My strange day with Rachael Ray

Rachael Ray came to Chicago yesterday and threw a made-for-TV block party outside Wrigley Field.

You can read what I wrote about the craziness here at Time Out Chicago. But let me just tell you: It was a hoot.

And for all of you Rachael Ray haters out there, let me also tell you this: The woman is pretty gracious. She stopped for photos with everyone who asked. She signed books and anything else. She hugged babies. She seemed like a genuinely decent human being -- even when the cameras weren't rolling.

There was Chicago's own Jenny McCarthy, admitting that she lived here for 20 years but never rode the El.

There was Jillian Michaels, the oh-so-tough-and-buff trainer from NBC's "Biggest Loser." She got in that bouncy house with Rachael. Seriously.

And there were a couple of "Biggest Losers," too, including winner Ali Vincent. (Hint: Don't stand next to a "Biggest Loser" if you want to look skinny.)

And this "Biggest Loser" contestant whose name I can't recall.

I'm guessing you know the future contestant on the right, though.

Did I mention Cookie Monster was there?

Yep. Quite a block party.