Karl Rove Gets Re-Invited to Loyola in Chicago

January 31, 2011 - Chicago - Karl Rove will be speaking at Loyoal University Chicago after all. Last July, conservative activists at Loyola University Chicago had planned to bring Karl Rove to their campus to speak in the fall semester. Loyola's administrators had other plans, however. Jessica Reynolds reported the story for the Loyola Student Dispatch: After months of controversy, Karl Rove will get his chance to speak at Loyola University Chicago. Rove, senior advisor and deputy chief of staff to former President George W. Bush, and now a FOX News regular, will speak at the university on March 22. Full Story at Loyola Student Dispatch... It's all part of Rove's book tour for "Courage and Consequence," of course. For those of you who just can't get enough of Karl Rove, he will be the keynote speaker at the annual McKinley Club banquet on Feb 22, 2011 at the Niles McKinley Memorial Auditorium in Niles, Illinois. More info here.

My Favorite Used Bookstore Needs Help!

The best used bookstore in Chicago, in my humble opinion, is Armadillo's Pillow in Rogers Park. They are in financially troubled times (who isn't these days?), but there's a way that you bookstore lovers can help them out. It's simple enough: Buy some books from them and/or drop off the used books that you know you'll never read again. Armadillo's Pillow is not the biggest used bookstore in Chicago. It doesn't have the largest selection, and there is no off-street parking (although it's along some major bus lines and is an easy walk from the Morse CTA Red Line station). But the quality of selections and the charm of the space itself will hook you. What makes A.P. the best is a combination of things: A warm, cozy environment that encourages lingering and browsing, a wide variety of genres and titles, the home made art for sale on the walls, and never knowing what new literary gem you may find for a couple of bucks in the well-organized aisles and rows of used books. Actually, they're in such good condition that owners Matt and Beth might take a cue from the auto retail industry and refer to them as "pre-owned" books. Like many businesses these days, Armadillo's Pillow is having a rough time financially. You might think that a seller of used books (or used anything) would see an uptick in business during such times, when people are looking for bargains. Not so, says Matt. Apparently, people are willing to forego books to keep their own budget in line. I find that confusing, since a good book can be found for less than what might pay for a beer at tavern. Unlike the beer, the book can provide entertainment for days or weeks and will not increase your need to urinate or impair your ability to operate heavy machinery. Armadillo's Pillow has been in business for 15 years. I discovered them 12 years ago, when I first moved into Rogers Park. Over the course of 10 years, I think I purchased something like 70 or 80 books there. Most of those were used (pre-owned) science fiction items, often under $2.00 each. With no television at home, the books were welcome entertainment. Also welcome has been the many hours of good conversation I've had over the years with Matt and Beth. Now, Armadillo's needs a little extra love. Friend and fellow blogger Bill Morton recently helped in a big way. "I donated roughly two thousand books to local bookstore The Armadillo's Pillow. The books that I donated were the ones that I saved from the North Shore School demolition a few years ago." Read Bill's post at his RP1000 blog. The Armadillo's Pillow is located at 6753 N. Sheridan Road, Chicago, Illinois, 60626. They're on the east side of Sheridan just south of Pratt. Their website is http://www.armadillospillow.com/. Their phone is 773-761-2558. Photos taken October 9, 2010 by T.H.Mannis

