No joke... it's real. And yes, they do serve the namesake delicacy. This Wednesday the folks of Huntley, Illinois will celebrate the 26th Annual Turkey Testicle Festival. It's only about an hour from the city, so if a 'Black Wednesday' bar crawl just doesn't put a sparkle in your eye anymore...

Just sayin'.

We don't normally embed video from other TV outlets on this blog, but if I didn't do it here, you'd never believe me. Due to the economic downturn, a restaurant in Japan has hired monkeys to fill in for the wait staff! And that's not a punchline, we're talking ACTUAL monkeys! And get this - the health department says it's sanitary, as long as the monkeys wear clothes! What fun is that?

What do you tip a monkey? 10%? Maybe a banana or two? If only the monkeys were on the menu, then we'd really be in business!

We endure smoggy air, unbearable traffic and copious amounts of weekend rain. Why? Cause we're tried and true Chicagoans. We're known for our pizza, improv, sports teams (the good, the bad and the ugly)... and now, as the "Most Stressful City." Yup, Forbes Magazine just gave us the top spot on that list. So we dug up a few ways to help us all be a little more Type B...

Pour Vous (Wicker Park)
Take the time to pamper yourself with help from this bath & body shop. Drop by their Anniversary Party on Saturday, November 27th for discounts, snacks and sudsy fun!

Galos Salt Caves (Portage Park)
It's a soothing spot that heals you inside and out... just sit back, relax and breathe. Vitamins and minerals in the salt help your respiratory system while the iodine refreshes your skin.

Chicago Sweatlodge (Portage Park)
This one's just for the boys... purify, detoxify and beautify at the Chicago Sweatlodge. Bounce between hot & cold for the full effect of this old world sauna.

Silken Tent (Glenview)
For suburban stress relief, make your way to Glenview. Silken Tent is an eco-freindly spa taking care of mind, body and spirit with everything from Niyama Hot Yoga to a Stone & Crystal Facial.

There were a few things I knew about Edward Cullen.

2. I was madly in love with him.

It doesn't take much for "Twilight's" Bella to make that leap. You know, the one where she finds out the love of her life sucks the blood out of living creatures - and decides to spend alone-time with him anyway? And despite being face to face with the vile nature of vampirism, she comes to the conclusion that it might be the way to go. Oh, the humanity!

Move over Chicago micro-brewers! Metropolitan Brewing is coming to town! Doug and Tracy Hurst are the owners/brewers behind this big city/industrial themed brewery. However, don't expect typical British-style ales; German-style lagers are going to be the output from these deutch-beer drinkers! Their flagships, Dynamo Copper Lager and Flywheel Bright Lager, are expected to hit bars and liquor stores by the end December this year.

Cooking a turkey this Thanksgiving? In need of a little help? Well look no further! I cornered Mary Klingman, the Butterball Turkey Talk Line Lady, in hopes of providing me with some insight to cooking the perfect bird. Hilarity and knowledge ensued:

Remember, don't hesitate to give the Butterball folks a call this Thanksgiving at 1-800-Butterball!

Smashing Pumpkins front man Billy Corgan, who has gotten mixed reviews during the band's stint in Chicago this week, was actually quite amiable after the show on Nov. 19. Ahhh.... cold weather, Billy Corgan in a goofy hat, the El rolling by in the background.....that's Chicago

Take me down to the paradise city, where the grass is green and the soda is free.

For one day only that is. Dr. Pepper is celebrating the release of Guns n' Roses highly anticipated (and by "highly" we mean "long, agonizing, very doubtful, believe it when we see it") new album Chinese Democracy by giving away free Dr. Pepper. The album supposedly drops on Sunday and if...we mean when it does, you, the soda guzzling, guitar god worshiping public is entitled to a free 20 oz. And you don't even need to be buy the album.

How does it work?

Spice up your Thanksgiving sides! Red Light Chef Jackie Shen adds Asian flavor to our Turkey Day faves...

Cranberry Sauce with Pomegranate Paste

Ingredients:
1 bag of cranberries
1 cup of sugar
1 cup of pomegranate juice
1 tablespoon of pomegranate paste

Directions:
Put all ingredients into a pot and bring to a boil. Simmer until the cranberries pop and thicken.

Week 4: Minnie Riperton "Lovin' You"

Chances are you weren't a Minnie Riperton fan when this song hit the airwaves in 1975. BUT, thanks to Burger King and Visa commercials... Lovin' You is now destined to test your sanity. Someone hit 'repeat' on the turntables in your head!

Don't say we didn't warn you but this is an outrageous ad that you'll probably never see on TV promoting Microsoft's mp3 player the Zune. Too bad the ad was never approved by Bill Gates & Co.

It made us laugh all too hard, but may be inappropriate for the kiddies. Spread and Discuss.

Well he may not be the voice of his generation (thanks, Kanye) but Justin Timberlake has a pretty decent sense of comedy. Yes, everyone by now is talking about his appearance on SNL in the Beyonce video sketch. And while that was funny and unexpected, his best work may have been on Weekend Update. He shows us what the show would have been like if he hosted - the whole show, in under 2 minutes. It's self-referential, fast-paced, includes a 'tiny hat reference'... in short, it's comic gold

Happy National Baklavah Day! You know I love the sweet, flaky pastry as much as any gal... but does it really deserve a whole day? What's next??? How about moment of silence for the return of the McRib? Alright, I'm done griping. Thought I'd take this curious holiday to share my favorite Greek spots...

Athenian Room (Lincoln Park)
This corner eatery's been around for more than 30 years. So tasty, so cheap.

Athena Restaurant (Greektown)
Great food, but scores major points come summertime with one of the best patios around town.

Papaspiros (Oak Park)
Take the trip to this suburban spot as much for the eats as the owners Spiro and Sofia.

Before Facebook and LinkedIn, people actually networked face to face. A novel concept that returns to the city later this week in a unique way. The Ratio Network kicks off a networking event 'Concepts' that "will feature emerging entrepreneurs in the music, dance and fashion industries." Activities on Thursday, November 20 will be at Zocalo and on Friday, Nov. 21, the Victor Hotel is the place to be.
For more information, check out their website www.rationetwork.com/

It's official... President Bush has checked out. The Arizona State University Men's and Women's Track Team stopped by the White House for a photo op... and somehow convinced the lame duck Commander-In-Chief to throw up the "shocker." No joke. The pic is from the official presidential website.

Don't know what the gesture means??? Google it.

If you're brave enough to venture up into Packer/Badger country, you'll fare very well with the excellent beer choices (minus the typical Milwaukee brews). Heck, Wisconsin is the land of beer! Me and the Mrs. decided to visit our old stomping grounds of Madison, WI back a few weeks ago. While there, it was imperative for us to stop by the Great Dane Pub.


With three locations with the Madison area, it's not hard to choose from a great selection of brews. I recommend the Old Glory American Pale Ale and the Stone of Scone Scotch Ale. You can also order a flight of samples from there entire beer selection if you don't know what to pick! Also, they have excellent grub to pair with your drink of choice! Get there early or put in a reservation... Great Dane is very popular with the locals!

More beer after the jump...

Marcus caught up with the cast of Quantum Solace. Here's his interview with James Bond himself, Daniel Craig, and Bond Girl Olga Kurylenko.

Now I know what it was like to introduce Elvis. Or maybe The Beatles make a better analogy. Last night I had the pleasure in "moderating" a question and answer session with "Twilight" star Rob Pattinson at the Orland Square Mall. Hundreds of screaming/crying fans packed the mall to get an in-person look at the actor. The Chicago Tribune took some amazing photos. See them here.

Before leaving for the mall, there was a lively discussion in our office about who this guy was, and why people are so crazed about him. After speaking with the fans, it's clear that it has as much to do with the character as it does with the actor. "Twilight's" Edward has become a mythical figure for teenage girls. He's a supermodel with superpowers, ready to fight off the bad guys, while still being a little bad himself (he's a vampire, in case you're new to the party).

Wednesday night, Marcus braved the Orland Park pandemonium to talk with Robert Pattinson, star of the upcoming vampire flick Twilight.

Here is my review of the new film "Frost/Nixon."

Every one raise your glass... Goose Island's doors are staying open! After 20 glorious years on Clybourn, the original home of the brewpub was set to close in the very near future (cause rent ain't cheap!). BUT, owner John Hall was able to work something out with the landlord (free beer for life?) and was so excited about stayling alive that he bought everyone in the bar a round!

Read full article.

Marcus takes a look at the Indie hit "Slumdog Millionaire."

Tonight I'll be moderating a Q&A with the star of the upcoming movie "Twilight," Robert Pattinson! We'll be at the Orland Square Mall tonight between 6-8 p.m. He'll be signing autographs from 6-7:30 p.m. Then, you'll get chance to ask Rob anything you want.

Hundreds of fans stormed the mall late last night trying to get tickets for the autograph session. Those are SOLD OUT. But you can still see Rob at the Q&A, which I will try my best to moderate in an orderly fashion.

