Barbara Brotman, writer for the Chicago Tribune’s Play section, had a great piece in yesterday’s paper about hiking through local Cook County forests.

Sarah and I have long talked about going hiking with our dog Coconut.  So far, it has just been talk, as we’ve never actually followed through.  All of that may change, now that I’ve discovered Palos.

Palos, roughly 16,000 acres of woods, ravines, lakes, ponds, wetlands, and prairies, is located just minutes from downtown.  Discover it like I did by checking out Brotman’s article, located here.

Weekend Happenings

• Chicago Air and Water Show– The U.S. Air Force Thunderbird jet team will be once again headlining the 51st annual water show.  More than 2 million spectators are expected, so get to the beach early!  Oak Street Beachstro is offering viewing packages that include food and a cash bar.  Prices range $65-$165.  Details can be found here.
• Chicago Turkish World Festival– Sarah refers to me as “Hamburger and Spagetti,”as I rarely venture outside of the box.  However, the thought of Turkish Coffee makes me want to head on over to the Navy Pier right now!  This two-day event features an Ottoman-era marching band,m hand drawn calligraphy, and Whirling Dervishes.  Starts Saturday and Sunday, 10am.

So was it Miley Cyrus or Hannah Montana pole dancing on Monday Night’s “Teen Choice Awards.”  Either way, it’s uber-creepy!

Miley, wearing a tank top, boots and short shorts, performed her new single “Party in the U.S.A.” while dancing on what resembled a stripper pole.  Today, everyone is questioning whether the performance was suitable for a 16-year-old, and a debate over the suggestive choreography has developed over the Internet.

Keep in mind, Miley’s fame can largely be contributed to her role on The Disney Channel’s series, “Hannah Montana.”  The network says, quote, “Disney Channel won’t be commenting on that performance, although parents can rest assured that all content presented on the Disney Channel is age-appropriate for our audience – kids six to 14 – and consistent with what our brand values are.”

I think what made the whole performance all the more disgusting was that her father, Billy Ray Cyrus, sat in the crowd and smiled as he watched on.  This family sure knows how to raise eyebrows, especially after Billy Ray and Miley’s infamous Vanity Fair photoshoot.

The Tribune’s “Live” section devoted an entire page to the controversy.  Grab the print edition or head over here for more details.

While sipping on coffee, a headline in this morning’s Trib caught my attention:  “Woman Sues over nude photos online.”  Apparently, a Chicago woman discovered that without permission, an ex-high school boyfriend posted nude photos of her online.

Miles Marsh, the ex-boyfriend, seems like quite the instigator.  Actually, sleazebag is probably more appropriate for this guy.  Supposedly, he posted the photos online in an effort to encourage other men to post nude photos of their ex-boyfriends.  For more on the story, click here.

Just remember, don’t let this happen to you!  Avoid taking picture sin the buff.  Nothing good is ever going to come out of it.

Just as Kim Kardashian, Vanessa Hudgens, and the latest ‘victium,’ Ashley Greene.