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By funsherpa, May 27, 2009 3:27 pm

Frank is smiling because the world is getting greener

Every summer, we see the lake and foliage come alive and remember why Chicago is the best place in the world, and promise to stay, despite the frost bite inducing winter. This city has not only done a great job creating landmarks and monuments, but has also protected Lake Michigan, created green spaces and developed environmentally sound policies. We talk to Frank Teng, a Stanford graduate, sustainability activist and current expert on all things green to learn more about the real meaning of being a steward of the earth, voting against green washing, and cost effective sustainability practices. Although Frank currently lives in San Francisco, he travels to Chicago frequently to enjoy the city and learn more about the cool things Chicago does to become the greenest city in the world.

Learning more about sustainability with Frank

F: When did you start thinking about living a sustainable lifestyle? What was the aha moment?

FT: I started when I first read the book 100 Ways to Save the Earth in elementary school – I remember cutting the rings in the soda six-pack plastic so that it wouldn’t trap sea animals. In college, when I dropped in on a speaker seminar about how environment and business can work together, that was the aha moment when I realized this could be a career for me.

F: Everyone can help save the world by: changing a light bulb to an energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulb. Then use the $40 you save to buy two (used) books on how to make your life more green, and read them with your efficient new light. Then use the $$ you save to donate to or volunteer for a worthy environmental cause. With the new connections you make, get involved in a political campaign to improve your community, and maybe even run for a local commission or office. And then, make a law requiring efficient light bulbs and help others go through the same process.

F: What is behind this trend to source locally grown food? There are some who confuse local with organic…what is the best way to differentiate them and what are the benefits?

FT: Local food is a good choice for a number of reasons, some of which overlap with organic food. It’s a good way to support local, usually family, farms, which in turn helps enrich the character of the community. It also invigorates the local economy, which potentially benefits your job and property values. From an environmental standpoint, local food saves on the energy and global warming impact of transporting food thousands of miles to reach your plate. And from a health standpoint, farmers don’t have to put as many waxes and preservatives to keep food fresh since it will be sold and eaten much sooner. And finally, the food is fresher and therefore often tastes better. Organic food doesn’t necessarily have to be local, so there may not be local economic or energy saving benefits. The food is grown without pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, which makes it easier on the ecosystem and land and also reduces risk to your health. It also may taste better since it is picked closer to ripeness and flavors are more concentrated.

Trash is a symptom of wasteful practices and we should all watch lightning storms over Lake Michigan

Remember recycling is: the last option after reducing and reusing.

F: Why does going sustainable have to be expensive?

FT: It doesn’t. In many ways, it can help you save money, in fact. If you have a more fuel-efficient car, you save on gasoline over the lifetime of the vehicle.

F: Chicago is in the process of transforming itself into a model sustainable city. What are the positive things that you see from this? Anything else you think the city should do to further this image?

FT: The positives from this, if done thoughtfully, can be many. It can create green jobs positioned for new industries. It can make city residents and the local environment healthier, and therefore happier. It can attract green investment and green businesses and new residents, which bolster the economy. It can reduce global warming impact and inspire others to do the same.

F: Green washing seems to be winning over the sustainable movement. Do you believe this is happening and how do we fight it?

FT: Green washing is both the fault of the producer and consumer. One of the most subtly powerful aspects of the environmental movement is that it makes people rethink everything they use and buy. It’s tempting to settle for the easiest, slickest solution but we as consumers can’t afford to be lazy anymore. We need to remember that our dollars are our votes, and we should only support products we believe in.

Seeing Frank in Chicago…

F: What do you do when you are out here?

FT: I’m really fascinated by the history of architecture from a technological standpoint, like how elevators made skyscrapers possible. So I try to take advantage of the great museums and tours. The restaurants are different and delicious.

F: Favorite places to check out in Chicago?

FT: Downtown, and the lake shore.

F: Favorite running trail?

FT: The Lakeshore trail, because you can go fast and the scenery (both people and places) is pretty sweet.

F: Favorite beach?

FT: Osterman Beach, near Thorndale. Away from the crowds, incredible sand great for running at full speed after a Frisbee or an opponent.

