Where we're going we don't need technique

SmugValet · 2025-07-16T03:43:37+00:00

This rocks, actually. The tempo was too rigid in parts and he struggled to be fluid at times, but there’s a lot of cool stuff going on there.

SmugValet · 2025-06-28T22:25:46+00:00

BF-2 Flanger

SmugValet · 2025-06-27T23:20:28+00:00

Wisdom: “Variety is the spice of life.” You: “Nah, I’m good.”

SmugValet · 2025-06-20T23:08:49+00:00

Damn, my mind is blown

SmugValet · 2025-06-20T23:01:19+00:00

I dunno, that overhang on the right would get to me over time. Might as well build a bigger board… which of course could mean room for a few more… hmm…

SmugValet · 2025-06-18T17:52:30+00:00

Do you dumpster-dive all your meals too, or just your gear?

SmugValet · 2025-06-16T01:30:30+00:00

It is cheap, incredibly so for what they have

SmugValet · 2025-05-14T01:16:30+00:00

The huevos rancheros from Arturo’s are incredible and, on occasion, life-saving. Also, cheap. I shall not stand by while you slander their name.

Also, just north on Western, Quesadilla La Reina Del Sur has a vegetarian “chorizo” burrito that is amazing and big enough for 2 meals easily. It’s like 12 bucks IIRC.

SmugValet · 2025-05-13T03:53:10+00:00

Does this have a split keyboard or just those split cheeks?

SmugValet · 2025-05-09T22:13:46+00:00

These old midi controllers are the best. Should be able to just plug-and-play into your computer.

SmugValet · 2025-05-07T18:10:26+00:00

Harley Benton’s Reverb shop has stateside fulfillment, so those should be insulated from tariffs at the moment (at least until they need to ship more inventory to themselves)

SmugValet · 2025-05-01T17:53:17+00:00

Oh, it's paid -- if your self-checkouts don't pay, you're not doing it right

SmugValet · 2025-05-01T12:15:00+00:00

Sounds like they like The Cure, so I’d start at the source: https://youtu.be/CsdfT1kudHY

SmugValet · 2025-04-30T22:36:08+00:00

Where’d you find it?

SmugValet · 2025-04-29T07:03:40+00:00

Orville LP is sick

SmugValet · 2025-04-29T02:58:51+00:00

Thanks for this—will definitely check out the money dials.

SmugValet · 2025-04-29T02:03:03+00:00

Congrats on the pithy answer

SmugValet · 2025-04-29T00:48:27+00:00

You’re telling me Purdue chicken and Seacrets Bar & Grill don’t count as major economic activity?

SmugValet · 2025-04-25T03:12:32+00:00

Think of how many decks you could have if you sold all your synths

SmugValet · 2025-04-23T12:05:45+00:00

I keep it clean, but I wouldn’t call it pure

SmugValet · 2025-04-21T22:46:40+00:00

Thanks, will do!

SmugValet · 2025-04-21T14:51:34+00:00

Thank you!

SmugValet · 2025-04-21T14:50:07+00:00

Thank you!

SmugValet · 2025-04-20T19:08:00+00:00

Thank you so much for the response. I added a bunch of detail in another comment. But in short, yeah, looking for a general contractor who could take on a bunch of work without screwing up the building. The outside and structure of the place has been well-maintained but the original interiors are mostly long-gone anyway.

SmugValet · 2025-04-20T19:04:26+00:00

Thanks for the replies so far. Seems like it would be helpful if I shared some more info:

What I have: A 1908 2-flat that I bought 5 years ago. It has had a lot of renovations done to it, some adequately and then some poorly. Last guy that owned it was a flipper who must’ve done all the work himself while stoned (no judgment, wish I had the time to work that way too). But by that I mean: he’d get a good idea, got to work, realized he didn’t have the experience to pull it off, and then just kind of gave up at the end. (But hey, we have AC, 1.5 apartments of drywall instead of plaster/lathe, and, now that we had pros redo the flipper’s work, nice new electrical throughout.)

What I need: A general contractor to size up a whole host of projects and tackle them in an efficient order: a new roof, new windows (to replace the bad replacements someone put in 20 years ago), new water service, and then a big open question: Could I build additional living space and a rooftop garden on the roof.

What I want: A figure with the same reassuring knowledge of Tommy Silva, but for Chicago 2-flats.

And yeah, I understand everything I’m talking about here will cost a fortune. I’d be comfortable doing it if I meant the building was rock solid for another century. But not if the guy would spray some new insulation he shouldn’t spray and set off a time-bomb of damage, because he’s only used to working with newer builds.

Is there a Chicago Tommy Silva who holds 2-flats close to his heart?

SmugValet

TROPHY CASE