Focus on Fashion.

Amanda Hunt, NBC5 Street Team

Fashionistas your week has arrived!! 2007 Fashion Focus Chicago is this week, October 9th-14th and it’s The Windy City’s response to our clothing cravings. As many critics have shamelessly exhorted, when you look for fashion you look in New York or Milan. But like many surprise championships, the underdog is underestimated and that is why Chicago is poised to grow as a premiere location for cutting-edge couture and delicious designers.

Here is the low down-

October 9-14th – Shopping Tours. Grab the best fall looks and neighborhood deals with Urban Shop Guide. Locations vary so phone first- 312.744. 2400.

October 11-30th – 4 Lines: A Fashion Exhibition and Installation. Edgy fashion, visual art and featured designers such as Shane Gabier and Anke Loh!! 312. 744.2400.
– Apparel Industry. Red hot runway fashion, cocktails, producer Susan Glick, and legendary photographer, Victor Skrebneski sit as Creative Chair. 312.836.1041.

October 12th – Macy’s on State Street. Chicago-based designers showcase their Fall 2007 and Spring 2008 collections, 312.781.5454.

October 13th – Gen Art’s Shop Chicago. Spa treatments, gift bags, and emerging designers and boutiques from across the country, 312.229.1701.

October 14th – The Allure of Couture: Fashion Week Finale. Ground-breaking producer Barbara Samuels and Markus Ford seal the deal with fashion forward designers such as: Barbara Bates, Double Stitch, James De Colon, and Nick Cave. 312.744.2400.

Now if you missed Sven Asmus’s Bentley Gold Coast preview for The Allure of Couture or Macy’s Distinction and Gen Art’s Fresh Faces on October 9th, you are behind the eight ball and in serious violation. Do not loose your fashion card….. regain credibility by viewing fashionfocuschicago.com and then hit the streets (fashion tip- wear flats).

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Fashion Focus Finale’: The Allure of Couture

Erika and Monika Simmons, NBC5 Street Team, (Video)

Wow! The Finale’ Runway presentation, The Allure of Couture, during Chicago’s increasingly popular Fashion Focus Week, was fantastic! The lofty and beautifully decorated, tent located at Millenium Park Chase Promenade on Randolph, was filled with excited guests, designers, models, and media. Eager to get a glimpse of what Chicago Fashion Designers have to offer, the crowd appeared to be entertained and proud to witness the evolution of Fashion in Chicago!

We were mega excited to have our Double Stitch: Spring 2008 collection grace the runway. We waited in anticipation as we watched the collections of Chicago Designers, Barbara Bates, Jack Cave, Nick Cave, James de Colon, Sujata Gazder, D’Wayne Lonzo, Horacio Nieto, PriceWalton, Kristina Sparks and Sylwia Wilczynska.

Fashion Focus is certainly the perfect title for a week filled with an eclectic mix of runway shows, shopping sprees and workshops , that all lead to this finale’ presentation. We’ve personally been here in Chicago to see the Fashion Scene grow and prosper dramatically each year and it’s not difficult to see that Chicago is a Fashion mecca in the making.

Did you attend this event? What did you think? Comment below.

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Chicago Crafters Fight Global Warming through Crochet!

Erika And Monika Simmons, NBC5 Street Team (video)

The Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef is a community crochet project spearheaded by twin sisters Margaret and Christine Wertheim of the Institute for Figuring. This project now engages women the world over to crochet a hand made reef in an effort to bring attention to the negative effects of Global Warming and Pollutants on the Great Barrier Reef – the worlds largest living organism, that stretches along the coast of Australia.

This is actually a crocheted Coral Reef!!!

Well, you certainly don’t have to know how to crochet to help. Education in key to understanding how we can adjust our everyday recycling and disposal habits so that we don’t remain part of the problem. Come out to visit the Beautiful Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef Exhibit at the Chicago Cultural Center, created by over 100 crafty Chicagoans!

Chicago Cultural Center

78 East Washington

Where: Chicago Rooms, 2 nd floor

Exhibit Schedule:

October 13 th, – December 16 th, 2007

Learn to make your own crocheted coral reef. Members of the Windy City Knitting Guild will lead informal workshops to teach the skills needed to create your own woolly reef! Workshops are co-sponsored by the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum.

