It's too bad this episode can't run an hour—from the Chicago blues scene in Toyko (yes, there is one and it features a spot called the Checkerboard Lounge), to the complexities of the Japanese toilet shopper, the massive dead of the Tsukiji fish market and the random Chicago guy with pictures of a giant phallus, there's a lot more to this trip than we actually get to see. For now, just tune in for a glance at some of the sights in the local parasite museum. Very scary.

"Wild Chicago Takes on Tokyo" airs Wednesday, January 16 at 7:30pm and 11:30pm on WTTW-TV Channel 11.

Also by Elaine Richardson

FILM VAULT
A couple of years ago, local film/video artist Jim Finn began showing movies in his backyard. Not videos, films—16mm films that could be checked out from the Chicago Public Library's collection of 5,500.
(2001-11-22)

THE GIFT GUIDE
You're in the mood, so make sure your bed is as well with erotic bedsheets from Toronto, Ontario-based Lusty Linens. Get 200-thread count, 100-percent cotton sheets that are "lovely to frolic and sleep on"—with designs ranging from "Gay Gladiators" and "Sappho sheets" to "Feng Shag" and "Kama Sheetra"
(2001-11-15)

ALL ABOARD
Perhaps the best way to consider train travel is as a romantic journey. There's something inherently glam about moving, eating, sleeping and socializing while you're essentially chauffeured around—especially if you're rolling along on something with a classy name.
(2001-10-18)

BRAIN FREEZE
Insanely entertaining, "Married Man" might be considered the male version of "Sex and the City." But all they really have in common is a complete forthrightness about sex and frank use of sexual terms, for while "City" plays the single girls scene, "Married Man" is just what it promises, an insider look at what goes on inside the brains of your average leg-shackled guy.
(2001-09-13)

ANALYZE THIS
(2001-09-06)

THE GOOD FIGHT
(2001-09-06)

BIG MUDDY
(2001-08-23)

HOT AIR
(2001-08-23)

GOING GOURMET
(2001-08-23)

TALK BACK
(2001-08-23)

MONEY TALKS
(2001-08-16)

HOT AIR
(2001-08-16)