Brian Peck

Megan Reed

Brian Middleton

Cara Carriveau

Brian Travis

2012 ends, 2013 begins
Posted:Friday, 12/28/2012 at 09:12am by Lisa Allen


Well, now that Christmas is over...we jump into the next holiday; New Year's Eve!

Of course there's the parties everywhere to look forward to, but the biggest thing is the resolutions that come along with New Year's Day.

What would you like to resolve to do in 2013. You can email me at LAllen@wilv.com or give me a buzz in the studio at (312)297-1003. It's always great to hear from you!

No matter what you decide to do in the coming year, I wish you and your loved ones nothing but the BEST for a happy and healthy new year! Thanks so much for spending time with us here at Rewind 100.3

Christmas on the Big Screen
Posted:Thursday, 12/13/2012 at 06:12pm by Lisa Allen



Music Box Theatre's annual Christmas Show will feature "It's a Wonderful Life" and "White Christmas," with a Christmas carol singalong and a visit from you-know-who. The 29-year tradition has brought audiences from around the world to cheer for George Bailey's (James Stewart) happy ending and sigh with glee as Bob (Bing Crosby) and Betty (Rosemary Clooney) and Phil (Danny Kaye) and Judy (Vera-Ellen) find love after the curtain closes.

Why go: No matter how many times you've seen it, every time you hear "Clarence! Get me back! I don't care what happens to me! Get me back to my wife and kids! ... I wanna live again" (and it begins to snow) or Crosby's rendition of Irving Berlin's "White Christmas," aww, gee, the heartstrings get pulled.

Reconsider: Yes, the holiday programming on TV has been streamlined this year, but you have had your fill of the Grinch, Scrooge and Clarence.



Another Engagement Ala Heff
Posted:Wednesday, 12/12/2012 at 06:12pm by 0


Holiday Money Saving Tips
Posted:Tuesday, 12/04/2012 at 06:12pm by 0



Shop With Cash
If you insist on heading out to the mall to do your holiday shopping, consider taking your gift budget with you in cash. If you have a tendency to be a little too jolly with your credit cards, spending cash will save you from a nasty credit hangover in the New Year. Create an envelope for each person on your shopping list that contains the amount of money you budgeted to spend on them. If you overspend on Dad, you'll have to adjust your budget by taking money from someone else's gift envelope

Don't Spend on Yourself
If you're like me and tend to buy yourself a few gifts while you're holiday shopping, stay away from your favorite stores. For instance, if you're a gadget junkie, avoid going into any electronics stores. Also, when you're shopping online, stay focused and don't get sidetracked by sale items.

The Gift of Time
If you're short on funds, try donating your time, says Reneé Rayles, author of The Super, Sexy Mom on a Budget. Offer a neighbor or fellow mom free babysitting, tennis lessons, even help with yard work. "You can [also] give back to the community," Rayles says. "Some residents at assisted living centers don't have families that can visit them. They'd love to see a baby." If your little one's a ham, he'll love the spotlight.

Get Creative
We are all good at different things and perhaps rather than wrapping up something from the mall, you could offer your services for different items. Franklin Johns, an IT expert, prints out coupons for his family offering his time and tech-knowledge, rather than gift cards. Believe me, this goes over even better than you might think!

Start a New Tradition
In 2008, Jaime Greathouse, mom of three in Shelby Township, Michigan, took her family to an orchard, where they spent the day picking apples. During the following weekends, the kids -- even her toddler -- helped her make apple butter. "We gave a jar to all of our family and friends," she says. "They were so well received that we're doing it again this year."



Beyonce Doc Sneak Peek
Posted:Monday, 12/03/2012 at 06:12pm by Lisa Allen
Sneak preview of the new HBO special documentary that is written, directed by and starring Beyonce Knowles!



Mellencamp teams up with Stephen King
Posted:Saturday, 12/01/2012 at 01:12pm by 0


Ghost Brothers Of Darkland County Recording Set For Release March 19, 2013

11/14/2012 - Hear Music/Concord Music Group is proud to release the all-star recording of Ghost Brothers of Darkland County, a southern gothic supernatural musical from co-conspirators Stephen King, John Mellencamp and T Bone Burnett. This extraordinary collaboration features original music and lyrics plus key dialog excerpts performed by a stellar cast of guest artists including Elvis Costello, Rosanne Cash, Sheryl Crow, Neko Case, Taj Mahal, Ryan Bingham and Kris Kristofferson, along with actors Matthew McConaughey, Samantha Mathis and Meg Ryan.

