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my experience as “Principal for a Day” at Fenger High School


October 30th, 2009

 

 

If you follow me on twitter (click here to follow if don’t), you are probably used to seeing the behind the scenes craziness of my life, as I explore the beauty of Chicago’s character, art, entertainment & cultural scene. But no matter how random, I am sure like most, you were not expecting to see me as “Principal for a Day” at the much talked about Chicago Public School, Fenger.  
 
I first heard about Fenger when I was being interviewed live on cnn from Copenhagen on oct. 3rd about the olympic decision… as I was being patched in live via skyp from my hotel room, waiting to go on, I could shockingly hear in the background that there was a ton of commotion about a brutal death in the streets of chicago and something about a highschool called Fenger… I panicked, having no idea where this interview was about to go… just waiting in my lonely hotel room staring at skyp waiting to speak live to the world about whatever they asked… (click here to see the cnn interview)
 
It started with normal olympic questions, which were tough enough having just lost the bid, and then cnn hit me live with questions about violence and murder w/ our hometown school kids… I was terrified… partly because the news immediately broke my heart, partly because I had been so removed on the other side of the world and had not heard all the details of what just happened at all… but mostly because I never thought of myself as one to speak publicly about such a shocking event like that… 
 
If you saw the interview, you know I spoke from the heart and expressed my firm belief that it is all of our responsibility as a community to get involved with whatever we can to help… I even mentioned how one of the things I do is volunteer to speak to school children in need when ever I can, like I do every year at mayor daley’s chicago public schools “principal for the day” program, which actually was held yesterday, oct, 29th.
 
Immediately after the cnn interview, thankfully all my twitter followers and friends hit me with some very positive comments about how i answered the surprise questions to this very sensitive and tough issue (thank you for that by the way, it was only my second time on cnn, and I was freaking out).  Many of my twitter followers also suggested that I take on fenger when this “principal for a day” came around, as they thought I could really get in there and have a positive impact- so I did….
 
I will admit, I was a little nervous before my arrival.  The media had scared me about fenger, like they did everyone else.  But let me tell you, having been probably one of the first random visitors allowed in the school since the tragedy, especially w/ a camera (which btw I respectfully asked and received permission to use, and attached just a random piece that shows the energy, talent and desire to thrive), I will tell you the school, students, faculty, talent, spirit, character,… is nothing like the international media portray it to be… to some it up… they are wrong, it is beautiful, hardworking, respectable,… and I am now a huge fan and supporter of fenger, and you should be too.
 
Although I can go on forever about how great they are as there was just so much positive surprise, here are some quick thoughts… The newly acquired Principal Dozier is a hero- she is so passionate, hard working, smart, inspiring, respected, committed,… she will be someone people write books about and make movies about one day.  I feel the same way about her entire staff that she leads so well.  The kids are so great.  They want to learn.  They want great lives.  They deserve more of a chance.  The halls and classrooms are bright, clean, organized,… respect and order is obvious everywhere.  Fenger has been designated one of chicago’s new “turnaround” schools, google it, this school will turn around.  
 
It broke my heart to see that the kids’ spirits and feelings were a bit hurt that our media has portrayed them as part of a very bad thing.  they are not.  I was there, I spent time with them, I visited as many classes as I could, talked to as many kids as possible, shared my stories, heard all of theirs, gave advice, learned a lot myself… they are amazing, they deserve a fair chance.
 
It bums me out how far the media stretched things… that tragedy did not happen on school property, the things the media said the school did in response are not true, the school is a good school w/ good kids trying best they can to improve.. and as mayor daley said yesterday during our lunch, that tragedy was not a fenger problem, it was a community problem. And to me, that’s all of us!
 
I truly believe that if we don’t take care of our students, and educate, and mentor, and volunteer,… a lot of our problems as a community will never be solved.  Kids don’t start out as a problem, they learn from their environment.  Finger pointing gets us no where, these kids are there open to help, each one of them told me that they could use a mentor, people to talk to, people who will give them a chance.  They suffer more if we not only ignore them, but discriminate upon them by buying into what the media made these young hard working students out to be,…   we must respond.  
 
The fact is, they have a lot of work to do at fenger to improve and get their kids where they need to be, just like a lot of schools do.  They can struggle on their own, or we can help or hurt them.  There are opportunities to do both.  if we all spent the time looking into those opportunities to help as much as we complain about community problems or feed into the stories people just throw out there when they don’t really know the deal… we would be on our way to solving a lot for them, and solving a lot for our total future as a community.. and continually working to make this the best city in the world…. 
 
With that I leave you with fenger’s impressive website showing what they are really about… www.   Mentor, volunteer, help,… give them a chance…
If you follow me on twitter (click here to follow if don’t), you are probably used to seeing the behind the scenes craziness of my life, as I explore the beauty of Chicago’s character, art, entertainment & cultural scene. But no matter how random, I am sure like most, you were not expecting to see me as “Principal for a Day” at the much talked about Chicago Public School, Fenger.  
 
