Monthly Archives: June 2010
Writer Joseph Erbentraut says Who Needs Boystown?
Yesterday on Huffington Post, writer Joseph Erbentraut asked WHO NEEDS BOYSTOWN?
It sounds like he has only lived here a couple years yet has become part of the bitter-jaded crowd.
He says, “When I first moved to Chicago, I was convinced the neighborhood would emanate a strange sort of gay magic – a combination of diversity, social justice and acceptance unlike anything I’d ever experienced in my rural Wisconsin upbringing.
Two years later, those expectations I once had for the city-designated hub of Chicago’s LGBT community are surely naive, if not delusional. While Boystown offers the largest concentration of queer-centric spaces, the area’s overflow of saccarine gayness has had an increasingly sour, if watered down, taste.”
Gays are EVERYWHERE. You are right in that comment Joseph. We are in every neighborhood, all over the city now. 25 years ago, there was a much higher concentration of gays living right in Boystown. And yes, the gays made it nice, and the straights moved in as times changed. Like so many gayborhoods around the country. So you were silly and naive to think the neighborhood would emanate a strange sort of gay magic – a combination of diversity, social justice and acceptance unlike anything I’d ever experienced in my rural Wisconsin upbringing. – I am sure you can admit, it’s better than rural Wisconsin!
What Boystown IS these days, is a central meeting place for the LGBT community. A collection of bars, nightclubs and restaurants for the LGBT community to come to. Sure while there are plenty of diverse and gay welcoming bars EVERYWHERE, from Bucktown to Uptown, I prefer to spend my money in a gay owned gay bar and be with mostly gay people, instead of hanging out with a straighter crowd of a gay welcoming place. We do need Boystown. We do need a central hub of gayness.
To each his own Joseph. I hope you find what you are looking for.
Read the full article WHO NEEDS BOYSTOWN
Michael Snell
Derrick Sorles
Best Gay Chicago
Andersonville Dental – Serving Chicago’s Gay LGBT Community Since 1997
Finding a good dentist
or doctor is like finding a good mechanic or any other service professional.
I read a poll recently with the question: Do you trust your mechanic?” And I was surprised to see that 46% of those who responded said “No”, they don’t. This got me to thinking, if you don’t trust your mechanic, why do you bring your car back to them?
If you didn’t trust your doctor, you would find another doctor. Your mechanic is very much like your/a doctor. They have to diagnose and treat your car. In fact, if you want to take it a step further, your mechanic has to be better than your doctor because your car can’t tell them where it hurts!
When I hire service professional, whether it be a mechanic, a plumber, a doctor or dentist, I want someone I can trust, someone who’s advice I value, and someone who will charge me a fair price for services provided and not rob me or overcharge me for things I don’t need.
When we first moved to the Chicago area from Michigan, we needed to find a new dentist, and new doctor. Some newly made friends gave us referrals for both. I had recently chipped a crown so I went to the dentist, I won’t say his name, and upon examining my mouth he told me I was in need in 5 crowns! WHAT? How could that be? I had seen my previous dentist just 9 months prior and had no big issues! I felt this dentist just wanted my $6000 to fund his next vacation! I think there is a difference between a dentist who has an aggressive strategy and those that just seek monetary gain, based on a client’s lack of knowledge. Let’s face it – overtreatment and even unnecessary treatment does exist. The vast majority of dentists probably strive to provide the best treatment possible. But like any profession, dentistry has its bad apples.
I quickly fired him and went to another referral, Andersonville Dental and Dr. Anita Shahin. She examined my mouth and recommended one filling and 1 “watch” for a possible crown down the road. Nothing in need of immediate replacement. WHEW! What a relief. An honest dentist! It’s like finding a good mechanic. Someone you can trust and feel comfortable with.
That was 7 years ago and my partner and I are still clients of Andersonville Dental and tell everyone we know about Anita Shahin. I am extremely confident in recommending Anita as one of the Best Dentists in Chicago. She provides affordable, honest & friendly dentistry. She does not try to sell you things you don’t need, she explains ALL options very well and is very conscientious of cost factors, insurance vs. no insurance, and above all, the client’s needs.
“I am an old school dentist most would say. I believe in restoring function to one’s mouth first and foremost, not cosmetic appearance initially. Many dentists look at cosmetic appearance first. There are a lot of dentists who try to persuade clients into getting things to make their smile better. Sure, I offer all of those services, but I am not going to try to sell them to you, if you don’t want them or need them. If you come in with a toothache, we diagnose and fix that problem.” says Dr. Shahin.
“I take a lot of pride in what I do and it is important to me to be able to do a good job at a fair price. I want to do the job right the first time. This makes me happy and most important it makes my customers happy.”
Remember that it is your mouth and your health.
You are ultimately responsible for making the right choices for you.
Your dentist should act as an expert advisor about the past, present and future health and goals of your mouth to help you make the right choices, not a salesperson.
