This Week in DC

Thursday, July 31
The Rookery, 2519 Pennsylvania Ave.
Doors will be open at 8:30pm and the Battle of the Biceps competition, which is a charity arm wrestling competition, starts around 9pm. The event will support Neediest Kids.
Click Here for more info.

Tuesday, August 5

Evening with D'AIRE DC (Tony Cord, Kerry Chao, DJ Neekola and Richard Johns),

Location: BLT Steak (16th and I Street, NW)

Time: 7pm

Cost: $5 donation to support Interstages, a non-profit organization dedicated to youth development programming for middle school students east of the Anacostia River.

RSVP: to Tony Cord at tonycord01@gmail.com - this is a guest list only event; must RSVP.

The event will be held on the beautiful rooftop of BLT Steak featuring an open bar with specialty Emperor Brand premium vodka drinks, and a cash bar for other alcohol. Delicious BLT Steak hors d'oeuvres will be passed out from 7 - 9, so arrive early! Music provided by DJ Neekola and her special guests, Adrian Loving and DJ Ed. Include any names of your guests in an email to Tony, and include the email address of your guest as well.

DW's Loop

���How can you stay in the Loop, if you aren���t in the Loop?���


Thursday
Lolla Kick-Off Party @ Debonair Social Club
1575 N. Milwaukee Ave
$5 Effen & Kilo Kai cocktails
RSVP @ rsvp@venuszine.com.



"Passport" @ Sushi Samba Rio ���Sugarcane Lounge���
504 N Wells St
8pm ��� 2am
Get a flyer/passport entitling you to either a comp Brazilian drink + 20% off your bill
RSVP @ http://www.funkycouture.net/
http://www.sushisamba.com/


Friday
Yoruba Records and Sonny Daze Present Bionic Rhythm Meets Afro Bionic @ Sonotheque
1444 W. Chicago Ave
Official Chicago Album Release Party for Djinji Browns including free giveaways
RSVP @ sonny@yorubarecords.com

Vanilla & Cream First Fridays @ Alhambra Palace
1240 W Randolph
8pm ��� 2am
Early Bird Early Admission- $10.00 Advanced Admission - $20
Get Tickets @ http://secure.ticketannex.com/WebSales/Pages/TicketSearchCriteria.aspx?epguid=9a7d3e0d-165b-40a6-8e9f-73c84817bcba&evtinfo=9840~cfc783b8-a063-46a2-86a8-350a24f918d1
Or Get tickets @ Dr. Wax 53rd & Harper and Gourmet Clothing 13th & Halsted


Saturday
Soul Renaissance Saturdays @ Brando's Speakeasy
343 S. Dearborn St
9pm-3am

8th Annual Chicago SCENE Boat Party AFTER PARTY @ Enclave
220 W Chicago Ave
Features DJ AM! RSVP @ http://www.enclavechicago.com/vip/aug_2.php
Table Reservations email Amber at info@enclavechicago.com


Sunday
Spybar���s Industry Night
EFFEN cocktails for $7 and bottles for $150
For tables, email reserve@spybarchicago.com
10pm ��� 4am

Sindustry Sundays @ Wet
209 W Lake
$5 You-Call-Its and $100 Bottles
Email to get more info: afusion.chicago@yahoo.com


Cocktail for the Week - Passion Mimosa
Ingredients:

• 2 oz chilled Passion fruit juice
• Chilled Champagne
• Strawberries

Directions: Pour passion fruit juice into a champagne flute. Fill with chilled champagne. Top with strawberry, and serve.


Bonus of the Week: Chicago Outdoor Film Festival
Grant Park at the corner of Monroe and Lakeshore Drive,
Who can say NO to FREE movies in Grant Park
Now through August 26, 2008http://www.cityofchicago.org/

Dating Dimes* on a Dime in DC

*slang noun in relation to physical beauty in place of a "perfect ten"

19. Too Much of a Good Thang: AKA Gluttony

By Howard Westmoreland

Full disclosure: I like energy drinks. I do. And I had one in the fridge. I bought it at CVS, where I buy all of my groceries. I peeled it open on the way to Posh, this place three blocks from my building. And in the time it took to walk down the street, and show my ID at the door, the stimulant from the energy drink had bubbled its way through my veins and into my heart.

I walked through the door, and the dinner club was throttled with the ambassadors of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority incorporated -- as well as the (lame) dudes who will commute from all corners of the Metro to buy their drinks. There was no clear path to the bar.

I may be charming and fun at parties, but I am also a touch autististic (or maybe sociopathic). Whichever the case, I hate crowds. And I don���t want to be touched. But I do love to see a Black woman at ease. There were already too many people in Posh. I mean, like, a fire hazard. Most of the people were AKAs throwing their pretty heads back in laughter, dancing in high heels, making an effort to look effortless, posing, lip-synching the blaring hip-hop and basically enjoying my nightlife scene.

Like a ninja, I cautiously approached a crease in the sheet of gorgeous women who had spread out over every inch of the bar���s granite top. They were a soft bronze wall, impeding my Saturday night procedure. I couldn���t get a drink, and I couldn���t look cool waiting to get a drink. I stood there like a bitten off cheese sandwich. Waiting to get a male bartender���s attention in a crowd of women wearing tube tops and low-cut dresses. And the energy drink began to work against me. I was developing a strong case of the jitters.

There was one young woman who pitied me to the point that she flagged the bartender on my behalf. I thanked her for her sympathy, waited another 20 minutes, and found a place to drink my sad little shot in peace. But there was no peace to be had. In the 30 minutes that it took to get a cocktail, about a hundred women had streamed into that same small space. I was (softly) bumped from every angle. I have never been crowded by lovely women who smelled so good. And they kept bumping me. But what was I going to do? Get mad? I wanted to relax. But I was gripped by the fear of cold green apple martinis tumbling down my back. The stimulant from the energy drink was running my nerves raggedy. I needed another shot ��� to calm down.

Yet, in they came. In groups of ten and twenty. Even my lechery was undermined. I couldn���t even get a good gawking going. There were too many and they were plainly too pretty to enjoy. It was frustrating. Just anonymous beauty crowding me further away from the bar. Bumping me from every direction. Pitying my inability to buy a drink. Oh. It was horrible. It was the opposite of fun. I had ���nuf.

I love Praline Pecan Ice cream. And here I was. Drowning in it. Cold sober and with the shakes to boot. It was a nightmare.

I walked to the Men���s Room to get it together. I didn���t even look at the beautiful women crowding the path. I just walked the gauntlet of pink Cosmopolitans on the way to the restroom. I was frazzled. I knew that this was what Hell had in store for me if I could not get settled down. So, I paid my bill and walked out. There were women everywhere on the street. I just couldn���t look. If someone had told me that there is such a thing as too many fine women, I would have laughed. I wasn���t laughing. I was sweating, and I was going home.

O's Corner: Squash (Part 3 of 3-part Series)

ORANGE-CINNAMON BUTTERNUT SQUASH PUREE

To peel and seed butternut squash, first cut it across at the point where the neck meets the round base. Cut the base lengthwise and scoop out the seeds, then use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin.

• 1 (2 pound) butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 3 tablespoons orange juice
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Place butternut squash in a saucepan and add enough cold water to just cover. Bring to a boil and cook until the squash is tender, Approximately 4 minutes. Drain. Mash the squash with a potato masher (or immersion blender, if you prefer it very smooth); stir in the orange juice, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and pepper. MAKES 4 SERVINGS.

UNTIL NEXT WEDNESDAY, REMEMBER, KEEP IT SIMPLE AND FAST.

