CURRENT SCORE: Bears 0 Eagles 0Welcome to Bears Game Day, or as we may start calling it, Misery Loves Company. My name is Mike Burzawa and I'm the lead blogger at Bear Goggles On and I'll be your master of ceremonies for the Bears vs Eagles prime time affair at Soldier Field. It seems like forever since the Bears suited up against the 49ers. Thank goodness - I think we all needed the break, especially Jay Cutler after his 5 picks that propelled the San Fran to a 10-6 win.It looks grim for the Bears to make the playoffs this season, but they're still considered "in the hunt"…
ChicagoNow
-
ChicagoNow
-
Bears vs Eagles - Live Game Thread
21 Nov 2009 | 7:03 pm -
Puppy mill protesters target Lincoln Park's Pawsh Puppies
21 Nov 2009 | 7:00 pmYou know those teeny-tiny, adorable little puppies that are all the rage in Lincoln Park? Well, they've worked some Chicagoans into a rage of their own.Today at about 1:30 p.m., Twitter user @Davie_St posted two tweets about a big protest he discovered outside of Pawsh Puppies at 2120 N. Halsted in Lincoln Park:@Davie_St: Passed a lively, homegrown protest outside a Lincoln Park froo-froo doggies-for-sale boutique. Looked like fun!@Davie_St: Sign: "Here $1500 buys one sick dog. At animal shelters, $1500 adopts 150 dogs." Ah, good point.A group of protesters from the Puppy Mill Project… -
I can haz hate mail
21 Nov 2009 | 5:19 pmShareYou ever have one of those moments when it hits you that you've finally achieved everything you've been working for? When you discover that all the hard work and sacrifices you've made are paying off?The moment came just this past week when I got my first piece of hate mail."But Elliott, how could anyone ever be angry at you?" Thanks for asking! Allow me to explain:Read more after the jump!... -
Weis' last stand, Mike's podcast and a Bears prediction
21 Nov 2009 | 5:19 pmThe Bald TruthCan't help but wonder if Jimmy Clausen will arrive at Charlie Weis' farewell press conference in a white stretch Hummer limo.The Quote"You are what you are, folks, and right now you're a 6-5 football team. And guess what, that's just not good enough. That's not good enough for you, and it's certainly not gonna be good enough for me." - Charlie Weis, Dec. 13, 2004, at his first Notre Dame press conference.The Number 6-5: Notre Dame's record in its fifth season under Weis. (He had the same record at this point in 2008, too. But hey, Mr. Decided Schematic Advantage was 2-9 in… -
Photos from Chicago State vs. St. Xavier
21 Nov 2009 | 4:08 pmPhoto gallery from Chicago State's 82-66 victory over NAIA opponent St. Xavier on November 21, 2009.
-
Breaking Tweets Chicago
-
Oprah leaving Chicago, ending show in 2011
19 Nov 2009 | 8:34 pmIt's official: Oprah's skipping town and will discontinue her show, a staple in daytime-talk television for the last 24 years. Now that the word is out, and the idea of an Oprah-less television era has sunk into a reality, what are local tweeters thinking? While some are treating the news like another sign of the apocalypse, others seem to think that the world will be just fine without the talk show queen. sabrinastpeter I literally do not know life sans Oprah. Show started year after I was born. @todayshow: NBC confirms #Oprah decided to end her show. #sad 20 Nov 2009 from UberTwitter… -
Michael Scott found dead: Chicago Twitter Reaction
16 Nov 2009 | 11:10 amChicago School Board president Michael Scott was found dead early this morning; police investigating his death believe he shot himself and fell into the Chicago River. Locals are voicing their concerns via Twitter, and some strongly believe Scott's death was not result of a suicide. missgambrell Alright Chicago...I find it very hard to believe that Michael Scott committed suicide. Something fishy is going on... 16 Nov 2009 from web TerracomChicago Very saddened by the sudden loss of Michael Scott, a longtime Chicago civic leader whose causes included sustainability. 16 Nov 2009 from TweetDeck… -
DePaul University student shot to death; community grieves
2 Nov 2009 | 4:10 pmBY NICOLE HERNANDEZ The Sun-Times reports the DePaul University senior, Francisco Valencia, 21, of the 5100 block of West Strong Street, died from multiple gun shot wounds where a Halloween party was taking place in the 1700 block of North Rockwell Street on Sunday. At 1:15 a.m. gun shots were fired, and at 4 a.m. Valencia was pronounced dead at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center. Daisy Camacho was also shot and wounded in the incident. ABC Local states Valencia was a highly involved political science major with a promising future that was well known in the DePaul community. Twitter… -
Chicago remembers Walter Payton
1 Nov 2009 | 12:26 pmChicagoans at the Bears game against the Browns today saw a tribute to football legend Walter Payton on the 10-year anniversary of his death. Twitterers commented on the video clip shown at half time and some are campaigning to make #sweetness, Payton's nickname, a trending topic on Twitter. Some were upset to see CBS only broadcast a short clip and not the entire video. Click here to see Walter Payton's tribute video. LauraG74 very grateful I got to grow up watching Walter Payton play football for The Chicago Bears #sweetness #34 01 Nov 2009 from txt pennie05 is remembering Walter Payton… -
Chicago meets Ricketts family as new Cubs owners
30 Oct 2009 | 10:19 pmNow that the sale of the Chicago Cubs is a done deal, the Ricketts family wants to make itself known to the city, especially to North side baseball fans who've been waiting many years for a step in a more positive direction. "Our shareholders are our fans, and we're going to work for them," said Tom Ricketts yesterday at an official press conference. It's reassuring for Cubs fans to hear, but do they buy it? Only Twitter can tell: jjhparker I, for one, welcome our new ricketts overlords :) @Cubs #cubs 30 Oct 2009 from UberTwitter davidvjones Tom Ricketts - "You can't charge someone $2,200 for…
-
CTA Tattler
-
Friday roundup: train door problems; weekend service changes; Holiday Train debuts
20 Nov 2009 | 4:00 amThere's been plenty of news this week that I haven't had a chance to report. Here's my attempt to catch up:Train door problems persist. The Sun-Times and Trib reported that a Red Line train door stayed open between Addison and Sheridan. This comes on top of the Morse stroller incident. Now the union is calling for the return of conductors on the rails. Except, that would cost $19 million per year. I don't think so.RTA OKs CTA service cuts. The RTA board Thursday formally approved Gov. Quinn's plan to borrow $166 million to stave off fare hikes. But service hours cuts will go into effect,… -
Share your vision for the Red and Purple Lines with the CTA
19 Nov 2009 | 4:00 amThe CTA next month will sponsor four open houses for riders to share their ideas for future improvements for the Red Line north from Addison to Linden on the Purple Line.The CTA is looking for the public to provide feedback and input on existing conditions and issues facing the two lines. Wow! I'm thinking that will take way more than just four sessions. But hey, it's a start! The press release notes:"There will be no formal presentation. Guiding tours of the open house exhibits will be provided and staff will be available to answer questions. . . . The open houses also will provide… -
Holiday Train to spread good cheer starting this weekend on Red and Purple Lines
18 Nov 2009 | 5:00 pmIt's back! The long-awaited Holiday Train will thrill passengers young, old and in between starting around noon Saturday at the Howard station, heading south on the Red Line. The detailed schedule for Saturday is here; Sunday's schedule is here. The general schedule is here.The Holiday Train is made up of six heavily decorated train cars, with Santa sitting in the middle on a flat-bed car. It will traverse all eight rail lines between Nov. 21 and Dec. 23. After all, Santa really has to get to work on Dec. 24.It really is a sight to behold. It's especially cool to watch the faces of those who… -
In case of emergency . . . ignore this sign
18 Nov 2009 | 11:00 amThese signs have been around for awhile, as noted earlier at my old Tattler site. Photo by ReiToei from Flickr. -
A good use of TIF: Funds to cover Berwyn station fixup
18 Nov 2009 | 4:00 amThe CTA once again is tapping a local TIF fund to pay for station improvements, this time at the Red Line Berwyn station.The CTA is entering into anagreement with the city to receive $1,173,768 in Tax Increment Financing (TIF funds) for station improvements made at the Red Line Berwyn station. CTA this year made improvements at the Berwyn station, which is located within the City's Edgewater TIF District. The work performed was a TIF-eligible expense. Says a CTA spokesperson: "The agreement would allow CTA to be reimbursed through TIF funding and free up scarce capital resources to…
-
What's a Boy To Do
-
Don't be bored, build-a-Fleslight
21 Nov 2009 | 2:00 pmSitting at home with nothing to do? Then you should head over to the Fleshlight site and check out their new "Build-A-Fleshlight" section they just added. If you're not familiar with the Fleshlight it's a male mastubator that's "hidden" inside a case that looks like a flashlight.....a really big, oversized flashlight, but a flashlight nonetheless. Previously you could only get the "standard" version of the Fleshlight but now you can customize everything from the color to the type of opening to what orifice you prefer! All in one simple interface.....so to say. Have you used the… -
Chaz Bono explains gender on Good Morning America
21 Nov 2009 | 10:00 amChaz Bono, who is 8 months into his transition was on Good Morning America earlier this week to explain gender to the country. I can't do a better job of explaining, so watch this video. -
Who said you need a moving truck to move
21 Nov 2009 | 7:00 am -
The Friday Roundup
20 Nov 2009 | 1:15 pmPhoto Credit:benimoto via Flickr CC Another week has come and gone and Thank Goodness It's Friday! Get ready to bundle up the weather has changed and it looks like old man winter may be on his way soon. Looking forward to a short work week with Thanksgiving coming up, what are your plans for the holiday? Take a break and enjoy these crazy links that I've saved up all week just to share with you. Hunks drop it for charity (possibly NSFW) Video games finally go gay! While LGBT papers fail here in the US, a handwritten newspaper thrives in India You thought modern Tech Support… -
Leave it to Texas, they banned ALL marriages
20 Nov 2009 | 11:30 amPhoto Credit:cybertoad via Flickr CC It appears as though Texas may have banned ALL marriages in their haste to pass a 2005 constitutional amendment that was designed to ban gay marriage.A candidate running for Attorney General has pointed out that a 22-word clause in a subsection of the amendment "This state or a political subdivision of this state may not create or recognize any legal status identical or similar to marriage." nullifies all marriages made since it was enacted.The defenders of the amendment say that the clause was to cover a loop-hole to ban the creation of same-sex…
-
A League of Her Own
-
Saturday Do-It-Yourself Cubs Headlines
21 Nov 2009 | 9:01 amBack off, LA So I may have overslept a tiny bit this morning. But no matter. As I perused the headlines, I was met only with more re-hashed, re-fried, re-written stories: "The Cubs are the center of many trade rumors." "It's Official! John Grabow is back!" "Milton Bradley is a bad human being who supports Kim Jong-Il and eating kittens." Blah, blah, blah. But I did find ONE headline I thought might be worth posting, in light of yesterday's irrational exuberance: From mlbtraderumors.com: "FRIDAY 8:26pm: Tim Brown of Yahoo! Sports tweets that the… -
May I Take a Moment To Get You Irrationally Excited?
20 Nov 2009 | 2:37 pmLooky here, kiddies: The Blue Jays want to move Roy Halladay this offseason and have contacted the Cubs about a potential trade, according to MLB.com's Carrie Muskat. However, it's unlcear if the Cubs have room for another $15.75MM in payroll. Plus, they'd have to be willing to part with top prospects, such as shortstop Starlin Castro, to obtain the Jays' ace. Okay, so I was excited until I got to the last sentence. -
Chicago Cubs Friday Headlines
20 Nov 2009 | 6:12 amGood morning, campers! Rise and shine, up and at them, brighten up your eyes and bushy up your tails and all that. It's time for your Friday headlines! The "DUH" moment of the morning, Paul Sullivan informs us that large, backloaded contracts are hampering the Cubs' ability to make big signings this off-season: General manager Jim Hendry conceded Thursday that money was a factor in the decision to trade veteran reliever Aaron Heilman to the Diamondbacks for a pair of minor-league prospects. Heilman stood to earn around $2 million in arbitration this offseason, and probably… -
Our Long Neighborhood Nightmare is Over!
19 Nov 2009 | 1:43 pmAaron Heilman has been traded to the D'Backs for 2 prospects!!!!!!!! I'd like to thank everyone who played a role in getting Aaron Heilman traded. The fans, the opposing hitters, and especially everyone in the Academy who voted for me. . . I mean for getting rid of Heilman. This is such an honor, and I'll remember it for as long as I can. One Aaron down, another Aaron and a Kevin to go. -
Chicago Cubs Headlines for Thursday
19 Nov 2009 | 3:10 amDon't expect to see this anytime soonThere probably aren't any of us who thought that Mark DeRosa would actually sign with the Cubs this offseason. But there may have been a few of us (maybe someone with red hair) who held out, hoping against all odds that he would come back to us. It would seem now that there's no chance of it happening.The agent for Mark DeRosa says the Dodgers are one of a dozen teams interested in signing his free-agent client, but -- perhaps surprisingly to fans in Chicago -- the Cubs aren't one of them.Agent Keith Grunewald identified the other interested teams as the…
-
Arresting Tales
-
I guess that glass wasn't bullet-proof after all...
20 Nov 2009 | 2:33 pmPhoto courtesy of Tracy Samantha SchmidtLast Saturday, just after I did my bit on the inaugural broadcast of Chicago Now Radio, I had a conversation with Tracy Schmidt about bullet-proof glass. Specifically, about the glass windows separating the WGN Radio studio from Michigan Avenue. Tracy inquired whether I thought the glass was bullet-proof.From where I sat the inner pane looked sort of like the stuff we have around the front desk at our station. I told her it looked like it might be bullet-resistant.Looks like I was wrong. Not only was the window not bullet-proof,… -
World's most patient cop tested by cat
19 Nov 2009 | 2:09 pmTaylor (Texas) Police Department Officer Keith Urban (yes, that is is real name) is one of the most patient officers I've ever seen.While on a traffic stop, an affectionate black cat decided to use Officer Urban as a human cat tree. The cat fled on foot after having its way with the officer for several minutes. Fortunately for all of us, the incident was captured on squad car video: Officer Urban was lucky that this cat was much friendlier than notorious feline crotch mauler "Pinky": -
Jumpers
17 Nov 2009 | 8:55 pmA story appeared in Saturday's Tribune about a young man who committed suicide. He jumped from 17 stories up, landing in front of dozens of witnesses. Some of those witnesses were diners on the outdoor patio of Coco Pazzo. The article focuses on the experiences of the witnesses:"The sound and the sight," Reed recalled, still shaken weeks later. "You can't explain to someone what it was like."In the weeks since a 23-year-old man committed suicide by jumping from the Red Roof Inn at St. Clair and Ontario streets, the many strangers who witnessed his death still wonder who he… -
Don't you have anything better to do?
16 Nov 2009 | 9:15 pmMy Chief recently said that he received several phone calls from citizens who wanted to point out that they saw one of our squad cars driving in the rain, without having its headlights on. Granted, Illinois law requires that headlights "be used in times when rain, snow, fog or other atmospheric conditions require the use of windshield wipers." I don't know any officers who've actually written someone a ticket for that, and I really have to question what motivates someone to call a suburban police chief to complain about that sort of thing. I've never understood… -
Little Gitmo on the prairie?
14 Nov 2009 | 1:23 pmTribune photo by Lane Christiansen Share The Tribune reports today that the Thomson Correctional Center in Carroll County is being considered as a possible destination for prisoners currently held at Guantanamo Bay. The Thomson Correctional Center was completed in 2001 at a cost of $145 million, right before the state's budget fell apart. Built to hold 1,600 maximum-security prisoners, it currently houses fewer than 200 minimum-security inmates. Carroll County, and particularly the town of Thomson, have suffered because of the failure of the prison to ever fully open:Thomson…
-
Black Jack on the White Sox
-
What's wrong with the CY Young picture?
20 Nov 2009 | 9:07 amHey everyone, I've been away for a while but now that the postseason awards are upon us and teams will reboot themselves, it's time to get after it again. So Tim Lincecum and Zach Greinke win Cy Youngs with 15 and 16 wins respectively. That is fine with me. I may have steered toward Carpenter in the NL, but I guess you can't complain about either choice. The slippery slope we must watch out for is starting to de-emphasize wins vs "stuff." Obviously both Cy winners would have benefitted and probably pushed their win totals into the… -
Phillies, an old school team
30 Oct 2009 | 11:34 amI'm starting to take a closer look at the Phillies and am leaning toward them winning this series. Baseball has changed over the years. Now instead of baseball people in charge, we have young business profiled bullshitters who try to come up with statistical anaylsis as a winning method. That's why I like the Phillies. I can just hear Charlie Manuel (our hitting coach when I played for the Indians) in his heavy southern drawl, "don't let that sucker get ahead, if he throws a strike, hammer it!" Hitting isn't about how many pitches you… -
Umpiring means more than just missed calls
21 Oct 2009 | 10:52 amThis has officially become the year of the blown call in the 2009 playoffs. But there are so many being blown, the umpires themselves will eventually escape the scrutiny that has followed other individual blown calls of the past. There won't be the 1985 Don Denkinger blown call at first base in the Royals/Card Series. What the heck is going on? It seems about 50% of the semi-close calls are wrong in the post season this year. Not to mention Tim McClelland's debacle from last night's Yankees Angels game. Hey, I don't have the rulebook… -
Playoff winners do so with dominance
13 Oct 2009 | 11:26 amFirst round here and gone in a jiffy. Not a whole lot of drama to go around. I was asked by the Sporting News to pick the winners and in how many games prior to the first round matchups. I chose a Yankees sweep which turned out correct. I took the Dodgers and Angels in four. Close but the sweep bug took over. lastly I chose the Rockies over the Phils in 5 which turned out to be wrong! The bottom line is that the winners dominated and moved on like the first round shouldn't be there! The Yankees proved to be too deep. They have… -
Um, the Twins win
7 Oct 2009 | 10:18 amI have received much grief over the course of this year's blogs by touting the Twins organization. I have also received much grief over my "told you so" tone at times. But.....what can I comment on here? I don't care that the division is down, the Twins won it. They lost their MVP and proceeded to put together a run of 17-4 without him. Detroit's superstuds hit homers last night, and the Twins played defense, ran the bases better and their powerful .190 hitter won the ballgame. I think they're gonna get their butts handed to them…
-
Blackhawks Confidential
-
TSN says Blackhawks trying to trade Sopel to open salary cap space for Holy Trinity
20 Nov 2009 | 12:57 pmTSN hockey columnist Bob McKenzie has posted Friday afternoon that the Blackhawks are currently trying to trade defenseman Brent Sopel, if they can, to open enough salary cap space to be able to announce the contract extensions of Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and Duncan Keith. "If I were a betting man," he wrote, "I would say Sopel's days in Chicago could well be numbered." The Hawks need "tagging" room. Go to the Fifth Feather for a more elaborate description of "tagging." But suffice it to say by stealing from other people's explanations (and without getting into some details that also have… -
Blackhawks' road power play tops NHL as Brouwer hangs with stars
20 Nov 2009 | 9:29 amAfter all the hand wringing early this season about the Blackhawks power play, let me share some breaking news with you. The Hawks have the best power play percentage on the road in the National Hockey League at 32.3 per cent. Let loose the balloons. Cue the clowns. Catch a ride on a tiger. The party's on. NUMERO UNO in the power play outside Chicago. Who would have thunk it, eh? That's what one night with four goals in five power-play chances, as they did in Thursday's 7-1 win at Calgary, will do for you. One explosive game made the special teams unit special again. The penalty killing has… -
Blackhawks destroy Calgary 7-1; Hjalmarsson is a real hit
19 Nov 2009 | 9:00 pmGiddy-up, Blackhawk fans. Take a deep breath. It's only November. Conserve your energy. Get a blood pressure test. Calm yourselves. But, my goodness, this looks like a season that will last forever in your memories and perhaps never die in your minds. It's hard to stay seated and stay sane. We have a lot to give thanks for with Thanksgiving on the horizon. God is a Blackhawks fan--again. There is no way not to feel giddy after this performance. The Blackhawks destroyed the Calgary Flames 7-1 at the Saddledome Thursday night. The circus trip started with the Hawks as lions and… -
Money remains the root of all evil as Blackhawks cap and trade
19 Nov 2009 | 12:54 pmSince it's my day to focus on master manipulators, I have to move on from goosing John McDonough to praising Windy City Hockey for its deft way with photoshopping. With the salary cap Apocalypse almost upon us, enjoy their imaginative work. If a picture is worth a thousand words, what the hell am I doing, anyway? -
Blackhawks try upstaging Calgary again in a burning ring of fire
19 Nov 2009 | 8:37 amSounds like the Blackhawks are in for a rough ride Thursday night at the Saddledome and we can expect to witness a barn burner. Emotions figure to be at a fever pitch, so keep those fire extinguishers handy by the flat screens for any flareups as the Hawks seek what would be their sixth straight win in Calgary. Does that mean the odds are stacked against them? Or are the gods playing for Chicago once again this year? The situation is primed for some explosive action. Not only are the Calgary Flames still sore about being butt-kicked and embarrassed Oct. 12 in Chicago, when the Blackhawks…
-
Candid Candace
-
Inside the Playboy Mansion: Plus Playmates and Pinups at L.A. Glamourcon!
18 Nov 2009 | 2:31 pmPlayboy was alive and well and flourishing at Glamourcon 48 in LA recently. Enjoy these photos from the event and my follow-up visit to see Hef at the Playboy Mansion. Weird and fun stuff from all over: -
Latino Fashion Week Delights a Fashionable Crowd
13 Nov 2009 | 8:46 amThanks to Latino Fashion Week for adding even more glamour and excitement to Chicago's fashion community and to their premier sponsor, AztecAmerica Bank, for their support! And now I will let the photos (most by Steve Starr) speak for themselves! -
Michael Kors Opening Party Rocks 900 Shops!