Workshop Schedule:

Every Thursday at 12:00 pm

during The Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef Exhibit

Visit the Chicago Reef on myspace!
www.myspace.com/chicagoreefproject

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New York Fashion In Old Town

Katrell Mendenhall, NBC5 Street Team (Video)

What’s your style? Do you have a favorite department store? Do you love fashion but hate seeing 25 hangers of the same shirt or dress… Knowing the odds of seeing the same outfits over and over again are great. Well, If you’re a shopping guru like myself and know quality when you see it, you will absolutely love the flavor of this fabulous, quant, little boutique on Wells (between Schiller and North Ave).

Although none of us are rushing this beautiful weather, we all remember where we live and know that fall is vastly approaching. Even if it’s only 3 weeks long. Uri Boutique is a step above the rest, the garments are fashion forward. They put you in the mind set of straight from NY fashion week or right out of the pages of Elle. Owner Kimonique Woodward refers to her store as a “high-end boutique where you’re guaranteed quality and not repetitive fashion”. They carry Alvin Valley, Heike jarick, Ardista, Plein Sud just to name a few. You can find anything from coats, oversized sweaters, dresses, slacks and let me not forget the awesome handbags.

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Images: Uri Boutique Fashion

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We’ve all done it… sitting at a restaurant with friends having a glass of wine and a fashion diva passes by with something unique and down right HOT on. You tap your girlfriend and say “look”. Then all of you look, but no one wants to ask the fabulously dressed diva where she got it from, because you’re not sure how she’s going to take it. Am I, the only one who’s been through this…? I didn’t think so! So you let the diva go about her evening all the while wanting a little twist to your fashion. URI Boutique is the place to be that diva. This fall come into a new phase of fashion. Don’t follow the trend, don’t even be a trend setter. Be the person that demands attention when you walk into the room. Allow Kim to be your fashion consultant.

Kim wants to later take her store on the road to Jersey. The inspiration behind the name Uri, is her 7 year old daughter. Start off visiting her website at www.uriboutique.com, and then stop by 1445 N. Wells where the beginning stages of fashion icon begin.

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Bringing Consignment Back

Katrell Mendenhall, NBC5 Street Team (Video)

With all the great changes going on in Chicago, it’s time to step up our fashion to go along. So, if you like Seven Jeans, Givenchy or Marc Jacobs, I have the perfect place for you. What do you think of when you hear consignment shops? Thrifty, Junk or Charity? Most of us have a tainted image of resale shops. We tend to think of items in poor conditions that are now trying to be sold. Well allow me to be the first to clear up any misconceptions because at

ShareWear Consignment you will find high-quality items at bargain prices. From Gap to Prada, it’s a one stop shop.

You can shop or sell! Is your closet too full? Do you have clothes within the last 2 years that still have tags on them or that you have only worn once or twice? If you answered yes to both, schedule an appointment with ShareWear. From clothes, shoes or accessories anything that has been gently used is a possibility. If the item sells you receive 50% of the selling cost and any money earned can be used as store credit.

By now everyone knows one of my favorite things to do is shop so you know I wouldn’t steer you wrong when it comes to clothes especially when it comes with a great price tag. ShareWear has a calendar of deals and events for October but the weekend of choice is the 26th -28th which marks the 2nd year anniversary where they will have extra special promotions all weekend. Visit there website at http://www.sharewearchicago.com/ for more information. Go ahead get more for your bucks and shop til you drop at bargain prices!!

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Entertainment Report: 10/10/07

Laura Lodewyck, NBC5 Street Team

I’m Laura in the NUDE HIPPO Newsroom with these top stories!

Happy Birthday, Mario Lopez! Now, how often do you get to say that, possibly while shakin’ it with A. C. himself? Although I’m not entirely sure why he’d want to, Mario has chosen to celebrate his birthday with you and everybody else who RSVP’s. The event is this Friday at Crobar, and admission is free when you RSVP. Don’t miss singing Happy Birthday to Mario at midnight! (Seriously, they plan to sing Happy Birthday to him at midnight.)

Squeeze in your last game of cornhole, everybody, because it’s fall events from now on. With the exception of this excruciating Sunday, I think we can safely say that summer is definitely over. It’s time to hit the October scene and celebrate my favorite holiday, Halloweeeeeeeeeeen. If you’re bored with the usual haunted houses (I mean, come on, you KNOW they are going to jump out and yell at you! Get a grip!), check out an honest-to-goodness, real live ghost hunting experience with Chicago Ghost Investigations. Armed with the actual equipment used in paranormal research, you will be trained in how to locate — and communicate with — the dead. NUDE HIPPO’s own Damaris tried it out, and I think she freaked herself out a little bit.

