Reader senior writer Ben Joravsky riffs on the day’s stories with his celebrated humor, insight, and honesty, and interviews politicians, activists, journalists and other political know-it-alls. Presented by the Chicago Reader, the show is available by 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays at chicagoreader.com/joravsky—or wherever you get your podcasts. Don’t miss Oh, What a Week!–the Friday feature in which Ben & producer Dennis (aka, Dr. D.) review the week’s top stories. Also, bonus interviews drop on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays. 

Chicago Reader podcasts are recorded on Shure microphones. Learn more at Shure.com.

Chicago Reader senior writer Ben Joravsky discusses the day’s stories with his celebrated humor, insight, and honesty on The Ben Joravsky Show.

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Suicide is an important topic that people are often hesitant to discuss. But the more we talk about it, the more we can break the stigmas, and the more lives we can save. Misinformation surrounding mental health can cause us to downplay the severity of symptoms in friends and loved ones experiencing depression, and perpetuate the myth that seeking help is a sign of weakness. This defies logic when seeking help is among the bravest things a person can do when they are struggling with depression or thoughts of suicide.

While suicides are preventable, they are all too common in our society. According to the 2020 data from the World Health Organization: 

Suicide is the 12th leading cause of death in the U.S. and the 15th in IllinoisIn 2020, approximately 46,000 people died by suicide1 death occurs every 40 seconds and 130 people die by suicide per dayMen are 3.88 times more likely to die by suicide than women.

Even so, many communities lack adequate mental health resources, especially low-income communities and communities of color. A 2021 study from the CDC showed that while there was an overall decrease in suicides in the U.S. between 2019 and 2020, there were spikes among Black, Latino, and Indigenous populations. 

National Suicide Prevention Awarenss Month was established in 2008, and held in September to coincide with World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10. Every year since, people around the country gather to remember those lost to suicide, celebrate those who have survived suicidal thoughts or attempts, educate communities about suicide prevention, and show compassion. 

When thinking about suicide prevention, it’s important to remember that mental illness can affect anyone—it does not discriminate based on gender, race, religion, class, age, or any other factor. 

People who are contemplating suicide often exhibit warning signs, some of which might include:

Changes in behavior or moodMaking verbal statements, such as “I want to kill myself”Withdrawal from previously enjoyable hobbies and activitiesIncreased risky behaviorIncreased feelings of guilt and hopelessness

If you or someone you know is battling depression or suicidal ideation, talk about it! And if someone opens up to you about their struggles, give them your full attention and listen without judgment. Help them access resources and mental health services, and always show empathy and compassion. 

 “A seed neither fears light nor darkness, but uses both to grow.”

― Matshona Dhliwayo

Sources:

https://afsp.org/what-to-do-when-someone-is-at-risk

https://www.iasp.info/WSPD/about/

https://nationaltoday.com/national-suicide-prevention-month/

https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/darkness-quotes

https://afsp.org/988-suicide-and-crisis-lifeline

Be sure to follow @naturesgraceil on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

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Reader senior writer Ben Joravsky riffs on the day’s stories with his celebrated humor, insight, and honesty, and interviews politicians, activists, journalists and other political know-it-alls. Presented by the Chicago Reader, the show is available by 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays at chicagoreader.com/joravsky—or wherever you get your podcasts. Don’t miss Oh, What a Week!–the Friday feature in which Ben & producer Dennis (aka, Dr. D.) review the week’s top stories. Also, bonus interviews drop on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays. 

Chicago Reader podcasts are recorded on Shure microphones. Learn more at Shure.com.

Chicago Reader senior writer Ben Joravsky discusses the day’s stories with his celebrated humor, insight, and honesty on The Ben Joravsky Show.

Read More

Suicide is an important topic that people are often hesitant to discuss. But the more we talk about it, the more we can break the stigmas, and the more lives we can save. Misinformation surrounding mental health can cause us to downplay the severity of symptoms in friends and loved ones experiencing depression, and perpetuate the myth that seeking help is a sign of weakness. This defies logic when seeking help is among the bravest things a person can do when they are struggling with depression or thoughts of suicide.

While suicides are preventable, they are all too common in our society. According to the 2020 data from the World Health Organization: 

Suicide is the 12th leading cause of death in the U.S. and the 15th in IllinoisIn 2020, approximately 46,000 people died by suicide1 death occurs every 40 seconds and 130 people die by suicide per dayMen are 3.88 times more likely to die by suicide than women.

