I’ve been thinking about the long list of things there are available to do on Labor Day Weekend in Chicago and the list was actually best summarized by my mother in law who emailed me about Labor Day weekend plans already this morning (Tuesday). We can either:

1. Do a house project. In our case that means rip up the garden and replant things in a better organizational arangement. Or we could power wash the deck and start replacing boards that have rotted. Part of the problem with buying a 25 year old home is that the 25 year old parts of the home all look ok from a distance but really need updating when you look closely.

2. Go to Naperville’s Last Fling or one of the many other festivals and have a fun labor Day Weekend. if you don’t go out to party this weekend, bring the party home and give the BBQ grill one last big workout. We may end up having my brother and both sets of parents over for dinner. Hmmm, what to cook? There are also Labor Day Discounts on Broadway shows in Chicago through September 10th. See Billy Elliot for $59 and Shrek the Musical for $49 per person.

3. Go to the beach, in our case that is Michigan City Indiana, but Chicago has many beaches that should be enjoyed before the winter comes again for 6 months of cold and dreary weather.  Even if you just drive out to fall asleep in the sun, Labor Day Weekend  is one of the last chances to do this with the family, even if the kids have already started school for the year.

4. Go shopping. There are so many Labor Day Sales right now I can’t even list them. If you ever need furniture, this would be the weekend to go look at some. I got a 50% off email in my inbox 5 minutes ago from Darvin Furniture and I have seen other announcements from Macy’s, Carson’s and Bassett. It is a 3 day weekend (or 4 day if you take Friday off) and one last chance to finish projects with your house which in many cases means finding the right furniture for the space. I know how hard this is, considering my many months of searching for a sofa/couch for our living room. We also need a twin mattress and a King mattress to replace the horrible one I bought at the Harlem Furniture Room Place in March, it has sagged two divots where we sleep in 6 months of use, how horrible was that? We have to toss it out and start over, it’s $900 lost. 

I’m not sure if I will get to all these projects within 3 days but I am looking forward to getting at least some things done on this Labor Day Weekend.

Mother’s Day is just around the corner in May and I just saw an ad for flowers online. It is ok to send your mom flowers by mail for Mother’s Day, but it’s kind of the we-live-far-away gift. If you’re able to go see your mom on Mother’s day, do that instead! And here are some ideas for that time.

Mother’s Day Brunch: Lots of restaurants have a brunch on Mother’s Day or that weekend. Didn’t mom cook for you all those years? Every day? One brunch isn’t too much to ask.Mom’s want to spend time with their kids and grand-kids most of all, this gives them a setting to do that in where nobody has to get stuck with the dishes. Check the local hotels and country clubs (golf clubs) in your area for brunch special events. If you want a different experience there are Oddessy Cruises on Lake Michigan that are on Sundays for brunch that have a great view of the skyline in Chicago. If you’re really into cooking it’s always great to cook a brunch for mom or have her over (with dad too) for a family dinner.  

Gardening Time: I’ve been a big fan of going to the local garden center (even if its Home Depot or Lowes) the weekend before Mother’s Day and getting my mom a car full of bedding plants and perennials for her garden. We did something different this year, I paid for their crab-apple trees to be sprayed for fungus. Yes, not all that cuddly of a present, but with 3 trees plus a magnolia that had a fungus growing on it, that was a lot of money well spent to save plants so we didn’t have to buy or plant new ones. Either way you go, spend time in the garden with mom, help plant things too, they do appreciate the help, especially since you’re always off working and there are some heavy lifting jobs in gardening (especially with mulch or potting soil). The Chicago Botanic Gardens & The Morton Arboretum are also great places to go with mom, but you may want to reschedule Mother’s Day to a less crowded weekend before or after the actual holiday to avoid the huge crowds.  

Shopping: Ok, going to the mall isn’t the most cost effective way to spend time together in a recession, but even if you don’t buy anything it gives you a place to walk around and talk. Sometimes its just fun to look at new styles and chat.

Postpone the holiday for a special event:You can always get Mom tickets to the Theater or the Orchestra playing and make it a fun day out later in the month if you know what mom likes. Sometimes someone to go with to a cultural event is a lot of fun and different. (check out Broadway in Chicago for updated show listings) The Art Institute is always a great day out and then a trip to Macy’s (Marshall Fields) can bring back old memories and traditions.

Craft Time: Taking a pottery class together or with grand-kids can always be fun and a creative way to spend time together. Local community colleges usually have classes as do places likeLill Street and other Chicago pottery studios. The neat thing about this is you get something glazed a few weeks later and you have the memory of something you made while spending time together.

And if you have to send something across the country to Mom and don’t have time to publish a book on Blurb or Flickr of all the family photos you have been taking on your iPhone of the kids, send an orchid plant. They last a long time, as do the flowers and only need water about once a week. They are a better deal than cut flowers that wilt in a day. (if you live in Chicago I recommend Hausermann’s Orchids in Villa Park for the most exotic and reasonably priced plants!)

We’re super grateful to both mom’s this year. We got married last summer and both moms were a great help in planning and getting everything done for the wedding. Since then we’ve sold one house and bought another and moved in. My husband’s mom has been instrumental in helping us clean and stage the house we sold and has been very helpful about getting the new one settled too. We will be celebrating family this year on Mother’s day.

Now that we are racing towards the end of 2009 and the beginning of a new decade in 2010 it’s time to reflect upon how Chicago fared this year.

Early in 2009 most of us in Chicago were just happy that Rod Blagojevichwas slowly dropping out of the news and we didn’t have to hear about him every day anymore. The stupidity and lies involved with that scandal were just disgusting regarding the abuse of power.

Image Via Gawker.com

2009 started out with a flurry of excitement over Barack Obama being elected president and the inauguration in Washington. Yes this was a proud moment for Chicago but it was really a moment for the entire country and we were just happy to be a stop in Barack’s ever changing and evolving successful career. Since then we’ve learned that even if a person has their heart in the right place and wants to make real progress for the nation, it doesn’t mean it will actually happen. Sure, we’re only 1 year into a 4 year term, but besides some small reversals of stem cell and corporate banking and governance laws and the constant life support for the economy we haven’t seen the change we all hoped so much for. Especially regarding Iraq and Afghanistan.

