Division Street Begins Here

Marcus Riley, NBC5 Street Team (video)

Anyone who knows me well, knows I love to talk politics. Which doesn’t exactly endear me to a lot of people. I know, I know, politics, like religion, is one of those topics you should never discuss in polite company. And in the midst of such a divisive political season, I’ve personally witnessed some heated confrontations that probably weren’t appropriate for the setting we were in. To that, I say, a little personal discomfort is worth the all important process of thoroughly discussing issues that affect each of our daily lives.

We just launched a new blog on NBC5.com that is a great resource for enhancing that political discourse. Steve Rhodes (pictured, right), the founder of the popular Beachwood Reporter blog and Web site,  is now writing an NBC blog entitled Division Street. The name is an homage to the Studs Turkel book about the divisions in American politics, as well as a metaphoric nod to the real Chicago street that encompasses many of the diverse neighborhoods that define our community.  

Steve posts several times a day on the blog, and tries to spur discussion on important local, state and national issues.

Check out my interview with Steve discussing his new blog.  

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Two Street Teamers Get Hitched

Blagica S. Bottigliero, NBC5 Street Team (Video) Hi Gang. Didya know that I got married to a Street Teamer? Yup. The NBC5 Baseball Blog is about to hit the blog waves and yours truly is married to a die hard White Sox fan, Michael. Here is one of our wedding shots, care of Kitty Maer Photography, Columbus, Ohio. See you around town and yes, I will be wearing a Tigers hat.Going back to my roots on that one…loooong story:). 

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24-7 Chicago: Secrets of the City

Marcus Riley, NBC5 Street Team (video)

Last year I met with an eager group of individuals looking to start a new show all about Chicago. During that time, their vision evolved from a Web-based show to a TV show. There’s no shortage of people out there who think they have a great idea for a program, but the realities involved in actually getting a show onto a major network is daunting, and often have more to do with the business end of things than the actual content. We won’t even get into ratings.

That’s why it will be great to witness the launch of “24-7 Chicago: Secrets of the City,” on Saturday. The show will air weekly at midnight, following Saturday Night Live on NBC5 Chicago.

The hosts, Catie Keogh and nightlife king Billy Dec will interview celebrities and local Chicagoans, and provide an inside look at their Chicago “secrets” — where they eat, what they do, what makes them tick. Reality TV personality Jamie Blyth, who was a contestant on “The Bachelorette,” will be a featured correspondent on the show.

“24-7 Chicago” first aired on NBC5 on New Year’s Eve, and has previously aired as webisodes on its Web site, www.247chicago.tv. Check it out and support some local Chicagoans!

Podcast With Host Catie Keogh

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Turn Out The Lights

Marcus Riley, NBC5 Street Team (video)

If the lights go off suddenly on Saturday night, don’t fret. Perhaps you’ve seen the clever ads on the bus stands or the logos in other places around the city promoting Earth Hour.

On March 29, from 8 to 9 p.m., the World Wildlife Fund is asking Chicago citizens, businesses and landmarks to switch off the lights in order to make a dramatic, symbolic statement.

It’s all part of WWF’s global campaign to show that everyday people and corporate citizens working together can make a difference in the fight against global climate change.

Many of Chicago’s most recognizable landmark buildings will be participating, including the Sears Tower, the John Hancock Center and Navy Pier. In all, we’re talking about more than 500 businesses in the area that have signed up to switch off.

Some restaurants are also getting into the act, like the Weather Mark Tavern, who’s offering an Earth Hour special that includes dinner served with a champagne toast at 8 p.m. when the kitchen will shut for the hour.

The InnBar at 162 E. Ohio Street will be hosting a “Lights-out” event featuring an “Eco-tini,” a specialty martini made with organic vodka and juices (pictured, left). They’re also offering organic beer and acoustic entertainment by candle-light in the redesigned lobby bar.

Click on the player below to hear a podcast interview I did this week with WWF spokeswoman Leslie Aun, who explains what Earth Hour is all about.

For more information about Earth Hour, log on to EarthHourUs.org visit the City of Chicago’s Earth Hour Web site, the NBC5 Going Green Page and click here for suburban Chicago events.

