The Frantic Launch “Hot Topic Maul Tour”

Erik Sorensen, NBC5 Street Team

Chicago’s punk-pop hybrid outfit THE FRANTIC will strip down their high-energy, anthemic songs for special acoustic performances in Hot Topic stores on an exclusive tour throughout the Midwest launching April 2. Beyond in-store performances at each date, the band will also meet-and-greet fans while giving away CD copies of their latest effort AUDIO & MURDER to the first 100 people at every event.

This special ‘Hot Topic Maul Tour’ celebrates THE FRANTIC’s year of success in support of AUDIO & MURDER and offers fans a chance to interact with the band in an intimate setting. The dates will take the band through their extended hometowns in the Midwest including most Hot Topic stores in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana that have helped to propel them to the national stage.

“We are very excited to be part of this tour and to again have the chance to play for our awesome fans in the areas where we have grown so fond of performing,” says The Frantic front man Kyle Dee. “We look forward to literally sitting down with our fans and playing our music in a more intimate way and talking about what the songs mean to us. Our fans are very special to us and this is a great opportunity to get to know them on a more personal level. Maybe we’ll even do some shopping together!”

For details and tour dates, visit: www.TheFrantic.com , www.MySpace.com/TheFrantic

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Free Water Taxi

Theresa Carter, The Local Tourist, NBC Chicago Street Team

For once, getting around downtown Chicago is cheap. From May 1 through May 15 Shoreline is offering free trips on their commuter service between Michigan Avenue and Union Station. On weekdays from 7 to 9:30am, and again from 4 to 6:30pm, you can avoid stoplights, honking horns, weaving cabs, and rubber-necked pedestrians and instead travel in the relative serenity of a water taxi for free. Even when the price goes back to normal, at $2 one way or $3 round-trip, this is still a very affordable way to go for commuters. They also offer service to Navy Pier and the Museum Campus daily and rates vary depending on how far you want to go.

Wendella is the other water taxi service. They’ll take you down to Chinatown for a mere $4, and they have an all-day pass for $6.

Click here to see a map of where the Water Taxis stop.

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Catwalk Fridays

Itika Oldwine, NBC Chicago Street Team
One of my fave Chicago haunts is the Drake Hotel on the Magnificent Mile.   I fell in love with the place when I began to frequent their Afternoon Tea at the Palm Court.  During my last visit I noticed that the Palm Court has been remodeled and given a super swanky makeover.  According to Special Events Manager Shaun Rajah, it has been more than 20 years since the room received a makeover of this caliber!

The Palm Court

During this particular visit I got a chance to check out the remodeled Drake, and also experience their featured event called Catwalk Fridays. Every Friday, for one month each season (think Spring, Summer and Fall), Shaun invites local designers to showcase their designs in the Palm Court while guests sip tea (or in my case champagne) and models mingle throughout.  On this particular Friday, local luxury handbag designer Christopher Augmon was featured.  Christopher is a handsome and very talented guy who has created a beautiful collection of bags for men and women.  My favorite piece from his collection is a bag made with our 44th president in mind.  It’s crafted out of blue and red leather and has the number 44 stitched in the canvas.  His collection is inspired by “multiple cultural influences and the essence of nature.”  I especially like that he designs bags for men and women.  There’s nothing like a great man-bag!

Christopher Augmon Carry-All

The models strutting their stuff were dressed in designs by Marena Marena, and were all students of the Joan Marie School of Modeling right here in Chicago. Also, a portion of the proceeds from Catwalk Fridays goes to the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois.  I was quite impressed with this new addition to tea and must say that Catwalk Fridays is definitely a fun and fashionable twist to Afternoon Tea at The Drake.

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Daisy of Love

Rikki Greenberg, NBC5 Street Team

My alter ego Daisy from the Rock of Love 2 finally…FINALLY…has her own show.

The sometimes absent minded fiery blond tattooed niece of boxing legend Oscar De La Hoya has gotten over her washed up prince and is ready to find new love on Daisy of Love.

The VH1 soon-to-be mega hit features 20 extremely eligible bachelors with really crazy hair and equally nutty personalities to match. You thought the romantic contestants from I Love New York and both Rock of Love shows were interesting? Leave it up to my girl Daisy to redefine dating reality television with these original (and somewhat scary) cast members.

A guy with long multicolored hair who makes dolphin noises and speaks incoherently? The dude from I Love New York  and I Love Money who just can’t seem to get off the VH1 reality bandwagon? Hopefully Daisy realizes these lovestruck romeos aren’t the right guys for her. That goes for the platinum haired Swedish triplets too.

