During my quarantine thus far, there haven’t been a lot of releases from local artists worth covering. I was expecting an influx of submissions would be keeping me busy throughout my time indoors, but that has not yet happened — until now. Back with a new drop is lyrical mastermind WhoIsAubry with a new single entitled “Amor (The Quest),” and this cut is the perfect example of how multi-faceted of an artist he is.

Produced by Aubry himself on his own iPhone, the instrumental comes in two parts. The first part of the song is a wavy trap beat filled with a ton of emotion. There’s a beat switch in the second half that brings in some eerie guitar melodies that are topped off with some turntable scratches and a chaotic drum break.

Aubry shows off his softer side on the first half of the cut, coming with some introspective lyricism and a sing-rapped delivery. His lines reek with nostalgia and a sense of longing.

Ally Of The Moon also drops in during the first half of the track, lending some ethereal sounding vocals in the background. It’s a beautiful addition to an already emotionally-charged soundscape.

Aubry’s vulnerable lyricism continues after the beat switch, coming with some lines that are poetic and incredibly hard-hitting. He switches over to more of a traditional hip-hop delivery, but his bars cut through every bit as much.

WhoIsAubry is one of Chicago’s most intriguing up-and-comers. He has a certain command over emceeing that not a lot of artists his age have, and it shows here once again. With a little help from a close confidant of his, “Amor (The Quest)” sees WhoIsAubry making the most of his time indoors.

“Amor (The Quest)” is now available on Soundcloud. Stream it here:https://soundcloud.com/aubryonly/amorthe-questfeat-ally-of-the-moon

Follow WhoIsAubry on Instagram @whoisaubry

Follow Ally Of The Moon on Instagram @allyofthemoon

One of the things I have come to love about mohit through covering his music is how versatile he is as an artist. His output cannot be defined by a particular sound or style, and all of the different vibes he has experimented with have displayed his many different talents. His new jam, “Want The Bag?” is a carefree, nocturnal sounding cut that invokes images of late night car rides and laughter with friends.

The instrumentation is stripped back and smooth. There’s a wavy set of synths that fade in and out, and the guitar lines add a sense of depth that is thick and watery. Despite how chill everything is, the bass hits and trap percussion pushing everything forward turns this into something of a banger.

mohit’s lines are scene-setting as they are funny. He uses his voice as an extra instrument on top of the moody production, adding to the nocturnal atmosphere. Despite the heart-felt crooning, the content is lighthearted and tongue-in-cheek.

“Want The Bag?” is a catchy, humorous tune that is perfect for a late a night vibe session. Everything sounds moody on the surface, but one listen through the lyrics make it clear that mohit isn’t taking himself too seriously on this one. From a listening perspective, this is the type of song that will transport you to a specific time and place — a clear sign mohit is only continuing to develop as a songwriter.

“Want The Bag?” is now available on Soundcloud. Stream it here: https://soundcloud.com/mohitsengupta/want-the-bag

Follow mohit on Instagram @mohitsengupta

This was written by one of my friends, retired Chicago Police Lieutenant John Dowd.  John has an MBA and is working as a private investigator lately.  He is also the Dean of his homeschooled classes while schools await reopening. He has touched on something that certainly should have us all thinking next time we hear the phrase “LOW SKILLED WORKER”.

” This pandemic has shown us the real value of our fellow Americans. What was commonly referred to as low skill jobs are some of the most essential jobs in the country. The cleaning person at the local hospital, the truck driver delivering gasoline to the gas station, the restaurant worker, the toilet paper manufacturer, assembly line workers making safety equipment, the national guard, nurses, and all the rest on the list far too long to write. Collectively we need to remember all these workers on an ongoing basis rather than falling back into our yesterday where some out of touch celebrity who really doesn’t give a crap about any one of  the people listed, is seen as an expert because of their notoriety.” John Dowd——- He goes on to quote Charles M. Russell, Montana, American Artist and champion of Native American Rights 1926.  “Guard, protect and cherish your land, for there is no afterlife for a place that started out has heaven.”

