Good Lord, has it ever been this bad?

For the past few weeks I’ve been hiding like a prairie farmer cowering in the storm cellar waiting for the tornado to pass.

Except it hasn’t passed. Poked my head out for a look-see and the political life of America is even worse than imagined. The darkened sky is swirling with unmoored accusations, incriminations, recriminations, censures, vilifications, denunciations, pointed fingers, fault finding, reproaches and inculpations.

If it were a real tornado, houses, cars and cows would be flying around, day and night. Makes one want to retreat.

Except, one can’t. The odds of survival in this swirling, poisoned atmosphere don’t favor hiding under desks like 1950s school kids thinking they’re protected from nuclear obliteration.

Fie on both sides.

First, that megalomaniac*, Donald Trump. Did he really believe that by unleashing Vice President Mike Pension and a huffing and puffing crowd on a constitutionally required meeting in the Capitol that he could reverse the presidential election? Truly goofy.

Because he is certifiable, he’s capable of believing or trying anything that serves his purposes. Did he really declassify everything he took from the White House and locked up in his Mara-la-go basement? Where’s the paperwork? As is said in the cited article below, you can’t just wave your hand over the banker’s boxes and declare them unclassified.

If I were of a conspirital mind-frame, I’d think that the documents he garnered was classified evidence that could be used in a criminal investigation of Hilary Clinton’s classified e-mails. Or not.

Suffice to say, flakey Donald Trump invites conspiracy theories. Sadly, he’s most likely to win the Republican presidential nomination and most likely to get beaten by, well, anybody. But he’s willing to sacrifice the conservative agenda he espouses to satisfy his bloated ego.

Now of other side.

Can anyone fault the other side for complaining when the Department of Justice, the FBI and the Biden administration turn American history on its head by being the first in history to launch such a criminal attack on a former president and premier political opponent of President Joe Biden (or whoever is running that poor, losing-it man).

From virtually every angle–political, legal, commonsensical, the FBI raid (yes, it was a raid) was mindless. Did you see the picture of a boat standing guard off the shore of Maralargo with a machine gun mounted on its forecastle. Along with automatic weapons-touting agents guarding the compound, did the FBI expect an armed assault from whacked-out Trump supporters?

If Trump had been there instead of New York, would they have put him in shackles, like other Trump supporters whom the FBI is targeting? Must we really believe that Biden had no idea of the forthcoming raid, and if so, isn’t that even more troubling?

The paperwork justifying (???) that raid raises so many questions that Americans in good conscience must demand answers. Instead, the Biden media acolytes are charging anyone who asks legitimate questions about the process as being profoundly stupid, ignorant and blindly partisan.

My recollection of politics goes almost as far back as Truman upsetting the Chicago Tribune by beating the Republican pretty-boy Thomas Dewey. Never, ever, have I seen or heard such destructive, self-satisfying political hogwash sweep across the nation. Not from the Korean War and not even during the Vietnam War. Never, in my decades-long journalism career have I witnessed such an smug, openly hostile and one-side press.

In that vein, I highly recommend that you read the clownish praise by a national media critic of the “truth-telling” media–meaning the hysterical anti-Trump coverage. Senior media writer Tom Jones of Poynter pens an amusing but concerning paean to conservatives and others who think questioning the government, the elections or anything else is something to be praised. Read: “Why the media is still reporting on the 2020 presidential election: Election deniers are making powerful inroads in local races, which has serious implication of the future of our democracy.” I wonder how satisfied that Jones is for being a voice-over for one side of that democracy.

On the other hand, here is a voice from the other side. Peter Van Buren writes in The Spectator: “The five stages of Mar-a-Lago grief. He’s got to be guilty of something, right?“

*Megalomania: A delusional mental illness that is marked by feelings of personal omnipotence and grandeur. A type of delusion in which the afflicted person considers himself or herself possessed of greatness. He/she believes him/herself to be Christ, God, Napoleon, anyone famous, or everyone and everything, including a lawyer, physician, clergyman, merchant, prince, or super athlete in all sports.2. Morbid verbalized overevaluation of oneself or of some aspect of oneself. As in “I’m smarter than all those generals.” [megalo- + G. mania, frenzy]

To subscribe to The Barbershop, type your email address in the box and click the “create subscription” button. My list is completely spam free, and you can opt out at any time.

Of all the exciting festivals scheduled this summer, Chicago can add another stellar event to its calendar. Its the first annual CLINK Wine and Spirits Festival and its quickly becoming one of the city’s most popular attractions.

Chrishon Lampley, Founder of Love Cork Screw and Co-Founder of CLINK Wine & Spirits Festival (Chicago). Photographer: Christian De’Mar.

The CLINK Wine and Spirits Festival hosted by Chrishon Lampley, owner of Love Cork Screw wines and Joyce Dawkins, founder of She ROCKS It Magazine, are debuting their wine and spirit tasting extravaganza on Sunday September 18th at the beautiful Wilder Mansion in Elmhurst, Illinois.

