Tue. Sept. 25 - Up Down Tobacco's Cigar Garden Party

On Tuesday, September 25 (4:00-7:00pm) join the Chicago Cigar Connoisseurs for their Diamond Crown and Opus X "Smoke Across America" event with Bobby and Eric Newman in the back garden of the Up Down Tobacco Shop, 1550 N. Wells, Chicago. If you've never attended one of the summer outdoor parties at Up Down, this is your last chance for 2007! Complimentary cocktails, burgers, beer, and a cigar are included.

Admission is free if you've never attended one of these events; those making a return visit to the Garden Party are asked to pay a one-time $30.00 fee to join the Chicago Cigar Connoisseurs. Membership entitles you and a guest to attend all five Summer Cigar Smoking Parties on the last Tuesday of every month (May through September) in Up Down's lovely backyard smoking patio and garden.

Members receive exclusive invitations to all tastings, parties and other special events held at or sponsored by Up Down Tobacco. Additionally, every member receives a beautiful, Limited Edition, Solid Brass Chicago Cigar Connoisseurs Zippo Lighter in and of itself a $25.00 value.

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Dante A. Bacani * Dante@DanteBacani.com * http://www.DanteBacani.com
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"Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out
how far one can go." —- T.S. Eliot

Fri. Sept. 28 - 2007 Indepedent Film Gala

Attention Film Enthusiasts! My friend Margaret Barry brought this Independent Film Project (IFP/Chicago) event to my attention; if anyone is interested in attending, please e-mail Margaret at barrycommunications@yahoo.com, as she'd love to find someone to attend the Gala with.

Learn more about the IFP here.

IFP/Chicago's 2007 Independent Film Gala will be held on Friday, September 28, 2007 at Salvage One (1840 W. Hubbard Street, Chicago) starting at 6:00 p.m. Chicago-born filmmaker, Robert Townsend, will be the master of ceremonies. Townsend, who is known for his work as a versatile writer, director, actor and producer working on such films as Hollywood Shuffle, The Mighty Quinn and Undercover Brother, most recently starred in and produced the film Of Boys and Men recently shot in Chicago. He will join an extraordinary group of industry professionals in celebration of Chicago's independent film community working to raise funds to support the valuable mission of IFP. All proceeds will go to expand IFP/Chicago's services and programs.

"This event is all about celebrating Chicago's talented film community and it is also an indication of what a large part Chicago is playing in the national film scene." - Carrie Holt de Lama, IFP/Chicago Board President.

For tickets call IFP/Chicago at 312-235-0161. For more information about sponsorship or becoming a part of the 2007 Independent Film Gala please contact Colleen O'Neill, Director of Development, at coneill@ifp.org.

Columbia College, Eastman Kodak Company, Element 79, Filmworkers/AstroLab, Flashpoint Academy, Kat Lei Productions, and Resolution Digital Studios, along with Media Partner NBC5, sponsor the IFP/Chicago Independent Film Gala.

Date: Friday September 28
Time: 6:00 pm to 12:00 am
Admission: $100

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Dante A. Bacani * Dante@DanteBacani.com * http://www.DanteBacani.com
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"Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out
how far one can go." —- T.S. Eliot

Mon. Sept. 17 - Half Way to St. Patrick's Day @ O'Brien's Riverwalk Cafe

My friend Jen (who works for O'Brien's Restaurant) sent this to me after I posted my Weekend Recommendations a few days ago. This is a good excuse for those of us who work in the Loop to meet for a post-work drink -- half as many as we'd normally drink on St. Patrick's Day seems appropriate!

If you don't normally find yourself in the Loop at 5:00pm on a Mon., please make the trip downtown to join us! Call or text my cell, 312.375.7886, so I know whether to expect you.

D.

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Dante A. Bacani * Dante@DanteBacani.com * http://www.DanteBacani.com
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"Only those who risk going too far
can possibly find out how far one can go."

—- T.S. Eliot

The "Reality" of it -- please help LifeSource on Sat. Sept. 29

I received the poster above (click to view larger version) and message below from my friend Sabina Schleiss. As someone who has frequently given blood in the past (and who will use this occasion to get back into the routine of giving it regularly again), I encourage you participate in this blood drive. Though Sabina cites the need for Type O blood, I'm sure they'll be grateful for your donation of any type.