I’m not a political blogger so I don’t really have the patience for all the arguing that goes on with officials in Washington about details of people’s lives half a world away, but the simplified truth is that the war costs an immense amount, we have to take out massive loans to pay for it and those loans need repayment or else the rest of the economy will falter like never before. I can’t see how the governments (national, state and local) can get away with neglecting infrastructure like bridges falling down and schools with failing grades because they say we can’t afford it and by doing so cheat our future, while fighting this very expensive war to provide a hazy goal of future oil and supposedly less future terrorism? Its not working, and the huge bureaucratic system full of people who want the war to continue won’t let Obama change things that the citizens want changed. So, the presidency is becoming less inspirational these days and more tuned out like the last one.

One of the most frustrating events was Chicago’s bid for the 2016 Olympics. Many people got caught up in the possibility of this relatively small city (of 9 million people) hosting that huge international event and with stars in our eyes we plastered posters over any surface possible (and hanging over the edge of the Chicago River Bridge for Michigan Avenue) in hopes to spread the feeling of sport, spirit and rainbows. Unfortunately in a recession where the unemployment rate and foreclosure rate keep climbing, it was difficult to generate excitement about a several billion dollar bill. Most of us see the obvious dollar signs in the eyes of the corporate and government sponsors/hosts and know we the citizens would be footing the bill in many ways. Higher fees for products and services, more congestion, more construction fouling up traffic and most of all; a bevy of new higher taxes were what we avoided by being eliminated by the IOC from the final four in the first round. What a huge relief!

In other Big Chicago News in 2009 Oprah Winfrey announced that 2010 will be her last year hosting the Oprah Winfrey Show. While many people were apathetic about that news we were scared that the headquarters for HARPO Productions would move to LA with Oprah and take with it some of the few notable broadcasting and media jobs still in Chicago. Luckilly they announced that HARPO would stay put for now and they get some juicy tax breaks as a result. Over time Oprah’s show got to be more about sales and marketing promotions for companies and less about real people and the social issues in society which she gained popularity covering through the 80′s and 90′s. Access on the internet to quick and deep disclosure by celebrities about their lives is another reason the show is less of a novelty. Oprah.com has always been a closed site requiring membership to see content and recently I could not even find a copy of the White House Christmas episode online to view. How can they show something like that once and never share it on the internet?

The topic on most people’s minds the most in 2009 has been the economy and jobs. Too few companies are doing ok and everyone knows too many people out of work. The office where I work has about half the staff it had two years ago.  Chicago is one of the fixtures on the rust belt, but many of us thought that had passed with jobs in finance, technology, health care and sales leading the way in Chicago in the last 10 years. Most of that growth seems to be gone and Chicago bounces between 9% and 11.4%, always above the national average. (October (10.3%) is the most recent data available, metropolitan unemployment rates are about 2 months behind)  A few of the big layoffs in Chicago in 2009 were from: The City of Chicago, KPMG, Motorola, Chicago Public Schools, Deloitte, E&Y, Tribune, Conde Nast, Art Institute of Chicago, CTA, Just about every Law Firm, Boeing, CDW, CareerBuilder, Orbitz and many more. As a result of people loosing jobs and being upside down on their mortgages the number of Foreclosed Homes has jumped also. The economy and all the unemployed workers have also framed the Health Care Debate in Washington this year because they have either lost health insurance when they lost their job or many could not afford it to begin with. Some looked to independent insurance like Personal Care Insurance Group Health Plan Illinois and others just went with Blue Cross or without any Insurance all together. We all are responsible for what decisions are made on health care reform and it will affect all of us as we get older and need more health care services.

My hope is that 2010 and beyond will be better since this has been a difficult decade for Chicagoans. While on the surface the city may be cleaner/prettier and have more luxury shopping, hotels and condos, the average citizen probably has not had a great improvement in their finances or job situation on average. We’re a great city filled with hard working and determined people. We have to re-energize the city, refresh the identity of Chicago around our strengths and move forward again. Hopefully things will be in a better place in 2020.

The L decked out for Christmas with lights and lots of decorations.

Adapted from all the listings I have collected this is the 25 best things to do in Chicago this Christmas. Take note, many of these Christmas activities are free and fun for the whole family. Whether it is a showing of the Nutcracker, Christmas Caroling, shopping at ChristkindleMarket, seeing A Christmas Carol or Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer show, seeing Winter Wonderfest or Zoolights, there is plenty to plan your weekend with this holiday season. As always call the phone numbers listed for more information, addresses an times. If you plan on attending these holiday events in Chicago please take public transportation on your way there to minimize traffic and avoid the cost of parking downtown ($25+). Chicagoweekendfun.com wishes everyone the warmest and most fun holiday season yet!

 A BREAKFAST WITH SANTA- Fun for kids! This breakfast with santa features a special appearance by Chicago Bear Jerry Azumah and if you bring a handmade ornament you can enter to win prized. Bring an unwrapped gift to donate to the Walter and Connie Payton foundation. United Club at Soldier Field, 1410 South Museum Campus, (312)235-7162. December 5th @ 10 AM. $50, $25 best for kids 3-12, An RSVP is required.

THE 11TH ANNUAL BUCKTOWN HOLIDAY ARTSHOW - All kinds of local art at many price levels including photography, jewelry, watercolors and more. The creativity in the art is beyond what you can find in a big box store for christmas. Holstein Park Fieldhouse, 2200 North Oakley St, (312)742-7554. December 12th and 13th, 11am to5pm, $2 entry fee.

CHRISTMAS CAROLING AT THE CLOUD GATE (the bean) – Join groups of carolers for a weekly sing-along @ Millennium Park, 201 East Randolph St, (312)742-1168. Fridays through December 18th @ 6pm. Free!

The Music Box Theater

The 14TH ANNUAL CHRISTKINDLMARKET @ DALEY PLAZA – This outdoor German market on Daley Plaza offers vendors selling authentic German food, drinks and handmade goods like ornaments and clothing. Some favorites are Beer, Potato pancakes and Christmas Ornaments. Daley Plaza, 50 West Washington St, (312)494-2175. November 25th through December 24th. Free!

68TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD/14TH ANNUAL HOLIDAYS OF LIGHT Museum of Science and Industry – A tradition at the Museum of Science and Industry, see where Christmas is celebrated around the world with Christmas trees, music, dancing and some exhibits of other winter holidays, including Diwali, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. At the Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 South Lake Shore Drive, (773)684-1414. November 20th through January 3rd. Free with general Museum of Science and Industry admission of $9-$13.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL Theater – The classic tale of mean ol’ Ebenezer Scrooge turned around by the Goodman Theater. See what Christmas is really supposed to be about and bring the whole family. At the Goodman Theatre, 170 North Dearborn St, (312)443-3800. Now Showing from November 20th through December 31st. Tickets are $25-$74, or $10 for students.

The 26TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS SING-ALONG AND DOUBLE FEATURE MOVIES – Come see two favorite classic Christmas Movies and sing some carols too —“It’s a Wonderful Life” and “White Christmas”— at the Music Box Theatre, 3733 North Southport Ave, (773)871-6604. December 18th through December 24th. Tickets are $16 for the double feature, or $11 for the single.

Christmas HOLIDAY FLOWER SHOW – Garfield Park Conservatory has more holiday flowers than you can dream of. Fields of poinsettias and other holiday plants are in their vast and amazing greenhouses for viewing. Come see this horticultual treasure in Chicago. The Garfield Conservatory, 300 North Central Park, (312)746-5100. Open November 28th through January 10th. Free, but donations appreciated.

MILLENNIUM PARK ICE SKATING – We have already written about the fun of skating downtown among the skyline, but I will say it again, grab your skates and head over to the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink on Michigan Avenue in Millennium Park. The 2009-2010 season runs from November 20th through March 14th. (also fun around Valentine’s day)

The Michigan Avenue Bridge over the Chicago River

THE JOFFREY BALLET PRESENTS THE NUTCRACKER – The exclusive Joffrey Ballet “The Nutcracker” is only here for two weeks. Don’t miss the amazing ballet dance troupe performing this Christmas classic at the Auditorium Theatre, 50 East Congress, call for more info (800)982-2787. December 11th through December 27th. Tickets are $25-$100.

RENEGADE CRAFT FAIR HOLIDAY SALE – 150 local, national and international artists show their unique creations Come browse the handmade jewelry, clothing and comics, among a plethora of other goodies. Pulaski Park Fieldhouse, 1419 W. Blackhawk, (773)227-2707. Dec 5 and Dec 6, 11am-7pm. Free.

RUDOLPH THE RED NOSED REINDEER – The classic tale of Rudolph in a funny, family-friendly retelling of said story. The Annoyance Theatre, 4830 N. Broadway, (773)561-4665. Nov 27-Dec 18. $15, $10 for kids under 12.

SANTA’S HOUSE & Photos With SANTA – Sit on Jolly Ol’ St. Nick’s lap, tell him what you want for Christmas and get a picture. Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington, (312)744-3315. Nov 26-Dec 24. Free.

SONGS OF GOOD CHEER – Chicago Tribune’s Eric Zorn and Mary Schmich and musicians head a caroling party at the Old Town School of Folkmusic. Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 North Lincoln, (773)728-6000. December 18-December 19 @ 7:30 pm, and December 20 @ 5 pm. Tickets are $36-$40.

Macy's (Marshall Field's) on State Street all decked out

32ND ANNUAL TOYS FOR TOTS MOTORCYCLE PARADE – This annual event is beneficial to the greater community with thousands of motorcycle riders delivering toys of all kinds so they can be donated to families in need. You can donate toys at any of the many stops along the routes. Dan Ryan Woods, 8300 South Western Avenue, (708)771-1062. December 6th @ 9:30 am. Free, toy donation required (no stuffed animals please).

VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS HOME TOURS – Tour Frank Lloyd Wright’s Oak Park home, decked out for the holidays, and learn about the Wright family’s Christmas celebrations. Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, 951 Chicago Avenue in Oak Park, (708)848-1976. December 12th and December 19th at 9am-11am. Free!

WELCOME YULE! – A holiday concert featuring members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, as well as the Welcome Yule! Children’s and Dance Ensemble. Symphony Center, 220 South Michigan Avenue, (312)294-3000. December 18th through December 23rd. Tickets: $20-$98.

WINTER WONDERFEST NAVY PIER – Keeping the tradition of elaborate holiday tourist traps alive, Navy Pier transforms itself into a winter wonderland complete with a skating rink, inflatable games and a bungee run. Santa and his elves will be on hand every day ‘til Christmas to listen to kid’s holiday wishes. Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand, (312)595-PIER. Dec 4-Jan 3. $16-$19.

WONDERLAND EXPRESS MODEL TRAINS – Eighty model trains travel through Chicago landmarks, waterfalls and holiday trees in this 10,000-square-foot exhibit, tiny trains wind through more than 80 miniature Chicago landmarks, waterfalls, holiday trees and more. New on the map this year is Barack Obama’s Hyde Park home and Michelle Obama’s childhood home. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook, Glencoe, (847)835-5440. Nov 27-Jan 3. $6-$10.

ZOOLIGHTS @ LINCOLN PARK ZOO – More than two million lights add beautiful holiday cheer to the Lincoln Park Zoo. The activities include visits with Santa, kid’s activities and ice carving demonstrations. Lincoln Park Zoo, 2200 North Cannon, (312)742-2000. November 27th through January 3rd. Free!

I got an email from the nice people at Ebay last week letting me know that they would be on Michigan Avenue with a truck full of computers and a bunch of personal shoppers to help you find what you need in gifts to buy and ship anywhere in the USA this holiday season.

I saw the truck and the Ebay display as I walked to work this morning and remembered that these sidewalk promotions on Michigan Avenue downtown usually have somewhat mixed results for the company and the consumer. (which reminds me there was no Ocean Spray Cranberry Bog in the  410 plaza Michigan Avenue this October either, but they were ripping up pavement there too.)

Consumers walking on Michigan Avenue really want to get where they are going. About 80% of the people walking are people who work there and are either going to work, getting a quick lunch or going home. We don’t want to be interrupted or stopped by someone selling something because we just don’t have any spare time. The other 20% of people are tourists, but they are likley leary of someone trying to stop them also if they are in an unfamiliar town. You would be surprised how hard it is to give out free samples on a street like this where people don’t really want anything.

