Plus: Drugpins And Supper Clubs
Over the transom.
1. Remembering David Hernandez.
Chicago’s unofficial poet laureate.
2. Northwestern history professor Garry Wills appeared on The Colbert Report to discuss his new book Why Priests? A Failed Tradition. Here’s a brief look:
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3. Pete Wentz appeared at Anderson’s Bookshop in Naperville to sign his new book Gray, a fictionalized account of the life of a rock star named Pete.
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4. “In 1988 John Cappas was on top of the world. A young man in his early 20’s who quickly rose to become one of the youngest drug king pins to grace the streets of the Chicago land area. John Cappas thumbed his nose at authorities, but while he was living it up making millions, spending $300,000 on cars, purchasing property, and lavishing jewelry and furs on his girlfriend, the federal government was building its case against him – a case they would win – a case that would get him a 45 year federal prison sentence.
“It seems so long ago, but prison would not break John Cappas, the never-say-die fighter who knew only one way of life – fight for what you want – continued his fight in the courts and finally returned to the streets after 15 years of hell in the Federal Penitentiary at Lewisburg Pennsylvania.
“Through his own determination and dedication he taught himself to overcome his challenges. He has now driven his life 180 degrees in the opposite direction and strives to help others avoid the mistakes he could not escape.”
His newish book is Tall Money.
See also: ‘Violent, Brutal’ Coke Ring Depicted.
5. “A civil action was filed today in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against the Arthur Conan Doyle Estate by Sherlock Holmes scholar Leslie S. Klinger. Klinger seeks to have the Court determine that the characters of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John H. Watson are no longer protected by federal copyright laws and that writers, filmmakers, and others are free to create new stories about Holmes, Watson, and others of their circle without paying license fees to the current owners of the remaining copyrights without paying license fees to the current owners of the remaining copyrights.”
6. “Longtime LGBT rights advocate Urvashi Vaid will be in Chicago Wed., April 3 for a free event at the Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted. She will discuss and sign copies of her new book, Irresistible Revolution: Confronting Race, Class, and the Assumptions of LGBT Politics.
“The event will start at 7 p.m. and is co-hosted by Center on Halsted, the Community Media Workshop; Ellen Stone Belic Institute for Women & Gender in Arts & Media, Columbia College Chicago; and Windy City Times newspaper. Women & Children First Bookstore will have books for sale at the event.”
7. “I’m writing to tell you about WISCONSIN SUPPER CLUBS: An Old-Fashioned Experience by Ron Faiola. This charming book explores the decades-old tradition of the supper club, a term that’s come to represent a distinctly Wisconsin-style dining establishment. Most of these supper clubs are family-owned, and they are designed to function as hubs for people to get together and enjoy an evening’s worth of home-style food and good company.
“Traditional supper clubs are found all over Wisconsin and are popular destinations both for locals and vacationers. Wisconsin Supper Clubs brings these clubs to life, featuring profiles of more than 50 supper clubs – some decades old, others more contemporary interpretations of the tradition – from around the state.
“The supper club tradition originated more than 80 years ago in dance halls, roadhouses, and taverns across the country. After World War II, the supper club experienced a makeover, becoming a more gracious, family-oriented destination for an enjoyable evening out without the membership requirements of a private club. Supper clubs honor the idea that going out to dinner is a special experience and should last an entire evening. Meals at a classic supper club emphasize conviviality, slow-paced dining, and food prepared from scratch.
“Wisconsin Supper Clubs provides an intimate look at this tradition through interviews with proprietors and customers. It features beautiful full-color photographs that showcase the unique features and food of each club. Supper clubs are hugely popular in Wisconsin and are regularly frequented by Midwestern foodies ‘in the know.’ The book serves as an attractive guide to help your readers discover this delightful Midwestern tradition for themselves.”
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Comments welcome.
Posted on February 26, 2013