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Book Review: Reckless Road Guns N’ Roses And The Making Of Appetite For Destruction

Maureen Vana, NBC5 Street Team

Reckless Road combines stunning visuals, heartfelt text, and enhanced audio and video to become the ultimate scrapbook for the ultimate Guns N’ Roses fan. Photographer and long time friend of the band Marc Canter takes readers on a 348 page journey into the roots of one of the most explosive bands to grace the Sunset Strip. Through ticket stubs, candid photos, sketches, set lists, and much more Reckless grants an exclusive backstage pass to witness the birth of rock and roll success.

With this documentary readers are allowed to travel back in time with the author’s excerpts from his experiences with the band. His devoted friendship with Slash and genuine love to see the ones he cares about thrive offers a closeness no other book could. Elements such as Marc’s liner notes on who drew what graphic on a flyer, photographs from basement shows, and discussions of early band rivalries shows a human side to success that is both accessible and comforting.

Reckless Road has something to appeal to anyone with a love for Guns N’ Roses, a love for music, a love for photography, or just a love of a good documentary. The book also extends from the printed page with audio and video provided through http://www.enhancedbooks.com. Each edition comes with an exclusive pass code that allows the owner to access video and audio from shows, interviews, and other behind the scenes material. The book is priced at $29.95 and is also available in 5 limited edition covers for $39.95 at http://www.recklessroad.com. As both a Guns N’ Roses fan and concert photographer I can only pose one objection in saying; Where’s the hardcover?!

Favorite Quote: in the acknowledgement section Marc thanks his parents “for allowing me to use their station wagon to lug around Slash’s equipment in 1983 for late night rehearsing until 3 am”

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Heading Into The Stretch Run

Marcus Riley, NBC5 Street Team (video)

Everybody has their passion. I have a friend who’s so passionate about March Madness, that she took a couple days off last week to watch the games. And she has about 12 brackets going on various pools.

I enjoy college hoops, although I’m not exactly that hard-core. I will, however, be watching my West Virginia Mountaineers handle Xavier tonight in the Sweet 16. And I’ll be checking out the game at Stretch Run Sports Club & Grille in River North.

I first came across this spot to pick up a gift certificate they gladly offered to donate as a prize for our DanceOFF competition at the Healthy Living Expo a couple of weekends ago. A 12-year-old kid was the lucky recipient of a $75 gift certificate to a sports and betting bar. Nice move Marcus. At least his dad was happy.

The bar has more than 200 TV monitors spread over two floors, so there’s no chance you’ll miss the game. But it’s the off-track betting that makes this place different than your typical sports bar. The opportunity to wager on horse races across the country definitely makes that night out a tad bit more interesting. And if betting isn’t your thing, indulge in the food, which includes stapes such as steaks, Kobe beef sliders and other classic American food. Just make sure you don’t bet all your money before the bill arrives.

Stretch Run Sporting Club & Grille
544 N LaSalle
(312)644-4477

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Tattoos, puppies, and Ron Huberman

Laura Lodewyck, NBC5 Street Team

Ron Huberman, my hero! Just as you think CTA sagas can’t get any more odd, who but our very own Ron Huberman is spotted getting tough on emotionally-abusive hooligans.

Picture this: it’s 7:30 am and you are riding blearily along the red line towards another meaningless day of work. Some jerk starts hassling a woman about her outfit, telling her in no uncertain terms that her skirt will probably get her sexually assaulted. You stand transfixed, waiting to see the next move, thinking somebody will say something…no one seems to notice or care. What Now?! Enter CTA President, Ron Huberman. Frankly, I’m impressed enough that Huberman even rides the CTA. But according to a witness, this actually occurred: “No one did anything and then out of nowhere Huberman stands up and gives the guy a glare and says, ‘ You’re going to get off the train.’ ”

Wow. “You’re going to get off the train.” Awesome. The only part that could be better is if he said, “MY train”. (Personally, I would totally be up for a fare hike, if the extra funds went towards a costume/cape for Huberman. Also, then we couldn’t blame him for any poor decisions made regarding policy; he’s up late fighting rudeness and indecency on the CTA!)

