Going into detail about every NFL uniform to review them and put into a tier list. In my third and final video of the series we’ll be reviewing the best NFL uniforms.
Bacon is a SAG-AFTRA actor and comedian who lives in Chicago, IL. He performs improv regularly around the city and hosts the podcast Adam Sandler Please Stop.
Show Me Chicago previews, reviews and expresses opinions on what’s happening in Chicago from Blockbuster Theater, to what’s new in dining, arts, and the neighborhoods.
Hey guys! Welcome to the official launch of “Styling with The Heath Dolls” We are 3 year old twins who love to express ourselves through fashion! In fact, we believe that “Style is our Super Power” and our goal is to concur the world one look at a time! We can’t wait to bring you so many fun and trendy outfit ideas while also introducing some of our favorite boutiques, department stores, and brands to you.
Today we’ll be showing you three fun ways to rock denim! That’s right, denim looks don’t have to be boring. It’s important to have fun and try new ideas We appreciate you being here and want to see you come back. Please be sure to subscribe to our blog to be notified when our next one goes live. Also, please let us know what you think of our looks in the comments and feel free to give us suggestions on what you would like to see next. We love you all and always remember that “Style is your Super Power”
Let’s start with this amazing denim jacket. It boasts a classic medium wash denim that would pair good with so many things. The flower embellishment and silver draping tassel on the shoulders give it that unique wow factor! For this look we paired it up with silver sequin cigarette pants and kept it simple on the feet for a festive party look. Shop this look at http://www.fancylikemommy.com/
What can we say Denim and Lace are a match made in heaven. This pink lace two piece set gave us beautiful vintage vibes! Meadow (left) is wearing the set with light wash denim collar shirt underneath. Columbia (right) is wearing the set with a light wash Levi vest. You can shop the two piece set at https://www.mimistotscloset/
Accessories
These custom pearl aviator sunglasses completed this look nicely. Head over to http://www.Fancylikemommy.com to shop custom sunglasses
Everyone should have at least one pair of fun jeans in their closet! These light wash bell bottom jeans boast tulle white ruffles on the bottom and we absolutely love them! We paired them with a simple white tee with sheer puffy sleeves for added flair! A simple ballerina shoe is all it took to complete this look. Head to http://www.Fancylikemommy.com to shop the look.
Accessories
Baseball caps are always a fun way to change up your look especially one worn with an outfit like this. This custom baseball cap was made to show off The Heath Dolls signature pigtails. You can order your custom hats by visiting http://www.Fancylikemommy.com
Gotta Love these leopard print heart shaped Cat eye sunglasses. You can order yours by visiting http://www.Fancylikemommy.com
The waist bags were the perfect addition to complete this look. Order yours today by visiting http://www.Fancylikemommy.com
Show Me Chicago previews, reviews and expresses opinions on what’s happening in Chicago from Blockbuster Theater, to what’s new in dining, arts, and the neighborhoods.
Even if you wanted to, the European Union won’t let you travel to Italy right now.
Not a problem. Stay home. Sip a Negroni and pretend you are on the Amalfi Coast without the teeming crowds.
The thought of getting on an airplane right now sends me into a panic. I can barely wear a mask in Jewel for twenty minutes let alone on an international flight.
A packed plane? Middle seats filled? Not a chance.
Thanks, but I’ll vacation in my own backyard without the need to wear a mask or worrying about a passenger behind me sneezing, even if it’s just allergies.
I’ve discovered the perfect summer cocktail to make life sizzle after being cooped up at home since March 21st.
Leave it to those Italians, the fine purveyors of tasty food and drink, to craft this jewel in a glass.
Thus, the Negroni. A classic cocktail perfect for these hot, sticky, humid days of a Chicago summer.
Rumor has it that Count Camillo Negroni had a thirst for a stronger version of his favorite drink, the Americano.
As the story goes, back in Florence in 1919, the Count asked the bartender at Cafe Casoni to substitute gin for the soda water. The barkeep also switched out the lemon peel for an orange.