Wendy Goes Nude for PETA
Posted:Thursday, 11/29/2012 at 06:11pm by Lisa Allen


Talk-show host Wendy Williams proudly unveiled her new "Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur" PETA ads on Wednesday in Times Square.

Holiday shoppers got to gaze at her bod covered in nothing but artfully placed flowing hair.

"We should all try to be comfortable in our own skin and let the animals keep theirs," says Williams, 48, who once wore real mink and fox but doesn't anymore. "I don't really think that fur is the mark of success anymore. As a decent person, with compassion, it just seems like the right thing to support."

No, Williams said she isn't worried about having a little "jiggle" as she exposes herself, because she says that's what separates the women from the men. And besides, she added, "jiggle is sexy."

In addition to her ad, Williams will encourage her viewers to donate their fur coats to PETA so that they can be given to the homeless. PETA is working with shelters in Williams' home state of New Jersey on their coat drives this winter, which have seen greater demand in the wake of Superstorm Sandy.

Williams joins previous naked PETA ad stars including Eva Mendes, Christy Turlington, and Taraji P. Henson.



The Griswold Family Commercial
Posted:Tuesday, 11/27/2012 at 01:11pm by Lisa Allen


The Griswold's are back!!

Bono The Activist
Posted:Monday, 11/26/2012 at 06:11pm by Lisa Allen


A new documentary explores the thorny issue of celebrity activism.

Are Bono and Bob Geldof actually doing any good? While the Irish rock stars have been lauded for tackling poverty, not everyone appreciates their efforts.

In the five-part documentary series Why Poverty?, economist Dambisa Moyo questions why celebrities are now the self-appointed spokespeople for Africa's poor. ''Why are we voting for African leaders,'' she asks, ''if their job has been abdicated to other people?''

Bosse Lindquist, the Swedish director of Give Us the Money, the episode that examines rock-star activism, understands this scepticism. ''It reflects the fact that a lot of charities are very superficial,'' he says, ''and a lot of rich people are professing to help others whose lives they don't really fathom.''

Indeed, Lindquist expected to find ''not much that was good or impressive'' about Bono and Geldof. Then he interviewed them - and was struck by their dedication. Both had spent years lobbying world leaders and drumming up public pressure to reduce African debt. Bono even studied economics to get a better grasp of the issues.

"There are well-ground reasons for cynicism of celebrity activism,'' Lindquist says, ''but Bono and Geldof actually helped reduce debt and raised billions in aid. They had a measurable impact on health and education ... They've certainly been doing more than I have over the past 30 years to effect change.''

While each of the five episodes addresses a different issue - including the stark inequality of wealth in the US, how the wealth from Africa's natural resources ends up in the hands of so few, and the challenges children face when born in impoverished Cambodia and Sierra Leone - all ask the question: why does poverty still exist?

Of course, challenging the notion that poverty is inevitable raises some thorny moral predicaments, such as the use of trade sanctions to fight corruption. Bono and Geldof, meanwhile, drew fire for their willingness to deal directly with the corrupt leaders of Ethiopia. ''I think what they're saying is, 'What can you do?''' Lindquist says. ''If you want to effect change in Ethiopia, you have to deal with whoever is in charge. I'm not saying that one should agree or disagree with that proposition but it's a valid point.''

Yet it was public events such as the Make Poverty History concerts in 2006 that attracted the most scorn, one newspaper dismissing attendees as ''fans who paid nothing to dance to their favourite bands while screaming at our governments ... they got the wristbands, but taxpayers got the bill''.

Now, it's ''clicktivists'' - those who ''like'' a Facebook page or sign online petitions - who are subjects of derision.

''I'd always been suspicious of those campaigns because it feels so shallow to just press a button,'' Lindquist says. ''How much can that achieve? But then Bono and Bob Geldof tell me it can achieve a lot; that if you amass 12 million signatures, you can make an impression on politicians - and political pressure is important.''

Lindquist spent 18 months making his documentary, in which time he visited 12 countries. Far from being overwhelmed by what he saw, however, he feels positive.


