to find how few of my friends had seen it when I went back to it yesterday for the sheer hell of it so, in case you've missed it, below is the Soviet Union version of animated Winnie the Pooh shorts. Watching the short is worth it just for the fun translations. Parts Two and Three (first and second) are also available and we couldn't help but think of the brilliant Simpsons' spoof, "Worker & Parasite." more ›

Long-time Republican Congressman Henry Hyde died early this morning at Rush University Medical Center. He was 83. Hyde served 32 years in the House before retiring at the end of last session, and he was recently awarded a Medal of Freedom. He's best known for his role as the chairman of the judiciary committee during the Clinton impeachment proceedings and for the Hyde Amendment, which bans Medicaid from funding abortions except in cases of rape,... more ›

The end of May has come and gone which means it is time for our final look at Animal Farm. We’d like to say that the second time around, Animal Farm was “___” –insert appropriate adjective. But since we didn’t get a reader response from anyone reading it a second time through, (which maybe is a statement all itself) we'll have to view it through our first-timer's eyes. It’s amazing how a book so... more ›

Chicagoist can’t decide whether hosting the 2016 Olympics would be a boon or boondoggle. But this morning’s Trib article about the latest obstacle to Chicago’s bid nearly had us choking on our Lucky Charms. Apparently, our image is still stuck in the past: more ›