Inside Your Chicago - What's New, What's Hot, What's Next?

Cinco de Mayo in Chicago at El Mariachi

2012-05-01T15:40:06Z

Historically the Cinco de Mayo holiday commemorates the victory of a heroic people and their struggle for freedom. On May 5, 1862 the outnumbered State of Puebla, Mexico defeated French forces which fueled the momentum and national confidence to ultimately drive foreign power completely from the country.

The reason for this celebration is to foment the Mexican history, rich traditions and maintain our roots present in our younger generations.

Today fiesta lovers across the United States will gather to celebrate the Mexican holiday. Cinco de Mayo is now celebrated in towns across the U.S. that are predominately non-Hispanic!

It's becoming more popular than St. Patrick's Day, in some cities!

WE'LL be at El Mariachi!

Outstanding Tequila selection and awesome margaritas!

Dining Out for Life Chicago returns April 26th

2012-04-18T19:21:00Z

On Thursday, April 26, 2012 EdgeAlliance presents its 19^th annual Dining Out for Life event, benefiting children and adults living with HIV/AIDS on Chicago’s West Side. Chicago is one of 60 cities across the United States and Canada participating in the event, making Dining Out for Life the single largest HIV/AIDS benefit in the country! Last year more than 80 Chicago restaurants pledged a portion of the night's proceeds to EdgeAlliance raising more than $125,000!

With the generous support of this year’s Diamond Sponsors – Broadway Cellars, Connies Pizza, Crew Bar and Grill, Nookies Edgewater, The Signature Room on the 95^th and Zapatista – Cuisines of Mexico – this year, EdgeAlliance hopes to raise $150,000 for Chicagoans living with HIV/AIDS!

“Just as Chicago is synonymous with good people and great food, Dining Out for Life has become a symbol of hope for our clients impacted by HIV/AIDS and homelessness. I hope you will join us in making 2012 further proof of Chicago's appetite for great food and doing good.” said Jim Flosi, EdgeAlliance Founder, President and CEO.

EdgeAlliance is committed to providing housing, supportive services and peace-of-mind to those affected by HIV/AIDS. Their North Lawndale campus serves more than 125 individuals, offering supportive housing and comprehensive services.

You can visit the official Dining Out for Life website at www.diningoutforlife.com for full details! Dine Out. Fight AIDS!

Participating Restaurants

312 Chicago • Acre • Andies Restaurant • Angelina Ristorante • Ann Sather Restaurant • Anna Maria Pasteria • Anteprima • Atwood Café • Avenue Tavern • Baker & Nosh • Berghoff Restaurant • Big Jones • Bite Café • Bistronomic • Blackbird • Bluegrass • Broadway Cellars • Browntrout • Carnivale • Ceres' Table • Club Lucky • Connie's Pizza • Crew Bar & Grill • Cucina Paradiso • Custom House Tavern • D.S. Tequila Co. • Deleece • Deleece Grill • Fiorentino's • Fiorenza Ristorante • Francesca's Bryn Mawr • Francesca's Forno • Francesca's on Chestnut • Francesca's on Taylor • Growling Rabbit • Halsted's Bar & Grill • Hamburger Mary's • HB Home Bistro • Hearty Restaurant • Horizon Café • Jin Ju • Kilwin’s Chicago • Lady Gregory's • Las Mananitas • Leopold • Longman & Eagle • Magnolia Café • Mia Francesca • Minibar • Nookies Edgewater • Ombra • Pars Cove Restaurant • Palette Bistro • Ping Pong • PROSECCO • Sable Kitchen & Bar • Salpicon • Silver Cloud • Sola • South Water Kitchen • Southport and Irving • Spacca Napoli Pizzeria • Stella's Diner • Tank Sushi • Taverna 750 • The Bagel Restaurant & Deli (Lakeview) • The Bagel Restaurant & Deli (Skokie) • The Chicago Diner • The Signature Room at the 95^th • Toppers Pizza • Tuscany OakBrook • Uncommon Ground • Via Veneto • Vincent • Vivere • Wakamono • Wilde Bar & Restaurant • Zapatista - Cuisines of Mexico •

Internationale: An Evening of Food, Fashion & Art April 21

2012-04-10T13:07:00Z

‘Internationale:
An Evening of Food, Fashion & Art’

From a Party to an Event, From Food to Cuisine, From a Look to a Style:

Ladies and Gentlemen of Chicagoland,

It's time to elevate!

