Every month, ChicagoNow holds a contest to find the best posts that appear on ChicagoNow.com. Of more than 1,000 posts in February 2002, these are the 20 judged to be the best.

The Chicago Board of Tirade Isn’t prayer the exact OPPOSITE of faith?

Cheating Death Sentimentality is not the source of love

Comedians Defying Gravity Gianmarco Soresi brings award-winning pessimism to Lincoln Lodge this Thursday

Comedians Defying Gravity Smash the patriarchy. Keep the pawtriarchy. A Q&A with Cara Connors

Cosmic Chicago The Problem with GOES West

Free Your Mind Cut the Strings!!!

Getting More from Les Can We Use This Word? The New York Times and Wordle Say No But I Say We Must

Getting Real Chicago’s Most Expensive Condo Sales Of 2021

Go Do Good! Why Pushkin Square, Moscow is Important.

I’ve Got the Hippy Shakes Sooner or later, Parkinson’s Disease is going to get you

I’ve Got the Hippy Shakes Wordle: Chill with the complaints; it’s just a game

Looking for the Good Thank you life

Margaret Serious Why go on writing about mystery-writing now?

Mom. I Think I’m Poignant! The day Gloria Steinem came to my house and I couldn’t think of a thing to say

Opinionated Women I miss Rick.

Pantry to Plate The Sap is Running: Can Spring be Far Behind?

The Quark in the Road Animal Spirits

Retired in Chicago When friends disagree about safe behavior

Six Brown Chicks Media Rebuilding My Life After I Caught My Husband With my Best Friend

Where Are We Going So Fast? We all need Dick Van Dyke

I’m not the only one looking for signs of spring. The Chicago Sun-Times did a Readers’ Poll the other day, asking readers what are some signs of spring for them in Chicago.

Not surprisingly, potholes were high on the list, along with shorts and hoodies. Trash after the snow melts. Robins returning. Also, 60’s highs followed by a blizzard.

Here are some more signs of spring to me —

lines of geese flying north!

the first crocuses and daffodils

dandelions

mud

buds on the branches

buds on the branches, and baseball on the radio—at least, this was a sure sign of spring for me. Sadly, no shouts of Play Ball and Spring Training this year–but on the first warm day, with highs in the 60’s like Saturday, kids were playing catch with a baseball in the street. Baseball blooms again, and anyone can play!

A 10th anniversary collab with Pipeworks & Lake Effect

I had kind of thought there would be more St. Patrick’s Day-adjacent events,

Monday, March 7

12:00 – 10:00 pm • 5th Annual Pulaski Day
Maplewood Brewery & Distillery, 2717 N. Maplewood Ave., Chicago (773) 270-1061 Map
Niech żyje Pułaski! Pulaski Day is back and we’re doing it up right!
Celebrate this year’s 5th Annual Pulaski Day at the Lounge with limited edition merchandise and 2022 commemorative steins for your collection as well as food offerings from the famous Montrose Deli Polish Meat Cart and our new friends, Polombia Chicago. Check out the details below!
Pulaski Day Food Offerings:
Complimentary Montrose Deli Polish Meat Cart available from 12pm until it runs out!
Polombia Chicago available from 4pm till they run out!
Pulaski Day Beer Specials:
Keep The Stein Special! Take home a 2022 .5l limited edition stein with a pour of Cashmere Pulaski or Pulaski Pils for $19.99 while supplies last.
30 min scheduled tours at 2pm, 4pm & 6pm (up to 10 people) along with a 0.5 liter limited edition stein with a pour of Cashmere Pulaski or Pulaski Pils for $19.99.
Sign up for tour at 2PM
Sign up for tour at 4PM
Sign up for tour at 6PM
Pulaski Day Specialty Draft (available starting at 12pm until supplies last):
Double Barrel Foeder Cherries • 2020 Barrel Aged Cinnamon Coconut Cuppa • 2021 Barrel Aged Sea Salt Dark Chocolate Almond Cuppa
PLUS! A Polish-inspired cocktail!
Not hip to the idea of indoor dining yet or can’t get off work in time? We’re also rolling out pre-orders on our website for…..THE SECOND PULASKI DAY AT HOME.
Pre-order pick-ups will take place all day on March 7th from 12pm-9pm.
Pulaski Day at Home Pre-Order Package:
(1) 20 Piece Polish Meat Tray from Montrose Deli
(1) 12-pack of Pulaski Pils
Choice of (1) or (2) 2022 Pulaski Day Commemorative Steins

3:00 – 5:30 pm • Tap Room Trivia
Temperance Beer Co., 2000 Dempster St., Evanston, IL (847) 864-1000 Map
Join us every Sunday for trivia from 3-5:30 pm for fun, delicious beer, and prizes!

