The best parts of summer…

I think that every young boy, from now until the end of time, should be required to watch The Sandlot at least 10-15 times before he turns 13. I think I probably watched it about 50. Besides just being a great movie for kids, it also captures the essence of what makes summer great in one beautiful scene: baseball, food, friends, and fireworks.

New Amsterdam Gin Cocktail Challenge

A couple weeks ago, I had the opportunity to attend and participate in New Amsterdam Gin’s Next GINeration Cocktail Challenge at Old Town Social. Although I’m admittedly not much of a gin drinker (I blame it on a few bad experiences in college with large quantities of the plastic bottle variety), I was excited for the opportunity to expand my limited cocktail repertoire.

Two musical performances made me happy recently…

Video 1: A pretty talented violin player playing for tips in the subway after work. Videos 2 & 3: Jónsi absolutely bringing the house down at The Vic on April 28.

Tequila and chocolate: Brilliant or crazy?

A couple weeks ago (yea, I’ve been busy; forgive me), I had the opportunity to attend a unique event bringing together two flavors which aren’t generally mentioned in the same sentence. The event was a tequila and chocolate tasting led by a representative of Corzo tequila and hosted at Lincoln Park’s Vosges Haut-Chocolat.

Ever wonder why cats spend so much time grooming?

It’s because if they slack off and force humans to do it for them, this is what happens. I’m sorry Murphy.

As you may have noticed, my most recent post (and the first in forever, I know) has nothing to do with restaurants or movies. That’s going to be a trend here. I’m still planning on writing about movies and restaurants, but because I no longer have a good hook-up for comped meals, frequent restaurant reviews [...]

Take It From A Millennial: Stop Taking It Easy On the Millenials!

On my way home from work the other day, I was listening to the most recent episode of everybody’s favorite public radio show, This American Life (#402 - Save the Day), and a story about an long-running annual event at a small liberal arts school, stuck with me.
Each year, the school hosts what it calls [...]

Frozen River - Movie Review

Frozen River won 24 awards and was nominated for 16 others (including two Oscars). Still, I can pretty confidently say that even you — someone who has taken the time out of their day to read a completely unadvertised movie blog — didn’t see it in theaters. I can say this because Courtney Hunt’s brilliant film had a criminally low domestic gross of $2.5 million.

Sorry for disappearing, but I’m back in action

For any of you that may have been worried about me, fear not. I’m alive and well in Chicago, IL. I’ve moved into a great apartment just a few blocks from Wrigley Field and have been working to get adjusted to my new surroundings and my new job at a major agency simultaneously. I’m going [...]

Wendy and Lucy - Movie Review

In whole, Wendy and Lucy is an excellent film. It’s worth seeing for Michelle Williams’s performance by itself, but I really think that it succeeds on a number of levels. It’s not fast paced, and the story isn’t grandiose, but, as Film Threat’s Don Lewis said in his review, “Unless you’re an antsy movie-goer or have a cold heart, by the end of Wendy and Lucy, you’ll be engrossed, hoping for the best possible outcome.” So, check it out; I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.