Thanks John Hughes

We have lost a film maker that really made Chicago look good.  It was the 80’s and John Hughes made many films that spoke to teens of the times on their level.  He worked the North shore and the city as the unacknowledged characters of his films.

My favorites, Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink and without a doubt, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.  People from all over relate to that parade scene when I point out Dearborn street where the scene was shot during a Labor Day holiday when everything downtown was closed.  Those were the days when Hollywood had come back to Chicago, as more film were being shot here and I had the opportunity to work in a few.

Thanks John Hughes, you made our town look good.  We will always have your films.

Unexpected Rascals

On an unusually cool July evening, I have my windows open and appreciate the cool breeze.  It didn’t dawn on me that I was hearing the Rascal Flatts concert going on at Wrigley Field. The atmosphere and the street noise had gelled to the point that the Flatts’ tunes were wafting through my window.  Though faint, I knew it was them.  I wasn’t as fortunate as a few nights earlier Elton John and Billy Joel performed and I didn’t hear one note.  Is it that those country boys have their amps cranked up a bit or that the piano men were light on the keys.  At any rate, I’m enjoying the unexpected Rascals coming in my window.

Ebony & Jet Remembers Michael

Monday after the news, the headquarter offices of Johnson Publishing in Chicago have the Ebony and Jet covers of the latest Michael Jackson features. What gave me pause, are the flowers, candles and other mementos left outside the building in front of the larger than life covers of Ebony and Jet with Michael.  This is the only memorial I’ve seen in Chicago for Michael.  I was glad to see it.

I learned there were 40 magazine covers featuring Michael and the Jackson 5.  The last one done of  Michael was done in 2007. There will be a commemorative book released in mid July of the positive stories chronicling Michael and the Jacksons.  No matter what the climate may have been, Ebony and Jet only presented positive features.  They have been selling the back issue covers of Michael.

Yes, I will miss Michael Jackson

Music has its icons.  One is now gone. You may have your favorite song or dance move.  My favorite song,  Billie Jean will now sound a bit different.  And they just played Rock with You and I got a chill. We will always have the music and the videos.  He inspired so many.  I was able to see him once at the historic Regal Theatre in Chicago with his brothers and again at the International Amphitheatre, again with his brothers.  I always knew I would see him one more time. I am sad, real sad I will never have that opportunity.  Long live the King of Pop.

Triple Crown In Chinatown

The opening of a new restaurant in Chinatown is always a welcome thing. The Triple Crown now open in their second location in the heart of Chinatown at 2217 S. Wentworth brings traditional Cantonese cuisine in a open and bright atmosphere. The large bay windows from the second level overlook the bustle of Wentworth Avenue.

The addition of fish tanks with live lobster, crab, sea bass and toliver fish lets you know the seafood is fresh. A large screen TV shows Chinese entertainment. The spacious room has the family style set up with round tables seating four to 10.

We always enjoy the addition of a new restaurant in Chinatown. The menu includes Dim Sum with great variety including the braised chicken feet delicacy and numerous hearty lunch specials. Our buffet lunch included pot stickers, chicken wings, shrimp dumplings, noodles, fried rice with bottomless cups of tea and steamed curried chicken and bar-b-qued pork buns being passed. The menu includes several sizzling platters and casseroles as well as Szechwan style dishes. There are several options for seafood including octopus and frog.

No event in Chinatown would be complete without the dragon dancers and drums. The unofficial mayor of Chinatown, Gene Lee of the Mayor’s office presided over the opening ceremonies introducing the Eng family (mother Ling and sons Morgan and Spencer) who are the owners of the Triple Crown. Others extending well wishes were Miss Chinatown, Natalie Hoy, Jerry Wong, Director of the Chinese Benevolent Association and representatives of the Taiwanese and Chinatown Chambers of Commerce.

One more reason to take a trip to Chinatown, to visit the Triple Crown Restaurant. They are open daily 9am to 10pm with lunch specials from 11am to 3pm and they end Dim Sum also at 3pm. They make it easy for you to show up by having three hour parking at Chinatown Parking for $2. It’s always fun in Chinatown, come by and check it out.