F: Mode of transportation around Chicago?

Walking, and of course, the El.

F: Wrigley Field vs. AT&T Park in San Francisco?

FT: Wrigley has peanuts, and AT&T has sushi. ‘Nuff said.

F: Hot dogs vs. Deep dish pizza?

FT: A false dichotomy. Go to Ian’s pizza in Wrigleyville, and find hot dogs on your pizza.

F: Biggest pet peeve about Chicago?

FT: The potholes can swallow bikers whole.

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By funsherpa, May 25, 2009 8:00 am

Naomi and her creations

Half a world and opposite hemispheres away, Australian native Naomi Levine finds her home in Chicago. While one profanity away from being barred entry into the US by immigration back in ‘99, Naomi is now an official ingredient of the American melting pot (she got her US citizenship recently) – contributing her say-it-straight-up personality and unique baking skills into the mix. As owner of Tipsycake in Humboldt Park, Naomi explains why her ‘crack squares’ are legit despite the addictiveness and shares some insights into the differences between Australian and Chicago fare. So, the next time you need crack, a cake shaped like anything, or a taste of Australia, stop by Tipsycake and kick it with Naomi.

F: So you moved out to Chicago from Sydney. Are you nuts?

N: I moved out here 10 years ago, back in 1999. I don’t really love the outdoors, so trading Sydney for Chicago wasn’t too difficult. Yes I am crazy and I’m not going back. I am a prisoner in Chicago, I have a kid, a building, a boyfriend, so there’s no moving back for me.

F: What is the first thing you did when you went back here?

N: I fought with immigration. They interrogated me regarding my tourist visa…but they can kiss my a** now because I am a US citizen.

F: What do you miss from Australia?

N: The awesome seafood, because it is hard to find it out here. I miss the coffee culture, fresh passion fruit, but enjoying the good Mexican food here because you can’t get it in Sydney.

F: What Aussie creations are proving popular with local Chicagoans?

N: They like the lamingtons, sponge cake, and the caramel fudge, which we renamed the crack squares because we are in Humboldt park and it is addictive. It has been challenging adopting Aussie sweets to the American palate because Australian pastries usually consist of passion fruit and coconut which Americans don’t enjoy. But we don’t use American coconut, and instead source ours from Indonesia. So people don’t get it when they say that they don’t like coconut and then I shove my Indonesian coconut in their mouth and they like it!

F: What is the story behind Tipsycake?

N: I started it back in 2005 because I was sick of working in corporate, and got the name from the Oxford Dictionary of Food (a type of cake that gets you tipsy). I got into it because I saw a need, have the skill and am passionate about it. Our specialties are Australian pastries, like the pavlovas and lamingtons, and three dimensional cakes.

A NSFW cake, but we censored it ourselves.

F: Sydney vs. Chicago cuisine?

N: The food is not really comparable; they are very different. Midwestern cuisine focuses on corn, beef and has rich Hispanic influences. Sydney has strong ties to seafood and Asian influences. The coffee culture here is heavily biased towards Starbucks and large chains. In Australia, it is very dependent on independent coffee houses. (On a side note, if you ever try ordering coffee from Australia, it is like being the casting director of a porno film)

F: There are about a billion cupcake stores popping up. What’s that about?

N: The cupcake craze going on is driving me insane. There’s really nothing special about it because anyone can make a cupcake…that doesn’t mean that we don’t serve them – there is a strong demand, so we caved in and are now selling them.

F: What is the most challenging cake design you’ve ever worked on?

N: A 3D Yoda. It took us 2 days and we got the order 2 days before it was due. We finished and delivered it intact.

Spot the Yoda difference

F: Do you get any strange requests for cake flavors or designs?

N: We usually get unusual requests for designs, but people tend to be conservative with their flavors. We would really like to do unique flavors like passion fruit or coconut but people cringe when they hear it. With regards to designs, you name it, we’ve done it – noses, penises, ears, head, shoulders, toes malaria tablets, and a butt.

F: What neighborhood do you live in?

N: I live right above the store in Humboldt Park. It is a very diverse neighborhood.

F: Where can people find a touch of Aussie in Chicago, food, art, culture?