As a sucker for really bad reality television, I will be watching every Sunday as Daisy tries to find a suitable love interest that can keep up with her budding pop star lifestyle.

Here’s to Daisy of Love 2!

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Harry Potter and the Hogwarts Express Steam into Town

Candace Jordan, NBC Chicago Street Team

The premier of the Harry Potter exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry Tuesday night was beyond my wildest expectations.   I must say, I consider myself one of the biggest Harry Potter fans on the planet and this show blew me away.  In a 10,000 square-foot exhibit space you can see over 200 artifacts from all of the Harry Potter films and some things you just couldn’t imagine…..like being able to sit in one of Hagrid’s over-sized chairs inside his hut, viewing a life size Buckbeak and centaur up close and personal, throwing quaffle balls into the Quidditch rings, the flying Ford Anglia “borrowed” by Ron and Harry, seeing the Triwizard Cup and Harry’s wand and glasses, props and artifacts from the Yule Ball, walking into the Great Hall and seeing for yourself those magical candles hanging from the ceiling, being sorted by the Sorting Hat (I was in Gryffindor) and even the Hogwart’s Express!!  The Museum of Science and Industry beat out 40 other institutions vying for the honor of being the first to present this extraordinary collection of Harry Potter memorabilia.  It opens on Thursday, April 30th, and runs through September 27th.    Tickets are $18 for adults and $15 for children age 3-11.   Prepare to be SORTED!  🙂

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Actress Returns to Chicago Roots

Glenn Murray, NBC Chicago Street Team

I remember watching Spike Lee’s classic “MO BETTER BLUES” and being pulled in not just by the movie but its lush Jazz soundtrack.
A big reason that soundtrack is still on my playlist today was the song “Harlem Blues” sung masterfully by one of the stars of the movie Cynda Williams.

Cynda began a professional life of acting and singing after relocating to New York from her native Chicago. Her debut in MO’ BETTER BLUES was a critical and commercial success. Blessed with a role that also required singing, “Harlem Blues” went #1 on the R&B charts. That film opened the door to her next performance in Carl Franklin’s ONE FALSE MOVE – the true icebreaker for Cynda’s career. This break out independent film appeared on many Best Film lists and Cynda was nominated for the coveted Spirit Award.

Cynda has since appeared in numerous films including: Stewart Wade’s TRU LOVED, John Nolte’s BEAUTIFUL LOSER, Salvador Litvak’s WHEN DO WE EAT, Billy Wirth’s MACARTHUR PARK, P.J. Castellante’s RELAX…IT’S JUST SEX, Darin Scott’s CAUGHT UP and Wesley Strick’s THE TIE THAT BINDS. She has also performed memorable quality television roles including: BET’s HIDDEN BLESSINGS, LIFETIME’S THE COURAGE TO LOVE, HBO’s DOROTHY DANDRIDGE, Oprah Winfrey’s ABC miniseries, THE WEDDING and PBS’ TALES OF THE CITY.

Cynda also sings and acts on stage. She most recently appeared in THE TALENTED TENTH, LANGSTON IS MY MAN, HOPE RUNS ETERNAL, TWILIGHT IN LOS ANGELES, 1992 and WHERE’S PAPA RAY’S MONEY?.

Writing screenplays, musicals and plays have also been a part of Cynda’s creative endeavors. She is looking to bring that area of her career to life in the near future

Cynda presently resides in Chicago with her producer husband Roderick Plummer and Sophia Gabrielle, their daughter. Cynda continues to sing and accept quality roles in film, television and theatre.

Cynda will be the special guest host at the kick off of the Late Night Music Series this Saturday May 2nd at Ai Restaurant and Sushi Lounge 358 West Ontario. The event starts at 11:00

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Hawks: You Ain’t Seen Tough Yet

Paul M. Banks a.k.a. The Sports Bank, NBC Chicago Street Team

The Blackhawks have ruled Canada like Prime Minister Stephen Harper this season, compiling a 15-5 record (including playoffs) versus Canadian teams this season.

But this round’s matchup against the Vancouver Canucks will provide a much bigger challenge than Calgary in the first round. Chicago and Vancouver split the four game regular-season series with each team winning a game at home and away.

Click here to read the rest of this post on NBCChicago.com.

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Kris Ver Steeg: Latest of Young Blackhawk Stars

Paul M. Banks a.k.a. The Sports Bank, NBC Chicago Street Team
The rise of the Chicago Blackhawks franchise from obscurity to fan and media darling has been well documented. But there’s another (and even more positive ) story that also needs to be told. As bright as the present currently is, the future looks even better. The team’s leaders are a very young core of players whose best days are likely still in front of them. The most recent player to emerge is speedy left winger Kris Versteeg, one of three finalists for the 2009 Calder Trophy, given out annually to the league’s top rookie. Great at both ends of the ice, Versteeg has the chance to become the ninth Chicago player in team history to be awarded the Calder Trophy and joins teammates Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews as the third Blackhawk in the last two seasons voted a Calder Trophy finalist.

Versteeg led all NHL rookies with 31 assists as part of a youthful nucleus that’s set to meet the Vancouver Canucks in the Western Conference semi-finals. His four shorthanded goals (or “shorties”) were also tops among League rookies and fourth overall. “Playing on this team we’re exciting, we play hard for each other and Kane and Toews, they’ve kind of been through it before and they know what it takes to do it,” Versteeg said.

Patrick Kane captured the honor last season. Other past Blackhawks to earn the award are: Mike Karakas (1936), Carl Dahlstrom (1938), Ed Litzenberger (1955), William Hay (1960), Tony Esposito (1970), Steve Larmer (1983) and Ed Belfour (1991). “It’s been huge just to be nominated for it,” Versteeg stated. The winner announced June 18th. The other two finalists for the award:

-Steve Mason, Columbus Blue Jackets. Named the NHL’s Rookie of the Month for both November and December, he accomplished a four-game winning streak where he stopped 94 of 95 shots. As Columbus captured the first playoff berth in franchise history, Mason’s 10 shutouts led the League and his 2.29 goals against average was second only to Boston’s Tim Thomas (2.10).

-Bobby Ryan, Anaheim Ducks. The second overall selection in the 2005 Draft, Ryan led all rookies with 31 goals and 57 points in just 64 games. Ryan earned Rookie of the Month honors for January with 11 goals and five assists in 14 games.

See more of Paul M. Banks’ work at the Washington Times and The Sports Bank

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Vini Vidi Vino – Chicago’s Best Palate Winner

Theresa Carter, The Local Tourist, NBC Chicago Street Team
Four of Chicago’s top sommeliers competed Sunday in a blind taste testing to see who has Chicago’s Best Palate. They tasted a white and two red wines and attempted to narrow down the region, the varietal, the vintage, and the producer for the chance to win the title.

Alain Njike, Scott Tyree, Michael Taylor, Lucas Henning

Alain Njike of Park 52, Lucas Henning of C-House, Michael Taylor of Italian Village, and Scott Tyree of Tyree Wine Consulting were given 20 minutes to check the color, the nose, and the taste. Guests at the event each had their own tasting sheets so they could also participate.

My co-host Michael Bottigliero, Windy City Wine Guy, scored the experts and I tallied up the amateurs. While everyone waited for the results, the sommeliers went through the processes they used, including the different sights, smells, and tastes that helped them choose one option over another. They’ve gone through hours and hours of training to hone these senses, but they also used deductive reasoning. For example, if they know it’s old world, and it’s from this particular region, and only two grapes are grown in that area, then it’s got to be one of those two. For oeniphiles and casual wine lovers, it was a fantastic opportunity to learn from these experts.

Michael then announced the winner. By a close margin, Scott Tyree has Chicago’s Best Palate! Congratulations! He was presented with a gift pack of wines from Terlato Wines International, who also provided the wines for the tasting.

Congratulations also go to Addie Braun for winning the amateur tasting. She took home two special bottles of wine from Eno. Another guest was awarded with a $50 certificate to the wine, cheese, and chocolate lounge on Michigan Avenue for choosing Mr. Tyree as the winner.

Scott Tyree, Lucas Henning & Addie Braun

Thanks to all of the sommeliers for participating and to our guests for enjoying this wonderful evening with us! Hope to see you next year for Chicago’s Best Palate!

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Work Out With a Broadway Star

Ashley Lobo, NBC Chicago Street Team

Who says a gym is only for working out?

Every Monday night, Crunch Fitness (38 East Grand Ave.) lets you take center stage and rub elbows with your favorite Broadway stars.

The fitness facility has partnered with Broadway in Chicago to offer choreography from a different show. But the best part of the class is the teacher — a surprise guest cast member.

That means you can learn your moves from three of Chicago’s hit Broadway shows — Jersey Boys, Chorus Line and Legally Blonde.

Click here to read the rest of this post and view the video on NBCChicago.com.

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Art Chicago Hosts At J-Bar

LaShonda Matlock, NBC Chicago Street Team

A contemporary and modern art lover’s dream come true! Stop by the ultra sleek James hotel on May 2nd, as they host the official after-party for Art Chicago at the one and only JBar.

And for that special V.I.P. treatment show your Art Chicago Black Pass to receive special complimentary ARTini cocktails. DJ Rock City will be on the turntables spinning so this is definitely a “Don’t Miss Event!” See you there!

JBar
610 North Rush St.
Chicago. IL
May 2nd 10pm-11pm

Need more party or celeb info follow me on TWITTER!

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When “Blowin’ It” Actually Works!

Shlomi Rabi, NBC Chicago Street Team

You’ve probably heard some variation of this joke: A young ingenue mingles with a group of big-wigs at a social luncheon of sorts on the Upper East Side. At some point she is asked by one of the attendees if she is in a relationship. She truthfully responds that yes, she is. Curious, he ask her what her boyfriend does for a living. She responds that he’s an artist. “Really?” he responds as he leans forward and smiles. “At what restaurant?”

Yep, artists have it hard — really hard, and it’s not surprising that many — or most — have to resort to cleaning houses, busing tables, bartending, and if Illinois’s recent history is anything to go by, run for governor, until they make it in the field. But pulling balloon tricks as a clown in Times Square?

That was the reality for Jason Hackenwerth, who after nearly 20 years of shaping balloons into poodles and kittens, has turned his skill into an art form. And a most exceptional one at that.

Click here to read the rest of this post on NBCChicago.com.

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There IS Such a Thing as a Free Lunch

Marcus Riley, NBC Chicago Street Team

He’s cooked for the president and for Oprah, but on Monday afternoon, Chef Art Smith prepared lunch for around 160 people at 401 N. Michigan Ave.

It was all part of NBCChicago.com’s latest Locals Only underground event. Over the past few weeks, hundreds of people have logged onto the Web site to enter the contest, and received invitations after completing a quiz about the city.

Smith and his team prepared some of the Southern comfort food he’s known for — his famous Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Sweet Potato Salad with Pineapple and Red Peppers, Goat Cheese Drop Biscuits and Hummingbird Cake.

Click here to read the rest of this story, video and pictures on NBCChicago.com.

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Dance, Punch, and Kick for Alliance

Maureen Vana, NBC Chicago Street Team

Last Saturday night Crobar Chicago hosted the 1st Annual Dance for Alliance presented by Aveda Northbrook Court.  The event aimed to raise funds and awareness for the Alliance for the Great Lakes.  The organization strives to restore and protect the Great Lakes region through a variety of methods including education, volunteering, and events.  Attendees on Saturday showed support by purchasing tickets, making donations at the door, and wearing blue to promote the clean water cause.

See Photos From The Performances

Performances by local dance and martial arts groups kicked off the party at 10pm.  Breakdancers Boogie Knights opened the set and were followed by The Defensor Method Kali-Eskrima, Gingarte Capoeira, and Extreme Kung Fu/Wushu.  After the wowing display of flips, tricks, and sticks the party continued with dancing until dawn.

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Unforgettable Evening

 

Rebecca Taras, NBC Chicago Street Team

 

Natalie Cole

How long do you think it would take to raise over two million dollars? Thanks to the 1,000 guests who attended the American Cancer Society’s Discovery Ball at Chicago’s Civic Opera House this past Saturday, it only took one spectacular evening. “The Discovery Ball is Chicago’s premier event to fund the cancer fight,” says Jim McNerney, chairman, president and CEO of Boeing who, along with his wife Haity, chaired this year’s event. 

Festivities began at 5:30 p.m. with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and an impressive “super silent auction” containing hundreds of items – a bidders dream for those looking to find that exotic trip to Turks and Caicos. Temporary staging over the auditorium seats allowed for guests to enjoy their three-course dinner inside one of Chicago’s most historic entertainment venues.

Haity and Jim McNerney

Maria Bartiromo of CNBC’s Closing Bell, emceed the black-tie affair, sharing a personal story about her mom, a lung cancer survivor who contracted the disease from second-hand smoke. The live auction featured several one-of-a-kind items, including a “behind the scenes” experience with Katie Couric and Tiffany & Co., and a trip to the Paris Air Show hosted by Boeing.

