That's right, not only is Six Flags Great America in Gurnee getting a new roller coaster, but it's going to themed after Batman: The Dark Knight. Not sure if this will replace the current Batman coaster. Here's a quick description from the Six Flags website:

Venture through demented hallways of twists, turns and hallucinatory images, while being tormented by The Joker himself......You can only guess at what awaits as you speed through six 180-degree hairpin turns, climb unseen hills, plunge into pitch darkness and dip into unforeseen danger. As you attempt to escape the terror, your only hope is that Gotham's Silent Guardian — Batman — can save you!

You can read the full descrip here. Aint It Cool News has some leaked design art for the ride that hasn't been released yet. See that here. Looks awesome!

That's right, last Saturday's skit was such a huge hit (Hillary even referenced it during Tuesday night's debate, for crying out loud), that SNL creator Lorne Michaels has ordered scribe Jim Downey to write another skit to open THIS week's show. The scoop was reported by Nikki Finke on her awesome entertainment blog. You can read the article here. If you missed last Saturday's Obama/Hillary skit, check it out here.

Hello Metromixers-

It’s been a looooooooooooong, snowy week, but relief is in sight because it's Friday! Yay!

What are your plans for the weekend? Drinks? Dancing? Dinner? Let us know!

This could be one of the summer's funniest movies. It better be, with two of the funniest guys on the planet playing (step)brothers.

Look for this one in theaters July 25th.

OK – so my heart is only half-aching this morning. The 70s are dunzo, man. Let’s forget they ever existed. The American Idol girls tried their best to rock out last night. A few of my thoughts, including winners and losers, after the jump…

Please don't lose your lunch after staring at this. But it's weird and glorious all at the same time.

IF YOU FEEL QUEEZY SCROLL DOWN OR PRESS THE CALL BUTTON AND A FLIGHT ATTENDANT WILL BE WITH YOU SHORTLY.

It's called "The Purple Nurple Optical Illusion." You can see more of designer Walter Anthony's optical illusions here. This is the explanation we found with it.

"Anomalous Motion Optical Illusion aka Peripheral Drift Optical Illusion is characterized by anomalous motion that can be observed in peripheral vision. […]

Keep in mind that this is a static image. It is not animated in any way. but as your vision moves back and forth the center area seems to be moving toward the center (contracting) and the outer edges seem to be moving away (expanding) from the center. Also worth noting is that if you fixate on a point in the center and don’t move your eyes this anomalous motion will stop.

We don't believe it for a minute...

That's right, folks! Fox News is reporting that Michael Jackson's famed Neverland Ranch will be foreclosed and sold by March 19 if he doesn't pay up $25 million! Here's the listing I found online:

Beautiful designer ranch near gorgeous California coast! 2,800 acre paradise, complete with merry-go-round, Ferris wheel, giraffe, and monkey. Perfect for kids! Parking and criminal defense attorney located on property! Bizarre pop-star included for extra fee. Now taking bids, will go fast!

OK, I made that up. But the ranch is really for sale. Read about it here.

Pogo kept warm for a week after sampling some of the best spots in the city for a good cup of hot cocoa. Do yourself a favor and keep warm with his story.

So Garrett is gone. I guess I know the full power of my blog. The American Idol guys are down to ten, and tonight they blew through the hits and misses of the 70’s. The judges spent the night reminding us it was a great decade for music. Ryan even undid his collar. And Simon? He compared it to the Oscars – long, boring, and needing an orchestra to get contestants off the stage. My thoughts on the second night for the guys, including my winners and losers, after the jump….

A quiet music week, but among the new releases is a shift in direction for one of the world's premiere electro pop groups...

If you caught our Neighborhood Tour of Western Ave. (between Irving Park & Foster)...here's the particulars on each spot that was visited...

We had highlights from my interview with Will Ferrell on "metromix" tonight! He's got "Semi-Pro" opening this weekend, but above you see the poster for another movie he's got opening this year - "Step Brothers" with John C. Reilly! Check back into the blog tomorrow for my uncut interview with Will. After the jump, you'll find video from my past interviews with the funny guy, who is absolutely one of the nicest, and most humble people in Hollywood. Keep reading.....

Johnny Depp will be in town next month filming his new movie "Public Enemies" with Christian Bale & Marion Cotillard. Right now the studio is looking for extras and some vintage automobiles to be in Michael Mann's new flick.

So here's what you do: check out http://www.joanphilocasting.com/ for all the details and you could see Johnny & Christian up close!

To make everyone happy, simply send us pictures from the behind the scenes action and all is square.

A number of celebrity sites are reporting that Good Charlotte rocker Benji Madden is dating Paris Hilton, only weeks after calling it quits with his beautiful fiancée, actress Sophie Monk.

I don’t usually care about Paris’ revolving door of men, but this pairing is interesting because her former BFF, Nicole Richie, is raising a baby with the other Madden brother, Joel. Go figure!

