Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was conceived for a purely Scrooge-like reason — to make money. Thankfully, its creator saw the Montgomery Ward marketing campaign as an opportunity to be as bold in his writing as the fantastical flying stag with a blindingly bright beak he invented was when called upon to pull Santa Claus’ sleigh through fog. More than 80 years after its … [Read more...] about Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was created in Chicago by Montgomery Ward copywriter Robert L. May to sell toys in 1939. Here’s how the popular Christmas character — and its author — went down in history.
Liberty Township and Chesterton Fire departments build for now and future
The Duneland communities of Chesterton and Liberty Township are investing millions of dollars to expand and update their fire stations in response to the area’s population growth. Liberty Township in October began building its new $4.5 million fire station, which will also house the township’s government office. The new 15,200-square-foot structure is being built behind the … [Read more...] about Liberty Township and Chesterton Fire departments build for now and future
Review: ‘Song Sung Blue’ hits a winning note, based on a real story
There are a lot of ways that “Song Sung Blue” — a film about real Milwaukee Neil Diamond tribute act Lighting and Thunder — could have gone awry. The premise alone could be a “Saturday Night Live” sketch, and in a different world, the movie would be a broad comedy and star Will Ferrell. Instead, it hews closer to tragedy and stars Hugh Jackman (who couldn’t do irony if he … [Read more...] about Review: ‘Song Sung Blue’ hits a winning note, based on a real story
Downtown Aurora’s new Mich Big Taco wants to share taste of Mexican culture
Those who step into the new Mich Big Taco in downtown Aurora are stepping into the “soul of Mexico” — at least, that’s how the owners want people to feel. The restaurant is located at 31 N. Broadway and offers Mexican fare from tacos to tortas and from breakfast plates to fajitas. Victor Alvarez, husband of owner Mercedes Alvarez, said the food is made from scratch using … [Read more...] about Downtown Aurora’s new Mich Big Taco wants to share taste of Mexican culture
Northwestern safety Robert Fitzgerald, shaped by dad’s memory, worked his way from scout team to All-Big Ten
Northwestern assistant head coach Harlon Barnett has a long list of nicknames ready to use whenever he addresses or talks about safety Robert Fitzgerald. The Terminator. The World’s Greatest Tackler. The Face of the Big Ten. The Eraser. The General. The Example. Mr. Consistent. “He’s going to start forgetting his own name,” Barnett said. Fitzgerald has given Barnett a lot of … [Read more...] about Northwestern safety Robert Fitzgerald, shaped by dad’s memory, worked his way from scout team to All-Big Ten