tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33721010277816319102024-02-19T20:42:22.508-08:00Chicago Daily PhotoLife in the Second CityT.A.M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09559276182935977133noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372101027781631910.post-27029928980335776282011-08-23T08:44:00.001-07:002011-08-23T08:59:36.726-07:00Late night coffee break<p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6M0pvl-kyjqBEvIIb0wFu5NAM3NN4-HnLqQ1x4q-iP8Vhvs-OF3MR5Z3Nqq_WzQHdUe9TFBMJv4MMn9_rfG-3KiYICNLus2ltQZHjzjhZm3KZWiNOXOnqH9C2Srxgfj6np6S4gw-p8E-1/s1600/Wolf"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644077892404052338" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6M0pvl-kyjqBEvIIb0wFu5NAM3NN4-HnLqQ1x4q-iP8Vhvs-OF3MR5Z3Nqq_WzQHdUe9TFBMJv4MMn9_rfG-3KiYICNLus2ltQZHjzjhZm3KZWiNOXOnqH9C2Srxgfj6np6S4gw-p8E-1/s400/Wolf" border="0" /></a></p>
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<br />Last night I went to my favorite European coffee house, Iguana Cafe (you must try their rasberry mocha lattes). Anyway, we decided to walk home instead of take the train, and I saw this random painting or I guess a picture of a wolf plastered on the wall underneath a bridge close to Milwaukee and Hubbard. I need to walk more so I can run into more sightings like this.
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<br />T.A.M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09559276182935977133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372101027781631910.post-40129267117281524542011-08-22T09:32:00.000-07:002011-08-22T12:50:23.508-07:00The Harvest<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643721334481170434" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMu0LKYl9QBvyWG756oivWFFMr3hucILw7nEbxa80mkzoZzq_LskU6cz24CKeh6nUiVkMGEbRcgh0f304To4uCKXDi-S0JnkVAEVSe6iyygUbuyCLhIlJxor0VAQAwU0FQDSPy14Uc2cB/s400/garden" border="0" />
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<br />This past weekend, instead of rushing to the crowds at the beach for the Air and Water show, I decided to leave the city and visit my parents instead in Michigan. My dad has two huge gardens, and he has just started harvesting. I was able to cut my grocery bill in half just from the bags and bags of fresh produce that my parents gave me. I left with green beans, lettuce, cabbage, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and even a container full of blueberries they had just picked at a blueberry farm earlier that day. With all of the food that they're able to grow, they are pretty self-sufficient, and have canned tons of tomatoes and frozen vegetables to last them for a year, or until the next harvest. Vegetables that have just been harvested from the garden are the best. I stuffed myself with egg rolls, curry, and other foods that were all made with vegetables from my parents garden.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNjxehhrfOR5rZy6-7BLCMFNL1z2FvZk4QPGcr7jPF1g79c3WiuQRCr_lKLPrQxryJI7Fgi8X4r6LqCqwxB4A0fXYhl_1_Qe-VnvGu19GnvPJukxVM5HpvdhzRRmWxmMBjpeembVpQDLPM/s1600/cans"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNjxehhrfOR5rZy6-7BLCMFNL1z2FvZk4QPGcr7jPF1g79c3WiuQRCr_lKLPrQxryJI7Fgi8X4r6LqCqwxB4A0fXYhl_1_Qe-VnvGu19GnvPJukxVM5HpvdhzRRmWxmMBjpeembVpQDLPM/s1600/cans"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNjxehhrfOR5rZy6-7BLCMFNL1z2FvZk4QPGcr7jPF1g79c3WiuQRCr_lKLPrQxryJI7Fgi8X4r6LqCqwxB4A0fXYhl_1_Qe-VnvGu19GnvPJukxVM5HpvdhzRRmWxmMBjpeembVpQDLPM/s1600/cans"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643721106782448610" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNjxehhrfOR5rZy6-7BLCMFNL1z2FvZk4QPGcr7jPF1g79c3WiuQRCr_lKLPrQxryJI7Fgi8X4r6LqCqwxB4A0fXYhl_1_Qe-VnvGu19GnvPJukxVM5HpvdhzRRmWxmMBjpeembVpQDLPM/s400/cans" border="0" /></a>