One of the most anticipated moments of the evening was the special performance by Grammy award-winning vocalist Natalie Cole. She performed several songs including, “Smile” and the ever-popular “Unforgettable.” After being seated for a good part of the evening, several guests hung on past midnight, dancing to the tunes of the City Lights Orchestra.

Maria Bartiromo

The money raised at Discovery Ball will fund expansion of the American Cancer Society Patient Navigation Services program, which offers free support services to cancer patients and their families, such as rides to treatments, lodging assistance and peer counseling support. Additionally, it will help the organization fund life-saving research, promote laws that help enable the fight against cancer and educate people on prevention and early detection.

The Illinois Division has more than 120,000 volunteers and staff fighting cancer in the state. For the most up-to-date cancer related information and to join the fight against cancer, call 800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org

 

 

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Attack of the RiNo Sports Bars

Marcus Riley, NBC Chicago Street Team

You’d be forgiven for thinking River North is ground central for sports bars. Over the past few months, a number of new players have arrived on the scene, each with its own take on the sports-watching experience.

Bull & Bear, Theory and Social Twenty-Five are the new jacks trying to make an impression on the scene, each with its own unique approach.

Click here to read the rest of this post on NBCChicago.com.

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Body Conscious

Rebecca Taras, NBC Chicago Street Team

 

We finally got a taste of warm temps yesterday, a reminder of beach volleyball, alfresco dining and (gulp) swimsuit season. Before you start having visions of clocking in hours on the treadmill and crunching away that muffin top, consider an alternative approach to getting in shape – year round.

Photo Credit Eric Hoffhines

Equniox Fitness recently debuted CONSCIOUS MOVEMENT, a new genre of lifestyle and fitness teachings that pave the way for members to go beyond physically-oriented classes in order to facilitate an understanding that every action and thought comes from and has an effect on those around us. But because actions speak (and in this case work) louder than words, you’ll be doing a lot more than just thinking your way to a trimmer bod. “Our larger goal is to change the conversation regarding fitness, health and well-being among our members and across the world,” says Kathy Freston, the program’s adviser and author of Quantum Wellness.

Any of the CONSCIOUS MOVEMENT classes are an opportunity for you to strengthen your body – as well as your mind.  

Circular Strength Training:A unique combination of moves derived from Prasara yoga for enhanced flexibility and gentle rehabilitation-inspired techniques to increase joint rotation and overall strengthening.

Yoga Tune Up: A class that integrates the practices of the classic yogi as well as core-focused Pilates and basic calisthenic exercises so that every square inch of the body is challenged while the mind gets recharged.

PowerNAP: A 45-minute  head-to-toe tune up set to meditative music involving light yoga poses and stretches, each intertwined among the thoughtful teachings of the Eight Pillars of Wellness. The grand finale A brief 15-minute slumber.

The Feldenkrais Method: Focuses on the power of the mind over the body and incorporates a culmination of movement, breath, and vision practices meant to expand flexibility, boost coordination and reduce physical pain while boosting a positive thinking process.

Nia: A blend of a wide range of well-known genres including dance, martial arts and meditation to jump start the heart rate and the spirit.

For more information on any of the CONSCIOUS WELLNESS classes or Equinox membership, visit www.Equinoxfitness.com

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Are You Ready To Rock?

Marcus Riley, NBC Chicago Street Team

Has anyone told River North that the economy is in the dumps? Apparently not, judging by the restaurants and bars that continue to pop up.

Their ignorance is your social gain, as yet another spot is ready to pop. This time it’s the boys behind English, Grand Central and Angels & Mariachis who are making their move with the brand new LaSalle Power Co. (500 N. LaSalle).

The 20,000 square foot space is described as a “tri-level rock ‘n roll inspired restaurant, bar and music venue.”

Click here to read the rest of this post on NBCChicago.com.

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Apparently They Can Strip

Marcus Riley, NBC Chicago Street Team

It was initially advertised as an amateur strip show contest looking for “students, housewives, secretaries, and the girls next door…”

But the finalists at the recent “So You Think You Can Strip” finals were anything but amateurs. Perhaps it’s the recession that brought all the “pros” out from fine dancing establishments all over Chicagoland to compete for the $5,000 prize in the Admiral Theater’s contest.

So instead of awkward stage gyrating and nervous high-heel strutting, these gals came out ready to compete.

Click here to read the rest of this story, plus pics and video.

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Follow Your Twitter-quette

Marcus Riley, NBC Chicago Street Team

Last month NYC Internet savant @fimoculous tweeted “At this rate, God should be on Twitter by early Summer.”