I first heard about Fenger when I was being interviewed live on cnn from Copenhagen on oct. 3rd about the olympic decision… as I was being patched in live via skype from my hotel room, waiting to go on, I could shockingly hear in the background that there was a ton of commotion about a brutal death in the streets of chicago and something about a highschool called Fenger… I panicked, having no idea where this interview was about to go… just waiting in my lonely hotel room staring at skype waiting to speak live to the world about whatever they asked… (click here to see the cnn interview)
 
It started with normal olympic questions, which were tough enough having just lost the bid, and then cnn hit me live with questions about violence and murder w/ our hometown school kids… I was terrified… partly because the news immediately broke my heart, partly because I had been so removed on the other side of the world and had not heard all the details of what just happened at all… but mostly because I never thought of myself as one to speak publicly about such a shocking event like that… 
 
If you saw the interview, you know I spoke from the heart and expressed my firm belief that it is all of our responsibility as a community to get involved with whatever we can to help… I even mentioned how one of the things I do is volunteer to speak to school children in need when ever I can, like I do every year at mayor daley’s chicago public schools “principal for a day” program, which actually was held yesterday, oct, 29th.
 
Immediately after the cnn interview, thankfully all my twitter followers and friends hit me with some very positive comments about how i answered the surprise questions to this very sensitive and tough issue (thank you for that by the way, it was only my second time on cnn, and I was freaking out).  Many of my twitter followers also suggested that I take on fenger when this “principal for a day” came around, as they thought I could really get in there and have a positive impact- so I did….
 
I will admit, I was a little nervous before my arrival.  The media had scared me about fenger, like they did everyone else.  But let me tell you, having been probably one of the first random visitors allowed in the school since the tragedy, especially w/ a camera (which btw I respectfully asked and received permission to use, and attached just a random piece that shows the energy, talent and desire to thrive), I will tell you the school, students, faculty, talent, spirit, character,… is nothing like the international media portray it to be… to some it up… they are wrong, it is beautiful, hardworking, respectable,… and I am now a huge fan and supporter of fenger, and you should be too.
 
Although I can go on forever about how great they are as there was just so much positive surprise, here are some quick thoughts… The newly acquired Principal Dozier is a hero- she is so passionate, hard working, smart, inspiring, respected, committed,… she will be someone people write books about and make movies about one day.  I feel the same way about her entire staff that she leads so well.  The kids are so great.  They want to learn.  They want great lives.  They deserve more of a chance.  The halls and classrooms are bright, clean, organized,… respect and order is obvious everywhere.  Fenger has been designated one of chicago’s new “turnaround” schools, google it, this school will turn around.  
 
It broke my heart to see that the kids’ spirits and feelings were a bit hurt that our media has portrayed them as part of a very bad thing.  they are not.  I was there, I spent time with them, I visited as many classes as I could, talked to as many kids as possible, shared my stories, heard all of theirs, gave advice, learned a lot myself… they are amazing, they deserve a fair chance.
 
It bums me out how far the media stretched things… that tragedy did not happen on school property, the things the media said the school did in response are not true, the school is a good school w/ good kids trying best they can to improve.. and as mayor daley said yesterday during our lunch, that tragedy was not a fenger problem, it was a community problem. And to me, that’s all of us!
 
I truly believe that if we don’t take care of our students, and educate, and mentor, and volunteer,… a lot of our problems as a community will never be solved.  Kids don’t start out as a problem, they learn from their environment.  Finger pointing gets us no where, these kids are there open to help, each one of them told me that they could use a mentor, people to talk to, people who will give them a chance.  They suffer more if we not only ignore them, but discriminate upon them by buying into what the media made these young hard working students out to be,…   we must respond.  
 
The fact is, they have a lot of work to do at fenger to improve and get their kids where they need to be, just like a lot of schools do.  They can struggle on their own, or we can help or hurt them.  There are opportunities to do both.  if we all spent the time looking into those opportunities to help as much as we complain about community problems or feed into the stories people just throw out there when they don’t really know the deal… we would be on our way to solving a lot for them, and solving a lot for our total future as a community.. and continually working to make this the best city in the world…. 
 
With that I leave you with fenger’s impressive website showing what they are really about… www.fengerhighschool.org   Mentor, volunteer, help,… give them a chance…
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a toast to today’s chicago woman


October 27th, 2009

 

I used to write a monthly entertainment column for “today’s chicago woman” because I have always loved that this wonderful local magazine keeps a strong commitment & focus not only to the unique character of our great city of chicago, but to the hard working talented women that deserve all the credit in the world for making us that great!  I also am a fan of that they give back through their “tcw foundation” that raises funds for women & children focused organizations in chicago!

Speaking of, this Wednesday Oct 28th  (my bday!), join tcw at the “chopping block” for an exciting event featuring 3 of chicago’s top female chefs… radhika desia, jennifer gavin, and elaina Vazquez… as they go head to head in a “cook off” benefitting the TCW Foundation!  The party will be emceed by my good buddy the “hungry hound” steve dolinksy, w/ specialty hors d’oeuvres & signature cocktail created by sunda’s mixologist, sherrie geslak. Tickets can be found at www.tcwmag.com. Enjoy!

