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For the sake of it.

Chicago Air and Water Show

 
This year's Chicago Air and Water show was no-less spectacular than year's past. With a Stealth Fighter zipping through the Chicago skyline and the Blue Angel's playing with the sound barrier, Chicagoans were privy to quite a treat. SEE PHOTOS HERE.

 

Why look like everyone else at Wrigley? Get your Cuban and the Cubs tee shirt!

From Ghost Poster Scott E

THANK YOU

Today I left Chicago with a heavy heart and the knowledge that I was doing it for all the right reasons. As I sit here at O'hare I want to thank all the friends I made here in Chicago for embracing me with an open heart and open minds. I was impressed with your kind nature and your inviting ways and this demeanor helped ease my transition to a new city and a new life. Your kindness allowed me to relax and be myself as I tried to find my way in the windy city. Thank you to all of you. Over the next couple of months I look forward to embarking on my life's goal, and to hanging out with you once again on those occasions when I come back to visit. Thank you.

Cirque du Soleil Road Show is Boring

I have been to many Cirque shows, two in Vegas, which were  spectacular. But, the road shows are not all that.

Last November I went to a show in Dayton, Ohio  and was talking up the show to the people who I was with, as they had not seen  a Cirque show before. To my complete surprise, the show was just simply “ok.”

Last week, I went to the Cirque show in Chicago  and while it was better than the show in Dayton,  it still did not compare to the Vegas shows, and much like the Dayton show although it had a different  title. Hmmm, quite curious.

Don’t get me wrong, the talent in these shows is tremendous,  but for $100/ticket I want to see a little more. Perhaps this Canadian business  is opting for the classic American business model; expand to hit a larger  market and gain more cash flow. It appears to me that Cirque has mirrored the  classic theatre business model, high cost to see the show, then outrageous  markups for drinks and snacks because there is no other option; I paid $4 for Dasani water. I inspected the water for flakes of gold, assuming that was why it cost 300% more than at 711, but did not find any.

In short, save your money and see a show in Vegas, NY, or  Orlando because the road shows are nothing to write home about. If you feel the  need to see a road, just go once, even if the next show has a different name,  it is exactly the same. Broadway Box Reviews

Other Unique Entertainment Options in Chicago
Blue Man Group: I have seen this show twice and was utterly entertained both times. The show was quite similar to the last, but they have a good model and mixed it up slightly.

Bye Bye Liver: if you like to drink and laugh, this show is  for you. If you are visiting Chicago  and want something unique, then check out this BYOB performance.

80s Prom: another interactive show, great for large groups. Be sure to fully participate, dress up 80s prom-like for the full experience.

Smut and Eggs: Twisted Spoke has an interesting concept for those not looking to end the night, Porn and Eggs, I need not say anymore.

You have any additions? SEE LATEST UPDATE

Best Rooftop Lounges in Chicago

One of the most attractive qualities of social life in Chicago during the summer is the rooftop lounge. After a ferocious winter, Chicagoans are looking for every opportunity to be outside. I consider the following to be the best rooftop lounges in Chicago (What is your favorite rooftop lounge in Chicago?); 

• Castaways at North Avenue Beach: this is a great spot right on Michigan Lake. This is the perfect spot of you are looking to cut off from work and hit the beach. Castaways offers music/karaoke at night to feed the happy-go-lucky vibe. GO TO SITE 
 
• Nomi (Michigan and Chicago): next to Ralph Lauren’s restaurant, this is a great spot for those who wish to be seen by the socialites of Chicago. It’s Asian décor and cool drinks make this a great spot for a first date, or to take a relationship to the next level. Be prepared to spend some $ though, this place is not cheap. GO TO SITE 
 
• Rock Bottom (Grand and State): this is a great spot, but watch out for the construction! Rock Bottom is a happy hour hot spot in Chicago. Dawned as a beer garden, this brewery’s rooftop reminds of why you live downtown. GO TO SITE 
 
• ZED 451 (Clark and Superior): this new River North spot did it right when planning their rooftop lounge. While you are there, you may just think you are in Aspen at an Après Ski joint, but once you look up you will know you are in the heart of Chicago. SEE COMPLETE REVIEW 
 
• SushiSamba Rio (Wells and Grand): this has always been a hot spot in Chicago. The rooftop is sometimes called the, “Celebrity Rooftop,” as its chic décor attracts the Chicago’s famous. GO TO SITE
  
  
• Citizen Bar (Erie and Orleans): great Friday night happy hour spot. I happened to check out Citizen Bar this past Friday and the place was hopping with Chicago's finest. If you are looking for the perfect happy hour rooftop top in Chicago to  start the weekend right, Citizen Bar is your stop, crawling with good-looking 30-somethings looking to unwind after the work week. GO TO SITE

Trader Joe's Shopping Tip

DO NOT BUY PERISHABLE ITEMS FROM TRADER JOE'S!

I have learned the hard way, but have finally come to the conclusion that I cannot purchase perishable items from Trader Joe's. A few months ago I purchased some frozen chicken. I was going to make some Top Chef-ish type meal. Upon thawing I discovered that it was spoiled, $7 down the drain. A month later I purchased some turkey deli meat. The next morning I went to make one of my famous sandwiches, turkey was spoiled, $4 down the drain. Last night I purchased some milk with an expiration date of 7/12/2008. Well, it must have been a misprint, because when I went to make my protein shake, smelled the milk, spoiled, $3 down the drain.

Trader Joe's is okay if you stay away from perishable items. Don't bother testing it out yourself.