ANGELA'S IPOD

HIL ST. SOUL
SOULIDIFIED (2006)
4 Stars

Hil St. Soul is a British group that appears to be virtually unknown in America or at least they have gotten little, if any, exposure in America. The name, Hil St. Soul, is a play on the name of the '80s TV drama Hill Street Blues and the group consists of Zambian-born vocalist Hilary Mwelwa and her musical partner Victor Redwood Sawyer. Soulidified is their third collaboration.

It is an astonishing effort that grabbed on to me and held my attention with its smooth, compelling vocals, great lyrics and masterful production. The vocal range of Hilary coupled with Victor's wonderful production is virtually unrivaled. This is soul music as it is meant to be: funky, fun, sexy and straight from the heart.

The album contains mostly ballads and mid-tempo tracks which have a sexy feel to them. And while the lead singer, Hilary Mwelwa doesn���t often stray from her range, her vocals are strong and commanding and her tones classically smooth, like a nice aged Cabernet. Even her lyrics are dense and complex, with plenty of imagery.

This CD is a blend of traditional R&B, jazz, blues and hip-hop done with a modern flavor. Though the music switches vibes from track to track, Hil St. Soul moves through the transitions with ease and style Soulidified starts out strong with "Hey Boy" where she asks "Baby take your time...I want to feel the wave of your emotion" and "Sweet On You," two upbeat numbers. These songs confidently serve us this group's warm, inviting sound. On the funky "2 Good to Be True", Mwelwa���s voice soars above strong drums and a groovy bass as she recalls a long-term relationship that has gone awry.

From the soft, gentle jazz of "Goodbye" to the hip-hop grooves of "Smokie Joint", their sound remains true. King Reign���s appearance on ���Smoky Joint��� adds the smoke to this real groove tune and Dwele���s appearance on ���Baby Come Over��� is a true blending of voices in this sultry ballad. The group even closes out the album strong with "One Of A Kind" and "Time For Love"; two seductive ballads that are perfect for listening to with that someone special.

Listen to this CD and you will agree that Hil St. Soul succeeds where many soul acts falter when trying to diversify their sound. They easily transition through these changes. Soulidified is a complete album through and through. It���s songs fill the heart with positive vibes and relaxed beats.

Check them out at www.myspace.com/hilstsoul
They have a new CD out, watch for that review in the coming weeks.

PLAY IT AS IT LIES

PATRIOT HILLS GOLF CLUB: 4.5 stars
19 Clubhouse Lane
Stony Point, New York 10980
Website: http://patriothillsgolfclub.com/
845-947-7085

By Jeff Louis

Morning just comes way too fast these days! My 4a.m. alarm reminded me, “it’s time for golf.” So, why does it feel like I’m travelling when I’m only going 69 minutes from home?

Today, I played a course I had no knowledge of until a company outing opened my eyes to it- Patriot Hills Golf Course ("PHGC"). It is located a mere 10 minutes south of Bear Mountain State Park and the West Point Military Academy in Stony Point, NY. I immediately noticed the tranquility and Civil War stone buildings as I drove through this Stony Point community.

Patriot Hills is a mountain style course, meaning it was literally designed to route through some severe hilly terrain. PHGC plays downhill as well as uphill. Here is an example: on the 11th hole, the gold (championship) tee box has a 225 foot drop in elevation to the fairway. And, once you leave the 12th green heading to the 13th tee box, it’s a ¼ mile uphill winding ride. Nevertheless, Rick Jacobsen Design (course architect), took safety into consideration. The cart paths wind down to its lowest points in a serpentine fashion. This is reminiscent of Lombard St. in San Francisco, CA - "The worlds’ most Crookedest Street (that’s how it’s marketed)." From the courses’ highest points, the vistas are dramatic. You can look across the Hudson River and see the majesty of Bear Mountain from several holes.

This is definitely a challenging layout to play. The course has four -to- seven tee boxes available on every hole to make sure everyone has a good time and a chance at a fair examination of their golf game. And, despite its relatively short-listed 6502 yardage, PHGC plays a lot longer than that. Most of the greens’ approach shots from 150 yards in and are of an uphill variety. Plan on hitting 1-2 more clubs longer than you think you’ll need. Once you arrive on the greens, you’ll have a lot of fun reading the breaks and undulations. Don’t get me wrong, this course may take a bite out of you, at least the first time you play it.

One almost feels the actual presence of George Washington while playing this course. I swear I smelled cannon powder. Seriously though, there is an arsenal further up the road. So when traveling in New York State, stop by and visit Patriot Hills. When you’re done, you’ll probably salute the course. And, if you happen to find a cannon ball in the fairway, remember, play it as it lies.


Additional Info:
Current Price: Week $90 Weekend $120
Par 72, Slope 70.7, Rating 131, Yardage 6502

DIVORCE: A MAN'S PERSPECTIVE

LL'S STORY: Part Two

by Angela Skeete Davis

This is part two of my interview with LL. As you will see, his subsequent committed relationships (subsequent to his separation and then to his wife’s death) have been long distance or with women who were, in some sense, unavailable for marriage or long-term commitment (at least in his subconscious). In spite of what he says, it seems the separation was a way to keep women or at least marriage, at arms length. It also appears he has found ways (however unsuccessful) to avoid getting deeply involved and thus getting hurt. It is also apparent he still harbors lingering resentment.

When we left off, last time, he had just finished explaining why he still sounded bitter about his relationship with his "past" (separated from and now deceased) wife. This is the rest of what he has to say:

So, I can understand why it took you so long to date. But, what made you start dating again?
I met someone interesting.

Did that relationship last?
Yes, for two years.

What happened?
She was insistent on having kids and I wasn’t interested in having kids at that time. So I had to set her free.

Okay. But have you ever fallen in love again?
Yes.

What happened?
She decided she wanted to get closer to God and felt that it was a journey she had to take alone. So that was that.

How long ago was that?
A year and a half ago.

Wow! Why do you think it took so long for you to fall in love again?
Interesting question. I guess because it takes a certain person to wake me up. I don ‘t give up any kind of emotion easy.

Why?
I don’t know. I’ve always been that way.

How long were you with her before you realized you were in love?
One year

What made you realize you were in love?
I couldn’t stop thinking about her.

How long did it take you to tell her?
Basically, the next day. When I realized it, I spoke on it.

By the way, where did she live?
In VA.

Is that where you live?
No.

So you were in a long distance relationship? Do you think that had any effect on your feelings or what happened?
Not on my feelings but maybe on the relationship.

How so?
I can’t say. But, being closer might have changed the relationship.

Have you had relationships with other women?
Yes. I have dated four women since my separation.

But only fell in love with one?
Well, once I got out there, it wasn‘t that I wasn‘t able to let myself go. But the fourth woman really got my attention.

You don’t think it surprising that, in the many, many years that you have been single, you have only fallen in love with one woman?
No. The women I’ve been with were good and we were good together. But, I felt we had no future and so why would I prolong it.

So why the fourth woman?
I guess she was the yin to my yang. I guess I could have had feelings for the first woman but she was too focused on having children with me and that was not where I was.

Do you think it was easier to fall in love with her because you lived so far from her?
No. It was just my brain finally got to that point.

Where do you and she stand, now? The fourth woman.
She would like to try again with me. But, I won’t because of the way it all went down. If she had come at me differently, as in, "let’s do this together", that would have been fine. But the way she did it was, for me, abrasive and so I can’t say okay let’s do this. There is a lingering doubt as to the possibility of it happening again.

So, are you open to loving someone again?
Yes. I’m a sadomasochist.

