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Smile Politely Champaign-Urbana's Online Magazine: providing the inside scoop of what's happening around C-U. http://smilepolitely.com

It’s still 90 degrees outside, so it doesn’t much feel like it, to be honest. But the leaves are turning, there are appl...
03/10/2025

It’s still 90 degrees outside, so it doesn’t much feel like it, to be honest. But the leaves are turning, there are apples and pumpkins to be picked (or purchased), and we've been seeing Halloween decorations on houses for a few weeks now.

It’s still 90 degrees outside, so it doesn’t much feel like it, to be honest. But the leaves are turning, there are apples and pumpkins to be picked (or purchased), and I’ve been seeing Halloween decorations ...

As a master of comedy and collaboration, Mike O’Brien’s shows often blend multiple forms and types of humor while inviti...
03/10/2025

As a master of comedy and collaboration, Mike O’Brien’s shows often blend multiple forms and types of humor while inviting the cast to take ownership of the production.

On its surface, Ray Cooney’s Out of Order appears to be a straightforward farce, or at least as straightforward as a farce can be. Richard Willey (yes, the character’s nickname is what you’re thinking, go ...

Urbana Park District has a chock full lineup of activities for their C-U Active Aging Week. You can exercise your mind a...
02/10/2025

Urbana Park District has a chock full lineup of activities for their C-U Active Aging Week. You can exercise your mind and your body with activities like pickleball, card games, research presentations, quilting, karaoke, and a whole lot more.

The Urbana Park District has a chock full lineup of activities for their C-U Active Aging Week, October 6th through 12th. You can exercise your mind and your body with activities like pickleball, card games, ...

From the DIY spirit of zine culture to a historic dance reconstruction, from global cinema to one unforgettable night wi...
02/10/2025

From the DIY spirit of zine culture to a historic dance reconstruction, from global cinema to one unforgettable night with Fran Lebowitz, here are five ways to fully experience October.

October in Champaign-Urbana is not known for moderation. Our calendar is full, the nights get longer, and the arts shine a little brighter. You could, of course, spend the month raking leaves or debating whether ...

This mug of hot Koyamaen hojicha at Suzu's Bakery was a Japanese roasted sencha tea by Koyamaen that tasted so smooth an...
02/10/2025

This mug of hot Koyamaen hojicha at Suzu's Bakery was a Japanese roasted sencha tea by Koyamaen that tasted so smooth and delicious topped with fluffy foam.

It’s October, and I want all the cozy things like warm mugs and world peace. This Thursday, I’m thirsty for a hojicha latte at Suzu’s Bakery. This mug of hot Koyamaen hojicha ($6), a Japanese ...

Attend Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra's show and/or CU Folk and Roots Festival for your live music fix. Ice skate t...
02/10/2025

Attend Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra's show and/or CU Folk and Roots Festival for your live music fix. Ice skate to K-Pop, enjoy animated films, and celebrate a mid-autumn festival on the U of I campus.

Attend the orchestra, or CU Folk & Roots for your live music fix. Ice skate to K-Pop, enjoy animated films, and celebrate a mid-autumn festival on the U of I campus.

C-U Folk & Roots and Fall Fusion from 40 North arrive this weekend, and Champaign Urbana Spinners and Weavers Guild will...
02/10/2025

C-U Folk & Roots and Fall Fusion from 40 North arrive this weekend, and Champaign Urbana Spinners and Weavers Guild will be demonstrating their artistry in downtown Urbana.

Folk & Roots and Fall Fusion from 40 North, October’s one-two punch, arrives this weekend. The Champaign Urbana Spinners and Weavers Guild will be demonstrating their artistry in downtown Urbana, and as a textiles girl, ...

In the Harvest Market plaza, there’s a new Champaign restaurant called Sumo Kitchen open where Moki Sushi used to be.
02/10/2025

In the Harvest Market plaza, there’s a new Champaign restaurant called Sumo Kitchen open where Moki Sushi used to be.

In the Harvest Market plaza, there’s a new Champaign restaurant called Sumo Kitchen open where Moki Sushi used to be. The Japanese restaurant serves a menu of sashimi, nigiri, maki rolls, oysters, cold plates, hot ...

The Land Connection's six course dinner takes place at Silver Tree Spirits & Distillery, featuring farm to table food pr...
02/10/2025

The Land Connection's six course dinner takes place at Silver Tree Spirits & Distillery, featuring farm to table food prepared by Chef DeAngelo Newson, highlighting the best ingredients of the season.

And I’ll tell you why. First of all, it will take place at Silver Tree Spirits and Distillery in Paxton, and you’ll get a tour of the space as part of your ticket. Second of ...

This month, try an apple pie shake, a pumpkin pie chai, superfrosted cinnamon roll, plate of potato flautas, and a whole...
02/10/2025

This month, try an apple pie shake, a pumpkin pie chai, superfrosted cinnamon roll, plate of potato flautas, and a whole dang pizza pie.

October is serious fall. None of summer remains. We are full on pumpkins and football right now with pretty leaves and cooler weather no doubt on the way. October is pizza month, and Halloween is ...

Maize Mexican Grill will be opening a new location on Neil Street in the former Meatheads (and Epic Burger) restaurant s...
01/10/2025

Maize Mexican Grill will be opening a new location on Neil Street in the former Meatheads (and Epic Burger) restaurant space.

Maize Mexican Grill will be opening a new location on Neil Street in the former Meatheads (and Epic Burger) restaurant space. Maize got the keys to the new digs yesterday and will start getting the ...

By being active media consumers, giving our money and our views to local, independent outlets, and demanding transparenc...
01/10/2025

By being active media consumers, giving our money and our views to local, independent outlets, and demanding transparency and accountability from our local news we can continue to push back against the homogenization of the media landscape.

On September 17th, ABC released a statement that Jimmy Kimmel Live! would be suspended “indefinitely.” Then after immense public pressure — including celebrities and influencers calling for boycotts, and such a spike in Disney+ cancellations ...

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