Next Food Network Star
Posted:Tuesday, 11/20/2012 at 09:11am by 0


The Food Network is currently searching for people with a unique food perspective for The Next Food Network Star, a widely successful culinary reality series on The Food Network! We are casting for Season 9 and would like to inform you and your readers that we are holding an open casting call in Chicago on Wednesday, November 28th. If someone is not available to attend one of our open calls, then they can still apply by submitting a home video.


Who: Those with a unique food perspective

When: Wednesday, November, 28th, 10am-2pm

Where: The Westin Michigan Avenue, 909 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611

How: For more info visit www.FoodNetworkStarCasting.com for details on how to apply



MJ documentary is almost here!
Posted:Monday, 11/19/2012 at 09:11am by Lisa Allen


Arts & Craft Fair
Posted:Friday, 11/16/2012 at 09:11am by Lisa Allen

Winter Arts & Crafts Expo

The Evanston Art Center's 9th Annual Winter Arts & Crafts Expo features original, handmade arts and crafts by over 100 selected artisans. We feature original, handmade works of jewelry, ceramics, fiber, metal, glass, painting, photography, mixed-media, and more.

Sat., Nov. 17, 10 a.m.
Evanston Art Center
2603 Sheridan Rd.
Free

Bon Jovi's daughter arrested
Posted:Wednesday, 11/14/2012 at 06:11pm by Lisa Allen


Jon Bon Jovi's daughter has gotten herself into a bit of trouble. Stephanie Rose Bongiovi, 19, was reportedly arrested earlier this morning at her upstate New York college after allegedly overdosing on heroin.

The news comes from TMZ, who learned from the Town of Kirkland Police Department that cops arrived at a Hamilton College dorm room after hearing a report that Bongiovi had overdosed. Emergency medical personnel found her unconscious but alive.

The police department says that there was a "small quantity" of heroin in Bongiovi's room, along with "marijuana and drug paraphernalia." She was arrested on three misdemeanor counts: possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana and criminally using drug paraphernalia. Bongiovi, along with 21-year-old Ian S. Grant, who was also arrested, are ordered to appear in court at a later date.

"In addition to violating state law, the actions alleged to have been committed by the students violate Hamilton College policy," Hamilton College says in a statement to WKTV. "The college is cooperating with the police investigation. Our first concern is always for the safety of our students. Out of respect for the privacy of our students and in accordance with federal regulations we do not discuss individual health or disciplinary matters."


Cher VS. Trump via Twitter
Posted:Tuesday, 11/13/2012 at 06:11pm by Lisa Allen


It looks like Cher is jumping on the "dump Donald Trump" bandwagon.

A day after an online petition made headlines for demanding Macy's sever business ties with the Apprentice boss over his controversial Birther views, the Oscar winner is now vowing not to shop at the department store chain because of its affiliation with Trump.

"I'll NEVER GO TO MACY'S AGAIN! I didn't know they sold Donald Trump's Line! If they don't care that they sell products from a LOUDMOUTH," Cher tweeted Monday.

In an all-caps rant, she added: "RACIST CRETIN,WHO'D LIE LIKE 'HIS RUG' TO GET SOME CHEAP PRESS! I CANT BELIEVE MACY'S THINKS HE'S THE RIGHT 'MAN' 2 REPRESENT THEIR NAME!"

Ouch. Needless to say, the Donald couldn't resist the urge to respond to the Moonstruck star.

"@cher should spend more time focusing on her family and dying career!" Trump fired back today on his Twitter page.
Nor did he take that shot across his beaver-covered noggin lying down.
"@cher--I don't wear a 'rug'--it's mine. And I promise not to talk about your massive plastic surgeries that didn't work," he tweeted.

Touché!

Trump later mused: "It's amazing how people can talk about me but I'm not allowed to talk about them."

No word whether Cher joined the more than 500,000 people who, as of press time, have signed the petition at SignOn.org, the progressive nonprofit online campaign arm of MoveOn.org, calling on Macy's to end its association with the brash real estate mogul.

A rep for Macy's was unavailable for comment.


Disco Parties...for KIDS!
Posted:Thursday, 11/08/2012 at 06:11pm by Lisa Allen


Baby Loves Disco!
Bring the little ones to Beauty Bar's monthly disco-themed dance party, complete with DJs, dancers, crafts, food, and, most importantly, a cash bar for the parents. LOL

Sat., Nov. 10, 12 p.m.