3:00 pm • Anniversary IV Celebration
Will County Brewing Co., 1142 W. Jefferson St., Shorewood, IL (815) 582-4157 Map
All because of YOU!
There’s just too much to squeeze into one day, so we’re keeping the party going all week long!
Monday, March 7th – try Nyx American Stout (7.5%)
A shadowy figure, Nyx stood at or near the beginning of creation and mothered other personified deities such as Hypnos (Sleep), Thanatos (Death) with Erebus (Darkness), and this traditional American Stout
Tuesday, March 8th – Brennus Irish Red Ale (5.9%) Returns
Named after the Celtic Warrior, this bold Irish Red Ale uses Warrior hops and the perfect blend of Caramel/Crystal Malt varieties, making any Irishman yell “Sláinte!”
Wednesday, March 9th – Choco-Nana Nyx (7.5%)
Our traditional American Stout, Nyx, loaded with Chocolate and Bananas!
Pizza & Pints 6-8PM: FREE Savarino’s Pizza with any craft beer purchase
Thursday, March 10 – Uncle Bernie Cherry Cheesecake Sour (3.3%) is back!
This easy drinking Cherry Cheesecake Sour made with flavors of Sweet Cherry, Graham Cracker, and Cheesecake is back for a limited time.
Friday, March 11th – Beer, Ready-To-Drink (BRD) (4.2%)
One of our most requested brews is back for this epic Anniversary IV celebration! BRD is heavy on flavor, light on calories, and redefines your expectations. Exceptionally mild and easy drinking, it’s craft beer for light beer drinkers.
Live Music 7PM: Michael Satarino
Saturday, March 12th – DOUBLE BOMBER RELEASE!!!
Anniversary IV Crème Brûlée Imperial Stout (12.5%)
Our Anniversary IV bomber release is a silky smooth Imperial Stout with Vanilla and Caramel, limited quantities available!
Erebus Imperial Stout (12.5%)
The base recipe of our new High Gravity Imperial Stout Series is no sleeper! One of the primordial deities in Greek mythology, Erebus was born out of the primeval void, Chaos. The personification of the deep darkness and shadows, Erebus and Nyx had 6 children: Aether, Hemera, Hypnos, The Fates, Geras and Thanatos. Limited quantities available!
Live Music 6PM: Zion Iyahbinghi
New swag available!
Will County Brewing is dog and kid friendly both inside and outside!
You are ALWAYS welcome to bring your own food.

5:00 pm • Marian Boosters Social
Holzlager Brewing Co., 150 S. Eastwood Dr., Woodstock, IL (815) 308-5901 Map
We are opening the doors on Monday for a very special event. Marian Central Athletic Boosters Social. Doors open at 5:00pm with the event starting at 6:00pm. $1 from all To-Go Kölsch 4-Packs will be donated to the Marian Central Boosters for the entire month of March, Taproom Only.

7:00 – 10:00 pm • Weekly Trivia at Pilot Project
Pilot Project Brewing, 2140 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago (773) 270-5995 Map
Join us in the Pilot Project Heated Tent for free pub trivia every Monday!
Beer Special: Every player will receive one free 4oz taster of beer, booch or cider.
Reservations Available on Tock

8:00 pm • Lotería Monday
Simone’s Bar, 960 W. 18th St., Chicago 312-666-8601 Map
Join us the first Monday of every month for an evening of drinks, Lotería and charitable causes!
How to play: Each Lotería card is received through a $5 donation (we also provide the frijoles).
100% of the donations raised during the event are directly given to various non-for-profit organizations around the city of Chicago.
March’s card donations benefit TBA. Prizes are provided by Modelo, and we will have $5 Modelo cans on special all night!

Tuesday, March 8

4:00 – 9:00 pm • Support Urban Farming
Haymarket Pub & Brewery, 737 W. Randolph St., Chicago (312) 638-0700 Map
Every Tuesday join us at the brewpub and order a Big Mick Burger + 12oz pour of Harold’s ’83 Honey Ale + a shot of Wolf Point Bourbon for $25 and we’ll donate $5 to Urban Growers Collective.
Urban Growers Collective currently operates eight urban farms across 11 acres in the city of Chicago. On these farms, Urban Growers Collective’s job training and education, food access, and community engagement programs support health, economic development, healing, and creativity. The Green Era Renewable Energy and Urban Farm Campus in Auburn Gresham will serve as a centralized hub for workforce development, education, food access, and community well-being.

6:00 – 8:00 pm • Ale Trail Night at Pollyanna Lemont
Pollyanna Brewing Co., 431 Talcott Ave., Lemont, IL 630-914-5834 Map
**Rescheduled from snow day!**
Join us for special giveaways and learn how to use the 2022 Heritage Corridor Ale Trail passport to win an exclusive t-shirt by visiting local breweries and craft beer hot spots.
Pollyanna will be offering FREE 5oz pour cards as well as raffle tickets to win a basket of Pollyanna items.

6:00 – 9:00 pm • Beer on the Wall Bottle Share
Beer on the Wall, 106 Main St., Park Ridge, IL 312-720-3732  Map
The BotW Bottle Share has returned! Bring a commercially packaged (sorry, no homebrews) limited/seasonal/out-of-market beer with you, and be ready to share it with others in exchange for samples of their limited/seasonal/out-of-market beer. For example:
Good ideas: Heady Topper, Dark Lord, Side Project anything, Lost Abbey Isabelle Proximus (Izzy).
Bad idea: That beer you bought off our shelves 5 minutes before the event started.
Even worse idea: That beer you bought off the shelves at that big box liquor store a couple weeks ago (at least buy it local, jeez)!
Some other logistic notes:
1. Bottle shares will be held every second Monday from 6-9pm. They will be outdoors when possible and will be held at Off the Wall in the event of inclement weather.
2. If you’re planning to attend, please post what you’re bringing on the event page so we can limit duplicates and potentially build verticals/themes.
3. In the interest of time, we will only enter 1-2 beers per person in the official share. Folks are welcome to bring more but excess beers will only be opened after the formal part of the share is complete.
4. Attendees do not need a ticket to attend, though we may introduce limits later in the interest of space.
5. In the interest of organization and alcoholic liability, BotW staff will collect bottles at the start of the event and open/pour bottles in an orderly fashion. If you are overserved, BotW staff reserves the right to cut you off at any time–NO EXCEPTIONS.
6. When at all possible, please bring two beers of smaller format bottles so folks aren’t getting 0.65 oz of beer.
7. No scoffing or disrespect to other beer drinkers. Scoffers will be sent home with a 6pk of expired Hamms.

