Czech, Slovak, Bohemian culture & history defines Houby Day celebrations For many years, the Czech community was Chicagoland’s most recognized cultural presence. As Chicagoland’s immigration makeup has expanded, the Czech community identity continues each year with the popular Houby Day Festival and Parade in Chicago’s West suburbs By Ray Hanania Much is made by the...

Best tasting burger ever: Oak Lawn’s Smashburger I grew up on hamburgers and I consider myself a hamburger connoisseur. Until recently, though I enjoyed burgers everywhere. But a few weeks ago, I happened across a place called Smashburgers and I am hooked. They are the best tasting hamburgers in the world By Ray Hanania I...

Archive: A very special Oscar Night One of my personal favorite topics is the movie industry and the racism and bias that the industry allows based on politics. This incident involving Vanessa Redgrave back in 1978 impacted my life and characterized the injustices of the American media on so many levels By Ray Hanania (Originally...

Tech Review: Studio Beats headset are a bad buy Beats by Dr Dre are inconsistent and poorly constructed. You almost think that they are made to intentionally break to force users to go out and buy another set at the over-priced price tag of $299. The sound is poor quality and they are just not...

Kirstie Alley deserves better, under appreciated Actress Kirstie Alley has had fame and controversy, but the one thing she isn’t without is talent. Jettisoned to fame with a great character performance in the TV Sitcom “Cheers,” she has meandered through acting opportunities since. But one of her best efforts, Fat Actress, deserves a second chance....