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<br />T.A.M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09559276182935977133noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372101027781631910.post-69847567493311033252011-08-11T09:33:00.000-07:002011-08-11T09:50:20.431-07:00The Seven Year Itch<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj25g1Z1tU350qx3EiYqkefY2n4Tyh0kKx3KUs1skqAgJJ2La5eyDNZmGylLhdAcqBEtpbpfij67BlStmDKJYwtOtsfBem4_MXSq4hreipP1NgcTxhRJAqImnoMUnlYN9DIWkk5uiz_igrm/s1600/Marilyn+Monroe.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639640045400796994" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj25g1Z1tU350qx3EiYqkefY2n4Tyh0kKx3KUs1skqAgJJ2La5eyDNZmGylLhdAcqBEtpbpfij67BlStmDKJYwtOtsfBem4_MXSq4hreipP1NgcTxhRJAqImnoMUnlYN9DIWkk5uiz_igrm/s400/Marilyn+Monroe.JPG" border="0" /></a>
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<br />In July, an artist by the name of Seward Johnson began setting up this Marilyn Monroe statue in Pioneer Court right downtown. On my way back from a movie, I actually saw them setting just the legs up at night, and I knew right away what it was going to be. I kind of liked how it looked with just the legs set up. Last year, the same artist did an homage to American Gothic, which I thought was great. I love seeing this statue everyday when commuting to work. Though, not everyone is pleased with the statue, and some think it's rather vulgar. I don't see anything vulgar about it (other than her granny panties).
<br />T.A.M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09559276182935977133noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372101027781631910.post-27198826157579878552011-07-27T07:02:00.000-07:002011-07-27T07:06:14.021-07:00Beach<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWaRO9Bf0uIpLZ3wp3f6Ge_Rt7WMjRBYKpl_YdPrIb0YI4DOg5ugkXmvgwu8d91cQO_G9EiSI0_f83o4Wf5p__oqNSoLfxntYHNz2eb_TjiDk0EHQUUG9RXA-DHO52nRjFIWtGZD8kmgrz/s1600/Beach+at+night"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634032399544384882" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWaRO9Bf0uIpLZ3wp3f6Ge_Rt7WMjRBYKpl_YdPrIb0YI4DOg5ugkXmvgwu8d91cQO_G9EiSI0_f83o4Wf5p__oqNSoLfxntYHNz2eb_TjiDk0EHQUUG9RXA-DHO52nRjFIWtGZD8kmgrz/s400/Beach+at+night" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;">I went biking to 12th street beach last night. It's one of my favorite spots at night or during the day because there are not a lot of people that go there, so it's pretty quiet. </span></div>T.A.M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09559276182935977133noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372101027781631910.post-17996845973848318302011-07-25T10:18:00.000-07:002011-07-25T10:23:58.597-07:00State Street<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR-K7y9GsKZ6AE9DJnJeLFzCaUiHP18qouF3Wl4hX17QYF13VLXS5MpcM92uglHBgCxHvBXsdh_5PakEQHGb0f-6IZnehIkNiFbAqZmOFE08jXN7LS0OrJAmKc6XHHVKP0JK55WShiVMTn/s1600/State+Street"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633341067955146818" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR-K7y9GsKZ6AE9DJnJeLFzCaUiHP18qouF3Wl4hX17QYF13VLXS5MpcM92uglHBgCxHvBXsdh_5PakEQHGb0f-6IZnehIkNiFbAqZmOFE08jXN7LS0OrJAmKc6XHHVKP0JK55WShiVMTn/s400/State+Street" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;">I took this while I was resting at Jamba Juice after shopping at Macy's right on State Street. Macy's has sadly become a routine stop every Saturday after breakfast since they have ridiculous sales every weekend. I have bought everything from pots and pans and clothes to my