Dating Dimes* on a Dime in DC

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

16. Leading Economic Indicators

By Westmoreland

Frankly, I am a little price-sensitive, today. My American Express activity has come home to roost. It turns out that Treva���s big Miami birthday bash will also be my birthday gift to myself, as well as this year���s Christmas present to everybody else. Happy Kwanzaa! Between the trip, and chating (being chaste & dating), I won���t be positioned to house hunt until November, at least.

���Chates��� (chaste + date) costs the same as ���dates��� without any of the upside advantages that I have come to associate with standard dating. I don���t have a qualm with intimate, pre-intimacy dining at a nice restaurant. And I have never quibbled over price. And as a gentleman, I feel obliged to ensure that the experience of a lifetime be visited upon a woman with a full stomach. For some physical experiences you are advised against eating, like immediately prior to launching a rocket to the Moon. But in raw physical terms, the gravitation on the third floor of my building is standard, so I take full responsibility for my guests��� response to the ensuing centrifugal forces, or high velocity Gs.

But eating out, prior to fooling around, is expensive. With my chating fund competing with my housing fund, it has become crucial.

Not one to complain without making recommendations, I have decided to spearhead a pricing policy for those who are paying for something, but not getting any. If you are not going all the way, why pay for all of the bill? Quite simply, I am leveraging the use of baseball signals to indicate discounting, based on the bases that I will be running after dinner.

Clever and easy! When the waiter comes over indicate to him, before he calculates the bill, with one of the following:

I am going to First base. After dinner, she gives me 1 kiss
on the mouth: Please discount 30%.

I am going to Third base. 10% off. I am getting warmer.

She doesn���t even have to know. Ladies, however, if your date makes this signal before dinner,

no discounts required.

This Week in Chicago

Wednesday, July 9

Summer Breeze Jazz Concert Series

Featuring: The Marqueal Jordan Project

Location: Red Kiva, 1108 W. Randolph

Time: 6pm - 9pm

Cost: Free

Events by Eve brings you the Summer Breeze Concert Series each Wednesday. Red Kiva is a great venue for Jazz. Stop by after work and enjoy cool jazz with cool people.



Friday, July 11

G.R. N'Namdi Gallery Presents: Antonio Carreno, "Nueva Luz, levels of thought" July 11 - August 30

Artist Reception Tonight
6pm - 9pm
110 N. Peoria
312.563.9240
http://www.grnnamdi.com/




Saturday, July 12

McDonald's L.A.T.E. Ride

Bikers get ready, the Saturday night/Sunday morning ride is here! Up to 10,000 Bikers will meet at Buckingham Fountain to ride 25 miles to benefit Chicago Parks. The ride is sponsored by McDonald's and there will be live music, refreshments, and more to inspire and entertain the riders.

Click Here for registration and other event details.

O' Corner

PIZZA WITH SHRIMP AND ASPARAGUS

For a simple but flavorful meal to enjoy with a good movie.

• 1 (10 ounce) precooked whole-wheat pizza crust. Such as Boboli
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 12 ounces shrimp, peeled
• 8 ounces asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 3 plum tomatoes, cut lengthwise into 1/4inch slices (about 8 ounces)
• 1/2 cup shredded light mozzarella
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan

Heat oven to 450 degrees. Place the crust on an ungreased baking sheet. Heat the oil in a large, nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook 2 minutes on each side, or until nearly cooked through. Transfer to a plate. Add the asparagus to the skillet and cook 3 minutes, or until bright green and crisp-tender. (If the pan seems too dry, add 2 tbs. of water). Remove from pan. Distribute tomato slices evenly over surface of crust, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the perimeter. Top with shrimp and asparagus. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over top and bake until cheese is melted and pizza is heated through, about 8 minutes. Makes 4 servings.

Remember, until next Wednesday, keep it simple and fast.

This Week in South Florida

Wednesday, July 9- July 13
12th Annual Zo's Summer Groove
Alonzo Mourning and Dwayne Wade host a five day weekend event for the entire family that includes concerts, comedy, golf, youth summit and basketball clinics, free block party, benefit dinner, parties and more. Proceeds will benefit Alonzo Mourning Charities and Wade's World Foundation.

