Vending machines have come along way in the past 2,000 years. According to the National Automated Machines Association, the first "vending machine" was put into use in 215 B.C., a device to dispense holy water used in the temples of Egypt. Uh, huh. Some other fun vending machine facts:

- The vending industry is a $30 billion a year industry, employing 700,000 people who work at an estimated 13,500 companies.

- 100 million Americans will use on of 7 million vending machines each day.

- 16.3% of all vending machines are located in schools and colleges. Most vending machines are located in manufacturing settings (30.2%)

NAMA will be set up in Navy Pier over the next two days, with dozens of vendors set up to show off their latest creations. Among the machines we caught - a cotton candy machine that whips up the sugary snack in seconds. The sticky will set you back $2.

Another is a futuristic, iPhone like machine called the Digi-Touch. This one was on display by Kraft Foods, who demonstrated how the flat-screen, Samsung created front allowed customers to touch their choice. If you insert a $20 bill, you'll get paper money in return. The machine also accepts credit cards. And in between orders, the flat screen turns into a large animated advertisement for the various products inside.

Kraft's Mike Miller told us about the various challenges the creative team had when designing the machine - which houses plenty of chocolate products.

"The heat from the screen was beginning to make the chocolate soft and melt a little bit," Mike told us. " What we've done, is we actually have two fans. One at the bottom to push the air out over the screen. One at the top to suck that air out of the top, so we don't have any issues anymore with soft or slightly melted chocolate."

Other machines include the Akoona Ice Machine, a behemoth of a product that pumps out bags of fresh ice for just 75 cents. It's a big improvement from gas station ice, which, according to Akoona Reps, often comes trucked in from large factories that use chemicals during the production process. Akoona's ice is chemical free and never touches a human hand. Pull your cooler up, and with three gushes, it's full to the brim.

The NAMA convention runs through Friday, but it's only open to vendors. Check out my video above to feel what it was like to be there. Plus, you'll get to keep some change in your pocket.

 

My toughest assignment yet? Following up on metromix.com's Best Wings feature (read it here). Seriously. Who wants to travel all over the city and eat wings all day? Oh, right. I do.

After narrowing the list down to 16 finalists, metromix asked Chicagoans to vote for their favorite - in Chicago, suburbs not allowed. The result was a crowning achievement for the Fifty/50 in Wicker Park, who was named the big winner. The tri-level sports bar has commanded plenty of attention since opening on Division Street a few years ago. Their wings are plenty meaty and smothered in your choice of sauce, all made right there in house. They'll cost you $9 for 8, but they boast only the best quality ingredients.

Another spot on the list that didn't even place or show - Abeng Stuart's Wings Around The World. I love this place on 75th Street. Abeng moved it there after the rent at his 35th street location became way too costly. The result is a smaller spot, but the same signature sauces remain. He makes them all from scratch, different varieties representing countries all over the globe. There's the award-winning honey lemon pepper (U.S.A.), Parmesan garlic (Italy), mango jerk (Jamaica), and so many more.

And to conclude, I have no idea how metromix.com left these wings off their list. I have to assume they've never eaten the Little Hotties at Take Me Out, Let's Eat Chinese on 18th Street in Pilsen. Other publications have referred to these wings as "chicken crack," and while I would never make a joking point about such a devastating drug, I have to concede the point. These wings are indeed chicken crack.

Karen Lim's family owns Great Sea Chinese Restaurant in Albany Park. The same chicken wings have been captivating locals for decades. Karen decided to franchise them out and stuck with the Take Me Out concept after a fire next door caused her to close and remodel. I find the wings at Take Me Out even better than the original - they're crispier, but still come slathered in that unbelievable asian sauce. Dare I say the Little Hotties are my favorite quick snack in Chicago?

If you're looking for the hottest wings in town, I've got you covered there as well. About a year ago, Jake Melnick's Corner Tap in River North unveiled their H-O-T Wings. These wings are SO hot, they claimed, customers would have to sign a waiver before eating them. Yeah, right. Nice gimmick. I went to try them myself. Here's what happened:

 


I know you all have an opinion, where can I find your favorite wings in Chicago? Leave a comment and let me know. Here are more details on the spots featured on tonight's segment:

The Fifty/50
2047 W. Division St.
773.489.5050
www.thefifty50.com
Monday-Thursday 11am-2am; Friday 10 am-2am; Saturday 10am-3am; Sunday 10am-2am
$9 for 8 wings

Wings Around The World
510 E. 75th St.
773.483.9120
www.flavorstoinfinity.com
Monday-Tuesday 2pm-12mid; Weds 12noon-2am; Thursday-Friday 12noon-4:30am; Saturday 12noon-5am; Sunday 12noon-7pm
$6.99 for 10

