Trapped in Time

Afternoon Meeting on Michigan Ave

Quite possibly the worst loss I’ve ever witnessed in all my years of playing and watching basketball. Pathetic.

Our Newest Site: Bin Donated

Bin Donated is a new Chicago charitable organization whose goal is to create awareness around poverty, homelessness, and general problems in the city of Chicago. The organization is just launching, but hopes to have barrels in thousands of businesses and high rise buildings in Chicago within weeks to collect soaps, canned goods, clothing, etc.

I’m particularly proud of this site because it’s the first fully functional Drupal eCommerce site that I’ve built (and partially designed) by myself, and it features some of my Chicago photography as well. In the future we’re going to be integrating a lot of functionality that connects buildings, individuals, and sponsors.

If you’re interested in learning more or volunteering, check out the site. The launch party will be Wednesday, November 18, at Flatwater Grill.  Tickets are $30 through the site, and $40 the day of. We’re expecting a couple hundred people in attednance, and everyone will be served vodka, rum and beer.  Additionally, if you decide to come, please bring your travel size shampoo, conditioner, lotion and bar soap to donate to one of the barrels.

If you’re in Chicago, definitely take a look. I think Bin Donated is going to make a big difference this winter and beyond.

Chicago tumblr friends… if you don’t have plans tomorrow night, come celebrate my 25th birthday with me over at Sedgwicks.  My friend Marcus (and a couple of his bandmates from The Hue) will be playing an acoustic show and we’ll surely be taking in a few adult bevvies over the evening.

I love fall in Lincoln Park - both the park itself and our neighborhood.  Changing leaves and ivy covered older homes are a nice sight - if only because you know all too quickly they’ll be replaced with cold and snow.

This one speaks for itself I think

(via greekalicious:holdthetangible:anonymousmidwest)

Dark Matter - Andrew Bird
9.21.09 - Chicago Art Institute, Chicago, IL

Last night, WXRT hosted an evening at the Modern Wing of the Chicago Art Institute. In addition to many of the great artists on display (Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol, Ray Lichtenstein amongst others), we were treated to a solo performance from Chicago’s Andrew Bird.

In this video, Bird shares an anecdote from his childhood visiting the Art Institute with his mom (and touching a Rembrandt!), and then plays Dark Matter from Armchair Apocrypha.  Throughout the semi-private event, no more than 200 of us were treated to his multi-talented act.  Bird brought played violin, electric guitar, and the xylophone, while looping claps and whistles and his various instruments over each other.  Truly one of the most talented musicians out there today, and clearly holding a deep appreciation of the arts. An evening in Chicago I won’t soon forget!

(via thebutterroom)

Andrew Bird performs tonight at WXRT’s Night at the Modern Wing of the Chicago Art Institute.  What a great little semi-private event.

No, that’s not Soldier Field.  We just like architecture that resembles spaceships.

Outdoor Ballroom Dancing tonight in Millenium Park

Brian Urlacher appears to be out for the season after dislocating his right wrist, the linebacker said Monday. The team has not given the official word, but Lovie Smith is expected to address the issue during his afternoon press conference.

Urlacher injured his wrist in the first quarter of Sunday’s 21-15 loss to the Packers. He was ruled out after halftime.

When asked about his status Monday, Urlacher said in a text message that his “season is over.”

He was scheduled to undergo surgery Monday morning upon the team’s arrival back in Chicago from Green Bay. A dislocated bone had to be surgerically put back in. The surgery might have revealed more extensive damage. (read more)

Being a Chicago sports fan is not an easy task.  This is going to be one painfully long, drawn out season.

Phish - “Windy City”

I wasn’t all that into this song when they played it last month in Chicago, but it was the first time they’d given it a shot live and upon multiple listens to the studio version (Party Time bonus track), this song is great!

Reasons why I love this song:

1. Its nod to Chicago (both in its title and the urban imagery into the lyrics)
2. Trey’s blusey solos build with each verse and just absolutely kill it!
3. This line: “in my mind i think its time to let this thing unfold or let it be”

After 14 days, 6,085 miles, and a 1,250 mile straight shot drive from Billings, Montana today, we rolled into Chicago at 5:15 A.M. listening to a Ben Harper cover of “Sweet Home Chicago.”  I’m going to need some more time to properly reflect on this entire experience, but it’s definitely changed me for the better. I’ve spent valuable time with some great friends, met a lot of kind people, and seen places that I’ve dreamt of visiting for many years.

I also realized how much I miss my family and dog, and how much I truly love them.  I couldn’t feel more blessed to have such wonderful people in my life, nor the opportunity to see so much of this beautiful country.  The West is by and large so vast, empty, and yet full of natural beauty that it’s given me a new perspective on our country and the possibilities that lie out there.  I’m still considering driving out for Saturday’s show at Merriweather Post Pavilion where I’ll probably see many of my friends for the last time this year.  It would fulfill a long standing dream of driving coast to coast (and half way back again). Regardless, I could be quite content with what I’ve received from this trip just so far.

I’ve seen some amazing music from my favorite band in venues I have spent years dreaming of visiting (Red Rocks and The Gorge), while visiting natural treasures such as Moab, visiting Denver, Las Vegas, San Francisco, and Portland.  Tonight, for the first time in my life, Phish will be playing in MY city.  I’m excited to share it with with those closest to me and cap off this adventure just a few miles away from my apartment. I’ll never forget the past two weeks, or all of the joy and self reflection I’ve gained from it.

Chicago Brown Line Stop