Own Royal Pawn In The Loop; Debuts Tuesday Night

“Welcome to Chicago’s most outrageous family-owned pawn shop. Run by brothers Randy and Wayne, the odd couple is constantly at war with one another, their kids and their customers. The shop lies in a unique part of town with a local jail across the street and just blocks from Chicago’s fashionable downtown. From bankers to gangbangers, on any given day, you never know whether a fight or a fortune is going to come through the door. Brimming with cash, gold, conflict and the most unusual objects ever seen, this is a family business where the tempers run high, but the money can pile higher.”
You can see the promo here on the Royal Pawn website.

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Posted on December 26, 2012

Tough Market For Socially Conscious Cows

Bill Kurtis has been fined just shy of $403,000 by the USDA for failure to pay suppliers of his “troubled” Tallgrass Beef Company.
“The past few years have not been easy for Mr. Kurtis, who started Tallgrass Beef Company in 2005,” Crain’s reports.
“The Sedan, Kansas-based company that supplies grass-fed, grass-finished beef to upscale Chicago-area restaurants such as Harry Caray’s, Frontera Grill and Prairie Grass Cafe, has long struggled as a small player in a big industry, and Mr. Kurtis, Tallgrass’ chairman, says the recession made matters worse.
“In 2010, several of his suppliers filed a complaint against Tallgrass for non-payment. Now he’s reached a negotiated settlement with the USDA and says he’s pleased he’s closer to putting this chapter behind him and keeping his business alive.”

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Posted on December 18, 2012

By Steve Rhodes

Hey, it could happen to anyone.
1. Usually I would dismiss this as a bit straight outta 1974, but Miss January 2010 (briefly) makes it happen.

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Posted on December 12, 2012

By Justin Elliott/ProPublica

When the Federal Communications Commission passed a rule earlier this year to require TV stations to post political ad buying information online, public interest groups (and ProPublica) welcomed the policy as a means to get an unprecedented look at how billions of campaign dollars flow around the country.
FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski called the rule a victory for transparency, saying the disclosure requirements are “part of the public’s basic contract with broadcasters in exchange for use of the spectrum and other benefits.”
But, in practice, attempts to create a full picture of political ad spending from the TV station files exposed deep flaws in the FCC’s effort as well as spotty compliance by the stations themselves.

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Posted on December 7, 2012

By Steve Rhodes

Hey, it could happen to anyone.
1. Hey, it looked real.

Much credit to WGN for the way they handled the goof. (“Do you think they have these problems at Channel 7? I don’t think so!”)

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Posted on December 6, 2012

Suicidal Gin-Fueled Anger

Sandi from North Aurora was featured on the gut-wrenching Intervention on Monday night. Her daughter works as an anesthetist on Michigan Avenue.
The show description:
“Sandi, 64, is a vivacious, spunky and fun grandmother who loves gardening. But as her drinking escalates throughout the day, Sandi turns her gin-fueled anger on her 88-year-old mother and her 45-year-old daughter, alienating everyone in her wake. Can Sandi finally make peace with her estranged family and get the help she so desperately needs before it’s too late?”
You can watch the full episode here.
Here’s a web-only bonus scene.

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Posted on December 4, 2012