• Property Destruction
• Medical Bills
• Body Counts

This folks protesting this past weekend here in Chicago were about as rowdy as a Northwestern vs Columbia game.  Come on guys get real this is Chicago we can handle whatever you want to bring.

Being a semi final round the stage was set for Elaine Osgood and Colin Bullock to compete to move on.  As is customary in the semi final rounds there were also a couple of non competing guest comics.  Opening up the night Dobber, a previous participant in the challenge, with a bit wondering if when deaf parents argue in sign language if their kids just ignore the fight by closing their eyes.  His best bit of the night was a discussion on the power the Mother Against Drunk Driving now have in our society.  Examining the warning labels gives some serious insight into this groups reach.  First it was Don’t Drink & Drive, then Don’t Drink and operate Heavy Machinery, now it is Don’t Drink and operate Machinery.  Come on ladies I can’t have a beer and then brush my teeth..

Leauren McKeaney another past participant was the second guest comic of the night.  This pint sized lady is very funny and has complete changed my opinions on a couple of subjects.  Her opening bit about growing up in the business is very funny, and her teachers must have loved parent teacher day.  Bartends must get a big kick out of how Lauren orders drinks, “what can I get you to drink”, Whatever, I will swallow anything – very funny stuff.  Only Lauren’s fourth appearance under the light, she is a promising young comic.

The Semi Final is pitting to great comics, Elaine Osgood and Colin Bullock.

Elaine was first up and truely delievered.  The 28 and single bit was very funny and some day I hope to be invited to her house on Monday – pantless night for Elaine and her 2 roomies.  Continue down the road that mom and dad my be wondering about their daughter sexuality, Elaine wonders about the change in moral values in an effort to have grand kids.  Elaine are you having sex her mom askes, the response is yes lots of it.  Mom goes on to say are you using protect, of course mother I’m not stupid.  Mom’s response…yea you would, your father and I aren’t getting any younger.

Trying to figure out men seems a bit challenging.  Men love baskball and men love women – put the 2 together as in women’s basketball and you have a boring piece of shit.

Her performance was outstanding and the crowd was entertained from the beginning.

Colin Bullock walks on to stage like an ackword kid who might have been picked last in gym class.  He begin his performace discussing the fact that he may be a little less fashion forward than most and the folks that mention to him that 1993 called should be using their powers of time travel for better purposes.  Every heard of the term Texas Fat – that is when with 2 good weeks of work outs you’d be in pretty good shape, however with one good week of parties you could be dead, funny stuff.  Colin wrapped up his show with two of the funnest bits I’ve every heard.  Let’s just say his girl friend doesn’t consider eating pumpkin pie filling from a can on the couch without pants a pie eating contest.

You have to hear his story about Southern IL.  Let’s just say they have an interesting way to get pregnant in the southern part of the state.

Both of the semi-finalist gave fantastic performances.  In the end Colin won the semi and is moving on to the finals.  At this point I would make him the favorite to win it all.  He is one of the funniest people I’ve seen.  It would surprise me to see him on TV real soon.  Elaine also gave a great performance and sometimes it is the luck of draw.  I would rank her very high amoung the shows I’ve seen so far.

If you are looking for something to do in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood next Thursday give the comedy challenge a try.

Chicago’s Gold Coast has been considered one of the most desirable addresses in the World for many years.  CityStir Gold Coast is please to have such a qualified expert to be our Real Estate partner.  Mike will provide valuable Chicago Gold Coast Real Estate Listing information as well as market statistics so Gold Coast residents will be informed of what is going on in the neighborhood.

As an expert in the Gold Coast Mike’s business focuses on listing neighborhood properties for sale.  His many years of experience in the neighborhood help his sellers get the highest prices for their properties.  According to Mike, “It is important to have a Realtor with a vested interest in the neighborhood, as a Gold Coast resident, I have that vested interested.”  Mike’s association with Re/Max Premier Properties will allows him to harness the power of one of if not the most recognizable real estate brand in the world.

Look for timely articles from Mike about significant Gold Coast sales, Gold Coast Real Estate market trends, and tips on how to get the most value from your Gold Coast property.

In addition to great information about the area you will now be able to search properties through the CityStir Gold Coast Real Estate Section.  The real estate search will give you access to not only listings in the Gold Coast but listing throughout Northern, IL.  In addition to the real estate section you can always find interesting listing and rentals in our Gold Coast Classifieds.

