We hope that most of you did your duty and exercised your right to vote in the November election. Well, how about a little more exercise?
Here’s your chance to vote in the ninth annual Friday Readers’ Poll, Chicago’s most extensive survey of the entertainment scene. And in keeping with the spirit of the incoming Clinton-Gore administration, we, too, think it’s time for a change. Therefore, you’ll notice a slightly different look to this year’s ballot at the bottom of the page.
But first, here are a few rules:
– Only one ballot per customer. If you want to vote only in a few categories, you can use the back of a postcard.
– No photocopies of the ballot will be accepted.
– As with death and taxes, there is nothing we can do about organized get-out-the-vote efforts on behalf of a performer or spot. This is Chicago after all, where people have been known to vote early and often. But we reserve the right to disallow votes that are obviously mass produced. A tip: If you’re going to stuff the ballot box, use some imagination.
– Half votes and split votes will not be counted.
– You need not vote in every category.
– Ballots must be RECEIVED (NOT postmarked) by 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 22.
To help you make your choices, we’ve printed a checklist of the movies that have graced Chicagoland’s screens as well as lists and analyses of the albums and singles that made the Top 10 pop charts last year. You’ll find the checklist in the Friday Guide (in the middle of the section, just before Take 2) along with details about this year’s Movie Challenge.
Unlike on Election Day, Friday readers actually may have a tangible benefit to show for their votes.
This year, one entrant chosen at random will receive a weekend for two at the Embassy Suites Hotel, 620 N. State St. This includes a dinner for two at Papagus, brunch for two and a bottle of champagne on arrival.
The weekend stay, which is subject to availability, must be completed by Feb. 12, 1994. The winner must be 21; if the winner is under 21, he or she may transfer the prize to a family member or other eligible party at the discretion of the hotel.
Gee, even Ross Perot didn’t offer a deal like that.
Anyway, to paraphrase President-elect Clinton, the ninth annual Readers’ Poll is about change. So we’ve added some new categories, subtracted a few and renamed a couple:
– Taking the rap: In music, we’re seeking your pick of “Best Rap Group or Performer.” And while we’re on the subject, has anyone seen Vanilla Ice lately?
– Sticking to your ribs: Ever mindful that one person’s gourmet meal is another’s snack and that all dining should be fun, the old “Fun dining” category has been renamed “Casual dining.” We’ve also added a new category that asks which restaurant is the ideal place to take that special someone on a first date. And in a bow to one of Chicago’s signature foods, we’re proud to add “Best ribs” to our poll.
– Retiring the trophy: After eight years, we bid adieu to the “Nightclub act” category and bestow a Lifetime Achievement Award on the Second City troupe. For the last few years, the category has been our least popular: Second City won last year with a whopping 42 votes (no one else received more than six votes), and the year before, Second City won with 24 votes while no one else received more than 10 votes. Congrats to Second City.
– Hits or Miscs: Our Miscellaneous section has taken on a new look. The vague “Art Event” has been replaced by the (hopefully) more specific “Best Museum” and in place of “Cultural Spot,” we’re wondering instead what Chicago spot is on your must-see list when out-of-towners come calling. Is it the Sears Tower, Wrigley Field or some favorite out-of-the-way haunt? Tell us.
Look for the poll results in the Friday section of Feb. 12.
THE BEST OF 1992
MOVIES
1992 film.
Male performance.
Female performance.
MUSIC
Song.
Album.
Pop/rock group or performer.
Country & western group or performer.
Folk group or performer.
R&B/soul group or performer.
Rap group or performer.
Jazz group or performer.
Classical group or performer.
Local group or performer.
Chicago-area concert.
ON STAGE
Musical play.
Non-musical play.
Dance production.
ON THE TOWN
Fine dining.
Casual dining.
Fast-food dining.
First-date restaurant.
Pizzeria.
Ribs.
Bar.
Dance club.
Comedian.
TV/RADIO
Radio station.
Disc jockey.
TV show.
Talk show host.
Music video.
MISCELLANEOUS
Best museum.
Must-see site for visitors.
Cultural event.
Book.
Sports event.
Strangest event.
AND THE WORST
Movie.
Song.
Theater/dance event.
TV show.
Local concert.
Other categories.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
MOVIE CHALLENGE
The five movies that will be nominated for the Best Picture Oscar next month are:
1..
2..
3..
4..
5..
Rules
All ballots must include name, hometown and phone number. Fill in this entry blank (or write your ballot picks on a separate sheet of paper; photocopies will not be accepted) and mail it to: Friday Readers’ Poll, P.O. Box 4474, Chicago, Ill. 60680-4474. (No purchase required.) To be eligible for the drawing, entries must be received by 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 22.
The winner will receive a luxury weekend for two at the Embassy Suites Hotel, 620 N. State St., including two nights accomodations for two persons (subject to availability), one dinner for two at Papagus, one brunch for two and a bottle of champagne on arrival. The weekend stay must be completed by Feb. 12, 1994. The winner must be 21; if the winner is under 21, he or she may transfer the prize to a family member or other eligible party at the discretion of the hotel.
All entries must be submitted by U.S. mail. Only one entry per person, and you must enter in your own name. The winner will be announced in the Friday section on Feb. 12.
The Chicago Tribune will not be responsible for entries lost or delayed in delivery and reserves the right to disqualify any mutilated, altered or illegible entry or entries that do not comply with these rules.
The winner agrees to allow the use of his or her name and picture by The Chicago Tribune for publicity purposes and agrees to be responsible for any income-tax liability resulting from the prize.
The contest is subject to all federal, state and local laws, and is void where prohibited by law. Chicago Tribune employees and their families are not eligible.
The winner will be selected in a random drawing of all eligible entries. By entering this contest, all entrants agree that The Chicago Tribune has the sole right to decide all matters or disputes arising from the contest and that The Chicago Tribune’s determination of the winning entry shall be final and binding.
No entries will be returned. All become the property of The Chicago Tribune.
In fairness to all, The Chicago Tribune cannot discuss this contest by phone, mail or in any other way with contestants.
Copies of The Chicago Tribune are available at the Chicago Public Library.
NAME———————————— ————————————-C ITY————————————————————————-PH ONE NO.————————————- —————–AGE———–Mail to: Friday Readers’ Poll, P.O. Box 4474, Chicago, Ill. 60680-4474.