Even so, many communities lack adequate mental health resources, especially low-income communities and communities of color. A 2021 study from the CDC showed that while there was an overall decrease in suicides in the U.S. between 2019 and 2020, there were spikes among Black, Latino, and Indigenous populations. 

National Suicide Prevention Awarenss Month was established in 2008, and held in September to coincide with World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10. Every year since, people around the country gather to remember those lost to suicide, celebrate those who have survived suicidal thoughts or attempts, educate communities about suicide prevention, and show compassion. 

When thinking about suicide prevention, it’s important to remember that mental illness can affect anyone—it does not discriminate based on gender, race, religion, class, age, or any other factor. 

People who are contemplating suicide often exhibit warning signs, some of which might include:

Changes in behavior or moodMaking verbal statements, such as “I want to kill myself”Withdrawal from previously enjoyable hobbies and activitiesIncreased risky behaviorIncreased feelings of guilt and hopelessness

If you or someone you know is battling depression or suicidal ideation, talk about it! And if someone opens up to you about their struggles, give them your full attention and listen without judgment. Help them access resources and mental health services, and always show empathy and compassion. 

 “A seed neither fears light nor darkness, but uses both to grow.”

― Matshona Dhliwayo

Sources:

https://afsp.org/what-to-do-when-someone-is-at-risk

https://www.iasp.info/WSPD/about/

https://nationaltoday.com/national-suicide-prevention-month/

https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/darkness-quotes

https://afsp.org/988-suicide-and-crisis-lifeline

Be sure to follow @naturesgraceil on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

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After a Week 2 loss to the Green Bay Packers, even more narratives are being written about the Chicago Bears and their belief, or unbelief, in quarterback Justin Fields.

Whether it’s the national media beating up on Fields, questioning whether the Bears are all-in on him or a mixture of both, the madness never ends.

The biggest storyline seen around social media and talked about on a bigger stage is that the Bears may not be sold on Fields for the long-term. This is leading to plenty of fans buying into that narrative, and to be transparent, Bears fans have become soft.

Does Fields need to improve? Absolutely. He holds the ball too long and his mental clock is still slow. He needs to be a whole lot more decisive with the football. That, for one, his is biggest weakness at the moment.

But, to say the Bears don’t believe in him is absolutely crazy to me. There has been much said about Fields’ lack of pass attempts through two games, and most of it is extremely misguided. Let’s not forget that Ryan Poles has yet to fully surround his quarterback with enough talent. The blame goes all around.

To say the Chicago Bears are not all-in on quarterback Justin Fields would be way too early, and quite frankly, a foolish thing to assume.

First of all, the Bears only succeeded in obtaining 11 first downs against the Packers, which was the second-fewest in the NFL in Week 2. Therefore, their drives stalled far more often than not. The overall lack of plays run made it difficult on the offense to get anything going. Credit the Packers defense for a lot of it, but also know that Luke Getsy and Fields have to be better.

“But, Fields only threw 11 passes! How is he supposed to succeed if he doesn’t get enough called pass plays?”

The lack of pass attempts from Fields was not a reflection on Getsy and the Bears not believing in him.

Getsy called 22 pass plays during this game, but Fields only threw 11 passes. He rushed on eight of those called passes and was sacked another three times.

So, no, Fields did not get 11 called pass plays like many are assuming just based on his simple stat line.

Let’s set the record straight: Getsy called 22 pass plays versus 27 rushes against Green Bay.

To further the argument, the Bears ran for 180 yards on those 27 rush attempts — do you believe Getsy should stop calling what’s working?

To an extent, yes, the Bears must pass the football, especially if they are down in a game. But, the offense hardly had an opportunity to do so because they could not extend drives — and a lot of that is on the shoulders of Fields.

To say Fields needs to improve is an accurate statement. But, to say the Bears do not believe in or support Fields is completely misguided and inaccurate.

Now, if you want to say that the Bears didn’t do enough to surround him with talent this past offseason, then you would be correct. However, once again, you’d be missing the point.

Ryan Poles has a mobile quarterback on a rookie contract. He is not about to give up on a that guy after his first year with Fields. The 2022 offseason was all about setting the table for a successful future amidst a rebuild.