John’s brilliant incite has awoken in us just what the hell essential means and who is delivering and stepping up while most of us remain virtually helpless. Imagine where we would be without those so-called low skilled people. There would be no fights over toilet paper, hand sanitizer, eggs, milk, and all the other essential goods we all need to sustain life because they would not be on the shelves, to begin with. There would be nobody to clean and care for the sick when need be. All those people who at one time were labeled low skilled have finally been exposed for what they are “OUR HEROS.” During this pandemic ask yourself could we have ever survived without them? Look around and see who is there for us, not only for basic needs, but for safety, sustenance, and all those other essentials we surely have taken for granted in all those yesterdays that John mentioned.

I’m really wondering when this pandemic subsides if historians will be able to say about us what today’s historians say about, what some folks call “THE GREATEST GENERATION,” the time of World War II. Eighty years ago when America faced the crisis of a world war, the greatest generation stepped up together to defeat enemies that were bent on taking away our freedoms. Back in 1941, there was one man in the world who knew what we were all about, it wasn’t a guess.

His name was Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, Japanese Marshall Admiral of the Imperial Japanese Navy and  Commander in Chief of the combined fleet. Admiral Yamamoto was the architect of the Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor. He also had studied at Harvard for two years and knew the American people well and had great respect for American values and an admirer of our freedoms. The worst kind of enemy a Country could have.

The Japanese Government’s plans were to follow up Pearl Harbor quickly with land troops and invade our country swiftly when they assumed we would be at our weakest. Yamamoto fought against the idea of the invasion and informed the Japanese leaders that to do so would devastate our armies and in time America would defeat us.

His words to them were, “OUR ARMIES WOULD BE FACED WITH A RIFLE BEHIND EVERY BLADE OF GRASS FOR THOUSANDS OF MILES.” Yamamoto knew something of our history, he knew of that fighting spirit, that same spirit that routed the superiorly equipped British invaders with their, RED COATS.  He knew about the common folks who tamed the West and were always willing to answer any call that threatened American freedom. He also knew what we all think about today and can only guess of our leadership, that most have in their minds and speeches will have the same in their GUTS.

Do we have the right leaders?  Do we still have the RIGHT STUFF Yamamoto knew we possessed? We are facing a crisis, it’s early but it is real, it’s killing and making demands this generation never had to face. “IT’S IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND THAT NOT EVERY CRISIS CAN BE MANAGED.  AS MUCH AS WE WANT TO KEEP OURSELVES SAFE, WE CAN’T PROTECT OURSELVES FROM EVERYTHING.  IF WE WANT TO EMBRACE LIFE WE ALSO HAVE TO EMBRACE CRISIS.” Susan Elizabeth Phillips.

I certainly will not be around when those historians judge us, many years from now, but it’s my fervent hope we will be judged by our compassion, courage, and understanding. It’s time to take a stand, put bickering aside, squabbling, denial and blame are for losers.  We have to ask ourselves do we really have the right stuff in our guts. We are going to find out very soon.

“

Hi there,

I know it’s been a while since I’ve posted but there has been a lot going on in the world. I hope everyone is staying in and staying safe. I know I’m doing my best to self-quarantine while trying to maintain my sanity. Now more than ever people are looking for comfortable and affordable lounge and activewear clothing.

Ever since I saw the Spanx leather leggings online, I knew I had to have them. However, the $100+ pricepoint threw me off and I vowed to find an affordable dupe online. Back in October, I rounded up a few of my favorites so far:

http://www.chicagonow.com/thrifty-girls-guide-chicago/2019/10/dupes-for-the-spanx-faux-leather-leggings/

Through a process of trial and error, I’ve been able to find true dupes that have the same matte leather finish without looking super cheap. They are found on Zulily: https://www.zulily.com/p/black-faux-leather-high-waist-crop-leggings-417593-73600586.html

They are currently only $22.99 but you do have to pay for shipping with Zulily. These are also listed as “cropped” but they seem to be a good length for me since I’m petite.

Let me know what you think in the comments.