N: At Tipsycake of course! Other great places to find Australian inspired cuisine include the Goddess and Grocer in Bucktown, and Feast restaurant.

F: Things to try from Tipsycake?

N: The crack squares and our lamingtons!

F: I hear you make meatpies and that they are awesome. How do we order some and what fillings do you have?

N: Thanks! Give us a call because you have to pre-order them – we make beef filled meat pies and pork sausage rolls.

F: What do you recommend people do if they make the trip to Sydney?

N: Take 6 weeks off! Go all over Australia because you will never do it again. Don’t stay in upscale hotels and instead try a bed and breakfast. Eat local cuisine. Go to the opera. Go to the park. Eat fish and chips. Don’t worry about tipping – there’s none of that 20% ‘tax’ over there. If they want to travel, talk to my friend Olivia from See ANZ Travel – she’ll look after you!

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By funsherpa, May 22, 2009 8:35 am

The man behind the Bird Machine

Rock-band bassist and silkscreen artist Jay Ryan speaks to us about his work, interests and love for labor intensive processes. While most poster makers enter the craft by way of graphic design or digital artistry, Jay’s education consisted of a degree in painting from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, ditching fine art painting for the more exciting world of poster making. He prefers creating his posters by hand, avoiding Photoshop at all costs…including many cuts from his treasured Exacto knife. Also, unlike most rock bands (with the exception of the Rolling Stones and U2) Jay’s band, Dianogah, has played together in the Chicago area and internationally for about 15 years.

F: You have a degree in Painting, why work on posters and not stick to painting or try out photography?

J: One of problems I had in school was finding justification for doing what I was doing. I wanted to do something where I could have fun with it visually and at the same time serve a purpose. To me, images alone seemed pointless, so I was always attaching text and creating a message with my work. Then, the other half of my life was spent going to rock concerts or band practice – so making posters for bands seemed like a great way to combine these interests!

F: So are your posters as easy as hitting the print button?

J: I make them all by hand with no computers. They are hand drawn, and all layers of film are cut by hand using Exacto knives. If we are making 300 posters, we go through 300 pieces of paper, put one color down, change screens and put another color down on all 300 pieces. We’ll usually end up making posters that include 5-7 colors so it is quite labor intensive.

F: Do you feel threatened by the digital world, where almost everything can be created through Adobe software and a printer?

J: I am encouraged by it because a lot of my peers in the poster community design all their work digitally but still go through the physical process of making these screen prints. In general, I believe there will always be those who appreciate handmade work. For example, there are still people who buy LPs and books despite itunes and the Kindle. Maybe my posters won’t be in the hands of a hundred million people, but I’ll still have people who appreciate and care about the art and amount of work put into the piece.

F: Why is it called the bird machine?

J: I was going to call it IBM, but that was taken, so we settled on The Bird Machine. There’s no real good reason, but I should really make one up. A lot of people ask me this question. A few probable reasons are that my wife is an ornithologist, and when I started the company I read Haruki Murakami’s The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle.

One of Jay's handmade creations

F: You are in a band, Dianogah that recently performed in the UK, at the ATP Festival, what was it like?

J: Traveling anywhere with this band is a lot of fun. I’ve been in this band longer than I’ve been making posters. Anytime we get together and travel and play is a blast. We got to see some good bands, stay up late, and act like we were 23, even though we are all in our late 30s. It was a fun weekend, with not a lot sleep.

F: Where do you play out here?

J: We have played in almost every venue in Chicago over the years, but The Hideout is our favorite place to play. Our next gig in Chicago is at the Pitchfork Music Festival; we are playing there on July 19^th. There is a poster convention at the festival too, and I’ll be there showing and hopefully selling my posters.

F: What neighborhood do you live in? What do you do around there?

J: I live in Evanston, mow the lawn and walk the dog daily – I am fully suburban, as I work and live outside the city. Actually, there’s not a whole lot to do really close to my house, though there’s plenty within biking distance. I go to Chicago a lot. I used to live near Granville and Western. First best reason to go into Chicago is to go to Hot Doug’s, then Kuma’s Corner to get an amazing cheeseburger. I just had a swine flu burger there and it was great. I love browsing books at Quimby’s Books in Wicker Park and spend more money then I should at Reckless Records. Oh yeah, I also enjoy going to Rotofugi, Renegade Handmade, and eating at Milk & Honey.

