The Chicago Traveler

Call me morbid, but I find cemeteries absolutely fascinating. They’re like outdoor history museums, a direct look into the past and its people. And inside the Bohemian National Cemetery on Chicago’s north side lies the home of Helen Sclair, a.k.a. “the cemetery lady,” who’s even more intrigued by cemeteries than I am. After all, she lives in one!
This cemetery historian does keep a certain sense of humor about her situation though, keeping her home decorated as if for Halloween… all year round. Sclair now holds seminars and writes columns educating people about the importance of cemeteries. Her goal is to …read more

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• Can you shake your booty to a Latin beat? Club 720 holds a weekly salsa competition where winners advance to the finals in the hopes of earning the $2500 cash prize. (runs through Feb 15)
• Those handsome Chicago calendar firemen will be hitting the town again, this time at Crobar. They’ll be signing autographs, posing for pictures (slightly more clothed this time), and even giving out kisses from a kissing booth. Have a favorite month? Vote for the handsomest hero as the men compete for the title of “Chicago’s Hottest Fireman.” Actor Daniel Sunjata of the FX show “Rescue …read more

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It’s time to say good-bye to 2007. The year has treated me very well. I moved to a new apartment, did some traveling, and, best of all, began writing The Chicago Traveler! Many thanks to Mary Jo and everyone at b5media who has been so welcoming and helpful.
Even though The Chicago Traveler is only a few months old, let’s take a look back at the ten most popular articles of this year.
10. Abegweit. Resting peacefully on Lake Michigan, this beautiful ship was once the most powerful icebreaker in the world.
9. Let’s Boogie Records & Tapes. This music store on the …read more

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I’ve been fairly fortunate in that I’ve only been summoned for jury duty once in my life. After a couple hours of waiting and interviews, I was dismissed before the trial even began. But whether it’s for a couple hours or a couple days, Chicagoans serving jury duty usually head to the Richard J. Daley Center, with more than 120 court and hearing rooms as well as the official law library of the City.

The Daley Center is the premier civic center of Chicago (named after Major Richard J. Daley) and is considered one of Chicago’s architectural highlights for several reasons. …read more

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Celebrate the reopening of the Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies in its new facility at the Grand Opening Gala Benefit, including cocktails, dinner, and entertainment. (Nov 29)
The annual World of Chocolate benefit for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago is held in commemoration of World AIDS Day. Guests will sample scrumptious chocolate creations from many of Chicago’s finest restaurants, caterers, and chocolatiers. (Nov 29)
Bayside, an alternative rock band from Queens, New York, performs at the House of Blues, while Clay Aiken, the American pop singer of American Idol fame, sings at the Genesee Theatre in Waukegan. (Nov 29)
Sample some of the …read more

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