 

Picture 1
I used to write a monthly entertainment column for “today’s chicago woman” because I have always loved that this wonderful local magazine keeps a strong commitment & focus not only to the unique character of our great city of chicago, but to the hard working talented women that deserve all the credit in the world for making us that great!  I also am a fan of that they give back through their “tcw foundation” that raises funds for women & children focused organizations in chicago!
Speaking of, this Wednesday Oct 28th  (my bday!), join tcw at the “chopping block” for an exciting event featuring 3 of chicago’s top female chefs… radhika desai, jennifer gavin, and elaina Vazquez… as they go head to head in a “cook off” benefitting the TCW Foundation!  The party will be emceed by my good buddy the “hungry hound” steve dolinksy, w/ specialty hors d’oeuvres & signature cocktail created by sunda’s mixologist, sherrie geslak. Tickets can be found at www.tcwmag.com. Enjoy!
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gen art fresh faces in fashion ‘09 : guest blogger kris gibbons, rockit ranch marketing team


October 26th, 2009

  From the trendy streets of Gold Coast to the hip passageways of Wicker Park/Bucktown, Chicago fashion runs diverse and unique. Each October, Chicago plays host to a myriad of vibrant fashion events and runway shows showcasing local designers, known as Fashion Focus. Gen Art, a leading arts and entertainment organization dedicated to displaying the best emerging talent in fashion, film, music and the visual arts, brought Fashion Focus to a close in their 7th annual Fresh Faces in Fashion runway event this past Saturday. 

 

Onlookers (like Billy Dec who shot this lil video from the front row w/ his friend in town, actress Nadine Velazquez) applauded a spectacular lineup of Chicago’s upcoming stars, including Northwestern graduate C/Fan, who had onlookers snapping pictures of her sleek dresses and large glittery necklaces, and 24 year-old Illinois Institute of Art alum Kristin Hassan, who used flowing bows and extravagant hats to wow the crowd. However, the night was not only for the women! Dorsia’s Andrei Savtchenko, a Ukrainian designer from Chicago, emphasized classic menswear tailoring with a twist of contemporary design, as seen by his patterned-cuffed shorts and fitted button-up shirts. Imaginary People, JLee Silver and Red Doll by Tatyana graced the runway as well and had the crowd in awe of their one-of-a-kind takes on Chicago fashion.  

 

Events like Gen Art’s Fresh Faces in Fashion make me appreciate being a Chicagoan and remind me of the robust talent that fills this city. Chicago is definitely an epicenter for emerging fashion, exceptional cuisine, world-renowned art and unbeatable music, and supporting organizations like Gen Art brings the city’s talent to the forefront and ensures the ongoing success and vibrancy of the city’s artists.  

From the trendy streets of Gold Coast to the hip passageways of Wicker Park/Bucktown, Chicago fashion runs diverse and unique. Each October, Chicago plays host to a myriad of vibrant fashion events and runway shows showcasing local designers, known as Fashion Focus. Gen Art, a leading arts and entertainment organization dedicated to displaying the best emerging talent in fashion, film, music and the visual arts, brought Fashion Focus to a close in their 7th annual Fresh Faces in Fashion runway event this past Saturday. 
Onlookers (like Billy Dec who shot this lil video from the front row w/ his friend in town actress Nadine Velasquez) applauded a spectacular lineup of Chicago’s upcoming stars, including Northwestern graduate C/Fan, who had onlookers snapping pictures of her sleek dresses and large glittery necklaces, and 24 year-old Illinois Institute of Art alum Kristin Hassan, who used flowing bows and extravagant hats to wow the crowd. However, the night was not only for the women! Dorsia’s Andrei Savtchenko, a Ukrainian designer from Chicago, emphasized classic menswear tailoring with a twist of contemporary design, as seen by his patterned-cuffed shorts and fitted button-up shirts. Imaginary People, JLee Silver and Red Doll by Tatyana graced the runway as well and had the crowd in awe of their one-of-a-kind takes on Chicago fashion.  
Events like Gen Art’s Fresh Faces in Fashion make me appreciate being a Chicagoan and remind me of the robust talent that fills this city. Chicago is definitely an epicenter for emerging fashion, exceptional cuisine, world-renowned art and unbeatable music, and supporting organizations like Gen Art brings the city’s talent to the forefront and ensures the ongoing success and vibrancy of the city’s artists.  
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Chef John Delucie of The Waverly Inn at Rockit Bar & Grill Tonight : guest blogger, Jeffrey Ward rockit ranch pr team


October 22nd, 2009

 

