Monthly Archives: July 2011
Affordable Health Care Insurance and Solutions for Chicago
Post Healthcare Reform ….there maybe more questions and confusion about health insurance than ever before, right?!
Healthcare reform brings several advantages for the consumers and they should consider switching to
the “new” health insurance, rather than staying grandfathered in the old plans.
As a result of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, individual health insurance is now
enhanced with preventative benefits covered with no waiting periods, not being subject to deductibles
or coinsurance and copays. There is no more lifetime maximum dollar limit that in the past caused people to run out of insurance coverage and few other advantages that benefits the consumers greatly.
However, the cost of health insurance is still on the rise and many people responsible for buying their
own health insurance find that conventional plans with low deductibles are simply too expensive.
Selecting a higher deductible plan provides premium savings and combining it with Health Savings
Account can add tax advantages. Of course, having a little extra protection with Accident Rider gives
more peace in mind, since people usually encounter a huge hospital bill due to an accident. One slip
in the bathroom can be a setback of thousands of dollars that can be easily prevented with having
additional, very affordable accidental coverage.
One of the most important things people should consider, besides getting the new major medical plan,
is getting coverage for critical illness. Sure the great new health insurance will pay the doctors and the
hospital, but who is going to pay you, when you are recovering from a heart attack for three months?
Your health insurance will definitely not cover you mortgage payments, but very inexpensive critical
illness policy can provide you with a check, keeping you afloat, while you recover.
* 50.35% of personal bankruptcies were caused by illness or medical debts
* $13,460 was the average out-of-pocket medical expenses covering co-pays, deductibles and
uncovered health services for bankruptcy filers
Remember, insurance is for catastrophic events that you cannot afford to pay yourself, not to simply
cover your routine costs as generally healthy person. You wouldn’t expect your car insurance to pay for
your oil change, would you?
Let me help you find a plan, that is right for you.
The internet has made shopping for insurance easier. Instead of driving around town to meet with an agent, you can compare rates, benefits, and apply online. Some insurance companies even let you apply right from their website.
Does it still make sense to have an agent help you choose a plan? You bet.
Agents are insurance experts. It’s their job to help you shop plans from leading carriers so you can be confident you’ve found the best rates and benefits for you.
We have access to exclusive, proprietary products at prices you can afford. I have access to benefits through world class companies such as: Aetna , United Healthcare, Humana , Assurant , Blue Cross and Blue Shield , Mutual of Omaha. We have “a plan for everyone” and we will help you get the best coverage and rates possible! CALL Me, LENKA @ 630-748-8434
OVO Announces 50% off certain shows and certain seats
OVO is a headlong rush into a colourful ecosystem teeming with life, where insects work, eat, crawl, flutter, play, fight and look for love in a non-stop riot of energy and movement.
The insects’ home is a world of biodiversity and beauty filled with noisy action and moments of quiet emotion.
Currently at the United Center, OVO has announced 50% off certain tickets. Check it out online!
The theatre/tent is smaller this time – Ovo only uses about 75% of the tent. I don’t think there is a bad seat in the house!
Get a sneak peak of OVO online.
MiniBar Gives Back: Chicago House July 27th
Do something great for Chicago House, just by going out to eat!
Minibar is hosting a dinner event in which 20% (before tax) of all dinner and liquor sales off the regular menu will be donated to Chicago House!
Wednesday, July 27th 5-11pm
Great drinks, great food, all for a great cause! Put together a group, and dine out for the men, women, and children of Chicago House!
We hope you can join us!
Reservations are recommended!
Call Minibar at 773-871-6227
Check out the Facebook page and see who all is coming!
BestGayChicago.com
Preventative Chiropractic Care Can Save You Back and Neck Pains
Back pain affects 80% of Americans at some time in their lives. It comes in many forms, from lower back pain, middle back pain, or upper back pain to low back pain with sciatica. Common back pain causes include nerve and muscular problems, degenerative disc disease, and arthritis. Many people find relief from symptoms of back pain with pain medication or pain killers.
Some will see a Chiropractor. Like I did recently! And Dr. Dale Zuehlke at Greater Chicago Chiropractic gave me an education! After several visits he was able to re-balance my spine through chiropractic adjustments, restoring my movement and proprioception, but I learned that if I keep my body in proper alignment, by way of regular visits, I could avoid pain altogether. You know the saying, An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Now I see him about 4-6 weeks, to keep my body “tuned up”.From its very beginnings, chiropractic has been concerned with improving people’s quality of life by helping strive towards optimum wellness.