It’s hard not to like a Toyota product and the n 2020 Avalon is no exception. Although for years it was a rather drab high-end sedan. Let’s face it, as popular as the Camry has always been, it too, wasn’t an eye-catcher. However, those days are long gone and both Toyota sedans are stylish and attractive.

Unveiled at the LA Auto Show, the 2020 Avalon touted its 3.5-liter V6, with 301 horsepower, and mileage at 22/32. Zero-to-60 in less than six seconds.

We liked the pickup and exhaust sounds when putting the pedal to the metal. There is a thrill one gets when driving a sporty car. The Avalon’s sounds can’t rival a Corvette’s, but then we’re talking about a whole different class of automobile. The 9-speed transmission is very smooth and effortless.

The Avalon has a beautiful, up-grade interior, plushy seating and every extra you’d want. The question maybe become, however, when Toyota offers a choice of the Camry TRD; equally attractive and sporty, yet quite a bit less ($12,000). Word has it both Camry and Avalon will be 4-cylnder and offer AWD.

The Avalon’s seats, although ample, didn’t fit this writer well. Perhaps they cater to a larger frame. We found them too large and couldn’t quit get the seat where it was comfortable. Either it was too high and/or too far back to reach the pedal satisfactorily. This isn’t a fault as others may find the seats just right.

Our test 2020 Avalon came in Supersonic Red with the Matte Black alloy wheels. Sharp. Beige Leather for the interior made a great combination, very classy and up-scale. Toyota offers some very attractive exterior colors for 2020, including the Opulent Amber, Harbor Gray Metallic, and Ruby Flare Pearl.

Models available include XLE ($35,875); Hybrid XLE ($37,000); XSE ($38,375); Hybrid XSE ($39,500); TRD ($42,375); and Touring ($42.575). Our TRD Model topped out at $45,384 with some optional equipment including Premium Audio with JBL Clarl-FI Dynamic Navigation and APP Suite. Including 4 speakers including Subwoofer and 1200W amplifier ,9-inch touch screen ($1,760), and Illuminated door sills ($379).

As is the case with most full-size sedans, the ride is comfortable, fitted with a large back seat and plenty of legroom. Trunk size (16 cu. Ft. of cargo space) is also generous and can accommodate 3-4 pieces of luggage, among other goodies. It’s the perfect car for a roadtrip. I remember the road trips in my father’s 1996 Buick Park Avenue Ultra. The car Hoovies Garage (U Tube) has named the “Best Kept Secret of AARP members,” and the “Most Affordable Car for Broke Millennials.” For $2000-$3000 you can pick up one of these Park’s, which offers such neat features as the license plate slot through the trunk.

Back to the 2020 Avalon upscale cabin, with quality materials, smooth handling and easily gliding powertrains and transmissions. Toyota offers many standard features, including the drive-assistance technology, standard rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning system, forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking-all standard, and available rear-cross-traffic braking.

Redesigned in 2019, there are few changes for 2020. However, Toyota has added the TRD trim level, our press car for the week. From Toyota’s performance division, the TRD (Toyota Racing Development) edition is sportier-outwardly and inwardly. We preferred it, though don’t think it’s true competition for the likes of sportier sedans. Upgrades include a sport-tuned suspension, red-painted brake calipers (loved this) and black-painted side skirts. The XLE trim level comes with heated power-adjustable side mirrors, LED headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control, of course heated front seats (and cooled). The auto-dimming rearview mirror and tilt/telescoping steering column are also standard.

The sound system is better than some and has the up-to-date technology, including Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, driver assistance-listed above (blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise).

It’s been some time since we’ve tested an Avalon and the TRD was definitely a fun experience. At $45,000, not sure if it would be a first pick, but it’s been around since 2005. In fact, Avalon U.S. sales for 2018 were just under 26,000.
From what was considered by some as a drab, not very handsome full-size sedan, the Avalon finally has something to shout about, particularly in the TRD edition. Boring would probably have been the right adjective in the past, but the 2020 version has come into its own.

While pricing isn’t affordable for many shoppers, those who would be interested in the Avalon can probably justify it. We’re not sure what leasing numbers are like, and/or if this is a car that falls into that category.

