• 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 it should be for a good cause. At the Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation 17^th Annual Dream Date Auction, you can bid on date packages designed by local singles. Choices include international getaways, exclusive behind-the-scenes tours, and premium sporting event and concert tickets. Must be 21 or older. (Feb

• Hockey isn’t just for boys. Women can learn the basics of the game from current Chicago Blackhawks players and personnel during the Ladies Hockey Hook-Up. The event includes an appetizer buffet, martinis, gift bags, and more. (Feb

• Doc Films, a student film society at the University of Chicago, is holding the Japan Foundation Midwest Film Festival, featuring five contemporary Japanese films, all centered on the country’s post-WW2 generation. (Feb 8-10)

• Tough-skinned? Take a dip in the ice-cold waters of Lake Michigan as part of the Lakeview Polar Bear Club’s 7^th Annual Celebration of Shrinkage. This year, the group will be raising money in support of the Rowell family. (Feb 9)

• Let’s get naked! Er, rather, find naked. Go on the hunt for nudity as part of The Naked at the Art Institute Scavenger Hunt, where you’ll be on the lookout for muscle men, bathing beauties, provocative Picassos, and peeping Toms. No previous experience with art (or nudity) is required. (Feb 9, 16)

• The Lunar New Year Parade honors the Chinese Year of the Rat with dragon and lion dances, marching bands, floats, and more. (Feb 9) (parade route)

• Just in time for Valentine’s Day… ladies can get pole dancing and striptease lessons at Flirty Girl Nite Out. This ladies-only social also offers free manicures, pedicures, makeovers, massages, hair styling, and gift bags. (Feb 9)

• At the second annual Pink Valentine’s Day Party at Victor Hotel, both couples and singles can enjoy a body painting fashion show, a live photo shoot, drink specials, and contests. (Feb 9)

Photo credit: hthg1983

Post from: The Chicago Traveler

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 fact, their Stanley Cup “drought” is the longest in team history and the longest in the NHL. As a result, even though the Blackhawks are one of the six original National Hockey League teams, they’re lucky if they can fill half the stadium at their games.

Many Chicagoans were enraged when Wirtz’s stubbornness drove many of the team’s great players to leave over the years, including Jeremy Roenick, Tony Amonte, Ed Belfour, and Chris Chelios. Wirtz also refused to let home games be aired on television. ESPN ranked “Dollar Bill” as the 3rd greediest owner in all of sports and named the Chicago Blackhawks the worst sports franchise.

Oddly enough, while Wirtz refused to spend a lot of money on his team, he was well known for his philanthropy. He donated millions of dollars to worthy causes, including the Boys and Girls Clubs and the Amateur Hockey Association of Illinois.

Wirtz is survived by his wife, five children, and seven grandchildren.

Post from: The Chicago Traveler

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, even millions, of dollars. I guess when you’re a collector, cost is sometimes the least of your concerns. Baseball is the sport that really drives this market. While football, basketball, and hockey are also popular (especially vintage material), they trail baseball by a large margin when it comes to collectibles.

Hearing about all these generations-old memorabilia, I know what you’re thinking. “What should I save?” Doug Allen, the president of Mastro Auctions, suggests you “save the things you like.” Save the mementos that mean something to you because, in all honesty, they will have more sentimental value than financial value. The things that are being created today that have value are players’ bats, players’ uniforms, home-run baseballs, milestone baseballs, etc. There just aren’t a lot of collectibles being generated today, which is unfortunate.

One modern-day collectible is was a very controversial baseball. Chicagoans will remember the infamous “Bartman Ball,” the foul pop-up that was caught by a spectator in the stands of Wrigley Field in Game 6 of the 2003 National League Championship Series between the Chicago Cubs and the Florida Marlins. That foul ball, which was just inches away from being caught by Cubs left fielder Moises Alou, was blamed for the Cubs’ failure to advance to the World Series. Mastro Auctions sold the infamous baseball for over $110,000 to Grant DePorter on behalf of Harry Caray’s Restaurant, where it was publicly destroyed in 2004.

Photo credit: (c/o Flickr) kimberly_hurst, The G-Tastic 7

Mastro Auctions: 7900 S Madison St (Burr Ridge); 630-472-1200
http://www.mastronet.com/

Post from: The Chicago Traveler