Élever Chicago is transforming dining from simply a meal to a sensory experience with its second underground dining event, Internationale: An Evening of Food, Fashion & Art. On Saturday, April 21, 2012, the Chicago Artist Coalition will host this upscale dining affair with reservations each hour between 5 PM and 10 PM. Haute cuisine is a standard for the evening, as it is always, when prepared by Chef Markus Ford.

Hosted in a lovely West Loop art gallery at 217 N. Carpenter.

Not only will diners be surrounded by masterpieces from local artists featured by the Chicago Artist Coalition, they will also be presented with culinary works of art throughout the three or four course experiences as only Chef Markus Ford can create. Diners will have the pleasure of viewing the work of artist Bryan Boomershine, whose abstract interpretations of the everyday world are exciting and inspiring.

For the fashion-forward diners, designer Sujata Gazder will lend her bold and classic wearable art to the hostesses. There is something for everyone; a night filled with food, fashion and art.

As with the premiere Élever Chicago underground dining event, Internationale promises to be an event attended by Chicago socialites, business entrepreneurs, the beautiful and fashionable of the city, and those who wish to raise their dining experience from the commonplace. Sponsors will have the opportunity to brand their products and services to hundreds of guests and potential clients. Élever Chicago will also be donating a portion of the proceeds to the Chicago Artist Coalition, whose mission is to educate the public on the value of the visual arts. More than merely an experience in exceptional dining, through Internationale, Élever Chicago is cementing a bridge between the culinary arts and the visual arts.

RED DRESS PARTY ATTENDEES!

Dine at the 5pm seating and

save $10 off the dinner ticket price. .

Chef Markus Ford has traveled the world. Now he brings his culinary expertise back to Chicago. Please join him at Internationale – A Night of Food, Fashion & Art. Each dinner seating should take approximately 90 minutes. A portion of the proceeds go to support the Chicago Artists’ Coalition.

All ticket information can be found at Eleverchicago.com/events .

NEW CITY Mega Complex Moving Forward at North and Clybourn

2012-04-04T22:11:06Z

They used to say when Starbucks comes to a neighborhood, everything starts booming. Now it's Apple!

The on again/off again New City mixed-use development at Halsted, North, and Clybourn appears to be heading in the right direction once more. Crain's is reporting that a new venture has materialized to get the stalled project off the ground. An undisclosed investment from former General Growth Properties CEO John Bucksbaum coupled with a new $31 million loan from J.P. Morgan succeeded in torpedoing a foreclosure suit against the 8.2 acre site. Bucksbaum has also formally partnered with Structured Development, the original developer, to see this thing through.

250-300 residences and a lot of retail space. Milwaukee-based Roundy's Supermarkets is said to be a tenant, and plans on bringing a 80,000-square-foot Mariano's Fresh Market is close to happening. (They have 2 stores in the city now). A deal is also being finalized for a 14-screen multiplex theater, according to J. Michael Drew, a principal at Structured.

Another reason for the sudden forward momentum is Structured's recent $30 million sale of the former Border's property across the street. Had they been unable to move that vacant holding, it would have posed the risk of default. Love 'em or hate 'em, Structured is a major player in Cylbourn Corridor development, with their strip-mall agenda at Kingsbury & Eastman ramping up simultaneously.

“We're pleasantly surprised at what tenants seem willing to pay to be in that (former Borders) building,” says Christopher Conlon, a senior vice president with White Plains, N.Y.-based Acadia. “Apple being next door doesn't hurt us. They're a big, big traffic generator.”

Interest in the Clybourn Corridor is reviving, says Josh Levy, vice president of acquisitions for Chicago-based First American Properties LLC, which has holdings along the retail strip.

“National retailers want access to Lincoln Park, Gold Coast and River North incomes,” he says.

Obama Moves G8 from Chicago to Avoid?

2012-03-15T19:15:00Z

There has been so much talk the last year, about G8 coming to Chicago....now, it's not! President Obama feels Camp David will provide a more comfortable environment. Hmmmmm. Perhaps they are just avoiding all the planned protests and countless security risks?

Protesters who've been planning for months to converge on Chicago for a pair of important world meetings this spring say they have a message: No G-8? No problem.

The decision by the White House to move the Group of 8 economic summit to Camp David while the NATO summit remains in Chicago might have split the reasons to protest. But it won't diminish the number of people – tens of thousands, by some estimates – who plan to come to Chicago for a rally and march to protest everything from war to poverty, said Andy Thayer, a leader of the Chicago Coalition Against War and Racism and the Gay Liberation Network and one of the principle planners of the Chicago protests.