Take Me Out, Let's Eat Chinese
1502 W. 18th St.
312.929.2509
www.takemeoutchinese.com
$6.39 for regular order, $11.99 for family size
11am-9:30pm daily

It's a gear head's paradise this weekend, as the 3rd annual Chicago Nationals Hot Rod Show invades the Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet. The event will feature over 2,000 Hot Rods, Customs, Classics, Muscle Cars and Trucks. There will be a swap meet, street challenges, and drag races at the Route 66 Raceway on Friday night. Tickets cost $17 for adults, and $6 for kids 12 and under. You can purchase them here.

On tonight's WGN News, I went to check out The Roadster Shop, a custom car design and manufacturing facility in north suburban Mundelein. Neal Gerber, along with his sons Phil and Jeremy, took a small auto-collision repair shop in Elgin and turned it into a thriving Chicagoland business. Two years ago they opened their 30,000 square foot facility that now employs 25 people. They take orders from all over the country - from rebuilds and restores, to complete constructions and detailing. The Roadster Shop does it all under one roof.

Their recent claim to fame comes with a design spearheaded by Phil Gerber, a complete retooling of a classic 1962 Corvette which won Goodguys "Street Machine of the Year" designation. Phil and the team tore the car down and modified EVERYTHING. It now features an aluminum front and grill, an exposed glass windshield, bright red leather interior, and some really cool electronic doors that open with the push of a button.

You can view the entire process of restoring the car on the Roadster's website here. It was made for a client in Wisconsin, and while the staff vows secrecy when it comes to how much customers pay for their vehicles, staff says an auto with as much modification and rarity as the '62 Corvette could sell for about $500,000. And no, they won't put it on your credit card. Or at least on my credit card.

If you'd like to check out the Roadster Shop in person, here's some information:

The Roadster Shop
 28775 N IL Route 83
Mundelein, IL
847.949.7637
www.roadstershop.com

 

Rick Bayless can cook. Chicago didn't need a reality show to tell us that. Bravo's "Top Chef Masters" let America in on our not-so-secret master of all things Mexican.

His resume speaks for itself. In the late 1970's, Rick hosted the PBS television series "Cooking Mexican." He would spend time after that researching the culinary arts in Mexico. To this day Mr. Bayless still frequently travels down south, sampling authentic eats from roadside vendors and the finest chefs in Mexico. He's won the James Beard Award (like a culinary Oscar). He was one of the first chefs to open a fine-dining Mexican restaurant (Topolobampo). Last August, Rick was named Top Chef Master in Bravo's star-studded cooking show.

His latest restaurant Xoco, a quick-serve Mexican street-eats spot located next door to Frontera Grill and Topolobampo, opened just this week. The spot took two years to conceive and construct, which means Rick was in no way planning on the outpouring of popularity that has come since his "Top Chef" win. The lines for Xoco have been out the door, probably due to the fact that customers can get a taste of Bayless for just $8-$13.

I brought a WGN camera into Xoco today and grabbed a few minutes of Rick's time. He told me he's pulling 16 hour shifts this week, working the line with his new staff to make sure everything goes to plan. If you want to check out Xoco for yourself, here's some information:

Xoco
449 N. Clark Street
Tuesday-Saturday, 7 a.m. - 9 p.m.
http://xocochicago.com
312.334.3688
The lines might look long, but most customers are waiting 20 minutes at the most
 

Our feature on Xoco from tonight WGN News is above. I'll be posting my entire talk with Rick on the blog tomorrow. For now, check out Kevin Pang and Monica Eng's trip to Xoco on The Stew.

Today was another one of those surreal days. I grew up watching Chicago Blackhawks hockey, many a memory on the second balcony of the old Chicago Stadium. To think that someday I would be standing on a football field with two members of the team as they try to complete military combat drills? Just one of those weird moments.

The fine members of the 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines invited us out to watch the wingers Andrew Ladd and Ben Eager beat themselves sweaty. They actually invited me to participate, but when I read it would entail scooping up a real-life marine, throwing him over my shoulder and running for about 30 yards? And hoisting a 30 pound ammo can over my head more than 100 times? There are certain things in life worth pinching a nerve over, I'll just tip my cap to the Marines and let the professional athletes show off their guns.

The guys participated in a Combat Fitness Test. The program was made a semi-annual requirement for all Marines in 2008. It consists of three different rounds:

1. Running - Marines run a half mile sprint in less than 2 minutes and 45 seconds. A five minute break ensues, then...

2. Ammo Can Lift - A square can filled with ammunition is hoisted from underneath the chin up over the head, as many times as possible within 2 minutes. Ladd completely 120 reps, very impressive even by Marine standards.