Click Here for details and tickets.

Friday, July 11- July 13
16th Annual International Mango Festival
Location: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, 10901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables
Time: Festival is July 12 -13, 9:30am - 4:30 pm
The festival will feature everything for the mango lover—mango tree sales, lectures on how to grow mangos, mango medics, displays of more than 200 mangos from Fairchild nurseries, the International Fruit Market, mango smoothies, a children's program that includes a mango puppet show, mango theater and cooking demonstrations.

Friday, July 11: Mango Safari Costume Party
Sunday, July 13: Mango Brunch

Click Here for more info about the Festival, Costume Party, and Brunch.

Second and Fourth Fridays of the Month
Broadwalk Friday Fest
Location: Hollywood Beach Theater
Time: 7pm - 10pm
Cost: Free Admission
Oceanside musical performance series at the outdoor Hollywood Beach Theater.
July 11: The Greens and Blues, Celtic Blues

Click Here for full schedule.

Friday, July 18
FULL MOON JAZZ NIGHT
Location: Hollywood Beach Theater
Time: 6:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Live jazz & entertainment under a spectacular full moon.
July 18: Hear Sound of Vision a contemporary Jazz band and the Afro-Cuban Jazz Fusion sound of Oriente.

Click Here for full schedule

Sundays
Re-Coup Sundays
Acqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach
17875 Collins Ave, Sunny Isles Beach, FL
Time: 4pm - until

Presented by Floyd Raglin & Ron Gibbs. Music by DJ Selfborn. Special performance by John Saxx.
FOR TABLE OR CABANA RESERVATIONS PLEASE EMAIL:floyddrama@aol.com or rongibbs1@mac.com

ANGELA'S IPOD

INTERPRETATIONS: CELEBRATING THE MUSIC OF EARTH, WIND, AND FIRE
Various Artists (2007)
3 Stars

What can I say, this is supposed to be an interpretation of the Best of Earth, Wind and Fire. And while I did enjoy this CD, there was little about it that was innovative. Most of the artists played it safe and sung the songs the way they were originally performed by Earth, Wind and Fire (EWF). I am not complaining, but I thought I was going to hear EWF with a modern flair and the lack thereof was disappointing. But perhaps that is because it is hard to improve upon perfection.

That said, I must admit that I do like the CD. The voices are enjoyable and the music is, as it should be, inspiring. My favorites are Kirk Franklin, Ledisi, The Randy Watson Experience, Dwele, Mint Condition and Musiq Soulchild. Kirk Franklin brought his spirit and life to “September.” The funky gospel choir sound really worked for this song. I loved the vocals of Ledisi in “Devotion” and the fun of “Can’t Hide Love” as interpreted by The Randy Watson Experience. Mint Condition enhanced the beauty and gentleness of “After The Love Is Gone” and while Dwele and Musiq Soulchild did not do new versions of “That’s The Way of The World” and “Reasons” respectively, their renderings were strong and memorable. “Fantasy”, a true interpretation by Meshell Ndegeocello was innovative and very interesting.

So, if you like Earth, Wind, and Fire and want to hear it performed by the artists of our time, pick up this CD. It will not set your heart on fire but it will create a spark that will keep you smiling, for at least a while.

This Week in DC

Tuesday, July 8

The Best of Washington Party

Hosted by Washingtonian Magazine

Location: The National Building Museum, 440 G St. N.W., 20001

Time: 7pm - 10pm

Price: Click here for Ticket info (tickets available at the door)

Straight Up: All About Rum

Location: National Museum of Natural History Atrium Cafe', 10th & Constitution Avenue, NW

Time: 6:45 - 8:45 pm

Price: Member: $45; General: $60

Through guided tastings, learn the differences among light rums, aged rums, and rhum agricole, and explore regional variations.