White House national security spokesman Tommy Vietor said security and the possibility of protests were not factors in the decision. He said Camp David, the rustic retreat in the mountains of Maryland, was a setting that would allow for more intimate discussions.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel and police officials have insisted they could handle any trouble. Chicago has had fewer problems with the Occupy protests than many other cities, and police officials had been consulting with other departments about how to handle large protests. Even so, many downtown businesses have been preparing for the possibility of riots.

Farrells eXtreme Bodyshaping Chicago

2012-03-11T23:00:35Z

You have a gym membership?

How is that working out for you?

Are you stuck in rut, doing the same routine? or making excuses not to go?

Maybe you have hit a plateau?

Maybe it's time shake your body up!

What if you had a schedule and had to go! 6 times a weeks for 10 weeks!

I guarantee you would see results!

I discovered Farrell's eXtreme Body Shaping this Winter. I joined the first 10 week session to officially launch in Chicago, in January.

I am in Week 7, and have seen great results, and plan to continue on with the program this Spring. I have seen my body fat drop and my muscle mass grow. But everyone has different goals.

OPEN REGISTRATION IS STARTING NOW for the next Session which Begins in April

Farrell’s eXtreme Bodyshaping is a results based fitness program for participants of any age, lifestyle, sex or athletic ability. The program was developed by Lance Farrell — a long-time taekwondo competitor and teacher — specifically to combat obesity and to help people develop healthy lifestyle habits by incorporating the fat-burning, strengthening and endurance building aspects of competitive martial arts training into a course for regular people who aren’t interested in sparring or contact drills.

In 45 minutes a day, six days a week, (yes! 6 days a week!) Farrell’s can help you make real changes in your fitness and overall health. Results are typical with the Farrell’s program. In 10 weeks with Farrell’s, you will see the eXtreme changes you expect out of your fitness and nutrition commitments.

The local owner and instructor Jason does an awesome job. He first went through the Farrell's program in Iowa. Went on to become an instructor, then moved to Chicago last year to open this location.

The Farrell’s program combines four essential elements needed to make eXtreme changes in your bodyshape:

Cardiovascular exercise to Burn Fat
Strength training to Build Muscle
Nutrition plan to help you Eat Healthy
Instructors and coaches to keep you Encouraged throughout your journey

"Our mission is simple:

We want to inspire you to live your life with power and purpose.

What others are saying on Yelp!

"FXB hands down has been the most successful, motivating, and super fun program I have ever done in my journey to health and wellness. I joined with my cousin who heard of the program from her home town and friends that had done it. In fact one of her friends was the $1000 winner! She knew already that this program worked and I was excited to try it. For only 45 minutes, 6 days a week I get to escape the grind of life and do something just for me. "

"Jason, our coach, is the best! He explains all the moves, techniques, and proper form extremely well and ensures that you are doing it right. He is a super motivator and pushes you when you need to be pushed. He gets to know each and every one of us and is always available to answer questions and stay connected to ensure you are following the program to level 10. "

If you show up to class and follow the plan, YOU WILL SEE RESULTS!
Guaranteed - or your money back.

Don't miss the next session of classes - and get a banging beach body NOW!

FARRELL'S eXtreme Body Shaping

Farrell's eXtreme Body Shaping
821 W. Blackhawk Off Halsted, S. of North Ave.

312-624-9794
JOIN FXB.com

Chicago Flower & Garden Show Navy Pier through March 18th

2012-03-10T23:13:00Z

We got a sneak peak of this years Chicago Flower & Garden Show this weekend!

The show is running though March 18th @ Navy Pier.

This year the worlds of fashion and horticulture will collide, creating an experience that rivals the hottest runway show!

Lots of ideas to help you make your yard, patio or balcony the envy of your neighbors!

There is actually a lot more than think going on. Seminars and Workshops, a photography competition, Garden Gourmet cooking demonstrations, a huge Marketplace with more than 100 vendors of gardening, landscape and horticulture products and services will showcase their green and eco-friendly wares at this show favorite.

Even something for the KIDS. It's a playground and more at this garden for youngsters that debuted in 2009. It will be back even bigger and better in 2012 with fun-filled green activities.

Designer Ramsey J. Prince and several other local designers have built some very cool home design vignettes. Showcasing the latest in furniture and awesome accessories.

Show ends March 18th!

Set the trend - Order your tickets now!
Order your tickets online and save $2 off the box office price!

