January Movies: Beach Dreamin'

Short of plane tickets and hotel reservations, there’s no escaping the cold weather. If a trip isn’t on the agenda, you can always curl up with a bucket of popcorn and snuggle with your sweetie. Here are five great sandy destination flicks to keep you company:   Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008, R) Jason Segel, Kristen […]

Spiritual Journeys: Pamay Bassey

Ekpedeme “Pamay” Bassey didn’t set out to become the foremost authority on religion. And she isn’t. But this Northwestern University graduate and Chicago resident does have a story to tell. Her spiritual journey, told in “My 52 Weeks of Worship: Lessons from a Global, Spiritual, Interfaith Journey,” is gripping. “I think a lot of people […]

Mean Girls at Work and in the 'Hood

If you’re working in a professional environment or as a volunteer, the last thing you need is to be confronted by that person who makes you feel about two inches tall. Didn’t we graduate from high school already? Working with or for “mean girls” shouldn’t be intimidating. Authors Katherine Crowley and Kathi Elster offer tips […]

Books You Shouldn't Miss On Your Kid's Reading List

Books typically are better when the reading isn’t required. The next time your high schooler leaves their backpack open, reach in and grab their reading list. Chances are, there are several “must reads” for them that will be equally enjoyable for you—and you’ll have a chance at some parent-child bonding at the same time. To […]

Movie List: Political Dramas

No matter which side of the political fence you sit on, everyone can usually agree on a great movie. Gear up for the last lap of the 2012 election with a great political flick—we’ve got 5 great suggestions: The Contender (2000, R) Joan Allen, Gary Oldman, Jeff Bridges   Hands down, one of my favorite […]

September Movies: Back to School

Find yourself with a little free time? The kids are back in school, which means you might be able to sneak in a flick during the day. Let’s celebrate those hallowed halls of academia with one of these favorites: Race to Nowhere (2010, PG-13)   Maybe you’ve already attended a screening, but your passion to […]

Movies that Make Chicago

Think you’ve seen it all when it comes to Chicago-based movies? Sure, John Hughes and Vince Vaughn covered a lot of territory, but not all of it. Here are 5 great documentaries centered around Chicago and the northern ‘burbs: You Weren’t There: A History of Chicago Punk 1977 – 1984 Music fans: When you think […]

Dog Days of Summer

Celebrate the heat with a quintessential summer flick.   Popcorn and fireflies are optional.   Beach Blanket Bingo (1965)
 Frankie Avalon, Annette Funicello Unrated Take your kids a couple of generations back, with the fourth in a series featuring the “it” girl of the day, Annette Funicello. No cell phones, no texting—just some kids dancing […]

5 Must-See Movie Musicals

April showers bring May flowers, right? We’re nominating April as the month for movie musicals. Should you find yourself stuck indoors for a few hours—or even a weekend—we’ve got a few great suggestions to while away the time. Singin’ in the Rain 1952, starring Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor and Debbie Reynolds 103 minutes, Rated G […]