it's been a busy few weeks. Brendan's birthday was Sunday but we celebrated on Saturday night with a huge party at our local middle eastern restaurant, Couscous with 27 of our closest friends. The place was small so we got it all to ourselves and the food was fantastic lamb, chicken, rice, couscous, salads, hummus, falafel, etc. Topped with his favorite German Chocolate cake and plenty of wine - we had a blast.

we've also seen two rather amazing shows recently which have been audibly delectable: Lhasa de Sela at the Old Town School of Folk Music the weekend before and Grazyna Auguscik at the Hothouse.

If you're in Chicago, don't miss the movie "The Take" playing at the Music Box this week. It's amazing and very real.

I equally endorse a visit to the Museum of Science and Industry to visit the new Body Worlds exhibit.

i told you i've been busy.