Entries from June 28th, 2008

The Yiddish Policemen’s Union by Michael Chabon

June 30th, 2008 · No Comments


finished 06.28.08

After reading The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay I wasn’t sure if I was a fan of the book or a fan of its author, Michael Chabon. I just knew I liked it.

After reading The Yiddish Policemen’s Union, I knew I was a fan of Michael Chabon’s writing, because I enjoyed this book just as much as Kavalier & Clay, if not more. Sure there are a bunch of Jewish customs and Yiddish words and slang that I didn’t get, but the story made me want to look things up to understand it more. Also, in many cases, when they use a word over and over you start to understand what it is from the context of the sentences. About 3/4 of the way through the book I realized that there’s actually a dictionary in the back of the book, but by then I didn’t really need it.

This book, at its most basic, is a murder mystery in a “what-if,” non-existent scenario of a world. Throw in a down-on-his-luck, flawed Detective Landsman as the main character who is lovable despite his faults and you got me. I’m a sucker for for a murder mystery with a messed up hero.

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FeedBurner Reunion

June 30th, 2008 · No Comments


Adil, Tom, Alden, Traci, Eric L., Eric O., Charley, Jessie, Giuliana, Paul Baker, Chris, Joe, Jon


Chris wore his FeedBurner bike hat for the special occasion.

Sorry, everyone! I forgot to post these photos that I promised I’d post weeks ago. The night before Dallas and I left for Connecticut, I went to a FeedBurner reunion party at De Cero. About 13 of us made it out. We expected more, but it was a busy week for many people. A lot of people who were there I’d seen often at the Google office. Others, I hadn’t seen for a long time, more than a year. Enough time for Adil to have a baby even! As per the FeedBurner tradition, we ordered a ton of guacamole and platters of assorted tacos. It was a fun time and something we’ll have to repeat.

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Wisconsin BBQ

June 29th, 2008 · 2 Comments


Rachelle & Charlotte, Oak Creek, WI


Rachelle & Stephanie, Oak Creek, WI


Back: Jacob, Tessa, Caitlin, Gavin, Brice. Front: Jessica, Kayla

My brother had a barbecue at his house on Saturday. I took the Amtrak up to attend. Amanda and maybe Richard (?) have done a lot of work on their yard these past few years and it’s looking great. They got some new patio furniture and we all sat outside while the kids played on their swing set and slide. The weather was great for a few hours. Then it rained and we ran around picking everything up and stayed inside for a while. And then it was beautiful out again and we played bocce ball for hours.

I was glad Kelly and Jeff made it down for the party because I’d never met Charlotte before. She’s about 2 months old now. We figured that was about how old Tessa was when I first met her out in Washington DC. Now, of course, she’s running around with the older kids and talking like crazy. All of the kids were having a great time chasing each other around and playing.

Saturday night mom and dad drove me back to Chicago and stayed overnight here. We went to brunch at Sola and ran a few errands on Sunday and then they start their drive home. It’s kind of windy and cloudy here now. Hopefully they didn’t catch any rain on the way.

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Richard’s Birthday

June 29th, 2008 · No Comments


Celtic Crown, Lincoln Square, Chicago

Friday night Dallas and I went to get something to eat at Bowman’s and then went to Celtic Crown for Richard’s 30th birthday party. For the party they had a whole room downstairs with its own bar, which was nice. We hadn’t seen Richard since around the time of the mustache contest so it was good to see him again. And Michael.. I forget how funny that guy is. I think I was laughing so hard I was crying!

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My Hump, My Hump, My Lovely Lady Lumps

June 28th, 2008 · 2 Comments


Roscoe Village, Chicago

Where I grew up we called them speed BUMPS, not HUMPS.

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