Perfection was born.
Did you notice the year? 1919, during the Spanish Flu Pandemic. Hummmm? Is there a pattern here?
A COVID-19 cocktail worthy of pandemics.
It’s so easy to make, you don’t even need a recipe, just the right ingredients.
Negroni
1 oz. Gin
1 oz. Campari
1 oz. sweet vermouth
orange peel.
Mix ingredients over ice in an old fashioned glass. Garnish with an orange peel.
Gin? I refuse to drink gin you stammer. I know you don’t drink gin. Neither do I. It’s an acquired taste for sure. But I promise you won’t even taste it. You don’t want to mess with over one-hundred-years of perfection. Use the damn gin.
Campari is an Italian aperitif that has an herbal, bitter, spicy taste. They used to put crushed insects in the recipe. Don’t worry, not anymore. Campari and soda is another classic.
Vermouth, also an Italian aperitif, is an aromatic wine. Herbs, roots and barks are added to the wine base.
The only tweak I did was add a squeeze of fresh orange juice and an orange slice. Hey, if you are going to all that trouble to peel an orange, why waste the juice?
Mix these together and you have a taste of Italy to sip and savor while your chicken and corn are grilling.
Remember, please do sip. This drink is all booze and can sneak up on you.
Stay home this summer. Travel can wait.
You can dream about the sounds, smells, food, wine, art, ancient history, beauty and people of Italy and better days ahead within the comforts of home.
Meanwhile,
Cin Cin!
Salute!
Grazie, Count Negroni.
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Show Me Chicago previews, reviews and expresses opinions on what’s happening in Chicago from Blockbuster Theater, to what’s new in dining, arts, and the neighborhoods.
Chicago in the last few months without question is a city that’s desperately searching for answers. After being hit with a world-altering pandemic, it has suddenly come to grips with the reality of another killer that just keeps creeping along and is just now finally being noticed. A gang war right in the midst of all the virus agony. After a record-setting May which saw the worst violence in sixty years, comes the June numbers that zoomed past those of May. Over 90 souls murdered and another 556 wounded, the victim list included a 1-year-old child, two 3-year-olds, a 10-year-old, and scores of teenagers.
Imagine a city in which 3 people a day are murdered and over 18 are shot on a daily basis and not being in a war zone? It’s a proven fact that Chicago’s City leaders have no clue what to do about it, except to look for either a scapegoat or haul out the usual excuses in an effort to deflect blame. As you can see by the lead photo a scapegoat may have appeared out of the “BLUE.”
While the shootings and killings escalated at an alarming rate, police activity plummeted. Arrests for June were down 55%, street stops were down 74% and traffic stops dropped by 86%. All three of those play a vital role in fighting street crime. It kind of reminded me of the decline in activity from 2015 when the city released the video of the LaQuan McDonald shooting and then-Mayor Emanuel accused the Chicago cops of going fetal after a serious decline of police activity. Of course one has to remember that cops are human beings and after observing several high profile police-involved incidents Fraternal Order of Police President John Cantanzar says, “it’s going to cause officers to pause and say I want to go home today safe. I want to make sure I keep my job. And I want to make sure that I don’t go to jail. It’s not going to react first unless it’s a life and death situation. They’re going to stop and think first before they act.”
Chicago’s cops without question have reached a rock bottom when it comes to morale, they have a very deep distrust of the Mayor. After all, would you trust someone who is your leader who openly states that officers should be fired for petty offenses that should be handled by the supervisors? One incident involved a frustrated veteran cop who after being involved in rioting and burning of police cars gave the finger to a rioter that was caught on camera. She immediately called for his firing, this after she herself told the President of the United States “FUCK YOU.” Leadership is a foreign concept, meaning I can be frustrated but you’ll be fired for it.