3. The Maneuver Under Fire Course - Marines run a course of cones, carry more ammo cans, throw a grenade, and hoist a wounded Marine onto their back and run him/her to safety. The Marine will run 300 yards during this exercise, all in about 2 minutes.

Marines will complete this training twice a year, on top of any other exercises they might be assigned. And you thought you had a tough job.

Chicago Blackhawks hockey kicks off on October 2. You can view a full schedule of games here.

The 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines are once again participating in the Toys for Tots program. If you'd like to requrest any toys, or make a donation, head to their website here.

About a year ago, I caught up with local folk group The Giving Tree Band as they recorded their first ever green album, "Great Possessions." By green, I don't mean recycled packaging. The band went all out and traveled to the Aldo Leopold Center in Baraboo, Wisconsin - a facility that celebrates the finest in eco-friendly living. Here's a quick rundown of what the band went through to ensure their earthy cred:

- Used energy generated by Leopold Center to power any instruments and electronics needed for mixing.
- CD's produced using renewable wind power.
- Packaging created using 100% biodegradable materials.
- Guitars made from naturally fallen or reclaimed woods, with a non-toxic finish.
- The band camped each night and biked 10 miles to and from the Leopold Center each day.

The band will put on a free CD release show in Lincoln Park on Tuesday, September 15th at 6 p.m. in Lincoln Park at Clark & Armitage, in conjunction with the first annual Carbon Day. I profiled the band on "metromix" as they were finishing the album last October.....
Continue reading Music Tuesday: The Giving Tree Band releases Green Album »

It was a milestone for the "Final Destination" franchise. For the first time, one of its entries opened #1 at the box office. So what put this one over the top? No, not the girl having her face removed in the car wash. It was the girl having her face removed in the car wash - IN 3-D! Here's a review from the "Movie Monster." If you were wondering what stunk during your screening (besides the movie), it was probably him.



Once again my predictions were slightly off. Here's how the box office came in:

1. "The Final Destination" - $28.3 million
2. "Inglorious Basterds" - $20 million
3. "Halloween II" - $17.4 million
4. "District 9" - $10.4 million
5. "G.I. Joe" - $8 million

Now let's lose another mortgage and put our money on some returns next week....

Continue reading Monday Movie Quarterback 8/31: Stupid....IN 3-D!!!! »

 

It's the end of an era. The famous "Giant Heart" exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry was officially taken apart last year. Too refresh your memory, here is WGN's Larry Rhoderick with a story from 1988 after the classic exhibit underwent a major renovation.


 

The old heart beats no more. In its place is a technological marvel - a 14 foot 3D beating heart that uses state of the art projectors to bring our essential organ to life. Another key feature of the new heart? Interactivity. You can grab the sensors at the pulse station and watch the mammoth vessels thump along with your actual heartbeat. When it's finished, it will also be able to simulate a heart attack, and various other electrical firings that happen inside its chambers. Overall it's a big step up technologically from the previous version.

The Chicago Tribune's William Mullen had a great piece about the new heart in today's paper. Just as notable were a few of the comments from readers - upset that a piece of their childhood nostalgia was gone. Museum staff told me the old heart was simply impossible to keep. It was built around a column that had to be removed, and as they tried to pry it free, it was crumbling to bits. After 50 plus years in existence, the heart wasn't as strong as it used to be. Sound familiar?

The museum took the heart apart and gave the remaining pieces to family members and significant others of the people who originally built it. So the "Giant Heart" does indeed beat on, in the rightful hands of the people who created lasting memories for millions of Chicagoans.

After looking at the new heart and testing out its features, I believe it's a positive change. Today's youth will be able to take more away from this heart - it's the next best thing to looking into somebody's chest. While the old heart definitely had its merits, with today's technology it seemed extremely dated. It's too bad they couldn't keep them both. They assured me they tried their best. I'm satisfied with that.

But how do you feel about this development? Do you think the change is warranted, or do you think the museum has made a major gaffe in getting rid of an iconic piece of Chicago nostalgia? Leave a comment and let me know!

Aliens, werewolves, and Michael Moore - oh my! It's a big day for movie fans. Three very anticipated trailers have been unleashed online, some with better results than others. Michael Moore's latest documentary will premiere its trailer tonight at midnight, but as for what's available right now....