That's right. The star of "There Will Be Blood" called into the Nick Digilio Show on WGN Radio 720AM while I was a guest to celebrate his Best Actor Oscar. Hilarity ensued.

I had rare invested interest in this year's Oscars, simply because of the nomination (and subsequent win) of Glen Hansard of The Frames and Marketa Irglova, his partner on the "Once" soundtrack. I've dug up the feature we did with Ireland's The Frames last April, the most recent time they toured through town. It's funny because during our chat (not seen in the final edit), he was talking about some new film he was in and played some music for...being rather nonchalant about the whole thing. Funny how a small film project done seemingly on a whim has resulted in an Academy Award. By the way, the big song from "Once", and the one they performed during the Oscars, is also found on that lastest record from The Frames, 'The Cost'.

Glen would soon be right back in town though, to promote the opening of "Once" here in Chicago. You can check further down the blog to view the feature Marcus did at the time with him & Marketa, plus the director of the film.

cheers,
pogo

Star Wars according to a three year old. She should write any future sequels:

I was really pumped "Once" won the Best Original Song Oscar last night. We had Glen and Marketa on "metromix" when "Once" opens in theatres. If you still haven't seen it, shame on you! But here's the clip of Glen, Marketa, and director John Carney talking about the movie, and stumming a Van Morrison tune for us on Michigan Avenue:

After doing our piece on pairing beers (from Dogfish Head) with cheeses (from The Cheese Stands Alone), my mind is cluttered with stouts, ales, cheddars and muensters. So here's a handy cheat sheet to help out...

Marcus Leshock here! As soon as the Oscars are wrapped up...tune into WGN Radio 720AM to hear Nick Digilio and I break the show down. Then, tune into "metromix" on Monday night for highlights. We'll talk winners and losers....the drama that unfolded during the show....and probably some of the ridiculous fashion that was on full display to the world! In case you missed my appearance on the Nick D. Show after the Golden Globes, I've posted the highlights after the jump, so check it out....

Two Chicago establishments made Esquire Magazines list of best sandwiches in America. (No burgers allowed). Al's Italian Beef was mentioned along with the Jibarito @ Borinquen in Logan Square. Pogo went there a while ago, check out the story...

Esquire also dropped a list of the countries best bars as well. Video under the cut:

I guess I should have seen this one coming. Lauren Conrad of MTV’s “The Hills” fame has her own fashion label: the Lauren Conrad Collection. The line features simple dresses (named after “Hills” stars Audrina and Lo and priced around $135), skirts ($85) and Lauren's signature head scarves ($25). Some of the stuff is cute, but I don’t see too much of a unique vision in either her Winter 2007 or Spring 2008 collections.

Either way, you can shop her stuff online, http://laurenconrad.seenon.com/ , or in person at the Bella Mia Boutique in Champaign, IL.

It’s back to the 1960’s. I think I’ve heard enough “Happy Together” for one lifetime. The Top 12 girls got their first chance to sing on American Idol last night. And despite the outbreak of SARS that’s spreading around the cast, the show wasn’t half bad! Read my thoughts, winners and losers after the jump…..

If you saw Matt Pais and I break down this year's Oscars, you're probably asking one of two questions. 1. What's wrong with those guys OR 2. Where can I see their full list of predictions? Well, you can read Matt's predictions here. But if you want the REAL winners (a.k.a. MINE), continue reading after the jump....

Ladies and gentlemen, meet the new Sanjaya Malakar. For the past few weeks, Garrett Haley has remained hidden on the American Idol stage. But he was in full display last night on the first boys night. My thoughts on the very weird event, including the night's 2 big winners and losers, after the jump....

The record that might go down as my 2008 favorite is out this week...click for more:

After months of searching, we’re finally letting you in on some of the city’s coolest bathrooms.

1. Cobra Lounge
Local bands with hopes of getting discovered take the stage at this gritty West Town lounge and music space, but sometimes it’s the pink women’s bathrooms that get all the buzz.
www.cobralounge.com

2. The Drake Hotel
Don’t worry if you can’t afford to spend the night at the Drake—you don’t have to be a hotel guest to check out the private stalls at the Palm Court Lounge.
http://www.thedrakehotel.com/

(Continue reading Best Bathrooms after the jump... )

Hi all! I was lucky enough to crash Josh Kelley's CD release party at Rockit, and here's just a snippet of him performing "Tidal Wave". His new album came out February 5th. It's called Special Company and that "special" someone is none other than wifey Katherine Heigl. This guy is wicked talented and fantastic live... did you know he plays 14 instruments? You can check him out for yourself on February 21st when he's back in Chicago for a show at The Metro.

Video Artist / Music Video Pioneer / Film Director / Magician. Yes, I admire Michel Gondry and won't deny it. My objectivity was thrown out the window when I interviewed him recently. Here's a quick clip that gives you an insight into this man's mind. And tune into "metromix" on Monday for the full story:

It's Valentine's Day weekend and many of you will be taking your lovely out for a nice dinner. Tonight I highlighted some of the most romantic "nooks" around the city. I'm talking about booths that will keep you secluded from the action. To see our four picks for romantic nights out, keep reading after the jump....