11 Nov 2009 | 12:25 pm -
Chicago Magazine Chooses 5 "Men to Watch"
4 Nov 2009 | 8:10 amEmmanuel Nony, Rick Gresh, Luca Lanzetta and Greg Hyder. Chicago Magazine has chosen five "Men to Watch" for an upcoming feature and recently there was a party at the David Yurman Boutique (40 E. Oak St.) to celebrate. Greg Hyder, Emmanuel Nony, Rick Gresh, Tom Kehoe and Luca Lanzetta are the lucky guys. The only one missing was Tom Kehoe of Kehoe Designs. Tom had a great excuse--he and his team were busy decorating the WHITE HOUSE for Halloween! How cool is that? Tom has always been the go-to guy for event décor and design but I'm not sure he can top this… -
Elysian hosts NBC Premiere of "The Heart of Hollywood: The Chicago Link"
30 Oct 2009 | 10:18 amBill Zwecker, Chris O'Donnell and Brenda Sexton at the LA Chicago Link taping. I am always so thrilled to be attending ANY parties at the Elysian but this one proved to be quite special. It was the Chicago premiere of the NBC special, "The Heart of Hollywood: The Chicago Link" presented by Chicago Link Productions (Brenda Sexton) and produced by Resolution Digital Studios. Brenda always brings out the A-list but for this production, she brought out the Hollywood set as well. Previously, in Santa Monica, at RJ and Jerrod Melman's restaurant, La Grande Orange, Brenda hosted…
-
Chicago Bulls Confidential
-
Chicago Bulls @ Denver Nuggets, 8:00 PM WGN
21 Nov 2009 | 9:33 amLast time these two teams met, it took close to ten minutes past the final buzzer to determine a winner. Bulls center Brad Miller hit an off-balance 21-foot jumper at the buzzer, with originally just 0.3 seconds left. The shot was counted as invalid, and the Nuggets won the game. Tonight, the Bulls hope to even the season series, in their final meeting with Denver this season. After a 15-point defeat against the NBA champion Lakers on Thursday, the Bulls are now playing with a chip on their shoulder. Point guard Derrick Rose looked visibly upset during the second half of the Lakers game,… -
Start James Johnson
21 Nov 2009 | 8:00 amJames Johnson didn't start off the season on fire by any stretch, and he still hasn't played many minutes. He often looks a little lost as far as what he should be doing on the court on both ends [really building up my case aren't I], but until Tyrus is back, it's time to give Johnson a chance to start. First, the Bulls primary issue this year so far is an inability to score. The offense is the worst in the NBA while the defense is among the best. Johnson adds a lot to the offense that Taj Gibson does not. Johnson's got a bigger, wider body to set a… -
Stan Van Gundy points out why the Bulls offense is doomed
21 Nov 2009 | 4:00 am[saw this on realgm] From mlive.com from quite some time ago:"There's a significant group of people who it just drives them crazy that the mid-range game is disappearing, despite the fact that all you have to do is look at all the numbers and know that about the worst shot your team can get, at least by the league averages, is a mid-range jump shot.""The three highest percentage plays in the game by far right now are free throws, number one, layups, number two, and three-point shots number three. So why you would try to build a game around lower percentage plays, I don't know. Other than… -
Who'd have thought? Lakers pound Bulls
20 Nov 2009 | 3:53 amIt was pretty easy to see this one coming except that if you asked me what I saw coming when the Bulls played the Cavs on the road my response would have been the same. I think the Lakers are the best team in the league. They were 8-3 while missing their second best player and played us full strength. So am I surprised the Bulls lost? No. Am I surprised it was a blow out? No. Unfortunately (or fortunately), I didn't get to see much of this game and none of the second half, so someone will have to comment for me on what exactly went right. … -
Jordan doesn't want number retired
20 Nov 2009 | 2:00 amVia the Orlando Sentinal quoting NBA Access:Michael Jordan appreciated the gesture from LeBron James, but he doesn't believe his No. 23 should be retired across the NBA.""It was very nice, I totally understand that. But I'm a guy that says there is no one great player in the NBA. The NBA lasts a lot longer than one particular person so I understand what his point is. Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Bill Russell all those guys should have their jerseys retired too. I understand his gesture, but I'm in the same group as those guys so I wouldn't want to see my jersey retired unless you retire those…
-
Chicago Subtext
-
NaNoWriMo/ChiWriMo
11 Nov 2009 | 10:45 am. Writers, listen up! ChiWriMo, the Chicago chapter of NaNoWriMo, is raffling off this sexy, sexy poster to whomevah donates a small amount of cash at a ChiWriMo event. It would look stunning in my house. I'm just saying.Check out the ChiWriMo calendar to find events. How we doin', WriMos? Plugging away? What's the hardest part thus far? The best? The biggest surprise? Let's hear it in the comments below. -
Scary reading from around the Web
31 Oct 2009 | 8:13 amTo help usher in that scary, spooky, creepy Halloween feeling, here are some links to lists of top scary stories, compiled around the Web:Chicago Tribune's 10 best horror graphic novels for Halloween galleryAmazon.com's Top scariest books listCNN's The scariest books of all time listGoodReads' Best horror novels listHorror Writers Association's horror listNot scared enough? Check out Chicago Tribune's reader ghost story contest entries and the winner.Literary editor Elizabeth Taylor, Tribune critic Julia Keller, and your truly each name our favorite scary reads this week on Printers Row.Read… -
Chicago Public Library interactive map
29 Oct 2009 | 8:16 amHow cool is this? Chicago Public Library has an interactive map of all city libraries, each complete with building photo, address and hours of operation. Which Chicago Public Library branch is the best branch in town? -
Chicago Tribune's Great Chicago Ghost Story
27 Oct 2009 | 11:28 amFrom Chicago Tribune's reader ghost story contest, comes four (scary!) finalists. Vote today for your favorite Great Chicago Ghost Story! -
Guest post: Online tools for readers and writers with Leah Jones, Natiiv Arts & Media founder
19 Oct 2009 | 10:05 amOn the heels of this week's literary smackdown over at ChicagoTribune.com, please welcome special guest Leah Jones of Natiiv Arts & Media to Chicago Subtext today. At Natiiv, Leah teaches authors, musicians, actors and other creative professionals how to utilize social media professionally, which she previously discussed with ChicagoNow blogger Tim Jahn of Beyond the Pedway. -- Amy Guth Thanks to Amy for the invitation to share a few things about how you, an avid reader or a writer can use online tools to get more from your literary life. Here are just a few things that I find useful and…
-
ChicagoNow Staff Blog
-
Talk back to ChicagoNow on WGN Radio 720
20 Nov 2009 | 7:59 amMare Swallow of Etiquette Bitch talks with host Bill Leff during ChicagoNow Radio's inaugural show.Last week was the launch of ChicagoNow Radio, our radio show that airs Saturday mornings on WGN Radio 720.It was a shorter show but a great one. Joe the Cop, Jay Cutler Superstar, Etiquette Bitch, and the CTA Tattler joined host Bill Leff to talk about Halloween costumers gone wrong, Cutler's bad week, speakerphone etiquette and rumored CTA fare hikes. Podcasts and a photo gallery of the show are posted on the ChicagoNow Radio blog.This week's show will run the full four hours from 9 a.m. to 1… -
ChicagoNow Radio to air on WGN Radio 720, starting this Saturday
10 Nov 2009 | 2:02 pmA few weeks ago, WGN Radio 720 asked us if we wanted to do a radio show with them. We said yes--because really, who turns down one of the nation's greatest radio stations?ChicagoNow Radio, a new kind of talk show for Chicago, launches this Saturday, Nov. 14 at 9 a.m. Most weeks the show will run from 9 a.m. until 1p.m. and feature a rotating cast of ChicagoNow bloggers talking about everything that matters to Chicagoans. Chicago radio veteran Bill Leff will host the show.More details, including a ChicagoNow Radio blog, are to come soon. But here's the official annoucement from WGN. WGN… -
Congratulations to ChicagoNow's Emmy winners!
9 Nov 2009 | 1:33 pmThree ChicagoNow bloggers took home top prizes last weekend when the Chicago chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences hosted the Midwest Emmy's.David Kaplan (Kap's Corner) is the host of Chicago Tribune Live, which won for "Outstanding Achievement for Informational Programs - Conversation/Interview Single Program or Program Series."Billy Dec (A Chicago Thing) won for "Outstanding Achievement for Arts/Entertainment Program or Program Series (Broadcast/Advanced Media)." Billy documented his travels as he researched the development and opening of his amazing new… -
ChicagoNow partners with Columbia College on hyperlocal site
5 Nov 2009 | 9:03 amWe are excited to announce our new partnership with Columbia College to launch a hyperlocal community news site serving Austin, a neighborhood on Chicago's far west side. The web site, which will be hosted on ChicagoNow, will feature news about Austin that is gathered by its residents and Columbia's journalism students. Columbia's students will also test new distribution models, including text messaging and reverse-publishing online content into hyperlocal newsletters. More information is in the press release below.This project is made possible by a Community News Matters grant awarded to… -
ChicagoNow Swag
29 Oct 2009 | 1:45 pmToday we launched our very own online store powered by Zazzle where you can purchase swag such as t-shirts, buttons and stickers from your favorite ChicagoNow blogs. Feel free to customize merchandise by changing the design or adding your own--just hit the "customize it" button and have some fun with it! Keep checking back because we'll be adding much more.To visit the store, go to the "Our Swag" tab at the top of the site or click here:http://zazzle.com/chicagonow*If you have any design ideas you'd like to share, send them to swag@chicagonow.com.
-
Chicagosphere
-
My Absent Appearance on WGN's ChicagoNow Radio with Bill Leff This Morning
21 Nov 2009 | 3:23 pmThis morning, I was scheduled to appear on WGN-AM's ChicagoNow Radio with host Bill Leff. After an unexpected verbal drubbing by Leff a minute before air time, I walked out of the studio and finished my Thanksgiving shopping, instead. Here is what Leff said to me:"Here's a lesson to you from the media. Focus right now if you want us to promote you. Because you are replaceable."I promised my ChicagoNow community manager I wouldn't tell you what I think of Leff and his comments on Chicagosphere. But you can find the full story on my Chicago Carless blog, right here. ### Share this entry:… -
The Oak Park Penis: Does the Village's New Logo Look Like a Phallus?
18 Nov 2009 | 3:01 pmShare What would you do if your municipal branding consultant suggested at a public board meeting that your town's new logo look like a penis? That happened this week in upscale Oak Park, Illinois. As local bloggers and Twitter users in the west-suburban village continue to voice shock over the new logo, I put it to you, Chicago. Does Oak Park's new logo look like what I think it does?This afternoon, my Twitter pal, Oak Leaves town hall reporter John P. Huston (@oakpark), posted to his News Peg blog an entry about Oak Park's proposed new logo. The official logo, pictured below, was proposed… -
Yesterday Robert Feder Opened His Mouth to Change His Feet
13 Nov 2009 | 7:59 amThis week, former Chicago Sun-Times TV columnist Robert Feder (@robertfeder) managed to stick his foot in his mouth while sticking his tongue in his cheek. The usually scrappy Feder slapped down ChicagoNow's new WGN-AM Radio weekly show from the pulpit of his own new blog at the web-centric Vocalo Radio. Boy, could I say something about that. But fellow blogger Alexander Russo, the nationally prominent scribe of the popular District 299 Chicago Public Schools watchdog blog, got there first. To set the scene, Feder voluntarily left the Sun-Times under a buyout in late 2008 and joined Vocalo, a… -
No Toaster Oven for You: Where Are Chicago's Gay Wedding Planners?
12 Nov 2009 | 12:02 amGay wedding and commitment-ceremony planning is big business on both coasts. So why is it so hard to find an out and proud gay wedding planner in Chicago? In July, ChicagoNow's lesbian-centric L Blog gave a shout out to Stacy Jill Jacobs, editor & publisher of Queerly Wed, a new national resource for finding LGBTQ-friendly gay wedding planning vendors. The site offers gay couples lots of tips for going it alone as your own ceremony and celebration planner. Actual listings for professional wedding planners and vendors in the Midwest? Beyond Jacobs' own listing, not so much. Recently, I… -
Answer Three Questions to Build Better Blog Traffic
9 Nov 2009 | 11:12 amLocal bloggers can lose a lot of sleep figuring out how to boost their traffic numbers. Following a cardinal rule from the world of public relations might help. Don't just know who your audience is today: know who you want your audience to be tomorrow. Answering three simple questions right now will help you determine who those audience members should be...and how to reach them. You've got to have a goal to get anywhere in the world, and that advice includes the blogosphere. Local bloggers who want to grow their audience could save some time by asking themselves three questions first:Why?
-
Chicanísima
-
Radio Arte and Vocalo.org collaborate in community radio
20 Nov 2009 | 6:55 amIf you haven't heard about Radio Arte, you soon will.Radio Arte, a community, bilingual and youth-centered radio station owned by the National Museum of Mexican Art, is joining forces with Vocalo.org, founded by Chicago Public Radio, for a year-long collaboration. Radio Arte's entire radio programming will be rebroadcast on Vocalo.org's HD-2 channel full-time, seven days a week. This will allow Radio Arte to expand its radius from 14-miles around the Little Village neighborhood to Chicago and Northwest Indiana. "We are really happy to create an additional resource for our community to get the… -
Chicago City Council passes resolution in favor of immigrants
18 Nov 2009 | 2:05 pmThe Chicago City Council passed a resolution Wednesday in support of the DREAM Act and against the planned deportation of a local college student Rigo Padilla, who I've written blog posts about before.The vote was 49 to 1 with only Ald. James Balcer voting against it.Now this is largely a symbolic measure as city government has no role in enforcing federal immigration laws. But our local politicians are attempting to pressure Congress and President Obama to take action on immigration reform."We must use the bully pulpit to make sure that people hear us, that Washington hears us, that the… -
Sonia Sotomayor is on the cover of Latina magazine
17 Nov 2009 | 6:00 amSupreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor is on the cover of Latina magazine.Cover photo by Platon.Latina magazine Editor-in-Chief Mimi Valdés Ryan recently visited Columbia College Chicago, where I'm an assistant journalism professor. She spoke to students and also briefly about the reaction to the "wise Latina" comment that almost derailed Sotomayor's nomination."We all understood what she meant by that phrase. It wasn't something that was meant to put down people that weren't Latina....She was just talking about the diversity of her experiences and how that helps her see the world," Valdés… -
Stop the deportation of Rigo Padilla
13 Nov 2009 | 6:17 amIn a little over a month Rigo Padilla faces deportation.He is a college student who made a mistake - drinking and driving. I wrote a blog post and interviewed Padilla in August.This morning a group of immigrant rights activists including Ald. George Cardenas and Ricardo Estrada, executive director of the Erie Neighborhood House, and students supporters will gather at City Hall to show their support of Padilla.Padilla was arrested for drinking and driving in January. He admitted to police that he had "a few beers" while watching a football game with friends. He planned to only drive eight… -
Adios Lou Dobbs
11 Nov 2009 | 9:37 pmNa na na na. Na, na, na, na. Hey, hey, hey. Goodbye.On Wednesday night Lou Dobbs announced that he was quitting CNN.There are rumors that he may go to Fox News. That is where he belongs at a network with an extremely right-wing agenda that doesn't pretend to be objective like CNN.Dobbs was a polarizing figure on CNN and this fall liberal and Latino groups began a Basta Dobbs campaign to pressure for his removal. Among the leaders of that was blogger and activist Roberto Lovato. Another group critical of Dobbs was the Latino civil rights group the National Council of la Raza.They argued that…
-
Da' Bears Blog
-
For Good Luck
21 Nov 2009 | 2:13 pm -
One Game, Three Outcomes
19 Nov 2009 | 11:06 pmIf they win...Maybe the Chicago Bears can't rescue the 2009 season from the perils of a wasted winter on Sunday night against the Philadelphia Eagles. Maybe they can't put the bloom back on the quarterback's rose or elevate the coach from his first visit to the warmest of warm seats. Maybe they can't make us all forget about Cincinnati and Arizona. But they do have an opportunity - believe it or not - to make next week matter. When you're a game under .500 after nine games, that's all an organization ask for. If the Bears win Sunday night, Minnesota… -
Philadelphia at Chicago Preview
18 Nov 2009 | 7:23 pmFor the thousands in attendance, and the millions watching around the world...Your under .500 2009 Chicago BearsoverPhiladelphia EaglesWhy do I like the Chicago Bears this week?I always like the Chicago Bears (except for last week).Because I believe, firmly in my soul, that Ron Turner knows he's going to be fired at the end of this season. The Bears will most likely give Lovie Smith 2010 only if Smith makes a major change on the coaching staff and that change will be Turner. (I'm starting to think that a big name hire like Martz or Weis is not out of the question.) Look for Turner… -
The Week Ahead
18 Nov 2009 | 9:17 amThere really is nothing interesting about the Bears v. Eagles game Sunday night if you're not intrigued by the playoff implications. So at the risk of continuing my admittedly-forced optimism, let me breakdown the NFC.The Saints, Vikings and Cardinals are going to the postseason (and probably in that seeding order). The Cowboys, Eagles and Giants will jockey for the NFC East right to the end, but for the sake of argument let's say the Cowboys win the division.That leaves two wildcard spots and seven teams in the hunt. Six of the 5-4's (Eagles, Falcons, Packers, Giants) and… -
Audibles From the Long Snapper
17 Nov 2009 | 3:00 pmSeriously? Rex Grossman's dad?I like Fred Mitchell a lot but his column with quotes from Dan Grossman should be the last football piece he writes this season. Nobody cares what this man thinks about ophthalmology (he's an ophthalmologist) let alone how a pro football organization manages the quarterback position. The Bears stink at developing quarterbacks. I get it. So maybe the Bears need to bring in a coach who is good at it. Like a Charlie Weis. Or a Norm Chow.Bears not sending a Pro Bowler According to Brad Biggs, the Bears have…
-
Fire Confidential
-
Expansion Draft Update; Top 10 Fire Goals
21 Nov 2009 | 8:56 amHey everyone, have a little Saturday morning update for you courtesy of scaryice -- who tipped me off to these stories via email. Here we go... Nyarko Graduating Generation Adidas? According to this post on Climbing the Ladder, Patrick Nyarko could be graduating from the Generation Adidas program. The significance of this is that the Fire would have to protect Nyarko in the expansion draft should he graduate, taking one slot away from another Fire player. According to the post on Climbing the Ladder, no second year Generation Adidas with as many minutes played as Nyarko has failed to graduate… -
L.A. vs. Real Salt Lake: MLS Cup Preview
20 Nov 2009 | 8:06 amThere's only one game left in the 2009 MLS Schedule and it's the big one; the MLS Cup Final. This year's final, which will be played at Seattle's Qwest Field, pits Western Conference regular season champs the L.A. Galaxy against the streaking Real Salt Lake. The matchup offers some good star power with the obvious L.A. players Landon Donovan and David Beckham and lesser-known (but very effective) Salt Lake players Robbie Findley and Kyle Beckerman. The game, which will be played on Sunday at 7:30 CDT on ESPN, will be the third meeting between the clubs on the year. Somewhat surprisingly, RSL… -
Donovan Named MLS MVP
19 Nov 2009 | 2:18 pmMLS announced this afternoon that L.A. Galaxy forward Landon Donovan has been named league MVP. The honor, which is the first MVP trophy in the 29-year-old's 9-year career, comes as a precursor to Sunday night's MLS Cup Final -- when Donovan and L.A. will take on Real Salt Lake. Donovan, who had 12 goals and 6 assists in 25 games this year, beat out finalists Shalrie Joseph (New England Revolution) and Jeff Cunningham (FC Dallas) for the award. -
Expansion Draft Info
19 Nov 2009 | 11:22 amGetting off the topic of the "Hauptman Letter Debate" for a minute, some important info came out today regarding next Wednesday's MLS expansion draft. Here's the info, per Steve Goff (and NaperSteve -- who provided the tip): Philadelphia will select 10 players; current clubs must submit their 11-man protected list by Monday afternoon; no club will lose more than one player, which means five teams won't lose anyone; Generation Adidas and home-grown players [(for the Fire that means Baggio Husidic and Patrick Nyarko] need not be protected; developmental players claimed must be offered a senior… -
Hauptman's Letter
19 Nov 2009 | 5:10 amOn Tuesday, the Fire distributed a letter that owner Andrew Hauptman wrote to fans of the club. The letter, which ran a relatively short 293 words, was sort of Hauptman's wrap on the season. It details how he felt after the Real Salt Lake game and reminds fans that the club is already working hard to bring a championship back to Chicago next season.Here is the end of Hauptman's letter. It goes into what he specifically had to say about 2010: Looking ahead, I can share without hesitation that we remain as focused as ever on winning an MLS Cup championship. While our players…
-
Frugalista
-
Quick Deals Before I Go Cook for My Friends: Old Navy, Disney Store, Amazon
21 Nov 2009 | 11:52 amToday is my birthday. Yay, me! I just commiserated with my mom that 36 years ago right now, she was saying to herself, "Thank God THAT's over." So far I celebrated by listening to the new Chicago Now radio show on WGN, being served homemade waffles in bed, and shopping at Salvage One, a really amazing warehouse full of vintage built-ins and stuff near Damen and Chicago. (More on that later.) Next I'm going to spend the afternoon prepping homemade cocktail meatballs, two kinds of fondue and other treats for a few friends who are coming over to celebrate. But before I embark on a… -
Even Black Friday Is Early? Oh Well, Mr. Potato Head Is Only $2 So Who's Complaining?
20 Nov 2009 | 10:44 amBefore I tell you how to get a Mr. Potato Head toy for just $2, let me wax nostalgic: Seems like, way back when I was a child, people complained about how stores set up their Christmas decorations the minute the Thanksgiving leftovers were put in the fridge. Nowadays, of course, waiting until after Thanksgiving to start the holiday shopping season would seem as prim and restrained as, well, waiting until after marriage to get on a family cell phone plan. Just not financially possible in this economy, right? So I guess I shouldn't be surprised that the retailers can't even wait until… -
Last Call for Halloween Clearance: My Eight Best Bargain Costume Finds
19 Nov 2009 | 10:08 amSunday my CVS put their Halloween stuff at 90% off, the final stage of clearance. Most of the good stuff was gone, but I managed to snag a bunch of goodie bags, stamps, several packages of black and orange tissue paper, and a big cookie to placate my shopping partner for about 2 bucks for the lot. Which reminded me: If you want to buy a clearanced Halloween costume, you better do it now! In this slideshow are some of the best costumes I found left online, all at deep discounts. It includes The Children's Place T-shirts, baby and toddler costumes from Carters at JC Penney, and 75%… -
Christmas Shopping in the Second-Hand Market: Would You Do It?
19 Nov 2009 | 9:27 amEvery year, I tell myself that while my kids are still too little to know better I'm going to pick up some of their Christmas gifts used. And I have bought an item or two off EBay in "new in the box" condition. But I haven't really held to my pledge very well so far. What about you? Have you found items at resale -- be it thrift shops, rummage sales, Ebay or other online venues that you gave as gifts? Did you worry about getting "caught"? After all, so many of the gifts I receive these days have the gift receipt taped to the box, but even a pristine gift bought at resale won't have that. -
Thanksgiving Week Deals at Jewel-Osco
18 Nov 2009 | 10:27 pmJewel-Osco has lots of the regular Thanksgiving goodies on sale this week, as well as some non-turkey-day-related groceries. Here are the best sales and deals, along with coupon match-ups. Thanksgiving Fixins' There's a $10 off a turkey coupon in the flyer (requires separate $20 purchse), and it will get you a Jennie-O frozen turkey for 37 cents a pound, a frozen Butterball for 97 cents a pound, or a fresh Jennie-O for $1.17 a pound. sweet potatoes 28 cents (now that's a good price) Ocean Spray cranberry sauce 99 cents (This would actually be free if you bought any O.S. juice with the…
-
Garage Sale Warrior
-
Weekend Sales Forecast: Best Bets Come in Pairs
20 Nov 2009 | 10:22 amSo far, city dwellers are light on garage sales this weekend. There are lots of posts for appointment only sales or "here's a list of stuff I have for sale, moving soon, contact me if interested." For apartment and condo sales like these, where it's a pain to post each item individually, I recently came across a free and easy solution. It's a resource you can use in addition to posting on Craigslist, and I'll write about it next week.Good things come in pairs---especially geographically for this weekend's sales. I've surveyed the listings and matched up ones that are close… -
Sale Preview: New Items Added to Fulton Street Estate Sale
20 Nov 2009 | 8:31 amUnlike coupon queen, Frugalista, who makes money when she shops and blogs, I might just go broke doing the same. The spirit is willing, and the wallet is, too, when I see all the great stuff at these garage and estate sales. I decided we had the perfect place for the Jenny Lind bed above, one of the items for sale this weekend at the antiques/estate/garage sale at 2010 W. Fulton. It needs a little work, but readers' of my other Chicago blog, Fine Diving, know I can't resist giving an orphan piece a little TLC and sense of place. So, I drove down to Fulton Street after… -
Vintage Sparkle, Holiday Spirit and Free Parking!
