Want to know who’s coming to town?

Here are a few upcoming author visits worth checking out:

Madeline Levine, March 10: If you’re looking for a little parenting advice, Levine is a renowned psychologist and author of one of my favorite “How do I do this?” books, “The Price of Privilege.” She’ll be in Winnetka on March 10 to talk about “the skills that children need to succeed in a tumultuous future: adaptability, mental agility, curiosity, collaboration, tolerance for failure, resilience, and optimism. Most important, Levine offers day-to-day solutions parents can use to raise kids who are prepared, enthusiastic, and ready to face an unknown future with confidence and optimism.”

Jeff Fleischer, March 12: Anyone interested in a better understanding of elections? Fleischer will be on hand this Thursday at the Book Cellar in Lincoln Square to talk “About Votes of Confidence: A Young Person’s Guide to American Elections: Votes of Confidence: A Young Person’s Guide to American Elections gives an in-depth introduction to the electoral college, the history of debates, political parties, how to get involved even if you’re not old enough to vote, and more in conversational, engaging prose. The revised edition includes information on the 2016 and 2018 elections, and Kirkus called it “a solid and timely foundation.” This is a must-read for any teen who wants to be an engaged and informed citizen.”

Rebecca Serle, March 14: Appearing at the Highland Park Library, Serle is on tour for her latest novel, “In Five Years.” Great read for anyone looking for an unexpected love story.

Looking for a book suggestion? I just finished up “Weather” by Jenny Offill. You can check it out here.

He had to do it again, drag Monica Lewinsky back into the spotlight when he “explained” why he had an affair with the White House intern. In this latest explanation, he revealed he did it to “manage his anxieties.”

As quoted in the New York Times he prattled on:

“You feel like you’re staggering around — you’ve been in a 15-round prizefight that was extended to 30 rounds, and here’s something that’ll take your mind off it for a while,” Mr. Clinton says. “Everybody’s life has pressures and disappointments and terrors, fears of whatever, things I did to manage my anxieties for years.”

Despicable.

Most twitter and other responses suggested that he should have taken a pill to manage his anxieties. Instead, seeking relief with medication (or by himself), Clinton’s insufferable ego compelled him to make up a new explanation, all so that he can be included the spreading Blob of victimhood.

What bothered me even more was his selfish compulsion to drag Monica Lewinsky back into the public’s consciousness, with all the embarrassment and shame that goes with it.

There was no reason except for his personal benefit to bring it up again.

He used her then, and he’s using her now. She wasn’t a person that he had wronged; she was a pill, a Valium. A stress reliever. A tool. Yes, he admits he had wronged her, just as, I suppose, you can claim that the devil (i.e. his stress)  made him do it.

Monica Lewinsky was a  young woman who deserved–and still does–all the compassion handed out by the #MeToo movement to sexually abused women. 

I will not be watching the sickening four-part documentary series, “Hillary,” which amounts to one more pathetic exercise by a desperate woman to place herself in the front row of the national stage. I would vomit if I saw her, as she does in the series, “reveal” how surprised she was by Bill’s affair. She explained how she was “convinced” by adamant denials of an affair. It is high-order BS when everyone else in America knew that her creepy husband was lying. (And later committed a true impeachable felony of perjury by lying under oath about his affair.)

It is truly beyond my understanding how progressives, masters of the universe of compassion, could tolerate Clinton’s victimization of Lewinsky. How they could excuse him of what today would be a capitol offense if committed by, a corporate CEO, against not just an intern, but a grown woman. The power imbalance of that affair if just staggering, exceeding anything that has been recently revealed.

And don’t you dare say that Lewinsky was a willing participant in the affair. By the definition hurled about today about what defines sexual harassment and assault, Clinton not only should have been  removed from office but should have faced criminal charges once out of office.

In my view, Bill Clinton is as much of a slithering worm in a pile of dung as Harvey Weinstein. That a network would give any credibility to him and his equally obnoxious wife signals just how deep today’s popular culture has sunk.

Here (below) is his defense of his actions in an earlier interview. He felt “terrible” (boo hoo for his suffering), he didn’t  get off free and he left the White House “16 million in debt.”  Talk about Donald Trump’s state of mind. This guy is Trump’s equal in that department. Be sure to watch the goofy excuses made for him by two women defenders of the dirt bag.

[email protected]

www.dennisbyrne.net 

My historical novel: Madness: The War of 1812

Want 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.

The March edition of the Chicago Artisan Market vill showcase more than 100 of the Midwest’s finest artisans under one roof. Exhibitors vill include designers & makers of clothing, jewelry, vearable art, shoes & accessories, pastries, gourmet food & healthy snack foods, natural skincare products, home goods & décor, and functional & decorative art. Team Gregula vill ve visiting the Chicago Artisan Market for the fourth time.

There vill be various opportunities for market attendees to enjoy. Meet & shop vith 100+ artisans in food, fashion, home goods and art. Learn how the makers create their one-of-a-kind designs and products. Look, listen, feel and taste everything on display throughout the Sunday market. DIY Classes (booked in advance only) vith seasonal themes including: The Art of Orchids, Hand Lettering, Spring Floral Design 101, Create a Vertical Garden, Learn to Paint Floral Watercolor Wreaths.

This family-friendly market also includes a FREE Kids Zone featuring  complimentary arts & crafts and kid friendly snacks. Plus professional face painting for only $5-6.