Ok, Ok, actual stuff to do this weekend: A sweet combination of rock’n'roll, tattoos, and puppies beckon you to this weekend’s benefit for the Anti-Cruelty Society. Insight Studios tattoo parlor is generously celebrating its own 3 year anniversary by aiming to raise 3 thousand dollars in 3 days for the Anti-Cruelty Society (sensing a pattern of threes here?) Additionally, a rock concert at both the Double Door and the Cobra Lounge will feature local bands as part of the benefit. In the mood for a new tattoo (or three)? Take the plunge and do it now, as 100% of the parlor’s profits will be donated to the Society from Friday, March 28th through Sunday, March 31st.

Get your old junk and your creative self to Swap-O-Rama-Rama on March 29th. Here’s how it goes: meet at the AV-aerie with $20 and some of old clothes and materials, which go into a giant exchange pile. Professional designers and sewing machines are then on hand to reincarnate this old junk into funky goodness.

And of course I can’t leave out any event involving UFOs. I personally don’t recall the Tinley park sightings of 2006, but it’s clearly memorable enough to draw the director of the Illinois branch of the Mutual UFO Network. He claims that he has definitive proof that what happened that night wasn’t just “flares”. Don’t believe me? Go to the UFO Symposium in Tinley Park and judge for yourself this Saturday. Register at the Illinois Mutual UFO Network website.

What goes better with UFOs than commemorating the elusive chupacabra? An exhibit entitled, “Chupacabras! Artists Reinterpret the Myth” at the National Museum of Mexican Art certainly sounds like a unique way to spend an afternoon.

Aaaaand lastly, nothing says March like syrup. It’s the Chicago Park District’s Maple Syrup Festival! Here is where I could describe what the Maple Syrup Festival actually entails… but a little mystery in life is fun, isn’t it?

Last week: We met on Saturday in front of the Art Institute for a Pillow Fight of epic proportions. That’s right, March 22 was Global Pillow Fight Day. Not national, GLOBAL. These P-F’s meant business. Amy joined me and got a fabric-softener induced concussion. Just kidding, it was all fun and games at the Pillow Fight (what did you expect?) You can watch that now at NudeHippo.tv

Tell me your thoughts, opinions or complaints! E-mail me at NudeHippo@nbc5.com.

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Something different and very unique for the family

Jim Grillo, Hereschicago.com, NBC5 Street Team

The Heartland International Musical Tattoo, a unique blend of traditional Scottish, Irish and American music, dance, and pageantry, returns to the NIU Convocation Center in DeKalb, Ill. on Saturday and Sunday April 12-13, 2008.

From its roots in European military pageantry, the Heartland International Tattoo has evolved into a diverse musical and dance celebration of American and International culture. For 2008 the Tattoo will include a tribute to the heroic Northern Illinois University students, staff and community impacted by the February 14th tragedy on the NIU campus. In additional to its traditional bagpipe bands, brass bands and military units, adding to the international flavor, the colorful Boliviamanta Dance Ensemble will perform authentic folk dances from Bolivia. The program will conclude with a stirring presentation of the history of the American flag, leading to a tribute to the five branches of the United States Military and finally the traditional massed pipes and drums performing Scotland the Brave and Amazing Grace. In all more than 250 cast members from across the Midwest will participate in the 2008 Heartland International Tattoo.

The 2008 Heartland International Tattoo will include two performances, Saturday April 12 at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday April 13 at 1:00 p.m.

Heartland Tattoo tickets may be purchased through Ticketmaster by calling 866-448-7849, or online at http://www.ticketmaster.com. Group tickets and package information is available from FunME Events at 815-756-1263.