new couch that will be arriving next Friday. </span></div>T.A.M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09559276182935977133noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372101027781631910.post-70695722555646668202011-07-21T08:57:00.000-07:002011-07-21T09:45:38.587-07:00Work<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWt4JicqQ2tLCiYqWKsI-hxoObn6hYgLgExtkkhyphenhyphenIJPHARj85aBrKKb3JF4dvj9NUMdojFeprwgL3-Yr2FNc7Zy7WeD9_fYk_aj4hQll_y3lVvYbCyNTLbljfnX1Ldp1rFRgc74LigMoFU/s1600/Work"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631836993478886018" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWt4JicqQ2tLCiYqWKsI-hxoObn6hYgLgExtkkhyphenhyphenIJPHARj85aBrKKb3JF4dvj9NUMdojFeprwgL3-Yr2FNc7Zy7WeD9_fYk_aj4hQll_y3lVvYbCyNTLbljfnX1Ldp1rFRgc74LigMoFU/s400/Work" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Doesn't this hallway look like it should be in a Steven King movie or other horror film? It's actually the hallway on the floor where I work and the building itself is the oldest building on the hospital campus. It's creepy when I have to come in after hours for work and supposedly the building is haunted. The floor used to be the old ICU ward so I'm sure there are plenty of "ghosts" wandering around.</span></div>T.A.M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09559276182935977133noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372101027781631910.post-43776936429875157022011-07-20T07:41:00.000-07:002011-07-20T07:58:34.669-07:00Chinatown<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-oTlmVoTmVdu4GnHyunE4kCauyOXvpnQeeoZTOCPDE2AtcHlFHVlqDMGrPwnpHXXZusqc6k80NHi4EoSGcoD1JnRe1EBgziS_3PFZ7wqQLBcH1QNrzIs-H1YIfiiPqge8MtlhlfBySVM/s1600/Chinatown+photo"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631448722974917218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-oTlmVoTmVdu4GnHyunE4kCauyOXvpnQeeoZTOCPDE2AtcHlFHVlqDMGrPwnpHXXZusqc6k80NHi4EoSGcoD1JnRe1EBgziS_3PFZ7wqQLBcH1QNrzIs-H1YIfiiPqge8MtlhlfBySVM/s400/Chinatown+photo" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>Due to the abnormally long winter we had here in Chicago, it had really discouraged me from venturing outside to find any inspiration in taking new photos. Now that it's abnormally warm, I have that longing again to capture different snapshots while I'm out in the city.</div><br /><br /><br /><div>This was taken at the Ping Tom Memorial Park in Chinatown. This is one of my favorite parks to go to in the city because it's right by the river and not a lot of people are usually there. I usually bike here, but I just found out that's where the Chicago River Boat Taxi drops you off.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div>T.A.M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09559276182935977133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372101027781631910.post-81594275122374658622011-02-19T01:26:00.000-08:002011-02-19T01:32:12.376-08:00Backyard<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEdumwYxIrKibry4ag115WryxXm0BQJKWhK87hx9XnUCsR7GvdMMQlPHDqh54QRu1ZPIZqMEIAamJhl0CMez5FsfjOsdfNkMToYx9n382pfyKJJE05Xu-4yPBtGybCuF2b7NgbWK9mswYA/s1600/backyard.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575330049455952690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEdumwYxIrKibry4ag115WryxXm0BQJKWhK87hx9XnUCsR7GvdMMQlPHDqh54QRu1ZPIZqMEIAamJhl0CMez5FsfjOsdfNkMToYx9n382pfyKJJE05Xu-4yPBtGybCuF2b7NgbWK9mswYA/s400/backyard.bmp" /></a>I hardly expected to see this view walking back home from the bars around 2AM. Then I realized..it's literally my backyard.