L-R: McBride Sisters (Wine Company). Michael Lavelle (Luxury Wine Brand)www.neiljohnburger.comL-R: Chef Deandre Carter (Owner, Soul Food & Smoke, BBQ Restaurant). Elena Smith (Owner, Davine Wines LLC)

Chrishon, one of the few minority winemakers in the midwest, says the event is a first-of-its-kind Chicago-based wine and spirits festival dedicated to highlighting women, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in the industry.

“As a minority business owner, navigating the business of building a wine brand in this industry can oftentimes feel like you’re on an island,” says Chrishon, CLINK Co-Founder. “It is imperative that we continue to celebrate, encourage, and advocate for diversity in the wine & spirits industry.”

CLINK Co-Founder and business partner Joyce, agrees. “My goal with CLINK is for attendees to see the amazing things that can happen if you just believe in yourself and to encourage attendees to not be afraid to take a leap of faith.”

L-R: Chef Brian Jupiter (Owner, Ina Mae Tavern and Frontier Chicago)Ashley & Jenai (Founders, Halo 7 (premium Rum)L-R: Sheetal Bhagat (Founder, Spice Note Tequila). Theodora Lee (Founder, Theopolis Vineyards)

CLINK Wine and Spirit festival will feature panel discussions, a walk-around wine tasting from over 50 minority-owned wine & spirit brands and paired with exquisite appetizers from local Chicago chefs of color, a cigar lounge, party deejay and a relaxing outdoor mocktail waterpark that gives guests an opportunity to re-hydrate with refreshing drinks and non-alcoholic beverages.

Sponsored in part by Mariano’s, the popular midwest grocery chain, both Chrishon and Joyce both acknowledge the company’s lead support in Women Owned Businesses and their participation in spearheading the festival.

L-R: Chef Monica Hayes (Founder, Tasteful Manners Culinary). Phil Long (Founder, Longevity Wines)L-R: Paula J. Harrell (Owner, P. Harrell Wines). Dr. Chris Wachira (Founder/CEO, Wachira Wines)

“We have a commitment to local vendors,” says Amanda Puck, Director of Strategic Brand Development for Mariano’s, “and we’re excited to support the first annual CLINK Wine & Spirits Festival with our team of accomplished Tastemaker Chefs who will complement the event’s all-star roster of minority-owned wine, spirits and non-alcoholic beverage producers.”

CLINK Wine and Spirits Festival will introduce some of the nation’s up and coming minority leaders in the food and beverage industry. It will also showcase Chrishon and Joyce’s leadership as entrepreneurs, especially during the month of August as thousands of people celebrate National Black Business Month. Just this past week, Chrishon was honored in Chicago at the Black Womens Expo where she was presented with the 2022 Phenomenal Woman Award.

“It is imperative that we continue to celebrate, encourage, and advocate for diversity in the wine & spirits industry,” says Chrishon. “CLINK presents an interactive educational forum for beverage trade professionals, media, and wine & spirits enthusiasts to taste, network, celebrate our progress and empower future minority women in the industry.”

CLINK Wine and Spirit Festival boasts a growing list of vendors, guest speakers and winemakers that will provide tastings and samplings of their specialty items. To purchase tickets and to get updates on the event, visit www.clinkfestival.com. The following is the list of the many sponsors and winemakers who have confirmed their participation:

CLINK: Wine and Spirit MakersChrishon Lampley (Founder of Love Cork Screw)Nicole Kearney (Founder, Sip & Share Wines)Jesse Steward Jr. (Founder, Alexander James Whiskey)Ashley and Jenai (Founders, Halo 7 (Premium Rum)Luna Bay Booch (Kombucha Company)Dr. Chris Wachira (Founder/CEO, Wachira Wines)

Paula J. Harrell (Owner, P. Harrell Wines)Catalina Gaete-Bentz (Founder & CEO, CATAN PISCO)Mara Smith (Founder, Inspiro Tequila)McBride Sisters (Wine Company)Elena Smith (Owner, Davine Wines, LLC)Sheetal Bhagat (Founder of Spice Note Tequila)Phil Long (Founder, Longevity Wines)

Theodora Lee (Founder, Theopolis Vineyards)Vitani (Spirits/Cocktails)Uncle Nearest (Premium Whiskey)Funkytown Brewery (Brewery)Sapere (Wine Brand)Michael Lavelle (Luxury Wine Brand)M. Robinson (Champagne Brand)

CLINK: ContributorsRodney Strong (California Winery)Jackson Family Wines (Winery Group)Foley Family of Wines (Wine Producer, Marketer & Distributor)

CLINK: Sommeliers & ExpertsMarsha Wright (Certified Wine Specialist- Certified Sherry Wine Specialist)Regine T. Rousseau (Founder, Shall We Wine)Chasity Cooper (Wine Culture Expert)