Do you think you will ever get married again?
Yes. I won’t make the next person responsible for the mistakes of another.

And if you do, do you believe it will last forever?
I hope it will.

How can you be sure?
Make sure it is the correct person for me.

How do you do that?
I don’t know. I can only go on faith.

What do you wish you knew before you got married?
I wish I had a more in-depth understanding of the character of the person I was marrying.

Why?
I would have been more prepared.

What did you learn from your marriage?
Marriage won’t work unless two people are on the same page.

What did you learn from your separation?
I am who I am …. regardless. I am not built to fall apart.
What do you wish someone would have told you before you got married?
Take your time. Be more patient. Don’t put all your trust in your emotions. They are not always accurate. Let God show you the way.

What does that mean?
Instead of just listening to your emotions, let God, your inner voice of calm, guide you, Listen before you react.

What would you do different?
Make more decisions based on a spiritual thought process rather than be so reactionary. I might make fewer mistakes.

What piece of advice would you give to others getting married?
Don’t be so reactionary. Let God guide you.

Is there anything you want to add?
My internal fortitude is a fraction of what I can offer to another person. Loyalty and respect and humbleness are the keys to spiritual wealth in a relationship. As long as you have that, you have the keys to the kingdom. No one should stay in a situation that leaves them short-changed or disrespected. The biggest thing is that I maintain my self-esteem. That’s the one thing that holds me together, along with a sense of purpose or focus.

When you have a traumatic experience, like betrayal, you must have self-esteem to keep yourself going. Otherwise you become filled with self-doubt. You constantly ask yourself, “was it my fault? was it something I did?” But you must realize, it may not have been you. I finally realized the betrayal was not because of me. In the end, I am not going to suffer because it didn’t work. It is not healthy to not let go. You know what they say, people are in your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. You have to figure out where everyone belongs and then keep it movin.

This Week in South Florida

Friday, July 25
Jazz at MOCA
Location: Museum of Contemporary Art
Time: 8pm

The Jazz at MOCA series presents FREE outdoor concerts on the last Friday of every month. This Friday features Michael Orta.
CLICK HERE for more info.


Saturday, July 26
Open Casting for The Stylist
The producers of The Real World, The Simple Life and Keeping up with the Kardashians are casting for a new TV show, The Stylist. They are looking for the Hottest aspiring fashion stylists in the country. Those selected will complete for a contract with one of the top agencies.

MIAMI, FL
WHEN: SATURDAY July 26th
TIME: 10am-4pm
WHERE: Fresh on Fifth, 458 Ocean Drive (5th and Ocean), Miami Beach, FL 33139

NEW YORK, NY
WHEN: SATURDAY JULY 26th
TIME: 10am-4pm
WHERE: Fashion Institute of Technology –Reeves Great Hall at F.I.T’s Conference Center *entrance on 28th Street at 7th Avenue. It is the glassed in entrance on 28th Street near 7th Avenue.

If you can't make it to one of our open calls, hometape submissions are currently being accepted. Click Here for more info.



Saturday, August 2
Rock the Bells Concert Series
Location: Bicentennial Park, 1075 Biscayne Boulevard in Downtown Miami

This is a must do event. I attended in Chicago and it was fantastic. I mean what's not to love about a line up of Rakim, De La Soul, Nas, Tribe Called Quest, Method Man & Redman, and more.
Click Here for more info and tickets

DW's Loop

“How can you stay in the Loop, if you aren’t in the Loop?”

Friday
The Girls Kiss Girls Party @ Lumen
839 W Fulton Market
Pittsburgh Slim performs
http://www.lumen-chicago.com/

Enclave and Outfit Events present DJ Fridays with DJ Fashen
220 W Chicago
Cocktail Reception from 9pm - 10:30pm
RSVP for no cover before 11pm @ www.enclavechicago.com/vip/july_25.php
Email Amber for table service @ info@enclavechicago.com


Saturday
Groove Parlor 6 Year Anniversary Party @ Cuatro2030 S. Wabash
10pm - 2am
No Cover
http://www.cuatro-chicago.com/

Tony Macey presents Saturdays @ Y Bar
224 W Ontario St
http://www.ychicago.com/


Sunday
BMW Performance Series presents the Ultimate Drive/BBQ/Fashion Show
12pm – 6pm
63rd St. Beach House (63rd Lake Shore Drive)
Fashion Show Begins @ 4pm
Call 877-4-A-DRIVE OR visit http://Www.Bmwusa.Com/Theultimatedrive to schedule a Test Drive.

Wicker Park Fest
2pm -10pm
On Damen from Schiller to North Ave
http://www.myspace.com/wickerparkfest


Cocktail for the Week – Feel the Breeze
Malibu Bay Breeze
1 1/2 oz Malibu coconut rum; 2 oz cranberry juice; 2 oz pineapple juice
Blend ingredients and serve over ice.

Ocean Breeze recipe
1 1/2 oz Malibu coconut rum; 1 1/2 oz Stoli Razberi vodka; 1 1/2 oz pineapple juice; 3 - 4 oz cranberry juice
Stir ingredients together in a glass filled with ice cubes. Top with a cherry and serve


Bonuses of the Week: Dine & Dink on the Roof Tops
It’s Summer, why not stay outside as long as possible

• ZED451, 739 N Clark
• NoMI, 800 N Michigan
• SushiSamba Rio, 504 N Wells
• Shanghai Terrace, 108 E Superior
• Citizen Bar, 364 W Erie
• Plymouth Restaurant and Bar, 327 S. Plymouth Ct.
• Terrace at the Conrad, 521 N Rush

Dating Dimes* on a Dime in DC

*slang noun in relation to physical beauty in place of a "perfect ten"

18. Too Much of a Good Thang?

By Howard Westmoreland

Hell doesn’t have to be hot.

If you do all of your sinning on the Equator, for instance, what’s the big deal about heat? Without getting too mired in the theology, here, the point of Hell is to create a painful forever for you, personally. Your Hell must be an ironic reminder of the weaknesses that dropped you down that bottomless pit in the first place. For you who are weak without remorse, the devil is down below customizing your condo (in colors that you hate). But if you were offered a tour of your suite, in Hell, would you take it?

I was informed, about six months ago, that the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated would be convening on Washington, DC for their 100 year celebration.
Alpha Kappa Alpha is an African American sorority traditionally associated with lovely women. (Not just foxes – ambitious foxes – my favorite). Their colors are pink and green. My mother pledged at Morgan State University, and she remains a brilliant and beautiful lady (Aww, my mommy is awesome). But she would not be in town, and neither would the lovely young woman that I have been seeing. It turned out that I would be on my own in Washington DC as 25,000 sorority sisters sojourned to the Washington Convention Center (which is three blocks away from my building).

And it came to pass that a multitude of golden, copper and bronze Isis', Nefertitis and Shebas descended upon the Potomac like queens and goddesses of the Nile.

Now, I don’t know if you have ever been to Disney World (on the West Coast you guys have Disneyland -- which ain’t bad, but it ain’t Orlando, either). In Disney World it is routine to see little guys extended at the end of their mommy or daddy’s arm. Grasping only the parent’s index finger to drag them through the miraculous odyssey of Disney World. Their eyes bulge at the sights and magic all around them. Their jaws drop in awe. Their little hearts overcome with joy. Well, that little guy was me on Friday night.