Click Here for more info

Wednesday, July 9 - July 12

2008 Washington D.C. Hip-Hop Theater Festival

Location: Varies

Price: All events are FREE, but reservations are encouraged.

The Hip-Hop Theater Festival strives to invigorate the fields of theater and Hip-Hop by,"nurturing the creation of innovative work within the Hip-Hop aesthetic; presenting and touring American and international artists whose work addresses the issues relevant to the Hip-Hop generation; and serving young, urban communities through outreach and education that celebrates contemporary language and culture. "

Click Here for details about events and locations.

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

ANGST AMONG FRIENDS

03: THE MINIMALIST vs THE PACK RAT

By Angela

OK, so I had a conversation the other day about people like me - pack rats. I am a pack rat. But I am a small-time pack rat. I have managed to surround myself with things I love: art, books, music, plants and games. Most people find my home warm and inviting, but a few people have commented on the number of things in my house. There is an explanation for the quantity. I went from a large house to a much smaller apartment. With the move, I actually got rid of a lot of clutter from my life and it was very cathartic for me. But I kept the things that really matter to me. I am happy with what I have. I don’t want or need anything new, at least for now. Therefore, in my opinion, there is no clutter in my home, just the things I love.

However, the person I had the discussion with said that a home filled with as many things as I have is the sign of an indecisive person; a person who can’t let go of things. I disagreed but was not in the mood to argue (which, normally, I love to do) and so let the issue drop.

But I have been thinking about this and the more I think about it, the more I disagree. I am decisive and I can let go. Being decisive is what I have spent the last eleven years of my life doing and letting go is what I have spent the last two years of my life doing. I have let go of pain, I have let go of clothes, shoes, games, books, mementos and other knick-knacks that no longer have any significance to me. But, if my desire to surround myself with things I love means I am indecisive and can’t let go, does that mean minimalists are commitment-phobic? Does it mean that they are indecisive?

I think my home shows my ability to become committed to something. It shows I become attached to the things I care for. It shows loyalty. It means that in my personal life I can make and keep commitments. It shows I am committed to the people I care about. It shows I am loyal to those I love and am not quick to discard relationships or people.

If I go along with my critic, the opposite must be true about minimalists. They are impulsive and stubborn, unable to commit, unable or unwilling to become attached. They have nothing in their homes because they are indecisive. They are afraid to get involved, afraid to show an interest in something and quick to discard people and relationships. And if those statements are true, does that mean minimalists have few friends, don’t make friends easily, form attachments rarely and reluctantly? Does it mean they run from commitment?

Isn’t it Albert Einstein who said, “ "If a cluttered desk signs a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?"

Let me know what you think it means to be a pack rat or a minimalist. If you agree or disagree. Then, look around your home with a discerning eye. Are you too cluttered? If so, go through your things and get rid of any items that no longer hold any significance for you. Experience the sense of freedom it can bring. Remember, letting go grants you permission to begin something new.

If you are a minimalist, ask yourself why. Be totally honest with yourself. You may find that your minimalism may have more to do with reluctance towards emotional attachment than any thing else. That realization will be very cleansing. Maybe that will be your freedom to open yourself up to new and possibly meaningful attachments. If nothing else, maybe it will help you to put new paint on your walls.

There are things that we never want to let go of, people we never want to leave behind. But keep in mind that letting go isn’t the end of the world, it’s the beginning of a new life.
-- Author Unknown

DW's Loop

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


Friday
The Original V5 First Friday Independence @ Excalibur Night club 632 N Dearborn
9:00pm to 4am 6 Rooms, 6 Dance floors, 16 Bars
RSVP @ http://baila.com/v5group-chicago


Saturday
Sensual Saturdays @ Brando's
343 S. Dearborn10pm-3am
DJ Residents Jozana + Steve Maxwell with guests.
Soulful House Sessions


Sunday
Sunday Sessions @ Joe's Patio on Weed Street
940 W. Weed
No Cover
Hosted by Surreal and Snow Queen Vodka
http://www.surrealchicago.com/


Cocktail for the Week ��� C��roc Blue Ocean
Ingredients

• 1 oz. C��roc Vodka


• .5 oz. Blue Curacao


• .25 oz. grapefruit juice


• Splash simple syrup

Directions:

• Pour ingredients in a shaker


• Shake with crushed ice


• Strain into champagne flute


• Garnish with a white orchid, Enjoy!

