Thanks to my wife's diligent monitoring of airfare prices, we scored an incredible deal on a non-stop flight to Paris.  Non-stop from ORD to CDG is usually around $2150 for two people (thats with taxes and fees).  Early this morning that same non-stop flight dropped to $1447 for two people!!  That just saved us over $700!  The non-stop was even cheaper than the 1-stop, which we were originally going to choose.  Way to go wifey!

We had seen the rumor on the internets that Wednesday morning was the best time to buy overseas tickets.  Something about the airlines releasing tickets just after midnight.  I guess that rumor is true!!

Now it's time to find the best seat on the plane.

Lately, I've become a big fan of Rick Steves.  He's the guy on PBS who does a bunch of travel shows about different cities all over the world.

I like his style.  It's very practical and informative.  (He definitely knows his museums, that's for sure.)

In preparation for our trip to Paris, we bought his guide book and have been reading through it.  (It's really good, by the way.)

On a whim, I did a google search for the guy, and guess what!  He has a blog!

http://www.ricksteves.com/blog/

He is currently traveling through Europe and filming new episodes of his show.  He's been updating his blog every day or two, and it's really cool to read.  Enjoy!

TK posted this a little while ago.  Sadly I'm just now getting to it. 

http://www.ieanea.org/iie.aspx

I know the general attitude out there is, "Well, as long as my kids are in a good district, who cares?"  Unfortunately, it's thinking like this that allows too many school districts in impoverished areas to deteriorate, thus driving down property values and resulting in thousands (or millions) of kids who put no value on getting an education.  And where do you think they end up as adults? 

I'm not saying I am in love with Blago's idea - that whole gross tax receipts thing - but something has to be done.  I don't want to hurt businesses in Illinois, but we have to have a better system that doesn't rely so heavily on property taxes to support public schools. 

Just my two cents - happy Friday!

You're driving a little too close to the lane divider and you think to yourself, "I need to strafe right".

Snow in April?  Oh yes!  Welcome to Chicago, right?

It took me 2 hours to get to work today - that's a new record!  We really need to move.  :P