Hear that? It’s the crisp sound of the first Old Style being cracked open on the Cubs home opener at Wrigley Field on Monday, April 12^th. After five long months of baseball-lessness, the Cubbies are back in the Friendly Confines hoping their 162-game road leads to post-season glory in October. White Sox Fans, Southsiders, and Barack Obama – stop reading now as an all-Cubbies crash course with roster breakdowns and dos and don’ts may cause nausea, headaches, eye rolls, and indigestion.

Ask any Chicagoan and they’ll tell you that one of the best parts of summers in the Windy City is baseball. While the Cubs have tortured fans for years, people still turn out in droves to watch the lovable losers. Although there are many devoted students of the game, Cubs fans have developed a reputation as partiers rather than true baseball fans. To avoid becoming a walking Cubs fan stereotype, make sure you have a few nuggets of general knowledge regarding  your 2010 Chicago Cubs:

Starting Pitcher Rotation:

1. Carlos Zambrano: hot tempered and unpredictable, this right-handed hurler is the Cubs ace. Not only known for his prowess on the mound, Zambrano also boasts 20 career homeruns. Pretty impressive for a pitcher.
2. Ryan Dempster: strong in spring training, the Cubs need him to keep the momentum going.
3. Randy Wells: called up from the minors in 2009, Wells had a decent rookie debut with the Cubs, racking up 12 wins.
4. Carlos Silva: dont get too attached; S ilva could potentially be replaced when Ted Lilly returns.
5. Tom Gorzelanny: acquired in 2009 from the Pittsburgh Pirates, Gorzelanny rounds out the starting five.

Starting Lineup:

• Catcher – Geovany Soto: Soto might have been the 2008 NL Rookie of the Year, but his performance in spring training has been anything but award-winning. Hitless in his last 17 at bats, Soto better turn it around or he’ll be hearing boos from the bleachers.
• First Base – Derrek Lee: hottest butt on a first baseman this side of the Mississippi. More opinion than fact, but keep an eye out for this badonkadonk next time he’s up to bat as Lee led the Cubs in homeruns with 35 last season.
• Second Base – Mike Fontenot: good things come in small packages (that’s what she said?). At 5”8, the lefty hitter brings a little diversity to a predominantly right-handed batting order.
• Third Base – Aramis Ramirez: much to the chagrin of Cubs fans, Ramirez durability has been called into question with multiple injuries over the past few seasons. He led the team in batting average in 2009, so look to him to rack up some serious offense for the Cubbies.
• Shortstop – Ryan Theriot: although his nickname is “The Riot”, be sure you know how to actually say his last name. My phonetic spelling is “Tear-E-O,” but feel free to learn it whatever way you see fit.
• Left Field – Alfonso Soriano – Referred to by bitter fans as “overpaid” and “overrated,” this hops-when-he-catches outfielder was quoted as saying that he believes in this year’s team. Hopefully his performance will have fans believing as well.
• Center Field – Marlon Byrd: stepping out in a Cubs uniform for the first time this spring, Byrd was acquired on a three-year contract from the Texas Rangers.
• Right Field – Kosuke Fukudome: His arrival from Japan was met with much fanfare in 2008 and has prompted local vendors everywhere to carry Fukudome-inspired apparel and souvenirs.

Now that you’re armed with a general command of the Cubs starting line-up, there are a few things you should abide by when frequenting the hollowed ground that is Wrigley Field. Use my Dos and Don’ts to successfully navigate the stadium, avoid social suicide, and exponentially increase the satisfaction of your overall Chicago Cubs experience. Check the list to make sure your game-day etiquette is up to par.

DO sing “Go Cubs Go” when the Cubs win. All wins should be celebrated by breaking into an uplifting song.

DON’T order ketchup on your Chicago-style hot dog. This ain’t your momma’s backyard BBQ, so show a little respect.

DO know your stuff (ahem, see above). Be able to name at least three Cubs players (and their positions), who the Cubs are playing that day, and what division the Cubs are in. There are less expensive ways to get drunk than to shell out money for a Cubs ticket; make sure you’re somewhat vested in the game.