Every cop in the city also saw her hold a press conference with the Congressman Bobby Rush former Defense Chairman of the Black Panther Party, accusing cops of using his office to relax while the city was being looted. When in fact they were assigned there by a superior officer and the looting was hours behind them at 6 a.m. Those officers were on duty at that time for over 18 hours and yet the Mayor didn’t even bother to gather the facts before she made derogatory comments and actually wanted to have the cops charged with BURGLARY for being in Rush’s office. Add to that a few days ago the beleaguered States Attorney Kim Foxx decided that demonstrators arrested for curfew violations during the rioting and any other offenses due to demonstrating not be prosecuted because over 70 percent were minorities. The question is does race or skin color absolve one from resisting arrest, fighting with the police, looting, and burning police cars?
Whatever is happening with Chicago’s cops whether they are intentionally slowing down or is the distrust so wide, the breach cannot be mended under the current leadership only time will but as one can clearly see Chicago’s violence is out of control and anyone who thinks it’s the fault of the police is clearly under the influence of politicians trying to cover their own asses and are clueless. More and more will die for sure. The 4th of July is coming fast which is usually a horrific blood bath and already the city has announced that the Chicago cops from now until further notice will have only one day off a week. That will put an additional 1,200 officers on the street. Gee! here we thought the Mayor said Chicago is not going to arrest its way out of its violence problem. I wonder what those additional cops will be doing? Scolding comes to mind. Chicago’s street gangs have found exactly what they want. Terrified, confused leadership, both Citywide and in the failed Criminal Justice System in Cook County.
Bob Angone is a Marine VETERAN and a retired Chicago Police Lieutenant. He worked his entire Career covering the streets of Chicago as a Tactical Officer, Tactical Sergeant, and Tactical Lieutenant. His last assignments were in special Functions, he was the C/O of the CPD Swat teams his last five years and was an HBT (Hostage Barricade Terrorist) Sergeant for 10 years.
Show Me Chicago previews, reviews and expresses opinions on what’s happening in Chicago from Blockbuster Theater, to what’s new in dining, arts, and the neighborhoods.
We are still into the Phase IV reopening phase. While indoor seating is still being allowed at minimal capacity, it’s better than the alternative.
Another weekend of beer debuts. Crushed by Giants, the brewpub started by the team behind DryHop, will do its first release at its space in the former Heaven on Seventh on Michigan Ave.
Also, the famed Billy Goat Tavern once again has its name on two craft beers, an IPA and Pilsner. The brands are made at Miskatonic Brewing in Darien, using new recipes aimed at the average beer drinker. Billy Goat previously had a partnership with Baderbräu, launching in 2017; that ended when the brewer suddenly went out of business six months later. Billy Goat had previously sold a draft-only “Billy Goat Dark,” which was basically their tap handle on Berghoff Dark, Schlitz Dark, or whatever dark lager they could get. (Josh Noel, Chicago Tribune)
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Meet The Blogger
Mark McDermott
Writer, trivia maven, fan of many things. I thought to learn all there is to know about beer as a way to stay interested in learning. It is my pleasure to bring Chicago’s craft beer scene to you.
Show Me Chicago previews, reviews and expresses opinions on what’s happening in Chicago from Blockbuster Theater, to what’s new in dining, arts, and the neighborhoods.
I’m tired of coming off like a Trump apologist and feeling the need to defend someone who is often indefensible. Why then do I do it? Because the one thing I hate more than anything else is hypocrisy. No, actually, I hate willful stupidity more. Wait, what I hate most of all is those who know the truth, know better, but lie with impunity to intentionally deceive others for the sole purpose of seeking power for themselves. Take your pick of who tops that list, A) the media, B) politicians, or C) unelected swamp rats AKA Deep Staters. That’s actually a trick question because the answer is D) All of the Above.
Those are my general hates, ones which I’m sure many others will agree. There is one category of individuals whom I truly loathe with every fiber of my being. I won’t make you guess but those who know me won’t be surprised at the answer – those who callously use the greatest pain a human being can know, the death of a child, in furtherance of their own agendas. May you rot in your own well-earned, specially reserved place in Hell. I mean that with all my heart.
