The March Issue Of Chicago Magazine

I just got around to reading the March issue of Chicago Magazine, and I must say, it makes for very interesting reading. The cover story is about Pete Crow-Armstrong, the 23-year-old Chicago Cubs superstar. Last season Crow-Armstrong became only the second Cub in history to hit 30 home runs and have 30 stolen bases. The other player was none other than Sammy Sosa. The first half of the season Crow-Armstrong stole 25 bases, hit 25 home runs, and batted in 70 runs, something no other player has ever done before the break. He became the second youngest Cub to ever start an All-Star game, but during the second half of the season, he hit only .187 with 6 home runs. Crow-Armstrong was not happy about that and is determined to regain his form this season. And although he grew up in California, he has grown to love Chicago and the dedication and passion of the fans at Wrigley Field. He comes across as a nice kid and an intense competitor. He very well might make the difference this season up on the North Side. 

A truly fascinating article this month is The Power 50, which lists the 50 most influential Chicagoans who "have shaped policy, molded minds, and redefined this city - and this country." It is not possible to discuss all 50, but what amazed me were all the Chicagoans on the list who I have never heard of, but have a major influence across this country, including Blase Cupich, the Archbishop of Chicago, who now has a major influence on the Catholic Church due to Pope Leo naming him to the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State; Penny Pritzker, head of Harvard's top governing board; Valarie Jarrett, who has overseen the creation of the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park and helped raise the $850 million to pay for it, and Mellody Hobson, wife of Star Wars creator George Lucas, who was once the chair of Starbucks, is currently a director of JPMorganChase, and who owns pieces of the Chicago White Sox, the Denver Broncos, and the WNBA. And did you know that Nick Fuentes, White Nationalist Streamer and number 7 on the list, lives in west suburban Berwyn? I sure didn't. 

There is also an article about seven Chicago-area staycation spots, where you can feel like you've gotten away without the travel costs and headaches. All of them sound very nice, but most would cost about the same as a week or two in Europe. The cheapest on the list was the Wind Creek Chicago Southland in south suburban East Hazel Crest, a casino and hotel, with prices ranging from $199 to $299 per night. The article says it has a "glitzy" Italian steakhouse atop the 17th floor. What? There is a 17-story hotel and casino in East Hazel Crest, Illinois? I used to live near there. How the hell did that ever happen? In summary, it is definitely an issue you should check out. And yes, the two photographs of Chicago on this blog were taken by me on my last visit to my old hometown in April of 2010. Definitely time for another visit.