CLINK: Executive ChefsChef Dominique Leach (Executive Chef & Owner, Lexington Betty Smokehouse)Chef Monica Hayes (Founder, Tasteful Manners Culinary)Chef Ken L. Polk (Executive Chef at Batter & Berries)Chef LaMar Moore (Executive Chef and Youth Advocate/Mentor)Chef Brian Jupiter (Owner at Ina Mae Tavern and Frontier Chicago)Chef Deandre Carter (Owner of Soul and Smoke, BBQ Restaurant)Chef Jennifer Selvaggi (Exec, Chef for Turano Baking Company)

About the Author:  Don Howze is an Emmy Award Winning Film/Tape Editor and Associate Professor of Journalism and Television Production.  Don is the producer and director of the upcoming film documentaries The Production Crew and Toni Shelton’s Queen Of House Music. 

Good Lord, has it ever been this bad?

For the past few weeks I’ve been hiding like a prairie farmer cowering in the storm cellar waiting for the tornado to pass.

Except it hasn’t passed. Poked my head out for a look-see and the political life of America is even worse than imagined. The darkened sky is swirling with unmoored accusations, incriminations, recriminations, censures, vilifications, denunciations, pointed fingers, fault finding, reproaches and inculpations.

If it were a real tornado, houses, cars and cows would be flying around, day and night. Makes one want to retreat.

Except, one can’t. The odds of survival in this swirling, poisoned atmosphere don’t favor hiding under desks like 1950s school kids thinking they’re protected from nuclear obliteration.

Fie on both sides.

First, that megalomaniac*, Donald Trump. Did he really believe that by unleashing Vice President Mike Pension and a huffing and puffing crowd on a constitutionally required meeting in the Capitol that he could reverse the presidential election? Truly goofy.

Because he is certifiable, he’s capable of believing or trying anything that serves his purposes. Did he really declassify everything he took from the White House and locked up in his Mara-la-go basement? Where’s the paperwork? As is said in the cited article below, you can’t just wave your hand over the banker’s boxes and declare them unclassified.

If I were of a conspirital mind-frame, I’d think that the documents he garnered was classified evidence that could be used in a criminal investigation of Hilary Clinton’s classified e-mails. Or not.

Suffice to say, flakey Donald Trump invites conspiracy theories. Sadly, he’s most likely to win the Republican presidential nomination and most likely to get beaten by, well, anybody. But he’s willing to sacrifice the conservative agenda he espouses to satisfy his bloated ego.

Now of other side.

Can anyone fault the other side for complaining when the Department of Justice, the FBI and the Biden administration turn American history on its head by being the first in history to launch such a criminal attack on a former president and premier political opponent of President Joe Biden (or whoever is running that poor, losing-it man).

From virtually every angle–political, legal, commonsensical, the FBI raid (yes, it was a raid) was mindless. Did you see the picture of a boat standing guard off the shore of Maralargo with a machine gun mounted on its forecastle. Along with automatic weapons-touting agents guarding the compound, did the FBI expect an armed assault from whacked-out Trump supporters?

If Trump had been there instead of New York, would they have put him in shackles, like other Trump supporters whom the FBI is targeting? Must we really believe that Biden had no idea of the forthcoming raid, and if so, isn’t that even more troubling?

The paperwork justifying (???) that raid raises so many questions that Americans in good conscience must demand answers. Instead, the Biden media acolytes are charging anyone who asks legitimate questions about the process as being profoundly stupid, ignorant and blindly partisan.

My recollection of politics goes almost as far back as Truman upsetting the Chicago Tribune by beating the Republican pretty-boy Thomas Dewey. Never, ever, have I seen or heard such destructive, self-satisfying political hogwash sweep across the nation. Not from the Korean War and not even during the Vietnam War. Never, in my decades-long journalism career have I witnessed such an smug, openly hostile and one-side press.

In that vein, I highly recommend that you read the clownish praise by a national media critic of the “truth-telling” media–meaning the hysterical anti-Trump coverage. Senior media writer Tom Jones of Poynter pens an amusing but concerning paean to conservatives and others who think questioning the government, the elections or anything else is something to be praised. Read: “Why the media is still reporting on the 2020 presidential election: Election deniers are making powerful inroads in local races, which has serious implication of the future of our democracy.” I wonder how satisfied that Jones is for being a voice-over for one side of that democracy.

On the other hand, here is a voice from the other side. Peter Van Buren writes in The Spectator: “The five stages of Mar-a-Lago grief. He’s got to be guilty of something, right?“

*Megalomania: A delusional mental illness that is marked by feelings of personal omnipotence and grandeur. A type of delusion in which the afflicted person considers himself or herself possessed of greatness. He/she believes him/herself to be Christ, God, Napoleon, anyone famous, or everyone and everything, including a lawyer, physician, clergyman, merchant, prince, or super athlete in all sports.2. Morbid verbalized overevaluation of oneself or of some aspect of oneself. As in “I’m smarter than all those generals.” [megalo- + G. mania, frenzy]

To subscribe to The Barbershop, type your email address in the box and click the “create subscription” button. My list is completely spam free, and you can opt out at any time.

