Island in the City

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From celluloid to "content"
Chicago's Essanay Studios, the AI threat, and the film industry strikes
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René Ostberg

May 2023

Dad's Honor Flight
A father's second homecoming from the Korean War
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René Ostberg

April 2023

Nothing gold can stay
Elvis Presley (and his "$10,000" gold suit) in Chicago

February 2023

In honor of Brigid, in honor of the Magdalenes
A post for St. Brigid's Day
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René Ostberg

November 2022

The story behind the sign
Jazz Record Mart and Delmark Records
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René Ostberg

September 2022

Make Chicago green again
Memories of Green Mill days: Uptown, Chicago nightlife, and the way it was
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René Ostberg

June 2022

Infamy
"We interrupt this program/your humanity for some injustice."
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René Ostberg
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April 2022

Who's the real thief?
Losing time, streaming while social distancing, and watching Michael Mann's Thief mid-COVID
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René Ostberg

February 2022

Pandemic pets and the Pigeon Man
How COVID birdsong recalls the Pigeon Man of Lincoln Square
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René Ostberg

January 2022

Saying thank you with cake
Happy New Year! Here's a special recipe for subscribers...
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René Ostberg

December 2021

Stranger to stráinséar: For Tim Robinson
For Tim and Mairéad Robinson, fellow Aran Islands blow-ins
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René Ostberg

November 2021

How a river is a community
Why the heart of Chicago lies in the mouth of its river
 • 
René Ostberg
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