If mingling with the spirits isn’t your thing, I suggest splurging on some
deliciousness from chef Shawn McClain’s newest restaurant, Custom House, while simultaneously giving to a good cause. This Saturday, Custom House is hosting a fundraiser for Blue Sky Inn, an awesome organization devoted to empowering at-risk youth in Chicago. The fundraiser events will include cocktails created by Master Mixologist Bridget Albert and a silent auction where you can bid on such interesting items as a chance to try your “dream job”, such as food critic, chef, or DJ…I’m thinking “Master Mixologist”. I don’t even know what that is, but it certainly sounds cool.

Of course, if you’ve completely given up on your social life, at least amuse yourself for a few minutes this weekend by calling 312-884-3070 to hear some random guy sing an impassioned medley about grilled cheese. I’m impressed…yet sad for him. Who are you, musical-grilled-cheese-guy, and what inner cheese demons drive this urgent sandwich anthem?

E-mail me at NudeHippo@nbc5.com and let me know about any upcoming events and be sure to watch some of the fun locations and events that NUDE HIPPO has covered at NBC5.com/nudehippo

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Nightclubs

Ben Soldinger, NBC5 Street Team (video)

I went to this nightclub called Level Friday night. Level is not under rusty train tracks somewhere desolate on the west side nor is it off the beaten path of a broken down warehouse district. No, Level is on Rush St next to some of the most prominent restaurants in one of the most recognizable corners of the whole city. What else I can tell you is that it doesn’t matter where you go, all nightclubs are the same. The only reason I went to this club is because the four gorgeous women I was hanging with ( I tend to roll that way every once in a while ) insisted on going. We had just come from a beautiful charity event for A Silver Lining Foundation and were walking down Rush Street around 11:30 (early for nightclub hours). I had the good fortune to run into an old friend who I told to join us on our stroll. We reached the front door where the girls said the magic words and we proceeded to go in (ladies first) before the door was SLAMMED in my face. “Ladies only” said the doorman. I was able to keep enough composure through this tremendous insult/borderline humiliation and said, “This is very unprofessional. We all came together. Plus, I’ll be buying the drinks. (the latter part not true)” After using this Jedi Mind Trick, the door was opened for me to enter. Great vibe – thanks.

My question is why do so many people CHOOSE to take such callous treatment, pay prices for drinks that would cost half as much at a restaurant or lounge, rarely have food as an option (or sustenance) , and submit yourself to yelling over the decibel level of a rocket engine??? Do all these hordes of people who frequent these places prefer this sort of experience over the laughter of a comedy club, the warmth of a blues club or lounge, or the charm of a pub or dive bar where people smile at you and are happy you are there? It’s mind boggling! Even something worse to think about is when our visitors want to check out a Chicago late spot, this is most likely how they will be treated. A long time ago I decided to stop spending my time and money supporting this shady drug culture and easily found much better alternatives. My take on night life is if you need to kiss ass to get special treatment, I think you need to work on your self esteem.

Ben’s Blog Archives:

Tavern On Rush

Chicago – ‘Home of the Blues?’

PARLOR Restaurant

Wednesday Nights at Sushi Samba

Quiet Comfort Lounges

Guns N Roses

The Perfect Casual Italian Restaurant

Into The Wild

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Happy Birthday Metal Blade

Maureen Vana, NBC5 Street Team

For 25 years Metal Blade Records has been releasing albums to blast the volume on the stereo and bang your head to. The label is celebrating it’s quarter of a century success with a tour of veteran artists and promising new acts. Cannibal Corpse holds the headlining spot with support from The Black Dahlia Murder, The Red Chord, Goatwhore, and The Absence.

The show tore up the House of Blues with a sea of black t-shirt clad patrons shoving fists into the air and their bodies into one another. Goatwhore made a call for some old school thrashing in the pit and the crowd was more than happy to oblige. It was hard to believe that the next night would be filled with screaming girls jumping up and down for Hanson.

A show with five bands is often hard to hold the attention of a crowd, but Metal Blade succeeded at choosing a line up that was enthusiastic and energetic from start to finish. Openers The Absence could have easily played in any of the five slots with there ear catching solos and on stage presence. Goatwhore’s set got people moving and The Red Chord followed up by getting them into the air.