Of all the exciting festivals scheduled this summer, Chicago can add another stellar event to its calendar. Its the first annual CLINK Wine and Spirits Festival and its quickly becoming one of the city’s most popular attractions.

Chrishon Lampley, Founder of Love Cork Screw and Co-Founder of CLINK Wine & Spirits Festival (Chicago). Photographer: Christian De’Mar.

The CLINK Wine and Spirits Festival hosted by Chrishon Lampley, owner of Love Cork Screw wines and Joyce Dawkins, founder of She ROCKS It Magazine, are debuting their wine and spirit tasting extravaganza on Sunday September 18th at the beautiful Wilder Mansion in Elmhurst, Illinois.

L-R: McBride Sisters (Wine Company). Michael Lavelle (Luxury Wine Brand)www.neiljohnburger.comL-R: Chef Deandre Carter (Owner, Soul Food & Smoke, BBQ Restaurant). Elena Smith (Owner, Davine Wines LLC)

Chrishon, one of the few minority winemakers in the midwest, says the event is a first-of-its-kind Chicago-based wine and spirits festival dedicated to highlighting women, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in the industry.

“As a minority business owner, navigating the business of building a wine brand in this industry can oftentimes feel like you’re on an island,” says Chrishon, CLINK Co-Founder. “It is imperative that we continue to celebrate, encourage, and advocate for diversity in the wine & spirits industry.”

CLINK Co-Founder and business partner Joyce, agrees. “My goal with CLINK is for attendees to see the amazing things that can happen if you just believe in yourself and to encourage attendees to not be afraid to take a leap of faith.”

L-R: Chef Brian Jupiter (Owner, Ina Mae Tavern and Frontier Chicago)Ashley & Jenai (Founders, Halo 7 (premium Rum)L-R: Sheetal Bhagat (Founder, Spice Note Tequila). Theodora Lee (Founder, Theopolis Vineyards)

CLINK Wine and Spirit festival will feature panel discussions, a walk-around wine tasting from over 50 minority-owned wine & spirit brands and paired with exquisite appetizers from local Chicago chefs of color, a cigar lounge, party deejay and a relaxing outdoor mocktail waterpark that gives guests an opportunity to re-hydrate with refreshing drinks and non-alcoholic beverages.

Sponsored in part by Mariano’s, the popular midwest grocery chain, both Chrishon and Joyce both acknowledge the company’s lead support in Women Owned Businesses and their participation in spearheading the festival.

L-R: Chef Monica Hayes (Founder, Tasteful Manners Culinary). Phil Long (Founder, Longevity Wines)L-R: Paula J. Harrell (Owner, P. Harrell Wines). Dr. Chris Wachira (Founder/CEO, Wachira Wines)

“We have a commitment to local vendors,” says Amanda Puck, Director of Strategic Brand Development for Mariano’s, “and we’re excited to support the first annual CLINK Wine & Spirits Festival with our team of accomplished Tastemaker Chefs who will complement the event’s all-star roster of minority-owned wine, spirits and non-alcoholic beverage producers.”

CLINK Wine and Spirits Festival will introduce some of the nation’s up and coming minority leaders in the food and beverage industry. It will also showcase Chrishon and Joyce’s leadership as entrepreneurs, especially during the month of August as thousands of people celebrate National Black Business Month. Just this past week, Chrishon was honored in Chicago at the Black Womens Expo where she was presented with the 2022 Phenomenal Woman Award.

“It is imperative that we continue to celebrate, encourage, and advocate for diversity in the wine & spirits industry,” says Chrishon. “CLINK presents an interactive educational forum for beverage trade professionals, media, and wine & spirits enthusiasts to taste, network, celebrate our progress and empower future minority women in the industry.”

CLINK Wine and Spirit Festival boasts a growing list of vendors, guest speakers and winemakers that will provide tastings and samplings of their specialty items. To purchase tickets and to get updates on the event, visit www.clinkfestival.com. The following is the list of the many sponsors and winemakers who have confirmed their participation:

CLINK: Wine and Spirit MakersChrishon Lampley (Founder of Love Cork Screw)Nicole Kearney (Founder, Sip & Share Wines)Jesse Steward Jr. (Founder, Alexander James Whiskey)Ashley and Jenai (Founders, Halo 7 (Premium Rum)Luna Bay Booch (Kombucha Company)Dr. Chris Wachira (Founder/CEO, Wachira Wines)

Paula J. Harrell (Owner, P. Harrell Wines)Catalina Gaete-Bentz (Founder & CEO, CATAN PISCO)Mara Smith (Founder, Inspiro Tequila)McBride Sisters (Wine Company)Elena Smith (Owner, Davine Wines, LLC)Sheetal Bhagat (Founder of Spice Note Tequila)Phil Long (Founder, Longevity Wines)