New Book, "Piss 'Em All Off," Promises Just That

Former aldermanic candidate Don Gordon is now an author. He lost to Joe Moore in a vicious run-off election in April, 2007 up in Chicago's 49th Ward. Gordon learned a lot during that nightmarish experience, and now shares some of his knowlegde in a new book. I love the title, "Piss 'Em All Off... and other practices of the effective citizen." Gordon was something of a community activist himself before running for alderman (his main issue has always been preservation of the lakefront, especially along his beloved Rogers Park neighborhood on Chicago's north side). Author Gordon will be signing copies of his new book and answering questions this coming weekend on both Saturday, October 9 from 10:00 am to Noon and also on Sunday, October 10 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. WHERE: Charmers Cafe, 1500 W. Jarvis (at Greenview) in Rogers Park, Chicago. (Very little street parking, but a short 1/2 block from the Jarvis CTA Red Line station.) The book is described by Gordon as an effort to closely examine "the five practices of being an effective citizen, showing that they are simple, require little of our time, and make a dramatic difference in how government responds." Is he talking about the Tea Party? No, not intentionally, anyway. Gordon is not a Tea Partier, but like many self-described "Democrats" he shares many of their values. Like many of those Democrats, he probably wouldn't admit this. Even so, Don Gordon is a bright man with a likable personality (I've gotten drunk with him on more than one occasion) and it would be well worth your while to meet him and check out his book. Gordon sounds Tea Party-ish in his recent media release, in which he poses these questions: "Tired of getting screwed over by a government that's out of touch? Weary of corrupt and incompetent politicians who make things worse? Frustrated by a political system that works only for the well-connected? Well don't give up! Our democracy is indeed failing, but it's you and I who are responsible. Only we can make a difference, and only if we take the time to do what is necessary. What we need is a guide that explores the practices of effective citizenship. This book is that guide." We need all the informed advice we can get these days in our troubled republic, and Don Gordon is more informed than most. But I can't help urging you to remind my friend Mr. Gordon that he should attend one or two Tea Party rallies. He would, I think, find a lot of common ground there. More about the book and the book signing here...

Aldous Huxley Symposium, July 31

The novel "Brave New World" predicted much of today's troubles. Written by Aldous Huxley (1894-1963), the book was published in 1932. The book is still relevant to today's political, economic and cultural events. Read the entire novel for free online at www.huxley.net/bnw/ (this is not an advert; there are no strings attached, just a free online book for you). There will be a gathering in Los Angeles this summer that is a must for any serious Huxley fan: Fourth International Aldous Huxley Symposium in Los Angeles 2008: Aldous Huxley in America Venue: Huntington Library, San Marino, CA Date: 31 July – 2 August 2008 (conference warming 30 July, departure day 3 August) Theme: “Aldous Huxley in America” Download the detailed programme (pdf) here. For more details, visit http://www.anglistik.uni-muenster.de/Huxley/news.html Leave a Comment on our Guestbook! CommieBama Hats and More Chicago News Bench RSS Feed Follow ChiNewsBench on Twitter

Read Huxley's Brave New World (Free)

Did you know you can read "Brave New World" for free online? This is not an ad, there are no stings, no catches. Ab-so-lute-ly free. It's a safe website devoted to Huxley's work.

The good folks at https://www.huxley.net/ have the entire novel by Aldous Huxley posted on their website. They just want you to read it. BNW is a must-read book for anybody concerned about the decay of modern society. Published in 1932, it is more relevant today (sadly) than ever before.

Like George Orwell's "1984," Brave New World was prophetic. Although it has a strong message and deals with very serious subjects, it's a much easier read than 1984, thanks in part to a lot of dark humor.

The authors of Huxley.net tell us that Aldous Huxley "is seeking to warn us against scientific utopianism. He succeeds all too well. Although we tend to see other people, not least the notional brave new worlders, as the hapless victims of propaganda and disinformation, we may find it is we ourselves who have been the manipulated dupes."

In the early 1930's Huxley was already warning us about genetic experimentation, one-world government, class warfare, statism and other issues that have become stark reality today. Read it. It's free. So are you ... for now.