Chicago is known as one of the top dining cities in the world, which means that we are always hosting really great culinary events in the city (such as Tour de Champagne this Friday night at The Drake) as well chefs from all over the country, hoping to get reservations in our amazing restaurants while also sometimes giving us a taste of their own cuisine.
So it is exciting for someone like me, who has worked in Chicago’s vibrant restaurant industry for nearly a decade, to have Executive Chef James Gottwald welcome Chef John DeLucie of New York City’s Waverly Inn to Rockit Bar & Grill in River North tonight for the signing of his new book “The Hunger.”  I’ve been to The Waverly Inn previously, at the tail-end of one of those work trips to New York that I am lucky enough to make a few times a year, running from one restaurant to another. I loved the location of the place, on one of those perfect tree-lined West Village streets, and the restaurant décor reflects back to an early 1900s aesthetic. The cuisine and cocktails were super enjoyable, and it was the perfect ending to a great trip.  But there was something else fascinating about “Ye Waverly,” and maybe it had to do with the paparazzi parked outside in the hopes of catching a Marc Jacobs or an Olsen or two.
I watched Chef DeLucie on the TODAY Show yesterday morning in preparation for his trip, making a pumpkin ravioli that he serves his clientele and talking about the book, which combines this attractive clash of culinary and celebrity. The recipe looked totally doable for a home cook and I’m looking forward to trying it.  I’m also looking forward to sampling his signature Truffle Mac and Cheese while sipping on one of the small batch bourbon whiskey cocktails provided by Basil Hayden this evening. Hope to see you there.
Executive Chef James Gottwald Welcomes Chef John DeLucie of The Waverly Inn to Rockit Bar & Grill
22 W. Hubbard, 312-645-6000
www.rockitbarandgrill.com
TONIGHT, Thursday, October 22, 7 to 9 p.m.
Entry is complimentary, must be 21. 
To RSVP, please email VIP@rockitranch.com.  
FINAL HUNGER cover image
Chicago is known as one of the top dining cities in the world, which means that we are always hosting really great culinary events in the city (such as Tour de Champagne this Friday night at The Drake) as well chefs from all over the country, hoping to get reservations in our amazing restaurants while also sometimes giving us a taste of their own cuisine.
So it is exciting for someone like me, who has worked in Chicago’s vibrant restaurant industry for nearly a decade, to have Executive Chef James Gottwald welcome Chef John DeLucie of New York City’s Waverly Inn to Rockit Bar & Grill in River North tonight for the signing of his new book “The Hunger.”  I’ve been to The Waverly Inn previously, at the tail-end of one of those work trips to New York that I am lucky enough to make a few times a year, running from one restaurant to another. I loved the location of the place, on one of those perfect tree-lined West Village streets, and the restaurant décor reflects back to an early 1900s aesthetic. The cuisine and cocktails were super enjoyable, and it was the perfect ending to a great trip.  But there was something else fascinating about “Ye Waverly,” and maybe it had to do with the paparazzi parked outside in the hopes of catching a Marc Jacobs or an Olsen or two.
I watched Chef DeLucie on the TODAY Show yesterday morning in preparation for his trip, making a pumpkin ravioli that he serves his clientele and talking about the book, which combines this attractive clash of culinary and celebrity. The recipe looked totally doable for a home cook and I’m looking forward to trying it.  I’m also looking forward to sampling his signature Truffle Mac and Cheese while sipping on one of the small batch bourbon whiskey cocktails provided by Basil Hayden this evening. Hope to see you there.
Executive Chef James Gottwald Welcomes Chef John DeLucie of The Waverly Inn to Rockit Bar & Grill
22 W. Hubbard, 312-645-6000
TONIGHT, Thursday, October 22, 7 to 9 p.m.
Entry is complimentary, must be 21. 
To RSVP, please email VIP@rockitranch.com.  
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jeff awards for chicago theatre talent announced!


October 20th, 2009

Picture 1

I don’t think the world really realizes just how talented our theatre scene is in Chicago, nor gives it the credit it deserves, which is probably why in 1968 the Midwest Advisory Committee of Actors formed the Joseph Jefferson Awards Committee to honor local Chicago theatre talent themselves, which I would love to help do right now by sharing the results of last night’s 2008-2009 award ceremony! 

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victoria’s secret proving chicago is one of the sexiest cities in the world!


October 19th, 2009

 

 

To celebrate & join all things sexy in Chicago, the lingerie co is opening a brand-new flagship store on Michigan Avenue (and Superior). 
I got a chance to take a sneak peak and it is insane! There’s an exclusive VIP opening this Wednesday from 6:30pm-8:30pm hosted by Victoria’s Secret Angel Marisa Miller and hearing Orlando Bloom’s girlfriend Miranda Kerr and Doutzen Kroes will be in attendance as well.  
 
What do you think makes Chicago a sexy city?  Victoria’s Secret wants to know and is conducting an online vote at vschicago.com.  I just found out that The Underground is nominated for sexiest club and Sunda is nominated for sexiest restaurant…thanks all!  Can’t wait to see who wins all the other crazy categories you will see… so fun! 
 
Oh, and if you want to hear what some of Chicago’s hottest celebrities and familiar faces are saying about what’s sexy about Chicago, vschicago.com will be posting footage from Chicagoans like Giuliana Rancic, Chicago Bears Lance Briggs, Common, Kid Sister, Kiss FM’s Ty Bentli, He Say She Say, White Sox’s Gordon Beckham and more, all talking about what they think is sexy about Chicago.  Enjoy!

To celebrate & join all things sexy in Chicago, the lingerie co Victoria’s Secret is opening a brand-new flagship store on Michigan Avenue (and Superior). 

I got a chance to take a sneak peak and it is insane! There’s an exclusive VIP opening this Wednesday from 6:30pm-8:30pm hosted by Victoria’s Secret Angel Marisa Miller and hearing Orlando Bloom’s girlfriend Miranda Kerr and Doutzen Kroes will be in attendance as well (who i think i am having dinner with after the show at sunda?). 

What do you think makes Chicago a sexy city?  Victoria’s Secret wants to know and is conducting an online vote at vschicago.com.  I just found out that The Underground is nominated for sexiest club and Sunda is nominated for sexiest restaurant…thanks all!  Can’t wait to see who wins all the other crazy categories you will see… so fun!   

Oh, and if you want to hear what some of Chicago’s hottest celebrities and familiar faces are saying about what’s sexy about Chicago, vschicago.com will be posting footage from Chicagoans like Giuliana Rancic, Chicago Bears Lance Briggs, Common, Kid Sister, Kiss FM’s Ty Bentli, He Say She Say, White Sox’s Gordon Beckham and more, all talking about what they think is sexy about Chicago.  Enjoy!

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kicking it old school…chicago modern vintage fashion & jewels style!