Wellness care or preventative care (also written as preventive care) is designed to promote health based on the whole person’s optimal functioning and thereby minimize the future occurrences of impairment or illness.
Preventative chiropractic care or maintenance care is designed to help an already healthy and problem-free patient maintain an optimally healthy state whilst helping to prevent any acute or chronic problem from appearing at all.Most people have experienced back pain sometime in their life. The causes of back pain are numerous; some are self-inflicted due to a lifetime of bad habits. Other back pain causes include accidents, muscle strains, and sports injuries. Although the causes may be different, most often they share the same symptoms. – THE SECRET is to prevent it, with Chriropractic Care!
We highly recommend Greater Chicago Chiropractic
Dr. Dale Zuehlke 561 W Diversey Pkwy, Suite 221
Chicago, IL 60614 P: (773) 871-7766
New Ownership Team Purchases Sofo Bar
d/b/a Sofo Bar (“Sofo”)
announces the completion of a transaction
under which 100% of the shares of Sofo have been acquired by Mark Robertson, Mike Sullivan,
Steve Milford and Brian Wells.
“Sofo is a terrific neighborhood bar, with a great staff and loyal customers,” says Mark
Robertson, the newly named President of the corporation. “All of Sofo’s bartenders are staying on, and we look forward to working with all of them to grow the business in the years to come.”
Milford and Wells opened Crew Bar + Grill in 2004, at 4804 N. Broadway, in the Uptown
neighborhood. Sullivan and Robertson joined Milford and Wells as principal owners of Crew in
January of 2010. Sofo will be operated as a separate corporate entity and S.W. Crew, Inc., the
corporation that operates Crew Bar + Grill, does not have any ownership interest in Sofo.
BestGayChicago.com
Chicago Dancing Festival Returns FREE TICKETS
While all events are free, tickets for the indoor performance showcases must be reserved in advance. In 2010, tickets for the Festival “sold out” within two hours of being released.
Tickets will be available to the general public beginning Tuesday, July 19 in a staggered format so that each venue releases its tickets on a different day, as follows:
Tickets for performances at the Museum of Contemporary Art, including the MCA Moves programs on Wednesday, August 24 and the Muses program on Friday, August 26, will be released on Tuesday, July 19 beginning at 10:00 am. Tickets will be available in person at the MCA Stage Box Office, 220 E. Chicago Avenue, on line at MCAchicago.org or by calling 312-397-4010. Limit of two (2) tickets per order, per evening of performance, while available. Any tickets unclaimed at 15 minutes prior to curtain time will be released to customers on wait list. Wait list begins one hour before the performance, in person only.
Tickets for all performances at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, including both Moderns programs on Tuesday and Wednesday, August 23 and 24, will be released on Wednesday, July 20 beginning at12:00 pm. Tickets will be available in person at the Harris Theater Box Office, 205 E. Randolph Street, or by calling 312-334-7777. Limit of two (2) tickets per order.
Tickets for the performance at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, Masters on Thursday, August 25, will be released on Thursday, July 21 beginning at 11:00 am. Tickets will be available in person at the Auditorium Theatre Box Office, 50 E. Congress Parkway, online at http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/070046EB7F991A75 or by calling 1-800-982-ARTS. Limit of two (2) tickets per order.
All seating for all venues is general admission.
Unclaimed tickets will be released 15 minutes prior to curtain time.
Because of the popularity of the Festival, audience members not able to secure tickets to the indoor venues are encouraged to attend the Celebration of Dance Grand Finale on the stunning outdoor stage of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. No tickets are required for this outdoor performance and all seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Also, no tickets are required for the Movies program at the Chicago Cultural Center, an all-day screening of classic dance films on Friday, August 26 from 10 am to 6 pm.
FULL SCHEDULE AT CHICAGO DANCING FESTIVAL
Rosie O’Donnell Sets up Camp in Chicago this Week at Harpo Studios
Of course, OWN will broadcast the show, which starts to air in October. (What are they doing between now and then??)
“It’s exciting for the neighborhood here, and certainly for Harpo. To have Rosie come here and do 130 original hours — it’s a lot of work. There’s a lot of energy and excitement,” Sheri Salata, President at Harpo says.