In 2023, the Bears have draft capital as well as over $100 million in cap space. If you think Poles is about to give up on a guy with as much potential as Fields before giving his young quarterback enough weapons and protection, then you don’t know football.

Next year was always the plan. The 2022 season is not going to be pretty, but the national media has to get paid. There has to be a narrative written — multiple narratives, in fact. It is up to you whether or not you buy into those narratives or if you see the bigger picture. I encourage you all to take a step back, breathe, and view it from afar. Let’s wait until after the 2023 offseason to make a real judgment.

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NBArank is back for its 12th season counting down the best players in the league.

Where are MVP candidates such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic, Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic? What about rookies and young stars ready to take the leap into the upper tier of NBA players?

Where is LeBron James, who is entering his 20th season?

To get the final NBArank prediction, we asked our expert panel to vote on pairs of players: LeBron vs. Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry vs. Ja Morant, Luka vs. Jayson Tatum … and the list goes on.

We asked, “Which player will be better in 2022-23?” Voters had to predict what they expected from each player during the season.

We’ve already revealed players Nos. 100-26. Today, our rankings continue with players Nos. 25-11.

Note: ESPN’s NBArank panel, composed of over 200 reporters, editors, producers and analysts, were asked to rank players based on their predicted contributions — quality and quantity — for the 2022-23 season only.

NBArank 2022: Zion, Russ and players Nos. 100-26

Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images

Minnesota Timberwolves Nos. 25-11

NBArank is back for its 12th season counting down the best players in the league.

Where are MVP candidates such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic, Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic? What about rookies and young stars ready to take the leap into the upper tier of NBA players?

Where is LeBron James, who is entering his 20th season?

To get the final NBArank prediction, we asked our expert panel to vote on pairs of players: LeBron vs. Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry vs. Ja Morant, Luka vs. Jayson Tatum … and the list goes on.

We asked, “Which player will be better in 2022-23?” Voters had to predict what they expected from each player during the season.

We’ve already revealed players Nos. 100-26 and Nos. 25-11. Today, our rankings continue into the league’s top 10 superstars.

Note: ESPN’s NBArank panel, composed of over 200 reporters, editors, producers and analysts, were asked to rank players based on their predicted contributions — quality and quantity — for the 2022-23 season only.

Matt York/AP Photo

Phoenix Suns SF

2021 NBArank: No. 3

It’s season No. 20 for James, and there’s a lot at stake for the all-time great. He needs 1,323 points to eclipse Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, but the Lakers’ team success — or lack thereof — will largely determine how the moment resonates.

Wednesday, Oct. 19

Knicks vs. Grizzlies, 7:30 p.m.Mavericks vs Suns, 10 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 21

Celtics vs. Heat, 7:30 p.m.Nuggets vs Warriors, 10 p.m.

*All times Eastern

Why he fell three spots

For the second time in four seasons as a Laker, James missed the playoffs — this after only missing the postseason twice in his first 15 years in the league. James’ 30.3 points per game average was unprecedented for a 19-year veteran, but the 26 games he lost to various injuries and an ill-fitting roster around him made for one of the most disappointing seasons in franchise history.

James has already redefined the notion of how long a player’s prime can last, so it would be foolish write him off too soon, but it’s impossible to ignore that the Lakers had a negative net rating with James on the floor last season, which is reason enough to drop him out of the top five in the rankings no matter his impressive offensive output.

One huge question for 2022-23

In the middle of dropping 42 points during a cameo appearance in L.A.’s famed Drew League in July, James told ESPN, “I’m 100 percent healthy.” That’s a solid starting point for James to get things back on track.

The question is, can James have the good fortune to stay healthy at the same time that Anthony Davis can, giving the Lakers a chance to replicate the success that led to a title in 2020? If James and Anthony can both play the bulk of L.A.’s games, the Lakers will have a viable path back to the postseason, even with the challenges of working in Russell Westbrook and being guided by a new coach Darvin Ham.

— McMenamin

NBArank 2022: Nos. 100-26

Reach the peak of your beer season this year and celebrate Oktoberfest in Chicago with all you have! After exploring the fall beers from local breweries, we know you’re ready for the real celebration. From special events to week-long celebrations, these places will take you right to Germany. Are you ready to build some calories in the tastiest way?