6:00 – 9:00 pm • Lake Effect – Pipeworks ‘10 Year Storm’ Wine Barrel Aged Wild Biere de Garde Release and Cheese
Beermiscuous, 2812 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago 773-698-6824 Map
This beer commemorates the shared 10-year history of Lake Effect and Pipeworks; and ‘Storm’ is the general feeling we have running our businesses. Biere de Garde is a style originally from Northern France (near the Belgium border), and is characterized as a relatively strong ale – similar to Belgian Dubbel – with hints of spice, a robust malt character, and a slight presence of alcohol. We took the additional step of aging it in Cabernet barrels for 9 months with a blend of brettanomyces yeast strains. This process imparts a lovely oaked character, with tannin, notes of fruit, and a mildly wild character of ripe fruit and clove; all this while being extremely drinkable – you might want another glass. As part of your drinking experience, we will have a few select cheeses (while supplies last) to pair with this delicious ale and further enhance your sensory experience. Owner Clint Bautz of Lake Effect and Owner Gerrit Lewis of Pipeworks will be there to hang out and talk beer. We look forward to seeing you!
Free to attend; draft beer for purchase with cheese tasting. Cans also available for purchase to-go.

6:30 – 8:30 pm • Ozark Trivia
Chuck’s Café Darien, 8025 S. Cass Ave., Darien, IL 331-431-4000 Map
Join us for a special themed night of trivia all about Ozark.
FREE to play; reservations suggested as we fill up fast!
Prizes awarded to the Top 3 teams plus great drink specials including:
$2 Domestics | $2 PBR Drafts | $8 Flights
$3 Imports | $4 Well Spirit One & One’s

7:00 – 9:30 pm • Trivia Night in Skokie
Sketchbook Brewing Co. – Skokie, 4901 Main St., Skokie, IL (847) 588-0652 Map
Trivia courtesy of Pub Trivia USA. No cards, teams will play on their phone apps. Prizes for the winning teams: $35 for 1st place, $25 for 2nd, $15 for 3rd. Pop up Latin American cuisine from Libertad from 5:30-8:30p!

7:00 pm • Brewery Bingo
The Open Bottle Lockport, 16437 159th St., Lockport, IL (815) 293-6350 Map
Brewery Bingo is back! Over the next 5 months, we’re partnering with a new brewery every Thursday at 7pm for our monthly Brewery Bingo! No more sneaking into bingo halls for you!
Every week, we’ll have a draft beer on special and prizes from a variety of local breweries.
Here’s who’s up:
March – Old Irving Brewing Co.
April – Goose Island Beer Co.
May – Mikerphone Brewing
It’s Bingo with breweries you love & fantastic prizes for you to win!
HOW TO PLAY:
Imagine a Bingo card. Now replace the B-I-N-G-O with five breweries and the numbers replaced with their most popular beers. We’ll spin our bingo balls ’round and ’round until a random ball decides to set itself free. We call out a beer, you look at your bingo card, and then place a bottle cap on your card if you’re lucky. Get 5 in a row and win a prize! In between rounds, there will be penny pours, good music and even better times. Must be 21+ to play.

7:00 – 9:00 pm • Trivia Night at Black & Gray
Black & Gray Brewing Co., 311 Barrington Ave., East Dundee, IL (224) 484-8200 Map
Join us for weekly trivia!
Questions cover all subjects (Current Events, Geography, History, Movies, Music, Pop Culture, Science, Sports), and you play as a team. No limit to team sizes, so bring all the friends you want.
The top teams will win gift certificates to be redeemed on a future trivia night.

7:00 – 9:00 pm • Trivia Night at Alter Brewing Downers Grove
Alter Brewing Co., 2300 Wisconsin Ave. #213, Downers Grove, IL 630-541-9558 Map
Come out for our General Knowledge trivia night and join your host as they quiz your teams through two full hours of general knowledge trivia, including awesome themed bonus rounds and music rounds!
While we’re testing your wit, Alter Brewing Company will be keeping you fueled up with craft brews all night, PLUS the top teams will win bragging rights and prizes, so bring your friends, family, and even your enemies (if they’re good at trivia) to increase your chances of winning. Feel free to order in delivery from one of the awesome local restaurants (we highly recommend Dan’s Pizza!) to enjoy during the event, as well.
Due to limited capacity, reservations will be taken for indoor tables the time being – simply email [email protected] to reserve a table for your team.
Please follow ALL Covid-19 guidelines and restrictions put in place by the venue, and here are a few extra tips:
1) Please bring your own pen/pencil. Our host will have pencils just in case, but it would be best to use your own for everyone’s safety & comfort.
2) The questions will be read by your host over our PA system, but may not be displayed on a screen if one is not easily available.
3) Any and all rules/restrictions are subject to change.