“Rosie so values Oprah’s team,” Salata goes on. “She’s thrilled to walk onto a stage that was once Oprah’s. It gives me a little tingle.”
O’Donnell has said her show will be less celebrity-focused than her prior Emmy-winning daytime show.
“The show will be about real people and real issues,” she told Oprah magazine. “I’ll focus on a single topic for one hour, things people deal with every day. Raising children. The education system in America. Autism. Relationships, health, weight, depression — and happy stuff too, of course. I envision the show being full of love and laughter.”
Rosie arrived this week at Harpo.I wonder if she will have an apartment at Trump Tower? (LOL)
Rosie at Trump?
Rosie NOT at Trump?
HOUSE INFUSION at Cocktail July 20
Hi Frequency Productions and its affiliate
Seven Presents, a Chicago based LGBT event’s production company will present
HOUSE INFUSION on July 20, 2011 from 7:00pm-2:00am at Cocktail Bar Chicago,
3359 N. Halsted at the corner of Roscoe & Halsted in Chicago’s Boystown
neighborhood.
An exciting party showcasing Chicago’s elite house music Dj’s, Go-
Go boys and tantalizing food and special libations brought to you by GRIND.
Dj Teri Bristol, Dj Carla Starla and Dj DuBCuB will spin the newest and provocative, soul stirring music that will bring everyone together.
Anthony Jay (Go-Go dancer)
will headline the stage at 10pm. Appetizers will be served at 9pm and Seven’s Signature $4 Grind (Espresso Liquor with a hint of Rum) Infusion Cocktails will be the featured beverage throughout the evening.
Other specials include $60 Veuve
bottles, table service and ½ price appetizers and salads. $5 Cover.
Event brought to you by Hi Frequency Productions,
For table service reservations and Private parties at Chicago’s premier nightclubs email James Baptist at hifrequencyjb@ymail.com.
Marilyn Monroe in Chicago?
This is kind of odd, I think….. a 26-foot statue of Marilyn Monroe replicating her famous subway scene in “The Seven Year Itch,” will be unveiled this Friday at 7:00p.m. on Chicago’s Pioneer Court. As of today the statue, by New Jersey based artist Seward Johnson is half-complete with the lower part of Monroe’s body viewable. Visitors to the plaza will see her legs, her iconic white sandals, and the skirt of her white dress as it blows in the wind exposing her “hot” panties. The top part of the statue is carefully wrapped in a patriotic red, white and blue cloth.
Johnson, born in 1930, is famous for his trompe l’oeil painted bronze statues that although criticized for being kitsch always draw attention and controversy. The artist’s work appears around the globe including a 25-foot version of “Unconditional Surrender,” the V-J kiss in Times Square. Chicagoans may remember Johnson’s famous “American Gothic” sculpture that graced Pioneer Court in 2008 or his King Lear statue that spent the summer and fall of 2009 in the same spot.
The statue is located just south of the Tribune Tower in Pioneer Court at 400 N. Michigan. Visitors are welcome to view and take pictures of this striking piece of public art. Zeller Realty Group, is responsible for Pioneer Court’s installations. For more pictures of the Marilyn Monroe bronze go to the home page of WGN radio The statue is expected to remain in place through Spring of 2012.
Broadway Show Tunes Comes to Chicago’s Millenium Park July 13
Part of the Grant Park Music Festival,
Wednesday July 13th.
Summer is here and it’s time for one of the best things about living in Chicago. Free evening concerts!
Who wants to wait until Sundays for show tunes? This event will feature music from some of our favorite shows like The Wiz, Hairspray, Jesus Christ Superstar, Mamma Mia, and Tommy.
Songs lively and loud enough that we won’t get shushed by anyone this time.
So grab your blankets, lawn chairs, picnic baskets and wine as we gather to take in the scene and sing along.
Concert at about 6:30pm
Animal RESCUE Rummage Sale July 16-17
2nd Annual:
RESCUE RUMMAGE SALE!
“CHRISTMAS IN JULY!”
Saturday, July 16, 2011
9:00am – 7:00pm
&
Sunday, July 17, 2011
10:00am – 5:00pm
Items for sale include:
Furniture, Home-decor & accersories, housewares, antique furniture, linens, one-of-a-kind collectibles, apparel, books, DVD’s, Children’s Items, and much more!