Get a preview at www.triplecrownchicago.com

 

 

Pirates and Aztecs at the Field

It was a perfect day  to spend at the Field Museum checking out Pirates and Aztecs.  I got to spend some time with my tour guide colleagues while we learned more about the two current exhibits happening at the Field Museum. There were about 38 of us who made the trip down to get the real scoop on the pirates and Aztecs.

The Real Pirate exhibition focused on the ship the Whydah which was discovered off the shores of Cape Cod.   There was a pirate’s booty found on the sunken ship. The Whydah began as a slave ship in 1716 not part of the Royal African Company that was part of the empire but launched by independent backers.

It told the stories of those who turned to the pirate lifestyle and what the life of a pirate was like. Not as glamorous as one is led to believe. But there is no pirate’s treasure map or even walking the plank. If you got out of line, they just threw you over board.

When the Whydah sank off the shores of Cape Cod in 1717, Sam Bellamy, the captain who captured it and turned it into a pirate ship, had 150 on board. The Whydah was shattered along the coastline and had two survivors who were later captured and hanged. It wasn’t until 1730 when LaBusse, the last of the pirates was captured and the age of pirating was over.

As Barry Clifford, the diver discoverer of the Whydah, said “It’s not what you find, but what you find out”. All the reason to take the Field trip to see the Real Pirates.

The Aztec exhibit was very in depth on the way of life of the early Mesoamericans. Beginning in 1470 and continuing through to the fall of the Aztec empire in 1521, the exhibit showed the artisans and merchants, traders and farmers, rulers and religious deities that made up the culture that was absorbed by the invasion of the Spanish. The Spanish arrived in 1519 naturally met with resistance and finally blended the two cultures introducing Christianity to the area which over time gave birth to modern Mexico.
Again, take time and spend a day at the Field Museum to find out more about the lost cultures. It was a great day trip the whole family can enjoy. We had Aimee Willets and Megan Gray to thank for a great day of discovery.

Illinois Governor’s Conference on Tourism 2009

The Illinois Governor’s Conference on Tourism that happened the first week of March at the Fairmont Hotel in Chicago was a great pep rally to make sure all the convention and visitor’s bureaus in the state continue to make Illinois an attractive travel destination in spite of what ever economic dysfunction may be happening.

Though travel over all has dropped and meeting and events are taking a hit, everyone in Illinois should continue to do what they have been doing to keep Illinois an attractive destination. Illinois is being presented internationally as a great place to visit. To foreign travelers the dollar is great here. Illinois is a bargain on all levels as it offers the experience memories are made of for everyone.

It is a great plus that we’re able to offer Lincoln’s 200^th birthday celebration, the new president is a resident and Chicago as a 2016 Olympic candidate city as fascinations that will draw visitors regardless of financial fluctuation. Everyone needed to be reassured and to continue to keep Illinois looking good and to play up new angles for discovery.

Across the board it is always a conference geared in a specific direction. This year, a new demographic came into focus and knowing how to market to their experience is something they wanted everyone to be more aware. The Boomer, no matter what stage, has to be taken into consideration for their lifestyle, their amount of freedom and their financial ability to do as they please in relation to travel. In addition, realizing the ethnic experience regardless of what culture is something that should be paid closer attention within the Boomer culture.

Also making all realize that social networking and their web sites are a huge part in the travel decision. More travelers are spending time on the web for everything from travel research to reservations. To be savvy in these areas are huge part of staying current for capturing the new demographic traveler.

It was also announced there is a new Director at the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Warren Riblely. He is a strong proponent of tourism and is vowing to keep Illinois on top in U S travel.

Each year it is good to see how each area is doing, what new ideas have come to light and to see tourism colleagues from throughout the state. I look forward to next year for new ideas and discoveries. Illinois will always have what it takes to keep the travelers arriving with time and money to spend throughout the state. We are always happy to get the pep talk to keep things on track.

