Opinion

Coulter strangely talks about prohibition and a new problem his dog has. Whatever, read it anyway.

Illini football starts tomorrow — how do you think this season will end up for Tim Beckman & co.?

Mr. Coulter has his little say on the band at last weekend's Sweetcorn Festival. As you may imagine, he had some issues…several issues. He also had some fun…maybe.

Earlier in the week, some conversation started up about Papa Del's food. We want to get your thoughts on what they serve up.

After a long trip home, and a self-serve bar, Kathy arrives home…

Coulter talks about shows and music and music shows. He uses words instead of interpretive dance, which we all should be very thankful for.

Earlier in the week, Ben was on the hunt for C-U's best Long Island Ice Tea, which got us thinking about this week's question: Who makes 'em the best?

Coulter shares a funny little anecdote, makes a suggestion, and some other things, including a picture he took. Yeah, we can't wait to read it either.

We want to know what our readers think constitutes the use of the beloved and hated term, “townie”, in this week's Ask Politely.

Kathy shares the stressful nature of a thesis defense and an eye exam. It seems one is surprisingly much easier to fail.

Coulter comes up with a new pledge for the kids to recite. It's probably as lame as the one they use now.

Last week's feature on Seaboat has us wondering: Where's the best place to get friend chicken in C-U?

Kathy's research for her thesis may be over, but her latest research has her scared out of her mind. Hopefully next week's trip to Australia won't be a realization of everything she's been reading.

Saying goodbye to a friend and then going to Danville. It's been a busy week. Plus, something about Lady Gaga. Yeah, I know, read it anyway.

As Kathy finishes writing her thesis this week, she finds that different Champaign venues feed various parts of her soul.

Coulter has a bee in his car … and also in his bonnet, as he announces his latest business venture. Not to give anything away, but it's meth … or is it?

Tom reacts to last week's Daily Illini article regarding concealed carry on campus.

A few years ago, Dylan wrote about C-U graffiti artist, the Smiler. Recently, he finally got to meet him.

Last week's conversation surrounding the Spalding Pool got us interested and talking about the price of entry to community pools.

Elevators continue to remain fascinating, but unfortunately it looks like we're all plummeting down a big shaft. Luckily, thanks to some quick thinkers, we still have fire.

Coulter talks about a wonderful tool that will one day kill him, and also about TV and how he will one day be able to watch it again. Oh, and also something about Gold Bond.

Champaign may overturn an ordinance barring backyard chicken coops. We want to hear your thoughts on the topic.

Living like a rockstar has really dumbed Decker down. Here's a brief look inside the messed up head of this local woman.

Coulter covers five (count ‘em!) five whole topics this week, plus a couple of extras. Pretend you’re in some way impressed.

Home on the Free Range?

Champaign may overturn an ordinance barring backyard barnyards. The cocka-doodle-dos and don'ts of animal husbandry via memoir.

Sadly, today is the last day Wonderdogs is in business, which leads us to our Ask Politely question this week for our readers.

Earlier this week, we delved into The News-Gazette paywall situation, which inspires this week's question.

This week, the city of Madison offers multiple opportunities for Kathy to challenge today's social norms.

Coulter tells us about a little bachelor party trip to Southern Illinois. Everyone came back alive. Surprising and disappointing.

Wendy takes a look at the recent Jim Allen/Erika Harold saga.

Old John Foreman and his brood have finally made the decision to start charging folks straight cash to read the work they produce online. We bid thee farewell, old friends. Enjoy the ride, and be sure to write home.

This week, we take a look at the expansion of Common Ground Food Co-op to Champaign. It's going to happen, but where? We're asking you what you think.

Leaving behind youth's follies and focusing on her new ability to get whatever the hell she wants, Kathy successfully copes with being yet another year older.

Coulter and the wife celebrate five years of wonderful marriage. They even take a little trip.

Tom reflects and responds to the June 9th opinion piece by John Foreman in The News-Gazette.

Well, what else could today's question be?

Throwing down with the girls after a family vacation helps keep the universe balanced. Unfortunately, sometimes bean burritoes and chronic coughs interfere with the big plan.

Coulter talks about how he stopped reading and then started again. It's weird, since most people probably assume he couldn't read to begin with.

In 2008, our first full year of publishing Smile Politely, we had a tradition of asking our readers a question to answer as the weekend began. In 2013, we're bringing it back, and starting with the same question we initially asked: What can we do to improve?

The family vacation to Hilton Head was a smashing success, thanks to Disney's lively staff and a steady stream of booze.

Why are people so scared of bats anyway? Oh yeah, because it's basically a fucking rat with wings.

Kathy's ambitious exercise routine comes to an abrupt hault this week, but her extensive search for a stripper continues.

Coulter talks about having a bunch of old friends in town for the Play or Pose celebration. It made him very tired and he may never drink again … fine, but he is very tired.

Staying in shape doesn't get any easier with age, but finding new and creative ways to look stupid in public does.

Coulter finally did his little Tough Mudder adventure. The good news is that he's alive. The bad news is he still won't quit talking about it.

Family vacations tend to be quite adventurous. Based on Kathy's summer plans, it looks like she's in for one helluva season, Mate.

In which we gaze lovingly at our own navels.

Coulter's little ToughMudder race is finally coming up this weekend. As you might imagine, he's thrilled.