Chicago is my kind of town

I just came back from a surprisingly fun business trip to Chicago. Surprising not because I had anything against Chicago, but because work trips can often be grueling. The work was interesting and new, plus largely in the evening hours. This allowed me time to actually explore the city.

We stayed at this lovely hotel downtown called the Sofitel, which is just neat.

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The weather was hot and humid, reminding me that fall has not entirely left us behind. I walked around Lake Michigan. I also had a chance to spend the morning wondering around in the Wicker Park neighborhood, which was positively the tops.

I hit Myopic Books at Stephanie's recommendation.


I didn't get a chance to have a cup of coffee there but the selection was enough to make me drool.


After our focus groups were finished we got a chance to go to Rick Bayless's restaurant, Frontera Grill. A-mazing clean and contemporary Mexican food. I had Civiche with scallops, crab, jicama, mangoes and papaya, served with plantain chips. We shared orders chips and guacamole and fried plantains with soar cream. For dessert we had this unbelievable pecan and chocolate tart. It really should not be missed.

All in all, I came away loving Chicago. I will have to go back again in the winter time to know if I can really live there, but I will happily go back again as soon as I can.

Vampires, so hot right now.

I'll admit it: I love Buffy The Vampire Slayer. Always have.

But I kind of always thought that this one vampire themed television show was an anomaly. I wasn't the type of person who really liked vampires. These days I'm wondering if I really am a little too attached to these creatures of the night.

While I'm no goth, I am enjoying this vampire themed trend for two reasons: Twilight and True Blood. There are some common themes in both stories. Both are essentially romances that feature male vampires and human females. They also feature mind reading, oddly enough. But these similarities can't possibly explain the success these stories are experiencing. Both are critically acclaimed and getting more popular by the day.

I'm as surprised as anyone by how in vogue vampire stuff is. But here is what I've worked out so far:

-Stephenie Meyer's Twilight - I don't think it is a great book, but it sure is enthralling. It is snack reading, but I kind of like getting involved in another series of books (now that Harry Potter is no longer keeping me wanting more). I read the first book in about a week and I've devouring the second now. That being said, it is a little heavy on the mellow-drama and teen angst.

-I can't put these books down because somehow the synthesis of brooding vampires, high school and lusty first love just works. It has a similar magic formula to Buffy in that way (at least, from what I can tell from how much I've read).


-HBO's True Blood - This show has only had two episodes so far, but I think the characters are really intriguing. Somehow the show's bayou setting and premise (vampires have "come out of the closet" and can now "live" among the living due to the invention of simulated blood. High jinx and passion ensue) provide a nice twist on a vampire story.

-Since this show is on HBO it can really take advantage of the sexiness is always associated with the myth of the vampire. Stealth, lust for human flesh and blood, and hypnotic powers (glamoring) make for lusty and violent entertainment.

-True Blood has the added interest of turning the tale of Vampire's strength on its ear. Vampires are vulnerable to silver and their blood is in danger of being harvested by junkies who get stronger, more alive, and high off drinking it. Plus if a human drinks a vampire's blood it makes them forever connected with heightened senses towards one and other.

-This is another excellent blend to make an enthralling final product.

-My theory is that vampires are the new pirates.

That's all the insight I've got into this whole thing at the moment. I think I will read some other vampire stories and see if I really am a vampire person or simply someone who is enjoying this recent vampire trend.