Hit "The Road", Jack... and dont'cha come back no more...

For a good laugh, I read "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy. In case you were looking for some light reading, I warn you, I am only kidding. This book takes on some serious shit. However, in some twisted ways, it did cheer me up... as nothing in life could be more bleak than McCarthy's post-apocalyptic world. Comparatively, in my life, I have absolutely nothing to complain about. It is a healthy realization that one must reflect on, every once in a while, when it is so easy to whine about a bad day at the office or pine over a minor disappointment in life. So, my recommendation is to read this book. Underneath it all, it is a beautiful story about a man and his son, trying to survive in a world facing an unthinkable reality. It is touching, it is thought-provoking, and pretty darn heavy... but you will never hug your family harder... and appreciate the things you have in life more, than after you read this book. And if you are a real glutton for punishment (like me), you should watch the movie... Thumbs up, Cormac.

Lock and Key for $.99

I have always pretty floored by the reach of www.ebay.com.  There is a market for anything.  Whether  you are talking about Master Locks, Movies, or Nikon Cameras, eBay.com is the everything store.   What can't you sell there?

By the way... want a movie for $0.99?

Foodtrucks: Old Country Buffett No More

Remember the days when Food and Trucks evoked an image of Denny's and Old Country Buffett? In the PNW, Food Trucks means gourmet food on wheels.  For example, this weekend, check out the Food Truck Rodeo, in Seattle.  Don't expect to see Wrangler Jeans, Cowboys, and Lassos... think Grilled Cheese, Sushi, and Fusion, cooked in a truck.  I realize that this is nothing new, but to a native Midwesterner, it is quite a twist on an old tradition.  If you are hungry and you like to mix it up, give this little rodeo a try, partner.

Outta-Pacific-Northwest

Feeling a little nostalgic today.  While left field is going to stay on Waveland Avenue (in case you were worried), I am not.  So technically, "left field" is going to move to another place.  At least for me.  True enough to the name of this blog, I am moving to a new field of dreams... the Pacific Northwest.  Life is going to be different.  No more Cubs Games, for one.  No more bitter cold temps and oven-roasted summers.  No more flat land and constant congestion.  Looking forward to new vistas, beautiful surroundings, a change of pace, and a new adventure.

As much as I look forward to a new life in a beautiful place... I will miss this place.  It is filled with great people, character, sensibility, optimism, and style.    Chicago will always be my home.    Next time you hear from me I will come up with something outta-left-field, from my new left field.  Ciao... see you on the left coast.

OK... this year I am going to do it... Wrigley on Ice!

The Wrigley Field Ice Rink will return for the 2010 Holiday Season. The dates will be The Ice Rink at Wrigley Field will be open December 1, 2010 – February 27, 2011.

The City of Chicago has installed a temporary Ice Rink OUTSIDE Wrigley Field, which will allow local residents to take part in Wrigley Field Ice Skating. The Ice Skating rink at Wrigley Field is sponsored by the Chicago Park District, The Chicago Blackhawks and several private donors.

Wrigley Field Ice Skating
Open December 1, 2010 – February 27, 2011

Wrigley Field Ice Skating Hours:
Mon – Fri, 2pm-9pm
Sat, 10am-9pm
Sun, 10am-8pm

Wrigley Field Ice Skating Cost/Fees:
$10 – Adult Entry
$6 – Children Entry
$50 – Season Pass
$10 – Skate Rental

*On Feb 6th, the rink will close at 5pm.

Since the Hockey Game at Wrigley Field, the public has fallen in love with the idea of Ice Skating at Wrigley Field. Residents had the opportunity to ice skate at Wrigley Field last year after the hockey game, but that only lasted for a short time.

Having Ice Skating at Wrigley Field will be a great opportunity for members of the community to get out and soak in the winter fun with their friends and family. Watch for more updates about Wrigley Field Ice Skating.

Checkout all the Chicago Winter Events.

Halloween Treat- Monsters of Folk

The day before Halloween, my wife and I saw four monsters creeping along the lakefront of Chicago... Conor Oberst, Jim James, M. Ward and Mike Mogis. Despite their scary name, Monsters of Folk is a band (i.e., "a supergroup") that culminates a mega-merger of three very talented bands-- Bright Eyes, My Morning Jacket, and M. Ward. If you never heard of any of these bands, it is time to open your eyes. The new Monsters album is actually a showcase for all of their talents and may be a good intro to start with.

Any one of these bands would be great to see on their own, but it was the combination which made this show so magical. Plus the setting, The Auditorium Theater, one of Chicago's most beautiful and majestic theaters, added the right backdrop to what was an already amazing show. I had the sense that it was our generation's equivalent to seeing a "CSN&Y" in their day (thanks Lubes for the parallel). What was most amazing was that they sang 34 songs and played for 3 hours (concert review, band review). You just don't get that anymore from bands. They actually looked like they were enjoying themselves. They played as a supergroup and as a solo artists. They sang in every permutation (Conor/Jim, Jim/M.Ward, M.Ward/Conor).

If these monsters invade your town... run as fast as you can to get tickets, it is a show that should not be missed.

Smoque and Mirrors?

Last night I indulged in Chicago institution-in-the-making.  Smoque.

If you are looking for high quality food without pretention, this is your place.  The food was outstanding and the place was packed at 8pm on a Tuesday night.  This is a no-frills affair (large grouped tables, no table cloth) and BYOB... but it delivered.  Go to Smoque and "pig out" if you get the chance.