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November 1, 2007

The Breakdown Place: Western and Irving Park

Justin's been back in Chicago for a bit, crashing over at our apartment. Tonight he borrowed Liz's scooter, and we got a call saying that it broke down somewhere near Western and Irving Park. At the time, Liz and I were at Target... so we hopped in the car, and [read more...]

Posted by avoision on November 1, 2007 7:13 PM | | Comments (0)

November 2, 2007

Pre-Show Dinner/Reunion

Tonight, a bunch of folks were going to be in town for a variety of reasons. Stu was in from Portland, doing work for Third Coast. Alex was going to be in town to meet up with some folks at Intelligentsia (he ended up meeting Matt, which delights me to [read more...]

Posted by avoision on November 2, 2007 6:17 PM | | Comments (0)

Dave Fischoff, Jens Lekman: Logan Square Auditorium, Chicago

Entryway, Logan Square Auditorium. And it's a Sold Out show! Inside, waiting in line... I spotted this totally bullshit legal posting from Pitchfork. I recognize that there are some steps they need to take to legally "film" in a public place and all... but my god, how about something [read more...]

Posted by avoision on November 2, 2007 9:50 PM | | Comments (0)

November 3, 2007

Scooter Recovery

Today, Liz and I remembered that we had a scooter stranded way out on Western. Worried that it might be accruing tickets ever since we left it tied to a street sign, we decided to venture out and walk it back. We asked Justin to give us a lift [read more...]

Posted by avoision on November 3, 2007 10:31 AM | | Comments (0)

November 4, 2007

Dipti and Jeff Visit

I got an email from my friend Dipti last week, and prior to her flight out of Chicago... we all met up for dinner at Lula Cafe in Logan Square. This is a shot of Dipti and Liz, talking a bit over a late lunch. It's been a long, [read more...]

Posted by avoision on November 4, 2007 8:40 PM |

November 5, 2007

Looking for Love: NY Girl of My Dreams

NY Girl of My Dreams. Man I hope this is genuine, and isn't some cheap ploy for a movie or TV show. Despite the snarky responses I've seen about this, it still strikes me as a bit romantic. This definitely reminds me of the time I came across several [read more...]

Posted by avoision on November 5, 2007 1:07 PM | | Comments (1)

November 6, 2007

Justin's Photos on Flickr

Justin's been busy processing his photos, and today he finally got through all his shots from his west coast road trip. I've been privy to a lot of his photos (he's quite the shutterbug, and really quite good with the camera) - but up until now, I don't think [read more...]

Posted by avoision on November 6, 2007 10:45 AM | | Comments (0)

California Blue Line, Twilight

With twilight happening earlier due to Daylight Savings, it's dark by the time I arrive home at the California Blue Line stop. As I was making my way to the stairs, the lighting of the platform across the tracks caught my eye. [read more...]

Posted by avoision on November 6, 2007 6:03 PM | | Comments (0)

That is a Very Large Television

I've been looking into getting a new TV for a while now, and tonight I decided to pull the trigger. After work, Liz and I went to go pick up a Sony Bravia (the 40" KDL-40V3000). In talking with Dan, Liz's brother in law, I got a good overview [read more...]

Posted by avoision on November 6, 2007 7:41 PM | | Comments (5)

November 7, 2007

Neverending

Came across this fun little site late in the day, and lost some time exploring all the various areas on the (seemingly) neverending page. Built by Poke London. [via]. Sidenote: This site reminds me very much of an old, old Flash piece called Safeplaces. All you Flash folks who [read more...]

Posted by avoision on November 7, 2007 5:36 PM | | Comments (0)

November 8, 2007

Buzzword: Adobe Online Word Processing App

Buzzword is an interesting take on the word processing app, in that it's entirely web-based. I know that Google Documents has been around for a while, but I'm finding myself enjoying the Buzzword interface a bit more. Backstory seems to be that Adobe purchased Virtual Ubiquity, and just recently [read more...]

Posted by avoision on November 8, 2007 11:26 AM | | Comments (0)

November 9, 2007

Limo Ride

A bunch of us showed up early to work, so that we could take a limo out to the suburbs. Why a limo? Well, we had a bunch of people to transport... and this is what was offered up as transportation for us. Where were we going? Well, unfortunately [read more...]

Posted by avoision on November 9, 2007 8:20 AM | | Comments (0)

November 10, 2007

Justin's Goodbye Party

Tonight, we had a bunch of folks over to say "goodbye" to Justin. He's taking off to India for four months, and has been hanging around Chicago until his flight (Tuesday). We had people come in and out over the course of the night, to have a few drinks and [read more...]