James Cappleman Live Book Signing Feb 12 in Uptown

One of Chicago's nicest people and good friend James Cappleman will discuss his new book and sign copies tonight in Uptown. This is his first book signing. "Asking the Right Questions to Get the Health Care You Need" is a guide designed to "help you get through the maze of health care." Join James Cappleman at the classy Unique So Chique from 7:00 - 8:00 PM on Thursday, Feb. 12, Unique So Chique is at 4600 N. Magnolia (at Wilson) Phone: 773-561-0324 Note: The entrance to Unique So Chique is actually on W. Wilson, not far from the Wilson CTA station and Truman College; see Google Map. (Click picture to see more info.) CNB RSS Feed

James Cappleman Book Signing Thursday Feb 12

One of Chicago's nicest people and good friend James Cappleman is very excited right now. Why? Because tomorrow night he will host his first book signing in Uptown. James wrote a guide designed to "help you get through the maze of health care." (Click picture to enlarge it) Join James at Unique So Chique from 7-8 PM on Thursday, Feb. 12, 4600 N. Magnolia (at W. Wilson, just steps from the Wilson CTA station). Phone: 773-561-0324 Website: http://www.uniquesochique.com/ Google Map CNB RSS Feed

Felsenthal on NPR: Bill's Role in Hillary's Campaign

Author Carol Felsenthal was a guest on All Things Considered, May 30, 2008. She discussed the Bill Clinton's effect on the campaign of his wife, Sen. Hillary Clinton as she tries to get the Democrat Party's nomination. Felsenthal, a Chicago native, says the results have been less than sterling. Carol Felsenthal's book, "Clinton in Exile," was released on May 1st. You can read my interview with her in the Chicago Journal papers by clicking here. ACTUALLY, the dickweeds at Chicago Journal deleted articles by all former staff and contributors after they sold off the News-Star for a handful of nothing in March, 2009. So, without permission, I gladly reproduce that entire article below: Bill Clinton cheats at golf Local author’s book recounts Clinton’s post-presidential life By TOM MANNIS Contributing Writer Wednesday, May 28, 2008 Bill Clinton cheats at golf. Chicago author Carol Felsenthal says so in her latest bombshell biography, "Clinton in Exile: A President Out of the White House," released this month by William Morrow/Harper Collins. But don't take Felsenthal's word for it. She says that she interviewed "about 20 people who still golf with Bill Clinton. They all said he cheats at golf." One of those golfers is Leon Panetta, who was the Clinton's chief of staff from 1994 to 1996. Panetta still swings a club now and then with Clinton, and Felsenthal recalls Panetta telling her that "Bill Clinton always ends up with a good score," no matter how well-or poorly-he actually plays. Cheating at golf is just one minor, albeit amusing, anecdote in Felsenthal's "Clinton in Exile." The unauthorized biography of the former president covers Clinton's activities since leaving the White House in January 2001. One cannot write a book about Bill Clinton without getting the requisite criticism. "Clinton in Exile" is raising a lot of eyebrows, and more than a few hackles, by candidly discussing the Monica Lewinsky affair, Clinton's impeachment, and other details that Clinton insiders are usually reluctant to discuss. One chapter, "Philanderer in Chief," is making some readers apoplectic, and some reviewers are calling the book "mean spirited" because of its rehashing of Bill Clinton's sexual proclivities. Felsenthal defends that chapter and the inclusion of such material. "I don't think it's mean spirited," she says in a no-holds-barred phone interview. "What they're upset about in a blue-nosed prissy way is the chapter 'Philanderer in Chief,' but that's part of the story. Clinton is a man who was impeached over a sex scandal. I make no apologies for that. That's one chapter out of, what, fifteen chapters, and I would have been remiss to leave it out." Not all reviews have been negative. "Two journals that review advance book copies," Felsenthal said, "are Library Journal and [the American Library Association's] Book List. Both of them loved my book." Felsenthal's web site (www.carolfelsenthal.com) describes "Clinton in Exile" as "a candid, objective look at Bill Clinton's post-White House years." She insists that the book is indeed objective, and cites the chapter "Bill Clinton Fixes Africa," which praises Clinton's work to fight disease and poverty. Surely, fans of Bill Clinton will find something to love in this chapter. Felsenthal interviewed over 160 people for the biography. Some spoke willingly, some did not want to speak with her at all. Others strung her along. Bill Clinton's former communications director, Jay Carson, is one example. Carson is currently a spokesman for Hillary Clinton. Felsenthal recalls obtaining Carson's cell phone number and contacting him. "After promises that I should call him back at certain times.... he picked up the phone and I heard Bill Clinton in the background," Felsenthal said. "They were in Africa. They were in a restaurant. 