Jim

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Wine, Dance, Earth Hour, and more; Events 3/27-30

The Local Tourist, NBC5 Street Team

The sun is out, the birds are chirping, and all is right with the world. OK, maybe that’s pushing it, but it’s amazing what SPRING will do to a Chicagoan’s attitude. Walking through Lincoln Park Zoo this afternoon it seemed as if everyone felt like school had just been let out for summer vacation and they all wanted to monkey around. Indulge that urge by having breakfast with the apes this Saturday in the Regenstein Center for African Apes. Learn about the primates, and then bring out your inner Goodall while you observe them during their most active part of the day. You can also get in touch with Mother Nature by birdwatching on Northerly Island.

Put a little spring in your step with Hubbard Street Dance’s Spring Dance Series. If you prefer to do the dancing yourself, audition to be on the Dream Machine, Chicago’s Major League Lacrosse Team’s dancing team. If wine makes you feel like dancing, stop in at WineStyles. The new shop’s grand opening is Saturday, and TLT featured artist David Kav will be performing from 5 to 7. There’s another free wine tasting at Pastoral’s Loop location from 6:30 to 8:30. They’ll be serving organic and environmentally friendly wines.

The environment is the reason behind this Saturday’s “Earth Hour“. Cities around the world, including Chicago, will be shutting off their lights from 8 to 9pm in an effort to bring attention to the impact a bunch of individuals acting together can have on the environment. Should be pretty cool (and maybe kinda creepy) to see the city go black.

Remember when your parents used to give you a hard time for having all those posters on your wall? If only then you knew what you know now, you could tell them they would some day be collectors’ items. The International Vintage Poster Fair has posters from the 1890s to the 1980s at the Chicago Cultural Center all weekend. Maybe you’ll even find a poster from the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. That night there’s also “Step Into Time: The White City” which aims to recreate a night out at the Chicago World’s Fair.

Finally, I’m a big believer that music has healing qualities, and Lovehammers will be doing their part to help the healing process by performing at March On Stage. The event benefits “Musicians On Call,” a non-profit group that brings musicians and their recordings to the patients in health care facilities.

Have a great weekend!

Theresa

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Nordstrom Rack Shoe ExtravaganzaMarch 28. Doors Open at 9 a.m.

Blagica Stefanovski, NBC5 Street Team (Video)

Shoe Lovers Rejoice!

 

This Friday, March 28th, 9 am. Big Shoe Event.

Nordstrom Rack State Street.

 

Major (or as Posh says, ‘may-jah’) shoe sale. They are getting a bunch of shoes from their Nordstrom stores. Breathe, it’ll be ok…and I won’t tell your bosses if you don’t show up to work….

Hee Hee!

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Chicago Trivia: Fly, Fly Away

The Local Tourist, NBC5 Street Team

Five years ago this Sunday, construction crews ripped big X’s in the runway at Meigs Field. I remember it well because I had taken my son the previous October for a flight from the airport in a single engine plane. From 1994 until the airport’s unexpected closing, the Tuskegee Airmen and their Young Eagles offered free flights for kids to introduce them to flying. As I heard of the police-guarded demolition in the middle of the night, I was grateful that my son had the opportunity to experience the intimate aerial tour of Lake Michigan, and saddened that he was one of the last.

The former airstrip is now home to Northerly Island. The Charter One Pavilion concert venue attracts big-name acts with big-ticket prices, but the Chicago Park District continues to provide free events for kids and families.

To win this week’s prize of two $25 certificates to Dragonfly Mandarin Chinese Restaurant, email when the airport officially opened to trivia@thelocaltourist.com by midnight on March 30.

Congratulations to Consuelo! She knew that the Chicago River was reversed in 1900 and she and a guest will be attending the Wine & Chocolate Tasting hosted by 220 Communications.

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This week’s band: A Birdsong Valentine

The Local Tourist, NBC5 Street Team

Ya’ just never know what kind of music is going to be featured on The Local Tourist. Last week, a singer/songwriter with quirky lyrics and folksy guitar. This week, a hard rock band with occasional screams and a need for earplugs.

I’ve known the lead singer/screamer of this rock band for awhile. I’d met Brian Bender as the sound guy at Elbo Room and only later learned that his band was A Birdsong Valentine. Upon finding that out I promptly punched him in the arm and told him that I’d been trying to feature them for a year now. He rubbed his arm, grinned sheepishly, and promised me a CD.

