On this -- officially the slowest sports day of the year -- we will take the opportunity to look back at the first half (or so) of the season for the Cubs and Sox. Fans of both teams entered the season with high expectations. Has either team lived up to those expectations? Cubs After spending a ton of money on free agents during the off season, the Cubs sit in second place in the NL... more ›

It’s been a while since we mentioned the alternative to Lollapalooza. So, we decided that we’d take this opportunity to mix that with some information about one of the performers slated to appear at the Pitchfork Music Festival this summer. Anxiously awaiting the latest news about Stephen Malkmus? The Good: It looks like everyone is so happy with the new songs that have been committed to tape that Matador wants to release it in early... more ›

Our resident jaunter had to up and leave town suddenly this weekend, but we will try our best to fill you in on happenings for today. Despite the January blahs, there's quite a bit of stuff going on. Fox & Obel, they of upscale food market fame, are holding a free chocolate tasting from 1-5 p.m. The chocolate in question is Schokinag, of which drinking chocolate will also be available (mm!). Strap on the feedbag... more ›

The Bad At Sports Podcast, an informed and often irreverent take on the Chicago art scene, celebrates its birthday next week. Over the last 50 episodes, hosts Richard Holland and Duncan MacKenzie and frequent co-host Amanda Browder have discussed everything from the merits of outsider art to the merits of campy, low-budget viral videos, sliding effortlessly between serious debate and hilarious schoolyard asides. As the acclaim piled on, they amassed a stable of correspondents from across the country and overseas while making lots of friends in the arts biz. more ›

Triumph Books, a Chicago based book publisher located in Printer’s Row, has been acquired by Random House Publishing Group. more ›

Well, it’s official. The start of the Christmas season is underway as workers have begun erecting the city’s official tree in Daley Plaza. You can’t fight City Hall and those who do get bulldozed so it’s time to wave the white flag in the fight against the encroachment of the holidays. more ›