This new partnership promises to

With 5 comics vying for a place in the semi final the night begins.  Danny Martinez started the night off with a look back at growing up in Indiana.  After hearing Danny all of my thoughts about the Hoosier state were confirmed.  Being reminded that 43% of all 1000 ways die take place in the state, it is a wonder how any escapes and gets out alive.

Anthony Bonazzo reminded us that Play Station is just that Play and based upon early season results it is the only place the Cubs have a chance to win the World Series.  Speaking of play, how funny would it be if Michael Vick and Pit Bull the Rapper where friends?  Instead of dogs Mike and his buddies could of wagered on Rapper fights.

As the evening progressed, the laughs continued when Lauren McKeaney took the stage.  Thursday night was only Lauren’s second appearance, and she delivered, big.  Based upon her performance last night I am sure her classmates are still talking about bring Daddy to school day.  Any company looking for help as a receptionist would do well to hire Lauren, let’s just say those calling in will get a glimpse of Judgement Day.  Lauren’s show is funny and rated R – Not in a bad way, but in a I pray my daughter doesn’t invite me to her comedy show way.  Let’s just say I hope I never hear my daughter’s out of town boy friend say “I come to Chicago, I like coming to different environments”.  Certain environments are off limits.  After seeing Lauren the word spritz has a totally new meaning to me.

Krystal LaFianza-Pitzen a regular on the Chicago comedy scene was up next.  Being a guy, I truly appreciate the break up advice given by Krystal.  If your a lady looking for a cab be sure to find the hot Itailian guy it may be the highlight of your night.  If Vodka, the plan B pill and your morning coffee break at work have something in common, it may be time for some self examination.  You can catch Krystal at the Zebra Lounge on May 26th.  Definitely worth seeing.

Closing out the show was Kris Flanagan.  Kris is not new to the Comedy Challenge and has won in the early rounds in past years.  Being a child of the 80′s Kris points out that this generation has brought on-line predators and genital grooming, way to go slackers.  Watch for the new fast food chain opening soon PitaFries – Where Kids Eat Free.  Let’s just hope Chris Hansen isn’t invited to the opening.  Kris’ hysterical look at the major differences between Apple and PC users still has me laughing.  Let’s just say I like my computers to be fixed by Geeks, and I don’t need an appointment at the freaking Genius Bar.  Fix my computer Geek!

As in previous weeks the comedy was very entertaining.  Week 5 had a clear cut winner.  Hands down Kris Flanagan has set the bar pretty high for the second semi-final in a few weeks.  Lauren McKeaney and Krystal LaFianza-Pitzen are must see comics.  Shenanigan’s Comedy Challenge is great fun and you can’t beat the price.  Drink specials, prizes and laughs all spell a time.  Check it out next week.

Chris Rosenbloom, aka Curly, kicked the night off with a long set.  Being a true guys guy, Chris gave his definition of good pants…the pants that you can wear and they don’t need washed for two days.

John Hickey is becoming a regular performer, making his second appearance at Open Mic night.  John is honing his craft and it is great to watch someone grow.

When one thinks of college football 2 programs are front and center Michigan and Notre Dame.  These two schools have established one of the greatest rivalries in the sport.  The Notre Dame vs. Michigan is an early season college football classic.  When NotreDameBus.com released the schedule for the upcoming 2012 football season the company knew this was going to be one hot ticket.  The Notre Dame vs. Michigan Rivalry continues this year on September 22, 2012.

In addition to the Notre Dame vs. Michigan Game NotreDameBus.com is pleased to include every Notre Dame home game this season.  The schedule includes:

• Purdue 9/8
• Michigan 9/22
• Miami 10/6
• Stanford 10/13
• BYU 10/20
• Pittsburgh 11/3
• Wake Forest 11/17

Each game day package includes round trip transportation to the game.  Breakfast and Bloody Mary’s, a stocked bar of liquor and bar, and a tail gate with burgers, brats, and dogs.  The Bus leaves the Gold Coast on game day at 8:30 and head back 1 hour after the games ends.

Tickets start at $120.00 per person.

This year the company is pleased to announce they have packages that include game tickets.  Notre Dame vs. Michigan is often one of the hottest and most desired tickets of the season.  Jack Mooney of NotreDameBus.com says he expects these tickets to go fast so he is encouraging anyone who wants the Notre Dame vs. Michigan ticket to buy earlier.

For more information about Notre Dame vs. Michigan or any of the trips on this year’s schedule please visit http://notredamebus.com.

Hosted by Tim Burhenne, McFadden’s Trivia Tuesday offers a challenging competition for even the most ardent trivia fans.  Teams compete in multiple rounds to eventually crown a winner.