19 Nov 2009 | 7:31 amThe Modern Vintage Holiday Market kicks up the holiday spirit this weekend with fashion, housewares and holiday items vintage, new and indie designed. It takes place in Plumbers Hall on West Randolph Street and is organized by the same group who brings us the Chicago Antiques Market series each summer and put on the Modern Vintage fashion extravaganza this fall.Looking for a little holiday nudge? You'll find it here with vintage holiday wear from gowns to jewelry. Mod and vintage pretty little things to deck your halls, too. And... photographer, MFA candidate and expert… -
Ten Holiday Gift Ideas: Get These Now By Thrift Shopping Online
18 Nov 2009 | 7:10 amDealTaker.com won't be listing these on its Black Friday countdown, but you, smart shopper that you are, can get them under the radar when you thrift online at the Goodwill. Because the Goodwill lists items from all over the U.S., there are things here you won't find at your neighborhood shop. From the comfort of your couch, there's something fun and inexpensive for everyone on your list. Here are ten gift ideas from the Goodwill online for kids, everybody and crafters. ShopGoodwill.com is an auction website that operates much like eBay. Registration for bidding is free. The site… -
Weekend Sale Preview: Fulton Street Antiques Estate Sale
17 Nov 2009 | 8:36 amAn industrial arts loft on West Fulton....a witty, lifelong collector....items to delight the eye and the mind......Cue the cast of extras and you have the perfect setting for a antiques/garage/estate sale. The sale starts this Friday, November 20 and goes through Sunday Here's an amuse-bouche of the large and varied inventory of antiques and items for sale. For full appreciation of this sale, here's the story of how it came about. David Carlson was an antique dealer and owner of Nook and Cranny on south Vincennes in Chicago. For years, David's business also occupied booth #63 at…
-
Garrard McClendon Live
-
Oprah dumps Garrard McClendon
20 Nov 2009 | 6:10 amBefore Oprah hooked up with Steadman, I was Oprah's man. I got her phone number - 312-633-1000. Oprah don't go, Oprah say it ain't so. The Queen of Daytime TV is calling it quits to the Oprah Winfrey Show on Sept 19, 2011, moving her empire from Chicago to Cali. Oprah don't go, sweetheart. The near west side will miss taking pictures in front of your studio. Restaurants will lose business, and no more car giveaways at Randolph, Washington, and Carpenter. Please baby, please...Oprah don't go, baby. You left Mississippi, Milwaukee, Tennessee, and Baltimore to be with… -
Michael Scott death looks self-inflicted
18 Nov 2009 | 2:26 pmA ministers' alliance is saying that the investigation of school Michael Scott's death needs to continue. Are they meddling? I s Mayor Daley defending Scott for questionable reasons? See Tribune article. Police chief, Jody Weis, discussed several facts leading to the death of Scott. Police have connoted that the weapon was registered to Scott and that ballistics show that residue was found on Michael Scott's left hand. Cash, credit cards, and a cell phone were found, noting that the death was probably not a robbery. Scott was last seen on Sunday around 4:15 p.m., however there is… -
Team 9 Coat Drive needs you
18 Nov 2009 | 1:41 pmHey everyone! Help to keep someone warm this winter by donating new or clean, gently used coats. Your coats will be appreciated by someone who is in need. Please bring them to: WGN Studios 2501 W.Bradley Place Chicago, IL 60618 -
Chicago loses Olympics and conventions
17 Nov 2009 | 12:39 pmChicago's big shoulders are getting thin when it comes to conventions. The SPI plastics show and the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society have said "NAY" to the Windy City. Come on toddlin' town...the disappearance of the 2016 Olympic bid, high taxes, and Chicago's crime factor are probably contributors to Orlando and Las Vegas's denial. These cities have stolen two huge conventions from Chicago. The Chicago Tribune reported Mayor Daley saying, "the trade show's decision to leave is "a very serious loss." Daley called on unions and others working at the convention… -
The pressures of Michael Scott
16 Nov 2009 | 8:26 amMy day was saddened when I heard the news of the president of the Chicago School Board. Michael Scott is no longer with us and the speculation on his last moments are rampant. As a business person, mayoral confidant, and school board president, Michael Scott's life was complicated, to say the least. See Tribune story on Michael Scott. Trib photo: William DeShazerThe Tribune reported that "around 3:15 a.m. today, police found Scott's blue Cadillac parked next to a trash bin yards away from where he was discovered along the river, police say. The car was winched onto a tow truck about 6:30…
-
Gowhere Hip Hop
-
ADaD and Exile talk with Taco The Town
21 Nov 2009 | 1:58 pmChicago's ADaD joins Exile for a fun and interesting interview with Taco The Town. Taco The Town is a segment where the colorful host interviews his guests while at lunch eating tacos, haha. In the interview itself, Exile talks about his well-received album, Radio, and both artists discuss what hip hop is and what hip hop needs. You'll also be entertained by both artists' anecdotes and stories and get to know both artists on a level beyond the music.Down below, just a quartet of tracks for your Saturday afternoons - Wale, Game, Jay Sean, and J. Holiday should satisfy fans of all sorts of the… -
Kamilah Sumner & Mikkey Halsted release new track "So I Can Love Again"
20 Nov 2009 | 4:53 pmKamilah Sumner "So I Can Love Again" f/ Mikkey HalstedProducer: The Gift - FULL, CDQ, Track off mixtape, Heart Of A Lion *Tibs Fav.™ Kamilah Sumner is an upcoming artist out of Chicago who sings a smooth jam on "So I Can Love Again" featuring Mikkey Halsted. The ladies will dig and relate; the fellas will surely appreciate the record as a whole. Halsted jumps in on the second verse, with a little more raspy voice than usual. Nonetheless, it's a raw sound that you'll either love or hate; I just wish he punctuated that last line on the level of his "no gas, I am so hybrid" punchline right… -
Top 50 Music Video Girls of the 2000s
20 Nov 2009 | 1:33 pmIt's Friday, it's a good day right?! Well, let's start on a light-hearted note as Complex Magazine just liberated a massive recap of the top 50 music video girls of all-time (shouts 2 Ernest). No doubt our male visitors will be interested to oogle at the likes of Roca Acosta, Melyssa Ford, and even celebrities like Scarlett Johansson who make the list but the list also serves as educational. In just a couple minutes of browsing, I encountered a lot of, "That's the girl in x video?! Woooow" moments. Simply put, it's a well-produced, detailed account of the music video girls of the decade. -
Download African hip hop artist M.anifest's new mixtape 'The Birds & The Beats'
20 Nov 2009 | 5:17 amM.anifest - The Birds & The Beats [MIXTAPE]Being from the mother of all motherlands, I thought this would be a useful opportunity to promote a cause as well: "Young Entrepreneurs Africa," (YE,A) - a nonprofit giving tools and skills for African Youth to get theirs the entrepreneurship route and not have to rely on charity. The complete rhyme and reason of it all is at http://manifestmc.comI work with some incredible musicians who dedicated massive amounts of time and talent to make this happen so I couldn't take full credit for this release. The download includes liner notes which… -
J. Hollins' soulful "Because Of You" leads new music update
19 Nov 2009 | 5:29 pmJ. Hollins "Because Of You"FULLCDQ, Track off upcoming album, The Soul Renaissance L.P. *Tibs Fav.™More new music and videos to wrap up my Thursday as Chicago R&B/Soul singer J. Hollins and his single "Because Of You" is up for grabs and in rotation on Chicago's Soul 106.3FM. You'll right away appreciate the production as the intro hooks you in for what proves to be a nice soulful jam. J. Hollins' lyrics combined with the masterful touch of the background vocals sets "Because Of You" apart from the rest. Overall, there's a lot to like about "Because Of You", which is very…
-
Metromix: The Blog
-
See this movie: 'Rebuilding Hope' Friday at Portage Theater
19 Nov 2009 | 3:29 pmTomorrow night you can see "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" and be treated to a lot of screaming fans and a pretty boring movie. Or you could head to the Portage Theater for a screening of the documentary "Rebuilding Hope," which has an awfully earnest name but certainly earns the right to be emotional. The 8 p.m. screening's $10 and features a post-film discussion with director Jen Marlowe and the film's stars, including Chicago resident Garang Mayuol. See my review below and let us know what you think of the movie."Rebuilding Hope"***1/2 (out of five)This documentary, about three "Lost Boys"… -
Open call for 'The Bachelorette' at Rockit Wrigleyville
19 Nov 2009 | 2:49 pmAdmit it. You're so dying to be the next Jillian Harris. (Who wouldn't want to have their weekly whereabouts chronicled by celeb-spotting RedEye columnist Liz Crokin?)After producing "The Bachelorette" for several seasons using ousted ladies from past series of "The Bachelor," ABC is apparently on the hunt for a fresh face. And they're setting up camp at Rockit's Wrigleyville location tomorrow night. In addition to scouting for a leading lady, they're also on the look out for male contestants, too. No advanced registration is required; just head up to the bar's second floor and get in… -
Park Grill launches brunch
19 Nov 2009 | 2:36 pmJust in time for the holidays, we're getting a new weekend brunch option within easy walking distance of the Mag Mile. Park Grill launches brunch service Saturday, with plans to serve Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. The menu promises chocolate-cherry brioche French toast, pumpkin pancakes and crab Benedict with Sriracha hollandaise, among other items -- plus the ultimate cure for holiday shopping overload: endless mimosas for just $10 with any entree purchase.... -
Hmm, do I want to enjoy this movie with popcorn or 3 Quarter Pounders?
19 Nov 2009 | 11:22 amSorry, popcorn fans: A consumer advocacy group released a review Wednesday indicating that a medium popcorn and medium soft drink at your average multiplex offers the nutritional equivalent of three Quarter Pounders topped with 12 pats of butter. And by "nutritional equivalent," they mean a lot a lot a lot of fat and calories and not very much that can actually be considered nutritious.Yes, the Center for Science in the Public Interest's study--following up on an analysis done 15 years ago--sampled multiple servings of popcorn at movie chains like Regal Entertainment Group and AMC Movie… -
Cheap cheeseburgers
19 Nov 2009 | 10:39 amThe legendary Billy Goat Tavern celebrates its 75th anniversary today with 75 cent cheeseburgers. Not hamburgers. Cheeseburgers!...
-
Kap's Corner
-
A Look at Curtis Granderson
17 Nov 2009 | 10:18 pmAfter a nice break on the beach in Maui it's time to get back to work covering all of the happenings in the Chicago sports world. So let's start with the Cubs, who are still trying to unload Milton Bradley after talking with a number of teams at the recently completed GM meetings.The latest I am hearing has the Cubs and the Rangers seriously discussing a trade that would send the disgruntled outfielder back to the the team that he starred for before signing with the Cubs last winter. However, read this nugget in Rangers' beat writer Evan Grant's blog regarding a possible Bradley return to… -
Lovie Smith Must Go
9 Nov 2009 | 11:16 amWhile I am on vacation with my wife, I decided to bring my laptop out to watch the Bears game while catching some sun. Through the awesome invention known as a Slingbox I was able to have my NFL Sunday Ticket right on the beach with me and I sat down hoping to watch the Bears harass Kurt Warner into another turnover filled day like he had a week ago against Carolina.However, from the Cardinals first possession, it was obvious that the defense had no chance at slowing down Warner and Co. and that was without All-Pro wide receiver Anquan Boldin, who was sidelined with an injury. The Cardinals… -
A Look at Zambrano and Lackey
5 Nov 2009 | 8:31 pmIt's amazing to see the reaction anytime I write about Carlos Zambrano and his performance as the ace of the Cubs rotation. If I point out anything negative about Big Z his supporters come rushing to his defense. If I say something nice about "Z" those who don't like him become very vocal.Yesterday, I talked about free agent starter John Lackey of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and his credentials which should earn him a huge contract this winter. I immediately heard from the Zambrano fan club who think that if I point out Z's shortcomings I must have a vendetta against him.Look, I am not… -
Some Ideas for the Cubs
4 Nov 2009 | 10:32 pmThe Cubs are starting to see the fruits of their labor to improve their farm system, as a handful of top flight prospects are nearly ready to play at the major league level. SS Starlin Castro is probably the closest position player to the big leagues, with 3B Josh Vitters not far behind, especially offensively.So with Castro on the fast track to the Cubs everyday lineup, incumbent shortstop Ryan Theriot will be moved to 2nd base when Castro arrives. If Castro is being penciled into the starting lineup for Opening Day 2011, or perhaps sooner, why not move Theriot to 2nd base now? Rather than… -
Ted Lilly Has Shoulder Surgery
4 Nov 2009 | 2:53 pmThe Cubs have announced today that Ted Lilly had shoulder surgery yesterday afternoon and probably will not start the season in the Cubs rotation. Here is the press release that the Cubs issued today:TED LILLY UNDERGOES LEFT SHOULDER ARTHROSCOPY AND DEBRIDEMENT CHICAGOTed Lilly yesterday afternoon underwent a left shoulder arthroscopy and debridement performed by noted orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Lewis Yocum in Los Angeles. During the surgery, Dr. Yocum found no major damage to Lilly's shoulder and the procedure consisted of a washout and clean up of the shoulder. The…
-
Off the Markley
-
Men Secretly Freak Out About Body Hair
20 Nov 2009 | 5:19 amNot my stomach; quiet down, ladies.I was in Estelle's in Wicker Park randomly chatting with a thin 24-year-old blonde girl, who was explaining to me that her butt would just never look the same. "Things have already started to sag," she declared forlornly. "All the parts will never go back to where they used to be, and no amount of exercise or dieting will change that." And this from a woman who probably weighed all of 100 pounds and had been out of college for all of 12 minutes. Still her point remains. The aging body thing sucks, and I know what she's talking about. Women apparently worry… -
Carrie Prejean 'Still Standing' After Relatively No Adversity
19 Nov 2009 | 5:13 amAP photoIs there really any better metaphor for the over-entitled, self-involved, completely un-self-aware grasping nimrodery of the American character than that self-styled martyr from California, Carrie Prejean? She is the embodiment of so many negative trends percolating in the undercurrents of our society that it's hard to believe some liberal blogger didn't make her up as a kind of performance art joke. Keep in mind, I have actively tried to not follow this woman in any way, shape or form, as she belongs to the crowded field of slavish publicity-hounds who seemingly want to be famous for… -
This Season Features Best Episodes of 'Curb' Ever
18 Nov 2009 | 5:19 amPhoto courtesy of HBOFor "Seinfeld" and "Curb Your Enthusiasm" fans, this season of "Curb" has been maddening if for no other reason than that the reunion of the "Seinfeld" cast has come in such fleeting bursts. My roommate Elliott said it best, "I think I could just sit in a corner and watch Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld talk for eight hours." Whether it's about scooting over in a restaurant booth to accommodate a new person or casting the part of George's wife in a "Seinfeld" reunion show, Seinfeld and David are pretty much comedic heroin. I literally cannot get enough, and when I have… -
How Is Marijuana Still Illegal?
17 Nov 2009 | 5:31 amNot my basementThe American Medical Association recently reversed its long-standing position and urged the federal government to loosen the classification of Marijuana and clear the path for more medical marijuana use and clinical research. OK--great--but for real: why isn't pot entirely legal already? Likely because of a Puritanical law-and-order ethos that pervades the generations of policymakers who have curried favor with frightened and uninteresting voters by creating a make-believe issue out of cannabis, is my theory. Lumping pot in with other Schedule I drugs (the highest… -
Sportscenter's Top 10 Plays Are Always Wrong
16 Nov 2009 | 5:35 amAP PhotoLike most heteronormative men, I fear my penis will fall off if I don't watch Sportscenter. And like all Sportscenter viewers, my favorite part of the show is the end of the episode when they do the Top 10 Plays. This is where they rank the ten best plays from the day across all sports, and let me tell you it is always, every time, never-miss-a-day wrong. Sportscenter's Top 10 Plays is so incalculably wrong that frankly I often get mad at my television and call it names that include the "f-word," "s-word," "g-d-word," "b-word," "c-word," a-word," "p-word," and then invent an "l-word,"…
-
Parking Ticket Geek
-
Geek, CBS 2 Teamup To Show City Vastly Undervalued Parking Meter Lease Deal
20 Nov 2009 | 8:33 pmThe Parking Ticket Geek and The Expired Meter teamed up with CBS 2 News Thursdsay night to report on some pretty amazing data about Chicago's parking meter system and the meter lease deal. The information essentially confirms what most people knew already--Chicago vastly undervalued the meter lease deal by hundreds of millions of dollars. That's because with the higher rates and new pay and display meter units, the new meter company is raking in the revenue. The internal documents obtained by CBS 2 and theexpiredmeter.com reveal that LAZ Parking projects $75 million in proceeds next year, the… -
$665: The Cost Of Driving Without A License
19 Nov 2009 | 7:53 pmThe city is not fooling around anymore. According to the Tribune, starting January 1, 2010, If you get stopped without having a proper driver's license, the city will impound your car and fine you $500. When you add in the towing fee, the grand total is $665. The city council just passed the law this Wednesday. OUCH! My advice? Get your damn driver's license or DON'T drive. -
NBC 5, Sun-Times: Parking Tickets Up, But Revenue Down
17 Nov 2009 | 12:00 pmWhile parking ticket enforcement is up in Chicago, ticket revenue payments are down for the past four months. That's according to a report by Carol Marin & Don Moseley last night on NBC 5, and in today's Sun-Times which both say, for May through August of 2009, ticket revenue is down $3.9 million from the same period a year ago.One wonders if it's just the effects of a difficult recession and motorists inability to pay that accounts for this steep decline, or is it possibly a mild form of protest as well? -
More Faux 'Parking Tickets' Promote Band, Ticket Sales
17 Nov 2009 | 7:01 amLocal musician Adam Becvare doesn't like Chicago parking tickets. Hates them really. But, every time his band The Lust Killers play their hometown, he co-opts the powerful and unsettling graphic imagery of Chicago's bright orange parking tickets to alert fans to their shows. Becvare brought The Lust Killer's signature design scheme to our attention a few weeks ago in the wake of our story about Wicker Park hotwing restaurant Wing Stop employing the parking ticket icon in a promotional flier. "He (Wing Stop owner Mike Pirozzoli) totally got the idea from us," says Becvare who points out… -
Ask The Parking Ticket Geek
16 Nov 2009 | 7:07 amAsk The Parking Ticket Geek is a semi-regular parking ticket advice column. If you have a question for The Parking Ticket Geek, please e-mail the Geek with your query at: askthegeek@theexpiredmeter.com Geek! I've gotten notice from the City of Chicago that they will now boot my vehicle because I have 11 tickets dating back to 1991. I am in bankruptcy and foreclosure and cannot afford to pay the tickets even on their "Hardship Program". What about parking in garages and parking lots and never on the street? Will that work? What can I do? Please help? Lea Lea- My first advice would be to talk…
-
RedEye
-
Jingle 'L': The CTA Holiday Train has arrived
21 Nov 2009 | 11:48 am"Going Public" caught up with the CTA Holiday Train on its maiden ride Saturday. The trip started at the Howard stop, where the Yellow, Red and Purple Lines meet.Riders took photos with Santa and received free candy canes. If you spot the holiday train, please send a photo to tswartz@tribune.com for a photo gallery "GP" is putting together.Here is the holiday train schedule.More photos after the jump. At the Fullerton stop. -
Transgender groups to discuss nightclub's ID policy
20 Nov 2009 | 2:28 pmWhen Hunters nightclub, a gay bar in Elk Grove Village, announced in August that patrons would have to show ID matching their gender presentation, it angered some in the transgender community who don't dress as the opposite sex all the time. Several transgender rights organizations called for a boycott of Hunters, saying the policy discriminates against trans folk. But it's a sticky situation. Hunters manager Peter Landorf told the Tribune at the time that some cross-dressing prostitutes were advertising online and mentioning Hunters. It could cost him his liquor license… -
CTA turnstile mystery solved!
20 Nov 2009 | 12:00 pmVia Twitter, Ryan Kiefer wrote to "Going Public" to ask why turnstile lanes had changed at CTA stops at Midway Airport, the Merchandise Mart, Clark/Lake and Library.The CTA responded: "CTA is reconfiguring turnstiles that had been Chicago Card only to also accept magnetic strip fare cards." -
Need some holiday help? RedEye to the rescue
20 Nov 2009 | 11:27 am -
When will CTA Washington Red Line stop reopen?
20 Nov 2009 | 11:00 amVia Twitter, a rider asked about the Washington Red Line stop. The CTA's response is below."Will the Washington Red Line stop open when Block 37 and pedway opens on Thanksgiving?"The CTA responded: "No, there is currently no timeline for when the Washington Red Line station will reopen, or when the paid transfer tunnel (one level below the pedway) between the Washington Red and Blue Line stations will reopen."
-
Rent or Buy
-
What happens if I get Liz Lemon'd?
19 Nov 2009 | 8:53 pmSo... I was just watching 30 Rock in that same positionLiz Lemon as at the beginning of the show (asleep on the couch) and something real estate related came on! Video coming soon, but it's not YouTubed yet. So Liz discovered that her apartment in New York was being converted to condos, and that she would have to either move or face her rent being jacked up sky high. Hilarity ensues (no spoilers here) but the punchline is "In New York real estate, there are no rules." But in all real estate there are some rules. It's true that they can't make you buy your apartment. But once your lease is up,… -
The Verdict? It's complicated...
18 Nov 2009 | 1:18 pmI found a great tool for calculating whether it would be cheaper to rent or buy, based on your rent, how much you were planning on putting down as a down payment, taxes, insurance, appreciation, inflation and rise in rent. try HGTV's caluclator here Using my current rent, and assuming I would want to buy a $300,000 unit at conservative taxes and interest rates it would cost me $20,000 less to buy over the next 30 years. But... -That's $667 a year, or $55ish a month. $55 a month is worth it for not having to sell something if I decide I want to pick up an move next month or at the end of my… -
Home sweet home... for your pet
16 Nov 2009 | 2:42 pmThere's a lot of considerations that go into buying or leasing a new place that are complicated when you have a pet. Here's a few things you should consider if you're moving somewhere with your furry friend... 1. If you're renting, ask the landlord: some apartment finding services will help you out by screening for pet-friendly apartments. You're probably going to have better luck in a smaller building where neighbors won't be as concerned about density, noise and smell. 2. Find out if there are amenities that will make your pet happier: Yelp and the Chicago Park District have lists of places… -
2814 N. Sheffield: Open House of the week
15 Nov 2009 | 1:34 pmThe new construction units at 2814 N. Sheffield offer a variety of floorplans near the L in a nice neighborhood in south Lakeview. Some of the units are up to $750,000, but the one I toured on the second floor south end of the building was a three-bedroom, two-bath for $549,000. You enter the unit through the front stairs, which open into a wide living/dining area and spacious kitchen With dark hardwood floors throughout, the bright light coming in from the south windows give a nice coloring to the unit, which is being marketed by Sudler Sotheby's Tracy Romano. The kitchen has… -
Renters, insurance claims and GMAC in this week's real estate news
13 Nov 2009 | 8:37 amHere's a round up of this week's real estate news: - Renters are getting less for their money in major cities during the housing crisis American Public Media reports that investors bought apartment buildings with the intention of making them into luxury units, but when they couldn't get low-income, low-rent tenants out right away they gave up and left buildings in disrepair. -Real Living has merged with GMAC According to Inman, this means more expansion of Brookfield properties into the U.S. -Property managers are having more problems with insurance claims and debt…
-
Sex and the Windy City
-
Get Stuffed This Thanksgiving: Aphrodisiac Side Dishes
21 Nov 2009 | 9:03 amTypically, Thanksgiving is all about food comas, football, and Catch Phrase with the fam, why not add a little romance in there as well? Fight the effects of tryptophan this year by adding some more stimulating ingredients to your sides. Greens and spices such as asparagus, figs, nutmeg, ginger, and honey are all aphrodisiacs that will have you swapping that post-feast nap for a higher calorie burn activity... Asparagus is touted for its aphrodisiac properties because of it's phallic shape and high Vitamin E content. Prosciutto wrapped asparagus is one of my favorites and… -
To De-Friend or Not to De-Friend: Do Break-ups Transcend Digital Boundaries?