7:00 – 10:00 pm • Movie Night
Pilot Project Brewing, 2140 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago (773) 270-5995 Map
House Party hosted by Funkytown Brewery ($2 off FT beer)

7:00 – 9:00 pm • FREE BINGO w/ prizes
Holzlager Brewing Co., 150 S. Eastwood Dr., Unit F, Woodstock, IL (815) 308-5901 Map
Free Taproom Bingo. Bring the whole family and have fun. Anyone can play.

Wednesday, March 9

12:00 pm • Off The Graph
Noon Whistle Brewing, 800 E. Roosevelt Rd., Lombard, IL ​(630) 376-6895 Map
& 1748 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville, IL 331-431-4882 Map
We teamed up with our friends at Hopsteiner to bring you two brand new beers! Off the Graph was made with two hops that have never been used before; in fact, they haven’t even been named yet!
Hop #30 (grey can) and #62 (purple can) were used to make these two IPAs. The big tropical aromas and flavors will keep you wanting more, but be warned, this is a very limited release and won’t be around long!
It will be on draft and to go at both locations.

12:00 – 4:00 pm • Work From Here Weekdays
Riverlands Brewing Co., 1860 Dean St. Unit A, St. Charles, IL (630) 549-6293 Map
Wednesdays…the half way point to the weekend. Let us help make the work week a bit better with our Work From HERE Wednesday special!
Each week, come by with your work team, laptop, paper work….or just your self…and enjoy $2.00 off full pours of any of our 16 taps.
On occasion, we’ll have food trucks or pop-ups to supply your mid-day hunger cravings. Otherwise, bring lunch or order delivery from one of our local St. Charles neighbors.

6:00 – 8:00 pm • Cultivate by Forbidden Root Opening
Cultivate by Forbidden Root, 4710 N. Ravenswood Ave., Chicago 773-961-7919 Map
Someone Say Beer & Cheese Pairing?
We sure did and we’re calling all beer lovers and cheesemongers for our first Cultivate Taproom event…okay, actually calling EVERYONE because you will not want to miss out on our first Beer & Cheese pairing event!
Join us at CULTIVATE on Wednesday for a flight of beer with 5 cheeses that perfectly pair together. The ideal amount of cheese for one person or two to share! $29.99 for 1 person, $39.99 for 2 people with an extra flight for the second person. Reserve your spot by emailing [email protected]!

6:00 – 7:00 pm • FREE Pizza & Pints with Savarino’s Pizza
Will County Brewing Co., 1142 W. Jefferson St., Shorewood, IL (815) 582-4157 Map
If you’ve joined us for Donuts & Drafts then you know the drill! We partnered with our amazing neighbors at Savarino Pizza to bring you FREE* Pizza the second Wednesday of every month! We’ll have a variety of delicious fresh pies available (buffet style) in the taproom starting at 6:00pm until it runs out. See you there!
*with craft beer purchase, limited availability, while supplies last.

7:00 – 9:00 pm • Trivia & Tacos @ the LV Taproom!
Harbor Brewing Co., Lake Villa, 136 Cedar Ave., Lake Villa, IL  Map
General Trivia hosted by Chicago Trivia Guys starts at 7pm!
Authentic Mexican Food from Mijo’s will be served starting at 5pm!

7:00 – 9:00 pm • Trivia Wednesdays at Black Lung!!
Black Lung Brewing Co., 2217 N. Illinois 83, Round Lake Beach, IL (224) 643-7204 Map
We have trivia every Wednesday with Dancing in the Rain DJ! Come have a tasty craft beer and win a cool prize, if you’re good enough;) This is free trivia!

7:00 – 9:00 pm • Stump Trivia Quiz
Ten Ninety Brewing Co., 1025 Waukegan Rd., Glenview, IL 224-432-5472 Map
IN-PERSON trivia is back at Ten Ninety Brewing Company! Wednesday nights have never been better! Join us for two free, fun, rounds of trivia beginning at 7pm & 8pm.
We will be using our new digital scoring system. Each team will designate one person to submit answers on your team’s behalf. No need to write anything down by hand, no need to stand up, and no need to turn in a paper answer slip!
Remember – venue capacity may be limited, so please call ahead to RSVP!
More info: here.

7:00 pm • Spiderman Trivia
The Brass Tap, 14225 95th Ave. Ste. 400, Orland Park, IL 708-226-1827 Map
Grab your friends and join us for a night of Spiderman Trivia, hosted by Finer Points Trivia. Its free to play and the top teams win Prizes! Call now to reserve your table !

7:30 pm • Woman’s History Month Movies
Lo Rez Brewing and Taproom, 2101 S. Carpenter St., Chicago (888) 404-2262 Map
This March, join us for a celebration of Women’s History Month with films directed and or written by women, presented by Rumpus Room. Every Thursday at 7:30 PM.
3/10: Widows
3/17: Support the Girls
3/24: Hustlers
3/31: Bar and Star go to Del Mar

Thursday, March 10

Tighthead Beer Releases
Tighthead Brewing Co., 161 N. Archer Ave., Mundelein, IL 847-970-9174 Map
Here are the returning favorites we have coming out this March.
3/3 Everybody Loves Citra
3/10 Pitcher of Nectar
3/17 Mechanic’s Grove Maibock
Cans and draft will be available day of release. Stop by the tap room throughout the month to grab yours!