'I can't talk to you right now, the boss wants to go.'" She says Carson never did call her back. Felsenthal taught "Writing Profiles," a course that drew on her experience writing magazine profiles of luminaries ranging from Ann Landers to Don Rumsfield, at the University of Chicago in 2005 and 2006. "That was fun," she says, "The students were great. But when I took this book contract in the spring of 2006, I really had to focus on it full time. I am still in touch with my students. One is a producer at CBS in New York. Others are freelancers. I would love to teach again." The publisher, Harper Collins, originally wanted the book in July 2007. "But," says Felsenthal, "I wasn't going to do the book without fresh material, and wanted the book to be based on interviews." So she set off on her string of 160 interviews, all without an assistant. Hundreds of e-mails and uncounted phone calls went into to setting up the interviews. "The manuscript was 80,000 words longer than the finished book is," Felsenthal says. "I way overwrote it, which is my eccentricity. Cutting the manuscript was tough. The most challenging thing was that Bill Clinton was constantly in the news. He was a moving target in a way. It's easier to write about somebody who is dead or retired than somebody who is trying to establish his legacy." Despite some critics who have called the book "catty" and "salacious," Felsenthal says she tried to be fair to all of her sources, both detractors and admirers of the 42nd president. "But some people just don't understand the difference between 'off the record' and 'not for attribution,'" Felsenthal says. "You have to let the material take you where the reality is and the extreme ends of the story will fall away. Somewhere in the middle you come up with an accurate story. I want the reporting to take me to a fair assessment rather than having an agenda." "Clinton in Exile" is not Felsenthal's first effort. Her biography of Washington Post publisher Katharine Graham, "Power, Privelege and the Post: The Katharine Graham Story will be produced by HBO this year. "Filming will start in the fall," she said. "They were negotiating that for years. The director (Tom Hooper) is the same one who did the John Adams miniseries. I think I will have exceptionally little input, but my contract makes me a consultant on the script." Felsenthal recalls how Ted Turner originally picked up the rights to produce the bio. Married to Jane Fonda at the time, who was friends with one of Graham's children, Turner ended up dropping the project because of pressure from the Grahams. "Around 1994, my agent told me, 'This will get made when Kate Graham dies.' Graham died on July 17, 2001," Felsenthal says, "and by August 2001 we had a deal with HBO." Felsenthal was born and raised in West Ridge. She attended Rogers Elementary School, then Decatur Classical School "when it was first built." She graduated from Sullivan High School in 1967, and then went to the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana. From Illinois, Felsenthal went to Boston College in Cambridge, Mass., where she earned her master's. Loyal to Chicago, she moved back with her husband, attorney Steven Felsenthal, in 1974. "I've never lived in the suburbs, never ever, ever," says Felsenthal, who resides in Old Town. "I have nothing against the suburbs, but I love being in the city. It's great for freelance, better than New York, where writers are a dime a dozen." With her full schedule of media appearances, Chicago is convenient for her. She often walks to radio or television appearances in downtown Chicago. "I love walking in Chicago. Interviewing in New York is tough, it's too dense. Chicago has a nice sense of openness. I was very fond of Boston, but I'm glad I came back to Chicago."

New book about Rogers Park

Christoph at agreenflash.blogspot.com notes that there is a new book now that details the history of Rogers Park: Arcadia, publishers of the popular "Images of America" series have released a book about Rogers Park. It's worth a read, if only for the story of the Granada theater which no longer exists. Full story...