Ebay seemed to have a good mix of curiosity with the large computer truck set up on the turnaround drive in front of the Wrigley Building and a few people scattered on the sidewalk to answer questions without being a pest. If you work downtown in Chicago, stop by and check it out. Challenge the personal shoppers to a question about your toughest person to buy a gift for this Christmas.

You can search for Ebay items on the laptops they have set up and everyone was very friendly. I will go take a picture at lunch to share how it looks so you can stop by if it looks interesting.

The point of this post is that even though I find sidewalk promotions on Michigan Avenue in Chicago annoying, I do like the idea of finding unique gifts on Ebay for Christmas Shopping. (and people shop for just about everything else on Michigan Ave right?)

Personally I am bidding on some china plates for my mother in law for Christmas because she can’t find them anywhere and has lost several over the years (she only has 5 plates left and 2 bowls!) I also think its a neat place to find electronics at a better price than retail stores and a great source for antiques and jewelry. So, by chance I happen to actually agree with the point of the campaign. (I usually personally have an affinity for about 1/100 of the emails I am sent through the site)

Whether people will be buying a lot for Christmas this year is yet to be seen but Ebay is trying to get the word out that there are lower priced options and greener alternatives to buying new stuff every year and I agree with that. Another interesting place to check out is Etsy, which I am sure Ebay doesn’t want me to mention, but it’s like Ebay with out the auctions and with more interesting well marketed /photographed/hand crafted stuff. And there is always the donate to charity option for the Holidays if you have too much stuff too. I have a feeling that this will not be a typical Christmas in Chicago.

I just wanted to share the list of streets closed for this weekend’s Bank of America Chicago Marathon in the city. If you live downtown or up north in Chicago, beware of parking bans and getting your car towed tonight also in addition to these streets that will be inaccessible. Most streets re-open on Sunday afternoon when the race is over, but some streets take longer to clear and won’t be open again until Monday morning. If you are viewing/cheering the Chicago Marathon, take public transportation downtown. If you live in the area, I recommend staying in for the weekend, or using public transit. Driving will be difficult. But then again its just once a year.

The following information was provided by the Chicago Police Department.

Please note that although the Bank of America Marathon is on Sunday, some street closures will be in effect as early as Thursday evening.

Bank of America Chicago Marathon Date: Sunday, 11 Oct 09

Start Time: 7:30 am

Start Location: Monroe and Columbus

Finish Location: Columbus north of Roosevelt Street

Closures for site set up, event and teardown:

• Columbus from Roosevelt to Congress Pkwy- Closed: Friday, 09 Oct 09 at 10am Opened: Monday, 12 Oct 09 at 6am
• Columbus from Congress Pkwy to Jackson- Closed: Sunday, 11 Oct 09 at 3am Opened: Sunday, 11 Oct 09 at 4pm
• Columbus from Jackson to Monroe- Closed: Sunday, 11 Oct 09 at 3am Opened: Sunday, 11 Oct 09 at 11am
• Columbus from Monroe to Randolph- Closed: Sunday, 11 Oct 09 at 3 am Opened: Sunday, 11 Oct 09 at 9:30am
• Balbo from Columbus to LSD- Closed: Thursday, 09 Oct 09 at 7pm Opened: Monday, 12 Oct 09 at 6am
• Balbo from Michigan to Columbus- Closed: Friday, 10 Oct 09 at 10am Opened: Monday, 12 Oct 09 at 6am
• Congress Pkwy from Michigan to Columbus- Closed: Sunday, 11 Oct 09 at 3am Opened: Sunday, 11 Oct 09 at 4pm
• North & South Congress Circle Michigan to Congress Pkwy- Closed: Sunday, 11 Oct 09 at 3am Opened: Sunday, 11 Oct 09 at 3pm
• Jackson from Michigan to Columbus- Closed: Sunday, 11 Oct 09 at 3am Opened: Sunday, 11 Oct 09 at 11am
• Jackson from Columbus to LSD- Closed: Saturday, 10 Oct 09 at 6am Opened: Monday, 12 Oct 09 at 6am
• Monroe from Michigan to LSD- Closed: Sunday, 11 Oct 09 at 3am Opened: Sunday, 11 Oct 09 at 9:30am

For further marathon route and information go to chicagomarathon.com There will be rolling street closures and streets will be opened as soon as it is safe to do so. Also check the Chicago CTA website for updates on how they have modified the bus routes for the weekend and added extra trains to handle crowds.

Hello Kitty and some friends at a past parade

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and along with some turkey and stuffing, the yearly tradition is to watch or go see the Chicago Thanksgiving Day parade downtown. Not everyone can make it downtown to see the parade in person but if you can, dress warm and come early to get a good spot to see all the floats and performers. This year the parade is sponsored by McDonalds so expect to see a lot of McDonalds Thanksgiving Day parade mentions. Maybe they will be giving out some of their yummy coffee drinks at the parade? We can only hope!

The details for seeing the parade are:

McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade
Thursday November 26, 2009 from 8-11am CST
Downtown Chicago (along State Street from Congress to Randolph) 60611

This year’s McDonald’s® Thanksgiving Parade in downtown Chicago will include giant inflatable balloons, some of the nation’s top marching bands, and the best performances from cultures around the world. The parade takes place on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26, 2009 from 8 to 11 am CST along State Street, from Congress to Randolph.

This holiday tradition kicks off with “Zing Zang Zoom,” a lively performance from Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus.

The parade will be led by Honorary Grand Marshal Ronald McDonald® and includes performances from the acrobatic USA Baton Twirling Team, the Jesse White Tumblers, the Mobile Azalea Trail Maids and Hromovystia Ukrainian Dance Ensemble.

This year’s parade also features marching bands from all over the country, including Castlewood High School (Castlewood, SD), Northwest Rankin Cougar Band (Flowood, MS) and Lancaster High School (Lancaster, OH). Chicagoland’s best high school bands will also be appearing at the parade, including the Marist High School Marching Redhawks and the Providence Catholic Marching Celtics.