Image Credit: Chicago Gourmet

Prost! In The Park

Wait, did I just say Chicago Gourmet has an Oktoberfest segment this year? Yup, you’ve heard me right! Join Chef Sarah Grueneberg (Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio) for a Sünday Fünday to remember at Prost! In the Park, a beer and spirits festival with brews, bites, and boozie bevs from popular and soon-to-be-discovered producers. Tickets are only $95 each!

The Publican

837 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607

On Sunday, September 18th and Sunday, October 2nd, nine-time James Beard Award-winning One Off Hospitality and Executive Chef Paul Kahan are turning the Oktoberfest celebration at their modern American beer hall into a double Sunday event, honoring the Bavarian tradition the only way they know how: with four courses of hearty eats, plenty of beer, and good times all around in the heart of Fulton Market.

Image Credit: The Lodge Tavern

Oktoberfest on Division

She-nannigans, 16 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60610
The Lodge Tavern, 21 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60610

Raise a stein and pull out the lederhosen! Oktoberfest on Division Street is back and will take place on Thursday, September 29 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. featuring She-nannigans and The Lodge Tavern. Festivities include a German word pronunciation game, stein holding competitions, German musical chairs, live music and entertainment from Die Kellerknaben Polka Band, and, of course, tons of Oktoberfest Beer, including Shiner, Goose, Spaten, and Founders Oktoberfest.

Emporium

839 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607

Did someone say arcade and beer? Well, I’m in! This year, celebrate Oktoberfest in Chicago at your favorite bar-cade Emporium as they put on “Prost! on the Patio” on Thursday, September 29 from 5 – 11 pm. This event will feature a top-notch beer selection from your favorite breweries, plus communal tables for beer tastings, SWAG giveaways, steinholds/giveaways, food, and beautiful Oktoberfest décor.

Participating breweries include

Goose Island Brewery (Featuring Goose Island Oktoberfest $6 can)
Warpigs Brewery (Featuring Munsterfest $7 Draft)
Dutchbag Brewery (Featuring Bok Lobster $7 Can)
Bell’s Brewery (Featuring Bell’s Oktoberfest $7 Draft) + Lager of the Lakes $7
New Belgium Brewery (same special as Bell’s) (Featuring Atomic Pumpkin)
Marz Brewery

Image Credit: Mac’s Wood Grilled

Mac’s Wood Grilled

1801 W. Division St. Chicago, IL 60622

The Oktoberfest specials at Mac’s Wood Grilled augment the daily deals during regular business hours Saturday, September 17 through Wednesday, October 5. Specials include

Soft Pretzel Twists with Cheddar cheese sauce and spicy mustard ($7)
an Oktoberfest Poutine with fries, fried cheese curds, gravy, and sliced bratwurst and sauerkraut ($15).

Seasonal draft beer selections include

3 Floyds Brewing Munsterfest, a Märzen-Style Festbier brewed with German malted barley, aromatic Bavarian noble hops, and traditional lager yeast ($8, 16-ounces)
Revolution Brewing Oktoberfest, a long-lagered Festbier using traditional German ingredients and methods ($7,16-ounces)

Image Credit: Bottleneck Management

Old Town Pour House

all locations

Celebrate Oktoberfest at Old Town Pour House (Chicago, Oak Brook, and Naperville). From Wednesday, September 17 — Sunday, October 3, diners will enjoy incredible German-inspired menu specials, including:

Smokehouse Currywurst with bacon braised sauerkraut ($15)
Crispy Pork Belly Spaetzle basted in brown butter ($21)
Pork Schnitzel with warm potato salad ($25)

With a stellar selection of fall beers on tap at all locations, Oktoberfest-ers will be sure to get their fill of seasonal beer favorites as well!

Image Credit: Tuman’s Tap & Grill

Tuman’s Tap & Grill

2159 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Tuman’s celebrates Oktoberfest with an all-day kickoff party on Saturday, September 17, and an ongoing celebration of seasonal beers and brats through Monday, October 31. The kick-off party tapping features eight Oktoberfest beers, including award-winning German Festbiers, German-inspired Chicago-made beers, and a limited-release bourbon barrel-aged Märzenbier. The classic Festbiers are served in traditional steins; pricing is $8 for a half-liter and $15 for a liter. The barrel-aged beer is served in a 13.2-ounce snifter ($8).

