Now here's something to make my little geek heart go pitter-pat: The new Encyclopedia of Chicago, a compendium of all things Chicago. It's so cool. And yes, I know that identifying a reference book as so cool singles me out for ridicule, but I don't care! It's a reference book! On Chicago! It's got stuff about corrupt politicians and place names and history and scandal and so much more! That's so cool.

So, um, if anyone is wondering what to get me for my birthday (which, I'll grant you, was months ago) or Christmas or just because you think I'm swell, here it is.

Ooooohy, referency goodness. Drool.