Theodora Lee (Founder, Theopolis Vineyards)Vitani (Spirits/Cocktails)Uncle Nearest (Premium Whiskey)Funkytown Brewery (Brewery)Sapere (Wine Brand)Michael Lavelle (Luxury Wine Brand)M. Robinson (Champagne Brand)

CLINK: ContributorsRodney Strong (California Winery)Jackson Family Wines (Winery Group)Foley Family of Wines (Wine Producer, Marketer & Distributor)

CLINK: Sommeliers & ExpertsMarsha Wright (Certified Wine Specialist- Certified Sherry Wine Specialist)Regine T. Rousseau (Founder, Shall We Wine)Chasity Cooper (Wine Culture Expert)

CLINK: Executive ChefsChef Dominique Leach (Executive Chef & Owner, Lexington Betty Smokehouse)Chef Monica Hayes (Founder, Tasteful Manners Culinary)Chef Ken L. Polk (Executive Chef at Batter & Berries)Chef LaMar Moore (Executive Chef and Youth Advocate/Mentor)Chef Brian Jupiter (Owner at Ina Mae Tavern and Frontier Chicago)Chef Deandre Carter (Owner of Soul and Smoke, BBQ Restaurant)Chef Jennifer Selvaggi (Exec, Chef for Turano Baking Company)

About the Author:  Don Howze is an Emmy Award Winning Film/Tape Editor and Associate Professor of Journalism and Television Production.  Don is the producer and director of the upcoming film documentaries The Production Crew and Toni Shelton’s Queen Of House Music. 

Like so many shows headed to Broadway, Chicago is the test market to work the kinks out.  Such is the case for The Devil Wears Prada the Musical now playing at the James M. Nederlander Theatre through August 21st.

The music by Elton John is great, and the choreography by James Alsop is exciting and clean. I had the opportunity to speak with James and asked her what her favorite number in the show is. She responded, “Oh my goodness. Well, it’s really difficult for me to pick out my favorite dance number in the show only because the entire story and the music and the show, they all touch on different types of music and different types of dances, which pulls out these different styles that are specific to just the song. So, they, each to me feel so right for each song that it’s really difficult for me to pick out one. If I had to, if I had to sell you on anything, I would just say the end of Act One is quite something. I’ll leave it at that.” I must agree with her, the end of Act One is pretty good.

The set design is great, and I must give an ovation to the smooth set changes. They become a character of the show.

 The book by Kate Wetherhead needs a little work in places in the second act. Conversations between Miranda and Andy are sometimes stiff.

Weak links for me were Michael Tacconi as boyfriend Nate Angstrom.  There was absolutely no connection with Andy as her boyfriend.  He is more in the ‘friend’ zone attitude. When they break up it’s like he is saying “Oh Well,” and when they come back together it’s more, “Sure, we can get back together…or not, I don’t care.”

The other disappointment was the fashion. With costume design by Academy Award-nominated costume designer Arianne Phillips, I expected to leave the theater talking non-stop about the amazing fashions.  There were more creations in the audience that garnered being remembered than on the stage.  With one exception, the wardrobe for Emily (Megan Masako Haley) was different, eye-catching, and memorable. Unfortunately, most of the other costumes were just that, costumes. 

I love, love, loved the diversity in the cast and the amazing voices. Taylor Iman Jones who plays the lead Andy Sachs is funny, her voice is amazing, and she embodies the role.  Tony Award winner Beth Leavel as Miranda Priestly does not mimic Meryl Streep but makes the role her own and works it. She is amazing.  Another stand-out in the show is Megan Masako Haley as Emily Charlton.  She has the right amount of grit, and just enough condescending attitude to make the role believable.  Last but not least, I must mention Javier Munoz as Nigel Owens.  One of my favorite characters in the film became a favorite in the stage production as well.

With all that being said, the question is “Is The Devil Wears Prada the Musical worth seeing?”  Yes, it is. It’s a fun evening with surprises and energy. As I said, they are getting the kinks out before heading to Broadway.  I am sure it will be a major success but just needs a little work.

Until next time, keep your EYE to the sky! 

Dewatering is one of the most crucial steps in preconstruction. Removing groundwater from the worksite helps prevent damage to the surrounding environment, protects workers and gives you a stronger foundation to build on.

Given that this is such an important process, there’s a lot of room for error. Any mistakes can have costly consequences, so you’ll want to prevent them as much as possible. Here are five mistakes to avoid when dewatering a construction site.

1. Overlooking Permits and Regulations

One of the biggest mistakes you can make in dewatering is forgetting to check local regulations first. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires daily inspections and sampling to ensure operations meet general standards. If you don’t want to run into legal trouble, you should check these standards and ensure you follow them.

Remember that each state may have additional regulations you must abide by for legal dewatering. These can vary and may change over time, so always check before each job to ensure you follow the most recent and relevant rules. You may have to get some permits before starting, too.

