congratulations to Shani Davis!

As the Olympics come to a close, I'd like to offer my congratulations to Shani Davis on his speed skating medals. He represented Chicago very well. His mother, Cherie, must be very proud right now.

sneaky virus - updated

UPDATE: Since I posted this yesterday, I heard from a friend who is a system admin at a large company. She recommends a different set of steps. See below.

Recently (Feb 2010) some acquaintances who are experienced users have gotten a computer virus. It comes through a pop-up window, and it's very hard to remove! I'm not sure EXACTLY how to avoid it, but here's my best advice:

When surfing the internet you may suddenly encounter a pop-up screen that says your computer is infected with a virus. It looks like it is scanning your system. It may also ask whether you want to continue the scan.

* Do NOT click ANYTHING on the pop-up window!
* Do NOT click the X to close the pop-up window.
* Do a control-alt-delete and end the task.
* Download malwarebytes' anti-malware software and follow the instructions.

My friend the sysadmin says she's fixed several computers that were infected with malware.

Here's a New York Times article the addresses the same (or a similar) problem. Let's all be safe out there!

non sequitur Friday

Two from the Polkaholics:

In Heaven There is no Beer
I am a Polkaholic

Cheers!

Beverly All Stars on Wednesday night

On Wednesday 2/24 from 7:30 to 10:00, a scaled-down version of the Beverly All Stars will be playing in a new place, Iona's Beverly Hills Cafe, 1767 W. 95th St (opposite the 95th St. Metra station), 773-233-0027. Your hosts are the owners, Eric and Cathy. Be prepared - this is a cozy space, so plan to be seated very close to the band and to everyone else. It will be a guitar-bass duo this week.

If you need parking, use the city lot at 95th & Longwood.

non sequitur Friday

It's all about randomness....

sidewalks are not a luxury

They are one of our most basic forms of transportation. People need to be able to walk to the train, the bus, shopping, etc. Got neighbors who don't shovel their sidewalks? Give 'em a hint. If they don't get the hint, call 311.

During the last storm, I went out with my shovel four different times to keep our sidewalk walkable. We have a corner lot, so it's not a trivial amount to shovel. I still like the shovel better than the snowblower. The peace of being in snow without the intrusion of a noisy gas engine is magical. Yes, I can still say that with a straight face, even after how much time I spent shoveling last week.

To everyone who did such a great job clearing their sidewalks after the last big snow, THANK YOU!!!!! To all the others, I ask: why can't you be a good neighbor?

some of my favorite things

Today's Tribune hit a few of them:

Jimmy Jamm's sweet potato pies and other goodies

My favorite funny guy on TV, Craig Ferguson

Tips for jump starting the garden

And it's a beautiful, sunny day. I think I'll go for a bike ride and enjoy another favorite thing before it snows again. Cheers!

non sequitur Friday

It's all about randomness...





Laissez les bon temps roulez!

Beverly All Stars in a new venue

Tomorrow night 2/10, the Beverly All Stars will be playing in a new place, Iona's Beverly Hills Cafe, 1767 W. 95th St (opposite the 95th St. Metra station), 773-233-0027. Your hosts are the owners, Eric and Cathy. Be prepared - this is a cozy space, so plan to be seated very close to the band and to everyone else. Makes the old Gold Star Sardine Bar downtown look big. If you need parking, use the city lot at 95th & Longwood.

CAPS meeting, beat 2213

If you live in Beat 2213 (95th St. on the north, 103rd St. on the south, Vincennes on the east, Western on the west), your CAPS meeting is at 7 p.m. on Thurs. 2/11 at Ridge Park fieldhouse, 9625 S. Longwood. If you have concerns you would like to discuss with the police, bring 'em here. 312-745-0620

Jazz Links jam session on 2/10

The Jazz Institute of Chicago presents a Jazz Links jam session on Wednesday 2/10. Students get an opportunity to perform with world-class professionals in the Jazz Links house band, led by pianist Ken Chaney. These sessions are both an educational experience for the students and an inter-generational community event, where parents, teachers, students and the general public witness the development of young talent before their eyes and ears.

Come on out and support the next generation of jazz talent in Chicago. If you know any young musicians looking to meet jazz musicians their age and get a chance to play with some of the best talent in Chicago, tell them to bring their instruments.

Come to Randolph St. Cafe in the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E Randolph at 5 p.m. on 2/10 and enjoy. Free admission.

Mardi Gras treats

Blue Moon is offering some fine Mardi Gras treats. On Sat. 2/13, there's a special Mardi Gras dinner with music by the Beverly All Stars. Dinner starts at 6 p.m., and music starts a little later.

Space is limited, so call and make your reservation. 773.840.3618

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And there's more - Caroline's delicious paczki, a Polish seasonal treat - available by pre-order for Mardi Gras. Go to Blue Moon to pre-order by 2/12, and they'll be in on 2/16.

Bike Winter Swap Meet and Urban Bike Expo TODAY

Join bikewinter.org, UIC College of Cycling, Active Transportation Alliance, and Big Shoulders Realty for the first annual Bike Winter Swap Meet and Urban Bike Expo. This is the place to pick up great deals on used bike parts, handmade bike clothing, store overstocks, and all things bike related. There will be a full house of exhibit tables filled with a fantastic sampling of local shops, non-profit groups, individual sellers, powder coaters, bike clubs, bicycling and public transportation advocacies and much, much more. Come for the presentations and a fast-round action-auction at the end.

After the Swap/Expo, stay for the Break the Gridlock bike advocacy social.

What: Bike Winter Swap Meet and Urban Bike Expo
When: Saturday 2/6/10 from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm
Where: Jaks Tap, 901 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago
How Much: $5 suggested donation

non sequitur Friday

It's all about randomness.