The Tales of Little Pavel

Fictional stories about a real American crisis… by Illinois Review columnist John F. Di Leo Early in his career with Illinois Review, John F. Di Leo set out to educate the public about the problem of vote fraud. Most Americans […]

Evening Soup with Basement Joe, April 27, 2021

Overheard, in a basement in Delaware,April 27, AD 2021“Good evening, sir!”“Oh. Good evening.”“I have soup for you, sir!”“Oh.”“Here you are, sir, Kitchen Cabinet Soup, sir.”“Never heard of it.”“Well, the cook said Kitchen Cabinet Soup is basically just a vegetable soup […]

Evening Soup with Basement Joe, April 26, 2021

Overheard, in a basement in Delaware, April 26, AD 2021:“Good evening, sir! Ready for soup?”“Oh, Rhett… what are you doing here?”“Uh, I work here, sir… remember, I took the part time job bringing you soup each evening, sir?”“Isn’t the cook’s […]

Evening Soup with Basement Joe, April 25, 2021

Overheard, in a basement in Delaware, April 25, AD 2021:“Good evening, sir! Ready for soup?”“Oh, certainly. What do we have tonight?”“Swedish Meatball Soup, sir!”“Oh? Neat. What’s in it?”“Swedish meatballs, sir.”“What else?”“Soup, I guess.”“No, didn’t she tell you the other ingredients?”“I’m […]

Evening Soup with Basement Joe, April 24, AD 2021

Overheard, in a basement in Delaware, April 24, AD 2021: “Good evening, sir, I hope you’re hungry!” “Oh yes. Always ready for soup. What do we have tonight?” “Well, sir, I haven’t heard of this one before… Your cook said […]

Evening Soup with Basement Joe, April 23, AD 2021

Overheard, in a basement in Delaware, April 23, AD 2021: “Good evening, sir! Happy Friday!” “What’s happy about it.” “Well, sir, for starters, you have some delicious soup heading your way!” “Soup? Oh, goodie.” “Beef Shank and Barley Soup, sir. […]

Evening Soup with Basement Joe, April 22, AD 2021

Overheard, in a basement in Delaware, April 22, AD 2021: “Good evening, sir! Rhett Snapper here, sir!” “Oh, hello again. Do you have soup for me?” “Yes indeed, sir! Spicy Shrimp with Ramen, tonight, sir.” “Oh? What’s that?” “Spicy Shrimp […]

Evening Soup with Basement Joe, April 21, AD 2021

Overheard, in a basement in Delaware,April 21, AD 2021: “Good evening, sir,” “What’s that?” “I said Good Evening, sir.” “What?” “Just, Good evening, sir. “ “Oh. Is it?” “Oh. Umm… hmm… literally… Yes sir, I suppose it’s a good evening, […]

Northwestern University strips actress Meghan Markle of the title “Northwestern Grad.”

By John F. Di Leo January 19, 2020 A.D. Concerned about the many rumors and press reports swirling around the former Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan Markle’s plan to “go a different way,” the leadership of Duchess Meghan’s alma mater, […]

The Kids of Covington – More Than Just a Media Fail

By John F. Di Leo January 23, 2019 A.D. Imagine a tour group, composed of children or teenagers – visiting a big tourist town like New York or Los Angeles – hanging out politely in front of a well-known local […]