On July 20, 1801, a community of devout Baptists in Connecticut combined their powers to create a 1,235-pound wheel of cheese, which they sent down the eastern shore via sailboat and sleigh to Washington D.C., where President Thomas Jefferson awaited the gift. According to newspaper accounts, Jefferson “stood in the White House doorway, arms outstretched, … Continue reading
On June 15th, we will be less than a week away from the summer solstice, the day of the year on which the daylight glows longest. After the solstice, of course, the sun shines less and less each day. As early as the Fourth of July, while distracted by flashy exploding things, we will already … Continue reading
Monday the 18th of May is the day! Come down to The Book Cellar at 7pm, and stay! (For a while.) Our lineup will slay with essay laser rays. And we’ll collect for 826CHI whatever you can pay. Hooray! Britt Julious is an essayist and journalist born and bred in the city. She currently serves … Continue reading
Say! It’s May! Time to allay your dismay – winter’s gray no longer holds you under its sway. Don’t delay, sashay your way down to The Book Cellar on Monday, May 18th, 7pm, for your hosts Willy Nast and Karen Shimmin and this lineup of writers in their respective heydays: The Back Talk Creative Director … Continue reading
Every April 20th, Americans celebrate the legacy of Smokey the Bear by lighting many small, controlled blazes of their own and subsequently feasting on campfire staples such as s’mores, hot dogs, and Doritos Locos Tacos. So after you wake from your Taco Bell-induced nap, come on down to The Book Cellar (where they have cupcakes and scones … Continue reading
The St. Patrick’s Day parade takes place on Saturday, March 14th, kicking off a weekend of solemn reflection and quiet religious observance in Chicago. This somber weekend is merely a precursor to Tuesday, March 17th, the actual St. Patrick’s Day, on which nary the hoot of laughter nor the holler of vomit can be heard … Continue reading
Monday is Presidents’ Day. Presidents’ Day reminds us of Abraham Lincoln, who was pretty good at writing things down and reading them in front of people. If you join us at the The Book Cellar (in LINCOLN Square) on Monday, February 16th at 7pm, you’ll be treated to this lineup of humans who are also … Continue reading
They said that 2014 was the year of the essay. 2015 will be the year of Essay Fiesta. Or, at least, a year of Essay Fiestas. Which means this year will be a lot like last year, and the previous few years before that. Huh. Anyway, join Karen Shimmin and super special guest host Nathalie … Continue reading
Are you still nursing injuries sustained in a Black Friday melee? Have you grown tired of the consumer and religious aspects of the holidays? Do you have grievances that need airing? Do you find tinsel distracting? Then get your Festivus poles out of your crawlspaces and come on down to The Book Cellar at 7pm on … Continue reading
Bela Lugosi was born on October 20th, 1882, in full Dracula regalia. Throughout his entire life, he never removed his cape, even insisting on keeping it draped around his shoulders while showering. By the time he achieved success as a character actor in Hollywood, that cape had gotten pretty gross, ultimately contributing to fewer movie … Continue reading
Essay Fiesta 