Check Raise

Thought Following A Trip To Las Vegas

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 04:40:13 GMT

"EVERYTHING NOT FORBIDDEN IS COMPULSORY."
T. H. White

Viva

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 05:01:32 GMT

"The road of excess leads to the palace of wisdom."
William Blake

I leave for the airport soon for a long overdue trip to the Mecca of sin, Las Vegas. This blog will resume next Wednesday.

Airplane Book: Michio Kaku, "Physics of the Impossible." Regards to all.

Amusing Page From Housekeeping Monthly Circa 1955

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 01:00:05 GMT

Here is an amusing page from Housekeeping Monthly circa 1955. It contains such gems as:

"Make the evening his. Never complain if he comes home late or goes out to dinner, or other places of entertainment without you. Instead, try to understand his world of strain and pressure and his very real need to be at home and relax.
... Let him talk first- remember, his topics of conversation are more important than yours.
Don't complain if he is late home for dinner or even if he stays out all night. Count this as minor compared to what he might have gone through that day.
... Remember he is the master of the house and as such he will always exercise his will with fairness and truthfulness. You have no right to question him."

No doubt the author of this authoritative missive went on to create great philosophic masterpieces.

The Unbearable Heaviness of Lifting

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 18:39:48 GMT

I have been back at the gym for a week now and I am still feeling somewhat exhausted. I am currently lifting three days a week and doing cardiovascular work six days per week. Next month I will move up to lifting four days per week. Sadly I am much weaker than I used to be. There is good news, at least I can add some food to my current one meal a day regimen. Although perhaps I should eliminate the one rest day?

In happier news I am headed for Las Vegas on Friday for such debauchery that can be had with my new healthy lifestyle. At least there will be pokering.

Also of note, a new Cajun/Creole place Yats has opened here in Chicago on Randolph Street. Supposedly all of its dishes are only $ 5.50! Apparently it is an outpost of a successful Indianapolis place. Here is an interesting review of the place from Chicago Gluttons. Gumbo!!!

Random Olympic Friday Thoughts

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 16:06:39 GMT

I have been watching quite a bit of the Olympics. After viewing the US Men's Basketball team yesterday morning trounce Greece, I think this is the best US team since the Jordan, Barkley, Bird, and Magic Johnson squad in 1992. I expect them to win the Gold Medal.
Swimmer Michael Phelp's diet was profiled in a recent piece in the Wall Street Journal. He only consumes 11,000 more calories a day than I do (they pegged his intake at about 12,000 calories per day). Despite his massive success I think there is too much coverage of Phelp's at this point. It has gotten to the point where the commentators hang on his every action, "Michael Phelps is now sitting and resting .... Michael Phelp's may eat lunch later ...Phelp's is now going to wash his hands ...'
I watched Dana Torres, aged swimmer extraordinaire, swim in one the the preliminary events this morning. She finished second in the heat at age 41. Nice to see youngster's doing well. The winning swimmer in that heat was sixteen years old.
I am really enjoying some of the offbeat competitions in this year's Olympics. I found myself strangely interested in fencing and badminton. I wonder if there is some place that one could play Badminton here in Chicago?
There have been many complaints about the coverage here in the United States by NBC. Restricting their web coverage and refusing to show events live has left many viewers angry. I mostly find it a little discouraging in that it is very hard to get a handle on the schedule of the events. I often miss events that I want to see and get caught in the loops that NBC has set up where they show highlights of the same events they are focusing on, over and over again (swimming, gymnastics).
Okay, must have Chinese food for lunch today!

Gramps

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 22:45:35 GMT

The Doctor has finally cleared me to return to the Gym so I wandered down there today to rejoin and commence my new lifting regime. The person who registered me was one of those perky enthusiastic souls who took my money and cheerfully said,

"You know we have a lot of classes for seniors that you should consider!"

Ugh. At least I appear to be youthful?!?

Pop Tarts

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 09:54:33 GMT

Here is an interesting post from the excellent Food blogger, Pim, concerning "How to Make Your Own Pop Tarts." If only every meal could be Pop Tarts.