"Avatar" - December 18, 2009

James Cameron has had his "Avatar" scripts sitting in a top drawer for a decade, waiting for technology to catch up to his grand vision. It's the 22nd century on a planet called Pandora. The land is populated with Na'Vi, an alien race with blue, shimmery skin and Sloth-like bending earlobes.

To interact with the Na'Vi, humans have created avatars, or Na'Vi bodies that can be controlled with a mental link. Like "The Matrix" or "Total Recall," but real.  Sam Worthington plays a paralyzed marine (I guess they can create mind-controlled, alien body-pods but still can't fix paralysis) who hops on board one of these avatars, and falls in love with an actual alien. Cue "Part of your World" anytime you like.

Here's the teaser trailer released today...




I realize this is just a teaser trailer. I have not read the script and have not subjected my ears to one line of dialogue. But if this is the "game changer" that has been hyped all over the media lately, I'm VERY underwhelmed.

The animation reminds me of something you would see in a video game between levels. You know, that sequence you jam on the start button to skip through? I'm thinking about "District 9" - a movie that cost just over $30 million to make, yet the CG looked so incredibly real. How does a movie like "Avatar," with its well-over $200 million budget, look so fake? I saw this stuff when it was called "Star Wars Episode I." But now it's blue, hopefully not nearly as bad.

I'm trying my best to wait for December 18th to reserve judgment, especially because the 3D is the big "game changing" element people seem to be raving about, but this trailer did nothing to blow me away or even get me excited for "Avatar" day. It looks like one of those films that's too grown-up for kids, yet way too "cartoony" for adults. Hopefully Christmas comes early and knocks my stockings off. Sigh.

As for "The Wolfman".....

Continue reading Holy Trailer Thursday! First looks at "Avatar," "The Wolfman," "Capitalism: A Love Story" hit the internet »

 

At least according to Chicago Magazine it is! In their August "Best-Of" issue, the mag cites the village's great mix of young and old, and it's walkability as strong points. It's pretty neat how chains have managed to converge on the area without forcing out the mom and pop shops. A few of the places we visited:


LaGrange Theatre
80 S. LaGrange Road
(708) 579-2173
www.lagrangetheatre.com

Horton's Ace Hardware
60 S. LaGrange Road
www.hortonshome.com
(708) 352-2110

Knead Marketplace
13 S. LaGrange Road
www.kneadmarketplace.com
(708) 482-7909

So what do you think - does LaGrange have the best downtown in all of suburban Chicagoland? Do you have a favorite downtown that must be seen? Leave a comment and let me know!

 

On tonight's WGN News, I'm checking out the Blackstone Bicycle Works. It's located in Woodlawn, just near the University of Chicago. Connie Spreen is the co-owner, she started the business as part of her Experimental Station, and organization that sheds artistic and recreational influence on the community. They also have a large garden and a bakery on the property, all raising money to support local culture and youth.

You can help the Blackstone's cause by doing your bike business there. And if you have an old 10-speed in the basement collecting rust, click here to donate it to the shop.

Local youth will stay off the street and fix up your bike. Once they rack up enough hours learning, they'll get to keep a bike of their own. Plus, they learn the ins and outs of what it takes to run a successful business. And most important, Blackstone is a non-profit, so all of the money they make is funneled back into improving the lives of the local kids and improving the community overall. Here's more info:

Blackstone Bicycle Works
6100 S. Blackstone
773.241.5458
http://experimentalstation.org

Big props to Fry Cook On Venus, quickly becoming one of my favorite stops on the internet. Eclectic Method has put together and amazing, head-bop-inducing tribute to the king of 80's teen angst - the late John Hughes. A perfect way to start your weekend...

Eclectic Method - A John Hughes Production from Eclectic Method on Vimeo.

 
Ever wonder what it's like to do a flip in a helicopter? I know I did!

I had a chance to take a ride with one of my new heroes, Chuck "Malibu" Aaron, the pilot of this modified Eurocopter BO-105 CBS 4 Twin engine helicopter, better known as the Red Bull Helicopter. The chopper has a rigid rotor, as opposed to a semi-rigid rotor, which gives it the ability to do all kinds of fun stuff. We're talking flips, barrel rolls, free falls, etc.

First, I asked if we would be doing the maneuvers over the Gary Airport. I wanted my photographer to be able to shoot us from the ground looking up. I was then told that due to regulations, the tricks couldn't be performed over a populated area. We had to fly out over the lake to do what we were going to do. Not the most reassuring dialogue to have before going airborne in a FLIPPING HELICOPTER!