[Not that anyone really cares, but my type is B+ ... and should be all "be positive"? In any case, don't "be negative".] :-) And if you can't make it on Sat. 9/29, please make an appointment with LifeSource to donate blood shortly before or after this blood drive. Use the embedded link or call 847.299.7386 -- thanks!

D.

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Hey, Gang!

Hope everyone is doing well and had an absolutely fabulous summer!

Well, as most of you know, I an account manager for LifeSource. LifeSource is a non-for-profit organization that distributes blood to all the hospitals and trauma units in Illinois.

The state of Illinois has determined that the hospitals here are now in a state of an emergency. They have enough type O+ and O- blood to last about a half a day. All other blood types...about 1-2 days. The normal time frame is about 30 days. Some hospitals have even stopped surgeries due to the lack of blood supply. This is really really scary!

I am holding a blood drive at our Lincoln Park donor center hosted by stars from the reality series Big Brother, Paradise Island and Survivor on Saturday, September 29, 2007 from 11:00am to 5:00pm.

I'm asking each and everyone of you to find it in your hearts to donate that day. The whole process takes approx. 30 minutes and you have an opportunity to save THREE LIVES! This is HUGE!

You might need this blood one day, a family member and/or even a friend! This is a perfect time to give back to the community!

If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please don't hesitate to call me 847-682-8394. You can always just stop by as an appointment is not necessary.

I would love to see everyone! It would also be a great way to catch up! And, have some fun meeting these celebrities!

Hugs,

Sabina :)

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Dante A. Bacani * Dante@DanteBacani.com * http://www.DanteBacani.com
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"Only those who risk going too far
can possibly find out how far one can go."

—- T.S. Eliot

Weekend recommendations: Fri. Sept. 14 - Sun. Sept. 16

Some recommendations for this weekend:

1. See Eastern Promises. I attended a sneak preview of it on Thu. Sept. 13 and I think it deserves all the critical praise it's receiving (4 stars from Roger Ebert; Rolling Stone loved it, too). Viggo Mortensen is simply amazing in this movie -- it's hard to imagine him being ignored come February 2008 when the Best Actor Academy Awards nominations are announced.
2. Set your TiVos or Comcast DVRs to record an encore presentation of TONY BENNETT: THE MUSIC NEVER ENDS on WTTW Ch. 11 tonight (actually, early Sat. morning) at 2:00am CST. Part of PBS's "American Masters" series (and produced by Clint Eastwood, who interviews Bennett during the program), this excellent documentary profiles one of the greatest singing talents ever -- Sinatra himself proclaimed "Tony Bennett is the best singer in the business." I caught the debut screening on Wednesday and was amazed at Bennett's vocal prowess, which is undiminished at the age of 81. The film includes complete coverage of Bennett's 2005 Monterey Jazz Festival performance. [WTTW digital will run HD versions of this program on Sun. Sept. 16 at 8:00pm and midnight, then on Mon. Sept. 17 at 8:00am, noon, and 4:00pm. Check listings for whatever channel WTTW-D is on your cable/satellite provider.]
3. The Wine Crush in Old Town takes over Wells St. between North Ave. and Schiller Saturday, Sept. 15 between 11:00a-10:00pm (however, wine tasting is from 1:00-6:00pm only). Many of us plan to be at this street fest -- hope to see you there!
4. If you're going to the Green Tie Ball, dress warmly! The high temperature for Saturday is forecast to be 60 deg. F, and I'm sure it'll be cooler (high 40s?) after nightfall.
5. Tonight is the last night of 17/West's (i.e., The Berghoff) OKTOBERFEST at the corner of Adams & Dearborn in the Loop. Live R&B/soul music by THE BUSINESS from 5:00-9:00pm. Stop by for a post-work brew and get your weekend off to a great start!

Have a great weekend, whatever you do!

D.

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Dante@DanteBacani.com * http://www.DanteBacani.com
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"Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out
how far one can go." —- T.S. Eliot