Recycle Old Computers PC in Chicago

2012-02-21T16:18:14Z

DID YOU KNOW???

Electronics contain pollutants such as lead, mercury, cadmium, chromium, phosphorous, lithium, and polycarbons. Electronics that are dumped in the trash often end up in landfills, where these substances can leach into the groundwater and soil. Flame retardant chemicals in computer plastics can release highly toxic dioxins when burned in trash incinerators. Research estimates that electronic waste accounts for 80 percent of American’s toxic garbage and is growing exponentially. Electronic waste contains is a toxic threat to soil and water supplies worldwide.

Based on the new law of Illinois EPA, all the electronic waste such as computers, monitors, laptops, and televisions will be banned from landfill disposal in Illinois starting January 1, 2012. This ban is be enacted because many components from those items are recyclable.

There is a FREE Service to pick up your electronics!

     " United Ecycle Corp. is a responsible recycling company that you can trust.The primary focus of our ZERO Landfill Policy is to keep the equipment we collect out of landfills. Our main focus is keeping electronics out of landfills and helping companies recover some of their electronic assets in large quantities.

        We are a professional electronic recycle company that provides a FREE and Fast pick up of Electronic Wastes, no matter you are a residential or company.   We provide secure data destruction and responsible electronics and computer recycling services."

      service includes:

Computers
Laptops
Servers
Hard drives
Switches, Hubs & Routers
Cell Phones
Monitors
Printers
Copiers
Fax Machines
Office Electronics
Keyboard/Mouse, Calculators
DVD Players
Batteries
Phone

Go to United Ecycle and schedule a FREE pickup.

Hermene Hartmans The Barack Book

2012-02-14T21:05:49Z

How cool is this?
Fund this new book, The Barack Book, for a $25 pledge, and you get a copy of the book, when it comes in November!

It's like putting your order in advance now - and helping bring this very awesome book to the marketplace.

In 2012 many books will be published on President Obama as he comes up for reelection.

Hermene Hartman, Bob Starks, and Derrick Baker have a unique perspective on the man. They were there from the beginning. And Barack is their friend.

As the long-time publisher of N’DIGO, a weekly targeted at Chicago’s black middle class, Hartman was the first to cover the young, black Chicagoan rising in the political ranks. First he was her friend, then he became an Illinois senator, and then the President Obama we all know today. Hartman and colleagues Starks and Baker recognized the political potential of Mr. Obama early on and since 2003 have covered him from a unique black Chicago perspective.

If you have supported Obama from the beginning, now is your chance to remain involved in spreading the man’s worldwide significance via The Barack Book.

Getting books published or movies made is a tough business these days. Artists and writers are taking it upon themselves, to get their own seed money, to bring their products to the marketplace.

This trio of writers are using Kickstarter to fund the creation of The Barack Book and need your involvement to help cement President Obama's legacy. They have less than 3 weeks to raise the $15,000 needed to get this project off this ground. And if you pledge $25 - you will get a copy of the hardcover book, when it comes out this November. If you can pledge more, there are even more incentives!

Please help fund this very important book from Chicago, on Barack Obama.

Chicago Fun! Luminous Field at Millennium Park

2012-02-08T21:11:57Z

"Visitors from all over will want to see this beautiful sound and light show in the center of the Park each night; then round out their trip by enjoying music and dance programs in the tent and the permanent art in the Park.” -Dorothy Coyle, Executive Director of the Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture.

Join in the fun at Luminous Field, the unprecedented site-specific video and sound installation by the Chicago-based artists, Luftwerk, that will illuminate Cloud Gate in Chicago’s Millennium Park from February 10-20.

Family activities, live performances and dance events will complement the installation that will transform the Park into a digital canvas of light and geometrical form, with music composed by Owen Clayton Condon of Chicago’s Third Coast Percussion.

Fridays-Saturdays 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Sundays-Thursdays 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Lost and Found in Chicago

2012-02-08T14:38:09Z

Did you LOSE something?

Did you FIND something?

First step -
REGISTER at FOUND IN TOWN.

What is Found in Town?
Found in Town is a community-based lost and found program that creates an easy way to facilitate returning lost items to their owners. FiT operates through a network of local bars and nightclubs committed to helping out the members of their community.

How does it work?
Users can register here for free to receive FiT tags for their personal belongings. All tags will bear a unique serial number, or FiT code, and will instruct the finder to visit found-in-town.com in the event that it's found, where and when an anonymous message can be sent to its owner.

