Illinois Wines

I know, who would put Illinois and wine in the same sentence?

I guess things are slow in the soy bean and corn business and Illinoisans [is that what we are?] are trying their hand at brewing up local red and white stuff. They feel confident thay won't have to call it Ripple or Thunderbird either. 

Plus, the International Wine Institute, a non profit group dedicated to getting people to learn what wine goes with what food, is having an event next Friday at the Daley Center in Chicago.

It costs $125, an amount equal to a year's salary for some people in other countries. It should be noted that only the first ten percent goes to cover the mortages of the President and CEO of this dedicated organization. Fledgling oenophiles will be learning how to pronounce words that start with "oe" and learning which vintage to serve with fancy pants food.

Or for people who want to eat something they recognize there will be things like a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich made with Camembert -- no, really.

Doesn't it seem a bit insensitive to have an event like this with thousands of homeless refugees from one of our own US cities getting their first taste of hot food and a good night's sleep in a week?

Of course not. This is America. We embrace everyone.