So here they are. Warning: this is hard rock. This particular song is one of their “lighter” ones, if that gives you any indication.

Their next Chicago show is March 29 at Elbo Room. After that they’ll be at Cubby Bear on April 11 and Reggies Rock Club on May 10.

Opinion Polls & Market Research

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Free Wi-Fi in Chicago Tip: The Thompson Center

Blagica S. Bottigliero, NBC5 Street Team (Video) For those folks that live or are visiting Chicago and need a place to work, without the pressure of buying a coffee to use a restaurant’s Wi-Fi, check out The Thompson Center. 

 

Smack dab in the Loop, near trains and plenty of lunch spots, I’m sitting here right now doing some work after a meeting I just had.  Keep that in your ‘I could use some free wi-fi right about now’ back pocket…

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Why Chicago is cool this week?

Laura Lodewyck, NBC5 Street Team / NudeHippo.tv

I love Chicago. I really do. Even despite disturbingly frigid weather, my temptations to succumb to acute road rage, and the crazy people screaming outside my window demanding that St. Patrick’s Day become a two-week-long, nationally sanctioned holiday…Yes, it’s still a mind-bogglingly cool place to live.

I don’t want to sound like a New Yorker here: “the people, the prices, the places are kind of totally obnoxious, but I Heart This City — it’s better than Yours! (Disclaimer: Not that I have anything against New Yorkers — other than a totally arbitrary semi-allegiance to the Boston Red Sox due to my husband’s Massachusetts upbringing…sorry.)

But let’s face it: Those New Yorkers and those LA-ians (or whatever you’d call them)…they think they’re better than us. Yes, they do! To them, we’re “fly-over country”, or some such nonsense. As if the fact that you live on the coast qualifies you for some special offer that us bumpkins can’t reach through our singular form of transportation, the old-time railroad system. I mean, we must communicate through tin cans on strings and beat our laundry down on rocks at the river!

Get real. Chicago is versatile, wild-crazy-fun, AND affordable. Plus, I live here and I have a blog so I can talk about it if I want to. I can use ridiculous phrases like “wild-crazy-fun”. I can even end my sentences with prepositions if I want to. Deal with it. (Or go write your own blog about it, I don’t care!)

Anyway, after much fanfare, here are just a few reasons why Chicago is cool this week:

What’s cooler than an emaciated model trying to carry a watering can?
Fleurotica! No, I didn’t just make that word up. It’s a runway show where the models wear fashion created from plants, leaves, flowers, and other water-able botanicals. The event is to honor Garfield Park Conservatory’s 100th anniversary this Friday, March 28. Don’t tell me that you’re not tempted to see how they hold a top made out of calla lilies together—at it’s best, it’s got to be fashion wonder; at its worst, it’s bound to be wardrobe malfunction heaven!

And when’s the last time you saw some really good burlesque?

The Flaming Dames, Chicago’s very own concept burlesque troupe, has been performing their new take on burlesque for five years now. Like NAFTA, nobody really knows what burlesque is all about (oh, just admit it). Experience it for yourself and see their new show, ‘Vegas Baby’, playing Friday nights beginning April 4th.

And lastly: Meet Saturday at 2 p.m. in front of the Art Institute for a Pillow Fight of epic proportions. That’s right, March 22 is Global Pillow Fight Day. Not national, GLOBAL. These P-F’s mean business. If you don’t believe me, prepare for a fabric-softener induced concussion. Just kidding, it’s all fun and games at the Pillow Fight (what did you expect?)

Tell me your thoughts, opinions or complaints! E-mail me at NudeHippo@nbc5.com.

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How Chicago Real Estate WorksGet Sued, Keep Buying Buildings. Mmm-K.

Blagica S. Bottigliero, NBC5 Street Team (Video)

Yep, new last name.
Let’s practice (boh-til-ee-yero). Cool? Cool. Let’s move on.

Call me sentimental. Call me, oh I don’t know, out there to help the little guy. Better than that, let’s say that I call ‘em how I see ‘em and enjoying tying together a string of events for you fine people.