3rd Annual Practice St. Patrick’s Party!
The Lucky Monk, 105 Hollywood Blvd., South Barrington, IL (847) 898-0500 Map
Attention Monk Society… get your Irish on at the 3rd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Practice Party at The Lucky Monk on Thursday, March 10th!
Call 847.898.0500 for table reservations as we welcome Goose Island for beer sampling with live music and Irish food & drink specials to kick off the holiday celebration.

3:00 – 9:00 pm • Nashville Hot Chicken Thursday!
Wildrose Brewing Co., 1104 E. Main St., Griffith, IN (219) 595-5054 Map
It’s Thursday…..you know what that means.
Due to popular demand we’re serving up Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches every Thursday. Topped with Chef Mike’s homemade slaw and pickles and paired with a side of fries for just $10!
We are now also offering up a less spicy version for those who can’t handle all the heat. Both the spicy and less spicy will be available only while supplies last. These have been extremely popular the last few weeks so you don”t wanna miss out!

5:00 – 8:00 pm • Thursday Food Truck: Taco Madre
Riverlands Brewing Co., 1860 Dean St. Unit A, St. Charles, IL (630) 549-6293 Map
What pairs with beer and 90’s Pop Culture Trivia? TACOS.
Stop by Thursday and grab some awesome tacos and more from our neighbors, Taco Madre! Stick around for trivia at 7pm, but you’ll want to reserve your spot! They fill up quick!

5:00 pm • Triptych Tap Takeover
Lodi Tap House – Utica, 101 Mill St., Utica, IL (815) 667-4345 Map
Triptych Brewing is taking over the taps with 7 amazing beers!
Dank Meme • Loreni • Indistinguishable Magic • Table Saison • 80 Shilling • All of the Good Ones are Gone • When Someone asks if you’re a God

6:00 pm • VIP Brewmasters Beer Dinner with Fire & Smoke
Penrose Brewing Co., 509 Stevens St., Geneva, IL (630) 232-2115 Map
March Brewmaster’s Beer Dinner in the Penrose Barrel Cellar
Beer Dinner Tickets: $65 (Gratuity Included) Order here.
Tickets Include: Welcome Beer & Entry to 4-Course VIP Beer Pairing Dinner Featuring a Specialty Menu Prepare by Fire & Smoke
Welcome Beer: Pilsner
Course 1-Paired with Mosaic Pilsner
Blackened Grilled Shrimp with Cheddar Cheese Grits
Course 2-Paired with Schwarzbier
Sliced Smoked Brisket Slider
Course 3-Paired with Penrose Wild Ale
Pork Belly Burnt End with Couscous
Course 4- Paired with Golden Stout
Buttered and Smoked Pecan Ice Cream over Brownie topped with Candied Bacon

6:00 – 8:00 pm • Dry City Trivia
Dry City Brew Works, 120B N. Main St., Wheaton, IL (630) 456-4787 Map
Trivia at Dry City! Themed trivia every Thursday!

6:00 – 9:00 pm • Take Flight Thursdays
Riverlands Brewing Co., 1860 Dean St. Unit A, St. Charles, IL (630) 549-6293 Map
Thursdays seem lame until you realize they’re really FRIDAY EVE. To celebrate come sample some of St. Charles’ hometown beers and SAVE.
Every Thursday*, from 6pm to close, we’ll take $2.00 off flights of four 5oz pours. This is the PERFECT date night opportunity, or a chance to just try out some of our 16 taps all at once.
We also have a rotating calendar of pub games each Thursday, including our monthly trivia nights, shuffleboard tournies, and (weather permitting) patio disc golf putting. Check our weekly events for more details.
*Excludes holidays or other special events

6:00 – 9:00 pm • Maplewood Keep The Stein Night
Timothy O’Toole’s Libertyville, 412 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville, IL (847) 984-2599 Map
Maplewood will be celebrating Casimir Pulaski Day with Pulaski Pils pours and limited edition Pulaski Day swag!
• Pulaski Pils – 5.1% ABV – Classic meets Chicago in our Pulaski Pils. This crisp, light-bodied lager is brewed with Pilsner and Vienna malt, then dry-hopped with Santiam hops for a hint of floral notes. Together these ingredients create an exceedingly drinkable Pilsner.
• Cashmere Pulaski – 5.1% ABV – This variation on our dearest Pilsner is brewed annually for our Pulaski Day celebrations. Cashmere Pulaski is brewed with Warrior & Tettnanger on the hot side, and dry-hopped with Cashmere & Czech Saaz hops. Cold lagered for optimal quaffibilty

7:00 pm • Music Bingo Sponsored by Krombaker
Two Pints Lounge, 641 E. Boughton Rd. #110, Bolingbrook, IL (630) 739-3000 Map
Have fun and win Prizes from Krombacher brewery!

7:00 pm • White Sox Trivia
Rock Island Public House, 13328 S. Olde Western Ave., Blue Island, IL 708-388-5513 Map
Join us for the first of 2 trivia nights exclusively about your Chicago White Sox! The gentleman from @GoodGuysTB will host, 7pm start time, and free to play!

7:00 pm • Off Color Tap Takeover
Templestowe Pub, 3135 W. Montrose Ave., Chicago 773-681-0341 Map
Been at least two years since we’ve had one of these, holy cow. Off Color pours include Beer for Bowling English Mild alongside old favorites Tooth & Claw and Apex Predator. Oh, and we’ll be raffling off some prizes, too!