20 Nov 2009 | 12:42 pmMy friend Liz posted this great article from the New York Times on Facebook today, discussing the boundaries of a break-up. In the piece, Charles Antin talks about indulging the lingering feelings he had for his ex by doing a little Facebook stalking... When he found that his 83-year-old grandfather had befriended his ex, he lost it, feeling betrayed by his grandfather and angry with his ex. What was once casual, digital nostalgia, became a hurtful reminder of what he no longer had.Obviously social networking tools aren't going anywhere and when it comes to a break-up, the… -
Frisky Friday: You Know I'm Going to Get "New Moon" in Here Somewhere
20 Nov 2009 | 10:30 am -
A Big Night for "The Body"
20 Nov 2009 | 6:30 amLast night was a big night for Heidi Klum. Not only did the season finale of Project Runway air (btw, I do not like Irina or her style), but also, she made a surprise appearance at the 2009 Victoria Secret Fashion Show. Heidi "The Body" Klum just had her 3rd baby 5 months ago. but is still looking phenomenal as always.The show will air on CBS on December 1st at 9pm and will feature the culmination of the Victoria's Secret Model Search as well as a performance by the Black Eyed Peas.The new, Michigan Avenue store has caused quite a stir around town and on December 1st they will be… -
Caster Semenya Will Keep Her Gold Medal
19 Nov 2009 | 1:38 pmIt's a sexy and newsy day here at SATWC, and even though this one is a little late, it's a story we've been following since the start. Congrats to Caster Semenya who gets to keep her gold medal from the 800 meter run at the World Championships in Berlin. The IAAF is not releasing results of gender testing being done to determine her sex and eligibility, but have determined that her win in August will be upheld.I personally am very excited for this 18 year old. At a time of such transition in one's life, regardless of gender, it must have been horrifying for her to withstand…
-
Kyles Files
-
Your Turn: Palin Magazine Cover a Cheap Shot
19 Nov 2009 | 9:49 pmAre you shocked? I'm shocked. Me siding with the winking, nodding Sarah Palin? But I'm sorry, I chose this as my Friday column topic because I feel she was wronged by Newsweek. Not cool, Newsweek. If you read this in the paper, skip right to comments. I want to know what you think. (Bonus: Funny photo after the jump.)I am reluctant to side with Sarah Palin.Despite her obvious "by golly" charm and snappy, rehearsed one-liners, I'm no fan of the politico-turned-author.When it comes to numerous public policy issues, Alaska's finest and I do not see… -
Blackthoughts, Whitethoughts: What Are Your Thoughts?
18 Nov 2009 | 2:58 pmIt's Wednesday. We might all be bored. We're too far away from Monday to be productive. Yet not close enough to the weekend to be inspired. But the top trending topics on Twitter right now are #blackthoughts vs #whitethoughts. Really? It doesn't get much dumber than this one. More after the jump... We live in an increasingly in-your-face society, where the Internet and social media make it very difficult to keep cultural "inside jokes" going. Twitter seems to attract people of all backgrounds, and yet, there… -
Wednesdays with Wendell: Keep your opinion out of my news.
18 Nov 2009 | 11:36 amThere is a place you can go for information, where nearly anyone can be a pundit. This is a place to discuss opinions, ideas, interpret world events and analyze society. It is a space where information and supposition can meet to create theory that is debatable, yet not definitive. In this place it's ok to get emotional, to use your personal views to explain your position and to be completely subjective. That place is a blog.The morning and evening news is not that place. There has been a severe perversion in the code of ethics in the industry of journalism. The era of profiteering has taken… -
Profiling: Do you judge people on site? (This is not a typo)
17 Nov 2009 | 12:44 pmSome people might not like this. But discussing pop doesn't necessarily make you popular. Knowing this, I present you a semi-controversial topic and want to see what my Kyles Filers think... It's about profiling...You know, the kind that usually has "racial" in front of it. In short, it boils down to judging a person based on extraneous details, and it's usually deplorable. That's why I have decided to come forward about some profiling I've been doing of late that just occurred to me. And it may be one of the worst kinds. Site. -
Cab Karaoke: Will You Sing for a Free Ride?
17 Nov 2009 | 9:10 amI'd be falling down on the job if I didn't let you know you've got a shot at a free fare. Noticed that annoying little gas price-surcharge on your cab rides of late? Yeah, a taxi trip for free ninety-nine would feel good right about now, huh? But it's not as simple as just hopping in and demanding to be taken somewhere for free. In fact, if you do that, you might end up in Arresting Tales getting mocked by Joe the Cop. So (jingle, jingle) here's your key to a free cab ride. Starting on November 25, the Illinois Lottery is giving away…
-
Pace of Chicago
-
Thank You Ashley Bond.
21 Nov 2009 | 2:39 pmWe believe in supporting our kids in anything they want to try, as log as it's a healthy/positive activity, why not.This past Summer while we were at the Gurnee 4th of July parade and Little Miss Gurnee went past in a car, our daughter looked up at us and said, " I want to do that dad, I want to ride in a fancy car and be in a parade.""No harm no foul," is what I thought. We explained to her that she had to enter a pageant to be able to do have the chance to be Little Miss Gurnee, and that pageants were a lot of work. She didn't care, and after some research, we found out that the… -
Top 50 Best Running Stores in America Announced
18 Nov 2009 | 9:57 amMolly LynchCompetitor Magazine announced the Top 50 Best Running Stores last week in Austin, Texas at The Running Event. What they lack in creative event naming, they make up for in the ability to recognize talent in the world of endurance sports, three of the top 50 shops are right here in the Chicago area.Three stores in Illinois made it into the Top 50 - Naperville Running Company, taking the top spot in the country! Runners High 'n Tri, located in Arlington Heights and Fleet Feet Sports, Chicago, making it into the Big Four."We're honored to be part of the top running… -
Revloution 3 Triathlon Series Open For Business!
16 Nov 2009 | 11:28 amPart of endurance sports is learning a little from each experience. Every race, training ride, run, there is information we use as athletes to learn from and improve.Heather Gollnick is doing just that, taking an old idea and bringing it to the next level. The 5 time Ironman winner, along with her husband Todd Gollnick and Trakkers have teamed up to create the Revolution 3 Triathlon Series. Heather has trained and raced at the highest level, she has seen the good and the not so good of what triathlon has to offer and launched Revolution 3 as a new alternative to the… -
"Diesel Dean" Runs The Chicago Marathon Twice
14 Nov 2009 | 12:49 pmDean Karnazes ran the Bank of America Chicago Marathon twice this year. After 26.2 miles, he crossed the finish line and did it again!Pizza, a few cups of coffee and plenty of time to take pictures with fans and Dean made the 52.4 mile journey look easy.Check out this video of his journey and to follow along with Dean and his adventures click here. -
Run, ride, hike, kayak, play! It's going to be a great weekend.
13 Nov 2009 | 5:44 pmI'm not sure how many weekends we have left like this, so take advantage of it, get outside and do something!I found two great videos to help get you pumped up. Enjoy!
-
Top Ten Chicago Sports
-
Top Ten Philadelphia Eagles to Keep an Eye On Sunday Night
20 Nov 2009 | 3:24 amLet's forget about the doom and gloom that surrounds the Bears and instead focus our attention on Sunday night's opponent, the Philadelphia Eagles. As always you can expect to see Andy Reid's offense throw early and often with Donovan McNabb running the show. On the other side of the ball, the Eagles defense is as relentless as ever and never hesitant to blitz at any given time. To help you get ready for Sunday night's action, here are the Top Ten Philadelphia Eagles to Keep an Eye On. -
Top Ten Bears Fans You'll Find at Soldier Field
19 Nov 2009 | 3:30 amSpending your Sunday at Soldier Field is always an experience made most entertaining sometimes not by the players, but the fans in the stands. So if you're heading to the game on Sunday night against the Philadelphia Eagles, keep an eye out for each of the Top Ten Bears Fans You'll Find at Soldier Field. -
Top Ten Reasons Why Michael Jordan's 23 Should Be Retired
17 Nov 2009 | 3:00 amIf there's one thing I don't understand about professional sports, it's the reluctance to pay homage to those who were true legends of the game. Case in point, Michael Jeffery Jordan. Just this past weekend, LeBron James revealed plans to change his number because he felt that nobody should ever be able to wear Jordan's number. What followed has been a spirited debate that leaves no middle ground. I'm no different and that's why I felt compelled to give you the Top Ten Reasons Why Michael Jordan's 23 Should Be Retired. Weird and fun stuff from all over: -
Top Ten Signs Jay Cutler's Chicago Honeymoon Has Come to an End
15 Nov 2009 | 9:17 pmEmbarrassing. That's the only word that I can use to describe what's transpired in the past week with the Chicago Bears and Jay Cutler. We've gone from a city with high hopes to a fan base without any post season expectations. Leading the charge down to the depths of NFL mediocrity is Cutler himself, punctuated by his five picks against the 49ers Thursday night. His epic collapse in that game has forced every Bears fan to adjust their perception of the one time savior, and not in a good way. Here are the Top Ten Signs Jay Cutler's Chicago Honeymoon Has Come to an End. -
Top Ten Ways This Season Could Get Any Worse
12 Nov 2009 | 3:47 amTonight's contest against the San Francisco 49ers could very well be the knockout punch that sends this season to the bottom of Lake Michigan. But in reality Bears fans, things could get a whole lot worse. Don't believe me? Let me prove it to you with the Top Ten Things Ways This Season Could Get Any Worse. 10. Raise Ticket Prices Who wouldn't want to spend half their salary on season tickets so they can watch Jay Cutler's career get cut just a bit shorter every Sunday? 9. Second Chance Knowing that the defense can't get any worse, Lovie makes Bob Babich defensive coordinator yet again. Smith…
-
What's It Worth? by Leslie Hindman
-
What's it Worth: Collectible Advertisement
19 Nov 2009 | 1:21 pmWe often see items that can be categorized as collectible advertisements. This week, one of our readers sent in this clock doorstop made by the Golden Novelty Manufacturing Company for the Andrew Lohr Bottling Company. Our reader tells us the clock itself is missing, but the cast iron statue is in excellent shape, measuring about 19 inches high by 12 inches wide. He would like to know how much it is truly worth, noting, "I have been told its value is somewhere between $200 & $700 but I have seen a smaller piece sell for $1700, and another piece about the same size, a cigar advertising… -
Warhol's Dollars Bring Big Money
12 Nov 2009 | 2:08 pm"It was really Warhol's night," Philippe Ségalot said of Sotheby's Contemporary Art auction Wednesday evening. Ségalot, a Manhattan art dealer, was one of the underbidders to the night's highlight: Andy Warhol's classic "200 One Dollar Bills." Previously owned by taxi tycoon Robert C. Skull, the work's provenance, coupled with its pristine condition, made it a very attractive purchase. Bids bounced around the room between five collectors vying to own the work, which was one of Warhol's first silkscreen paintings. Finally, an anonymous phone bidder closed the deal for $43.8 million including… -
Interesting does not Necessarily Mean Auctionable
10 Nov 2009 | 1:43 pmThere is something special about inheriting an old leather-bound book. The curled pages and worn leather are testimony to loving use from multiple generations. Sometimes we may never know the travels a book has taken, while in other cases, the path may be very clear. Either way, the legacy does not always ensure the value. From a monetary perspective, the charm of ragged struggle through the battle of use is, many times, only depreciation.This book, sent in from a reader who inherited it from a Priest in his family, is a great example.The Roman Catholic missal contains the prayers said by the… -
What's it Worth: KPM and the Kiesel Portrait Miniature
5 Nov 2009 | 12:40 pmThis porcelain plaque sent in to us by a reader is most likely German, dating to the late 19th to early 20th century. There were several companies at the time producing plaques such as these, most notably K.P.M. If it were by K.P.M. the back should be impressed with a scepter or orb mark.The mark, "K.P.M." standing for, "Konigliche Porzellan Manufaktur," has been used by many German porcelain makers. They supplied the nobility with the best hand-painted ceramics. The plaque firms would have artists copy known paintings onto their plaques. In this case, our reader specified that… -
What's It Worth: Old News (Wagon) Brings Good News!
4 Nov 2009 | 11:06 amWhile putting together our Marketplace exhibition for sale, one of our readers inquired about her mint condition Chicago Daily News Wagon. Her timing couldn't be better! We received the same wagon for consignment and included it as part of the Marketplace sale this past Sunday and Monday. As you can see, the wagon we sold is quite charming and would be wonderfully displayed with newspapers and magazines in the right home. Our buyers agreed! We put an auction estimate on the wagon at $100/200, and realized a price of $488 including the buyer's premium. Depending on personal preference of the…
-
Show Patrol
-
'Doctor Who: The End of Time' set for Dec. 26
20 Nov 2009 | 1:37 pmDavid Tennant will be missed as the Tenth Doctor Who. As you can see in the clips here, he delivers the perfect blend of humor and gravitas in the role. BBC America announced Friday that Tennant's final two appearances as the Time Lord will air on the network beginning at 8 p.m. Dec. 26 with "Doctor Who: The End of Time, Part One." A date for the finale, "Doctor Who: The End of Time, Part Two," has yet to be announced. As I previously reported, the next special, "Doctor Who: The Waters of Mars," premieres ay 8 p.m. Dec. 19 I don't know a lot about the finale, but as you can see, the Master… -
Amanda Tapping sits in 'Sanctuary' director's chair
20 Nov 2009 | 12:39 pmAmanda Tapping adds yet another title to her "Sanctuary" credits with the latest episode of the Syfy thriller: Director. Tapping, who stars as Dr. Helen Magnus and serves as executive producer with Damian Kindler and Martin Wood, took complete control of the production for "Veritas," which airs at 9 p.m. Nov. 20. And she loved the experience. "It was great," she told me at the beginning of the season. "I am really proud of it. I'm really proud of the show. I think the performances are amazing, it's a great story by Alan McCullough." (POSSIBLE SPOILERS: IF YOU WISH TO KNOW NOTHING BEFORE… -
Oprah Winfrey: 'This show has been my life'
20 Nov 2009 | 8:04 amAn emotional Oprah Winfrey closed her Friday show by announcing the end of "The Oprah Winfrey Show." "After much prayer and months of careful thought, I have decided that next season, Season 25, will be the last season of 'The Oprah Winfrey Show,'" she told her studio audience, some of whom gasped. Winfrey went on to explain her decision, in order to stop speculation about why she is making the decision: "I love this show. This show has been my life. And I love it enough to know when it's time to say good-bye. Twenty-five years feels right in my bones and right in spirit. It's the perfect… -
Taylor Lautner on 'Late Night' & Robert Pattinson is bothered again
19 Nov 2009 | 10:52 pmTaylor Lautner appeared on "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" Thursday, talking about "The Twilight Saga: New Moon," his co-stars and riding a mini-bike with Jimmy. But the highlight of the show was another installment of Jimmy's Robert Pattinson imitations. This time "Robert" is bothered by "New Moon." Enjoy the clips from NBC. And have you played Six Degrees of Taylor and Wolf? -
Good for you, Oprah
19 Nov 2009 | 5:24 pmOprah Winfrey will say goodbye to her syndicated talk show after next year. AP photo So Oprah Winfrey is closing down her Chicago-filmed talk show in 2011. It's about time. I'm not saying that to be snarky. Good for her, I say. I'm not sure I could host a talker for 25 years, no matter how much I like to yak. I think Winfrey's been ready to hang up the mic for years to pursue other interests and make billions of more dollars. Seriously, why run a syndicated talk show when you can run an entire network? Rumor has it she's going to devote her time to the Oprah Winfrey Network, the cable network…
-
Chicago Bar-tender
-
Parents: Daughter took our house and put us in a home
17 Nov 2009 | 3:16 pmAn elderly couple is suing their daughter for deceit after she allegedly got them to sign their house over to her and then put them in a nursing home. According to the complaint, Overton and Bernice Williams were both born in 1917 and are "unsophisticated in legal matters." They lived in their home in Chicago with their daughter, defendant Leshia Williams, who they trusted "implicitly as to all their financial affairs," until she got them to execute a quitclaim deed in 2006 and took out a home equity loan on the house in 2008. A few months after receiving the loan proceeds, Leshia placed her… -
Lawsuit: National Hair Growth Institute lies
17 Nov 2009 | 2:47 pmAttorney General Lisa Madigan is suing the Natural Hair Growth Institute and Omega Hair Group and its President Steve Bennis asserting that it uses a certain laser light therapy not cleared by the FDA and does not provide refunds to clients as promised. According to the complaint, defendants use a certain "Orbit Laser Light" that they developed and gives the impression on its website that it is similar to laser light therapy which was recently cleared for use in the U.S. by the FDA. However, the Orbit Laser Light is not similar to laser light therapy, has not been cleared for use by the FDA… -
SoAct wants Twitter to identify the users defaming it
17 Nov 2009 | 2:14 pmShare A social networking site filed a petition today to get information from Twitter about who is posting defamatory statements about it. Social Action Network, which describes itself as a company that owns SoAct.net, a social networking site, says that certain anonymous individuals, who go by the moniker bobandscott on Twitter, are posting defamatory statements about it. Among the defamatory statements, SoAct says the individuals in question have stated that they are engaged in fraud and stock scams. Now, SoAct wants the court to order Twitter to give them the names of the users,… -
AFLAC Denies Benefits After Daughter Murdered
16 Nov 2009 | 3:16 pmShare A mother whose daughter was murdered is suing American Life Assurance of Columbus (AFLAC) because it has refused to pay the death benefit on life insurance the daughter applied for shortly before her death. According to the complaint, on June 22, 2004, Michelle Williams of Lynwood, Illinois, applied for a life insurance policy on her own life and named her mother, plaintiff Kathryn Depratto, as the beneficiary. AFLAC issued a temporary binder while the policy of insurance was being issued, the complaint states. Then, Michelle Williams was murdered by strangulation and blunt trauma on… -
Pharm tech says CVS fired her because she is white and not Arab
16 Nov 2009 | 2:37 pmA pharmacy technician is suing CVS claiming she was fired because she is white, non-Arab and has a disability that prevents her from standing for long periods of time. Carol Devivo is described as "a white, 49 year old female with a disability." The disability is a heart condition that prevents her from lifting and driving and limits her ability to stand for prolonged periods of time. According to the complaint, Devivo provided CVS with a note from her doctor requiring her to take "seated breaks" every two hours. CVS denied this accommodation, the complaint states. Devivo was terminated and…
-
The L-Blog
-
Today: Ellen and Oprah at Water Tower
6 Nov 2009 | 8:10 amBeginning at 10 a.m., Ellen DeGeneres will join Oprah to hand out new issues of O Magazine in which they grace the cover. Hit up the Water Tower for your own copy and a chance to meet one of America's most famous lesbians. -
Ky Dickens takes over Chicago's gay media
4 Nov 2009 | 11:43 amLocal lesbian filmmaker Ky Dickens is hardcore pimping her film, Fish Out of Water, which is the documentary centerpiece of the Reeling Film Festival this Sunday at the Music Box Theatre. Check her out on the cover of this week's Windy City Times and on the Feast of Fun Podcast. You can still get a ticket to Sunday night's show or entrance into the after party at In Fine Spirits (5418 N. Clark St.) The screening is at 5 p.m. for $10 and the party is right after for an additional $10. -
Funny gay ladies at the Center on Halsted
29 Oct 2009 | 9:56 amFormer Chicagoan Jessica Halem will be coming back to the Midwest from her new home in New Orleans to perform at the Center on Halsted (3656 N. Halsted) next week on Nov. 5 at 8 p.m. Performing alongside her at laughOUTloud is hometown gal Cameron Esposito, and for $20, you can VIP seats and a drink ticket.Check out this interview she did with Feast of Fun last time she was in town: Jessica Halem Returns to Chicago - Watch more Funny Videos The Center is advising that interested parties get their tickets fast, as Jessica's show last spring sold out. -
Bridget McManus brings her lesbian stand-up to Chicago
28 Oct 2009 | 11:32 amIf you haven't caught Brunch With Bridget on Logo or AfterEllen.com, you have a lot to catch up on before you go see McManusland next month. But even if you aren't familiar with Bridget McManus and her brand of sassy lesbian comedy, you'll definitely dig her live. Check out some clips: The LA-based comedian will be performing five nights at Stage 33 (3655 N. Kedzie Ave.), hosting an improv-based show, Nov. 11 - Nov. 15. For $30, audience members are part of fun, participating in the games with a chance to win prizes. -
Gay women, get ready for Halloween
23 Oct 2009 | 1:04 pmYou know it's coming up, all October long. You him and haw over how to dress, and where you're going to wear a costume to. Now that it's only one week away, planning for Halloween is imperative.So where will you be going? Well, if you don't know anyone throwing a party, here are some great options for the entire next weekend.Thursday, Oct. 29Leslie and Lys at Berlin (954 W. Belmont Ave.) 10 p.m. $10Friday, Oct. 30Varietease Burlesque and Stewed Tomatoes at the Lakeshore Theater (3175 N. Broadway Ave.) 10:30 p.m. $15 Saturday Ladies Fright at 44th Ward (3542 N. Halsted Ave.) 7 p.m. $20 Pain…
-
Art Talk Chicago
-
Art Talk Chicago Will Continue
19 Nov 2009 | 7:01 pmHi Everyone, I just talked to Alicia Eler, and it is official - Art Talk Chicago will continue with new writers. I probably won't be posting (but you never know) but for sure Joyce Owens is in the mix (which is awesome) and several other calls are being made and additional awesomeness is being gathered. It appears is will be a small handful of bloggers, and it will be nifty. Always, Kathryn -
Politics is Like Trying to Screw a Cat in the Ass (Part 2)
18 Nov 2009 | 9:39 amby Jeriah HildwinePolitical art is at home in Chicago, but this is sometimes a risky proposition. Consider Frederick Holland's painfully didactic American Blend, from last year's Consuming War at the Hyde Park Art Center. "American Blend"Some of the work in that show was quite good; I suspect that the phenomenon of ham-handed propaganda interspersed with other, more subtle works is something of a trend in group shows of political art. Much better is the current show of politically-oriented work at Packer-Schopf Gallery, Allegiance by Jerry Bleem. I reviewed the show… -
Politics is Like Trying to Screw a Cat in the Ass (Part 1)
16 Nov 2009 | 8:56 amBy Jeriah HildwinePolitics is Like Trying to Screw a Cat in the Ass- Charles Bukowski, The Most Beautiful Woman in Town & Other Stories, 1983Give a young artist license to attempt a piece of political art, and odds are dollars to donuts you'll end up getting a dove crucified on an oil drum syringe, crying petroleum tears and festooned with dollar bills beneath McDonald's Golden Arches. The phenomenon is worst among students, but even well-known artists are brought to shame by their forays into political art.Richard Serra "Stop Bush"Richard Serra's impotent and didactic drawing Stop… -
Saying Goodbye
13 Nov 2009 | 10:59 amPaisanos, I've put in my notice about not renewing my contract when it expires on 11/25. I'll continue posting reviews here until then, but wanted to say my goodbyes now, as I don't know what will happen on Thanksgiving (I don't want to give a big goodbye speech and have the site go dark the next day). Just this morning I talked to Stephanie Burke, my friend and Managing Editor of our other sister site, ChicagoArtMap, and talked about her taking over and keeping the "art of the apocalypse" logo burning brightly. (Because of the alphabetization of the ChicagoNow blogs, it's extremely… -
Kara's Art Picks from the Weekend Calendar
12 Nov 2009 | 12:45 pmDue to the recession, we get some absurdly overqualified people to help us out. Kara Leffler is a speed demon, and when you see 8 million events on the calendar for this weekend, it's Kara's quick fingers we have to thank. We asked her to pick out some events this weekend, including lectures and performances that looked interesting (and didn't have too much overlap with other great lists, like Time Out) So click here for the full map/calendar, and here are Kara's Faves: 2nd Fridays Gallery Night Chicago Arts District 1945 S. Halsted St. Opening 11/13/09 @ 6PM Openings for the 30…
-
The Doctors Next Door
-
The New Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines--Now What?