What brought on this bout of hatred and loathing? Let’s call it Trump-Russia conspiracy 2.0. Before we cue up the next round of Congressional hearings, let’s look at some truths.
First, if this is true intelligence, whoever leaked it should be tried for treason. Same goes for every swamp rat that leaks any intelligence with an aim to undermine this President. These leaks do not erode the trust or support of the President, they reinforce his popularity. Rightly or wrongly, these leaks convince Average Joe and Average Jane America there are no ends to which politicians, the swamp and Deep State, with the gleeful assistance of the media, will not go in their attempts to smear the President.
These leaks make him a victim, and you know how Americans love the underdog, particularly when that underdog beat the odds and won. Remember, literally through election night in 2016, every pundit on every media outlet predicted Trump would lose.
So, Average Joe and Average Jane America look at all this vitriol and say, “yeah, he may be arrogant, bombastic, and a narcissist but I would respond the same way if I, my family, my child, were being attacked 24/7/365. So many of the attacks are just twisting his words and intentionally misrepresenting what he said anyway. And then when the accusations are proven false, crickets”.
I simply cannot fathom how those constantly attacking Trump don’t understand that Average Joe and Average Jane America take these relentless attacks on the President as personal. Yes, Trump is a billionaire and when he is no longer the President of the United States he will go back to a billionaire lifestyle Average Joe and Average Jane America can’t even imagine. Yet, they identify with him. They see these powerful forces unfairly and unjustly attacking him, undermining him and trying to remove him from office.
Average Joe and Average Jane America take particular exception to that last part, as they are the ones who voted him into that office. Many may not have voted for him as much as against his opponent, but undermining Trump means undermining the Office of the President and the system of government that is the bedrock of their worldview.
Next truth up for consideration is, if this is true intelligence, there really is no surprise here and it really isn’t – or shouldn’t be – news to anyone with a brain. Granted, most leakers and their willing mouthpieces in political circles and the media have long since proven they don’t have a brain, but rest assured there are lots of smart people in both our military and intelligence gathering agencies. Average Joe and Average Jane America are pretty smart, too.
The smart people know Russia is our enemy. The current Russian regime is well-populated with Soviet hard liners. The Soviet Union fell for many reasons, among which was their disastrous decision to attempt to invade, colonize and subjugate Afghanistan. Afghanistan is called the graveyard of Empires for a reason, and Russia is hoping to bury the United States alongside the Soviet Empire in that ancient dirt.
The last truth on this topic the above hated trifecta would do well to understand is, if this intelligence is correct, we need to remember why the Taliban and others in Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere may be in need of a new funding source. First guess at that answer is, those pallets of cash and hundreds of millions in Iranian assets the former administration gave to Iran have probably run out. Average Joe and Average Jane America are smart enough to realize the bullets and bombs used against our troops aren’t being paid for by people who don’t have running water.
Now, for the part of this whole situation that makes me truly sad …
To the families of Cpl. Robert A. Hendriks, Sgt. Benjamin S. Hines and Staff Sgt. Christopher K.A. Slutman, please accept my condolences and advice. Those of us who are on this Gold Star journey longer than you know what you’re going through. Over the years we’ve heard similar stories that someone, somewhere knew or should have known something that wasn’t acted upon that may have prevented our loved one’s death. Many of us have been contacted by bottom-feeding lawyers who want to file lawsuits against foreign governments or entities, and even against American companies or individuals, for their supposed role in funding the war that cost our loved ones their lives.
We understand the desire, the natural need, to blame someone. Even when we stand in proud acknowledgment of the sacrifice our loved one willingly risked, we feel if there were only someone to blame, to hold responsible, our pain would soften. The idea that the loss of our loved one was preventable is one that haunts us all.
How do we live with this? How do we not scream, yell, demand someone tell us something that will make sense of it all? The answers to those questions, ultimately, must come from within ourselves. But, there are some things we can share with you, some truths that have been learned the hard way by too many others.