See Photos From Metal Blade Records 25th Anniversary Tour

Next came The Black Dahlia Murder who played a wealth of material off their first album “Unhallowed”. The set was a great mix of old and new, which kept long time fans happy while introducing tracks off their latest release, “Nocturnal”. Cannibal Corpse closed out the party with their dark and seasoned brand of death metal. The set was a swirl of hair, thrashing to the beats of over 20 years and 10 studio albums. Cannibal Corpse performance was a perfect capstone to a night celebrating the reign of Metal Blade Records.

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Shopping made personal

Rikki Greenberg, NBC5 Street Team

When I look at my closet I see one thing: T-shirts. Lots and lots of t-shirts. I’m talking like every color available from squeaky clean white to hot pink…what can I say, I like my options.

Needless to say, my closet needs a complete makeover which is why I’m going to call Heather Kenny to help me out with my T-shirt addiction.

Heather Kenny is a personal shopper based out of Chicago and she can help you find a wardrobe that fits and keeps your personal style.

I know what your thinking…I don’t want somebody whose going to put me down and take me to the three way mirror so we can point out all my flaws…together.

We can all take a sigh of relief because part of Heather Kenny’s appeal is her down-to-earth approach to fashion while making her client look and feel good while remaining comfortable.

The personal shopping experience is worth the price for a lifetime of knowledge about your wardrobe, with a closet consulting fee starting at just $175. The shopping experience is $360 for a half a day and $600 for a whole day.

So if you see yourself reaching for those hooded sweatshirts…again….then I suggest you email Heather Kenny at heather@heatherkenny.com or go to her website, http://www.heatherkenny.com immediately.

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Chicago Marathon Confusion From Those That Were There

Blagica Stefanovski, NBC5 Street Team (Video)

I love my yearly Chicago Marathon Sunday Rituals. At 730, I started watching the live broadcast. At 8 am, I packed up my backpack with magazines, water, coffee, food and a camera. I threw my new $9.99 Walgreens issued American Flag fold-up lawn chairs over my shoulder and heading down the street to Roosevelt and Michigan. Jessica was already at our designated meeting spot east of the Roosevelt bus stop. It was going to be an exciting day. This year, I threw sunblock in with my Marathon goody bag. ‘Twas gonna be a scorcher.

We settled in for a day of cheering, rooting, yelling, clapping and sharing moments with the runners that zipped passed. I saw the elite runners shoot past me, the awe-inspiring wheelchair group brought tears to my eyes, but moreso ignited a fire that reminded me that anything is possible. The first female runner to glide passed up received a great ovation, but we all knew what was next: the family and friends we were camping out to see.

I knew my voice would go, so Michael brought the tamborine that I have sitting on my shelf back home. I hit that thing against the barricades as hard as I could and shouting things to runners that reminded me of my track days. ‘Dig!’ ‘This hill is nothing!’ ‘Don’t let this race conquer you!’. In the back of my head, I knew these runners were responding different to the yells. It was unbearably hot for their run.

At about noon, I saw the first batches of people crossing Mile 25 and needing medical attention. We began hearing murmurs from the crowd about lack of water, people not finishing the race and the city’s concern for running out of ambulances. My mind was on four friends, Mike F., Woody, Michael D and Carolyn T. I was getting split times, so I knew things were OK with them. (image via AP)

Mike F. crossed the line and I didn’t get a chance to see him in the race. Woody came around the bend and his yellow shirt glowed and he looked unbelievably good. He smiled, hugged us and kept creeping up that hill. We were so proud of him. Before Woody strolled in, Carolyn called. The race was canceled. She was passed the halfway mark at 11:30, yet she was told to stop running? The confusion intensified. I noticed a massive waterfall on Michigan Avenue put on by the fire department. Where were they earlier?

As we waited for Michael D. to come near us, the sun and heat started to affect me. I was at my spot for 5.5 hours yelling for runners, loving every second, but remembered that I had a tendency to faint in weddings I’ve stood up in. I started to weave and was instructed by my best friend to go sit under a tree. I never got the chance to see Jessica’s hubby, Michael D. cross our viewing area. I apologized to her and headed to a local watering hold to catch my breath and drink water. All the while, the controversy of the race started to cloud the afternoon.

I spoke directly with Woody and Carolyn.

Woody thought there was plenty of water, but the runners that used the water weren’t drinking it, they were pouring it on themselves. In addition, some of the younger volunteers seemed so out of sorts with trying to fill up water cups, that runners didn’t get the relief in time. Woody was lucky to have officially finished the race in 5 hours – it was his first marathon.

