msbelle, I loved my most recent movers (Mayflower). I can send you info when I get home, both for the NY/MD move (when I had more stuff) and MD/CA.

ETA: Whoever linked to the Louboutin pumps, they're gorgeous!

I use Dr Bronners Sals Suds for dishes & household stuff ( mix it with baking soda for homemade soft scrub!) and the unscented soap for Dylan and hand soap. I loves it, precious. Crazy label and all.

smonster, I think you would make a kickass YA or high school librarian. I think the first step would be volunteering at your local public or HS library. The degree gets you the credential and gets you paid (a little), but the experience from working and/or volunteering is really vital. Maybe visit some school libraries next time you go to NO? I am sure there is a need there.

Congrats, Kathy!

Why, why, why can't engineers understand basic math. If a+b=c and a changes (we will call it d now), but you want c to stay the same, then b is going to be a different number...yes? Just take c-d to get the number that will replace b.

Oy....is it really that complicated?

Congrats Kathy!!!

You can tell you're reading a Chicago blog when they introduce a new feature on hotdog joints called The Dog Show, with their first entry featuring Superdawg. Talk about deconstructing a simple dish:

The Superdawg is a more tender hot dog, and because it's all beef it still offers that signature Chicago taste with its retro twist. Normally a red hot or a kosher frank would offer something a bit more to the overall flavor of a hot dog when combined with its toppings. On a Superdawg, that subtle beefy and almost buttery taste complements its toppings instead of masking them. A Chicago hot dog is an intimidating dish because of its massive heap of condiments and the Superdawg isn't any different. It omits the sweet taste of freshly cut tomatoes and salty bite of celery salt, but since the hot dog is a less intense sausage this actually helps the overall taste. It's a mouthful of relish and onions with the pickle acting as a sealant for the dog. The sport peppers add that blast of heat throughout. The flavor is pretty mild compared to the pickled pop other restaurants have to offer but the Superdawg is a nice introduction to what a Chicago dog should be -- full of toppings with a plump all-beef dog underneath. Usually I like the salty pickled taste of a standard Chicago dog, but Superdawg's version is just the right taste for an afternoon meal. It's a dish that won't knock the wind out of you but still satisfies your craving.

I've never been to Superdawg in the city, but they're building their first branch location on the route home from work. I might have to stop by after they open, just for their pineapple shakes if nothing else (sounds yummy!).

Congratulations, Kathy!

The weird things I learn about this house.

I have said for years that I wouldn't use a seance to contact dead relatives; I'd use it to ask previous owners of my houses, "What the fuck were you thinking?"

My strangest so far was when the bubbles floating out of the ground revealed that when the sewer was extended to this street, the rest of the house was connected to it, but the washer was not.

Barb - could this be it: [link]

Lewis says close, but nope. He said it really did have a Sistine Chapel feel to it.

Timelies all!

Congrats Kathy!