The ladies were just arriving, as I popped out of my cab onto U Street. Somehow, you could identify the celebrants as out-of-towners. There was one young woman, so lovely that I followed her half a block out of my way. She was dressed in black satin. And she reminded me of the Solar System. Her walk was a perfect coordination of rotating spheres and ellipses in black pumps. I smirked as I made my way to the birthday party I was attending. There was one couple bypassing me. The guy looked morose. This was a once in a lifetime event. And he was on a date – with his lady. I looked at my shoes as he passed.

So I attended a birthday party that was fun in a traditional and wholesome way. Seriously. And the AKAs who were there, where lovely and elegant.

I have to point one thing out. My vodka on the rocks and I had found a place to stand along the wall, near the bar. This young lady reached behind me to move a candle from a table, so that I would have a place to sit. Now, that may not seem like a big deal, but I was so touched. I wanted to kiss her on the cheek. I never see that type of politeness anymore. Friday night was wonderful. Saturday night was different. Into Hell, I descended.

Follow me down, next week…

Art from… http://superdonut.deviantart.com/art/Gluttony-48852629

This Week in DC

Thursday, July 24
Splash Pool Party
Location: Washington Plaza Hotel, 10 Thomas Circle N.W., DC
Time: Every other Thursday 6pm - 10pm
Pool party, R&B/Pop Music, Drink Specials, Diverse crowd. Summer fun at its best.

Afterlight Roof Deck & Pool Party
Location: Hilton Washington Embassy Row Hotel, 2015 Massachusetts Ave. N.W.
Time: 5pm - 11pm
Sun deck, Pool, BBQ, Drink Specials, Hip-Hop & House Music, Diverse Crowd.

Sunday, July 27
Rock the Bells Concert Series: 5 stars
Location: Merriweather Post Pavilion

This is a must do event. I attended in Chicago and it was fantastic. I mean what's not to love about a line up of Rakim, De La Soul, Nas, Tribe Called Quest, Method Man & Redman, and more.

Wednesday, July 30
Young Capital Benefactors Happy Hour
Location: Mate Lounge, 3101 K St N.W., DC
Time: 7pm
Price: $10 suggested donation

Join the Young Capital Benefactors (YCB) of Capital Hospice for the first in a series of monthly Happy Hours as they gear up for the Annual Gala on Saturday Oct. 4th: "Argentina and Its Passions". You can learn more about the wonderful things Capital Hospice does for and within this community, meet the Chair of the Gala, Wendy Adeler Hall of Adeler Jewelers and of course, enjoy Mate's fabulous cocktail and sushi specials.

Happy Hour Drink Specials: Cocktails $ 6 , Martinis $7, Draft Beer $4, Wines $6

This Week In Chicago

Wednesday, July 23
Wine Down Wednesday
Location: 325 W. Huron
Time: Reception 6:30pm, Dinner 7:00pm
Nacional 27 (4 Stars), which serves contemporary Latin cuisine, will feature the wines of Jacob's Creek with a five course dinner.
Call 312.664.2727 for reservations

Summer Breeze Concert Series
Location: Red Kiva, 1108 W. Randolph
Time: 6pm - 9pm
This week the featured jazz artist is Corey Wilkes

Wednesday, July 23 - Monday, July 28
Concerts at Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park
Time: 6:30 pm
July 23: Russian Splendor
July 24: 50 Years of Bossa Nova Featuring Paulhino Garcia's Orquestra Brazzilli
Brazilian-born, Chicago guitarist and singer Paulhino Garcia takes you on a journey to discover how the Bossa Nova came to be.
July 25: Russian Splendor
July 26: Luciano Pavarotti Tribute Concert
July 27: Rising Stars: Midwest Young Artists
July 28: Chicago Human Rhythm Project
Click Here for more info

Thursday, July 24 - July 26

UNITY Convention After Parties

Location: Hotel Victor, 311 N. Sangamon

UNITY: Journalists of Color, Inc. is a coalition of the four alliances, the Asian American Journalists Association, the National Association of Black Journalists, the National Association of Hispanic Journalists and the Native American Journalists Association. Their mission is to advocate fair and accurate news coverage about people of color, and aggressively challenge the industry to staff its organizations at all levels to reflect the nation's diversity. The 2008 Convention is being hosted this week in Chicago.

Thursday: In association with Black Enterprise, Networking event 6pm -1opm, then after party until 2am

Friday: Party will be hosted by R&B Artist Glenn Lewis. 10pm - 2am

Saturday: 10-m - 2am


Friday, July 25
The Professional After Work Committee (PACO) Presents Last Friday
Location: Fleming's Prime Steak House (4 Stars), 25 E. Ohio
Time: 6pm -10pm
PACO hosts networking social events. There will be drink specials and complimentary appetizers.

Weekend Festivals: Saturday, July 26 - July 27

• Venetian Night, Chicago Yacht Club, Saturday, July 26
• Taste of Lincoln Avenue @ Lincoln, Fullerton & Wrightwood, 12pm - 10pm
• Wicker Park Festival, North Damen btwn. North Ave. & Schiller, 12pm - 11pm
• 5th Annual Randolph Street Festival, Randolph & Ogden, Saturdays: 10am���5pm, Sundays: 9am���4pm

O's Corner: Squash (Part 2 of 3-part Series)

LEMON-PARMESAN SPAGHETTI SQUASH

I have with good success, substituted this squash for pasta, adding mushrooms, black olives, sundried tomatoes, a can of minced clams, canned salmon or prepackaged sliced chicken pieces (Perdue or Tysons).

• 1 (3 pound) spaghetti squash
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1/3 cup parsley, chopped
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  

Cut the squash in half lengthwise and remove seeds. Place the squash cut-side down on a microwave-proof baking dish and pierce in several places with a fork. Microwave 12 minutes or until a fork easily pierces through the skin. Let the squash cool slightly and scrape the inside with a fork to remove the long strands. Toss the squash with the olive oil, lemon juice, parsley and cheese. Add salt and black pepper to taste. MAKES 4 SERVINGS.

Note: If you can't fit both halves in the microwave, microwave them separately. The cooking time will be less; 7 to 8 minutes each.

UNTIL NEXT WEDNESDAY, REMBEMBER, KEEP IT SIMPLE AND FAST.

This Week in Atlanta

Monday July 21 - July 27

Downtown Atlanta Restaurant Week

Many of Atlanta's best restaurants will be offering $25 three-course dinners. I love Restaurant Week and am glad it is now in so many cities. This is your opportunity to dine someplace you might not otherwise try for an unbelievable price. A must do!

Click Here for participants and more info

Friday, July 18 - July 27

The The 20th Anniversary of the National Black Arts Festival (NBAF)

Tickets are available now for the Pan African film festival.

NBAF is a non-profit cultural institution based in Atlanta, Georgia, that celebrates the contributions of people of African descent and their impact on world cultures. The mission of NBAF is to engage, cultivate and educate diverse audiences about the arts and culture of the African Diaspora and provide opportunities for artistic and creative expression.

Click Here for more info and tickets.

Wednesday, July 23

Flicks on 5th

Location: 5th St between Spring St & Williams St (Midtown)

Time: 9pm

View the movie 21 (about MIT students card counting in Vegas) will be shown for free at this outdoor cinema at Technology Square. This is the last viewing of the summer so don't miss.

Click Here for more info

CIPRIANI DOWNTOWN: 3. 5 STARS

Soho, New York
376 W. Broadway (bet. Broome & Spring St.)
Phone: 212-343-0999
Website: http://www.cipriani.com/

By Angela Skeete Davis


OK, so you live in New York and you want to impress your boss. He or she wants a place to sit outside and people watch while he or she dines. Try Cipriani Downtown. Cipriani is an ultra chic Italian restaurant. It is incredibly overpriced, but the service is decent, the drinks delicious, the food is good, and you can people watch (or so I have been told). Just make sure you have enough money. I am not kidding. I have been to many expensive restaurants, but here the lunch prices were more than expected. While I found my portions to be ample, I have heard others complain that the portions are only sufficient if you are a small eater; that if you have a hearty appetite, you will not be satisfied.

