Eric Smith, NBC5 Street Team

On location at Eve’s Parlor in Humboldt Park.

On a recent evening, I was given a unique look into what I makes Chicago tick. And what makes Chicago tick is the unique personality of the artistic community that beats to their own drum. In this instance I had the opportunity to meet Chicago’s very own Angela Eve.

Eve's Parlor

Angela Eve is a Headliner, Producer, Artist, Model and photographer. She is an accomplished multi-media and performance/dance artist-graduate of The Art Institute of Chicago with a degree in Fine Arts. She is a professionally trained actor and graduate of The Second City Conservatory. She has her own line of wearable art, toured with major music festivals including OzzFest and has established her own Twisted Tassel Burlesque Festival among quite a few noteworthy accomplishments.

It could be easy to see why she is a person of interest; as a driving force and icon on the Chicago art scene. But even more compelling is what is in her heart and the compassion she feels for others. Splitting her time between Chicago and New Orleans, Angela Eve-along with fellow artist Anastasios Ketsios-has been at the forefront of a fine art photo documentary project entitled, “Home, This Was”-a narrative involving the effects of Hurricane Katrina on the people and their daily lives. Together they examine and analyze this narrative through the lens of a camera for all to see and experience.

Even more close to her heart has been the recent diagnosis of her mother having breast cancer. While the debate rages on in Washington for Universal Health Care for all-in Angela Eve’s case it couldn’t be more obvious the importance of the matter. Her mother, who is far from wealthy, has insurance coverage…although no where near adequate to cover the whopping $15,000 deductible required for treatment.

It will be Angela Eve’s new mission to raise the money to help her mother in this time of need-the best way she knows how. As such she will be organizing her only Fall show/benefit-“Kinky Xmas” on Wednesday, December 9th at the Debonair Social Club with two performances at 10pm and the other at Midnite-admission is free. Ring in the holidays with a sense of purpose and have some fun while you’re at it!

Google has released a Street View map of the ruins of ancient Pompeii, the Roman city that was buried by ash from the Vesuvius volcano. I have personally been lucky enough to visit this amazing site and it was among the most surreal travel experiences I’ve ever had. As it is a complete city, walking around the streets and through the buildings gives you a real perspective on what life was like in Ancient Rome, and how it wasn’t all that different from city life today.

So take a tour of the Street View today, just make sure to click on full-screen to get the best experience. [via Gizmodo]

Sunday, December 6, 2009 | Daily Podcast Episode 1336

Colts/Titans, 1 pm, Lucas Oil Stadium (Fun Zone at 10 am outside the stadium).

• Indianapolis Colts NFL Football at Lucas Oil Stadium
• Disney on Ice at Conseco Fieldhouse (2 shows)
• Duke Energy Yuletide Celebration at Hilbert Circle Theatre
• Gingerbread Village at Conner Prairie
• Advent Christmas Concert at Christ Church Cathedral
• Great Russian Nutcracker at the Murat Theatre
• Pride of Indy Concert Band at Broadway UMC
• Alternative Gift Fair at Anderson University
• 4th Annual Holiday Bazaar at Congregation Shaarey Tefilla
• The Nutcracker by Butler Ballet at Clowes Memorial Hall

Free publicity for your upcoming events! Submit an event.

Melbourne Zoo is worth a visit.

You can read an even more comprehensive guide here.

This is a video of me performing what could almost be described as a magic trick in an effort to impress the penguins. To enhance the illusion I would suggest blinking repeatedly throughout.

I visited the Farmer’s market.  It’s only a 20 minute drive from Rincon, Puerto Rico.  It was packed.  There was music and dancing.    It’s a great place to visit and the most over looked  attraction on the western side of the island.  There was plenty of talk of the Mayaguez 2010 Games.  The merchants are looking forward to it.  The music from the video is from the band at the market.

Hey Moms!  Drop and Shop Starts Next Week!
We look forward to having your child in Fellowship Childcare!

