The Homer Sun :: Entertainment ::

Bolingbrook musician dreams of silver screen

By DENISE M. BARAN-UNLAND For Sun-Times Media — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:01 CST

Allen Cotton didn't win the annual Drum-Off District Finals at the Guitar Center in North Chicago, but the Bolingbrook musician is still pleased with his other victory. In late October, Cotton, 20, was crowned the local winner at the Guitar Center in Joliet. It was the first time he's won the title in his four years of competing.

No peace on earth: Holiday films go to battle

BY CINDY PEARLMAN — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 04:00 CST

Holiday movie preview: Viggo Mortensen isn't roasting chestnuts but trying to keep from getting roasted in the cannibal-crazy "The Road." Earthlings aren't exactly welcome when they visit Smurf-colored aliens in James Cameron's "Avatar." Even Daniel Day-Lewis can't find any peace in "Nine." Hopefully for Hollywood all this strife will result in what they really want under their collective Christmas trees: A big box of envelopes that say: "And the nominees are ..."

Fresh is the way to go at Bin 48

By MEGHAN McMAHON For Sun-Times Media — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:01 CST

Bin 48 in downtown Plainfield specializes in making a night out enjoyable and memorable. The wine bar and grill, open since June, features fresh, homemade food with a large wine list, said manager Cheryl Smith. "Everything is fresh, homemade daily," Smith said. "Nothing is frozen."

Tivoli Theatre hosts holiday film fest

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:00 CST

The Tivoli Theatre, located at 5021 Highland in downtown Downers Grove, will present a diverse Holiday Film Festival Dec. 11 to Dec. 17. The annual fest offers movie lovers a rare opportunity to see five of their all-time holiday favorites on a big screen with great sound in a beautifully restored 1928 movie palace.

Getting satire right: Site is a daily show of humor

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 04:00 CST

From Sarah Palin and Glenn Beck to Bill Maher's targets in the 2008 comedic documentary "Religulous," those on the right of the spectrum often wind up as subjects of late-night zingers and scorching sendups. They are less often the originators of those sendups -- standouts such as Dennis Miller and his less comedically accomplished conservative compatriot Rush Limbaugh notwithstanding -- especially when it comes to taking conservative comrades to task.

Streamwood clown joins 'the greatest show'

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:01 CST

Earlier this month, 27-year-old Kyle Barker started to live out his dream in earnest, joining the cast of clowns in Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey's Circus at Allstate Arena in Rosemont.

Not so 'Good' with details

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 04:00 CST

Paige Wiser: It's one of the hazards of TV viewing: Police watch cop shows and complain that they're not accurate. Critics pick apart reality shows for not being real. And Chicagoans watch "The Good Wife" to look for Midwestern mistakes. Co-creator Michelle King says our city was chosen as the setting for CBS' Tuesday night hit because it made sense for Julianna Margulies' character -- not because any of the producers had personal experience here.

Get your workspace organized

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 04:00 CST

Well, it looks as though the time to start hibernation is upon us. We may have a few more days of sun but we will pretty much be held hostage by our lovely Chicago weather. With that in mind, I decided it might be time to spruce up the home office and while I was at it find some pieces to personalize the workplace too.

Jay-Z, Alicia Keys perform at World Series Game 1

ASSOCIATED PRESS — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 04:00 CST

The New York Yankees have been blasting Jay-Z�s �Empire State of Mind� during their playoff run. Now, the team is having the rap king perform the song live to kick off Game 1 of the World Series. Jay-Z and fellow New Yorker Alicia Keys are set to perform the hit on Wednesday, as the Yankees take on defending World Series champs, the Philadelphia Phillies.