We were very lucky on the day we went, the place was not crowded and we did not have to wait for a table. I understand that normally you either need a reservation or should expect to wait upwards of thirty minutes for a table. We were seated immediately, but we were seated inside. Outside tables were full or (indeed) reserved.

You don���t go to Cipriani���s downtown for the decor. While I do like white linen table cloths and lots of sparkling glass, I did not enjoy the very masculine art (however famous the artist might be). Also, the tables are soooooooo close together, a waiter actually had to push tables aside to let one woman out of her seat to go to the bathroom and then back to her seat when she was finished ���. just ridiculous! Not great if you want to impress a female with an intimate setting or ambiance. The waiters were nicely clothed in black and white, and were polite and helpful. But I understand, from others, service can be a bit dicey - more along the lines of the luck of the draw.

A selling point for me was the bread basket. It was filled with warm from the oven (not the microwave) bread and slightly salted bread sticks. Also, my drink, the Sweet Mary, made with with mint and a Bellini base was very good. It was citrusy and refreshing. My meal consisted of a beet, asparagus and goat cheese salad and a lobster salad with green beans and tomatoes. Both were very good. While there was not enough goat cheese, the beets and asparagus were nice and crisp and the lobster salad was actually full of lobster. But it should have been for the price I paid.

My friend had a mixed garden salad and spinach and ricotta ravioli. She found the salad filling and said the ravioli was delicate and delicious. She said that though the serving looked small, it was just enough for her. Meaning there was room enough for her favorite dessert.

For dessert, we ordered and shared their homemade chocolate cake. It was creamy, rich, smooth and chocolaty. I liked it. My girlfriend said, and I quote, ���isn���t it like a little bit of heaven. Isn���t it orgasmic���. Clearly, she really liked it.

So, take your boss to Cipriani. You will spend a lot of money, but the food will be good, the service decent, and maybe you will see people worth watching.

Things you should know if you are interested in checking out this spot:
3.5 stars; $$$$

They open everyday from noon until midnight
There is indoor and outdoor seating
Reservations are not required, but recommended
There is an exclusive, members-only area upstairs

GOLF NEWBIES

01 Links Life

by Jeff Louis

So you want to play golf? Maybe your boss has an outing and you want to get some points? Maybe your significant other spends more time on the course than you like, and you want to join in? Or maybe it just looks like fun.

You can pick any number of reasons to want to start playing golf, and they���re all valid. I���m here to guide you through it. Sort of like your own, personal mentor.

When should I buy clubs? Any time is good, but don���t buy the most expensive set. Start out with, let���s say, a boxed set from Sports Authority or Dick���s. All the clubs are there, and, it���s economical to start with because most sets contain a bag to carry the clubs in.

What is the best equipment to buy? The best equipment is equipment that fits your budget and style. Consider how it looks to you, how it feels when you swing the club (not too light or heavy, not too soft or too stiff, and not too long or too short) , and does it work for you. Don���t get caught up in brands and logos right now.

What balls should I buy? Well, bargain balls are great for starting out. You want to get the feel for hitting a ball and putting on the greens. At this point, you don���t have to go top of the line just yet.

Should I take lessons? Absolutely. Are they necessary to get started? No. Your own motivation will get you started. If you want to make sure you have the best chance to score well, seek out a local PGA professional at a course, or at a driving range/ practice facility. Remember, there���s no shame in having instruction as a beginner. Even touring professionals bring their coaches on the road from time to time.

What course should I play? At the beginning, you may want to visit a driving range/ practice facility. Get familiar with how to hit the ball with no pressure on you. This is a game to have fun. You���ll get there, trust me.

Next week, we���ll discuss golf clubs (equipment) and a few terms. I���ll end each volume with a golf term to remember.

See you next week as you start your Links Life.

"Mulligan/Breakfast ball": A mythical term started by golfers signifying starting over after a botched shot. Normally heard on the first tee. There are no ���do-overs��� in golf. Accept your shot as it is and move on.

SPIRITUAL JOURNEY - what do you ache for (part two)

10 More on THE INVITATIONWhat Do You Ache For? Part Two

By Angela Skeete Davis

"It doesn't interest me what you do for a living. I want to know what you ache for, and, if you dream of meeting your heart's longing" 

(The Invitation)

As I continue to talk about what I ache for, from The Invitation; let me reiterate that I ache to experience clarity of emotion so that I can: (1) be happy with who I am and what I do with my life, (2) experience deep, abiding, true love with my family, my friends and a man I can share my life with; and (3) share true, inner happiness with those I love.

Though I do not have a lot of friends, I treasure the ones I have. We have been through good, bad and some very hard times and have managed to stick it out, together. When my husband was killed, my assigned counselor once told me he had never seen a group of friends as caring and kind to each other as my group of friends. I knew it to be true then and I know it to be true now. Times may change and our lives may change but not our love and caring for each other. I firmly believe, it is not the number of friends you have that makes the difference, it is the quality of friendships you keep. That is clarity of emotion.

As for a man in my life. Well, I had a great run with a wonderful man. When he was killed, I believed I would never love like that again. I no longer believe that. I know I have a lot of love to give. I am ready to share all of that with another. That is the longing of my heart. I am looking for a life partner, a soul mate. I want a man who -when he says my name leaves me breathless, when he looks at me I get weak in the knees, and when he kisses me, I tremble with desire. Some say I want it all. That may be, but when I find him, I will give my all to him. Trust, we will share a deep, abiding love that will make others want what we have. And, it will be good. That is clarity of emotion.

Finally, I ache to share true inner happiness with those I love. Now, I know that no one lives in a constant state of happiness. But I also know that I would rather be happy than unhappy. I would rather be inwardly happy than in constant pain. I have been there. I believe we can live a life of true, inner happiness. True, inner happiness acknowledges pain when it comes, learns from it and then lets it go. I want that happiness inside of me. In my heart. In my soul. In my every day experiences. For those I love. That is clarity of emotion.

What is true, inner happiness? I think it is inner satisfaction with the choices we make and how we live our life. It is the ability to look in the mirror without shame or embarrassment. It is having friends and family that matter to you; it is knowing that you matter to someone. It is having hope and faith in something real. It is having purpose in your life. It is having something that you are passionate about. One can be poor but be happy. One can be sick and yet be happy. One can even be alone and be happy. But one cannot be without friends, family, purpose, or someone to love or the love of someone and be happy. Trust, if one is alone and happy, that person knows that the alone-time is, for the most part, by choice.

Inner happiness exists when we are surrounded by things that make us happy and do things that make us smile. Inner happiness is not really a journey that we take, it is the road we take on the journey to where we are going; it is the road we took on our journey to where we are now. You can choose to be unhappy but why would you . Why would anyone willingly choose to be unhappy. I choose, every morning, when I wake up, and every night before I go to bed, to enjoy inner happiness.

Once again, take a moment and search your inner heart, that still small place within you that most of us avoid. Take a close look and ask yourself - what do I ache for? What do I long for? And once you know the answer, take the next step and ask yourself if you are taking the steps necessary for you to achieve what you long for, ache for, I did. I hope you will. Until next week and more of The Invitation, take care of you.

If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.