Your dentist should be willing and happy to explain to you:
•Why they are suggesting the particular treatment
•What the treatment is and how it works
•What alternatives and choices exist (including potential consequences of not having the treatment)
•What the pros and cons of available treatment options are
•What treatment they would choose for themselves if it was their mouth!
Your dentist needs to explain and discuss things with you, in a language you can understand and be very clear on the out-of-pocket expenses. Only then can the two of you reach a joint treatment decision based on an informed win-win consent.
What others say about Dr. Anita Shahin and her Andersonville Dental Practice-
“Dr. Shahin has such a “mom” mentality, she’s great at soothing you through something uncomfortable and gently chides you when you’re doing things wrong.”
“The night before my Birthday, I broke part of my tooth off and I went in the first thing to get it fixed and they got me right in. She saw how panicked I was, made me feel comfortable and then asked me if I ate yet. I told her no, and actually my BF was making me a Birthday Breakfast. She told me to go eat and come back and enjoy my breakfast. So I ate, came back an hour later and she fit me into her schedule like I was important or something.. I love it! She won my heart over with her generosity and her passion to make her patients feel as comfortable as possible.”
“The prices are very reasonable, $75 for a cleaning, and she will do her best to work with you and keep costs down for more elaborate procedures if you need. I also really appreciate the fact that she does the cleanings herself and does not have a hygienist do it.”
“I have been going to Anita for over 10 years, and she is with out a doubt the most thorough, kind and conservative dentist you will find in the city. You definitely will not find yourself a victim of un-needed xrays and costly procedures. Dr. Shanin keeps your teeth healthy and intact with regular cleanings and exams. Her office and equipment are clean, and her employees are friendly and helpful. She takes most insurance plans. I highly recommend her to all my friends, and many have become regular patients.”
Andersonville Dental ~ Anita Shahin, D.D.S. 1700 W. Foster, (773) 334-4200
Cosmetic and Family Dentistry
Bonding, Veneers, Crowns, Implants, Dentures, Extraction, Root Canals, In-house Laser Bleaching or at home Bleaching
Proudly and Honestly Serving the LGBT Community since 1997
Most Insurances Accepted
Mention Best Gay Chicago.com to receive a
15% NEW PATIENT DISCOUNT (For patients with no insurance)
Includes Free Consultation and Initial X-Ray
Consumers Research Council of America gave Dr. Anita Shahin their America’s Top Dentists Excellence Award. Consumers Research Council of America compiled an accurate list of Top Dentists throughout the United States by utilizing a point value system. This method uses a point value for criteria that they deemed valuable in determining the Top Dentists.
Dr. Anita Shahin is also a member of the
American Dental Association and the Illinois State Dental Society .
Guerrilla Gay Bar Chicago Heads To The Beaches This Summer
The group that brings you Guerrilla Gay Bar events have decided to take over a few hetero straight beaches this summer!
“After the success of Guerrilla Gay Bar South Loop Chicago, we’re looking to make a splash on Chicago’s beaches this summer. Much like GGB, GGBeach is a flash-mob style event at a different location each month. Unlike GGB, we’ll be visiting locations throughout the entire city – our goal is to expand the options our community has for beach-going and of course…have a good time!
For the first year, we have three events planned, with a possible fourth if September weather cooperates. By default, events are scheduled on a Saturday, with a possible move to Sundays in case of inclement weather. If both days are rough, we may move the event to the following week. Please RSVP to the FB event to receive updated information.
In honor of GGB’s South Loop roots, we’ll be starting at 12th Street beach on June 19th. This is the weekend following Midsummer’s fest and one week before Pride (plenty of time to get your tan!).
For future event locations and other ideas, we’re very interested in feedback.”
June 19th – 12th Street Beach
1200 S. Linn Witt dr / Northerly Island
July 17 and August 21 TBA
Join their Beach Page on Facebook
Guerrilla Gay Bar Chicago Heads To The Beaches This Summer
The group that brings you Guerrilla Gay Bar events have decided to take over a few hetero straight beaches this summer!
“After the success of Guerrilla Gay Bar South Loop Chicago, we’re looking to make a splash on Chicago’s beaches this summer. Much like GGB, GGBeach is a flash-mob style event at a different location each month. Unlike GGB, we’ll be visiting locations throughout the entire city – our goal is to expand the options our community has for beach-going and of course…have a good time!
For the first year, we have three events planned, with a possible fourth if September weather cooperates. By default, events are scheduled on a Saturday, with a possible move to Sundays in case of inclement weather. If both days are rough, we may move the event to the following week. Please RSVP to the FB event to receive updated information.
In honor of GGB’s South Loop roots, we’ll be starting at 12th Street beach on June 19th. This is the weekend following Midsummer’s fest and one week before Pride (plenty of time to get your tan!).
