Sassy + Happy

A couple of videos I ran across last night.

============================

And Now For Something Completely Different-

It’s one of the Tabs on Wonkette this AM. I have a soft spot for Chicago for reasons, and was just interested because it’s not topical, and now I’m sharing it here because maybe we could all pool our money and buy this place for us and our allies! Actually, I’m sharing it because it’s different and interesting to look at. Take a look, and dream a little!

1355 N Astor St
Chicago, IL 60610

Description

Once-in-a-life time opportunity to own one of Chicago’s iconic estates, showcasing over 25,000 Sq. Ft. of combined living spaces and situated on nearly a third of an acre on Gold Coast’s most coveted Astor street. This palatial architectural masterpiece designed by Howard Van Doren Shaw for the Goodman Family graces the market for the first time in 40 years, promising to leave you speechless. A true hallmark of Chicago’s rich history, Astor Court has long captivated passersby with its magnificent neo-classical/Georgian Revival architecture spanning an impressive 80′ feet across. This distinguished estate is centered around a one-of-a-kind tremendous courtyard, meticulously landscaped with lush gardens and flowing fountains, transporting you to the tranquil Italian countryside, creating a peaceful sanctuary in the vibrant urban setting. The main residence of the estate features over 10,000 sq. ft. of exquisitely renovated grand spaces blending timeless elegance with modern luxury. No expense was spared in creating this treasure, presenting a rare opportunity to own a coveted piece of Chicago’s history. Every inch of the home exudes sophistication and grandeur offering unparalleled living experience featuring 13′ ceilings, venetian plaster walls, incredible intricate millwork and hardwood oak flooring throughout, fireplaces with magnificent original marble mantles, and gold plated fixtures. As you enter the home, you are immediately captivated by the grand sense of space, elegant design and a sweeping curved staircase that ascends to the expansive main living areas. Every room exudes scale and sophistication offering both beauty and functionality. There are five en-suite bedrooms, each with its own style and personality. The luxurious primary suite features beautiful lake views and a grand primary spa bath adorned with exquisite Italian marble. In addition to the main residence, Astor Court showcases six gorgeous unique rental units, each with its own distinct charm and character, generating significant income. The entire estate encompasses 45 rooms, 16 bedrooms, 17 baths and 18 fireplaces offering endless opportunities to expand the main residence or transform it into a sprawling multi-generational family compound. Currently, there are two parking spaces located directly behind the property with the option to convert the coach house into a garage for additional parking. This extraordinary estate is perfectly situated just steps from Michigan Avenue, the lakefront, parks, premier shops, favorite restaurants, and world-class entertainment.

Request a tour as early as
Today at 12:30PMSchedule TourRequest Info

Home Highlights

Parking Open Parking Outdoor Patio A/C Heating & Cooling

HOA None Price/Sqft $840 Listed 145 days ago

Many more photos on the page!

An Early Monday Brain Cleanser

From β€˜Himalayan fur goblin’ to β€˜teacup werewolf,’ these silly videos are helping dogs find homes

(I’m sorry you’ll have to click through to see the video; either the live headline above, or the link beneath the next graf. It won’t embed. It’s worth it, I promise!)

Nashville animal shelter volunteer Adrian Budnick was looking ideas to showcase the adoptable dogs on social media. Looking for a Himalayan fur goblin or a teacup werewolf? Her silly videos have increased both adoptions and donations. (AP video/Kristin M. Hall)Published 7:06 AM CDT, March 22, 2025

https://apnews.com/video/from-himalayan-fur-goblin-to-teacup-werewolf-these-silly-videos-are-helping-dogs-find-homes-0244d1b2f4df422ebe7e62304be87671

Have An OT Comics Post This New Spring Friday AM! πŸŒž

Here’s one for Ollie, and for all the hopeful squirrel chasers.