October 16th, 2009

 

I’m a vintage anything lover.. Are you?  Well, Chicago has one of the strongest vintage collecting, selling, sharing,.. scenes around… infact… this weekend is a cool 3 day event I want to check out called the “Modern Vintage Chicago’s Fashion & Jewels Explosion!” w/tons of vintage & indie dealers showing you their best w/on-the-spot styling, cocktails, fashion presentations and more!
I’m especially interested to see how Vintage dealers showcase clothing, jewelry, hats, scarves, shoes, handbags, to other awesome accessories… w/ brands like Chanel, Hermes, Vivienne Westwood, Pucci, Dior,…  mix with modern independent indie designers all doing their unique thing to give Chicago the best in fashion talent and product w/ I’m sure a little something for everyone?! 

Anywho, my buddy Ashley who owns Sofia Vintage will be doing her thing there for sure, and happens to love this blog, so offered all who reads it 15% off at the show!  Make sure to say hi, her website is        and the site for the show is www.modernvintagechicago.com.  Hope to see you all there!

Picture 2
I’m a vintage anything lover.. Are you?  Well, Chicago has one of the strongest vintage collecting, selling, sharing.. scenes around… in fact… this weekend is a cool 3 day event I want to check out called the “Modern Vintage Chicago’s Fashion & Jewels Explosion!” w/tons of vintage & indie dealers showing you their best w/ on-the-spot styling, cocktails, fashion presentations and more!
I’m especially interested to see how Vintage dealers showcase clothing, jewelry, hats, scarves, shoes, handbags, to other awesome accessories… w/ brands like Chanel, Hermes, Vivienne Westwood, Pucci, Dior…  mix with modern independent indie designers all doing their unique thing to give Chicago the best in fashion talent and product w/ I’m sure a little something for everyone?! 
Anywho, my buddy Ashley who owns Sofia Vintage will be doing her thing there for sure, and happens to love this blog, so offered all who reads it 15% off at the show!  Make sure to say hi, her website is www.sofiavintage.com and the site for the show is www.modernvintagechicago.com.  Hope to see you all there!
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chicago’s best chefs come together to help meals on wheels


October 14th, 2009

 

Chicago’s most renowned chefs and public figures come together to feed and entertain you all to benefit a fundraiser I have loved and supported for years called… Meals on Wheels!  You really need to see this video to be reminded at how impactful, engaged & talented our culinary scene is in this city, and to know how important this initiative of theirs is… and yes, the two total goofballs of all the chefs are from sunda & rockit… of course…    
 
Anyway, this Celebrity Chef Tasting Party is a blast (and super delicious!) complete w/ premium cocktails, wine, beer, casino gaming, an interactive photo booth, live and DJ entertainment…. From 8p-1230a this Friday Night 10/16 at Macy’s on State St!  tix & info are on www.MealsOnWheelsChicago.org ..  And as always, since I appreciate all that visit my blog & help support philanthropic efforts, I got 2 tix for the first person that comments below about how they helped spread this info to over 1000 people!  See you all at the party!

Chicago’s most renowned chefs and public figures come together to feed and entertain you all to benefit a fundraiser I have loved and supported for years called… Meals on Wheels!  You really need to see this video to be reminded of how impactful, engaged & talented our culinary scene is in this city, and to know how important this initiative of theirs is… and yes, the two total goofballs of all the chefs are from sunda & rockit… of course…    

Anyway, this Celebrity Chef Tasting Party is a blast (and super delicious!) complete w/ premium cocktails, wine, beer, casino gaming, an interactive photo booth, live and DJ entertainment…. From 8p-1230a this Friday Night 10/16 at Macy’s on State St!  tix & info are on www.MealsOnWheelsChicago.org ..  And as always, since I appreciate all that visit my blog & help support philanthropic efforts, I got 2 tix for the first person that comments below about how they helped spread this info to over 1000 people!  See you all at the party!

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chicagoan produces sundance film festival winner!


October 13th, 2009

 

This was the first year I missed the sundance film festival in a while and was sort of bummed about it… but literally we were in the middle of opening both sunda & rockit Wrigley that same month and all had me on serious lockdown.  But, how great is it to hear local Chicagoan sean mckeough was in the house and won the Grand Jury Prize Documentary award for “we live in public” that he executive produced!

 

And now, it’s very cool to hear he is bringing it home to chicago’s music box theatre to share it locally from oct 16th – oct 22nd … check it out!  The movie has been “stunning audiences w/ the story of internet visionary Josh Harris. The film grabbed the imagination of critics and pundits alike, sparking voluminous debate on the nature of exposure, fame and technology at a time when their intersection is creating new paradigms.”  

 

Sean, who also owns Cobra Lounge & Cobra Music, invites you to the premiere of We Live In Public on Oct 16th w/a 6p–7p pre-reception next to theatre at Blue Bayou & and afterparty at the AAA Space in Wicker Park (2105 W. Caton) for a killer party! Elements from the film will be featured in various ways and there will be delightful food and drink. Vague? Yes, it’s a surprise! more info on film at http://www.weliveinpublicthemovie.com/ …RSVP to above at westernpublicity@gmail.com 

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sarah’s pastries & candies & her new book!


October 12th, 2009

 

I love sharing exciting new information about amazing local artists, business people, entertainers, philanthropists,… and I think my sweet friend sarah levy of sarah’s pastries & candies is all of that!  We both grew up going to school in Lincoln park and it has been really impressive to see a local friend evolve her passion into a successful thriving chicago business by working her butt off to make as many chicagoans as happy & smiley as possible with her seriously tasty treats… from making candy in her mom’s kitchen, to selling in whole foods, to opening three successful stores, to now launching her first book this week!
 
