Monthly Archives: November 2012
Hawaiian Luau benefiting the Team to End AIDS Dec 4th
Join Coach Ross and Paul for a Hawaiian Luau benefiting the Team to End AIDS (T2) and the AIDS Foundation of Chicago.
a great organization. A special thank you to T’s Bar and Restaurant for donating the space and a portion of the night’s drink and food tab to Team to End AIDS!
Coach Ross will be running the Honolulu Marathon for the fifth consecutive year and this will be his 18th marathon over the past 5 years. He has been a T2 Coach for two years and an AFC runner for all five years.
The Honolulu Marathon will be Paul Ketz’s third full marathon with T2 and his fourth event with the Team to End AIDS in 2012. In addition to more marathons with T2 in 2013, Paul will complete his first triathlon and Half Iron Man races. TUESDAY DEC 4th 7-10pm
Neck, Back, Shoulder Pain and Holiday Stress? 5 Tips To Help Prevent and Reduce Your Holiday Sufferings
The holidays are a wonderful time of the year for many. Families and loved ones get together and give thanks. People celebrate and take time to reach out to neighbors, friends and their favorite charitable organizations. It is a time Michael and I thoroughly look forward to each year.
Entertaining, shopping, decorating, socializing, cleaning, cooking-yikes! The added anxiety and stress of all the holiday hustle and bustle can increase our level of physical activity and mental stressors, beyond our usual day-to-day, and intensify chronic neck, shoulder and/or back pain or aggrivate “bad backs” for those occasional sufferers.
Holiday travel may be a huge factor as well. Long, cramped car rides, horrible airplane seats with almost no padding, and for what seems to be hours on end to reach your final destination… We’ve all been there. Then, to be taken away from our normal comforts of home, like our heated ergonomic chairs and fluffy, pillowtop mattresses and instead, find ourselves sleeping on Aunt Barbara’s couch or an inflatable twin mattress on the floor. You get the picture.
So here are 5 tips we hope you may find helpful in minimizing physical pain and mental stress this Holiday Season:
1.) Set yourself up for success! Establish realistic goals that you truly can accomplish in one day or over a weekend and strive not to be the ultimate people-pleaser, nicely say “No”. Decide what’s most important, prioritize and seek to not overextend yourself.
2.) Get enough rest and sleep. Yes, you have to get to the store, wrap those gifts, pick up dry cleaning, bake that cake, etc…but sleep deprivation is a big contributor to aggrivating physical pain, especially in the neck, back and shoulder regions. Do your best to be disciplined and strive to go to bed and get 6 to 8 hours of sleep! If you have difficulty sleeping due to stress or chronic pain, you might want to check with your primary care doctor regarding possible over-the-counter and/or prescription sleep aids or pain medication options so that you can get the rest your body needs.
3.) TAKE TIME OUT for yourself. Treat yourself to whatever it is you consider a treat within your budget so you’re not adding even more stress to yourself. Maybe it’s a massage or some time at a spa to relax and rejuvenate and recharge your batteries. Consider asking one of your besties to join in if that would make it more enjoyable for you.
4.) Think Small(er)! Plan a small(er) gathering of friends and loved ones, rather than a huge extravaganza. Hosting a large event has many stressors, consider scaling back or hosting 2 small events perhaps instead of one large one.
5.) Exercise. #1 on the list should be exercise, but often, it is the fist activity to be nixed and neglected. Exercise is so important because it helps rid the body of stress and stressful toxins. Do what you can do… Take a walk, run, ride a bike, go to the gym…or workout in your home. Nothing beats exercise during times of stress.
If you are in too much pain to exercise, consider visiting a chiropractor for relief. Chiropractic adjustments help to re-align the spine and remove pressure from the nervous system allowing our bodies to better heal themselves once the nerve interference has been removed.
Michael and I both suffer from chronic back pain and regular problematic neck and shoulder pain from too much time spent sitting and on the computer without proper stretching and enough exercise. We LOVE the chiropractic work of Dale A. Zuehlke, D.C., at Greater Chicago Chiropractic and recommend him highly (561 W. Diversey Suite 221). We do our best to see him regularly for preventative care and maintenance, but to often it is when we are crippled in pain we show up at Dale’s office pleading with him to fix us… fast!
