The greater Chicagoland area of the Midwest--Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Iowa--well represented the profuse pop rock playlist of the mid-1960s. This prolific area produced a significant soundtrack from late 1965 into 1972 that reverberated across the country. The vibrant suburban scene produced nearly 40 singles that reached the record charts locally and regionally, with several of the 45s placing on the national listings. Some of the Chicagoland hits include "Kind of a Drag," "Vehicle," "Bend Me, Shape Me," and "Gloria," recorded by the Buckinghams, Ides of March, American Breed, and Shadows of Knight. This book, a geomusicultural chronicle, documents a multitude of Chicagoland bands and their music. They sounded across neighborhoods, thriving teen clubs, television dance and variety shows, renowned recording studios, local independent and major record labels--and through the pervasive AM airwaves of two 50,000-watt downtown radio stations, WLS and WCFL, featuring lineups of dynamic disc jockeys. This period piece portrays a momentous mark within "that toddlin' town's" rich music heritage.

Here at last is the perfect answer to that tired question, "What should we do this weekend?" Chicago-area natives themselves, the Guteks describe over 80 family outings to suit all tastes and ages. Chicago is a lively, cosmopolitan city. It is also a midwestern city, with close ties to the American heartlands. Descriptions of museums, state parks, historic houses, botanical gardens, museum villages, and wildlife preserves include fascinating historical background. Hours, fees, facilities, handicapped accessibility, and directions from Chicago are fully detailed; and for those sites which would occupy a whole weekend, overnight accommodations are suggested.

With 70 million fans, NASCAR is the #2 spectator sport, after football. But unlike football, going to a race is a full weekend of events. From the tailgating, to the qualifying, to the checkered flag and post-parties -- there's enough to fill several days at every event, and that's just at the track. Liz has maximized her personal connections with NASCAR insiders to determine what NASCAR fans really want to know when visiting the tracks, and gives practical answers to the most frequently asked questions, including: -- What to do in a medical emergency, and area hospitals with emergency care, -- Area attractions beyond the track, including popular golf courses where you might just spot your favorite driver between races, -- Where to find veterinary services for the furry four-legged members of your family, and much more! From dining, to shopping, to lodging, not to mention what to wear and pack (and what not to) this is a practical guide that no NASCAR fan should be without!