Politics has always been a “smelly kitchen,” to borrow a phrase from Jean Anouilh’s version of Antigone. But in 1933, two new cooks entered that kitchen. And the recipes they came up with continue to befoul the air of American elections. Leone Baxter and Clem Whitaker (a widow and a married man who eventually became […]
Tag: Upton Sinclair
Posted inArts & Culture
A piece of Lithuania in the heart of Chicago
The Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian Culture provides a piece of home to Lithuanian immigrants.
Posted inArts & Culture
Another Jungle badly misunderstands Upton Sinclair’s original
But the hanging cow is a highlight.
Posted inFood & Drink
How Chicago became ‘hog butcher for the world’
Chicago’s stockyard doors may have shuttered more than 40 years ago, but their impact on the city still reverberates.
Posted inBlogs
So what is a great Chicago book anyway?
Some more thoughts about greatness and Chicago-ness at our tournament’s halfway point.
Posted inBlogs
The Jungle vs. The Warmth of Other Suns: Greatest Chicago Book Tournament, round two
In the first bout of round two, a judge weighs the importance of pure Chicago-ness versus undiluted greatness.
Posted inBlogs
The Jungle vs. Twenty Years at Hull-House: The Greatest Ever Chicago Book Tournament round one
Two books by Progressive-era reformers square off in the opening round of our contest.
Posted inBlogs
Cubs mascots: A dark and tragic history
Clark the Cub joins a tradition rife with humiliation, betrayal, and murder. Also losing and futility.
Posted inNews & Politics
The Charcuterie Underground
In the view of a burgeoning number of outlaw bacon curers and sausage grinders, some rules are made to be broken.
Posted inBlogs
It’s a gusher!
What’s the point of There Will Be Blood? Stanley Kubrick ought to know.