For a free consultation to discuss how he may help you, or to make an appointment for an adjustment call (773) 871-7766 and please tell Dr. Dale Michael and Derrick sent you his way.
Greater Chicago Chiropractic Dale on YELP
Hope This Helps and Wishing Happy Holidays To All!
M&D
A Very Mary Christmas with Ru Pauls Drag Race Star MIMI IMFURST
I have been a fan of Mimi Imfurst, long before Ru Paul ever even had his first thought for a drag race show!
I think it was about 2007, I was in New York city and heard about this outrageous queen who did this crazy over-the-top campy holiday show,
“A Very Mary
Christmas.”
Conceived and delivered by writer/performer Mimi Imfurst and
composer/lyricist/arranger Mike Pettry (winner of the 2007 Jonathan Larson and
Fredrick Loewe Awards), the show ran every year at Don’t Tell Mama. It was the holiday MUST SEE SHOW!
“Over 2000 years ago in the little hillside town of Bethlehem a miraculous birth occurred….” You might think you know the real story, but you don’t. At last, Jesus’ mother sets the record straight. ‘A Very Mary Christmas’ is a musical retelling of the months leading up to the birth of Christ, as told by the Virgin Mary. With the help of her sidekicks — the jazz trio The Three Weissmans — Mary also shares the intimate details of her relationship with her boyfriend God, her love for her husband Joey, and her journey to stardom,” explain press notes.
‘A Very Mary Christmas’ features parodies of holiday songs including We Need A Little Christmas, Like A Virgin and Joy To The World. Highlights include a finger puppet show and an audience sing along. Called “worst than the sin of abortion” by religious extremist organizations and hailed as “twisted” by the Catholic Advocacy Coalition, see the show that asks: Do you really know the people you pray to?
MIMI brings her classic Christmas show to Hydrate, Dedc. 13th, 2012. Hydrate and Absolut are proud to present, RuPaul’s All Star Drag Queen, MIMI IMFURST!
Move over Lady Gaga, the Madonna – the Virgin Mary is back after 2000 years and ready to set the record straight, so to speak.
Drag Queen commedianne Mimi Imfurst, plays the Virgin Mother and is
ready to make the yuletide gay! Oy Vey Maria, there’s a stranger in the
manger!
General Admission tickets are only $10! $15 at the door.
$25 VIP includes hosted Absolut bar 8-9pm and preferred seating. THESE WILL GO FAST!
You do not want to miss this hysterical Christmas show!!!
Chicago House TransLife Program
In 1986, the first Christmas tree went up in the halls of Chicago House’s hospice.
Santa Speedo Run 2 Hits Boystown Dec. 1st
The 2nd Annual GAY Santa Speedo Run of Chicago takes place this Saturday, Dec. 1st at 1pm.
speedo sporting enthusiasts who thought “why not run down Michigan Ave. in speedos in the middle of December?!” While the event itself is a
bunch of ho ho ho’s, the event to raise awareness for
Diabetes.
braved the freezing temperatures and shed their running clothes in favor
of red Speedos to run one mile through Andersonville in the first
annual Santa Speedo GAY Run. The event organized by Karl Sponholtz and his
partner Jeff Colgan was a benefit for Vital Bridges.
This year, the gay run is moving to Boystown.
This year’s sign-ups are already exceeding last year’s numbers, so the duo decided to move the event from Andersonville to Boystown, PLUS, the weather for this weekend could be near 60! As opposed to last years freezing 28 degrees!
There is a $25 fundraising minimum to participate in the event, which
consists of running one mile in the cold, clad in nothing but a santa
hat, running shoes and a speedo, or some other holiday-themed costume. Over 300 people are expected to participate.