Specs
Pricing: $42,300; total vehicle price $45, 384; delivery $955
Engine: DOHC 3.5-liter, V-6, 301 hp.,
Transmission: 9-speed
Wheels: 19-inch dark gray/black painted machine-finish alloy
Tires: P235/40R19; all-season temp spare
Height: 55.9 in.
Length: 195.9 in.
Weight:3,638 lbs.
Width: 72.8 in.
Wheelbase: 113.0 in.
Fuel Tank: 15.8 gal.
Crash test scores: Perfect 5 out of 5 (NHTSA)
Seating: 5
Warranty: Basic: 36 mth./36,000-miles,Powertrain: 60 mths/60,000 miles; Corrosion Perforation: 60 mths w/unlimited miles.

The Chicago Cubs shared the below message today on what would have been Opening Day at Wrigley Field:

Dear Cubs fans,

As we all know, Opening Day at the Friendly Confines is truly special. Considered an annual family reunion and unofficial holiday by many, the return of Cubs baseball means we’ve weathered another Chicago winter, welcomed the arrival of spring and are ready to embrace new beginnings. While this still holds true, today’s Opening Day is unlike any other we’ve experienced.

The official start of our season is on pause as we do our part to fight the spread of COVID-19 and focus on the well-being of our players, associates and families. We hope you are staying safe and following the preventive actions outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and our government officials.

This unprecedented crisis has profoundly impacted our entire society. Our hearts go out to the individuals and families affected by the virus, and we extend our deepest gratitude to those on the front lines for their tireless, life-saving work. Unfortunately, there is no playbook for navigating this ever-changing situation and no set timeline for resuming some semblance of normalcy. It is critical we do what we do best – rally together. The Cubs and Cubs Charities, along with our generous players and partners, are donating and delivering warm meals and encouraging messages to health care workers and emergency personnel, providing financial support to local COVID-19 response efforts and assisting our ballpark associates affected by the absence of games.

While Wrigley Field is closed and we’re spending what should’ve been our home opener in our own homes, it’s virtually impossible to keep us apart. The sense of community and feeling of hope that come with the start of a new season are stronger than ever. This week, we are honoring Opening Day through a variety of engaging content we hope you’ll enjoy across our social platforms and on Marquee Sports Network. Until we can sing “Go, Cubs, Go” together again, please put on your favorite Cubs cap and Wrigley Field playlist, carry out your favorite Opening Day traditions and share your “Opening Day at Home” highlights using #MyFriendlyConfines.

We appreciate your continued support and patience as we work diligently with Major League Baseball (MLB) and our local authorities to ensure we make the best decisions to protect public health and safety. Given the fluidity of the situation, we will communicate scheduling decisions and resulting ticketing policies as they are authorized by MLB.

In the midst of the uncertainty, we are confident we will get through this challenging time together. For more than a century, the game we love has had the unique ability to unite our nation and lift our spirits. We will play baseball again, for you, our city and our country. Until America’s pastime returns and we take the field, please take care of yourselves and your loved ones.

Sincerely,
The Chicago Cubs

Ted Dabrowski: … The human and economic toll of shutting down America… How does that compare to potential human toll of the virus itself?

And, that’s the benefit- cost analysis that needs to be debated!

********

Tonight’s City of Chicago edition of Public Affairs features Ted Dabrowski, President of Wirepoints discussing w/show host Jeff Berkowitz

(1) whether the Fed’s and State Government policy to create a catastrophic economic meltdown was (and is) good public policy and

(2) whether IL and Chicago will be hurt even more than other states & cities by the meltdown and

(3) Should Chicago & IL view the CRISIS as a prod toward needed REFORMS?

******

The show airs tonight in Chicago at 8:30 pm and midnight on Cable Ch. 21 (CAN TV).

The show also airs tomorrow night in 25 Chicago Metro North and Northwest suburbs at 8:30 pm:

You can also watch the show featuring Dabrowski 24/7 by clicking here.

*******

Dabrowski is well credentialed for tonight’s show topics: Wharton MBA, two decades in the private sector and a decade in Public Policy.