The bar also debuts a $15 Paulina Meat Market Smoked Thuringer Brat and Oktoberfest Pork Beer Brat Dinner at the kick-off party. The brats are served with sauteed cabbage, crispy bacon, and roasted potatoes, plus a side of German mustard (available after 4 p.m. daily from September 17 through October 31).

Time Out Market

916 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607

We are dusting off our Dirndls and Lederhosen for Oktoberfest at the Market! Time Out Market partnered with Sam Adams this year to bring you a weekend full of Beer & events! The celebration begins on Friday October 7, 2022, featuring DJ, Stein Hoisting Contest, Oktoberfest Sampling & Giveaways, and a pop-up bar with Steins and Sam Adams Octoberfest. Kid-friendly events can be found over the weekend combined with more music and beer for the adults. Tickets are now available here.

District Brew Yards

417 N. Ashland Ave. Chicago, IL 60622

Sure, the Brew Yards aren’t hosting a patio party this year. But what’s a better place to go for all the Oktoberfest beers than this beer paradise!? Grab a weekend cabana with your friends, or a weekday reservation. Explore over 40 beers on tap alongside BBQ meat and delicious sides at their cashless, self-serving bar! Reservations are available via Tock.

Two Brothers Brewing

205 N Broadway, Aurora, IL 60505
30W315 Calumet Ave W, Warrenville, IL 60555

Steins full of Atom Smasher. Live Oompah music. The German food favorites. It’s Oktoberfest season! This year, Two Brothers Brewing will have two fests at their two locations:

Aurora, IL – Sunday, Sept. 18th
Warrenville, IL – Saturday, Sept. 24th

Each Oktoberfest will have everything you’ve love: steins full of Atom Smasher, German food favorites, live Oompah music, stein holding contests, etc. The best part? Both events are free!

Buffalo Creek Brewing

360 Historical Ln, Long Grove, IL 60047

Lake County’s destination brewery, Buffalo Creek Brewing, will tap into its German heritage when it hosts its annual Oktoberfest celebration, September 30th through October 2nd. The all ages, family-friendly festival features indoor and outdoor festivities throughout the brewery’s Bavarian-themed taproom and two acres of sprawling lawns, biergarten and tented pavilions. Besides traditional beer and food, the free festival is full of traditional Bavarian music, open-air performances, competitions, and outfits.

Wildfire

all locations

Wildfire locations in Chicagoland will be hosting Metropolitan Oktoberfest Beer Dinners. The dinners will feature a four-course German-inspired menu each paired with a Metropolitan brew to complement. Megan Simon, Metropolitan Street-Level Suds Slinger will join as guest speaker to discuss the evening’s pairings.

Dates for the Metropolitan Oktoberfest Beer Dinners at each location are as follows:

Wildfire – Oak Brook: September 19
Wildfire – Schaumburg: September 20
Wildfire – Glenview: September 21
Wildfire – Lincolnshire: September 22

Feeling tempted? Make your reservations here!

L. Woods

7110 Lincoln Ave, Lincolnwood, IL 60712

Celebrate Oktoberfest at L.Woods with a Bavarian Pretzel in one hand and a Hofbrau Dunkel in the other! Enjoy traditional German favorites like Pork Schnitzel, Pecan Pie Cobbler, German brews, and more from 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Oktoberfest specials are served a la carte and are available for dine-in, carryout, and delivery.

Image Credit: Hannah’s Bretzel

Hannah’s Bretzel

400 N La Salle St, Chicago, IL 60654

Hannah’s Bretzel is helping Chicagoans celebrate early with the launch of their new Oktoberfest sandwich. Now available at all of Hannah’s Bretzel locations, diners can indulge in the Oktüberfest Sandwich made with Gene’s Chicago Pork Bratwurst, Grandma Nina’s Bavarian Style Sauerkraut, whole grain honey mustard, caramelized onions, on homemade pretzel bread.

In addition to the Oktüberfest Sandwich, diners can also now enjoy Butternut Squash Soup or Kale White Bean Bratwurst Soup. Hannah’s Bretzel is one of Chicago’s most sustainable restaurants. With a storied track record of operating with the least environmental impact possible, these über sandwich makers live and breathe sustainability every day.

Featured Image: Two Brothers Brewing

The post Where to Celebrate Oktoberfest in Chicago (2022) appeared first on UrbanMatter.

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