Essay: Haircuts, Prison, Love and Sheltering in Place
Cathy gave me a haircut today on the back porch. In our 37 years of marriage, that hasn’t happened before, but we’re not leaving the house for haircuts or much […]
Your #StaytheFHome Curated Weekend: 4/2 and Beyond
It’s a new month and our social distancing and stay at home ordinance goes on. But just because we’re stuck at home doesn’t mean we can’t have some fun! There […]
The 10 Best Books about Chicago—and One Clunker
Many very good and even great books have been written about Chicago, and, based on my half century of writing about the city, here are the 10 that, at the […]
‘One More Song’ We Needed – A Song Collaboration with Classixx and Roosevelt
It’s a joining of artists that simply makes sense. In a delightful surprise amid a world-wide pandemic, Classixx released a new song this past week, “One More Song,” featuring German-band Roosevelt, […]
Experience Museums in the Comfort of Your Home
If you’re wanting to experience art and culture during this “shelter in place” period, now is the time to check out some of the best online museum collections from […]
Interview: We Talk With Dr. Daryl Wilson, Emergency Med Specialist, About COVID-19
Illinois officials announced Monday the state now has more than 5,000 cases of COVID-19 spread across 52 counties, which includes 73 deaths. Governor JB Pritzker announced that before the end […]
Review: Even With Minimal Art In Other Waters Features a Deep Mystery
I used to abhor water levels in video games. It started with Super Mario Bros., and the dodging of bloopers partnered with the slow, floaty movements. But games like Soma […]
Chicago’s Independent Cinemas Find Creative Ways to Keep Us Entertained From Home
As we head into our second (and far from last) official week of Illinois’s “Stay at Home” order, keeping busy and entertained remains the best way to keep the Coronavirus […]
Review: Half-Life: Alyx Transcends its Medium, is Destined to be a Classic
I used to joke that it would take the end of the world to get a new Half-Life game. I regret those jokes now. But we do have a brand […]
Shelter in Place: Staying Sane and Productive, with Terry Galvan (Part 3)
In 2013-14, I spent nine months in the provincial capital of Latacunga, Ecuador, on a Fulbright grant. Social-cultural norms meant that daily life had a lot in common with today’s […]
Review: Animal Crossing: New Horizons is the Perfect Getaway for these Trying Times
I grew up playing games you might think typical for a young male, especially since the gaming landscape was different when I first picked up a controller to cut my […]
What to Read Now: Three Books About Plagues
It’s the year of the big virus. We’ve had two weeks of #StayTheFHome or sheltering in place, depending on where you live. And in some states, you’re not doing that. […]