20 Nov 2009 | 3:15 amSorry, I've been keeping you waiting but this is a BIG DEAL. I'm sure you feel the same. It was really important to me to think it through. First a recap of the controversial new breast cancer screening guidelines released by the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) earlier this week--the USPSTF (say that 6 times fast): recommends against routine screening mammography in women aged 40 to 49 years. The decision to start regular, biennial screening mammography before the age of 50 years should be an individual one and take patient context into account, including… -
"Help! Is There a Doctor Here?"
18 Nov 2009 | 6:00 pmI was only a third year medical student when I heard someone yell that. Luckily, I was already at church, which meant I didn't think I'd have to wait in line for my prayers to be answered. I began praying more fervently, "Please, God, let there be a real doctor here. Please. A real doctor who knows what to do." No one responded. I glared at others to STOP praying so my prayer would be heard loud and clear. "Look, I know I'm only a third year medical student. Don't know anything yet. Please send real help. And, uh, this kinda urgent." Still no… -
New Breast Cancer Screening Recommendations
17 Nov 2009 | 7:20 pmThe United States Preventive Services Task Force released this report today. I know...hard to take isn't it? I'm figuring since you've landed on this webpage, you may be interested in my opinion on the topic. I'm sure I have one.... I'll have to get back to you on that. I'm still absorbing the shock...and thinking... But don't worry, I will get back to you on this. I promise. -
What's a Normal Blood Pressure?
15 Nov 2009 | 4:38 pmIt's the $100,000 question on One Vs One Hundred. Player, Eric Smart is growing more emotional as he ascends the greenback ladder. "What does the Mayo Clinic consider a normal blood pressure?" I'm sitting there watching with my son and I burst out "Well who doesn't know that?!" Now my kids do many things for me. Aside from roping me into meaningless television shows, getting me hooked and derailing my quest to live a productive life, they also keep me connected to the real world. With just a slight bit of sarcasm, I'm told "Mom--I wouldn't… -
Mindfulness
12 Nov 2009 | 5:58 pmA study about physician burnout found that mindfulness meditation can be a helpful remedy. This University of Rochester study, published in the Sept. 23/30 issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association, found that as many as 60 percent of practicing physicians describe symptoms of burnout. The study defined such symptoms as "emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, treating persons as objects, and low sense of accomplishment." Do you want to see a doctor like that? Perhaps you already have. So the researchers went on to conduct some training courses…
-
Styled in Chicago
-
Over- the- knee boots, Judy Aldrige style
11 Nov 2009 | 8:47 amOn our website, twentythirtyforty.net, we've been alternately featuring guest stylists to give us their take on an item from our shop. The fabulous Judy Aldridge of Atlantis Home, admittedly a muse of ours, recently took us up on the guest stylist challenge, rocking our Opening Ceremony over-the-knee wedge boots. In case you don't know, Judy Aldridge is a blogger and fashionista, but is also the mother of Jane Aldridge, arguably one of the hottest young stylists in the blogosphere (she's been featured in Vogue and tapped to design capsule collections for Urban Outfitters -- and she's a… -
Bring Summer into Fall
10 Nov 2009 | 6:00 amWho says that you have to put away all those great summer dresses and slinky tops just because there's a slight chill in the air? With a little creativity, your wardrobe doesn't have to be a slave to the seasons.A great colored tight instantly says fall. Just throw a sweater or blazer over this, and you're good to go. And speaking of a sweater or blazer, what's a better alternative for fall than a cozy knit?A textured tight or jeans and a shearling bootie and this silky little number will be a fave for months to come!And don't forget about a leather jacket -- a staple for any wardrobe and a… -
Backstage @ GenArt Fresh Faces
5 Nov 2009 | 10:00 amI have been meaning to share these pics for days now, same old excuse...busy, nuts & crazy! I would of probably let this post go, but it's always fun to see all the going-ons backstage regardless, right?? It's amazing to see the amount of work, energy and people it takes to put on a 30 minute show. All of this action in a small space! C-Fan the beautiful frocksDesigner & model shoes donated by Akiramodels waiting for start timeThe hair 'model'finished hair & makeupthree sets of hands to get just the right updo -
Obsessed with: the cold side of fashion
2 Nov 2009 | 10:53 amWe've made many wonderful and talented friends through the blogosphere and one of those talents is Tracy of Simply Olive. Tracy is a blogger, but is also a fantastic knitter with a keen eye for fashion and trends (check out her etsy shop here ) We fell in love with all of her knits, but what really drove us wild were her neck loops. Not only are they beautifully crafted, but they are chic, unique and totally on-trend. When the box hit our studio, we went a little crazy (we tend to do that when Greer, the UPS guy, drops off a package). We started twisting them and layering them,… -
My First Christian Louboutin's
30 Oct 2009 | 11:48 am"Ahhh, my first pair of Christian Louboutin's"... Ok, ok so I have yet to actually utter those words myself but it seems as though anyone that has can tell the greatest story to go along with it. The famous shoes with bright red soles have become the most iconic footwear of our time, recognizable by almost anyone. One of many styles... My first 'first purchase' story came a couple of years ago from a lovely young woman who worked with my sister. As a young professional entering the world of full-time employment, it was finally time for this fashionista to invest $600+ in a pair of…
-
Chilarious
-
Grab Them Aghast - Cameron Esposito's Live Standup Album Recording at the Lincoln Lodge!
19 Nov 2009 | 1:09 pmEat your heart out, Cap'n Crunch!On December 3rd and 4th I, little ole jokestress Cameron Esposito, will be recording my first album, Grab Them Aghast, for Rooftop Comedy Records! Please come out and support what promises to be a rockin show - Adam Burke hosts with glass-walking by Dizzy Lizzy Delicious, live jazz (smoooooth), the music of Chris Condren and other great surprises! Both shows are at 9 PM the Lincoln Lodge (4008 N. Lincoln). Tickets are a very affordable $10 and can be purchased online - with no fees! - via Brown Paper Tickets here. See you there, stormtrooper! -
Werewolves on a Space Shuttle: The Gorgeously Weird Comedy of Chris Condren
14 Oct 2009 | 12:43 pmBarely 22-years-old and armed with a Casio keyboard, young and wildly off-beat musical comic Chris Condren is steadily making a name for himself in the Chicago scene. Chris has been a fixture at open mics in the last year, and recently parlayed those appearances into a string of showcase bookings. The buzz about his act amongst comics has been immediate. Check out Elizabeth McQuern's vid of his delightfully odd set at Chicago Underground Comedy on October 6th: I got in contact with Chris to find out more about the man behind the awesome: Q: How do you spend your non-standup… -
Mark Geary: Ten Seasons at the Lincoln Lodge
13 Oct 2009 | 12:32 pmStandup producer Mark Geary gets his head together before a show on his Yankin' It UK tour.As I mentioned a few weeks ago, famed Chicago alt-comedy room The Lincoln Lodge has begun its 10th season.* I checked in with producer Mark Geary to find out how the shows were rolling and what makes him so darn prolific. Q: What do you think is the most important quality of a successful producer? Integrity - you have to do what you say you are going to do in 100% of the time in order to set the example for everybody else connected with the show. Q: Have any moments from the season stuck out so… -
Impress These Apes: Mid-Competition Results
8 Oct 2009 | 11:19 amSo far my good pal Chad Briggs is leading the charge over at Impress These Apes with 123 points. Check out this example of his fine work, a horror film he cooked up in less than a week alongside fellow contestant Scott Whitehair: Impress These Apes runs Wednesdays at 8 PM at the ComedySportz Theater through November 4th. -
Aloft Alog Circus Tour Blog and Dizzy Lizzy Delicious
30 Sep 2009 | 2:00 pmMy fall tour with El Circo Cheapo Cabaret ends this weekend with four shows at Versatile Arts in Seattle. It's been an insane experience chock-full of cliffs and beaches, animal encounters, tequila shots, and underground circus performance. Read more about the trip on fearless leader Shayna Swanson's tour blog, Aloft Alog, and tell your Seattle folks we're coming through. In the meantime, here's a taste of what you can expect from Circo cast member Dizzy Lizzy Delicious:
-
Recession Busters
-
Get 3 Free Blu-Ray Movies at Amazon
20 Nov 2009 | 1:56 pmAmazon has a promotion going on right now where you can get 3 free Blu-Ray DVDs with the purchase of a LG BD370 Blu-Ray player. To take advantage of this offer: 1. Click the link above 2. Select the DVD Player along with any 3 movies listed 3. Click "Add to Cart" and then "Proceed to Checkout" 4. You can also receive free shipping if you choose "Super Saver" shipping 5. The discount won't be reflected until you get to the last screen of the check out proceess to confirm your order. This offer will expires on at 11:59pm PST on November 21st -
Get 50% Off Gift Certificates to Restaurants, Salons and Entertainment Venues
20 Nov 2009 | 1:09 pmHave you checked out Half Price Chicago? If not, you need to. Half Price Chicago provides gift certificates you can purchase for 50% off. These gift certificates are for local restaurants, spas, salons and entertainment venues. One great feature is you can print your gift certificate immediately for most of the deals. You don't need to wait for it to arrive in the mail or wait for the company to email it to you. Right now the featured deal is Halo for Men which is a spa and salon just for men. Just yesterday they were featured on Oprah. You can buy a $50 gift certificate for only $25 and it's… -
Black Friday Deals Arrive Early at Best Buy
20 Nov 2009 | 12:30 pmBlack Friday is still a week away, but Best Buy has a few HDTV's at Black Friday prices right now. The best part about this is you don't have to go to the stores and fight the crowds. You can purchase these online and have them delivered right to your door. These prices are cheap enough to justify buying one for a spare room or to upgrade an older TV. I realize that Dynex and Insignia may not be household names, but check out the high user ratings and features these TV's have. Dynex® - 32" Class / 720p / 60Hz / LCD HDTV for $299!. Dynex® - 40" Class / 1080p / 60Hz / LCD HDTV for $499. -
Save up to 60% off Amazon's Bestselling Books
19 Nov 2009 | 10:44 amI didn't really see this advertised anywhere, but while searching Amazon for a couple different books, I noticed their Top 100 Bestsellers are heavily discounted at the moment. Most books are between 50-60% off the list price. Many of these books are new releases. You will find books such as: The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown Superfreakonomics by Steven D. Levitt What the Dog Saw and Other Adventures by Malcolm Gladwell Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom The Book of Basketball: The NBA According to the Sports Guy by Bill Simmons As I mentioned before, I didn't see this advertised, so I have no… -
Save 25% at Gap and Old Navy This Week
18 Nov 2009 | 12:17 pmLooking to stock up on clothes for yourself or save some money on gifts for others? For a limited time you can get 25% off regularly priced merchandise at Gap.com. All you need to do is enter the code GIFT123 at check out. This offer expires on November 22, 2009 at 11:59 p.m. ET Old Navy is running a promotion as well. Get 15% off $75 or 25% off $100. Enter ONSAVE15 at checkout. This offer expires on November 24, 2009 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
-
Wee Windy City
-
Calling all readers: Bookamania at the Chicago Public Library
20 Nov 2009 | 2:30 pmGot a little bookworm at home? Your family won't want to miss the 16th annual Bookamania at the Harold Washington Public Library on Saturday, November 21, 2009. This event runs from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. and it is FREE!Bookamania is an opportunity for kids (ages 3-10) to meet famous children's book authors, illustrators and costumed storybook characters. Your little bookworms can also enjoy puppets, dance, magic and music performances and book-related crafts. The following authors and illustrators are scheduled to appear: author Pat Mora and illustrator Rafael Lopez of Book Fiesta!; Bob… -
Millennium Park Ice Skating Rink opens for the 2009-2010 season
19 Nov 2009 | 2:22 pmHave you been dying to show your kid your killer choctaw? Or is your son a future Brian Boitano who can't wait to lace up his skates and get on the ice? Maybe you prefer to cling to the wall as you inch around the rink once and then call it a day.Reagardless of your skating prowess (or lack thereof), I have good news for you: the outdoor ice skating season is upon us. The McCormick Tribune Ice Skating Rink at Millennium Park opens this Friday, November 20th.I swear, even if you are not a big ice skater (I am personally just hoping not to fall and embarrass myself), this is a fabulous winter… -
Happy 81st birthday Mickey
18 Nov 2009 | 8:12 amShare Mickey Mouse is 81 years-old (young?) today. Can you believe it? He looks amazing, doesn't he?The character of Mickey Mouse made his debut on November 18, 1928, in a black and white cartoon called "Steamboat Willie." Disney celebrates this day as his official birthday. Today, Mickey can be seen on the Disney Channel's Mickey Mouse Clubhouse (sing with me: "hot dog, hot dog, hot diggity dog . . . "), in films, and of course at his regular haunts -- Disney Land and Disney World. Say what you will about the Disney empire, but this little mouse endures (and thrives really) 81 years later. I… -
Sweet shoes Suri
16 Nov 2009 | 2:29 pmThe internet is all aflutter today over this picture of little Suri Cruise wearing a pair of silver, peep-toe high heels.So yes, this is probably unsafe. And sure, the styles for kids these days make them look more like mini-adults than actual kids. But all of this criticism is beside the point.I want to know where Suri got these spectacular shoes. They are beautiful. Wouldn't they would be perfect for a holiday cocktail party? Do they come in a size 9? So I say, walk on with your sassy shoes Suri (but do be careful because heels can be tricky for three year-olds). -
Get your little turkeys moving at the Turkey Trot and Plymouth Rock Ramble
15 Nov 2009 | 8:13 amIn light of the fact that you are going to spend the majority of your day eating and sitting on the couch, it just makes sense to get out and do something active on Thanksgiving morning. Bring your whole brood out to the 32nd Annual Turkey Trot 8K Run and Walk or the Plymouth Rock Ramble for kids presented by Fleet Feet Sports. The races take place at 9:00 am on Thursday, November 26th on Cannon Drive in Lincoln Park. This event has something for everyone. Adults can participate in the 8k Run or Walk. The kiddos can join in the Plymouth Rock Ramble where different age groups take a loop…
-
Fry Cook on Venus
-
The Symphony of the City
17 Nov 2009 | 8:40 amNo no, not the CSO. I'm talking about the everyday sounds of the city. Traffic, CTA, Dumpsters, people all pulled together in a unique audio and visual composition by [mattnikkila]. A City Symphony from [mattnikkila] on Vimeo. -
Guess who? It's Grand Master Flash!
11 Nov 2009 | 12:16 pmKirsten Lepore puts the 80's breaking icon and one America's of the most nostalgic board games in an ultimate pop-culture mashup for the ages. Guess Who from Kirsten Lepore on Vimeo. -
Beastmaster Jr's Epic Battle for Love
6 Nov 2009 | 7:46 amFrom what I gather, this video seems to be a part in a series of heroic battles for love with lightning, magic, swards, super powers, accents, tigers and metal. I have no idea what it really is or why it exists, but it certainly brought a glimmer of shine and epic triumph to Friday. BEASTMASTER JR. from BLACKMAGIC ROLLERCOASTER on Vimeo. -
Chicago has never been so smooth
2 Nov 2009 | 6:27 amYou know you are gangsta when you roll down Michigan Ave. with the windows down and the system up, passionately buttering the city with the sultry sounds the Chicago Smooth Jazz station. -
RIP Grant Park Film Festival 2000 - 2009
30 Oct 2009 | 7:19 amReel Chicago reports that that the Mayor's office of special events has put the kibosh on the summer Outdoor Film Festival in Grant Park, as a result of city wide budget cuts. A true bummer to say the least. First Venetian night, now this. I guess this is Chicago politics at it's finest, slowly sucking the soul out of a city that once was. Local filmmaker Andrew Maxwell expresses his distaste for the city's choice to scrap the festival on his blog: Chicago Outdoor Film Festival will not rest in peace. I've always been a huge fan and the idea that it's gone is, bluntly speaking, an afront to…
-
I Fight Dragons
-
Video Blog. 2012.
20 Nov 2009 | 12:47 pmBrian, Bill and I went to see 2012 last night. No, we didn't see new moon.....we're more the 2012 types. Enjoy!! Oh, and sorry Bill doesn't talk loud enough.Laura -
Photo Documentary Part 3
9 Nov 2009 | 6:31 pmGreeting from Hattiesburg, MS everyone! We rerouted here to hide from Hurricane Ida, which I believe has now been downgraded to "tropical storm" (but it did manage to cancel our show in New Orleans). Whether our next stop, Pensacola, will be affected is unknown at this time. I read recently that the storm should weaken further before making landfall. Here are a few more pictures from the road! Packy hanging out backstage in Omaha at The Waiting Room. We parked the… -
Adventure of Allsup's
4 Nov 2009 | 11:44 pmHere is my video blog of Brian, Packy and I at a gas station in the middle of nowhere. -
Brian's Video Blog from LA
4 Nov 2009 | 6:13 pmIn which Brian belatedly uploads his video blog from the LA show. -
Dragontour Vid Blog 1
28 Oct 2009 | 9:48 pmBehold! A new vid blog from the road!
-
Practically Green
-
Chicago alleys go green
20 Nov 2009 | 9:42 amWho knew that even alleys could be green? I certainly didn't, but thanks to fellow RedEye blogger/reporter Tracy Swartz, I do now!Read all about Chicago's 98 green alleys here on RedEye's blog. As always, thoughts and comments are appreciated! -
Photo gallery: Celebs get their green on
17 Nov 2009 | 2:34 pmThere are plenty of celebrities on the green bandwagon, and quite frankly, it's awesome. Sometimes they don't make the best role models, but in the case of these celebs, go ahead, follow in their green footsteps! Did I miss your fav eco-minded celeb? Who are they, and what makes them so green? I'll make sure to add them to the photo list! -
Is takeout worth the trash? How to minimize your foodie footprint
13 Nov 2009 | 10:12 amMmm, Chinese takeout ... Ugh, Styrofoam!About once a week, I'm too exhausted, too busy or just too lazy to cook. I'm sure most of you know the feeling. But my options around the Tribune Building are limited, despite working on Michigan Avenue. Among my priorities for takeout: Healthy, relatively cheap, quick ... and easy on the packaging. Not surprisingly, it's not that easy to find places that meet all my criteria. That's probably why I BYO lunch as much as possible ...For example, I love Thai and Chinese food. And I realize that it leaks sometimes. But Stryofoam or paper within plastic… -
"Office's" Dwight as "Recyclops"? Gimme a break
11 Nov 2009 | 5:15 pmDwight on NBC's "The Office"NBC's "Green is Universal" week is back for it's third year starting Sunday. That means lots of random, and a few not-so-random, references to how viewers can help the environment. Now, I'm going preface the rest of this post by saying that I do appreciate that NBC dedicates an entire week to educating people. I'm sure it takes a lot of time and effort to fit the theme into the majority of their shows. That being said ... ... WHY DOES IT HAVE TO BE A FREAKING THEME???Why can't Dwight from "The Office" always recycle? Does "The Biggest Loser" always recommend buying… -
This recycled newspaper dog costs way too much money
6 Nov 2009 | 12:55 pmThis dog from Viva Terra is made with recycled newspaper. But for $100, you can make a real pup pretty happy.As soon as Halloween was over, I saw the Christmas/holidays stuff appear instantly at stores around Chicago. Our consumerist culture doesn't take a breather, does it?Unfortunately, this buy buy buy mentality is just as bad amongst the eco-friendly crowd lately ... It's funny, isn't it, how things go from being a great cause to something that's commercialized? Now, consumers are encouraged to buy products with green labels and flowers instead of doing the actual eco-friendly thing,…
-
Adventures in Babysitting
-
How to Soothe a Crying Baby
11 Nov 2009 | 1:22 pmWhen a baby is just born, people often say that there's no better sound than the infant's first cry. That first shriek is a clear sign that the baby is responsive, healthy, conscious and finally here. But what about all of the other shrieks after that? Several months after the birth, many parents and caregivers find themselves scratching their heads, wondering WHY the baby is crying now. Is he hungry? Tired? Cold? Hot? Bored? A baby may cry for a number of reasons, so the first steps are to check to see if the baby is hungry, needs a diaper change or needs a nap. If everything seems fine, and… -
4 Links We Love...
29 Oct 2009 | 9:29 amAt Sittercity.com, we sometimes run into links we love and want to share! Check these out: Playground-to-English Translator - Strollerderby 10 Ways to Simplify Life as a Working Mom - Today Show/MSNBC Stroller/bike combo or wheeled trebuchet? - Gizmodo 10 swanky highchairs - Lil Sugar Photo Credit: Google Images -
Illinois Senator Visits Sittercity
26 Oct 2009 | 10:13 amSittercity had a whirlwind of a day Friday when Senator Dick Durbin came by the office to hold a press conference regarding small businesses and credit. We were thrilled to host the event and hear the exciting discussion. You can watch the first few minutes of the conference below or click here. -
Tips for Babysitters and Nannies to be Green
20 Oct 2009 | 11:16 amWhile nannies may not be the head-of-household making the green decisions for another family, they can help support parents' environmental efforts and even lead some of their own green initiatives with the children -- with just a little upfront help from Mom and Dad. So, we at Sittercity figured it was time to provide some tips and suggestions for parents to help inspire babysitters or nannies to go green on the job. Practice what you Preach!If the nanny comes over only to find three TVs blaring, lights on in every room and a running faucet left unattended, she won't understand why it's so… -
Babysitting Can Go to the Birds...
14 Oct 2009 | 12:18 pmAlfred Hitchcock, smarting from the price of local childcare, once quipped "A good film is when the price of the dinner, the theater admission and the babysitter were worth it." Parents, what do you think? Have babysitting prices gotten out of control lately? Share! Want more fun quips like this one or a fantastic babysitter? Head to Sittercity.com. Photo credit: Google Images
-
One Story Up
-
Where's the bailout for the poor?