Freebies!
Posted:Wednesday, 11/07/2012 at 06:11pm by Lisa Allen
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The Adler Planetarium: - November: 6, 7, 13, 14

The Art Institute of Chicago - November 7 and 14

Charnley-Persky House Museum - FREE guided tours are offered every Wednesday at 12 Noon. Tours are limited to 15 guests, first-come, first-served.

Chicago Children's Museum - FREE for all visitors every Thursday, 5-8 pm. FREE on the first Sunday of each month (November 4) for children 15 and under.

Clarke House Museum - CHICAGO'S OLDEST HOUSE - Nov 7, 14, 21, 28

DuSable Museum of African American Art - Nov 4, 11, 18, 25

Field Museum - November 6, 15, 26, 29

Glessner House Museum: - Nov 7, 14, 21, 28

Jane Addams Hull House Museum - Free every day

Loyola University Museum of Art - November 6, 13, 20, 27

Museum of Contemporary Art - November 6, 13, 20, 27

Museum of Science and Industry - November 5

Museum of Surgical Science - Tuesdays

The National Museum of Mexican Art - Free Tuesdays to Sundays

Notebaert Nature Museum November 8, 15, 29

Shedd Aquarium - November 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27

Smart Museum of Art at University of Chicago - Free every day

Swedish American Museum - Second Tuesday is Free - November 13


Brad Pitt and his new furniture design
Posted:Tuesday, 11/06/2012 at 06:11pm by Lisa Allen


When he's not raising six kids with his wife Angelina Jolie, acting in blockbusters like "Moneyball," filming bizarre perfume commercials, or working to rebuild New Orleans through his Make It Right Foundation, it turns out Brad Pitt has been hard at work ... designing furniture. Does the man ever sleep?! Pitt collaborated with Frank Pollaro -- a New Jersey-based design firm known for their Art Deco reproductions -- on about a dozen pieces, including tables, chairs, and even a bed (only nine will be made), which he will unveil in NYC on November 13.

But Pitt's newfound hobby didn't come completely out of the blue. "I've been doodling ideas for buildings and furniture since the early 1990s, when I first discovered [Charles Rennie] Mackintosh and Frank Lloyd Wright," says Pitt, 48, in a new interview with Architectural Digest. "Actually, I found Wright in college [at the University of Missouri], when looking for a lazy two-point credit to get out of French. It forever changed my life." And how. With the help of prominent architects, Pitt's Make It Right Foundation has worked hard to create quality affordable housing for New Orleans residents still reeling from 2005's Hurricane Katrina. He also collects modernist and contemporary furniture, which is how he connected with Pollaro. The veteran furniture maker was at Pitt's home delivering a piece when he caught a glimpse of Pitt's sketchbook of furniture designs. When Pollaro suggested that the two team up to make some of the drawings come to life, that's exactly what happened.

If you plan to purchase one of Pitt's pieces, you should know that they won't come cheap. Pollaro reveals that the price tags on his furniture are "typically at the highest end of the custom-furnishings scale, and these will be up there, even north of that." However, he adds that they could eventually be made less pricey if they're ever mass produced in cheaper materials. "The same chair we charge $45,000 for might sell for a fraction of that," Pollaro says. Yikes -- $45,000 is a little out of our price range, even if you consider that each piece is autographed by Pitt!

5 Fashion Trends that will work for YOU
Posted:Monday, 11/05/2012 at 06:11pm by Lisa Allen


1. Figure-Flattering Winter Trend: Casual Tailored Blazers
A structured blazer,tailored to define your shoulders and waistline.

2. Figure-Flattering Winter Trend: Pencil Skirts
A body-skimming tailored pencil skirt accentuates your curves without clinging or adding bulk.



3. Figure-Flattering Winter Trend: Big Scarves
A giant scarf isn't just great for keeping you warm, it's also a terrific tool for balancing outfit proportions--and hiding a double chin. You can also add a subtle pop of color to casual outfits and monochrome coats.

4. Figure-Flattering Winter Trend: Faux-Fur Collars
Love faux fur but can't take it in large doses? Try it in a trim. A plush collar frames your face and draws attention upward.



5. Figure-Flattering Winter Trend: Blouses With Bows
A ladylike bow on a chic blouse looks classic and modern all at the same time. Plus, embellishment at your neckline and in the center of your body is tried-and-true slimming.

