Chicago: They paved a fetid swamp/and put up a parking lot

I think the fact that civil unions won't result in the utter collapse of civilization is going to help bring more people around to gay marriage.

cleaning maniacs: my FIL is coming over in a matter of maybe 90 min and i have to do some rush cleaning

what are the most important things to clean, like scrub clean, if i don't want him to know that i am a disgusting savage?

(already vacuumed and dusted)

dishes are done
have not scrubbed stove after cooking messy meal last night

The quickest clean with the most bang for the buck is wiping down the counters and sinks in bathroom and kitchen, if you ask me.

I always wipe off the sink and fixtures, clean the toilet, and sweep the hair off the bathroom floor. Close the shower curtain.

Get the visible pet hair off everything.

Wipe off kitchen counters/stove.

That's what I would do. Oh and light a scented candle.

Good ideas!! If he is likely to touch it or consider touching it, I should clean it. I won't bother with the candle, though, since he is anosmic as of last time we saw him. The toaster oven is just...I mean, it's gross, and there's nothing I can do about that.

Wipe off the top and keep it closed. Alternatively, throw a dish towel over it and stick a plant on it. Alternatively, hide the whole thing in your regular oven (set a reminder to take it out, though).

I can't wait to have a toaster oven again. I've lived one year without a toaster.

I keep wanting to buy crumpets, but without a toaster there is no point.

Whoa that is too much work -- we're going for a walk and then going out to dinner in the hopes that we can avoid the scrutiny entirely.

I love my toaster oven, esp in the summer. Perfect for fish and making little appetizers w/o heating the oven.

Please excuse the grammar and punctuation issues in that post.

^^Opening line to new Enrique Iglesias single feat. Akon.

Does anyone want to see Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique on the 15th with me? It's free! Enjoyment of classical music not required.

Where?

And when?

Grant Park, 6:30

http://www.grantparkmusicfestival.com/2011-season/opening-night-symphonie-fantastique

I should also mention that you can bring alcohol there too.

That sounds really nice, pending reasonable temperatures. I will tentatively say yes.

I would like to see that, but I have plans for that night :(

That sounds so lovely, but I'll be in Austin....basking in 100 degree temperatures...ugh.

There are other free concerts! I just really want to hear Berlioz live. Mahler's Das Lied von der Erde in July looks amazing too.

I feel like we should pitch in and buy this for someone - http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11487214

Also, I posted this on Facebook but I really don't think it got the attention it deserved:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBC6z6xcnFM&feature=player_embedded

There are some strange things at Costco

http://www.costco.com/Images/Content/Search/566423f.jpg
Food For Health™
Vegetarian Emergency Food Supply
275 Servings
Up to a 20 Year Shelf Life
Weather Proof Bucket

xp - dammit I hate that!!

I mean, I appreciate it, but it makes me uncomfortable.

I feel like I should have a bucket of "food supply" tucked in a closet, just in case.

I have to to be able to watch that entire video.

i was not interested in watching something called "grandma and baby day at the park" but i have since changed my mind. i will not watch it again though.

last night i had a dream that i had a baby robot and it was born out of a bag of generic nacho cheese chips.

You either meant that you haven't been able to watch the entire video, or that you think it is necessary for you to someday be able to watch the whole video.

Besides finding the baby freaky as hell, I get nervous and uncomfortable when people in the park walk by him.

xp - ha

Dear J3nny B., Dream Interpreter, can you help me?

I had two of my top recurring dreams again last night:

1. I am in school (high school or college) and realized that I have forgotten to attend my science class all semester. It's always a science class.

2. I am moving west, driving through Western states, mostly in the mountains. The details of the scenery and routes are vivid.

Actually, the first one I don't need that much help figuring out. It's one of those ones that make you concerned that your subconscious is a simp.

hey guys I put this on fb but some of you might not check so here

http://www.npr.org/series/136238533/live-from-sasquatch-music-festival

a bunch of archived sets from the sasquatch music fest in WA, lots of good stuff

Oh neat--Thanks, Dan.

I just read one of these million out-of-town articles about visiting Chicago, and Grant Achatz recommended this sushi place on Peterson. Never heard of it. Sound pricey but intriguing.

That place is in the A La Card deck. I want to say that Alexis (of K1tchen Ch1cag0 fame) had a bad experience there, though I've also read great things elsewhere.

Not sure if I mentioned this here -- I know Kr posted it on FB -- but we spotted Grant Achatz pick up carry-out from TAC Quick when we had dinner there a few weeks ago.

Katsu is great! I've been there a couple of times. D really likes the asparagus beef dish. The Colombian place a few blocks away is also really good and has items I've not seen at other Colombian restaurants (agua de panela, for instance).

I would also like to recommend the coconut almond ice cream from George's in A-ville. If you're at the Hopleaf, you should go up there for <D ice cram.

some ppl I know are talking about making Malort jello shots... using plain gelatin so the flavor of the Malort shines through

eeesh

also

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/247902_10150203615439631_30053384630_6939291_7411280_n.jpg

Oh man to both of those things.

One of my sapphic friends posted last night how much she dislikes the nickname A-ville because to her it always reads like Assville.

BLE:SDV:HCH, then LOL

xp - also lol

hey guys shameless plug but d is going to be at a panel for printers row, should you find yourselves down there tomorrow morning

Hey, I was just looking at the schedule and saw that all of five minutes ago. Love that fest every year.

~spooky~

I just learned that one of my coworkers gave his kid the middle name "Skywalker." SMDH.

Oh gross.

that's awful

in other news, i bought tickets to see swans/sir richard bishop and i will tell you I AM PSYCHED FOR THIS SHOW

wow, where/when is that show? Though I'm not super familiar w/ either artist, still sounds awesome.

9/22 @ bottom lounge
listen here for preview (this is primavera set, sounds really massive) http://wfmu.org/playlists/shows/40503

scroll down for swans

streaming now, sounds good

Hmmm, maybe I'll time a Chicago trip for that show. September's a good travel month for me.

FAP FAP FAP