Monday Musings

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 22:48:38 GMT

I have been watching an excellent television series, Madmen, on AMC. A period piece set in the 1960s in the Advertising agencies of New York City. A scary look at the world of my parents and their 4 cocktail lunches and rigid social code. This is the best show on television by a large margin although it is a bit dystopic.
Apparently there is a pizza joint in Chicago known as Purgatory Pizza. I feel like I too am in purgatory as I really can't eat pizza any more, but you've got to love their name. I wonder if Dante would stop in for a slice?
I finally saw the film Juno on DVD last night. I thought it was well done but oh how I wish that I had kind and understanding parents like the ones the main character in this film had. I can't imagine how my mother would have reacted if I had gotten some girl pregnant while I was in High School. No doubt I would have been homeless shortly thereafter and living on the street.
I am headed for Las Vegas on the 22nd of this month for some epic, yet healthy eating, and some marathon live poker sessions. Viva!
I walked about 30 miles this weekend as part of my new health kick. This was good in that I got to see some neighborhoods that I had not explored much but no one tells you about the soreness of one's feet that this leads to. Brother can you spare a bucket of ice?

Instructions

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 11:26:37 GMT

I went by the Pharmacy yesterday (a pharmacy which specializes in pet medications) to pick up Julian the Cat's blood pressure medicine. So I told the clerk what I was picking up and she said to me:

"Clerk: Oh there is a note that Julian should speak to the Pharmacist to have her describe the special instructions for this medicine. Is Julian here with you?"
Laoch: Er, no, Julian is at home. You do realize that Julian is a cat?
Clerk: So she isn't here with you? Oh ...."

As that old 1970s song noted, The things we do for love.

Random Wednesday Thoughts

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 11:34:47 GMT

I am reading a fine book by Chinese Nobel Laureate, Gao Xingjian, entitled "Soul Mountain." So far it is graceful and a bit existential and mystic.
The tornadoes from the other night passed without damaging my neighborhood but we did have some spectacular lightning.
I am making Dan Dan Noodles today from this excellent recipe (although I am using shrimp instead of pork). Stop by before it is all gone.
Here is a cool, quick Synesthesia test if you think you might have this condition.
I have been listening to a pretty cool podcast from Roz Savage who is attempting to row across the Pacific Ocean. You can check it out here.
word of the day: agrestic - (adj) rustic, uncouth or unpolished.
Here is an amusing video response from Paris Hilton to McCain's recent campaign ad which mocked her and sent her mother (who had previous contributed to the McCain campaign) into a frenzy.

GTNW

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 01:49:19 GMT

So I was sitting on my couch earlier this evening watching the Cubs game when all of a sudden loud sirens came on outside and the television started playing the Emergency Broadcast System. Unlike normal they did not say this is a test, instead they said this is an actual emergency!. All I could think about, strangely, was this meant we were about to have a Global Thermonuclear War! Obviously I have been watching too many end of the world movies. It turned out to be a tornado warning as there appear to be cells throughout the city. I assume the power will go any minute. If I don't return, you can find me huddled in the basement, awaiting the end ....

Everything Is In My Domain

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 19:59:30 GMT

O'Malley, making his claim on the laundry bag.

Cool Happy Hour Finder

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 19:10:43 GMT

Start your weekend off right with Drinktown!

Minor League

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 05:09:53 GMT

Last night I attended the first ever Minor League game at Wrigley Field. All was well until a torrential downpour in the ninth inning sent me scurrying for cover and eventually the game ended up being called for rain. I did not get to have enjoyable ball park hot dogs but I did get to have a pretzel so all was not lost. The quality of play was not terrible and the announced attendance was an astounding 32,000 or so. It really was an amazing turn out for a minor league game. Sadly though, baseball is just not the same without the once standard beer per inning.

I also had a nosh at Ben Pao (new menu!) so my stomach was not neglected.

Moral Dilemma

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 09:01:36 GMT

My militant Feminist friend Bubbles (who incidentally is a performer at a First Amendment establishment) and I were eating sushi together last night, when she mentioned that she had been to a posh party recently wherein sushi was served on naked women's bodies. I remarked that I thought this seemed like a delightful practice that should be incorporated into most modern parties. She felt, quite staunchly, that such a practice was demeaning to women. So what do you think: demeaning or delightful new trend?

Monday Musings

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 20:44:08 GMT

I saw the film Brideshead Revisited last night with Bad Betsy and found it to be beautifully filmed but quite slow in its pacing. This is a film about the relentless class structure found in Great Britain before World War II and a striver's attempt to find a place in the Upper Class. Grim and slow but not bad.
I ate at a wonderful Mexican Place on Clark Street in the most Northern part of Chicago on Saturday. Sabor Michoacan is cheap and tasty and is being added to my rotation of go to places in the City. I had a seafood tostada that was so good I found myself dreaming about it last night. I also enjoyed some hand squeezed orange juice with my meal. I had several items and could not finish them all as the portions were substantial.
I have just started Fuchsia Dunlop's memoir, Shark's Fin and Sichuan Pepper: A Sweet-sour Memoir of Eating in China, about her apprenticeship at China's premier Sichuan cooking school. It has been very engaging thus far and has made me want to book a trip to China forthwith. Dunlop has also written a fine book about cooking Sichuan food which I consult often. Wow, I am so hungry now!
My new favorite TV series is on again this evening. The Middleman is amusing and witty and can be found on ABC Family on Monday evenings.
The Peoria minor league affiliate of the Cubs are playing a rare game at Wrigley Field on Tuesday Night which I plan on showing up for and watching others consume enormous amounts of beer at possibly reduced prices. Tickets are cheap (5$-15$) so you should head out there if you are in town. Go Baby Cubs Go!

