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

This Week in Atlanta

Tuesday, July 15
French Beer Tasting @ JOEL
Location: 3290 Northside Parkway, Atlanta
Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm
404.233.3500

Chef Cyrille Holota will toast summer with a four-course beer dinner. The opening reception begins at 6:30 p.m. Dinner will be served at 7:00 p.m. Chef Cyrille Holota’s menu will be paired with French beers selected by Sommelier Perrine Prieur. The price is $85 per person for the French fare and beer pairings (tax and gratuity not included).

Tuesdays - September 2
Canine Cocktail Hour
Hotel Indigo Atlanta
638 Peachtree St. NE, Midtown
Time: 5pm - 8pm
404.874.9200

Cocktails for owners and free treats for doggies. Pictures for both.