So I got back home (to an empty house and no-one to meet me at the airport - always depressing) this morning after 10 days or so in the US of A.

First up - Lollapalooza:

I went to this festival in Chicago's Grant Park which was lovely, and the festival was great for the most part. The overbearing sponsors and commercial side was a bit much, but the music was great and the weather perfect. Highlights include RATM (incredible), Battles, Holy Fuck, Saul Williams and Explosions in the Sky. Lowlights include sleeping through most of Radiohead due to a combination of jetlag, heatstroke and drunkenness, Blisters, and missing most of Foals because there is only one festival entrance and we had to walk all the way around grant park to get in.

Next Up- The Flights:

On my way over i was 'involuntarily' upgraded to business class because they had oversold cattle class. This was awesome. I'm a tall guy, but i still had more leg-room than i could possibly want. The food was decent too (both ways). tobythecat heartily recommends BA for all your travelling needs.

And Finally (for those who care) - Meeting The Girlfriend's Family and Friends:

Went surprisingly well. I was basically paraded around her hometown for 4 days meeting everyone she (or her mum) knew and being asked to 'Say something!' so they could swoon at my charming british accent. Guys - it really is true. They fall apart at the sound of a brit accent. Easy pickins. Springfield, Missouri itself is basically one big shopping mall with some houses mixed in though, Not so much to recommend there.

All in all - a really good holiday, except I have had a splitting ear ache for about 4 days now and have no idea what to do about it. And yes i'm seeing a nurse tomorrow, bit any pain-relieving tips would be appreciated.

That is all.