How many times have you left something in a cab? Found In Town (FiT) is a new company based in Chicago that recently launched its free online service that facilitates reuniting owners with their lost or misplaced items. “120,000 cell phones are lost annually in Chicago taxi cabs alone. Imagine how many keys, wallets and jackets are lost,” said Zach Haller, of Lakeview, CEO and founder of Found in Town. “Everyone loses things. People want to return lost items, but they often don’t know how. We make it easy and hassle-free to be a good Samaritan.”

Zach, a Minneapolis native has stated the business is slowing growing. Less than 1000 participants signed up and he has solicited four Boystown bars to advertise on the key-chain tags. But the brand recognition necessary to make the service extremely helpful isn’t there yet. “I think people may see the sticker and think, Found in Town? I don’t get it.” - soon though, it will catch on!

This business has the potential to grow nationwide! Can you imagine being in Italy and losing a cell phone - AND getting it returned? How cool would that be?!

SO SIGN UP TODAY. IT'S FREE!

Celebrate Chinese LUNAR New Year - Uptown Jan 28

2012-01-26T21:17:57Z

From Ald. Osterman:

"The Lunar New Year Parade in Uptown will be sponsored this year by the Hip Sing Association and will be held on Saturday, January 28th at 1:00pm. The parade will begin at 1121 West Argyle Street (the Hip Sing Assoc. Office location) and will proceed east to Sheridan Road then go south on Sheridan to Ainslie and then west to Broadway, south on Broadway to Sun Wah Plaza and then back north to Argyle.

There will be parking restrictions on Argyle starting at 9:00 a.m. and full street closure from 12:00 noon until approximately 4:00 p.m. The parade will feature lion and dragon dances, floats and the Senn High School Marching Band. Following the parade, the 'Lion Team' will visit area Asian restaurants and other businesses and will light firecrackers at each location to scare away the evil spirits (firecrackers) and to bring in good fortune.

Enjoy the Tet Festival on Saturday, January 28th. The Vietnamese Association of Illinois will host this Lunar New Year Festival from 11am to 5pm at St. Augustine College located at 1333-45 West Argyle Street. Admission is free. The festival will feature cultural performances, dragon dances, games, food booths and martial arts performances."

And from Business Partners: "Saturday, January 28 at 11am-2pm: The Chinese Mutual Aid Association will host the Lunar New Year Celebration at Truman College-1145 W. Wilson Ave. Featuring Asian foods, crafts and cultural performances. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for senior citizens and $4 for children under 10 years of age. Admission includes lunch."

White Tiger Show Removed From Navy Pier

2012-01-25T15:32:14Z

Discover LIVE Royal White Tigers
at Navy Pier in the Crystal Gardens!

Bring the entire family..........STOP.

Don't go - the show has been closed down!

There was even going to be a birthday party yesterday!
Celebrating Kozmo and Kumal's 1st Birthday. Those poor babies had to celebrate alone without hundreds of gawkers staring at them taking annoying photos. Aweeeeeee.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is revoking the white tiger owner's exhibition license for health and safety violations, including allegedly posing a danger to children.

The tiger show which began Jan. 13 was scheduled to run through Feb. 12. Navy Pier officials said they paid $27,000 to the company and had sold $16,500 in tickets so far.

The Chicago Tribune reports, "According to court documents, the USDA found that Marcus Cook's company ZooCats Inc. "willfully violated" the Animal Welfare Act. The USDA has been hunting Cook for years now, alleging a long history of infractions.

"There is evidence that ZooCats trainers did not handle the animals properly, at times, using physical abuse with a cattle prod to train, work or control an animal during an exhibition," USDA spokesman Dave Sacks told us.

Cook denied the USDA's claims. He blamed USDA bureaucrats, particularly a higher-up, Sarah L. Conant. Cook claimed she's an animal rights activist with a political agenda aimed at eliminating all traveling zoos, exhibitors and other such entertainments from the American landscape.

Rahm Emanuel's Surplus Auctions Raise $3.6 MIllion

2012-01-17T16:00:46Z

Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced today that the Department of Procurement Services (DPS) collected $3.6 million in 2011 from selling City surplus materials through its online auction system, nearly twice the amount collected in 2010. The online auctions allow the City to sell unneeded surplus possessions including fax machine toner, scrap metal, old vehicles parts, and street sweepers.

"It is our responsibility to the taxpayers of Chicago to leave no stone unturned or old fax machine unsold when it comes to bringing in new revenue to the City," said Mayor Emanuel. "For each dollar we bring in through our online auction system, it's one less dollar we have to find from someplace else which allows us to preserve critical City services that Chicagoans depend on. I commend the Department of Procurement Services for its aggressive pursuit of items that can be sold online. It is an example of the type efficient, ingenuity that we will continue to strive for every day."