7:00 – 9:00 pm • Friends trivia
Harbor Brewing Co., Lake Villa, 136 Cedar Ave., Lake Villa, IL  Map
Grab your besties, pals, and buddies for a night of Friends Trivia!
Try to outwit other teams while enjoying your favorite Harbor Brew and trivia … sounds like a fun Thursday night!
This game is taking place at Lake Villa taproom.
Top teams win prizes.
Join us for weekly General / All Subjects trivia on Thursday nights at 7pm.

7:00 – 9:00 pm • 90s Pop Culture trivia
Riverlands Brewing Co., 1860 Dean St. Unit A, St. Charles, IL (630) 549-6293 Map
The Spice Girls, Brittney Spears, Michael Jordan, and more! This night will cover movies, music, television, and life, in general, during the 1990s.
The game will start at 7pm and last about two hours. Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams!
Tickets must be purchased in advance. Your purchase includes tickets for your team — each player will receive a $10 coupon valid for Riverlands beer and merchandise during the game, with $2.50 of the purchase going toward gratuities for Riverlands staff.
Show up hungry! Taco Madre will be here slinging some of the best Mexican food around to feed those brains starting at 5pm.
Get ready for a fun night of craft beer and trivia!

7:00 – 9:00 pm • Holzlager Trivia
Holzlager Brewing Co., 150 S. Eastwood Dr., Woodstock, IL (815) 308-5901 Map
Come test your knowledge with our weekly Holzlager Trivia Nights! Our Trivial Pursuit-inspired game focuses on 5 topics: Entertainment, History & Geography, Science & Nature, Art & Literature and Sports & Leisure. Stay tuned for our monthly special-themed trivia nights!

7:00 pm • Hippity Hoppity Painting Event
Chuck’s Café Darien, 8025 S. Cass Ave., Darien, IL 331-431-4000 Map
Chuck’s Darien welcomes Glitter Your Pallet for our Hippity Hoppity Painting Event. Join us on Thursday evening March 11th @ 7:00pm. Come create your one of a kind Easter and Spring project with us. Arrive early for dinner in the dining room / bar or feel free to eat during the event in the banquet room.
Limited tickets, advanced registration only. Available here ($24-$41). No tickets will be sold the night of the event.

7:00 – 9:00 pm • Smells Like Grunge Trivia
Mikerphone Brewing, 121 Garlisch Dr., Elk Grove Village, IL 847-264-8904 Map
Trivia is back, and this time it’s grunge-themed. Expect questions about the music & lifestyle surrounding this genre.
Free to play!
Play solo or on a team. Prizes to top 3 teams
1st Place: $100 Mikerphone Gift Card
2nd Place: $50 Mikerphone Gift Card
3rd Place: $25 Mikerphone Gift Card
Wear your best grunge-inspired outfit!
Mamma Mia serving authentic wood-fired pizza from 4p-8p/sellout
Doors open at 12p. Trivia starts at 7p. No reservations required

7:30 – 9:30 pm • Keep The Stein Night
Garfield’s Beverage Warehouse, 15 S. Brockway St., Palatine, IL (847) 359-0400 Map
Join Maplewood Brewery & Distillery at Garfield’s Beverage Warehouse in Palatine & Keep the Stein!
We’ll be celebrating Casimir Pulaski Day with Cashmere Pulaski packs and limited edition Pulaski Day swag!
• Pulaski Pils – 5.1% ABV – Classic meets Chicago in our Pulaski Pils. This crisp, light-bodied lageris brewed with Pilsner and Vienna malt, then dry-hopped with Santiam hops for a hint of floral notes. Together these ingredients create an exceedingly drinkable Pilsner.
• Cashmere Pulaski – 5.1% ABV – This variation on our dearest Pilsner is brewed annually for our Pulaski Day celebrations. Cashmere Pulaski is brewed with Warrior & Tettnanger on the hot side, and dry-hopped with Cashmere & Czech Saaz hops. Cold lagered for optimal quaffibilty.

7:30 – 9:00 pm • Thursty Thursday Elephino Trivia
Side Lot Brewery, 110 Slocum Lake Rd., Wauconda, IL 847-714-2584 Map
Join M.C. Hill & Elephino Trivia every Thursday night at Side Lot Brewery for Team Trivia. Free to play & fabulous prizes to win.

8:00 – 11:00 pm • Vocoder Karaoke Night @ IBW Lodge #1
Illuminated Brew Works, 6186 N. Northwest Hwy., Chicago (708) 669-7287 Map
You love Karaoke. You want to be a robot. You want Vocoder Karaoke.
IBW and host John Barlow will be bringing you Vocoder Karaoke the 2nd Thursday of every month.
We take the ancient art of Karaoke and update it with an option to throw a robot voice effect onto your shifting key karaoke singing.
This event is free, it only costs you your ego, your reputation and your standing in civilized society.

WNBA star Brittney Griner was arrested in Russia on suspicion of illegally bringing drugs into the country after she was searched at the airport and found with hash oil in her luggage, according to Russian news agency Tass. This story is just breaking NOW and with the horrors occurring with the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the United States’ tenuous relationship with Russia – it is a very frightening situation for Griner, her family and U.S. teammates from the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury.