DON’T forget to tip the beer vendors. A little green will keep your guy coming back, ensuring that you are never overwhelmed by debilitating thirst.

DO belt out the 7^th Inning Stretch with ruthless abandon. While all baseball parks partake in this time-honored tradition, no one does it quite like the Chicago Cubs.

DON’T wear pink Cubs apparel unless it’s Mother’s Day or for Breast Cancer Awareness. Last I saw, no Major League Baseball team took the field in pink uniforms (besides said exceptions). You think you’re being cute, but you’re really just annoying everyone around you. Especially me.

DO tastefully and respectively heckle the opposing team. A little playful banter should be expected. After all, we don’t want visiting teams to think Wrigley is the home of warm fuzzies and positive affirmations.

DON’T obstruct a player’s ability to make a play on the ball. Ever heard of Steve Bartman? While I’m sure he’d love for someone else to take his place as ‘Most Hated Person in Chicago’, a foul ball isn’t worth becoming a social pariah.

DO take off work in the middle of the week to attend a Cubs day game. Even though it’s a legit vacation day, you’ll still feel a little Ferris Bueller-esque as you drink your Old Style while everyone else slaves away at their 9-5.

DON’T be ‘that person’ with a seat in the middle of the row that constantly gets up to go to the bathroom, get food, grab a beer, etc. Unless you like hearing the exasperated sighs of the people you’re climbing over, try and consolidate trips and wait as long as possible to break the seal.

DO be sure to get one last beer/Mai Tai/margarita before the 7^th inning ends. Alcohol sales stop after the 7^th inning, which leaves you high and dry in the 8^th and 9^th.  And just imagine the horror if the game goes into extra innings.

DON’T leave in extra innings. You know how Cubs fans have a reputation for knowing nothing about baseball and not caring about the outcome of the game? Yeah, don’t add more fuel to the fire. Besides, if the game goes to 14 innings, you get another 7^th inning stretch.

DO play the dollar cup/Moundball game http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moundball. It keeps the group interested in the game and gives you a shot at additional beer money. It’s a win-win.

DON’T ever give up hope. Sure the Cubs last won the World Series in 1908, but that just means they’re due. Stay strong. And remember, every year can be the Cubs’ year.

It may seem like a lot to take in, but just as a sommelier can appreciate the subtleties in a glass of wine that an unrefined palate cannot, you can now savor and enjoy the Chicago Cubs 2010 season with a new level of sophistication. So sit back, grab a hot dog and an over-priced beer, and let the Cubbies take you away.

Follow me on Twitter @lynnakarlstrom

Hi, I’m Nicole and I love changing my hair color. Ever since I got my first highlights at age 12, I decided that my real hair color was not allowed to be a part of my life. You know, that mousy color that isn’t quite brown or blond? Yeah…

I love changing my look, and have had the whole spectrum of colors from a dark brown when my favorite celeb was Eva Longoria, to a whitish blond from my days of wishing I was on Nick and Jessica’s Newlywed’s show (um yeah, that didn’t work out well for them OR for me).

Fast forward to my move to Chicago- a huge city with so many salons to choose from. A city in which you could easily go broke on that starting salary over trying to fix your roots (especially when you have ridiculously thick and wavy hair like mine). After spending most of college with the same stylist, a stylist who knew (and hesitantly accepted) that I’d want a dramatic change every few times I went in, I had to find someone who could embrace my spontenaity when it came to hair.

So I started trying to find a new go-to person in Chicago. I tried a fancy salon in Streeterville, where I had two people painting my hair for 5 hours. $350 later, my hair looked no different and I almost had a heart attack over the bill. I tried ULTA in hopes of being thrifty. Let’s just say, it didn’t work for me! I even drove out to my hometown in the far west suburbs for Saturday morning appointments only to realize that I was always late and crabby when I got there. Then there was the stylist who complained about her co-workers and bosses the whole appointment-”NEXT!” Or the one who took being risky too far and bleached my whole head with foils and made it look orange-ew. You get the idea.