I wrote a previous post about a local developer named William Warman. His first LLC was being sued by the condo association over at 1717 S. Prairie (they are battling possible special assessments because of some construction issues). Since the LLC is separate from the individual, Mr. Warman went ahead and purchased a building at 300 N. Michigan Avenue. Ok, got it. LLC can be sued. Person that is associated with the LLC can go out and do what they want. Got it.

Next, I read an article last week that mentioned a current development of Mr. Warman’s, this time at 830 S. Michigan Avenue, is having financial issues. Looks like Mr. Warman is being sued again – this time from the people that gave Renaissant Development Group LLC (his new LLC) the $4.25 million loan for the up and coming South Loop high-end digs. Yowza.

Now, let’s get back to the property at 300 N. Michigan Avenue. I read another article that says Mr. Warman is seeking another round of investors for THIS building. Good grief.

Is it just me or is the theme song for Chicago real estate developers’ : ‘You Can’t Touch This’?

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Stevie Jay Takes DanceOFF Crown!

ChiTown After Dark, NBC5 Street Team

It’s been an exciting few weeks and now we finally have a winner of the ChiTown DanceOFF!

It went down to the wire, but Steve Jadown — aka Stevie Jay — was announced the winner of the ChiTown DanceOFF! competition Saturday at Maxum Bar and Grill.

Stevie Jay was given $1,000 prize for his efforts, although we’re not sure how long it’s going to last. He says the prize money will be used to buy some bottles for his buddies out on the town!

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Images: Top 10 Dancers

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Less than 50 votes separated the top four dancers. In a few weeks, ChiTown After Dark and NBC5.com will do it all over again with a new crop of dancers. Log on to www.nbc5.com/danceoff for updated information.

Check out Stevie Jay’s winning routine below.

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Pillow Fights, Easter, and Opera? Chicago Events 3/20 – 23

The Local Tourist, NBC5 Street Team

“Things are so tough in Chicago that at Easter time, for bunnies the little kids use porcupines.” Fred Allen, Much Ado About Me, 1956

Four words: International Pillow Fight Day. I’m not sure what more I can say about that. I could probably go on a few tangents, but I don’t want to ruffle any feathers.

Unless, of course, they’re Russian and there are tights and tutus involved. The Tchaikovsky Ballet & Orchestra is bringing its performance of Swan Lake to the Auditorium Theatre this weekend. I tell you, for a dead man, Tchaikovsky’s got quite a presence in Chicago. His opera about a ne’er-do-well 19th century dandy, Eugene Onegin, is finishing the season at Lyric this month. I just posted my review today, so check it out.

When there’s a dandy there should be a diva, and you can “Indulge Your Inner Diva” in the West Loop with cupcakes, shopping, jewelry, and of course, drinks. Acoustic divas can be heard at Acoustic Chicago’s Friday Night Sessions. The women from the compilation effort CD, including TLT Featured Artist Jen Porter, will be at this limited-attendance event Friday night. I’ll be there, so be sure to say hello if you get one of the few remaining tickets.

Another acoustic event I was at recently was Chicago Acoustic Underground’s First House Concert. It was a wonderful, intimate evening and I strongly urge you to keep your eyes posted for the next one and RSVP early.

If St. Patrick’s Day seems like ages ago and you’re ready to jump right back into the pints, you’re in luck. Sam’s is having a beer tasting. Lagers, ales, porters, stouts – you name it, they’re pouring it.

Have a great weekend!

Theresa

p.s. If you like the picture above, there are more to come. I have more than 50 from Taste of Chaos to format and they’ll be up soon. Check the blog for updates. If you’re interested in purchasing one, let me know.

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Chicago Trivia: I’ll Drink To That

The Local Tourist, NBC5 Street Team

It’s world water week, and UNICEF is raising money to provide clean water to children in developing nations. Many, many years ago the Chicago River was reversed to stop the pollution of Lake Michigan, where Chicagoans get their drinking water. When was this engineering feat achieved?