All of us know that no matter who is to blame, our loved one is gone. All of us know this impossible mixture of pain and pride will be our constant companion for the rest of our lives. Those of us further down the path none want to walk know one sad truth above all others…there will be many who will callously use our pain, our loss for their own purposes. We’ve been there and probably will be again, and we’re so very sorry for the additional pain you’re experiencing right now.
We also know that the best thing you can do, for yourself, is not let yourself be used. We’ve seen too many Gold Stars get even further destroyed by those who would use our pain for their purposes. Please heed this warning and know the sad truth that a broken heart can be broken even further. We hope and pray this doesn’t happen to you. That is a special pain that can literally be too much to bear. And we hope and pray those who callously inflict that pain on you experience a measure of their earned special place in Hell while on this side of the veil.
Views and opinions from the Gold Star, Military and Veteran perspective are generally different from those of the civilian world. Much of what I write is “their” stories, as told to me as the Gold Star Mother of PFC Andrew Meari, KIA 11/1/10 in Kandahar, Afghanistan. This is how I continue to honor the Oath my son took.
I don’t like labels or boxes as the former is insufficient to describe a person and the latter limits a person but if you insist, call me a Progressive Republican. I believe in this country, our Constitution and above all, in the rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I believe our government is supposed to serve the people, not tell them how to live.
To me, this is just common sense but since it seems to be a minority opinion, it has become “Uncommon Sense”.
Show Me Chicago previews, reviews and expresses opinions on what’s happening in Chicago from Blockbuster Theater, to what’s new in dining, arts, and the neighborhoods.
If you’ve read Jack Riedy’s recent Reader feature addressing the economics of streaming services, then you should also have learned a little about Bandcamp’s sales-based model. (If you haven’t read it, go take care of that now. I’ll wait.) Though Bandcamp is also a middleman, it’s earned a reputation as an equitable player in the online music business thanks to the nakedly extractive tactics of the dominant operations–while payouts from major streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music never exceed half a cent per play and are often much less, Bandcamp passes along 85 to 90 percent of sales revenue, minus processing fees.
In the months since COVID-19 put a stop to live music in March, eliminating touring income, Bandcamp has repeatedly given a boost to independent artists and labels by waiving its 10 to 15 percent cut for a 24-hour period.
During the first “Bandcamp day” on Friday, March 20, fans spent a combined $4.3 million, 15 times what they do on a typical Friday. In April, Bandcamp announced it would continue the initiative on the first Fridays of May, June, and July. May 1 sales totaled $7.1 million, and June 5 sales totaled $4.8 million. June’s Bandcamp day arrived during nationwide protests condemning the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery, and hundreds if not thousands of artists donated all their Bandcamp money to nonprofits dedicated to racial justice, police abolition, and Black and Brown communities.
The fourth Bandcamp day is this Friday, July 3. Once again I’ve rounded up all the recent Reader recommendations of new albums and EPs that can be bought via the platform. I hope you’re able use this list on Friday to discover a new artist and explore the immense catalog of music on Bandcamp–and I hope you keep coming back.
Chicago singer-songwriter Daniel Knox can conjure whimsy and tenderness with subtle shifts in his commanding baritone voice. That ability suits him well in his new album-length tribute to everyone’s favorite neighbor, Fred Rogers. You Are My Friend: The Songs of Mister Rogers honors the original spirit of the material; Knox plays simple piano melodies that exude inviting playfulness, and he sings about everyday joys and fears with an earnest care that legitimizes listeners’ life experiences. But Knox goes beyond engaging in Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood cosplay: he adds subtle flourishes of his own, including a wordless, lighter-than-air vocal melody on “Many Ways to Say I Love You” and plush piano notes on “Please Don’t Think It’s Funny.” Knox’s resonant voice and careful diction make his words land with precision and cling to your brain, which invites you to re-examine the meanings of songs you might not have really listened to since childhood. Knox clearly loves Rogers and his empathetic messages, and he wants everyone else to feel that warmth too. v
It’s back to fantasy gig posters this week! John Vernon Forbes (of the band Tijuana Hercules, covered in this week’s Gossip Wolf) brings us this tribute to Roy Head, a Texas singer-songwriter best known for his 1965 soul hit “Treat Her Right.” Head’s onstage gyrations and dance moves could look like high-speed advanced yoga, and he often ended up in pretzel-like positions, much to the delight of his fans.