<br /><div></div>T.A.M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09559276182935977133noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372101027781631910.post-31227996993462729132011-02-01T22:17:00.000-08:002011-02-01T22:24:31.720-08:00Chicago Blizzard 2011<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfNWC0mpxv6QIaB5rnSZHEVts76U_dtfIpk10yqtdZv5qDikWf2N9HqM43OfhvhaJ97qeZywAvBUkg8QzzhNEVKdFIU9_t5tJcSoTybBctbHcNSGC0oa33qsz8Lfzs4G1F1D3UsMCs2tn/s1600/photo13.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568973585999250226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfNWC0mpxv6QIaB5rnSZHEVts76U_dtfIpk10yqtdZv5qDikWf2N9HqM43OfhvhaJ97qeZywAvBUkg8QzzhNEVKdFIU9_t5tJcSoTybBctbHcNSGC0oa33qsz8Lfzs4G1F1D3UsMCs2tn/s400/photo13.JPG" /></a>Snowpacolpyse, snowmaggedon, snowtorious B.I.G. and more are all names that have been given to this terrible blizzard we're having. Fortunately, things weren't too bad in the few blocks I dared to go outside and played with my dog in. But things are bad out there...Lake Shore Drive is closed, parts of the roof of Wrigley Field blew off, and other things happened. At least I don't have to work tomorrow.<br /><div></div>T.A.M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09559276182935977133noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372101027781631910.post-56811973240286268702011-01-31T13:29:00.001-08:002011-01-31T13:38:07.544-08:00Desolate<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc9FDuJGkOsrXyqxHGD_bELlsBILhlZbTjqCebU4-_qRD9IgbzkSadSPSU7fxZgvRSn9f2qWW6_X7p9DQKMoBuEgKQbbmZqsW_QsmlDHt7JCzpnb8SeJa3-_F0xBF2plCIgYDTs40XnZ5Y/s1600/photo10"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568465301677914434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc9FDuJGkOsrXyqxHGD_bELlsBILhlZbTjqCebU4-_qRD9IgbzkSadSPSU7fxZgvRSn9f2qWW6_X7p9DQKMoBuEgKQbbmZqsW_QsmlDHt7JCzpnb8SeJa3-_F0xBF2plCIgYDTs40XnZ5Y/s400/photo10" border="0" /></a> About 40 minutes south of downtown Chicago is a place called Gary, Indiana. The only thing they're known for is that it's the birthplace of Michael Jackson. Everytime I drive to Michigan to visit my parents, I hate passing through this town because of the pollution from all of the steel mills that are there (pictured here). I also just read today that the Gary Sanitary District dumped 6.8 billion gallons of raw and partially treated sewage into their river (over the past 3 years) which discharges into Lake Michigan- a source of drinking water for people in Chicago. I'm glad I never drink water from the tap no matter how much the water is treated.<br /><br />I'm ready to move.T.A.M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09559276182935977133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372101027781631910.post-47453547577302431552011-01-11T07:13:00.000-08:002011-01-11T07:19:03.829-08:00S.A.D.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRIRr9jdKchoswaLAlH2aBCppabKKKXYYfXbaFpq-rJ1gS1HUinxEsxQDaXxABszdGNPqAIt6hvg8ZgNN-hWrCCddvKDFbWlLpqUy0U9ganUb-1I7-ZEohkU-o2F5dxSoMQjAz4TdwdzyC/s1600/photo9"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560946858440240274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRIRr9jdKchoswaLAlH2aBCppabKKKXYYfXbaFpq-rJ1gS1HUinxEsxQDaXxABszdGNPqAIt6hvg8ZgNN-hWrCCddvKDFbWlLpqUy0U9ganUb-1I7-ZEohkU-o2F5dxSoMQjAz4TdwdzyC/s400/photo9" border="0" /></a>That's S.A.D. as in seasonal affective disorder, or the "winter blues." I don't necessarily have this disorder, but going to and leaving work in the dark does affect me a little bit. I guess this street light that showed up in the picture will have to be my artificial sun for now. I should probably take the advice of my doctor and get vitamin D pills.