Bonus of the Week - Diva Series at JBar: Kerry Knee of Flirty Girl Fitness
Thursday, 7/10, 8 PM
JBar
610 N. Rush
312-660-7200
Kerry Knee, co-owner of the stylish and sexy workout spot Flirty Girl Fitness is the latest to be featured at the Diva Series at Jbar.
DJ Jesse De La Pena is the maestro for the eve
RSVP to Andy@jameshotels.com
http://www.stargointhecity.com/

Click here for more weekend activities. Happy Fourth of July!!!

The Taste of Chicago is Here!

June 27 - July 6


It's time for the much anticipated annual Taste of Chicago with cuisines from more than 65 restaurants (this year expect more options for the health conscious), activities for family, and an outstanding line-up of music performances.

Location:
Grant Park, 300 S. Columbus Drive

Hours:
Opens at 11:00 a.m., food & beverage ticket sales end at 8:30 p.m., closes at 9:00 p.m.
July 3rd & 4th food & beverage ticket sales end at 9:00 p.m. and the event closes at 9:30 p.m.
On the final day, July 6th, the 2008 Taste of Chicago food & beverage ticket sales end at 5:30 p.m. and closes at 6 p.m.

Food & Drinks Tickets:
Food and drinks are sold by tickets only. Tickets are sold in strips of 12 for $8 at the festival. Each vendor has the food prices posted on their booth. More than 200 different food items are available at the event, with no food item costing more than 10 tickets. “Taste of” portions are available for 1-4 tickets.
Main Stage Performances at the Petrillo Music Shell:
Friday, June 27 at 5:30 p.m. CHAKA KHAN & ANGIE STONE
Saturday, June 28 at 5:30 p.m. STEVIE WONDER

Review (by Neonu)
I attended both of these shows. The Chaka and Angie concert was 4 hours of great entertainment. Both songstresses looked good and sounded even better. Chaka still has it (even though she forgot a few words - must say I was quite surprised) and she sang all her hits.

Now Stevie Wonder was an experience not to be missed. So those of you who missed it, sorry. You should not have. A true multi-cultural, multi-racial, multi-age crowd came out in record numbers to hear Stevie perform for almost 3 hours. It was a 3 hour party. In a word - AWESOME!!


Sunday, June 29 at 5:00 p.m. PLAIN WHITE T'S JOSH KELLEY
Monday, June 30 at 6:00 p.m. BROADWAY IN CHICAGO "Taste" of the Best of Broadway headlined by the casts of Chicago's own JERSEY BOYS and WICKED, joined by the Broadway stars of LEGALLY BLONDE, A CHORUS LINE and others.
Tuesday, July 1 at 5:30 p.m. JOSS STONE & RYAN SHAW
Wednesday, July 2 at 5:30 p.m. FANTASIA & ESTELLE
Thursday, July 3 at 8:00 p.m. 28th ANNUAL INDEPENDENCE EVE CONCERT and at 9:30p.m. FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR
Friday, July 4 at 3:00 p.m. GOMEZ OLD 97'S & ALEJANDRO ESCOVEDO and at
9:30 p.m. FIREWORKS
Saturday, July 5 at 5:30 p.m. BONNIE RAITT & DAVE BARNES
Sunday, July 6 at 2:00 p.m. ALY & AJ, A CURSIVE MEMORY & KEKE PALMER

Click Here for more info. See you at the Taste!

O's Corner: Crispy Fries

Two frying sessions make them crispy, but not greasy.

Fries of every sort are now offered by chefs of all kinds. They're being sprinkled with sea salt, grated cheeses, various aromatics, different oils, and sometimes a mixture of these.

