Embarking upon Chicago’s ‘Tiniest Bar Crawl’

From the Saturday, Nov. 19, editions of The Daily Journal (Kankakee, Ill.) and The Times (Ottawa, Ill.) … Embarking upon Chicago’s ‘Tiniest Bar Crawl’ The WISCH LIST Nov. 19, 2011 It’s nicknamed “The City of Big Shoulders,” but Chicago has a lot of tiny joints nestled throughout its sprawling streetscapes, too. And this past weekend, […]

On Paterno, Penn State and the folly of sports worship

Today’s newspaper column from The Daily Journal (Kankakee, Ill.) and The Times (Ottawa, Ill.) … On Paterno, Penn State and the folly of sports worship The WISCH LIST November 12, 2011 Each morning in classrooms across America, schoolchildren stand up, place their right hand over their heart and recite the Pledge of Allegiance, during which […]

In Chicago, it’s tricky finding Halloween treats

From the Saturday, Oct. 29, editions of The Daily Journal (Kankakee, Ill.) and The Times (Ottawa, Ill.) … In Chicago, it’s tricky finding Halloween treats The WISCH LIST Oct. 29, 2011 It’s been more than 20 years since I went trick-or-treating. Which is probably a good thing. You know, considering that I’m 35 years old. […]

Just because it’s famous, doesn’t mean it’s a landmark

From the Saturday, Oct. 22, editions of The Daily Journal (Kankakee, Ill.) and The Times (Ottawa, Ill.) … Just because it’s famous, doesn’t mean it’s a landmark The WISCH LIST Oct. 25, 2011 Earlier this month, city of Chicago officials announced their desire to assign official landmark status to eight former Schlitz taverns that opened […]

The Best of the Wurst: Oktoberfest in Chicago

Today’s newspaper column from The Daily Journal (Kankakee, Ill.) and The Times (Ottawa, Ill.) … The Best of the Wurst: Oktoberfest in Chicago The WISCH LIST Sept. 24, 2011 As the oldest family-run restaurant in Chicago, the Berghoff Restaurant is part of history. But it wasn’t until last week that the Loop’s 110-year-old, German-themed institution […]