John imagines a Roy Head in-store appearance at Rogers Park record shop Electric Jungle in mid-July. I second that pretzel emotion.
The Reader continues to accept poster submissions for your own fantasy concerts, whether they’re from bands you wish that you could see on the same bill, musicians from across the decades coming together, your current faves playing at a defunct Chicago venue, or any combination of the above.
To participate, please e-mail [email protected] with your name, contact information, and your original design or drawing (you can attach a JPG or PNG file or provide a download link). We won’t be able to publish everything we receive, but we’ll feature as many as possible while the crisis continues. Your submission can also include a nonprofit, fundraiser, or action campaign that you’d like to bring to the attention of our readers.
Not everybody can make a fantasy gig poster, of course, but it’s simple and free to take action through the website of the National Independent Venue Association–click here to tell your representatives to save our homegrown music ecosystems. And anybody with a few bucks to spare can support the out-of-work staffers at Chicago’s venues–here’s our list of fundraisers. Lastly, don’t forget record stores! The Reader has published a list of local stores that will let you shop remotely.
ARTIST: John Vernon Forbes FANTASY GIG: Roy Head at the Electric Jungle on Sunday, July 19 ARTIST INFO:tijuanahercules.com NPO TO KNOW: John would like you to donate to the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
It’s hard to believe it, but the 4th of July is right around the corner. Despite Chicago moving to Phase 4, and restaurants and bars are allowed to resume indoor service, it doesn’t mean you should take advantage of it. The pandemic is still a concern, so to keep safe, consider ordering your festive meal and having it delivered directly to your door. Here are our top 15 places to order your 4th of July takeout in Chicago.
We are living in unprecedented times, which means even Au Cheval can be delivered to your door. No more waiting for hours for a table for one of their life-changing burgers because now you can get it safely at home.
It’s a little pricier, but the food from RPM Seafood has everything you need for a fancy 4th of July party, including crab cakes, Alaskan King Crab, and black cod, and much more.
Build your own tacos or get a premade burrito or salsa from this tasty South Side restaurant. Order directly on their website to save a little extra cash.
Another great place to get your burger fix; the Brass Heart has some delicious burgers, fried chicken sandwiches, housemade potato chips, and more to make it a truly unforgettable 4th of July.
Usually, it’s difficult to get a reservation at Gibson’s, but now you can take advantage by getting the housemade pasta, steaks, or seafood delivered to your house.
Photo Credit: The Warehouse Bar & Pizzeria Instagram
If you want to get a classic Chicago favorite, check out the Warehouse. They have some delicious pizzas, burgers, and appetizers you can get delivered. And, if you are running low on beer, you can get that delivered too!
Located in Albany Park, this brewpub has four-packs, crowlers, wine, and a full menu that includes customizable mac and cheese, burgers, and quesadillas.
This pasta-based restaurant also has farm-fresh produce that can be delivered right to your house. You can get some of your favorite pasta like ravioli, pappardelle, as well as Pomodoro sauce.
You can find some of the best tacos in the West Loop at this brewpub. And, as an added bonus, you can add a few libations like their cocktail kits or a crowler of their signature beer like PawPaw Expedition or Mexico Calling.
Located in Pilsen, you can get a diverse meal that has Asian roots. Some of the best items include lobster dumplings, prime steak tartare, miso-glazed cod, and foie gras bibimbap.
1460 N Kingsbury, Chicago 60642 | 3925 W Dickens, Chicago 60647
If all you need to complete your Fourth of July is beer, then Off Color Brewing should be your go-to spot. Some of their beers include Apex Predator (farmhouse Ale) Troublesome (wheat beer brewed with coriander) and Fierce (a weiss beer with a Napoleonic sour streak).
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