These next few weeks will be a continuation of our First Look Bible lessons and the story of Baby Jesus.  Make sure that you send a coat and label all belongings including sippy cups and diapers.

If your child does not attend Promiseland as a regular participant, you need to fill out a one page liability form and bring it on the first day that your child is attending.

You can email Andrea Riley (ariley@fbctn.org) if you are unsure of the dates that you signed up for, want to add more dates or to get the liability form.

Remember that drop off is at 9:00 am.  Please sign the log sheet outside your child’s classroom with an off campus contact number.  Pick up is at 12:00 noon with a late fee of $1.00 per minute/per child beginning at 12:06.

P.S. Don’t forget to fill out a liability form to fill out if your child is not a regular Promiseland attendee.

See you next week!  Yeah!

Outdoor Ice Rink now offers family fun in the Village, Big Bear Lake, CA. Sunday – Thursday 12;00 – 6:00 pm and Friday & Saturday 12:00 – 8:00pm. We will be having 2 fer Tuesdays/ buy one skate rental get the 2nd one free. Family Thursdays / family of 4 for $36.00 skate rentals included. Friday School I.D Nights/ bring in your school ID after 6pm  and get $2 off admission. Sunday Locals Night/ Free skate rentals after 4:00 pm. Also Santa will be coming to the Ice Garden on Sunday Dec. 20th from 5:00 – 8:00 pm/ free skate rentals during that session also.

Pine Knot Ave. at Village Dr. Big Bear Lake, CA

I saw this idea and thought it would be a very cool way to reflect on this past year.

I decided I would (unofficially, because I for some reason can’t upload her website) be a part of Gwen Bell’s “Best of 2009;” a fabulous idea from a fabulous woman.

The first post topic is: What was a memorable trip you took this year?

Well, I would definitely have to say my trip with The Beau to New Mexico. We got to take the train there, hang out with my family, see the Balloon Festival, eat our way through town, and even have time to relax a bit. It was a magical 4 days, and I wish it was longer, but what can you do?

It definitely beat out trip #1 of the year: Southern Cali AAA Sales thingy. The only plus of that entire trip was the amazing hotel across the street from the beach in San Juan de Capistrano. If I had been with family, friends or The Beau, it would have been amazing! But, for the sake of brevity, let’s just say the person I had to work with was a bit too uptight for my tastes.

Having just finished a week long binge on Assassins Creed 2, I have quit games for the rest of the year. Next year I will begin playing again with the release of God of War 3. Maybe I will purchase Tekken 6 also.

Black Cypress is Pullman’s newest restaurant, and it makes a lovely night out without the wee ones.  Get a sitter and have a date!

Black Cypress Interior

I have been here a few times – three times for drinks and once for a full dinner.  I have had a great experience each time.

The Bar at Black Cypress

First the bar:  It seats about eight to ten people and has a very cozy feel.  The bartenders have been perfect – attentive but not overly chatty.  This places gets a tad noisy, so sitting at the bar works best if you either go early or just plan to talk to the person next to you.  I went for drinks and light appetizers with a group of ladies and they let us sit at a table.  The selection of wines was fine, and the prices were generally moderate.  (I think about $7-10 per glass.)  There is a beer selection, too, but I did not pay much attention!

The Decor:  The “theme” of the decor is antique mirrors.  With the candles on the tables reflecting off the mirrors, it creates a very nice atmosphere.  The ceiling is draped with lengths of a rough material (burlap?) which gives it a pretty, tent-like feel. (Note these photos were taken during the day, through the window.  At night is has a more romantic feeling.)

The food:  The menu is small but the food is excellent.  The menu has a Mediterranean influence (as you would expect from the name) but this is by no means a “Mediterranean” restaurant.

