Chicago.com
If you’re looking for a different kind of a festival this coming weekend think about Turtle’s 1st Annual Street Festival as an alternative to The Peace Fest, The Taste of Randolph Street or the Wrigleyville Block Party.
Here is some info on Turtle’s 1st Annual Street Festival:
WHEN: Saturday June 18th
WHAT: Come stop by for a drink or something off the grill.
Bag tournament @ 3:00 with cash prizes. Sign up is earlier that day. Teams will be picked right before the tournament.
Live music @ 5:00. Pig and lamb roast, too.
WHERE: In the Bridgeport neighborhood
Can’t beat a great day outside in the summertime!!!!!!! This is a fun event for people of all ages!
Forbes has nominated Chicago as one of the 10 most miserable cities in the United States of 2009.
Dear Mr. Forbes,
My mother always says if you don’t have something nice to say don’t say anything at all. In this trying economy, it’s easy to point out the negatives in life, like low real estate values, cold weather (it’s winter, we get it), unemployment, and long commutes. I realize it’s that time of year when we have those extra pounds we’re trying to get rid of, when work is slower than ever, and no matter how well I wipe my shoes on the mat, I always manage to track in salty snow and muck on my hardwood floors. Perhaps Forbes Magazine forgot to ask the locals what they think. What about the three other seasons in the year that I think are pretty freakin spectacular? What about our colleges like Northwestern and University of Chicago? What about the dozens and dozens of professional athletes like Michael Jordan, Carlton Fisk, and Mark Buehrle who give back to their communities and draw in the national spotlight? What about Second City, The Goodman Theatre, and Steppenwolf? What about Comiskey Park and Wrigley Field? What about the Bears and the Blackhawks, and the Fire? What about Rick Bayless, Charlie Trotter, and Alpana Singh? What about Harry Carey? One word. Oprah. The list goes on… and on…and on. It may just be me, but I ain’t miserable Mr. Forbes. I saw Avatar. I don’t need a horse/anteater or a giant lizard flying thing or a ten foot tall blue girlfriend with really great legs… Instead, I’ve got breaded steak sandwiches. I’ve got miles of beautiful coastline next to mile high skyscrapers. And if I’m late to work, most likely it’s my fault and not the Redline train or the buses. (Blame the breaded steaks. Or the deep dish pizza. Take your pick.)
This is where I call home Mr. Forbes and I have a lot to be thankful for.
And hey, Forbsey, you know you can always ask me, Cousin Vinnie, anything about what makes Chicago so great. It’s the people. Friends and family, who back each other up when times get rough. It’s Bridgeport, the neighborhood I grew up in. It’s my buddies the Tito boys. It’s a meal with my beautiful girl. It’s a walk in the Lincoln Park Zoo when it’s 20 degrees out. It’s coffee with the guys at work. In times like these, it’s important to remember the little things. And Chicago knows how to do the little things real big.