Monies raised at the RESCUE RUMMAGE SALE will help our rescue dogs by providing:
Much Needed Food!
Medical Care!
Spaying & Neutering Services!
Necessary Shots!
and Micro-chip to ensure that these dogs can be located if lost again in the future.
Famous Fido Rescue and Adoption Alliance
5430 North Clark Chicago, IL 60640 Rear Parking Lot
Please call us at: 773.907.0305
or visit us us at:
Famousfidorescue.com
MTV in Chicago to Film Live Performance of INHIBITION-LET GO, July 9th
VERY UNIQUE –
coming to the Chicago stage…so unique, MTV is coming to Chicago to film it!
Expose Theater Company
proudly presents their flagship production- Inhibition: Let GO!
The show, which will be in two acts, will enable it’s audience to let go of inhibitions that tie them down, including the mind, body, and soul.
Allow notable Chicago Drag Queen Tajma Hall and ASCAP recording artist Cyon Flare to set you free! Also set to perform is Andrea Eve, the upcoming pop sensation, performing her single, “Watch Out!” The show doesn’t stop there!
Teri Yaki and the Windy City Beauties, including Dida Ritz, will hit the stage with numbers that are sure to mix the emotions.
Burlesque dancers will be under the spotlight with their Burlesque, sultry acts.
Also set for the stage is Dolce and Gabanna DiVita, and Chicago’s hottest boys, including Anthony Jay, the adorable young man with angelic looks who performs all over Chicago, plus Pavel, Fernando, Tristan, and many more of Chicago’s hottest dancers and choreographers.
Allow yourself to be set free with an evening of raw entertainment! (above photo…the fabulous go go God, Anthony Jay)
MTV announced today on their website that they will be coming to the Portage Theater on July 9th to
film Inhibition: Let GO!
Parts of the show will be broadcast throughout the summer on television and internet mediums.
They said, “our
The
The event will begin at 7:30pm,
and last 2.5 hours.
An after-party reception will be hosted in the lobby and foyer of the theater, with meet and greets of the cast, and more.
Date- July 9, 2011
Time: Doors open at 6:00pm
Show starts at 7:00pm (drag time)
Where: Portage Theater
4050 North Milwaukee Avenue
( near Irving Park)
Chicago, IL 60641
Cost: $20.00, which includes after-party. (General Admission)
For $10 ! Ride the Venga Bus to and from plus get a couple free drinks!
There will also be an after-after party at COCKTAIL, 3359 N. Halsted, 12:30 – close. A bus will take people from the theatre to Cocktail. Party all evening – lots of drink specials!
Tickets will also be available at select locations throughout Chicago.
Buy tickets online now.
BestGayChicago.com
Big Gay Brunch Club at El Mariachi July 17
a father and his 2 sons opened a small 10-table restaurant in the Boystown/East Lakeview community.
El Mariachi has gradually grown over the years by following a strict policy of only serving top quality, authentic dishes and margaritas. The restaurant steadily grew in popularity with the support of loyal patrons who loved the families recipes of authentic food.
JOIN BIG GAY BRUNCH CLUB on Sunday July 17th for a special brunch with El Mariachi. The owners are creating a special menu just for BGBC! Already, over 100 people have RSVP’d – this could turn out to the BIGGEST BGBC yet!
Food will include:
Fresh Fruit Salad
Mariachi Salad with Morita Vinaigrette
Pancakes with Home Made Piloncillo Syrup
Chilaquiles con Huevo a la Mexicana y Queso
Quesadillas
Fajitas De Pollo
Garlic-Epazote Rustic Potatoes
Arroz Mexicano
Salsa de Tomatillo -Serrano & Salsa de Molcajete
Flan de Chocolate Abuelita
Absolutely the Best Segway Tours in Chicago
Did you know?? You can cover about 7-8 MILES of the city, sightseeing in about 2 hours?
Riding the Segway feels like nothing you’ve ever experienced because there’s never been anything like it. Step on and your instinct will be to steady yourself, as you would on anything with two wheels.
Almost immediately you’ll realize that the Segway is balancing for you, almost like it has become an extension of you. Just lean forward a little and you’ll see that the Segway isn’t moving you on its own; it’s moving in response to you and what you tell it to do. It all feels natural and really cool.
The Segway uses LeanSteer™ Technology to move you from Point A to B. Gently move the LeanSteer frame and handlebar left or right in the direction you want to travel and feel the machine respond almost instantly.
