Smile Politely

SPlog

U of I researchers and ancient amber

Let’s just hope this doesn’t lead to a campustown full of bioengineered dinosaurs…. The U of I News Bureau reports the following: Scientists are searching through a massive collection of 20-million-year-old amber found in the …

Drive like your kids live here sign

I found this sign while driving west on Columbia Street between Neil and Prospect and I love it. I don’t think I am a speed demon by any means, but after seeing this sign, I …

Summer Open Air Sessions

It’s round two of the Summer Open Air Sessions and we gonna bring down the walls and let them fall. DJs Reed Richards and Kirkwood West are bringing all the dope house, tech house, and …

Brazil at The Art

Terry Gilliam is one of those mad scientist directors whose work mystifies and elevates and confounds all in one felled swoop. Yeah, yeah… Monty Python. Sure, of course, but let’s move on. Whether you enjoyed …

Pizzeria Antica slated to open in DT Champaign

Pizzeria Antica, a Neapolitan-style pizza restaurant, has plans to open in Downtown Champaign soon-ish. The News-Gazette first reported that the restaurant, which will occupy 40 E. University Ave., C, has already applied for a liquor license …

Cafe Kopi smoke free August 1st

Looks like Kopi is going smoke free for the outdoor seating. I, Sam Logan, like the idea. Being a former smoker, registered nurse, and having had family members with cancer I try to minimize my …

Candy Foster at Friday Night Live

Friday Night Live is great. But what makes it better is hearing the blues from Candy Foster. Just when I thought it couldn’t get any better Candy walked across the street, away from the band …

Silvercreek hosting Polynesian luau

Silvercreek will host a Polynesian-themed luau dinner Saturday, August 2nd. Reservations are required (call 217-328-3402), and tickets are $23, which does not include tapas or drinks. Guests must be 21 to attend.  For $23 you get: …

Prosperity Gardens today

Prosperity Gardens is open today until 5:30 p.m. Stop by and pick up some delicious vegetables from them. I choose carrots, an onion, a cabbage, and some home grown banana peppers (my mouth literally just …

Free yoga on Wednesday evenings

I spotted this flyer in Cafeteria & Co. yesterday. It looks like a cool opportunity for free yoga in Urbana. Ananda Liina, located High Cross Road, is a spiritual yoga center and community that offers …

40 North announces MTD ART winners

40 North | 88 West Announces MTD ART Winners  Artists chosen to be featured inside all MTD buses Champaign County — 40 North | 88 West – Champaign County Arts Council – is pleased to …

CUTC Mary Poppins musical to open July 31st

Yes, she is coming to town. The Champaign-Urbana Theatre Company will present Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins this coming Thursday, July 31, through Sunday, August 10. A musical based on the stories of P.L. …

Fair artists inspire

If you are a fan of art or if you’re an artist looking for inspiration, take a trip to the Champaign County Fairgrounds and check out some of the winning pieces. I am drawn to …

2015 Hatch Festival seeks creative-reuse artists

From the press release: Volunteer event organizers from the The I.D.E.A. Store in Champaign once again are talking trash. And art. They’re also making plans to bring both together in fun and innovative ways Februrary …

bacaro ramen monday: july 21 2014

45 USD hiyayakko, grilled tofu, shallots, shaved green beans, pickled shiitakes, sweet corn broth tamagoyaki, farm eggs, shaved radish, sliced cucumber summer vegetable tempura, chili dipping sauce bacaro ramen, triple s pork shoulder, hen of …

Blues Blast Music Awards hits Champaign

From the press release: We are very excited to announce that Blues Blast Magazine has partnered with The Fluid Event Center in Champaign, IL to bring the 2014 Blues Blast Music Awards on Thursday, October 23rd, …

Peter Pan Jr. at The Virginia this weekend

From the press release: The Champaign Park District Youth Theatre program is pleased to present Disney’s Peter Pan Jr. on Thursday, July 17th at 7 p.m., Friday, July 18th at 10 a.m. & 7 p.m., …