17 Nov 2009 | 12:16 pmFifty people gathered around Lenise Forrest's home in Cabrini-Green this morning, asking a very pertinent question: "Where's our bailout?"They gathered to stop Lenise from being evicted and to start a new movement - the Chicago Anti-Eviction Campaign. They say they're going to stop any eviction in the city that's happening because of a person's economic means. The rich got bailed out, they say. We will not be put out.Continue Reading... -
Everything I know about journalism, I learned from David
16 Nov 2009 | 6:35 pmAn unlikely pairToday, I got the news that my mentor just died. I'm really heartbroken. I'm in pieces, actually. What is there to do or say, except to write? The medium we both loved best. David McClendon was hired at the Chi-town Daily News just a couple of weeks before I started there as an intern. We sat back to back in a small office. On my second day, David got my attention by turning around and poking me in the back of the neck. It was weird, and I remember thinking, "I don't know about this guy... Who pokes their new co-worker in the back of the neck?" Yeah, I'm terrible… -
At the end of her rope: Cabrini-Green resident faces eviction tomorrow
16 Nov 2009 | 7:05 amLenise Forrest outside her unit in the Cabrini RowhousesLast Tuesday was really frightening, but it's this Tuesday that Lenise Forrest really fears. Last Tuesday, she says, the sheriff came to her two-bedroom apartment in Cabrini-Green, knocking on the door briefly before kicking it down. Several men came in, she says, putting guns on her and her brother and serving her with an eviction notice. Seven days, they said, and they would be back. So it's tomorrow that's worrying her. The day the sheriff comes back to haul her and all her things out of her apartment and onto the street. Where will… -
Don't fall into the poverty trap. You might never get out...
13 Nov 2009 | 9:05 amimage via wikipediaUntil you earn about $40,000 a year, you're pretty much stuck in poverty, economists' numbers show. In fact, until you get past $40,000 a year, any raise or higher paying job you get might actually sink you deeper into poverty. Take a look at this story about a single mother, who after getting a higher paying job, didn't spend a dime more and couldn't pay her bills:Continue Reading... -
Health care: the beginning and end of the cycle of poverty
12 Nov 2009 | 7:33 amImage from the Library of Congress via FlickrAfrican Americans make up a third of Chicago's population. But they're nearly half of the city's disabled population. What accounts for that disparity? It's not race. It's poverty. According to statistics from a recent edition of the Chicago Reporter, when you control for poverty, that racial imbalance disappears. Why does that imbalance exist?Continue Reading...
-
Body by Bond
-
How did I do at the Blackhawks game?
15 Nov 2009 | 10:30 amMiss IL USA 2009 Shooting the puck at the Blackhawks game from Ashley Bond on Vimeo.Thank you Blackhawks for a great night!!!Go out there and work on your fitness goals today. You'll be one step closer to making them a reality. Have a fun and fit day, Chicago. -
Shooting the puck at the Blackhawks game tonight
13 Nov 2009 | 2:24 pmI am very excited today because I am shooting the puck at the Blackhawks game tonight. I'm thrilled to have another opportunity to be a part of an awesome tradition. How will I do you wonder? Well I will tell you that I have prepared for this just like I did for throwing out the 1st pitch at the Cubs game and White Sox game. I hope that the outcome is just as successful. Seeing as I have never hit a hockey puck before (well shouldn't say never, I think we played floor hockey in gym class, but does that really count? haha). I've been spending some time at Johnny's… -
Should you exercise while you're sick?
11 Nov 2009 | 3:43 pmMany people have asked me if they should exercise if they're sick. First thing I ask is, how sick are you? Do you have a common cold, a long term illness, the H1N1 virus or a different strand of the flu? Secondly, are you contagious? Have you been put on an antibiotic, and how long has it been since you first started taking it? Lastly, what kind of exercise do you want to be doing? For those of you who hate missing the gym or are trying to stick to your routine, here is my advice:1) Be conscious of others if you are… -
Meet the Luvabulls tonight!
6 Nov 2009 | 2:52 pmLuvabulls season kick-off party is tonight. Come on out and meet myself and the rest of my teammates at Luxbar beginning at 10pm. Let's all start the new Bulls season off right; with some good energy and great fun. Hope to see all of you there! -
Results of implementing a centenarian lifestyle in America
5 Nov 2009 | 3:06 pmIn my previous post I discussed similarities found in individuals who reach the age of at least 100. These individuals studied have a great quality of life, as they are strong, healthy and happy. There are 4 key similarities between all of these Centenarians. The AARP along with Blue Zone decided to implement these 4 key elements into a city in the United States. The city is Albert Lee, Minnessota. They changed the environment of the city to make it easier for its citizens to lead a healthier lifestyle. They did numerous things to change the town: 1)…
-
On Ramp
-
Next Stop: All Tomorrow's Parties, Earthless
20 Nov 2009 | 10:00 amTonight for one night only, Facets Cinematheque screens All Tomorrow's Parties, the documentary that provides a glimpse into what goes into a festival that includes such luminaries as Iggy Pop, Nick Cave, and many more. 11:30pm, get your tickets here or at their box office. Former members of Hot Snakes, Nebula and Electric Nazarene make up trio Earthless are kind of the opposite of the punk rock some of them hail from: their jams are slowwwww, but rarely sleepy. Catch them at Reggies Wednesday at 8pm. -
Transmission: Lupe's Wiki, Laurie's Fans and OK GO's Latest OMG Video
20 Nov 2009 | 8:00 amDownload the latest mix from Chicago's own DJ LA Jesus - "Saves the Dance Floor, Vol. 4" for free.Wikipedia Files for Lupe Fiasco by WBEZ.Speaking of local hip-hop of note, Radius put out his latest album Etc... this week. Catch it!Alarm magazine has a review of David Bazan's latest full band tour.We preview Saturday's show by Michele Ari, a true female frontman straight from Nashville.Become a Facebook fan of Laurie's Planet of Sound to get (nearly) daily favorites from their staff.CYSTSFTS has loads of album reviews up this week, including the latest from an old favorite, Left Lane… -
Next Stop: Holidays Are Coming, Open Old Town, Pro Books
19 Nov 2009 | 11:31 amNeed gift ideas? Take a look at last week's Next Stop. Saturday evening, The Old Town School of Folk Music offers a free sampling of their music and dance classes, with music performances starting at 8:15. Attention independent publishers, writers and other literary entrepreneurs: Monday, the Chicago Cultural Center offers "Going Pro: How to Take Your Literary Venture to the Next Level", featuring Jill Pollack, Founder and Director of StoryStudio, Carol Saller, author of The Subversive Copy Editor, and Doug Seibold, President of Agate Publishing. Free, but reservations required: RSVP at… -
A/C: Global Rhythms, Studs Terkel and the FBI, Marisa Wegrzyn
19 Nov 2009 | 7:00 amPhoto by Ian Only-Connect LaShawn Williams interviewed Brian Williams, founder and executive director of Step Afrika, and Lane Alexander, founder and director of the Chicago Human Rhythm Project, both of which are involved with the Harris Theater's Global Rhythms.Open Books is celebrating the grand opening of its bookstore this weekend. New City has an interview with Literacy Director Erin Walter.Garrison Keillor's recent visit to the Art Institute seems to have reminded him how much he likes women.Given we are in Chicago, Anthony Elms is "suspicious of geographical or… -
Next Stop: Cob Connection, Beer A-Z
18 Nov 2009 | 10:00 amSupport locally produced food Friday with a dinner made from urban farm Cob Connections' fresh produce, tea from LooseLeaf, and dessert courtesy of the Chicago Diner. 2915 North Broadway, 7pm. Call (773) 809-5371 for more information or go here. Top off Saturday with an alphabet of beers, sponsored by the TheLocalTourist.com, led by Eric Hobbs of Goose Island. Takes place at the Globe (1934 W. Irving Park Rd.), more information here. You must reserve your spot in advance.
-
Chicago College Basketball
-
Photos from Chicago State vs. St. Xavier
21 Nov 2009 | 4:08 pmChicago State defeated NAIA St. Xavier 82-66 on Saturday afternoon. Here is a photo gallery introducing the 2009-10 Cougars. -
Ramblers on the radio
20 Nov 2009 | 8:02 pmAric Van Weelden hit the game-winner for the Ramblers on Friday night.When I was a child I used to listen to the Princeton Tigers play some of their road games on the radio. The Ivy League is almost never on television and it was the only way to follow some of the players that had a large influence on the basketball fandom of my youth. Tonight Loyola traveled to Worcester, MA to take on Holy Cross in a game that was certainly going to be a difficult test for Jim Whitesell's young Ramblers squad. I decided to relive some of my youth and listen to the game on the radio. Boy am I glad I did.The… -
DePaul is alive and kicking
20 Nov 2009 | 1:50 pmJeremiah Kelly, shown here against Chicago, was instrumental in DePaul's victory over Northern Iowa.The DePaul Blue Demons got something they didn't EARN all of last season, a victory against an opponent that should be pretty good. Northern Iowa is supposed to be the favorite for the Missouri Valley Conference title after returning all five starters from a team that reached the NCAA Tournament in last season. While the game wasn't available (well without paying $8 to FOX), the Twitter feeds (thanks @DePaulSID) were excellent and the box score (which has finally leaked out from St. Thomas)… -
So you want to play in the Big East...
20 Nov 2009 | 8:46 amWell then you better be prepared for an incredibly difficult schedule - even in a supposedly down year. The Big East right now is a combined 35-0. The league has suffered nary a single loss.Gone are NBA caliber talents like Jonny Flynn (Syracuse to Minnesota), Hasheem Thabeet (UConn to Memphis), Terrence Williams (Louisville to New Jersey) and Earl Clark (Louisville to Phoenix). All were NBA lottery picks. That doesn't even include the talented three amigos from Marquette, including Welsey Matthews who is already averaging 20.1 minutes per game and 7.1 points per game for the Utah Jazz.The… -
Some good news for the Wildcats
19 Nov 2009 | 2:00 pmWhile Northwestern didn't get the result the Wildcats hoped for on Wednesday against Butler, the future looks brighter today as JerShon Cobb officially committed to Northwestern on Thursday.JerShon is a four-star combo guard that's ranked 90th in the class of 2010 by Rivals.com. He verbally committed to the Wildcats about two months ago, but his signing wasn't announced on the first official day of the signing period due to a mix-up in paperwork. Cobb is a 6'5" shooting guard from Decatur, GA. He plays for Columbia High School, the top ranked team in Georgia AAA. Cobb plays on the Atlanta…
-
POW! Mixed Martial Arts
-
UFC 106 Predictions for Tonight Saturday, November 21st
20 Nov 2009 | 7:20 pmIf you have read my previous postings since the ChicagoNow launch, you know that I am probably not too disappointed that the Brock Lesnar match against Shane Carwin was replaced this weekend with Tito Ortiz's re-match against Forrest Griffin. Lesnar was not able to fight due to medical reasons. I am not happy to hear about any medical condition striking a person, I am just happy that I won't have to watch him fight. Saturday night's Mandalay Bay event in Las Vegas will be the UFC's 106th card. It will feature the following fights on the main event. Forrest… -
Coolio Fighting MMA
20 Nov 2009 | 6:35 pm"I've been doing martial arts for 18 years," explains Rapper Coolio to a radio personality. Coolio is scheduled to fight in an MMA bout against an industry colleague Eric Martinez. Coolio who recently plead guilty to drug possession was forced to drug rehabilitation over the summer. What isn't clear is if he accepted this MMA bout before or after rehab. In any case, Coolio's no-lose attitude is what he is planning to bring to the Birhimgham fight, " I'm not a loser, so I don;t plan on losing... I'm scheduled to perform on December 11th, the night of the weigh-in and… -
WEC Hands Over the Featherweight Belt to Aldo
19 Nov 2009 | 9:35 amJose Aldo defeated Mike Brown last night during the World Extreme Cagefighting featherweight matchup. Aldo (16-1-0) a 5'7 145 pound Brazilian Jiu Jitsu stylist out of Rio dominated Mike Brown (22-5-0) the favored fighter who fights under American Top Team at 5'6 and 146 pounds. Brown who has a solid fight record with an array of wins including 12 by submission took on seasoned ground fighter Aldo who oddly has won with 11 (T)KOs and only 2 submissions. Regardless, most thought this would be a great match-up and the skill sets of both fighters would provide an exciting bout for… -
New Moon Ashley Greene is Using MMA Training to Toughen Up
16 Nov 2009 | 11:14 amAshley Green who graces the cover of Maxim Magazine and actress in the highly anticipated film New Moon says she did mixed martial arts training to prep for her fight scenes in Eclipse and Breaking Dawn, which are the final two films in the Twlight saga. Green who plays vampire Alice Cullen, one of the books most likable characters and strong females, realized that she needed to work her,"butt off because I absolutely love Alice." Alice, who is actually my favorite character in the book is an ideal role for any actress, as Green puts it, "She's sweet, sexy and a killer!" Her trainer… -
UFC 105 Tomorrow- Saturday Nov. 14th on SPIKE
13 Nov 2009 | 9:03 amUFC 105 Fight Card, Saturday, November 14th in Manchester, England.UFC will be aired from Manchester, England. Their last visit was UFC 70 and have out-sold both events. UFC 105 will be aired in the United States on SPIKE and on ESPN-HD in England. The fight will be viewed by over 50 countries and eventually be seen by 130. It has an enormously long under card as you will see. Clearly only the first 4, maybe 5 bouts will be aired. Doors in Manchester will open at 4pm with the first under-card bout begins at 5:20pm.Randy Couture …
-
Oh, Snap!
-
#5
18 Nov 2009 | 3:50 pmChris Barrett, 35, Humboldt Park... -
#4
18 Nov 2009 | 3:49 pmConor Girard, 20, Waukegan, IL.... -
#3
18 Nov 2009 | 3:49 pmClaire McWilliams, 22, Roscoe Village... -
#2
18 Nov 2009 | 3:48 pmBrian Crissie, 29, Old Town... -
#1
18 Nov 2009 | 3:47 pmSteven Pecoraro, 24, Park West...
-
Chicago Sports in Haiku
-
Bulls in Haiku: Lakers 108, Bulls 93
20 Nov 2009 | 10:48 amGreatest Show on Earth?Not game 2 of circus tripRather watch the clowns. -
Blackhawks in Haiku: Blackhawks 7, Flames 1
20 Nov 2009 | 8:43 amKris Versteeg celebrates with Brent Seabrook after one of two power-play goals he scored against the Flames. (Chicago Tribune Photo by Jeff McIntosh)Power-plays help Hawks,especially in second,dominate the Flames. -
Oprah In Haiku: The Palin Effect?
19 Nov 2009 | 8:19 pmThis might be what Oprah looked liked after interviewing Sarah PalinJust coincidence?Oprah to announce show's endFour days post-Palin.Politics is sport, right? But even if it's got nothing to do with sports, I just couldn't resist a haiku or two about a couple of my least favorite female celebrities, both of whom made news this week. On Monday, as she began her "book" tour, ex-Governor Sarah Palin's visit with Oprah hit the airwaves. The appearance by the woman Jon Stewart calls a "conservative boilerplate Mad Lib" and "talking-point machine" gave Oprah her highest rating in two… -
Bulls In Haiku: Bulls 101, Kings 87
19 Nov 2009 | 6:44 amThe last time the Bulls had this good a start, the season ended with an NBA championship. Can it happen again this year? (Chicago Tribune photo)How good is this team?After ten games the Bulls haveBest start in twelve years -
Blackhawks in Haiku: Blackhawks 4, Sharks 3
15 Nov 2009 | 7:37 pmKane has scored a goaland the Hawks have won at homefor seven games straight.
-
Motorcycle Sarah
-
I Hate Bikers
20 Nov 2009 | 4:15 pmI don't like bikers. Bikers are inherently dangerous and crazed. Training doesn't work. Only insane people ride bikes, why would anyone sane put themselves at that much risk? Not on my watch, we will discourage motorcycle riders and suggest they stop riding. A motorcycle KILLED my brother. Scene II The US Army fielded the Army Traffic Safety Training Program (ATSTP) in April 2006, and since then ATSTP has morphed and grown into a full frontal assault against private motor vehicle, and motorcycle mishaps. Within the first year, the raw numbers in motorcycle mishaps declined… -
Motorcycle Vacations
18 Nov 2009 | 8:30 amI'm lucky; I have a career that includes motorcycles as a large part of my work. Sure there are other aspects and responsibilities but deep down inside I, and more than 200 Army, Navy, and Marine Traffic Safety Program instructors, harbor deep satisfaction of knowing we ride motorcycles as part of our jobs. The greatest part of the work I do, is working for the men and woman of the American Armed Forces, and helping them learn safety on roadways, while in a car or on a motorcycle. The next best things are the vacations. About two years ago I was fortunate enough to be part of an… -
Biker Chic for Biker Chicks
15 Nov 2009 | 10:01 pmI really enjoyed reading this recent article in the LA Times. 'The Biker Look in Women's Fashion'The author, (a female rider) comments about the current motorcycle inspired fashion trend, and attempts to put some of the clothing to the test.I too have always struggled with the fine line between looking good (feminine), and being adequately protected while riding. When I started riding, there was no such thing as women's riding gear. I was always stuck with men's size small. However, over the past 5 years women's motorcycle apparel has seen huge improvements. Companies like Hein Gericke, Icon,… -
Motorcycle: Quick Tip
13 Nov 2009 | 9:35 amHave you ever been riding and all of a sudden your head starts to itch? You try adjusting your helmet, or hitting the helmet hoping it will get to the itch.A chopstick is the perfect tool for the job. Be sure to pack a set next time you are out for a long ride. I always have a set in my tank bag, and I use them often. -
Motorcycle Sarah Guest Bloggers
12 Nov 2009 | 9:02 pmThose who know me, know that when winter rolls around in Chicago, I am usually on a plane to some random remote location abroad. Since a computer will not be as accessible to me, I will not be able to post much while I am gone.So I would like to welcome Jason Diaz and Hector Eide, who will be blogging in my absence. I really look forward to their content, and I think you will too.
-
Love Lawyer
-
LOVE LAWYER TELEVISION SEGMENT ON WGN MORNING NEWS
26 Oct 2009 | 12:05 pmI am soliciting questions on relationships, divorce, custody, support, prenuptial agreements and family law for an upcoming television segment on WGN Morning News. Please send your questions to me here in the comments section or at my email address: thelovelawyer@gmail.com. Thank you. -
The Case For "Life's Short. Get a Divorce."--Letterman and Lasko
12 Oct 2009 | 11:20 amWhy does a dog lick his balls? The same reason that men cheat...because they can. Behind every powerful cheating man, there seems to be some low self-esteemed woman willing to settle for sloppy seconds in an attempt to cash in as the "hedge fund paramour" or to convince him to leave his wife/girlfriend because she is the "one." If the "other woman" thought about this scenario logically and had true self-confidence, she would realize that the cheater is not leaving. The irony is that the "other woman" is clearly being used as a tool to build the confidence and ego of the cheating… -
Reality Show Stars Need A Reality Check...The Kardashian Sisters
28 Sep 2009 | 9:20 amWhile superior ratings are paramount in the television world, there seems to be something terribly awry when the success of a show takes precedence over life changing decisions. Reality Star, Khloe Kardashian and her basketball player fiancé' married on September 27, 2009, only 30 days after meeting each other at a party. Many sources close to the Kardashian clan claim that the mad dash to the altar stems from following in the footsteps of reality TV personality, Kendra Wilkinson, who televised her wedding to NFL Player Hank Baskett. Wilkinson's show apparently earned her show the… -
The Perfect Alpha Male-Rick Collins
18 Sep 2009 | 8:00 amFor those of you who may not know, I competed in my first bodybuilding figure competition in May of 2009 (photos on my Facebook page). It was at this time that I stumbled upon another attorney with a passion for writing, bodybuilding and the law, Rick Collins. Not only is Rick Collins one of the most incredible people I have ever encountered but he is also one of the kindest with a passion for life like no other. For those of you who don't know him, Rick Collins is a popular personality in the bodybuilding, health, fitness and nutrition communities. Not only is he a highly… -
Ron Wood-Stoned Without Satisfaction
8 Sep 2009 | 7:00 amSeems that it is "All Over Now" for Rolling Stones guitarist, Ron Wood and his blushing bride of 23 years, Jo Wood. The Woods have finally reached a divorce settlement after nearly 8 months of brutal negotiations. Jo Wood, the former model will be receiving fifty percent of Wood's estimated net worth of $37 million dollars. Jo also will be receiving the family mansion in Kingston, England worth about $19 million dollars plus an undisclosed monthly support payment. So how did Jo perform such "Rough Justice"? It was quite simple. The divorce laws in England are much different from the…
-
First and Big Ten
-
Ten By Ten: Mike Greenspire And Our Trio Make Their Picks
20 Nov 2009 | 8:05 pmAs Ten by Ten winds down, we reach a big rivalry weekend with Ohio State-Michigan and Purdue-Indiana among Saturday's matchups. Week 11 winner Mike Greenspire adds his picks, along with Tim, Kristofer, and Kevin...1. Predict the winner: Ohio State at MichiganTC: Ohio StateKG: Ohio StateKP: Ohio StateMike: Ohio State2. Predict the winner: Minnesota at IowaTC: Iowa KG: Iowa KP: Iowa Mike: Iowa 3. Predict the winner: Penn State at Michigan StateTC: Penn State KG: Michigan State KP: Penn State Mike: Michigan State 4. Predict the winner: Wisconsin at NorthwesternTC: Wisconsin KG: Wisconsin KP:… -
Illinois and Ron Zook Understand Each Other, How to Lose
17 Nov 2009 | 12:52 pmCHAMPAIGN--Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald was three years old when Illinois coach Ron Zook began his coaching career at Murray State, five years old when Zook left Murray State for Cincinnati, and 8 years old when Zook took over as defensive coordinator at Kansas. Before Fitzgerald went on to be a two-time All-American linebacker for the Wildcats, Zook had also worked for Tennessee, Virginia Tech, Ohio State, and Florida. In 1997, when Fitzgerald was a rookie with the Dallas Cowboys and Zook was the special teams coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers, the two teams met at Three Rivers Stadium… -
Carrying On About Big Ten Football: November 14
15 Nov 2009 | 9:05 pmIt was another busy weekend in Big Ten country, and in honor of "Cup-Half-Empty Day" (a holiday I just invented), here are five disappointments that jumped out at me from Saturday's action.UNDER THE MICROSCOPE: FIVE THINGS I LEARNED1. Michigan is in utter-collapse mode. The Wolverines dropped their sixth straight conference game, losing by three touchdowns at Wisconsin Saturday. After opening the season 4-0, Rich Rodriguez's 5-6 ballclub will have to upset Ohio State in the teams' annual rivalry game to have any hope of going bowling. The Badgers embarrassed the porous… -
Penn State Football Should Take a "Special" Page Out of Pete Carroll's Book
14 Nov 2009 | 4:19 pmUNIVERSITY PARK, PA - "Misadventures in Happy Valley" - that would be a catchy and fitting title to a new movie starring the Penn State special teams unit. Well, that and the fact that "Waiting to Exhale" was already taken. During a season where Penn State football began with many question marks, from offensive line, to wide receivers, to a young and inexperienced secondary, the biggest issue in the end has been special teams. "Special"... not so much.Call it the "Benny Hill Show" set in a football atmosphere. That's the best way to describe Penn State's special teams play against… -
Gameday from Champaign: The Battle for Illinois is Sloppy to Start
14 Nov 2009 | 9:04 amCHAMPAIGN, Il--On a bright, sunshine filled day in Champaign, the annual battle for bragging rights in the state of Illinois is underway.Both the Illini and Northwestern are riding high. The Wildcats are coming off an upset victory over Iowa and the streaking Illini have seemingly turned their season around after a horrendous start.For Illinois, the game is critical to the uphill battle they face in becoming bowl eligible. A loss would mean the Illini are home for the holidys for the second consecutive year.Northwestern is already bowl eligible, but are fighting for position in a league where…
-
Jay Cutler Superstar
-
Cutler's Interception Totals Similar to Star QBs
20 Nov 2009 | 4:53 amJay Cutler has thrown 17 interceptions. Add in all the bad route running, receiver slips and fluke plays and it's still too many picks. One thing to remember is that Cutler is only in his 4th season. That's not an excuse for his bad red zone decisions, but it does mean that perhaps his best football is ahead of him, and his decision-making will improve. Here's a look at some stud QBs and their interception totals early in their career. Peyton Manning threw 28 interceptions in his rookie year. Manning dominated in his 2nd and 3rd years, then threw 23 more in his 4th year Brett Favre threw only… -
Before Jay Cutler: Chicago Bears Quarterbacks
17 Nov 2009 | 7:40 amThese are just some of the Bears QBs that came before Jay Cutler. The season has not gone well and Cutler has not played up to his skill level, but after checking out this gallery you will understand again why Bears fans are so pumped to have Cutler here in Chicago. -
Movies for Jay Cutler and Bears Fans
16 Nov 2009 | 5:08 amThis has not exactly gone as we had hoped or as the Bears had planned. A good movie always cheers you up. Right? Here are some movies for Jay Cutler and Bears fans. -
Something to Cheer Up Bears Fans
13 Nov 2009 | 4:54 pmSince Bears fans and the namesake have had a rough week, I found a video gem to cheer you all up. It comes from Powder, or as I like to call him, Mini-Conan O' Brien. You may recall him from such videos on JCS like the "Jay Cutler Rap". Turns out he's a huge Packer fan and he has a new "rap" called "Packer Backer". You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll send it to your friends and you'll make your kids promise they will NEVER write rhymes like this. Without further ado... -
Thursday Night Brutal: Cutler, Coaches, Announcers
13 Nov 2009 | 6:49 amJosé M. Osorio, Chicago Tribune Quotes, thoughts and some numbers from last night's disaster. Just throwing it out there...much like #6. Too soon?Can we soon expect to hear the first Lovie Smith utterance of "Jay is our Quarterback"?Mike Singletary really likes clapping. I haven't seen a coach clap that much since Jim Essian.Why the countless Bob Babich sideline shots?Alex Brown: "Everybody has a bad day at work, that's just it. We have to be there to have his back and we do." Sounds like the quotes the Bears players used to give about Rex Grossman. As it turns out, the most joyous part of…
-
Len and Bob
-
Keeping Busy
19 Nov 2009 | 3:35 pmHi Everbody, hope you're enjoying this lovely autumn we're having. Actually, the cold temperature is not a big deal to me, but I wouldn't mind seeing the sun a little bit more. And it's a bit depressing when it gets dark at 4 pm. But I will say this--the Midwestern winters just get me that much more excited for spring training. I've found ways to stay busy around the house the last couple months while always keeping an eye on the Cubs and MLB news of the day. Here's a link to an interview I did with Cubs fan Drew Brown for his blog. Enjoy...and Happy Thanksgiving! -
Jim Hendry at GM Meetings
10 Nov 2009 | 9:13 pm -
Paul Sullivan and Dan Roan Discuss the Ricketts
30 Oct 2009 | 5:47 pm -
Ricketts Family Introduced
30 Oct 2009 | 11:53 am -
Podcast: Season Recap
5 Oct 2009 | 10:34 amGet the season summary, info on the Len & Bob Bash and more in this season's final Len & Bob' podcast. RSSSubscribe to Len and Bob's Podcasts via an RSS link. Audio Video Podcast on iTunesSubscribe to Len and Bob's Video Podcasts on iTunes. Video Podcast Audio Podcast
-
Janet Dahl, et. al
-
Birthdays and Holidays
20 Nov 2009 | 6:42 pmToday my husband turned 55- double nickels as he has baptized it-and due to my hysterical Catholic nature, we are not celebrating. I have a higher purpose- packing and planning. Tomorrow we embark upon the most wondrous family experiences- the family vacation. Steve booked this trip to our time share (interval ownership, he insists) last year- 365 days ahead of our arrival. 15 days later, he was shuffled out the door at Jack-FM, and his available vacation days expanded exponentially. Had he been sure of his severance ( he had an inkling) I am positive he… -
Before the holidays take over your life....