Carolyn’s story really upset me. This was also Carolyn’s first marathon. She was training all spring and summer. Her parents flew in from San Diego to see her. We spoke about her experiences and they seem to echo many of the other runners.

• She ran a steady 12 mile pace to conserve energy in order to FINISH the marathon. Carolyn had plenty of steam left to finish. She was taking her sodium packets when needed to conserve energy
• Carolyn did not see ANY water stations for miles. She applauded some Chicago cops that got OUT of their cars to help pour water while other offices did nothing.
• She was AT the halfway point at 11:30 and the race was cut off. Race officials say things were cut off at noon.
• For the 25,000 folks the race officials mentioned finishing the race, it wasn’t official time. The race was RE-ROUTED.
• Carolyn never saw one cooling bus

I don’t know, folks. I was only a spectator at Mile 25. I think the majority of us would like a simple apology from the race officials. Other participants that I spoke with think the whole thing is being spun for the media. Yes, it was hot, Yes, certain measures needed to be taken, but why couldn’t things have happened earlier? For those folks that felt OK, why couldn’t they finish? What was the difference in the temperature when the elite runners finished around 10/1030 to the time the race was officially cut off at noon?

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Sew Fabulous!

Erika and Monika Simmons, NBC5 Street Team,
(Video)

As you may or may not know, Crochet apparel is making a huge comeback! We aren’t saying this just because we’re crochet designers, but because we’ve been witnessing a revolution that includes some of the crochet populations, hippest and most innovate crochet professionals, banding together to create a new and improved image for crochet apparel. Are,we taking this a bit too serious? Maybe so, but if you pay attention, you’ll see it too.

October 11th- 13th, St. Charles Illinois will host, The Original Sewing and Quilting Expo! We are super excited about this event because a host of wonderful craft book authors will be in attendance including, Kim Werker, author of Crochet Me: Designs to Fuel the Crochet Revolution, for book signings and workshops.The Expo will host a number of book signings, workshops, vendors and fashion presentations, all under one roof. So if you’re interested in fashion sewing, crocheting, knitting, felting, bead work etc…, you’ll be in heaven.

For more information about the Expo, visit http://www.sewingexpo.com/descriptions/chi_text.htm

General Schedule

BOOK SIGNINGS: Friday, October 12, 4:00-6:00 p.m. CLASSES AND EXHIBIT HALL

HOURS: Thursday & Friday: 10am – 6pm, Saturday: 10am – 5pm

Location:

Pheasant Run Resort & Spa

4051 East Main St.

St. Charles, IL 601741-800-474-3272

http://www.pheasantrun.com/

ADMISSION: General Admission is $10 per day at the door. Children 12 and under are admitted free. Pre-register for five or more classes and your general admission is free!

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Clinton Sparks ‘Gets Familiar’ With the Street Team

Chasity Johnson, NBC5 Street Team, Video

Have you guys ever heard the phrase “triple-threat?” Well, how about “quadruple-threat?” If you decide to embark on a career in the multi-faceted entertainment industry, you better be prepared to bring more than one talent to the table. In today’s industry you’re not expected to be the “Jack of all Trades” or “The King of One,” but the “King of Many.”

Clinton Sparks — one of the hottest Hip Hop Deejays to hit the scene in a minute — went from a Hip Hop hopeful to a world renowned musical architect in just six years.

This heavy hitter has a plethora of bullets on his resume which includes: being recognized by the Power Summit Awards in the Dominican Republic as the Syndicated Radio DJ of the year in 2006; Being Diddy’s official DJ; producing tracks for R&B bad boy Akon… Oh yeah, did I mention he is a cast member of the Daily 10 on E! TV?

When Sparks slid through Chicago, he took the time out of his busy schedule to kick it with the NBC5 Street Team before heading over to J Bar — located in the sleek, luxurious James Hotel — to celebrate his birthday.

*Side note for the ladies: If you’re like me, Appletinis and Cosmos are a staple of your diet, so it might be a good idea to slap on some heels and head over to J Bar for Stiletto Tuesdays, where ladies get a dollar off of their drinks for every inch of their heels. I don’t know about you, but I plan on wearing some stilts out there this Tuesday.

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NO STINKY CHEESE FROM JEFF GARLIN!