But Chuck immediately put me at ease. His flowing airman hair and adventerous mustache screamed "good pilot." Watching the video back, it doesn't look as crazy as it felt. But the Red Bull chopper was a wild ride, one I'll never forget. You can see my story about it above, but I did shoot some extra video in the cockpit. Sorry it's so shaky - we were in a FLIPPING HELICOPTER!...




And finally, the entire raw video of my ride. All shot from the tail on the chopper.




Again, this is a specially modified helicopter. Do not try this at home with the chopper you take to work. You'll crash. Seriously.

The Chicago Air and Water Show happens this Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at North Avenue Beach, but you can catch it all along the lakefront on the North Side. Wave hello to Chuck for me!

I simply recorded a gentleman dancing with a Flip Cam, and next thing you know, he's a superstar all over the world. My "Lollapalooza 2009: World's Best Dancer" video is quickly going viral on YouTube. Last night I started getting texts and comments that it was featured on G4's "Attack of the Show." After a little digging, here it is. Fast forward to 3:30 if you don't want to watch the whole thing....


How this quick-footed, fist-pumping legend was not ranked #1 is beyond me. Thanks to G4 and AOTS for the mention of this television station, but your complete ignorance when it comes to human gyrating ability at a music festival is astounding.

So that's it. Lollapalooza 2009 is over, I'm showered and sitting at my recently elongated cubicle back at the station. Wondering what an "elongated cubicle" looks like? You don't want to know.

Yesterday was a good day. For one, I was riding a high from one of the best wedding receptions I've been at. The Saturday night party was at the Brookfield Zoo, with the cocktail hour in the "Tropic World: Africa" monkey house. Might sound strange, but watching two gorillas play-fight while sipping a cold beverage and snacking on Beef Wellington turned out to be one of the most exciting hours of my weekend. Am I getting old or what?

Anyhow, Lollapalooza Sunday consisted of me walking around Grant Park and taking in some much needed music. It was a late start...

2:30 KAISER CHIEFS (above)

If you've ever seen The Kaiser Chiefs, you know they're a great way to wake up your day. They've also got a great sense of humor.

Shaking off the heat, lead singer Ricky Wilson commented on how sweaty the crowd looked.

"We need 50,000 beers out there right now," he said. "Anything but Bud."

They were playing on the Budweiser stage. They ripped through their hits and anything else that would make the crowd get in the air. Great show.

 
Continue reading Lolla 2009: My Sunday, with video! »

The title speaks for itself. I ran into this man at Perry's stage. Best. Dancer. Ever.
 

The Gaslight Anthem, out of New Jersey, are ripping up the Chicago 2016 stage as I write this. A crowd loaded with umbrellas, ponchos, and thousands of sopping wet people are getting their money's worth. In the middle of a set that's included cuts off their latest album, "The 59 Sound," singer Brian Fallon stopped to ask a question that's been on his mind since he hit the stage.

He wondered about the Congress Hotel, seen off in the distance. He heard that Al Capone did something crazy in it.

"That's kind of creepy," he said. "We don't have anything like that."

Yeah, there's nothing creepy about New Jersey at all, right? It's my first time seeing these guys live, and it's nice to see they're just as entertaining between songs. TGA is quickly becoming one of my favorite young bands. I'm scheduled to interview them later this afternoon. I'll post it as soon as it's ready.

You've seen him on Top Chef Masters, maybe you've been to his restaurant. Celebrity chef Graham Elliot Bowles is known to make a big impression on the plate. This weekend he's been giving his biggest task yet, cooking meals for a few of the headliners at this year's Lollapalooza.

It's a big honor for the chef. I caught him with my rain-covered Flip cam earlier, and we talked about how he's getting through the weekend, his life in music, and what all of those tattoos are about! Please excuse the poor quality, quite a bit of rain came down while I was walking the grounds!

 

Once you see Hockey, you never forget them. Especially if you were at Lollapalooza 2009. The power went out on the band not once, but twice. They managed to get through it with an improvised drum session which turned into a dance fest. Continue reading Lolla 2009: Hockey overcome power problems, wake up crowd »

Video coming shortly....

Hey Champ recently signed with Lupe Fiasco's new label, something the local guys were quick to point out during their set. Many of the fans stacked in front of the south stage were there to see them, while others were waiting on later acts. But by the end of their set, they were all bopping along in unison.

It's hard not to get into Hey Champ's funky, electronic beat. I'd love to see them in a later set with a bigger crowd. More people means more energy, but these guys made due with what they had. Definitely worth checking out if you get a chance sometime.

Sorry for the delay in posting here, as usual 100,000 people converging on one area swamps any broadband capabilities. Just east of the media tent is the Chicago 2016 stage, and as early as 11 a.m. this morning, hardcore Depeche Mode fans were lining up in the front row of the stage. I say early because DM is headlining! They'll be playing about 8 p.m. and most of these folks will be setting up shop in the pouring rain all day to see them.