The McDonald’s® Thanksgiving Parade also includes giant inflatable balloons, beautiful cultural performance groups and “Mr. Jolly Holiday” Santa Claus. Teddy Turkey, Chicago’s favorite turkey, will be there as well to spread smiles and holiday spirit to children of all ages.

The Thanksgiving Parade was originally called the Christmas Caravan in the 1930’s, and was created to help lift the spirits of residents suffering though the Great Depression. With today’s economic uncertainty, the McDonald’s® Thanksgiving Parade hopes to entertain and brighten the holidays for everyone watching.

For people wanting a closer look and seat to see the action, a limited number of VIP Experience packages are available at the parade’s website: chicagofestivals.org. These special packages include amenities including VIP Seats, a light continental breakfast and much more.

WGN Channel 9 in Chicago will air the parade on television live and in high definition from 8 to 11 a.m CST on Thursday, November. 26. WGN America will also broadcast the parade nationally, establishing it as one of only three parades in the country to be covered live, in its entirety, on a national television broadcast.

The Tony Award Winning Musical Theater Show Jersey Boys will be leaving Chicago and the LaSalle Bank Theater in 2010. The last block of tickets are on sale now for the first week in January, and selling quickly. I can’t stress enough that if you have not seen this musical, you should soon because there is nothing else like it. The true behind the scenes story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons is more dramatic than anything someone could write and the amazing songs tell a lot of the story.

I saw this show during its preview run back two and a half years ago. My life was completely in flux then but the show and the actors that play the Four Seasons drew me into their performance so much that I bought tickets to give to family as Christmas gifts that year so everyone else could go see it. Most of the people there were baby boomers when I saw the show (it probably has even more meaning since they remember the songs from their own lives growing up) but I thought it appealed to younger generations as well with the reality of the struggles the singers faced and the behind the scenes look at the group over the years. And I think they re-aranged the music even better than the originals with better technology this time around. (Usually Broadway ruins original music like in the Swing era, but I was pleasantly surprised here)

I am sorry to see the Jersey Boys go and sorry I could not go see the Broadway show again. It was an incredibly moving show and one I won’t soon forget. If you want to get tickets to these last few shows before they leave the Theater District in Chicago, check out Ticketmaster today.

The Chicago Gourmet Festival 2009 is going to be a huge foodie event in Chicago. On Saturday September 26th and Sunday September 27th in Millennium Park (age 21 and up because there is a lot of wine!) there will be many opportunities to revel in being a foodie and try out new wines with some of the top gourmet food in Chicago. (see schedule below) This is the ultimate event for someone who really likes to be on the cutting edge for cooking/entertaining with friends and wants to learn from the expert presentations. The Chicago Gourmet Festival does get crowded though and sometimes there is more wine than food, which is not always a good combination.

So, my advice for attending the Chicago Gourmet Festival is take the CTA public transportation, get there early before they run out of food and bring a notepad to take notes if you hear something you really want to make at home. You can also purchase cook books at chef signings which is cool but expensive. The neatest part is to get to see some of these accomplished chefs work in person in their demonstrations and possibly taste some new gourmet flavors and wines.

Tickets are $120for general admission from 11 am – 5 pm for one day. (Saturday or Sunday)Tickets for 2 days are $240. Tickets for Grand Cru tastings are $175 in addition to the admission fees. Its not cheap, but it is rare that you can get access to an event like this open to the public, so for the people who love gourmet food and the exclusivity of the famous presenters it is probably worth it for the unique experience. Then again they probably assume that if you’re cooking gourmet food all the time, you can probably afford it. (I’m not sure that is true anymore in this economy though) They have an elaborate buy tickets online system and you print them directly off the internet so there is no waiting for tickets in the mail. Print this page for the complete schedule to take with you the day of the Chicago Gourmet Festival. AMEX card holders get a special 15% discount.

The events and demonstrations and book signings are listed below with the schedule for the 2009 Chicago Gourmet event:

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 26:

Listings by Time Title Host and Location
11:30am – 12:00pm Perfect Pairings Ted Allen, Food and Wine Ambassador for
Robert Mondavi Private Selections wines Jay Pritzker Pavilion Main Stage
12:30pm – 1:00pm Mexico Meets the Sea Rick Bayless,Frontera Grill/Topolobampo
Paul Bartolotta, BARTOLOTTA Ristorante di Mare Marcus Samuelsson, C-House Jay Pritzker Pavilion
Main Stage
1:30pm – 2:00pm Peaches & Pork Mindy Segal, Hot Chocolate Bill Kim, Urban Belly
Stephanie Izard, The Drunken Goat Jay Pritzker Pavilion Main Stage
2:30pm – 3:00pm Signatures of Santa Margherita Fabio Vivani, Bravo’s Top Chef and Cafe Firenze
Anthony Terlato, Terlato Wines International Jay Pritzker Pavilion Main Stage
3:30pm – 4:00pm Fish with Flair John Hogan, Tavern at the Park/Keefer’s Tony Mantuano, Spiaggia
Thierry Rautureau, Rover’s Jay Pritzker Pavilion Main Stage
4:30pm – 5:00pm The Artistry of Seafood & Salt Jose Garces, Mercat a la Planxa Jimmy Sneed, SugarToad
Ken Vedrinski, Trattoria Lucca Jay Pritzker Pavilion Main Stage
5:15pm – 5:45pm Prime Cuts Klaus Fritsch, Morton’s The Steakhouse
Rock Harper, Chefrock Inc. Jay Pritzker Pavilion Main Stage
12:00pm – 12:30pm Seasonal Cuisine Bruce Sherman, North Pond Gourmet Pavilion Culinary Stage
1:00pm – 1:30pm Upgrading Your Pantry: Must Have Pantry Items From “Wine Bar Food” Tony and Cathy Mantuano, Spiaggia Gourmet Pavilion Culinary Stage
2:00pm – 2:30pm Spice Up Thai Food Arun Sampanthavivat, Arun’s Gourmet Pavilion Culinary Stage
3:00pm – 3:30pm Demystifying Whole Fish Cookery Paul Bartolotta, BARTOLOTTA Ristorante di Mare Gourmet Pavilion Culinary Stage
4:00pm – 4:30pm The Multi Uses of Mojo Randy Zweiban, Province Gourmet Pavilion Culinary Stage
5:00pm – 5:30pm Two Countries, Two Traditions, One Plate Carlos Gaytan, Mexique Gourmet Pavilion
Culinary Stage