Two years after moving here, I finally met Daniel- every girl’s dream stylist. My best friend emailed me a coupon for a $30 hair cut at her salon, ASHA, so I went and fell in love.

My stylist, Daniel Sabry, works at ASHA Salon Spa, an Aveda salon in Gold Coast. Not only is Daniel a VERY talented stylist (I’m sure I’ll lose him to Hollywood some day) who can practically read my mind, he is somewhat of a “hairapist” and a comedian all in one. He listens to me, but knows how to talk me out of a dark brown bottom and blond top (yes, I really wanted this look-and thanked him later for not letting me do it). He’s not afraid of doing something different with my hair, but only if it’s done with taste and class. For example, right when I thought my blonde days were over, he gave me these unbelievable Jennifer Anniston highlights that I couldn’t live without.

After I leave an appointment with Daniel, my boyfriend will always say, “Aren’t YOU slap happy!? What the heck made you so giddy?!” And I tell him in a dreamy voice while bouncing my blown out hair, “I just had a hair appointment with Daniel!”

Daniel knows how to pump me up. I can tell him everything that’s going on in my life and he listens and gives me valuable feedback. He throws in hilarious comments- his favorite one being “Get it girl!” He makes you feel and look like a celebrity when you leave.

If you’re looking to find a long-term, mega-talented, funny and friendly stylist in Chicago who won’t do you wrong, I highly suggest making an appointment with Daniel Sabry. Asha always has monthly specials, coupons, and referral discounts too. If you can’t make it to the Gold Coast location, consider trying one of Asha’s other locations like Lombard, Schaumburg or Bucktown.

One of my favorite things about living in Chicago is that there is a seemingly endless supply of new and different restaurants.  Each one tries to be more unique and chic than the next.  My boyfriend and I devote our date nights to trying new restaurants and it seems that we’ve tried all types: fancy, simple, and completely over-rated.

Our fanciest (and funniest) date was to Trump’s “Sixteen.”  We were by far the youngest people there and tried our hardest to break our server’s “penguin” like manners and façade.  As we do with all of our servers, we just wanted to know his name and chat with him like a friend.  We decided on ordering the tasting menu.  We figured if we were at the Trump we should go big, be surprised and order food we wouldn’t know how to pronounce. The first course (of several) came out and we could barely make it through the server’s long and fancy explanation before we looked at each other and laughed out loud at the tiny little creation, complete with a “squiggle” of liquid garnish.

The courses did get better (and bigger) and the service was second to none.  In fact, the service was so exquisite that we started to wonder if there were hidden cameras on our table.  We joked that we should time how many seconds it would take for one of the staff to come over and refill our glass after one of us took a sip of wine. They made it to us within seconds each time.  The atmosphere was the most unique I’ve ever experienced in Chicago, perhaps because of the beautiful view, very dim lighting and decadent crystal chandelier in the center of the restaurant. It was such a treat to dine at “Sixteen”, but we (and our $18 cocktails) aren’t planning on running back there in this lifetime.

This weekend we attended a 30^th birthday dinner at a simple Italian restaurant, a hidden gem on Armitage in Lincoln Park called “Tarantino’s.”  They had amazingly authentic food and great service.  We had a party of 20 without any slips in service, quality or timing which is quite a feat.  I don’t love Caesar salad but I had a taste of theirs and, honestly, I’m still thinking about it!  I also ordered the Black Linguine which was served with fresh shrimp and mussels in a spicy red sauce- excellent, and a new favorite!  I had never been to Tarantino’s before but I’d tell anyone to go there because it fit the bill of quality, service and atmosphere.