 

 

Spielberg Summers in Chicago

Chicago will have the pleasure of Steven Spielberg in town this summer to shoot the film The Chicago 7.  After all these many years there is a film being done about the 7 accused of inciting the riot during the Democratic Convention in 1968.  So far the only definite person cast is Sasha Baron Cohen as Abbie Hoffman.

To think they will possibly be filming in Grant Park, which has changed considerably since 1968, to have those days relived to tell that story.  All that action that took place across from the Chicago Hilton and Towers, which at that time was the Conrad Hilton Hotel.  At the risk of really remembering, I was in another part of Grant Park waiting on Sly and the Family Stone to do another free concert – which they did not show up for that one either.  Never knew if Sly got wind of the situation going on in a  different area of the park and decided to stay clear.

It has got me thinking who will be cast as Bobby Seale, being bound, gagged and chained to a chair in Judge Julius Hoffman’s courtroom. That is something you don’t easily forget and I can almost see Philip Seymour Hoffman (and do you think there is a distant relation) cast as the bit off Judge Hoffman.

It will be good to have Spielberg back in Chicago to help the economy and give those in the city work.  Spielberg was here once before to be honored by the Chicago International Film Festival.  In 2006 the Festival honored Spielberg with a lifetime achievement award and Tom Cruise stopped in to help celebrate.

I’m looking forward to a Spielberg sighting and maybe doing a bit as an extra, you never know what can happen during a summer in Chicago.  I’m ready.

Who’s Got Spirit Awards??

I’m doing a live as it happens Spirit Awards play by play. So far Milk has won two awards, James Franco for Best supporting actor and Dustin Lance Black the extremely young writer of the screenplay. I am watching the winners on line as they enter the press tent. Pretty interesting, my spelling my take a dive and the wonders of technology may not let me get all the info. The sound comes and goes and you can’t hear the questions only the answers.

Penelope Cruz just won best supporting actor for Vicki Cristina Barcelona, Woody Allen’s film. Sorta expected as she is a front runner for Oscar as well. I am pulling for Marissa Tomei for an Oscar, but that’s just me. Penelope answers a question in her native language-Spanish- and leaves the stage. She said it was an exhausting process, her portion of the shoot and was glad not to have to keep up that level of chaos. I like her, she was good in her US intro role in Women on Top.

So we’re watching the show online, via the press room monitor, not even a camera in the main area, just a shot of the monitor in the press room. This is a first for me, viewing as it happens live on line and writing all at once. Fun way to spend a snowy afternoon here in the big city.

The train wreck that is Jocquin Phoniex is helping to present best documentary. Jocquin just gave up acting to begin a hip hop music career. Let’s wish him luck. Whoever was the Batman character on stage gave him real hell. Of course they will bleep out the swearing that is happening on stage…MAN!!

In Search Of A Midnight Kiss won the John Cassavettes award for emerging film makers. I love John Cassavettes and have seen all his films. I wish he were still here making films. They are making reference to Cassevettes films and thanking him for his vision.

As they shoot the montior for best actress, we get sound but then they cut away and totally leave you hanging as they intro the next winners in the press room. It makes me want to watch AMC later to see how they will chop it up.

Meilssa Leo just won for best actress for Frozen River, a film not many saw and is now out on DVD…and I never even heard of till last week..

They may cut Teri Hatcher’s musical tribute to Wendy and Lucy, but then again maybe not for artistic reasons.  A special version of the Bitch is Back.

Thoms Hayden Church and Andie McDowel present the Paiget’s Producer’s award to Heather Rae for Frozen River. Ok, so now we put that in the Netflicks’ line up- Frozen River

Of course Woody Allen didn’t make it west. His screenplay for Vicki Cristina Barcelona won….We’re back to silence and a shot of the press room mike on line. The people on the live chat are keeping me interested. Reading their banter is educational and humerous all at once. Lots of bitter indie film makers on this chat. The moderator is not fairing too well in keeping it nice… They don’t like Slumdog over here.

The French Film, the Class won for best foreign film. It’s playing here in Chicago at the Landmark. The preview was compelling. School children all have the same trials and tribulations, no matter the class or language. We love it when the director answers a question we can’t hear…in French, ah what a lovely language.