17 Nov 2009 | 5:58 amMy sister Marie was at the bank last week, and the man at the window next to hers was making a balance inquiry. He had a job interview, and wanted to see if there was gas money in his account after he paid his phone bill. He had one job, but needed another to get by. His calculation was that he needed a dollar or so. He was dressed for an interview, an African American, living in the Detroit area. He was not begging or scamming- just trying to get on, trying to get by. She was paralyzed- she had just turned over her money and was overhearing a private conversation. -
We can all be of service
12 Nov 2009 | 7:11 amLast night I wanted to give my thoughts to our veterans, and so I sought out programming that would instill gratitude. Well, I hit the Mother of all programs on PBS with a documentary titled The Way We Get By. It was a documentary about a group of senior citizens who greet the thousands of troops that say good bye to our shores, and then are welcomed back, in Bangor, Maine. The flights from this eastern outpost carry away our sons and daughters. It is their first stopping place before they catch their flights home. Few relatives make the trip to Maine, instead waiting… -
To those who serve, Thank You
11 Nov 2009 | 8:16 amToday we honor those who have blessed our country with their service. Some have made the ultimate sacrifice, but all have placed themselves second, after country. The military life is inherently one of discipline and self denial. Some see horrors, and some simply apply themselves to the grinding needs of a massive nation, flawed but majestic. We thank them all.I have a special veteran in my life, and today I will indulge my love and respect for him by posting his pictures- some from his World War II duty, and some from his life thereafter. He was a 19 year old kid when he… -
No matter your politics, these words resonate...
10 Nov 2009 | 7:05 pmTomorrow is Veterans Day. It is a chance to pause, and to pay tribute - for students to learn of the struggles that preceded them; for families to honor the service of parents and grandparents; for citizens to reflect upon the sacrifices that have been made in pursuit of a more perfect union. For history is filled with heroes. You may remember the stories of a grandfather who marched across Europe; an uncle who fought in Vietnam; a sister who served in the Gulf. But as we honor the many generations who have served, I think all of us - every single American - must acknowledge that this…
-
Local Tourist
-
Lunchtime Lecture
19 Nov 2009 | 8:56 amI guess if you work in the Loop lunch is more than just about eating. A couple of days ago I recommended Eat To The Beat, where the Harris Theater invited you to eat during a performance. Today I'm recommending Gallery Talk. This is a program at the Chicago Cultural Center, and they're featuring the photography of Barbara Crane. She's a Chicagoan who's been capturing images for 60 years and the center is hosting the most comprehensive exhibition of her work to date.Today's talk begins at 12:15 and is led by Abigail Foerstner, an essayist on Ms. Crane. If you can't make it today, Whitney… -
Millennium Park Ice Skating Opens Friday
18 Nov 2009 | 10:50 amIce skating on Michigan Avenue is one of the activities that makes Chicago winters not only bearable, but also enjoyable. The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink was scheduled to open today for the season, but they've postponed it until Friday. Skating is free and you can rent skates for $10. Other city rinks, which are run by the Chicago Park District (Millennium's run by the City of Chicago) will open on November 28. Skating there is also free and skate rental is only $5. You can find a map of them on thelocaltourist.com. -
Tour de Beaujolais
18 Nov 2009 | 8:44 amTomorrow is Beaujolais night in Chicago! It's actually Beaujolais Nouveau Day everywhere, but two restaurants are highlighting the wine, one the new and one a little more seasoned. Beaujolais Nouveau is fermented for just a few short weeks and then released for sale on the third Thursday in November. Chef Didier Durand is so excited about this year's batch that he's hosting a wine dinner and a wine tasting on the same night. You can choose a three course dinner served with a glass of Beaujolais for $39, or come in at 8:30pm for a tasting of several Nouveaus paired with appetizers,… -
Tell 'em what to do
17 Nov 2009 | 4:42 pmIt's been my long-standing joke that my job is to tell people where to go. Tomorrow I'll get the chance, with a bunch of people I respect greatly, to tell some big name companies what to do. You can, too. The event is Windy City Social's Fall Marketing Challenge. GM, Southwest Airlines, and Special Olympics Chicago have all posed some specific markets they'd like to reach and we get to help them. We'll be broken up into teams and the group that comes up with the plan agreed to be the best will win some sweet swag bags.I'll be with Teri Gidwitz (@terilg), overall awesome lady and a senior… -
Eat To The Beat
17 Nov 2009 | 8:15 amLunch can be so ho-hum. You sit. You eat. Harris Theater brings a little excitement to your afternoon repast with Eat To The Beat. Bring your lunch to the theater and watch Yuri Lane's Beat In The Box for only $5.Beat in the Box blends contemporary dance, improvisation and everyday movement with the exciting sounds of beatbox music to create an energetic dance with an urban feel.Photo courtesy of Harris TheaterLooking for a place to pick up lunch to enjoy at the Harris? Check out the list of restaurants that serve lunch in the Loop. A personal favorite is Pastoral with their creative…
-
Red Stars Confidential
-
Umbro cleat design, And the winner is...
12 Nov 2009 | 8:38 amI must admit that I'm not terribly excited about the 15 finalists in the Umbro Specaili cleat design contest, though the stories behind each design does add meaning to the their masterpieces. If I had to choose one of the 15 to wear, I'd have to go with the Zombie by Stuart McCluskie. I love that McCluskie used the cleats as the zombie's eyes. "I concentrated on the idea of the passion of football. I played around with the idea of following the sport, and in particular your own team, and the almost blind devotion fans display week in, week out, season upon season. Coupled with the… -
An apology from Elizabeth Lambert, college soccer's latest bully
11 Nov 2009 | 10:07 amVisit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy Check out other Chicago Now blog entries on Elizabeth Lambert: From horse-collaring to pony-tailing [Blogshakalaka] A series of violent outbreaks in a women's soccer game [Previously at Red Stars Confidential] -
A series of violent outbreaks in a women's soccer game
6 Nov 2009 | 11:00 amI'm sure many of you have already heard about New Mexico's Elizabeth Lambert, but in the event that you haven't this video is certainly worth watching. A shirt tug here and there is to be expected in a competitive game of soccer, but what happens when it comes down to ponytail tugs and back punches? I suddenly recall the voices of soccer parents nationwide as they would annoyingly shout, "referee, where are your glasses!?" Friends of the Red Stars Miss England Rachel Christie Gives Up Crown- She Punched Miss Manchester In the Face [The Original Winger] -
USWNT defeat Germany 1-0; Masar collects her first cap
30 Oct 2009 | 1:10 pmElla Masar pictured training with the USWNT. Masar saw playing time in the 2nd half of the US's game against Germany yesterday. [Photo Credit: http://womentalksports.com/twitter]Yesterday the US Women's National Team played in front of a crowd of 30,000 in Augsburg, Germany defeating the German National Team with a score of 1-0 with a goal from Abby Wambach in the first half. Here are some thoughts from U.S. head coach Pia Sundhage on playing in a World Cup-like environment and looking towards the future: "We had 30,000 watching this came and my communication with the… -
A Chicago Native Finds Her Way Back Home
29 Oct 2009 | 6:32 pmA few months ago I found myself facing a huge decision. Who do you cheer for when your hometown team is playing a team with a close family friend? How do you bring yourself to cheer against your home town? Let me tell you its not easy. But when the family friend is someone you have great respect for, it's all worth it. The stained blue skin from crayola finger paint, because thats all you could find, the disgusting man voice the next day from screaming until you had nothing left, the text messages that said people at home heard you on tv, even being shown on the jumbo-tron at Toyota Park a…
-
Job Stalker
-
Some weekend reading ...
21 Nov 2009 | 1:57 amhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/wonderlane/ / CC BY 2.0As noted previously, I probably spend six hours a day catching up with my Twitter feed. I have tried to keep my "follow" list somewhat under control, but it has grown rather quickly, and I'm currently reading over 400 users' comments there (and, I do actually read all of those, which is why I end up re-following only about 1 in 5 of folks who follow my personal Twitter stream ... I'm a bit more flexible @TheJobStalker, though, only not following the most blatantly scammy folks).As my current "job" is looking for a job, my obvious main… -
Some context, and places to start ...
20 Nov 2009 | 2:00 amEverybody's job search is different, because (obviously) everybody has different skills, experience, and background, let alone the wide range of different industries and businesses that are out there.http://www.flickr.com/photos/umjanedoan/ / CC BY 2.0As I'm new to being "The Job Stalker", I thought it would be useful to talk a bit about where I'm coming from in my job search. I have been an executive with a PR agency doing product publicity for consumer food products. I've been a Certified Meeting Professional, planning, organizing, and executing conferences, convention… -
Let's get this started, shall we?
19 Nov 2009 | 9:23 amhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/nnova/ / CC BY 2.0Well ... as observant readers may have noticed, it's been nearly a month since I penned my "introductory post" as The Job Stalker, although that and this should be both making their first appearances today. Due to the delay in having this blog updating, there was a certain note of urgency being expressed for me getting up a few entries here ... so I'm jumping in somewhat mid-stream, as I have an update to make which I would have preferred, thematically, to have been a few posts down the road. One of the things that you can expect to see in this… -
Howdy ...
20 Oct 2009 | 9:00 amhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/kikoz/ / CC BY 2.0Hello, ChicagoNow readers! My name is Brendan Tripp, I'm the new voice of "The Job Stalker" here, and this is my introductory blog entry. Hope you enjoy.Now, the first thing about being "The Job Stalker" is that ... well, the odds are pretty good that one really doesn't WANT to be out there stalking a job ... I know I would have been far happier had the interview that I managed to snag within a week of my previous job disappearing had panned out, and I'd not spent the past six months honing my job hunting skills! Unfortunately, I've had plenty of… -
Goodbye, XOXO - The Job Stalker
3 Oct 2009 | 2:45 pmThis will be my last entry as The Job Stalker. I start my new job Monday, and I hope the folks at ChicagoNow will be able to pass this blog on to another job stalker who might be willing to blog about their adventures and add a little humor to life on the auction block.Last week, I had the opportunity to speak at Social Real Estate Chicago about how I used social media to aid my job search. The thing is, as I told the attendees at that conference, I didn't start out my job search as some kind of social media expert. Sure, I was on Twitter and Facebook, but I'd never attempted to use any of…
-
SoxNet
-
Sox, Vizquel Closing in on 1Yr Deal
20 Nov 2009 | 9:35 amKen Rosenthal is reporting that the Chicago White Sox are on the verge of signing Omar Vizquel to a 1 year contract worth $1 million. Vizquel, 42, spent the 2009 season with the Rangers as a backup at SS, 3B, and 2B and batted .266 in 62 games. SN Take: Vizquel makes a deep bench even deeper, providing Ozzie Guillen with a plus defensive backup at 3B, SS, and 2B. Vizquel is also expected to serve as a mentor to Gordon Beckham and Alexei Ramirez, much like he did last season with Texas rookie SS Elvis Andrus. The signing won't help sell… -
JR: "We've already signed our free agent"
19 Nov 2009 | 10:37 amBob Nightengale, USA Today, is one of a handful within the media to report that the White Sox will be one of many teams to stay away from free agency (which officially begins tonight @ Midnight, EST). The Chicago White Sox, who acquired starter Jake Peavy and outfielder Alex Rios over the summer, are staying away from free agency, White Sox Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf says. They already are close to their 2010 budget, Reinsdorf says, particularly after adding $117.3 million worth of contracts in the two players. "We signed our free agent already," Reinsdorf says. "His… -
White Sox Show Interest in Henry Blanco
17 Nov 2009 | 2:53 pmMark Gonzalez is reporting that the Chicago White Sox have expressed interest in former Chicago Cubs back-up catcher Henry Blanco. Blanco, 38, is widely regarded as a premier defensive back-up, having thrown out 43% of would be base stealers in his career (40% in 2009). By comparison sake, Sox catchers threw out just 32% of would be base-stealers. SN Take: Blanco has excelled as a back-up all over baseball and his bat versus left handed pitching (.322, 429, 1039) and throwing arm (40% CS in 2009) would fit perfectly in Chicago. Blanco's presence would also enable the Sox to use Tyler… -
SoxNet Responds to Cowley's Attacks
17 Nov 2009 | 10:25 amSun-Times columnist Joe Cowley responded to SoxNet's recent report involving 1B Adrian Gonzalez. For those familiar with Cowley's twitter and columns, the response wasn't the least bit surprising. We at SoxNet saw Cowley's actions as unprofessional, offensive, and completely inappropriate and felt it necessary to send Joe Cowley the following email: Hey JoeI want to let you know that I'm not sure where you are jumping to these conclusions, but we reported only what we have heard and it's the same thing we've reported over the years, whether at SoxNet,… -
FutureSox.com: An Interview With White Sox Prospect Brent Morel
17 Nov 2009 | 6:29 amWhite Sox hitting prospect and Dash third basemen Brent Morel took some time recently to have a conversation with FutureSox's Anthony Mazzuca. Morel was a third round pick of the White Sox in 2008 after spending three years at Cal Poly. The slick fielding Morel was named best defensive third basemen of the Carolina League, and has his sights set on Chicago. White Sox hitting prospect and Dash third basemen Brent Morel took some time recently to have a conversation with FutureSox's Anthony Mazzuca. Morel was a third round pick of the White Sox in 2008 after spending three years at Cal Poly.
-
Godless in Chicago
-
Godless in Chicago ends publication
1 Nov 2009 | 4:15 pmGodless in Chicago ceases publication. I thank the fine people at ChicagoNow for the opportunity to work with them. I urge you to check out the other great blogs at ChicagoNow. I know that I will. I will continue to fight injustice, one victory at a time, and keep on working to maintain a separation of state and church. You can keep track of what I'm up to by visiting my personal web site, Rob Sherman. Feel free to e-mail me at rob@robsherman.com. -
Topinka discusses tax dollars for religious organizations
28 Oct 2009 | 2:30 amJudy Baar Topinka discussed with me, on Sunday, what she would do regarding payments on unconstitutional grants of tax dollars to houses of worship, parochial schools and religious ministries, if she were to be elected as the next Comptroller of the State of Illinois. Judy Baar Topinka, at her Campaign Kickoff rally near downtown Chicago on Sunday, October 25, 2009. Photo by Rob Sherman. Judy told me that it would be up to the Attorney General to decide if the grants were constitutional and, if the Attorney General affirmed the constitutionality of the grants, she would pay them. -
Would Comptroller Topinka pay on grants to religious organizations?
25 Oct 2009 | 2:40 amJudy Baar Topinka. Photo from her web site, www.judybaar topinka.com. Judy Baar Topinka will announce, at a campaign rally, today, that she is a candidate for the Republican nomination for Illinois State Comptroller. I will be there to ask her what her position is on a very important facet of that job. What would a Comptroller Topinka do if she is asked to pay on the blantantly and unambiguously unconstitutional grants to religious organizations that are contained in the notorious Capital Bill? Would she pay them, or refuse to do so the way that Dan Hynes refused to pay on the… -
Christian theater group asks Itasca for $450,000 grant
22 Oct 2009 | 2:00 amReba Hervas, president of Overshadowed Productions. Photo from the theater company's web site, www.overshadowed productions.com. Overshadowed Productions, a Christian missionary theater production company, has asked for a grant of $450,000 from the Village of Itasca, a suburb of Chicago located three miles west of O'Hare International Airport in Dupage County, on the east side of Interstate 290 at Thorndale Avenue. At this week's Itasca Village Board meeting, Overshadowed president Reba Hervas, who attended Bob Jones University and who is the wife… -
Atheist debates Christian space alien
21 Oct 2009 | 9:50 pmThe Bolingbrook Babbler, "Bolingbrook's first and only true tabloid," has published the amazing account of a debate, which supposedly took place earlier today, between a prominent Chicago-area atheist and a space alien who is a Christian. The article, by Babbler editor William Brinkman, is entitled Atheist Rob Sherman debates Space Pope! Web exclusive. The "Clow UFO Base" mentioned in the story is a reference to Clow International Airport, a general aviation airport in Bolingbrook, a suburb located 30 miles southwest of downtown Chicago. The "Flying Sherman…
-
I'm Spiritual, Dammit
-
The end of the rose experiment
20 Nov 2009 | 9:55 amI wanted to update everyone on the status of my roses. They were going strong for nearly three long weeks- amazing considering that most cut flowers from the grocery store last just a few days. And as you can see- the "positive energy" has left the building... my dead flowers I started off by speaking lovingly to the flowers- and playing a CD in my house called "Location Repair" by healer Master John Douglas. I was shocked when they kept looking radiant two weeks into the experiment. Then, on week three I left for two days. The flowers were drooping a little… -
Kids STILL say the darndest things
18 Nov 2009 | 7:38 amMy son is at it again. I've written before about the inappropriate phrases that have accidentally flown out of his mouth in public. Well now, he's cracking us up at home too. my son Britt Two weeks ago, I was getting rid of our pumpkin. As I went to move it's shriveled body, the bottom of it fell out, and slime oozed all over our antique table. Britt was standing next to me, and he put his hand on his hip in disgust and blurted out, "OH JESUS!!" I looked over at him in shock. "Daddy says that," he said with a nod. Not anymore he won't! **So this morning,… -
Jesus lovers need to be more loving
16 Nov 2009 | 9:11 amI was driving the other day behind a car with about four different Jesus themed bumper stickers. Everything from "Honk if You Love Jesus" to "Jesus Saves." Since this person obviously holds Christianity close to their heart, I was shocked when I saw them act...well...less than "Jesus-y". I was raised Christian...(depended on who my Dad was married to at the time, but we started out Lutheran, then went Episcopalian with wife no. 2, all to wind up Congregational with wife no.3.) While I don't attend church anymore because I feel you can reach God anywhere at any time, I… -
Positive energy and nice words keep flowers alive
13 Nov 2009 | 6:56 amSo it's been two weeks since my husband bought me these flowers. Normally theywould be dead within a week- but I decided to do a little experiment to help them live longer.Seems to be working! I wrote earlier this week that I did some experiments with two dozen roses- wondering if my words would make them last longer. I think the results are pretty obvious, but skeptics continue to have doubts.So when I got these roses, I decided to say positive things, AND play a Location Repair CD which was created by a healer named Master John Douglas, (he's coming to Chicago next week for some… -
How to stop your baby from crying
10 Nov 2009 | 6:44 amMy brother Rafer and his wife Tiffany are about to have a baby. Whenever someone you know dives into this adventure, you want to arm them with as much information as possible. For me- I never would have survived without learning how to calm my baby from crying- and that knowledge came from the dvd "The Happiest Baby on the Block." The dvd was made by a pediatrician named Dr. Harvey Karp. The concept seems totally "woo-woo", but the truth is, newborn babies have a calming switch that just needs to be turned on. By swaddling, slowly rocking, and SHHHHHH-ing into their…
-
Wale's World
-
Every game is a fight!