DATE

•  Sunday, March 8, 2020

TIME

• 10AM – 4PM

VENUE

• Morgan MFG
  401 N. Morgan St., Chicago, IL 60642
  (West Loop / Fulton Market)

ADMISSION

• General Admission: $8 ($10 at door)
• Includes VIP Goodie Bag: $25
• Group Tickets: 4 for $20
• Kids under 12: Free

For additional information, click HERE.

Connect vith Count Gregula’s Crypt

1) Like us on Facebook.

2) Subscribe to us, type your email address in the box and click the “Create Subscription” button. Our list is completely spam free, and you can opt out at any time.

In 1965 a wonderful playwright and director, Douglas Turner Ward, wrote the amazing satiric play Day of Absence. It helped launch the iconic Negro Ensemble Company in New York City. The mission of the Company was to present live theatre written by and about black people to a culturally diverse audience that was and is often underserved by the theatrical community.

Day of Absence was then and is now a timely production that should open the eyes to all of America…and beyond.

The play takes place in a quiet southern town that falls into chaos when one day the white people wake up to notice that all the Black people have disappeared. Day of Absence is traditionally performed as a ‘reverse minstrel show,’ with black actors in white-face.

Congo Square Theatre celebrates its 20^th Anniversary season by bringing this iconic play into to the twenty-first century. The funny thing is that not much has changed.

Director Anthony Irons has included the disappearance of black and brown citizens to this production.  He has successfully made this play so relevant while maintaining the humor of the situation. The way he integrated films, TV shows, and songs that we all know added flavor to what could have been a dated script.  In fact, the audience was laughing so loud some of the dialogue was lost, however, the meaning was not.

The cast is amazing with perfect timing and energy. I was a little worried because Day of Absence was the first play I performed in as a theatre major.  It is my all-time favorite play because of the in depth meaning behind all the humor.  My fears were set aside when Jordan Arredondo and Ronald L. Connor  opened the show as two friends, Luke and John who first notice that there aren’t any black or brown people at the mall.  I was laughing till tears ran.  Founding Congo Square Ensemble member, Ann Joseph as the Mayor and Ronald L. Connor as her assistant Jackson are hilarious. 

While the play is funny and an enjoyable evening at the theater, it is scary that nothing has changed. That the significance and importance of black and brown people to society is so taken for granted that we would have to be missing before our worth and accomplishments are seen. OR we can all go to the polls and really let them know the power of Black and Brown Americans.

Congo Square Theatre Company’s Day of Absence is playing at the Victory Gardens’ Richard Christiansen Theatre through March 22, 2020.  You do not want to miss this powerful production.

I give it 5 out of 5 Winks of the EYE.

Until next time, keep your EYE to the sky!

Amare Symoné has had herself a busy 2020 thus far. She is fresh off the release of her empowering new single “Sooofly,” and she is gearing up for the release of her upcoming Agape Acoustics EP, which is due out on March 25. However she has managed to squeeze in yet another single, “Pictures,” which sees her reaching depths of vulnerability she hasn’t tapped into before.

The instrumentation is absolutely gorgeous. The guitar lines are smooth and warm, and the chord progressions paint a serene vibe. The production is a new sound for Symoné, but it really works.

An artist known for her brooding introspection, Symoné reaches a whole new level on this new cut. The “Pictures” she is referring to are the ones of a former flame she still has a connection to even though they’re through. She expresses no interest in pursuing a relationship with this person, but an intense infatuation persists. She is left involuntarily alone and the heartbreak is immense.

“Pictures” sees Amare Symoné exuding all of the traits that make her a compelling artist to begin with. Her pensive songwriting taps into the most universal of human emotions, bringing them to life in a way that anyone can empathize with. However, with the more stripped-down production, Symoné is also treading new waters in terms of sound, which only makes her artistic trajectory that much more intriguing.

“Pictures” is now available on all platforms.

Stream “Pictures” here: https://fanlink.to/amaresymonepictures

Follow Amare Symoné on Instagram @amaresymone

Don’t wait to be great. This powerful message is one that 12 year old Jahkil Jackson has as a tagline for his nonprofit organization, Project I Am.  Those word have been a reality for him since he started the organization four years ago, at only eight years old. Since then, he’s been acknowledged by the likes of President Barack Obama, CNN, Marvel, Cartoon Network and more for all of the greatness he puts out into the world. Jahkil knew he didn’t have to wait until he became an adult to make a difference in the world, and he wants other kids to know they don’t have wait either.

Today, my daughter and I attended Project I Am’s fourth anniversary celebration here in Chicago. Project I Am was created to raise awareness about homelessness and help the homeless by providing with key essentials like toiletries, socks and other useful items via blessing bags. Jahkil has given out more than 35,000 bags since he started, and continues to find new ways to give back.

The event attracted nearly 200 kids and teens from all over the Chicagoland area who came out to help stuff blessing bags and enjoy open skating in celebration of Jahkil’s hard work. My daughter was excited to be a part of something that true makes a difference in other people’s lives. She’s been pretty adamant about helping the homeless in small ways like giving them change or food since she was about five years old or so. Now, she’s inspired to do even more.

You can also help Jahkil continue these efforts by visiting his website to make a monetary donation, send items for blessing bags or purchase cool items with inspiring messages like, “Don’t wait to be great.”