The thirteenth edition of one of Chicago's best-kept secrets unspools at the Siskel Film Center from March 5 to April 1. The European Union Film Festival presents an eye-popping total of 59 movies this year, spanning just about every possible type of narrative film you can imagine. And because of the distribution logjam now plaguing the film business (unlikely to ease up any time soon, if ever), this could be your only chance to see many of these films in Chicago on the big screen. more ›

The NHL announced today that the Chicago Blackhawks would be one of four teams opening the 2009-2010 season in Europe as part of a special series. The 'Hawks will head to Helsinki, Finland to take on the Florida Panthers in a two-game "home and home" series while the Detroit Red Wings and St. Louis Blues will tangle in a pair of games in Stockholm, Sweden. Not so coincidentally: Finland and Sweden are the top two countries in terms of non-North American visitors to the NHL's website. While the Panthers have never played a game outside of North America in their existence, the 'Hawks have skated on the other side of the pond before. In September 1992, the Blackhawks and the Montreal Canadiens faced off in a pair of exhibition games at London's Wembley Arena. It will be the third straight year the NHL has opened a season overseas. more ›

We're beginning to wonder what they feed babies in Sweden since they all seem to grow up into pop producing monster machines. From ABBA to The Hives to Peter Bjorn and John and now to Lykke Li. Li is a 22-year-old overachiever eager to gain popularity and capable of crafting the sort of vehicle primed to vault her into the spotlight. Her debut Youth Novels, largely produced by Björn Yttling of the aforementioned Peter Bjorn and John, is an impressive collection of rhythmically driven pop tunes. more ›