Utter Failure

Sat, 26 Jul 2008 07:21:30 GMT

I knew it was a bad auspice when, while Muffy and I were standing in line waiting to seat ourselves in the theater to see the X-Files film, a guy from the earlier showing says to me as he exits, "Save yourself!'

Thought For The Day

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 17:02:10 GMT

"Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage."

Anaïs Nin

Random Thursday Thoughts

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 06:02:41 GMT

I am watching the film "When Harry Met Sally," early this fine morning. Great film:

     Harry: "There are two kinds of women, high maintenance and low maintenance."
     Sally: "What kind of woman am I?"
     Harry:"You are the worst kind, you are high maintenance but think you are low maintenance."

Hahahahahahahaha, this observation applies to a large proportion of the women I have dated over the years!
I am reading an interesting period memoir, Stud Terkel's "Talking To Myself." While this has been wildly uneven, it is worthwhile because it is fascinating to see what Chicago was like in another era.
I have signed up for a Japanese course!
Is there some way that I can avoid the coming X-Files film? Sadly, it seems like every middle aged woman on the planet is anxious to see this film.

Trip To Arlington Park

Sun, 20 Jul 2008 18:14:13 GMT

Friday found me at the Arlington Park racetrack for some intense gambling. After a remarkably positive session I treated myself to a T shirt and bought my track companion Candi an epic meal. It's actually a nice trip to get to Arlington as the Metra train takes you there from the city and drops you at the Gates. I am unsure why I do not go every day.

Photo Album: NYC 2008

Fri, 28 Dec 2007 18:34:20 GMT

NYC 2008

IMG_2437

IMG_2438

IMG_2441

IMG_2447

IMG_2490

IMG_2492

IMG_2502

Photo Album: NYC 2008

Fri, 28 Dec 2007 18:25:38 GMT

NYC 2008

IMG_2474

Photo Album: Las Vegas - April 2006

Thu, 17 May 2007 08:51:35 GMT

Las Vegas - April 2006

More Photos...

Photo Album: Austin 2007

Thu, 19 Apr 2007 07:51:40 GMT

Austin 2007

Courtyard on 6th Street

Hilton at Night

Blanton Museum

Inside Jazz Restaurant

Cafe

Texas State Capital

Arte

Skyline

Open Air Market on Congress

Esther's on 6th

More Photos...

Photo Album: Austin 2006

Mon, 20 Mar 2006 16:09:37 GMT

Austin 2006

More Photos...

Photo Album: Southern California

Tue, 31 Jan 2006 10:43:19 GMT

Southern California

Grand California Hotel Lobby

Haunted Mansion

La Brea Tarpit

Pasadena Mountains

Rocket

Sabre Toothed Cat

Sunset Boulevard

Tiger

Union Station Ceiling

Wolf Skulls

More Photos...

Photo Album: Las Vegas 2005 Redux

Fri, 13 Jan 2006 07:00:43 GMT

Las Vegas 2005 Redux

Untitled Photo

More Photos...

Photo Album: Las Vegas 2005

Thu, 10 Feb 2005 14:09:16 GMT

Las Vegas 2005

New York, New York

Pagoda, Bellagio Garden

Bellagio

Paris Hotel

View from Plane

New York Another Angle

Throne at Alladin

MGM Grand

Night

Untitled Photo

More Photos...

