Entertainment Columns
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Along for the ride: Judson in Elgin named Bicycle Friendly UniversityDec 01, 2025 9:49 am - With holidays approaching, my annual book reviews offer suggestions for biking gift lists, your own or others. First, however, positive bicycling news: League of American Bicyclists recently awarded official Bicycle Friendly University status to three Illinois institutions on Nov. 13, including Elgin’s Judson University.
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Captive consumers are paying way too muchNov 26, 2025 7:34 am - Even though their leases require airport businesses to charge prices that are competitive with downtown Chicago, it sure doesn’t seem that way. I took the time to look at many items for sale at an airport, and the typical markup is 100% to 300% over industry standards.
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A map of the past: Geneva history buff relishes portraying land surveyor from 1770sNov 21, 2025 3:30 am - As a history buff who enjoys re-enactments but isn’t drawn to battles or military uniforms, portraying an 18th century land surveyor is the perfect fit for John Schubert of Geneva.
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Sweet memories: St. Charles Colonial Cafe’s mini-museum shares ice cream history spanning 125 yearsNov 07, 2025 3:57 pm - Next year will mark 125 years the Anderson name has been involved in milk or ice cream production, distribution and sales throughout the region, with many of those years as a St. Charles icon in the Colonial name.
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Opening a restaurant is a scary business: real-life horror storiesOct 22, 2025 10:12 am - If you want some real Halloween thrills and chills, try opening a new restaurant. Here are some real-life horror stories from Izzy Kharasch’s life as a restaurant whisperer.
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Siblings’ fairy village attracts attention in Geneva neighborhoodOct 08, 2025 11:48 am - The Brayton siblings of Batavia have created a fairy village in their grandparents’ Geneva yard, using their imagination and creativity without digital devices. The village has attracted attention from neighbors and passers-by.
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‘Groovy’: Colorful outdoor art installations transform the Tri-CitiesOct 01, 2025 9:29 am - The Terrain Exhibitions art festival started in Oak Park and has spread to other cities, including Geneva, where residents are hosting artwork in their front yards through Nov. 15.
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How father, son with autism bonded through riding roller coastersSep 26, 2025 2:30 am - Tom Callsen and son Thomas, who has autism, have ridden 471 different roller coasters across the United States over the past 20 years, finding joy in the physical thrill and bonding experience.
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Why do we watch birds? We all have our reasons, but the ‘Seven Pleasures of Birding’ is a good startSep 22, 2025 1:06 pm - In Jeff Reiter’s new book, “The Best of Words on Birds,” a central theme is that we should bird the way we want to, the way that feels best. Find your style and enjoy every experience.
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Volunteers to repaint historic Pioneer Sholes School museum fence in St. CharlesSep 17, 2025 12:50 pm - An upcoming volunteer painting project will help spruce up the historic Pioneer Sholes School museum in LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve.