That's
a million dollar question! Especially
for those who have absolutely no clue what the Super Bowl even is!!
All
kidding aside, Super Bowl is actually the culmination of the football season
and is celebrated nationwide in grand-style even by those fans whose teams did
not make the cut, like my beloved Chicago Bears. So, without further ado, I bring you -
SUPER BOWL XLVI - New England Patriots vs. New York Giants
Sunday, February 5th
- Kickoff is approximately 6:30 p.m. Eastern
Here's
your Chicago line-up of Super Bowl celebrations:
Otis Wilson's 2012 Big Game
Celebration takes place at Excalibur
(632 N. Dearborn Street) in the River North neighborhood from 4:30 p.m. to
11:00 p.m. Hang out with the 1985 Chicago
Bears champion along with other current and former Bears players in support of
the Otis Wilson Charitable Association.
Your $100 ticket includes a cocktail, food and valet parking!
Or,
take in the Big Game at one of these local establishments -
The Anthem located at 1725 W.
Division Street in the Ukrainian
Village neighborhood. Not only can you watch the game in a La-Z
Boy, but you can reserve a table and sign up for one of The Anthem's Super Bowl packages - the "Big Daddy" serves up to
four for $125, or the "Mac Daddy" serves up to 10 people for $350. Included with your package is a raffle for
the chance to sit right in front of the bar's 150" big screen, eat a rib-eye
and get massages at halftime! Email info@theanthemchicago.com to
reserve a table.
Burger Bar Chicago located at 1578 N.
Clybourn Avenue on the Near North Side.
It's "The Ultimate Tailgate" party with over 100 craft brews to choose
from and a spread which includes chili, brats, burgers, nachos and wings with a
draft beer for $30!
Division Ale House located at 1942 W.
Division Street in the Wicker
Park neighborhood. This Irish Pub is offering a $30 meal package
with a post-game celebration of your victory or dance your blues away with DJ
Colin "Dennis da Menace!"
Kit Kat
Lounge
located at 3700 N. Halsted Street in the Boystown neighborhood. Join impersonators and fans for a
"Madonna-rama" party lasting all day long with martinis half-price - over 100
on the drink list!
Mayne
Stage
located at 1328 W. Morse Avenue in the Rogers Park neighborhood. A 22-foot HDTV, buffalo wings, sliders,
mozzarella sticks and more provided by Act
One Pub and drafts costing $4.60 in honor of the 46th Super Bowl
round out this celebration!
The Pony located at 1638 W.
Belmont Avenue in the Lakeview neighborhood.
A free half-time buffet, $4 Jameson drinks, $15 Miller buckets and a
free Jameson football squares contest (could get you $250 in prizes) await your
game day celebration!
Rockit
Wrigley
located at 3700 N. Clark Street in the Wrigleyville neighborhood. An appetizer buffet and 2 hour beverage
package beginning at kickoff can be all yours for $40 per person!
And
finally, for those fans preferring to stay home and celebrate can order a $350
take-home package fit to feed a football team from Barn and Company
located at 950 W. Wrightwood Avenue in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. This package includes five whole chickens, 10
racks of baby backs, 60 BBQ wings, 25 Texas-style smoked sausages and sides of
baked beans, mac and cheese, coleslaw and chips and guacamole!
And that's what one does on Super Bowl
Weekend!
BRING ON SUPER BOWL!!!
SUE MOSS & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
OLD TOWN
Check out Mama Milano Pizza Bar, a
hidden Old Town gem that has pepperoni in its DNA, now open. Come here when you're craving traditional
Chicago thin crust. Yes, cut into perfect squares and triangle corners. To find it, poke your way down a cobblestone
walkway off Wells, following the scent of warm mozzarella.
