- CTA Bus Tracker so you don't have to stand in the cold helplessly staring down Sheridan for the elusive 147 bus
- Food Delivery because there's no way I'm going out to fight with a dozen people over a loaf of White Bread at Jewel
- Netflix / Hulu / DVRs make it possible to watch all three seasons of Louie without having to watch the local meteorologists deliver bad news on live TV
- Fireplaces since they not only scratch our primitive urge to gather around fires but they're also romantic, relaxing, and warm
- The Pedway is a handy shortcut and a warmer alternative than walking outside--plus it now has stained glass windows!
- Soup --it is good food, dammit!
- Stocking up on discounted booze at the Dominicks going-out-of-business-sale so that you can break open a bottle (or 4) of wine while snowed in