A long lull and the screen goes black. Is it all over, no it’s back and still with no sound. Just keep reading the outrageous live chat. WOW!  I can’t join that racy banter!!

I am really, really glad Mickey Rourke won for the Wrestler. I feel a bit better about the film community and forgiveness. If you haven’t seen the Wrestler- SEE IT!! What a story, it pulls at your heart. I am so happy…Now if the Oscars go his way?!?   So now I will probably watch the telecast to see the speech Mickey gave after winning to the indie audience. I wonder who he thanked and if he had one of his dogs with him….hmm
I’m waiting for Mickey Rourke in the press room…which now has no sound.

The Wrestler won best film at the Independent Spirit Awards. WOW- who would have thought. I could wrap it up but I want to see the rest of what happens. I am happy for the film, and can I say one more time, it was a good story and a good film. See it if you can. The Wrestler.

Darren Aronofky, the director who appeared with the film the Wrestler at the Chicago International Film Festival was the final person to speak in the press room at the Independent Spirit Awards. How cool is that?? The Wrestler wins, a
film screened at the Film Festival.

See you at the movies! Enjoy the Oscars..

The Golden Road to Oscar

 

My Oscar Moment

Oscar fever is about to explode. Since the Golden Globes, speculation has run rampant and there have been a few surprises. The few nominations of the Dark Knight, a film done in Chicago was a surprise except for Heath Ledger’s performance and Leonard DiCaprio’s performance in Revolutionary Road and the film itself were just two. Though Chicagoan Michael Shannon’s nomination for supporting actor in Revolutionary Road is nice.

Films that were part of the Chicago International Film Festival in October were recognized. It is always nice to see films usually before wide release in the Film Festival. Films like Slumdog Millionaire, The Wrestler, Happy Go Lucky were recognized at the Golden Globes and have gone on to capture Oscar nominations as well as SAG and Director’s Guild honors.

Year after year the Film Festival showcases films, directors and actors who have gone on to great acclaim. Each year I seem to have the knack for spotting the ones that go on to do well. When the film Sideways was featured at the Film Fest, I wanted to check it out as I hadn’t seen Thomas Hayden Church’s work in sometime and Paul Giamonte’s characters are always diverse. Needless to say, Sideways went on to capture several awards. Yes, most films have been on the festival circuit by the time the get to the Chicago International Film Festival, it’s our way of making sure we’re not left out of the hoopla to come.

When I saw Mickey Rourke was in The Wrestler, I had to see it. There were low rumbling of this being his comeback film. The rumblings got louder and he got a Golden Globe and is now up for an Oscar. I have been a fan since The Pope of Greenwich Village. The bad boy they made him out to be and for whatever reasons, he didn’t do too many films. It was hard for me to watch The Wrestler. The character was hard and soft at the same time. It was a good story. Marissa Tomei has to be mentioned not because she’s a best supporting actress nominee, but because she doesn’t do that many films and th ones she chooses to do shows how she’s matured and grown since her first Oscar in 1992 for My Cousin Vinny.

Slumdog Millionaire has been the delightful surprise for film goers. The name sort of threw me but twenty minutes into the film, the cinematography, the colors and the story had me. I left the film with a good feeling and wondered how many others would have the opportunity to experience this film. Needless to say, it has exploded and the Bollywood ending is the talk of the film. The buzz got loud and now it is an Oscar contender. It is one of those stories that you don’t see that often.

I get excited seeing films from the Festival go on to Oscar glory. It’s as if it was our secret we let others in on later. Though some films enjoy time on the festival circuit before getting distribution or going on to wide release, the word of mouth is usually what gets them on the map.

I will be watching as I always do to see the frenzy that is Oscar. Not as much Hollywood pomp and circumstance as there used to be but it’s always a good time to see who wore what and who is with who and who was noticed by their absence. They are promising a few presenter and other surprises, but we’ll just have to watch to see.

It’s a good feeling knowing that I got to see a few of these films before they were totally discovered by everyone else. And it also lets me know that the the films I choose to see during the festival go on to be recognized on a higher level.