Frank Sennett

Thune was backed into a corner by refusing to negotiate ACA until government reopens. Ok, now he must negotiate in good faith and Ds have to insist on a full extension or no additional CR. Still a disaster.

This capitulation is going to cause a firestorm. The only way it possibly works out for the Democrats is if they a) put a marker down that they are giving Republicans a chance to do the right thing while easing the immediate crisis and b) absent an ACA extension by end of January, shutdown is back.

I want to play poker with the Senate Democratic caucus…

I've been on staff for ... 38 years, and I don't remember ever feeling the paper is as focused and consequential as I do now. I can't speak to the effect, but as T.S. Eliot said, "For us there is only the trying. The rest is not our business."

Every company website is so desperate. You're on their page for five seconds and they want to send you notifications for the rest of your life. It's like if you asked somebody at an airport how to get to Terminal D and they told you, then got down on one knee and proposed.

Definitely a good spot. The list of great venues is so long. Had great nights at Jazz Showcase, Andy’s, Pritzker Pavilion, Bottom Lounge, Auditorium, Constellation, Judson & Moore, City Winery, Beat Kitchen, Cobra Lounge, Carol’s. Have not been to Concord Hall or Ramova but hear good things.

And what’s crazy is my next favorite 10 Chicago music venues would easily be cream of the crop almost anywhere else:

Northerly Island, the brawlroom, The Riv, Rosa’s, Kingston Mines, Martyr’s, Thalia Hall, Lincoln Hall, Buddy Guy’s Legends, Park West.

Absolutely hate United Center, though.

In the suburbs, it’s Fitzgerald’s (maybe my favorite spot in the metro area), Evanston Space, Ravinia, Rosemont Horizon (or whatever they call it now), Genesee, Des Plaines Theatre, Arcada, Rialto Square, Horseshoe Hammond, Hard Rock NW Indiana. Never been to Hey Nonny.

Good list, but I have never enjoyed Chicago Theatre as a concert venue. Musical theatre, yes, and maybe a theatrical show like David Byrne’s, which worked well at the Auditorium.

My top 10: Maurer, The Vic, Metro, Hideout, Empty Bottle, House of Blues, Green Mill, Schubas, Reggie’s, Salt Shed.

The Diplomat on Netflix has hit its stride with season three. A gripping depiction of the trials, tribulations and triumphs of a high-powered marriage. Keri Russell and Rufus Sewell are superb.

This will end the shutdown

I asked David Byrne today about what draws him to creative projects like Theater of the Mind, which he’s bringing to Chicago with the @goodmantheatre.bsky.social #chicagotheater #DavidByrne #TalkingHeads #TheaterOfTheMind #GoodmanTheatre

I resent that you forced me to read this psychotic list.

Captain America standing in a blazing battlefield: "I've known GOOD vampires. People who never asked for this curse, who don't inflict their pain and hunger on others. "But I've never known a good NAZI." Be like Cap!

Cap knows the score.

The Sound of Music brings a timely message with timeless songs to the Nederlander An authoritarian leader casts a dark shadow across the land, employing intimidation to silence dissent while too many citizens stay quiet and hope for the best. If there’s a better analog for…

If there’s a better analog for 2025 America than 1938 Austria during the anschluss, I can’t think of what it is. So it’s timely to have The Sound of Music at the Nederlander dispensing lessons in moral courage with a classic Rodgers & Hammerstein score.
chicagocultureauthority.com/2025/10/23/t...

I’m so proud of my fellow Americans today. This country’s immune system rejects authoritarianism.

If you’re looking for a seasonally appropriate outing for little ones, Frederick, the first production of Chicago Children’s Theatre’s 20th anniversary season, is a good bet.
chicagocultureauthority.com/2025/10/07/f...

With Paranormal Activity, Chicago Shakes serves up a fright feast You might ask why a theater called Chicago Shakespeare would produce a play based on a horror film franchise. The audience at Thursday’s opening of Paranormal Activity got a definitive answer…

Why would a theater called Chicago Shakespeare produce a play based on a horror film franchise? The audience at Thursday’s opening of Paranormal Activity got a definitive answer: This taut and terrifying show gives you the willies, maybe even the shakes.
chicagocultureauthority.com/2025/10/17/w...

It was blackjack he won the money at but he also plays poker.

That would be even better.

The amazing thing is, he did it at the $5 table.

This tool could be the plot device of the next Nightmare Alley remake.

Just fascinating. Love learning stuff like this.

“Don’t risk suit damage.” That single sentence opens up a window into the protocols and concerns of being a furry.

I mean this with zero snark (probably why I’m a writer; fascinating to learn about different walks of life).

Opinion | How a Trump Judge Exposed the Trump Con

How a Trump appointed judge exposed Trump's Lying Con #TrumpLiesEverytimeHeSpeaks
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/12/o...

Bovino saw One Battle After Another and thought Sean Penn was the protagonist.

Unfortunately, no. Thanks again. I’m out at shows all the time. I’ll follow you here and if I see we’re at the same gig I’ll reach out to grab a round. Great game and great show!

Dumbest timeline.

I’m in a blue hoodie and a billy goat cap. Beer on me.

Thank you. I am catching a few innings at the park and walking up. If you give me a heads-up when they come on, I’ll gladly buy you a beer!