Chicago Tribune Printers Row Lit Fest
June 12 - 13
Dearborn Street between Harrison and Polk Streets

The annual celebration of the written word, billed as the largest free literary event in the Midwest, features new, used, antiquarian and specialty books for sale, author readings and signings, panel discussions, storytelling for kids and more.

I love to read! I went to Lit Fest last year, and it was so much fun! I wish I had more money last time; there were so many things I wanted to get. If you love books and reading, definitely check this humongous book fair!

I saw that there’s going to be a new “After Dark” event… Can’t go wrong with a beer garden and live music! So far the lineup: Augustana and Kirkland.

WOOOO FUCK YEAH READING!!!!

One of the banners for C2E2 when walking towards the entrance at McCormick Place.

I love comic book conventions. I’ve only been to a few, Baltimore Comic-Con and Wizard World Chicago Comic Con, but I always enjoyed attending them. This was the first ever Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo, or the more aptly named “C2E2.” It was also my first time at McCormick Place. It’s a really big convention center; there was another convention taking place, for kitchens, I think.

I’m a bit experienced with comic book conventions so I came prepared with my comics and books to get signed and my sketch book to collect some drawings from my favorite artists. However, while there was a good handful of great artists and writers, I wasn’t too keen on getting my comics signed as I used to. Nowadays, I just love conventions for getting more sketches, meeting the creators themselves, browsing the vendors for any unique deals and rare finds, attending various panels to get more insights or announcements, and of course, taking pictures of the cosplayers.

My only disappointment with C2E2 was probably the low number of costumes. Usually, there would be crowds of people dressed as comic book/movie/anime/cartoon characters. However, there was a sparse number of them around. But I think I can overlook this since this is the first C2E2 ever. I think as long as it continues every year, the attendance and participation will grow, just as the San Diego Comic-con did.

Photo taken on 04.16.10

Pillow fight outdoors by the Tribune Tower.

I heard this was taking place via Tumblr, so I swung by on my way to meet my cousin at Union Station. I arrived a few minutes early, and a small crowd had gathered, with people holding onto their pillows. A few television cameras were around as well, ready to catch the ensuing chaos.

Once the whistle was blown, the fury began and every started swinging. It was pretty freakin’ hilarious. People were hitting each other every which way with their soft and fluffy weapons. A few young children were around too, walking by and swinging at each person once then moving onto the next one.

Of course, the public bystanders couldn’t resist stopping by and watching the spectacle. A few took pics with their cameras and phones, myself included. I probably would have joined in myself and brought a pillow, but I was on my way to the train station for a trip to the suburbs. It looked like so much fun, being part of a grand pillow fight outdoors. :)

Photo taken on 04.03.10

A view of Sears Tower from my office.

My office building is just down the street from Sears Tower, right by the Chicago Stock Exchange. I love where I work. The people are awesome. The job is awesome. The office is awesome.

That’s pretty much all I can say. :)

Photo taken on 02.26.10

Bottles at the bar in Kuma’s Corner.

I finally got to eat here! And the burger was everything I hoped it was! DELICIOUS! My cousin and I went pretty early, anticipating hours of waiting. We had been put on the list for a table with about an hour wait. Instead of standing outside in the line, we stalked the bar, waiting for a seat to open there instead. I suggest doing that since there’s really no ‘wait’ for a seat at the bar; you can just grab the first one that opens.

But wait or no, the burger is super awesome! I had the YOB, which had smoked gouda, bacon, roasted red peppers, roasted garlic mayo… sooo yummy… But other than the food, the place itself was pretty exciting. They play some rock and metal on some blaring speakers. The burgers themselves are named after famous bands: Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, and Metallica. I didn’t even know there was a band named Goblin Cock until I saw it on the menu. lol

The beer selection is also pretty extensive. No Miller or Budweiser here. I forget what I had there, but after one bottle, I got buzzed reaaaally quick. :) And it was really tasty! :D

Kuma’s Corner definitely deserves “The Best Burger of Chicago” award. If you’re in town, and don’t mind a wait, I definitely recommend it!