Tony Lossano & Amy Zanglin, NBC5 Street Team (Video)

Tony from NUDE HIPPO here! Last night, I went to see I Want Someone To Eat Cheese With at the Music Box and it was pretty good! I’m not a movie reviewer, I’ll leave that to my Hippocritic, but as a moviegoer and a lifelong Chicagoan, I really enjoyed this film.

I spoke to Jeff Garlin briefly and learned that he was both surprised and thrilled that a full house of over 500 people paid to see the first showing. I found him to be very modest as he explained to me that he only expected about a hundred.

Jeff also spoke about the importance of his film being set in the city of Chicago and his use of “real” locations, not just sending a crew in to get a shot of the skyline and the lake and then leaving town. One surreal moment for me included a shot of the Music Box, since I was literally sitting inside the theater and seeing the outside of the theater on the screen.

Cheese includes MANY great appearances from individuals who were either from Chicago or had something to do with this city, including Bonnie Hunt, Steve Dahl, Tim Kazurinsky, Amy Sadaris and so many more, including a cameo from our old pal from the Apollo Theater, Rob Kolson, and a funny bit about our good buddy Mr. Skin. Comic genius Sarah Silverman also plays a pivotal role in the film.

I recommend you head over to the Music Box tonight and meet Jeff Garlin in person! Join him for a Q & A with the director following the 7:20 show or an introduction by the director before the 9:40!

Be sure to tell him that you’re heard about this from NudeHippo.tv if you meet him.

There will be plenty of seats tonight, but parking may be difficult, there is some ballgame going on down the street. If you don’t go tonight…be sure to catch it in the near future at a theater near you!

More info at: www.musicboxtheatre.com/iwantsomeone.html or visit www.ifcfilms.com/viewFilm.htm?filmId=411

E-mail me at NudeHippo@nbc5.com and tell me what you think and be sure to watch other fun locations that NUDE HIPPO has covered at NBC5.com/nudehippo

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Chicago Lagging Behind Olympic Bid? Well, THAT’s No Surprise.

Blagica Stefanovski, NBC5 Street Team (Video)

Wait, what’s that sound? Oh, it’s David Burnham rolling over in his grave. Wait, listen closer. That’s Mike Royko slapping his forehead in disbelief. Hold on, Florence Scala just arrived on the scene with the fellas and is shaking her head in shame saying, ‘I told you so, fellas’.

So, Peter Ueberroth announced his thoughts yesterday, Chicago is lagging behind other countries in getting the Olympic bid. What in the world has happened to our business leaders of Chicago? Would you like a hint? Read on.

Much of the city is salivating at the economic gain of the potential 2016 Olympics. Speculators are picking up South Side property and homes quicker than you can say, ‘SOLD!’. Developers and real estate agents in the South Loop (my neighborhood) are using the ‘Olympics’ as a sales tool in MLS listings and in face to face pitches.

On the flip side, our town is spending more time mulling over…

-A Museum in Grant Park
-A possible tax hike (if this passes, bye bye tourism)
-CTA underfunding
-Metra derailments
-Loss of the Wi-Fi project
-Low sales of homes
-High amount of cranes and new construction dust (you should SEE my vacuum)
-If Obama will be president

How in the WORLD are we going to banned together and bring a massive, colossal, immense, over-the-top event to Chicago?

I’m a regular gal in this fine city. I don’t have the Big Bucks. I look to the CITY and the folks with the Big Bucks to point me in a direction. Give me a reason to believe. Show me the plan you have. Show me the ways to volunteer (for the record, I did receive something about volunteering from World Business Chicago). Show me some excitement, people!

• I want to see Patrick Ryan walking around town with some cheesy Olympics Chicago t-shirt.
• I want to see the issues I mentioned above to either be squashed or resolved soon. Yes, a city has its problems, but you see, we need attention and focus to bring the Olympics here and with so much going on, it ain’t gonna happen.
• I want ONE board member from every single Chicagoland company to step up and get on a committee and post this list in every paper. I’d be happy to set up this team, since I collect every edition of Crain’s Chicago Business from 2005. The Who’s Who list is where I’d start.
• I want to see every single city worker walking around and dancing the Olympics dance. I want to walk by City Hall and see those 9-5ers walk in with their Starbucks and shout with glee, ‘Support Chicago, Let’s Bring the Olympics Home!’
• I want one of our Michigan Avenue hotels to GIVE up profits for ONE month and let the Olympic committee hole up in one of the spacious Lake Michigan conference rooms and think. Brainstorm, chat, get white boards, markers, whatever it takes.

