Facebook tragedy leads to triumph
Things were going so well for Smile Politely, the Facebook entity. We had won hundreds of friends and were well on our way to influencing people. Then, one day, the ill-humored Facebook overlords disabled our …
Word
Roger Ebert announces films for 2009 festival
Those who are fully invested in our hometown boy-cum-iconic film critic wait (im)patiently each year until ol’ Ebert reveals his selections for his Overlooked Film Festival. This is the 11th year, and the list has …
Beer Bulletin: March 27
Are you the type who picks a bar based upon the beer? If so, read on to find out the freshest brews in town. Crane Alley On tap: Dogfish Head Red & White, Dogfish Head …
Urbana Farmer’s Market gets grant
The Urbana Farmer’s Market received a $7,500 grant from the Illinois Department of Agriculture “to help market their homegrown produce.” That amount was tied for the largest award of any in the state.
Lincoln Hotel story takes odd turn
How can you pay for a renovation when your property is being foreclosed upon? The owners of the Historic Lincoln Hotel are trying to figure that out, as their management company claims to be moving …
Furniture Lounge on its way out of downtown Champaign
Furniture Lounge in downtown Champaign is having a big sale prior to its move to downtown Urbana: 75% off storewide through March 30. Vintage clothing is $5 a bag and records are 25 for one …
Audrey Niffenegger gets $5 mil book deal
I had the pleasure of meeting Audrey Niffenegger, author of the New York Times bestseller, The Time Traveler’s Wife, when I was going to Columbia College Chicago. During our meeting, she spoke about her next …
Illini baseball avoids sweep in Florida finale
The University of Illinois baseball team won their final game against Central Connecticut State in Winter Haven, Florida, by a 6-0 count. The Illini went 2-3 overall in the Sunshine State, and return home for …
Wanna sell some ads for us?
Smile Politely has decided to seek a freelance advertising rep to help put the small businesses that make our town tick on the pages of our Web site. We are looking for a self-starter; someone …
Historic Lincoln Hotel getting long-overdue renovation
William Gillespie wrote about its decrepit condition on this very site last week, and now comes the announcement that the Historic Lincoln Hotel is closing for a nine-month renovation. Any suggestions for the new name?