kidsmoke

I swear, with the fantastic reviews you, Dan, and Paul have provided, one need hardly even bother actually going to a concert! No, no, I keed....keedsmokes tend to do that. But I thank you both from the bottom of my heart for your richly detailed accounts of the night, since this was a show I would have really loved to attend. You both painted wonderful and complimentary pictures of the night. Sounds truly magical and memorable! Sorry to be so late with the appreciation. It was a rough Christmas season.

Welcome! I hope you'll enjoy our forum and our community. There are some great people here.

Ah, heartbreaking. Peace to you, Wilko, and thank you for all the amazing music. Time to pull out the Dr. Feelgood albums and enjoy & pay homage.

I'm loving it. Having a hard time tearing myself away from it!

I like it!

That book looks like a fun read! I've just finished this brilliant book: ...which I can't recommend highly enough. This saga of the Roman attack on the Judean refugees living in the remains of King Herod's mountaintop fortress at Masada is fiction based on what known facts there are of the attack. Of 900 living at Masada, the ancient historian Josephus tells us that only 2 women and 5 children survived...this is the imagined story of those women and how they came to be at Masada. Alice Hoffman is at her pinnacle with this book. Utterly absorbing. Now I'm on to a Tom Perotta..."The Lef

Love that album.

Thanks, Alison, and no need to apologize as you couldn't have known. Following his surgery for an intestinal adhesion, he seemed to be recovering well at first, but his kidneys began to fail as they tried to clear the sedative, and he went slowly downhill. The family all had time to say their goodbyes, which was a huge blessing that many people don't get, and in the end his passing was very peaceful. I definitely feel a little lost in the world to realize he isn't here, physically, but his spirit lives on. Thanks so much for your caring words!

You are going to have so much fun. I'll see you there!

Poor pup! This is going to gnaw at me until I hear that she's been found. I hope at least some kind person is giving her shelter until they realize who her owner is, and I hope she's been microchipped.

Congratulations! She is so cute!

May 2013 bring us all peace, prosperity, and happiness.

Alison, so sweet of you to ask. It's been the hardest holiday season of my life, yet was filled with much love. My dad passed away peacefully, gently, surrounded by family, on December 22nd. I feel the loss keenly, but I also feel his love and his presence constantly. I'm so grateful that my kids and I were able to be with him at the very end. To all of you who still have your dads, be sure to tell them often how much they are loved.

I fixed it for ya, Shug.

That is brilliant! And it hurts my eyes.

It's just a random impulse, Diane, but I just got to see them at the Record Release Party for "This is 40", and they damn near blew my soul shoes off my feet!!! I could see them being a wonderful fit for Solid Sound. Fun, energetic...just a brilliant band. Two of the Rumour come from Nick lowe's original pub band, Brinsley Schwarz. (guitarist Brinsley Schwarz and Keyboard player Bob Andrews)...I guess that's a bit of a connection. They'd be such a fun addition. They ended the show the other night with a kickass version of the Jacksons' "I Want You Back".

I was always fond of Croce. I may have to pick that up. It'd be quite a contrast to the James Ellroy I'm immersed in now, "American Tabloid".(Which is being a terrific read!)

Dan, we're gonna need a full report please!

Hey Wilco, invite Graham Parker & the Rumour!

Maudie, that looks so warm and inviting! I'm coming up the front steps; please have a cup of hot cocoa ready! Or perhaps a hot buttered rum. Thanks on the logo, Winston!

Decorations? Christmas trees? Kids with Santa? Holiday baking? Whatever you've got! I've just come from the hospital where my 89-yr-old dad is recovering from surgery. He's doing well, all things considered, but my holiday spirit could use some tweaking. PS- How d'ya like the VC logo?

Entertaining lunacy?

Our ever-so-devoted moderator, gogo, has been trying to assemble a Via Chicago calendar for 2013, but we are in need of greater representation from our membership. Do you have a photo or two you would consider submitting for inclusion in the calendar? No need to be a professional; we are looking for interesting and unique photos by our members. Here are some criteria to consider in submissions: Please submit only images that you took, you own the rights to, and you're willing to let VC distribute freely, as part of our fund-raising.Please get your pictures in by no later than next Friday, De

Maudie, nope, I guess I've got an old email (linux). Update me & i'll try again! C'mon, folks, I know we have many talented and original photographers amongst us! Come share some of your favorites for our calendar! I'm looking forward to seeing what you've got...just think, you might be August! Or November! Even, February!

Photos sent! Check your email, Maudie.