Hidden Gems

The Sports League Board

Are you a Player? Or perhaps a Sports Monster? Or are you just looking for some open gyms or to sub? Whether you play sports or not, no doubt you’ve noticed the number of Chicagoans who play sports, some in the private leagues named “Players Sports,” the “Chicago Sport and Social Club” or “Sports Monster.”

Athletes are especially hard to miss in the summer, when they litter the beach on volleyball courts, outnumbering even the ravenous gulls.

I captain teams four nights a week and host one weekly open gym, which is why I started the Sports League Board. I got too busy with other things in my life and just didn’t have time to find subs when my teammates couldn’t make a game. So I started a message board, where people can find subs or look for a team to play on or find an open gym or post their team schedule or … well, you get the drift.

If you’re looking to play, check out the board. You can find it linked to at any page on www.iancoburn.com.

My hope is that the board will take off nationally. That would be great. For example, if you’re a consultant from Milwaukee who gets a six-month contract to work in Denver, you could just look on the board to find a basketball team or an open gym. Sports are a great way to stay in shape and relax after a hectic day.

I have no plans to turn the board into a billboard for advertisers. I can’t stand pop-ups or ads littering a web page. The only thing advertised is my new book, the sales of which pay for the board. If I didn’t pay for the board, it would be littered with free ads that I had no control over. So this seems to be a happy medium. See you on the board … and then on the court!

— Ian Coburn

Fighter Jet: Operation Red Flag at the IMAX on Navy Pier

For the past 20 years, discussions about American fighter jets have inevitably turned to the film “Top Gun.” Before Tom Cruise was half of TomKat, he flew a Tomcat F-14 in the iconic movie. Its action sequences thrilled aviation combat buffs, and its dialogue inspired men on the prowl (“You can be my wingman anytime.”). Fighter Jet: Operation Red Flag replaces the fiction of “Top Gun” with reality. Watching this film on an IMAX screen (in place of a conventional theatre) simulates a sensuous experience.

Red Flag is the final Air Force training phase before pilots are sent into combat. Over 128 pilots representing six countries, including Canada (who knew Canada had such an elite air force?), send their best planes and crews to Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. With the Las Vegas strip serving as the runway’s backdrop, pilots take off to partake in intensive exercises often described as more challenging than combat itself.

We view this experience through the eyes of Capt. John “Otter” Stratton, the grandson of a WWII fighter pilot. He commands a $30 million dollar F-15 Eagle. The F-15 is more than just the world’s most advanced fighter jet; it is an icon of America’s economic and military hegemony. Following Red Flag, Stratton saw action enforcing no-fly-zones over Iraq. Near the film’s conclusion, he reflects on his grandfather’s Corsair plane and recalls his advice: “Being a fighter pilot is the best job in the whole world, and going to war is worse than anything you can imagine.” Stratton agrees on both points. An aviation movie is truly meant to be viewed with the enhanced sound and oversized screen of an IMAX. These two complement one another like Lindsay Lohan and rehabilitation clinics. How does this film stack up against “Top Gun?” Quite favorably; its 50-minute running time leaves in the meat (action sequences) and trims the fat (juvenile dialogue, Jerry Bruckheimer-produced clichéd cheesiness) from the 1986 action movie.

To read more about the film, log on to www.Fighterpilotfilm.com.

Tickets are $10.50 for adults, $9.50 for seniors and $8.50 for children at Navy Pier, 700 E. Grand. Call (312) 595-5MAX or log on to www.imax.com/chicago.

— Paul M. Banks

Stampology, Chicago

It may not be next door, but it’s worth the drive ... and good luck finding a similar deal somewhere else. Stampology, Chicago, located at 5031 N. Harlem Ave., is a hidden treasure at its best, but don’t let the name fool you.

After being invited to a “card-making” party with several women, I wasn’t expecting to walk up to a storefront titled “Stampology.” This is a quaint shop infused with every cute and creative rubber stamp under the sun. Oh, and did I mention the most intricate and original paper, supplies, accessories and much more? It’s certainly a one-stop shop.

Dave Velez, along with his wife, Sue Velez, operate the store. Dave came up with the idea after attending a stamp party of his own, and soon realized the need in the Chicago area. As a result, in August of 2003, he opened Stampology, Chicago. The business continues to run strong after three-and-a-half years of success. In fact, it’s only getting better and looking to expand.

They don’t stop with just the great items they sell. Stampology offers multiple classes a week. They focus on creative ways to make greeting cards, all themed parties, for both children and adults, with the common denominator being the use the rubber stamps!

It’s a fun, relaxing, laid-back atmosphere with energized instructors. You don’t realize how fun and creative you can be making your very own greeting cards, leaving you to wonder why you haven’t done it before.

Private parties are available with a minimum of six people on up to 16. This includes over two hours of instruction, class kit, all additional supplies and lunch. The cost is only $20. Additionally, classes are offered weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays, held from 7-9 p.m., and they include dinner.

You can’t go wrong. It’s a wonderful way to be creative and spend an afternoon or evening with friends. I really enjoyed it, and will be back with another group!

To find out more information about scheduling your own party or to get a full schedule of upcoming classes, simply visit the website at: www.stampologychicago.com or call (773) 631-0352.

— Debbie Podmore

Click here for more Hidden Gems