I talked with a few of them and put together some video......

Sometimes these interviews are just too good to sit on a tape. Behold the Lake County kid dragging her Grandfather from ride to ride at the Lake County Fair, just a year after his heart transplant. You can tell they're both living life and loving every minute of it.

 

On tonight's WGN News at 5:30, I'll be reporting on the Lake County Fair. Though it's technically celebrating its 81st year this week, officials tell me the fair's been around in some form for about 150! They're also set up in a brand new location, the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake, on the corner of Peterson and Midlothian (1060 E. Peterson to be exact).

If you want to check it out, it's going on everyday through Sunday with various events on each day. The hours are from 8 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., again, with different events scheduled at different times. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for the kids.

You'll find the fair's official website here. For the full schedule of events, click here.

I was in Lincoln Park yesterday afternoon, shooting an interview at Chicago's Dog House, a new hot dog stand opened by a young DePaul University alum. My phone went off, I took a call, and I was running out the door to get down to U.S. Cellular Field. White Sox pitcher Mark Buehrle had thrown a perfect game, just the 18th time it had happened in Major League Baseball history. Pretty rare feat.

Continue reading Mark Buehrle throws Perfect Game, White Sox fans celebrate! »

 

There's a new program at the Shedd Aquarium that lets you wade into the water with their famous Beluga Whales. It's called the Beluga Encounter and they just started the program earlier this month. The Shedd hosted a media preview yesterday, and I strapped on my wetsuit and tried it out for myself yesterday. You can see my experience in the video above. Continue reading Touch a Beluga Whale at the Shedd Aquarium »

Two big blows for Beastie Boys fans today.

First, Adam "MCA" Yauch posts a YouTube video saying he has cancer of his salivary gland.

Next, they announce they will be canceling all of their summer shows and postponing an upcoming album, including their headlining gig at Lollapalooza. And while this is a HUGE blow to an already thin Lolla lineup, let's remember that the important thing is for Yauch to focus on fighting his cancer, and to spend as much time as possible with his family and friends.

Life is short. Less Adam now hopefully means more Beastie Boys later. I'll be sure to post who fills into the Beastie Boys slot as that information becomes available.

From the Barque Canine Couture fashion show a few days ago. Puppies wearing all kinds of wild outfits. Cut to music. Oh snap.

Last night on the WGN News at 9, I took a trip to an upscale Chicago fashion show - for dogs. Gay Roberts is the owner of Barque Canine Couture, a new company she created after discovering how frustrating it was to find fantastic threads for her Yorkie. She hosted a fashion show yesterday (in the clip above) to showcase the latest in hot doggie duds. In case you saw something you liked, here's how you can get your hands on it...


Continue reading Barque Canine Couture hosts fashion show - for dogs »

Tonight on the WGN Evening News at 5:30, I took a tour of the legendary S. Rosen's bakery - where they make their famous hot dog buns. These aren't just any hot dog buns, S. Rosen's supplies 90% of Chicago's hot dog stands with their buns. In fact, they make about 90,000 buns an hour at this place. It's pretty amazing. Above you'll see a video I put together of our entire tour, how they make the buns from start to finish.

It's the latest of our "We Made" series. A few weeks back I showed you how they made Gelato at Ristorante Al Teatro.

We were at S. Rosen's because this week they're fronting a major charity initiative. In honor of their 100 year anniversary, all week long they're donating 10 cents of each bun they sell to the Greater Chicago Food Depository, Northern Illinois Food Bank, America's Second Harvest of Wisconsin, Northwest Indiana Food Bank, and the Chicago Anti-Hunger Foundation. They're hoping to sell 1 million buns, which would raise $100,000 total. You can buy S. Rosen's buns in most grocery stores, and in more than 1,700 hot dog stands across Chicagoland. It's national hot dog month, so grab a dog for a good cause.

 

Tonight on WGN News, you'll see my visit to the Ball Fore Mini Golf Course in south suburban Worth. This weekend, the U.S. Pro Mini Golf Association will be there all weekend, hosting their U.S. Open. Professional miniature golfers from around the world will be competing for $2,000 in prizes. Competition kicks off on Saturday and Sunday at 9 a.m. if you'd like to watch. Unfortunately the deadline to register for $100 was yesterday.

On another note, organizers tell me that Andy Richter, famous announcer/sidekick on "The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien" is scheduled to make an appearance. They say he'll probably be taping a segment for the show. These golfers are serious, but they're a very good time. So if Andy does come out I'm sure it'll make a hilarious piece.