Email your answer and your mailing address to trivia@thelocaltourist.com

This week’s prize is two tickets to Art ‘N Soul, a wine and chocolate tasting featuring live music by Nina Rae N’Time. The event takes place on April 11 at Big City Swing and is hosted by 220 Communications.

Congratulations to Rachel S. She knew that the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers spill the dye into the river each year and she receives the framed photo that was chosen to appear in Schmap Guide To Chicago.

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Free Fashion Party this Thursday @ Lumen

Shreyas Shah, NBC5 Street Team

I’ll admit it, its been a long time since I made a post. I believe I’ve had SAD (seasonal affective disorder). But for anyone and everyone reading this, I wanted to cordially invite you to a free fashion party I am having at Lumen (839 W. Fulton) tomorrow night! On top of all that, we have a hosted cocktail reception with your RSVP from 10 – 11pm courtesy of Qino One Vodka ( http://www.qino1.com)!

The concept of this monthly party is that people can go online to our website and vote for the theme of the next event. The winning option becomes the basis for the runway show that is put together by an amazing team of designers and stylists.

And for our premiere event, the winner is…’80s glamour!

New Wave romantics and ’80s babies unite for a contemporary re-imagining of classic ’80s style with a runway show featuring fashions from Solemates… Chicago. I strongly encourage you to come dressed in your own modern twist on what ’80s style would look like today.

Detroit and Chicago legend DJ Tim Baker, creator of a legendary annual end-of-summer ’80s party on Lake Michigan 8-years running, will serve as musical director for the night and will play a tasteful and eclectic set of ’80s jams immediately after the runway show.

Cocktails courtesy of Qino One Vodka, a unique new premium spirit of uncompromising quality and taste, distilled in France and made from organic fair trade golden Royal quinoa grown in the Andes mountains.

If you’re looking for a night of tasteful debauchery, strictly sexy music, and edgy fashion, Fashion Fetish is for you.

Lumen 839 West Fulton Market 10pm-2am

Ladies: Free w/RSVP
Gents: $5 w/RSVP (remember, you’ll drink 5x in free vodka)

RSVP: http://rsvp.goodforparty.com

Join the Fight for Chicago Fashion!
Sign up for M.O., our free weekly fashion newsletter!

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Interview with Master Impressionist/Comedian Tim Kilbride, "The Man of 1000 Voices"

Jim Grillo, NBC5 Street Team

Tim Kilbride is the funniest person I have ever interviewed! Tim has appeared on Oprah, The Late Show with David Letterman, The Jonathan Brandmeier Show, Maury Povich, WGN, and many other shows. Enjoy this interview with Tim Kilbride who is a master impressionist, comedian, emcee, and motivational speaker. I didn’t know at any time during this interview “who” was going to show up or whether I was interviewing Tim Kilbride or Johnny Carson, Bill Clinton, Muhammed Ali, Howard Coselle, Mike Tyson, Regis Philbin, Rocky Balboa, Ted Kennedy, Dr. Ruth or Ronald Reagan!

Tim, tell us about yourself – “I am a God given, very blessed human being. I have been “given” an extremely awesome gift of making people laugh, while touching many lives in the process.”

Who is your favorite celebrity? “Everyone I come in contact with is my favorite celebrity. If I had to narrow it down to one person, it would be Jesus Christ, who saved us all by shedding his blood on the cross at Calvary, so that you & I and mankind could enter the kingdom of Heaven.”

What is your favorite part of your profession? “My favorite part of what I do is seeing the reaction on peoples faces when I do my voices, and making the audience an integral part of my show.”

Where do you perform? “I perform on television, radio, tradeshows, corporate events, professional sports teams, private parties, golf outings, weddings, stage plays, and films. Oprah, Letterman, Comic View, Las Vegas, and WGN Channel 9 Morning Show 3 times.”

Do you have nickname? “Nickname?” Man of a Thousand Voices”, “White Chocolate”,”White Bread”, “Timmy K”,” The Impressionist”, “The Chosen One”, “Mr. Entertainment”, “Mr. Carson”,” Mr. Kennedy”, to name a few.”

What is your favorite TV show? “My favorite show on t.v. would probably be Oprah. I played Bill Clinton on Oprah’s Show in 2003. Her show is of substance, values, morals, ethics, etc.”