F: What is your favorite gallery or place to check out visual art?

J: Rotofugi is like a vinyl toy store, but they also have some books, and have gallery space. Definitely have a bunch of good stuff there. Heaven Gallery is cool too.

F: Where can we see your work?

J: This is where I go hi-tech. Best place to see my prints is to check out my website.

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By funsherpa, May 20, 2009 9:31 am

Rebecca transforms herself into a giant hotdog

Former resident of Topanga, California, a hippie canyon community in LA, now current Northwestern graduate student Rebecca talks to us about studying languages and escaping Evanston – in fact, she is counting the days until her lease is up so she can move into the city. Outside of the Northwestern bubble, she frequently enjoys going to the farmer’s market, avoiding Barleycorn’s, and finding the best taqueria in Chicago. You’ll probably find her taking the Red line down into the city every weekend, annoyed by the turtle-like pace of the train, but at the same time appreciative of the city as it passes.

Exposing Rebecca…

F: What are you taking up at Northwestern?

R: The treatment of speech, language, and swallowing disorders! Most people think of my type as the speech therapists in schools working on kids with a lisp. Although this is a big part of the field, we work on a whole variety of disorders in a bunch of different settings. I’m still figuring out where I want to end up, but I don’t think I will be working on lisps in schools.

F: Why the interest in speech pathology?

R: I’ve always liked languages but never knew what I could do with it. Although I loved studying linguistics as an undergrad, the PhD/academia route just didn’t seem for me. I worked in tech companies for a couple years, just long enough to know that I didn’t want to sit in front of a computer for 8 hours a day for the rest of my life. All of a sudden it clicked: I wanted to study language and work with people. Speech language pathology just made sense.

F: Does Ali G have a speech disorder?

R: No, I classify him as having his own speech and language unlike any other person in this world.

R: When I was a kid, I wanted to be a lawyer, but now I will thank God that I didn’t follow through with that idea.

R: My favorite language is Hungarian, and the word that excites me the most is szeretlek because you can say something as heavy as “I love you” in just one word

R: The language I dislike the most is Dutch because it sounds like all its speakers are coughing up hairballs

R: I think robo-phone-operators are surprisingly intelligent and they will one day run our country

R: After I finish my studies in 2010, I will move back to California while secretly wanting to move to Europe and say goodbye to Chicago.

Uncovering secrets about Chicago and Evanston

R: In Evanston, I like eating at Ruby of Siam. When I am studying for a mid-term the next day, I drink 3 cans of Coke Zero and go to Cosi, which has the nicest employees I’ve met of any chain restaurant

R: Evanston is like a bubble because it’s a suburb despite the fact that everyone says it’s not like the real suburbs, when I need some reprieve, I crash at my friend’s apartment in Lincoln Park

R: My favorite secret about Northwestern is it is the lost city of Atlantis. Actually, my department doesn’t interact with the rest of the University and I know absolutely nothing about it

R: Favorite stops on the Red-line are: Berwyn and Belmont because they both start with a B, and also because those neighborhoods seem like the perfect combination of active city life and quiet residential blocks

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By funsherpa, May 18, 2009 7:01 am

Vince fixating on the waves

With the ideal weather conditions, Lake Michigan’s breaking waves are said to be similar to those of popular surf beaches in California, Hawaii, and Australia. While surfing is actually quite popular around the lake, Chicago’s code has unfortunately prevented surfers from taking advantage of the great waves. All this is changing, and Vince Deur, along with his friends and fellow surfers, Mike Urban, Todd Haugh, Jack Flynn, James Pribram, and David Vanderveen amongst others, have been the driving force behind the positive change. In a few months, surf boards and Hawaiian Tropic models will start crossing Lake Shore Drive and laying the foundation of Chicago’s reputation as the next great surfing destination. We sit down with Vince Deur, Michigan native, surfer, environmentalist, and filmmaker, and see the world through his eyes and understand his love for water and Chicago.

F: Sounds like you have the best job in the world, surfer and filmmaker. How did you get started in surfing?