Posted by avoision on November 10, 2007 9:12 PM | | Comments (0)

November 11, 2007

Making Apple Pies, Frankfort, IL

Went down to Frankfort today with Liz, to hang out with her family. Well, more specifically... I went down to hang out with her family, and Liz went to spend all afternoon making apple pies with her mom and her sister. There were various "stations" set up in the [read more...]

Posted by avoision on November 11, 2007 2:04 PM | | Comments (0)

November 12, 2007

Goodbye, Justin

On the eve before his big trek out to India for four months, Dave, Ben and I went out for a final Chicago meal with Justin at Crust. We ordered three different pizzas between us to share. They were all pretty fantastic (note to self: come back here), but [read more...]

Posted by avoision on November 12, 2007 6:37 PM | | Comments (0)

November 13, 2007

And They Lived Happily Ever After?

It looks like Peter Pan has finally met his match. As much as I want to mock this, I think it's kind of sweet. A little eccentric and weird, sure. But hell - who am I to judge the complexities and mysteries of love? [read more...]

Posted by avoision on November 13, 2007 7:11 AM | | Comments (0)

The Pingmaster Trophy: Final Ping Pong Game

It started with the arrival of the ping pong table. After a few days of friendly play, the competetive nature of our office took hold. An idea, nay, a challenge took hold. And that challenge was to be known as The Pingmaster Trophy. A tournament bracket was created, and [read more...]

Posted by avoision on November 13, 2007 1:05 PM | | Comments (2)

Farewell Email from Justin

Farewell, friend! In just a few hours, my plane will depart for Delhi. I'll be backpacking through India for four months, both north and south, with a small side trip to Thailand. I look forward to sharing pictures and stories about the Pushkar Camel Fair, the cave temples of Elephanta, [read more...]

Posted by avoision on November 13, 2007 4:25 PM | | Comments (0)

Logan Square DIY: Take One, Leave One

After a full day of work (and a full day of studying for Liz), the two of headed out for a dinner out on Logan Square. We were initially going to Lula Cafe (note to self: they're closed on Tuesdays for some reason), but ended up going to nearby [read more...]

Posted by avoision on November 13, 2007 8:48 PM | | Comments (0)

November 14, 2007

Fall Leaves

This tree always catches my eye in the mornings, when I walk to work. Usually, the sun is shining right on it, and the color of the leaves is incredibly rich (the photo doesn't really do it justice at all). Ever since moving to Logan Square, I've enjoyed seeing [read more...]

Posted by avoision on November 14, 2007 8:16 AM | | Comments (0)

The Great Happiness Space

The Great Happiness Space is a fantastic documentary about Japan's "Host Clubs," where women go to drink and spend time with "host boys" - good looking, charming young men who make them feel good about themselves. The physical aspect is downplayed (it's not a sex club), as the hosts [read more...]

Posted by avoision on November 14, 2007 11:35 PM | | Comments (0)

November 15, 2007

The Taco Bell Grande Value Meal Challenge: A Proposal

At the lunchtable, I heard the tail end of some sort of food challenge being issued. Apparently, Taco Bell has some sort of Grande Value Meal wherein you can get ten items for about $10 (naturally, they're smaller items... like regular burritos, soft tacos, etc). The challenge then? Purchase the [read more...]

Posted by avoision on November 15, 2007 2:32 PM | | Comments (4)

November 16, 2007

Happy Housewarming Wine Tasting Birthday Party!

After having moved into their new place last July, Chris and Leslie invited folks over for a combo Housewarming/Wine Tasting/Birthday party (for Leslie). My friends, it seems, like to celebrate in sets of three. Here's how the wine tasting party works: everyone who showed brought over a bottle of [read more...]

Posted by avoision on November 16, 2007 9:07 PM | | Comments (0)

November 17, 2007

Liz's Three Scooters: Loading, Transport, Delivery

Over a long course of time, all three of Liz's scooters have... amazingly, broken down. Her Vespa has been sitting dormant for a while (battery issues), and the hope was that Chad (her repair guy) could fix it. Turns out, he got too busy and wasn't able to do the [read more...]

Posted by avoision on November 17, 2007 10:47 AM | | Comments (0)

Behold, My New Pants

Went out today, after the scooter transportation, and did a bit of clothes shopping. Ever since Liz and I started up South Beach again (back in May), I've been losing weight pretty steadily. My clothes haven't really been fitting very well for some months now. I've always purchased pretty [read more...]