David Burnham and his crew not only brought us the Columbian Exposition, but they built a FAKE CITY to do it. They realized that people around the world and in our very own U-S-of A thought Chicago was a scary place. As a result, Burnham created gorgeous ‘city walls’ and structures, topped with white paint (and invented spray paint, to boot!)

Hey Mr. Real Estate Developer, Consultant, Fund Manager or Broker? You got some time to spare from your golf game to help out here? Or do you just want to say Chicago is bringing you the Olympics and you not help with anything?

Oprah, you listening? Got some spare time, by chance? Are you willing to help? Has anyone even ASKED Oprah? I dunno, she made a school in South Africa and threw Obama a big party in California – she may be able to lend a hand…or two.

Geesh people, come on!

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Ebert Helps Open Chicago Film Festival

Marcus Riley, NBC5 Street Team (video)

The 43rd Chicago International Film Festival officially opened Thursday with the help of renowned film critic Roger Ebert.

Health problems have limited Ebert’s public appearances over the past year, but the Chicago critic attended the opening night festivities at the Chicago Theater where he was also given a lifetime achievement award.

The festival opened with the U.S. premiere of “The Kite Runner,” based on Khaled Hosseini’s acclaimed best-seller.

Hosseini attended Thursday’s showing, along with director Marc Forster and actor Khaled Abdalla. The film is set in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan and centers around a man’s return to the country after spending 20 years in America.

The festival, which runs until Oct. 17, will include a number of red carpet premieres and appearances by actors and directors. You can see a total of 102 feature films, 33 shorts and student films and 14 documentaries from more than 40 countries.

Log on to www.chicagofilmfestival.org for more information.

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Music Showcase With Drew Smith

Brook Jay, NBC5 Street Team (video)

Last Wednesday, September 26th, my company All Terrain co-hosted a really cool music showcase in LA. The event was attended by members of Pearl Jam, Guns and Roses, No Doubt, and 311 plus the president of Sony Picture Music, heads of film studios, directors, producers and media.

The showcase took place at a Hollywood hills home of music executive Michael Freidman, owner of Coda Music. Coda Music places music in film, television, video games, and advertising. Their catalog features over two hundred bands including Pearl Jam, Joan Jet, 311, and Collective Soul. Coda has placed music in hit movies such as Superbad and Spider Man 3 as well as popular television shows Grey’s Anatomy and The OC.

It was an intimate yet energetic night as guests were treated to a performance by emerging artist, Drew Smith. Smith, one of Coda’s newest and heavily touted artists, hails from the Toronto music scene. I was really impressed by Drew. He has the sensibility of a timeless singer/songwriter with a love of classic R&B. Normally he performs with a 7-piece band, but at the showcase he perfomed in a duo. I’d like to say “you heard about it here first” but press are alreadying saying “It’s just a matter of time before everybody knows this artist’s name” (Associated Press). Check him out at http://www.drewsmithmusic.com/ and let me know what you think of his music.

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A Night of Unexpected Buzz Kills: Genesis Concert & United Center Prices

Blagica Stefanovski, NBC5 Street Team (Video)

I was looking forward to this all summer. Me, Michael and Genesis. I spent the bulk of my day listening to 80s Genesis songs and screaming to my friends, ‘Soo Soo SooDeeO!”. I even walked around my condo acting out the ‘”I Can’t Dance” video and crying to the tune of “Against All Odds”. My mind was ready to embrace Phil and the boys for a night of nostalgia. Genesis performed at the United Center last night, along with more shows this week.

Let’s set the scene. The bulk of the crowd for 40+ years old. Hey, I have NO problem with that. I also know Genesis has been around for a long time and have quite the collection of hits. Fine. Michael was going to buy us a round of drinks, but after seeing the $7.75 beer charge, $3.75 soda charge and $8.75 Mai Tai charge, we thought, no thanks. We just finished having an incredible dinner at Tuscany on Taylor and weren’t about to spend 16 smacks on drinks.

We settled in for the concert to a crowd that was pretty laid back. I knew we wouldn’t see mosh pits and what not, but wow, I was surprised by how tame everyone was. Anyhoo, the bulk of the concert had instrumental upon instrumental upon…instrumental. Genesis played tunes from the 70s, which is fine, but you’d think they’d play songs like “Rain Down on Me”, “Against All Odds”, etc. They did perform “Incredible Touch”, “Follow Me” and “I Can’t Dance”. I also know some songs are specifically under Phil Collins’ belt, but come on, I’ve seen Genesis perform those tunes with Phil in the past. Needless to say, I was disappointed. The encore, you’d think would be a lively song with drums, excitement, etc. Nope. The ending song was one I couldn’t recognize (which is fine), but put me to sleep.

