Lilly Hiatt

　　This week I had the chance to see Lilly Hiatt perform, and I’ve had her music on near-constant rotation because of it. She’s the daughter of singer-songwriter John Hiatt, but her caustic country voice is all her own. [Kate Bernot]

Hot chocolate tips

　　Yesterday was National Hot Chocolate Day, which I am using as an excuse to again push my favorite homemade version, using the recipe right off of the Hershey’s cocoa box. I probably use too much half-and-half, but nobody is drinking hot chocolate for their health. So this holiday is a fine excuse to fire up a batch, using any of these tips here. And don’t be afraid to pile on the cinnamon and vanilla! [Gwen Ihnat]

Chicago Tribune newsroom from the 1970s

　　I spent 11 years as a staff writer at the Chicago Tribune, so the newsroom has very much been a second home for most of my adult life. Housed on the 4th and 5th floors inside the neo-gothic Tribune Tower, the newsroom will be moving out after a century at 435 N. Michigan Ave. later this summer. The Tribune’s photo department has posted on its Facebook page a series of photos of the newsroom circa 1970s, and it’s a fascinating look at how a staff of journalists produce the equivalent of a hardback novel of news every single day. [Kevin Pang]