Ask Geo
GO columnist Georgette Braun is curious about a lot of things. She’ll answer your questions, pose some of her own, and comment on everything from entertainment to life and death.

Geo on TV, radio promoting new GO; Lisa on video

Add comment October 27th, 2009 11:46am Georgette Braun

GO is getting a big-time face lift and attitude adjustment (think: FUN), and we’re multi-media-ing all over the next few days to let you know about it.

I’ll be on WREX-13 (Comcast 3) with anchor Laura Gibbs  between 6:30 and 6:45 ish Thursday morning interviewing me.

At 4:20 ish p.m. Friday, I’ll be on the Stone & Double T show on WXRX (104.9 FM).

And my boss, Lisa Glowinski, GO editor, is on the Web now HERE talking about the fun you’ll have with our revamped GO Mondays through Saturdays.

Highlights: Mondays, a look back at weekend in photos and a guide for the week; Tuesdays, the arts; Wednesdays, food with new chef profiles, deli item reviews, more interaction with readers on our Friday My Last Bite dining reviews; Thursdays, all about families, not just those with kids; Fridays, weekend focus with more band profiles, nightlife/the hilarious Kevin Haas; Saturdays, relaxing with movie reviews, stuff to do at home.

Where are the really cool Halloween-decorated yards around here?

3 comments October 26th, 2009 10:14am Georgette Braun

I like to do night-time drive-bys.

A few I’ve seen: Off East Avenue and River Road in Loves Park. This inflatable organ plays sends creepy music so far that you can hear it from the slides at Martin Park.

Another one is also off East Avenue, practically across the street from the Northwoods Grill & Bar at Riverside Boulevard in Loves Park. The graveyard atmosphere there is enough to make you look over your shoulder more than once to make sure no ghosts are following you.

We’ve been asking you to send us photos of decorated yards and folks in costumes. So far, I’m seeing mostly costumed kids, and they are cute. But let’s get spooky with it.

costume-g1a919077421fb0dbfa164f444b84ae19bfefd3927f82e9.jpg

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY RAQUEL CAMPOS

Nathalie Lorenza Cardenas, 17 months, of Rockford, dresses as Tinker Bell.

Are new Barbies black enough

Add comment October 23rd, 2009 09:00am Georgette Braun

Some say no, in this story in the Chicago Sun-Times.

Vote and tell in comments here why or why not?

barbieartnewblackbarbiematt.jpg

Are the new Barbies black enough?
View Results

Update on Cheap Trick’s shows

Add comment October 22nd, 2009 08:28am Georgette Braun

Though the third leg of Def Leppard’s tour  has been canceled for “unforeseen personal matters,” Cheap Trick isn’t taking much of a break. The Rockford-based Tricksters opened for Def Leppard and the tour’s third leg was to have started today with 20 shows.

Cheap Trick will perform close to home Dec. 10 at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont at Jack’s Cheap Christmas Event.

Update on one of Shawn Ryan’s shows

Add comment October 22nd, 2009 07:38am Georgette Braun

The Hollywood Reporter says Fox has ordered three more scripts for “Lie to Me,” the Shawn Ryan-helmed drama that he took over as showrunner for this season.

TV Squad says that despite big improvements in this second season, ratings for the show have dwindled.

Ryan is a Rockford native who lives in Los Angeles with his wife and children. He created  “The Shield,” co-produced “The Unit” and is involved in shows that have yet to appear on TV: “Terriers” and “Ridealong.”

Tell how do you destress around the holidays

Add comment October 21st, 2009 03:57pm Georgette Braun

Do you shout it out? Laugh it off? How do you destress at the holidays?

I’m looking for ideas for a story I’m writing in November for our new-and-improved GO section, debuting Oct. 30. It’s about destressing/relaxing, and we all know the holidays can be stressful.

Tell me your ideas in comments here in the next day or so. Mine? I go for a walk on the bike path,  light  candles that smell good, wrap up with a blanket on the couch and watch reruns of “Law&Order.”

candlesimages.jpeg

Name of MTV show being taped today in Rockford is

Add comment October 21st, 2009 09:54am Georgette Braun

MegaDrive, according to a Lion Television rep who is helping orchestrate the taping.

It’s a new comedy stunt show. Videographers from Lion, which contracts with MTV, are on the Rock River in Rockford today taping while Bill Zang of Universal Hovercraft of Rockford “flies” over the water and obstacles.

NYTimes features J.R. Sullivan, founder of former NAT

Add comment October 20th, 2009 09:48am Georgette Braun

J.R. Sullivan, founder of the now-defunct New American Theater in Rockford, was featured Saturday in the New York Times.

He’s the new chief of the Pearl Theater in New York. The story mentions his ties to Rockford.

pearl-190.jpg

Nicole Bengiveno/The New York Times

J. R. Sullivan, the Pearl Theater’s artistic director, outside Stage II at City Center, where the company has started its new season.

DID YOU HEAR THIS: Congress trying to quiet TV commercial volume

Add comment October 16th, 2009 10:09am Georgette Braun

If Congress can fix the higher-volumed TV commercials, it’ll restore my confidence in mankind.

Check out this Poynter story for details.

tv_ad1.jpg (tvisnotdead.com image)

How would lowering the volume of TV commercials change your life?
View Results

Win dinner for two, with beer paired with each of five courses

21 comments October 15th, 2009 03:04pm Georgette Braun

You have to eat. It’s October. Why not combine food with the one beverage that goes hand-in-hand with the month — beer?

The Olympic Tavern, 2327 N. Main St., Rockford is taking the idea to a five-fisted level. At 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, the eatery is offering a five-course dinner, each course paired with a Sprecher brew,  for $45.

And here’s the even tastier part: You can win two free tickets by posting on my blog in “comments” the flavor of beer you’d develop if you could and what a few of the ingredients would be. I’ll pick my favorite and let you know by 9 a.m. Tuesday if you’re the winner.

beer20080206-sprecher.jpg

Sprecher makes some 20 different kinds of beers and eight types of sodas in Glendale in Milwaukee County in Wisconsin. Founder Randy Sprecher will be at the Olympic to talk about his brewing style and food pairings.

Here’s the menu (subject to change based on availability):

Oktoberfest Wilkommen - Thuringer, Knackwurst, & Bratwurst with twin drunken mustards - Sprecher Oktoberfest

Greens, Gala Apple, Candied Walnuts, & Gorgonzola Crumbles? - Sprecher Shakparo Gluten Free Beer

Wisconsin Sharp Cheddar Soup with Pretzel Crostini - Sprecher Pub Ale

Black Pepper & Coffee Crusted Buffalo Tenderloin, Roasted Cipollini Onion & Dark Beer Jus - ?Sprecher Black Bavarian

Dark Chocolate Bread Pudding & Bourbon Caramel Sauce - Sprecher Bourbon Barrel Aged Russian Imperial Stout

    For more information, call 815-962-8758.

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