But sometimes curiosity prevails and you just have to try those buzz-worthy restaurants.  After trying to get a reservation for some time, we finally got in at Perennial.  The interior of the restaurant is pretty: wood floors, what seems to be live foliage and trees with a modern flair.  The backroom had lots of pretty Christmas “trees” with blue lights and ornaments.  Overall though, we were disappointed; especially after hearing such a buzz about it.  It was very loud and the seating wasn’t intimate.  Our server was on the verge of snotty, and the menu was very limited.  We did LOVE their Crudo, though, which is very flavorful raw fish drizzled in oil, lemon and herbs.

So when it comes to my favorite Chicago restaurants, I’ll pick simple any day.  All the hype, glamour and over-the-top attempts at being the most unique sometimes ruin the whole experience.  Maybe all of that glitz and glam covers up the whole point of dining out in the first place: great food and friendly service.

Are you on the prowl for a new or different job? Or, are you just looking to make more friends with similar interests? Attending networking events can be the easiest way to do either! If you’ve been thinking about putting yourself out there, but don’t know where to start, look no further. Below, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best upcoming networking events and groups in the Chicago area listed by interest.

If you’re into social media, a great place to find the most up-to-date list of Twitter-related networking events, or “Tweet Ups,” is Chicago Tweetups. They keep an extensive calendar of events and they’ll gladly add your event to their list!

If you’re into helping others, the people over at Networking for a Cause host events with the purpose of bringing together those who are interested in non-profit organizations. With an average price of between $10-20 per event, you get a lot for your time and one great cause, usually local, benefits from your money. Check out their Facebook Fan Page for updated news and events.

If you’re into the environment, every Wednesday, the people at Go Green Management host a networking event where you can mingle with other environmentally conscious people and businesses. The next event isn’t until the 2010, but you can sign up for a yearly membership early. The cost is well worth the 40+ events you’ll be entitled to and the company you’ll enjoy. Event and membership details are here.

If you’re into technology, you need to check out Tech Cocktail. Their mission is to offer community-powered projects and events  in under-served technology communities. Best of all, Tech Cocktail welcomes everyone who’s into technology, not just the elite iPhone application developers. Details are here.

If you’re out of work or looking, Out of Work Chicago hosts monthly events where you can network with everyone from recruiters, to headshot photographers, to consultants who will help you write a better resume or put together an interview outfit. Find upcoming events here.

If you’re into a little bit of everything, Windy City Social has a networking event for you. WCS connects Chicago professionals to each other and events around the city, ranging from Interactive Social Media and Online Marketing events, to wine tastings, to hikes and bike rides. With the diversity of their events, you’re sure to find one that suits you. Find updated events here.

Now that you know where to go, is there a right or wrong way to act when you get there? Below I’ve listed a couple of small, but valuable, tips that can help you get the most out of the networking events above, should you decide to attend.

Take notes: If you exchange business cards with someone, take a few seconds to write a small note on it, so when you DO follow up (and you better!), you have something personal to write instead of the generic, “Nice meeting you. Hope we can connect again soon.” The more you remember about your conversation the better. Which leads me to my next tip.

Don’t drink too much: A lot of networking events have free booze, and, quite frankly, sometimes it’s hard to turn down. You don’t have to turn it down. Just know your limit, so that when you send a follow up email, or get one, you actually remember who you’re communicating with. That “Who the hell IS that?” feeling can be just as bad after a networking event as it can after a night out at a bar.

Thank the host/coordinator: If you spent all that time planning a snazzy event for other people to benefit from, you’d want a thank you too, right? Your momma raised you better than that.

Now that you know where to go and what (not) to do, I’ll see you at the next event!

There are things that I know I’m good at. For example, I’m a great multi-tasker, I can plan an amazing event, and I can pack a suitcase like a pro.

And I know there are things that I just can’t do. Such as, simple arithmetic, running more than a mile, and last but not least cooking.

I confess: I can’t cook. I’m a single, 20-something who lives alone that gets way too much take-out and eats way too many frozen meals. What makes me even more sad? My dad and my sister are excellent cooks. My sister even went to culinary school. In terms of being a whiz in the kitchen, I rank worst in my family.

To rectify this situation, I went out to find myself a cooking class that could teach me how to be a better cook. A Groupon “coupon” led me to one of the Mix It Up classes at Bespoke Cuisine.