For future event locations and other ideas, we’re very interested in feedback.”
June 19th – 12th Street Beach
1200 S. Linn Witt dr / Northerly Island
July 17 and August 21 TBA
Join their Beach Page on Facebook
BEHIV and Queen of the Night with Raqual Chevallier June 13th
Better Existence with HIV (BEHIV) announced that the Queen of the Night fundraiser will return for another fabulous evening of fantastic drag performances.
This year’s event will be hosted by Miss Gay America 2005 Raquel Chevallier and will take place at Circuit Night Club from 5:00-8:00pm on Sunday, June 13.
The evening will again feature performances by BEHIV Board and Staff members, as well as community supporters. Acts will raise tips online leading up to the event, plus during their performances. The act that raises the most in tips will be crowned Queen of the Night!
Last year’s Queen of the Night event raised nearly $7,000 to support BEHIV’s life-saving programs. BEHIV is anticipating an even more successful event this year, as the number of performers has nearly doubled. Last year’s event was standing room only, so guests are encouraged to purchase their tickets early. New this year is the option of purchasing a table of four tickets, which guarantees seating and includes a bottle of champagne for the table.
Updates on Queen of the Night are available on BEHIV’s website , and Facebook page .
BEHIV and Queen of the Night with Raqual Chevallier June 13th
Better Existence with HIV (BEHIV) announced that the Queen of the Night fundraiser will return for another fabulous evening of fantastic drag performances.
This year’s event will be hosted by Miss Gay America 2005 Raquel Chevallier and will take place at Circuit Night Club from 5:00-8:00pm on Sunday, June 13.
The evening will again feature performances by BEHIV Board and Staff members, as well as community supporters. Acts will raise tips online leading up to the event, plus during their performances. The act that raises the most in tips will be crowned Queen of the Night!
Last year’s Queen of the Night event raised nearly $7,000 to support BEHIV’s life-saving programs. BEHIV is anticipating an even more successful event this year, as the number of performers has nearly doubled. Last year’s event was standing room only, so guests are encouraged to purchase their tickets early. New this year is the option of purchasing a table of four tickets, which guarantees seating and includes a bottle of champagne for the table.
Updates on Queen of the Night are available on BEHIV’s website , and Facebook page .
PAWS Chicago 8th Annual Beach Party – Bring Your Pet!
The Eighth Annual
PAWS Beach Party
is one of the city’s largest
pet-friendly social gatherings.
This popular summertime event includes
dancing on deck, cool cocktails, a beachy dinner buffet and a
one-of-a-kind silent auction including tickets to Dancing with the
Stars, all while enjoying a spectacular lakefront and city skyline
view.
Thursday, July 22, 2010 6 p.m. Castaways at North Avenue Beach. Emceed by Lisa Dent from US99.5, the Beach Party at Castaways will host more than 500 guests, and more than 100 beachwear-clad dogs! You and your pup will lounge by the beach drinking cool summer cocktails from an open bar while enjoying a beachy dinner buffet, the always-popular silent and live auctions, and live music courtesy of the Underwater People!
Every dollar raised from the 8th Annual PAWS Chicago Beach Party, All Paws On Deck! enables PAWS Chicago to continue their life-saving work.
PAWS Chicago Beach Party is a fun, summer celebration that will include cool summer cocktails and an open bar, a beach-themed dinner buffet, a doggie buffet, dancing and a one-of-a-kind silent auction!
Purchase tickets online ! Find out more about PAWS Chicago !
Chicago House Presents Birdhouse: Unleashed! Art Auction and Cocktail Party June 24
IT’S BACK!
It’s your chance to bring home unique works of art, functional and funky birdhouses, plus ALL NEW additions for your furry friends!
The annual Birdhouse Auction and cocktail party to benefit Chicago House will be held at Room & Board’s downtown Chicago store on Thursday, June 24th. Local Chicago artists, designers and architects will participate in this unique event, an annual tradition for art enthusiasts and Chicago House supporters.
Room & Board AND Chicago House Invite You To
BIRDHOUSE: Unleashed! The 2010 Birdhouse Art Auction & Cocktail Party
One-of-a-kind birdhouses will be auctioned off to benefit Chicago House, and for the first time in the event’s 14 year history, artists will be unleashing a new style of artwork; supplies and dwellings for dogs, cats, and other furry friends! Bidders can get a sneak peek this year, as artwork will be on display in the Room & Board showroom starting on June 18th.
Kick off your Pride Weekend with Cocktails on the terrace by GREY GOOSE and delicious hors d’oeuvres by J&L Catering.
Proceeds of course will support the housing programs and supportive services Chicago House provides to men, women, and children living with HIV & AIDS.
Date: Thursday, June 24, 2010 Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Location: Room & Board Chicago Downtown Store 55 East Ohio Street
Call the Chicago House Ticket line at (773) 248-5200 x. 303, or book online at Chicago House
