We’ve had several open threads about what Evansville has the best of - the best restaurant, best bar, best shopping hot spot, etc. Let’s turn the tables a bit.

What is our fair city missing that would make it so much better? Is it a restaurant the town doesn’t have? An entertainment opportunity? Why do you think Evansville doesn’t have it?

Tell us in the comments.

photo courtesy of jared

Apparently there was a new Harry Potter book released over the weekend. I drove by Barnes & Noble Friday night and it was a madhouse. I’ve never read any of the books, but I feel somewhat obligated to give you fair readers your outlet to discuss the new book and the Harry Potter phenomenon in general.

If you read the book, what did you think of it? If you didn’t read the book, and don’t plan on it, why not?

There’s most likely going to be spoilers here, so if you don’t want to know what happens, stay away.

photo courtesy of basykes

In between all of the big summer blockbusters like Spiderman, Harry Potter and Die Hard, there’s a new Michael Moore movie out called Sicko which takes on the health care industry.

I’ve seen the movie twice now, and thought I’d use this week’s open thread to allow you to discuss the movie. If you’ve seen it, what did you think about it, and the state of our healthcare industry in general. If you haven’t seen it, why not?

Use this open thread to talk Sicko.

image courtesy of Sicko

For this week’s Open Thread let’s focus on local restaurants. What’s your favorite local restaurant? I’m not talking about chain restaurants that have the same boring flavor here as they do in Des Moines, Iowa. I’m talking about the Turonis’, Firefly’s and Yen Ching’s of Evansville.

What’s your favorite and why?

Use this open thread to discuss it in the comments.

We’re a few days late with this week’s open thread thanks to the holiday, but let’s talk about the holiday. Any funny stories from either the Freedom Festival or the 4th? Any excitement or interesting things you saw at the Freedom Festival? Did one of your friends blow their hand off with a roman candle last night?

Let’s talk about it in the comments.

photo courtesy of sparktography

The Freedom Festival starts up this weekend. This year’s festival features live music, fireworks, an air show and the hydroplane race just to name a few events.

I’ll be down there snapping photos to publish on the Web site, but I’m interested in knowing if you’re going and if so, what are you most looking forward to?

Use this Open Thread to talk about your Freedom Festival plans.

photo courtesy of suneko

I’m not much of a drinker myself, but my brother is well known in Evansville for closing a bar down. This one’s for him.

Let’s keep it simple. What’s your favorite beer? Domestic or import? Why?

Use this open thread to discus Cerveza.

photo courtesy of way opening

This week, let’s focus on a national subject. I was at a Parade Of Homes house yesterday evening and the builder was discussing the construction of the home with a group of elderly women who came in to peruse the house. Somehow the discussion came to the builder using Mexican bricklayers, and the elderly woman got incredibly upset because he supported illegal immigration by using them as labor.

It’s Evansville has a bit younger audience, so let’s hear your opinion. How do you feel about illegal immigration?

Use this open thread to discuss the subject.

My sister loves the mall. My brother works at the mall. I personally can’t stand going to the mall. Most of the clothes that are at the mall stores are trendy, overpriced and, in most cases, boring. When I want to buy clothing, I either visit the Internet or head to Chicago or another big city where the selection is more varied.

Am I wrong to say that Evansville isn’t the best when it comes to being a shopping destination? Are there any obscure, off the beaten path local stores you like shopping at?

Use this open thread to discuss your favorite stores and shopping spots in Evansville.

photo courtesy of sooperkuh

The summer movie season has already begun with massive movie releases like Pirates 3 and Spiderman 3, but let’s talk about what movies you are most looking forward to seeing this summer. Even though I am not a fan of the sequel culture that the mainstream movie experience has become, I can’t lie and say I’m not looking forward to Oceans 13.

Use this open thread to talk about the movies!

photo courtesy of nepenthes