JEFFERSON PARK
Fischman Liquors will be having a Special
Tapping Release of Founders All Day IPA & Mikkeller BooGoop. If you
like your craft and micro's come on in to try this tasty treat along with food
from 5411 Empanadas and Southern Mac & Cheese food trucks. You can find this week's food trucks on
Twitter @5411empanadas @thesouthernmac.
And if you want to try the the Southern Mac & Cheese food, then head
to First Mac & Cheese
Store Tweet-Up!
LAKEVIEW
Heritage Bicycles General Store,
where the pleasure of sipping espresso and eating cupcakes can be rewarded with
a brand-new custom bicycle, is now open.
The co-owner is a North Side native who cofounded Bowery Lane Bicycles
in New York, sort of a bike tailor for the Lower East Side cycling set. He and
his wife have returned to dedicate themselves to made-in-America bikes (frames
welded in Chicago), roasted-in-Portland coffee (Stumptown, Portland's answer to
Intelligentsia) and baked-on-Southport pastries.
LOOP
Join The
Local Tourist with CBS2 Anchor, Bill Kurtis, TimeOut Chicago's
"Breakout Chef of the Year" Matt Eversman and Chef Chao Thapthimkuna of Union
Sushi + Barbecue Bar for a free chili tasting and meet & greet! Original
beef, seafood and vegetarian recipes will be served by our panel of local celebrities
and feature ingredients from City Fresh Market. Bill Kurtis, Matt Eversman and
Chef Chao will also be available to share their free chili recipes for your own
party while watching the big game. Everyone in attendance will also receive 10%
off their next visit to City Fresh Market
OAK PARK
The Marcella Neihoff School of Nursing Graduate Student
Nurses Association (GSNA) raised $700 to benefit the homeless program Western
Suburban PADS. By selling Loyola
Nursing hooded sweatshirts the GSNA the students were able to raise
funds for the program. Because of the success of the program, they are doing it
again for their spring fundraiser.
CATHY MALLERS &
DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
Owning a Droid, I like to keep up on what's happening in the market especially if there are any threats out there. I found out about a new scare advertised by Symantec, but the experts are unsure if it's really malware or simply PuP.
According to TechNewsWorld, security experts from other organizations said the infected apps weren't carrying malware but adware.
"We're 100 percent certain that Apperhand isn't malware; it's just a form of an ad network," Tim Wyatt, principal engineer at Lookout Mobile Security, told LinuxInsider.
"I'd call it a 'Pup,'" Dave Marcus, director of security research and communications at McAfee Labs, told LinuxInsider. PuP refers to a potentially unwanted program.
"Until some more information surfaces that this is malware, I'd say
there's no need to be concerned," suggested Roger Thompson, chief
emerging threats researcher at ICSA Labs.
It remains to be seen what will happen to Android devices, but be sure to be on the look out for any strange activity.
CATHY MALLERS & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
Don't
look now, but it's the last weekend of January 2012, which can only mean one
thing - it's time to
"plan, play and/or
celebrate!"
It's
the perfect time to plan your travels
and summer activities with these two trade shows in town -
Chicago
Travel and Adventure Show 2012 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center (5555 N. River Road) in Rosemont this
Saturday and Sunday. This event is your chance
to discover authentic travel experiences, snap up the deals and win trips and giveaways. You'll obtain travel tips from the experts,
such as travel legend, Rick Steves and more.
You can experience scuba diving, ride camels and see cultural
performances as well as test your taste buds at the fiery foods challenge. Don't pass up this opportunity to meet the
experts who can help you plan and book your next trip(s) - Bon Voyage!
Strictly Sail Chicago at Navy Pier's Festival Halls A and B (600
E. Grand Avenue) in the Streeterville neighborhood this Saturday and
Sunday. This 17th annual
showcase features boat designs, accessories, gear and equipment as well as 200
seminars, author signings, kids activities and giveaways. It's time to gear-up for a great summer of Chicago sailing on Lake Michigan!
Prefer
to play?
