Elaine Richardson

Every Chicagoan knows just how trying winter can be. It's gray, it's damp. There's that half inch of snow that melts, freezes, melts and freezes again, and then becomes a permanent part of the sidewalk. The preferred alternative to braving the cold is usually hibernation: Live in your pajamas, upgrade the cable, stagnate. Surface long enough to get the mail and tip the delivery guy, and run back inside your cave; wait impatiently for April.

But you're missing some great stuff. You're a Midwesterner, damn it. Most of these things don't require you to stand outside -- but so what if they do? An occasional breath of fresh air might be nice. All you really have to do is run from one warm place to another, so suck it up, put on an extra scarf and take advantage of some great events.

1. Set an open course for the virgin sea at the Midwest's leading show of sailboats, equipment and sailing services, Strictly Sail. $5-$10. Feb 1-4. Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand.

2. Meet new White Sox players Sandy Alomar Jr. and Royce Clayton at SoxFest 2001. $15-$30. Feb 2-4. Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 E. Wacker, (312)565-0769.

3. It's the dreamiest! Buy that special someone, and help the Starlight Children's Foundation, at the 10th Annual Dream Date Auction. $30 advance, $35 at the door. Feb 9, 6pm. Park West, 322 W. Armitage, (312)251-7827.

4. Celebrate the vast array of music performed by local artists at the 20th Annual Chicago Music Awards. $25-$40. Feb 10, 8pm. Congress Plaza Hotel, 520 S. Michigan, (312)559-1212.

5. It's 1985 all over again at the 4th Annual Chicago Bears Fan Convention. Feb 9-11. Chicago Hilton and Towers, 720 S. Michigan, (847)295-6600.

6. Everyone knows cars are cheaper when it's cold, so scope out your new wheels at the 2001 Chicago Auto Show. $5-$8. Feb 9, noon-10pm; Feb 10-18, 10am-10pm. McCormick Place South, Lake Shore Drive at 23rd Street, (630)495-2282.

7. Wait, are you sure this isn't on Fox? See couples tie the knot on skates at Southwest Airlines' Wedding on Ice. Feb 14, noon. Skate on State, State Street between Randolph and Washington, (312)744-3370.

8. Find the musical cure for your winter doldrums at the Chicago Blues Weekend, including a Thursday night of live blues, a blues club tour, and the House of Blues Sunday Gospel Brunch. Feb 16-18. Various locales. Call the Mayor's Office of Special Events (312)744-3370 or visit www.winterdelights.com for more information.

9. Work up a sweat at the all-night dance party following Fulcrum Point's Rock 'Til You Drop. $20. Feb 16, 8pm. Ballroom of the School of the Art Institute, 112 S. Michigan, (773)722-5463.

10. Celebrate President's Day with 1,000 lesbians at Chicago's first-ever Lesbian Circuit Party. The Black Bra Party features DJs, poetry, performance and caged go-go dancers! $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Feb 18, 8pm-3am. Drink, 702 W. Fulton, (773)583-5049.

11. Show off your pooch -- or score some hints on cleaning him up at the International Kennel Club of Chicago's Dog Show. Feb 22-25. McCormick Place, Lake Shore Drive at 23rd Street.

12. Their off-season moves suggest this may be an exercise in futility, but if you don't show up for the first day sale of Cubs Individual Game tickets you might be paying through the nose by August. (Note: Sox tickets don't go until March.) Feb 23. Check www.cubs.com for schedule and more info.

13. Catch more Chicago stage performances than you can shake a stick at during Theater Fever 2001, featuring hands-on activities, workshops and interactive games. Feb 24, 10am-3pm. Various locals, (312)922-7201 or www.chicagoplays.com for information.

14. Remember when you said you'd quit smoking? You're going to wish you had during the American Lung Association's 4th Annual Hustle Up the Hancock. $20-$85. Feb 25, beginning at 7am. 800 N. Michigan, (312)243-2000, ext. 200.

15. Watch fourteen salon teams create a whole 'do at the 4th Annual Alternative Hair Show. $15-$60. Feb 25, 2:30pm. Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State, (847)424-0600.

(2001-02-01)

Also by Elaine Richardson

SPIKED
But hey, we've heard this one before; isn't this what you call wine cooler land? Yeah, back in 1985. But while our friends at Bartyles and James have faded off the radar, hard lemonades, ciders and even alcoholic water have appropriated a good chunk of their shelf.
(2001-01-11)

FLAKING OUT
We're Chicagoans, damn it -- a hardy, Midwestern people who frequently and valiantly brave snow and wind and cold. Besides, if we didn't, there'd be no holiday gifts and, well, we just can't have that.
(2000-12-28)

IRRESOLUTIONS
Here are a few suggestions for turning that giant self-help project into something manageable.
(2000-12-21)

VIDEO ZONE
Even with cable, you're in for a night of round-the-world New Year's parties, stupid commentary, cruddy movies and soft-core porn. Spare yourself the agony with a little planning ahead and lay in a couple apropos videotapes (or DVDs if you're so equipped). Here's a few you might consider.
(2000-12-21)

ON LINE
(2000-11-30)

EASY MONEY?
(2000-11-23)

DOLLAR SIGNS
(2000-11-23)

THE BIG 3-0
(2000-11-16)

DRINK AND BE MERRY
(2000-11-16)

RESTAURANT REVIEW
(2000-08-24)

COUNTER CULTURE
(2000-08-10)

STORMY WEATHER II
(2000-08-03)

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