The End of Summer

The end of regular season baseball is my new "end of summer."

David Dorfman Dance

"On the program at The Dance Center are two socially and politically charged evening-length works. Disavowal, a world premiere inspired by abolitionist and (in)famous “race traitor” John Brown, is a critical examination of white supremacy, racism and alienation. underground is a compelling and provocative exploration of the principles of political activism that asks: When does activism become terrorism? Are killing and destruction ever justified? underground incorporates a community cast of 15–20 local dancers."

Chicago Sinfonietta

Another set of tickets thanks to our next-door neighbor Mr. J. In this case, it was fun because you could actually see him on cymbal, tympani, etc. Program was a very short piece by Shostakovich, a fun Astor Piazzolla piece with guest artist Raul Jaurena on the bandoneon, and then finishing with Carmina Burana, which almost erased the memory (many moons ago) of the disastrous Pilobolus dance to the same music.

Cubs v. Brewers solo

I went by myself to a last game.

"Ryan Dempster picked up his 16th victory -- a career high -- limiting the Brewers to two runs over six frames against second-place Milwaukee. Kerry Wood got the save by fanning Prince Fielder with the winning run at first, lowering the Cubs' magic number to four."

Ms. A in town

Our niece, Ms. A, was in town for "her weekend." The Shedd, Orange, a trip to Chinatown, and Petterino's and Wicked were some of the highlights.

Lehman Takes a Tumble

From NY Times Topics: "On Sept. 10, the investment bank said that it would spin off a majority of its remaining commercial real estate holdings into a new public company. And it confirmed plans to sell a majority of its investment management division in a move expected to generate $3 billion. It also announced an expected loss of $3.9 billion, or $5.92 a share, in the third quarter after $5.6 billion in write-downs.

By the weekend of Sept. 13-14, it was clear that it was do or die for Lehman. The Treasury had made clear that no bailout would be forthcoming. Federal officials encouraged other institutions to buy Lehman, but by the end of the weekend the two main suitors, Barclays and Bank of America, had both said no.

Lehman filed for bankruptcy Sept. 15. One day later, Barclays said it would buy Lehman's United States capital markets division for $1.75 billion, a bargain price. Nomura Holdings of Japan agreed to buy many of Lehman's assets in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Lehman also said it would sell much of its money management business, including its prized Neuberger Berman asset management unit, to Bain Capital and Hellman & Friedman for $2.15 billion.

Lehman’s demise set off tremors throughout the financial system. The uncertainty surrounding its transactions with banks and hedge funds exacerbated a crisis of confidence. That contributed to credit markets freezing, forcing governments around the globe to take steps to try to calm panicked markets."

DNC in Denver

August was the month for "the whole world is watching." Olympics, and then the Democratic National Convention.

Thanks, Hillary, for interrupting the official roll call to move for acclamation.

Cubs v. Reds

Rich Harden continued to impress, dominating an overmatched Reds team with seven strong innings. And if pitching a gem wasn't enough, Harden used his bat to drive in the first run with a sacrifice bunt in the fifth, Harden's first career RBI."

And there was a full moon.

Book Club Movie Night

We hosted, but it was Ms. B-H's choice to watch Hitchcock's 39 Steps.

Superior Donuts at Steppenwolf

Superior Donuts is the new play Tracy Letts which follows August: Osage County which won the Pulitzer. No barn burner, but great engaging performances, and a sweet script. Jon Hill is becoming one of our favorites of the Steppenwolf ensemble.

Olympic opening ceremony

The whole world was watching, and so were we. Wow!

Cubs 11, Astros 7 bleachers

On a day that saw 18 runs and 26 hits, Alfonso Soriano's three-run homer in the seventh broke a 7-7 tie and proved to be decisive. Fresh off the DL, Kerry Wood tossed a scoreless eighth while Bob Howry got his fourth victory.

Goodbye to Mr. S and the stormy night

While a group of workmates were saying a last goodbye to Mr. S, my boss, who is off to DC, there was a truly a historic thunderstorm, with 90,000 thunderbolts hitting northern Illinois (according to the Lightning Detection Network). Spooky, apocalyptic goodbye.

Fajitas with J and J

It was the last goodbye for Mr. and Mrs. B, who are off for their new life in North Carolina.

Ms. S's birthday

Ahhhh...Mirai Sushi. What could be better? And perhaps Angel for the DVD? (And Rollapalooza for lunch, just for good measure.)