Chicago|News|
Fall Out Boy Bassist Pete Wentz DJing 2019 Green Tie Ball
Chance the Snapper catcher Frank Robb will also attend fundraiser for Chicago green spaces.
I decided what I wanted to do with my life while soaring 10,000 feet in the air. This should be more exciting, but really I was reading Hunter S. Thompson's Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas on a plane to Poland while everyone else was asleep.
Fast forward two years later, I started writing music articles while studying journalism at the University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign. One of the best professors a student could ask for, Bob Reid of blessed memory, said to me that while he hoped I would "grow out" of the music thing, he had a feeling that if I was "left to my devices" I would "come up with something memorable."
I spent a summer interning at Rolling Stone Magazine, and then began writing music stories for the Chicago Red Eye. I was fortunate to meet Mike Sager, the modern Beat poet of American feature writing, who teaches others how to write and report with grace. He remains a source of inspiration and guidance in the dark times. Around then, I convinced a hungover Jack Black to follow through on a scheduled interview. As time passed, I was freelancing for more publications. Following grad school I made a brief stab at playing music somewhat professionally. But writing soon pulled me back.
The Chicago Tribune was next where I first covered news, reporting on suburban governments and random happenings in town, like a vehement protest against a foster care facility. "Not in my backyard." I remember thinking that the man who said that might need such assistance one day.
Journalism then took me to the Daily Chronicle in DeKalb, where I covered two murder suicides in the first month, and then caught a newly-elected alderman lying about his role in a mudslinging campaign against his opponent.
While in DeKalb, I also pried a door off of a vehicle using the Jaws of Life, learned a unique way to communicate with autistic teens, explained TIF funding, maintained coverage on over 30 active court cases at once and witnessed the first meeting between a woman whose life was saved by the organs of a man who was killed in a bar fight and the man's family.
After brief stints teaching at an alternative high school and immersed in online content, I am now a Patch editor.
This site is dedicated to Bob, Mike, my family and countless others who paved the way, held my hand and even carried me at times. This site is yours.
My Beliefs
At Patch, we promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and otherwise adhere to the principles of good journalism. We also acknowledge that true impartiality is impossible because human beings have beliefs. In the spirit of simple honesty, we encourage editors to reveal their beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable. This disclosure is not a license to inject our beliefs into stories or dictate coverage according to them. Rather, we hope the knowledge our beliefs are on the record will cause us to be ever mindful to write, report and edit in a fair and balanced manner. If you ever see evidence we failed in this mission, please let us know.
Politics
It is possible to help others in need while spending wisely. I am not registered with a political party. The parties spend too much time trying to get elected rather than actually solving problems.
Chance the Snapper catcher Frank Robb will also attend fundraiser for Chicago green spaces.
Conrad Hotel celebrated two years with Macallan cocktails made in the elevator on the way to Baptiste and Bottle.
Six-course steak and lobster dinner will be paired with Mondavi wines
Long running charity event supports greening, beautifying and cleaning public spaces.
Green Street Local and Vol. 39 will be using Aberlour scotch for mixed drinks.
New location has a riff on nachos, TVs and a lot more seating
Let someone else do the cooking this year for the spring holidays.
Stefani Prime serving Italian dishes and seafood alongside an array of beef
The 16-year-old bourbon-barrel finished edition is only available in U.S. at four bars and retail locations in Chicago.
Before, during or after you get Irish on Saturday, here is a list of ways to soak up any poor life choices made in the Chicago area.
Try 20 wines, pair beer with barbecue, pair whiskey with steak, Italian indulgences, seafood, zeppole and support Mercy Home
Kitchen helmed by Top Chef Masters competitor and James Beard Award winner Debbie Gold
Longman & Eagle, Dusek’s alum to combine “approachable plates” with “unique preparations” at new Wrigleyville bar and restaurant
A long list of ways to swoon your loved one, especially if you forgot to plan something for Valentine's Day.
Celebrate Burns Night in a manner fitting the traditions.
Looking for a new line of work or a way to supplement your income? Check out what Patch found for you.
Looking for a new line of work or a way to supplement your income? Check out what Patch found for you.
One man still remains wanted for an incident where a man was shot inside his Orland Park home, then chased after the assailants who continued shooting at him while driving away.