Henry David Thoreau

DW's Loop

“How can you stay in the Loop, if you aren’t in the Loop?”


Friday
Chi*Town Throwdown @ Lumen
839 W. Fulton Market
Hosted Snow Queen Vodka bar 9-10 PM with RSVP
No cover before 10 PM with RSVP to: info@lumen-chicago.com
http://www.lumen-chicago.com/


Saturday
Funky Couture presents "Booty Luvin"
Victor Hotel
311 N. Sangamon
9pm – 3am
This is Chicago’s premiere of the NYC & LA infamous "Pink Panty party!”
9pm – 10pm VIP Pink Vodka Cocktail Reception Complimentary
Special guest MC for the night Q-TIP
$20 before 11:00 with RSVP
www.funkycouture.net/events


Sunday
Miami Vice Party @ Krem
1750 N. Clark
Doors open at 3 PM
Special of the day: Bacardi flavor bottle service with tableside mojito bar
For VIP table and cabana reservations: 708-769-5555.
http://www.kremchicago.com/


Cocktail “Shot” for the Week – Demon Drop

• ½ oz. Bacardi
• ½ oz. triple sec
• Splash of grenadine, sour mix and cranberry juice
• Mix in a rocks glass and meet you Demon
  

Bonus of the Week – Book your Yacht Now!!
8th Annual Chicago Scene Boat Party
Saturday, August 2nd
Noon - 6 PM, @ The Play Pen
www.chicago-scene.com/cs-parties/boatparty.htm

Japonais: 5 Stars

600 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago
312.822.9600

www.japonaischicago.com
$$$

By Neonu

I have dined at Japonais many times and thoroughly enjoyed every experience. Japonais has locations in New York, Chicago, and Las Vegas. I have only had the pleasure of eating at the Chicago location.

There is no surprise that this is a Chicago diners' favorite. I have been there with friends, coworkers, and out of town guests. Everyone always leaves with a big smile. Japonais serves contemporary Japanese cuisine and Sushi. It's 5 stars for me because it rates excellence in my 3 key categories: food, ambiance/vibe, and service.

Both the architecture and the interior design at Japonais is fabulous. Jeffrey Beers International presents 4 themes in one cohesive restaurant. The red room is more formal looking (I dined here with coworkers). The green room is a bit more casual by very chic (I have dined here with friends); it has indoor and patio tables. Downstairs is the lounge and the riverwalk area. The lounge area rivals any hot lounge in the city. But my absolute fave is the riverwalk area. It is outdoor along the river with lounge seating makes me feel like I am in Miami. And you know I love Miami. No better to place to be on a warm Chicago night then the Japonais river walk.

The food is exceptional. The sushi is superb quality and freshness. The menu is extensive and is not limited to sushi or seafood. The Kobe beef entree is delicious. Other favorites of mine are the tuna sashimi, the chef's special rolls, and the lobster spring rolls. Must haves are the Manju buns, homemade steamed buns with braised pork and scallions with a pineapple sweet and sour sauce, and The Rock, thinly sliced NY strip steak that you cook to your preference via a very hot rock.

But what I, and most other people, truly love about Japonais is that it is an upscale, fine dining restaurant and lounge with out all the pretension that usually accompanies this type of restaurant/lounge. The service is remarkable. I left my sweater at my table and my server literally ran down my cab to return it to me. I mean really, now that's exceptional service!

Dating Dimes* on a Dime in DC

*slang noun in relation to physical beauty in place of a "perfect ten"

17. Remedial English

By Howard Westmoreland

In my case, the single greatest challenge to dating is inter-gender communications. I have always had that trouble. The more time I spend with a woman ��� the more we like each other - the more cumbersome it becomes to express (some) ideas. Intimate ideas. The more important the thought, the harder it is to communicate it effectively. It is a hard thing to accept, but I think it is sort of true.

I am celebrating my 37th Earth orbit around the Sun. It has been a pretty good run, so far. But for each lap, a year is appended to my age. It���s a relative measurement. I mean, there are folks who think I am still too young to fret, while others call me mister and defer to me as an elder. But I am beginning to wonder if I am putting together enough wisdom to approach 40. In particular, am I any better at being in a relationship ��� being a boyfriend? And if not how will I prepare to one day be a good husband? I mean, I really don���t have a reliable metric.

And there are times where I find myself, you know, talking to the woman that I am seeing ��� and I feel like I am playing ���The Telephone Game���.

First, you know, I tell myself what I am going to say. That is called ���Preparing the Message���. Then I say it. This is, of course, ���Delivery of the Message.���

More times than I like to admit, I discover the message that she heard is not what I told myself to say, or I don���t think it reflects what I said.

I usually have about three chances to ���Deliver the Message���, peacefully. The fourth delivery iteration typically means that I have lost all hope of ever getting the message through. Any further attempts will lead to an argument. Tears, perhaps.

There ought to be a class. You know, like at the community college that would train guys to speak effective dating English. In fact, the course would be called Effective Dating English.

I don���t know if I would enroll, but the class ought to be offered. I couldn���t imagine a man walking into a room that declares that he is not competent to talk to women, but I know that I am not alone in this struggle. But (sigh) man. I feel like I am too old to admit the problem, publicly. Remember when people found out that there were college athletes who had graduated, but were completely illiterate?

Anyway, the shortcoming must be mine. If I can learn to say ���I think that���s too expensive��� in Spanish, then I am sure I can learn to say it in Effective Dating English. If I can say ���Um, I don���t know about that������ in French, then I am sure I can learn to say it in Effective Dating English. If I have learned to say ���Beautiful, that is a crazy idea��� in Italian, I should be able to articulate it in Effective Dating English.

What if Effective Dating English (EDE) became a standard means of sharing with your lady notions like: ���I will be home late. I am having a beer after work.��� Or even, ���I am so tired, baby. Do you mind rubbing my back?���

Can you imagine the unity, goodwill and love facilitated between dating folks all over this country? Plus, I would get rich. ���Effective Dating English��� would be a best seller -- and on Oprah���s Book Club list, would it not?

Okay. Whoa. Settle down. Before we get too ambitious, we have to build an EDE vocabulary. OK? If you don���t mind, I would like to skip right into the B���s. How do we say, ���Budget?���

The Gage: 4 Stars

24 S. Michigan, Chicago
312.372.4243
http://www.thegagechicago.com/
$$

By Neonu

The Gage is located across the street from Millennium Park. The Gage is known as a gastropub.* More commonly stated, it is an upscale, comfort food restaurant and bar. The food is very good. I absolutely loved the fried chicken livers, which were served with the perfect mustard sauce. Both the prime rib and salmon were hits with my group. Whatever you decide to order, you must add a side of chips with or without the mayo.

Prices are reasonable and the vibe is business casual (jeans are welcome, but this place is a step up from a casual dining).

The service at The Gage is very good. This is particularly noticeable, because The Gage is generally very busy. The Gage is a 300-seat restaurant with a separate bar area (but no bar hooks) and outdoor seating. They serve lunch, dinner, and brunch. Thursday and Friday evening the professional after work crowd crowds into The Gage for evening cocktails. The beer selection is very good and the bartenders are friendly and knowledgeable.

The Gage has risen to the top of my comfort food list.

* A gastropub is a British term for a public house ("pub") which specializes in high-quality food a step above the more basic "pub grub." (See Wikipedia)

This Week in Atlanta

Thursday, July 17 - 20
The Fine Art Fair of the National Black Arts Festival
July 17 Preview Party with Premium Cocktails, Hor's d'oeuvres, and Live Jazz.
Time: 7pm - 10pm
Location: Mason Murer Fine Art, 199 Armour Drive, Atlanta, GA 30324
Tickets: http://www.embraceatl.com/

Chicago's Gallery Guichard can be found at booth 10.