I can only imagine if her book is anything like the rest of her success, and I am sure it is, that it will be a must have…. Its called… “Sweetness : Delicious Baked Treats for Every Occasion”  and its for “readers who want to learn how to make top-quality treats that will knock the socks off anyone who samples them. Sarah’s warm personality, step-by-step instructions and vibrant color photos make this the perfect addition to the bookshelf of both budding chefs and seasoned pros!”  Book can be purchased at http://sarahscandies.com – enjoy!  (oh, if see sarah, tell her you want some billy clusters! they are ridiculous)
I love sharing exciting new information about amazing local artists, business people, entertainers, philanthropists,… and I think my sweet friend sarah levy of sarah’s pastries & candies is all of that!  We both grew up going to school in Lincoln park and it has been really impressive to see a local friend evolve her passion into a successful thriving chicago business by working her butt off to make as many chicagoans as happy & smiley as possible with her seriously tasty treats… from making candy in her mom’s kitchen, to selling in whole foods, to opening three successful stores, to now launching her first book this week!
 
I can only imagine if her book is anything like the rest of her success, and I am sure it is, that it will be a must have…. Its called… “Sweetness : Delicious Baked Treats for Every Occasion”  and its for “readers who want to learn how to make top-quality treats that will knock the socks off anyone who samples them. Sarah’s warm personality, step-by-step instructions and vibrant color photos make this the perfect addition to the bookshelf of both budding chefs and seasoned pros!”  Book can be purchased at http://sarahscandies.com – enjoy!  (oh, if see sarah, tell her you want some billy clusters! they are ridiculous)
big-main-book

 

big-main-book

I love sharing exciting new information about amazing local artists, business people, entertainers, philanthropists,… and I think my sweet friend sarah levy of sarah’s pastries & candies is all of that!  We both grew up going to school in Lincoln park and it has been really impressive to see a local friend evolve her passion into a successful thriving chicago business by working her butt off to make as many chicagoans as happy & smiley as possible with her seriously tasty treats… from making candy in her mom’s kitchen, to selling in whole foods, to opening three successful stores, to now launching her first book this week!

 

I can only imagine if her book is anything like the rest of her success, and I am sure it is, that it will be a must have…. Its called… “Sweetness : Delicious Baked Treats for Every Occasion”  and its for “readers who want to learn how to make top-quality treats that will knock the socks off anyone who samples them. Sarah’s warm personality, step-by-step instructions and vibrant color photos make this the perfect addition to the bookshelf of both budding chefs and seasoned pros!”  Book can be purchased at http://sarahscandies.com – enjoy!  (oh, if see sarah, tell her you want some billy clusters! they are ridiculous)

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chicago international film fest


October 9th, 2009

 

from Slumdog Millionaire and Reservoir Dogs to Scorsese, Fassbinder, Wenders, and Herzog….  The Chicago International Film Festival has showcased the brightest and boldest new films and filmmakers, right here in Chicago since1964, in effort to “to discover and present new filmmakers to Chicago, and to acknowledge and award these filmmakers for their artistry!”  and now, because I love this festival so much, and love that you support art & culture in chicago w/me by reading this blog, I would like to share tickets with you!  Just comment below about what you would like to see, and will pick as many of you as I can of you to attend on me!
 
if haven’t been, you must!  I mean, for 45 years, this has been North America’s oldest competitive international film festival always discovering a number of talents exposing audiences to a world of film previously unavailable to Chicago… highlighting feature films, directors, documentaries,… from an array of regions around the world, emphasizing a diversity of voices and perspectives… making it a unique Chicago treasure that is fun, informational, & full of diversity… which I am so proud of!  For more info, visit  http://www.chicagofilmfestival.com/ and hope to see you there!
CIFF edit

CIFF edit

from Slumdog Millionaire and Reservoir Dogs to Scorsese, Fassbinder, Wenders, and Herzog….  The Chicago International Film Festival has showcased the brightest and boldest new films and filmmakers, right here in Chicago since 1964, in effort to “to discover and present new filmmakers to Chicago, and to acknowledge and award these filmmakers for their artistry!”  and now, because I love this festival so much, and love that you support art & culture in chicago w/me by reading this blog, I would like to share tickets with you!  Just comment below about what you would like to see, and will pick as many of you as I can of you to attend on me!

 

if haven’t been, you must!  I mean, for 45 years, this has been North America’s oldest competitive international film festival always discovering a number of talents exposing audiences to a world of film previously unavailable to Chicago… highlighting feature films, directors, documentaries… from an array of regions around the world, emphasizing a diversity of voices and perspectives… making it a unique Chicago treasure that is fun, informational, & full of diversity… which I am so proud of!  For more info, visit  http://www.chicagofilmfestival.com/ and hope to see you there!

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help choose the elite online modeling contest winner!


October 7th, 2009

Since 1982, elite model management chicago has helped local models like cindy Crawford, liya kebede, michelle monaghan & countless others make it to the top! If you follow me on twitter (click here if you don’t), you may remember I was supporting their efforts as a judge of their “elite online modeling contest” w/ my buddy “america’s next top model” winner mckey Sullivan at rockit bar & grill a couple weeks ago… well, we got it down to 12 finalists… but now I could use your help getting it down to the top 3… so scroll through these models and comment below… just to let me know by tomorrow (Thursday) at 5pm when judging closes!!

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I got my 2nd Nomination for an Emmy!