‘Field of
Screams' Scavenger Hunt is this Saturday beginning at 1:30PM (RSVP
required) at the Field Museum (1400
S. Lake Shore Drive). Use clues to solve
an Egyptian-themed murder mystery inside the museum. Each member of the winning team will receive
a prize! Walk like an Egyptian!!
Lakeview Polar
Plunge
is this Saturday at 12:00 p.m. so head-on over to Oak Street
Beach (1000 N. Lake Shore Drive)
in the Magnificent Mile neighborhood.
Take a freezing dip (perhaps a refreshing dip for some) in Lake Michigan during this 11th annual benefit,
which is also known as the "Celebration of Shrinkage!"
Lincoln
Square Winter Brew is this Saturday from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00
p.m. at the DANK-Haus, Fifth Floor
Ballroom (4740 N. Western Avenue)
in the Lincoln Square
neighborhood. This inaugural showcase
features reps from local breweries where you can purchase samples of their
offerings along with specially paired bites from The Grafton and Fountainhead!
Winter Music Festival III wraps-up this Saturday
at Uncle Fatty's Rum Resort (2833 N.
Sheffield Avenue) in the Lakeview neighborhood.
During this annual five-day music celebration, which began this past week,
a total of 25 bands and seven DJ's perform on two stages - one at Uncle Fatty's and the other stage at
adjacent bar The Coach House. Also includes rotating drink specials!
And
finally, Sunday brings us a day to celebrate
the Chinese New Year at these following events -
The
Chinese New Year
Parade begins at 1:00 p.m. at Wentworth Avenue and 24th Street heading north
along Wentworth to Cermak Road. Come celebrate
the Year of the Dragon, 4710, at this spectacle featuring a 100-foot long
dragon, marching bands and, of course, the traditional Chinese lion dance!
According
to Metromix, Chinese
New Year Hash kicks-off at 11:00 a.m. at 260 Sports Bar (260 W. 26th Street) in the
Bronzeville/Douglas neighborhood. This 9th
annual four-mile fun run includes a raffle, food and draft beers at the finish
line. Your day will start with a pre-run
beer, a walk to the Chinese New Year Parade and finishing off with the run
starting at 2:00 p.m. Please note that the
fun run includes pitfall twists and turns along the way bringing you back to
the starting point!
What's Your Pleasure? Plan, Play, Celebrate, Or?
SUE MOSS & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
NORWOOD PARK
Under the federal Computers
For Learning program, the U.S. General Services Administration is
donating about $4 million worth of computers and printers to Chicago schools. The GSA said all of the computers were wiped
clean before they were donated to schools, so no sensitive information would be
compromised. Schools that receive the
equipment will use the computers and printers to supplement existing programs
or create new learning programs.
LINCOLN PARK
In the works since the summer, The Hotel Lincoln,
a boutique concept for the old Park View Hotel building at Lincoln & Clark,
is nearing completion. A good deal of time was devoted to the cafe, bar, and
room service schemes, on account of the symbiosis between neighboring Perennial
Virant and the hotel management. Each room will feature the hotel's calling
card - kitchy Jeff Koons-esque porcelain piggy banks, one a squirrel, the other
a poodle - for the collection of loose change for charitable donation.
LINCOLN SQUARE
Eric
Delli Bovi has been appointed the new Executive Director of Urban
Gateways, effective February 13. Eric comes to us from the Old Town School of
Folk Music, where for the last 12 years he held the positions of Director of
External Affairs, Director of Development, Director of Education Outreach, and
Interim Executive Director. While at the
Old Town School, Eric has been at the helm of some of the school's most
noteworthy accomplishments -- including its capital campaign for the new arts
facility that just opened in January 2012.
LOOP
Alvin
Ailey American Dance Theater is back. There will be five straight days
of six performances with two different programs. They perform thrilling premieres and new
productions plus returning audience favorites.