Fall Family Fun at Northerly Island
Posted:Friday, 11/02/2012 at 06:11pm by 0


Come on out and enjoy the fall here in Chicago at the free Fall Adventure Day Northerly Island in Chicago - Get down and dirty with nature! Play in the mud, build a hideout, catch a fish, go kayaking or create outdoor art. A great event for kids and families in Chicago.

Stop by Northerly Island to connect with nature and celebrate the fall season. Kids and families can enjoy fall themed arts and crafts at the event. Also, enjoy the local harvest, trade in your favorite ghost stories, fish in Lake Michigan, watch the fall bird migration, enjoy a guided nature hike and celebrate the changing of the season at this fun, educational outdoor event. In addition, participants 8 years and older will have the chance to kayak in Burnham Harbor. This will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

Also, stop by the south end of Northerly Island while you are there to help rescue a native plant. Last weekend the Northerly Island Plant Rescue attracted close to 200 attendees where they took home native plantings home for free, with hundreds of plants rescued! With still more plants available, we decided to host part II of the plant rescue!

Later this month, the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers will begin a $5 million Habitat Development project on the southern 40-acres of Northerly Island. The plan calls for major improvements in native habitat, creating a higher quality and more diverse natural area for flora, fauna, and campers.

Fall Adventure Day Nature
Saturday, Nov 3, 2012
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM



Northerly Island
1400 S. Linn White Dr.
Chicago, IL 60605

312.742.4600



Billy Idol
Posted:Tuesday, 10/30/2012 at 06:10pm by Lisa Allen


Even after all these years, Billy Idol is looking and sounding fantastic! Check it out!

Pumpkin Carving Tips
Posted:Friday, 10/26/2012 at 06:10pm by Lisa Allen


Is your Jack-o-lantern's face comprised of three triangles and a lopsided grin? Welcome to the lame pumpkin club.
Both professional carvers and talented amateurs are doing some pretty cool things with pumpkins these days like etching out layers to create intricate patterns of light and cutting elaborate silhouettes that go far beyond traditional kitty faces and ghouls. Shine quizzed two experts on how they achieve their magical results.

Choosing a pumpkin

Marc Evan is one-half of Maniac Pumpkin Carvers, a Brooklyn-based custom carving business that turns out more than 300 pumpkins during their autumn rush. Although Halloween is especially busy, Evan says there is also a big demand for harvest themed pumpkins and fall wedding decorations.

Different pumpkins are suited for different projects. "For a classic lantern style, we look for a lighter pumpkin that's free of defects," says Evan. "For something sculptural we're want something misshapen and heavy for its size."

Look for a healthy stem that isn't completely dried out. The pumpkin will last longer.

Avoid pumpkins with bruising or soft spots. They will also rot faster.


Storing a pumpkin

Wash and dry your pumpkin when you bring it home to get rid of dirt and microorganisms.

Both before and after carving, pumpkins should be kept below 60 degrees. Evan says to store in the refrigerator if possible.

Rub some lemon juice diluted with a little water onto the cut edges to prevent browning and then coat lightly with petroleum jelly.

Wrap with cellophane until ready to display.

Pumpkins begin to deteriorate after about 24 hours so carve as close as possible to the time you plan on displaying.

Check out: Halloween Candy Inspired Desserts

Carving a pumpkin

Scrape out the inside so its very clean, smooth, and dry.

If the pumpkin is wobbly, slice the bottom off for a secure base.

Have a sketch or photo to work from. "We don't like to wing it," says Evan. There are also lots of free design templates available online.

Use a soft pencil to draw your design on the pumpkin.

Experiment with tools. Evan thinks pumpkin carving sets are good for beginners, but as your skills improve, you can play with other tools. "We're always looking for stuff at a kitchen store or hardware store that might solve problems."

Cut small areas first. If you carve out big chunks, it will leave the face of the pumpkin weak and may cause it to break when you are doing finer work.

Create dimension by scraping layers into the outside of the shell like a block of wood.

As you are carving, occasionally turn off the lights, put a light source in your pumpkin, and check your progress.

Try up-lighting your pumpkin from the outside or cutting a hole the back instead of the traditional lid top. "We like to cut an opening in the back and leave the top intact," says Evan.

Battery operated lights are safer than traditional flame candles. If you do use a traditional candle, use a votive in a glass holder and make sure the flame doesn't touch the pumpkin's flesh. Cut a tiny chimney hole in the upper back area to let smoke escape.

Never leave a lit pumpkin unattended.