O' Corner: Squash (A 3-Part Series)

It's that time of year when we welcome summer vegetables back into our menus. I had begun to feel like I was eating the same ones over and over. However, while at the super market the other day, I realized I had neglected one of the healthiest and most delicious veggie we can eat. When fall first arrives, I add acorn squash to the menu two to three times a week. But then it gradually disappears from the meal planning. I would like to share with you some suggestions for wonderful side dishes using a vegetable that is now available in most markets year round. Squash. There are many different and equally delicious varieties. I have 3 different types to heartily recommend. Best of all, they are simple and fast.

MAPLE-GLAZED ACORN SQUASH

• 2 (1 1/4 pound) acorn squashes
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  

Heat oven to 450 degrees. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray. Cut each squash in half and scoop out the seeds. Cut into wedges about 1 inch thick. (Use the natural curve of the squash as a guide.) Brush the cut sides lightly with the canola oil and place cut sides down on the baking sheet. Roast 15 minutes. Whisk together maple syrup, soy sauce and rice vinegar. Brush it on the cut sides of the squash and return to the oven for another 15 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork. (If the glaze begins to burn, drape the squash lightly with foil.) MAKES 4 SERVINGS.

Next Week Lemon Parmesan Spaghetti Squash

UNTIL NEXT WEDNESDAY, REMEMBER, KEEP IT SIMPLE AND FAST.

ANGELA'S IPOD

LIV WARFIELD
EMBRACE ME 2006/2007
4.5 Stars

From the first notes of the funky bass line you know you are in for a treat. Then, the husky, sultry tones of Liv Warfield joins the beat and you smile. Who knew such warm, sexiness could emerge from Portland, Oregon, her home town. Nevertheless, this newcomer is a force to be reckoned with. She is terrific and her potential is unlimited, especially if her first album is any indication of what is in store for us.

Listening to her CD will clearly be a sultry journey. And, sure enough, off you go on a slow, warm, lush journey into the heart and soul of a true chanteuse. Liz Warfield can sing. She blends rhythm and blues, neo-soul and hip-hop with a body and fullness few others can touch. And, she can scat. I’ve read reviews that describe her as “a singer who organically blends classic soul, electric rock, sultry rhythm and straight-up sexy blues like Tina Turner—and it’s only the beginning.” they couldn’t be more accurate.

Her CD features a collection of sexy, mid-tempo grooves that can be enjoyed from beginning to end. Her lyrical clarity, incredible vocal conviction and timeless arrangements are brilliant and the musical composition is lush and funky. Her very first track, “ABC’s”, starts with a great bass line and features Bernard “Pretty” Purdie on the drums. It is a good track to start with as it sets the tone for the rest of the CD. “Work For Me“, “Waiting”, and “Sophisticated Sista” are each a mid-tempo, band driven, soul-sounding, heavy groove that captivates you, and her slower tunes - “Feeling Lonely”, “Time”, and “I Decided” are beautiful, soft and intimate. But my favorite, is the title track, "Embrace Me." It is soft, sensual and warm. Especially when she croons, "can a woman want, can a woman get a little bit of your precious feelings." You can tell she is sharing a little bit of her softer, intimate self.

Liv Warfield is a real artist and I am glad to hear at least some of her music being played. With Liv, there is just pure talent. Her songs are powerfully-sung celebrations of happiness and the lyrics are nicely written, meaningful and expressive. My suggestion, check out Ms. Liv Warfield. Whether she’s passionately belting out a groove tune or whispering a love ballad, the singer’s heart is clearly true and her passion is front and center.

Check her out at http://www.livmymusic.com/

This Week in Chicago

Monday, July 14

Enjoy a FREE CONCERT from the Pritzker Pavilion Great Lawn, featuring Olympians and Olympic sports demonstrations, members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Latin guitar sensation The Bandoleros, Chicago tenor Rodrick Dixon, Hubbard Street Dance, Cirque Shanghai, the Christ Universal Temple Gospel Choir.

Time: Demonstrations start at 4:30 pm, and Olympic gymnast Bart Conner hosts the show, starting at 8:00pm. Seats also available for sale at http://www.Chicago2016.org/July14/.

Come down and support Chicago's dream to bring the Olympic and Paralympic games here in 2016.

Tuesday, July 15
Julia Huff @ M Lounge, 1520 S. Wabash
Time: 7pm -10pm
Price: No Cover

Chicago native Julia Huff has been compared to musical starlets like Sarah Vaughn, Nancy Wilson, Carmen McRae, and even Tina Turner and Gladys Knight. Her engaging interaction with the audience will make you feel like you are part of the performance, not just listening to it. The sizzling hot Julia Huff Trio will leave you wanting more long after the show is over.

Wednesday, July 16

Run to the Bar - Cocktails for a Cause
Come out for Cocktails and meet me Neonu to raise funds for a great cause, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago.
Hosted by Neonu, Nikki, Gabe, and Tracy; Sounds by DJ Groove
Location: La Pomme Rouge (5 Stars), 108 W. Kinzie
Time: 6pm - 10pm

Thursday, July 17
Crimson Lounge (3.5 Stars) Opening 2.0
Crimson Lounge celebrates its 1-year anniversary. Sounds by DJ Kiss and performance by Belmont Burlesque
Location: Hotel Sax, 333 N. Dearborn
Time: 10pm - 2am
Click Here for more info.

This Week in DC

Monday, July 14
Screen on the Green
Monday nights in July and August mean free movies on the National Mall. Movie classics are projected on a 20-by-40-foot screen.
Time: Dusk between 8:30pm and 9pm
Location: the National Mall

July 14: Dr. NO (1962)
July 21 - The Candidate (1972)
July 28 - Arsenic and Old Lace (1944)
August 4 - The Apartment (1960)
August 11 - Superman (1978)

Seersucker & Sundress: Ivies & Pearls Edition
700 12th St. N.W.
6pm - 12am
All tickets MUST be purchased in advance at http://ccc.cooleremail.com/go2.shtml?9iYx1rpL4mPDzsmc/6c1d0c2f39ce0e9a/d23008d8014c4218/nj@neonujewell.com

Tuesday, July 15

Chocolate Tasting Class by chocolatier Robert Kingsbury of Artfully Chocolate Kingsbury Confections (ACKC)

Location: ACKC CoCoa Bar at 1529 C 14th St N.W., 2005

Time: 6:30 pm

Cost: $25

Thursday, July 24
"Fashion Fights Poverty "Dress Responsibly with Style" Kick-Off"
Cocktail Party Host: Pamela Lynne Sorensen
6:00pm at Barney's Co-Op Georgetown
To see more details and to RSVP: http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=18779323278

PLAY IT AS IT LIES

CRAB MEADOW GOLF COURSE: 4 stars
220 Waterside Road
Northport, NY 11768
631-757-8800

By Jeff

I really need to stay at home right now. And I guess, at times, I suffer from a healthy sense of "homeland curiosity." Do you know what I mean? Do you ever feel the need to know what���s on the other side of the fence? What other courses can you travel to close to home? Well, I recently found out, I can stay right at home and satisfy my voracious golf appetite. Out in Long Island, NY, in the town of Huntington, is a real gem of a golf course called Crab Meadow. It may not be the longest course available, at only 6574 yards from the back tees, but please, don���t be fooled. This course will make you play the game. And, if you like to try to pull off shots you see on television, you will definitely want to come to Crab Meadow.