*******

The show was taped 11 days ago, and in large part asks the question:

*****

Would it be time this week or next for the U. S. to start loosening policy, i.e., gradually reverse, perhaps in certain industries or geographic areas the Federal engineered shut-down of the U. S. Economy, the very action President Trump said yesterday and today he would not pursue. Was he right?  

******

Ten days ago the President said, the meltdown cure may be worse than the disease.  All of life is a matter of making trade-offs, balancing benefits and costs, and that is what President Trump WAS BUT IS NO LONGER DOING–

**********

BUT THAT IS WHAT DABROWSKI AND BERKOWITZ DISCUSS  in tonight’s show.

******

Ted Dabrowski: At what point is the human and economic toll of shutting down America, right? That’s what it is. How does that compare to the potential human toll of the virus itself. And, that’s the benefit- cost analysis that needs to be debated [by Congress, the President and the American people].

******

Ted Dabrowski:   It’s here: It’s not an IL or Chicago specific crisis, it’s a global crisis, but now we are wrapped in it. And, everything that we were worried about, that we talked about- those of us who want to see reforms– it’s coming true, it’s come true…the crisis, the recession… and what it spells is massive trouble for Illinois– relative to other states. And Chicago, relative to other cities.    

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Tags:
Amending IL Constitution prohibition on diminishing pensions, Chicago budget, Chicago Lake Shutdown, Chicago park shutdown, coronavirus, Economic tradeoffs, giving IL cities power to file for bankruptcy, Governor Pritzker, IL declining population, IL declining tax base, IL economic growth, IL Economic Meltdown, IL fiscal reforms, IL pension reform, IL proposed progressive income tax, IL unemployment, Illinois budget, Illinois Channel, Jeff Berkowitz, John Klingner, Mark Glennon, MAYOR LIGHTFOOT, political choices, President Trump, Public Affairs, restructuring Chicago pensions, Sheila Weinberg, Stay at home, Ted Dabrowski, Tradeoff of risk of lives and risk of a depression, Truth in Accounting, Unfunded Chicago pensions, unfunded IL pensions, US Economic meltdown, Wirepoints

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The sense of hearing diminishes as we age. And I’m not talking about baby boomers and beyond. During early adulthood is when we start losing ultra-high-frequency sounds which are not important for daily communication. Sounds that are audible during our teenage years, slowly diminish as we age. A while back, I read about a system that was installed in a shopping mall that emitted high-frequency sounds. This device helped to keep teenagers away from certain stores while adult shoppers were oblivious to the annoying clatter.

Age is a factor that we have no control over just like our genetic makeup. Hearing loss can be passed down from generation to generation. When you have family members with hearing loss, it puts you at greater risk for changes in hearing.

There are many drugs that can do damage the auditory system. Aspirin in large doses can affect hearing but in most cases, hearing returns when the regiment ends. Hearing loss is a known side effect of Viagra, Cialis, and similar drugs for erectile dysfunction. A host of chemotherapy drugs and the family of mycin drugs are toxic to the ear. While it may not always be possible to take a different drug, you should talk to your health care provider about how these may impact your hearing.

There are other health-related conditions that can affect the health of your ears. A head injury may do damage to the auditory system. Diseases such as diabetes, heart and kidney disease increase the risk of hearing loss. Infection is another possible cause that can be linked to a change in hearing.

The one modifiable risk is noise exposure. It’s been said many times that the use of earplugs can prevent damage to the ears. Turn down the volume of music, wear ear protection when you use power tools or mow the lawn. There is really no excuse not to. If listening to speech or music is important, filtered earplugs can be custom made or purchased over the counter. When inserted properly, noise is reduced and speech is audible. Smoking, in combination with loud music or noise also increases your risk of hearing loss.

Without having a crystal ball, it’s pretty hard to predict the future. When hearing changes, it is usually due to a combination of conditions or circumstances. Remember that the one thing that you can do to prevent hearing loss is to avoid excessive noise or loud music and to always use ear protection. When the time is right, schedule an appointment with an Audiologist. We’re here to help you.