The Special Board

Black Cypress seems to really excel at the meat dishes.  I had the lamb chops (so good, and actually cooked the way I ordered, which is a rarity).  My dining companions gave rave reviews to the beef, the pork chops, and the scallops.  I have had the beet salad and the cheese plate, which were both good (though perhaps not the best versions of these dishes I had ever had).  For dessert, the apple spice cake and the smores both got high marks.  In fact, no one had a bad thing to say about the food.

The cost is on the high side for Pullman, but it is not out of line with what you would pay at a similar restaurant in a bigger city.  Dinner for five (three salads, five entrees, two desserts, and two bottles of the cheaper wine) came to around $50 per person.

The service has always been very good, also.  I am not sure who does the hiring, but it seems like the wait staff is made up mostly of very good-looking twenty-something guys, who also happen to be professional and attentive.  This does not hurt the overall experience!

The hours are as shown above.  The address and phone:

215 East Main Street
Pullman, WA 99163-2769
(509) 334-5800

It is located next to Prune Orchard, which is open until 6, giving you one hour of overlap to do a combined shopping and wine drinking excursion!

LAUREL TARANTINO’S “SNOW BALL COOKIES” IN THE ADULT CATEGORY

AND MIKAYLA & FRANK CIOLINO’S “CHRISTMAS COOKIES” IN THE

YOUTH/FAMILY CATEGORY

thank you Thom Flazarano for these photos!

HERE ARE THE RECIPES AS WRITTEN BY THE CONTESTANTS:

First, Laura Tarantino’s Snowball Cookies:

1 cup butter (softened)

1 cup confectioners’ sugar (sift it, but you don’t have to)

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 1/2 cups flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup fine chopped walnuts (I use a rolling pin to really mush them up)

Mix butter, sugar and vanilla.

Sift flour and salt together.  Blend into butter mixture.  Add walnuts, mix thoroughly.  Chill for a while, at least for a 1/2 hour.

DOUGH WILL SEEM ON THE VERGE OF BEING TOO FLAKY.  I GIVE IT A GOOD SQUEEZE WHEN ROLLING THEM.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Start rolling snowballs and put on an ungreased baking sheet.  Cookies do not spread so you can fit lot on one sheet.

Bake about 10 to 14 minutes, you just want them to cook through without turning brown.

While they are still warm, not hot, roll them in confectioners’ sugar.  Do not stack them on top of one another.  When completely cool, roll in sugar again, now you can stack them.

They are ready to melt in your mouth!   Makes approximately 3 dozen. Enjoy!

This is Thom’s photo of the happy winner when she heard the results–look at her supporters in the background!

And here are Mikayla’s Christmas Cookies:

4 eggs

1 tablespoon of vanilla

5 cups flour

1 1/2 cups sugar

5 teaspoons baking powder

5 heaping tablespoons shortening

1/2 cup milk

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

In a small bowl beat eggs and vanilla.  Set aside.  In a larger bowl, mix dry ingredients.  Slowly mix shortening into dry ingredients using hands.  Dough will be crumbly.  Add egg mixture and continue to mix with hands.  Slowly add milk until dough forms a large ball (only add as much milk as neede to form the dough ball).

Roll out dough and cut into shapes, or make small balls which can be formed into a braid or wreath.  Place on greased cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes.  Let cool then frost.

Frosting:

1 pound confectioners’ sugar

1/4 cup milk (approx.)

Place sugar in a bowl and slowly add milk until the mixture forms a frosting.  Only enough milk as needed to form frosting.  Decorate as desired.

I will post the second and third place winner tomorrow and also my very long list of thank yous to everyone who made this great event possible.  And not to be overlooked but we raised some money and lots of food for The Open Door!  More on that tomorrow!

I will be making Mikayla’s cookies at some point in the near future and will post the photo.,

Don’t Miss the Shopping Event of the Season!
Hosted by Joyce Deaso & Jack Paulin
Tomorrow Sunday, December 6th
1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Wholesale Prices on exquisite, national and international artwork and Jewelry from the Simply Posh Gallery.