The report states that Griner was stopped by customs control at Sheremetyevo International Airport in February upon arrival in Moscow from New York when a service dog reacted to the presence of drugs. The two-time Olympic gold medalist’s luggage was searched and run through X-ray equipment, and vape cartridges of liquid cannabis oil were found.

“We are aware of and are closely monitoring the situation with Brittney Griner in Russia,” the Phoenix Mercury said in a statement. “We remain in constant contact with her family, her representation, the WNBA and NBA. We love and support Brittney and at this time our main concern is her safety, physical and mental health, and her safe return home.”

The timing of the arrest was unclear, beyond that it happened last month. Meanwhile, the State Department issued an advisory not to travel to Russia in response to the “unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces in Ukraine” and the possible “harassment against U.S. citizens by Russian government security officials.” The department added that U.S. citizens should leave Russia immediately and that the embassy had “limited ability to assist U.S. citizens.”

All other WNBA players are out of Russia and Ukraine, according to a WNBA spokesperson. Several prominent WNBA stars are on the rosters of Russian teams, including Breanna Stewart, Courtney Vandersloot of our Chicago Sky team, Jonquel Jones, Natasha Howard and Arike Ogunbowale.

“USA Basketball is aware of and closely monitoring the legal situation facing Brittney Griner in Russia,” the organization said in a statement. “Brittney has always handled herself with the utmost professionalism during her long tenure with USA Basketball and her safety and well-being are our primary concerns.” The WNBA said in its own statement, “Brittney Griner has the WNBA’s full support and our main priority is her swift and safe return to the United States.”

Griner is listed on the roster for UMMC Ekaterinburg in Russia and has played on the team for seven seasons. She is a seven-time WNBA all-star after being the No. 1 overall pick in 2013 and is one of the world’s most recognizable women’s basketball players.

Sadly, many WNBA players spend the off-season playing overseas to supplement WNBA salaries that are not competitive with those of their male counterparts. Griner is set to have a base salary of $227,900 with the Mercury for the 2022 season.

“We are aware of the situation in Russia concerning one of our members, Brittney Griner,” the Women’s National Basketball Players Association said in a statement. “Our utmost concern is BG’s safety and well-being. On behalf of The 144, we send our love and support. We will continue to closely monitor and look forward to her return to the U.S.”

As mentioned, this is a breaking story and it was noted that if Griner is convicted of a “drug” charge, she could face 10 years in a Russian prison. The fear is that with the ongoing invasion into Ukraine and the limitations of anyone from the U.S. being able to directly assist her, this could be a worst case scenario for the WNBA star.

I will provide updates when more news becomes available on this breaking story…

Photo courtesy – WNBA Phoenix Mercury

Brunswick Records is honoring Barbara Acklin “The First Lady of Brunswick” for her contribution to music and “Chicago Soul.”

Barbara Acklin

Many people remember Barbara Acklin for her songs “Love Makes a Woman,” and “Am I The Same Girl.” As well as so many others.  You may not have known that she was a singer, songwriter, engineer, and arranger.  In the ’60s and ’70s that was a major accomplishment for a woman.  Usually, women were pushed to the back and not taken seriously.

While working as a receptionist at Brunswick Records, recording star Jackie Wilson came in and Barbara pitched a song to him called “Whispers Getting Louder.”  I recently spoke with Barbara’s daughter Samotta Acklin, who is also a singer/songwriter, and she told the story the way her mom told it to her.

Samotta Acklin

“According to my mother, what happened was she was writing, and he asked her what this was that she was writing. And she told him, and eventually, I think someone else took the song to him to listen to it. And he loved it. And he recorded it, either the next day or that same day, I can’t recall what she said. But one of those, it was very soon after he heard the song. She sang it for him, for Jackie Wilson and he went to the label and told them that she could really sing and should be recording.”

Samotta went on to tell me that a lot of times Barbara was pushed in the background and people didn’t know that she was doing a lot of the writing for groups like The Chi-Lites. She and Eugene Record wrote “Have You Seen Her, Stoned Out of My Mind” (R&B no. 2, 1973), “Toby” (R&B no. 7, 1974), and “Too Good to Be Forgotten.” She also wrote for Peaches and Herb and many of the Brunswick artists.  She recorded amazing duets with Gene Chandler.

“My mother was a very strong woman. She had to be in that element. I’ll tell you the gentlemen around her at Brunswick were very protective of her as well. So, they would look out for each other. They named her “The First Lady,” so they had to look out for her.”

Barbara Acklin was a true businesswoman and made sure she got credit for the writing, arranging, and engineering she did on the songs. She is one of the few artists that is still receiving royalty checks for the work she created.

Paul Tarnopol, president, and co-owner of Brunswick Record Corporation said, “Barbara Acklin is a history maker. This industry honor is long overdue. With this recognition, Barbara’s contributions will be forever cemented in music history. She was one of the most prolific singer-songwriters of our time, and we are pleased that Brunswick was instrumental in her success.”

After reading about Barbara Acklin and speaking with her daughter Samotta I realized that Barbara was more than “Love Makes a Woman.” She was the woman that made the spirit of love.

I asked Samotta what advice her mom gave her as she entered the world of the music business. “My mother used to call it the booty business because it stinks. One of her famous terms that she used to use, was “Don’t believe the hype.” Because it’s important that you stay grounded in this industry. Now, of course, that’s across the board, whatever you do. But if you will start believing the hype you will get lost. You’ll start believing that you’re the best. And you should feel like you’re the best but know that there is always somebody better.”