If you happen to see him out there, or just experience Pro Mini Golf in all its glory, be sure to let me know how it went!

I managed to catch local rockers Reverie attracting a big crowd over at the Best Buy stage. Here's their performance of "Carousel." You can see more of them at myspace.com/reverieone.

Uhhhhhh, no it's not, but all of your friends can try their hand at Rock Band all week long. And trust me, you're probably much better than these two....



My favorite part is the little kid drumming, staring in the opposite direction. I think we might be hearing about a "rock band breakup" soon. Hilarious.

This probably has something to do with it. Suddenly, the large crowds have descended upon Grant Park. The last few days have been pretty nice, but it looks like people are taking long 4th of July weekends. Here's a little video of me trying to walk through the masses...



I don't know what's worse, the people eating while walking the wrong direction, or the TV guy holding his camera running into them. Sorry!

The ambush review - you eat, you decide. I spotted this lucky group chomping down on a beef on a stick and corn on the cob, stuck a camera in their face, and now....they're food critics!

I noticed Marvelous the Clown set up next to a pair of giant 21 sized shoes, and thought he might be worth a question or two. He even made a balloon animal for us. No need to be jealous folks, he'll be here all week.

You read that right, laddie! The Abbey Pub is staked out at the Taste of Chicago with an Irish Egg Roll. Forgive me if I sound ignorant here. I've been to the Abbey a few times and never noticed the Chinese-influenced Irish delicacy.

Thankfully, it comes in a Taste portion for just 4 tickets. Inside of the fried shell you'll find cabbage, cheese, and corned beef. Get it now? The throw a dollop of mustard into the dish for dipping, but I found it too overpowering. On it's own the Irish Egg Roll makes a neat snack but not much more. What's next, Corned Beef dumplings with a Guinness chaser?

I'll give the Irish Egg roll a 3/5 - fun and satisfying, but somewhat forgettable.

The King is dead - a shocking end to an American Tragedy. Michael Jackson unexpectedly passed away today. Then again, I should never use the word "unexpected" with Michael Jackson, you should expect the unexpected. Whether it was child abuse charges, plastic surgery, backyard theme parks, or dangling his baby off the terrace, Jackson knew how to make headlines for the wrong reasons.

Some of my earliest memories of childhood are of my neighborhood friends and I sitting on my driveway, taking turns showing off our sorry "moonwalks." All of us thought we could do it. Then, we'd go inside and watch the videotape of the King "moonwalking," and we knew we'd never be able to come close.
Continue reading Michael Jackson: 1958-2009 »

I'm going to try and collect as many recipes or preparations as I can from restaurants I visit across the city. Here's a little montage I cut together of the folks at Ristorante Al Teatro & Caffe Gelato, showing off how they prepare their signature Italian dessert.

Documentarian Michael Moore is readying his latest as-yet-untitled film. Over the weekend he debuted a new teaser trailer. Behold the usual dose of serious to sarcasm:



According to various online reports, in some theaters the lights actually came up and ushers holding "Save Our CEO" cans walked up and down the aisles asking for donations (Aint It Cool News's Capone attended one right here in Chicago).  No word on how much money they were able to collect. The film is scheduled to open on October 2nd.

The city hosted a special preview of the big event in Daley Plaza today, and for the first time it was open to the public. There were 6 booths in the plaza, showcasing restaurants from across the city. Among those you saw on our broadcast were.... Continue reading 2009 Taste of Chicago Preview! »

If you tuned into the WGN News tonight, you saw my piece on the Frozen Yogurt craze sweeping Chicago. I checked out a couple places that are doing an alternative to ice cream with a unique twist. First up, we had.....
Continue reading As seen on TV: Ice cream alternatives! »

Happy gloomy Tuesday everybody. Hopefully some local music can cheer you up. I first met singer/songwriter Mer at Northern Illinois University, and I've been a fan ever since. He can tell you more about him in his own words.



Want to hear more? Here's another performance and some info about his upcoming shows.....


Continue reading Tuesday music 6/9: Mer »

This Wednesday, the Chicago Architecture Foundation is showing off its latest project - a scale model of the loop down to the smallest window. More than 1,000 buildings were created using a new three-dimensional computer generated printing process called stereolithography. Each building was designed in a computer, then spit out of a special machine overnight. Repeat a few thousand times.
Continue reading A bird's eye of the Chi, without leaving the ground »

Matthew Santos is best known for his work with Lupe Fiasco on last year's hit "Superstar" - but I had to be "that guy" that sells his solo career short. Matthew actually spent some time at Columbia College, which is how he made his bond with Chicago native Lupe. He was at WGN News today performing on the afternoon program (more of that video later), and as I said on the 5:30 p.m. news, he's one of my favorite artists I've had the pleasure to feature. Matthew is the subject of my first ever "In the Green Room" segment (above) - I'll be trying to pin down as many celebrities as possible as they trickle into WGN Studios and ask them some hard-hitting questions. Rough job, but someone's got to do it!