October 6th, 2009

 

 

I got my first nomination for an emmy last year while hosting nbc’s late night entertainment tv show “24/7” which was the hugest surprise ever!  Never thought I would be so blessed, but just found out from my tv friends following me on twitter that it happened again!  This time, it is for the video posted here called “Journey to Sunda!”   to be exact… The category reads: “Outstanding Achievement for Entertainment Programs – Advanced Media Arts/ Entertainment 
Program or Program Segment… Journey To Sunda: Billy Dec, Host/Performer.  Rockit Ranch Productions”
I never imagined I could win an emmy, but if it happens this time around, I know exactly who I would want to thank!  I would thank bridges media group for being such an amazing creative pool of talent tricking this project out from start to finish beyond belief, my partners Brad Young & Arturo Gomez along with the entire Rockit Ranch family for all the support and resources to make this project (and all our projects/venues) a reality, and all of you for allowing me & my team to have a place in chicago to entertain you, fulfilling our passion to do so through our venues, and through projects like this one… thank you…  
I got my first nomination for an emmy last year while hosting nbc’s late night entertainment tv show “24/7” which was the hugest surprise ever!  Never thought I would be so blessed, but just found out from my tv friends following me on twitter that it happened again!  This time, it is for the video posted here called “Journey to Sunda!”   to be exact… The category reads: “Outstanding Achievement for Entertainment Programs – Advanced Media Arts/ Entertainment 
Program or Program Segment… Journey To Sunda: Billy Dec, Host/Performer.  Rockit Ranch Productions”
I never imagined I could win an emmy, but if it happens this time around, I know exactly who I would want to thank!  I would thank bridges media group for being such an amazing creative pool of talent tricking this project out from start to finish beyond belief, my partners Brad Young & Arturo Gomez along with the entire Rockit Ranch family for all the support and resources to make this project (and all our projects/venues) a reality, and all of you for allowing me & my team to have a place in chicago to entertain you, fulfilling our passion to do so through our venues, and through projects like this one… thank you…  
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CNN Interviews Billy Dec Live from Copenhagen about Chicago 2016 Loss


October 6th, 2009

 

Thanks for all the nice comments on twitter about this interview… it was a tough one. Btw, who cool is skype?  It’s amazing that they can just dial me up free to my hotel room and just put me on live like that… I sort of freaked on the one from russia a posted about a week ago but I had never done it before… blew my mind.
 
Anyway, as I said here, I truly am proud of our city, we did the best job we could. I am happy for rio and looking forward to enjoying the games there in 2016.  As for my total thoughts on the experience, too big for words for me right now, I am just happy that I was on your team.  I will be sending some final thoughts on all soon… 
 
oh, and since I mentioned the chicago public schools’ “principal for a day” program here, I will blog about that soon too… if anyone knows of any other great programs, initiatives, volunteer work,.. that regular people like me and you can get out there and do to help… comment below and will try to integrate that in… so that everyone can actually jump in and get involved… thanks all!
 
b
Thanks for all the nice comments on twitter about this interview… it was a tough one. Btw, how cool is skype?  It’s amazing that they can just dial me up free to my hotel room and just put me on live like that… I sort of freaked on the one from russia i posted about a week ago but I had never done it before… blew my mind.
Anyway, as I said here, I truly am proud of our city, we did the best job we could. I am happy for rio and looking forward to enjoying the games there in 2016.  As for my total thoughts on the experience, too big for words for me right now, I am just happy that I was on your team.  I will be sending some final thoughts on all soon… 
oh, and since I mentioned the chicago public schools’ “principal for a day” program here, I will blog about that soon too… if anyone knows of any other great programs, initiatives, volunteer work,.. that regular people like me and you can get out there and do to help… comment below and will try to integrate that in… so that everyone can actually jump in and get involved… thanks all!
b
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My response to the Chicago 2016 Olympic Host decision on WGN TV


October 6th, 2009

I can’t really get myself to write something about my total chicago 2016 experience yet, as I said i would in my  blog airing my cnn interview live from Copenhagen. As you can see from my footage in the chicago 2016 olympic decision viewing room,  it was a crushing blow to all with a deadly silence & sadness after. But I will say that the totally feelings about all are enormously positive. Unfortunately, really just too positive to wrap my head around it all and express it in words. So, what better way to really let you know what is in my head as I keep getting requests on twitter, but to leave you with a phone call I got minutes after the decision was made, as I walked into the public celebratory party in the streets of Copenhagen that I video blogged about two posts down, when I took this call and went live on tv for I don’t know how many viewers across the country-

I have to say, although again my total experience was enormously positive (yes, even including the official rio victory party I attended & shared with you last night), at this moment I had a stunned, paralyzed honesty going on that you sometimes can only find in people when they are so crushed & defeated that they can no longer keep their fight up, and it all comes spilling out… anyway, I hope you my fellow Chicagoans who I love the most pay particular attention to the last minute of this tv interview… as I sincerely meant it… and from that I expect very good things will come of us going forward… to accomplish more great things for ourselves and for the rest of the world… I know I am excited to be a part of that movement… in any way you need me… thanks, billy.