Where did you get your start? “I got started in show business at a very early age. I did impersonations of my teachers, aunts, uncles, family members. Ed Sullivan, Jimmy Stewart, Jack Benny, Johnny Carson, etc,.”

Who do you thank for helping you in the “biz”? “The person I most thank for getting me into show business is not just one person. My family & friends all encouraged me that I had the talent to make it big
in entertainment.”

You definately want to give this one a listen folks! Click play to listen to the podcast interview:

Check out Tim at Timkilbride.net

Jim

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Cheap Date: Babaluci

Hungry Z, NBC5 Street Team

Let’s face it, dating is tough. First dates are even tougher. When it comes to dinner you don’t wanna look cheap, but at the same time you don’t want to spend a lot of cash on someone you might not be all that into. What you need is a family owned restaurant that’s under the radar but offers quality food at the right price. One such place is “Babaluci” located at 1001 W. Golf in Hoffman Estates.

Step inside and your “date vibe” is evident. Dim lighting and small cozy tables give the dining room a warm and inviting feel. Service is designed to let you relax, enjoy your meal, and carry a conversation without ever feeling that you’re lingering a little too long. The staff acts like they know right from the start and are very willing to share their opinions on both food and life in general.

None of this would matter if the food wasn’t any good. Truth is, the food is very good. To start they have an excellent bruscetta that is loaded with garlic and balsamic or start with the panzanella salad that’s loaded with Parmesan and pepporcinni’s. For entres, they also have top notch chicken/veal vesuvio and marsala. Both are swimming in a pool of wine and served with fresh veggies. For dessert go for the cannoli’s or my favorite, the pistacio tartafo. It’s loaded with fresh whipped cream and more pistacio’s than you know what to do with.

How’s the value? Dinner for two should run about $60 with tip. That’s a bargain for a date nowadays! But what if you didn’t dig your date? Don’t sweat it, at least you got a great meal and a few bucks left in your pocket.

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Keeping Up With Kim Kardashian

Marcus Riley, NBC5 Street Team (video)

Summer hasn’t even started, but the list of things to do in Chicago is already starting to get overwhelming.

Enclave Nightclub appears to be getting an early jump on their competition by offering a solid lineup of entertainment on successive weeks. A couple of weeks ago it was Dannity Kane’s album release party and last Saturday former Jane’s Addiction guitarist Dave Navarro and DJ Skribble performed live. Unfortunately I got to Enclave just in time to see Navarro get into his limo on his way out the door. Memo to myself: If your friends can’t get it together in time, leave them behind.

This weekend I won’t make the same mistake. The voluptuous celebutante Kim Kardashian will be in the house hosting Psychedelic Lust: A Spring Fashion Show.

Kardashian, known for her reality series “Keeping Up With The Kardashians” and for her famous sex tape with Brandy’s little brother, Ray J., will emcee the fashion show, which will feature Ford models and AKIRA fashions.

Cover is $10 before 10 P.M. and a reduced cover after 10 P.M. with flyer. For more information, visit http://www.enclavechicago.com/.

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This week’s band: Anna Vogelzang

The Local Tourist, NBC5 Street Team

Lately I’ve been inundated with hard, heavy, ear-splitting rock. Over the last few weeks Chicago Metal Factory, Taste of Chaos, SOiL, Bobaflex and The Autumn Offering have given me neck aches from all the head-banging I’ve been doing. While I do love that genre, sometimes it’s good to slow down a bit.

Anna Vogelzang is part of the singer/songwriter “family” in Chicago. I first heard her at Jeff Brown‘s birthday concert and got the full-fledged treatment when I co-hosted her podcast with Chicago Acoustic Underground. That show won’t be out for a couple of weeks, but in the meantime listen to “Family Band”. With her comfortable guitar playing and quirky lyrics it’s the perfect way to relax and put a smile on your face.

Her next Chicago show is at Hotti Biscotti’s (3545 W. Fullerton) open mic on March 26. And it’s free!

Opinion Polls & Market Research

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