At the Picacho Mountain Visitor Center
7038 Calle Estancias (Click Here for directions)

Enjoy coffee, hors d ‘oeuvres & wine tasting while you shop! Call or click here Picacho Mountain at 575-523-2500 for more information.

Click below to download an invitation and directions to the event
*Cash or Check Only

Saturday, December 5, 2009 | Daily Podcast Episode 1335

ABOVE: Naptown Roller Girls doubleheader, Dec. 5 at 5:30 pm, Pepsi Coliseum.

• Naptown Roller Girls Doubleheader at the Pepsi Coliseum
• Disney on Ice at Conseco Fieldhouse (3 shows)
• Duke Energy Yuletide Celebration at Hilbert Circle Theatre
• Gingerbread Village at Conner Prairie
• Gem Street USA Show at the Indiana State Fairgrounds
• Victorian Christmas in Downtown Mooresville
• Christmas on Main Street in Downtown Arcadia
• Patti LaBelle in Concert at Star Plaza Theatre
• Christmas at the Zoo at the Indianapolis Zoo
• Straight No Chaser in Concert at the Murat Theatre

Free publicity for your upcoming events! Submit an event.

Chicago is the located in Illinois state where huge entertainment places to be found with lot of ways. Across the city have more crowd gathers in seasonable time because the tourists come in mostly summer time. Main destination of the Chicago is the huge parks, districts and Lake Michigan- it’s a biggest freshwater lake in United State of America. Besides, another attraction sited across the city, specially the music of blue, and it’s the hub of comedy as well as idea of the skyscrapers. Across the world, it’s famed for its outstanding provinces in additions activities places. In these districts have lots of park, shopping places, malls, museums, etc sited and this the point to gathering here crowd throughout the year.

CTA bus services help to you reach the destination; you just purchase the coupon or pass of bus and tour the whole city at budget rates.

You can see here – Museum Campus, Adler Planetarium, Museum of Science and Industry, National Museum of Mexican Art, The Great Migration-history, Beaches fun like Michigan attraction and lots. You can travel here cheap rates because the hotels in downtown Chicago are too cheap but you search if and reserve them after that you can do the best travel at lowest rates.

Lake Michigan CHicago is the Hub of entertainment

Chicago city is the travel spot where huge of travel places to be found one of them is lake Michigan, which located in this city. It’s the hub of entertainment in the Chicago city. You can do too many activities here with more ways including –swimming, trail, boating, fishing, deep fishing, fly-fishing, kayaking, etc.

It’s the biggest freshwater lake in united state. IN summer season if you come here then you see huge crowd in the soft sand beaches where tourist doing his/her activities till to sunset time. Too many tourist will be fishing, kayaking, deep water boating. Inside the Dock Street you can take lots of cruises adventure. In there also located a boardwalk area, where you can travel and see the beauty of the Lake. Biggest lake always carries huge fun.

Inside the Lake, too many travel industry open its point for instances hotels in chicago, lodge, attraction point such as bar, restaurants, pub, and more.

In few minute distance lots of museums, shopping places, art gallery you can watch. Inside the boardwalk of Lake Michigan also it is but not to larges scale. Whatever place of the Lake Michigan offer best travel to anyone. If you visit to Chicago then you don’t miss this place.

Just finished purchasing everything for the family, let’s see who wins at Christmas kindness this year…

Dad

And the Ass Saw the Angel, novel by Nick Cave.

16 Lovers Lane, Go Betweens documentary DVD.

Crumb, documentary by Terry Zwigoff on DVD.

Mum

Burning Man – Beyond Black Rock, documentary DVD.

Monkey Grip, novel by Helen Garner.

Orange Sugar Scrub, beauty product by Rhasdala.

Sister

Buddha Machine 2.0.

Art of the Band Shirt, coffee table book.

Hot Pink Chocolate Diva Milk Bath, beauty product by Rhasdala.