Through increased coordination and outreach between City departments, DPS doubled the amount it collected in 2010 from $1.8 million to $3.6 million. In addition, DPS has projected that it will increase that amount in 2012 for a total of $4.6 million in revenue. Already in the first month of 2012, DPS auctions have generated over $90,000in new revenue.

Recently successful auctions include 450 tons of scrap metal, several pieces of heavy equipment and a set of decommissioned Micro-Turbine power generators. Most auction items are sold at the City's salvage yard, though some equipment is auctioned onsite at the City facilities where they were used. DPS also works internally with City departments and Sister Agencies to identify any items that still may have potential use to the City. DPS has sold surplus items to buyers all over the United States as well as South America, Mexico, and Canada.

Anyone interested in purchasing surplus items should visit the City's website at Cityofchicago.org/procurement or call DPS at 312.744.4900.

Piano Man Philip Fortenberry in Naperville Jan 22

2012-01-16T15:12:50Z

A true Southern gentleman, pianist Philip Fortenberry will tickle the ivories whilst telling a story or two when he comes to Naperville.

Fortenberry will perform a cabaret-style show called “Give My Regards” Jan. 22 at North Central College. The show begins at 6 p.m. in the College’s Madden Theatre.

During the show, he will perform popular songs spanning all genres and styles, interspersing them with his own recollections of the many composers, directors and performers who continue to inspire him.

He has accompanied such legendary Broadway icons as Eartha Kitt, Betty Buckley, Donna McKechnie and Laurie Beechman in concerts in New York and across the nation, and currently serves as the associate conductor of “Jersey Boys” at the Palazzo Theater in Las Vegas.

“’Give My Regards’ is a show I’ve put together. I’ve had a career of playing for great shows; great music of all sorts of genres from rock music to Broadway, and I’ve worked with a lot of amazing artists — singers, choreographers, conductors and composers,” he said. “This show essentially pays homage to that music from my perspective. I tell stories about the music that I play from my perspective as a pianist. I offer a setting, you might say.”

His show is almost entirely him and the piano.

“I will usually do this number that Katharine Hepburn actually recorded, and who knew she could sing? I figured if she could do it, so could I,” he said with a laugh. “That’s the only reason I would ever sing. I talk, I tell the stories, and I play the songs, essentially.”

Some songs you will hear include medleys from “Mamma Mia” and “Saturday Night Fever;” plus songs from musicals like “Cats” and “Jesus Christ Superstar.” You’ll even hear some ragtime and Liberace’s “Chopsticks.”

“It’s a variety of things,” he said. “It’s such a broad concept. It covers people and experiences in my life.”

Fortenberry has gone from being a four-year-old child plunking around on a toy piano in Southern Mississippi to playing at the Palazzo Theater in Las Vegas. It has been a remarkable journey, he said, and it’s that journey he shares with the audience.

“’Give My Regards’ — there are a lot of people who came across my path and a lot of experiences I’ve had that are going to bring me to Naperville, Illinois,” he said. “Never in my life did I dream that is where I would find myself. It will be an honor to be there.”

Get a sneak peak with this video!

GET TICKETS ONLINE

Best Plumbers in Chicago That We have Found

2012-01-02T23:00:15Z

A few months ago we needed a plumber ~ UGH, big sigh, we hate having to find contractors for anything... the drama, the unknown expense and the crazy service charges and fees when you don't know the lingo and whether or not you're simply being ripped off. It's hard to find good honest mechanics and contractors.

We needed and wanted a new kitchen sink installed to replace a really old one we hated and timely enough, our aging toilet was acting up and we decided to replace it as well and we were going to be "green" and get a dual-flush, environmentally-friendly low water usage toilet as a replacement.

We were flooded with memories... unfortunately, BAD MEMORIES of plumbers past! About 10 years ago, we had to hire a plumber to replace a hot water tank in our home. The guy had given us "an estimate" that seemed reasonable compared to 2 other plumbing contractors, but afterward, the job then allegedly "took longer" than he thought, so the final bill was $250 more than the original estimate.

Plus he was messy and we are sort of clean freaks! I had to do some major clean up after he left. Neat and tidy are not two words that are often associated with plumbers, or any contractor for that matter. In fact, many drive trucks up on your driveway leaking oil, leave supply packaging lying around your house, and drag who knows what into your home on their shoes!