There will be a prize for the top fundraiser as well as a Christmas
raffle. DS Tequila has generously offered half-price food for all
participants on the day of the run and a myriad of other local
businesses, like Taverna 750, Burke’s Public House, Windy City Sweets and Sagin, LLC, have donated to the raffle.
Sign-ups start at noon at Sidetrack,
3349 Halsted St., with the run itself scheduled to take place at 2:00
p.m. For more information, or to see pictures from last year’s event,
check out their Facebook page at and RSVP to their Facebook event.
FRED SAYS Yorkie Raises Money for HIV AIDS Dec. 8th
Who Is Fred?
I’m a cute little yorkie
with a big heart!
I am a Yorkshire Terrier in Chicago and adopted by my Dad, Rob Garofalo.
Dad says I’m a miracle because I helped him through
some of the darkest periods in his life (professionally, health wise
and personally).
I seem to have a therapeutic affect on people,
because I’m cute as a button and sassy.
It was Daddy’s idea to put me
to work — using my image to sell boxes of greeting cards. The proceeds
go to care for HIV+ adolescents who do not have health insurance. I don’t
mind because it is a great cause.
Saturday, December 8, 2012
4:00pm until 7:00pm
@ SCARLET 3320 North Halsted Street
Fred
is raising money to support the healthcare of HIV+ Teens this holiday
season at Scarlet! There will be drinks, complimentary hors d’oeurves
from the generous folk at Taverna750, raffle prizes and lots of holiday
cheer!!
Also there will be the live world premiere screening of
Fred’s first promotional video to support the charity’s work — it is
not to be missed!!
So please come join us and bring your friends.
Fred Says greeting cards – which make an excellent holiday gift.
Chicago Jazz Crooner Justin Hayford Releases fourth CD: 100% of proceeds benefit AIDS Legal Council of Chicago
On December 1, 2012, Chicago crooner Justin Hayford releases his fourth CD, Here I’ll Stay, on the LML Music label. It will be released as a digital download through Bandcamp.com, where people can pay any amount they choose for the CD. AND All proceeds will go directly to AIDS Legal Council of Chicago. HOW COOL IS THAT?!
CD can be downloaded at Justinhayford.bandcamp.com..
Jazz crooner Justin Hayford has been called “a superb talent” by the Chicago Tribune and a “hip piano-playing saloon singer who should be heard more often” by Rex Reed.
AT THE FLASH and BEAUTIFUL THING
At The Flash is a clever and funny show that condenses
LGBT history into the story of five characters – a closeted man in the
1960s, a black drag queen in the 1970s, a club kid in the 1980s, a
budding lesbian activist in the 1990s, and a family man/entrepreneur in
the 2000s.
Sean Chandler and David Leeper’s At The Flash, winner of PFP’s
Great Gay Play and Musical Contest in 2012, is currently having its world premiere
at Center on Halsted’s Hoover-Leppen Theatre. 3656 North Halsted Street
David Leeper segues from one character to the next and you witness the various struggles that each person went through, in their own ways, dealing with homosexuality at different periods of our movement. AT THE FLASH is JEFF RECOMMENDED. The Jeff Awards celebrate excellence in Chicago Theater.
“At the Flash succeeds
most as an accurate and heartfelt piece of gay history. It’s one which
can be shared with audiences of all types, as it has little actual
sexual content or references that might be uncomfortable for those with
more conservative sensibilities. At the Flash could
be a great primer on gay history for younger members of the community
or anyone else seeking a better understanding of America’s journey
toward providing space for LGBTs to live open lives with the same
opportunities for safety, security and happiness as anyone else in the
society.” – John Olson, Chicago Theater Beat
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday performances are $25, and Wednesday and
Thursday are $21. Portions of each ticket sold support programming at
Center on Halsted.
Beautiful Thing is a play written by Jonathan Harvey and first performed in 1993. A wonderful screen adaptation of the play was released in 1996 with a revised screenplay also by Harvey.
In a working class suburb of London, young Jamie is escaping sport hours, to avoid being the victim of his comrades. Young Ste, his neighbor, is beaten by his father, and comes to sleep overnight. They discover new feelings, sleeping in the same bed.
