Chicago Sun-Times :: Today's Columists ::

'Killer' Vette no match for Fourth of July

Wed, 9 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Rich Szatkowski is a car guy -- a heartbroken one. What does it mean to be a car guy? I'll let Szatkowski explain:

America's unique lamp beside the door

Wed, 9 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Last weekend, Americans indulged in phony patriotism, accompanied by fireworks and trumpets and pompous voices trying to sound like George Washington or Thomas Jefferson or Abraham Lincoln. Little attention was given to the people who Americans have oppressed -- the aboriginal people, the African slaves, the hated Asians, Jews and Catholics. Nor was there any mention of the many unjust wars that Americans have fought.

Odds long for constitutional convention

Wed, 9 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

What do Barack Obama, the legislative morass in Springfield, and a constitutional convention have in common?

Violence at Taste not new to some

Wed, 9 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Iwasn't at the city's annual July 3rd Taste of Chicago fireworks celebration.

Freedom's just another word for 'Get out'

Wed, 9 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

New Headline: "Bush welcomes 'free' and 'sovereign' Iraq."

Chicago, Ledger shine in 'Dark Knight'

Wed, 9 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Once again, our city shines on film. New York can make all the claims it wants to make, but Chicago IS Gotham City in "The Dark Knight," the highly anticipated Batman movie coming to theaters July 18.

Obama, McCain border war

Wed, 9 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

WASHINGTON--Sen. Barack Obama told an influential Hispanic group on Tuesday that White House rival Sen. John McCain -- a champion of comprehensive immigration reform Congress has refused to pass -- has let them down, while McCain's allies disputed Obama's claim that he was a key fighter in trying to get the hot-button measure approved.

O'Dell's plan to retire prompts talk about his successor

Wed, 9 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Robert Feder: Let the guessing game begin about who'll take over the biggest radio job in town. With six months to go on his deal as morning personality at news/talk WGN-AM (720), Spike O'Dell is getting ready to call it quits from the top-rated Tribune Co.-owned station.

Beckham spots for Sharpie need to speak out loud

Wed, 9 Jul 2008 00:01 CST

Lewis Lazare: Sharpie, the little marker pen that has become synonymous with the so-called autograph experience, is launching what may be its most ambitious advertising push ever -- a global effort fronted by soccer superstar and chief spokesman David Beckham, who now resides in the United States.

Cargill's cushy work

Wed, 9 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

David Roeder: Soybeans you can sit on are the focus of a $22 million manufacturing plant Cargill Inc. is building on Chicago's Southeast Side. The factory, at 12201 S. Torrence, is designed to put the agricultural products maker in the forefront of a new business that makes soy-based ingredients for flexible foam cushions.

IU t-shirt entrepreneurs feel stiffed by Steve & Barry's

Wed, 9 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Sandra Guy: Two friends at Indiana University whose company sold Hoosier basketball T-shirts to retailer Steve & Barry's say they are disappointed and strained financially after the retailer allegedly stiffed them for $12,300. Steve & Barry's is reportedly seeking $30 million in emergency financing to keep from filing for bankruptcy or from liquidating.

Retailer a perfect fit for Sears, Kmart?

Wed, 9 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Could Sears Holdings Corp. lure shoppers to its Sears and Kmart stores with Steve & Barry's low-priced celebrity-sponsored clothes?

Milwaukee moment doesn't last long

Wed, 9 Jul 2008 00:01 CST

MILWAUKEE -- It was about 5:45 p.m., and Braulio Rodriguez was getting his family ready to go to the Brewers game Tuesday night. He made a sign: ''Thank you, Mr. Attanasio.''

The riddle of Harden: More risk or reward?

Wed, 9 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Jay Mariotti: What, you thought a general manager who signed a free agent during an angioplasty procedure was going to sit still? As formal responses go, Jim Hendry struck quicker Tuesday than Cynthia Rodriguez's divorce attorney and Rampage Jackson in an octagon jam.

Rich puts Brewers back in their place

Wed, 9 Jul 2008 00:01 CST

Isuppose you can look at it this way -- Milwaukee got 100 pounds more pitcher than the Cubs.

Close, but no Pumpkins in Chicago

Wed, 9 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Jim DeRogatis: The reunited but reconfigured Smashing Pumpkins have finally announced a local concert date -- but it's not in Chicago. The band will perform at Harrah's Horseshoe Casino in Hammond on Aug. 9. The $83 tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday through Ticketmaster.

Stage notes

Wed, 9 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Kevin Heckman, who has spent the past seven years as managing director and producing artistic director of Stage Left Theater, will become the managing director of Evanston's 28-year-old Next Theatre beginning Aug. 5.

Hathaway smartens up

Wed, 9 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

You've got to hand it to Anne Hathaway. Only a couple of weeks after she learned the ''love of her life'' was an alleged con artist, an old Vassar pal of the ''Get Smart'' star says the actress is ''well on her way'' to fully recovering from the shock.

His depression builds when wife falls out of love

BY ELLIE TESHER — Wed, 9 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

DEAR ELLIE: My wife of 13 years said she mentally divorced me three years ago, when our marriage counselor decided I was a danger to myself or someone else and placed me under observation for five days.

White-collar boxers let off steam at Fight Club

Wed, 9 Jul 2008 00:01 CST

Yes, Matt Lesser's nose is a tiny bit crooked. He ran into a post playing football in grammar school, and a few years ago it got worse in a car accident.