Last night we went with our friend Jack to a live taping of the NPR program "Wait, Wait...Don't Tell Me!" at the Chase Auditorium.
I'm embarrassed to say that I think I'm one of the only people who had never heard of the show, especially after hearing the reactions from every one I mentioned it to. The panelists were Roy Blount, Jr., Paul Provenza, and Allison Stewart. I was familiar with Provenza from his comedy in the 80s/90s, and remembered Stewart when she was a wee lass on MTV News (but has moved on to much bigger and better), but wasn't familiar with Blount. According to his Wikipedia entry, "On the show, Blount is known for outrageous dead-pan comments which frequently reduce the panel to tears of laughter." I was totally charmed by his demeanor and humor, and he even reminded me of my Uncle Jerry down in South Carolina.
The "What's My Job" guest was Carrie Fisher. I've always really liked her, and she regaled everyone with insane (sometimes literally) stories from her past. She's one funny lady. I only wish she were there in person so we could get the full dose of her personality.
We had a great time, and can't wait to hear the finished product this Saturday morning.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Ceviche
Scott and Jason generously gave us a gift card for Christmas that can be used at any "Lettuce Entertain You" restaurant. LEY is to this area what BR Guest is to the East Coast - it owns a buttload of restaurants to fit any budget.
We decided to use our card at the restaurant Nacional 27 on Friday, which turned into a wonderful date night. We started with some caipirinha's, then a ceviche sampler (4 different types of ceviche) and rounded it off with a seafood paella. ALL WERE DELICIOUS!
We even took a photo of the ceviche, as the presentation was wicked:
(p.s. those are oyster shooters in the middle)
We decided to use our card at the restaurant Nacional 27 on Friday, which turned into a wonderful date night. We started with some caipirinha's, then a ceviche sampler (4 different types of ceviche) and rounded it off with a seafood paella. ALL WERE DELICIOUS!
We even took a photo of the ceviche, as the presentation was wicked:
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Quincy
My El Station at work was was recently featured in Time Out Chicago's "What's Up With That?":
Q Why does the CTA’s Quincy/Wells station look so old-timey? Every time I’m there, I half expect to see some Dickensian orphan selling newspapers.
The U.S. Department of the Interior and the Illinois State Historic Preservation Office teamed up in the 1980s to protect the Loop Elevated from being replaced by subway trains. To be included in the National Register of Historic Places, the CTA was required to restore one of the El stations to its original appearance. The Quincy/Wells stop, which opened in 1897 in the southwest corner of the Loop, was selected because it was one of the few surviving original Loop stations. Under the guidance of an architectural historian, layers of paint were removed to reveal the original brown shade, and the entire structure was repainted to match. Retro light fixtures and bulbs were installed, and the original oak doors and moldings were restored. Replicas of Victorian-era ads were installed, providing commuters a nostalgic thrill. Most of the current structure is original, though, including the fare booths. The $2.25 million project, which began in November 1985, was supposed to last only four months but took seven times longer to complete—like so many CTA projects since.
Q Why does the CTA’s Quincy/Wells station look so old-timey? Every time I’m there, I half expect to see some Dickensian orphan selling newspapers.
The U.S. Department of the Interior and the Illinois State Historic Preservation Office teamed up in the 1980s to protect the Loop Elevated from being replaced by subway trains. To be included in the National Register of Historic Places, the CTA was required to restore one of the El stations to its original appearance. The Quincy/Wells stop, which opened in 1897 in the southwest corner of the Loop, was selected because it was one of the few surviving original Loop stations. Under the guidance of an architectural historian, layers of paint were removed to reveal the original brown shade, and the entire structure was repainted to match. Retro light fixtures and bulbs were installed, and the original oak doors and moldings were restored. Replicas of Victorian-era ads were installed, providing commuters a nostalgic thrill. Most of the current structure is original, though, including the fare booths. The $2.25 million project, which began in November 1985, was supposed to last only four months but took seven times longer to complete—like so many CTA projects since.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Record snow
Uh...I posted these yesterday, but for some reason they're not there now. Take 2:
It snowed like the Dickens this past weekend - we got a foot of the stuff! - and now we've been told to expect a blizzard. Yipes.
Luckily we had my mom's comfy slippers to keep us warm...
It snowed like the Dickens this past weekend - we got a foot of the stuff! - and now we've been told to expect a blizzard. Yipes.
Luckily we had my mom's comfy slippers to keep us warm...
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Saturday, January 03, 2009
Happy New Year
Hello friends and family,
Sorry for the lack of posts lately. We've been lying low and staying warm, and nursing the nasty cold that's been going around. I am proud to say that I've already used my first sick day of the year, on my first work day of the year.
I hope everyone had a wonderful and loving holiday - whatever you celebrate - and that the new year brings you happiness and contentment.
As for me, I hope to be able to visit all of you friends both abroad and local, and please know that you always have a home here in Chicago if you feel like visiting.
Happy new year!
Love,
C.
Sorry for the lack of posts lately. We've been lying low and staying warm, and nursing the nasty cold that's been going around. I am proud to say that I've already used my first sick day of the year, on my first work day of the year.
I hope everyone had a wonderful and loving holiday - whatever you celebrate - and that the new year brings you happiness and contentment.
As for me, I hope to be able to visit all of you friends both abroad and local, and please know that you always have a home here in Chicago if you feel like visiting.
Happy new year!
Love,
C.
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