2. Choosing the Wrong Dewatering Method

You can start the dewatering process once you have all the permits and regulatory checks in place. A common mistake to make here is choosing the wrong method. There are many ways to dewater your site, each with its own benefits and disadvantages, so you should ensure you select the best one for the job.

Sump pumps are the most common method for dewatering a worksite, but they’re not always the best. Deep well dewatering may be a better choice if you’re in a low-lying area with a lot of water that needs to move, despite the higher costs.

3. Leaving Collected Water Unprotected

Another dewatering mistake to avoid is not protecting the water you move away from the worksite. This may seem unnecessary initially, but consider that the water doesn’t disappear once it’s off-site. It has to go somewhere else, and leaving it unprotected means it could collect contaminants and endanger the environment or drinking water.

Similarly, it’s important to filter the surface water of sediment and other contaminants to minimize the environmental impact. UV light will kill bacteria and viruses, but you don’t necessarily have to go that far. A clean, intact dewatering bag will provide sufficient filtration.

4. Not Monitoring for Erosion

Make sure you check for any signs of erosion as you pump water off-site. Human activity already increases soil erosion up to 1,000 times its natural rate, and dewatering can easily contribute to that if you’re not careful.

Regulations require you to check the work site at least daily anyway, so while you’re there, look around for signs of erosion. Stop the operation if you see large clumps of soil coming undone or the nearby ground falling away. Catching and responding to this as soon as possible helps minimize the damage.

5. Improperly Discharging Water

It’s essential to think carefully about where you discharge the water you move from the construction site. You can send it into natural bodies like lakes and rivers with a permit, but remember that some states have turbidity limits that require this water to be clean enough before disposal.

Filtering and cleaning water before discharging as much as possible is a good practice to minimize environmental risks regardless of location. You should also choose a discharge site with minimal erosion risks and a lack of sensitive wildlife. Picking a nearby area can also help lower costs and transportation emissions.

Dewater Your Site Safely and Effectively

Dewatering a construction site is fairly straightforward on the surface, but there’s a lot to consider when running these operations. Ensuring you work as safely and effectively as possible is crucial to avoiding environmental damage and related penalties.

These five mistakes aren’t the only ones you could make but are some of the most important to avoid. Preventing these errors enables you to dewater your site with little concern.

The Man, The Comedian, The Legend. George Wallace is back together with his friends, the fabulous Myra J., and the hilarious J. Anthony Brown for Two Nights Only! at Riddles Comedy Club In Chicago on August 19th & 20th.  

I first met and worked with George and Myra J. back in my WGCI days. I met J. Anthony Brown later.  All three continuously keep me in stitches.

Recently, I spoke with George, and as you will see the man cracks jokes even when he is serious. I reminded George of when he went to Brazil with us when Banks and Company broadcasted from the beaches of Rio.  We all took the tour of Christ the Redeemer Statue.  George gave his take on the experience. “The Redeemer, yeah. I loved that, and I took a photo with my arms out, stretched across exactly like the Christ Redeemer. It’s the most awesome sight I’ve ever seen in my life, and to this day I love traveling. I was up there with Christ, that’s how high… This is 12 times higher than the Empire State Building above sea level in Brazil, and I was with Christ. Five hours later, I was back down on the beach with those little pretty girls taking my credit card. Have you ever seen those Brazilian girls? I was pretty bad back then.”

I asked George about his upcoming Comedy Royal Triple Threat show coming up and off he went.

 “I’m coming to Chicago, Friday and Saturday, August 19th and 20th. Not only me, but it’s also going to be the old Tom Joyner Morning Show. Myra J and J. Anthony Black. Is that his last name?”

I responded, “No, it’s Brown, baby. J. Anthony Brown.”

George went on to say, “Well he’s Black today. We’re going to have some fun, and we hope we get to talk about each other’s mothers. We don’t do that, and people get angry with us. Can you believe that? “You don’t want to talk about each other’s mom?” I said, “We have new things, we moved on, and I just can’t talk about his mom anymore, even though I’m already Christmas shopping for her. I want to stop it because I can’t continue to do it. People go crazy, and people say they don’t get out of the car when we used to do Tom Joyner. They’d say, “We have to wait till y’all finished.” But we’re coming to Chicago, Myra J, myself, J Anthony Brown, and we’re going to be in Islip. Over there where all the dead people are. Islip? Islip? Alsip.”

We laughed the entire time. Most of the conversations I can’t put in writing. You will get the chance to laugh till your sides hurt on Friday and Saturday, August 19th and 20th. Showtimes are 8:00 PM and 10:30 PM. You can go to riddlescomedyclub.com. It’s in Alsip on West 111th Street.

Of course, George had to have the last word. “Thank you. And all the church people come out because I’ll be talking about the preachers and all of the church people. Church people like to laugh too, believe it or not. Church people love to laugh. I’m George Wallace, I love you, and there’s absolutely nothing you can do about it.”