Fast forward back to present. Late last summer we had met the Michael J. Goode,the owner from Goode Plumbing at a Business Expo in Chicago. Thank goodness we had tossed Mike's business card in one of our business card piles and easily found it!

We remembered Mike and his colleague, Jeff looked real professional in their uniforms (dark blue oxfords with company logo and khaki pants), were extremely friendly and seemed very knowledgeable in the few minutes we had chatted. So we had Goode Plumbing came out to our condo, give us a price quote, not an estimate, and again they seemed very professional and the type of contractors you could trust and were worth hiring. My partner wanted to get a second estimate, just for comparison, and so we did. The Goode Plumbing quote was better, and we hired them to do the work.

Mike Goode says, "We are really committed to providing the highest quality service in the industry. All of our work is done to a standard that we are consistently raising.

We make sure all of our technicians are polite, educated and complete extensive in-house training. Service and quality are so important. I promise to do my absolute best to ensure that a client's experience with us is excellent. We don't just promise you the best - I truly want to deliver that for a client.

Our claim of striving to be the best and to give you the best service in the industry is backed by our commitment to on going training, and by giving the best warranty in the business-if it fails because of the way we installed it, we'll take care of it for as long as the building we put it in is standing.

We will sell and install only excellent quality parts, products and materials.
We believe in the products that we sell by backing them not only by their own warranty , but ours as well: labor is covered too (not just the parts!) and for a minimum of two years."

They treat your home and property as if it were their own, leaving nothing behind but an outstanding plumbing job and your complete satisfaction. They even wear shoe covers/footies in your home.

Goode Plumbing is not one of these "fix-it" guys who was "handy" and got into plumbing. Owner Mike Goode has 18 years experience and Mike has completed an apprenticeship under a service plumber who owned a plumbing company and had 30 years of experience.

With all the talk about the environment and GREEN, Goode plumbing is a leader in those new technologies and products and Mike is currently going through a state certification process to be licensed as a GREEN plumber here in Illinois.

"At Goode Plumbing, we are continuously working to make our company more ecologically friendly. We have available, and encourage clients to ask about our high efficiency water heaters, on-demand water heaters, on-demand water faucets and dual flush toilets. We now use VOX chemicals, including PVC cement and primer. We recycle all cardboard and plastic packaging and all metals. And, our Sprinter diesel vans and restored Volkswagen Vans (modified with emissions controls!) average 20-25 mpg vs. the typical plumbing truck which averages 8-12 mpg. We continue to make changes to our company that aid in the protection and preservation of the environment.

We offer Rinnai tankless water heaters, Eternal Hybrid water heaters, A.O. Smith Vertex water condensing water heaters, and Bradford White storage water heaters. There are a number of alternatives to large, inefficient units that can save you money, give you more floor space, and cause less damage to the earth. There are also a number of rebates and credits available for the selection of some energy efficient units."

So next time you need a plumber - Don't Panic!
Take our advice and call GOODE PLUMBING!
They also have an outstanding history of happy customers,
and very high ratings with Angies List!


GOODE PLUMBING     and
GOODE PLUMBING TIPS

La Cage in Chicago till JAN 1

2011-12-27T00:37:16Z

Winner of three 2010 Tony Awards® including the award for BEST MUSICAL REVIVAL, this hilarious new production of LA CAGE AUX FOLLES was the biggest hit of the 2010 Broadway season, leaving audiences in stitches night after night!

LA CAGE starring George Hamilton and Christopher Sieber tells the story of Georges (George Hamilton), the owner of a glitzy nightclub in lovely Saint-Tropez, and his partner Albin (Christopher Sieber), who moonlights as the glamorous chanteuse Zaza. When Georges' son brings his fiancée's conservative parents home to meet the flashy pair, the bonds of family are put to the test as the feather boas fly! LA CAGE is a tuneful and touching tale of one family's struggle to stay together... stay fabulous... and above all else, stay true to themselves!

Playing at the Bank of America Theatre, this is an awesome theatre for this show!
2000 seats - not too big and no bad seats.

With a glorious score of hummable melodies and a dynamite cast featuring the "notorious and dangerous Cagelles," LA CAGE is an indisputable musical comedy classic... and this extraordinary new version shows you why!

Now thru January 01, 2012
Ticket prices are $32 to $100. LA CAGE AUX FOLLES

Farrell's Extreme BodyShaping Center Comes to Chicago's Lincoln Park

2011-12-12T17:43:55Z

Chicago's newest fitness center is under construction and nearing completion!

