Tag Archives: USA
Chicago Loop Synagogue’s mid-century modern stained glass
Sandwiched between boring high-rises, the Chicago Loop Synagogue is one of those sacred spaces that make you say “Gah!”. The building, constructed in 1957, is nothing special, but step inside… And CHECK OUT THIS STAINED GLASS. Artist Abraham Rattner loaded his glass masterpiece with symbols of the Jewish faith. And G-d said, “Let there be […]
Brutalism makes a baby in Chicago
Chicago has quite a bit of Brutalism—particularly in hospital buildings and on college campuses—which is weird because this form of architecture does not suggest the nurturing of bodies or young minds. For an appropriate use of Brutalism, I give you the Metropolitan Correctional Center. Yes, we’re so hardcore in Chicago that we have a Brutalist […]
Where to walk your wife in Chicago
I’m so tired from trying to learn to sleep without sleeping pills that my brain is in a deep freeze. Talking and writing is like bobbing for apples must think of word stick head in tub of water and try to find the word grab the word with my mouth now what was I saying […]
I’m just here for the gift shops in the Aztec pyramid: a visit to Disney’s Epcot
A few nights ago I was in Norway, eavesdropping on a guy looking for a place to smoke. The attendant told him “You can’t smoke here but there’s an approved area over by Italy.” I was at Disney’s Epcot Park, which costs $114 a day to visit. But hey, that price includes the whole world […]
The Yale Building of Chicago: atrium under the influence of cat figurines
The Yale Building is a survivor. It was built in 1892 in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood to house visitors to the World’s Fair Columbian Exposition, but unlike the lame neoclassical architecture from the World’s Fair, the Yale Building is has an unexpected and exciting interior design. Sure, the exterior is a handsome but not particularly thrilling […]
Picnic at the Old Globe Theatre, San Diego
Things I did for the first time this week: Travel to California Present on a panel at a conference Wear a two piece bathing suit The last two items weren’t all that traumatic and San Diego—still the only city I’ve visited in California–is just lovely. I’m here for a conference but I’ve had bits and […]
Argyle Street Chicago: get on the train for authenticity and ass cake
I recently asked for some advice from fellow blogger Sophia Hsiao, whose gorgeous nature photography has me longing to visit Taiwan. In response to my inquiry about Taiwanese cities to visit, Sophia recommended a few and added “Each city has its streets”. Sophia then listed the best streets in her recommended cities. As a smart traveler, Sophia knows you can’t just show up […]
Taste of America: they love us for our canned frosting
Earlier this year we were in León, Spain and stumbled on this curiosity: Taste of America. Taste of America proudly proclaims to be “The Original American Supermarket” and, oh hey, we’re American. Naturally, we went inside. I know, I know, the anticipation is killing you, so let me get right to the point. What kinds of […]
Picnic at the Cathedral 