WINE SEMINARS
Time Title Host Location
11:45am – 12:30pm Exploring Champagne Fernando Beteta, Master Sommelier Choral Room
1:00pm – 1:45pm Understanding the Difference between Great Wines and Good Wines William Terlato, President Terlato Wines International Choral Room
2:15pm – 3:00pm Franciscan Estates Bordeaux Style Blending Fred Dame, Master Sommelier Choral Room
3:30pm – 4:15pm American Tradition Since 1795 Fred Noe, Master Distiller
Beam Global Choral Room
4:45pm – 5:30pm Beer’s Intrinsic Affinity For Culinary Pairing Ryan Johnson, U.S. Trade Brewer/Certified Cicerone MillerCoors Choral Room
11:30am – 12:15pm Green Winegrowing Paul Dolan, Owner
Mendocino Wine Co. Park Grill South Plaza Tent
12:45pm – 1:30pm Where Innovation Meets Tradition:
The Versatility of Prosecco Manlio Collavini, Owner Mionetto Winery Park Grill South Plaza Tent
2:00pm – 2:45pm Why French Wine Matters Today Martin Sinkoff Frederick Wildman & Sons Park Grill
South Plaza Tent
3:15pm – 4:00pm Discovering the Wines of Costello di Monsanto… A Tuscan Treasure Laura Bianchi, Owner Moet Hennessy Park Grill South Plaza Tent

GRAND CRU TASTING
Listed by Time Title Host and Location
4:00pm – 5:30pm Grand Cru Tasting Event Fred Dame MS, Alpana Singh MS, Serafin Alvarado MS and Fernando Betata MS Choral Room

GOURMET TASTINGS PAVILIONS
Listed by Time Theme Presenter and Location
11:00am – 2:00pm Regional American Paul Virant, Vie Restaurant Gourmet Pavilion I
11:00am – 2:00pm Regional American Paul Kahan, Blackbird
Michael Sheerin, Blackbird Gourmet Pavilion I
11:00am – 2:00pm Regional American Kevin Hickey, Four Seasons Hotel Gourmet Pavilion I
11:00am – 2:00pm Regional American John Hogan, Keefer’s Gourmet Pavilion I
2:30pm – 5:30pm Regional American Stephanie Izard, The Drunken Goat Gourmet Pavilion I
2:30pm – 5:30pm Regional American Andrew Zimmerman, Sepia Gourmet Pavilion I
2:30pm – 5:30pm Regional American Graham Elliot Bowles, graham elliot Gourmet Pavilion I
2:30pm – 5:30pm Regional American Jimmy Bannos, Heaven on Seven Gourmet Pavilion I
11:00am – 2:00pm Latin Carlos Gaytan, Mexique Gourmet Pavilion II
11:00am – 2:00pm Latin Randy Zweiban, Province Gourmet Pavilion II
11:00am – 2:00pm Latin Jose Garces, Mercat a la Planxa Gourmet Pavilion II
11:00am – 2:00pm Latin Café 28 Gourmet Pavilion II
2:30pm – 5:30pm Latin Zapatista Gourmet Pavilion II
2:30pm – 5:30pm Latin Nicholas Ibarzabal, 5411 Empanadas Gourmet Pavilion II
2:30pm – 5:30pm Latin Mario Santiago, May Street Café & Catering Gourmet Pavilion II
2:30pm – 5:30pm Latin Mercadito Gourmet Pavilion II
11:30pm – 2:30pm Stockyard Philip Foss, Lockwood at Palmer House Gourmet Pavilion III
11:30pm – 2:30pm Stockyard John Gatsos, Tavern on Rush Gourmet Pavilion III
11:30pm – 2:30pm Stockyard Mario Navarro, Gene & Georgetti’s Gourmet Pavilion III
11:30pm – 2:30pm Stockyard Fogo De Chao Gourmet Pavilion III
3:00pm – 6:00pm Stockyard Capital Grille Gourmet Pavilion III
3:00pm – 6:00pm Stockyard Flemings Gourmet Pavilion III
3:00pm – 6:00pm Stockyard Ditka’s Gourmet Pavilion III
3:00pm – 6:00pm Stockyard Gale St. Inn Gourmet Pavilion III
11:30pm – 2:30pm Asian Jackie Shen, Red Light Gourmet Pavilion IV
11:30pm – 2:30pm Asian Rodelio Aglibot, Sunda Gourmet Pavilion IV
11:30pm – 2:30pm Asian Joshua Linton, Ajasteak Gourmet Pavilion IV
11:30pm – 2:30pm Asian Bill Kim, Urban Belly Gourmet Pavilion IV
11:30pm – 2:30pm Asian Le Colonial Gourmet Pavilion IV
3:00pm – 6:00pm Asian Arun Sampanthavivat, Arun’s Gourmet Pavilion IV
3:00pm – 6:00pm Asian Hans Aeschbacher, Trader Vic’s Gourmet Pavilion IV
3:00pm – 6:00pm Asian Tony Hu, Lao Szechuan Gourmet Pavilion IV
3:00pm – 6:00pm Asian Gene Kato, Japonais Gourmet Pavilion IV
3:00pm – 6:00pm Asian Carol Wallack, Sola Restaurant
Alex Shalev, Sola Restaurant Gourmet Pavilion IV
11:30pm – 6:00pm Dessert Fannie May Dessert Pavilion

BOOK SIGNINGS
Time Title Author(s) Location
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm The Food You Want To Eat Ted Allen Author’s Corner
1:30 pm – 2:00 pm Mexican Everyday The Soul of a New Cuisine Osteria Tru
Amuse-Bouche Rick Bayless Marcus Samuelsson Rick Tramonto

Author’s Corner 2:30pm – 3:00pm Wine Bar Food Tony and Cathy Mantuano
Author’s Corner 3:30pm – 4:00pm Taste TBD Anthony Terlato & Fabio Viviani
Author’s Corner 4:30pm – 5:00pm Morton’s The Steakhouse: 100 Steakhouse Recipes for Every Kitchen
Rover’s: Recipes from Seattle’s Chef in the Hat!!! Klaus Fritsch Thierry Rautureau