16 Nov 2009 | 3:52 pmASK WALEE-mail me here. I will be answering your questions about the Bears and life in the NFL every week on my blog. What can I say? I am watching the Pacquiao vs. Cotto boxing fight. (I hope Pacquiao wins) and all I can do is think about this season. The product on the field has not been Chicago quality. This season is and has been very frustrating for everyone involved . . . players, coaches and fans. If you can take one and only one positive from this loss it is the fact that this team never gave up. Losing to the 49ers was very humbling. We needed that win badly. We… -
Let's play Jeopardy
11 Nov 2009 | 5:42 amAfter a game like that you have to thank God for your blessings. I need to find the positives in my life right now, since football is a source of frustration. Well, let's see...I have my health. Family is good. I live in the best country in the world. I have a degree in English from Indiana University. I have an amazing job.OK, this isn't helping.We let a lot of people down on Sunday. The city of Chicago, the fans and most importantly...ourselves. Let's play Jeopardy for a second. I choose "Bears vs. Cardinals" for $500. Question: Things that went right for the Bears on Sunday. -
Back on track but much more work to do
3 Nov 2009 | 7:56 amASK WALEE-mail me here. I will be answering your questions about the Bears and life in the NFL every week on my blog. Before I talk about the game and getting back on track I will talk to you about something weird. Three weeks ago the whole defensive line went out for dinner and some good old fashion male bonding. We started off watching Monday Night Football at a sports bar named Cagney's. Then we went to one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago, Sunda. Food was 5 star as usual. After dinner the married guys went home and the rest of us attempted to get into a club named Stay. When we got… -
Talk is cheap
26 Oct 2009 | 8:58 amASK WALEE-mail me here. I will be answering your questions about the Bears and life in the NFL every week on my blog. This blog will be the hardest blog I have written to date. I really don't want to write it. I don't know what team that was on Sunday but that wasn't the Chicago Bears. With that said, "Talk is Cheap". We didn't show up on Sunday. Point blank ... we got embarrassed. Words can't describe my frustration. I am part of an organization that lost 45-10. I am a player on a team that lost 45-10. I am a defensive player on a team that gave up 45 points and almost 500 yards of offense. -
Forget next year, I want to talk about this year
19 Oct 2009 | 11:55 amASK WALEE-mail me here. I will be answering your questions about the Bears and life in the NFL every week on my blog. So, we lose the game and the only thing reporters want to talk about is the trade for Gaines Adams."How does this affect you?" "Do you think you are in the Bears future plans", etc. etc. Are you serious? We just lost the biggest game to date of our young season and that's what they want to discuss. How about the things that really matter; the loss, the game or the fact that I need to play better. I made too many mistakes in this game. I am sure if you spoke to the rest…
-
Geek To Me
-
I can haz hate mail
21 Nov 2009 | 5:19 pmShareYou ever have one of those moments when it hits you that you've finally achieved everything you've been working for? When you discover that all the hard work and sacrifices you've made are paying off?The moment came just this past week when I got my first piece of hate mail."But Elliott, how could anyone ever be angry at you?" Thanks for asking! Allow me to explain:Read more after the jump! In case you weren't aware, not only do I maintain the Geek To Me blog, but I can also be found in the sports section every Monday in the REDEYE 5 on 5 with other personalities like Bag… -
Beyonce, Blue Milk & Buffy
21 Nov 2009 | 4:00 amShareIf you read the REDEYE weekend edition (and if you don't I must ask "GOOD GOD WHY NOT!? YOU REALIZE THEY DELIVER IT TO YOUR HOUSE! FOR FREE EVEN!) you may have come across a little '5-on-5'-esque bit with myself and a few of the other REDEYE bloggers.I will often make geeky references in the REDEYE 5-on-5 every Monday, and sometimes find myself explaining them to my friends and co-workers who just aren't as steeped in nerd lore as I am.So...for the benefit of those who may not have 'gotten' my jokes today, here are some videos to enlighten the uninitiated:Read more after the… -
The Geek meets The Blueprint [VIDEO]
20 Nov 2009 | 8:26 amShareHo-kay...life has returned to a semblance of normal and I can finally start getting caught up on my backlog of video interviews. To start us off, I have another interview with one of the stars of TNA Wrestling, Matt "The Blueprint" Morgan. The dude is one impressive physical specimen! Intimidating at first, but a really, really nice guy!: Also, if you haven't seen it already, be sure to check out my interview with the tag-team of Lethal Consequences. It has to be one of the nerdiest interviews I've ever done with a couple pro-wrestlers! -
Helping The Heroes of Comics
19 Nov 2009 | 7:32 pmHere's some nice news that has to do with Wizard World working to help raise funds for and with The Hero Initiative, an organization dedicated to helping comic book creators in need:THE HERO INTIATIVE USES WIZARD WORLD COMIC CON TO INCREASE INDUSTRY SUPPORTThe Hero Initiative will be on site for Toronto Comic Con & Chicago Comic ConNew York, NY (November 19, 2009) - The Hero Initiative and Wizard World Comic Con will partner in 2010 to maximize the reach to fans for this important comic industry charity organization, Gareb Shamus, CEO of New York-based Wizard Entertainment and producer of… -
Wednesday Web Comics - Winters in Lavelle
18 Nov 2009 | 12:15 pmToday's featured web-comic comes to us via Becky Cloonan (K.G.B.) who referred web-comic creator Kasey Van Hise to Geek To Me! Her comic is called Winters in Lavelle, a fantasy story that features a pair of siblings who discover a magical realm via a crystal globe. It felt a bit like The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe at the onset, but the strip establishes its own identity rather quickly.Winters in Lavelle - copyright Kasey Van Hise 2009This is how Kasey describes it: "When siblings Aiden and Kari Winters discover that an old family heirloom leads to a fantastic world, their…
-
Garage Sale Warrior
-
Weekend Sales Forecast: Best Bets Come in Pairs
20 Nov 2009 | 10:22 amSo far, city dwellers are light on garage sales this weekend. There are lots of posts for appointment only sales or "here's a list of stuff I have for sale, moving soon, contact me if interested." For apartment and condo sales like these, where it's a pain to post each item individually, I recently came across a free and easy solution. It's a resource you can use in addition to posting on Craigslist, and I'll write about it next week.Good things come in pairs---especially geographically for this weekend's sales. I've surveyed the listings and matched up ones that are close… -
Sale Preview: New Items Added to Fulton Street Estate Sale
20 Nov 2009 | 8:31 amUnlike coupon queen, Frugalista, who makes money when she shops and blogs, I might just go broke doing the same. The spirit is willing, and the wallet is, too, when I see all the great stuff at these garage and estate sales. I decided we had the perfect place for the Jenny Lind bed above, one of the items for sale this weekend at the antiques/estate/garage sale at 2010 W. Fulton. It needs a little work, but readers' of my other Chicago blog, Fine Diving, know I can't resist giving an orphan piece a little TLC and sense of place. So, I drove down to Fulton Street after… -
Vintage Sparkle, Holiday Spirit and Free Parking!
19 Nov 2009 | 7:31 amThe Modern Vintage Holiday Market kicks up the holiday spirit this weekend with fashion, housewares and holiday items vintage, new and indie designed. It takes place in Plumbers Hall on West Randolph Street and is organized by the same group who brings us the Chicago Antiques Market series each summer and put on the Modern Vintage fashion extravaganza this fall.Looking for a little holiday nudge? You'll find it here with vintage holiday wear from gowns to jewelry. Mod and vintage pretty little things to deck your halls, too. And... photographer, MFA candidate and expert… -
Ten Holiday Gift Ideas: Get These Now By Thrift Shopping Online
18 Nov 2009 | 7:10 amDealTaker.com won't be listing these on its Black Friday countdown, but you, smart shopper that you are, can get them under the radar when you thrift online at the Goodwill. Because the Goodwill lists items from all over the U.S., there are things here you won't find at your neighborhood shop. From the comfort of your couch, there's something fun and inexpensive for everyone on your list. Here are ten gift ideas from the Goodwill online for kids, everybody and crafters. ShopGoodwill.com is an auction website that operates much like eBay. Registration for bidding is free. The site… -
Weekend Sale Preview: Fulton Street Antiques Estate Sale
17 Nov 2009 | 8:36 amAn industrial arts loft on West Fulton....a witty, lifelong collector....items to delight the eye and the mind......Cue the cast of extras and you have the perfect setting for a antiques/garage/estate sale. The sale starts this Friday, November 20 and goes through Sunday Here's an amuse-bouche of the large and varied inventory of antiques and items for sale. For full appreciation of this sale, here's the story of how it came about. David Carlson was an antique dealer and owner of Nook and Cranny on south Vincennes in Chicago. For years, David's business also occupied booth #63 at…
-
A Chicago Thing
-
Join Your Chicago Chefs who Grow, Teach & Feed! by guest blogger : Amanda Downing, Rockit Chef Team
20 Nov 2009 | 9:09 amA lot of what goes into being a chef is giving something back to others; usually it is in the obvious form of creating wonderful food for guests to enjoy. Another part, is giving back to our community and Chicago is one of the greatest communities out there. There are so many opportunities to give back to the community throughout the year and many where chefs and restaurants take center stage to help support various causes. Some events that myself and Rockit Ranch executive chef James Gottwald and our entire crew have been a part of have been: Meals on Wheels Chicago… -
Chicago Fashion Maker Akira! by guest blogger : Bo Osacky, Team Rockit Ranch
19 Nov 2009 | 8:56 amIts seems as if "fashion" in America primarily celebrates its achievements in NYC and LA, but after an amazing fashion focus week here in chicago last month, I have a whole new respect for our fashion talent that is finally emerging around the world as future leaders! I think it has a lot to do with great designers like maria pinto, organizations that give a platform to new designers like gen art, and all the amazing business leaders in entertainment and fashion that are just going for it! One group of such fashion business leaders are my friends from the local clothing chain of stores,… -
Champions for Children's Memorial Hospital 2009
17 Nov 2009 | 10:44 amI am and always will be a huge supporter of anything that benefits our youth and Children's Memorial Foundation is one of those groups! Thursday, November 19th is the inaugural Champions for Children's event with an all-star line up! Hosted by an old friend of mine, Kerry Wood and his wife Sarah, this event will bolster some great names : A.J. Pierzynski, Charles "Peanut" Tillman, Denis Savard, Chris Chelios, Jim Thome, Ryne Sandberg, and many more. Plus it's emceed by super funny comedian, Jim Belushi! The night will include interactive entertainment, like you can play "old school" fast… -
Hugh Hefner Runaway Help Goes Beyond Chicago
13 Nov 2009 | 6:05 amHeard this really great story about how back in the day playboy's hugh hefner, one of the biggest world entertainment industry influencers ever who happens to be from chicago, accidentally made a call to the wrong number, and accidentally got the "National Runaway Switchboard" (NRS) which was also based in Chicago. Intrigued, he asked what they were all about, was compassionate about their vision, and began to help them grow their services and good deeds! nrs started ('71) in chicago as a local crisis intervention for young people, but then grew fast into a national 24-hour hotline, which now… -
Chicago/Paris Ballet & Mime Connection!
11 Nov 2009 | 10:18 amI know it is hard for some to believe for some reason, but I love the ballet... and I'm especially excited to share news that because 2010 marks the 90th anniversary of a famous Paris-born surrealist ballet, Le Boeuf sur le Toit (English translation: The Ox on the Roof: The Nothing-Doing Bar), T. Daniel Productions, NFP, (the Chicago Mime Company), has coordinated 2 special performances in it's honor- one for us Chicagoans, and one in Paris on the original stage of the ballet! The show is particularly important to T. Daniel and Laurie Willets, artistic directors and internationally-renowned…
-
District 299
-
New Parent Newsletter: Catalyst "In The Know"
20 Nov 2009 | 12:58 pmI never really know what Catalyst is going to do next (and I'm not always sure why). Their latest move is to start producing a four-page community newsletter that is going to come out fall and spring in hard copy.It's supposed to be parent oriented, and the first issue focuses on year-round schools. You can read more about it here. Take a look and tell us what you think. -
Movie Profiles Innovative Tucson School
20 Nov 2009 | 9:17 amWatch out, Chicago! Here comes Bob Compton's hard-hitting documentary, Two Million Minutes, guaranteed to frighten and make you feel bad about the current state of American education. Or maybe that was the first one. Compton "searched the globe for the greatest high school in the world. A school that instills creativity, critical thinking and prepares its students for the tomorrow's workplace. To his amazement he found it in a strip mall in Tucson, AZ." Wednesday 12-2 6pm Music Box Theater. Details here. -
Swine Flu: The Musical
20 Nov 2009 | 8:07 amVia the Philly.com Notebook. Thanks to BS for passing this along. A sure sign of the Apocalypse, indeed. -
State Crackdown, Newspaper Ban, Schoolbus Porn
20 Nov 2009 | 6:44 amIllinois officials to crack down on testing loophole Tribune Students shut out of the testing process tended to be disproportionately black, low-income or have disabilities, said Joyce Zurkowski, who oversees student assessment for the state education agency. Community group blasts CPS for after school tutoring cuts Defender Some elected officials and community groups are reeling over a Chicago Public Schools' decision to seek a waiver that would allow the school district to, in effect, cut funding for after school tutoring and, instead, use the money to plug budget holes. Suburban high… -
School Board Meeting Rescheduled For Monday
19 Nov 2009 | 11:49 amFrom CPS: The Chicago Board of Education will meet Monday, November 23. Public participation will begin at approximately 10:30 a.m. and end at 12:30 p.m., and will be followed immediately by the business portion of the meeting. "We anticipate that many persons may wish to appear at this meeting to express their gratitude and affection for Michael Scott. For this reason, all individuals who wish to pay their respects to Mr. Scott will be called to speak during the beginning of the Public Participation segment of the meeting. The remainder of the Public Participation segment will proceed…
-
Chicago Muckrakers
-
Chicago calls out residents and businesses for unpaid water bills, but the city's accounting could be flawed
15 Nov 2009 | 9:30 amThe City of Chicago's water department said Chicagoans owe more than $30 million in unpaid water bills. But it turns out there may have been a problem in the accounting. CBS 2 reporter Pam Zekman found errors in the water department's list of accounts and "collection chaos for some consumers." The report was part of a joint investigation by CBS 2 Chicago and the Better Government Association.In the most egregious example, the city shut off the water to the building at 1719 W. Augusta Blvd., saying the owner owes $173,000. The manager at the cleaners in the building now has to fill giant tubs… -
Chicago psychiatrist pushed drugs to seniors
14 Nov 2009 | 9:30 amA Chicago psychiatrist who over-prescribed antipsychotic drugs to nursing home patients was paid $490,000 to promote the drug by its manufacturer, according to the Chicago Tribune. The report was part of the Tribune's ongoing investigation into nursing home safety. According to the report, Dr. Michael Reinstein promoted the popular antipsychotic drug, Seroquel, for its manufacturer over the course of a decade. Reinstein allegedly over-prescribed the drug to nursing home patients throughout the city and told patients the drug would help them lose weight. However, research by the U.S. Food and… -
Chicago murder victims mostly black
13 Nov 2009 | 2:00 pmSeventy-five percent of Chicago's 2008 murder victims had at least one thing in common. They were black. That's according to the Chicago Sun-Times's Nov. 12 analysis of police department data. All of the police districts with the highest murder rates per capita--anything more than 20 people per 100,000--were on the city's South or West sides, according to the analysis.The deadliest districts were number 11 (which straddles Garfield Park and the Near West Side community areas) and district 7 (which straddles Englewood and West Englewood). Those districts had more than 50 victims per capita,… -
How your car's air freshener can get you a ticket
13 Nov 2009 | 12:24 pmPolice in Illinois are expected to stop 38,000 drivers this year for having windshield obstructions, an increase of 91 percent since 2004, according to an analysis by the Chicago Tribune. Police can--and do--pull drivers over for anything police deem to "materially obstruct" a driver's view. This means anything from handicapped placards to air fresheners.The Tribune article mentions several "gotcha" moments in Illinois when windshield obstructions led to arrests for more serious crimes. In one example, a driver was stopped for having a hanging deodorizer, but then arrested for illegally… -
Can you guess which city is the most toxic?
5 Nov 2009 | 3:11 pmChicago ranks third on Forbes' list of America's most toxic cities. Atlanta and Detroit won the first and second spots, while Houston tied for third. But Chicago topped two of the categories used to rank the cities. It has by far the most toxic facilities, 778 to second-place L.A's 440, and the most sites on the EPA's list of places that need remediation. See the Forbes report, or this write-up on Huffington Post, for more of the numbers. The Chicago Reporter covered our city's toxic neighbors last year, in this investigation.-- Compiled by Amalia Oulahan
-
Feast of Fun
-
Wig Snatched Off Drag Queen's Head
20 Nov 2009 | 7:44 amHere's some news footage of Miss Gay Brazil 2009 being interviewed after the pageant. Right in the middle of the interview some angry contestant ran right up to her and snatched her wig and crown right off her head! Miguel at Dlisted said: "this hot bitch is making wig snatching look like an Olympic Sport." I totally agree. It looks like it made the evening news in Rio. Why isn't American evening news this entertaining? Hello Anderson Cooper, can you hear me? Rachel Maddow? What's the point of having queer people anchor our news if we don't get to see this kind of stuff on the air? I bet a… -
Who Inspires You? Out Magazine's 100
19 Nov 2009 | 8:11 amEvery year during the slow news season known as the Holidays, media companies put out their lists of the top 100 so and so in order to bring together a bunch of noteworthy famous individuals into a magazine people will want to read. Out Magazine (the magazine about same-sex loving folks) came out with their 100 list people they consider to be outstanding and inspiring. Inside the issue the editor Aaron Hicklin writes about the awkward handling Adam Lambert's management team had with including him in the issue, complaining that: It's only because this cover is a group shot that includes a… -
Microsoft's Lame Attempt at a Viral Video Captures Shoplifter Stealing
18 Nov 2009 | 8:00 amShare This is how not to build buzz for your company. But did a video of Microsoft store employee's impromptu awkward dance in the middle of their new stores accidentally captured someone shoplifting? Hilarious! Check out the woman nervously shoving a product into her bag at 2:14 in the video. All right, one, two, three, four, steal! -
Cristal Connors is Goddess
16 Nov 2009 | 8:00 amWe're just nuts over Cristal Connors on Facebook. Someone created a profile based on the bisexual villain from the 1995 camp film "Showgirls" and does she get a lot of play on the social networking site. Although Cristal's status updates often simply echo the classic lines from the film like "We're all whores darling." This virtual diva gives the character, portrayed by Gina Gershon a second life. Her status updates take the plot lines from the movie in new directions and have become a virtual form of "slash fiction." Cristal Connors returns to perform at the Stardust hotel, sabotages the… -
Lady Gaga and V Mash-up
14 Nov 2009 | 3:22 pmOur friend Pat Lee created this mash-up of Lady Gaga's Bad Romance and the tv show V. It's hysterical
-
Dennis Byrne's Barbershop
-
Obama's next bow
20 Nov 2009 | 12:33 pmYou had to wonder which royalty that President Barack Obama would bow to after he dipped a deep one before Japan's Emperor Akihito. This after Obama bowed from the waist in a visit to the Saudi king.Naturally, someone in the Washington Post said it was no big deal; just being respectful of the Japanese culture, although, as noted, one doesn't bow and shake at the same time. Maybe a handshake alone would do for the next potentate the President of the United States meets.I'd credit the creator of the graphic, if I knew who he is. Feel free to post a credit. Thanks. -
Tinley Park: Best place for raising kids.
20 Nov 2009 | 12:00 pmA Tinley Park montageTinley Park, is the most kid- and family-friendly town in the United States, according to Business Week.Something must be happening in Chicago's suburbs because last year, the honor went to Mount Prospect.There's one caveat: Surveys ranking cities, suburbs and states are a dime a dozen and need to be closely examined for their methodology. Often the lists are based on demographic data easily available from the Census Bureau or some other source. Most of these surveys are done to publicize someone or something, which the media gladly accommodate. Having said… -
Senate health care bill creates new marriage penalty
20 Nov 2009 | 9:08 amThought the new health care taxes wouldn't hit you. Read about the 17 new taxes contained in the health care bill being rushed through the Senate in the hopes that you won't notice.Here's just one item for you couples thinking about getting married: But a married couple in which each earner makes $150,000 would be hit with the tax, whereas an unmarried couple living together with the same incomes would not.Welcome to the new Orwellian world. -
Anti-O'Hare uprising in Park Ridge?
20 Nov 2009 | 8:43 amWhen government does something that lowers your property values, can you seek compensation?O'Hare's new northern runway (top) sends air traffic directly east, over parts on Park Ridge. That's an interesting question being raised in Park Ridge, Ill. by residents who have seen their home values fall because of the city's decision to cave in to the expansion of O'Hare Airport. That resulted in the construction of a new northern runway at the airport that has increased noise and pollution over parts of Park Ridge. If this becomes a suit, it should be quite interesting. Could it lead to full… -
Palin raising money for Obama?
20 Nov 2009 | 8:00 amHere is what the Obama folks are putting out about Sarah Palin and her fabulously successful book tour. This is being e-mailed from Organizing for America, a political front group for Obama (www.barackobama.com) to people who contributed to Obama's presidential campaign. Right now, Sarah Palin is on a highly publicized, nationwide book tour, attacking President Obama and his plan for health reform at every turn. It's dangerous. Remember, this is the person who coined the term "Death Panels" -- and opened the flood gates for months of false attacks by special interests and partisan extremists.
-
Chicago RSVP
-
Make Your Wedding Unique With This Great Venue
19 Nov 2009 | 11:33 amIf you are planning a Chicago wedding locating the perfect venue can be a daunting task. Chicago wedding venues range from classic ballroom locations to modern chic spaces. If you are looking for a unique space for your Chicago wedding check out the Field Museum of Natural History. The Field Museum of Natural History is one of the most stately and elegant settings for an event in the entire country. One of the four great natural history museums in the world, it is alive with ideas, discovery, surprises, and delights just waiting for you. With over… -
Looking For The Perfect Event Space?
18 Nov 2009 | 10:45 amIf you are seeking a unique wedding venue that includes a city and lake view, ceremony and reception space, and amazing architecture-look no further- the Adler Planetarium is your place. The Adler Planetarium is located at the tip of a pristine peninsula just behind soldier field. The ceremony space is located directly in front of the building with a phenomenal view of the city and water. As you move into the reception the transition from day to night is spectacular as the entire space is paneled with windows viewing the city.Your guests will love the feel of the room and… -
What Will Happen Next??? Fun Surprises That Will Keep Your Guests Guessing
17 Nov 2009 | 10:01 amOne question that inevitably comes up when planned a wedding is how to keep guests entertained. A majority of weddings have guests ranging in age from children to elderly. With such a large age bracket, you have to appeal to all age groups. In other words, hours of drinking and dancing might seem fun to some, but you need a plan that will keep guests interested throughout the duration of the event. I like to think of a wedding or event as a production. There should be surprises or interactive elements that keep your guests' interest. Fireworks are a… -
More Fabulous Fall Wedding Secrets
13 Nov 2009 | 1:18 pmMore great tips on embracing the weather for your fall wedding! If you are worried about rain or snow these fun tips will keep you and your bridesmaids dry! Umbrellas-Be prepared for any day with umbrellas or parasols. Whether it is raining, snowing, or blue skies the bride and bridesmaids will be shielded from the many elements of the weather. Galoshes-A fun addition to your bridesmaid's ensembles. You can have multiple patterns or colors to jazz up your wedding and keep your feet dry.By adding these fun fashion pieces, the bridal party will be excited… -
Undoing a Wedding: What To Do If You Call It Off. We Can Help!!!
11 Nov 2009 | 9:48 amThis is a subject no one talks about. How to undo your wedding. You might feel like an outcast, like you are the only one who needs to read this but you're not! Trust me. People break-off their engagements much more than you would ever expect. Depending on how far along in the planning process you've gotten, will determine how much unraveling needs to be done. Here are some tips on how to get the job done:Make good use of your family and friends. Split tasks up between your bridal party and other loved ones. They will be more than willing to…