Jamie is the son of Sandra a tough but warm-hearted barmaid who lives in a public housing block in a rough-and-tumble section of South London. Living a few doors away is Jamie’s classmate Ste (Scott Neal), an athletic type who often has to take a beating from his hard-drinking father and hard-headed brother.
One night, Jamie and Sandra discover that Ste has been kicked out of the apartment and has nowhere to spend the night; Jamie lets him stay at his place, and a casual closeness eventually stirs sexual feelings. While both were vaguely aware they might be gay, neither had ever acted on their impulses, and once Jamie and Ste decide that they’re attracted to each other, neither is sure just what to do.
It is a wonderful story of love and acceptance.
It will run Jan 17-Feb 17th, at Luna Central Theatre. 3914 N. Clark.
Tickets $25 and $30. HALF PRICE TICKETS available for Jan 17-18!
Pride Films and Plays
Pride Films and Plays is now offering Premium Play Passes and Play
Passes for its 2012-13 season. Premium Passes are $50 and include one
ticket for each of the three full productions, plus 6 free tickets to
the Gay Play Weekend, Gay Screenplay Weekend or Women’s Work Weekend.
The names of Premium Pass holders will be also be listed in the season’s
programs. This is a $120 value!
Play Passes are $40 and include one ticket for each of the three full
productions and three tickets to the Gay Play Weekend, Gay Screenplay
Weekend or Women’s Work Weekend. This is a $90 value.
Students and seniors over 60 can save $5 when purchasing either the
Premium Pass or Play Pass.
Best Gay Chicago.com Wishes Everyone a Great Thanksgiving
We give BIG thanks to our many readers and advertisers who have supported Best Gay Chicago.com for the last 6 years!
We have some cool and fun winter events coming up this Winter including open houses and hotel events!
Make sure you LIKE our Best Gay Chicago page on FACEBOOK, to get all the invites as we send them out.
We look forward to working with the community and spreading great news and GIVING BACK! Watch for a couple amazing events in Summer of 2013 – including OUT IN THE PARK Six Flags 2013!!
Black Friday Deal One Day Only at Farrells Extreme Body Shaping
| Phone | (312) 624-9794 |
Loni Love comes to Up Comedy Club Dec. 6-9
Loni Love has been a comedy favorite ever since she started spouting witty one-liners on VH1’s flagship I Love the…
series. But now this engineer-turned-comedian has become the go-to
woman for several funny quips and segments taking up space (thankfully
so) on DVRs across the country.
I first fell in love with Loni when she was on Star Search in 2003.
Love has been named by Variety as “one of the top 10 comics to watch”
and regularly appears as a round table panelist on E!’s “Chelsea
Lately.”
Loni has a big gay following and she emceed the Equality Awards for Long Island Gay and Lesbian Youth.
” It
was great. I learned a lot — because it was for Long Island, there were
24 senators who actually voted for the marriage equality act. Some of
them were honored there, and it was really like an overall push. They’re
trying to raise funds so that senators that believe in equality can
still stay in office. There are some threats to them for being voted out
of office. A lot of it has to do with them being voted out of office
because they don’t have the money to campaign. It was a really good
event — they also honored a couple of other actors and it was really
nice.”
She IS NOT a lesbian. But when asked, If someone decides to start a lesbian rumor about you, do you think that would mess up your game?
“No,
because in my act everybody knows I talk about the lesbians and how I
feel about them. If they know me and they know my act, they know that it
would be a rumor. I won’t lie — it probably would help me! [Laughs] It would probably help my game.”
Love is not a one-note performer. She has opinions on a multitude of
subjects and puts an amusing spin on politics in particular. In
explaining Barack Obama’s black and white sides, one of the examples she
gives is that he travels with an entourage (white), but they ride in
Cadillac Escalades (black).
An admirer of Obama (except for his dancing [white]), she speaks of
his intelligence and intellectualism. “We went from a president that
would make up words to a president that would make us look up words when he talked.” She frequently tweets her political thoughts.