Alvin Ailey wrote: "It's interesting how my personal relationships
affect my creativity. It seems as though nearly all of my dances have some
basis in an event or a feeling I've had that I can usually trace."
EVANSTON
Evanston Township High School has scheduled their Volunteer
Fair for February 8 from 11 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. This is an opportunity for non-profit
organizations in Evanston to look for volunteers in conjunction with the
school's Community Service Office.
School community service coordinator, Mary Collins says the fair "promotes
volunteerism and it's a terrific service that ETHS provides to our community."
CATHY MALLERS &
DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
• 1,580 sq. ft., 2 full baths, 3 bedrooms, updated "Brick Bungalow" - MLS® $267,400
Avondale, Chicago - Charming Avondale Neighborhood -- one of the Hidden Treasures of Chicago! Lovely 3 Bedroom/2 Bath Brick Bungalow on Quiet One-Way Street. Only Two Blocks from CTA Blue Line L and Three Minutes to Kennedy Expressway, this Updated Home Features Sunny Living Room with Bay Window, Formal Dining Room, Just-Redone Eat-In Kitchen with Solid-Surface Counters, Loads of Cabinets, and Premium Stainless Appliances! First-Floor Master Bedroom features Walk-In Closet. Bedrooms Two and Three are ample, with the Second Floor offering Expansion Possibilities if dormered. Recently-Finished Basement with Full Bath, Exercise Area, Family Room, and Office. Three-Season Room off of kitchen, plus large back yard and patio, perfect for your Summer BBQ’s! Zoned Heat and AC. Many New Mechanicals. Big Two Car Garage. You’ve Got To See This Charmer!
Property information
1. Smart Juice.
Blueberries have more antioxidants
than any other fruit. Naturally grown rather than cultivated berries have even
more. Blueberries have anthocyanins
that protect blood vessels from free radicals, improve neuron signals and
increase blood flow to the brain. Wild blueberry juice is available at Walmart
and online.
2. Sprinting
boosts blood levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).
This is like "miracle grow" for the brain, keeping neural cells growing and
functioning. Mix brief, high intensity sprints into any mild aerobic activity
at least once a week. Two sprints three minutes long is sufficient.
3. Surfing the
web reduces mind decline by stimulating the frontal, temporal and cingulated centers
of the brain. This improves your complex reasoning and decision-making skills. This mental
cross training happens when you're reading and making decisions about where to
look and what to click on next.
4. Meditate
more often. People who meditate more often have frontal cortices that are
larger, making it easier for them to pay attention longer. Plus parts of their
cerebral cortices are thicker, meaning their thoughts and emotions are more in
tune.
5. Take a nap.
Napping causes a chemical reaction in the brain that clears out circuits so new
information can come in. Any nap length, even 10 minutes, will improve focus.
6. Draw the number 8 in the air. This
exercise activates both hemispheres of the brain at the same time, improving
communication between them. It's especially effective during times of stress,
because it helps the brain send signals along new circuits. This creates and
reinforces new neural connections. Extend one arm in front of you and use your
finger to draw a figure 8 starting in the middle. Do 3 times with each hand,
then with both hands clasped together. Repeat until you feel a shift in your
thinking.
KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN'T TEAM
CHICAGO
Bikn,(pronounced bee-Kin) an iPhone-based tracking system for your phone and all your other important
stuff, available soon.
You've got three elements here: an app, an iPhone case with a mind of its own and a bunch of little tags to put on the other things in life you couldn't stand losing. You can even choose your base and highlight colors for more personalization.
You'll download the app and slip your phone into the case. The case
sends out a signal even if the phone is dead. Then you'll attach the tags to
other valuable stuff like your keys, the dog or even the kids.
If any of it goes missing, the app'll tell you the direction and how many feet away it is on a sort of digital treasure map (maybe you can get the distance in paces). If the phone itself goes missing, the tags will send out a signal that makes it beep until you find it.
No more worrying about dropping your phone when you ride those roller coasters.