Until next time, keep your EYE to the sky!!!

TICKET ALERTS:

August 25-27: Jackie Fabulous at Zanies Rosemont

September 6: Andrew Orolfo at The Hideout

September 16: Mo’Nique & Friends at UIC Dorin Forum

October 8: Chris Gethard at The Hideout

October 16: Paul Farahvar at Zanies Rosemont

October 22: Phil Rosenthal at Norris University Center, Northwestern University, Evanston. If you were checking my MEGALIST, you had a chance to get tickets immediately! Tickets are now sold out, but add your name to the waitlist. If that doesn’t work, here is a way to attend virtually and buy a signed book in October.

November 3: Jonathan Van Ness at The Chicago Theatre

November 4-5: Bobcat Goldthwait at Zanies Rosemont

November 10-12: Liza Treyger at Zanies Chicago

December 2-4: Amanda Seales at The Improv

THIS WEEK:

Zanies Chicago: Super Six Showcase, Rich Vos, Adam Gilbert & Friends, Chris Higgins, Jon Stringer, Carmen Christopher, Calvin Evans, Tim Meadows

Zanies Rosemont: New Material Night, Jeanie Doogan, Lele Mason, Hilary Jimenez, Maggie Hughes DePalo, Chastity Washington, Mike Toomey, Steve Cochran, John DaCosse, Tim Benker, Jon Stringer

Riddles: Will Hill’s Open Mic, George Wallace, Myra J, J Anthony Brown, Robert Kane

The Improv: Chris Porter

AND all of these following shows, just a fraction of all the unique comedy happening this week in Chicago. Please also check out the MEGALIST for even more. Please confirm all details. Thank you so much to you for dropping in and to the Chicago comedy community for making this blog possible.

MONDAY, AUGUST 15

Jokes at Jake’s at Jakes Pub, 8:00 p.m. Free show and thirty comedians in one hour! Seth Payne and Elizabeth Fulton host Andrye Austin, Greg Bartusiak, Grace Boitse, Joanna Clark, Sara Dirks, Jonathan Dunne, Kristi Durkin, Tim Felton, Kadeem Fuller, Cecilia Gonzalez, Jeff Hack, Ryan Haynes, Sara Holcomb, Ariel Julie, Bob Keen, Tori Kilkenny, Danny Lang, Carinda Rae Larson, Darrell Monti, Sam Otter, Caroline Pescatore, Courtney Peterson, The Queeny Bitch, Kendall Relf, Stephanie Robertson, Ty Riggs, Lindsey Shaw, Kian Straub, Alydar Skyy, Christi Turner

TUESDAY, AUGUST 16

Bobcat Goldthwait at Lincoln Lodge, 7:30 p.m. Working on “new shit” every Tuesday in August.

Ladylike at Lincoln Lodge, 8:00 p.m. An acclaimed showcase of grossest stories and fresh off the stage at Steppenwolf.

Ten Dollar Comedy at Second City, 8:30 p.m.  Showcasing some of Chicago’s best improv, sketch and standup.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17

Daniel Thrasher at Beat Kitchen, 4:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 18

Ben Hollis at Orland Park Library, 7:00 p.m. Eight-time Emmy winner Ben Hollis recounts behind-the-scenes stories with hilarious video clips from WTTW’s Wild Chicago.

Kellye Howard at Steppenwolf, 8:00 p.m. Kellye Howard’s one-woman show Crazy or Nah?! is at Steppenwolf through Sunday, August 21. Follow link for all shows and times.

Big Break Comedy at Holiday Club, 8:00 p.m. Nick Lindemann hosts Seth Davis, Allie Sroka, Angie McMahon and headliner Trumaine Bradley. Free show. Donations encouraged.

Dave Attell at The Den Theatre, 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Here through Saturday, but every show is sold out except tonight.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19

Mike O’Keefe at The Lincoln Lodge, 7:30 p.m. Best Night Ever presents Quality Time with Mike O’Keefe.

High Spirits Comedy at Spirit Water, Cary, 8:00 p.m. Free show. Hosted and produced by Larry Bloom and Ricky March. A Funnier By the Lake production.

Dan Aykroyd and James Belushi at Blues Brothers Convention at Old Joliet Prison. Friday and Saturday.

Mike Atcherson hosts Jess Martinez, Joe Eames, Grace Leishman and headliner Brian Hicks at The Wilmette Theatre, 7:30 p.m.

Gianmarco Soresi at The Comedy Bar, 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Gianmarco was kind enough to speak with me here. Tonight and tomorrow. Follow link for all show times.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20

Latina Comedy Festival at Lincoln Lodge, 6:00 p.m. Celebrate National Latina Day with Las Locas Comedy’s first annual Latina Comedy Festival!

Gwen La Roka in Mi Casa es Tu Casa at Aguijon Theater, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are selling out every show! Advance purchase highly recommended. Follow link for all remaining show times, August 18-20. (August 21 is last show, but already sold out!)