Loni’s first love is performing for live audiences. She puts it quite simply “I love to make people laugh!” And you can catch her live in Chicago at UP COMEDY CLUB. Dec. 6-9th. Performing 6 shows. $17-$20.
UP Comedy Club, 230 W. North Ave, 3rd Floor
GET TICKETS ONLINE NOW
(312) 662-4562
Chicago Singer John Jones new cd Everything I Have
“When I listen to this record it feels like everything in my life was leading up to this. This is the album I was born to make.”
But John isn’t just proud of what the album means to him; he’s proud of its potential to mean something to others. “It’s not trendy, but it’s definitely commercial,” he says. “Karma Man, God in Your Houses, Talk to Me, Paper Plane…they’re all singles. The melodies stick, the lyrics really say something…this is completely accessible pop music. Now I just need to figure out the right platforms for it to be heard.”
Holiday Gift Giving with Chicago House
Make your gift giving dollars go further this holiday season!
of their holiday gift drive.
non-perishable food items, new and unwrapped toys, new cleaning
supplies, toiletries and new winter coats and clothing to drop off boxes
located at various Old Town businesses. Items will be donated to the
residents and community clients of Chicago House and Deborah’s Place!
Old Town Merchants and Residents Association has been and continues to
be an amazing supporter of Chicago House. We encourage you to patron
these generous community partners.
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Absolut OUTRAGEOUS Party At Roscoes Dec. 13th
Roscoe’s Presents:
9:00PM
NO COVER!!!
RAHM Pushes for Marriage Equality in Illinois
‘Scrooge & Marley’ Chicago Red Carpet Premiere at Music Box Theatre November 29
Chicago Indie Film “Scrooge & Marley,” a modern-day variation on Charles Dickens’ classic holiday story “A Christmas Carol,” will have its Chicago Red Carpet Premiere and one-week run at Chicago’s historic Music Box Theatre (3733 N. Southport Ave.) November 29 thru December 6th.
The Chicago Premiere run will kick off with a gala opening night celebration featuring most of the stars of the film including Pevsner, Schwimmer, Vilanch, Cavanagh, Kroell, Moretti and Ganoung.
The film will also screen over Christmas at the Gene Siskel Film Center 164 N., State Street, Chicago: Friday, Dec. 21, 8:15 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 22 at 7:45 p.m. and Thursday, Dec. 27, 7:45 p.m.
TAKE IT OFF…For Charity. Barlesque and TPAN
BARLESQUE 5: ONLINE ‘STRIP-A-THON’
TO BENEFIT TPAN ALL NOVEMBER LONG
During the month of November, contestants representing a dozen local bars and restaurants are competing for the title of “Chicago’s Sexiest” to raise money for TPAN in its online strip-a-thon, Barlesque 5, Bar-lesque.org.
As people visit the Barlesque website, www.barleqsue.org, and donate money, the contestants’ photos will reflect their various stages of undress—the more you give, the less they wear! As multiple donation levels are reached, contestants go from fully dressed to “nature’s best.” The contestant raising the most money will be crowned “Chicago’s Sexiest.”
Barlesque 5 officially runs from November 1st through Friday, November 30. The closing party will be held on Friday, November 30th from 8-11 pm at The North End, 3733 North Halsted in Chicago. All money raised through Barlesque goes directly to the work of TPAN.
Sean Chandler and David Leeper’s At The Flash, Opens this Week in Chicago
At the Flash will preview on November 16 at 7:30, and open on Saturday, November 17 at 7:30.
Festival Semi-Finalists) and The Pack (Creative World Awards Semi-Finalist). Works in progress include Everyday Joseph, Make Mine a Double, Benji
Boomer – Life Coach and Grand Matriculation. www.seanwchandler.com and www.davidwleeper.com
Play Passes are $40 and include one ticket for each of the three full productions and three tickets to the Gay Play Weekend, Gay Screenplay Weekend or Women’s Work Weekend. This is a $90 value.
Students and seniors over 60 can save $5 when purchasing either the Premium Pass or Play Pass.