CATHY MALLERS & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
DESPITE FALLING HOME PRICES, MORTGAGE INTEREST RATES AT HISTORIC LOWS, SELLERS HESITATION TO "GET REAL" MAY BE PART OF THE REASON FOR CONTINUED DOLDRUMS.
Have you read all the news?
The U.S. Economy is improving. Indicators are positive. Unemployment Rates, both across the U.S. and here in Chicago, are down. Optimism is building.
So why is the Housing Market in Chicago still floundering? According to some, the attitude of Home Sellers may hold the key!
Last week, in an article posted by Chicago Tribune Real Estate Columnist Mary Umberger, Mary interviewed Syracuse University Professor Gary Engelhardt. Mr. Engelhardt seemed confounded by the continued negative attitude of today's home sellers, as well as those homeowners contemplating whether or not they should sell.
According to a study recently completed by the Research Institute for Housing America, and the Mortgage Bankers Association, 80 percent of those surveyed felt now is a good time to buy a home.
Polling home sellers, however, provided a far different answer. Today, only an estimated seven percent feel now is a good time to put their home on the market to sell! During better days in the real estate market, as recently as 2005, as many as 60% of home sellers harbored positive feelings about selling their homes.
Across the U.S., the inventory of homes for resale by individuals (not by banks who foreclosed on them) is down more than 20% over the past year. Perhaps, Engelhardt says, many prospective home sellers don't believe it is in their best interest to sell at this time.
Many, of course, are underwater, owing more on their outstanding mortgage balance than their homes are worth today. (Depending on which Chicago Neighborhood or Suburb you are looking at, as many as 42% of homeowners may now be under water, according to National Association of Realtors estimates). Most homeowners do not have the funds to bring to closing to pay the deficit - even those who can bridge the mortgage gap are unwilling to do so.
Others may still have not gotten realistic as to the value of their home in today's market. Indeed, several Dean's Team clients refuse to realize that their home's value may be far lower than what they originally paid perhaps over a decade ago. Comparable property pricing from even a year ago still is higher than the market bears today.
Many say they are waiting for price levels to improve, according to Engelhardt. But that wait will likely be a long one, as many project. The Mortgage Bankers Association sees essentially flat pricing over the next couple of years, as a "shadow inventory" of low-priced, distressed and bank-owned homes lay in wait to hit the market.
But when the market eventually sees higher pricing, or when sellers are forced into selling by family or financial circumstances, will the number of potential buyers still be as strong? Hard to predict, he says.
What might turn things around? Engelhardt points to the obvious - the number of underwater sellers has to decline, the employment picture has to improve, along with salary levels. So does the general level of optimism that better times lie ahead.
It seems, however, that these changes are likely to come slowly. Here in the Chicago Neighborhoods and Suburbs our Real Estate Team serves, we're seeing a pick up of homes and condos under contract. But those selling are doing so at low prices, and many of these sellers have Short Sales - often the only way out when you owe more on the mortgage than your home is likely to sell for.
DEAN MOSS, DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
Rogers Park - Announcing a Price Reduction on 1401 West Sherwin Avenue, #2E, a 1,500 sq. ft., 2 full baths, 2 bedrooms - open floor plan. NOW MLS® $184,000 - FHA-Approved As Well!
Property information
There
may be quite a few inches of snow on the ground this weekend, but that doesn't
keep Chicagoans home bound. In fact,
we're still on the go with both indoor and outdoor choices for our weekend pleasure!
The
Auditorium Theatre (50 E. Congress
Parkway) in the South Loop is hosting the Chicago
Bluegrass and Blues Festival on Saturday at 2:00
p.m. This year's line-up includes sets
by David Grisman, Joe Purdy, the Del McCoury Band, The Giving Tree, Majors
Junction and others. However, if you're
snow bound, there's a second date for this event next Saturday (Jan 28th)
but at the Congress Theater!
