Sometimes I Understand Teen Fads

I find it very hard to understand the Jonas Brothers phenomenon. Sure they're cute - but are they really that cute? No. They're talented, but are they that talented? Anyone who has been forced to watch them during an awards show knows the answer is a very painful "hells to the no". Are they better than average teenagers because they pledge to keep their virginity until they are married? Oooh and we laaaaughed. The only way these boys are following that oath is by saddlebacking.

Enter The Veronicas, an aussie band comprised of twin sisters (Jess and Lisa) who actually have real talent. They are sugary pop with a bit of rock grit - and they are as cute as they come. Could this be? Could I be turning into a teeny-bop fangirl? It's entirely possible. I don't think it has to be the guiltiest of pleasures.

Inauguration Festivities

Our favorite Chicago photographer headed to D.C. last week to see what all the ruckus was about. Turns out there was quite a party and everybody was there. Among other things, Rock the Vote held a series of concerts, featuring the likes of Sheryl Crow, Citizen Cope and the Beastie Boys, among others. Even Entourage's Adrian Grenier made the scene with his band.

what's new on the west coast?

in los angeles... oller & pejic architecture has been working on some new houses in the desert...
first:

and second:

and also recently completed is this modern/historic rehabilitation (complete overhaul) to a turn of the century bungalow in the heart of echo park:

and in the pipeline- some options for a 10 acre development in joshua tree:

Back to Work Tunes

It is cold and there are no free vacation days coming my way anytime soon. The holiday weight has been gained; resolutions have been made and broken and made again. Today is the first day returning to the office and traffic down Michigan Avenue was back to being slow. While all of this would usually give me a major case of the winter Mondays, I have Fleet Foxes to turn to. Their self-titled album was one of my favorites of 2008 and seeing them live at Pitchfork only made my ears ache for them more. This morning's jam, is Fleet Foxes' White Winter Hymnal complete with a fantastic mixed-media video. And if you really want to treat yourself to gorgeous sounds, check out First Aid Kit's tribute to Fleet Foxes.

I'm here for the weather

As we careen into the depths of winter, what better place to go than... The Beach! Forget going to fancy Florida, though. I've decided to stay right here in Chicago and explore the lakeshore for the winter. While the shore is a magnetic draw for people in the summer, the opposite is true in the winter. In a city this size, it's rare to find such utter solitude. And for good reason. Everything is locked in snow and ice and the wind seems to howl forever. Those same elements turn everything into a subtle, graphic simplicity. Boat docks are empty, baseball fields lose their diamond shape and well-traveled paths disappear. 

It does take an extra layer or two of clothes, but the parking's easy and you can leave the sunblock at home...