Phil commented a few times during the show about ‘old people’, ‘do I have old people here’, ‘I’m going back to the old folks home, etc.’ Doesn’t Phil know that there are many of us that grew up on his songs circa 1985? Those comments made me feel like I wasn’t supposed to be at the show in the FIRST PLACE. Geesh. Between that and the over-the-top expenses for buying United Center concessions, I’d rate my Genesis concert experience as 5 out of 10. The visual lights show the band had, along with the cool drum solos kept my spirits up.

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Entertainment Report: 10/03/07

Laura Lodewyck, NBC5 Street Team

I’m Laura in the NUDE HIPPO Newsroom with these top stories!

Did you see that a middle school in the ‘burbs has banned hugging? The reason why is pretty hilarious: apparently, “so-called “hug lines” in the hallways were making students late for class and causing bottlenecks in the halls”. Oh, you clever students, using hug-time to evade class! Still, where’s Oprah when you need her? Remember when she defended that really needy Free Hugs guy?

Anyway, sorry for the whole hug tangent, but it seemed appropriate as this Thursday, October 4^th is the Opening Gala of Chicago Fusion Theatre’s inaugural production HUGGING THE SHOULDER.

The show, which originally premiered at the New York International Fringe Festival, is about a 20-something Southern guy who kidnaps his brother, stuffs him into a van, and takes him on a grueling road trip to conquer his heroin addiction. Chicago Fusion Theatre is seeking new ways to introduce the arts to audiences that don’t often go to theatre, hence the handy business-adjacent South Loop location at the hip Meztli Galeria.

So, this weekend: hugs, not drugs. (Unless, of course, you’re into both.)

Meanwhile, did you take my advice and hit an Oktoberfest? Did you have as much fun as Amy Zanglin and I did?

Maybe after all that beer, you need to relax and explore your domestic side. Check out the Chopping Block Trunk Show at Merchandise Mart from 10am-3pm on Saturday. It’s free, and there’s product tastings! Mmm, free fancy food. Later, you can pretend to be good at cooking by dressing up in a pretty apron and entering a The Mother of All Bake Sales for a chance to win $1,000 for both you and your favorite charity!

Of course, if you consider NOT subjecting people to your cooking your good deed for the week, you can still feel good about getting some culture with a rock n’ roll edge at the Sympathy for the Devil exhibit at the MCA , which is celebrating its 40^th year with 40 free days.

Free stuff is awesome! Except, of course, free hugs from strangers. Judge me all you want, Oprah, I’m just not into that.

E-mail me at NudeHippo@nbc5.com and let me know about any upcoming events and be sure to watch some of the fun locations and events that NUDE HIPPO has covered at NBC5.com/nudehippo

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Individual style at last!

Rikki Greenberg, NBC5 Street Team

Are you sick of looking like everybody else? Do you long for the days when people had individual style and you weren’t reduced to wearing leggings under your skirt because somebody told you it was cool to do so? (Whoever that is…please…just wear pants if your gonna do that.)

Well luckily, I have the answer to all of these questions…suspense…it’s killing me too.

The answer is a new clothing line called Eskell. Write it down. Make a mental note of it…do whatever you have to do to remember this name.

Eskell is a hip new line of dresses, shirts, pants and much much more that brings new life to the concept of individual style.

The Eskell clothing line is filled with one-of-a-kind pieces like the playful denim jumper featured in the February 2007 issue of Instyle magazine and the black and white cotton evening dress featured in the October 2006 issue of Lucky magazine.

Ekell is great for adorable dresses made with the highest quality fabrics and workmanship.

How do I find such unique pieces so I don’t have to pull out the trusty leggings that I have in every color imaginable that make my butt look huge and look like I should be in a Jane Fonda workout video?

Well you could go to their old store in Lincoln Park but it is closed due to movement to another location. But all is not lost my friends…you can visit Eskell’s website, www.eskell.com, to view your new wardrobe.

I can’t wait to see all the Eskell apparel around the streets of Chicago!!

For more information, contact Kelly Whitesell at eskell@gmail.com

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