The Chicago Traveler

Today is Blog Action Day, an annual nonprofit event wherein bloggers, podcasters, and videocasters from around the world post about the same issue on the same day. The online event aims to raise awareness on a global level.
This year, online media members are discussing the complex issue of poverty. Obviously, there is no simple answer to this worldwide problem, but Blog Action Day enables thousands of people to openly give their own perspectives, creating discussion, ideas, and hopefully real-life action.
Here in Chicago, a city with numerous resources, there are plenty of ways to get involved in the effort to end …read more

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I’ll be heading out of town this weekend, but for those of you staying here in Chicago, you’ve got lots to look forward to.
• The 11th Annual Chicago Improv Festival takes place at various locations and includes performances by Paul Scheer, Jack McBrayer, and John Lutz. (ends June
• The largest free outdoor blues event in the world, the 25th Annual Chicago Blues Festival, features local, national, and international entertainment on six stages in Grant Park with more than 90 performances. (ends June
• More than 170 current and classic films will be shown this summer in neighborhood parks throughout …read more

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• The annual German festival Mayfest is stuffed with plenty of brats, beer, and bands. The official opening ceremony on Friday features a traditional keg tapping and May Queen crowning. Prost! (May 29-June 1)
• The 24th Annual Chicago Gospel Music Festival is three days of more than 50 performances on three stages in Millennium Park. (May 30-June 1)
• Foodies can sample dishes from more than 50 chefs from local restaurants at the 16th Annual Great Chefs Tasting Party at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers, hosted by the United Cerebral Palsy Association of Greater Chicago. Participating restaurants include David Burke’s …read more

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This season of the Bravo Network’s Top Chef was filmed here in Chicago, exposing competing chefs from all over the country to all the culinary treats the Windy City has to offer.
This week’s Quickfire Challenge required each chef to create an entrée in only 15 minutes, using Uncle Ben’s Rice as a primary ingredient. (Product placement, anyone?) As you can probably figure out, trying to cook anything in that short amount of time is very difficult, especially when the contestants are trying to impress guest judge Art Smith. I can’t even decide what I want to eat in less than …read more

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It’s not surprising if we take our water for granted. We cook with it, take showers and baths every day, and drink it in our restaurants. But there are millions of people who don’t have access to clean, drinkable water.
Several restaurants all across the country are taking part in the Tap Project, taking place this week, by inviting their customers to donate $1 (or more) for the glass of water they would normally get for free. For every dollar raised, UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) can provide a child with clean drinking water for 40 days.
In Chicago, participating restaurants include:

Shedd …read more

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• If you’re a fan of all things dark and gruesome, check out the artwork of author, film director, and artist Clive Barker at the Packer Schopf Gallery, showing Tuesdays through Saturdays and free to the public. (runs through February 16)
• The 24th Annual Playdough Palooza is the Wish List Auxiliary Board’s annual fundraising event to support the Child Life Department. This year’s fundraiser will be at Rockit Bar and Grill. All of the proceeds will fund new supplies for the Children’s Memorial Hospital. Tickets are $50-$60 via childrenswishlist.org (Jan 18)
• Ladies, spend A Night in Paradise. This girls’ night …read more

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Do you love a man in uniform? Do you love a man out of uniform?
The 2008 Chicago Firefighter Calendar is now on sale, and it features 12 local firemen and their stories. All proceeds go to the Ignite the Spirit Fund, dedicated to Chicago firefighters and their families in times of need. Supporting this fund helps give back to these community heroes who do so much for us.
If you’re interested in meeting some of these handsome gentlemen in person, stop by the 4th Annual Christmas Party Toy Drive. Benefiting local children’s hospitals, this toy drive has been successful in …read more

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• Follow a trail of flour, chalk, and toilet paper on the Sixth Annual Great Chicago Anthrax Scare/Santa Hat Run. This four-mile run (for $44) includes a Santa cap, a hazmat suit, and four hours of food and open bar with the Chicago Hash House Harriers afterward. Meet at the Hidden Shamrock by 2 p.m. (Dec 15)
• Aunt Mabel gave you an ugly-as-sin holiday sweater last year. Here’s your opportunity to finally enjoy it. The Second Annual Fugly Sweater Bar Crawl begins at Blarney Stone at 2 p.m. and makes its way through Wrigleyville ‘til 12 midnight. Call for details …read more

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I watch the news almost every day, and my favorite network to watch the morning news is WGN (channel 9). The reporters and newscasters are funny, relaxed, and never take themselves too seriously.
On Friday, December 14, WGN-TV will be holding its fourth annual “WGN Morning News Drive-Thru Toy Drive.” Drive on down to WGN-TV, and drop off a new unwrapped toy or monetary contribution. You may even find yourself on the air!
All toys will be donated to the children of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Chicago, and monetary donations will benefit WGN-TV’s Children’s Charities. (Contributions will be matched at …read more

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