<br /><div></div>T.A.M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09559276182935977133noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372101027781631910.post-19556505100856908352011-01-02T12:45:00.000-08:002011-01-02T12:49:42.645-08:002011<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmUDkkKMYRduS702MjsE7lNjof0yYqV8RNo2AxMghsPvy9Wq2q-8V2O9M_VmxPfNRmOtLefFEB-cIGih7CWhyn_tknyQIrrfjRhg6xht7cCe3ppcTDMXDHi2KVd3euuK0tb4QaXcl4W_Pc/s1600/photo11.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557692738996514690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmUDkkKMYRduS702MjsE7lNjof0yYqV8RNo2AxMghsPvy9Wq2q-8V2O9M_VmxPfNRmOtLefFEB-cIGih7CWhyn_tknyQIrrfjRhg6xht7cCe3ppcTDMXDHi2KVd3euuK0tb4QaXcl4W_Pc/s400/photo11.JPG" /></a> It's getting harder to take pictures outside since it's getting too cold to take off my gloves, and snap a picture on my phone. I guess my resolution or short term goal is to find those gloves that work with touch phones so that I can take more pictures. This past new year's eve was such a tease with temperatures at almost 60 degress F. But then the next day it was back down to 19 degrees F. Typical Chicago weather. Happy new year to everyone.<br /><div></div>T.A.M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09559276182935977133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372101027781631910.post-18208006169753371292010-12-29T09:52:00.000-08:002010-12-29T09:55:47.075-08:00Cookies<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtN95Rfqpb9hC63vmQ0gTc23QOCe_5WA8z9HXfR9XWETGSOohAlov1w7OM4scilDnssnOAsqcdnS5Y-nb-aGPu63aR8qdY0ZPSLYBcwM03wv53tp7MEqXVtIgk2AjZxmvh3BSpThvJi3-I/s1600/gingerbread+man"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556163820962611090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtN95Rfqpb9hC63vmQ0gTc23QOCe_5WA8z9HXfR9XWETGSOohAlov1w7OM4scilDnssnOAsqcdnS5Y-nb-aGPu63aR8qdY0ZPSLYBcwM03wv53tp7MEqXVtIgk2AjZxmvh3BSpThvJi3-I/s400/gingerbread+man" border="0" /></a>Today my coworker brought in gingerbread man cookies. However, all of the cookies had the heads detached from their bodies. I'm not sure whether to enjoy them or be worried.<br /><br />Regardless, they still taste really good.T.A.M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09559276182935977133noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372101027781631910.post-4934803899083810622010-12-23T20:31:00.000-08:002010-12-23T20:34:03.957-08:00Hotels<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMAccwXQQtJkJqdh5BgqAhffADEFsg1SqhX0WxoSSFZE82n9VE-RiVM7xhnAoDpaBuOE_3kXcuYWQ9ZGVWNVmxR7Q_ZJj4CyNtO-243JwKW0L7IX83RWrTdECoeirLhJrT4Dml8bCBqZ4A/s1600/photo10.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554101935294922242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMAccwXQQtJkJqdh5BgqAhffADEFsg1SqhX0WxoSSFZE82n9VE-RiVM7xhnAoDpaBuOE_3kXcuYWQ9ZGVWNVmxR7Q_ZJj4CyNtO-243JwKW0L7IX83RWrTdECoeirLhJrT4Dml8bCBqZ4A/s400/photo10.JPG" /></a>Everytime I pass by this hotel, I always find it odd that such a run down looking place would be located right off Michigan Ave. I'm sure it's hardly a reflection of the kinds of hotels you can find in Tokyo either.<br /><div></div>T.A.M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09559276182935977133noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372101027781631910.post-45970188728214648332010-12-20T07:29:00.000-08:002010-12-20T07:31:37.718-08:00Local News<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiscO1cpUMvwr1oIEAYpEFp92iJjz_rUdYrxXPNV68EAGGloMSPbBrEi3JcSEopGB8aJi2QLARfQIFYjGQlU2173cUhATJ0hw5xwJB5FAQhP75qvDiue0UoQo7QzNPtcpEfxtea9ss1z4df/s1600/photo3"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552786948889861154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiscO1cpUMvwr1oIEAYpEFp92iJjz_rUdYrxXPNV68EAGGloMSPbBrEi3JcSEopGB8aJi2QLARfQIFYjGQlU2173cUhATJ0hw5xwJB5FAQhP75qvDiue0UoQo7QzNPtcpEfxtea9ss1z4df/s400/photo3" border="0" /></a> I was doing some last minute Christmas shopping last night when I came across a group of people just standing outside of the local news station, Channel 7. I'm not sure if they just wanted to watch the anchors deliver the nightly news, or possibly get camera time on a local station, but it was way too cold last night to stand outside and do anything.<br /><div></div>T.A.M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09559276182935977133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372101027781631910.post-13561489023621793812010-12-17T11:27:00.000-08:002010-12-17T11:31:04.844-08:00Holiday Party<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-F2bnezOF_pxAzeRoLubXCs0LwKPb8ORnr2LcVnjTsWma6JBK4tlwTNdtB0yrBtiPSxHfdlr6cMOGBrld_CXc7_n12aS_rat-dHnobCYzvxzm4frkmhABlUECQt_SncQJNv9bFxr1sKFL/s1600/photo2"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551735324963702594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-F2bnezOF_pxAzeRoLubXCs0LwKPb8ORnr2LcVnjTsWma6JBK4tlwTNdtB0yrBtiPSxHfdlr6cMOGBrld_CXc7_n12aS_rat-dHnobCYzvxzm4frkmhABlUECQt_SncQJNv9bFxr1sKFL/s400/photo2" border="0" /></a>This was taken at this restaurant in Streeterville called Grand Luxe. It's right off Michigan Ave. Our department had our "holiday party" there this year. Though it was hardly festive, at least the food was good.T.A.M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09559276182935977133noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372101027781631910.post-47470923288154469352010-12-14T19:21:00.001-08:002010-12-14T19:26:10.422-08:00Birthdays<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYb208whsa38WAdiOPILKZxAogyEx5RqDtAGrvlWtU2YLtiEOFUwf3FOneSjdfXKdu0xBx2pucipG4Jb9BS3pHRtEryUPLNV9FZQGDBqElD9FatPnxheH4MA4V6cIUi4ZW0kXwLROFdNlp/s1600/photo9.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550744178957412322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYb208whsa38WAdiOPILKZxAogyEx5RqDtAGrvlWtU2YLtiEOFUwf3FOneSjdfXKdu0xBx2pucipG4Jb9BS3pHRtEryUPLNV9FZQGDBqElD9FatPnxheH4MA4V6cIUi4ZW0kXwLROFdNlp/s400/photo9.JPG" /></a><br />Today was my friend's birthday at this place downtown in the loop called Emerald. It's a shame that as I've gotten older, the only time I really hang out with my friends is when it is their birthday. I need to make the effort to spend time with them more.T.A.M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09559276182935977133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372101027781631910.post-76052799139678566692010-12-12T11:16:00.001-08:002010-12-12T11:24:11.169-08:00Tourists<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixbQF7EvaFX0UsRw3f66hXqvtm1tg5bTmR3WT67N2lyenazjRXQWSG6cM-9bajfuIDNgtm_uQcprS5VvYZ7I4BpNB80qvq3Ssal5ymtVRiJEeOS0J3kveZ64FimUs_ZvI3EE07uYDc8E96/s1600/untitled.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549877302645721986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixbQF7EvaFX0UsRw3f66hXqvtm1tg5bTmR3WT67N2lyenazjRXQWSG6cM-9bajfuIDNgtm_uQcprS5VvYZ7I4BpNB80qvq3Ssal5ymtVRiJEeOS0J3kveZ64FimUs_ZvI3EE07uYDc8E96/s400/untitled.bmp" /></a> A friend from out of town came to Chicago for some work conferences that she had to attend. She hadn't been around downtown for almost 10 years, so we decided to go to Millennium Park. It was probably the worst day to bring anyone around to play tourist because the weather was horrible. It was raining, foggy, and cold. This was taken on the bridge that connects to the Art Institute of Chicago.