The Chicago Traveler

October 31st, 2007

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween everybody! Even though it’s a weeknight, there’s still plenty to do out there in the city…
• The Dead Diner will be serving up Halloween-themed food and drink specials, along with ghostly tunes, horror flicks, and a midnight costume contest with a $200 cash prize.
• Roscoe’s Halloween Night offers over $4,000 in cash and […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

October 30th, 2007

GLBT History Month

October is GLBT (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender) History Month and was first celebrated in 1994. Founded by Missouri high-school teacher Rodney Wilson, the dedication was first supported by many leaders and educators, including Kevin Boyer of Chicago’s Gerber/Hart Library, writer Paul Varnell of the Windy City Times, and Torey Wilson, a Chicago-area teacher. Rodney […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

October 30th, 2007

Rar Rar Press

Your elders have always told you to send Thank You cards. But what about cards that say “Get Awesome!”, “Holla!” or “Bite Me”?
Rebecca Ann Rakstad of Rar Rar Press has come up with creative sayings for just about every occasion and prints them out on colorful letterpress postcards. She also makes greeting cards and blank […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

October 29th, 2007

Michael A. Bilandic Building

This 275-foot (84 m), 21-story skyscraper actually goes by a few names: the Michael A. Bilandic Building, the Burnham Building (named for the architects), and even the State of Illinois Building, even though a new state government building was constructed across the street (the Thompson Center) in 1985. Completed in 1920, the structure now serves […]

By Matt B -- 2 comments

October 28th, 2007

Suckers Candy, Inc.

Pretty soon, those little superheroes, ghosts, and pirates will be ringing your bell and knocking at your door, expecting something sweet to eat. Sure, you could go to any store and pick up the same ol’ Snickers and M&M’s that everyone else has, but how many houses can boast Abba Zabba, Mary Janes, or Wonka […]

By Matt B -- 3 comments

October 27th, 2007

Beatnix

So it’s costume time, and you’re on the hunt for something… fabulous. If you’re thinking along the lines of feathery angel wings, disco balls, vinyl, rhinestones, and size 12 platforms, walk loud and proud to Beatnix.
This outlandish boutique in the heart of Boystown (mere steps away from Sidetrack) attracts a clientele as flashy as its […]

By Matt B -- 2 comments

October 26th, 2007

Friday Film: Henry

I wanted to highlight a flick (filmed in Chicago) this week that was appropriate for the frightful season. I think I found the perfect choice in Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer.

Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer (1986)

Directed by:
John McNaughton

Produced by:
Malik B. Ali
Waleed B. Ali
Lisa Dedmond
Steven A. Jones
John McNaughton

Starring:
Michael Rooker
Tom Toweles
Tracy Arnold

Distributed by:
Greycat Films

All Movie […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

October 26th, 2007

Chicago Celebrates Halloween, cont.

• A ghoul’s gotta eat. The Dead Diner (a.k.a. the Orbit Room) will be serving up Halloween-themed food and drink specials, along with ghostly tunes, horror flicks, and a midnight costume contest with a cash prize. (Oct 27, 31)
• Eat, Drink, and Be Scary at the Museum of Surgical Science. Hosted by the Foundation for […]

By Matt B -- 1 comment

October 25th, 2007

Chicago Celebrates Halloween

 I have to admit, I love this time of year. While I’m not a fan of chilly weather or candy-greedy kids, I can’t get enough of all things creepy and spooky. If you enjoy an adrenaline rush and want to potentially bust some ghosts, grab a tour with Chicago Ghost Investigations. This paranormal research group […]

By Matt B -- 2 comments

October 25th, 2007

American Science & Surplus

Got an idea for a creative costume? Not military-related? Maybe you should stop at American Science & Surplus in Jefferson Park, just down the street from Andy’s Deli.
There really is no adequate way of describing American Science. It’s a bit of an oversized junk drawer, with all kinds of odds, ends, doodads, and thingamajigs. The […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments