Chicago Sun-Times :: Lifestyles ::

Sweetest spots are turning out chocolatey holiday treats

BY STACY WARDEN Talk2Us@CenterstageChicago.com — Fri, 5 Dec 2008 04:00 CST

Centerstage: If "Willy Wonka's" Charlie Bucket had lived in Chicago, he wouldn't have been able to visit his local chocolate factory even with a golden ticket; the famed Blommer Chocolate Company doesn't give tours of its River North facility. But he could still get his hands on all the chocolate he desired, thanks to a world of local confectioneries right at his fingertips.

Local artists dish up unique 'Blue Plate Specials'

Fri, 5 Dec 2008 04:00 CST

Dave Hoekstra: The Blue Plate Special was first served into the American vernacular in 1892. Today, though, nearly 100 special blue plates were designed by 50 Chicago artists for a show that opens tonight and runs through Dec. 21 at Veeck's August House Studio, 2113 W. Roscoe.

Blogger takes a year to do all things Oprah-approved

BY SARAH TEREZ ROSENBLUM Talk2Us@CenterstageChicago.com — Fri, 5 Dec 2008 04:00 CST

If you've heard anything about LivingOprah.com blogger Robyn Okrant, you probably fall into one of two mistaken camps. "One, that I'm an Oprah fanatic," says the Lincoln Square resident. "Or the other, that I'm out to disparage Oprah."

10 perfect gifts for the people you don't really like

BY SUN-TIMES STAFF — Fri, 5 Dec 2008 04:00 CST

For those looking for a really stupid gift idea, the Web site Stupid.com has just the thing. Its list of the top 10 "stupidest" holiday gifts for 2008: Screaming Chicken toy -- it screams; wealth redistribution holiday ornament -- actually a piece of paper that says your ornament has been given to someone who needs it more; and mini Guitar Hero -- tiny version of the popular video game.

Prohibition: Forever a lost cause?

Fri, 5 Dec 2008 04:00 CST

Seventy-five years ago today, golden beer flowed freely from bar taps, champagne corks ricocheted off ceilings and moonshine came out of the closet. It was the end of Prohibition, but not everyone was lifting a glass in celebration. The Woman's Christian Temperance Union, whose members famously kneeled down on sticky saloon floors and prayed, had battled hard for a sober America and lost.

Reinventing the pen pal for the digital age

TED PINCUS theopincus@hotmail.com — Fri, 5 Dec 2008 04:00 CST

Ted Pincus: What if you could enable 200,000 American kids to work with 2 million of their peers abroad -- online, real time -- on projects that teach them what global trade is all about? Today those subjects and many more are being pursued jointly through a remarkable network that is bringing today's technology to the old-fashioned "pen pal" concept.

Flipped flag signals economic distress

Fri, 5 Dec 2008 00:01 CST

Life on Paradise Circle has been anything but lately for Debra Brzostowski. Like many small business owners, the tanking economy has put her business at risk. She and her husband are also on the verge of losing their home. The day after Thanksgiving, she turned the American flag flying on the front of her house upside down. "It's a sign of distress," she said.

What makes God smile? -- and other questions for Lama

Fri, 5 Dec 2008 04:00 CST

On Tuesday, I wrote about the documentary film "10 Questions for the Dalai Lama" and what I'd ask if I ever had the chance -- as the filmmaker did -- to spend 45 minutes alone with the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists.

For tickets dated Dec. 4

Fri, 5 Dec 2008 04:00 CST

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