Inspired by the overwhelming popularity of the musical comedy-drama on the Fox network, dozens of theater groups and arts organizations in Chicago and across the country have created "Glee" summer camps for kids using music and choreography from the hit show. "Glee" camps have formed in North Carolina, Florida, Arizona, Indiana and Utah.
If you are a supporter of the arts in Chicago, you’ve doubtless been deluged of late with a request for votes. But there is no imminent major election in Illinois. Your swamped e-mail box is a consequence of a new trend in corporate philanthropy — giving money to the non-profit organization that racks up the most “votes.”
There have been several of these popularity competitions in recent weeks — it’s as if corporate giving has suddenly taken its cue from American Idol. And it’s beginning to get out of hand.
A few days into the trial, members of the Chicago Urban Art Society turned-up in front of the Everett McKinley Dirksen United States Courthouse, with plans for a little PR stunt of their own.
The group had brought cupcakes for trial attendees, each capped with a sketch by artist Ray Noland of Rod Blagojevich in a jogging suit.
The goal of the CUAS's little visit was to promote Noland's new pop art exhibit called "Sweet Tea and American Values," which features a number of Blagojevich themed pieces by Noland.
He (Blago)was asked by shouting reporters whether he was worried about the government's attempt to silence him and whether he had any comment at all.
"I'd better not," he said. "I'm dying to, but I can't."
The controversy over recent statements of Blagojevich and his lawyers was the latest culture clash between federal prosecutors, who want the trial to proceed with machine-like precision, and Blagojevich's defense team, schooled in the razzle-dazzle legal style of Chicago's Criminal Courts Building.
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