The best fries are cut by hand, and fried twice in fresh, clean oil. For crispy, golden brown fries you only need starchy potatoes, oil (I prefer peanut oil) and a heavy, deep pan large enough to hold the oil with space left for bubbling, and a clip-style frying thermometer or a plug in-heat controlled-fry pan.

• The best potatoes for French fries are Idaho russets. Their low water content prevent sogginess.
• You can leave the skin on. Trim the length of each potato, making a flat base to keep them from rolling. Square off the ends. Then slice into 1/4 inch slices. Stack a few slices at a time and slice lengthwise into 1/4 inch wide strips. If they are cut too thick the centers won't cook properly. Soak in cold water for a few hours or as long as 8 hours to remove the starch so they are less likely to stick together. Pat them dry before frying to reduce splatters.
• Use clean, properly hot oil. If oil is not hot enough the potatoes will turn soggy. Too hot and the surfaces will brown before the centers are cooked.
• Cooking them twice at different temperatures is the secret to fries that never feel, taste or look greasy. The first frying - sometimes called blanching - should be at about 325 degrees. The second frying, at 375 degrees or higher, crisps and browns the outside only, leaving the inside soft.
• Don't crown the fryer.
  
• Too many fries cause the temperature of the oil to drop, making the fries soggy. Fry in batches if necessary.

Remember: Keep it simple, keep it fast.

* Recipe by Carole Kotkin

ANGELA'S IPOD

CHRISETTE MICHELE
I AM (2007)
4 Stars

Okay, okay, so most of you have, by now, heard and fallen in love with Chrisette Michele (2008 BET Award nominee). But I would be remiss if I did not mention that she is, indeed, in my iPod and played frequently. I enjoy all of her album. Chrisette Michele may be signed to the hip-hop label, Def Jam, but her music is an old-fashioned blend of R & B and Jazz. This is her debut album, which she also co-wrote, and she establishes herself as an artist, in her own right. While her singing style may call to mind the likes of Erykah Badu, Billie Holiday or Jill Scott, her well-polished voice is as bright and sunny as her apparent outlook on life. She is fresh and exciting and I hope she sticks around.

On “I Am“, Chrisette successfully incorporates R&B, hip-hop and jazz. Some songs, like the opening track, "Like a Dream," sound more like a jazz jam and other songs are "unabashed odes to a bygone era." For instance, on "Golden," she sings about yearning for a committed relationship: "I'm so ready to be like the olden days when commitment was golden."
A couple of songs on the album are hip hop-influenced: the up-beat "Be OK," and the feel-good party song "Let's Rock." With this song, she gives you a clue to her music mentors, she sings: “Wanna rock with the Chris on the microphone? I was studying Miss Billie, Miss Ella, Miss Sarah Vaughan>" There’s "Good Girl," a catchy, bass and percussion-driven jam. It proves that you can actually make a song about being a good person that's compelling.

Chrisette knows how to work a song and her voice. She resonates on “Let’s Rock”, sounds rich on the bossa nova inspired “Best Of Me” and soothes on the lullaby-like “Your Joy”, which is written about her father. Chrisette sings beautifully about how much this man means to her. Most impressive was that she chose to sing a song that was not about sex, money, drugs or having, needing, wanting or getting over a man. Not that she doesn’t sing about some of those themes. She does sing songs of love, fidelity and commitment. On ''Be OK,'' featuring Will.I Am, of The Black Eyed Peas, Chrisette sings ''Imma' take my Lexus to the mall, Get a little black dress just because,'' which is about starting over after losing an old lover.

Chrisette stands out because she is a talented singer, writes her own music, and plays the piano. She has a deep, seductive vocal range, rich, jazzy tones and her lyrics showcase the fresh, sunny optimism of youth. Although this is her debut album, this talented 25-year-old has the potential to be a real force in today's "modern jazz/neo-soul" genre. Her album has an old-school sound, style and sensibility, despite being only in her mid-20s. If you're a fan of old-fashioned R & B and jazz music with lots of positive emotions, then this is the album for you.

Check her out at: www.chrisettemichele.com