V: Well, I grew up by the Grand River, in Michigan, and from that early stage, would just always be around water. I used to stare at the lapping of the waves in a nearby beach and just be fixated on the waves. The plain sight of the waves started it all, because I was in Michigan, not Hawaii. I didn’t have Surfer magazine delivered to my home, never saw surfers out, or never really saw anyone in the water. Then I turned 13, traveled to Florida, saw a surfer, and took home a board one day. It was quite hard to learn on the lake, but I was determined to figure it out.

F: Is being a filmmaker and surfer as awesome as it sounds?

V: It’s been great. Because of it, I’ve been able to travel the world, Japan, New Zealand, Chile, and Europe. I am actually in Laguna Beach right now, wrapping up the post-production of my latest film, Eco-Warriors. Some times I wake up and say, wow, this is a dream come true. However, it has always been a struggle, finding money, finding time, and finding resources to bring something together but it is still a challenge I enjoy.

F: You started out with Unsalted, what did you set out to do with that film?

V: Unsalted is about being passionate about something, sharing that passion with others, and living life to your fullest. The film has really created a niche following and a favorite among surfers around the world. If you watch the whole story, you will start to feel the passion of the surfers and what drives them. You start to see surfers outside of their stereotype and from a different perspective. However, while the focus of the movie is on surfing, it is used as a metaphor for appreciating everything in life. Whether you are in California, Hawaii, or Idaho, there is beauty all around you if you open your eyes.

Here is a clip of Unsalted (requires plugin to view)

F: What about Eco-Warriors, still surfing but different message?

V: Yes definitely. This film is all about taking ownership in your own backyard and making a difference. Through the main character, James Pribram, we follow his journey to these places and his efforts to learn from and support others from around the world. He has really inspired me to believe we can actually make a difference as he does for others along the way and that is what I set out to capture on film. He is a great example of people making an impact in their own way. He’s not an MIT grad, he’s not a CEO, but he is a surfer, passionate, and focused who is able to mold the world around him. He is a role model like many of the people you meet in the story.

F: Lake Michigan ice water surfer vs. Californian fair weather surfer, what is different?

V: The typical Huntington Beach surfer, sorry, I hate stereotyping people, there are actually lot of great HB surfers, but there are those who are completely self obsessed, wave hogs, and slang talkers. Maybe it’s the age, and testosterone too bringing that out. Then you have the Lake Michigan surfer who, in general, truly appreciate and respect that they have the chance to do this. I believe it is the circumstances that develop the personality. A place like the Great Lakes doesn’t have year round waves, so you learn to appreciate what you have. If it is just raining money you can’t really be grateful for the next $20 bill.

F: Surfing isn’t allowed in Chicago’s beaches. Now that’s changed. Can you talk to us more about the changes?

V: Things are starting to unfold as we speak! The City of Chicago is working on it and is as committed as we are, but the official changes will occur during the Board of Commissioners meeting on June 10^th. The current state of it is that multiple beaches will be open for surfing from Labor Day to Memorial Day, and one beach year round. So the good news is that we will be surfing by the fall, although I would love it to have been sooner.

F: This has changed because of you. How did it happen?

V: Our effort to open up access in Chicago really felt like a David vs Goliath story that at the onset was seemingly overwhelming. We had a surfer thrown in jail for surfing, people tried for years to get this done and we are now 90 percent there. We still have naysayers telling us no, but we’re starting to see changes. Seeing it play out was very inspiring.

We actually tried a lot of different doors to get this done, online petitions, open letters, then finally got help from a kiteboarder, Mike Urban, who had success in Montrose beach. We were introduced to a very progressive Chicago Park District member who was in favor of more skate parks, and more action sports related activities. I believe that the city understands that the more people that get to interact with the lake, the more value and ownership they will take with our lake.

F: If I were a beginner going out with a board, what would your advice be?

V: First off, get a lesson. You can go to New Buffalo Michigan and get surfing lessons there or find someone with experience. Part of what would happen now though is that by allowing surfing in Chicago, we’re expecting a few surf shops to open and provide lessons. Also for beginners, go out on a warm day and be prepared. If you are cold, or tired, you can get hurt.

