kimcatch22

Yep. They have 8 episodes completed, and right now the talk is of airing those 8 (even though the producers don't really want to do this, it's out of their control.) There is a mini-cliffhanger at the end of the 8th episode, which has been likened to there being a mini cliff-hanger at the end of a chapter in, say, Harry Potter; it's a tease to make you want to keep going, but it is not the end of the story. A fantastic Lost spoilers site

Great choices! I love that "Maybe This Christmas" song because it's a prominent part of the soundtrack for the Chrismukkah episodes of The OC, so hearing that song makes me think of Seth Cohen and his lovely holiday, telling Ryan how in this house he doesn't have to choose between a candy cane and a menorah... yeah I'm a dork. But I love that show.

I got 4 of my GRE vocab words... but now (much like during the test) I can't remember what they were.

I just showed up 10 minutes late to the library holiday party because of the ticket sale and burst in the door yelling "Woo, I'm going to Wilco!" only to find the Dean of Libraries was giving a blessing. Whoops.

Prior for sure.

I'll take that Music Today merchandise off your hands if you'd rather not patronize such a company.

Hmm, that's how I read it, and then I saw info about a Saturday general sale on TM page for the pass: Internet Onsale Info Onsale to General Public: Sat, 12/15/07 10:00 AM CST Internet Presale Info Internet Presale: Start:Fri, 12/14/07 10:00 AM CST End:Fri, 12/14/07 12:00 PM CST

Looking at this: 5 day pass on Ticketmaster, does it sound like (assuming they don't sell out in pre-sale) there will be 5 day tickets available in the general sale on Saturday as well? I'm trying to figure out if Friday is the one and only shot left at 5 day passes, because our lovely Dean of Libraries happened to schedule an all-staff meeting for--wouldn't you know it--Friday at 10am.

Haha, I'm sure my roommate would LOVE that!! The couch is actually already taken by someone coming in for all 5 of the shows... maybe you should get yourself on Facebook and start friending students at Loyola University, then casually mention that you need a place to stay... oh, those dorm floors are so comfortable!!

It's a January 1 state-wide ban on smoking in bars, restaurants, and stadiums. I think most other public places fell under the 1990 Clean Air Act (but don't quote me on that -- it's what I remember seeing on the doors of the park district I worked at.) Trib article about the smoking ban

Just a few more weeks! I don't know what some of the dives are going to do. I live right by the Sovereign -- the smell of stale smoke pours out of that place all the time. Can't imagine that place with clean air! Smoke-free shows will be great, though. I saw The Blow at the Empty Bottle a couple months ago and she was begging the people up front to stop smoking so she could sing better. Yeesh.

Ah, I usually head west. I think I know what place you're talking about though. Great, now I'm hungry for pho.

No, the only street mc who comes to mind is the evangelical one by the State St Old Navy. Is this east or west of the Argyle station?

Haha, never seen Honkee, where's that? I know I should branch out but I always end up at Tank or Sun-Wah. In fact I've eaten at both multiple times in the last week. It's just so good...

Tank Noodle!! Love love LOVE that place!

I don't remember where we got the $35/night figure from (XRT?) but Ticketmaster says $34. Discoooooooount!!

Very true. Look, I live a mile and a half straight north of the Riv. Most of the sketchy stuff is 2 blocks east of the venue over on Sheridan; the area right around Broadway & Lawrence (where the Riv is) is fine. The el station is within sight of the venue, Broadway & Lawrence are both high-traffic streets with late night bus routes and plenty of cabs, the Aragon's around the corner, the Green Mill, Crew, and some other trendy new bar are all just north of the intersection -- it's not like you're going to emerge from the venue doors into a dark alley crawling with meth addicts and viol

They have. Kinda. Like anywhere, you've gotta be smart and aware of your surroundings. I had friends come into town for Bob Pollard a couple weeks ago and they stayed at the Days Inn at Clark & Diversey, which is right on the border of Lakeview and Lincoln Park (two fun, high-traffic, good, safe places to be.) That puts you a 10-15 min train ride south of the Riv. Just another option!

Try here: http://spoilerslost.blogspot.com/ These are getting progressively better!! The first three were ok, but starting with the fourth one... wow...!!

The Vic's capacity is 1400 (1000 seated) and the Riv is about 2500. Vic: http://www.jamusa.com/Venues/Vic/VenueDetails.aspx Riv: http://centerstage.net/music/clubs/riviera.html

They also have a lousy sound system. When I saw Rilo Kiley there in September there was feedback at multiple points in the show, and the sound can be kind of muffled. Hopefully the venue will get it right for these shows...

There's a guy I always see around campus who looks exactly like a younger version of John... I do a double take every time I see him, it freaks me out. I found we had a mutual friend and made her introduce us solely because of the resemblance.

It builds character.

I've got a futon with your name on it, Wendy my dear! Seriously. If you want. I can't stand the thought of you shuttling from Fort Wayne (which I KNOW you'd do!)

You mean like my tree? or my other decor?