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Frank Sennett

@sennettreport.bsky.social

Author of the Rafe Hendrix thriller SHADOW STATE, named Best New Novel by a Chicagoan in the Chicago Reader 2023 Best of Chicago awards. Creative writing instructor in the SNHU MFA program. Editor of Chicago Culture Authority.

970 Followers  |  880 Following  |  319 Posts  |  Joined: 25.06.2023  |  2.3083

Latest posts by sennettreport.bsky.social on Bluesky

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.

10.11.2025 02:39 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 0    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

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.

10.11.2025 02:36 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 1

I want to play poker with the Senate Democratic caucusโ€ฆ

10.11.2025 02:31 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 4    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

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."

08.11.2025 16:16 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 16    ๐Ÿ” 7    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

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.

07.11.2025 15:54 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 289    ๐Ÿ” 46    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 10    ๐Ÿ“Œ 4

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

07.11.2025 02:30 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

And whatโ€™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, Rosaโ€™s, Kingston Mines, Martyrโ€™s, Thalia Hall, Lincoln Hall, Buddy Guyโ€™s Legends, Park West.

Absolutely hate United Center, though.

07.11.2025 02:11 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 0    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

In the suburbs, itโ€™s Fitzgeraldโ€™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.

07.11.2025 01:59 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 2    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

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

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

07.11.2025 01:59 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 3    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

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.

31.10.2025 16:50 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

This will end the shutdown

29.10.2025 19:10 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 5    ๐Ÿ” 2    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 1
Video thumbnail

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

28.10.2025 20:08 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

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

27.10.2025 22:01 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
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!

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.

26.10.2025 15:20 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 17    ๐Ÿ” 9    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Preview
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 thereโ€™s a better analog forโ€ฆ

If thereโ€™s a better analog for 2025 America than 1938 Austria during the anschluss, I canโ€™t think of what it is. So itโ€™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...

24.10.2025 02:34 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 2    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

Iโ€™m so proud of my fellow Americans today. This countryโ€™s immune system rejects authoritarianism.

19.10.2025 04:59 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 3    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

If youโ€™re looking for a seasonally appropriate outing for little ones, Frederick, the first production of Chicago Childrenโ€™s Theatreโ€™s 20th anniversary season, is a good bet.
chicagocultureauthority.com/2025/10/07/f...

18.10.2025 23:45 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 0    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Preview
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 Thursdayโ€™s opening of Paranormal Activity got a definitive answerโ€ฆ

Why would a theater called Chicago Shakespeare produce a play based on a horror film franchise? The audience at Thursdayโ€™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...

17.10.2025 21:18 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 2    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

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

16.10.2025 21:34 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

That would be even better.

16.10.2025 21:30 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 0    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

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

16.10.2025 21:24 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 4    ๐Ÿ” 1    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

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

14.10.2025 00:00 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 0    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

Just fascinating. Love learning stuff like this.

12.10.2025 22:15 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 3    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

โ€œDonโ€™t risk suit damage.โ€ That single sentence opens up a window into the protocols and concerns of being a furry.

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

12.10.2025 21:55 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 21    ๐Ÿ” 2    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Preview
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...

12.10.2025 14:01 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 3    ๐Ÿ” 2    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

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

12.10.2025 02:54 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 8    ๐Ÿ” 1    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 2    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

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

10.10.2025 13:24 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

Dumbest timeline.

10.10.2025 05:25 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

Iโ€™m in a blue hoodie and a billy goat cap. Beer on me.

10.10.2025 02:16 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 0    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

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, Iโ€™ll gladly buy you a beer!

10.10.2025 02:05 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

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