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Inside Rio’s 2016 Olympic Victory Party


October 2nd, 2009

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i’m heart broken, but copenhagen moves on…


October 2nd, 2009

After heart broken in chicago 2016 committee olympic announcement viewing room, I walked out to the square I blogged about earlier to see what the public was up to… and it was quite festive…. You can see bands, sport demonstrations, a lot of people drinking, dancing,… and having fun!  I tried my hardest to have fun, even ordered a beer, which I never do…. And omg, just realized my hotel is full of Brazilians… that party will be ridiculous… maybe will share… ya, Will leave the rest of my adventures tonight in copenhagen on twitter… photos, stories and all… follow me by clicking here…

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chicago 2016 viewing the olympic announcement


October 2nd, 2009

Wow, that was sad.  I know no one in our chicago 2016 committee viewing room ever could have imagined that we would go out first round.  Don’t really know what to say, but thank you to all that supported.  Everyone did the best job possible, everyone from around the world saw the positives of chicago and the usa which is always a great thing, and I am just very proud to be a part of your team.  Sorry, I will have more to say soon… just need time, still in shock.  for now, here is the sad scene from the announcement.  Warning, it’s heavy. Off to cheer up… will keep you up to date on twitter with how the town reacts tonight…

Wow, that was sad.  I know no one in our chicago 2016 committee viewing room ever could have imagined that we would go out first round.  Don’t really know what to say, but thank you to all that supported.  Everyone did the best job possible, everyone from around the world saw the positives of chicago and the usa which is always a great thing, and I am just very proud to be a part of your team.  Sorry, I will have more to say soon… just need time, still in shock.  for now, here is the sad scene from the announcement.  Warning, all the silence afterwards is really painful. Off to cheer up… will keep you up to date on twitter with how the town reacts tonight…

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copenhagen crowds gather to watch president obama after chicago 2016 olympic host city pitch


October 2nd, 2009

 

As you can see on twitter I can’t stay in one spot in copenhagen! (click here to follow me on twitter)  while running around town soaking up the culture & olympic enthusiasm, I ran into this huge crowd all lining the streets just to see our fellow chicagoan president obama just drive off after making his pitch (which rocked by the way!) to the international olympic committee… not just locals either… people from every where around the world… even from our host city competitors Madrid, tokyo & rio… It was so nice to see all the love that people from around the globe wanted to share with our leader!
 
You will also see randomly that people were staring at me apparently for my official blue chicago 2016 olympic jacket…they seem to love chicagoans… it took me forever to realize press was waiting in line to interview me too- as you will see- omg, was not expecting that!  Anyway, off to our official viewing party- will be crazy- will try to post video again soon so check me out here later… but in all reality & seriousness… if you want to really see what is going on… you got to get my pictures & comments streaming from me on twitter… just click here and it will be like you are right here in the middle of it all with me!!!!!!  
 
(Btw, look at my last two blog posts below and you will see video of me, mayor daley & all the happy chicago 2016 olympic committee members after the official pitch feeling like we did the best job we could!  And you will also see the actual square in Copenhagen where the public will gather soon to see the olympic decision be announced… its really cool!)
 
As you can see on twitter I can’t stay in one spot in copenhagen! (click here to follow me on twitter)  while running around town soaking up the culture & olympic enthusiasm, I ran into this huge crowd all lining the streets just to see our fellow chicagoan president obama just drive off after making his pitch (which rocked by the way!) to the international olympic committee… not just locals either… people from every where around the world… even from our host city competitors Madrid, tokyo & rio… It was so nice to see all the love that people from around the globe wanted to share with our leader!
You will also see randomly that people were staring at me apparently for my official blue chicago 2016 olympic jacket…they seem to love chicagoans… it took me forever to realize press was waiting in line to interview me too- as you will see- omg, was not expecting that!  Anyway, off to our official viewing party- will be crazy- will try to post video again soon so check me out here later… but in all reality & seriousness… if you want to really see what is going on… you got to get my pictures & comments streaming from me on twitter… just click here and it will be like you are right here in the middle of it all with me!!!!!!  
 
(Btw, look at my last two blog posts below and you will see video of me, mayor daley & all the happy chicago 2016 olympic committee members after the official pitch feeling like we did the best job we could!  And you will also see the actual square in Copenhagen where the public will gather soon to see the olympic decision be announced… its really cool!)
 
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w/ mayor daley at chicago 2016 olympic committee after olympic pitch event!


October 2nd, 2009

 

Wow! Look how excited everyone is from the chicago 2016 olympic committee!  As you probably gathered by all my sharing on twitter of events and pictures behind the scenes (click here to follow me on twitter), the energy is amazing, positive and super strong!  Everyone just feels like we did the absolute best possible job we could have done- the mayor as you can see is so happy- the committee looks happy- its like my man mutombo said “our presentation was perfect, now all we can do is wait!”  
 
Off to our private viewing party… hope we win, everyone has just worked so hard and I am so in awe by them… check out video on blog post below to see where the rest of Copenhagen will be watching and going nuts for the announcement!  I will join the city after and send you all random pictures of how the winning team celebrates (whoever they are) on twitter… it better be us!

Wow! Look how excited everyone is from the chicago 2016 olympic committee!  As you probably gathered by all my sharing on twitter of events and pictures behind the scenes (click here to follow me on twitter), the energy is amazing, positive and super strong!  Everyone just feels like we did the absolute best possible job we could have done- the mayor as you can see is so happy- the committee looks happy- its like my man mutombo said “our presentation was perfect, now all we can do is wait!”  

Off to our private viewing party… hope we win, everyone has just worked so hard and I am so in awe by them… check out video on blog post below to see where the rest of Copenhagen will be watching and going nuts for the announcement!  I will join the city after and send you all random pictures of how the winning team celebrates (whoever they are) on twitter… it better be us!

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