<br /><div></div>T.A.M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09559276182935977133noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372101027781631910.post-80664920311502461392010-12-10T08:26:00.001-08:002010-12-10T08:31:07.642-08:00Zipcars<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549090852117981618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcpm9t0j8hsNw_CqpyTkZTyd3yUMVggsDp0jPnFJldZdCslRndH9yBLEm9IHGwEXxWzBBRxte3bbZ8CCqsOnxo6vny1EbgLo9elrO6KatWheIYi-jDW1Fcgxm_AuSYXpQCEMXCOIV16b-M/s400/photo.JPG" border="0" />Since I don't have or need a car in the city, I use a Zipcar to get around if I need a car for a short amount of time. It's so convenient and allows me to see parts of Chicago I wouldn't normally see if I were walking or taking public transportation. Obviously, I wouldn't recommend doing this, but I took this while I was at a red light. It was right under the "L" train on Wells by Merchandise Mart. Luckily there were no cops nearby.<br /><div></div>T.A.M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09559276182935977133noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372101027781631910.post-75793399103647476962010-12-09T08:49:00.000-08:002010-12-09T08:54:28.203-08:00Chicago River<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWU56Nc6lr29QWk90VNhGlh9sqOfxCJ_ktES7XF3TFV6miB_apTlKY23jLtKbevz8wPxUFTms2YqakGG4pYvsO2Jffp98AOazzomf2axsb0282fa_h1L35mB8ysjbqrXjmenrOhXLuyZTo/s1600/untitled.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548725787273823698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 298px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWU56Nc6lr29QWk90VNhGlh9sqOfxCJ_ktES7XF3TFV6miB_apTlKY23jLtKbevz8wPxUFTms2YqakGG4pYvsO2Jffp98AOazzomf2axsb0282fa_h1L35mB8ysjbqrXjmenrOhXLuyZTo/s400/untitled.JPG" border="0" /></a>I always pass this view on the bridge between Wacker and Kinzie on Wells on my way to the bus stop, but never really stop and enjoy it. I'm glad I did this time.<br /><br />I probably should have stopped longer to focus.<br /><div></div>T.A.M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09559276182935977133noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372101027781631910.post-10796287380460881822010-12-08T07:47:00.000-08:002010-12-08T07:55:30.405-08:00Perfection<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLIJ74N3AlrQJKPbxyt-hgdbfldEOGrccpDbPoy2NuBvfBiX5XCcBfm6hXbUtRcHKWF-Nyu90pElZRvEik-1P0n9FPyzMX0f8-Krepm6Lf5k4pwUIuTq2jFiJMS0PG-B_9dlWVkdJbf4b6/s1600/photo10"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548338604688819554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLIJ74N3AlrQJKPbxyt-hgdbfldEOGrccpDbPoy2NuBvfBiX5XCcBfm6hXbUtRcHKWF-Nyu90pElZRvEik-1P0n9FPyzMX0f8-Krepm6Lf5k4pwUIuTq2jFiJMS0PG-B_9dlWVkdJbf4b6/s400/photo10" border="0" /></a>I was sitting in the dermatologist office when I noticed all of these brochures of different procedures that they offer. Apparently, this dermatologist in Chicago is known for his liposuction work. It's hard to not look around at everyone else in the waiting room and wonder what they could possibly be in there "fixing." In case you're wondering, I was just there to zap a pimple away.<br /><div></div>T.A.M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09559276182935977133noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372101027781631910.post-57460773069759534802010-12-07T11:26:00.000-08:002010-12-07T11:33:35.495-08:00Done<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn5giFFoctwBv0rSeTwh5bOFwrncq1qAcy2GOgMu64UjF2yzjtbrf2r6CXh8i7Z_6YdS2TRPbhcCRHqFgHl7AKTAilaE2Ab75_Sm6-tjU5ABVLBx0TI4X8EE6OOiFSqgesKp4_yEcoH3ZD/s1600/photo5"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548024338379393586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn5giFFoctwBv0rSeTwh5bOFwrncq1qAcy2GOgMu64UjF2yzjtbrf2r6CXh8i7Z_6YdS2TRPbhcCRHqFgHl7AKTAilaE2Ab75_Sm6-tjU5ABVLBx0TI4X8EE6OOiFSqgesKp4_yEcoH3ZD/s400/photo5" border="0" /></a>I