The DePaulia

Chicago International Film Festival begins

Chicago is celebrating its role as a global city as local and international filmmakers are showcased at the 48th annual Chicago International Film Festival. Full story

Television

Tale of the tape: “The X-Factor” vs. “The Voice”

For the fall television season, reality competition is a hot ticket. In the singing category, two shows have been set to duke it out for the better rating – FOX’s “The X-Factor” and NBC’s “The Voice.” Full story

Film

Chicago International Film Festival begins

Chicago is celebrating its role as a global city as local and international filmmakers are showcased at the 48th annual Chicago International Film Festival. Full story

Music

"Transit of Venus" meets expectations with sound transition

Three Days Grace (TDG) released a different sound than its past albums Oct. 2 with “Transit of Venus.” The new sound blends a familiar TDG sound with a softer, more alternative sound and finds a balance between rough instrumentals and angst filled lyrics. Full story

Lifestyles

Explore Chicago: Wicker Park

On a brisk fall day, Chicagoans can be seen scurrying around the city in scarves and boots with earphones plugged in. What’s one of the best neighborhoods to spend your Saturday afternoon? Wicker Park. Once an industrial area, Wicker Park has transformed into a series of vintage stores and coffee shops. Full story

Art

Art and about on Thursday nights

This summer, art galleries in the Loop open their doors to the public every first Thursday of the month, free of charge. The galleries are held in empty storefronts that have been transformed to showcase the art. Full story

Theater

"Spring Awakening” delivers strong message, while some notes fall flat

DePaul University’s highly anticipated production of “Spring Awakening” has finally hit the stage. It is a powerful show that has barreled into the Merle Reskin Theatre with gusto and grace. Full story

Books

Nolan talks Chicago politics in new novel

“Harold Washington was one of the great characters that I covered. He was a fascinating character; it was something that I wanted to write about,” Peter Nolan, journalist author of Campaign! The 1983 Election That Rocked Chicago told attendees at his Book Talk at Barnes & Noble Thursday night. Full story

Fashion

Runway recap: Spring '13

Fall may have just arrived, but the fashion world already has its eyes set on spring, and last month’s various fashion weeks showcased designers’ spring ready-to-wear collections and gave the public a glimpse of what we can look forward to wearing for the upcoming season. Full story

Games

Fall video game preview: "Dishonored"

In many ways the video game industry is like the film industry. The big video game companies tend to rely on their big moneymakers, making sequel after sequel instead of betting on new properties. So when publishers put their faith behind promising, original titles, it is important to take notice. Full story

Food

Jumping on the food wagon

There is a new food trend that has been popping up all over the country and will soon be growing in popularity throughout Chicago. If you are into reality television, you may have seen a few episodes of “The Great American Food Truck Race” on the Food Network. Full story