By Steve Rhodes
“At an administrative hearing Monday morning, a Cook County official doubled down on a controversial position that the Reader first reported on last week: she explained to attorneys for two Chicago venues that live performances of rock, country, rap, and electronic music do not constitute ‘music’ or ‘culture’ by the county’s standards,” the Reader reports.
“This is more than a cultural debate, though, because these definitions affect which small Chicago venues are entitled to an exemption from the county’s 3 percent amusement tax on cover and ticket charges. Anita Richardson, a hearing officer appointed by the county’s Department of Administrative Hearings, seemed to be arguing this morning that only small venues that book chamber orchestras, symphony orchestras, or operas should be entitled to the tax break – those relying instead on ‘rap music, country music, and rock ‘n’ roll’ in addition to electronic music and DJ performances should have to pay.
“Rap music, country music, and rock ‘n’ roll” do not fall under the purview of “fine art,” she explained.
Anita Richardson, you are Today’s Worst Person In Chicago.
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Plus, how fine is this?
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Programming Note
My laptop has been given a clean bill of health, though we won’t really know until I put it to the test. Should be back in my possession tonight or tomorrow night. Our national nightmare is almost over.
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East Chicago Is Toxic
The next of many Flints.
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Toxic for decades. Systemic failure by industry, regulators, politicians & not just on lead. https://t.co/MUmx0pmm52 https://t.co/Lm2NplbNep
— Tracy Maple (@tracycopygrrrl) August 23, 2016
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The Best, Most Incredible Cosplay Of Wizard World Chicago 2016
Bigger and better.
Sports Betting Spotlight: Chicago Bears
Tip: Take John Fox against the spread on the road.
Here Comes Skateboarding
The DNA of the Olympic ideal.
Progressive Pie
Assumption is the mother of all fuck-ups.
The Weekend In Chicago Rock
Featuring: The Goddamn Jets, Blue Mud, Vivian Green, X, The Cosmic Dead, Bodybag, Winkler Mill, Pidgin, House Boat, Pidgin, Yes, The Go Gos, Neurosis, Pearl Jam, and Wilco.
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Never forget:
Jeff Tweedy Oughta Be Ashamed.
Jeff Tweedy (D-Rahm) Has Broken Our Hearts.
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Has anyone ever asked Tweedy about this? Does he have any regrets? Does he still support Rahm?
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BeachBook
Uncovering A $1 Billion Deal To Detain Unauthorized Immigrants.
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Marvin Glass, Toy Designer (1972).
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KFC Gives Away Chicken-Scented Sunscreen.
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TweetWood
A sampling.
Chicago magazine had to include a black kid for diversity, so they made him the nerd: pic.twitter.com/ueXXvF1tKE
— Beachwood Reporter (@BeachwoodReport) August 23, 2016
.@BeachwoodReport WBEZ: #CPS is 45.6% Latino; 39.6% Black; 9.5% White; 3.6% Asian.
— Beachwood Reporter (@BeachwoodReport) August 23, 2016
Also, they picked a fictional suburban school for their concept, just sayin’.
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The Beachwood Tronc Line: Mess with the bull.
Posted on August 23, 2016