Author’s Corner 5:15pm – 5:45pm Latin Evolution Jose Garces Author’s Corner

Sunday, September 27, 2009 11am – 5pm

LIVE COOKING DEMONSTRATIONS
Time Title Host Location
11:30am – 12:00pm Farm to Table Carrie Nahabedian, NAHA
Kevin Hickey, Four Seasons Hotel Chicago Jay Pritzker Pavilion
Main Stage
12:30pm – 1:00pm Tallgrass and Green City Market Bounty Sarah Stegner, Prairie Grass Cafe
George Bumbaris, Prairie Grass Cafe Jay Pritzker Pavilion
Main Stage
1:30pm – 2:00pm Flavors of Italy John Colletta, Quartino
Federico Comacchio, Phil Stefani’s 437 Rush Jay Pritzker Pavilion
Main Stage
2:30pm – 3:00pm Asian Delights Jackie Shen, Red Light
Takashi Yagihashi, Takashi Jay Pritzker Pavilion
Main Stage
3:30pm – 4:00pm Rustic Delicacies Dirk Flanigan, The Gage
Tony Priolo, Piccolo Sogno Jay Pritzker Pavilion
Main Stage
4:15pm – 4:45pm Savory Starts Michael Altenberg, Bistro Campagne
Art Smith, Table Fifty-Two Jay Pritzker Pavilion

Main Stage
11:15am – 11:45am How to Make a Classic Hollandaise Sauce Shelley Young, Chopping Block Gourmet Pavilion
Culinary Stage
12:00am – 12:30pm Cheese Fonduta John Colletta, Quartino Gourmet Pavilion
Culinary Stage
1:00pm – 1:30pm TBD Paul Katz, Harry Caray’s Gourmet Pavilion
Culinary Stage
2:00pm – 2:30pm Savory and Sweet Desserts Martial Noguier, Café des Architectes
Suzanne Imaz, Café des Architectes Gourmet Pavilion
Culinary Stage
3:00pm – 3:30pm Mini Rockit Burgers James Gottwald, Rockit Bar & Grill Gourmet Pavilion
Culinary Stage
4:00pm – 4:30pm Caribbean Ceviche Luigi Garcia, RIVA Gourmet Pavilion
Culinary Stage

WINE SEMINARS
Listed by Time Title Host and Location
11:45am – 12:30pm Wines Best Kept Secrets Revealed Serafin Alvarado, Master Sommelier Choral Room
1:00pm – 1:45pm Wine Pairing in Chicago Neighborhoods Alpana Singh, Master Sommelier Choral Room
2:15pm – 3:00pm Special Ticketed Event -GAJA: 150 Years of Winemaking Heritage Gaia Gaja, Co-Owner

Gaja Family Wine Estates Choral Room
3:30pm – 4:15pm Carneros… Napa’s Unique Appellation Jay Schupert, President

Cuvaison Estate Wines Choral Room
11:30am – 12:15pm The Versatility of Prosecco Enore Ceola, Winemaker
Mionetto Winery Park Grill

South Plaza Tent
12:45pm – 1:30pm If The Wine Matters, So Does The Glass Robert Hall, President
Bottega del Vino Crystal Park Grill

South Plaza Tent
2:00pm – 2:45pm Green Wine Revolution: What Does It Mean? Serafin Alvarado MS, Alpana Singh MS,
Fred Dame MS, and Fernando Beteta MS Park Grill

South Plaza Tent
3:15pm – 4:00pm Seasonal Cocktails from the Garden to
Glass Bridget Albert, Mixologist
Southern Wine & Spirits of Illinois Park Grill
South Plaza Tent

GRAND CRU TASTING
Listed by Time Title Host and Location
3:30pm – 5:00pm Grand Cru Tasting Event featuring Fred Dame MS, Alpana Singh MS, Serafin Alvarado MS and Fernando Betata MS in the Choral Room

GOURMET TASTINGS PAVILIONS
Listed by Time Theme Presenters and Location
11:00am – 1:45pm Gastropub James Gottwald, Rockit Bar & Grill Gourmet Pavilion I
11:00am – 1:45pm Gastropub Dirk Flanigan, The Gage Gourmet Pavilion I
11:00am – 1:45pm Gastropub Chris Pandel, The Bristol Gourmet Pavilion I
11:00am – 1:45pm Gastropub John Manion, Goose Island Brewing Co. Gourmet Pavilion I
2:15pm – 5:00pm Gastropub Chris Curren, Blue 13 Chicago Gourmet Pavilion I
2:15pm – 5:00pm Gastropub Jared Van Kamp, Old Town Social Gourmet Pavilion I
2:15pm – 5:00pm Gastropub Paramount Gourmet Pavilion I
2:15pm – 5:00pm Gastropub Michael Cisternino, Tavern at the Park Gourmet Pavilion I
11:30pm – 2:15pm Seafood Shawn McClain, Spring Gourmet Pavilion II
11:30pm – 2:15pm Seafood Mark Grosz, Oceanique Restaurant Gourmet Pavilion II
11:30pm – 2:15pm Seafood Luigi Garcia, RIVA Gourmet Pavilion II
11:30pm – 2:15pm Seafood Laurant Gras, L20 Gourmet Pavilion II
2:45pm – 5:00pm Seafood Seth Siegel-Gardner, C-House Gourmet Pavilion II
2:45pm – 5:00pm Seafood Ryan Pitts, RL Restaurant Gourmet Pavilion II
2:45pm – 5:00pm Seafood TBD Gourmet Pavilion II
2:45pm – 5:00pm Seafood TBD Gourmet Pavilion II
11:00am – 1:45pm French Christpohe David, NoMI Gourmet Pavilion III
11:00am – 1:45pm French Martial Noguier, Café des Architectes
Suzanne Imaz, Café des Architectes Gourmet Pavilion III
11:00am – 1:45pm French Tim Graham, Tru Gourmet Pavilion III
11:00am – 1:45pm French Michael Lachowicz, Michael Restaurant Gourmet Pavilion III
2:15pm – 5:00pm French Matt Tobin, Marché Gourmet Pavilion III
2:15pm – 5:00pm French Shelley Young, Chopping Block Gourmet Pavilion III
2:15pm – 5:00pm French Chris Nugent, Les Nomades Gourmet Pavilion III
2:15pm – 5:00pm French Frank Ferru, L’Eiffel Bistrot & Creperie Gourmet Pavilion III
11:30pm – 2:15pm Mediterranean Reza’s Gourmet Pavilion IV
11:30pm – 2:15pm Mediterranean Koren Grieveson, Avec Gourmet Pavilion IV
11:30pm – 2:15pm Mediterranean Tony Priolo, Piccolo Sogno Gourmet Pavilion IV
11:30pm – 2:15pm Mediterranean Jimmy Bannos, Purple Pig Gourmet Pavilion IV
2:45pm – 5:00pm Mediterranean Federico Comacchio, Phil Stefani’s 437 Rush Gourmet Pavilion IV
2:45pm – 5:00pm Mediterranean John Colletta, Quartino Gourmet Pavilion IV
2:45pm – 5:00pm Mediterranean Carrie Nahabedian, NAHA Gourmet Pavilion IV
2:45pm – 5:00pm Mediterranean Mark Sparacino, PROSECCO Gourmet Pavilion IV
11:30pm -5:00pm Dessert Fannie May Dessert Pavilion