I'm excited and terrified at the same time.

Come out and say hello. I'll see you in Orland Park at 6!

The neverending book of Obama gets another chapter with online video game Super Obama World. It's Super Mario for the SNES platform meets Obama in Alaska stomping pigs and grabbing American flags.

It's a good way to waste some time at work.

Play here

Week 3: Wilson Phillips "Hold On"

It's back from 1990 to torment you! As much as we loved Carnie Wilson as a tabloid talk show host (and on Celebrity Fit Club), her most glistening accomplishment has to be this fantastically irritating song. I mean, really... try to stop humming it (off-key). I dare you!

Let me preface this with - yes, I too am addicted to a $4 cup of coffee. It's a habit that's more expensive than smoking, but apparently... easier to quit. Starbucks just released earnings for fourth quarter and it ain't pretty. The king of frappucinos netted a loss of 97%.

Somehow it's comforting that we're not a nation of crazy people eager to drown our recession-straped wallets in liquid cocaine. On the other hand, if the mega-chain has to cut back (or the unthinkable, tanks) how will I survive without my grande soy latte???

Hello all! In case you don't have much to do tomorrow, I'm going to be a "celebrity bowler" in Chicago Blackhawk Brent Seabrook's first "ICE" bowling event! It's all going down at 10pin Bowling Lounge (330 N. State St. in Chicago) from 1:30 to 4:30 P.M.

I will be paired with a team of Hawks fans and we will hit the bowling lanes! I come from a family of bowlers, actually. My uncle Jim hits the senior professional circuit from time to time. Unfortunately, I lack most of his skills.

It's all for a great cause to benefit the Inner City Educaiton Program. Even if you don't have the cash to purchase lane time, you can still pay between $25-$50 and come out and watch! You also get access to Hawks players for pictures/autographs. We're talking Seabrook, Duncan Keith, Brian Campbell and more! So come on out to 10pin and don't forget to say hello! The full press release is pasted below:

Hey all. I cut this little video together using the reaction footage I shot on election night. Seeing so many people emotional involved with our political system was a pretty moving experience.

Anyhow, I hope your Election 2008 withdrawl isn't too rough. And don't worry, there are plenty of moose to hunt up there in ANWAR, so you-know-who should be just fine!

That's the question the film "Breakfast with Scot" explores (Peep the trailer below). The film kicks off the Reeling 2008: 27th Chicago Lesbian & Gay International Film Festival, which starts today and runs through Nov. 16th. The fest will show 70 different films throughout its 11 day run.

For more information including ticket info and a list of screenings and events, log on to ReelingFilmFestival.org.

So if you saw either of my two videos from the Fifty/50 or Moonshine, I never made it to House of Blues like I promised. Instead, I stuck around Moonshine to witness Chicago's reaction to Barack Obama becoming the next President of the United States. I was able to capture on video the first emotions pouring out of everyday Chicagoans. This meant something to everyone there - black, white, asian, latino, it didn't matter. To be there to see it all, and to even deliver the news to some who hadn't heard yet, was an amazing experience. One I will never forget.

Tomorrow I'm coming into the office to record another video blog with more of my thoughts from tonight. Right now I'm eager to hit the web to find out what happened in the other races. Of course, if you were watching CLTV, you don't need to worry about that.

Whether you voted for Barack Obama or John McCain, or any of the other fine candidates on the ballot, let's hope that American took another step forward today. And let's all get ready for Palin 2012 to be unveiled tomorrow! YOU BETCHA!

Marcus is out in Chicago all night long, reporting live from various locations in the city. Check in with him and his reports throughout election night.

Hey there everybody - no I won't be playing in the sand tomorrow! As part of CLTV's blowout election coverage, I'll be hitting some of the biggest parties in Chicago, and streaming all of the highlights directly to you on CLTV.com! So all you have to do is sit back, relax, watch the returns and bookmark cltv.com. I'll have video blogs throughout the night. To see where I'm headed (or trying to head, depending on how bad traffic gets), keep reading after the jump!

Week 2: Ace of Base"The Sign"
Always a fan favorite, Ace of Base's: The Sign is the song we're trying to stick in your head this week. It's pretty much the best thing to ever come of pop music back in 1994. After all it spent six weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100.

Good luck getting it out of your head.

Sorry for the startling headline, but they could use the break! In case you missed the ending to this weekend's episode of "metromix," we thought we'd post it on the blog. See what happens when I discover my own dead body in the woods. And like every great (or not so great) horror movie, here is the unrated director's cut!

Happy Halloween!