Matthew will be performing a FREE show tonight at the LaSalle Power Company at 8 p.m. If you still haven't made up your mind, Matthew's performance on the afternoon news is right after the jump....


Continue reading In the Green Room with Matthew Santos! »

"metromix on CLTV" re-ran my segment with local hip-hoppers Yea Big + Kid Static this weekend. I love the sound of these guys, a rapper/lyricist and a producer who loves to kick around beats, riffing on everything from Mega Man to sandwiches. My interview is above, but you might want to check out their full video and album for yourself....
Continue reading Music Tuesday: Yea Big + Kid Static »

Your bathroom stinks. There's does not. It's about that time for the 8th America's Best Restroom contest brought to you by Cintas. This year, Chicago's own Drake Hotel is a top ten finalist, competing against Johns from Baltimore, Branson, and beyond. You can vote for any of the bathrooms, and check out photos of each, at bestrestroom.com. The winner will be announced in August.

I got a chance to walk through the Palm Court ladies room this afternnon with the manager of the Drake Hotel. I'll show you all of the highlights (there's no privacy in this business) tonight on the WGN News at 9 p.m.

The Wit Hotel at 201 N. State is open and ready to rock! This weekend they're hosting "Legends: The Artwork of Rock and Roll Royalty," showcasing works by the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Jerry Garcia, John Lennon, and more - over 100 paintings all for sale. They range in price from just $200, all the way up to $20,000! Here's all the information for the show...
Continue reading Weekend Haps: Legends Rock & Roll Art Show! »

In case you missed it this morning - Pat made a kid cry, much like he did to me on my first day at WGN. I feel your pain, Tyler. Here's the video.....




Continue reading WGN's Pat Tomasulo takes it to the (play)house! »

Time for a taste of Germany - sausage, dancing, and plenty of beer in Lincoln Square. Mayfest, or Maifest as it's technically known, kicks off its 10 year anniversary today at Lincoln and Leyland. The highlights of this year's fest include:

THURSDAY: A performance from the Old Town School of Folk Music at 5:30 p.m. Beer spiggets tapped at 5 p.m.

FRIDAY: Official opening night party with traditional keg tapping at 8 p.m.

SATURDAY: Live music from 12:00 noon - 11:00 p.m. Featuring the likes of Paloma and the Austrian Express.

SUNDAY: My favorite event at Mayfest, the German/Ethnic program of events from 1-4 p.m., with traditional dancing around the Maypole at the center of Lincoln Square.

Good food, great beer, and pole dancing that won't leave you ashamed. Check out the full festival lineup and get more info at mayfestchicago.com.

Check out metromix.com's photo gallery of 2008's Mayfest here.

It's one of the best reviewed movies of 2009 - sounds like Pixar has done it again. I've only seen a rough cut of "Up," which was pretty much complete minus a few minor music changes and an opening/closing credit sequence. I fell in love with this movie. So much so that yes, I even swelled up with tears at a few points. I had a chance to interview the film's director Pete Docter before I left CLTV for WGN. Below you'll find the video from our chat.


Continue reading Pixar's Pete Docter talks "Up" with Marcus Leshock »

He's a fan o' man! Now he'll be killing them softly. The Hollywood Reporter says Al Pacino has singed on to star as Dr. Jack Kevorkian in the HBO biopic "You Don't Know Jack." I do know "Jack" will chronicle the doctor's work in assisted suicide, and more than likely crescendo in a 10-minute monologue on how "I was just helping people live, damn it! Then you took a flame thrower to this place!"

In other (disappointing) movie news, we have a remake of one of those bad movies you used to think was a good movie.....
Continue reading Movie News: Pacino as Dr. Death, 'Navigator' gets compliance »

That's right, it keeps you dry and looking fabulous at the same time! Behold the Wearable Towel - the latest product to dominate the internet blogosphere . Finally, a toga you can wear while picking up your newspaper! Or if you don't subscribe to any newspapers, while reading the news on your iPhone while in the shower!



It's the battle of Summer '09 - the Snuggie versus the Wearable Towel. If you own one of these I would love to speak with you about it. Send me an email here.