Monthly Archives: November 2009

Five Christmas conundrums

Posted on November 29, 2009 by

Dear Christians, I’ve told you about Bar and Bat Mitzvahs; now it’s your turn to answer some questions. Don’t worry, these aren’t deep theological inquiries or head-scratchers about the veracity of the Shroud of Turin. I’ve just kinda been wondering: … Continue reading →

Posted in Chicago, U.S. | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Bell ringers, stop glaring at me

Posted on November 25, 2009 by

Dear Salvation Army Bell Ringer, Stop silently judging me. I already put some money in your kettle, okay? Well, maybe not your particular kettle, but another one just like it. Why yes, I will have a nice day, thank you. … Continue reading →

Posted in Chicago, U.S. | Tagged , , , , | 8 Comments

Don't hate us because we're redheads

Posted on November 24, 2009 by

It’s not easy being Red. First off, we feel pain more acutely than our blond-, brown- and black-haired brethren. A genetic mutation that’s responsible for our crimson locks and fair skin also makes us more sensitive to pain. We also … Continue reading →

Posted in Chicago, U.S. | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Outside of the Oprah show: no one wanted to say good-bye

Posted on November 20, 2009 by

Standing outside Harpo Studios today after Oprah announced that she was ending her show really did feel like the end of an era. Just after 10 a.m., at the end of the live show, swarms of audience members poured out … Continue reading →

Posted in Chicago, Entertainment, U.S. | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Tight pants could get you into the mile-high club but watch out for stains

Posted on November 17, 2009 by

Check out this print ad for Korean Air. It’s been around for a while, but I just saw it again and once more I didn’t think, “I want to fly to South Korea,” or even “travel is fun.” Instead I … Continue reading →

Posted in Chicago, U.S. | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Palin tells a few truths on Oprah

Posted on November 16, 2009 by

Sarah Palin was on “The Oprah Winfrey” show today and though the headlines are already about almost son-in-law Levi Johnston, one of the most intriguing things to me were the moments when Palin seemed to be telling the truth despite … Continue reading →

Posted in Chicago, politics, U.S. | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Babysitters so scarce parents must take kids along on burglary attempt

Posted on November 12, 2009 by

When Des Plaines couple Stanley and Sandy Miller put their three kids in the family van and went for a drive Sunday night, authorities said it wasn’t a leisurely trip they had planned. The couple drove to a neighborhood in … Continue reading →

Posted in Chicago, Parenting, U.S. | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Neiman Marcus Christmas Book leaves me a day late and a dollar (or two) short

Posted on November 11, 2009 by

The Neiman Marcus Christmas Book just arrived and I’m vaguely irked that I may already be too late for the 2010 Jaguar XJL Supercharged Neiman Marcus Edition. Only 50 of the $105,000 cars exist and interested buyers were supposed to … Continue reading →

Posted in Chicago, U.S. | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Will work for shoes

Posted on November 10, 2009 by

Laundry baskets are overflowing, food supplies are dwindling and I’m getting flabbier by the second. I just can’t get motivated to wash clothes, head to the grocery store or drag myself to the gym, activities I normally do multiple times … Continue reading →

Posted in Chicago, Parenting, U.S. | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

Please return your child to his upright and closed-mouth position

Posted on November 3, 2009 by

A 2-year-old won’t settle down and persists in screaming “Go! Plane! Go!” and “I want Daddy!” while aboard a Southwest plane headed for San Jose. He and his mom get kicked off the flight. Some parents express sympathy but other … Continue reading →

Posted in Chicago, Parenting, U.S. | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments