I recently took a trip to the Museum of Science and Industry (in Hyde Park) to visit the exhibit, "Jim Henson's Fantastic World." While this post has nothing to do with books per se, I found Henson's process of "visual thinking" fascinating and directly related to social and academic education. Henson's most famous creations and his original songs continue to teach generations of children the fundamentals of reading. Sadly, the exhibit left the Windy City on January 23. However, if you have the opportunity to see the exhibit in another location, I would highly recommend it. Where else could you expect to come face-to-face with Kermit, Bert, and Ernie?
Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition: Jim Henson's Fantastic World
Showing posts with label Social. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Social. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Friday, August 6, 2010
Devil in the White City: A Book and Tour
It is FRIDAY!!! I am constantly day dreaming on Friday about all the fun things I could do during the weekend, especially in a city like Chicago! Recently, my day dreaming took myself and three others on a bike tour of Hyde Park. The tour was titled "Presidential Bike Tour" and it was presented by the company, Bike and Roll (in many cities). Our group had a great time biking through Hyde Park on a beautiful Saturday morning. The tour was nearly 3 hours long and our guide, Emily, was darling. Of course, I expected all of the random facts about President Obama's life in Hyde Park (including visiting the location where he and the First Lady shared their first kiss), but I was pleasantly surprised to find that a large majority of the tour covered locations and facts related to the 1893 World's Fair. Our guide constantly referred to sections of the book, Devil in the White City, by Eric Larson.
Devil in the White City examines "the greatest fair in history - a place where incredible dreams came to life alongside darkest nightmares." Random House. I highly recommend this book to all readers with any general interest in architecture, history, crime, or a preference for (murder) mystery novels.
While my group got our tickets for $21 per person, tickets are normally priced $39. The tour was definitely worth $21. The tour included the guide, a bike and helmet, and admission to the DuSable Museum. I am not sure if I would feel the same satisfaction if I paid $39.00.
Another tour that has been strongly recommended to me is the Chicago Architecture Foundation Devil In The White City Companion Bus Tour. I have taken the Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise Tour and must admit that it was fabulous. The CAF Devil in the White City tour is $55.00, but there are discounts available for seniors, students, and CAF members.
If you are not interested spending between $40.00 and $60.00 on a tour, here is my advice. Read the book because it is fabulous. After finishing the book, do a little research of your own and create your own tour. Visit Hyde Park on a beautiful Saturday morning and bring your walking shoes. When you need a break, take a seat under the dramatic arches of the Rockefeller Memorial Chapel (on the University of Chicago's campus) and reflect. When you need a bite to eat or something to quench your thirst, stop in the Medici Bakery and Deli on 57th (the almond horned butter cookies are my favorite). Just don't forget to walk over the water using the beautiful moon bridge in the Oska Garden to rid yourself of any evil.
Devil in the White City examines "the greatest fair in history - a place where incredible dreams came to life alongside darkest nightmares." Random House. I highly recommend this book to all readers with any general interest in architecture, history, crime, or a preference for (murder) mystery novels.
While my group got our tickets for $21 per person, tickets are normally priced $39. The tour was definitely worth $21. The tour included the guide, a bike and helmet, and admission to the DuSable Museum. I am not sure if I would feel the same satisfaction if I paid $39.00.
Another tour that has been strongly recommended to me is the Chicago Architecture Foundation Devil In The White City Companion Bus Tour. I have taken the Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise Tour and must admit that it was fabulous. The CAF Devil in the White City tour is $55.00, but there are discounts available for seniors, students, and CAF members.
If you are not interested spending between $40.00 and $60.00 on a tour, here is my advice. Read the book because it is fabulous. After finishing the book, do a little research of your own and create your own tour. Visit Hyde Park on a beautiful Saturday morning and bring your walking shoes. When you need a break, take a seat under the dramatic arches of the Rockefeller Memorial Chapel (on the University of Chicago's campus) and reflect. When you need a bite to eat or something to quench your thirst, stop in the Medici Bakery and Deli on 57th (the almond horned butter cookies are my favorite). Just don't forget to walk over the water using the beautiful moon bridge in the Oska Garden to rid yourself of any evil.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
The Cast of THE HELP
Just for fun . . .
According to People Magazine, the casting of the screen adaptation of The Help is nearly complete. People reports that Viola Davis will be playing Aibileen and Octavia Spencer will be playing her best friend, Minny. The casting that this Book Keeper is super excited about: Allison Janney as Charlotte Phelan (Skeeter's mother). I am personally in love with the idea of Allison Janney bringing Charlotte to life on the big-screen. PERFECT casting in my mind. I am also excited about Emma Stone as Skeeter and Bryce Dallas Howard as Hilly. Both Stone and Howard have great potential to bring these beloved characters to life, but I have to agree with the masses that I see Claire Danes as the perfect Skeeter.
Two roles that are not filled: Celia and Elizabeth. Let me know who you think should play these characters! I am thinking Scarlett Johansson for Celia and Kristen Bell or Michelle Williams as Elizabeth.
According to People Magazine, the casting of the screen adaptation of The Help is nearly complete. People reports that Viola Davis will be playing Aibileen and Octavia Spencer will be playing her best friend, Minny. The casting that this Book Keeper is super excited about: Allison Janney as Charlotte Phelan (Skeeter's mother). I am personally in love with the idea of Allison Janney bringing Charlotte to life on the big-screen. PERFECT casting in my mind. I am also excited about Emma Stone as Skeeter and Bryce Dallas Howard as Hilly. Both Stone and Howard have great potential to bring these beloved characters to life, but I have to agree with the masses that I see Claire Danes as the perfect Skeeter.
Two roles that are not filled: Celia and Elizabeth. Let me know who you think should play these characters! I am thinking Scarlett Johansson for Celia and Kristen Bell or Michelle Williams as Elizabeth.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
A Book Keeper's Best Friend
Sometimes there is nothing better than snuggling up with a good book and a furry friend. New Leash on Life is an organization committed to finding loving homes for shelter dogs. Recently, there has been a surplus of dogs abandoned by owners in financial crisis; NLOL's work is needed more than ever. New Leash on Life is teaming up with Ed Swiderski (ABC's The Bachelorette) to hold a fundraiser this Saturday, February 6 at Grand Central Bar (Lincoln Park). Here is the link for more information:
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