The Segway balances by using five micro-machined angular rate sensors and two accelerometers that sense the changing terrain and your body position at 100 times per second.
The owners of the company have over 50 years of combined experience in the hospitality industry, having owned and operated some of the most successful, recognized and reputable restaurants and companies in the Chicagoland area. When starting Absolutely Chicago Segway Tours it was clear that they wanted to create that same memorable service, and to leave visitors with a wonderful impression of Chicago.
Whether you have lived here all of your life – or just moved here – riding and touring a Segway in Chicago, you learn SO MUCH! The Segway itself is only one part of the total touring experience. “We believe that your tour guide will have the biggest impact on your experience. At the risk of bragging, we have the best guides in the business, bar none. That’s because we only hire the best. They have undergone extensive Segway certification training. They have to be professional, courteous, and articulate. So whether the group is comprised of teens, grandmas, or corporate execs, our guides can connect with everyone.” says owner Timmie McGuire Cortina.
They offer several different tours and those can change with the season, and the weather. We recently took the 8 mile / 2 hour Museum Campus tour. Before you can go on a tour, you have to watch a short safety film, then there is a short “class” learning session. But it’s real easy.
With Summer reaching the half way point, get your butt out there and check it out! It’s a fantastic fun time!!
Absolutely Chicago Segways is located right near Millenium Park at 337 E. Randolph.
If you drive downtown and tour with them, you can park with them for $10 for the day.
Call 312-552-5100 to make your reservations
Tell them Best Gay Chicago.com sent you!
HELP WANTED – By the way, they are looking for Spanish Speaking/Bi-lingual guides. What a job?! Get outside and enjoy the summer weather, while touring the city and sharing your love of Chicago, with others! Send a resume to Absolutely Chicago Segways !
Center on Halsted ROOFTOP Alfresco Dining Returns July 13
Intimate dining experience on the Richard M. Daley Rooftop at Center on Halsted!
Led by celebrity chef Dan Smith of The Hearty Boys, sixteen burgeoning chefs enrolled in the Center’s Silver Fork Culinary Arts Program will present two weeks of fantastic four-course al fresco dining. Each week will focus on a different regional cuisine and feature dishes from guest celebrity chefs.
The Silver Fork Program at Center on Halsted is a twelve-week vocational training program for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and allied young adults and adults (ages 18+), especially those who are unemployed or underemployed. The Dining on the Rooftop series is an opportunity for Silver Fork participants to showcase their new knowledge about fine cuisine and front-of-house dinner service. Potential employers will be in attendance at the dinners to discuss employment opportunities with the new graduates. Wednesday, July 13 and Thursday, July 14; 6PM Italy Under the Stars In our first week of the Dining on the Rooftop series, our young chefs will explore the savory and bold flavors developed over the centuries in the rolling hills of Italy. Expect refreshing appetizers, hearty pasta dishes, and tasty sweets from the birthplace of the Renaissance. Wine lovers should consider bringing a Chianti or a Cabernet Sauvignon to compliment tomato sauces. Beer lovers will prefer an American blonde ale or light lager for the evening. Wednesday, July 20 and Thursday, July 21; 6PM Une Nuit a Paris In the second week of our series, our chefs will make Julie and Julia blush as they master the art of French cooking. Traditional and modern techniques will be employed to achieve the refined flavors of several regions of France. Guests should consider bringinga Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to balance the French flavors, or sneak across the French border by pairing with a tasty Belgian beer. Tickets are $25, and reservations can be made online at
During each session, 16 participants receive hands-on training in the culinary arts and job readiness training. Graduates of the program leave with BASSET (Beverage and Alcohol Sellers Servers Education and Training) Certification and State of Illinois/City of Chicago Food Safety and Sanitation (FSS) certification, along with the knowledge and skills to be successful placed in the hospitality and restaurant industry. COH also provides case management services to participants to link them to needed resources, and support them through the training, job search, and employment process.
The Schedule:
Centeronhalsted.org. The rooftop will be open for seating at 6pm, and dinner will begin promptly at 6:30pm. “Dining on the Rooftop” is BYOB, and drinks will be chilled and filled throughout the night. Artisanal iced teas and water will also be served. Please be sure to note all food allergies and dietary restrictions on the online registration form to ensure a positive dining experience. Vegetarian dishes will be available.