Photo taken on 03.06.10

A view of Trump Tower from the Madison/Wabash El Station (i think).

One of the biggest attractions of Chicago that I loved whenever I visited was the Elevated Train, or the “El” for short. Many metro stations in cities are underground, but I love how the El is up above, where all the riders can enjoy the many spectacular views. They can see all the awesome and tall buildings; the different kinds of architecture the city encompasses. I mentioned this before, but it also runs over the Chicago River, which I enjoy everyday.

There are lines that run underground, of course, but I’d rather wait for the train out in the open air, while staring out in the city, constantly reminding myself how super fucking awesome Chicago is. That’s exactly what I thought when I was at this spot, looking at Trump Tower. Sure, the city is a bit more noisy with the trains clacking on the tracks, but I think it just blends in with all the normal hustle and bustle sounds of the city. Eh, it might just be my own particular taste, but the El just gives the city a bit more charm, I think. :)

Photo taken on 03.19.10

The wall decor at Epic Burger.

This place has a pretty ‘epic’ burger. I wouldn’t say it’s the most awesome burger I’ve ever had, but it certainly ranks up there. It’s also quite a task to finish a fully loaded burger, with all the toppings including bacon, cheese, and a freakin’ FRIED EGG. I remember my first time eating one, and I was so stuffed and tired from eating it, I practically fell into a food coma.

The place itself is pretty nice. Kind of artsy, filled with a brown and orange theme. I don’t think it’s a chain, so it can only be obtained at it’s location on State St and Congress Parkway. If you’re in the loop or the downtown area, it’s worth a try.

I also think it’s worth mentioning: they have a screen that has Tweetdeck displayed, so any mentions of Epic Burger or their twitter name @theepicburger and it gets automatically posted on there. Kind of a neat way of interacting/acknowledging their fans. :)

Photo taken on 02.16.10

A snowy night in the neighborhood.

Chicago is notorious for its harsh winters. I can definitely confirm that. However, despite the cold winds and piles of snow, this city definitely knows how to cope with it all. A couple feet of snow? WHATEVER, DUDE. This city plows it all right up and keeps on chugging along. A friend in Atlanta told me how they recently got an INCH of snow… and there was pandemonium! Car pile ups on the high way! Schools and offices were shut down! However, I can understand that down South they hardly EVER get any snow. So it’s more like we’re more prepared and experienced for these snowy conditions.

Sure, walking in the slush is a bit annoying, but I like to think that I’ve adapted to it pretty well. And somehow, on nights like this one, the quiet fall of the snow as it hazily fills the air… very calming and serene. And how can you not love the beauty of a fresh layer of snow everywhere? It’s like everything is clearer, brighter, and more cleansed.

But the summers here… DEFINITELY worth the wait. I think they really balance each other out. I can’t wait!

I’m probably going to jynx the awesome weather we’ve been having too by posting this pic….

Photo taken 02.10.10

Saw this lone shoe on the ground when walking around the neighborhood.

Either someone had a crazy St. Patrick’s Day and just lost their shoe, or… this picture just got a whole lot creepier.

Photo taken 03.21.10

Bottles at the bar of Schubas.

Within the past month or so, I started to frequent Schubas, this awesome bar/grill/venue that is just about a few minutes walk from my apartment. My goal was to pretty much start getting out more, but to also kind of become a regular there. I’ve never really had a bar where I was a familiar face. Right now I’m at the point where they recognize me and a few know my name. It feels awesome. :)

I also love to come here because they have bands come and play shows. It’s really great to be able to see a live show again. And because of how close the place is, it’s very easy for me to just walk in and catch whoever is playing. Most of them I had never heard before, but I’ve been surprised several times by some really good ones. I love to hear live shows as well as discover new music. It really mellows me out at the end of the day. :)

They also have AWESOME mac n cheese. Can’t get enough of it.

Photo taken 03.17.10