Well, it looks like he underestimated Twitter’s popularity, because last week @richardroeper tweeted “OK, so God and GodAlmighty are already on Twitter. I wonder if they know each other.”

Bottom line? Everybody and their brother — whether they have something enlightening to say or not — seems to be jumping on the Twitter bandwagon. And just like other social media sites that experience exponential growth, certain rules should be followed. And by followed, we mean “Follow.”

Click here to read the rest of this post on NBCChicago.com.

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Only 19,340 Feet To Go

Theresa Carter, The Local Tourist, NBC Chicago Street Team

That’s how tall Mt. Kilimanjaro is. Located near the eastern coast of Africa, it’s the highest free-standing mountain in the world. And this summer I’m going to climb it.

I’ve never climbed a mountain before. Never even thought about it, really. I did some pretty aggressive hiking a couple of years ago out west where the elevation’s a bit higher than here in the flatlands, but that’s the extent of my experience. Now I’m doing one-legged squats, breathing through a straw, and my living room looks like a personal trainer moved in.

Why am I doing this? Cancer.

A few months ago I asked to interview Jason Sissel about his foundation, Endure To Cure. He’s raising money for pediatric cancer research by performing a series of physical endurance activities. In addition to competing in several Ironman competitions and biking coast to coast, he’s also climbing the Seven Summits, the tallest peaks on each continent. About an hour into the interview he invited me to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro with him.

“Yes,” I said. I didn’t hesitate; I didn’t doubt; I don’t think I even blinked.

Two weeks from tomorrow I’ll be 39 years old. I share my birthday with my grandmother, who passed from cancer less than two years ago. My grandfather on the other side suffered from various illnesses for over a decade, but the disease that finally claimed him was cancer. My other grandmother, his wife, is a breast cancer survivor. The first funeral I ever went to was my step-Aunt’s, who died from ovarian cancer.

Now I have an opportunity to help fight this nasty beast, and so do you. I’ll be doing the hard work (seriously, have you ever tried breathing through a straw? And I don’t mean one of those big fat McDonald’s straws. I mean the skinny ones you get in a bag of 100 at Walgreens.).

All I ask of you is that you spread the word and donate what you can. I know money’s tight, but every little bit helps. $15, $1, $5 – it adds up. My goal is to raise a minimum of $5,000 before we leave on July 3, so please tell everyone you know!

I also need corporate sponsors, so if you or someone you know is interested in helping out and earning lots of karma points and media exposure, please let me know.

I’ll be blogging about everything from training to getting a gazilion immunization shots to the actual climb itself, so stay tuned!

In the meantime, please donate here.

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Talk Like Shakespeare Day

Theresa Carter, The Local Tourist, NBC Chicago Street Team

Today, the 445th anniversary of the Bard’s birth, is Talk Like Shakespeare Day. After four and a half centuries the poet’s influence is unquestioned and his works are a fixture in theater, nay, the entire English language.

You don’t even have to use thee’s and thou’s. It’s downright zany how many words he coined. Whether you’re well-bred, well-educated, well-behaved, well-read, or even an uneducated blusterer, you’ve undoubtedly used several of them without even realizing it.

Of course, methinks tis much more fun to say prithee and fie and to curse like a black-faced ill-tempered cruelhearted jackanape.

When she’s not celebrating the birthdays of dead poets, Theresa uses as many Shakespearean words as possible on The Local Tourist

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Chrisette Michele Dishes On Epiphany

LaShonda Matlock, NBC Chicago Street Team

Chrisette Michele is taking a different approach with her sophomore album, Epiphany.

The Grammy award winning singer isn’t stressing anymore about what people think about her and her music. Instead, Chrisette now says, “If they don’t like me or my music –that’s ok and thanks!”

Chrisette sat down with me for a private dinner with a select group of friends on Tuesday (April 21st) at Hyde Park hot-spot Park 52. The fabulous dinner was a four-course taster and also served as a intimate listening session.

Sporting a blue and gold trimmed Polo Rugby jacket with matching gold bracelets by Scoop NYC, Chrisette discussed everything from how Ne-Yo made her have a epiphany to stress and bleeding vocal cords.

The fabulous intimate event was sponsored and hosted by Bleu Magazine and editor in chief extraordinaire Lenox Magee. (Thanks!) Also, specials thanks to Mega LLC –Dr. Renee Matthews!

Epiphany is the follow-up to Chrisette Michele’s critically acclaimed gold selling debut, I AM. Epiphany will hit stores on May 5th.

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