SUNDAY, AUGUST 21

One-Woman Beaches at Newport Theater, 2:00 p.m. Alisa Rosenthal’s reinterpretation of “the classic ‘80s sobfest of female friendship, love, death, and big hair” woven together with “tales from her own summers spent at Jewish musical theater camp run by two kooky old sisters who made their names doing one-woman musicals in the Catskills in the ’60s.”

Early Bird Special Comedy Showcase at Laugh Factory, 7:30 p.m. Steven Springer hosts another great showcase with JT Newton, Michelle Krajecki, Bill Gorgo, Vince Maranto, Rachel Labont, Matt Kissane.

Jimmy and Johnnie at Bughouse Theater, 7:00 p.m. With special guest international improv star Susan Messing!

NASA’s Space Launch System is ready to roll out to the launchpad for the Artemis 1 mission. Originally scheduled to happen on August 18th, NASA’s ground systems team moved up the timeframe for the rollout of SLS to Launch Pad 39B, with the launch still scheduled for no earlier than August 29th.

Rollout of SLS to Launch Pad 39B, the first step to launching Artemis 1, is now scheduled for Tuesday, August 16th at 8 pm CST. The event will be covered live by NASA.

SLS on the launch pad ahead of wet dress rehearsal. Photo: Michael Galindo/Cosmic Chicago

The space agency will provide a live stream of roll out events on the NASA Kennedy YouTube channel, which is not the same as the main NASA YouTube channel.

Tomorrow will be the third rollout to the launch pad for SLS as it had to first go through testing and wet dress rehearsals. The wet-dress rehearsals were necessary to test the many systems of SLS and prepare the many teams on the ground, especially those in Mission Control. The prelaunch sequence stopped just seconds before liftoff to practice everything from propellant loading to tank draining.

A view of the modified crawler-transporter 2 carrying SLS to the launchpad. Photo: Michael Galindo/Cosmic Chicago

The first rollout of SLS took place on March 17th and took nearly 12 hours to reach Launch Pad 39B. After a leak in the upper stage, among other issues, was discovered, SLS returned to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) for repairs.

The second rollout of SLS for Artemis 1 happened on June 6th, 2022. A hydrogen leak presented itself, but the wet dress rehearsal continued, and the team completed their tasks. Teams at NASA rolled SLS back to the VAB on July 2nd, 2022, where it has been undergoing repairs and preparations ahead of the final rollout for launch.

A view of the Orion spacecraft and launch abort system atop SLS. Photo: Michael Galindo/Cosmic Chicago

Artemis 1 is an uncrewed mission that serves as a flight test of SLS and Orion to pave the way for future missions to the moon. In addition to this primary mission, NASA will fly several science and technology payloads, including ten CubeSats deployed to conduct deep space experiments and carry out lunar observations.

To learn more about SLS, read our Guide to Space Launch System.

NORMAL—The season has not yet kicked off, but the reality has already hit Jason Lewan.

“I just took that senior photo with (Coach Brock) Spack,” Lewan said at last week’s Illinois State football media day at Hancock Stadium. “I’d watch it happening every year and (hear) ‘Seniors up!’ and think one day I’ll be there, and now it is. It seems like just yesterday I was a tiny, little freshman. It goes by fast.”

There certainly have been fast times for the redshirt senior defensive lineman from Yorkville. Fast times like the 2019 road win against rival Southern Illinois in which Lewan registered two sacks, seven tackles and forced a fumble.

Fast times like when Lewan recorded a sack in the first-round FCS playoff win at Southeast Missouri that same season.

But there have also been slow times such as the Covid-shortened 2021 spring season in which the Redbirds were forced to abandon their season as injuries mounted. Lewan was one of those casualties, missing the final two games that spring after sustaining a Lisfranc injury to his left foot.

The injury was so severe that Lewan missed the following fall camp and the start of last season.

“It definitely killed me. You worked so hard with those guys, my teammates, and then you had to take a backseat and take a different role by teaching more, not by example, but by using your experience,” Lewan said.

‘A little faster, a little leaner’

The 6-foot-6 Lewan rehabilitated and made his way back into the ISU lineup. Now as the Redbirds work their way through fall camp, Lewan is listed as the starting defensive tackle.

“It was a tough transition for me, but I’m glad to finally be back on the field,” he said. “(I’m) back at 100 percent. I had that spring and summer to get back but also to improve by getting a little faster, a little leaner. I feel great now.”

Listed at 305 pounds on the 2021 roster, Lewan now weighs in at 285 pounds. He has made 28 career starts for Illinois State.

Mentor role

Back to that senior photo with Spack, ISU’s all-time leader in coaching victories who is in his 14th year in Normal.

Lewan is one of 11 seniors listed on the Redbird roster — one of four that has spent his entire career at Illinois State.

“I definitely see myself getting into that mentor role now. I’m able to teach young guys, lead by example and set the standard for future years,” Lewan said.