We Celebrate the accomplishments of Barbara Acklin, “The First Lady of Brunswick.”

Until next time, keep your EYE to the sky!

The opening lyrics of The Fresh Prince are, “

Now, this is a story all about how

My life got flipped turned upside down

And I’d like to take a minute

Just sit right there

I’ll tell you how I became the prince of a town called Bel-Air

If you were like me, before I watched the new Bel-Air I was in the mindset that I was going to see a remake of the 1990 sitcom only updated.  It is not by any means a comedy; it is dark in places but very real in life experiences that the sitcom only touched on.

Trailer to Bel-Air

Jabari Banks plays the role of Will so well in his looks and mannerisms that you believe you are looking at Will Smith.  However, his interpretation of Will is different.  During the African American Film Critics (AAFCA) roundtable, Jabari explained his version of Will.

“I think my Will definitely has a shorter temper. He’s a very prideful young man. And I think we’ve seen that in the original, but we get to go a step deeper, and, in our reimagining, he’s very prideful and he doesn’t like his toes being stepped on. So, any chance that he gets to prove someone wrong, he will, and sometimes that gets him in trouble. And I think that differs from the original, I feel like Will was a very, very easygoing type of guy in the original, yeah. But he is a little different now, he got the thing going on, you know what I mean? So, pointing at the air, you know what I mean, knocking out thugs, knocking out white boys, you know what I mean? It’s crazy, it’s just crazy, Even knocking out his cousin.”

Jabari Banks as Will, Olly Sholotan as Carlton Banks

All of the characters are different from the sitcom.  Hilary, played by Coco Jones, is not the space-head we are used to.  She is a food influencer and is a great cook. “I think for me, I kind of started off with the wrong approach, assuming that they wanted Hillary to be similar to the OG version, but it just didn’t work with the script because she’s constantly striving for these specific goals and carving out her own path. So, I kind of had to bring my truth into Hillary to make her more relatable in a sense. Even though she comes from this upper echelon area, what she’s striving for is things that you can’t buy for yourself, you have to earn them. So really for me, I just approached it by making my journey of tenacity relate to Hillary’s journey of tenacity. And also keep in mind that what I’m doing is representing dark skin in a way that I needed when I was younger. So, who do I want these girls to see in me? I want them to see themselves.”

Coco Jones as Hilary Banks

Geoffrey (Jimmy Akingbola) is not a Butler, Jazz (Jordan L. Jones) is an entrepreneur, Carlton (Olly Sholotan) is one of the biggest changes of all. In fact, his change of character is disturbing to a lot of people.  Olly explains, “The main conversation we’ve had was, when looking at the original show, all of Carlton’s struggles, he was the butt of every joke. Every single struggle that he had was always [inaudible 00:06:29] from last. This idea that you have this little black kid that doesn’t quite know how to be black and then his cousin from Philly has to come in and teach them how to be black. It’s a funny concept on the surface, but with this show, we really try to explore the layers beneath that… And how does he search for survival in a world where he’s predominantly surrounded by white people, but he’s the blackest person that they know. But amongst the other black people, he’s the whitest people that they know. And I think that on top of dealing with anxiety, on top of dealing with how he sees success in the eyes of his father, that leads to a 16-year-old kid that’s in a pretty dark and rough place right now. But as the season goes on, I think he really grows and learns his place in the world. But I don’t want to say too much. I think it’s a beautiful, beautiful journey. And that’s what I was most interested in is his journey throughout the season.”

Olly Sholotan as Carlton Banks

Each character is interesting and not perfect or has all the answers. Don’t expect to see Carlton doing the silly dance or Geoffrey wearing an apron. 

Jimmy Akingbola as Geoffrey and Adrian Holmes as Phillip Banks

I am addicted to the show and love the different twists and turns.  Seeing these people, this family finds their places in the various situations makes it interesting.  It may not be for everyone, it may even be disturbing, however, if you want to know the real story of how he became the Prince of Bel-Air this show is for you.

The AAFCA roundtable was a great way to hear from the actors’ mouths the way they approached the show and their characters.  To view the roundtable, visit https://aafca.com/aafca-roundtables/#

Bel-Air is streaming on Peacock with new episodes on Thursdays.

Until next time, keep your EYE to the sky!

It is so important for those with lupus to pay attention to their skin care regimen. Because lupus is an autoimmune disease that affects internal and external organ systems, the skin can become compromised as well.

Men’s skin association with lupus is called discoid lupus. Potential or permanent damage may occur across the face (singer/songwriter Seal is one example). Then there’s the infamous butterfly rash women tend to have across the nose, resembling a butterfly.

We as a population should pay attention to our skin, not only when something happens to it. As a black woman in my 50s now I never knew how important it was to apply sunscreen on top of moisturizer when I went outdoors. I thought the natural melanin in my skin was a built-in sunscreen.

There are now many cases of black people getting skin cancer because of the lack of sunscreen. When it comes to using brands, the verdict is in for me: Olay Serums and Moisturizers, No7 Restore and Renew Serum and Moisturizer, and Fenty Beauty by Rihanna.

These items are sensitive enough to use alternatively but again use SPF to be on the safe side.