Custom List: Chicago Eateries

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 20:50:23 GMT

Chicago Eateries

Sabor Michoacan
Fine inexpensive Mexican
Saint Anna Bakery & Cafe
Excellent Curry Beef Turnovers
Ben Pao
Sublime Chinese Food
Wow Bao
Tasty Bao
Hugo's Frog Bar
Gibson's Steak House Little Brother
Spring World
Yunan and Szechuan
Lao Sze Chuan
Fiery Szechuan Food
Pho Xe Tang
The Tank - the best Pho in Chicago
Chiu Quon Bakery
Brilliant Curry Beef Buns
Cafe Hoang
Fine casual Vietnamese cuisine
TAC Quick Thai Kitchen
Superior inexpensive Thai food
Cafe Luigi
NY Style Pizza Slices
Tango Sur
Charming Argentinian Steak House
Salpicon
Innovative upscale Mexican
Katsu
Chicago's best Sushi
Geja's Cafe
Romantic Fondue
San Soo Gab San
All Night Korean BBQ
Bistro Zinc
French Bistro with flair
Hot Doug's
Ethereal Hot Dog's
Frontera Grill
Rick Bayless' Mexican Wonder

Custom List: Now Reading

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 01:12:53 GMT

Now Reading

Wabi Sabi the japanese art of impermanence
Andrew Juniper
Atlas Shrugged
Ayn Rand

Custom List: The Best of Laoch

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 03:29:03 GMT

The Best of Laoch

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 03:20:20 GMT

by Laoch of Chicago - All Rights Reserved.

Book List: Book List

Fri, 20 Apr 2007 14:06:04 GMT

George Orwell: 1984
Frightening and Prescient Vision of Totalitarian Society
Ernest Hemingway: A Moveable Feast
Hemmingway's Ode to Paris During the 1920s
L. E. Modesitt, Jr.: Adiamante
Science Fiction Novel About Ethics and Power
Malcolm Gladwell: Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking
A Look at How We Make Snap Judgments
Frank Herbert: Dune
Brilliant Science Fiction Allegory
Orson Scott Card: Ender's Game
Science Fiction Masterpiece
Sheldon Kopp: If You Meet the Buddha on the Road, Kill Him
Existential Psychology
Rick Bennet: King of a Small World
Simply the Best Novel About What it is Like to Be a ProfessionalPoker Player
Tom Brohamer: Modern Pace Handicapping
Excellent Primer on Pace Handicapping
Barry Meadow: Money Secrets at the Racetrack
Clear, concise and brilliant
Scott Turow: Presumed Innocent
The Best Legal Thriller
Ken Grimwood: Replay
Brilliant Fantasy Novel
Trevanian: Shibumi : A Novel
Witty and Urbane Spy Novel
Ed Miller, David Sklansky, Mason Malmuth: Small Stakes Hold 'em: Winning Big With Expert Play
Excellent Small Stakes Primer
Brian Greene: The Fabric of the Cosmos
String Theory made simple
John D. MacDonald: The Green Ripper
The greatest Travis McGee Novel
Bill James: The New Bill James Historical Baseball Abstract
Baseball Nirvana
David Sklansky: The Theory of Poker
The Poker Bible
Audrey Niffenegger: The Time Traveler's Wife
Haunting Time Travel Novel
James Surowiecki: The Wisdom of Crowds
Fascinating Study of the Power of the Collective Mind
Ludwig Wittgenstein: Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus
Good train reading
Mark Cramer: Value Handicapping: The Art of Making Your Own Line and Identifying Overlays
Step by Step Guide to Creating Your Own Odds Line
Lisa Randall: Warped Passages : Unraveling the Mysteries of the Universe's Hidden Dimensions
Clever Exploration of Alternate Dimensions and String Theory
Robert M. Pirsig: Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance : An Inquiry into Values
Meditation on Quality

Custom List: Email Me

Wed, 31 Jan 2007 04:33:43 GMT

Email Me

laochofchicago-blog at yahoo.com

Blog list: Blog list

Tue, 16 May 2006 05:53:07 GMT

Custom List: Now Listening to

Mon, 29 Aug 2005 06:25:06 GMT

Now Listening to

Van Morrison
A Night in San Francisco

Check Raise

Thought Following A Trip To Las Vegas

Viva

Amusing Page From Housekeeping Monthly Circa 1955

The Unbearable Heaviness of Lifting

Random Olympic Friday Thoughts

Gramps

Pop Tarts

Monday Musings

Instructions

Random Wednesday Thoughts

GTNW

Everything Is In My Domain

Cool Happy Hour Finder

Minor League

Moral Dilemma

Monday Musings

Utter Failure

Thought For The Day

Random Thursday Thoughts

Trip To Arlington Park

Photo Album: NYC 2008

Photo Album: NYC 2008

Photo Album: Las Vegas - April 2006

Photo Album: Austin 2007

Photo Album: Austin 2006

Photo Album: Southern California

Photo Album: Las Vegas 2005 Redux

Photo Album: Las Vegas 2005

Custom List: Chicago Eateries

Custom List: Now Reading

Custom List: The Best of Laoch

Custom List: © 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008

Book List: Book List

Custom List: Email Me

Blog list: Blog list

Custom List: Now Listening to