BOOK SIGNINGS
Time Title Author(s) Location
12:15pm – 12:45pm TBD Author’s Corner
1:15pm – 1:45pm TBD Author’s Corner
2:15pm – 2:45pm 200 True Italian Pasta Dishes John Colletta Author’s Corner
3:30pm – 4:00pm Takashi’s Noodles Takashi Yagihashi Author’s Corner
4:30pm – 5:00pm Market Fresh Mixology Bridget Albert Author’s Corner

The Chicago International Film Festival is a little event run by a few people on a shoestring budget but it packs a big punch. Somehow, the Chicago International Film Festival manages to get access to the latest independent films and often times show the award winners that year before they have gone mainstream. This year the Chicago International Film Festival has done it again, they have found some really interesting unique films that may not be shown in Chicago otherwise and are presenting them October 8th through the 21st, 2009.

This year the festival has changed formats slightly, locating all the showings in one theater rather than at 4 or 5 across Chicago (which I always found confusing). The one theater you need to know about in order to see these amazing new films is the AMC River East on Illinois Street.

45th Chicago International Film Festival
October 8 – 21, 2009
150 films from more than 40 countries.
All in two weeks. All under one roof.
AMC River East 21 (322 E. Illinois St.)

The films available this year look better than usual. I normally have interest in 2-3 films, but this year almost all of them look like something I would be curious about.

Tickets aren’t cheap but they aren’t any more than the regular price of a movie either. The Gala Events bring in celebrities that you wouldn’t normally see in Chicago and can be worth the extra money for the experience of the event.

SAVE UP TO 40% OFF Your ADMISSION!
If you buy now, get an extra $10 off your order with the promo code 45FEST09, valid until 9/23.

You can purchase tickets now online at: CHICAGOFILMFESTIVAL.COM

the Chicago International Film Festival Packages are:

MOVIEGOER (10 admissions)
$80 for Cinema/Chicago members; $110 for non-members

PASSPORT (20 admissions)
$155 for Cinema/Chicago members; $210 for non-members

GALA PASS (4 admissions to Gala Presentations)
$80 for Cinema/Chicago members; $100 for non-members

There are a limited number of Chicago International Film Festival Gala Passes are available. The Moviegoer and Passport Passes are not valid/available for/including Gala Presentations. All passes are not valid for Opening Night or Closing Night.

Individual tickets on sale September 23
$9 for Cinema/Chicago members, students, and seniors; $12 for regular admission

Gala Presentation event tickets
$20 for Cinema/Chicago members; $25 for non-members

Some of the movies I plan on seeing are:

The Chicago Theater hosts the Gala Event for the Chicago International Film Festival

Motherhood

(Gala Presentation) – USA
Director: Katherine Dieckmann. Uma Thurman is in a charming, high-energy comedy as a beleaguered Manhattanite just trying to survive another day of the madness that comes with raising two young kids (and a husband and best friend).

Made in China – USA – Director: Judi Krant
Wes Anderson’s whimsy meets David Mamet’s love of duplicity in the peppy, comic tale of a wide-eyed Texas hayseed who travels to China to find a manufacturer for the novelty product he hopes will put him right up there with the guy who invented the whoopee cushion

Hipsters / Stilyagi – Russia – Dir: Valery Todorovsky
Moscow, 1955. Soviet uniformity is the order of the day, but incurring the wrath of all the grim-faced comrades in Russia isn’t enough to stop a group of young “hipsters” from donning outrageous threads, puffing up their pompadours, pushing up their cleavage, throwing back martinis, and shakin’ their hips. Could this romantic, infectiously fun musical be this year’s Slumdog Millionaire?

Steve Martinis a man of many talents. We all love his comedy and stand-up, we have all seen his dramatic talents and now he has branched out in another creative direction. Bluegrass Banjo Music. Steve Martin is going to be playing with his band for one show at the Cadillac Palace Theater in Chicago on October 22, 2009. Its a nice way to spend a fall evening with some relaxing yet peppy music.

You know Steve Martin is a funny guy, and if you’re a fan of his work, you may enjoy seeing another side of him and find some humor in the banter between songs. But the night is really about the music, the banjo and the Bluegrass music.Tickets are available now through Ticketmaster online or the Cadillac Palace Theater for $74. (that seems high but its what came up when I did a search, (floor seats) so there may be $50-$60 tickets available also in the balcony)

Steve Martin played his banjo and sang on Saturday Night Live not too long ago and it was quite different than you would expect for that type of music. Steve Martin played a few songs that were playful and light and a little bit funny. The sound was not too country but it was quaint in a way that seems surpising considering he is a big Hollywood star and has lived in that world for a long time. (per reading his book Born Standing Up)  The articles about him cite that he has won three Grammy Awards for his Bluegrass Albums, so this isn’t just another celebrity doing music because his name sells well.

I think people who work in the creative arts live and love to be active creating in all different ways and its interesting how knowledge in several areas all influence and inspire the others. Its true, everything in life is related (linked) somehow.