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Chicago Magazine
Life Lessons
Sticky Situation
Everlasting Love • A city with real culture and identity that people from different backgrounds can connect with [“Reasons We (Still) Love Chicago,” January]. A city with soul and historic streets full of lights and serendipity. And the great Lake Michigan that gives us a place to breathe, relax, and contemplate.
Your Best Hot Chocolate Photo
Talking Points • This month’s conversation starters
Spit Equity • The University of Illinois has turned its saliva-based COVID test into both a public good and a profit maker.
Pandemic Attacks • Alexa James, CEO of the Chicago chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, says COVID has reduced the stigma of seeking help.
How to Say “Paczki”
The Cubs’ Rebuild • That painful roster dump could produce a title contender - just not until 2025.
Marshall Art • An 1899 home influenced by France, Italy - and the Old West
Where It’s @
Harold Mays • Lottery director, cyclist, salsa dancer
Fandom Acts • Rajiv Joseph’s King James looks at how sports helps us express ourselves.
AGENDA • Top 10 reasons to fill up your calendar this month
Spice of Life • A saffron importer finds a niche while helping Afghan farmers.
A Movable Feast
A Cheese for Any Occasion • Erika Kubick, a local cheesemonger and the author of the new book Cheese Sex Death: A Bible for the Cheese Obsessed, picks the perfect one for five scenarios.
Plates of Heaven
Carrot Pâté at Parkside
Puff Piece • Apolonia’s decadent bread, loaded with black truffles, garlic, and herbs, is a showstopper.
The Hot List • 10 places everyone’s talking about (in order of heat)
The St. Pat’s Day Christmas Tree • A neighborhood’s over-the-top holiday decorations provide endless entertainment - and a moment of melancholy - for the author.
UNMAKING A MURDERER • Chester Weger served 59 years for one of the most heinous crimes in this state’s history. Now out of prison, and with the help of a high-profile lawyer, he is on a mission to prove his innocence. Inside the quest to exonerate the “Starved Rock Killer.”
POP life • LOOK-AT-ME COLORS, HEAD-TURNING SHAPES, AND CRAZY-COOL CLASHING PRINTS - GET READY FOR SPRING!
WINDY CITY WISDOM • Over the years, the interviews on our back page have featured wise and witty insights from high-profile locals: actors and authors, musicians and moguls, priests and politicians - even a genuine astronaut. Here are their most illuminating reflections.
I SUCCESS & MOTIVATION • “NEVER FEEL LIKE YOU’VE MADE IT”
II LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS • “SHUT YOUR GODDAMN MOUTH AND LISTEN”
III ART & ARTISTRY • “IMAGINATION IS DIFFICULT AND DANGEROUS”
IV FAILURE & ADVERSITY • “RECOGNIZE THAT WHEN YOU DO FAIL, YOU ARE A LOSER”
V WELLNESS & HAPPINESS • “PLAY SOME GOOD MUSIC, DRINK A LITTLE MERLOT”
VI RELIGION & SPIRITUALITY • “GOD HAS GIVEN MANKIND A STAGE”
VII POLITICS & PUBLIC SERVICE • “THE TRAGIC FLAW AMONG ELECTED OFFICIALS IS EGO”
VIII RACE & RACISM • “IF YOU LIVE IN THE AVENUE OF HATE, YOU CAN’T THINK PROPERLY”
IX MORE LIFE WISDOM • “YOU’VE GOT TO FEEL IT”
Best Foot Forward • Boots to boost your style and your mood
Floral Fix • Sail into spring with regular flower…