F: Surfing etiquette for beginners?

V: Oh yeah, there’s a whole book on that. I guess most importantly, don’t drop in to anybody. If someone catches a wave, don’t go interrupt them. Its like jumping into someone else’s golf game. Also, don’t paddle where other guys are surfing. Wait your turn, be respectful, and keep your eyes open, otherwise, people will call you out on it.

F: Message for everyone else out here?

V: We have one lake, we all surf the same wave. We are surfing the same molecules of water so respect it because it is valuable and beautiful. I just want to remind people how great it is, and that we need to give back and be involved in the community to protect the lake.

Chicago/Great Lakes

Surfs up in Lake Michigan

F: You seem to travel frequently to Chicago, what do you do when you are out here?

V: I just love Chicago. Every since I was a little boy, I would go to the Shedd Aquarium and all the museums. I visit friends, try to go to events like Lollapalooza, or play volleyball in North Ave beach. It is my adopted big city home, not Detroit. This is why I am so determined to bring surfing there. It represents what I love about the Midwest in a big international city.

I enjoy going to Blue Water Grill. What? It’s gone? Who canceled their lease? I guess the next time I’m back it will be Gino’s Pizza, the Oak St. Bistro or Indian food at Devon Ave!

F: How can locals get involved in protecting the lakes?

V: You can become a member of the Surfrider Foundation! We will be establishing a Chicago chapter soon so watch out. Also, attend a beach cleanup, if there are water quality issues, talk to your city council. Look, I live in Grand Haven, MI and we used to be the most polluted river and we changed that, but the point is it could happen anywhere if the vigilance goes away. I actually used to get tampons floating down the river into my backyard. I would pick them up as I thought they were shotgun shells and had this special box of shotgun shells. Then I discovered what they were and got a shiver down my spine! Are you going to tell this to everyone?

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By funsherpa, May 15, 2009 8:51 am

Florida native, Loyola law school graduate, now entrepreneur Billy Brewster spills the beans on what it is like to jump off a cliff and be your own boss. A big fan of living in Old Town, Billy actually designed his pad to highlight his view of Cabrini Green – nothing like living it up in the neighborhood. A huge Cubs fan, you can probably find him hanging out in Wrigley Field on most days, or whacking gophers in the Lincoln Park Golf Course. When not taking it pretty easy, you will find Billy putting together the smoothest, cleanest, and straightest floors – he turns pumice rock into marble.

Pounding a brewsky with Billy

 Learning more about the king of flooring, the Cubs, and the Bulls

 I decided to skip practicing law and become an entrepreneur because there is nothing like running a business.

If I were to practice law, I would be in personal injury, and sue pretty much everyone.

Biggest challenge with starting a business is getting it off the ground. It’s like a train, getting it running takes a lot of energy but keeping it running requires maintenance.

One thing I learned about floors that I bet no one else thinks about is the cost of doing the job properly.

What is it like to sniff the bonding glue? Not all it’s cracked up to be. Did you see heaven? Was that heaven? I don’t know…I forgot…Did I sniff too much…Where am I?

My pet peeve about floors is cutting corners. If I ever catch someone doing it, I will fire them or give them my card and tell them to call when they want the job done correctly.

The White Sox are old and slow and the Cubs have no bullpen. Nevertheless, the Cubs are better because of Mike Fontenot and Chad Fox.

I think the Bulls are not as good as the series was. Derrick Rose is one of the few guys that lives up to the hype. Kevin Garnett sucks at life.

 Old Town gems and some other things about Chicago.

I live in Old Town because of Sully’s Tavern. My view of the city reminds me of opportunity. 

Best place to play hoops: Stoney Island Park. Worst place to play hoops: Anywhere I am playing.

If testosterone flowed freely Wrigleyville would be the place to go. But Manny Ramirez cornered the market for it.

Top things to do in Old Town: Visit Uncle Julio’s for a “plato gordo.” Follow that up by dropping by Sully’s Tavern to eat the Veggie Pizza. Travel to Wells and hit up Fireplace Inn. Then get real at Old Town Ale House. 

My running route usually involves me going around the block and stopping frequently.