This course is loaded with several elevation changes and doglegs, both left and right turning. The signature hole, is the 8th, which is a par 5. It���s the only hole on the course with a water hazard in play. Let���s put it this way, Crab Meadow is the essence of classic shot maker���s golf. Have you ever heard a player say ���this course doesn���t fit my eye?��� Well, Crab Meadow fits every eye. The one adjective you could never attribute to this course is, boring. And, aside from the serpentine layout, every hole, except one, treats you with a view of the north shore of the Long Island Sound. On a clear day, you can see all the way across the sound to Connecticut.

In case you like to arrive early to warm up, there is a driving range, and a practice putting green. Also, the snack shop and The View Restaurant, on the premises, offer extremely tasty treats. You know, with escalating gas prices these days, it may not be a bad thing to explore your home. Rest assured, the Crab Meadow staff works extremely hard to make sure your visit is enjoyable from start, to finish. It sort of feels like you���ve sat down at your mother���s for Sunday dinner .... you know it���s going to be good! Come home to Long Island, NY and Crab Meadow Golf Course. It feels like a family reunion. Remember as always, play it as it lies.


Recommendation: 4 Stars
Current Price: Week $65, Weekend Same
Par 72, Slope 71.6, Rating 125, Yardage 6574
Address: 220 Waterside Road - Northport, NY 11768
Website: http://www.crabmeadow.com

SPIRITUAL JOURNEY - what do you ache for (part one)

.09 More on THE INVITATION: What do you ache for?

by Angela

It doesn't interest me what you do for a living. I want to know what you ache for, and, if you dream of meeting your heart's longing.


This is so simple for me. I ache to experience clarity of emotion so that I can: (1) be happy with who I am and what I do with my life, (2) experience deep, abiding, true love with my family, my friends and a man I can share my life with; and (3) share true, inner happiness with those I love. I dream of meeting my heart's longing every day of my life, every chance I can- just for the fun of it.

As I have said in the past. I was a shadow of my self for many years. Then one day, without warning, I threw off my shell and ventured back into the real world. In doing so, I realized that, at least in a sense, I was beginning a whole, new phase of my life. With that realization, I chose to examine who I was and what I wanted. I knew I wanted to be my highest self, the best me I could be and so I began traveling this road of self-improvement. I began to really examine my life and my emotions. It was with a little anxiety and a modicum of trepidation that I searched my heart. I knew it would mean change and that is hard for me. I knew it would mean being honest with myself about myself and my emotions. Nevertheless, I dared to enter grounds that were previously uncharted. There, I discovered my heart's true longings and the thing that makes me ache - clarity of emotion.

Emotions are strange things. They can lie to us about the world and our place in it. They can deceive us and play tricks on our mind. If we do not take the time to get in touch with them, we can lose perspective, sometimes trusting them exclusively and often to our detriment. Emotions can also be based on false reality - things that are not necessarily true (although they may be true for us). Alternatively, if we close them up or ignore them, when we open them up again, they become one big mass of contradictions and confusion.

We question them, even when they are real, because we have forgotten how to trust them and when to trust them. So clarity of emotion is a good thing. It means our emotions have been examined, considered and put into proper perspective. For me, it means I am becoming more open with them; that I consider them, that I am beginning to know how and when to trust them. Clarity of emotion allows us to seek to experience the emotions that we need in our life and then to appreciate their reality when we finally experience them. For me, that is love of family, friends and a man I choose to share my life with.

Love of family, friends and a man has become more important to me as I have matured. Everyday, when I pray, I say thank you for my family, I pray them joy, happiness, peace and the manifestation of their dream lives. I also thank God for their presence in my life and pray that we continue to grow together, that our familial bonds may be strengthened by love and kindness, gentleness and forgiveness. We have not always been close though we have always loved each other. I think it has taken time and maturity for us to appreciate all that each of us has been through and to accept each other, flawed and imperfect. I think we have all come to realize that love is the greatest gift we can give each other. I know I have! That is what comes of clarity of emotion.

That's it for this week. I will continue my thoughts on this part of The Invitation next week. In the meantime, examine your heart. What do you ache for? Are you taking steps to reach your heart's longing? Remember, this is the only life you have and this is the time to go for it Take a chance and reach for your heart's longings. The worst is to wake up and realize you have wasted days on everything but what is important to You. So... GO FOR IT!

If life is a waste of time and time is a waste of life, lets all get wasted and have the time of our lives.

author unknown

DW's Loop

���How can you stay in the Loop, if you aren���t in the Loop?���

Friday
Progressive Life & Style Magazine, Scion, Frank 151, Fusicology and The Movement
present...Shala & Mo. B's Friday Night
Sonotheque
1444 W. Chicago Ave
Live Painting by Hebru
Video painting by Nem Perez.
RSVP @ www.plsmag.com


Religion Welcomes Chii Clothing/ Famiglia Entertainment
720 N Wells (Penthouse Level)
DJ Tony Arzadon and DJ Ryan
$5 Effen Blackcherry Bombs/ $6 Effen Cocktails/ $175 Effen Bottles
www.religionchicago.com


Saturday
Inaugural Blues Day Festival
Congress Theater
2135 N. Milwaukee
9am to 11:30 pm
Cover: $20-$40
Part of the proceeds benefit Blues Kids of America and the Koko Taylor Foundation.
www.bluesdayfestival.com

Seductive Saturdays @ Citizen
364 W Erie
Hosted by Tryst
Ladies pay no cover all night and guys are free till 12 and 1/2 after.
Half priced bottles before 12 through Tryst.
RSVP @ http://www.trystnightlife.com/event/rsvp/117


Sunday
Sunday Sessions at Joe's Patio on Weed Street
940 W Weed Street
12pm ��� 12am
DJ Finesse, Victor R, and Guest DJ Adrienne From Crobar spin
Joe���s on Weed Street has one of the largest patio���s in the city
Snow Queen Bottles for $150


Wine Tasting @ Lush Wine & Spirits
1306 S. Halsted St
Free wine tasting from 2pm - 5pm


Cocktails for the Week
The Windy City Breeze

• 1 part Absolut Vodka
• 1 part Cranberry Juice
• 2 dashes of Grapefruit Juice
• Pour over ice in a Collins glass.
• Garnish with an orange wedge.
  

Tropical Champagne

• 3/4 oz dark rum
• 3/4 oz orange juice
• 2 - 3 dashes passion-fruit syrup
• 2 - 3 dashes lemon juice
• 4 oz Champagne
  

Shake all ingredients (except champagne) well over ice cubes in a shaker. Strain into a champagne flute. Carefully fill with champagne, and serve.


Bonuses of the Week

Monday, July 14, 2008
The Chicago 2016 Committee presents: Chicago Believes @ Millenium Park
This free evening celebration begins at 4:30pm on the Great Lawn
Performances by the Bandoleros, members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Christ Universal Temple Gospel choir, Cirque Shanghai, etc��� begins @ 7:30pm
The program will also showcase historic Olympic moments that have a connection to Chicago and include a send-off to members of the Team USA.
For more information http://www.chicago2016.org/july14/
http://www.chicago2016.org/news/pages/chicago2016hostschicagobelieves.aspx

Thursday July 17, 2008
Crimson Lounge Grand Opening 2.0
333 N Dearborn
Celebrating their Year Anniversary
The Celebration Kicks off at 10pm and continues until 2am.
Sounds by DJ KISS & live performances by BELMONT BURLESQUE
http://www.crimsonchicago.com/evites/crl0102_grand2/index.html