Farrell's Extreme Bodyshaping!
821 W. Blackhawk Street.
(North & Clybourn)
Chicago's most talked about,
newest bodyshaping center!

The gym will feature a large classroom area covered with inch thick martial arts mats and some serious duct work to keep the air moving when it's full of kicking and punching students.

The first 10 week session will begin January 21st, and they are accepting enrollments on NOW in the lobby of the Blackhawk on Halsted building. The lobby entrance is directly South of REI on Halsted. Structured parking is available at the back of the building for parking convenience.

Farrell’s eXtreme Bodyshaping is a results based fitness program for participants of any age, lifestyle, sex or athletic ability. The program was developed by Lance Farrell — a long-time taekwondo competitor and teacher — specifically to combat obesity and to help people develop healthy lifestyle habits by incorporating the fat-burning, strengthening and endurance building aspects of competitive martial arts training into a course for regular people who aren’t interested in sparring or contact drills.

In 45 minutes a day, six days a week, Farrell’s can help you make real changes in your fitness and overall health. Results are typical with the Farrell’s program. In 10 weeks with Farrell’s, you will see the eXtreme changes you expect out of your fitness and nutrition commitments.

The Farrell’s program combines four essential elements needed to make eXtreme changes in your bodyshape:

Cardiovascular exercise to Burn Fat
Strength training to Build Muscle
Nutrition plan to help you Eat Healthy
Instructors and coaches to keep you Encouraged throughout your journey

I JUST SIGNED UP FOR THIS - AND I AM SO EXCITED.

The last few years, my body has gotten out of shape and it really needs a kick start.

At each and every Farrell’s workout facility, we offer you a supportive environment to reach your fitness goals, while challenging participants to live Life at LEVEL 10. The philosophies Mr. Farrell valued most from his TaeKwonDo background — discipline, self-control and respect — are also the fundamental pillars of the eXtreme Bodyshaping program.

"Our mission is simple: We want to inspire you to live your life with power and purpose.

We are in business to help our members transform their lives —we have helped over 30,000 people (and counting!), and we are ready to help you too!"

FARRELL'S EXTREME BODY SHAPING

Chicago's Famous Fido Dog Rescue Holiday Dinner Dance Gala Dec. 9

2011-12-07T21:11:41Z

Famous Fido will be hosting a Gala Holiday Dinner, and you are all invited!

Eat, drink, dance, and shop at their Holiday Bazaar, Silent Auction and Raffle, and ALL OF the proceeds will benefit Famous Fido's important work in the year to come.

Come share the joy that animals bring to your life!

Friday, December 9, 6PM

Grossinger Auto Plex @ 1530 N Dayton Ave (North and Clybourn)

Tickets are $30 each, or $50 for 2
Dinner buffet, wine, beer and soft drinks! What a deal!

And Every dollar will go back to the animals. Join us in ringing in the holidays with some smiles, laughter, and joy, all for a great cause! Your support keeps these animals off the streets and gets them into the homes they deserve.

Purchase tickets
please call 773-907-0305 www.famousfidorescue.com

More details online.

Santa Speedo Run Happens in Chicago Dec. 10

2011-12-02T15:33:05Z

The famous Santa Speedo Run is now happening in Chicago!

It began in Boston in 2000 with 5 guys just looking to spread some holiday spirit. Since then it has attracted thousands, intent on raising money for children in need, to run through the streets of Boston, and several other North American cities, in December dressed in Speedo's and holiday flair.

SATURDAY Dec. 10th
12:00 - 3:00
The run will launch it's first ever Chicago Santa Speedo Run in Andersonville!

Introducing the new Santa Speedo Run in Andersonville! This first year, folks will be running for Vital Bridges!

"We are asking for a $20 minimum donation to participate in the race, so start your fundraising!"

Dress Code for the Run:
As the name of the event implies, you will want to wear a speedo and a Santa hat. Elves, Reindeer, Hanukkah Harrys, etc. ALL are welcome! Bags will be provided for you to check your clothes at The Sofo Tap. 4923 N. Clark.

Schedule of Events:

12:00pm - 1:30pm / Sign-in @ The Sofo Tap (4923 N Clark)

1:30pm / A few words while we get ready, then sing our Christmas Carol!
2:00pm / We begin our run along Clark St. north to Balmoral and back to Sofo (1 mile)
2:30pm / Awards

Spread the word and invite your friends!

RSVP on Facebook