If you know which musical instrument was the first to be played in outer space, you might be well advised to head down to McFadden’s next Tuesday.  With $200.00 of cold hard cash on the line, Trivia Tuesday is a perfect opportunity for you to create your own economic stimulus package.  Before you start counting your coins you better know what a numismatist studies.

If you have always wanted to check out McFadden’s but the long weekend lines and mass of humanity have made you reluctant, give Trivia Tuesday a try.  With an 8:30 start time if you live in the neighborhood you can be home in time to check out the news before bed.

Our Chicago Gold Coast Classifieds are free to both businesses and individuals and you can post just about anything. If you don’t see your category, just drop us an email and we will create it. CityStir Gold Coast classifieds are great for anyone looking to sell items as well as those looking to buy. To use the classifieds simply create an account and your all set.

Our classifieds bring you highly targeted traffic unlike most of the other services available. We are neighborhood specific. Whether you are looking to sell a car or want to buy a boat you are sure to finding what you are looking for on CityStir Gold Coast. Make sure to visit often as items will change rapidly.

CityStir Gold Coast Classifieds your one stop for buying and selling pre-owned things.

Although not a rookie to the comedy scene this will be Lauren’s first appearance as a competitor in the Comedy Challenge.  Whether you plan on coming to laugh with Lauren or at Lauren you are sure to leave with a smile on your face.  Although I have never personally witnessed her show, I’ve been told that it will bring great insight into her daddy complex.

The comedy challenge has been great fun the past few weeks, and Thursday night is the first round to determine who will be the second finals qualifier.  First round champion Eric Monical has already punched his card to the finale.  Two slots remain open and Thursday night is the first step towards filling the second spot.

Want an idea of what to expect?  Here’s a view of Week 3

If your looking for things to do in Chicago or Chicago’s Gold Coast you can’t miss with La Madia.  The self proclaimed contemporary pizzeria is reasonably priced, has excellent service, and a number of wood fired pizza options.  Being a veteran patron of the restaurant, I went with the intention of not getting a pizza.  It’s been a while since spending an evening at the Grand Street eatery, and the menu has changed a little since my last visit.

Reservations are suggested however if venture out without a reservation plan on having a couple cocktails at the bar.  Not to worry the bar staff is friendly and the wine, cocktail, and beer choices are ample.

Once you sit down to eat, expect a menu with limited pasta and other entrees, but a great selection of wood fired pizza’s.  La Madia has number of options for salads, bruschetta and appetizers.

The pizza is some of the best.  Plain and simple it is good stuff.

So if you are looking for a good meal at a reasonable price La Madia is a great option.  A salad, bruschetta, and a pizza with a bottle of wine for around $60.00.  It just might be the best deal in Chicago when you consider the quality of food and the atmosphere.  La Madia is a must go.

The laughs get underway Wednesday with Open Mic Night at Bootleggers and Comedians You Should Know at Timothy O’Toole’s.

Bootleggers is continuing one of neighborhoods hottest new activities, Open Mic Night Comedy.  In true open mic format the evening has no line up and no agenda.  If you think your funny, show up and your given an opportunity to make us laugh.  Hosted by Terry Donlon, Open Mic Night is often a comics opportunity to join his Cavalcade of Comedy, a Chicago Comedy tradition.  With no cover, and an early start time, 7:30 PM, Open Mic Night is the perfect mid week activity.

If you are looking for something that is a little more structured, you might want to check out Timothy O’Tool’s Comedian’s You Should Know.  The event starts at 9:00 PM and has a $10.00 cover.

On Thursday the comedy continues with the 4th Annual Shenanigan’s Comedy Challenge.  This week begins the second round of semi final acts leading up to the finale on June 28th.  There are five comics scheduled to begin performing at 7:30 PM on  Thursday.  Scheduled to appear in no particular order are:

• Kris Flanagan
• Steve Springer
• Krystal the Pistol
• Lauren McKeany
• Daniel Martinez

The previous 4 weeks have been extremely entertaining and worth the trip to Division Street.  Once again the early start time makes the Comedy Challenge a great way to ease into your weekend.

Friday brings the monthly staple of First Friday at the Museum of Contemporary Art.  A perfect after work activity for the young and hip First Friday is a great place to be seen or just watch people.

Saturday brings us to the often misunderstood celebration of Cinco de Mayo.  The funny thing about Cinco de Mayo is that very few of us know what it is, but who needs an excuse for a celebration when you are hanging in the Gold Coast.

Enjoy the week!