The Chicago Traveler

• The Annoyance pays homage to Harrison Ford via Bear Force One. After a series of assassinations, the Secretary of Agriculture becomes the first gay “bear” President of the United States. Now, the terrorists are after him, his partner “cub,” and his new staff! (Fridays, ends Apr 11)
• The 2008 Chicago Auto Show is the largest auto show in the nation and showcases domestic and imported cars, trucks, and SUVs. Of course, there are also plenty of interesting experimental and concept vehicles to see, too. (Feb 8-17)
• If you’re going to spend a lot of money on a date, maybe …read more

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Considered the worst-ever owner of the Chicago Blackhawks, William W. Wirtz passed away at Evanston Hospital on September 26 at the age of 77, after a battle with cancer. He had served as the Blackhawks’ team president for over 40 years.
Wirtz was better known as “Dollar Bill,” a nickname given to him by Chicago Tribune columnist Bob Verdi, referring to Wirtz’s penchant for driving hard bargains in contract negotiations with even the team’s best players. Over the past 12 years, the Blackhawks have made just four playoff appearances and haven’t played in the Stanley Cup finals for even longer. In …read more

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The sports memorabilia market has been transformed by the Internet, i.e. online auctions. The Mastro Auctions warehouse stores athletic treasures before they are sold to collectors around the world. It is the paradise for sports-collectibles junkies, with incredible finds like authentic old-school seats from different stadiums, 30-year-old sports-themed arcade games, and even a turnstile from the entry gates of Wrigley Field.
Started in 1996 by Bill Mastro, a former sports auction consultant for Sotheby’s, Mastro Auctions (based in Burr Ridge) sells almost $50 million worth of sports and Americana memorabilia through six online auctions each year. Many items sell for thousands, …read more

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