The
Metro (3730 N. Clark Street) in the
Wrigleyville neighborhood is hosting The Winter Block Party for Chicago's Hip-Hop
Arts on Saturday hosted by WBEZ's Off-Air Series. From 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., this free expo,
now in its 4th year, will feature breakdancing exhibitions, a film
screening, a visual art and graffiti gallery, literary performances, the
Hip-Hop Barbershop, DJ music and more.
Then at 8:00 p.m. (ticket required) is the "Legends of the BodyRock: An
All-City 3-on-3," which is a breakdance retrospective where the Legendary
Brickheadz host screenings of archival footage, interviews and the semi-final
and final rounds of the live three-on-three dance battle!
The
Irish American Heritage Center (4626
N. Knox Avenue) in the Irving Park/Avondale neighborhood will host the Cash
for Kids Johnny Cash Festival on Saturday from 6:00 p.m.
to 1:00 a.m. Johnny Cash tribute bands,
which include Iron Horse, The Back Forty, PettyCash, Platform 29, Sam I Am the
MC and Tommy Tuesday will be performing at this benefit for the "Gompers Park
Athletic Association."
The
Navy Pier, Crystal Gardens (600 E.
Grand Avenue) in the Streeterville neighborhood will be displaying the Royal White
Tigers through February 12th. Welcome Gita, a Bengal
white tiger and her two cubs, Kozmo and Kumal, as they make their first-ever
appearance at Navy Pier. Watch specially-trained handlers feed the
tigers, ask plenty of questions and learn about the rare white tigers through
educational 90-minute "Tiger Talks."
Plus celebrate Kozmo and Kumal's 1st birthday!
The
Garfield Park Conservatory (300 N.
Central Park Avenue) in the Garfield
Park neighborhood is
celebrating the Chinese
New Year on Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Join dragon dancers in a procession marking
the reopening of the "Aroid House" and "Desert House" affected by the June 2011
hailstorm. This event features a
reception with fortune cookies, oranges and hot cider, a self-guided scavenger
hunt, plant a little living luck (1-3 p.m.) at the Children's Garden, and enjoy
traditional Chinese music (11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.) by Kerry Leung!
And
finally, for my die-hard, outdoor adventurers, the Polar Adventure Days
takes place Saturday (12-4 p.m.) at Northerly Island
(1400 S. Lynn White Drive). Meet Siberian huskies, birds of prey and
other live animals, watch amazing ice sculptures being created right in front
of you, listen to live music or storytelling, make winter nature crafts, sip
hot cocoa, or even snowshoe, since there'll be well over the required three
inches of snow! And, don't forget to
dress warm!!
Happy Snow Days!! Or, Are You Going To Let The Snowfall Ground
You? Not If You're A True Chicagoan!! Are You?!
SUE MOSS & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
OAK PARK
Community Bank of Oak Park River Forest announced that it is
participating in the Illinois Housing Development Authority's "Welcome
Home Heroes" mortgage financing program. First-time buyers who are
reservists, military personnel and members of the Illinois National Guard as
well as veterans (do not need to be first-time home buyers) can participate. The program applies to 1-2 unit residential
properties located in Illinois that are purchased as a primary residence.
OLD TOWN
"Having world-class
infrastructure is a key focus for any world-class city," said Mayor
Emanuel. "These targeted and strategic investments in our infrastructure will
allow Chicagoans and visitors to get around the city more easily, to jobs,
businesses, and neighborhoods." This is
one of several statements made as Mayor Emanuel officially re-opened the Grand
Avenue Red Line Station. Chicago plans
to create a new Green Line station at Cermak, to serve McCormick Place and the
near South Side. The City will also rehabilitate the Clark/Division Red Line
Station and will combine two stations to create a Wabash/Washington station on
the Brown/Pink/Green/Orange lines.
