Category Archives: Uncategorized

October is Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month! Woo! It’s no secret that shelters all across the country are struggling to place their animals in loving homes. If you’re thinking about adopting, do it. Start the holidays off right with a new member of the family. If you’re not in a position to adopt, consider becoming a foster parent, donating money or volunteering. Or consider donating one of these awesome designer dog beds, courtesy of P.L.A.Y., based out of San Francisco. If I could, I would adopt a friend for Frasier in a heartbeat. Or two.

And to really get into the mood, read this touching story about a puppy in Afghanistan being adopted by a American soldier and moving to suburban Chicago (Downers Grove!). More pictures here.

I’ll admit, I could be far more adept when it comes to the world of technology. I take for granted the tools I use every day, most especially my MacBook and my iPhone. Without them, the way in which I live my life would truly be different. I would be a little less connected to the world around me and a lot less connected to the ones I love the most. I echo those around me when I say that the world has truly lost one of its most innovative voices.

“Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.”

Reader memories of Steve Jobs
What others had to say

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I’m currently amidst The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo trilogy and I am obsessed. One of the main characters–Lisbeth Salander–has latched onto my love of information and knowing what makes people tick (okay, I admit it, I am at times a gossip fiend), and my immediate desire to be a private investigator. I can see it now: dog walker by day, private investigator by night. And making millions all the while, no?

I have one book left in the trilogy, and then I will be eagerly anticipating the first movie (of the American kind by David Fincher), due out in December. Which got me thinking. What are some of the best movies I’ve seen this year? Crazy, Stupid, Love, which I absolutely loved and Drive. Hands down. Go. See. Them. Now. And my guilty pleasure: No Strings Attached.

What movies are you looking forward to?

On Sunday morning, Frasier and I will be awake far earlier than anyone should ever have to be awake on a weekend. We will head North into the city toward Montrose Harbor. And we will be participating in the 11th Annual PAWS Chicago’s Run for Their Lives 8K Run/4K Walk (obviously, we’ll be doing the walk).

There are many rescue groups in Chicago and I’ve only just begun acclimating myself to all of them. But in light of recent events earlier this month, I’m more anxious than ever to determine which ones are the best. So far, with their mission to make Chicago a No Kill city, they’ve got my vote. And Frasier’s too. Visit their website here, if you want to learn more about who they are.

And if you really want to support their mission, consider donating toward mine and Frasier’s fundraising page!

I first wrote about Hyde Park here when I toured the neighborhood earlier in the summer. Since then I’ve ridden through the area during the Active Transportation Alliance Four Star bike ride, but I had never truly experienced the neighborhood, until last week. After attending a training conference on Local First Chicago, a co-worker graciously showed me the “real” Hyde Park through a delicious lunch at Z & H, a local café, 57th Street Books, an underground bookstore and the University of Chicago campus – gorgeous in the autumn sun and filled with students.