Bliss by Harry Bliss for March 21, 2025

Bliss Comic Strip for March 21, 2025


Dark Side of the Horse by Samson for March 21, 2025

Dark Side of the Horse Comic Strip for March 21, 2025


Frazz by Jef Mallett for March 21, 2025

Frazz Comic Strip for March 21, 2025


Heathcliff by Peter Gallagher for March 21, 2025

Heathcliff Comic Strip for March 21, 2025

Slightly political but funny (or maybe I’m weird!🌞)

Last Kiss by John Lustig for March 21, 2025

Last Kiss Comic Strip for March 21, 2025

Non Sequitur by Wiley Miller for March 21, 2025

Non Sequitur Comic Strip for March 21, 2025

Pearls Before Swine by Stephan Pastis for March 21, 2025

Pearls Before Swine Comic Strip for March 21, 2025


Scary Gary by Mark Buford for March 21, 2025

Scary Gary Comic Strip for March 21, 2025

For all of us undergoing or who’ve undergone:

Sherman’s Lagoon by Jim Toomey for March 21, 2025

Sherman's Lagoon Comic Strip for March 21, 2025

Ten Cats by Graham Harrop for March 21, 2025

Ten Cats Comic Strip for March 21, 2025

I hope everyone’s Friday the 21st is really nice. Enjoy all you can! 🌞

Me, Too!

Savage Chickens by Doug Savage for February 20, 2025

Savage Chickens Comic Strip for February 20, 2025

More Brain-Clearing Fun… πŸ’ƒ

Read it when you get a chance, and get a good look at those covers! Holy cow-

Timely Toon + Help a Person Out (OT Post)

Non Sequitur by Wiley Miller for February 07, 2025

Non Sequitur Comic Strip for February 07, 2025

So, we’ve always had nicknames for our doggies. We’ve had: Sparkinator, Chrissinator, Corkinator; Sparky-Larky, Missy Chrissy, Corky-Lorky; also Sparkasaur, and Corkisaur (Missy Chrissy was too good to be a dinosaur.) (Also, they each knew all their names.) Now there is Ollie, and while I tend to let Ollinator slip out now and then, I don’t think I care for it, somehow. DH always used the “saur” suffix, while I did the “-nator” one. I think I like Ollisaur, and am working on using it, but how about some feedback from the crew here at Playtime? Any other Ollie-name suggestion will be considered, as well. Thanks for whatever you can do! πŸ•β€πŸ¦Ί 🌞

A Few Comics

that have made me laugh while I’m trying to get a good BP after reading headlines.

Close to Home by John McPherson for January 28, 2025

Close to Home Comic Strip for January 28, 2025

https://www.gocomics.com/closetohome/2025/01/28

Cattitude β€” Doggonit by Anthony Smith for January 27, 2025

Cattitude β€” Doggonit Comic Strip for January 27, 2025

(This one was a happy accident as I thought I’d clicked on a different one.)

https://www.gocomics.com/cattitude-doggonit/2025/01/27

Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson for January 28, 2025

Calvin and Hobbes Comic Strip for January 28, 2025

https://www.gocomics.com/calvinandhobbes/2025/01/28

Arlo and Janis by Jimmy Johnson for January 28, 2025

Arlo and Janis Comic Strip for January 28, 2025

https://www.gocomics.com/arloandjanis/2025/01/28

Music in the A.M.

Have You Heard of Kris Kross? These 90s Teen Hip-Hop Stars Endured Fame and Tragedy

The teen hip-hop duo known for wearing their clothing backwards had everyone jumping in the early 1990s.

By Angela Johnson

If you were around in the 1990s, you’ve probably heard of Kris Kross, the pint-sized rap group that had everyone wearing their clothes backwards and moving to their mega hit β€œJump.”

With the help of producer Jermaine Dupri, friends Chris β€œMac Daddy” Kelly and Chris β€œDaddy Mac” Smith started a cultural phenomenon. But it wasn’t long before issues with their image and battles with drug addiction brought their success to a screeching halt. We wanted to take a look back at the careers of these talented teens and the impact they made during their time in the spotlight.

This is the story of Kris Kross. (snip-click through; there’s a slide show with captions. Ah, youth! And we were all younger, too.)

Nev-Ver!

Jim Benton Cartoons by Jim Benton for January 21, 2025

Jim Benton Cartoons Comic Strip for January 21, 2025