A little background on Bespoke Cuisine before I jump into my night. Bespoke is a catering company that also hosts interactive cooking parties at their loft-like kitchen in the West Loop. In addition to private cooking classes for larger groups, Bespoke also hosts Mix It Up classes which are held a few times a month with different themes for each class. Past classes include French food, Tuscan nights, and Asian grilling. Classes are usually followed by a family style meal in Bespoke’s dining room or a cocktail party if it is an appetizer class. Mix It Up classes are $80 per person.

Because things are always more fun with friends, I forced two of my friends to also purchase tickets for the class and we arrived after work this past August for the summer appetizers class (baby steps for this first time chef).

First off, I have to say anywhere that is BYOB makes me squeal so I was delighted to find that I could bring my own wine to imbibe with. For anyone who doesn’t like to drink, soft drinks are provided by Bespoke. My friends and I got there a little late, but we opened up our wine and sampled the cheese trays which were also provided for us by Bespoke before we started cooking.

The set up of the night was pretty simple. After our mingling hour and cheese platter sampler, the head chef divided us up into groups and we were then assigned a chef to work with and two appetizers to make. And I have to note that I don’t think one of the chefs was bad looking so I automatically felt like I was being taught by the Voltaggio brothers on Top Chef.

My group made watermelon cubes with aged balsamic and Boursin and sweet pepper tartlettes. My only complaint for the whole night was that my group seemed to have the very simple appetizers to make considering some of the other things on the menu involved grilling, blending, and actual baking. I would have liked to try my hand at grilling the steak for the steak skewers.

I loved that hands on teaching is what our class is all about and because of this each member of my group was given a chore to do. A few of mine included cutting peppers and prepping the tartlettes. I liked that we were able to prepare everything ourselves and that the chefs were just there to give tips (like how to cut a pepper without cutting off your fingers).

When the appetizers were complete, we were encouraged to serve the other members of the class with what we had prepared so there was more time for mingling. Mingling = a great opportunity to meet new girl friends and cute chefs.

My final verdict: BYOB, cute chefs, free recipes & a better knowledge of creating great food? This place is totally worth its price tag.

1. Midwestern friendliness prevails among Chicagoans.
2. We have alleys!  And this means we don’t put all of our trash on the street, we have more windows and can squeeze a few extra parking spots in too.
3. We have tons of “transplants” which make Chicago a melting pot of cultures and ideas.
4. Our Italian food rocks! I’m talking about the pizza, pasta and hot dogs. For those who are meat lovers- rumor has it our Italian beef and sausage are second to none.  Perhaps this is why we are considered a “fat city”?
5. Oprah and Obama hail from Chicago.  Let’s hope that our city doesn’t change when Oprah’s show stops airing in 2011…
6. Chicago has cheaper rent and drinks than New York City.  At least living here is cheaper than somewhere, right?!
7. Chicago feels like a coastal beach city in the summer thanks to Lake Michigan.
8. Having a car in Chicago is an option but not a necessity.  Gotta love the freedom of choice.
9. North Avenue Beach, Castaways, and running on the lake- please come back soon summer!
10. St. Patty’s day:  complete with a green river, along with plenty of green beer and debacles for all.
11. Wrigley Field.  The true classic American ball park smack dab in the middle of a neighborhood.  For once we didn’t over commercialize something.  Congrats Chicago- please continue preserving the history!
12. Endless summer street fests.
13. I always feel safe.
14. The grid system.  If you don’t know how to use this and you live here, you are a fool.  8 miles is a block and if you know the block numbers of a few major streets, you can never get lost.  (A miracle for a location-challenged individual like myself!)
15. The “Big Ten” bond that many Chicagoans share which is demonstrated by several bars devoted to each school in the Big Ten.
16. The fact that it doesn’t take more than 20 minutes to get most places.
17. Although we are a big city, we still have enough space to grow and develop new neighborhoods.

Photo credit: Kevin Dooley