PORTAGE PARK
Napervillians Jack M. Cohen and Loretta J. Hamilton (husband
and wife) are local residents who enjoy the arts. They hosted two
film premieres on January 14, 2012 at the historic Portage Theater in
Chicago; Cohen served as executive producer, Hamilton as set designer. "Spades" was filmed primarily in the couple's
Naperville home and took six days to film. Larry Thomas, whose most notable
role is the famed "Soup Nazi" is in both films that were featured.
LINCOLN PARK
The grand opening party for Heritage
Bicycles General Store, Chicago's first bike shop café, is on Saturday,
January 28, 6-11 pm at 2959 N. Lincoln. The
former florist shop has been beautifully refurbished and painted in a striking
black-and-white color scheme. Theater-style spotlights and old-timey exposed
light bulbs hang from the ceiling. There's a long communal table made of
reclaimed wood, plus banquettes upholstered with coffee sacks.
WEST LOOP
Welcome to Urban Union, a new
farmhouse, opening next week for intimate dates and sprawling dinner parties-or
basically any occasion where whole lobsters, oysters, a glass of good wine and
Manhattans gilded with leather-infused bitters are seriously needed. Linger
inches in front of the brick oven sipping champagne, nibbling wood-roasted
head-on shrimp as you wait for your seating at the chef's table in the center
of the room.
CATHY MALLERS &
DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
It
appears that winter has arrived here in Chicago,
albeit late, whether we like it or not.
Remember, at some point, good things do come to an end, but that doesn't
mean we have to give in to them either!
So, here's what's going on this wintery weekend -
Start
planning for your 2012 summer at the Chicago Boat, Sports and RV Show
at McCormick Place (2301 S. Lake
Shore Drive, North Building) in the Near South Side neighborhood this Saturday
and Sunday. Get the latest on boats, fishing
gear, marine accessories, RVs, camping equipment and travel destinations at
this 82nd annual extravaganza.
Also featured is an indoor wakeboarding competition, camp cooking
seminars, DIY boating instruction and much more!
Perhaps
you need a good laugh right about now -
The Chicago Sketch
Comedy Festival at Stage 773
(1225 W. Belmont Avenue) in the Lakeview neighborhood features four stages of
138 groups from Chicago and beyond performing 163 shows during this 11th
annual funny festival this Saturday and Sunday!
Or --
The
Laugh Out Loud Tour
at The Second City (1616 N. Wells
Street) in the Lincoln Park
neighborhood features humorous performances by The Second City Touring Company
with highlights from The Second City's most popular revues Saturdays at 4:00
p.m.! Or --
Keep
this winter in perspective by attending the dark comedy production of Blizzard '67
at Chicago Dramatists (1105 W.
Chicago Avenue) in the River West neighborhood Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and
Sundays at 3:00 p.m. Four confident, carpooling
businessmen devolve into their worst selves during this infamous Chicago snowstorm!
Calling
all literature enthusiasts -
The
Chicago Writers Association will
honor local authors Christine Sneed, Krista August, James Finn Garner, Pamela
Ferdinand, Carey Goldberg and Beth Jones at this year's Book of the Year Awards
in the Lincoln Square neighborhood this Saturday from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00
p.m.! Or -
Come
Home Chicago to the Near North Side neighborhood this Sunday from
6:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. as Chicago's
literary traditions are celebrated with readings and performances by authors
Christine Sneed, Stuart Dybek, columnist and radio personality Rick Kogan,
First Ward alderman Joe Moreno and others!
For
your shopping pleasure, head on over to the Empty
Bottle (1035 N. Western Avenue) in the East Village/Ukrainian Village
neighborhood for the Handmade Market this
Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
More than 30 local crafters will be displaying for sale their handmade
clothing, handbags, jewelry, scarves, greeting cards, journals and more!