Posted by avoision on November 17, 2007 4:32 PM | | Comments (0)

November 18, 2007

Are You a God? Press 'A' for Yes, 'B' for No

Wow, this takes me back. I remember playing the original video game on my Apple IIc. It's vague, but I remember driving around trying to find ghosts, and trying to earn enough money to buy more equipment. Now it sounds like they're developing a new video game, based on [read more...]

Posted by avoision on November 18, 2007 12:18 PM | | Comments (0)

November 19, 2007

Rap Breakdown via Charts and Graphs

It all makes sense, broken down like this. I'm not a huge listener of hip hop, but I still laughed at a ton of these. And on a related note, if this sort of graphic/chart is your thing... check out the ever excellent blog Indexed. [read more...]

Posted by avoision on November 19, 2007 9:31 AM | | Comments (0)

Lynchian

I'm not a big fan of David Lynch, but I know a few folks who are (recently at Justin's going-away dinner, a few of us talked some about Lynch's films). I was looking around today for some free podcasts for our upcoming road trip... and found this gem tucked away [read more...]

Posted by avoision on November 19, 2007 11:06 PM | | Comments (0)

November 20, 2007

Texas, Ho!

Off to visit some of Liz's family (*clap* *clap* *clap* *clap*) deep in the heart of Texas. And because all the airfare we saw a few weeks back looked waaay too expensive... we're trekking down there by car. How many hours you ask? About 17 or 18, give or take. [read more...]

Posted by avoision on November 20, 2007 7:00 AM | | Comments (0)

Chicago to Texarkana: 12 Hours, 50 Minutes

7:45 AM 9:00 AM 10:00 AM 11:00 AM 12:00 PM 1:00 PM 2:00 PM 3:00 PM 4:00 PM 5:00 PM 6:00 PM 7:00 PM 8:00 PM [read more...]

Posted by avoision on November 20, 2007 11:22 PM | | Comments (0)

November 21, 2007

Texarkana to League City: 5 Hours, 40 Minutes

1:00 PM 2:00 PM 3:00 PM 4:00 PM 5:00 PM 6:00 PM [read more...]

Posted by avoision on November 21, 2007 6:06 PM | | Comments (0)

November 22, 2007

Happy Thanksgiving from Texas

During the day today, we went over to Liz's Uncle Roger and Aunt Nancy's house, for some family photos. I snapped a few shots while folks were outside, including this one of Liz's dad and all the kids. Anne, giving Isabelle a little upside down tickle. Paige, who has [read more...]

Posted by avoision on November 22, 2007 11:42 AM | | Comments (0)

November 23, 2007

Hanging With Liz's Family, Texas

A bunch of us met up to go shopping along The Strand - an interesting assortment of shops and restaurants, in a fairly historic area. The whole time I was walking around, I was reminded of New Orleans a great deal. The buildings themselves were pretty neat to look [read more...]

Posted by avoision on November 23, 2007 12:30 PM | | Comments (0)

November 24, 2007

League City to Chicago: Seventeen Hours, Fifteen Minutes

[read more...]

Posted by avoision on November 24, 2007 7:50 AM | | Comments (0)

November 25, 2007

Insert Motionlessness Here

Today, we didn't do very much. We didn't do very much at all. [read more...]

Posted by avoision on November 25, 2007 12:42 PM | | Comments (0)

November 26, 2007

Passing By

Passing By is a great little site that pulls in user-submitted YouTube videos of different journeys, into one collective trip. More info about the project (and how to submit your own) here. Unfortunately, they don't have a rearview option. [via] Oh, and as an aside... looking at this site, [read more...]

Posted by avoision on November 26, 2007 3:50 PM | | Comments (0)

November 27, 2007

Working...

Working on finishing up a new experiment. More in a few hours (hopefully). [read more...]

Posted by avoision on November 27, 2007 8:11 PM | | Comments (0)

November 28, 2007

First Snow: A Flickr-Generated Poem

I'm excited to announce a new Flash project I just completed called First Snow - a visualization of a poem I wrote many years ago, way way back in 2004. Similar to the Astronaut Project, First Snow also utilizes the Flickr API. But unlike that earlier project (which was [read more...]

Posted by avoision on November 28, 2007 1:14 AM | | Comments (3)

November 29, 2007

Dinner with Gretchen

My friend Gretchen was in Chicago this week, and the two of us met up for dinner and drinks at Lula Cafe. It's been over a year or so since we met up (the last time was for my birthday party), so it was really good seeing her again. [read more...]

Posted by avoision on November 29, 2007 8:03 PM | | Comments (0)