Books/DVDs/Buddha Machines were purchased from Polyester Books.

Body Products were purchased from Rhasdala’s Etsy Store.

I went down to the Bazaar at the Fremantle Arts Center first thing today and was surprised how many people had the same idea. I guess we all wanted to be there in the cooler morning hours, though it wasn’t cool at 9am either. Thankful for the shade of the old trees I wandered around marveling at the beautiful things on sale and enjoying the colourful and arty surrounding. I did end up getting nearly all of my presents, which made my visit not only pleasurable, but also convenient – I much rather do my shopping in the gardens of the Arts Centre than in crowded city malls.

Christmas Shopping at the Fremantle Arts Centre Bazaar

When down there, you should also check out the galleries, where you can escape the heat and admire some amazing pieces. My favourite of the current artists on show is Andrew Nicholls. His detailed drawings are just stunning.

Get Andrew Nicholls' book at the Arts Centre shop

Fremantle Arts Centre
1 Finnerty Street,
Fremantle,
WA 6162.

Ph: (08) 9432 9555‎

Okay so there’s me – number one obviously.

Kate Nash

.

Natasha Khan.

Zoey Decshenel.

Jemina Pearl.

Kirsten Wiig.

Rhianna.

Emma Lung.

Cheryl Hines.

Lisa Mitchell.

Claire Hooper.

Sarah Silverman.

Veronica Milson.

Marieke Hardy.

We would get penalised for having too many players on the field but I would seriously play soccer so hard with all of them.

Well, it didn’t take us long to find some time to go explore a new city. Michael and I were in Wellington for Thanksgiving to celebrate with my parents and grandmother. We spent Thursday and Friday with the family, eating, shopping, and tackling my parent’s to do list. So on Saturday we set out to tackle our must see list.

We started by heading to Lantana to go eat lunch at an artisan pizza shop that was recommended to us by one of our friends in Fort Myers. Unfortunately, when we arrived it wasn’t open. So we took our hungry stomachs south on US 1 and headed to the an art show in Delray Beach. Along the way Michael got to see historical US 1 and many of places and spaces I spent time at while I was in college.

Once in Delray the first thing on the list was food. As we rounded the corner from where we parked to travel East on Atlantic Avenue we found Kilwins. If you have never experienced Kilwins well, you haven’t experienced homemade chocolate and ice cream (there was one along main street in Celebration for those of you that attended the wedding). We of course chose to eat ice cream for lunch and thanks to moms coupon hunting skills did it at a very reasonable price. Next, we continued heading east along atlantic and stumbled upon the local farmers market where they had lots of fresh produce, homemade wares, and music. If we ever take up residence in Delray this is probably where you would find us most Saturday mornings stocking our fridge. We continued heading east until we hit the drawbridge at the intercoastal and found a local artists exhibit (not the art show we originally went for). The exhibit is sponsored by the Community Redevelopment Agency.  The local area has a number of artists that deal in a variety of mediums but everything focused on show casing the Delray area. It was neat to see the different perspectives of similar locations.

Then it was on to the Art Show. We headed back west on Atlantic Avenue to 2nd street where we turned into Pineapple Grove and the street became a pedestrian only, tented wonderland of art. There were all kinds of artists selling their work from jewelry to photorealism. For a day that was supposed to be cold and windy it ended up being fairly warm and sunny. We enjoyed taking in all the different art work and food being sold on the street but also all the different shops, boutiques, and restaurants that were located in the store fronts behind the tents. Delray has bein implementing revitalization efforts in this area for years now and it was great to see the positive effects on the old and new businesses, residents, and traveling artists.

While we don’t have any pictures of this adventure to share, we encourage you, if you are ever in the Palm Beach County area of Florida, to check out Delray Beach, Atlantic Avenue, and Pineapple Grove. We promise you will find great food, interesting people, and fabulous sights.

Next up Louisiana!