And
finally, if one of your New Year's resolutions involves a tattoo, well you're
in luck as The Chicago Tattooing and
Piercing Company (1017 W. Belmont Avenue) in the Lakeview neighborhood will
be hosting the Sailor
Jerry free tattoo party Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to
12:00 a.m. Come celebrate the 1930s
tattoo artist Norman "Sailor Jerry" Collins - the rum brand's namesake - in
what would have been his 101st birthday. The first 101 attendees will receive a complimentary
tattoo and can choose from several of Collins' original designs. Stick around for the after-party at a nearby
establishment - location revealed at the tattoo shop - serving up, none other
than, Sailor Jerry rum drinks!
Enjoy Your Wintery Weekend, Or, Are
You Going To Give In To Chicago's Winter?
SUE MOSS & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
PORTAGE PARK
Time to catch up on your Batman movies. The Portage Theater's next free
movie screening series is a double feature of Batman Begins and The
Dark Knight on Jan. 20. The managements
also teased that they would be screening the prologue to The Dark Knight Rises
before each movie. Batman fans be sure
to get there early.
LINCOLN PARK
The next public hearing on citywide redistricting
will be TODAY, Wednesday, January 11, at 6:00 p.m. The location has changed to the DePaul
Student Center at 2250 N. Sheffield. Metered parking is generally available on
Halsted, Sheffield or Fullerton. You can also park in the Sheffield Parking
Garage, 2331 N. Sheffield. There is limited parking available on side streets,
and much of the area is residential permit parking only so please read all the
signs when parking.
WEST LOOP
President
Obama joins a fundraiser at 3 p.m. today at the UIC Forum. The cheaper
$45 general admission tickets have long been sold out, but there are still
$100, $250 and $1,000 tickets available. CSI:NY Hill Harper and Janelle Monae will
also be in attendance.
GOLD COAST
Ald. Edward Burke and Ald. Brendan Reilly sent a letter to
the American Federation of State, County and Municipal employees Council 31
executive director Henry Bayer suggesting forgoing a proposing a solution to restore
120 of the 176 jobs that were cut when the Chicago
Public Library made the decision last week to shut down on Mondays
while the city and AFSCME continue negotiations.
NAPERVILLE
Naperville's Smart Grid Initiative
represents a $22 million taxpayer investment in upgrading the city's electric
system, half of which is funded by an $11 million matching grant from the U.S.
Department of Energy. Project Manager Jeff Kelnosky doesn't live in Naperville,
but said he envied the energy technology becoming available to its residents. The
Elster EnergyAxis meter, the key component of the Smart Grid Initiative,
promises to bring the city's electric grid into the future and reduce the
amount of energy needed to keep Naperville running.
CATHY MALLERS &
DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
We all have
problems with too much stuff in our house. Sometimes the papers on my desk are
literally falling off the edge. Even if you don't have a business in your home
we all have a huge amount of paper to deal with. First we need to analyze where
the papers come from. Start by making a list of what types of papers you handle,
and then figure out what available space you have.
Sort and purge.
Set up two bins: a keep pile and one for recycling or shredding. Make sure you
shred anything that has any personal information and or account numbers. It's
best to use a crosscut
shredder instead of the kind that simply shreds into strips. Ask yourself
if you really need the documents you
keep. Receipts and such can be kept in file folders, labeled and kept in file
cubes available at office supply stores.
I keep bills
and items needing immediate attention in a wooden hold all with different sections.
I put the due date on the corner of the bills so I know at a glance when I need
to send them in. Many companies and utilities are urging us to go paperless.
It's a good idea for the environment outside and inside. Online banking can
relieve you of much paper and stress.
Create a
de-cluttering routine. Maintain the paper flow by sorting mail daily. Be
ruthless when going through the mail. Get rid of all those holiday catalogs,
they are just more clutter. Are you really going to order from that catalog? If
not throw it out! Go through your catalogs and other papers once a week and
file or discard as necessary. With a little effort you can keep clutter under
control.
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KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN'S TEAM
CHICAGO
