Commentary

Marge Kullerstrand Phil Potempa Molly Woulfe John Brokopp Tom Lounges Tim Shellberg

OFFBEAT: Munster man trying luck on new 'Let's Make a Deal'

When my older sister Pam took our parents to Las Vegas last summer, they were thrilled to attend a television taping of the resurrected classic game show "Let's Make a Deal."

Movies

HK studio behind 'TMNT,' 'Astro Boy' shuts down

The Hong Kong studio behind "TMNT" and "Astro Boy" has shut down as its parent company tries to recover from losses.

Television

TV show fined in Australia for killing, eating rat

A British broadcaster has been convicted of animal cruelty after two reality show contestants skinned, cooked and ate a rat during filming in Australia.

Music

Root for Gary talent on 'Idol'

When "American Idol's" Hollywood show kicks off at 7 p.m. tonight on Fox TV, Northwest Indiana fans will want to cheer on Marcus Jones.

Arts & Theatre

Stop the madness

The crazy circus that is "Beacher's Madhouse" pulled into The Venue at Hammond's Horseshoe Casino Saturday. And it was entertainment mayhem. The show, which was supposed to start at 9 p.m., didn't actually begin until almost 10:30 p.m. Comedian Jeff Beacher, who's responsible for this madness, acted as MC for the raucous and racy show, which featured the Oompa Loompas, Tiny Kiss, Alvin & the Chipmunks and other over-the-top acts. Beacher's production, also called a costume ball an…

Books

BLACK HISTORY MONTH: Good and evil on the trail to freedom

African Americans, escaping from slavery, weren't the only ones following the unmarked routes, known as the Underground Railroad (UGRR).  Slave owners and the often brutal men they hired to return their human "property," also were aware of the towns and people sheltering those trying to escape, a situation that set up confrontations between good and evil. 

Food

Super fare stars on local menus

Get ready to kick it up a notch! The Venue at Hammond's Horseshoe Casino, 777 Casino Center Drive, will present its "Big Game Party" Sunday. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. Festivities include food and drink specials, giveaways, in-room gambling and more. Attendees will be entertained by band History's End.