was eating at the cafeteria at the hospital that I work at when I took this quick photo through the window. Across the large field that looks like it could be an ice skating rink is the Playboy building. It's only been 4 days since the first snowfall, I am completely over this cold snap that we've been having. Although, 11 degrees in Chicago is hardly a coldsnap compared to what it will be later on this winter. Even my dog doesn't want to go outside when it gets below 0.T.A.M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09559276182935977133noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372101027781631910.post-66923430621599570282010-12-04T14:52:00.001-08:002010-12-04T14:54:53.422-08:00Snow<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBjfR-_XbRxAv13pMcqyHn9eHDG7a1sv4uPy0kO8pcOafA6dMHH2T2798JFcfa6l9xi8q4PbU35zo3zepsQ3ZzE6LJdf6b98TWRCJv5nNikkR9O1NqQRk5yJlKsRrhcvpGCYCzaF42-us_/s1600/photo8.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546963888067964994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBjfR-_XbRxAv13pMcqyHn9eHDG7a1sv4uPy0kO8pcOafA6dMHH2T2798JFcfa6l9xi8q4PbU35zo3zepsQ3ZzE6LJdf6b98TWRCJv5nNikkR9O1NqQRk5yJlKsRrhcvpGCYCzaF42-us_/s400/photo8.JPG" /></a>Unfortunately for me, my dog loves the snow, which also means the walks are extra long. Today was the first snowfall that actually stuck to the ground. Most of the time, it's just slushy around the city.<br /><div></div>T.A.M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09559276182935977133noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372101027781631910.post-22239286418157281252010-12-03T11:54:00.000-08:002010-12-03T12:02:38.830-08:00Lunch<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7WkY1uWa5jXbBcHLWrW6mzlT1t91tJ3yv9rbRTPDDgHfhMhSnt8PaxzGuQL3_H03xd1aQg5ujfOUVUmcwXEpl3u0xKSUNXvgH8tIg-j_rG7kPnwSNCcupVSanY9uc_l7PeR-AbTkgQR9S/s1600/photo.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546547384967763202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7WkY1uWa5jXbBcHLWrW6mzlT1t91tJ3yv9rbRTPDDgHfhMhSnt8PaxzGuQL3_H03xd1aQg5ujfOUVUmcwXEpl3u0xKSUNXvgH8tIg-j_rG7kPnwSNCcupVSanY9uc_l7PeR-AbTkgQR9S/s400/photo.JPG" border="0" /></a>If I go to the northside of Michigan Ave on my lunch break, I like to cut across the Seneca Playlot Park right in front of the Contemporary Art Museum. According to the Chicago Park District website, the name of the park is from the adjacent Seneca Street which was named for the Iroquois tribe of upstate New York.T.A.M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09559276182935977133noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372101027781631910.post-25522131282575808872010-12-02T19:43:00.000-08:002010-12-02T19:50:51.269-08:00Butterfly Sushi<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNfeCJyuD4nJlcIMoTg00yqSlrtXG7ADqiJ-m-BHOJecO6ctzDLO2w1syfU_3CaxZHJyhMCM-9w4xQq-GkEd2Dgc3nHRKIyowoJZ36CJCodQB-wotyXoFr2krkW8lt3rvdGAdxzJ5H3uU0/s1600/photo7.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546296688892579938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNfeCJyuD4nJlcIMoTg00yqSlrtXG7ADqiJ-m-BHOJecO6ctzDLO2w1syfU_3CaxZHJyhMCM-9w4xQq-GkEd2Dgc3nHRKIyowoJZ36CJCodQB-wotyXoFr2krkW8lt3rvdGAdxzJ5H3uU0/s400/photo7.JPG" /></a>Tonight I went to my favorite BYOB sushi restaurant called Butterfly Sushi in the River West neighborhood. When my friends and I do go there, we always make sure we bring a bottle of almond wine from Trader Joe's.T.A.M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09559276182935977133noreply@blogger.com2