Features Getting into Christmas: Tree Peopleby Achy Obejas They’re only small-time capitalists, but they deck the town in firs. Getting into Christmas: The Art of the Ornamentby Joanne TrestrailLocal artists hang some imagination on our tree. Getting into Christmas: My Life as Scroogeby William J. NorrisTen years of humbug with the star of A Christmas … Read more
Features Critics’ Choiceby Carla and Allen Kelson Our reviewers’ favorite 25 restaurants and affordable alternatives The Making of Jeff Fortby Tom Brune and James Ylisela, Jr. From charismatic kid to convicted terrorist. Couldn’t this story have turned out better? Portraits of the Artistby Patty CarrollMaking the acquaintance of people who make art The Gene Poolby … Read more
Features Thompson’s Last Standby Carol Felsenthal George Bush didn’t tap him as V.P., so what’s next for Big Jim? A fifth term as governor might be fun – or is the party finally over? Escape from Ciceroby T.M. Spencer It was a hometown short on imagination and long on two-flat logic. Good tenants were like … Read more
Features The Art of Paul Gauguinby Colin Westerbeck A Chicago guide to the Art Institute’s upcoming exhibition, including a portrait of the artist as a self-proclaimed genius and profiles of the curators who brought it all back home Fall Preview From opera to jazz, theatre to dance – a look ahead to this season’s cultural … Read more
Features Gotta Danceby Achy Obejas and David Carter The queen of salsa, the god of swing, the black pack, and the amazing gyrating art students. The Boys of Rush Streetby Rick Telander Friday is prime time for any young male who wants to try his luck on Lady Lust. The line forms at the bar. … Read more
Features The Man Who Should Be Mayorby David Jackson There’s an obvious choice to fill Harold Washington’s shoes. The only problem is, Roland Burris doesn’t want the job. World’s Fareby Anne Spiselman and David Novick The city’s ethnic groceries serve up a globetrotter’s delight – at prices better than any gourmet store’s. Lives of the … Read more
Features Easy Outs Nine great escapes for summer weekends – just right for that clean getaway to the country, the beach, or the small-town Midwest World Tour of Illinoisby Joanne Trestrail Foreign travel too expensive, time-consuming? We understand! And we want to help! Rappin’ Lawyerby Mark JannotAt the heart of the hottest black music scene … Read more
Features Mamet on the Makeby Bob DailyIn his play, his movies, and his life, David Mamet has remained true to one love – success. The Dentist’s Vendettaby Daniel Santow Someone set off a bomb on Stephen Whitney’s porch – someone he met once a long, long time ago. Fashion: Second Skinsby Donna Frost and Pat … Read more
Features Blue Tea Theatreby Anthony AdlerNot a movement, but an assortment of theatre people with something similar in mind. Or at heart Too Many Bossesby Ben Joravsky Welcome to 1819 West Pershing Road, headquarters of the Chicago Public Schools. Don’t mind the crowds – they just work here. Undiscovered Restaurantsby Carla and Allen KelsonDining routine … Read more
Features The Executionersby Laurence GonzalesDouble murderer Charles Walker may deserve to die, but who deserves to kill him? Mothers and Fathers of Inventionby Tom Hall Can Donald Moyer and his band of closet Edisons bring ingenuity to a dull and stubborn world? Chicago Story: The Instincts of a News Galby Daniel SantowWhen the Daily News … Read more