You can find the best floors (in Chicago) at the bleachers in Wrigley Field…perfect slack to hold people up and still make enough noise to instill fear into any visiting team…and of course, Floor Coverings International.

Best place to do a keg stand and not break your neck anywhere where there is a keg and someone you trust.

I like fried chicken. Especially from KFC.

If tourists weren’t so foolish, they would go to Wrigley and avoid “standing room only” tickets like the plague.

My dream meal would be anything at Charlie Trotter’s.

I can find everything at 900 N. Michigan.

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By funsherpa, May 13, 2009 8:46 am

Joey talks to us through the only payphone in Chicago

Watch out, the next blockbuster comedian could be right around the corner – Chicago’s very own Joey Villagomez is quickly taking over the standup scene generating laughs from colleges, comic clubs, and the internet. A Brighton Park resident and rising local celebrity who has been featured in HBO and NBC, talks to us about being a comic, living with three Latina women (his wife and daughters), and best places to grab Mexican grub. You can catch him performing at the Center for Performing Arts and Joe’s on Weed St, but his next major shows are at Club Ki-Yowga on May 23^rd and the El Show Latino which happens in August. Outside of standup, Joey enjoys playing T-ball, so if you see an overgrown Mexican destroying the 11-15 year olds in a T-Ball All Star Game, grab his attention and ask him to tell you a joke. He’ll enjoy it. Seriously.

Joey Villagomez speaks to us about his life, inspiration, and fame

Wow. So you’ve been featured on NBC, HBO, and have done shows across the country. What is it like being famous? I have been to several universities and comedy clubs across the country. My HBO Latino appearance did give me some stardom in the Latino communities. I couldn’t go to the supermercado without having to autograph someone’s pack of tortillas! I also appeared on Cops, Jerry Springer and Cheaters!

Do people always expect you to be funny? YES! It’s kind of annoying at times.

Like do you come home, and your kids just want you to do a routine? Or do people hold you hostage and ask you to tell a joke before they help you out? No, people hold ME hostage to tell ME a joke! It’s usually an old joke that I’ve heard and then they tell it all wrong! Or they say, “Hey, here’s a joke you should put in your routine!” No, I write my own jokes man! My kids just don’t take me serious. “Do your homework”…they laugh! “Go to bed”…they laugh! “I’m not your real DAD”…they stop laughing!

Richard Pryor is watching Joey Villagomez perform, while Jerry Seinfeld takes notes. George Lopez just sits there and cracks up at Joey’s jokes!

Do comedians compete? Like how rappers battle? If you could do a comedian “battle” who would you do it with? Not really. Unless it’s a comedy competition. We all just try to do one thing, make the crowd laugh! If I were to battle, I’d like to battle Carlos Mencia! I don’t like what he says about Mexican people and our culture. Saying BEANER 1,000 times isn’t comedy! Forget that…let’s fight!

All the pretty girls follow you on MySpace because that’s what they do, my wife thinks they’re all hoochies!

There’s a great video of you explaining how you destroyed your Dad’s record collection from the 60’s playing “record wars” – throwing and cracking major collector’s items with your cousin in an alley. I always wondered if you got into major trouble for it. Oooh, why you gotta bring that up? It was with my brother and some friends. We were bored, we had no idea of the value and we were bad ass little kids! I really do regret that. My pops loves rock n’roll and he is a rock n’ roll encyclopedia so to destroy his collection of 45’s is something I wish I could take back. There were over 500 records. He whooped us for a month straight! “I want my daddy’s records back!”

I started doing standup too late! I started at 24 and I wish I began at 18, but my dad has always been my favorite comedian! He’s hilarious!

What is your biggest frustration as a comedian? The money! I have kids, bills to pay! I have to hang in there. It takes several years. I love doing it though!

Best place to sit when watching your show: Front row! Worst place to sit while watching your show: Front row!

Check out this hilarious clip of Joey V (requires plugin to view)

So Joey…tell us a bit more about Chicago

We understand you are an avid White Sox fan. Why do Mexican people love the Sox and not the Cubs? Because they sell elotes at U.S. Cellular Field…and tamales and paletas tambien!