Pogo found 3 of the city's not-so-average hot chocolates....click for the details on each.

Marcus Leshock here. As you know there was no episode of "metromix" tonight because of the horrific events at Northern Illinois University. As many of you may also know, I am a proud alumnus of NIU - B.A. '03, M.A. '05. My very first class at NIU was a lecture on the history of film. It was a class that would shape what I am today. And it met in Cole Hall.

Although this is a very sad time in NIU history, it makes me proud to turn on my television to see current students handling themselves with such class and strength in the middle of such a nightmare. It's an honor to say that I worked at the Northern Star, the campus newspaper continuing to bring information to the student body in the most dire circumstances. The same goes for the Northern Television Center - whose students are out there with camera in hand.

"metromix" producer Matt Knutson, photographer Marty Nutley, and photographer Brian Rich also attended NIU and received degrees in DeKalb. On behalf of our entire staff - our prayers go out to those who were affected by today's tragedy. And Hail, NIU.

We know your losing sleep at night in anticipation for the new Indiana Jones: Kingdom of the Crystal Skull Trailer. Well wait no more here it is in all of its Lucas glory.

Feeling spurned by a former flame on this dreaded day ‘o love? Don’t stay home alone! Come shed your anger at the second annual “X Your Ex Event” tonight. I’ll bring my Metromix mic and you bring a picture of your Ex to shred at the door. Then grab a drink and mingle with other bitter boys and girls. Who knows…chubby lil’ Cupid may make an appearance and turn your whole night around…

The event’s taking place at Victory Liquors (2610 N. Halsted) at 7 P.M and there’s no cover. See you there!

Politics seem to be on everybody's mind these days, young and old. In light of another round of huge victories for Barack Obama in last night's Potomac primaries, this little piece of satire made me laugh out loud. If you haven't seen the movie "Election" this might not mean much to you. But if you have....behold Hillary Clinton's "Inner Tracy Flick."

Another go-round for one of the UK's finest, as well as the biggest record of all time....

On tonight's Green Piece segment, I featured The Handlebar in Wicker Park. Besides supporting pro-bicycling causes from all over Chicagoland, they also offer a wide-range of vegan cuisine. Read more and get contact info after the jump.....

Metro is the place to be on Saturday, for the return of Wales' Super Furry Animals. Click to find out why it's a must-see:

Hey guys... It's your last chance to write in and tell us what you think are some of Chicago's best public bathrooms... We want you to submit your suggestions for the city's coolest bar, restaurant and hotel lobby bathrooms. Let us know ASAP. Thanks!

What is going on these days? Actor Roy Scheider, famous for his role as Chief Brody in Steven Spielberg's "Jaws," died yesterday at the young age of 75. No cause of death yet, but it was reported that Roy was being treated for "multiple myeloma." We actually had Roy on "metromix" a few summers ago when he was in town for the CIFF's tribute to Steven Spielberg. Until we meet again on that big Orca in the sky.....

Here is my review of the new film "Fool's Gold."

CLICK HERE to receive your weekly dose of entertainment sent strait to your cell phone.

We featured Tribune critic Phil Vettel's story on places to grab good fish & chips on this weeks Let's Eat. If you couldn't get enough here's a spot we checked out back in March of 2006.

Check out the Duke of Perth's web-site for more info.

Inside: Sixteen @ the Trump Tower

New on the Scene: Lao Shanghai & Lao Beijing in Chinatown

Phil Vettel Reviews: Fish & Chips

Eatin’ Cheap

Meet the Metromix.com Dessert Flirts

Metromix Valentine's giveaway.
Let us treat you and yours to Dinner and a Show.

Be sure to enter below or tune in MONDAY night for a chance to text-2-win for tickets to OPENING NIGHT of My Dinner with Amy at the Chicago Theatre Building and Dinner @ Fiorentino's Cucina Italiana* Restaurant

For more info click here.

Lots of goodies from across the pond this week....thanks Brits!

... with the sound of godawful music. "The Hills" star Heidi Montag released the video for her debut single, Higher. It's directed by pseudo-fiance Spencer Pratt... so as expected, it's pretty blah. Since I'll never get those three minutes of my life back (yes, I watched it all the way through), I thought I'd put you through the same amusing agony... enjoy!

Senator Hillary Clinton was on Letterman the night before Super Tuesday...Watch this and then go out and vote for the man or woman (sounds cool to say that, no?) of your choice!

In honor of New York Fashion Week, which kicked off on Friday, here's a classic clip of Kate Moss and Christy Turlington hanging out backstage during their 1990s heyday.

A troubled Britney Spears is undergoing a 72-hour psychiatric evaluation, but mom Lynne Spears says she's "OK." Read the full L.A. Times article after the jump.