Poets thrive in every corner of the world. On July 25, the Newberry Library celebrated a remarkable poet, Marc Kelly Smith. Smith, known for creating the Uptown Poetry Slam, hosts these events which began 40 years ago. Held at the historic Green Mill, the first-ever poetry slam paved the way for a cultural phenomenon. The...
The sound of a screen door is familiar to many American households. It’s a metallic screech followed by a subtle bang, often accompanied by other domestic noises like a cat’s eager taps or moths drawn to a kitchen light. In the morning, a gentle knock from a neighbor or friend bypasses the need for a...
In the heart of Washington, D.C., a statue commemorating Jude Hall, a Black soldier of the Revolutionary War, stands prominently at Freedom Plaza. This piece is an integral part of the ‘Spirit of ’76 at Freedom Plaza’ installation. Freedom Plaza, situated on Pennsylvania Avenue, serves as a ceremonial link between the White House and the...
The Instagram account VHS Dates has drawn attention for its nostalgic video content. The creators state that they discovered a box of old VHS tapes in the basement of their office in Downtown Los Angeles. The videos have a distinctive 1980s feel due to their grainy quality. One prominent character, Doug, appears mid-aged in these...
1966: The Beatles’ Visit and Apology On August 11, 1966, The Beatles arrived in Chicago for their third and last U.S. tour. To avoid their enthusiastic fans, George, John, Ringo, and Paul opted for a limousine from a remote hangar at O’Hare International Airport. During their stay, John Lennon publicly apologized for comments he made...
The Grateful Dead have always inspired a shared experience among their fans. During this year’s Days Between, from August 1 to 9, NPR Music explored what keeps drawing people to the band and how they aim to carry its legacy forward. The reasons for becoming a fan are as varied as the individuals themselves; however,...
Crooked Media’s podcast, Pod Save America, faced criticism for deleting a social media clip critical of streamer Hasan Piker. After backlash, they reposted an extended version. The podcast episode, featuring MSNBC’s Chris Hayes and guest host Alex Wagner, discussed the Democratic political landscape. Abdul El-Sayed, a candidate in Michigan’s U.S. Senate race, has been criticized...
Recently, fans at a WNBA game faced harassment for supporting Sophie Cunningham. Her ‘offense’? Advocating for the protection of young girls in locker rooms and arguing against them competing against biological men. This situation reflects more on societal culture than on the fans themselves. The shifting criteria for supporting women’s sports are concerning. The women’s...
Four arts professionals are ushering The Skokie Theatre into a new era. Owners Jose Pablo Cantillo and Kristi Cantillo balance their time between Skokie and Greenville, South Carolina, alongside Chris Matsakis and Monica Matsakis from Glenview. Their joint vision focuses on revitalizing this historic venue at 7924 N. Lincoln Ave., continuously operating since 1912. Chris...
The decision to halt government funding for PBS has been a topic of debate. Watching the content aired by PBS may provide insights into why some support this move. Recently, PBS featured a segment on NewsHour, which presented information without posing critical questions or deeply exploring topics. PBS’s reporting style often avoids complex discussions, instead...