Other comedians (aside from you) who people should check out: Alex Ortiz. He’s big time and moving up. I feature for him on the road so he’s taught me a lot about the business. He is another successful Latino comedian!

When I want to see more Mexicans, I go to my front window and look outside

Authentic Mexican food I love can be found at Atotonilco’s on 57^t and Kedzie! My mom’s house and my wife’s cooking too, not so authentic but great Mexican food can be found at -- seriously, I don’t eat at those places!

Around the city, I like taking my family to Millennium Park, Navy Pier, and the Lakefront of course!

Best Chicago bathroom any tree or garbage can with no police officers present. Worst Chicago bathroom the one at Chuck E. Cheese…nasty!

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By funsherpa, May 11, 2009 8:40 am

Chrissie live from your RCA TV set

Former Los Angeles resident, now Hyde Park townie and University of Chicago senior Chrissie escaped her Sunday night cramming to chat with us and avoid reading Chapter 7 of “Grimoires: A History of Magic Books”. One of the 15 people who does not study Economics in Chicago, Chrissie is currently attempting to graduate with a degree in History and Philosophy of Science. When she is not busy acting out Plato and Socrates debates like a Paul Begala-Tucker Carlson death match, she spends her time doing Anusara Yoga, sewing (she specializes in Macbeth outfits), and ballet – she actually danced La Bayadere and Cinderella. We hope our interrogation does not prevent her from marching this June…but we could probably use some interns to help us get our act together.

Some ice-breaker/get to know you questions we asked Chrissie -

People think I am sleepy, however, it is only because I’m a varsity napper

Los Angeles is unreal – Sarah Silverman did a 10 minute long private stand-up routine for me the last time I was there while having lunch, but the shoes don’t matter because everyone drives anywhere…I can wear 7 inch heels whenever and walk barefoot on the beach.  In Chicago I wear Bean Boots during the Winter – they’re good for snow and rain.

When I applied to the University of Chicago, I had to write an essay about mustard.

The first thing I did when I moved to Chicago was: buy a coat…that only lasted until mid-Fall…then I bought a portable space heater that I carry around with me.

If I were a pothole I would fix myself immediately, they are the worst! Last year I messed up my car’s axle when going over a bad pothole.

My thesis is on normative medicine regarding sex determination, I hope they don’t ask me when I had a sex change when I defend it.

After I march in June I’ll be living the dream in a beach house in Los Angeles and applying to architecture school

My phone is a iphone, and I hate how it’s not also a (real) lighter. Maybe we can get the Amish to help…

Best question asked during a job interview “you know my wife is also Asian…what part of the old country are you from?”. My tip for those looking for jobs is don’t compromise.

Do you have a bike? It was stolen but the one I had I got from Working Bikes. Did you shop at the stolen bike store? You know, like Craigslist?

We talk to too many people up in the northern end of the city…so we were hoping to get some good things to do down in Hyde Park…but Chrissie gave us more things to do up in Lincoln Park!

Favorite hangout place in Chicago: recently – the Butterfly Conservatory at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, the Skylark, or my bed with its Tempur-pedic mattress

Things any incoming University of Chicago freshmen should know: live off campus as soon as you can, spend a lot of time finding fun things to do in the rest of Chicago before school gets hard!  Leave Hyde Park for lunch and do your furniture shopping at the Cheap Store on 79th and Stony Island

When I am broke I go to the Lincoln Park Zoo or walk the Bloomingdale trail

Top bookstores in the city – my old place of work–57th street books!! Also The Seminary Coop, both in Hyde Park

My favorite drink is Rosemary Pear Vodka at otom

I go crazy when I hear anything from soul night at Danny’s Tavern

When I have friends in town from LA I bring them to Avec and a show at the Steppenwolf, because people out there think the Midwest doesn’t have good food or culture, but it clearly does.

I like watching burlesque shows, and they usually have a good one at the Blue Bayou starring Michelle L’Amour, whom I took dance lessons with. Good places to take dance classes in the city are Ruth Page and Lou Conte.

In between classes, I either put basil, garlic, and white pepper on some Annie’s mac and cheese from home or stop by Maravillas, a Mexican place in Hyde Park, on the way home.